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The I in Team (December 16, 1999) Written by: David Fury |
| Teaser |
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INT. XANDER'S BASEMENT - NIGHT CLOSE ON WILLOW and ANYA sitting at a table. Their hands rest BELOW FRAME, and their eyes are cast downward. Hip and somewhat ETHEREAL MUSIC fills the room from the stereo as Willow appears to speak an incantation...
I implore you, Neisa, blessed goddess of chance and fortune, heed my call: Send to me the heart I desire... ANGLE ON XANDER, sitting across, holding a deck of cards. Behind him a stack of cardboard boxes.
You know magic at the poker table qualifies as cheating. WIDEN on Willow and Anya, looking at their dealt hands. Piles of poker chips in front of them.
That wasn't magic. I was praying. (then) Two, please. XANDER deals her two cards, then turns to Anya.
Five.
Ahn, I keep telling you... Four's the max and only if you have an ace.
Okay, four.
Let me see the ace. Anya hesitates, then, sheepishly...
Three. (as he deals to her) What a stupid game. All these rules just to win little plastic disks.
Chips. They're called chips. They represent money. Since none of us has any money to represent money. (re boxes) But that's gonna change once my merchandise hits the street.
(funnin') Whatcha got in the boxes? Drugs? (then, real concerned) It's not drugs, is it? Xander?!
Not drugs. You're looking at the new local distributor for Boost Bars. (retrieving one) The "natural food bar that provides a nutritional energy boost for active health conscious people." Want one?
Nah, thanks. Those things usually taste kinda tasteless. And leave a bad aftertasteless taste.
Don't let the "healthy" scare you off. Check out the ingredients. (shows her the bar) See? Loaded with fatty goodness.
(impatiently) C'mon, somebody bet already. I've got three "K" cards. Willow and Xander share a look, then fold their hands. Anya throws hers in as well and Xander starts shuffling.
Wish the Buf coulda made it. Three hand poker's not quite the game.
Guess she's off with Riley. You know how it is with a spanking new boyfriend.
Yes, we've enjoyed spanking. Cards go everywhere. Xander struggles to reclaim both the deck and the conversation.
But, I mean, the thing is, Riley seems okay in an oafish kind of way, but... I worry. (beat) Am I the only one with a big floating question mark over his head about this Initiative thing?
Well, they seem to fall into the good guy camp. They are anti-demon. (re Anya) But probably pro-ex-demon.
Maybe. I choose to feel threatened.
And why not? There's heaps we still don't know about these commandos. What exactly are they up to? EXT. CLEARING IN WOODS - NIGHT Very DARK. LOW ANGLE - A hooded COMMANDO enters frame, holding a TASER RIFLE. PULL OUT to see four others, also masked and armed with tasers, moving stealthily, but with purpose. They're tracking something. At the edge of the clearing, the FIRST COMMANDO silently gestures for his team to spread out and for two of the men to move in. They comply, first using trees as cover, then, with a nod, charging into the brush. It's quiet. Then - TASER FIRE and sounds of a SCUFFLE. Suddenly, both commandos are HURLED back out -- alive, but winded, a little beaten up. The others take in that sight for a beat, when SOMETHING ELSE -- their target -- FLIES out of the woods, FLIPS in the air and lands on its feet. It's BUFFY. She moves quickly, taking advantage of the stunned commandos. One fires his taser at her, she uses another as a shield -- he goes down. In a flash, she deftly takes out another. As she turns to face the First Commando...
Lights! Distant echoes of "Lights!" can be heard and result in nearby Humvee headlights being switched on. The illumination momentarily blinds Buffy as a figure appears, silhouetted. Stepping into the beam, we see it's...
Took a patrol team forty-two minutes to track you, and you neutralized them in twenty-eight seconds... You're as good as Riley said. One of the commandos hurled out helps the other to his feet. They remove their hoods: It's GRAHAM, and an unhappy FORREST.The First Commando removes his ski-mask - RILEY. Buffy glances at him, basking in Maggie's favorable impression.
(modestly, to Maggie) I was just lucky.
I see. Well, still... (walking away) Very impressive. Buffy, disappointed that Maggie took her comment to heart, looks at Riley, who looks back at her with pride.
I was being modest with the "luck" thing. You got that, right?
(grinning) Got it. Graham and Forrest pass by. Forrest doesn't say a word.
Awesome, Buffy. Riley puts his arm around his girl and they walk off.
See? You're a hit. ON MAGGIE, making notes. She glances up and watches Riley and Buffy walk off together. She looks as cold as ice, holding the look for a good long while. BLACK OUT.
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| Act One |
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INT. ROCKET CAFE - DAY PANNING across the ever-bustling cafe come to rest on Buffy and Willow sitting at a table, sipping coffee drinks. Willow listens patiently as Buffy regales her.
...so then Professor Walsh says something like "You're as amazing as Riley said" and later Riley told me she couldn't stop talking about the move I made when I used one of the commando guys as a shield to block a taser blast -- that's like twelve- thousand volts, took the guy almost two hours to recover. (takes a sip) And how was your night?
Like a normal person's. Light on the action-packed. Hope tonight's plans aren't too much of a letdown for you, excitement-wise. (then) You remember about tonight, right?
Bronze. The gang. You kidding? I'm so there. I miss you guys. We haven't spent any time together lately.
You've been busy. Fighting armies and stuff. Not to mention other distractions of a more romantic--
(unhearing, seeing something) Look, Riley just walked in. ON RILEY, at the counter, looking over the fruit.
(watching her watch him) You want to let him know you're here?
Nah, I'm just enjoying a good stare. Tell me more about your night.
Well, spent most of it at Xander's, teaching Anya to play poker.
(still staring) Well that sounds fun.
Yeah, except for the Anya part and the poker part.
Will, I think you're gonna have to get used to -- oh! A twinkie? That's his lunch? He is so gonna be punished.
Everyone's gettin' spanked but me.
What?
Nothing. EXT. CEMETERY - DAY To establish. INT. CRYPT - DAY A dank, musty, unkept mausoleum, with nary any sunlight. A rusty metal door is pushed open, SCRAPING against its stone door frame, and GILES steps in, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. He moves inside and is startlingly confronted by...
Wipe your feet when you enter a person's home.
Yes, careless of me. Tracking mud all over your mud.
(re crypt) I'll admit... bit of a fixer-upper. Needs a woman's touch. (then) Care to have a crack at it?
