ADTEO

Episode 13

2007-11-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

Finally, here it is. So sorry for telling you I'd get it up and then not.

Rural, wooded area. Rustic lodge. Josh and Caelyn pull up and get out of the car.

Josh: Out and about.

Caelyn: I’m sorry?

Josh: We’re out. We’re among the people. The citizenry. The common folk. The unwashed masses.

Caelyn: And this is feeding your ego why?

Josh: They just seem so small.

Caelyn: Right.

Josh: This feels right. Doesn’t it feel right? The air, the vibes. Like bowling and… beaches.

Caelyn: Are you okay?

Josh: I think this fresh air is intoxicating.

Caelyn (beat): Okay, when we go to talk to the guy? You can’t speak.

Josh: Then how will he know how good I’m feeling?

Caelyn: Everybody wins. (opens door of a rustic shack store called the “Last Chance Lagoon“, they go in)

Josh: Bally-ho, good people!

Everyone turns to look.

Caelyn: You can’t- I- (beat) …

Josh: Come on, Cae. We’re working with the masses! This is fun. Have fun with it.

Caelyn: “Bally-ho???”

Josh: Yes, Bally-Ho. As in the acknowledged and customary affable greeting of dwarves.

Caelyn (whisper): Josh, they’re not little people!

Brian: Are you the monster guys?

Josh: No, we’re normal. Just like you, if not a bit elevated in terms of status… disposition. (beat) Hygiene.

Caelyn: We’re with ADTE.

Brian: Is he okay?

Caelyn: He’s not used to sunlight. It does…(glances at Josh) unfortunate things. Um, are you Darrin Hobbs?

Brian: Hobbs is in the back. I’ll go get him. (beat) I’m Brian.

Caelyn (nods, beat): Yeah, if you could get Mr. Hobbs, that would be great.

Brian: Okay. (walks away slowly).

Josh (leans over to Caelyn, excitedly): They talk funny, too!

Caelyn (harsh whisper): Would you knock it off?! Get over there.

Josh laughs. Caelyn tries not to smile.

Hobbs: You the feds?

Josh (glances at Caelyn): No. No, we’re the gumshoes. The pinks are outside, but I don’t think we’ll see the g-men until last decade.

Hobbs: What?

Caelyn: We’re with ADTE.

Josh: I’m Joshua Moritz. This is Caelyn “Sweater Vest” Lollygaggle. We work the dark streets with even darker secrets. My father was a shipbuilder, my mother - an oil baron.

Caelyn (rolls eyes): You’re the one that called about the disturbance?

Hobbs: Yes, ma’am. It was real as this building.

Josh: And palpable as your grandfather’s hickory stump, am I right?

Caelyn: Excuse us for just a second.

Hobbs watches them oddly as Caelyn pulls Josh aside.

Caelyn: I’m trying to do a job here!

Josh: Yes - and remarkably well, I might add.

Caelyn: So don’t you think you should let me actually do it?

Josh: Do what?

Caelyn: Josh, I don’t want to be here! I’m a city girl. I like noise and pollution and beggars and subways. Please, please (fake crying) ple-e-e-e-ease don’t drag this out.

Josh: Caelyn, are you imply there is something lacking in the majesty that is “The Last Chance Lagoon?” Because I hold my friends to standards.

Caelyn (pitifully): Josh, I want to go home.

Josh: It’s been three hours.

Caelyn: I don’t think I can take any more.

Josh (walking away): Shouldn’t I be wearing a laurel wreath?

Caelyn (whines as he walks away): Josh?

Hobbs: Is everything okay, ma’am?

Caelyn: It can’t possibly be.

Hobbs: You look peaked. You need something to drink? Brian’s got some whiskey in the back room.

Caelyn (beat): Josh!

Fade out.

Fade in. Last Chance Lagoon. Josh is eating a sandwich. He, Caelyn, and Hobbs are sitting at a table.

Caelyn: Can you describe what you saw?

Hobbs: Sure can. Big, ugly thing. I knew right away it was something for the feds.

Josh (mouth full): But instead you called us.

Hobbs: What’d he say?

Caelyn: It’s a good thing you called us.

Josh: No I didn’t.

Caelyn: Where was this creature at when you… witnessed it?

Hobbs: Down by the river where the creek turns into Rodger’s Bend.

Caelyn: And what was it doing?

Hobbs: Nothing.

Caelyn: I’m sorry?

Hobbs: It was just sitting there.

Josh: This is really good. You want a bite?

Caelyn: I don’t.

Josh: I think you would if you tried it.

Caelyn (sweetly with strained undertones): But I’m not going to try it.

Josh: You should.

Caelyn: I don’t-

Josh: Just one bite.

Caelyn (visibly frustrated, nods severely and takes a bite)(chews, spits it out): Oh my- I’m gonna throw up. (Runs to the bathroom)

Josh: Wasn’t ready for the special sauce.

Hobbs: It has quite a kick.

Josh: It really does.

Shift.

Alec: Kevin, what’s the best color for the carpet in the reception area?

Kevin: What?

Alec: I’m asking what the best color for the reception area is.

Kevin: I… don’t know?

Alec: And you see? You see how that lack of knowledge is not hampering you in anyway? You notice a complete lack of grief? Of suffering? Of torment?

Kevin: You need to relax.

Alec: My future-wife says relaxing is the devil’s workshop.

Kevin: No, she doesn’t.

Alec: Okay, but at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if she started.

Kevin: Maybe a vacation. A trip to some tropical place where you can be served tangy fruit juices all day long.

Alec (beat): I burn easily.

Kevin (sighs): You depress me.

Alec: I depress me.

Kevin: You’re getting married. You’re supposed to be happy.

Alec: I am happy. And tired. And frustrated, because floral prints just aren’t what they used to be.

Kevin: Ain’t that the truth.

Shift. Hobbs is showing Josh and Caelyn through a forested area toward the river.

Hobbs: Right here is where Donny Lepton shot his bear.

Josh: Donny Lepton had a bear?

Caelyn: He shot it?

Hobbs: It wasn’t his, at the time.

Josh: Donny Lepton shot someone else’s bear?

Hobbs: Wild critter.

Josh: Most of the Leptons are.

Caelyn: The bear.

Hobbs: Yeah.

Josh: So this monster you saw. Was it at night?

Hobbs: Yep.

Josh: Pretty big, dark colored, making guttural noises?

Hobbs: That’s exactly right. Is that what them ghoul things do?

Josh: No.

Hobbs: I don’t-

Josh: Is this the spot?

Hobbs: Yes sir, right over there.

Josh: Me and Officer Doodles will check it out. You wait here in case it’s still around.

Hobbs: You think it might still be here- in the day time?

Josh: Most definitely. (to Caelyn) Schmoopsie.

They go through the foliage to the spot.

Caelyn: So, if not a ghoul, then what are we looking for? Doesn’t sound like a banshee.

Josh: Well, I don’t you to overreact to this, but what I was describing was a North American grizzly.

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: Caelyn.

Caelyn: If we’re out here-

Josh: I just said-

Caelyn: Josh, if we’re out here hunting-

Josh: I said, Caelyn, don’t overreact. I said, I know that you’re emotional, and a woman, and therefore an emotional woman, but I need you to not overreact, and you said-

Caelyn: Josh! A bear!?

Josh: And you said “Josh, you manly-man, I won’t ever-”

Caelyn turns around and walks away.

Josh: Caelyn. Cae- come on. Caelyn, this is fun. (follows her, she is stopped, looking down) What?

Caelyn: I don’t think bears do that.

A puddle of orangish bile is in front of them.

Josh: Ah, crap. (Beat) Get it? ‘Cause it’s a- (Caelyn walks away) A- a pile… (beat, follows)

Shift.

Alec (on phone): Hey, how’s the boonies?

Josh: Dude, I wish you were here.

Alec: Yeah, my fiancée just got off the phone with Caelyn. Apparently you moonlight as Satan?

Josh: Caelyn’s a city girl.

Alec: I’ve got my own problems.

Josh: I wasn’t-

Alec: Ess is all jittery, and hyper, and stressed, and it’s making me-

Josh: Twitch?

Alec: No.

Josh: Sneeze?

Alec: Josh.

Josh: Sorry.

Alec: I mean, I don’t blame her. This is a big deal.

Josh: Huge deal.

Alec: Yeah, I mean, what other decision compares to this? I’ll tell you - not one.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Not a single other decision or event compares to one’s wedding.

Josh: I don’t know, I find the cheddar/mozzarella choice particularly daunting.

Alec: Anyway, that’s life here. So there really is something out there?

Josh: Either the locals are drinking way too much V-8 or we have a live one.

Alec: Well… might want to disprove the tomato juice end before you call in a squad.

Josh: Yeah. Okay, I have to go see if Caelyn brought any gloves.

Alec: Hey, you know what you’re saying for the toast?

Josh: We’re having toast?

Alec: A toast. At the wedding.

Josh: Oh, yeah, I’m good.

Alec: Josh, I don’t know a lot of her family still, so if you could not embarrass-

Josh: Don’t worry about it. I’ve got Shakespeare, Moore, a little John Jay, a little King, some Whedon stuff. It’s gonna be great.

Alec: You’re going to quote John Jay at my wedding?

Josh: Guy was buddies with Hamilton. You know they had to have stories.

Alec: I have to go.

Josh: You know what Thomas Moore says-

Alec: (hangs up)

Josh: He didn’t want to know what Thomas Moore said. (looks around) Caelyn!

Caelyn (enters): What?

Josh: You know what I’m thinking?

Caelyn: That these guys are pulling a prank in an attempt to bring some pathetic excitement to their lives?

Josh: Wow, that wasn’t even close.

Caelyn: The bile was far too concentrated, and nothing Hobbs described even creates stuff like that. Either we have two completely unrelated incidents, or someone is making a poor attempt at faking a presence.

Josh: I was thinking that we need to bring some of that special sauce back with us.

Caelyn: I will shoot you.

Josh: That would make your mother very sad.

Caelyn: She’d get over it.

Josh: She would weep and wail, and then sow together a quilt with all the major points of my life on display.

Caelyn: And then put it in the doghouse for Mr. Bimms.

Josh (beat): Mr. Bimms?

Caelyn (quieter): I didn’t name him.

Josh: Poor thing probably got a wedgie on a daily basis at obedience school.

Caelyn: Shut up.

Josh: So we going to go question some people?

Caelyn: We?

Josh: Claude Raines.

Caelyn: Humphrey Bogart.

Josh: Lee Cobb.

Caelyn: Ellen Burstyn.

Josh (beat): Ellen Burstyn.

Caelyn: Sorry, you lose.

Josh: Wait, wait, wait.

Caelyn: Spanked you. I put you in a bag and beat you like a red-headed stepchild.

Josh: Wow.

Caelyn: Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz. Nicholas Cage? Come on, I smoked you.

Josh: But-

Caelyn: Smoked!

Josh (beat): This bites.

Caelyn: My day is looking better.

Josh: That’s because the general outlook of your day is dependent on things like this. Little contests, and jelly beans. (beat, muttering) Colin Firth movies.

Caelyn: Smoked.

Josh: Stop saying that.

Caelyn: I smoked you. I smoked you like a cheap cigarette in a sleazy bar.

Josh: That’s a horrible metaphor.

Caelyn: Simile.

Josh: Horrible.

Caelyn: Whatever.

Josh: You should have said “like a salmon in Chinatown.”

Caelyn: They do sushi.

Josh: You can smoke sushi.

Caelyn: I don’t think so.

Josh: Have you ever eaten sushi?

Caelyn (beat): No.

Josh: Then I win. I get to kick dirt on your shoes. (opens door for her)

They enter “Lagoon.”

Josh: Yo, Hobbie! What’s up with the con, man?

Hobbs: Conman?

Josh: The con, comma, man.

Hobbs: What?

Josh: Who spilled the juice? Was it you? This kid, Billings?

Caelyn: Brian.

Josh: Brian.

Hobbs: I don’t know what you’re saying.

Josh (talking fast): You think you can dance around me, fine, but I have low blood pressure and a cooler full of macaroni, so what say we get down to brass facts and leave the flip-flops to the beach bunnies?

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: I don’t know what you’re cooking, Hip-hobbles, but it ain’t sailing. They don’t call this one (gestures to Caelyn) the Scum-Sniffing Shrimper for nothing.

Hobbs (confused): I don’t-

Josh: Never mind, he’s clean.

Caelyn: Josh!

Josh: Shrimper?

Caelyn: How do you- what-… I’m going to cry, Josh.

Josh: Do us a favor, and gather every gun-wielding varmint around. I need a posse!

Shift to ADTEO. (Ess is sitting on floor, looking at magazines and pictures. Alec walks in)

Alec: Hey. You okay?

Ess: I can’t decide on colors.

Alec: You’re tired. It’s okay.

Ess: This is hard.

Alec: I think you should take a break.

Ess: I can’t.

Alec: Yeah, you can. And you must.

Ess: I need to pick colors.

Alec: How about this one?

Ess: That’s disgusting.

Alec (beat): Oh. Well, you have plenty of time still-

Ess: I do NOT have time!

Alec: Okay.

Ess: Sorry.

Alec: It’s okay. (beat) So Josh is going to quote Moore in his toast.

Ess: Roger?

Alec (laughs): Thomas.

Ess: What does Thomas Moore have to say about our wedding?

Alec: I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to find out.

Ess: Didn’t he get guillotined?

Alec: Beheaded?

Ess: Yeah.

Alec: I think so.

Ess: ’Cause that’s definitely the image I want on my special day.

Alec: Maybe you can get some help.

Ess: Like psychiatry?

Alec: On the wedding plans.

Ess: Caelyn’s helping.

Alec: Well, she’ll be back soon. Until then, why don’t you take a little break?

Ess (sighs): Is there work, you know, I should be doing, out there?

Alec: We got it covered.

Ess: Then I’m going to just, um, stay here.

Alec: And continue to not pick out colors?

Ess: Yes.

Alec (beat): Want me to help?

Ess: No, it’s okay. I can be indecisive on my own.

Alec (laughs, kisses her forehead): Okay.

Shift. Rural area.

Caelyn (on phone): Anything?

Janie (on phone): Yeah, it’s definitely infected. I wouldn’t think there’s too many, though.

Caelyn: Okay, thanks, Janie.

Janie: So you guys having fun?

Caelyn: No. Not really. Josh is, but he’s stupid.

Janie: I’ve never thought Josh was stupid. Wordy, maybe.

Caelyn: He’s stupid. I want to come home.

Janie: But he’s having fun?

Caelyn: Because he’s-

Janie: Stupid, yeah.

Caelyn: How’s Ess?

Janie: She’s okay.

Caelyn: Sitting on the floor by herself?

Janie: Yup.

Caelyn: I should be there.

Janie: Maybe. Or maybe you should be doing your job.

Caelyn: Hey!

Janie: Sorry, I was channeling your uncle.

Caelyn: Uh, yeah! Don’t do that.

Janie: Speaking of which, he and that tooty-fruity girl of his-

Caelyn: Melanie?

Janie: - have been talking for a long time. You don’t think they’re breaking up, do you?

Caelyn: You’d like that, wouldn’t you?

Janie: Your uncle is a very eligible man, my dear.

Caelyn: Don’t-don’t say things like that. I’m hanging up. Ew. Bye.

Janie (laughs): Bye-bye.

Caelyn walks back to Josh.

Josh: A communal spirit.

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: A community of souls willing to help one another; baking pies and forming posses.

Caelyn: You know, you confound me.

Josh: I know; you wonder how someone so smart can be so pretty.

Caelyn: You mock these people incessantly while at the same time you clearly admire the simplicity of their way of life.

Josh: It’s not admiration as much as…-

Caelyn: Envy?

Josh (beat): I walk down the street every day and never see a familiar face. I mean, isn’t there- isn’t there the least desire to be a major component in a society? A neighborly commune, or a large family atmosphere?

Caelyn: I think I am.

Josh: Okay, but you’re naïve and immature.

Caelyn: People don’t have to be friends to be part of a community. Whether or not I play bingo with the mayor ‘slash’ taxidermist-…

Josh (laughs): Yeah.

Caelyn (smiles): I’m not saying it’s not quaint. But the quaint comes with… misconceptions… and special sauces.

Josh: You just used a double negative.

Caelyn: You know what? You can just-

They come up to the group of volunteers.

Josh: Gentlemen, today we will be hunting a brood. It’s simply a group of four to six infected simians.

Hobbs: Simians?

Josh (beat, stares): Monkeys.

Volunteer1: We’re hunting monkeys?

Josh: Infected simians. (beat, sees Brian’s hand raised) Brian?

Brian: I thought monkeys didn’t live in these parts.

Josh: Much like the infection.

Hobbs: I don’t understand.

Caelyn: Someone brought it here.

(murmuring)

Volunteer2: Well, who’d do a thing like that?

Josh: Don’t know. (beat) Brian?

Brian: I read that monkeys only have one or two… kids, baby-things.

Josh: Depends on the species, but yeah, the infection generally tends to increase offspring.

Brian: That’s weird.

Josh (beat) : Yeah. Yeah, it is.

Caelyn: They’re only a few days old, but they can be dangerous, so we’re going to ask you to hunt in pairs.

Josh: Brian?

Brian: What about the mother?

Caelyn: The mother would have been consumed by the young shortly after giving birth.

(Murmuring)

Brian: Oh.

Caelyn: If any of you should come across any sign of their presence, radio Agent Moritz and myself immediately. Fire only if they exhibit hostile behavior and you feel threatened.

Josh (cheerfully): Brian?

Brian: Can they climb?

Josh: Can they climb?

Brian: Like… trees?

Josh: Can they climb trees?

Brian: Yeah.

Josh (beat): Sure, why not.

Caelyn: Does everyone have their radios? (turns to Josh) You have anything to add?

Josh: Don’t toot the foghorn if your hat is still on fire.

Caelyn: And with that, good luck. (people disperse; beat) What was that?

Josh: Tidbit of wisdom. Sometimes it just radiates from me.

Caelyn: You scare me, Joshua.

Josh: No kidding. Let’s get some waffles.

Shift. Gerrard’s office.

Gerrard: Retire?

Melanie: Not right away. Just, you know, ever?

Gerrard: Why?

Melanie: I’m curious.

Gerrard: Your curious.

Melanie: I am. I’m curious about my future and your future because there’s a good chance it might be our future, and therefore, I am… curious… about it.

Gerrard (beat): I don’t know.

Melanie: That’s okay.

Gerrard: No, I mean… I guess I just assumed I would. (beat) When I got older.

Melanie: Yeah.

Gerrard: I’m getting older now, aren’t I?

Melanie: You have a ways.

Gerrard (laughs): Sure I do.

Melanie: That’s not the point.

Gerrard: Retirement.

Melanie: I didn’t mean to suggest-

Gerrard: I know. I suppose I should start thinking about it, though.

Melanie: For later, maybe.

Gerrard: Yeah.

Melanie (beat): So.

Gerrard (smiles): What?

Melanie: Luke Sorrason is gone.

Gerrard: He is. Transferred departments.

Melanie: You okay with that?

Gerrard: Am I okay with that?

Melanie: Yeah.

Gerrard: Why wouldn’t I be?

Melanie: ‘Cause I know you liked him.

Gerrard: He was a good officer.

Melanie: Fit in well.

Gerrard: Sure.

Melanie: Why do you think he transferred?

Gerrard: What are you getting at?

Melanie: You seem sad.

Gerrard; I’m not sad.

Melanie: I think you are, and I tend to be right.

Gerrard: This time you’re not.

Melanie: I am. In fact, I always am. I was just being modest earlier.

Gerrard (laughs, beat): I don’t know; I mean, I hand-picked him.

Melanie: Yeah.

Gerrard: It’s okay, though. Seriously, I’m fine.

Melanie: Okay.

Shift. Last Chance Lagoon. Josh and Caelyn in a booth. Josh is eating, Caelyn is doing a crossword.

Caelyn: Who played Worf?

Josh: Sorry?

Caelyn: On Star Trek. Who played Lt. Worf?

Josh: Michael Dorn.

Caelyn: Dorn. Thanks.

Josh: These waffles are delicious.

Caelyn: Not hungry.

Josh: Good, ‘cause they’re too delicious to share. They’re like nirvanic waffles.

Caelyn: That’s not a word.

Josh: Sure it is.

Caelyn: Waffles can be nirvanic?

Josh: Surprised me too, but here they are.

Caelyn: Okay.

Josh: You know what’s great about blueberries?

Caelyn: Yeah, but I like to hear you say it.

Josh: They go with everything.

Caelyn: Do they?

Josh: They do. Name a food.

Caelyn: I’m not gonna-

Josh: Name a food.

Caelyn: Ravioli.

Josh (beat): Okay, so not everything. (Radio buzzes)

Hobbs (on radio): Agent Mort? Agent Heaton? This is Hobbes. Do you read me?

Josh (beat): Loud and clear, Habbs.

Hobbs: We found the little beasts down by the river.

Josh: Okay, give us your location and we’ll come take care-

Hobbs: No need, Agent. We took care of the critters.

Josh: You… attacked them?

Hobbs: Sure did. Sure were some funny-looking’ buggers.

Josh: Like “ha ha” funny?

Hobbs: Made a mess though. That stuff ain’t contagious, is it?

Josh: Uh, yeah.

Hobbs: Oh. (beat) Um, what-

Josh: No, wait. I’m wrong. It’s not contagious. Absolutely harmless. Unless you ingest it. (beat) Did you ingest it, Hobbie?

Hobbs: You mean, eat it?

Josh: Ok then. Listen, we still need to come down and confirm the kill, so pinpoint your locale for us, won’t you?

Hobbs: Yeah, will do. Just make your way to the river, and go south. And then, ah, one of our boys will be there, and they’ll bring you here. Over.

Josh: (to Caelyn): The special sauce was weak, blueberries don’t go with ravioli, and we’re surrounded by trigger-happy hicks. You ready to go yet?

Caelyn: I’d kiss you if I weren’t busy rushing to the car. (smiles and stands up)

Josh: Car’s locked.

Caelyn: So?

Josh (shrugs): What’s the rush?

Caelyn (giggles): Cute.

Josh: I’m adorable.

Caelyn: You’re an idiot.

Josh: Also, adorable.

Caelyn: Maybe.

Josh: Maybe? (opens door for her)

Caelyn: The jury’s out. (they exit)

Shift.

Gerrard: What are you two doing here?

Alec: I’m calculating the gas mileage to Vegas.

Ess: Which floral design? (holds up two pictures)

Gerrard: White one.

Ess (smacks Alec): See that?

Alec: Hey, I was like that. That was me, 14 hours ago. Put him in this Pandora’s box for awhile and see how decisive he is.

Ess: We’ve barely started.

Alec: And that makes me very sad.

Gerrard: Enjoy it.

Alec: You enjoy it.

Ess: Knock it off.

Alec: You- (Ess hits him)

Gerrard: Alec, can I talk to you for a second?

Alec: I don’t know, boss. I’m kind of integral here-

Ess: Get out.

Alec: Let’s talk. (follows Gerrard out to the hallway)

Gerrard: Hey.

Alec: Hey.

Gerrard: She okay?

Alec: Yeah. Excited. You know, she’s good.

Gerrard: Melanie was here today.

Alec: Yeah.

Gerrard: She brought up retirement.

Alec: She’s only 40... Something.

Gerrard: For me.

Alec (beat): Why?

Gerrard: I’m getting older.

Alec: No, why is she- why is Melanie talking about your career decisions? (beat) You guys getting serious?

Gerrard: I’d like to think so, but what do I know.

Alec: Not much.

Gerrard: So basically, I’m just trying to avoid losing yardage, which, you know, isn’t always easy with that girl.

Alec: You thinking about it?

Gerrard: Retirement?

Alec: Yeah.

Gerrard: A little.

Alec: Josh is going to freak.

Gerrard: I’m not telling Josh.

Alec: Well, I am.

Gerrard: Wait, don’t-

Alec: I’m telling Josh everything. We’re like a hive mind, anyway. It’s a sophisticated networking of ideas; you can’t stop it.

Gerrard: Alec, all I said was that I was considering it.

Alec: And when I say ‘freak,’ I’m talking bath robes and Cheetos, man. Marky’s gone to the store and don’t expect the donuts!

Gerrard: What are you-

Alec: I can’t do this. I have to deal with Babs in there, I can’t have Josh melting down too!

Gerrard: Alec, calm down.

Alec (deep breath): I’m going back in there.

Gerrard: Good. You alright?

Alec: No, Gerrard, I am not alright. (beat) I am going back in there. (walks away slowly)

Shift. Late, ADTEO. Caelyn comes into the office. Ess is oblivious to her presence.

Caelyn: What are you doing here, sweetie?

Ess: Hey, you’re back.

Caelyn: It’s 11 o’clock.

Ess: Yeah, I couldn’t sleep.

Caelyn (beat): Josh made me eat special sauce today.

Ess (beat): Okay.

Caelyn: How was your day?

Ess: No special sauce, so, you know, that’s good.

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: There’s a lot to do, and it’s like I’m not getting anywhere.

Caelyn: It’ll be okay.

Ess: Yeah.

Caelyn (beat): What are you working on?

Ess: Um, well. (laughs) Bridesmaid dresses.

Caelyn: Ooh, yay. I’m just in time.

Ess (laughs): You don’t want to be here right now.

Caelyn: Are you kidding? I live for this. Okay, so show me what we’ve ruled out.

Ess (beat, smiles): Okay. Okay, well, I pretty much discarded the first two pages, because unless I’m having my wedding in a disco hall-

Caelyn (giggles): Yeah.

Fade out on them talking.

End scene.

Episode 12

2007-06-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

A few things before it starts - I'm going to be done with this series at 14. I may come back to it at some point, but I really want to focus on other stuff right now, and two more episodes will give me time to make a semi-closure on the whole thing. I'll try to get the other two done in reasonable time.

Scene1 (Ess and Caelyn’s apartment) (Alec is waiting at the door, Caelyn is on the couch watching TV, and Ess is getting ready to go)

Alec: Why are people so completely and utterly stupid?

Ess: They aren't and you're just a jerk?

Alec: No, but good guess.

Caelyn: What's wrong?

Alec: What?

Caelyn: What happened?

Alec: Nothing happened.

Caelyn: Then why are you-

Alec: Nothing happened. I'm just lamenting the way of things. Are you ready yet?

Ess: No.

Alec: She's like a... help me out here.

Caelyn: Woman?

Alec: Yeah.

Caelyn: Where are you taking her?

Alec: It's a surprise.

Caelyn: For me?

Alec: No.

Caelyn: Where are you taking her?

Alec: See, you act all trustworthy and cute and everything, but as soon as I tell you, you'll hold it over me in return for some nefarious favor.

Caelyn: First of all... okay, yeah.

Alec: Just sit down and watch your stories.

Caelyn: It's the football game, Alec.

Alec: Nefarious!

Ess: What's going on?

Caelyn: Not much. Your boyfriend is a psychopath.

Ess: Again?

Alec: Are you ready yet?

Ess: No.

Alec: No. Of course not. (muttering) It's only time to go, why would you be ready? I loooove standing here, shooting the breeze with the roommate from Hades.

Caelyn: I'm sitting right here.

Alec: Or so it seems.

Ess: What’s Josh doing for Thanksgiving?

Alec: What?

Ess: I said-

Alec: How should I know? I'm stuck in here... waiting for the Danaids to fill the tub.

Ess: As cute as I find your references to, you know, stupid things, it doesn’t make me go any faster.

Alec: Fine.

Ess: Really, it doesn’t.

Alec: Ess, I’m standing in the door. Been here for a good ten minutes.

Ess: And you look so handsome. Doesn’t he look handsome?

Caelyn: Meh.

Ess: Caelyn.

Caelyn (without any sincerity): Yes! Yes, he looks so handsome that when I look at him I get weak in the knees.

Alec: Caelyn, I… I didn’t know.

Caelyn: Shut up.

Ess: You ready?

Alec: Yeah. (beat) No. I gotta use the bathroom.

Fade out. Shift.

ADTEO.

Ess: Joshua!

Josh: Esther.

Ess: I have a great idea.

Josh: Yeah?

Ess: Yeah. It’s one of those ideas that when you have it, you just know.

Josh: You know you’ve had an idea?

Ess: No, that it’s great.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: Of course you know you had an idea.

Josh: Sure.

Ess: You want to hear it?

Josh: Boy, do I ever.

Ess: Don’t be like that.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: I think that you… should come over to my uncle’s for Thanksgiving.

Josh: Really?

Ess: Yeah.

Josh: I don’t know; I mean, I like your uncle and everything, but that could get awkward.

Ess: That’s where we’re having our get-together.

Josh: That was your great idea?

Ess: What’s wrong with it?

Josh: Nothing’s wrong with it. It’s great.

Ess: It is.

Josh: It’s one of those ideas that has a lot of potential.

Ess (sighs): But?

Josh: It kind of bites.

Ess: Josh.

Josh: Ess, we go through this every year.

Ess: Because you insist on being a self-absorbed idiot.

Josh: Yeah, that’s basically my persona.

Ess: Josh.

Josh: Ess, don’t worry about it. I’m looking forward to the day off.

Ess: So you can sit home alone watching a sport you don’t understand?

Josh: Don’t put Alec’s inadequacies on me. I know what the blue zone is.

Ess: Red zone?

Josh: That was a joke.

Ess: I don’t like you doing this to yourself, Josh.

Josh: Making bad jokes?

Ess: That and this other thing.

Josh: I know, but you should stop worrying about it. It’s not a bad day for me.

Ess: Josh.

Josh: It’s a bad day, but being around someone else’s family isn’t going to make it any easier.

Ess: I think it might.

Josh (smiles softly): You are a good friend, Hadassah. But Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without turkey, and I’m pretty sure that’s not all that Kosher.

Ess: You’re turning me down based on my Judaism?

Josh: Not so much yours as your uncle’s.

Ess: Like you’re going to cook yourself a turkey.

Josh: Two-minute microwave special.

Ess (shudders): That’s disgusting.

Josh: I wouldn’t be adverse to a pie, though, should you feel sufficiently guilty-

Ess: You’re pathetic.

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: You sure you won’t come?

Josh: Thanks anyway.

Ess (sighs): Okay. I’m going over to the lab.

Josh: Don’t blow anything up, Wyle E.

Ess: Shut up.

Josh: And I don’t care how good those batman wings look, we’re not buying them.

Shift.

Luke: I don’t get it.

Alec: Don’t get what?

Luke: Any of this.

Caelyn: Well, yeah. You’re family wasn’t killed.

Luke: Fair enough. I’m just saying, if he wants to spend time with someone, wouldn’t he just say yes?

Alec: Yeah.

Luke: So?

Alec: So, what?

Luke: Why are you stressing about it?

Alec: Because it’s not good for him.

Caelyn: It makes me sad.

Alec: And it makes Caelyn sad.

Caelyn: Shut up.

Luke: I think you’re making something out of nothing.

Caelyn: That’s ‘cause you’re a guy.

Luke: So is Josh.

Alec: I am, t-

Caelyn: I’m going to go talk to him.

Alec: Okay.

Caelyn exits.

Luke: I don’t get it.

Alec: Yeah, me neither. Ess swears it’s a big deal.

Luke (beat): So that was all an act?

Alec: Man, I’m telling you, those two repeat conversations word for word. This will get back to her.

Luke (nods approvingly): Well-played.

Shift

Gerrard: A broiled turkey with [ ] sauce lightly sprinkled on top, lemon-peppered goose, stuffed with garlic bread, and a perfectly aged wine that I’ve been saving for more years than I’d like to admit.

Melanie: Sounds wonderful.

Gerrard: That’s only the first course. We then follow up this nirvana of the sense of taste with homemade rice pudding, and delicate au gratin potato dish, coupled with a singed bean casserole of finest quality.

Melanie: I’m giddy. I’m sitting here, shuddering in anticipation. My hands have goose-bumps.

Gerrard: I haven’t even made it to dessert, yet. But, ah yes, that will remain a secret, to better tantalize the fantasy of the mind.

Melanie: You sure your family won’t mind?

Gerrard: Of course they won’t mind.

Melanie: Okay. Okay, I will see you then.

Gerrard: You make me very happy.

Melanie: I know the feeling.

Gerrard (hangs up): Janie!

Janie (enters): Hey.

Gerrard: Get me the U.S. ambassador to Argentina.

Janie: Okay. Business call?

Gerrard: Yeah.

Janie: It’ll just be a minute.

Shift.

Josh: Hey.

Alec: Hey, Ess is looking for you.

Josh: She found me.

Alec: Yeah, sorry about that.

Josh: Don’t be. So you’re going back to meet the family?

Alec: Yeah.

Josh: That’s a bold move.

Alec: What-Why do you say that?

Josh: Well, you’re neither Jewish nor, you know, an adequate human being.