While I'd love to go on trading jabs with you, Spike, perhaps I'll just get to the point. Much as it pains me to say it, I owe you a debt of gratitude for the help you provided me during my recent... metamorphosis.
Like hearing about the "pain" part, but stuff the gratitude. You owe me more than that, mate. Giles nods, reaches into his pocket and pulls out a wad of twenties. He hands it to Spike.
Three hundred dollars. Count it, if you'd like.
I'll do that. And he does. Giles takes a moment, pacing.
Thinking about your affliction -- as well as your newly discovered ability to fight only demons. It occurs to me - and I realize it's against your nature - but have you considered there may be a higher purpose--
Aagh. Made me lose count. What are you still doing here?
Talking to myself, apparently.
Well, piss off then. This piece of business wraps up any I got with you - and your slayerettes. From here on, I want nothing to do with the lot of you.
Your choosing to remain in Sunnydale might make that difficult.
You and yours'll just have to show a little restraint, is all. Get out. Giles moves to leave.
And I don't want you crawling back here, knocking on my door, pleading for help the second teen witch's magic goes all wonky or Little Xander cuts a new tooth... We're through, got it? Honeymoon is over. He slams the door. INT. LOWELL ROUSE - SIDE ROOM - DAY CLOSE ON RILEY and BUFFY, locked in an intense embrace, kissing deeply. They break. Riley looks deep in her eyes. Their voices are soft and intimate.
We don't have to do this.
I know.
If you're not ready. I mean, if you'd rather wait...
I'm ready. I want to do it. He looks at her, brushes a strand of hair from her eyes and offers her a warm, comforting smile.
Okay. REVERSE ANGLE - They turn to face the large mirror. Riley pushes the hidden button and the thin green line of light passes over their faces.
Retinal scan accepted. New retinal scan recorded: Summers, Buffy. The mirror slides open and they step into the elevator. INT. INITIATIVE - CONTINUOUS - DAY CLOSE ON SECURITY MONITOR - From a HIGH ANGLE, a B&W image of Riley and Buffy enter the elevator.
(tinny/filtered) Remind me to ask Professor Walsh how she keeps her secret underground elevators so sparkling white. INT. ELEVATOR - DAY The door slides shut and they ride down. Riley watches Buffy as she, nervously, takes in her surroundings. After a beat...
You're going to do fine. (off her nod) Just a tour.
Took a tour of Washington D.C. with my parents once when I was eight. I got lost in the Smithsonian.
Then its a good thing we have the buddy system. He takes her hand. The elevator comes to a stop. Riley looks at Buffy, indicating the microphone panel near the door.
That panel -- Say something into it. Buffy crosses to it, is about to speak, then stops.
My mind's a blank.
New vocal code recorded and encrypted. Special Clearance - Summers, Buffy. Identity number nine, one, four, two, three. The elevator doors open. INT. INITIATIVE - LABORATORY - DAY They step out onto the landing. BUFFY moves to the railing, transfixed. HER P.O.V. - DOLLYING IN - Rising up over the horizon of the railing, we see a wide, overhead view of THE INITIATIVE, in all its enormity and coolness. The lab's in full operation, scientists scurry about, the metallic catwalks swing around to join up with others, transport vehicles transport. ON BUFFY's awed expression as Riley sidles up next to her, enjoying her reaction. She senses his presence, but doesn't look at him.
My god... You said it was big. You told me. But you never said it was... HUGE.
Don't like to brag. She takes his arm, caresses it.
I had no idea, this is incredible. Not that I thought this was some, I don't know, fly-by-night operation... (then) Unless it is. I mean, if you guys fly. At night. With those jetpack things. Have you got those?
Can't really talk about it.
It's unreal. She turns to him and they smile at each other, lean in to kiss...
So. You like our little operation? MAGGIE is standing there in her labcoat, carrying a clipboard.
(meekly) Yeah. It's very... clean.
Welcome to the Initiative. (hands her a badge) Your Visitor's pass. And I've assembled some reading material for you. Help bring you up to speed. She gives her a small stack of stapled pages.
(not thrilled) Oh. And here I was thinking I'd never get homework from you again.
Oh, you can't take that home with you. Classified material. Highly sensitive. When you're through reading these pages, you'll have to eat them. Buffy looks up at Maggie's stoic expression. A beat.
She's joking. Buffy looks at Maggie for confirmation.
Don't worry; it doesn't happen often. Shall we? She leads Buffy and Riley to the lip of the operating theatre.
Much of our hands on research with the HSTs is performed here. We call this the Pit. BUFFY'S P.O.V. - a couple of muscle-bound WARRIOR DEMONS at two examining stations. Each are significantly restrained and flanked by two armed GUARDS as scientists work on them.
(re demons) What do you call those?
Tough. Took eight of us to bring those two down.
They'll be under our control soon enough. (calling over) Dr. Angleman... DR. ANGLEMAN, a labcoated scientist, down in the pit, giving unheard instructions to a lab assistant, looks up, offers a slight wave, then turns his focus on one of the Warrior Demons shackled to a table.
(to Buffy) He's head of our science team, a leader in the field of xenomorphic behavior modification.
Behavior modification?
We've made significant advancements reconditioning the sub-terrestrials. Bringing them to a point where they no longer pose a harmful threat.
I've seen. Maggie looks at her, sharply.
(backpedaling; pretty gracefully) On the Discovery Channel. With gorillas. Or sharks. They made them all nice, you never saw that? (she crosses away) What's over here? NEW ANGLE - PULL BACK to see a wall of chainlink lined with all sorts of weaponry: taser rifles, gas canisters, grenades, laser traps, larger guns called BLASTERS. BUFFY moves past, taking in the impressive arsenal, like a kid in a candy shop. As Maggie speaks Buffy spots something on the rolling stand of a nearby monitor and picks it up - a gray EARPIECE with a tiny lens. Behind her, on the monitor, Buffy's face appears with a FISHEYE EFFECT from DIFFERENT ANGLES as she moves it around.
The armory. You'll have to be cleared for use on each of these weapons. The more advanced arsenal can be complicated, but I'm certain, in no time, you'll pick that up. Maggie notices Buffy's holding the earpiece.
Don't pick that up.
(looking closer) What is it? Maggie takes the earpiece from her, a little annoyed.
Roughly twenty-thousand dollars. Riley steps in to smooth over everything.
(to Buffy) It's a prototype for a COM-CAM... (off her look) Communications camera. Soon to be standard issue. Gives us a direct com-link to Control when we're out in the field.
Also monitors the heart-rate of the wearer. A valuable tool for research in stress and combat conditioning. (then) If you'll follow me, I'll show you the HST containment area. She moves off. Buffy gives Riley an "oops" look. He shakes his head: "It's okay." They follow. DISSOLVE TO: INT. INITIATIVE - LABORATORY - A SHORT TIME LATER (DAY) Maggie, Buffy and Riley arrive where they started.
Now, there's just a few other things to give you-- Buffy glances to her left.
Um, what's in there? Maggie looks to see A WOMAN in a labcoat standing at a STEEL DOOR which has a small window and a red light above it. She runs her security card through a CARD SWIPE, a loud BUZZ sounds and she enters.
Research area. Very restricted for security reasons. Buffy watches as Maggie removes her visitor badge and hands her a CARD with a magnetic strip and a sleek black PAGER.
Your security card and pager...
(re pager) Oh, hey, I was thinking about getting one of these--
We're the only ones with the number. That's the way it stays.
Right.
Lose either one and there's hell to pay. And down here we mean that literally. (holding out her hand) Again, welcome to the team. Buffy shakes her hand, and Maggie walks off. Buffy shares a pleased and excited look with Riley, then holds up her new pager to admire it.
This is so cool... INT. COMMONS - DAY ON WILLOW and TARA, sitting together in a corner, looking over a plum-sized BLACK CRYSTAL.
I've been trying to find a dolls-eye crystal my entire life. (then) Well, since June, anyway. Where'd you get it?
It was my grandma's, I think. Found it a long time ago in my attic. (then, shyly) I... I want you to have it.
Oh, no. Tara, that's really sweet. But I can't. It's like a family heirloom. I just wouldn't feel comfortable. She senses Tara's disappointment.
But, if you wanted to try out some spells with it sometime, I wouldn't say no.
(brightening) Maybe tonight. I mean, if you're not doing something, you could come over and we could... do something.
Tonight. That sounds really nice, but tonight... I've already got plans. With people. Other.
(disappointed) Oh. Tara puts the crystal away in her bag and stands.
That's okay. Another t-time.
Absolutely. It's just that it's kind of a specific crowd and you might feel out of place. An awkward silence. Willow is about to say something else when Tara stands.
I'd better get to class.
I'll see you later, okay? Tara just nods and goes, leaving Willow feeling guilty. INT. INITIATIVE - RESTRICTED HALLWAY - DAY With her security card key, Maggie enters the restricted area and comes to the first door on the left. She punches a code into the digital lock, then enters the room. As the door closes, we see a number on it: 314. INT. ROOM 314 - CONTINUOUS - DAY Maggie enters. Angleman is washing up at a nearby sink.
How did the tour go?
I'm not sure. She's... unpredictable.
She's an unnecessary risk.
Possibly. Maggie crosses to a large examining table.
And how's our baby doing today?
Adjusting nicely. Reflexes, motor functions... all off the charts.
That's what I like to hear. (looking down, beaming) Almost time to wake up, Adam. And take your first look at the world. NEW ANGLE - ABOVE MAGGIE - LOOKING DOWN on a MONSTER lying on an examining table, covered up to his shoulders in a surgical sheet. There are numerous i.v. tubes and wires attached to his head and body, running through various filtration and monitoring machines. His head, face and shoulders are an amalgam of demon, humanoid and metal pieces, and though we don't yet see its body, we can tell it's ENORMOUS. This is ADAM.
I know you're going to make me proud. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Two |
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INT. BRONZE - NIGHT ON XANDER, near the bar, chatting up a lovely, well-built, young girl, SUZI.
(smoothly) Suzi, is it? I can tell you work out. Obviously take good care of yourself. So I think I know what you need. (brings up Boost Bar) "Honey Nut Yogurt Crunch" - Welcome to carbo-load country. Just a measly buck-fifty... ON WILLOW and ANYA at a table watching Xander and the girl in the background. They see the girl shake her head, walk away.
Okay, another no sale, but he's doing better.
She didn't throw a drink in his face...
He's on a roll. She checks her watch and cranes to look toward the entrance as Xander returns to the table, now eating the unsold bar.
Xander, you haven't been paying any attention to me tonight -- just peddling those processed food bricks. I don't know why.
Let me put it in a way you'll understand... Sell bars, make money, take Anya nice places, buy pretty things.
(reasoning) That does make sense. All right, I support you. Go sell more.
(re bar he's eating) This was the only one I had on me. Besides, it's getting late. Maybe we should go.
Go? You can't go. Buffy hasn't gotten here yet.
Face it, Will, she's almost an hour late. Probably off living the life of Riley. I don't think she's coming.
She is. She told me she was looking forward to quality time with just us. (spotting her) See? Here she comes. (then) With Riley. (then) And some other guys. Buffy appears, with Riley, Forrest, Graham and a couple of other guys in tow. Anya appears particularly uncomfortable.
Hey, all. Sorry about the late-itude.
Late? Really? Huh, hadn't noticed.
Hope you don't mind us tagging along.
No, no, of course not. The more, the... more.
(re buddies) This is Forrest, Graham, that's Tuck and he's Mason. We're going to get some drinks. Anybody wanting?
Coke, please.
(shaking her head) I'm good. Riley and his friends look expectantly at Anya. Feeling anxious, she stands, indicating Xander.
We're going away. To dance. Over there.
We are? Anya pulls Xander toward the dance floor as Riley and the boys move off, leaving Willow and Buffy alone.
Anya seems a bit on edge.
She's a little antsy around commando- types. Ex-demon issues.
Oh. Riley and his friends were throwing a little impromptu celebration in my honor. Made it, like, impossible, not to invite them.
That's neat about the celebrating but... this was just supposed to be, you know... us. The Scooby core. I mean, I could've invited someone else if I knew it was going to be an open free-for-all.
Sorry. Didn't realize it was such a big deal. My total bad. (then) Who did you want to invite?
(caught off-guard) What?
You said you wanted to invite someone.
(nervously) No, not-- No one. I mean, I meant a hypothetical someone. Which is to say no one. (quickly) What are we celebrating?