Alec: Ah, that.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Think they’ll notice?

Josh: Hey, I want you to know… I’m really happy for you guys.

Alec (slight beat, nods): I appreciate that.

Josh: I’m also happy that you’re going to be stuck in awkward family meetings while I’m eating microwave turkey and watching football.

Alec: Can’t fault you there.

Josh: I remember when I met Amy’s family. Now there’s a social experiment.

Alec: Ess tells me they aren’t that bad.

Josh: Yeah, that probably means you shouldn’t eat the Jell-O.

Alec: Okay.

Josh: If someone offers to buy you a goldfish, don’t say yes.

Alec: What are you talking about?

Josh: Trust me, I have some experience with this stuff.

Alec: Yeah, but your girl didn’t marry you.

Josh: Don’t underestimate the importance of wooing the aunts. I swear, you tick any one of them off and they’ll form a coven to hex you.

Alec: You aren’t scaring me, Josh.

Josh: You say that, but as soon as you see an unwashed cauldron, my words will be refreshed, and then… you will know fear. (beat) Also, beware anyone with a tattoo of the lynx.

Alec: I’m going to my desk now.

Josh: I’m going to get a sandwich.

Fade out.

Scene 2. (Gerrard’s office)

Gerrard: Luke. You ever been to Argentina?

Luke: I don’t think so.

Gerrard: Ah, then today is your lucky day.

Luke: You’re sending me to Argentina?

Gerrard: You, Ess, Sonny, Cher. The works.

Luke: Okay.

Gerrard: What can I do for you?

Luke: I need to transfer.

Gerrard: I’m sorry?

Luke: I’m… I’m getting married.

Gerrard (grins): That’s great, Luke.

Luke: It is. It really is. Except I can’t keep working here.

Gerrard (beat): I see.

Luke: It’s not me on this one, boss.

Gerrard: No, you don’t have to exp- this isn’t the first time I’ve seen it. She’s worried about you.

Luke: I was hoping I could get transferred to a desk job, somewhere in the company.

Gerrard (slight beat): Luke, you know I’ll do what I can to keep you around, but I don’t think there’s anyway we’ll be able to fit you in Sierra if you’re not field specced.

Luke: No, I know. I- (sighs) I understand that my time in Sierra is over.

Gerrard (beat): Okay. Okay, let’s see what we can find you, then.

Shift.

Caelyn: Where have you been?

Josh: Talking with Whacky Walter.

Caelyn: You know someone named Whacky Walter?

Josh: That's not his name, it's just what we call him.

Caelyn: What's his name?

Josh: What?

Caelyn: What's his real name?

Josh: Why do you possibly care?

Caelyn: I'm nosey.

Josh: Robert Green.

Caelyn: His name is Robert Green.

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: You call him Whacky Walter.

Josh: He's insane, and he looks like Gary Burghoff.

Caelyn (laughs): Okay. Why did you go to see him?

Josh: You writing a book?

Caelyn: I'm taking interest, Josh. It's not a vice.

Josh: Actually, I'm pretty sure it is.

Caelyn: It's wrong to care?

Josh: You're a gossip, a busybody.

Caelyn: I am not, and you're a curmudgeon.

Josh: Okay.

Caelyn: Whacky Walter.

Josh (shrugs): I don’t know. It’s cheaper than movie tickets.

Caelyn: Much like your sense of fashion.

Josh: What does that mean?

Caelyn: Nothing. Nice sneakers.

Josh: Don't you have a report to neglect to file?

Caelyn: Don't you have to act like a meshuginah?

Josh: A what?

Caelyn: Ess is teaching me the Yiddish.

Josh: She's teaching you Yiddish?

Caelyn: She is.

Josh: And she started with meshuginah?

Caelyn: She said it's one of the better ones.

Josh: Schmendrick.

Caelyn: Funny.

Josh: I've noticed you hardly ever laugh when you say that.

Caelyn: Nothing gets by you, Josh.

Josh: Sometimes it's a burden.

Caelyn: Ess told me about your Anthropophobia.

Josh: That’s a fear of society.

Caelyn: Yes.

Josh: I don’t fear society.

Caelyn: I think you do.

Josh: Well, I think you said the wrong word.

Caelyn: Caligynephobia.

Josh: That’s fear of-

Caelyn: Pretty girls.

Josh: Yes, and I think it’s quite clear I’m not suffering from that.

Caelyn: You should come over to my mom’s for our Thanksgiving. Gerrard will be there.

Josh: Ah.

Caelyn: Don’t do that.

Josh: Do what?

Caelyn: Don’t say “ah” like- like- like, “Ah, you’re as loony as Ess.”

Josh (laughs): Okay.

Caelyn: We’re worried about you.

Josh: Well, you’re both girls.

Caelyn: Gotta get up pretty early to pull one over you, eh Josh?

Josh: Okay.

Caelyn: You’re a testament to your kind.

Josh: Baptists?

Caelyn: Men.

Josh: Thanks.

Caelyn: You should come over for Thanksgiving.

Josh: No.

Caelyn: Why not?

Josh: Because for some reason, there has not yet been a Thanksgiving where I’m in the mood to see someone else enjoying the benefits of still having their family.

Caelyn (beat): I’m sorry.

Josh: Don’t be.

Caelyn: That makes me sad, Josh.

Josh (laughs softly): Don’t be.

Caelyn: It’s too late. You made me sad. Now I’m sad, and it’s your fault.

Josh: Caelyn.

Caelyn: I’m over here being sad. I hope you know that.

Josh: Okay, but you need to work on your guilting.

Caelyn: I guilt just fine, thank you. I can’t help it if you have a heart of stone.

Josh (laughs): Whatever.

Caelyn: This isn’t finished.

Josh: Fantastic.

Caelyn: Yes.

Josh: Look, it’s not that I’m not thankful that you care. I really am. It’s just… it’s a lot easier if Thanksgiving isn’t anything more than a day off, you know? (slight beat) I can handle that.

Caelyn (beat/ slightly sad): Okay. Okay, well, then I’ll leave you alone about it.

Josh: Thank you.

Caelyn: But if you change your mind-

Josh: Then I’ll bring a casserole.

Caelyn (smiles): Yeah.

Shift.

Caelyn: Hey, how'd it go?

Ess: That depends. Do we like our weapons to actually function, or is our grading system entirely based on technical jargon-filled names?

Caelyn (beat): Am I supposed to answer-

Ess: The Alpha 99 Photon Converter. I'm not joking. How is a photon converter supposed to- you know what, forget it.

Caelyn: Was there, by any chance, an Illudium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator?

Ess: More with the snark today, eh?

Caelyn: It’s that kind of day.

Ess: Mess after mess. I like creativity, you know? I do.

Caelyn: Sure.

Ess: But this as a quagmire of incompetence. I really don't know what we're paying these people for.

Caelyn: Something about cheese, I hear.

Ess: One of these days- I swear, one of these days we'll be out there in danger and our guns are going to melt in our hands.

Caelyn: A disintegrating disintegrator.

Ess (sighs): Thank you, Chuck Jones. Both you and Poindexter over there-

Caelyn: Josh said no.

Ess: About Thanksgiving?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: He said 'no?'

Caelyn: He said it's easier if days like that don't mean anything.

Ess: Yeah, I suppose it would, if that worked.

Caelyn: What do I do?

Ess: You're asking me?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: On how to cure Josh of the holiday blues?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: I can't say for certain, but your Daffy Duck impression might do the trick.

Caelyn: I see you have some snark yourself.

Ess: You really should have seen some of the trash they had.

Caelyn: And who doesn't enjoying looking at that?

Ess: I have to go find my boyfriend.

Caelyn: I have to go find a bagel.

Shift.

Josh (exits Gerrard’s office): We’re going to Argentina.

Ess: Are you serious?

Josh: Yeah, but it’s okay if you want to laugh at Argentina. I always do.

Alec: Argentina?

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Like the musical?

Josh: You mean Oklahoma! ?

Luke: Don’t cry for me Oklahoma?

Josh: The British and the Spanish should be friends.

Luke: It’s also, you know, a country.

Ess: We figured.

Josh: With banana exports.

Alec: Seafood delicacies.

Josh: Troubadours.

Alec: Funny dances.

Josh: Child labor.

Alec: Cannibalism.

Caelyn: You guys know nothing about Argentina, do you?

Josh (beat): I know there was a musical.

Alec: Argentina, where the wind comes sweeping ‘cross the plains.

Luke: Josh, can we talk?

Josh: Yeah, sure.

Fade out.

Scene 3.

Josh: Are you sure you know what you’re doing?

Luke: Yeah.

Josh: I mean, giving this up for her. You sure she’s the right one?

Luke (beat): I appreciate the concern, but I’m sure.

Josh: Okay. Well… okay. I will make the necessary calls. You’ll go to Argentina with us?

Luke: Of course.

Josh: I only ask because if this were a movie, you’d pretty much be going to you’re grave.

Luke: The thought crossed my mind.

Josh: Last mission before a lifetime of wedded bliss. I mean, you’re wrecked.

Luke: At least I’m out of expendable crewman status.

Josh: No, now you’re endearing and likable with a bright future.

Luke (beat as he considers this): Yeah.

Josh (beat/ speaks in a spooky voice): Argentiiiiiiiiiinaaaaaa.

Luke laughs.

Josh: I’m kidding. This is routine.

Luke: Sure.

Josh (sighs): You know this bites.

Luke: It does.

Josh: It really does.

Luke: What are you going to do, though?

Josh: Yeah. You want to go tell the others?

Luke (laughs slightly): Not really.

Josh (grins): Yeah.

Luke: You know they’re all freaking out about how you don’t have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving.

Josh: Yeah, what’s up with that? Every year, too.

Luke: I’m not going to insult you by joining in.

Josh: I appreciate it.

Luke: But you know you’re welcome to come-

Josh (snickers): Get out of here.

Luke (laughs): Thanks, boss.

Shift. (Ess’ apartment)

Ess: I can’t believe Luke’s leaving.

Alec: On to better things, I guess.

Ess: I’m not going to make you quit.

Alec: Good.

Ess: I’m saying when we get married, I won’t make you quit.

Alec: ‘kay, ‘cause I wasn’t planning on it.

Ess: When we get married.

Alec: You know, it stops being a subtle hint when you say it three times.

Ess: Didn’t seem like you were getting it.

Alec: I was.

Ess: Didn’t seem like it.

Alec: I… still was.

Ess: Okay, I’ll drop it.

Alec: Thank you.

Ess (beat): How many kids do you think we should have?

Alec: That’s cute.

Ess: I’m adorable.

Alec: Yeah, you’re something.

Ess: I’m thinking we move out of the city limits. Make the commute to work painful, but then Rosie, Charlie, and Bethany will have an actual yard to play in.

Alec: We’re not naming any of them Rosie.

Ess: What’s wrong with Rosie, and that counts as consent for Charlie and Bethany.

Alec (beat): I- Rosie is Sam’s wife from Lord of the Rings.

Ess (beat): Okay. And why is that-

Alec: ‘Cause she’s a hobbit.

Ess: Okay. (beat) You realize our daughter wouldn’t be a hobbit just because we name her-

Alec: Yeah, Ess.

Ess: Because you seemed a little uncertain as to how that works.

Alec: Well, you’ve cleared it up for me.

Ess (smiles): Very wifely of me, yes?

Alec: I have to tell you, loving the pressure.

Ess (giggles): I know. I’m excited. Luke’s getting married, and you know what that does to us womenfolk.

Alec: Releases the crazy.

Ess: Something like that.

Alec: You know you told me I need to talk with your father?

Ess: But when will you have an opportunity-, oh wait, you will actually see him on Thursday. Well, funny how these things work out.

Alec: Yeah, I already did.

Ess: What?

Alec (grins): I already asked him.

Ess: Wait, you- you asked him if you could-?

Alec: He said yes.

Ess: You actually- Alec, are you teasing me right now, because this isn’t funny-

Alec (laughs): I’m not teasing you, Ess. (beat) So, I just have one more question for you.

Shift. (they both speak very quickly in this section)

Caelyn: He proposed!?

Ess: He did.

Caelyn: Oh, Ess! (they both squeal, and hug, etc.) (after a few moments) Does Josh know?

Ess: Alec’s telling him.

Caelyn: This is wonderful. I’m so happy for you guys!

Ess: Me too! (hug and all that again)

Caelyn: Did you guys set a date?

Ess: February 18th.

Caelyn: February 18th. That’s not very long.

Ess: I know. Can you help me?

Caelyn: Of course I can. My hands are shaking. This is so exciting. I feel like I’m talking too much. Am I talking too much?

Ess: No. I need to go find Gerrard. Come with me.

Caelyn: You want me to come?

Ess: Yeah, come on.

Shift.

Josh: You know… I take credit for this.

Alec: You would.

Josh: I think it’s deserved.

Alec: I admit that you played a minor role.

Josh: Minor role? I was campaign manager. I called the shots, wrote the strategy. And I only bring it up so you don’t get upset when I neglect to buy you a wedding gift.

Alec: Okay, well I agree that your advice was worth approximately a toaster.

Josh: That’s all I’m saying.

Alec: I hear Ess has recruited Caelyn to the Josh’s Thanksgiving team.

Josh (breathes a laugh): Yeah. They really don’t get it.

Alec: Yeah, I know. Probably because it’s crap. (they look at each other for a beat / Alec grins slightly) Go buy a casserole, Josh. (exits)

Shift (transport plane)

Alec: Well, you lived.

Luke: Despite your best efforts, yeah.

Alec: I apologized like three times already.

Caelyn: You guys are all getting married. I feel like a spinster.

Josh: I feel you’re a spinster, too.

Alec: Yeah, I keep telling Ess, “You know Caelyn? Total spinster.”

Ess: Hey, you know what? Josh isn’t married.

Josh (beat): Subtle.

Alec: She’s taking a more direct approach now days.

Caelyn: Yeah, but Josh isn’t “ready.”

Josh: What is that supposed to mean?

Caelyn: I don’t know, you’re the one who says it.

Josh: You say it too.

Caelyn: Well if you’re going to twist my words.

Ess: Aren’t they cute together?

Luke: I am so going to miss this.

Ess: We’re going to miss you too, Luke.

Shift.

Mrs. Heaton’s house. (Caelyn, Gerrard, Melanie, Caelyn’s mom, various other relatives)

Mom: You do realize-

Gerrard: Becky.

Mom (grinning): You do realize that he’s almost eighty-years old. He has a walker in his closet.

Melanie (laughs): I’m old too.

Mom: You can’t be a day over twenty-eight.

Melanie (laughs again): I’m forty-four.

Caelyn: Mom, Aunt Laura wants to know if there’s peanuts in the salad.

Mom: Tell her yes, because after fifty years- you know what, I’ll be right back. (exits)

Gerrard: Sisters.

Melanie: I know, I have some.

Gerrard: Really?

Melanie: What about you, Caelyn? No siblings?

Caelyn: No, but it’s probably a good thing. I’m quite needy.

Gerrard: Needs a man.

Caelyn: Don’t- (quietly) don’t say that when my mom is around. She gets started and we’ll all be sorry.

Melanie: This is fun. Thank you, you know, for inviting me.

Gerrard: I’m glad you came.

Caelyn: I’m going to go check of the goose.

(doorbell rings)

Mom: I’ll get it. (opens door)

Josh: Hello, Mrs. Heaton.

Mom: Joshua, I’m so glad you came. Oh, Caelyn will be so pleased.

Josh: I brought a casserole.

Mom: Well, you’re mother must be so proud of you.

Josh: I hope so.

Mom: Well, come in.

Josh: Thank you.

Mom: You know, Caelyn really likes you.

Josh: Really?

Mom: You’ve made things so much easier for her. I want you to know it means a lot to me.

Josh: I really like her too.

Mom (grins): Caelyn!

Caelyn: The goose is- Josh! (hugs him) You came.

Josh: I did.

Caelyn: Got over yourself, did you?

Josh: Alec threatened to beat me up.

Caelyn: I’d pay money to see that.

Josh: You’d pay money for bottled water, so-

Mom: He brought a casserole.

Caelyn: How thoughtful.

Mom: Isn’t it? Such a nice young man.

Josh: You’re mom likes me.

Caelyn: She’s going senile.

Mom: A shame, isn’t it? And I don’t even have grandchildren yet.

Caelyn: Nice, mom.

Gerrard: Josh?

Josh: Gerrard. Hey, Melanie.

Melanie: How are you, Joshua?

Josh: Good. It’s nice to see you again.

Gerrard: She came for the goose.

Melanie: It’s true.

Gerrard: I told her about the potatoes, and the turkey, but it was the goose that did it.

Caelyn: Josh came because he’s pusillanimous.

Josh: Pusillanimous?

Caelyn: It means-

Josh: I know what it means, and, unlike you, I can spell it too.

Caelyn: I can spell it.

Josh: Pusillanimous?

Caelyn: No.

Josh: Okay.

Mom: Okay, everyone find a spot, before it gets cold!

Josh: Are you sure there’s room for me?

Caelyn: If not, there’s a dog house in the back.

Josh: Won’t the dog mind?

Caelyn: Doesn’t usually.

Mom: Everyone, we have some guests with us today. This is Melanie, a friend of Gerrard’s. And this is Joshua, Caelyn’s friend.

Gerrard: About time.

Everyone laughs and cheers.

Caelyn: Not like that.

Mom: Well, we’re hoping. Be patient with her, Josh.

Josh: Yes, ma’am.

Caelyn rolls her eyes.

Mom: Okay, now we’re setting the meats over on the end, so remember that when you’re filling your plates.

Gerrard: Microwave turkey, Josh?

Josh: Yeah, I’m… kind of an idiot.

Caelyn: I’ll say.

Josh: You do. Quite often, in fact.

Caelyn: It’s a vice.

Josh: You have a lot of those.

Fade out. End Scene 3.

Comments

2007-02-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

- Just my personal opinion. I don't like how serious Episode 1 is, and I rarely like anything I write that's dramatic. Episode 2 is easily one of my favorites. The beginning of 4 bugs me, like it's too juvenile and lacks smart humor, although I like it when Ess tries to make Alec laugh, and Josh's comment about the cabinet having it coming. I like the piece of dialogue I carry through 5 about the time loop. When I read it, I know it's not all that great, but I had a lot of fun writing this one. Whenever my characters argue about things pertaining to nerdom, I enjoy it. Be wary of a future Master Chief vs. Samus Aran discussion.

- Episode 6 is probably the one I'm most uncertain about. I like particular parts a lot, but the whole "on the field" section didn't flow very well, not did the armory part. It had to be done for the story, but I'd probably redo a good deal of this episode. I like 7 a lot, but I feel guilty resorting to the "poker night" cliche. Still, one of my favorites. I actually tried to use physcial humor in Episode 8 with Luke and the trash basket and stuff. It plays out humorously in my mind, anyway.

- Overall, I don't like the drama or the parts where their job is focused on. I'd rather they made comments about it that left it mysterious, and never fully explained most stuff, since it's not about the job.

Ep 11

2007-02-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: Josh’s office. Josh is on phone, Ess comes in.

Ess: Joshua.

Josh: Hey.

Ess: You busy?

Josh: I'm.. on the phone.

Ess: This will only be a minute.

Josh: 'kay.

Ess: I need you to sign off on my transfer to Ringo from the 7th to the 18th.

Josh (beat): What?

Ess: I need you to sign off on my transfer to Ringo for the next week and a half.

Josh: Is this a joke?

Ess: If it was a joke, I'd have said-

Josh: Ess.

Ess: Sorry.

Josh: What's going on?

Ess: Ringo's going to Israel.

Josh: Yeah?

Ess: They're short an officer because Davis is on his honeymoon.

Josh: And Marshe wants you?

Ess: I volunteered.

Josh (annoyed): Did you?

Ess: I did.

Josh: Why?

Ess: I want to go.

Josh: Really.

Ess: Yes.

Josh (shrugs): Sucks to be you.

Ess: Josh!

Josh: You work for Sierra. I'm not going to let Marshe or anyone else play general with my men.

Ess: But I'm okay with it.

Josh: I couldn't care less if you‘re okay with it.

Ess: You're being awfully cold about this.

Josh (sighs): You know this stuff makes me crazy.

Ess (beat/quietly): You have any idea how badly I want to see it? My grandfather can't even get in, and he lived there for forty-seven years. This... this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Please, Josh?

Josh: What did Gerrard say?

Ess: It's your call.

Josh: Is that what you're saying or did he-

Ess: That's what he said.

Josh: I'll need to talk with Marshe.

Ess: Okay.

Josh: I'm not saying anything. I don't like doing this.

Ess: I know. Thank you.

Josh: Yeah.

Ess (beat): You're still on hold?

Josh: I'm starting to wonder.

Ess: Okay. (exits his office/Josh continues to hold)

Shift - ADTEO lobby.

Caelyn: It's a little fast.

Luke: It is?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Luke: I disagree.

Caelyn: You don't think it's a little fast?

Luke: No. No, I don't.

Caelyn: Okay.

Luke: In fact, I think it's slow, if anything.

Caelyn: Really.

Luke: We click.

Caelyn: You click?

Luke: Yes.

Caelyn: Like those veiny-blue aliens on Star Trek?

Luke; What?

Caelyn: It takes more than clicking.

Luke: You don't even have a boyfriend.

Caelyn: I could.

Luke: You don't.

Caelyn: You're meeting her parents already. The next step is to become engaged.

Luke: Yeah, if this was 1937.

Caelyn: Okay.

Luke (beat): Maybe it is too fast.

Caelyn: I think so.

Luke (sighs): What am I doing?

Caelyn: I do not know.

Luke: Caelyn!

Caelyn: What are you mad at me for?

Luke: You could be... I don't know, supportive or something.

Caelyn: I don't want people to associate me with the chaos that is your relationship.

Luke: What?

Caelyn: I'm kidding.

Luke: What do I do?

Caelyn: I don't know.

Luke: Aren't you supposed to be a relationship guru or something?

Caelyn: Not really, no.

Luke: It shows.

They enter elevator. Shift.

Alec: I've found a hobby.

Josh: You did?

Alec: I did.

Josh: You didn't have one before?

Alec: A hobby?

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: No.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: Want to know what it is?

Josh: Not really.

Alec: That's okay.

Josh: 'cause you're going to tell me anyway.

Alec: That's right.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: Sailing.

Josh: Sailing?

Alec: Sailing. The wind on my face, the open water, serenity and freedom.

Josh: You haven't been out yet, have you?

Alec: Not exactly.

Josh: Do me a favor and let me know how that goes, alright?

Alec: Sure. What did Ess want?

Josh: She didn't tell you?

Alec: Tell me what?

Josh: You should probably ask her.

Alec: I'm asking you.

Josh: Yeah, well, stop it.

Alec: Josh.

Josh: What?

Alec: What's going on?

Josh (shrugs): Ask your girlfriend.

Alec (beat): Okay.

Josh: You have an instructor?

Alec: I'm sorry?

Josh: For the sailing.

Alec: Yeah, until I get the hang of it.

Josh: Good, because otherwise you’d mess it up.

Alec: Whatever.

Josh: Bows and ports every which way.

Alec: You know even less than I do.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Okay. I'm going to go to my desk.

Josh: Okay.

Shift. Gerrard enters ADTEO.

Janie: Secretary Torrie is in your office.

Gerrard: Really.

Janie: For about thirty-five minutes now.

Gerrard: You should have called me.

Janie: I did.

Gerrard: Yeah, my cell was off.

Janie: Yeah, it was, eve though we‘ve talked about that. You remember talking about that, don’t you, boss?

Gerrard: Leave me alone.

Janie: She’s still in there, by the way.

Gerrard: Okay.

Janie: I offered her something to drink.

Gerrard: Fine.

Janie (beat): Gerrard.

Gerrard: What?

Janie: How you doing?

Gerrard: Yeah. (goes into his office)

Shift to Gerrard's office.

Gerrard: Secretary.

Torrie: Commander.

Gerrard: I apologize for keeping you waiting.

Torrie: Yes.

Gerrard (slight beat): How can I help you?

Torrie: ADF has recently come into possession of information that confirms Nicholas Bonite has commissioned a terror cell within our borders. We have reason to believe that the surrogate leader is one Terry Raglin.

Gerrard: Bonite's nephew.

Torrie: Yes. ADF wants you to take Raglin out.

Gerrard: They want me-?

Torrie: Your team.

Gerrard: Because I'm getting a little old for that kind of thing.

Torrie: This isn't a joke.

Gerrard: I... didn't think it was.

Torrie: We'd like Moritz or Wright. Both, if you can spare it.

Gerrard: Wright doesn't do this anymore.

Torrie: Inter-department-?

Gerrard: Assassinations.

Torrie: Mortiz, then?

Gerrard: It's his call.

Torrie (annoyed): Of course.

Shift.

Caelyn: Kevin?

Kevin: Just a second. (types something for a beat, then looks up) What can I do for you?

Caelyn: I have to go to Denmark next week.

Kevin: For the, uh-

Caelyn: Wilcomb-

Kevin: Wilcomb Initiative, yeah. Yeah, sorry about that, kiddo.

Caelyn: It’s okay. Part of the job.

Kevin I like your attitude.

Caelyn: Well, you have to be professional about these things.

Kevin: Yeah.

Caelyn: Won’t do to be unprofessional.

Kevin: What is it you need?

Caelyn: There’s just one problem with me going to Denmark.

Kevin: What’s wrong?

Caelyn: I don’t want to go to Denmark.

Kevin: Caelyn.

Caelyn: Don’t make me go.

Kevin: I have absolutely no say in these kinds of things.

Caelyn: You could go for me. Take your wife, make a vacation out of it.

Kevin: Vacation to Denmark?

Caelyn: You could visit a shoe factory.

Kevin: That’s the Netherlands.

Caelyn: What’s in Denmark?

Kevin: The Danish?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Kevin: I’d have a hard time convincing the missus on this one.

Caelyn (whining): Kevin.

Kevin: What happened to professional?

Caelyn (beat): I’m getting shipped to Denmark!

Kevin: Sorry. You drew the short straw on this one.

Caelyn (almost pouting): I don’t want to go to Denmark.

Kevin shrugs. Shift.

Alec: Hey.

Ess: Hey there.

Alec: What's going on?

Ess: I'm going down to Lucky's to get a cappuccino.

Alec: I mean with Josh.

Ess: What?

Alec: You know what I mean.

Ess: I don't.

Alec: I think you do.

Ess: Well… okay, but I don’t.

Alec: Ess.

Ess: What's going on with Josh?

Alec: I asked him what you two were talking about and he wouldn't tell me.

Ess: Ah, that.

Alec: He told me to talk to you.

Ess: Really?

Alec: Yeah.

Ess: He didn't tell you?

Alec: No.

Ess: Well, good for him.

Alec: Ess-

Ess: I asked to transfer over to Ringo for their operation to Israel.

Alec (beat): You're kidding.

Ess: Josh hasn't okayed it yet.

Alec: Why didn't you-

Ess: I wanted to, honey. I really did. I... kept chickening out.

Alec: You were scared?

Ess: Yeah, I figured you'd be against it, and get mad, and then we'd yell at each other.

Alec: That's... bleak.

Ess: Yeah.

Alec: So what, you were going to avoid me until the plane left?

Ess: I admit it was a long-shot.

Alec: Ess!

Ess: Sorry. I'm kidding. I was kidding. Look, I was going to tell you, but then I felt bad I hadn't told you earlier, and then it got later so I became more worried, and the tension kept building until every time saw you I was torn between the pressure to fall at your feet or to flee, and-

Alec: Okay.

Ess: What?

Alec: It's okay.

Ess: It’s okay?

Alec: I'm not mad.

Ess (skeptically): You're not?

Alec: No. I would have preferred that we could have talked about this together, but I understand how important seeing Israel is to you. I'm not going to try and talk you out of it. (beat) Although, you know that I think Marshe is a complete idiot.

Ess (laughs): Yeah.

Alec (smiles slightly): You want me to talk to Josh?

Ess (smiles for a moment, and then hugs him): You're such a good guy, Alec.

Alec (sighs): I know.

Shift - main offices.

Gerrard: Josh. (Josh goes into his office)

Josh: Secretary Torrie was here?

Gerrard: She was.

Josh: How's your blood pressure?

Gerrard: It's fine.

Josh: It's fine?

Gerrard: There aren't any problems with my blood pressure.

Josh: Because sometimes you get upset.

Gerrard: Not this time.

Josh (nods, beat): Been known to throw things.

Gerrard: Josh.

Josh: Sorry.

Gerrard (sighs): She wanted... Josh, there is no pressure on you to do this, from me especially.

Josh: Do what?

Gerrard: She wants you to make a hit.

Josh (beat): Really.

Gerrard: Listen to me, you don't have to do this, okay?

Josh: Who's the mark?

Gerrard: Josh-

Josh: It's okay. Who's the mark?

Gerrard: Bonite's nephew. Uh, Raglin. He's the head of a state-side cell.

Josh: Okay. (beat) Who's the back-up?

Gerrard: After you?

Josh: Yeah.

Gerrard: Lasham.

Josh: Lasham's new.

Gerrard: He'll be alright.

Josh: She asked for me?

Gerrard: And Alec.

Josh: Don't tell-

Gerrard: Yeah.

Josh: Okay. (beat) Tell her to send the specs.

Gerrard: Okay.

Shift - Alec and Caelyn.

Caelyn: Hey, Alec.

Alec: Hey, guess what?

Caelyn: What?

Alec: I’m not taking your place in Denmark!

Caelyn (acting offended): I wasn’t-

Alec: Yes, you were.

Caelyn: Yes, I was, and I think you should hear me out.

Alec: Watch them make shoes?

Caelyn: I get confused.

Alec: Yes.

Caelyn: It’s because I’m unstable.

Alec: Again, I’m not disagreeing.

Caelyn: Too unstable to go to Denmark.

Alec: If only you could do something to prove it, like wear a dress around the camp- no, wait.

Caelyn: That’s funny.

Alec: I’m hilarious.

Caelyn: Alec.

Alec: Sorry, but I can’t help.

Caelyn: Well, then, I guess we’re not as good of friends as I thought.

Alec (sighs, beat, then brightly): Guess not.

Caelyn: Alec!

Alec: Ess tell you she was going to Israel?

Caelyn: Of course. She tells me everything.

Alec: Really?

Caelyn: No. Yes. Maybe.

Alec: Quite the flake, aren’t you?

Caelyn: I don’t want to go to Denmark.

Alec: And I don’t want Ess to go to Israel. We all have to make sacrifices.

Caelyn: Well, of course you don’t.

Alec: Why do you say that?

Caelyn: You know.

Alec: No, why do you say that?

Caelyn: Because she and Marshe used to have a thing.

Alec (freezes, beat): What?

Caelyn: I’m kidding.

Alec: Caelyn!

Caelyn: Your face went (makes a face). It was funny.

Alec: You’re very cruel.

Caelyn: Denmark makes me so.

Alec: You haven’t even been there yet.

Caelyn: I’m anticipating.

Alec: Yeah.

Shift - Hallway, Ess and Luke.

Luke: Hey, you leaving us?

Ess: I'm trying.

Luke: Israel, huh?

Ess: Yeah.

Luke: My dad got in there once.

He couldn't go anywhere without an armed escort.

Ess: Do you know why Secretary Torrie was here?

Luke: I didn't know she was.

Ess: Yeah.

Luke: Did Gerrard blow a fuse?

Ess: People really still say that?

Luke: I'm bringing it back.

Ess: Does he ever?

Luke: Gerrard?

Ess: Yeah.

Luke: I hear things.

Ess: You hear things?

Luke: The Antares Incident.

Ess (beat): What?

Luke: The Antares Incident. Alec told me.

Ess: Alec made that up.

Luke: I don't think so.

Ess: Antares is a planet on Star Trek.

Luke (beat): Am I this gullible?

Ess: No. Luke: Really?

Ess: Yeah, you are.

Luke (sighs): Thanks.

Ess: Hey, Caelyn tells me that you're meeting Adriana's parents?

Luke: Yeah. (beat) She thinks it's too soon.

Ess: It's not.

Luke: Yeah?

Ess: Not at all.

Luke: Well, thank you, Ess. I appreciate you saying that.

Ess: How much did the ring cost you?

Luke (looks at her blankly): What?

Ess: The ring. You better not have skimped. She's only going to get one of these, you know.

Luke (beat): Is there any chance at all that you two are playing me right now?

Ess: A slight one.

Luke (beat, begins to walk away): 'kay.

Ess: If you guys haven't picked a band yet, I know some people.

Shift - Prep room. Josh is packing, Caelyn is there, sitting on a table.

Caelyn: One good thing- just one.

Josh (beat): It's the setting of Hamlet.

Caelyn: The setting of Hamlet?

Josh: Yeah, with, you know, Rosencrantz and friends. (beat) I think it's kind of cool.

Caelyn: Yeah, but you're a huge nerd.

Josh (agreeably): Yeah.

Caelyn: So where are you going?

Josh: Still can't tell you.

Caelyn: Really?

Josh: Really.

Caelyn: Can't or won't?

Josh: Either.

Caelyn: 'Cause you're a sissy?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: You going to whack someone?

Josh: Could you ask that with any more glee?

Caelyn laughs.

Josh: There any Tylenol in there? My head is killing me.

Caelyn (opens drawer): Most people would have said something other than Rosencrantz.

Josh: Yeah, I'm weird that way.

Caelyn (throws him pills): I was kidding, before.

Josh: Most people would have said something other than Rosencrantz.

Caelyn: I mean about you making a hit. It was a joke.

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: I don't really think you'd do that.

Josh (tiny beat): Yeah.

Caelyn: You okay?

Josh: My head hurts.

Caelyn: It's probably from stress.

Josh: Why would I be under any stress?

Caelyn: Because you won't tell me the secret mission and it's building up inside.

Josh: No.

Caelyn: Could be.

Josh: It's not.

Caelyn: I'm saying it's possible.

Josh: I'm saying you're wrong, and, interestingly enough, giving me a headache.

Caelyn: Okay. (beat) I get anxious.

Josh (beat): About what?

Caelyn (shrugs uncomfortably): My friends. You're going somewhere that you say isn't dangerous, but you have enough firepower to take Maine. Ess is going away without any of us. (beat) Anyway. Sometimes I get anxious.

Josh (beat): You know, I could probably take Maine with a Beretta and my thumbs, so really- (Caelyn breathes a laugh) you know I wouldn't sign off on Ess' leaving if I wasn't absolutely certain-

Caelyn: Yeah, I know. (beat) Sorry; it's left over, I think.

Josh: It's okay.

Caelyn: So... where are you going?

Josh: You really want to know?

Caelyn: Don't taunt me, Josh.

Josh (grins): I'll see you when I get back.

Caelyn: Okay. I'll be here.

Josh: Me too. (exits)

Caelyn: Better be.

Fade out.

Scene 3: Gerrard's office, late. Josh looks in.

Gerrard: Josh. How'd it go?

Josh: Lovely.

Gerrard: Josh?

Josh: He's dead. (beat) It was a good shot.

Gerrard: Yeah?

Josh (distantly): One of a kind.

Gerrard: Well, good job, then. I'll finish things up with the department. You want the, uh, the same account?

Josh (looks confused for a slight beat): Yeah.

Gerrard: You okay?

Josh: My head hurts.

Gerrard: You look pale.

Josh: I'm always pale.

Gerrard: Yeah.

Josh (beat): Caelyn said something-... before I left, Caelyn said something to me. She jokingly asked if I was making a hit, then said she doesn't think of me like that.

Gerrard: That bothered you?

Josh: Well... yeah.

Gerrard: You'd rather she did think of you like that?

Josh: No. Well, I'd rather she... she knew who I was, and was okay with it.

Gerrard: Then tell her.

Josh: And then she isn't okay with it, and things get...

Gerrard: Awkward?

Josh: Yeah.

Gerrard (beat): Can I give you some advice?

Josh: Please.

Gerrard: Take tomorrow off.

Josh: That's your advice?

Gerrard: It's good advice.

Josh: No, it's not.

Gerrard: Okay.

Josh: I can't. I need to talk to Marshe.

Gerrard: I can talk to Marshe.

Josh: Yeah, that'd be fun. I'll see you in the morning.

Gerrard: Okay.

Shift - ADTEO, Gerrard's office, morning. Conference (everyone but Kevin, Janie, and Josh)

Gerrard: Good morning. Over the past month I have been receiving numerous complaints about my agents failing to meet their domestic and academic obligations. I know some of you see these duties as meaningless and I'm here to tell you to knock it off.

Alec: Can I just-

Gerrard: No. From now on, there will be no cancellations, and there will be no rescheduling. If you are assigned a lecture, a class, or a training day, you will attend, and you will represent Sierra well.

Ess raises her hand.

Gerrard: What?

Ess: Josh isn't actually here.

Gerrard (sighs): Yeah, I know.

Ess: I only mention it because-

Gerrard: Yeah.

Ess: -he's not very reliable.

Gerrard: He wasn't feeling well.

Alec: But you went ahead with your little lecture anyway?

Gerrard: Yes, Alec, I did.

Alec: Well, I admire your bravado.

Caelyn: Josh is your favorite, isn't he?

Gerrard: At the moment?

Shift- Main offices. Elevator opens, Josh exits.

Janie: You aren't supposed to come in today!

Josh: Why not?

Janie: You're not feeling well.

Josh: I'm feeling fine.

Janie: Except you're gravely ill.

Josh: Janie-

Janie (follows him into his office): The brink of death.

Josh: Can I help you?

Janie: Gerrard said-

Josh: I'm fine.

Janie: Then why are you late?

Josh: I had to talk to Commander Marshe.

Janie: You sure you didn't collapse in the parking lot?

Josh (beat): Maybe once.

Janie: Okay, you're going home.

Josh: That was a joke.

Gerrard enters from his office.

Gerrard: Go home.

Josh: I'm fine.

Gerrard: You don't look fine.

Josh: It's a... disguise.

Gerrard: You talk to Marshe?

Josh: Yeah.

Gerrard: Then go home.

Josh: Maybe later.

Gerrard (beat, calls into his office): You guys are done.

The others come in.

Ess: Look who shows up now.

Caelyn: How was your trip?

Josh: Quick.

Alec (to Luke): I hear you're getting married.

Luke: I'm not.

Alec: Ever?

Luke: No, I mean-

Alec: Oh, to Adriana.

Luke: That's... not exactly-

Alec: She seemed nice enough to me, but I'm sure you know best.

Luke: I hope you're having fun.

Alec: I am. (to Josh) Come here.

They move to a more private area.

Josh: What's up?

Alec: You should have told me.

Josh: About what?

Alec: I would have come with you.

Josh: I neither wanted nor needed you. (beat) To be there.

Alec: Doesn't matter. You should have told me.

Josh: Yeah, because I need an extra helping of guilt right now. How'd you find out?

Alec: It was in the channels.

Josh: Does Caelyn know?

Alec: I'm sorry?

Josh: Does (rubs his forehead)... does Caelyn know?

Alec (beat): I don't think so.

Josh: Okay. (sighs) You're out. I'd be no friend to pull you back in.

Alec: I thought you were out, too.

Josh (quietly): Yeah.

Alec: You okay?

Josh: Yeah. You know, my head....

Alec: You should go home.

Josh (laughs slightly): Listen, I'm going to sign off on Ess's transfer.

Alec (nods): You talked to Marshe?

Josh: Yeah. It's low-grade, routine for our guys. It'd be solo if it were in the states. (beat) She really wants this.

Alec: You tell her yet?

Josh: No. Can you do it for me?

Alec: Seriously?

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: You know that you're basically giving me a lot of goodwill that she would otherwise show to you?

Josh (laughs): Yeah.

Alec: Okay.

Josh: I have to talk to Caelyn, then I'm going get out of here.

Alec: 'Bout what?

Josh: What?

Alec: What do you have to talk to Caelyn about?

Josh: Nothing. Prior conversation... it got left hanging. Hey, how did sailing work out?

Alec: I’m still… I haven’t…- the boat looks nice.

Josh (beat): I have to talk to Caelyn now.

Alec: You going to tell her you love her?

Josh: Get out.

Alec (laughs): Get some rest, bro. (exits)

Josh: Caelyn!

Caelyn: Hey.

Josh: Hey.

Caelyn (beat): You okay, Josh?

Josh: Yeah. Yeah, sorry. Can we talk in my office?

Caelyn: Are you firing me?

Josh (laughs slightly): No.

Caelyn: Promoting me?

Shift to office as they enter.

Josh: Not exactly.

Caelyn: Do I still have to go to Denmark?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Well... okay. But this is sounding anti-climatic already.

Josh: I'm hoping. (shuts door) (long beat) I was making a hit. That's why the Secretary was here. She wanted me to take out a state-side terrorist, and I did.

Caelyn: Josh-

Josh: I'm that guy. I worked by specialized-contract before Gerrard hired me here. (beat) I am that kind of guy. (beat) I just... I didn't want to lie to you.

Caelyn (quietly/beat): Josh, did you think I'd condemn you for killing a terrorist?

Josh: No. I thought you might find me... repulsive. That's probably not the right word. (sighs) My head hurts.

Caelyn (walks over and gives him a hug): You're a good man.

Josh (sincerely, tiredly): Thank you.

Caelyn (holds on for a moment): You should go home.

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Josh, it's very sweet that you were worried about what I would think.

Josh: I wasn't worried.

Caelyn (opens door): It was sweet.

Josh: Okay, but I wasn't worried.

Caelyn: Just a bit.

Josh (smiles, beat): I'm going home now.

Caelyn: Good.

Josh exits. She sits at her desk, and smiles after a moment. Fade out.

Ep 10

2007-02-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: ADTEO - main offices, Josh, Ess.

Josh: Every year, Ess.

Ess: This year is different.

Josh: This year is the same.

Ess: No, it’s different. You want to know why it’s different?

Josh: Do you want to tell me?

Ess: This year I have a costume.

Josh: So you’re ready?

Ess: I’m ready.

Josh: Who?

Ess: What?

Josh: Of whom is the costume? Notice the change from ‘who’ to ‘whom?’

Ess: Guess.

Josh: Okay, I’m guessing you did, but don’t want to say.

Ess: Guess the costume.

Josh: Did you notice the change?

Ess: Yes, Josh, I noticed.

Josh: Not a lot of guys would have made that change.

Ess: I think you’re wrong, and, incidentally, boring.

Josh: Scarlet O’Hara.

Ess: No.

Josh: Buffy Summers.

Ess: No- how would you dress up-

Josh: Blonde wig, a stake.

Ess: A steak?

Josh: A piece of wood, not a barbequed sirloin.

Ess: No.

Josh: Cerberus, Guardian of Hades.

Ess: Be serious.

Josh: I shall not.

Ess: Fine, then. You’ll just have to wait until the party, (Josh begins to speak) and shut up.

Josh: John Goodman.

Ess: I’m done talking to you.

Josh: Because you are daunted by my superior grasp of the English language?

Ess: Not talking, and, whatever.

Josh: Alec will talk to-

Alec (off-screen): Josh!

Josh: See?

Alec: You’re not going to believe this.

Josh: Ess wants to have a Halloween party.

Alec: Again?

Ess: We’ve never had one before.

Alec: We have one every year.

Ess: No, we try to have one every year, but it never works.

Alec: ‘Cause you never get a costume.

Ess: I have one this year.

Alec: Psylocke?

Ess: And now I’m not talking to you, either.

Alec (to Josh): Listen, Mac Tanner was on the news last night.

Josh: Mac Tanner is always on the news. He’s like the anchor of CBN.

Alec: He named Gerrard by… name.

Josh (to Ess): Did ya’ hear that?

Ess rolls her eyes.

Alec: How come you’re not upset over this?

Josh: That sentence structure?

Alec: Tanner is on network television, trashing our boss.

Josh: He’s a hack, and everyone knows he’s a hack.

Alec: Well, clearly not everyone, since he keeps getting gigs.

Josh: He names a different officer every week. No one cares.

Alec: ‘I care.’ (to Ess) Luke Skywalker, A New Hope.

Ess: I know you’d expect me to be impressed, but I’m oddly not.

Alec: Well, give it a minute. (beat/ to Josh) You really don’t care?

Josh: I really don’t.

Alec: I would have thought you more loyal.

Josh: Give it a rest.

Alec (to Ess): What about you?

Ess: You’re going to think it’s cool.

Alec: I’m sorry?

Ess: My costume.

Alec (beat): Okay.

Ess: You want to know what it is?

Alec: Sure.

Ess: Guess.

Alec: I really didn’t care that much. (to Josh) I’m going to talk to Gerrard.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: I’m going to tell him that at least one of us has his back.

Caelyn enters.

Josh: He’s not going to care.

Caelyn: Did you get it?

Ess: I did!

Caelyn: Josh, we’re having a Halloween party.

Josh: Are you?

Caelyn: Yes. It will be fun.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: I already have a costume.

Caelyn: She already has a costume.

Josh: I know.

Caelyn: We need party snacks and decorations.

Ess: And everyone needs a costume.

Josh: Please stop.

Caelyn: This is exciting.

Alec: Is that what it is?

Ess: You have to buy a costume?

Alec: You mean I can’t just cut holes in my pillow case?

Ess: We’re thinking of inviting people.

Alec: You don’t know any other people.

Ess: I know people.

Josh: Invite whomever you want. See, there I go again with the ‘whom.’

Ess: I sit here unmoved.

Josh: Only because you’re a cultural wasteland.

Ess: And that makes sense.

Caelyn: What did I miss?

Ess: Josh is in love with his ability to conjugate verbs.

Josh: Do you even know what that means?

Ess: I know I have a costume that will knock your socks off.

Josh: Napoleon Dynamite?

Ess: Referencing obscure fiction went over real well with Amy, did it?

Alec: It’s not obscure.

Josh: Amy liked my quirks.

Ess: Yet still left you at the altar.

Josh: Never said she liked me.

Fade out. End Scene 1.

Scene 2: ADTEO - Alec, Josh, Ess, Caelyn.

Caelyn (suddenly giggles/ everyone looks up at her): Sorry. (beat) I was just picturing Ess as Napoleon Dynamite.

Ess: Well, stop it.

Caelyn: That nice, burgundy suit.

Josh and Alec laugh. Gerrard enters.

Gerrard: What’s the joke?

Alec: Ess is dressing as Napoleon Dynamite for Halloween.

Gerrard (beat): Isn’t that what she is every year?

Ess: I never dress up! This is the first time!

Gerrard: Oh. I’ll be in my office.

Alec: Gerrard.

Gerrard: Yeah?

Josh: Don’t.

Alec: Mac Tanner-

Josh: Dude.

Alec: Mac Tanner was on ABC news last night railing against ADTE policy. He named you.

Gerrard: Okay. (turns toward his office)

Alec: Boss, you want us to-

Gerrard turns and looks at him, waiting patiently and curiously.

Alec (beat): - take him out?

Gerrard: Take him out?

Alec: Or something.

Gerrard (laughs): Stop watching Mac Tanner on TV, Alec. (enters his office)

Josh: It’s almost as if I’m clairvoyant.

Alec: You can’t spell clairvoyant.

Josh: No one can spell clairvoyant.

Caelyn: I’m going out.

Josh: You just got here.

Caelyn: I’m going to buy a pumpkin.

Josh: We actually pay you to work here.

Caelyn: Maybe more than one pumpkin.

Josh: We pay you quite a lot.

Caelyn: My own little insincere pumpkin patch.

Ess: I’ll go with you.

Caelyn: Okay. (they exit)

Josh and Alec exchange a glance.

Alec: Breakfast?

Josh: Sure.

They exit.

Shift- Late night, ADTEO, Main Offices. Josh, Ess, Luke, Janie, Caelyn. They are all busy, talking on the phones and other activities. Frantic atmosphere.

Josh (walks out of his office): Janie!

Janie: I’m right here.

Josh: Get me the chief back. Luke?

Luke (with a phone, on hold): Still nothing.

Josh: Okay.

Janie: Chief Minon, line 3.

Josh goes into his office. Shift inside.

Josh (picks up phone): Chief, this is Moritz again. (pause) I understand, but I honestly don’t care. (pause) Yeah, well, it’s not your call. Put him on the phone. (pause) Because if you don’t, I’ll have your badge within the hour. (pause) Excellent. (hangs up/walks back out to main offices)

Shift.

Josh: Janie, Alec’s going to be-

Janie’s phone rings.

Janie: Alec? (slight pause) Right here. (hands phone to Josh)

Josh (into phone): You okay? (pause) Well, yeah. Was it clean? (pause)

Luke: Josh! The Director is issuing the order as we speak.

Josh (into phone): Alright, they’re bringing you out. (pause) What’s his name? (pause) Caelyn, find everything you can on Jett Terrance.

Caelyn nods.

Josh (into phone): We’ll talk when you get back. (hangs up)

Luke’s phone rings.

Luke (into phone): Sorrason. (long pause) Thank you. (hangs up) The Director’s office is having the county cops bring Alec to the nearest airport. He should be arriving at ADTE’s airbase by 0400.

Josh: Good. Good work, Luke.

Caelyn: Josh?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Jett Mathias Terrance, son of former senator Lincoln Terrance, graduated from Ohio State last year. He’s been working in anti-cleansing organizations for the last six. Both CIA and ADTE have files on him, and there is unconfirmed suspicion that he helped orchestrate the violent riot at Cleveland.

Josh: ADTE interference?

Caelyn: Multiple, but never severe.

Ess: Did he say it was clean?

Josh: Yeah, it was clean.

Ess: So he’s going to be okay, then, right?

Josh: Yeah. Might get ugly if the senator starts spinning it. Caelyn, find his voting records in regards to-

Caelyn: Already did. Apparently, he and his son don’t see eye-to-eye politically.

Josh: Okay. Well, let’s hope we don’t have to talk about that again.

Kevin comes out of Gerrard’s office.

Kevin: Josh.

Josh (nods): Ess.

Ess looks surprised but follows him into Gerrard’s office.

Shift - Gerrard’s office.

Gerrard: You get him back?

Josh: I’ll pick him up at the airfield in a few hours.

Gerrard: Good. I’ve been speaking with a very angry senator.

Josh: You knew who got hit?

Gerrard: Not until the senator called.

Josh: Alec said it was clean.

Gerrard: I’m sure it was, but we’ll have to verify it.

Josh: Yeah.

Ess (quietly): What happened?

Gerrard: I’m sorry?

Ess: What happened, exactly?

Kevin: Alec was hunting two hostiles on the outskirts of Chicago. Apparently, Mr. Terrance has himself a tracking device, and was waiting for ADTE arrival. The body count is two dead hostiles, and Mr. Terrance remains in critical condition.

Ess: He tried to save the ghouls?

Gerrard: Most likely. It’s what the anti-cleansing crowd does.

Ess: So… why would Alec even be arrested?

Gerrard: He shouldn’t have been, but the boy was smart enough not to cause any more trouble. Legally, we could close down the entire police department for interference, but that would be overkill, I think.

Josh: Just a bit.

Gerrard: You talked to the Chief?

Josh: Yeah.

Gerrard: Talk to him again.

Josh: Put fear in him?

Gerrard (smiles slightly): Just a bit.

Josh nods, and he opens the door for Ess. They exit.

Shift - main offices.

Josh: Janie, get me the chief one more time.

Janie: Okay, but he really doesn’t like you.

Josh: I don’t much like him either.

Janie: Line 2.

Josh: It was three last time.

Janie: Cool.

Josh: Okay.

Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3: Ess and Caelyn’s apartment. Ess opens the door (she is dressed as Aeris). Luke and Adriana are there (Luke is dressed as Antonio Banderas and Adriana is dressed as Selma Hayek from Desperado).

Ess (cheerfully): Come in!

Luke: Ess, this is Adriana.

Adriana (smiling): I think we’ve met before.

Ess: In the lobby a few times. I’m so glad you could make it.

Adriana: I love your costume.

Ess: Thank you!

Adriana: I was going to go with a whole Cinderella thing, but Luke wanted to match.

Ess: You guys look really nice together.

Shift -kitchen: Josh and Caelyn. (Josh is dressed as Alucard from Hellsing, Caelyn as Sarah Connor from Terminator 2)

Caelyn: Who are you supposed to be?

Josh: Alucard.

Caelyn: I don’t know who that is.

Josh: From Hellsing.

Caelyn: Oh, Alucard from Hellsing.

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Who is that?

Josh: Forget it.

Caelyn: ‘Cause he looks awfully European.

Josh: Ouch.

Caelyn: You know who I am?

Josh: You’re Caelyn.

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: That’s a costume?

Caelyn: You think I just dress like th- of course this is a costume!

Josh: Okay.

Caelyn: Here. (picks up a large model automatic rifle and puts on sunglasses)

Josh (beat): That’s kind of hot.

Caelyn (giggles): I’m Sarah Connor, from Terminator.

Josh: I know.

Caelyn: Who are you, again?

Josh: Alucard.

Caelyn: Is he a bad guy?

Josh: Sort of.

Caelyn: Because he looks ridiculous.

Josh: That’s how awesome he is. He can get away dressing like this.

Caelyn: Sarah Connor could take him.

Josh: She really couldn’t.

Caelyn: You see this gun?

Josh: I’m an immortal vampire.

Caelyn (beat): So, then, a draw?

Josh: You have no chance, Heaton.

Caelyn (laughs/beat): You think I’m hot?

Josh: Usually.

Caelyn: Are you flirting with me, Josh?

Josh (airily): It’s what I do.

Shift - Alec enters apartment. Ess immediately pulls him aside.

Ess: Alec.

Alec: What?

Ess: You can’t do this, Alec.

Alec: Do what?

Ess: Use this as an excuse to be despondent.

Alec: Use what?

Ess: Alec.

Alec: Ess, I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Ess: I’m talking about Jett Terrance.

Alec: You think I’m despondent about Terrance?

Ess: Yes.

Alec: I’m not.

Ess: I think you are.

Alec: Okay, but I’m not.

Ess: Then why aren’t you in costume?

Alec: How do you get from-

Ess: If you weren’t depressed, you’d have worn a costume.

Alec: I’m wearing a costume!

Ess: What?

Alec: This is my costume.

Ess: You’re wearing a sweater.

Alec: I’m Bob Saget.

Ess (beat): Who?

Alec (looks at her in disbelief): Josh!

Shift - Gerrard and Melanie (attractive woman in her early forties) are in Gerrard’s office.

Melanie: I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. Agent Wright’s decision saved lives, not only his own.

Gerrard: Verification?

Melanie: Before midnight, I’d expect.

Gerrard (smiles): Excellent. Thank you, Ms. Park.

Melanie: Call me Melanie.

Gerrard (nods): Well, I certainly appreciate your work on this matter.

Melanie (smiles): It’s my job, Commander Sully.

Gerrard: No, you can’t do that.

Melanie (laughs slightly): Gerrard.

Gerrard (beat): Would you like to go get some coffee? Or, you know, pie?

Melanie (surprised): You take all lawyers who come into your office to coffee?

Gerrard: Just the good ones.

Melanie (smiles/nods): Coffee sounds nice.

Shift - Kitchen: Luke, Ess, and Caelyn.

Ess: So?

Luke: So, what?

Caelyn: She seems nice.

Luke: That’s why you asked me to come in here?

Ess: Of course.

Luke: You said you needed help bringing out the food.

Caelyn: And you’re gullible.

Luke (sighs): She is nice.

Alec (comes in and grabs a glass, starts filling it with water): I like her costume.

Ess: You what?

Alec (beat): I don’t like her costume. Ew.

Ess: Shut up.

Alec: I like your costume.

Ess: It’s better than Bill Saget.

Alec: Bob… Bob Saget. (he exits)

Caelyn: What are her hobbies?

Luke: She likes hockey.

Caelyn: Yeah? Hockey is good.

Luke: I’m glad you think so.

Ess: Does she have family?

Luke: I’m not sure leaving her out there with Josh and Alec is such a smart idea.

Ess: Does she have family?

Luke: Yeah, a big one.

Caelyn: Have you met any of them?

Luke: What is this?

Caelyn: We’re showing interest.

Luke: Why?

Caelyn: Because we’re interested.

Shift - Apartment living room. Adriana is showing Josh how to roll his tongue.

Adriana: No, like this.

Josh: This?

Adriana: No. You know, you’re like the only person ever who can’t do it.

Josh: Well, I don’t think that data is very accurate.

Adriana: My three-year old nephew can do it.

Alec: Is that a big deal where you come from?

Adriana: I’m just saying.

Alec: Why isn’t the food ready yet?

Josh: The girls are probably busy playing ‘Truth or Dare.’

Alec: I find myself feeling less and less that you know anything about women.

Adriana: I’ll go check.

Alec: Me too.

Josh: Is this a bonding thing?

Alec: Shut up.

The three of them get up and go into the kitchen.

Alec: We need food.

Caelyn (throws him a bag of chips): Here.

Alec (beat): Cool. (walks out)

Adriana: What’s up?

Luke: They don’t think I’m good enough for you.

Caelyn: He really isn’t.

Adriana (laughs/to Luke): I think you’re alright.

Ess: That won’t last.

Luke: They’re kind of like harpies.

Caelyn: And that’s the extent of his winning charm.

Josh: How’s your boyfriend, Caelyn?

Caelyn: What?

Josh: Ooh, yeah, I keep forgetting. You don’t have one. (Caelyn raises her eyebrows in humored surprise) (to Ess) And aren’t you dating Alec?

Ess: Yeah, okay. I shouldn’t be talking.

Josh: Really shouldn’t.

Caelyn: I could have a boyfriend, if I wanted one.

Josh: Uh huh.

Caelyn: I could.

Adriana: You could.

Josh (to Luke): Women.

Luke: Yeah.

Ess: Hey, Josh.

Josh: No, I will not make out with you.

Ess: Shut up.

Josh: ‘Kay.

Ess: Is Alec okay?

Josh: With the thing?

Ess: Yeah.

Josh: He’s fine.

Ess: You sure.

Josh: Yeah. He’s fine.

Ess: He seems a little distant.

Josh: He’s tired. Don’t worry about it.

Ess: I find myself unable to help it.

Josh: ‘cause you’re in love.

Ess: Seriously, shut up. (to the others) I’m going to go watch movies with my boyfriend. If you’re not out there, you don’t get a say in what we watch.

Josh: If you put in Pride and Prejudice, we’re all going to go home.

Adriana: I love that movie!

Josh: Luke, I hate to say it, but you’re too good for her.

Caelyn hits his shoulder.

Josh: You hit like a girl.

Caelyn: Always funny, Josh.

Josh: I know.

Ess and Adriana and Luke file out.

Josh: How does it feel to be the sixth wheel?

Caelyn: What?

Josh: The sixth wheel. I just wanted to let you know you don’t need to feel uncomfortable.

Caelyn (laughs): Okay. (beat) You really think I can’t get a boyfriend?

Josh: I call ‘em as I see ‘em.

Caelyn: I can get any guy I want.

Josh: Sure.

Caelyn: I like my life right now, is all. I’m happy with my job, and my friends, and I don’t feel I need to change it.

Josh: I know. I feel the same way.

Caelyn: No, it’s different with you. Your fiancée left you, and now you’re gun-shy.

Josh (laughs): Okay.

Caelyn (grins): I’m kidding.

Josh: I know.

Caelyn: I really could have a boyfriend.

Josh: Yeah, whatever.

They exit the kitchen. Shift to living room.

Josh: Alec, come here a minute.

Ess: Josh, we’re gonna watch the movie now.

Josh: Just a minute.

Alec and Josh enter kitchen. Shift to kitchen.

Josh: Hey.

Alec: Hey.

Josh: Ess is worried about you.

Alec: Yeah, she shouldn’t be.

Josh: I told her that.

Alec: Good.

Josh: I told her you were fine, and that she shouldn’t be worried.

Alec (nods): Good.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: That’s it?

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Okay. (starts to exit)

Josh: Alec.

Alec: Yeah?

Josh: Are you okay?

Alec (smiles slightly): I’m fine, Josh.

Josh (nods): Okay.

They walk back out.

Ess: All set?

Alec: Yeah.

Ess: Is everything okay?

Josh: Stop worrying?

Ess: I’m not worrying.

Josh: You are fretful and anxious.

Ess: That doesn’t make you look smart.

Josh: Yeah, it does.

Alec: Watch the movie.

Josh’s phone rings.

Josh (on cell): Moritz.

Ess: I can worry about my boyfriend.

Alec: Watch the movie.

Adriana: What’s going on?

Luke: Nothing.

Alec: Thank you.

Ess: Alec is hurting inside.

Alec: I am not hurting- would you watch the movie?

Adriana: What happened?

Alec: I shot somebody, and Ess thinks I am suffering under the emotional burden of that act.

Ess: See? It’s a burden.

Josh hangs up.

Caelyn: Who was that?

Josh: No one.

Caelyn: Was it the Scarlet Pimpernel, asking for his clothes back?

Josh: That’s funny.

Caelyn: I’m a funny girl.

Alec: Josh.

Josh: You’re a funny girl, too.

Alec: Josh.

Josh: Watch the movie.

Alec: Josh.

Josh (beat/sighs): Jett Terrance died about an hour ago.

Alec looks at him for a moment, then nods slowly. Everyone is quiet. Fade out. End Scene 3.

Scene 4: ADTEO, Gerrard’s office - Josh, Alec, Luke, Gerrard.

Alec: I’m not saying permanent, I’m just saying-

Gerrard: And I’m saying no.

Josh: You didn’t do anything wrong.

Alec: I know I didn’t.

Josh: Then act like it.

Alec (to Gerrard): For ADTE.

Gerrard: ADTE can do with your martyrdom.

Alec: Only for a few weeks. Something on my record.

Gerrard: We are not going into the business of apologizing for doing what we have to! You understand me?

Alec: For P.R.!

Josh: We’re done here.

Alec: Josh-

Josh: We’re done.

Alec looks at him for a moment, then exits. Luke follows.

Gerrard: Don’t let him get to you.

Josh: He should know better.

Gerrard: It’s different when you’re the guy.

Josh: I sick of these people, Gerrard. I’m sick of them balking every time we make a choice.

Gerrard: People always cry, Josh.

Josh (nods slowly/beat): How are you with the… you know?

Gerrard: Don’t worry about it.

Josh (nods): Okay. I’m going out there, unless you need something.

Gerrard: Yeah, well, I do need to ask you something.

Josh: Sure.

Gerrard: You know Melanie Park?

Josh: From legal?

Gerrard: Yeah.

Josh: We’ve met a few times. She knows what she’s doing.

Gerrard: Yeah.

Josh (beat): Is that what you wanted to ask me?

Gerrard: What? Yeah. Okay; keep Alec’s head in the game, alright? Last thing we need is for him to do something stupid.

Josh: Yeah. Why did you ask me about Ms. Park?

Gerrard: Nothing. We, uh… we had coffee last night. She does seem to know what she’s doing.

Josh (looks at him oddly): Okay.

Gerrard: Let me know what mission you pick up.

Josh: Always. (begins to exit, turns around) No, you’re not.

Gerrard: I’m sorry?

Josh: Too old. You’re not.

Gerrard: Get out.

Josh: You bet. (exits)

Gerrard smiles a little.

Shift - Main offices. Josh enters.

Josh: Anything good, Janie?

Janie: There’s some kind of activity in Brazil that State is starting to lean on us to take care of.

Josh: What kind of activity?

Janie: Unconfirmed, officially, but the locals call it Xolotl.

Josh: Ah, the devil chicken.

Janie: Um, no, it’s the Aztec god of the dead.

Josh: How come no one ever sends us reports of El Pollo Diablo?

Janie: You want me to go on, or are you going to be crazy for a little while?

Caelyn grins.

Josh: Go ahead.

Janie: The Richmond-Davis Sub-Surface Research Facility-

Josh (to Caelyn): That means it’s underwater.

Caelyn gives him a withering look.

Janie: - is infested. Charlie is going to pick it up within the hour, so if you want it, we have to go now.

Josh: Let them have it.

Caelyn: Is that because you’re scared to go underwater?

Josh: Yes.

Caelyn: Is that because you’re still a little boy on the inside?

Josh: Remember that time you shot me?

Caelyn: Fondly.

Josh: Whatever.

Janie: And then we have your average across nests and things. There are two in close proximity along the Alaskan border.

Luke: I don’t want to go to Alaska.

Josh: That leaves Brazil’s devil chicken.

Luke: Sounds good.

Josh: Call Kevin, have him set it up with Foreign Affairs. (Caelyn gets up and exits via hallway)

Janie: Okay. (Josh follows Caelyn)

Shift to hallway- Josh and Caelyn are walking to the print station.

Josh: Caelyn.

Caelyn: Well, hey there, Josh.

Josh: Hey.

Caelyn: Did you know that starfish don’t have brains?

Josh: I did.

Caelyn: Well, clearly there is nothing I can’t teach you then.

Josh: That was your best shot?

Caelyn: Yes, and you ruined it. You leave me with nothing, Josh.

Josh: Okay. Where is Hadassah?

Caelyn: She wasn’t feeling well, so she might not be in for awhile.

Josh: She might not be in?

Caelyn: Yes.

Josh: You just forgot to tell me?

Caelyn: Yes.

Josh: You don’t think that’s something you should tell me right away?

Caelyn: I chose to tell you about the starfish.

Josh: I already knew about the starfish.

Caelyn: Now I know that.

Josh: Is it because she went out and got plastered after we all left?