(sotto) I'm in! The Initiative! Professor Walsh gave me the grand tour -- and we're talking Grand as in Canyon. You'd never believe the size of it.
(unsure how she feels) That's really, again I say, neat. So, what do you mean, exactly -- You've joined them?
No. Not exactly. It just means now when I patrol, I'll have a heavily armed team backing me up. Plus, boyfriend going to work with me, a big extra perk.
Buffy, do you really think this is a good idea? I mean, don't you think you're rushing things a little?
I thought you liked Riley.
Not with Riley. With the Initiative. There's a bunch of stuff about them we still don't know.
I know that. (then) Like, what?
Like, what's their ultimate agenda? I mean, okay, they neuter vampires and demons - then, what? They going to reintegrate them into society? Get them jobs as bagboys at Walmart?
Does Walmart have bagboys?
Plus, don't forget, there's that whole three-fourteen thing Ethan told Giles about.
And I always say a man who worships chaos and tries to kill you is a man you can trust.
Bad info or not, Buffy, I think you should be asking some questions before you go off to enlist. Buffy considers for a moment, then opens her mouth to answer when her new pager BEEPS five times. As she looks down at it, other BEEPS are heard emanating from the bar.
When did you get a pager? (re other beeps) What's going-- The commandos make their way to the exit as Riley comes over.
(to Buffy) That's our cue. Mother wants us. Buffy looks at Willow, apologetically.
Will...
I know. Talk later. Buffy nods, and heads out with Riley. Willow watches them go hearing:
(to Riley) So, what's the big emergency? INT. INITIATIVE - NIGHT CLOSE ON a detailed illustration of a scary-looking POLGARA DEMON appearing on a large screen. We hear Maggie before she enters frame.
This is your objective: Sub-T-67119 demon-class, Polgara species. CUT OUT to find her addressing a group of about twenty suited- up COMMANDOS, seated in folding chairs. Flanking her on either side of the illustration is Riley and Angleman. Among the sea of camouflage and olive drab, we find Buffy still dressed in the same clothes she had on at the Bronze.
Though visual confirmation has not yet been made, we're confident of the target's approximate position as it leaves behind a distinct protein marker. Dr. Angleman will brief you on its defenses. Angleman steps forward and flips a clear overlay onto the illustration, now showing long pointed SHAFTS OF BONE sticking out of the ends of the demon's arms, under its palms.
When threatened, bone skewers jut from the creature's forearms during battle. It's imperative, when ensnaring it, not to damage its arms. That's all you really need to--
(interrupting him) Question. Angleman stops. Had he heard right?
Buffy. NEW ANGLE - From behind the audience, we see a slight, feminine arm raised. The other commandos look at each other, a little confused. ON BUFFY.
Why exactly can't we damage this Polka thing's arms? (then) Not that I want to. Just, in my experience, when you're fighting for your life, body parts get damaged. And better its bits than mine. (re commandos) Or ours. Everyone's stunned for a moment. Dr. Angleman looks helplessly at Maggie, then back to Buffy.
We wish to study the physiology of every sub-terrestrial's natural defenses. Part of the research we do here. Now-- (seeing something) Yes? The commandos turn toward Buffy whose hand is again raised.
What do they want?
Want?
Why are they here? Sacrifices, treasure -- or are they just gettin' rampage-y? 'Cause it's easier to predict their responses if --
They're not sentient. Just destructive, I believe... He looks at Maggie for help.
They do have keen eyesight, though. I'd think you'd want to be suited up for this.
Oh, you mean, the camouflage and stuff. Thought about it, but on me, it's gonna look all Private Benjamin. Don't worry. I've patrolled in this blouse lots of times. Maggie looks at Riley, who offers an embarrassed smile.
Well why don't we just give Dr. Angleman our attention. Buffy's arm shoots up.
And save all questions until the end. Buffy lowers it again.
Actually, I'm finished.
Oh. Well, then, Agent Finn, deploy the teams.
(stepping forward) Okay, listen up. We'll be going in a four squad set-up. Team leaders: Gates, Taggart, Stavros... Alpha Team, you're with me.
Report to TLs for assignments and weapon requisitions. Reminder: this is a zap and trap, people - capture, not a kill. Any questions? Regretting the moment she says it, she looks off-screen and says, wearily:
(calling on her) Buffy. INT. TARA'S DORM - HALLWAY - NIGHT The door opens and Tara stands there, in a tee-shirt and sweatpants, ready for bed. She brightens when she sees...
Willow. REVERSE ANGLE on Willow in the hall, looking contrite.
Funny thing happened with my prior social engagement. Pretty much ended when a friend of mine went off to do something with... another crowd she hangs out with. (beat) Irony is kind of ironic that way. Tara smiles shyly.
Anyway, I know it's late, but I thought... I mean, if you still wanted to... do something. Tara opens the door wider, invitingly. Willow smiles and enters. The door closes behind her. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Riley, Buffy and the other three members of their team (including Tuck and Mason) move through the woods, quietly. Buffy, wearing all sorts of gear over her clothes, looks at Riley.
So I guess she hates me now.
What?
Professor Walsh. The questions. An Initiative faux pas, yes?
It's... a little unusual. She's just not used to it. Maybe 'cause you barely ever opened your mouth in her classroom. But I know she likes you. In fact, she liked you before I did.
Really?
Told me so herself. Buffy takes that in as they march on. After a beat...
You think maybe I should get her a present or some--
(interrupting her) Buffy, can we talk about this later? There's a dangerous Hostile out here and since I don't have your reflexes, I kind of need to focus.
Right. Right. (then, after a beat) What do you mean Professor Walsh liked me before you did? You didn't like me? Riley keeps marching. EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE WOODS - MEANWHILE (NIGHT) Forrest and his team are staked out. Graham continually scans the area with a pair of INFRARED BINOCULARS as he and Forrest converse.
He made you team leader, didn't he?
That's not the point. I've always been Riley's second-in-command. Instead he picks a girl.
His girl.
Whatever. Three guesses what that boy's thinking with.
Maybe he just wanted to give you a chance to get out from under his shadow. Forrest glares at Graham.
Hey, I'm not under anybody's shadow.
It was a joke, man, don't get your panties in a bunch. I'm just saying-- (holding up his hand) Hang on. Got something. To business now, Forrest gets down beside Graham.
Target?