Caelyn: Who?

Josh: Flannery O’Connor- Ess, who do you think?

Caelyn: No.

Josh: ‘Cause I’ve heard rumors.

Caelyn: You mustn’t believe everything you hear, Josh.

Josh: Call her and find out if she’s coming to Brazil or not.

Caelyn: Okay.

Josh: Thanks.

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: Yeah?

Caelyn: Did you know that ostriches eat rocks to help them digest their food?

Josh: Yes.

Caelyn: You did not.

Josh: Everyone knows that.

Caelyn: Really?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: So you feel the need to lord your superior grasp of trivia over me?

Josh: I didn’t-

Caelyn: I’m going to make copies of this now, unless you want to mock me some more.

Josh: Well, I do, but I have to go do work.

Caelyn: Yeah, you do that..

Josh: Don’t forget to call Ess.

Caelyn: Remember that time I shot you?

Josh: I’m leaving.

Shift - Main offices.

Luke: And the best part is, I don’t even think about Tanya anymore.

Alec: Yet still talk about her.

Luke: Only to say that I don’t think of her anymore.

Alec: Good.

Janie: Well, I liked her.

Luke: Tanya?

Janie: Adriana.

Alec: For crying out loud, Luke.

Luke: I thought she meant Tanya.

Janie: I’ve never met Tanya.

Luke: I didn’t say you were being logical about it.

Alec: Luke, I swear, if you mess this up because you can’t let go of some girl you dated over a year ago, I will have to… break your face or something.

Luke: Okay.

Alec: Any other reason is fine; just… let the library girl go!

Luke: She’s not a librari-

Alec: I don’t care! Shhhhhhhh.

Luke: Okay.

Alec looks at Janie in frustration and shakes his head. Ess enters via elevator, as Josh enters from hallway.

Alec: Hey, I heard you were sick.

Ess: I didn’t sleep well.

Josh: For future reference, Caelyn’s like a four-year-old, so don’t trust her with relaying messages.

Ess: Josh, did you get the message?

Josh: Well, yeah, but not until like four minutes ago.

Ess: You’ll live.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: Mac Tanner is calling for my head on CBN.

Josh: He wants to put your head on CBN?

Alec: No, Josh, he’s on CBN, calling-, shut up.

Ess: You got Gerrard’s name out of the news, at least.

Alec (snorts amusedly): Yeah.

Caelyn walks in.

Caelyn: Ess, are you coming to Brazil with us?

Ess: We’re going to Brazil?

Josh: To hunt the devil chicken.

Luke: El Pollo Diablo.

Ess: Are you kidding me?

Janie: They’re calling it Xolotl. We think it’s a behemoth.

Josh: Or a big chicken.

Ess (to Caelyn): One of those days?

Caelyn: Yeah. Hey, did you know that starfish don’t have brains?

Luke: What?

Ess: Everyone knows that.

Luke: Starfish don’t have brains?

Caelyn: Ha.

Alec: I’m feeling confused.

Josh: Women are weird.

Janie: I knew about starfish.

Luke: How do they live, then?

Caelyn: What?

Luke: If they don’t have brains, how do they live?

Caelyn (beat): You feel better about yourself now?

Josh laughs; Luke looks bewildered. Fade out. End Scene 4.

Ep 9

2007-02-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

ADTEO: Josh’s office. Josh, Alec enters.

Alec: We need to talk.

Josh: Okay, yes, it was me, but I had a good reason.

Alec: What are you talking about?

Josh (beat): Nothing. (beat) What’s your thing?

Alec (gives him a look): Ess is going on a ski trip with her sister and the sister’s fiancé.

Josh (beat): That’s what we need to talk about?

Alec: It’s a big deal.

Josh: It’s a small deal. It’s actually no deal at all.

Alec: It’s a big deal to me.

Josh: Yeah, but you’re high-strung.

Alec: She didn’t invite me.

Josh: Maybe she didn’t want you to come with them.

Alec: Well, clearly. Clearly, she didn’t want me to come with them. The way I know she didn’t want me to come with them is that she didn’t ask me to come with them.

Josh: I think that’s a safe assumption.

Alec: The question is ‘why.’

Josh: Really?

Alec: Is it something I did?

Josh: I don’t know. What did you do?

Alec: I didn’t do anything.

Josh: Then it probably wasn’t that.

Alec: Then what?

Josh: Maybe she has a secret boyfriend who is going to be there.

Alec: You think this is a time for your funny jokes?

Josh: No.

Alec: No.

Josh: Maybe?

Alec: No.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: Should I ask her?

Josh: If you can go?

Alec: What?

Josh (beat): What are we talking about again?

Alec: Should I ask her why she didn’t ask me, or will that seem too needy?

Josh: It will seem needy.

Alec: Yeah?

Josh: And you know what else? It will seem like you don’t trust her.

Alec: I trust her.

Josh: Good.

Alec: I just like to ski, is all.

Josh: Have you ever skied?

Alec: I’ve seen people ski.

Josh: You should try it sometime; it’s a blast.

Alec: That’s what I’m saying.

Josh: Maybe she knows you can’t ski, and doesn’t want you to embarrass her.

Alec: You think that could be it?

Josh: Sure.

Alec: She’s afraid I’ll embarrass her?

Josh: I’d go with it.

Alec: Well, now I have to talk to her.

Josh: Because of my advice.

Alec: That was good advice.

Josh: No, it was bad advice. The way you can tell it was bad advice is because I’m the one who gave it.

Alec: You give good advice.

Josh: I do. I do give good advice, but this time I was giving bad advice.

Alec: Why?

Josh: Because you’re feeble at the moment, and I enjoy messing with your mind.

Alec: I’m not feeble.

Josh: You’re paltry and languid.

Alec: I’m not.

Josh: You are.

Alec: You’re saying that I shouldn’t talk to her?

Josh: I did say that, yes.

Alec: Was that the good or bad advice?

Josh (beat): I don’t remember.

Alec: I think I’m going to talk to her.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: I’m not feeble.

Josh: Like a newborn chick.

Alec: You think Ess is making me weak?

Josh: No, I think your paranoid, and it’s making you feeble.

Alec: Well… it’s not. I mean, I’m not. Paranoid. Or feeble.

Josh: Well-argued.

Alec: Shut up.

Caelyn knocks and comes in.

Caelyn: What are you guys doing?

Alec: Why didn’t Ess ask me to go skiing with her?

Caelyn: I didn’t know you skied.

Alec: I don’t sk- that’s not the point.

Josh: I ski.

Caelyn: I’ve skied a few times. I’m not very good at it.

Alec: The point is, she’s going there with people, and not one of those people are me.

Caelyn: That’s the point?

Alec: That’s my point.

Caelyn: Okay. (to Josh) I usually stay on the Bunny Hill.

Josh: Most people don’t say things like that with so much pride.

Alec: Maybe she thinks we’re moving too fast.

Caelyn: That’s why I stay on the Bunny Hill.

Alec: What?

Caelyn: You know. Moving too fast.

Alec: Ess and I!

Caelyn: You’ve been out twice.

Josh: Maybe she’s worried her sister might be attracted to you.

Alec: There’s a thought.

Caelyn: Yeah, I don’t think that’s it.

Alec: What, then?

Caelyn: You can’t ski!

Alec (snorts dismissively): That means nothing.

Josh: I’d talk to her if I were you.

Alec: Yeah, I think I have to.

Josh: No, see, that was the bad advice again.

Alec: Stop doing that.

Josh: I can’t help it; you’re just so feeble.

Alec: I’m not-

Josh: You really are.

Alec: I’m not feeble!

Caelyn: I think I could make you cry right now.

Alec (looks at her blankly, then turns to Josh): So the sister-thing?

Josh: Yeah, I’m going with the sister-thing.

Caelyn: You guys are idiots.

Josh: Maybe she’s afraid to commit.

Alec: The sister?

Josh: Ess.

Alec (beat) That makes more sense.

Caelyn: This is incredible.

Ess storms in.

Ess: You can’t ski!

Alec (beat/ turns to Josh who is looking at him questioningly): I left her a message last night.

Josh: Did you?

Alec: Yes. (to Ess) Let me-

Ess: You are so paranoid that you think that not asking you to go on a outing with my sister means I’m dumping you!?

Alec (beat): Ess-

Ess: What?

Alec: You should know that I’m quite feeble right now.

Josh: Like a puppy, almost.

Alec: Yes.

Ess: You’re feeble? What-… what does that even mean?

Josh: He sometimes forgets to ask to be let out when he has to-

Alec: It means that I really like you, and that I’m scared that I might do something, anything, to wreck it.

Caelyn: Like leave an irate message on her machine at 2am?

Alec: Why did you come in here, again?

Caelyn: I heard there might be a show.

Alec (to Ess): You tell her everything?

Ess (to Josh): Can’t you help him?

Josh: Help him what?

Ess: I don’t know. You were engaged once. Somehow, you managed to make it that far.

Josh: Luck.

Alec: Listen-

Ess: You think I wasn’t?

Alec: I think it’s possible you weren’t.

Ess: I was.

Alec: Okay. (beat) I’m sorry?

Ess rolls her eyes and walks out.

Caelyn (beat): You two are such a cute couple.

Alec looks at her blankly, and she smiles and exits.

End Scene 1.

Scene 2 - ADTEO: Kevin, Janie, Luke. Elevator opens. Timothy Reynolds and two men in suits (his body-guards) step out.

Janie: Mr. Chairman! (the three of them stand up)

Reynolds: Is Commander Sully in?

Janie: Yes, sir.

Reynolds: Does he have a moment?

Janie: Of course, sir. (picks up phone) Gerrard, the Chairman is here to see you. (pause) Chairman Reynolds. (hangs up)

Gerrard exits his office.

Gerrard: Mr. Chairman! To what do we owe the honor?

Reynolds: I have a few issues I’d like to go over with you, if you have the time.

Gerrard: Of course. (beat) Would you care to step into my office?

Reynolds: Thank you.

Gerrard: Can we get you anything?

Reynolds: I just came from breakfast. But thank you.

The four men enter Gerrard’s office and shut the door. Luke, Janie, and Kevin stare at the door.

Luke (beat): One of you going to call Josh?

Janie: Oh! Yeah, I’m on it.

Luke (to Kevin): You know anything?

Kevin: I know many things.

Luke: About why he’s here?

Kevin: I know very few things about that.

Luke: Maybe Josh knows.

Janie (on phone, to Luke): Josh doesn’t know.

Luke: Okay.

Kevin (beat): How’s your girlfriend?

Luke (beat): I think I picked the wrong one.

Kevin: Ouch.

Luke: Yeah.

Kevin: Well, if it’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be.

Luke (beat): Thanks, I feel better now.

Kevin: You could always get back together with Tammie.

Luke: Tanya.

Kevin: That’s the one.

Luke: I could, you know, get back together with her, but I don’t think it would work out, as she doesn’t want to see me ever again.

Kevin: I don’t know. Makes it challenging.

Luke: Because dating’s not hard enough without an extra challenge.

Kevin: I’ve been married for thirty-eight years.

Luke: You and your wife… was there ever a time when you broke up, before you got married?

Kevin: Nope.

Luke: Not even a little?

Kevin: What’s ‘a little?’

Luke: She started dating a librarian, maybe?

Kevin (laughs): Be thankful for what you got.

Luke: Yeah, I know.

Scene shift - Gerrard’s office.

Reynolds: You understand that I know very little of what is going on that isn’t covered in the ‘general’ section of this topic?

Gerrard: I understand.

Reynolds: For all I know you have good reason for this… campaign, if you will. You know the Council trusts you.

Gerrard: But I over-stepped the bounds?

Reynolds: Well, hopefully not yet. But the other Commanders are getting anxious, and there’s a feeling out there that they’d all be more comfortable with you out.

Gerrard: Would you?

Reynolds: I’m sorry?

Gerrard: Would you be more comfortable, sir?

Reynolds: Like I said, not yet.

Gerrard (beat): Sir, you know I have enormous respect for you, personally and professionally.

Reynolds: I appreciate that, Commander.

Gerrard: You have men working for you that are getting our people killed.

Reynolds: I have a lot of people working for me that are getting our people killed. It comes with the territory.

Gerrard: Not like this.

Reynolds: You think I need to be made aware?

Gerrard (beat): There are men in this very building who should have been shown the street corner a long time ago.

Reynolds: I let the Director take care of it.

Gerrard: The Director doesn’t have the authority nor the courage to go after these men.

Reynolds: So you take shots from the back, hoping someone notices?

Gerrard: Someone did.

Reynolds looks at him contemplatively.

Scene shift: Offices.

Luke: Why would the Chairman be here? (beat) Anybody? Nothing, huh? Maybe they want to give Gerrard an award.

Janie: An award?

Kevin: What kind of award?

Luke: I don’t know what kind of award. They have awards, and sometimes they give them to people.

Kevin: I don’t think so.

Luke: You don’t think they have them, or you don’t think they give them to people?

Kevin: I don’t think Gerrard’s getting an award.

Luke: Why not?

Josh and Alec enter.

Kevin: Because they usually tell people they’ve won over the phone.

Josh: What’s going on?

Luke: Chairman Reynolds is here.

Josh: Yeah, I know. What’s he doing here?

Luke: Talking to Gerrard.

Josh: Do you know anything that Janie didn’t tell me over the phone?

Luke: No.

Josh: But you wanted to talk anyway.

Luke: Yes.

Josh: How many guys came with him?

Janie: Two.

Josh: There’s a whole squad in the lobby.

Luke: There’s only a few up here.

Josh: Kevin?

Kevin: Yes?

Josh: What’s going on?

Kevin: I wouldn’t worry about it.

Josh: Really?

Kevin: Yeah.

Josh: Okay.

Luke (beat): I’m confused.

Alec: Perpetually?

Luke: Kevin says ‘don’t worry’ and Josh says ‘okay?’

Josh: Actually, sounds like you’re right on top of it.

Luke: What’s going on?

Josh: Kevin has a feel for these things.

Luke (to Kevin): You told me-

Kevin: Yes.

Luke: Why didn’t you-

Kevin: I don’t know.

Luke: You don’t know?

Kevin shrugs. Gerrard’s office door opens and the four men walk out. Everyone stands up.

Reynolds: Moritz.

Josh (they shake hands): Mr. Chairman.

Reynolds: I hear only good things, son.

Josh: My team is impeccable, sir.

Reynolds: So it seems. Keep up the good work, everyone. You’re making us proud.

Josh: Thank you, sir.

Reynolds nods, and the three of them enter the elevator and exit.

Josh (to Gerrard): What was that about?

Gerrard: Nothing. (beat) Get back to work. (he goes back into his office and shuts the door)

Josh (beat): Kevin, is it possible you’re a hack?

Kevin: It’s nothing to worry about.

Josh: I think it is possible. I think it’s possible that you’re a hack, and that I am unwise to put faith in your opinions.

Kevin: Be that as it may, I’m telling you it’s nothing to worry about.

Janie: Take it from me, the man is a hack.

Josh: Janie says you’re a professional hack, and have deep roots in hackism.

Kevin: That’s not a word.

Josh: Hack…izzle.

Kevin: I’m going to do what he said and get to work.

Janie: You would.

Luke: Maybe Gerrard’s getting fired.

Alec: Maybe you’re getting fired.

Luke: Either that or he’s getting an award.

Josh: An award?

Kevin: We already talked about this.

Josh: We did?

Janie: Before you got here.

Josh: So ‘we’ is not including myself?

Janie: Or Alec.

Josh: Okay.

Luke: We can go over it again.

Josh: Please, stop talking.

Luke: Sure.

Josh (beat): Alec, you want to go talk to Gerrard?

Kevin: Why don’t you let it go?

Josh: Because I’m not like that.

Alec: Sure. It’s not like I have work to do.

Josh: It’s not.

Alec: I know.

Josh: You don’t have any work to do.

Alec: That’s what I’m saying.

Josh: I thought you were being facetious.

Alec: I wasn’t.

Josh: Okay. (beat) Why don’t you have work to do?

Alec: I do not know.

Josh: We should look into that some time.

Alec: Later.

Josh: Yes. Let’s go see Gerrard.

Kevin: Idiots.

Josh: Did he just-

Alec: Yeah.

Josh and Alec go to Gerrard’s office and knock.

Shift to Gerrard’s office.

Gerrard: What?

Josh (opens door): I need to talk with you.

Gerrard: About what?

Josh: Can I come in?

Gerrard: Fine.

Josh and Alec come in.

Gerrard: Alec?

Alec: Boss.

Josh: So…, how about them… (to Alec) I’m drawing a blank.

Gerrard: What do you want?

Josh: Are you getting fired?

Gerrard: Excuse me?

Josh: Fired.

Alec: Axed.

Josh: Shown the door.

Alec: Given the pink slip.

Josh: Terminated.

Alec: Let go.

Josh: Canned.

Alec: Sacked.

Gerrard: That’s enough! (glares, and then breaks into a conceding smile; they grin back) You’re stuck with me awhile longer.

Josh: What did he want?

Gerrard: He wanted what you want.

Josh: To be added in your will?

Gerrard: It’s really none of your business, though, so let’s leave it at that.

Josh: It’s just I keep hearing how you’re loaded.

Gerrard: Josh.

Josh: Okay. (beat) Everything’s okay?

Gerrard: I’m fine.

Josh: Okay. Good. (to Alec) Deputy Fife.

Alec: For what it’s worth, if they ever did fire you, we’d make sure we were next.

Gerrard: Alec, that doesn’t make me feel better. It doesn’t make me appreciate your stupidity. I don’t want to take anyone down with me, I don’t want you to try to be noble. You understand?

Alec: Yeah. But it’s what we’d do.

Gerrard (sighs): You boys make life harder than it should be.

Alec smiles and nods. He and Josh exit.

Shift - main offices. Ess and Caelyn are there now.

Ess: Right here?

Luke: Yes.

Ess: In the building?

Luke: In this office.

Ess (to Josh and Alec): The Chairman was here?

Josh: He was.

Ess: I missed him?

Alec: He looks a lot like he does on TV.

Ess: Did you talk to him?

Alec: Josh did.

Ess: What did you say?

Josh: I told him his fly was undone.

Ess (beat): You’re so immature.

Josh: I know.

Caelyn: What did he want?

Alec: No one’s saying.

Kevin: Told you.

Alec (to Ess): Can I talk to you for a minute?

Ess: Okay.

They exit to the hallway.

Shift to hallway.

Alec: I’m sorry about overreacting.

Ess: It’s okay.

Alec: I don’t want to mess this up.

Ess: I know.

Alec: Okay. (beat) That’s all I wanted to say.

Ess: You should learn how to ski.

Alec: I should.

Ess: It’s fun.

Alec: I believe you.

Ess: Going ‘swish-swish’ down the slopes.

Alec: I’m saying I believe you.

Ess: Feeling the air on your face as you ‘swish-swish’ down the slopes.

Alec: Are you taunting me?

Ess: Maybe. You’re kind of frail.

Alec: Feeble.

Ess: Feeble?

Alec: The word is ‘feeble.’ I’m ‘feeble.’

Ess: ‘Frail’ is better.

Alec: It’s better to be frail?

Ess: ‘Frail’ is a better word.

Alec: Than ‘feeble?’

Ess: Yes.

Alec: Why?

Ess: Doesn’t matter.

Alec: Okay.

Ess: Are you going to learn how to ski?

Alec: Yes.

Ess: Good.

Alec: You could teach me.

Ess (smiles): That’s a nice idea.

Alec: I thought so.

They head back to the offices. Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3 - ADTEO lobby. Ess and Caelyn.

Caelyn: Please?

Ess: No.

Caelyn: Please?

Ess: Caelyn, I don’t enjoy disappointing you. I really don’t, but I’m not going to change my mind on this.

Caelyn: Okay.

Ess: Okay?

Caelyn: Fine.

Ess: Thank you.

Caelyn: I’ll train him to go in a box.

Ess: That’s… gross!

Caelyn: I’ll make sure he doesn’t jump on the furniture, and you won’t have to feed him or bathe him or anything.

Ess: No.

Caelyn: Come on, he’s so cute.

Ess: Of course he’s cute, now. In a few months he’ll be big, and smell bad, and tear apart my sofa.

Caelyn: He will not, and I’ll ask you to not talk disparagingly about Jeffy.

Ess: Jeffy?

Caelyn: I named him after the Family Circus kid.

Ess: Tell me you haven’t bought him yet.

Caelyn: I haven’t bought him yet.

Ess: Caelyn.

Caelyn: I haven’t bought him yet.

Ess: I’m serious about this. I can’t have a dog in there.

Caelyn: I’ll bathe him every day.

Ess: No, you won’t.

Caelyn: I’ll bathe him every week.

Ess: Caelyn, you’re gone all day. Having a dog cooped up in an apartment is just cruel.

Caelyn (beat/pleading): But he’s so cute.

Ess: And you’re adorable, but no.

Caelyn (pouting): Fine.

Ess: Sorry.

Caelyn: Yeah.

They enter the elevator.

Shift to offices. They exit the elevator.

Janie: Hey there.

Caelyn: Hey, Janie. Guess what.

Janie: I’m getting a raise?

Caelyn: Um, I don’t know.

Janie: ‘Cause I deserve one.

Caelyn: I’m getting a puppy!

Ess: Caelyn!

Caelyn: I mean, I would be if I didn’t share an apartment with the Gestapo.

Ess: Hey!

Caelyn: I’m kidding. (beat) Thank you for letting me stay with you, Hadassah.

Ess: Yeah.

Caelyn: Really, I appreciate it.

Ess: There better not be a dog there when I get home.

Caelyn: There won’t be. (beat) I really do appreciate it.

Ess (smiles): I know.

Gerrard enters via elevator.

Gerrard: What a beautiful day!

Ess: It’s raining.

Gerrard: Rain is beautiful, my dear.

Ess: Okay.

Gerrard: You ever have one of those mornings where you just… feel alive?

Caelyn: Are you okay?

Gerrard: Caelyn, I am better than okay. I’m alive!

Caelyn: You’re scaring me.

Gerrard (laughs): This… is a good day.

They watch him as enters his office whistling.

Ess: What was that?

Caelyn: I don’t know.

Ess: He’s your uncle.

Caelyn: I really don’t think so.

Ess: Doppelganger?

Caelyn: How do you kill those?

Ess: You know, I’m not sure.

Josh enters.

Josh: Hey, Ess, you know what I was thinking you need?

Ess: I need something?

Josh: You need a dog.

Ess: I really don’t.

Josh: Are you sure?

Ess: Quite sure.

Josh: ‘Cause the word on the street is that you could use a nice dog.

Ess (to Caelyn): You called him before you even asked me?

Caelyn: I had a feeling.

Josh: Was that good enough?

Caelyn: Yeah, it’s not going to go. Thanks, though.

Josh: Anytime.

Ess: Hey, go look in Gerrard’s office.

Josh: Why?

Ess: Just do it.

Josh: Okay.

Josh knocks on Gerrard’s door.

Gerrard (off-screen): Come in, and know me better, man!

Josh (looks at the girls with a look of pure astonishment): Just seeing if you were in, boss.

Gerrard (off-screen): I’m in like Flynn!

Josh (to Ess): Is he drunk?

Ess: I have no idea.

Josh (to Caelyn): What’s going on?

Caelyn: We think he’s a doppelganger.

Josh: Yeah.

Janie: Maybe he liked what he heard from the Chairman.

Ess: I guess that’s possible.

Caelyn: Oh, and doppelgangers aren’t? (beat) Okay.

Josh: Huh. (beat) Anyway. Alec and Luke called from Mexico. They’ll be back tonight.

Ess: Thanks.

Josh: Yeah.

Janie: Josh?

Josh: Yeah?

Janie: Mark said he’s okay with us hosting the next dinner.

Josh: Oh yeah? Great, tell him we appreciate it.

Janie: He doesn’t want you guys to eat all his steak.

Josh (beat): Okay.

Janie: He said that that the steak is his only true escape.

Josh: I don’t need to know these things.

Janie: He wanted me to tell you about not eating all the steak.

Josh: Tell him to not cook it, then.

Janie: He thinks you might ask him to cook it, and wanted to set up before hand that he wouldn’t be.

Josh: Janie, we don’t have to come over. There are plenty of nice restaurants in the area.

Janie: We want you to.

Josh: Uh huh.

Janie: Really.

Josh: Okay. (beat) Should we bring our own food?

Janie: Don’t be like that.

Josh: Like what?

Janie: I’ll smack you in the face.

Josh: Excuse me?

Janie: You heard me. Don’t be like that.

Josh: I’m serious.

Janie: I’m serious about smacking you in the face.

Josh (beat): I’m going into my office now.

Janie: You’ll stay there if you know what’s good for you.

Josh (looks at Ess, who shrugs): Okay.

Josh goes into his office.

Caelyn: So I’ve been thinking about getting a puppy.

Ess: Caelyn.

Caelyn: Oh yeah.

Ess: It’s not that I have something against dogs. I don’t. I like dogs. I think they’re nice, loyal animals and that they make good pets. I don’t want them in my apartment all day when we‘re not around.

Caelyn: Okay.

Ess: Now stop. You’re making me feel bad.

Caelyn: I’ll stop.

Ess: You’re going to show me a picture, aren’t you?

Caelyn (shows her a picture): Look at that face.

Ess: Caelyn!

Caelyn: I’ll bring him to work with me.

Ess (beat): You’ll bring him to work?

Caelyn: Or, you know, you can, if you want.

Ess (beat): Okay it with Josh.

Caelyn (grins): Okay.

Caelyn goes and knocks on Josh’s door.

Shift - Caelyn enters Josh’s office.

Josh: Gerrard’s weird, Janie’s weird, please tell me you’re not weird.

Caelyn: I’m not weird.

Josh: Thank you for that.

Caelyn: I need your permission to bring my new puppy to work.

Josh (beat): Get out.

Caelyn: Josh!

Josh: Out.

Caelyn: I’ll owe you!

Josh: You’ll owe me?

Caelyn: I’ll owe you more… than I already do.

Josh: You owe me a lot.

Caelyn: Look at the picture.

Josh (looks): He’s cute.

Caelyn: He really is.

Josh: He can’t come in here.

Caelyn: Please?

Josh: No.

Caelyn: I’ll be your best friend.

Josh (laughs): Nice.

Caelyn: So ‘no,’ huh?

Josh: Sorry, Cae. (beat) He really is cute.

Caelyn: Yeah. (beat) I didn’t think so, but I figured I should try.

Josh: I don’t blame you.

Caelyn: Okay. (beat) I know that I owe you.

Josh: What?

Caelyn: Just… I know.

Josh: I didn’t mean-

Caelyn: Oh, no, no. I know you didn’t. I just wanted to tell you, that I know how much you’ve done for me.

Josh (smiles slightly): You have no idea how glad I am that you’re here.

Caelyn: Thank you. (blushes, laughs slightly) Okay, I’m going to go back out there.

Josh: Okay. You know…

Caelyn: What?

Josh: You’re already one of my best friends.

Caelyn (smiles): You are too.

Josh grins and Caelyn exits. Fade out. End Scene 3.

Ep 8

2007-02-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: ADTEO - Josh, Luke, Caelyn.

Luke: Josh.

Josh: Yeah?

Luke: My dad is in town this week.

Josh: Oh yeah? Need some time off?

Luke: No, that’s cool. I was just wondering if it’d be all right if he came for a brief tour or something.

Josh: That’s no problem.

Luke: Thanks. I really want him to see me working at a respectable place.

Josh: Then why are you bringing him here?

Luke (snickers): Right. I’m pretty sure this would count in his book.

Caelyn: You know, your dad will love you no matter where you work.

Luke: I’m sorry?

Caelyn: You don’t need to impress him, is all I’m saying.

Luke: He bet me fifty dollars. When I was still working in service, he bet me fifty dollars that I would never get a respectable job.

Caelyn: Your dad told you that you would never make it anywhere in life?

Luke (nods): Bet me fifty dollars.

Caelyn (beat): Okay.

Josh snickers.

Luke: What? Your dad was Mr. Cunningham?

Caelyn: What?

Luke: The dad from Happy Days. Howard Cunningham?

Caelyn: What’s ‘happy days?’

Luke: You hearing this, Josh?

Josh: Yeah.

Luke: She doesn’t know who Mr. Cunningham is.

Josh: I’m surprised you do.

Luke: I know culture.

Josh: You really don’t.

Luke: Well, I know of it.

Josh: Fair enough.

Caelyn: My dad died when I was four.

Luke (beat): I’m sorry. I didn’t-

Josh (to Luke): Maybe tomorrow you can push her down and then kick her. (Luke glares at him, and Josh shrugs)

Luke: I’m really sorry.

Caelyn: He didn’t really. He lives somewhere in Wyoming.

Luke: That’s not funny.

Caelyn: Wyoming is funny.

Luke: I mean saying your dad is dead and making me feel bad.

Caelyn: I thought it was funny.

Luke: It wasn’t.

Caelyn: Your face went (makes a face).

Luke: That face means it wasn’t funny.

Caelyn: Josh laughed.

Luke: No, he didn’t.

Caelyn: He would have if he had seen it.

Luke: Seen what?

Caelyn: Your face.

Luke: My face was funny?

Caelyn: Among other things.

Luke: Okay. Whatever.

The elevator opens, and Alec and Ess walk out.

Caelyn: Good morning.

Ess: Morning.

Alec: Hey.

Luke: So?

Alec: What?

Luke: How’d it go?

Alec: I am sure I do not know what you are talking about.

Josh: You are sure you do not know, are you, Hal?

Alec: Mock me if you must.

Josh: I must.

Alec: I figured.

Luke: The date. How was the date?

Alec: Great.

Ess: Very nice.

Alec: We had a good time.

Ess: Yeah.

Alec (beat): Yeah.

Luke: You see a movie?

Ess: Yes, we did.

Alec: Did indeed.

Ess: It was nice.

Alec: Yes, it was.

Luke (beat): So are you going to be weird all the time now, or is this a passing thing?

Ess: We’re not being weird.

Josh: Yeah, ya’ are.

Ess: We are not.

Caelyn: Kind of weird.

Ess: Hey!

Caelyn: Sorry.

Ess: Better be.

End Scene 1.

Scene 2: ADTEO - Janie, Alec, Caelyn, Ess, and Luke. Caelyn picks up her phone and calls someone. Ess’ phone rings.

Ess (into phone): ADTE, Agent Aben speaking.

Caelyn (phone): So what happened?

Ess: Caelyn?

Caelyn: Shh. I’m undercover.

Ess: Well, you know, I’d tell you, but it might be too weird.

Caelyn: Don’t be penitent.

Ess: Penitent?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: Petulant?

Caelyn: Penitent doesn’t mean ‘petty?’

Ess: No, it means ‘contrite.’

Caelyn: I thought it meant petty.

Ess: That’s petulant.

Caelyn: Are you sure?

Ess: I have a thesaurus right here.

Caelyn: Well, you’re being cranky, too.

Ess: Not helping.

Caelyn: So what happened?

Ess: Whose side are you on, now?

Caelyn: Yours!

Ess: Earlier, it didn’t seem-

Caelyn: I was undercover.

Ess: Then or now?

Caelyn: Then.

Ess: Why are we talking on the phone, again?

Caelyn (beat): I’m still undercover.

Ess: I don’t know. I’m not certain you’re trustworthy.

Caelyn: Definitions aside, I think you’re being penitent.

Ess: And it’s not like I don’t expect it from Josh, but you-

Caelyn: Look, I know you want to tell me.

Ess: I also want to punish you.

Caelyn: It’s been forty-five minutes already. That’s akin to a flogging.

Ess (giggles): Okay, fine. Meet me in the hall.

Caelyn: You go first.

Ess: Why?

Caelyn: So they don’t suspect anything.

Ess: I’m pretty sure they already do.

Caelyn: Well, that’s not my fault.

Ess hangs up and walks out. After a moment, Caelyn follows.

Janie: Okay, Alec.

Alec: What?

Janie: Spill the details.

Alec: No.

Janie: I thought we were friends, Alec.

Alec: Oops.

Janie: Alec!

Alec: What?

Janie: Ess is telling Caelyn everything. Would you rather we heard it from her?

Alec: Ess or Caelyn?

Janie: Either.

Alec: I really don’t care.

Luke: Come on, you wuss.

Alec: Hey Luke, how are your girlfriends? I say “friends” because I understand it’s still plural.

Luke: Leave me alone.

Alec: Does your dad know about that, I wonder?

Luke: Janie, leave the man alone.

Josh exits his office.

Josh: Hey, guys, we have - where are the girls?

Janie: Ess kissed and is now telling.

Alec: We didn’t kiss.

Janie: Well, better luck next time, Al.

Alec: Don’t call me that.

Janie: What movie did you see?

Alec (sighs): The one with the underdog sports team that shows a lot of heart.

Janie: Seriously.

Alec: Go busybody elsewhere.

Janie: Josh, make him tell me things.

Josh: I get the feeling that often times you mistake the bounds of my authority.

Shift to hall - Ess and Caelyn.

Ess: And then we went and saw that new Marty Simmons movie, where he wakes up from the coma.

Caelyn: Ooh, I want to see that. He’s so cute.

Ess: I know! It’s a great movie, too. So romantic, and I cried at the end.

Caelyn: Happy or sad?

Ess: I’m not going to spoil it for you.

Scene shift - main offices.

Janie: And are you going out again?

Alec: I think so. It went well, you know? I made her laugh, and I wasn’t stupid, so…

Josh looks at him blankly a moment then gives him an exaggerated ‘two-thumbs up’ gesture. Alec scowls.

Josh: Yeah, okay, so we have to go to the Office Protocol meeting today, after lunch.

Luke: Come on!

Josh: Dude, you’re so loud.

Luke: Josh, don’t make us do this.

Josh: Not my call.

Alec: You know what? I’m not going to let this get me down.

Josh: Good.

Alec: I’m having a good day, and I am going to continue to do so.

Josh: I like your pluck.

Alec: I’m sorry?

Josh: Somebody let the girls know when they get back.

Luke: I hate these ‘classes.’

Alec: Blocking out the negativity.

Janie: I, for one, am happy with the news. (grins) I get to go home after lunch.

Alec: And I am happy for you, Janie.

Janie: Thank you, Alec.

Luke: Give me a break.

Alec: Luke, you know what you need?

Luke: If you say ‘a hug’ then I am going to smack you down.

Alec: No, man. A song. The skies are gonna’ clear up! Put on a happy-

Luke throws a book at him. Janie snickers.

Scene shift - hall.

Ess: The best part was how he was just so sweet, the whole time. I mean he was…

Caelyn: Charming?

Ess: Well… sweet.

Caelyn: See, I almost thought you were going to say something else that time.

Ess: It’s a big deal! I mean, funny is good, charming is good, but sometimes a girl wants their guy to be sweet.

Caelyn: Which I hear Alec was.

Ess: He really was!

Caelyn (grins and hugs Ess): I’m glad for you. (beat) We better get back before they realize we’re in cahoots.

Ess: Yeah. Or before I start talking like you.

Scene shift - main offices. Gerrard enters.

Janie: Hey, boss.

Gerrard just grunts.

Alec: You okay there, big guy?

Gerrard: Don’t call me that.

Alec: Okay.

Gerrard: I was up all night listening to the neighbors three dogs.

Luke: You should have called them.

Gerrard (turns and glares at Luke): Why are you talking? Did you feel an important voice was being omitted from this conversation?

Janie: Wow, you’re pretty nasty if you don’t get sleep.

Gerrard: Yeah, it’s a condition I have called ‘humanity!’

Alec: Good one, big guy.

Gerrard looks at him angrily.

Alec: Oops.

Gerrard (glares for a moment, then stalks into his office): Josh!

Josh steps out of his office.

Josh: He okay?

Alec: Seemed fine. Cheerful.

Josh: Cheerful?

Alec: Hey, don’t ask me.

Josh looks confused then goes into Gerrard’s office.

Janie: So… Luke.

Luke: Leave me alone, thou strange woman.

Janie: Any of your girlfriends seem like serious prospects?

Luke (beat): I miss Tanya.

Alec: The librarian?

Luke: She’s not a librarian.

Alec: I thought she was.

Luke: She’s dating a librarian!

Alec: Oh yeah. Heh.

Luke: Shut up.

Janie: That’s a little obsessive.

Luke: I know.

Alec: What’s it like being dumped for a librarian?

Luke: You know what? Take your pluck and-

Ess and Caelyn enter.

Caelyn: Yes, they do.

Ess: Not real ones, no.

Caelyn: I’ve heard people. Real people!

Ess: They really don’t. Alec, do people use the word ‘cahoots?’

Caelyn: Hey, you can’t ask him.

Ess: Why not?

Caelyn just looks at her.

Luke: Ooh, I know! ‘Cause you’re in love with him.

Ess: What!?

Luke: Alec told us.

Ess: Excuse me?

Alec: Don’t listen to him. He’s waging war on my pluck.

Caelyn (beat as Ess and Caelyn look at him): Okay, ask someone else.

Ess: Where’s Josh?

Alec: Talking to Gerrard.

Janie: Probably getting dressed down like a new recruit on a field day.

Caelyn: What does that mean?

Ess (shrugs, to Caelyn about Janie): Sometimes she just says words.

Josh walks out of the office, giving Alec a look. Alec just smiles.

Josh: Okay, listen up. We have the ‘office protocols’ class today after lunch.

Josh heads to his office.

Ess: Josh!

Josh comes back out.

Josh: What?

Caelyn: Is ‘cahoots’ a word?

Ess: Today!?

Josh (to Caelyn): Yes, but it’s not one people say. (to Ess) Don’t complain.

Ess: Why not?

Josh: Be more like Alec. He’s plucky.

Alec: Yeah, I’m not liking that distinction so much anymore.

Ess: Fine. I can do that.

Josh: Be plucky?

Ess: Not complain.

Josh: It’s a noble endeavor.

Ess: I can.

Josh: Sure.

Ess: Josh!

Josh: You’re our resident George Costanza.

Ess: That’s mean. (To Caelyn) Tell him he’s being mean.

Caelyn (looking at Alec): He is rather plucky, today.

Ess (muttering): ‘Cahoots’ is not a word people say.

Caelyn: Oh, but they say ‘plucky?’

Ess (beat): Fine, we’ll ask Gerrard.

Luke: Good idea.

Caelyn: What’s this class supposed to be about?

Alec: How to behave in the office.

Caelyn: I actually knew that much.

Josh: You know, rules, guidelines. Not shooting me again. Basic stuff.

Caelyn: Oh, I see. Just in time, too.

Josh gives her an amused look, and she just smiles.

Janie: I don’t have to go.

Caelyn: Why not?

Janie: Loop-holes. (she grins)

Alec: Who’s giving the class?

Josh: Paul Finely.

Ess: Hey, you love Paul Finely.

Josh: I hate Paul Finely.

Ess: Oh, yeah.

Luke: Then why are you making us go?

Josh: Because I secretly hate you too.

Luke: Josh.

Josh: Okay, maybe not so secretly.

Luke: Seriously.

Josh: It’s mandatory, Luke. I don’t decide this one. (beat) That’s why I’m always there, too.

Ess: At least your best friend Paul Finely is the one-

Josh: Ess.

Ess: Oh, yeah.

Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3: ADTEO, early morning. Josh is working alone, walks out of his office and sees Caelyn at her desk.

Josh: Hey, you’re here early.

Caelyn: Hey. (beat) Yeah, I couldn’t sleep.

Josh: You look terrible.

Caelyn: Thanks, that helps.

Josh: I mean, you don’t need to be here if you don’t feel like it.

Caelyn: Really? ‘Cause it sounded like you think my face scares small children.

Josh: I didn’t-

Caelyn: Then why did you say it?

Josh (beat): I was lying.

Caelyn: Now I’m going to site here and try not cry.

Josh: Did you sleep at all last night?

Caelyn: No.

Josh: What’s wrong?

Caelyn: I couldn’t sleep.

Josh: Why?

Caelyn: Insomnia.

Josh: Caelyn.

Caelyn: You should be impressed my mind is currently functioning this well.

Josh: You should go home.

Caelyn: And not sleep some more?

Josh: Is it because you were feeling guilty about that time you shot me?

Caelyn: No, I’m cool with that.

Josh: Personal problems?

Caelyn: No.

Josh: You sick?

Caelyn: I don’t think so.

Josh: Because Paul Finely often makes me sick.

Caelyn: My head hurts.

Josh: Seriously, go home.

Caelyn: My head will hurt there, too.

Josh: Then go to the doctor.

Caelyn: Doctors are useless.

Josh: Did someone drop a cinderblock on you? Is that what happened?

Caelyn: I’m fine.

Josh: No, you’re not.

Caelyn: Yes, I am.

Josh: Your head hurts, and you haven’t slept.

Caelyn: Sounds like the perfect time for paperwork.

Josh: Caelyn.

Caelyn: Really, I’m fine.

Josh: Why don’t you want to go home?

Caelyn (beat): It’s lonely there.

Josh: It’s lonely?

Caelyn: I like it here.

Josh (beat): My office has a sofa you can use. I’ll work at your desk.

Caelyn: What?

Josh: Go get some sleep.

Caelyn: You sure?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Only for a few hours.

Josh: Okay.

Caelyn: Thanks.

Josh: You should probably look into why you aren’t sleeping.

Caelyn: Because my head hurts and I have chills.

Josh: You have chills?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Josh: You have the flu!

Caelyn: No, I don’t.

Josh: And it’s apparently making you delirious.

Caelyn: I don’t have the flu.

Josh: Go to sleep, and then I’m taking you to the doctor after work.

Caelyn: I don’t need-

Josh: Stop. Go to sleep.

Caelyn: Okay.

Scene shift - (later) main office, Josh is working at Caelyn‘s desk, Luke enters.

Luke: Josh?

Josh: What’s up?

Luke: Why is your office closed?

Josh: Caelyn’s sleeping on the sofa.

Luke: Why?

Josh: Because she has the flu, and was up all night, and now she’s delirious.

Luke: If only there were doctors in this part of the world.

Josh: I’m taking her after work.

Alec enters via elevator.

Alec: Good morning, fellow workmen! I feel like a new person.

Luke: Shut up.

Alec: I feel like an illuminated being, filled with joy of knowledge.

Luke: He’s a walking self-help brochure.

Alec: I have been touched by science, and the mists of ignorance have been dispelled.

Josh: Bro, it wasn’t a cult meeting.

Luke: Still, if you say ‘touched’ by science again, I may have to make some phone calls.

Alec: I could be mistaken, but I don’t think either one of you is fostering a healthy work environment.

Luke (snorts): Neither is Caelyn.

Josh: You’re dad coming today?

Luke: Yeah.

Josh: Anything you want me to tell him?

Luke: About what?

Josh: I don’t know. Anything that would impress him.

Luke: You’d do that?

Josh: Of course.

Luke (beat): I find myself not trusting you.

Alec: I, for one, will act like an officer of the ADTE both while I am on the clock and off, for I know I am representing a public entity.

Luke (to Josh): He’d probably like to see me shoot somebody.

Josh: Alec’s available.

Luke: Excellent.

Alec: Why aren’t you in your office?

Josh: Caelyn’s sleeping in there.

Alec (to Luke): Then again, if you shoot your boss, you get to take naps in his office.

Ess enters via elevator.

Ess: It’s cold out there!

Alec: Is it?

Ess: What?

Alec: Is it?

Ess: Is it what?

Alec: Cold.

Ess: I just said-

Alec: I know. I was… showing interest.

Ess: Oh.

Josh: Another Hallmark Special Moment.

Ess: That reminds me; I gave Paul your cell number.

Josh: Why?

Ess: Because of the Hallmark Moment thing.

Josh: But I just said that.

Ess: I had a feeling.

Josh: Uncanny.

Ess: I think so.

Caelyn walks out.

Caelyn: I’m sick.

Josh: Really?

Ess: Oh, honey, you look awful.

Caelyn (pitifully): I know.

Josh: Why aren’t you sleeping?

Caelyn: I threw up in your waste-basket.

Josh (to Luke): Seriously, anyone in the room is fair game.

Ess: Come on, I’m taking you to the doctor.

Caelyn: Okay.

Josh: Wait, how come when she says that, you’re all agreeable?

Ess: Josh! Leave her alone.

Josh: Sorry. (beat) You puked in my waste-basket?

Ess: Josh!

Josh: Sorry. (to Luke) It’s your lucky day!

Luke: No.

Josh: Sorry, man.

Luke: No! Wait for Janie.

Josh: I can’t. It might have permeated by then.

Caelyn (very sick): I’m sorry.

Josh: Don’t worry about it. Luke will take care of it.

Luke sighs and goes into the office. The elevator opens and Janie and Mr. Sorrason walk out.

Janie: Hey, guys, this is- Caelyn, you look sick!

Ess: I’m taking her to the doctor.

Janie: Josh!

Josh: What?

Janie: You shouldn’t have made her come in today! She looks awful.

Josh looks at her blankly.

Janie: By the way, this is Mr. Artie Sorrason.

Josh stands up to shake his hand as Luke comes out with the waste-basket at arms length.

Luke: How long before I get taken off vomit duty- (sees his father) Hey, dad.

Artie: Vomit duty?

Alec: Could not have planned this better.

Scene shift- sometime later after Luke disposed of the vomit.

Artie: Pay up.

Luke: Dad, I kill monsters on a weekly basis.

Artie: I don’t see monsters. I did see the vomit.

Josh: He was doing me a favor.

Artie: You’re the one who’s his boss?

Josh: I like to think of myself as an elevated colleague.

Artie: I see.

Josh: We’re very fortunate to have Luke working here with us at Sierra.

Alec (off-screen): Luke! Somebody messed up the bathroom real bad!

Josh (to Artie): He’s kidding.

Luke: Yeah, I’m not coming back from the vomit.

Artie (laughs): Here. (hands Luke a fifty dollar bill) You won the moment I walked into the lobby.

Luke (grins): Thanks.

Artie: Can you show me where you keep all the guns?

Luke: Ah, I can’t. The armory is off limits. I can take you to the shooting range, and the training area. We can shoot some stuff.

Artie: Sounds good.

Luke: How long before you need me back?

Josh: Tomorrow at 4am.

Luke: Yeah? Thanks, man.

Artie: You have a mission tomorrow?

Luke: Yeah, heading back to New York.

Artie: Is it dangerous?

Luke (beat): Not especially so.

Artie: Mr. Mortiz?

Josh: Call me Josh.

Artie: Okay. Josh, is it dangerous?

Josh: All our missions have elements of danger. That’s why we’re trained so well.

Artie: I see.

Luke: Come on, let’s go.

Artie: Okay.

Luke: Thanks, Josh.

Luke and Artie exit. Alec enters and they pass.

Alec: Nice guy.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec (beat): You miss your dad?

Josh: Every day.

Alec: Me too.

Josh: If Caelyn’s out tomorrow, you’re on perimeter.

Alec: That’s fine.

Josh: She didn’t think she was sick.

Alec: Women are psycho.

Josh: They really are.

Fade out. End Scene 3.

Scene 4: Ess’ car - Ess and Caelyn. (Caelyn is drugged up and sleepy)

Ess: You okay over there?

Caelyn: I’m cold.

Ess (turns heat on): Here.

Caelyn: Thanks.

Ess: You shouldn’t have come in today.

Caelyn: I know.

Ess: Why did you?

Caelyn: I don’t like my apartment.

Ess (laughs): Really?

Caelyn: I like you guys.

Ess (grins): Yeah. We like you too.

Caelyn: Thanks for taking care of me.

Ess: I was thinking.

Caelyn: About Alec?

Ess: No, not about Alec. Are you thinking about Alec?

Caelyn: Now I am.

Ess: I was thinking I could use a roommate.

Caelyn: Use them for what?

Ess: Rent.

Caelyn: You’re going to sell you’re roommate?

Ess: Caelyn, what exactly did they give you in there?

Caelyn: Lots of… stuff, I think.

Ess: I was saying that I’ve been considering getting a roommate again. My apartment is way too big for just me, but my last two roommates were complete disasters, and I haven‘t been looking for a replacement.

Caelyn: Oh.

Ess: Caelyn?

Caelyn: What?

Ess: Do you want to be my roommate?

Caelyn: Me?

Ess: Yeah.

Caelyn: Yes.

Ess: Are you going to remember this conversation?

Caelyn: I don’t think so.

Ess: I’ll ask you again tomorrow.

Caelyn: Okay.

Ess: Try not to go to sleep. We’re almost home.

Caelyn: Okay.

Long moment of silence.

Ess: Cae.

Caelyn: What?

Ess: You’re almost sleeping.

Caelyn: Sorry.

Ess: Just a little ways.

Scene shift - ADTEO.

Gerrard: Luke, is this your father?

Luke: Yes, sir.

Gerrard (extends hand): Gerrard Sully. (they shake)

Artie: Artie Sorrason.

Gerrard: Luke give you the tour?

Artie: Yes, he did.

Gerrard: Ah, it’s a pity they won’t let you into the trainnig area. You would have enjoyed that.

Luke (beat): He’s kidding, dad. I’m not in trouble.

Artie: Oh. Good.

Gerrard: We’re very proud of Luke here. He’s done a remarkable job.

Artie: Wasn’t he almost fired a few months ago?

Gerrard (beat): Well, that happens to the best of us.

Artie: I see.

Gerrard: What is it you do, Mr. Sorrason?

Artie: I recently retired from Geneosis Labs. (beat) Early retirement.

Gerrard: I’m sure you earned it. Geneosis does good work.

Artie: That they do.

Gerrard: Well, you two enjoy your day. I’m going out for lunch. (nods and exits)

Artie: I really should be going.

Luke: Yeah.

Artie: I’m proud of you, son.

Luke: Thanks.

Artie: It looks like you have something good here. Don’t mess it up, okay?

Luke: I won’t.

Artie: Good boy. (shakes his hand) Take care of yourself.

Luke: You too.

Artie pauses, smiles, and exits.

Alec: You know, you’re lucky.

Luke: Yeah.

Alec: Good.

Luke: Thanks for not mentioning the girlfriend situation.

Alec (laughs): Yeah, I’m really not out to get you, man.

Luke: I know.

Alec: I’m going to take off in a few hours, try and get some sleep before tomorrow. You should get out of here while you have the chance.

Luke: Yeah, you’re probably right. (beat) I don’t mean to pry, so tell me to back off if I am. (Alec looks up at him questioningly) What happened to you parents?

Alec: After the cataclysm occurred, they were never found.

Luke (nods): I’m sorry.

Alec: Thank you. (he shrugs) Same thing with Josh’s entire family. Ess lost a brother.

Luke: I am lucky.

Alec (smiles): Yeah.

Luke: I’ll see you later, Alec.

Alec: Take it easy.

Luke exits. After a moment, Josh exits his office.

Josh: It smells in there.

Alec: Gross.

Josh: It’s like dead fish.

Alec: Or, you know, vomit.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Do we need to be here?

Josh: I really don’t think we do.

Alec: I mean, no one else is here.

Josh: No one but us.

Alec: That’s what I’m saying.

Josh: Well… that’s just not right.

Alec: If they can leave before lunch, why not us?

Josh: Yes.

Alec: Good.

Josh: Want to throw rocks at cars?

Alec: Strangely, yeah, but I’m trying to be mature now.

Josh: Okay. I’ll not to enable you, then.

Alec: Appreciate it.

Josh: We could go take some loser’s money at the casino.

Alec: I like it.

Josh: Let me grab my coat.

The two of them gather their things and exit. Fade out. End Scene 4.

Ep 7

2007-02-15T16:18:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: ADTEO lobby area, party is going on; lots of people. Ess approaches Caelyn, who is cautiously watching people.

Ess: You won’t meet anybody standing back here by yourself.

Caelyn: I’ve already met two people.

Ess: Whatever. Go out there and start talking.

Caelyn: I’m really not comfortable at these kinds of things.

Ess: No kidding.

Caelyn: Just, you know, out of curiosity,… how long before it’s no longer rude for me to leave?

Ess: Sweetie, you should be having fun.

Caelyn: I should be sleeping. Or, at least, watching TV alone.

Ess: Yeah, that’s what you need. Look, Cae-

Caelyn: Who is that talking to Josh?

Ess: What?

Caelyn: Who is she?

Ess (looks): Amanda… Amanda… something. She works in Bravo, I think.

Caelyn: Is she flirting with him?

Ess: Looks like it. He is rather eligible.

Caelyn: I better go over there. (Ess gives her a look, and she grins) We made a deal. I’ll be right back.

Caelyn heads over to Josh. Ess watches and is approached by Alec.

Alec: Hey.

Ess: Hey.

Alec: Have I mentioned how much I hate these?

Ess: Everyone hates these, Alec.

Alec: Luke is hitting on three girls at once.

Ess: Everyone who is more mature than the average fourteen year-old.

Alec: Who comes up with these themes, anyway?

Ess: I don’t know.

Alec: I mean seriously, could there be more pastel decorations in this room?

Ess: I think you should focus on the pastels.

Alec: It’s either that or this food.

Ess (nods in concession): This really bites, doesn’t it?

Alec: Yeah.

Josh and Caelyn approach, arm-in-arm.

Ess: You two want to tell us something?

Josh: We’re together, for the duration of this cotillion.

Caelyn (as doting girlfriend): Isn’t he adorable? (Josh snickers)

Ess: Saved him from that icky Bravo?

Josh: She did, and with style, I might add.

Caelyn: I can do style like nobody’s business.

Josh: What are you guys doing?

Ess: Talking.

Alec: About pastels.

Josh (beat): Okay.

Caelyn: There are a lot of pastels in here, aren’t there?

Alec: There certainly are.

Long pause as they all kind of look around blankly.

Josh: Well… you guys are depressing.

Ess: We should start having fun.

Alec: Twister?

Ess: Grow up.

Caelyn: We could start a fire.

Alec: And get then all go apply for new jobs at the local McDonald’s.

Caelyn: I’m not saying it has to be a big fire.

Josh: Is that Luke?

Alec (nods): Apparently, he’s popular among the brainless twit crowd.

Ess (hits him): That’s extremely rude.

Alec: The good-looking brainless twit crowd.

Ess snickers.

Caelyn: Like, a small plant or something.

Josh: Like that one? (points)

Caelyn: Yeah.

Josh: Can you keep them all distracted?

Caelyn: No.

Josh: Then how-

Caelyn: You distract them, and I’ll be the pyro.

Ess: Are you all drunk?

Alec: I wish.

Josh (looking at Luke): Seriously, there’s like three of them hovering around him.

Caelyn (as annoyed): Should I go tell Amanda we broke up?

Josh: Sweetheart, you always take the things I say out of context. You know you’re my world.

Caelyn: Well, sometimes I just feel like you take me for granted.

Alec (stares at them for a beat, then to Ess): I’ll be over there, starting myself on fire.

End Scene 1.

Scene 2- Party.

Luke: I knew it was wrong, according to the rules. But you know, when it’s your friends who are at stake, you realize career doesn’t matter. There was only one thing I really could do.

Girl 1: Wow.

Girl 2: That’s so heroic.

Girl 1: Like, for real.

Luke (shakes head somberly): Not heroic. I only did what anyone in my situation would have done.

Girl 1: Run into a ghoul’s nest to try and save your friends? I know a lot of guys who wouldn’t have even considered it. I mean, that’s… really great.

Luke (shrugs): I don’t know. Maybe it was a little heroic.

Scene shift - Ess and Alec.

Alec: Maybe we should start dancing.

Ess: Dancing?

Alec: Yeah.

Ess: You don’t dance.

Alec: I dance.

Ess: I don’t dance.

Alec: I’ve seen you dance.

Ess: You’ve seen me?

Alec: Yeah, one time. It was…funny.

Ess: Shut up.

Alec: I think you fell down.

Ess: Think of something else.

Alec: Now I’m thinking of when you tried to get back up.

Ess: A different idea, Alec.

Alec: We could play pranks.

Ess: Keep going.

Alec: We could play pranks and then we could… you know, I think the pranks are enough.

Ess: Okay. What kind of pranks are we talking about here?

Alec: Dye in the punch.

Ess: But then I won’t get any more punch.

Alec: Yes.

Ess: The punch is the only thing this has going for it.

Alec: Well, now it has pranks going for it.

Ess: Okay.

Alec: I’ll go get some dye.

Ess: I’m going to get some punch.

Scene shift - Josh and Caelyn.

Caelyn: Couldn’t the five of us have just gone to dinner?

Josh: No.

Caelyn: Why?

Josh: Because then we wouldn’t have suffered.

Caelyn: Alec said there might be dancing.

Josh: Right.

Caelyn: You don’t dance?

Josh: I can tango.

Caelyn: Really?

Josh: No.

Caelyn: Can you waltz?

Josh: No.

Caelyn: The Twist?

Josh (laughs): As if you’d dance in front of people anyway.

Caelyn: I’d watch you and make scathing comments.

Josh: That’s entertainment.

Caelyn: I think so. (beat) What do you usually do?

Josh: Play RPGs on my PC.

Caelyn: I mean at these events.

Josh: List the reasons I have for not taking my own life.

Caelyn: You’re kind of a downer.

Josh: I need to level my ranger’s bow skills a few more times before entering the Blackwood Forest.

Caelyn (laughs disbelieving): Okay.

Josh: I decided to share that with you.

Caelyn: Yeah.

Josh: I don’t just tell that stuff to anyone.

Caelyn: No, ‘cause then they’d think you’re mad.

Josh: Yes.

Caelyn (giggles): I appreciate your faith in me.

Josh: You should.

Scene shift - Luke and Alec at punch bowl. Alec is carefully and stealthily trying to pour some dye into the punch.

Luke: What are you doing?

Alec: Making my own fun.

Luke (beat): Why is Ess planting cups all over the room?

Alec: She likes the punch.

Luke: I guess. So tell me, are Josh and Caelyn-

Alec: Together?

Luke: Yeah.

Alec: Sure looks like it.

Luke: Huh.

Alec (hands him a cup): Punch?

Scene shift - Gerrard, Caelyn, and Josh.

Gerrard: You can’t compare the two. They’re nothing alike. Incomparable.

Caelyn (beat): So you’re saying I shouldn’t compare-

Gerrard: She has quite a lip, this one.

Josh: Yes, sir.

Caelyn: I do not.

Josh: Little bit, yeah.

Caelyn: And you don’t?

Josh: No, I do too.

Caelyn: You’re telling me.

Josh (beat): Okay.

Gerrard: Look at that.

Josh (looks): Huh.

Caelyn: What is that?

Gerrard (chuckles): Someone dyed the punch.

Caelyn: Wow.

Josh pauses and looks down at the cup in his hand.

Scene shift - Alec and Luke in the hall, outside the restrooms.

Alec: You up for this?

Luke: Yeah, man.

Alec: Okay. (beat) If something goes wrong, you should know… I’ll give you up in a heartbeat.

Luke stares at him blankly.

Alec: Ready?

Luke nods. Alec looks around to make sure they are alone.

Alec: Go!

They quickly begin applying gobs of honey to the restroom door handles.

Scene shift - Ess and Josh.

Ess: I have an idea.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: You listening?

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: You seem distracted.

Josh: I’m not.

Ess: It seems like you are.

Josh: What’s your idea?

Ess (beat): This is your fault.

Josh: You forgot.

Ess: Because you were distracted, and I had to bring you out of it.

Josh: And then you forgot.

Ess: Yes, I did. I forgot.

Josh: You brought me to the door, and then failed to open it.

Ess: You really don’t have to supply metaphors for it.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: It was good, too.

Josh: What was?

Ess: The idea! The idea was a good one.

Josh: How do you know? You can’t remember it.

Ess: I remember it was good.

Josh: What was?

Ess: Funny.

Josh (beat): How long has it been?

Ess: Why?

Josh: I want to go home. Can we leave yet?

Ess: Have we heard the speech?

Josh (quietly): No.

Ess: Then, no.

Josh (beat): You forgot?

Ess (sighs): It was a good idea.

Scene shift - The six members of Sierra (Gerrard, Josh, Alec, Luke, Ess, Caelyn) are sitting around a small table. Many other tables are set up in front of a small podium where a man is speaking.

Caelyn (whispers to Josh): This is boring.

Josh: Builds character.

Caelyn (laughs quietly/beat): I have a druid.

Josh (beat): Like, in your closet?

Caelyn: No, on a game. I just thought you should know, since I kind of gave you a hard time about-

Josh: Kiven.

Caelyn: Kiven?

Josh (nods): My ranger. Kiven il’Thri.

Caelyn: Yeah, that. I have one, too. A character, I mean.

Josh (patronizingly): Cae…

Caelyn: What?

Josh: You went over to a friend’s house and they made you a character that you’ve never seen again, didn’t you?

Caelyn (laughs a little loudly, then stops, embarrassed, and looks around): Look what you made me do.

Josh: It was a nice try, though.

Alec (to Ess): He looks like an owl.

Ess: I’ve never seen an owl.

Alec: You don’t know what an owl looks like?

Ess: Of course I know what-

Alec: You said-

Ess: A live owl!

Alec (beat/quietly): Now everyone is looking at us.

Ess: It’s your fault.

Fade out on their table. End Scene 2.

Scene 3: ADTEO hallway - Josh and Alec.

Josh: You did what!?

Alec: I… I told her-

Josh: What were you thinking?

Alec: Don’t yell at me.

Josh: Oh, I think I will.

Alec: The night was going so well. I was, I was making her laugh, and then she spilled water on me.

Josh: Ah, now I see. ‘Cause that’s usually when I profess my undying love, too.

Alec: I didn’t-

Josh: What were you thinking?

Alec: You’re saying this could be bad.

Josh: There’s a chance, yeah.

Alec: Well, I don’t think you’re giving her enough credit.

Josh: Well, I think I’ve been giving you way too much.

Alec: What does that have to do with-

Josh: It doesn’t.

Alec: Look, she didn’t overreact. I think it is going to be okay.

Josh: That’s completely beside the point.

Alec: What?

Josh She might not be okay!

Alec: Don’t be paranoid.

Josh: I’m not. I’ve moved past paranoia into extreme phobia. Less talking to myself, but I have a hard time breathing in the presence of other people.

Josh begins walking down the hall. After a beat, Alec follows.

Alec: She’s fine.

Josh: Maybe, but you’re still an idiot.

Alec: Yeah, like ‘buy her a dog’ was the route to go.

Josh: Now we’ll never know.

They come in to the main office area. Janie is on the phone.

Janie: Yes, sir. I don’t think- (pause) Sir, I have no- (pause) I wasn’t trying to be flippant. (pause/ she covers the receiver end and talks to Josh) Commander Tolvard is pretty angry.

Josh: What?

Janie: Apparently, Gerrard sent a memo to the Council suggesting Cormele be retracted.

Josh (looks at her for a moment blankly): Give me the phone.

Janie looks surprised but does what he says.

Josh (into phone): Commander Tolvard, this is Field Commander Moritz. (pause) Yeah, um, don’t yell at my secretary over policy she has no business implementing. You have a problem, take it up- (pause). That wasn’t Commander Sully’s memo. It was mine. (pause) I wrote the memo. (pause) Because- (pause) I understand that- (pause) Sir- (pause/ Josh looks annoyed and briefly holds the phone away from his ear) I understand that, sir, but I did what I felt was best in the interest of my team. (pause) I had no intention of betraying your trust in any- (pause) Sir- (pause/sighs, looks at phone and hangs up). He hung up.

Alec: What was that about?

Josh (beat): Nothing. I’ll take care of it.

Janie: Josh, you shouldn’t-

Josh: I’ll take care of it.

Janie: Josh.

Josh: Leave it alone.

Josh walks into his office and shuts the door. Alec and Janie exchange a look. Scene shift.

Ess and Luke are in a different hallway. Luke is reading a paper. Ess is preoccupied.

Luke: Rodgers scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. When asked to comment, he said, ‘I feel fortunate to be alive at a time where my particular talent is able to be properly respected and utilized.’ (beat) Well, first of all, there’s no way he said that. I mean, I’ve heard the man speak, and it’s a good day if only half of his words are actually guttural noises.

Ess: Yeah.

Luke: And then there’s the quote itself. Having already determined it was not Rodgers who said it, we have to conclude that some over-zealous reporter thinks you can win a Pulitzer by pontificating in the sports pages. ‘Fortunate to be alive at a time….’ Yes, because the last hundred years have been remarkably intolerant on those who play baseball, and even up until that time, there was no use for people who had strength and hand-eye coordination.

Ess: Yeah.

Luke: It’s not that it’s ridiculous so much as the fact as someone actually sat down and tried to sound smart by writing it. If the man had been capable of saying it, then, you know, I’d at least get it. But one Louis Antoine had to actually spend time fabricating it-

Ess: Uh-huh.

Luke: Ess.

Ess: What?

Luke: You okay?

Ess (beat): Yeah.

Luke: Normally you’d have contributed a little more, is all.

Ess: What?

Luke: To the conversation… that I was having with myself.

Ess (embarrassed laugh): Sorry.

Luke: What’s up?

Ess: Something… last night…(beat) I’m fine.

Luke (laughs): Yeah, you are.

Ess (smiles): Watch it, newbie.

They enter the main offices. Janie and Alec are there. Alec and Ess avoid eye-contact.

Luke: Alec, you seen today’s paper?

Alec: No.

Luke: If you get a chance, check out the Sports-

Ess: Alec, can I talk to you in private?