Negative. He hands over binoculars and points. FORREST'S P.O.V. - THROUGH INFRARED BINOCULARS - SPIKE, moving through the woods, carrying a grocery bag.
Hello, Hostile 17. NEW ANGLE - ON SPIKE - continuing to walk, then stopping, his senses on alert. Did he hear something? He looks around at the trees. Then... a COMMANDO attempts to come up from behind and throw a net over him. Anticipating it, Spike steps out of the way, grabs and yanks the net causing the Commando to slam into a tree. ANOTHER COMMANDO charges him, taser drawn. Spike flings the full grocery bag into his face, the taser blast goes off target and Spike hightails, into a more densely wooded area. ON GRAHAM and FORREST, the former aiming a different looking RIFLE in the direction Spike ran off. Forrest taps Graham's shoulder and he FIRES. ON SPIKE, sprinting through the woods, as he's HIT in the shoulder. He YELPS in pain, staggers for a beat, but manages to continue on, disappearing into the woods. BACK ON FORREST as he pulls out a tracking device, like the one from the teaser, and flicks it on. INSERT DEVICE - A flashing dot moves across the screen. Forrest turns to Graham.
Alert control and Alpha team. We've tagged Hostile 17 with a tracer and are in pursuit. EXT. WOODS - MEANWHILE (NIGHT) Riley and Buffy's team are now staked out. Riley is scanning the woods with binoculars, when Mason comes over, carrying a small, sleek walkie-talkie.
Graham's on the talkie for you. Reception's not too good. Riley takes the walkie-talkie and speaks into it.
This is Alpha Team, go ahead. Graham's voice comes over, tinny and garbled.
Yeah, we... a sighting (static) Hostile... (static) tagged... and are in... Riley steps away from the others, trying to get a better signal.
Say again, Beta team. You're breaking-- A LOUD ROAR.
Riley! Riley turns in time to see the POLGARA DEMON charging him. Before he can react, it SLAMS into him hard, knocking him to the ground and sending the walkie-talkie flying. The demon moves in on him and is about to strike again. BUFFY flies in with a kick to the Polgara's head, knocking it back. She looks over at Riley. Recovering, he looks at her, then whips out his telescoping wand. The Polgara demon ROARS. Buffy and Riley rush it... INT. RILEY'S ROOM - LATER (NIGHT) Buffy and Riley come together, in an embrace of raw passion and kiss as if there's no tomorrow. Her hands go to his face. He nuzzles her neck... EXT. WOODS - BACK TO REAL TIME (NIGHT) FIGHT ENSUES - Buffy and Riley battle the creature together. Mason and Tuck move in with netting as the third commando aims a taser rifle at the demon, trying to get a clear shot. The demon takes some hits from Riley, then swats him away. Riley turns to see the demon grab Buffy, lift her off the ground, her feet dangling in the air... INT. RILEY'S ROOM - LATER (NIGHT) ON BUFFY's FEET - toe-to-toe with Riley - as she pries her shoes off with her feet. TRAVEL up her body, from behind, as Riley's hands slip under her shirt, forcing it up, as he caresses her back... EXT. WOODS - BACK TO REAL TIME (NIGHT) Riley's baton comes down hard on the demon's arm and it drops Buffy, who immediately pummels the demon's torso with sharp punches... INT. RILEY'S ROOM - LATER (NIGHT) Buffy unbuttons Riley's shirt. Pulls up his t-shirt and kisses his chest. As she has her way with him, Riley opens his arms, holding them out, away from his body... EXT. WOODS - BACK TO REAL TIME (NIGHT) In the midst of the fighting, the demon raises its arms and the famed SKEWERING BONES jut out. It swipes and jabs at Buffy, who barely manages to dodge the skewers at every turn... INT. RILEY'S ROOM - LATER (NIGHT) Riley spins Buffy around -- he holds her from behind. As his hands move all over her body, she closes her eyes, lost in the pleasurable sensation. Then, deftly, he pulls her shirt off, over her head. His head drops down to her bare shoulders... EXT. WOODS - BACK TO REAL TIME (NIGHT) Riley hits the ground and rolls out of the way, grabs his own taser and addresses the third commando.
Conner! On my mark! Buffy kicks the Polgara in the gut with both feet and falls onto her back... INTERCUT WITH: INT. RILEY'S ROOM - LATER (NIGHT) Buffy, now naked, falls back onto the bed.
Riley, also naked, moves in above her, staring deeply into her eyes.
He INT. WOODS - BACK TO REAL TIME (NIGHT)
Now! Riley and Conner fire. The demon is blasted by the two tasers, dazing it. Mason and Tuck throw the net over it, enraging the beast. It ROARS... INT. RILEY'S ROOM - LATER (NIGHT) Buffy lets out a soft MOAN as they roll over in bed -- putting her on top now... EXT. WOODS - BACK TO REAL TIME (NIGHT) Buffy jumps to her feet and delivers a final blow, knocking the Polgara out. As the other commandos truss up their capture. Riley crosses to Buffy, both of them sweaty and breathing hard. After a moment, she looks at him.
So... what do you want to do now? INT. RILEY'S ROOM - LATER (NIGHT) ON BUFFY and RILEY balls-out making love - Family-Hour Style -- their naked torsos pressed together, kissing passionately. NEW HIGH ANGLE -- As their bodies move rhythmically under the sheets. MATCH CUT TO: INT. INITIATIVE - MONITOR ROOM - MEANWHILE (NIGHT) ON MONITOR - IN B&W - From the same ELEVATED ANGLE, Buffy and Riley making love. Just below the screen is a strip of tape on which is written "FINN - 75329" in black marker. PULL OUT further to see a bank of monitors, each labeled ("MILLER - 11804," "GATES - 50427," etc.) and all showing surveillance images of occupied and unoccupied bedrooms in Lowell House. PULLING OUT FURTHER, we see, from behind, someone seated before the monitors. REVERSE ANGLE to discover MAGGIE, watching intently, though with no emotion on her face -- only the eerie BLUE GLOW of the monitors. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Three |
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INT. GILES' APARTMENT - MORNING Giles finishes pouring himself a cup of tea and moves into his living room.
I don't know how many more ways I can say I'm not interested. XANDER and ANYA are there on the couch. Several boxes of Boost Bars rest on the coffee table.
Try one. Check these flavors: cherry berry, maple walnut, almond licorice.
Ew.
(forced smile) Anya, we don't say "ew" in front of a potential customer.