Alec: Sure.

They stand up and exit.

Luke: That’s okay. Not like I was talking or anything. Nope.

Janie: You talking to yourself?

Luke: Apparently.

Janie: Okay.

Scene shift - Alec and Ess in hallway. Both of them are nervous, Ess more than Alec.

Alec: Look, I-

Ess: Wait! Don’t-… let me start.

Alec: Okay.

Ess: Alec, I… you know I love you, right?

Alec: As a brother.

Ess: Yeah.

Alec: Yeah, I knew that.

Ess: Okay. Good. (beat) I- (suddenly horrified)… is that what you meant last night?

Alec: Um… yeah.

Ess: Really?

Alec: No.

Ess: Alec!

Alec (gets louder and more intense as he goes on): I meant that I like you a lot, and I’d love to take you out sometime, and that I think we have great chemistry, and that just because we work together doesn’t mean we can’t be mature about this, and that you shouldn’t write me off because of the times- okay, the many times I’ve been somewhat childish in your presence!

Ess (beat): You meant all that?

Alec: Ess-

Ess: I don’t know what to say, Alec. I never thought about you like that!

Alec: Never?

Ess: Well, unless you talk to Caelyn, who’s convinced I think you’re gorgeous.

Alec: You think I’m gorgeous?

Ess: No. Caelyn thinks I think your gorgeous.

Alec: Do you?

Ess: No!

Alec: Attractive?

Ess: Alec-

Alec: Down-right ugly?

Ess: Of course not.

Alec: So on the scales, I’m tipping toward the gorgeous end?

Ess: Alec, that is neither here nor there.

Alec: You brought it up.

Ess: I know, I know, and I shouldn’t have.

Alec: I’m glad you did.

Ess: Alec-

Alec: Does Caelyn think I’m gorgeous?

Ess: What!?

Alec: I’m just asking, because-

Ess (very excited): You can’t tell me you have feelings for me and then ask me about other women!

Alec: You said-

Ess: I said I had never considered it!

Alec: So you might?

Ess (beat): Maybe.

Alec (nods): Okay.

Ess: Okay?

Alec (smiles): Right now, I’m good with a ‘maybe.’

Ess (looks at him a long beat): Ask me out to dinner tomorrow.

Alec (smiles): Want to go out for dinner tomorrow?

Ess: I meant, ask me tomorrow.

Alec: Oh. (beat) Sorry.

Ess: Okay. I, uh… I have to get to work.

Alec: Yeah.

They both slowly head back to the office.

Scene shift: Lobby - Caelyn and Kevin are each having a bagel. Caelyn is laughing at Kevin’s story.

Kevin: Every sprinkler in the building came on. The speaker didn’t get more than four words of his speech out.

Caelyn: Wow. That is so much better than starting a fire.

Kevin: Well, a fire is the first step.

Caelyn: Did they find out it was you?

Kevin: Nope. In fact, you and my wife are the only two other people who know.

Caelyn (touched): Wow. I’m flattered.

Kevin: Well, it’s too late for them to do anything to me anyway. I wasn’t really taking a risk in sharing.

Caelyn: How’d you get around the security cameras?

Kevin: That’s a whole other story. Suffice to say, they weren’t working that evening.

Caelyn: You sabotaged the security system?

Kevin: That was someone who shall remain nameless.

Caelyn: Well, it was either you or your wife, and I’m leaning toward the person with ‘spy’ on their résumé.

Kevin (laughs): That’s ‘cause you haven’t met her. She’s sneaky.

Caelyn: I’m sure. (looks at watch) I better get to the office.

Kevin: Yeah, me too. Janie is probably filling my desk with sand right now.

They enter the elevator.

Caelyn: So how come you didn’t have to come last night?

Kevin: Years of practice and dumb luck.

Caelyn: it’s because you’re a secretary, isn’t it?

Kevin: Assistant to the Director.

Caelyn: Okay.

Kevin: Yeah, that’s why.

Scene shift - Offices

Luke: We’re going out tonight.

Alec: Which one was she?

Luke: The really blonde one.

Alec: I would have gone for the other one. (beat as Ess looks up at him questioningly) You know, if I were a cad.

Luke: Yeah, well, I’m seeing the other one tomorrow.

Long beat as the other three stare at him.

Luke (defensively): I wasn’t sure which one-

Ess: Shut up.

Luke: I’m not-

Janie: Shhh!

Luke: Alec, help me out.

Alec: Yeah right.

Elevator opens - Caelyn and Kevin exit.

Caelyn: Good morning.

Everyone returns the greeting.

Ess: I need to talk with you.

Caelyn: To me?

Ess: Yeah.

Alec: Why?

Ess: Excuse me?

Alec (quietly): Nothing.

Ess: That’s right. (To Caelyn) You have a minute?

Caelyn: Okay.

They exit to the hallway.

Luke: What is up with her today?

Alec: Hard to say.

Kevin: Esther?

Luke: Yeah.

Kevin: Something’s bothering her?

Luke (to Alec): What did she want to talk with you about?

Alec: Me?

Luke: Yeah.

Alec (beat): Floral… arrangements.

Luke: What?

Alec (beat): Yeah, I pretty much blew that one.

Kevin: I’ll say.

Alec looks at them both, then turns to his computer and begins typing without looking up.

End Scene 3.

Scene 4 -ADTEO hallway. Ess and Caelyn.

Caelyn: What’s up?

Ess: Alec… Okay, when I tell you this, I need you to be… (Stops talking)

Caelyn (beat): Ess?

Ess: I don’t want you to think… don’t act like it’s a good thing, okay?

Caelyn (puzzled): Okay?

Ess (beat): Alec told me that… he has… feelings.

Caelyn (excited): Oh, Ess! That’s great!

Ess: No! No, it’s not great. We, we don’t know what it is.

Caelyn: We don’t?

Ess: No.

Caelyn (beat): I’m so happy for you. (gives Ess a hug. Ess sighs and lightly pushes her back)

Ess: Would you cut it out?

Caelyn: Okay, sorry. Sorry. You’re just such a cute couple!

Ess: We’re not a-

Caelyn (hurriedly): In my mind.

Ess: I just… I don’t know what to do.

Caelyn: Marry him.

Ess: Caelyn!

Caelyn: I’m kidding. (beat, off Ess’ look) Really. Tell me what happened.

Ess: Last night at the party. We were having a good time, and then, out of no where, Alec looks at me and says he has strong feelings for me.

Caelyn: He said that?

Ess: Those were his exact words.

Caelyn: And then you told him you think he’s gorgeous.

Ess: What?

Caelyn: In my mind, again.

Ess: Caelyn!

Caelyn: This is a good thing, Ess.

Ess: How do you know?

Caelyn: Because you’re such a cute couple. (beat) Trust me.

Ess: You think I should go for it?

Caelyn: Yes, I do.

Ess: But what if it doesn’t work out?

Caelyn: What kind of attitude is that?

Ess: I don’t want to lose my friend.

Caelyn: You won’t.

Ess: I might. (begins to panic) What if I lose Alec, and then Josh chooses to be his friend instead of mine? I’ll lose both of my friends. Caelyn, why is this happening?

Caelyn: Ess, you’re overreacting.

Ess: I don’t think I am!

Caelyn: All right, you need to breathe. (beat) First of all, I’m your friend too, okay? And have some faith in those guys. I’ve hardly known them compared to you, but it’s already clear to me they deserve more credit than that.

Ess (quietly): Yeah, they do.

Caelyn: Okay?

Ess: Yeah. (beat) He’s going to ask me out tomorrow.

Caelyn: That will be nice.

Ess: I don’t know what to say.

Caelyn: Say you think he’s hot, and smart, and funny, and you find him remarkably charming, and that you would love to go out with him.

Ess (beat/giggles): You are so ridiculous.

Caelyn: I know.

Scene shift - Offices.

Gerrard (off-screen): Josh!

Josh looks at Janie, then walks into Gerrard’s office. Shift to Gerrard’s office.

Gerrard: Did you tell Tolvard that you wrote the memo?

Josh: The memo?

Gerrard (sternly): Josh!

Josh: I may have.

Gerrard: What moronic, irrational part of your savior-complex made you do that!?

Josh (beat): Was that rhetorical?

Gerrard: I don’t need you taking shots for me!

Josh: Then stop giving them bullets.

Gerrard (taken-back): Excuse me?

Josh: No, not this time.

Gerrard: What-

Josh: You’re giving them the bullets!

Gerrard (beat): What I do is none of your business.

Josh: Since when?

Gerrard: I don’t want you taking hits.

Josh: Yeah, I really don’t like it either, but you can’t take many more, and you’re still throwing out challenges!

Gerrard: I have to do something.

Josh: I know.

Gerrard: You have to let me.

Josh: I can’t. (beat) Lay low for awhile, that’s all I’m asking.

Gerrard sighs and shakes his head in frustration.

Josh: The Council loves you, Gerrard. So much that you’ll be thrown three different parades after they force you to resign.

Gerrard: I have more influence than that.

Josh (shakes his head): You did. You’re using it all up taking shots at your peers.

Gerrard: They might need to be shot, Josh.

Josh: I’m not arguing motive.

Gerrard (beat): Why not?

Josh just looks at him.

Gerrard (sighs): Okay.

Josh: You’ll lay off for a few months, at least?

Gerrard: Okay.

Josh: Okay. (stands up and goes to the door, turns, pauses, and then leaves without speaking)

Gerrard stares out his window sadly.

Scene shift - Josh walks into his office and Ess and Caelyn are there.

Josh: Ladies.

Ess: Can we talk?

Josh: In my office?

Ess: Yeah.

Josh: Why?

Ess: ‘Cause this is where you are.

Josh: Can we talk?

Ess: Yeah.

Josh: Oh. Yeah. (to Caelyn) Why are you here?

Caelyn: Ess is my friend.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: Caelyn says I should talk to you.

Josh: Yeah, well, Caelyn’s your friend.

Caelyn: Yes, I am.

Josh: What do we need to talk about?

Ess: Alec.

Josh: No.

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: Come on! I don’t want to talk about Alec. You go talk about Alec.

Ess: We did.

Josh: How’d that work out for you?

Caelyn: Listen, okay?

Ess: Caelyn said that if Alec and I were to break up-

Josh: You’re getting together?

Caelyn: Yes.

Ess: No!

Josh: You’re not?

Caelyn: They are.

Ess: I don’t know.

Josh: You don’t?

Ess: Maybe.

Josh: And yet, here you are.

Caelyn: Ask him.

Ess (beat/to Josh): Whose side would you be on?

Josh: The North.

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: They’re not even dating.

Caelyn: They will be!

Ess: Maybe.

Josh (sighs): Ess, I’m not going to stop being your friend. Ever. Okay? It’s not going to happen. When you’re married and have a family, and I’m an out-of-work, failed author, it’s going to be your couch that I’m gonna end up on. Got it?

Ess (giggles slightly/touched): Okay.

Josh: Ess?

Ess: Yeah, okay.

Josh: You shouldn’t need Caelyn to convince you of that.

Ess (quietly): I know.

Josh: (to Caelyn): Thanks, though.

Caelyn: Aren’t they a cute couple?

Josh: Oh, yeah.

Ess: Shut up.

Josh: You guys staying tonight?

Ess: For what?

Josh: Masterpiece Theatre. (beat) It’s poker night, Ess.

Ess: Oh, Yeah, right. Yeah, I’m in. Cae?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Josh: You sure?

Caelyn: Excuse me?

Josh: You lost a lot of money last time.

Caelyn: I lost three dollars.

Josh: Which you’ll never get back.

Caelyn: You gave them back after we were done.

Josh: This time, maybe I won’t.

Caelyn (laughs): Okay.

Josh: You guys don’t have any work to do?

Ess: I’m supposed to be consulting.

Josh: You could always blow it off and hang out in my office.

Ess: You think Amy broke up with you because you’re so sarcastic?

Caelyn looks at her in surprise.

Josh: Amy broke up with me because she knew I was secretly in love with you.

Ess: Well, who isn’t?

Josh: That’s what I said. She didn’t buy it.

Ess snickers and leaves. Caelyn starts to follow then turns back to Josh.

Caelyn: So your break-up is fair-game now?

Josh: Why, you have some burners saved up?

Caelyn: Maybe.

Josh (grins): Go to work.

Caelyn smiles, exits, comes back in and shuts the door.

Josh (without looking up): Nice try, but I know you’re there.

Caelyn: Josh, is everything all right with my uncle?

Josh: Which one?

Caelyn: Josh.

Josh: Yeah, he’s fine.

Caelyn: Okay. (beat) You’d never lie to me, right?

Josh: I might.

Caelyn: Oh.

Josh: But if I do, I’ll let you know.

Caelyn (smiles slightly): Okay.

Josh: Nice work on the Alec/Ess situation.

Caelyn: I’m going to pretend to do work.

Josh: Okay.

Caelyn: I’m really going to be reading Richard Marton’s Know When to Hold ‘Em.

Josh: Guide to online-dating?

Caelyn: Funny.

Josh: I have to admire your willingness to tell your boss of your plans to not only avoid work, but also study on how to best take his money.

Caelyn: I’m bold that way.

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Daring.

Josh: Uh-huh.

Caelyn: You might call me a firebrand.

Josh: Yeah, if you had red hair, and, you know, were Irish.

Caelyn: Yeah. See you.

Caelyn exits and Josh smiles.

Scene shift - Gerrard’s office. Kevin enters.

Kevin: Hey.

Gerrard: You here to tell me I was wrong?

Kevin: Do I ever?

Gerrard: No.

Kevin: No. You have any scotch?

Gerrard: I got rid of that stuff. It was killing my liver.

Kevin: My liver is fine.

Gerrard: Then get your own scotch.

Kevin: What did you say to Josh?

Gerrard: I told him to get out of the way.

Kevin: Heh. What did he say?

Gerrard (sighs): ‘No.’

Kevin (chuckles): Well, what do you expect? He’s your man, always will be.

Gerrard: He’s an idiot.

Kevin: Sometimes, yeah. But he’s your man.

Gerrard: He died.

Kevin: I know.

Gerrard: He died and Tolvard is still in power. Angril is still in power.

Kevin: People die in war. Doesn’t mean you fire the generals.

Gerrard (angrily): Don’t simplify it like that! Don’t group him like he’s a number. He’s not just… he’s not a number, Kev!

Kevin: No, he’s not. (beat) None of them are.

There is a long pause and then Gerrard nods.

Fade out. End Scene 4.

Ep 6

2007-02-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: Outside ceremony (sunny) - Hundreds of people seated around a platform. Ess and Josh are seated next to each other.

Ess: You have any gum?

Josh: No.

Ess: You should always have gum on you.

Josh: Do you have any gum?

Ess: No.

Josh: Then be quiet.

Ess: You’re a charmer, you know that?

Josh: It’s like one-hundred twenty degrees out here.

Ess: It’s a balmy eighty-four.

Josh: Balmy?

Ess: Yes.

Josh: That just means humid.

Ess: I thought it meant pleasant.

Josh: It doesn’t.

Ess: You sure?

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: ‘Cause the guys on TV always say it like it’s a good thing.

Josh: It’s not.

Ess: I think you could be wrong.

Josh: I’m not.

Ess: I think you could be.

Josh: It also means ‘insane,’ but I just assumed you didn’t.

Ess: And that was a wise assumption, though apparently I didn’t mean it in any of the ways in which it is supposed to be meant.

Josh: It’s like the sixth circle out here.

Ess (beat): I thought that was to be submerged in boiling blood.

Josh: That’s the seventh.

Ess: Six is being out in the sun?

Josh: In big crowds.

Ess: Ah.

Josh: Yes.

Ess: When it’s balmy?

Josh: Yes. Both definitions.

Ess: Really.

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: One wonders how we avoided the three lower levels.

Josh: I think they averaged my three and your nine, and we ended here.

Ess: Are you saying you’re more moral than I am?

Josh: Yes.

Ess: That I am somehow below you on the karmic scale?

Josh: Yes.

Ess: Well, that’s just ridiculous.

Josh: Your face is ridiculous.

Ess: You know, I’m this close to dropping us both into… what’s eight?

Josh: A Barry Manilow concert.

Ess (giggles): Right. (beat) Watch yourself, or we’ll spend eternity listening to Could It Be Magic.

Josh (beat): I really should have brought some gum.

Ess: That’s all I’m saying. (beat) There’s Gerrard.

Josh: Who? (Ess hits him)

Ess: He looks nervous.

Josh: What are you talking about?

Ess: Look at him.

Josh: He looks fine.

Ess: Fine, yes, and a little nervous.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: Women recognize these things better than you men.

Josh: What does that have to do with you?

Ess: See, I’m thinking it has to be you who’s pulling us down.

Josh: Yeah, you’re probably right.

Ess: Bet your booty I am.

Josh: What?

Ess: I said, ‘Bet your booty.’

Josh: Why?

Ess: I dance to a different beat.

Josh: What’s wrong with you?

Ess: I’m trying to be more-

Josh: Aberrant?

Ess: Delightful.

Josh: You know, you’re a very odd person.

Ess: Oddly delightful.

Josh: Just odd.

Ess: In a delightful way.

Josh (laughs): Okay.

Ess: Oh! Here they come.

Music begins to play, and everyone stands up. A long line of graduates, dressed in officer garb, comes down the isle. Caelyn smiles as she passes them, and just barely turns to look at them. Josh is making a face at her, and she struggles not to giggle. Ess elbows him.

Ess: She looks so pretty, doesn’t she?

Josh: You’re like a mother.

Ess: Doesn’t she?

Josh doesn’t answer, but keeps watching Caelyn with a small smile. The graduates file into the many front-row seats. Gerrard comes to the platform.

Gerrard: Please be seated. (everyone sits) Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to announce to you the next group of elites, chosen to serve our cause and the cause of humanity. (applause/cheering) Commander Addil has asked me to say a few words to the graduates before the ceremony commences.

Begin fadeout.

Gerrard: Days like these always give me a great sense of pride, as I look out at the numerous heroes who are giving of themselves to…

Fade out.

Scene shift- fade in to the ceremony resolution. People are gathered, talking, etc. Josh, Ess, Caelyn, and Gerrard are together.

Gerrard: Josh, I have something that we should probably talk about.

Josh: Is it about women on the PGA? Because I’ve been meaning to have words on that, too.

Gerrard: Get over yourself.

Josh: Okay.

Gerrard: We’ll be right back, ladies.

Ess: Are you going to talk about Caelyn?

Gerrard: Mind your own business.

Caelyn: Are you going to talk about me?

Gerrard: Yes.

Caelyn: Really?

Gerrard: No. (to Josh) Josh.

They move off to a less crowded area.

Gerrard: Listen-

Josh: You did well up there.

Gerrard: What?

Josh: The speech. You did well.

Gerrard: Why are you telling me that?

Josh: Ess said you were nervous, and I wanted you to know that it wasn’t very obvious.

Gerrard: I wasn’t nervous.

Josh: Ess said you were.

Gerrard: I wasn’t.

Josh: Okay.

Gerrard: Ess was wrong.

Josh: She usually is.

Gerrard: I don’t get nervous.

Josh: Okay.

Gerrard: I speak in front of crowds many times a year. It’s not like I’m-

Josh: You wanted to tell me something?

Gerrard (beat): Price offered ADF to me.

Josh (beat): Marshal?

Gerrard: Yeah.

Josh: To you?

Gerrard: Yeah.

Josh (beat/grins): Congratulations.

Gerrard: I didn’t take it.

Josh: What?

Gerrard: I didn’t take the job.

Josh: You didn’t take the job?

Gerrard: No.

Josh: I don’t.. were you drunk that day?

Gerrard: No.

Josh: It’s okay if you were; it’s not like I’m going to judge you.

Gerrard: Josh-

Josh: You said no?

Gerrard: I wasn’t willing to leave Sierra in the hands of some incompetent fool.

Josh: The incompetent fool being-?

Gerrard: No, not you. I wanted them to give it to you, but they said you were too young, and your talent was needed in the field. And, you know, I think they were right. Right now, you’re better where you’re at.

Josh: So you stayed.

Gerrard: Yeah.

Josh (beat): I’m not sure what to say.

Gerrard: Whatever you want.

Josh: Okay. It was a stupid choice.

Gerrard: Really?

Josh: Yeah.

Gerrard: That’s it?

Josh: ‘course not. It was stupid, and we’re all very glad you made it.

Gerrard (smiles slightly): Okay. Don’t tell any of them, all right?

Josh: Yeah. Why’d you tell me?

Gerrard: You might hear some things. Just wanted you to hear it from me first.

Josh (nods): Thanks.

Gerrard: Yeah. Let’s get back to the girls.

They walk back over to the women.

Ess: So what were you talking about?

Josh: Your hair.

Ess: My hair?

Josh: Gerrard said it looked like you just got out of bed.

Ess (horrified): What’s wrong with it?

Gerrard: We weren’t talking about your hair. Your hair is fine.

Ess: My hair is great.

Gerrard (beat): Okay.

Ess (to Josh): Mandy.

Josh (laughs): Sorry.

Gerrard (to Caelyn): So how do you feel now?

Caelyn: Relieved.

Gerrard: I bet.

Caelyn: Thank you, guys, for coming.

Josh: Don’t mention it.

Caelyn: Well, I know it was a long way to come for just a short ceremony-

Josh: You want to get out of here, don’t you?

Caelyn (desperately): I really, really do.

Josh (nods): Let’s go, then. We’ll grab some food or something. (to Gerrard) You in?

Gerrard: I have to stay a bit, talk to some people. You kids get out of here.

Ess: You sure?

Gerrard: Yeah. (hugs/kisses Caelyn) I’m so proud of you. (she smiles at him gratefully)

Josh: Alright. Now about that food: Caelyn?

Caelyn: Whatever you two want is fine.

Josh: No, no, no. Your day, you have to decide.

Caelyn (laughs a little): Okay. What about Chinese? Is that okay?

Ess: Love Chinese.

Josh: Their food's not bad either. (to Gerrard) We’ll just head home afterward.

Gerrard: Okay. I’ll see you all tomorrow.

Caelyn (kisses his cheek/quietly): Thank you.

Gerrard: Go have fun.

They separate. Fade out.

End Scene 1.

Scene 2 - ADTEO hallway: Alec and Luke are walking side by side.

Alec: I don’t understand.

Luke: You don’t?

Alec: No.

Luke: I’ll explain again.

Alec: Okay.

Luke: Josh leaving for two days does not make you my boss.

Alec: Hmm, it kind of does.

Luke: Not really.

Alec: I’m not following your logic.

Luke: It’s not logic, it’s common sense.

Alec: Your parlance leaves me confused.

Luke: I’m not getting you a hamburger.

Alec: With cheese.

Luke (beat): A cheeseburger?

Alec: One might conclude that, yes.

Luke: Get your own lunch.

They enter the main office area. Janie is there.

Alec: Janie, am I Luke’s boss while Josh is gone?

Janie: No.

Alec: Janie!

Luke: Thank you.

Alec: You totally messed that up.

Janie: Did I?

Alec: Yes, you did. You fumbled the ball.

Janie: I’m sorry.

Alec: I threw a lateral and you dropped it.

Janie: I’ll do better next time.

Alec: I don’t want to talk about it.

Luke: You know, I am so looking forward to not being the newbie around here anymore.

Alec: Passing of the mantle.

Luke: Yeah. The mantle of hazing.

Janie laughs.

Luke: What?

Janie: You think Josh is going to let you haze her?

Luke: Why not?

Janie: He’s smitten.

Alec: No, he’s not.

Janie: I think he is.

Luke: He’s smitten?

Alec: No.

Janie: Yes.

Alec: He’s not smitten.

Janie: Pretty smitten, yeah.

Luke: What does that mean, exactly?

Janie: Means you’re still the newbie.

Luke: What!?

Alec: He’s not smitten.

Luke: I’ve paid my dues, Alec!

Janie: And now you get to pay hers.

Alec: Oh, would you please!

Luke: Alec-

Alec: Don’t listen to her.

Luke: Alec, promise me Josh isn’t smitten.

Alec (looks at him blankly): Okay, don’t ever say anything like that to me again.

Luke: Yeah, okay.

Alec: He’s not smitten, he doesn’t have a crush, and he’s not twelve-years old. Josh is nothing if not professional when it comes to office politics.

Elevator opens: Josh, Caelyn, and Ess walk out. Caelyn is timid throughout this scene.

Josh: Pick any desk but mine.

Caelyn (laughs): Cool.

Luke gives Alec a look.

Josh: You guys remember Caelyn? (He walks to his office)

Alec: Yeah. Congratulations.

Caelyn: Thanks.

Janie: Was it a nice ceremony?

Caelyn: I didn’t really notice. I was trying not to faint. (beat) I get nervous.

Ess: It was very nice. Caelyn got an award.

Alec: You got an award?

Caelyn (embarrassed): Just a little one.

Alec: For what?

Ess: Top marksman of the class.

Caelyn: It’s more like a trinket, really.

Alec: That’s impressive.

Caelyn: Thanks. (beat) He was joking about the desk thing, right?

Janie: It’s being delivered today. We thought it’d be here by now.

Caelyn: Oh, no; that’s fine. I don’t really need one right now anyway. (notice Luke is staring at her blankly) Hey there, Ben.

Luke: Luke.

Caelyn: Luke, sorry.

Josh enters via Josh’s office.

Josh: You decided?

Caelyn: What?

Josh: Which desk you want.

Caelyn: They said it’s being delivered.

Josh: Ah. Nielen call?

Janie: Twice.

Josh: Anything I care about?

Janie: Maybe. Something is roaming around a mall in Denver.

Alec (laughs): Seriously?

Janie: Yeah.

Josh: Anything for the team? Caelyn needs some field experience.

Luke: Josh, you got a minute?

Josh: Uh, yeah, okay. My office.

The two of them exit to Josh’s office.

Caelyn: I called him Ben.

Ess (giggles): It’s okay.

Caelyn: Is there something I should be doing?

Ess: Kevin’s off today, so go ahead and sit at his station for now. Until Josh gives you orders, just be available.

Caelyn: Okay. (she sits down and looks uncomfortable. She picks up a pencil and begins to doodle)

Scene shift - inside Josh’s office.

Josh: What’s up?

Luke: Look, I know I’ve made some mistakes. I mean, I admit that. I’ve done some stupid things, but I don’t think that should take away from all the good things I’ve done here, too.

Josh: Luke.

Luke: Yeah?

Josh: Is this what you’re practicing to use on your girlfriend? Because you really need to give that up, man. I mean, does she even live around here anymore?

Luke: This has nothing to do with her. I’m over her. This- why would you think this about her?

Josh: I… honestly don’t know.

Luke: Janie thinks you’re smitten.

Josh: Janie thinks I’m smitten?

Luke: Yes, and I want to know-

Josh: What - what does that mean - ‘Janie thinks you’re smitten?’

Luke: I wasn’t sure at first, either.

Josh: Luke-

Luke: Caelyn is supposed to be the newbie! I’ve paid my dues!

Josh: Ah.

Luke: Yes.

Josh: And Janie said Caelyn would get special treatment because I’m smitten?

Luke: Yes.

Josh: Well, she’s wrong.

Luke: She is?

Josh: Of course. Caelyn will be getting special treatment ‘cause she’s hot.

Luke: Josh!

Josh: You are such an idiot. Janie is playing you.

Luke (beat): You sure?

Josh: Yeah.

Luke: Okay. (beat) Okay. I was just… you know.

Josh (beat): Come on.

They exit into the main offices.

Josh: All right guys, listen up. We have a few announcements. First of all, congratulations to Caelyn as the newest member of our team. (they applaud, and Caelyn smiles/blushes) Also, kudos to Luke, who survived the unjustifiably-long months of hazing as our latest newbie. He now passes that mantle onto Caelyn, who is suddenly not as lucky as she thought. (they laugh) Janie, call Nielen and tell him we’ll take the job. (Janie immediately picks up the phone and begins dialing) You three, take Caelyn down to the armory and show her around. Pick up whatever you need. (he throws Alec some keys) That’s for the sniper-rifle cabinet. (to Caelyn) You know your weapons, right?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Josh: Okay, take whichever you want, but remember that we’ll be indoors, so operate from that. Chances are you won’t be using it anyway.

Caelyn: Okay.

Josh: Luke, grab me the H-Ks. (Luke nods) Meet back up here in half an hour, and we’ll do briefing.

He walks back into Gerrard’s office, and the others enter the elevator.

Scene shift, elevator.

Alec: This is going to be cool.

Ess: What is?

Alec: Hunting something in a mall? It’s like a holiday.

Ess (to Caelyn): Alec hit his head when he was young, and now he’s stupid.

Caelyn nods nervously.

Ess: You scared?

Caelyn: Little bit, yeah.

Ess: Don’t worry. This is a light mission, generally be a solo. We’ll take care of you.

Caelyn: Okay.

Luke: You’ll mostly just have to watch how we operate and stuff like that. You’ll be fine.

Caelyn: Thanks. (beat) Sorry about calling you Ben.

Luke (smiles): It’s cool.

Alec (beat): Obi-Wan?

Caelyn (embarrassed): I think so.

Alec laughs.

Ess: You’ll be fine.

Caelyn nods nervously.

Elevator opens to armory. Gun racks, demolitions, combat knives, etc.

Alec (mutters): He threw me a ring with twenty-three keys on it. (Ess laughs)

Ess (to Caelyn): Over here is where we keep side-arms. The guys usually take knives, ‘cause it makes them feel dangerous.

Luke (holds up a knife): Like Rambo.

Caelyn: What should I take?

Ess: Here. I usually go with a Glock. Luke likes Berettas, and Alec has this system that no one else understands. Josh either takes duo Heckler Koch, or these customized things he saw on some movie.

Alec (off-screen): She doesn’t know what she’s talking about!

Ess (yelling back): Shut up! (normal voice) Here, take a Glock.

Caelyn: Okay.

Alec (off screen): Got it.

Caelyn and Ess walk over to him at the large cabinet.

Alec: I’ve never seen the inside before. (They all stare at the weapons) Wow.

Ess: You can shoot all those things?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: Without falling down?

Caelyn (smiling slightly): They’re made pretty well.

Ess (points): I’d be afraid to touch that one.

Caelyn (reaches in and grabs a smaller rifle): I’m still afraid. (she shrugs) They said that’s the way it goes.

Alec: You all set then?

Caelyn: Where are the rounds?

Alec: After we’re done here.

Caelyn: Okay. Yeah, I’m all set.

Luke comes over. He is wearing two guns in shoulder holsters, and has a shotgun on his back. He’s carrying a knife. Ess and Caelyn look at him oddly.

Alec: Nice! (he and Luke bump fists) I gotta get geared up.

Ess looks at Caelyn and shrugs.

Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3 - The mall (empty, but lights are on): Night outside. Alec and Ess are patrolling together.

Ess: This is kind of pleasant.

Alec: What is?

Ess: The quiet. (beat) The fountain. (Alec laughs) Stuff.

Alec: I’ve been thinking-

Ess: Good for you.

Alec: Yeah.

Ess: Okay, okay, go ahead.

Alec: I’ve been thinking about my career.

Ess: What about it?

Alec: I think I could have my own team.

Ess (stops and looks at him): You’re leaving?

Alec: No.

Ess: You’re thinking of leaving!

Alec: No, I’m not.

Ess: Yes, you are!

Alec: Yes, I am, but it’s not serious.

Ess: Alec!

Alec: More like a passing fancy.

Ess: You’re leaving!?

Alec: I’m thinking of my career.

Ess: Is it my fault?

Alec: What?

Ess: Is it something I’m doing that’s driving you away?

Alec: No, of course not. What does that even mean?

Ess: Is it Josh’s fault?

Alec: Is it Josh’s fault?

Ess: Yes.

Alec: No.

Ess: Are you mad he got the unit?

Alec: No!

Ess: You’re not?

Alec: I’m not mad. It’s not… it’s not about someone’s fault. I’m just thinking ahead.

Ess: Thinking of leaving.

Alec: Thinking of possibly leaving.

Ess: Because Josh got the unit?

Alec: No! It has nothing to do with Josh, or you. I’m glad Josh got the unit. I like working here. I like you and Josh, and Gerrard, and… those other people.

Ess: Then why are you leaving?

Alec: I’m not.

Ess: You are.

Alec: Stop it.

Ess: Alec-

Alec: I just… I’m thinking, that’s all I’m doing. (beat) I shouldn’t have said anything.

Ess: Don’t leave.

Alec: I’m not leaving.

Ess: You will be.

Alec: Maybe.

Ess: Alec!

Alec: Listen, don’t say anything to Josh.

Ess: About how you’re abandoning us?

Alec: I’m not abandoning you.

Ess: You are.

Alec: I’m not. Don’t say anything.

Ess: I promise not to say anything if you promise never to leave.

Alec: Esther.

Ess: Alec.

Alec: I’m serious.

Ess: Me too.

Alec gives her a look but says nothing.

Scene shift. Josh and Caelyn (guns drawn, but not at ready) are walking in the mall.

Josh: Relax.

Caelyn: What?

Josh: Relax. Your knuckles are white.

Caelyn: Oh. (beat) This is-

Josh: Disquieting?

Caelyn: Yeah. Disquieting.

Josh: You’ll get used to it.

Caelyn: Being disquieted?

Josh: The overall atmosphere of these missions.

Caelyn: Okay.

Josh (beat): Your mom okay?

Caelyn: I’m sorry?

Josh: Your mom. She wasn’t at the graduation. She feeling all right?

Caelyn: Oh, yeah. She, um… she doesn’t really like the fact that I stayed in ADTE.

Josh: Ah.

Caelyn: We’re not on the outs with one another or anything. She just doesn’t want to feel like she’s encouraging me on this particular path.

Josh: I see.

Caelyn: She is rather upset with my dear uncle, though.

Josh (laughs): Yeah. Take your safety off.

Caelyn (removes safety/whispers): You see something?

Josh (ignores her): You glad you did?

Caelyn: Took the safety off?

Josh: Joined Sierra.

Caelyn (beat): Yeah.

Josh: It’s okay to be uncertain right now. My first mission, I convinced myself I was an idiot for ever signing up and that I would resign the moment we got back.

Caelyn (surprised): Really?

Josh: Oh yeah.

Caelyn: What was it?

Josh: Look around. (Caelyn obeys) Up north, we had to track a mob of four hostiles through the snow. It was dark, it was silent… it was disquieting. (stops walking/ beat) You see it?

There is a single ghoul at the top of the escalators.

Caelyn: Should I… do I shoot it?

Josh: It doesn’t know we’re here. (beat/grabs Caelyn’s handgun from her) Snipe it.

Caelyn nods and un-slings the rifle, quickly brings it up and immediately fires; the ghoul drops dead. Josh looks surprised.

Josh (staring at the corpse): Uh… wow.

Caelyn (worried): Did I mess up?

Josh: No. (turns to her and grins) Nice shot.

Caelyn (smiles): Thanks.

Josh: Let’s go look at it. (walks off towards the ghoul)

Caelyn: Look at it? (reluctantly follows)

Scene shift. Luke meets up with Alec and Ess as they are walking back toward the mall entrance.

Luke: You guys see anything?

Alec: There was this fountain.

Luke: Take any pennies?

Alec: Ess did.

Ess: No, I didn’t.

Alec: She wanted to, but I stopped her.

Ess: No, he didn’t.

Luke: I rode the escalators for awhile.

Alec: The escalators were on?

Luke: I did some toggling.

Alec: Nice.

Luke: What’s with her?

Alec: Nothing.

Luke: You okay, Ess?

Ess: No.

Alec: She’s fine.

Luke: What’s wrong?

Alec: Nothing is wrong.

Ess: Alec is stupid and it makes me angry.

Luke: Alec.

Alec: I didn’t-

Luke: Stop making Ess angry.

Alec: I didn’t do anything.

Luke: Apparently you did.

Ess: He did.

Alec rolls his eyes. The three of them come up to Josh and Caelyn, standing near the exit/entrance.

Ess: Good job, Cae!

Caelyn: Thanks.

Alec: Just the one?

Josh: Looks like it. You guys didn’t see anything?

Alec: A fountain.

Josh: Take any money?

Alec: Ess did.

Josh (to Ess, who is glaring at Alec): Good on you, mate.

Ess turns her glare to Josh.

Josh: What’s with her?

Luke: Alec made her angry.

Josh (annoyed): Alec.

Alec: Shut up.

Josh: Ess, want me to fire him?

Ess: Yes.

Josh: Okay.

They all walk outside.

Caelyn (to Ess): What did he do?

Ess: He acted deplorable.

Caelyn: Men.

Ess (nods): Men.

Fade out.

Scene shift - next day, ADTEO, Josh’s office. Josh is working on his computer. Alec comes in and shuts the door.

Alec: Hey.

Josh: What’s up?

Alec: I don’t think it worked.

Josh: You don’t?

Alec: No.

Josh: A pity.

Alec: Yeah, man.

Josh (beat): What was it, again?

Alec (sighs): Telling Ess that I-

Josh: Oh yeah. That. She was actually in here a little while ago, scared to death you were going to leave us.

Alec: I made her pretty mad.

Josh: Yeah, but that’s good.

Alec: It’s good she’s mad?

Josh: It’s good that she cares.

Alec: I’m starting to think that maybe it wasn’t the best idea.

Josh: I told you that.

Alec: I know.

Josh: I distinctly remember telling you that it wasn’t the best idea.

Alec: Yes.

Josh: ‘Bad’ was the word I used.

Alec: I was there.

Josh: But you did it anyway.

Alec: Yes.

Josh: Well… now we have to look on the bright side.

Alec: There’s a bright side?

Josh: There is, and I’m on it. Join me on the bright side, Alec.

Alec: Shut up.

Josh: Tell her that you’re staying with Sierra because now you realize how much it means to her, and you could never do anything to cause her grief. (beat) Or not, since lying is never a good way to start a pretend relationship.

Alec: It’s not actually…a lie, lie. I mean, if it weren’t for her, and, you know…

Josh: Me.

Alec: Yeah, whatever. If it weren’t for you guys, I probably would leave.

Josh: Tell her that.

Alec: Tell her that?

Josh: Stress the ‘her’ part.

Alec: Yeah. Okay.

Josh (beat): It really wasn’t the best idea.

Alec: It might work.

Josh (shrugs): Still.

Alec: Yeah. (beat) Okay, thanks.

Alec exits, Josh does some more typing, and then Gerrard comes in.

Gerrard: You busy?

Josh: Words can’t express how much I’m not.

Gerrard (shuts door): So.

Josh (long beat): Sir?

Gerrard: How did she do?

Josh: She did very well.

Gerrard: Good.

Josh: Remarkable marksmanship. Base of the skull, dead center.

Gerrard: Good. (beat) Her mother doesn’t like me much.

Josh: Yes, sir.

Gerrard: I think she’ll get over it, eventually.

Josh: Yes, sir.

Gerrard: Listen, I don’t want you to show her any special treatment, okay?

Josh: The mother?

Gerrard: Josh.

Josh: Of course not.

Gerrard: Good. (beat) If something happens to her, it will be my fault.

Josh (beat): Nothing will happen to her.

Gerrard looks at him, stoic, for a moment.

Gerrard: Thank you, Josh.

Josh: Yes, sir.

Josh watches him with leave, then leans back in his chair and sighs. Fade Out.

End Scene 3.

Ep 5

2007-02-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: ADTEO - Josh and Alec are walking from the conference room to the main office area.

Josh: So you guys are dating then?

Alec: Yeah, man.

Josh: Does she know that?

Alec: I don’t think so.

Josh: You planning on telling her?

Alec: What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her.

Josh: But it went well?

Alec: She loved it. I almost committed suicide by means of a ball point pen, but she loved it.

Josh: Maybe you two could make it a thing.

Alec: Why-why would you say that? Everything was going well, I’m telling you that things are good, and there you go with the evil thoughts.

Josh: Don’t you want to make her happy?

Alec (suddenly very emotional): Dude, it was horrible! It went on and on, forever. It was like that Star Trek where time loops around itself, and each time you are sure that this time it has to be the end… and then they sing some more, and you die all over again!

Josh: There was an X-Files like that. Only with a bank.

Alec: A bank?

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: What do you mean?

Josh: A place where you put money. They get robbed. A bank?

Alec: Ah, I was confused.

Josh: Yes.

Alec: Well, I’m pretty certain it’s been ripped off more than a few times.

Josh: I miss the X-Files.

Alec (beat): Yes, I want to make her happy, but another one of those epic miniseries would absolutely kill me, and there’s a chance that my death might make her sad.

Josh: That’s more than likely a push.

Alec: Next time, I’m taking her to a sports event, and I’ll buy her some nachos.

Josh: And they say chivalry is dead.

Alec: Go ahead and make your funny jokes, but this is going to work out.

Josh: Stargate.

Alec: What?

Josh: Stargate. With the McGyver guy. They did a loop thing too.

Alec: You say “the McGyver guy” like that means something.

Josh: Take a History class, would you?

Alec: Do you stay up until 3am to catch these antiquated re-runs, or are you just blessed with an instant recall of inane sci-fi?

Josh: I resent that. Well, not really, but you didn’t know that.

Alec: I didn’t even have to buy her a dog.

Josh: You’re telling me that Tristan und Isolde was better than the dog idea?

Alec (beat): Fair enough. But it worked, and that’s what we are focusing on now.

Josh: I’m focused on that time-loop, but whatever.

Alec: As long as you’re in my corner.

Josh: Always. (beat) Unless that would perpetuate the time-loop, in which case I might have to leave your corner so we can all further our existence.

Alec: Okay, but barring that?

Josh (snaps his fingers): Groundhog Day.

Alec: Groundhog Day.

Josh: Of course.

Alec: The original.

Josh: The others were but cheap knock-offs.

Alec: Yeah.

Josh: I feel bad it took me that long.

Alec: We all have off days.

Josh: I completely forgot about it.

Alec: But you pulled it out in the clutch.

Josh: This could be a sign of bad things.

Alec: It could be.

They enter the main office area. Kevin is there.

Josh: Kevin, do you have a feeling this has happened before?

Kevin: What has happened before?

Josh: This conversation.

Kevin: Do I have a feeling we’ve previously had a conversation about having this conversation?

Josh: Yeah.

Kevin (beat): I didn’t have breakfast this morning, so maybe I’m missing something.

Josh: Well, if this happens again, try to remember to eat a bagel or something. You could be throwing the universe for a spin.

Alec: Josh is fixed on the notion of a time-loop.

Josh: Which we could possibly break, if Alec would hunker down a little bit.

Kevin: Like Groundhog Day?

Josh: You really don’t have to rub it in.

Kevin: Were you up late watching old movies or something?

Josh: I get the feeling you’ve asked me that before.

Alec: How are you my boss?

Josh: I have a pretty face.

Gerrard steps out of his office.

Gerrard: Josh, could I see you a moment?

Josh: Okay, but that’s what we try every time.

Gerrard looks puzzled and goes back inside. Josh follows.

Scene shift to inside Gerrard’s office. Gerrard sits behind his desk, and Josh sits in front of it. Gerrard hands him a paper.

Gerrard: Take a look at these scores of a new recruit in the sharpshooter training.

Josh (looks over the paper and whistles): Wow. That’s almost incredible.

Gerrard nods and hands him a second paper. Josh looks at, then looks up at Gerrard in silence disbelief. Gerrard nods again.

Josh: I want this guy. Can we get this guy on my team? He’s like… Quigley.

Gerrard: Quigley?

Josh: I knew I’d stump you sooner or later.

Gerrard: In all honesty, I never know what you’re talking about.

Josh: Quigley. Tom Selleck, cowboy sniper.

Gerrard: There may be a day, perhaps in the near future, when you may have to grow up.

Josh: Not if I move to Neverland.

Gerrard (sighs and chooses to ignore him): As for if we can get her on Sierra, I’m quite certain we can.

Josh: A chick is pulling these numbers?

Gerrard (withering look): And why is that surprising?

Josh: I thought chicks only knew how to wash dishes, (Gerrard opens his mouth to speak) and I’m totally kidding.

Gerrard: Don’t say things like that around the women, please? Or, me, for that matter. I’m trying to run a cohesive force here.

Josh: So, who is she?

Gerrard raises his eyebrows and smiles.

Scene shift to training grounds, focus in on clear target. A bullet hole punctures near the center, and the sound of a rifle follows. Shift to high-powered sniper rifle barrel, pan up to Caelyn aiming threw the scope and firing again.

Fade out. End Scene 1.

Scene 2: Research Station - Josh, Alec, Ess, and Luke are standing in a small room, looking down through a large glass window pane at the testing of a prototype (not shown).

Ess: This is exciting. Aren’t you excited? I’m excited.

Josh: Are you?

Ess: You don’t seem excited.

Josh: I probably was, the first dozen times around.

Ess: We could be using the AP-12 on the field within four months.

Alec: Well, I’m holding my breath.

Luke: Why does it take four guys to move the thing?

Ess: It’s a prototype. They have to be careful.

Luke: Why, is it extremely fragile?

Ess: No.

Luke: Because taking fragile things out into the field is like the Wile E. Coyote approach to our work.

Ess: You guys don’t seem very excited.

Luke: I’m excited about the possibility of it blowing up.

Ess: It’s not going to blow up.

Alec: Then wake me when we’re done.

Ess: You guys! This is big.

Alec: I know. I’m pumped!

Ess: Really?

Alec: No.

Josh (to Luke): Are you thinking it might blow up because in the back of your mind you get the feeling this chronology of events has priory taken place?

Luke: I was just bored.

Josh: Okay. That’s okay. (beat) We’re on different planes, you and I.

Luke: Different something.

Alec: You know, we don’t even know what theory to apply to our situation.

Ess: Situation?

Alec: Well, there’s the Murray theory, where time is repeating for one character while the rest of the ‘verse remains oblivious.

Josh: Or the Roddenberry theory.

Alec: Exactly; déjà vu.

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: You guys are such huge nerds.

Josh: I’ve been operating on the Roddenberry theory.

Alec: It is the more logical of the two.

Ess: More logical? This is like arguing which superhero-

Josh/Alec: The Phoenix/Superman.

Josh (to Alec): Be more mediocre.

Luke: They’re starting.

Cameras maintain view on the four of them looking down through the window. There is a flash, and loud sound, and they all jump. Josh shoots Luke a suspicious/shocked look.

Scene shift - Josh, Alec, Ess, and Luke are in an elevator. Ess looks distressed.

Luke: They’ll get it right.

Ess: Whatever.

Alec: I don’t think you get to do that. Shouldn’t the three guys you dragged up here to watch be the ones who are snappy?

Luke: How do we get out?

Josh: Wait for the door to open, Luke.

Luke: Of the time-loop.

Josh: Oh. Well, there are a plethora of theories, but normally it involves stopping something bad from happening.

Alec: The prototype.

Josh: Yeah.

Luke: What?

Alec: It’s obviously the prototype exploding that is causing us-

Ess: Shut up! (beat as they all stare at her) I can only take so much adolescent geek-speak and you guys have fulfilled your quotas, so can we please drop it?

Elevator bell dings, the door opens, and Ess marches out. The guys follow, grinning.

Alec: Josh, wait up.

Josh (stops): What?

Alec: I have to use the men’s room.

Josh (beat): I don’t understand, do you need help?

Alec: Just wait for me, okay?

Josh: Are you kidding me?

Ess: Josh, wait for him.

Josh (frowns): What-

Ess: We’ll meet at the office. (to Luke) I’m thinking pizza.

Luke: Pizza’s good.

They walk out the lobby exit. Josh stands there, confused. He shrugs slightly to himself, and waits.

Scene shift- Men’s Room: Alec is leaning against the wall, looking at his watch, and then nods to someone who gives him an odd look.

Alec: How you doing?

Alec waits some more.

Scene shift - City Street, sunset is approaching. Very few people are out. Luke and Ess are walking down the sidewalk.

Luke: Sorry about the thing… blowing up.

Ess (frowns, the laughs slightly): Thanks.

Luke: So how come you care so much?

Ess: About the AP-12?

Luke: Yeah.

Ess (beat): You ever hear of Mark Simmons?

Luke: Don’t think so.

Ess: He worked in the Research Department. Old guy, very sweet. He used to buy me chocolates, and I’d come watch him doodle with stuff. He’d get so excited about his work, and some of it passed off to me.

Luke: So now you’re a technology buff?

Ess: Not really. One time I mentioned to him… (beat) you know, I don’t even remember. (beat) Huh. Anyway, I said something regarding field work, and the next thing I know, he’s planning AP-12.

Luke: Ah.

Ess: Yes.

Luke: He… passed away?

Ess (nods/quietly): Yeah.

Luke: I understand now.

Ess: You think I’m psycho.

Luke: Yes, but I’ve thought that for some time now. (Ess smiles/beat) Do you trust me?

Ess: Yes.

Luke: You do?

Ess: Yes.

Luke: You should trust me.

Ess: I do trust you.

Luke: I’m trustworthy. (beat) Worthy of trust.

Ess: Luke-

Luke: Josh doesn’t trust me.

Ess: You don’t know that.

Luke: I do know that.

Ess: How would you know?

Luke: He told me.

Ess: Unlike you, Josh isn’t trustworthy.

Luke: This time, I think he is.

Ess: Here we part ways, for I say he is not.

Luke: Part ways?

Ess: Embark on divulging paths.

Luke: We’re still going to the office, right?

Ess: Don’t believe everything Josh says.

Luke: Why not?

Ess: He’s perfidious.

Luke: You’re perfidious.

Ess: Yes.

Luke: Ess?

Ess: What?

Luke: Does Josh trust me?

Ess: Not as far as he could throw you.

Luke: Ess!

Ess: You’re a Don John. A regular Bill Sykes.

Luke: You said you trust me.

Ess: Bill Sykes to Josh.

Luke: How do I not be a Bill Sykes?

Ess: By being trustworthy.

Luke: I am.

Ess: Not to Josh.

Luke: How do I get Josh to trust me?

Ess: Why are you asking me?

Luke: You know him better than I do.

Ess: I do.

Luke: Yes.

Ess: Yes.

Luke (beat): I need your help.

Ess: You need many things.

Luke: I need one thing.

Ess: You need one big thing.

Luke: I need one very small thing.

Ess: Yes.

Luke: Are you going to help me?

Ess: Why do I care?

Luke: Because you’re my friend.

Ess: In name.

Luke: In name?

Ess: I’m not making promises.

Luke: What do I say to Josh?

Ess: How about, ‘I’m so dull of wit that I had to get Ess to tell me what to say?’

Luke: Okay, but for the record, I don’t see that as being helpful.

Ess: Maybe something about Leo Tolstoy.

Luke: What?

Ess: Wait it out, Luke.

Luke: No.

Ess: Yes. Talking won’t help. Show him he can trust you, and that’s all you can do. (she smiles and punches his shoulder)

Scene shift - Alec and Josh are exiting the Research Building. Amy is waiting off to the side, the opposite way of which they start walking.

Amy: Hey, Josh.

Josh and Alec turn around. Alec glances back and forth between Amy and Josh, who stares for a moment.

Josh: Amy. (he begins walking again)

Amy: So that’s how it’s going to be from now on? (she begins walking after them)

Josh: (doesn’t turn): Decent-size city, Ames. With any luck, this won’t happen again.

Alec: Hey, Amy.

Amy: Hey there, Alec.

Josh (to Alec): What are you doing?

Alec: Being friendly.

Josh: Stop it.

Amy: Are you just going to ignore me?

Josh: That was my plan, but now that you’ve figured it out, I might have to move to out-running you.

Amy (desperate): Josh!

Josh stops, rolls his yes, and turns towards her.

Amy: Please?

Josh (sighs): What do you need?

Amy: Let me buy you some coffee?

Josh: I don’t need coffee.

Alec: I’ll see you at the office.

Josh (keeping eyes on Amy): You don’t have to go; this won’t take long.

Alec: Yeah, whatever. Be a gentleman for a few minutes, and go to coffee. Take it easy, Ames.

Alec leaves.

Josh (beat/annoyed): Okay then. Let’s go get some coffee.

Amy smiles a little apprehensively and nods. Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3: Small coffee shop - Josh and Amy at a booth.

Amy: Why don’t you order something?

Josh: I don’t want anything.

Amy: Josh, what happened to you?

Josh (beat): What happened to me?

Amy: Do you hate me?

Long pause as Josh just stares at her.

Amy: I never wanted to hurt you.

Josh: Just a perk, I guess.

Amy (beat/ Amy is near tears): I-I felt like… like I was suffocating. Everything was happening all at once, and I couldn’t…-

Josh: You couldn’t-?

Amy: I didn’t want to make a mistake. Our marriage would have been a mistake.

Josh: How did you come to that, exactly? Wake up one morning, and it hits you - ‘Dear Diary, I guess I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with him!’

Amy (beat/ she is clearly hurt by that): I never wanted to hurt you. I’m sorry, Josh. I’m sorry it happened that way.

Josh (beat): Okay.

Amy (choking up): Part of me still loves you, Josh.

Josh: Part of me still wants to burn your house down. (beat) You learn to deal.

Amy (hurt): That was mean.

Josh: I think you’re still ahead on that end.

Amy (stares at him for a long moment): Are you… seeing anyone?

Josh (laughs in disbelief): Am I seeing anyone?

Amy: Stop… doing that.

Josh: Doing what?

Amy: Repeating the question back at me.

Josh: That bothers you?

Amy: A little bit, yeah.

Josh: Like, petty annoyance, or more along the lines of ‘throwing the ring back in my face’ bothersome?

Amy (hurt): I didn’t throw it at you.

Josh: No, you were much more subtle.

Amy (breaks down): I can’t do this. I can’t - (cries)

Josh (sighs/softens): What did you want to talk to me about, Ames?

Amy: I don’t… I can’t know that you hate me. (pleading) Please don’t hate me, Josh.

Josh (quietly): I don’t hate you. (she looks at him questioningly) Anymore. I did for awhile.

Amy: Now you just really dislike me.

Josh: Amy, I do my best not think of you at all, because when I do, I become despondent. (beat) If this was all about assuaging some left-over guilt, then don’t worry about it. I’ll survive.

Amy: I lost my best friend when I lost you, Josh. (beat) This wasn’t about guilt. I missed you, and I was… concerned about you.

Josh: Okay.

Amy (grabs his hand across the table/trying not to cry): I wish things had gone differently. It’s my fault, and I’m sorry. (whispers) I’m sorry.

Josh (swallows visibly/quietly): Thank you. (beat) I wish - (he laughs to himself) I wish it had gone differently too.

Amy (beat): We can’t be friends, can we?

Josh: No. (beat) Not yet.

Amy (smiles a tiny bit): Maybe someday?

Josh: Maybe.

Amy (smiles/ releases his hand, and straightens up): Okay. (beat) How come you’re not seeing anybody, Josh?

Josh (laughs a little): I couldn’t even talk to Esther for a few days afterward. I think you gave me a complex or something. (smiles slightly)

Amy: (smiles slightly, and stands): I should go.

Josh: Are you seeing somebody?

Amy: No.

Josh: And why not?

Amy (shrugs a little): Still a little hard to breathe.

Josh (nods slowly): Okay.

Amy: Thank you for talking to me… and for not burning my house down.

Josh: Alec or Ess?

Amy: What?

Josh: Which one of them set this up for you?

Amy: Ess first, but Alec helped.

Josh: I keep meaning to transfer them to Alaska.

Amy: You’d be lost without them, Josh.

Josh: I’ve been lost before. I learned to get by.

Amy (beat): Yeah.

Josh: Take care of yourself.

Amy nods and walks out. Josh watches her without moving for a long moment, then breathes in deeply and leaves some money. He exit’s the area.

Scene shift - Training Camp, Caelyn and Marcie are walking through a wooded area, both have sniper rifles slung over their shoulders.

Marcie: I’m saying you could be rich.

Caelyn: No.

Marcie: Yeah, you really could.

Caelyn: I mean, no, I’m not going to do it.

Marcie: Come on, imagine how famous a duo of hot chick assassins would be. Everyone would want to hire us.

Caelyn: We’d be hunted down and shot like farm animals.

Marcie: They hunt down and shoot farm animals?

Caelyn (beat): No.

Marcie: Right.

Caelyn: Wild dogs.

Marcie: There you go.

Caelyn: When I’m operating on very little sleep, I tend to say silly things.

Marcie: Like ‘not on my clock?’

Caelyn: I didn’t say that.

Marcie: Oh yeah, that was me.

Caelyn: I already have an ADTE team waiting for me to graduate.

Marcie: ADTE? Cae, with your scores, you could be completely on contract for the ADF. I’m talking more money than you’ve ever seen before.

Caelyn: My dad worked in a bank. One time I went inside the vault with him.

Marcie (beat): ‘Cause that was the gist of my statement.

Caelyn: Just saying.

Marcie: Is ADTE a dream of yours, or something?

Caelyn: Not really.

Marcie: We can go contract. Work when we want to, make tons of money, live the good life.

Caelyn: My life isn’t all that bad as it is.

Marcie: You’re walking through a jungle with a gun that weighs half of what you do.

Caelyn: I’m not counting now. Now bites.

Marcie: Yeah. (beat) How much further?

Caelyn (looks at her watch and presses a button): About a mile.

Marcie: The bugs are eating me.

Caelyn: Yeah. I think they’re nesting in my hair.

Marcie: Which team?

Caelyn: What?

Marcie: Which ADTE team are you thinking? You could have your pick, you know.

Caelyn: Oh. Sierra.

Marcie: That’s one of the elite ones, right?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Marcie: I guess that would be pretty cool.

Caelyn: I’d double as their field tech.

Marcie: You’re kidding.

Caelyn: No. They’ve been missing one for awhile now.

Marcie: Cae, do you remember that time you put a bullet through the white ring?

Caelyn: That was yesterday.

Marcie: I know when it was. You put a bullet through the white ring, Cae.

Caelyn: I know. I think I was there.

Marcie: Double as a field tech?

Caelyn (beat): Shut up.

Marcie: Girl, you are a hot item right now. (beat) Field tech.

Caelyn: Shut up.

Marcie: Is that a snake?

Caelyn screams, and almost trips backwards as she backs up. Marcie laughs.

Marcie: Just messing with you.

Caelyn: That was mean.

Marcie: You’re so funny when you do that.

Caelyn: You’re mean. You’re mean, and malevolent, and have strong Cruella De Vil elements about you.

Marcie: And I’m going to be wealthier than you, too.

Caelyn: Whatever.

Marcie: Not sure how you’re going to make it in the field when you can’t handle snakes.

Caelyn: There are no snakes in ghoul-infested areas.

Marcie: K, see, you’re missing the point again.

Caelyn: The point being that you are evil? Like, Professor Moriaty evil.

Marcie: I don’t know who that is.

Caelyn: He was evil; much like, curiously enough, you.

Marcie: You almost fell down.

Caelyn: No, I didn’t.

Marcie: You almost fell down and I almost laughed.

Caelyn: You did laugh.

Marcie: I would have laughed harder.

Fade out. End Scene 3.

Scene 4: ADTEO - Main office area. Luke, Ess, Gerrard, Alec, Janie, Kevin.

Luke: Is he going to be mad?

Ess: Josh?

Luke: Yeah.

Ess: No.

Luke: I’d be mad.

Alec: You’d be thrilled.

Luke: I’ve gotten over her.

Alec: You really haven’t.

Kevin: I’d be mad.

Ess: No, you wouldn’t.

Kevin: Being set up with a woman who tore my heart out and stomped on it? I’d be mad.

Ess: It wasn’t like that.

Alec: Well, yeah, it was.

Ess: You know, you helped in this.

Alec: I’m regretting that.

Ess: We have to stand strong, together.

Alec: I’m going to beg his forgiveness when he walks in.

Ess: Shut up.

Janie: Maybe they got back together.

Gerrard/Ess/Alec: No.

Janie: Well, why not?

Alec: That’s not what she wanted.

Ess: Or what he wanted.

Gerrard: We really don’t need to be gossiping about Josh’s personal life, do we?

Janie: It’s not gossip; it’s caring.

Luke: I have too, gotten over her.

Gerrard: It’s gossip; leave it alone.

Luke: I have.

Alec: What kind of pizza did you order?

Janie: Green pepper and ham, a Supreme, and pepperoni/extra cheese.

Alec: You ordered three?

Janie: Ess told me to.

Ess: Gerrard said he was hungry.

Gerrard: I’m hungry.

Kevin: What if they did get back together?

Ess: What?

Kevin: We’ve kind of badmouthed her around here for awhile now.

Alec: It’d be like that Seinfeld where Kramer gets mad because-

Gerrard: We’re not discussing this.

Ess: She just wanted to talk. She felt bad about stuff.

Luke: Like leaving him at the altar?

Ess: They never got to the altar.

Alec: I was going to be best-man.

The elevator door dings, and everyone gets quiet. They all watch quietly as Josh steps out. He glances around, and then walks to his desk.

Janie: Hey, Josh.

Josh: Janie.

Alec: We ordered some pizza.

Josh: Yeah.

Gerrard (beat): Everything okay?

Josh: Yeah, everything is cool.

Alec: Josh-

Josh: Did Gerrard tell you guys about our new sniper?

Alec: We’re getting a sniper?

Josh: Assuming she takes the job.

Gerrard: She will.

Janie: Another woman?

Ess: We’re taking over.

Alec: We’re still getting Caelyn too?

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: That’s a big team.

Josh: Not especially.

Alec: For Sierra.

Gerrard: Caelyn is the sniper.

Alec (beat): She shot Josh in the leg.

Luke: She’s good?

Josh: You should see her scores.

Luke: What about our field tech?

Gerrard: Still working out some of the details.

Ess: You have her scores here?

Gerrard: Yeah, in my office.

Ess: Can I see them?

Gerrard (nods): Janie, they’re on the top of my desk, in a manila envelope.

Janie nods and exits to his office.

Alec: So this was a hidden talent?

Gerrard: Apparently.

Josh: She did shoot me in the leg.

Alec: That’s what I’m saying.

Ess: Very hidden.

Janie enters via Gerrard’s office and hands the envelope to Ess. No one speaks while Ess looks at the contents.

Ess (beat): She’s good.

Luke: Beginner’s luck?

Ess: She’s really, really good. (beat) She could go contract.

Alec: Let me see. (Ess hands him paper/beat) Huh.

Kevin: When we met, didn’t she seem so… non-lethal?

Josh: She shot me in the leg when we first met.

The intercom buzzes at Janie’s desk.

Intercom: Pizza is here for Sierra.

Janie: Whoo!

Janie enters elevator.

Kevin: Make sure there’s some left when you get back here.

Janie sticks her tongue out at him as the doors close.

Kevin: She’ll probably lick all the pieces.

Luke (beat): You two have the strangest relationship.

Alec: She could go contract.

Gerrard: She won’t.

Josh stands and begins to exit via hallway.

Josh: I’ll be back in a few. Save me some food.

Gerrard and Alec exchange a glance. Josh exits, and Alec follows.

Scene shift - ADTEO hallway, Josh and Alec.

Alec: Josh.

Josh: Yeah?

Alec: You alright?

Josh (beat/smiles): I think we broke the loop.

Alec (grins): Yeah?

Josh: Tell Ess you guys did a good thing.

Alec (teasing): You guys didn’t get back together, did you? (beat) Did you?

Josh: That would be awkward. Like on that one-

Alec: That Seinfeld.

Josh: Yeah. (beat) No, we didn’t get back together. Never will.

Alec: But you’re cool.

Josh: I’m cool.

Alec smiles slightly, nods, and walks back to the office. Josh lingers a moment, smiles to himself, and keeps walking the other way.

Scene shift - ADTEO main office. Alec enters from hallway as elevator door opens and Janie comes out with the pizza.

Ess: Hey.

Alec: He’s good.

Ess: Yeah?

Alec: Said we did a good thing.

Ess: Are you lying?

Alec: No.

Ess: He said that?

Alec: Yeah.

Ess (punches Kevin’s arm): Told you.

Kevin: Josh is weird.

Luke: That’s true.

Ess: You shouldn’t talk. About anything. Ever.

Luke: What-

Ess: Mr. Sykes.

Luke (beat): Thanks for the pizza, Janie.

Janie: Where’d Josh go?

Gerrard: Who cares; start handing that stuff out.

Janie: You owe me thirty-six dollars, by the way.

Gerrard: I do?

Janie: Yes.

Gerrard: Thirty-six dollars?

Janie: That’s actually a very good buy.

Gerrard: Like what, on the space station?

Janie: It costs more when they deliver.

Gerrard: How much more?

Janie: Just eat your food. I’ll take it from your wallet later. (Ess giggles)

Alec: Those scores were incredible.

Gerrard: They were, weren’t they?

Ess: Look at you, beaming like a proud papa.

Gerrard: I am, and I’m manly enough to admit it.

Janie: Anyone have any music?

Kevin: Would you be silent, woman?

Luke: I have some Weird Al Yankovic.

Janie: What?

Luke: Weird Al.

Janie: Is that a band?

Luke shoots an appalled glance at Alec who looks equally disgusted.

Alec: Seriously, be silent.

Janie: Hey! Gerrard.

Gerrard: Treat the women respectfully.

Alec: She dissed Weird Al!

Gerrard: You see how much I’m not caring?

Janie: You going to play it for us?

Luke: You aren’t deserving.

Janie: Can you believe these guys?

Ess: I’m just glad they’re off the time-loop thing.