Just skip this part and tell him you want money to buy me pretty things. He'll understand.
(a resigned sigh) Very well. The maple walnut.
An excellent choice. He hands a bar to Giles who tears it open, looks at it for a moment, then takes a bite. After a few beats of chewing, he stops and looks at Xander.
Please leave my home now.
It's the gritty texture, isn't it? Maybe you're a cherry berry fellow. He reaches for it as, suddenly, there's a desperate POUNDING on Giles' front door. Giles quickly moves to answer it. He unbolts the door, but before he can open it -- BOOM! - Spike bursts in, covered in a plastic car tarp.
Close the door!
Spike? You may wanna give up these morning jogs.
Soldier boys are out in force. Been trying to get 'em off my scent, running 'em in circles, but they keep coming. Giles, Xander and Anya share a look.
And how is this our concern? Being that you expressed a desire to have nothing more to do with us.
(to Giles) Spike said that? About us? Well, now, I gotta tell you... that hurts.
Yeah, awright... Whataya want me to say? I need help. (to Giles) And no cheek from you. Giles doesn't say a word. Spike throws off the tarp and shows them his wound.
Look. Buggers shot me. In the back. Giles eyes Spike's bleeding shoulder for a moment.
Remind me. Why should I help you?
Because... You do that. You're the goody-good guys. You're the bloody, frickin' calvary!
You can come up with a better answer than that. Why should I help you? Spike thinks. Then...
Oh! 'Cause I helped you. When you turned into a Fyarl demon. I helped you, din' I?
Out of the evil-ness of your heart?
Hell, no. I made you pay m-- (pauses, getting it) You right bastard... With an aggravated sigh, he reaches into his coat and slaps a handful of crumpled bills into Giles' outstretched hand.
It's all that's left. Spent the rest on blood and smokes. (muttering) Which I'll never see again. Giles pockets the money. Spike looks at the others.
Well, come on. Circle the wagons. Tend to the wounded here. No time for layabouts. INT. RILEY'S ROOM - MORNING ON BUFFY, in bed, asleep. Morning light streams across her face. Suddenly her eyes snap open, panicked. She rolls over. WIDEN - Riley's there, lying next to her, awake. He looks at her and smiles affectionately.
Hey. He reaches over and strokes her hair as she gives him a relieved smile.
What's the matter? Weren't expecting to see me? She moves in so they're nose to nose.
I never know what to expect. They kiss, lovingly. Then an electronic CHIRPING is heard. Buffy breaks from the kiss, looking around.
Your robot bird sounds hungry. Riley reaches over the end table, picks up his watch and shuts off the alarm. Then reaches for a pill bottle.
Reminder to take my vitamins.
You're kidding? He pours out a CAPSULE and swallows it. Then settles back down to cuddling on the bed.
You're quite the regimental soldier.
I am how they trained me.
They? Who "they?"
You know, the government. Plucked me out of Special Ops training for this.
What did they tell you it was for?
Didn't. You learn in the military to follow orders, not ask questions.
I don't understand. Aren't you curious about all this science and research stuff they're doing?
I know all I need to know. We're doing good here. Protecting the public. Removing the Sub-terrestrial threat... it's work worth doing. There is a beat.
What's three-fourteen? Riley eyes her, draws breath to answer and his PHONE RINGS. Without another word, he answers it.
(into phone) Riley.
We have a situation. You're needed.
On my way. He hangs up and starts dressing.
What is it?
Don't know.
You're really not one for asking questions, are you? Riley shrugs and smiles at her.
I'll leave that to you. INT. INITIATIVE - DAY Riley suits up, loads up on gear, and prepares to move out. As he goes, he passes the security door with the red light. He hesitates, then moves to it and peers through the window. RILEY'S P.O.V. - The door to room 314.
Lose your way, Agent? Riley spins around to find Maggie standing behind him.
No, ma'am.
I've instructed Beta Team to suspend pursuit of Hostile 17 until your arrival. I don't want any slip-ups, that's why I'm putting you in charge. (hands him paper) You're to rendezvous with them at these coordinates. Riley nods and starts off.
Riley... He stops and turns back.
Make me proud.
Yes, ma'am. He goes. She watches him, dispassionately. SFX (PRE-LAP) : THE HIGH-PITCHED WHINE OF A BONE SAW. INT. ROOM 314 - DAY ON ANGLEMAN, wearing a surgical mask. He brings up a BONE SAW as it WHIRS to a stop. PICK-UP MAGGIE as she CROSSES FRAME, pacing.
I think we've got a situation.
The Slayer?
She's becoming a liability.
We knew that was a danger. Does she know about the project?
She knows it exists. And she already holds too much influence over Riley -- over Agent Finn.
We move to the contingency scenario?
(nodding) Right away.
It's too bad. She could have been a powerful ally.
(genuine regret) I know.
And Finn'll take it hard.
That's why sooner is better Dr. Angleman removes the Polgara arm. Maggie is lost in thought.
It's better... PAN DOWN to the table to find the lifeless POLGARA DEMON and the clamped-off stump where its arm used to be. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY Spike's in a chair, his shirt off. Giles is behind him, examining the wound. Xander and Anya stand by holding flashlights on the wound.
Oww! Watch it! That hurts.
(ignoring him) Doesn't appear to be a bullet. Too deeply imbedded to be a tranquilizer dart.
Also: not tranquil.
(looking closer) Seems to be some sort of illumination emanating from it. Blinking.
I don't care if it's playing "Rockin' the Casbah" on the bloody Jew's Harp, just get it out of me. Xander moves in for a closer look.
Anya, there's a bottle of cognac in the cabinet next to the sink. Fetch it for me, would you? Anya goes.
What, you gonna get snockered now?
It's not for me, you git. If I'm going to operate on you, I want you anesthetized. This'll take some time. ON XANDER - a dawning realization.
We don't have any. That blinking thing. My pseudo-soldier memory bank tells me that's a tracer.
A what?
A what?
Like a homing beacon. And if commando guys are reading the signal... They're coming home. INT. BUFFY AND WILLOW'S DORM ROOM - DAY Buffy enters, expecting to find Willow, instead CUT WIDE to see two made beds. As Buffy is about to move off, the door opens and WILLOW enters. They are both somewhat uncomfortable.
Oh. Hi.
Morning. (then) Out all night, huh?
(indicating Buffy's made bed) You, too.
Yep. After an awkward moment, Willow nods, then they both turn to go about their respective business. Buffy moves to her bed. Willow goes to her dresser and places something on it: the BLACK CRYSTAL. After a beat...
Sorry, about bailing on you guys at the Bronze...
Yeah, that's... I'm... Don't... worry about it.
'kay. Her pager BEEPS. She glances at the message.
They keep you hopping, don't they?
Yeah. Gotta go. See you. As she exits the phone RINGS. Willow picks it up.
Hello?
Willow. You're there, at last. We have a problem. Where's Buffy?
Just left. Beeped away by her new buds. Want me to go after her?
Actually, it's your help I need most.
Really? What do you want me to do? INT. INITIATIVE - LABORATORY - DAY Maggie enters, Buffy trailing.
It's a small job, reconnaissance. Probably a waste of a slayer's abilities, but my boys are on assignment, and --
No, it's fine. I'm up for some action.
I doubt you'll get any on this one. They come to a table with a map.
We've had readings of a Class 3 sub- terrestrial moving through the sewer tunnels here. (points) Just on the north edge of town.
Class 3?
Low level threat. Minimal aggression, meager defenses. They barely read on our scanners, and very occasionally turn out to be raccoons. She hands Buffy a blaster, a modified, souped-up-taser rifle.
Wow. You're not crazy about raccoons, huh?
We always take precautions. She fits Buffy with the com-cam as she continues.
All I need is for you to get a visual on the thing. This'll feed us the image and I can advise you from there. I don't want to put you in any unnecessary danger.
Hey, danger is my birthright. A beat.
You know, Professor Walsh, there's still some things about all this that I'm not clear on.
Well, when you get back we'll have a talk. All right.
Good, okay. When I get back. (pause) Uh, am I supposed to salute you?
No.
'Kay. She goes. Maggie watches her. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY A semi-conscious Spike is now laying face down on Giles' table, a semi-empty bottle of Cognac in his hand. He's droning away in a drunken slurry voice. Oh, yeah - he's hammered. Giles, Xander and Anya stand over him, their attention turned to WILLOW, reading from a book she holds in one hand as she brings up the black crystal in the other. CGI - A BALL OF BLUE LIGHT at its core begins to glow.
(incanting) "Tropo, strato, meso... Aero, iono, exo..." Xander leans in to Giles.
(whispering) So how's this supposed to work again?
(whispering) If she succeeds, her spell will ionize the atmosphere around us, thereby disrupting the tracer's signal. Buy us time.
(incanting) "Elements are brought to bear... Wind, earth and water churned amidst the fire. Let the air be burned..." CGI - the ball of light BURNS INTENSELY, then seemingly EXPLODES in a bright FLASH, like a supernova, radiating outward. Everyone cowers, throwing their arms over their heads. A series of LIGHTBULBS in nearby lamps BURST with loud pops. As the radiating light dissipates...
Did it work? Is the atmosphere ionized? CUT WIDE on ALL PRESENT - Everyone's hair is standing on end, wildly -- loaded with static electricity. Xander looks at Anya and reacts with a start.
I'd venture yes. EXT. EDGE OF WOODS - DAY ON RILEY with FORREST who's holding the tracking device. The other Beta Team commandos, including Graham, around them.
What do you mean "the signal's whacked?"
I mean, the blip's now a blob. There's some kind of interference messing with the tracer.
Lock it down. Are we heading in the right general direction?
I think so. But it's gonna put us in populated areas.
Okay, then. We change into civies. Then we move. Spread out. Maybe something'll turn up. INT. SEWER TUNNEL - DAY Buffy moves through the sewer tunnel, armed and ready. She comes to a point where the sewer segues off into a grotto-like area and takes note of a large puddle of water in front of her when she hears a SNARLING NOISE and RASPY BREATHING. She squints into the black as Two demons - the WARRIOR DEMONS from the Pit - emerge slowly from the darkness, wielding large battle-axes.
Professor Walsh, are you getting this? That possible HST -- make it a definite. And he's brought a friend. They're-- She hesitates, squinting at the demons, remembering... FLASH! INT. INITIATIVE - LABORATORY - FLASHBACK The two Warrior Demons restrained and guarded in the Pit. FLASH! INT. SEWER TUNNEL - DAY ON BUFFY - her eyes narrow in seething anger. The demons continue moving in on her. She raises her BLASTER and fires -- it SPUTTERS with SPARKS and shocks her. She flings it away... ON BLASTER, as it hits the ground, continuing to SPUTTER and SPARK. As Buffy shakes the sting off her hands... SHUNK! A metal gate SLAMS DOWN, behind her, sealing the tunnel, trapping her with the two demons. She looks around. No escape. BLACK OUT.
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| Act Four |
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INT. SEWER TUNNEL - DAY Right where we left off. The demons split off to surround her. Buffy counters. She makes the first move and rushes Warrior Demon #1. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT. Buffy taking the worst of it, barely able to fend them off. CUT IN CLOSE on Buffy's COM-CAM EARPIECE. INT. INITIATIVE - LABORATORY - DAY ON FIVE MONITORS - A BUFFY-EYE VIEW of the battle. We hear the requisite Buffy GRUNTING and demon GROWLING. RAPID SPIKES appear on the PULSE READER at the bottom of the middle screen. ON MAGGIE, watching, with total detachment. ON MONITORS - The two demons CHARGE at the camera with their axes raised and Buffy's seemingly thrown to the ground, the image becomes DARK, BLURRY and completely STILL. MAGGIE takes note as THE PULSE READER at the bottom of the screen FLATLINES. ON MAGGIE, still expressionless. She looks around her for a moment, then watches the monitors again. Just to be certain. EXT. STREET - DAY Riley and his team, now dressed in their "civies," make their way into Giles' populated neighborhood.
Talk to me, Forrest.
Signal's somewhere in this neighborhood. Estimate within a two block radius. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY PAN ACROSS to find Willow, Xander and Anya standing around the makeshift operating table, each anxiously chewing on Boost Bars. Their respective hairs have calmed down considerably.
(eyeing others) Feels - and looks - like the ionizing spell's wearing off.
Giles?
Got it! Giles straightens, holding up the blinking tracer. EXT. STREET - MEANWHILE (DAY) Riley barks out orders.
Okay, we want to keep this Hostile contained, so no one is to make a move without-- Forrest, who has his eyes on the tracking device, interrupts.
Wait! Signal's cleared up. (pointing) There!
Let's go! They move. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - MEANWHILE (DAY) Giles tosses the tracer to Xander.
Go. XANDER takes off -- into another room. After a beat, we hear... SFX: TOILET FLUSH. EXT. STREET - DAY The commandos move quickly until Forrest freezes.
What?
It's on the move.
Heading?
Straight at us. Forty meters and closing. Moving fast.
(incredulous) In broad daylight?
Look alive, people. Weapons at the ready. The team reach into the backpacks, but don't draw their guns.
Twenty-five meters. Twenty. Fifteen.
Where?
To the left. Ten meters. Five.
Anyone?
I got nothing!
This doesn't make any sense. Went right past us. Riley looks around, then down, spotting something. RILEY'S P.O.V. - A MANHOLE COVER
(to himself) Flushed. (to others) Tracer's been flushed. Riley, Forrest and Graham exchange a frustrated look. INT. SEWER TUNNEL - MEANWHILE (DAY) ON COM-CAM EARPIECE - lying on the ground, an errant wire sticks out as we hear a FIGHT RAGING ON. BUFFY, very much still alive, continues to battle the two Warrior Demons. Much with the kicking and the punching and the hitting... Warrior Demon #1 swings his axe at Buffy. She ducks. The axe strikes #2 in the chest, mortally wounding it. Warrior Demon #1 comes after Buffy again. Much dodging by our heroine as she gets a few shots in. Missing her with the axe, #1 manages to SLAM into her hard with his shoulder. She goes down, next to the SPUTTERING and SPARKING BLASTER. WARRIOR DEMON #1 SNARLS in anticipated triumph and raises the axe over his head. ON BUFFY, as she glances down at the demon's feet. BUFFY'S P.O.V. - The demon is standing in the puddle of water. BACK ON BUFFY as the axe comes down, barely missing her. In an instant, she rolls to the Blaster and FLINGS IT. The sparking gun hits the water, ELECTRIFYING IT. The Warrior Demon SCREAMS and shakes in agony as 50,000 volts courses through its body, BLUE SPARKS running up and down it. SMOKE begins to billow out of the top of its head. Finally, it falls to the ground, a dead, smoking heap. INT. INITIATIVE - LABORATORY - DAY Maggie, standing by the monitors, signs papers on a clipboard as Riley comes up.
Regret to report Hostile 17 is still at large. I've left Beta team to comb the area, but the tracer's--
(distraught) Riley. Something's happened. I... I don't know what to say... It's... It's about Buffy. Riley's blood runs cold.
Buffy?
Two of our hostiles broke free and escaped into the tunnels. She went after them on her own. (then) She's dead, Riley. ON RILEY, reeling.
What?
I did everything I could to stop her. Told her to wait for a back-up team. She kept insisting she didn't need any team, she could handle it herself. She moves to put a comforting hand on his shoulder, then thinks better of it. Not her style.
I'm so, so sorry.
I-I don't understand. How could this happen?
I know how much you cared for her. She was a very, very special girl... Meanwhile, behind Maggie, as she talks, the dark and blurred image on the monitors sways a moment and swings around to point at the lovely face of Buffy Summers - on ALL FIVE MONITORS. As Buffy reattaches a loose connection...
I was just beginning to... I didn't understand at first. But she had something. RILEY looks up and past Maggie and sees Buffy on the monitors - his expression of grief and shock slowly shifting to confusion. Maggie is oblivious.
I don't know... maybe I could've stopped her. It's hard not to blame myself-- Audio on the monitors POPS ON.
(on monitors) Hello, Professor Walsh... Maggie's face drops and she slowly turns to see...
(on monitors) That simple little recon you asked me to do? Wasn't a raccoon. Turns out it was me trapped in a sewer with a faulty weapon and two of your pet demons on my hands. If you think that's enough to kill me you really don't know what a slayer is. Trust me when I say you're gonna find out. The monitor images SWING AWAY as Buffy smashes the camera against the stone wall. The monitors turn to SNOW. Maggie slowly turns back to Riley, who looks at her with a death glare. She shakes her head, slightly, somehow trying to deny the obvious. Before she can croak out a word, Riley turns on his heels and walks away.
(weakly) Riley... WIDE HIGH ANGLE SHOT - Maggie, standing all alone by the monitors, watching Riley get further away from her.
(calling after him) Agent Finn, I order you to stop! Agent Finn! RILEY!!! Her voice echoes throughout the cavernous Initiative. INT. GILES' APARTMENT - DAY A reluctantly grateful Spike's now dressed, though in a lot of post-surgery discomfort.
It'll be dark soon. I think it would be wise for you to leave Sunnydale.
I'm not going anywhere. Not until those bastards undo whatever they did to me. Put me back the way I was.
Sure, just explain to the nice scientist guys that you really miss torturing and killing innocent people.
(considering it) Think that'll work?
Spike, Lord knows why I'm telling you this, but it's for your own good. As long as the Initiative's in operation, it's not safe for you here.
Correction. All turn to see BUFFY standing behind them, having entered surreptitiously from the back.
It's not safe for any of us. As everyone shares a dire look... INT. ROOM 314 - DAY ON MAGGIE, muttering to herself.
So... all right... fine... She wants a fight, we'll give her one, won't we, Adam? Widen to find her standing over Adam's huge and unconscious form on the examining table, the various tubes and wires still attached. She paces feverishly, plotting with herself.
Worked too long... too long... to let some little bitch threaten this project. Threaten me. She has no idea who she's dealing with... (then) Once she's gone Riley'll come around. He'll understand - it was for the greater good. He'll see that. And, if he doesn't... well... She stops at a table and picks up the BONE SAW. SLOW PUSH IN ON HER.
First thing's first. Remove the complication. When she least expects i--Uugggh! A pointed shaft of bone BURSTS out of her chest. Wide eyed, in shock, she looks down at it, disbelievingly. WIDEN to see ADAM, very much awake and towering behind her. Maggie has enough life in her to look back over her shoulder.
Ad-- Adam...? She dies, then collapses to the ground, sliding off the bone skewer, revealing the Polgara demon's left arm which is now, thanks to surgery, attached to Adam. PUSH IN on Adam, staring down at Maggie's corpse for a moment, unemotionally.
Mommy. BLACK OUT.
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