Alec: She dissed Weird Al.

Gerrard: You see how much I’m not caring?

Janie: You going to play it for us?

Ess: Guys-

Luke: You aren’t deserving.

Ess (slightly panicked): Guys?

Janie: These guys are unbelievable.

Ess (beat): You messed up.

Alec: Ah. (He laughs)

Luke: We had you going.

Begin fade out.

Ess (quickly): No, you didn’t.

Gerrard (laughs): A little bit.

Ess: You should be ashamed of yourself. (to Janie) You, too.

Alec: Should have seen your face.

Ess: Shut up.

Fade out on laughter. End Scene 4.

Ep 4

2007-02-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: Devlin Medical Center - Alec’s room. Alec is lying in bed, Josh enters.

Josh: How you feeling?

Alec: Like I’ve been disemboweled.

Josh: What’s that like, exactly?

Alec: Shut up.

Josh: Your mom called. She said if you don’t cry, she’ll buy you a brand new petticoat.

Alec: I was gutted! I’m like… diced fish!

Josh: Yeah, that’s what you’re like.

Alec: My intestines were hanging out. I had to push them back inside.

Josh: The doctor called it a minor laceration.

Alec: What does he know?

Josh: Tell me about it. (beat) The quack.

Alec: I was holding my guts in my hands.

Josh: Keeping your insides inside.

Alec (beat): You’re a moron. I’m in pain here.

Josh: I’m sure your ordeal here will be chronicled in the Halls of the Girl Scouts.

Alec: They better be. This is worse than that time-

Josh: You stubbed your toe?

Alec: I once blew my ankle at a basketball game.

Josh: I once jammed my finger against a filing cabinet.

Alec: That’s not even close to the same thing.

Josh: That cabinet had it coming.

Alec: Back in the day, this would have required, like, 63 stitches.

Josh: Would ‘the day’ happen to be 1903?

Alec (beat): Maybe.

Josh: You know very little about anything, don’t you?

Alec: I know I almost died, and tales of my heroism will be passed down from generation to generation.

Josh: An apologue, if you will.

Alec: Okay, but that probably means something I don’t want it to mean.

Josh: Like the tortoise and the hare.

Alec: Not like that. Different from that.

Josh: Okay. (beat) The early bird and the-

Alec: Go annoy Luke.

Josh: Luke’s unconscious.

Alec: He’s probably faking it so you’ll leave him alone.

Josh: Probably. Either that or, you know, he’s dying.

Alec (beat): You know, you didn’t screw up.

Josh: No. (beat) He did.

Alec (sighs): Yeah.

Josh: Pellik did too.

Alec: I think he knows that.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: No one died, Josh.

Josh: Well, not for want of trying.

Alec: Things happen.

Josh: Things happen?

Alec (nods): Yes.

Josh (puzzled): What… - Things happen?

Alec: Yes, things happen.

Josh (beat): Well, they shouldn’t.

Alec (shrugs): Fair enough. Besides, Pellik will lose his command over this.

Josh: He had better.

Alec: Yeah.

Josh: The man almost got one of my guys-

Alec: What are you going to do with Luke?

Josh pauses and looks at him blankly; Alec raises his eyebrows. Ess comes in (to Josh’s back).

Alec: Hey, there.

Ess: Am I interrupting something?

Josh (looking over his shoulder): Hey.

Ess (moving to the opposite side of Alec’s bed from Josh): How you feeling?

Josh: Don’t-

Alec: Like I’ve been disemboweled.

Ess: Does it hurt when you laugh?

Alec (warningly): Ess….

Ess: How about this? (pokes his side)

Alec (winces): Hey! I almost died out there!

Josh (holds his finger and thumb apart): This close. Luckily, he got up before the other birds.

Ess: What?

Alec: Don’t talk to him. He hit his head and is now incredibly stupid.

Josh: The head thing was just a cover.

Ess (giggles): So what happened in there?

Alec: I saw a bright light.

Ess: Before that.

Alec: I got ambushed, by myself.

Ess: You ambushed yourself?

Alec: What?

Ess: That’s what you said.

Alec: I was by myself, and therefore, got ambushed.

Ess: By someone else.

Alec (annoyed): Yes, Hadassah; by someone else. By banshees.

Ess: Because the first time I was thinking you found a doppelganger.

Alec: Almost died.

Ess: Is it ‘cause you have less skills than my grandma?

Alec: Or maybe because a member of our team took a week off to go shopping.

Ess: Because my grandma once hit a crow with a stone, like, from a long way off.

Alec: Whatever.

Josh: You come alone?

Ess: Gerrard is taking a later flight.

Josh (dryly): That’ll be a jig.

Ess (beat): He doesn’t blame you, Josh.

Josh (softly): Okay.

Alec: ‘That’ll be a jig?’

Ess: This wasn’t your fault.

Josh: It’s always my fault.

Ess: They broke a direct order.

Josh (becomes more upset as he talks): Tell me how that matters when I’m handing his father a flag! Because an out like ‘sorry, but he had it coming’ just doesn’t feel right. Tell me how it matters when I’m explaining to his bereaved sister just what went wrong. When I put down his casket, and the guys start pouring dirt on top. Please, tell me how that matters!

Ess (long beat): He didn’t die, Josh.

Josh (beat/quietly): It’s always my fault. I’m the one responsible for my guys out there. (beat) It’s always my fault.

Ess (quietly): I know.

Long, uncomfortable moment of silence.

Alec: She was probably on steroids. (the other two look at him, confused) Your grandma. Unnatural advantage.

Beat, then they all laugh for a little while. Josh breathes deeply and runs a hand through his hair.

Josh: That was… remarkably unfair of me, Ess.

Alec (to Josh): A bit on the ‘arrogant-cheeky’ side of things.

Josh (to Ess): Alec tells me it was even somewhat cheeky.

Ess: Yeah, it was, really.

Josh: I’m sorry.

Ess (smiles softly): Josh, I don’t envy the pressure you’re under. (beat) Maybe it would be easier if we weren’t all so close.

Josh: Maybe. And maybe I’d go home and cry every night.

Ess (smiles): Yeah. It’s going to be okay, you know.

Alec: Except the part where I got gutted.

Ess: I forgot, did this (pokes him) hurt?

Alec: Ess! (to Josh) She’s poking me!

Josh: Ess, be nice to the poor gal.

Ess (laughs/kisses Alec on the cheek): I really was worried about you.

Alec: Yeah?

Ess: Yeah.

Alec (quietly): I’m really fine.

Josh: It’s a miracle.

Alec: Shut up.

Ess giggles. Fade out. End Scene 1.

Scene 2: ADTEO - Pearson Wiles’ office. Gerrard and Wiles are arguing, tempers are flared.

Wiles: My man-

Gerrard: Your man broke code!

Wiles: My man was not in charge.

Gerrard (disbelieving pause): No kidding!?

Wiles: Your man’s injury-

Gerrard: Pellik is a field commander!

Wiles: He wasn’t yesterday!

Gerrard (long beat): Yeah.

Wiles (sighs): This was… this was bad on all sides.

Gerrard: Yeah.

Wiles: Pellik will be reprimanded.

Gerrard: He’ll be what?

Wiles: Sully-

Gerrard: Reprimanded!?

Wiles: Keep your voice down! Show some respect for the office, if not for me. (beat as Gerrard seethes) If it were Josh, would you have him fired?

Gerrard: It would never be Josh.

Wiles: You don’t know that.

Gerrard: I actually do. (beat) Orders break, and people die.

Wiles (shrugs): People make mistakes. (beat) Didn’t you?

Gerrard (sighs): Okay. (beat) The rest of your people?

Wiles: They’re fine.

Gerrard: Good. (beat) It could have been much worse.

Wiles nods.

Scene shift - Devlin Medical Center (evening): Luke’s room. Luke is in his hospital bed, watching TV. Ess watches from outside the room for a moment, then comes to the doorway.

Ess: They get stranded on an island. Hilarity ensues.

Luke (looks up and grins): Hey. You spoiled it.

Ess (comes in and sits beside the bed): You look good.

Luke: Thanks. You’re not bad, either.

Ess: I meant-

Luke: Yeah.

Ess (looks at TV for a moment): I remember this one.

Luke: Josh… pretty worried?

Ess: We all were.

Luke (sighs): He feels responsible.

Ess: Yeah, he does.

Luke: I mean, it was my decision.

Ess: Yes, it was.

Luke: I’m saying that I don’t want him feeling guilty. I don’t blame him, you know?

Ess (beat): You don’t blame him?

Luke: No.

Ess (beat): Are you on drugs?

Luke (confused): What?

Ess: The doctors pumping some trippy stuff into your blood? Something that’s eating what’s left of your brain?

Luke: Ess, what-

Ess: You don’t blame Josh!?

Luke: I didn’t mean-

Ess: Yeah, you did.

Long beat.

Luke: I meant-

Ess: It doesn‘t matter. Josh gave an order, and you broke code. (beat) What makes you think you’re still employed?

Luke (shock): Gerrard fired me?

Ess: No, but Josh might.

Luke: Josh wouldn’t do that.

Ess: Why not? You think Josh is going to be willing to keep a rogue on the team? What if next time you break code, Alec gets killed?

Luke (beat): I’m not going to-

Ess: Not going to? Luke, when in all the time you’ve been in Sierra did you think you were going to?

Luke: I-I thought they were in trouble. I wanted to help them.

Ess: You help them by doing what you’re told. There’s a reason Josh is the youngest field commander in ADTE. He knows what he’s doing, and yet somehow, you didn’t. You have one responsibility when your on the field. One. Do what you’re told.

Luke is stunned as the gravity of the situation hits him.

Ess: Luke, you got lucky. If someone had been hurt trying to rescue you, you’re desk would already be cleared.

Luke drops his head and doesn’t respond.

Ess (sighs): I’ll talk to Josh. (beat) You are going to take full responsibility for this. Bryce doesn’t come up. No one out there blames anyway one but you for what happened to you. You understand? (beat) Luke, you understand?

Luke nods dumbly. Ess sighs again, pats his hand and leaves the room.

Scene shift. Devlin Medical Center (evening) - Josh is in hallway at vending machine, Ess comes up behind him.

Ess: Josh.

Josh: Ess.

Ess: I have a question.

Josh: None of your business.

Ess: You don’t even know what I was going to ask.

Josh: Pretty sure that’s not actually the case.

Ess: I haven’t even said anything.

Josh: I’m just that good.

Ess: I have a question.

Josh: You want something?

Ess: Uh, yeah, that’s why I’m asking.

Josh (points to the machine): You want something?

Ess: Oh. Sure, I’ll take one of those fruit punch things.

Josh (mutters): Yeah, ‘cause that’s what you need.

Ess (beat): What does that mean?

Josh (pauses as he thinks about it): I honestly don’t know. (hands her the punch)

Ess: I have a question.

Josh: Drink your punch.

They begin walking down the hallway, kind of slowly.

Ess: I can do both.

Josh: Leave it alone, Ess.

Ess (beat): Okay.

Josh: I mean it.

Ess: Okay.

Josh: I really don’t need this right now.

Ess: I said ‘okay.’ I won’t say anything.

Josh: Thank you.

Ess: Are you going to fire Luke?

Josh (under his breath): For crying out loud…

Ess: I don’t think you should fire Luke.

Josh: I didn’t ask.

Ess: I’m helpful that way.

Josh: Something like that.

Ess: He won’t do it again.

Josh (sarcastic): You think?

Ess: He’s sorry.

Josh: You know how trite this sounds?

Ess: He’s not trite.

Josh: We’re not discussing this.

Ess: Okay.

Josh: We’re not discussing this.

Ess: He’s sorry and non-trite.

Josh: Aren’t you missing one of your coven meetings right now?

Ess: I’m all set; I brought my tongue of toad with me.

Josh (laughs): Yeah?

Ess (serious): Josh, please?

Josh (sighs): I’m going to talk with Gerrard.

Ess: He’s going to leave it to you.

Josh (beat): Yeah.

Ess: He made a mistake, Josh. He’s a good agent.

Josh: Did he ask you to talk to me?

Ess (quickly): No.

Josh: Ess?

Ess: He didn’t.

Josh (nods slowly): I’ll talk to Gerrard, I’ll talk to Luke, then I’ll decide.

Ess: Decide not to fire him.

Josh: Maybe I’ll decide to fire you.

Ess (daring): Maybe you should try.

Josh (beat): You’re kind of scary.

Ess (giggles): I know.

Josh: And mendacious.

Ess: Only when I have to be.

Josh: Your mendacious, and you know what else?

Ess: I remind you of Atticus Finch?

Josh: No, you remind me of Lady Macbeth.

Ess: I can’t be Lady Macbeth and the three witches at the same time.

Josh: I would have believed that until I saw the way you multi-tasked around that punch.

Ess: Alas, for by my troth, thou hast divined my…-

Josh: Oracle.

Ess: My oracle.

Josh: By your troth.

Ess: Darn tootin’.

Josh: Tongue of toad?

Ess (nods): For transmogrifications.

Josh (grins): Right.

Ess: Thanks for the punch.

She smiles and leaves him standing there. Lily, the tech from Whiskey team, is walking the opposite way. Her head is down, and she doesn’t notice Josh.

Josh: You okay?

Lily (startled): What?

Josh: You seem a little… You feeling all right?

Lily: My boss is in critical condition. They’re having difficulty getting the toxins out.

Josh (beat/quietly): I hadn’t heard. I thought he was still conscious.

Lily (looks close to tears): They say he’s got about 60% chance…. That’s not very good.

Josh: Can I get you something? They’ve got some coffee over-

Lily: No, that’s okay. Thanks. (beat) How is Luke?

Josh: He’s… (sighs) he’s going to be fine.

Lily (nods): Good. Bryce was worried. He asked when he was… before he went back under.

Josh: You here by yourself?

Lily: The others flew back. They thought…- I think some of them are going to try and come back.

Josh: Would you like to come sit with us? We’re just down the hall here. (beat) Better than being alone.

Lily (looks down the hall almost longingly, then sighs): I think I should stay close to Bryce. I just needed to take a break, clear my head.

Josh (softly): Yeah. Listen, if there’s anything we can do for you, let us know, okay?

Lily (nods): Thank you. Tell Luke I’m glad he’s not hurt too badly.

She turns and continues down the hall away from Josh, who just watches her for a few moments, then continues the way he was going.

Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3: Gerrard enters the hospital area that Ess is in. She stands and they hug.

Gerrard: How you holding up?

Ess: I’m fine. The overwhelming depression given off by this place not withstanding.

Gerrard: Hospitals are like that. Where’s Alec?

Ess: He went to get us some coffee. (beat) Like an hour ago.

Gerrard: You talk with Luke?

Ess: Yeah, and I think he shouldn’t be fired. Things happen that shouldn’t, but they do, and to ruin someone’s dream over one mistake is uncalled for and lacking in the maturity ADTE officers are known to posses.

Gerrard: Letting him keep his job would be nothing short of irresponsible. A rogue on the field gets the rest of the team killed. Josh understands that, and you would too, if you were in his position. Regardless, it’s none of your business.

Ess (beat): It just seems unfair.

Gerrard: Maybe. Is he well?

Ess: He’s physically going to be fine. Probably be out tomorrow.

Gerrard: Josh called me from his flight. You and Alec are going back tonight?

Ess: As soon as we can.

Gerrard: Good. This place is a pit. You know, I almost had an asthma attack coming in here?

Alec approaches with two cups of coffee, and hands one to Ess.

Alec: Hey, boss.

Ess: Thought you got lost.

Alec: I had some trouble with the coffee machine, but I persevered.

Gerrard: Conquered yet another piece of technology, eh, Alec?

Alec: And heard the lamentation of its women.

Gerrard chuckles.

Ess: What did you tell him?

Alec: Tell who?

Ess: Tell Josh. About Luke. What did you tell him to do?

Gerrard: It’s none of your business, Ess.

Ess: Gerrard-

Gerrard: I told him what I would do.

Ess (beat): You told him to fire Luke.

Gerrard (sternly): I told him what I would do.

There is a moment of silence.

Gerrard: I’m going to see my wayward agent. Check in with me before your flight. (he turns and begins to walk away, then turns back) What room, again?

Alec: 212.

Gerrard nods and exits via hallway.

Ess (sighs): I want to get out of here.

Alec: Tell me about it.

Ess: I’m tired of thinking of… this.

Alec: You want to grab something to eat? There’s a few vehicles out there we can use. At least we won’t be sitting around here.

Ess: That actually sounds really nice.

Scene shift. Luke’s room - Luke is walking around stiffly. Gerrard enters.

Gerrard: How are you feeling, boy?

Luke (sits down on the bed): Fine, sir.

Gerrard (beat): You’re scared.

Luke: Nervous, I think.

Gerrard: About your job?

Luke: Yes, sir.

Gerrard: Good.

Luke: Sir, I… I know that what I did was wrong, and it will never happen again, if I am allowed to remain in Sierra. I just… I wanted to say that I never would have disregarded an order like that if I didn’t think my fellow-agents were in danger. I never would have knowingly put any of them in harm’s way.

Gerrard: I know.

Luke (nods): Thank you. That’s… that’s all I wanted to say.

Gerrard: I’m leaving it to Josh.

Luke: Yes, sir.

Gerrard: Josh doesn’t want to fire you. You’re a good agent, and he likes you. (beat) He can’t trust you now, Luke. A field commander basis everything on trust, on the fact that his agents will perform their duties. Next time he gives you an order, he can’t be sure you’ll have followed it. And that leads to deleterious consequences.

Luke: It will never-

Gerrard: You don’t have to try and convince me. You’re a liability on the team. I know what I would do. (beat) Josh doesn’t. He’s going to be back tonight, and he’ll talk with you then. Whether or not he’ll still be undecided, I can’t say.

Long moment of silence. Luke looks resigned, and Gerrard looks at him almost pityingly.

Gerrard: You still hurt?

Luke: Very little. The doctors say I should be able to travel tomorrow.

Gerrard: Good. (beat) Luke, don’t for a minute think that there isn’t a single one of us who isn’t absolutely exultant that you came through this all right. No matter what happens in the business, we count you as a friend.

Luke swallows visibly, and then nods.

Scene shift. Diner, Alec and Ess are at a booth. Still daylight outside.

Ess: This is quaint.

Alec: If you love post-apocalyptic views.

Ess: It’s fine.

Alec: Kind of grimy.

Ess: My aunt’s restaurant is a roach-infested dump, but they have really good spaghetti.

Alec (chuckles): You’re fun to be around.

Ess: I try.

Alec: I’ve been meaning to ask you: I recently came into possession of some tickets to Tristan und Isolde at the Motrine Theatre, and I was wondering-

Ess: You came into possession?

Alec (beat): Yeah.

Ess: Someone gave them to you?

Alec (defensively): I just have them.

Ess: Okay.

Alec: Normally, with a pair of tickets, I’d take Josh, but-

Ess: You take Josh to opera?

Alec: Would you listen for just a second? (Ess giggles) Since it’s not a sports event, I figured maybe you’d like to come instead. (beat) ‘Cause you’re a girl.

Ess: That’s true, I am.

Alec: Girls like opera.
Ess: We also favor chocolates.

Alec: Whatever.

Ess: You just happened to come into possession-

Alec: If you don’t want to go, just say so.

Ess: I’d love to.

Alec: Really?

Ess: Though if you just wanted to include me, a third ticket to a game would have been good too.

Alec: You hate sports.

Ess: Only on TV. My brothers and I used to go to games, when we were kids. It would be fun to do that again, with you guys.

Alec: So basically, I spent far too much money on tickets to an incredibly long opera when I could have just invited you to a Stars game?

Ess: Too late now. I hope they’re good seats.

Alec: They’re great seats. We’re going to be closer to the stage than the actors.

Ess: What made you decide to buy opera tickets?

Alec: I thought chicks liked opera.

Ess: Yeah, that’s not what I asked.

Alec: I don’t know; I saw them, I thought “maybe Ess would want to see that,” and I bought them.

Ess (beat): That’s very sweet.

Alec (smiles): Well, you might want to watch it first before you go that far.

Ess: Tristan und Isolde?

Alec: Yeah.

Ess: I like that story.

Alec: The poor man’s Romeo and Juliet.

Ess: That’s Pyramus and Thisbe.

Alec: Or Ren and Stimpy.

The waitress bring them their plates of food.

Ess: What?

Alec: Nothing.

Ess (giggles a little): Okay.

Alec (looking at his food): Well, none of it is moving. So far so good.

Ess (laughs): You know, you’re fun too.

Alec: Yeah, I know.

Ess: Not as fun as Josh, but-

Alec: Hey.

Ess (giggles): I’m kidding.

Alec: I can always decide to take my mother instead.

Ess: You’d burn the tickets before you did that.

Alec: Yeah, so watch it.

They both laugh a little and begin eating.

Scene shift - ADTE plane: Josh, alone, working on a laptop. After a moment, he sighs and then gets an idea. He checks his watch, and takes out his phone and dials. Audience can only hear his side of the conversation.

Josh: Hey. (pause) Yeah, I didn’t know if I’d catch you. (pause) You sure? I think I’d be trying to sleep or something. (pause) They do that now. (brief pause) So you don’t shoot me when you get back. (pause/laughs) Yeah. (pause) Um… nothing really. Boring stuff. ‘Weber on Economics’ boring. (pause) Yeah, we did. Basically, Tallahassee is a decaying pit. I’d recommend not visiting, ever, if you can avoid it. (pause) It’s depressing. Kind of like a Kevin Costner movie. (pause/laughs) I mean, apocalyptic. Your way works too. (pause) Tell me about your day. (pause) Sounds fun. (pause) First place? So what, you get an extra bowl of gruel for chow?

He laughs again. Fade out. End Scene 3.

Scene 4: Devlin Medical Center - Night, Luke’s room. Luke is dressed now, sitting in a chair, reading. Josh knocks on the door panel and enters.

Luke (breathes in deeply): I’ve been dreading this.

Josh: You and me both.

Luke (nods): Look, I know I screwed up. I know that I made it hard, and maybe impossible to trust me again. I just… I want you to know that I’m sorry. That I didn’t think through my actions; I acted impulsively, because I wanted to be a hero. (beat) I didn’t realize how big a deal this was. I do now, and I’m sorry.

Josh (beat): Is that it?

Luke (quietly): Yeah.

Josh (beat): I called Caelyn today. I wanted to get my mind off this situation for awhile. (beat) You remember back to training, if you were ever… upbeat? She was upbeat. I mean, I’m sure it won’t last, but… I don’t know, I thought that was weird. (beat) I was never upbeat during training. The best I think I got was tolerable.

Luke: I tried not to think about how I felt for three months.

Josh: How’d that work?

Luke (shrugs): I made it.

Josh: Here’s the deal, Luke. I don’t know if next time I give an order, you’ll follow through. I don’t know if sometime I make a decision that will save lives, but sacrifice mine, or Ess’ or Alec’s, I don’t know if you’ll do what you’re told. (beat) I need to know that you’ll do as you’re told.

Luke: I swear, Josh, this won’t happen again.

Josh (stares at him for a long moment): Good. If it does, I will shoot you. (Luke looks taken back) I’m not lying. If you disregard an order I give, I will shoot you dead. Is that understood?

Luke (long beat): Yes.

Josh: Now, do you want to keep working with Sierra, knowing that?

Luke (long beat): Yes.

Josh: Okay then. Take the rest of the week to recuperate, and be back to work Monday. (Josh turns to go)

Luke: Josh. (Josh turns back to him) Are we… are we still friends?

Josh (beat, then he smiles): Until I have to shoot you. Maybe even then.

Luke (nods): Thank you.

Josh: You know I was planning on firing you?

Luke: Why didn’t you?

Josh: Talked to Gerrard. (beat) See you Monday.

He leaves the room, and Luke leans back in his chair and breathes out slowly.

Scene shift - Following day. ADTEO, Josh, Alec, and Ess are walking down a hallway.

Ess: You’re a teddy bear, you know that?

Josh: Please stop.

Ess: A loveable teddy bear who says ‘I love you’ when you squeeze his tummy.

Josh: What is wrong with you?

Ess: I’m in a good mood.

Alec: And high as a kite.

Ess: I’m high on love. (beat) Okay, pretend I didn’t say that.

Alec: Gladly.

Ess: No one died, and no one got fired.

Alec: Sounds like a good reason to be happy.

Ess: Yes! And happy, I am.

Josh: Alec got lacerated.

Ess: The good keeps coming.

Alec: Funny.

Josh: You know what?

Ess: What?

Josh: Tallahassee bites.

Alec: It really does.

Ess: The anti-happy.

Alec: Well put.

Josh: Not really.

Ess: I’m in a good mood.

Josh: You’re also a raving lunatic.

Ess: The evidence seems to indicate that.

They enter the main office room. Kevin and Janie are there. Janie hugs Alec with a squeal.

Alec: Ow.

Janie: I’m so glad you’re okay.

Alec: I got lacerated.

Josh: It was like a long paper-cut.

Alec: My intestines were hanging out. I had to stuff them back in.

Josh (picks up a paper on his desk and begins reading it): You just ended two sentences in a row with a preposition.

Alec: No, it was one sentence connected with a semi-colon.

Josh grins but doesn’t look up.

Ess: Maybe a bad sunburn that peels.

Alec: What?

Ess: Nothing.

Alec: I was killing banshees left and right.

Josh: He killed two.

Alec: Two? I killed that one that-

Josh: I shot in the head?

Alec: Yeah, that one and two others.

Josh (beat): Okay.

Alec: While holding my guts in.

Ess: And he still had time to stop and rescue some puppies who strayed too far from home.

Alec: I’m quite something.

Kevin: How’s Luke?

Ess (quickly): Good.

Kevin: Good?

Ess: Yeah. Good. He should be back Monday. Monday, right?

Alec: Yeah. He’s good.

Kevin (beat): Good.

Janie: Didn’t fire him, eh?

Josh: No.

Janie: I thought you might.

Josh: I didn’t. (he smiles slightly) And that’s the end of the matter.

There is a pause.

Ess: You’re a blueberry muffin.

Josh: Get away from me, woman.

Ess: A chocolate parfait.
Josh: Janie!

Janie: Davon Phillips called, wants to do lunch. You have three mission files on your desk; Gerrard said we’d do at least one of them. And someone named Marcus called, but didn’t say why, and left no return number.

Josh: Any of those missions solos?

Janie: Josh, have I ever-

Josh: Never mind.

Ess (to Janie): I got some new shoes that you have to see.

Alec (to Kevin): It really wasn’t that bad of a wound.

Josh: Phillips number?

Kevin (to Alec): Hey, gotta impress the ladies.

Janie: On your desk.

Alec (to Kevin): That’s right.

Josh: Oh, yeah, look at that.

Janie: You’re a chore, Josh.

Josh: Yet another thing you adore about me.

Janie: Gerrard isn’t coming in today, but he wanted me to tell you not to sit in his chair.

Josh: I’m not seven, and no, he didn’t.

Janie: Okay, but you still shouldn’t.

Josh: So you’ve said.

Janie: Have you seen my chair, Josh?

Josh: Janie-

Janie: It’s like a bicycle seat, Josh!

Josh: No, it isn’t.

Janie: It’s uncomfortable.

Josh: It’s the same as mine.

Janie: That’s why you can’t use Gerrard’s.

Ess: Good to be home.

Scene shift - Tiny, dark room, filled mostly by a small bed. Caelyn limps in, and turns on a lamp. She lifts her shirt slightly, and examines a large, dark bruise on her side. She moves slowly to the bed and sits down. She looks tired and in pain. She waits for a few moments, then reaches for her phone on the nightstand. She dials and waits. No one answers, and she puts the phone down with a sigh. A few moments pass, and she picks it back up, and dials again.

Caelyn: Josh? (pause) It’s me, Caelyn. You’re still up? (pause) Tired. Today was hard. (pause) Hand-to-hand combat. I got thrown around a lot. (pause/laughs a little) I don’t believe you. (beat) Sure they do. (pause) I hurt all over. And they didn’t feed us supper tonight. (pause) Shut up. That’s just mean. (laughs a little) Stop it! I can’t hear those things when I’m starving. (pause) Yeah. Only eleven more to go, right? (pause) It can’t be as bad as this. (beat) It isn’t, right? (pause) Good. (pause/laughs) Yeah, I know. (pause) Goodnight, Josh. (pause) Thank you.

She hangs up and pulls her feet onto the bed, and just lies there.

Scene shift - Devlin Medical Center. Lily and Gerrard in a waiting room.

Gerrard: He’s going to be okay.

Lily: Yeah.

Gerrard: You don’t believe me.

Lily: He should have been awake by now.

Gerrard: I was once under the toxin for two full weeks. It’s rare, but it happens.

Lily: My head hurts.

Gerrard (nods): You need some sleep. (beat) Bryce is lucky to have a friend like you.

Lily looks at him with tears in her eyes. Gerrard puts an arm around her, and she lays her head on his shoulder. Fade out. End Scene 4.

Ep 3

2007-02-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: ADTEO. Josh, Alec, Luke are waiting. Silence for a few moments as they occasionally check their watches, look at the clock, etc.

Alec: You guys see the game last night?

Josh: No.

Luke: Yeah. Kind of disappointing.

Alec: Yeah. (Beat) Is this about Tallahassee?

Josh: Most likely.

Alec: I don’t want to go.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Seriously, I really don’t want to go.

Josh: I know.

Alec: I’m just saying in case it wasn’t clear, in case the topic of whether or not I wanted to go was somewhere in the gray area.

Josh: You know, it wasn’t; but thanks.

Luke: Why isn’t Ess here?

Josh: She took the week off.

Luke: She took the week off?

Josh: She did.

Alec: Can I do that?

Josh: No.

Alec: Why not?

Josh: I like her more than I like you.

Alec: What if I took a week off right now?

Josh: You can’t.

Alec: You let Ess.

Josh: I did.

Alec: But you won’t let me.

Josh: No.

Alec: Josh.

Josh: Alec.

Alec: I don’t want to go to Tallahassee.

Josh (mock surprise): Really?

Alec: Josh-

Josh: Yes?

Alec: Come on. You and Luke can handle it.

Luke: I’m not going if you’re not.

Josh: You’re both going.

Alec: It’s a swamp. A ghoul-infested swamp where the air is so warm that you can hardly breathe.

Josh: Lots of little bugs.

Alec: Yeah.

Josh: Sounds pretty bad.

Alec: It is bad. It‘s horrible.

Luke (checking his watch): Where is this guy?

Alec: I don’t know, but this is getting-

Quentin (off-screen): Getting what?

Reginald Quentin enters via hallway. He is in military dress, indicative of high rank.

Josh: Major.

Quentin (shakes Josh’s hand): Commander Moritz.

Josh (gestures to Alec and Luke): Lieutenant Wright and Sergeant Sorrason.

Quentin (shakes Alec and Luke’s hand, respectively): Gentlemen. Lieutenant Wright was saying something about where I was, I believe?

Josh: He was saying that it’s ridiculous that a man of your position would be so tardy.

Quentin (surprised by the candor): Respect the uniform, commander. (beat - Josh simply looks at him) I am here at the request of Commander Sully to brief you and supply you with orders.

Josh: Relay.

Quentin: Excuse me.

Josh: Relay orders.

Quentin (beat): Your team is to arrive at the airport at 2200. Your flight will be leaving for the Grant airbase near the Tallahassee combat zone as soon as you’re aboard. Once you arrive at the airbase, you will be escorted by ADF personnel to your weapons cache, where your team will combine with Whiskey. Moritz, you will from then on be in charge of the mission.

Josh: Which is?

Quentin: The ninth advancement compound lost all communication with HQ last night at 2338. Until that time, there was no warning or distress call. However, since that time, we have monitored no functionality at all. The compound has been completely shut down, and no one has activated the emergency power operative.

Josh: What is the normal lapse?

Quentin: Less than four minutes.

Josh: Is it a reserved position?

Quentin: Hardly. Any of the eight techs based there were versed in the activation sequence.

Josh: Whiskey has our techs?

Quentin (nods): Two. Get them in, reactivate the power, and wait for ADF. Of course, to do that we expect you will have to eliminate whatever is there that shut it down in the first place.

Josh: Yeah.

Quentin: That concludes the briefing. (beat) On a side matter, expect an official reprimand from ADF for your lack-

Josh: Quentin, let me just stop you there. (smiles) I know you probably worked a long time to reach that rank. I know it’s a matter of pride for you, and I have no desire to tear you down or in any way embarrass you in front on my men. (beat) But when it comes down to it, Sorrason here could put a bullet through your head and no one would spare two thoughts about it if he claimed you were impeding his job performance. (beat) We’re not your men, your soldiers, or your lackeys. And next time, you will be prompt for a briefing, or I will have you brigged. (beat) You’re dismissed.

Scene shift. Ess and Caelyn are in a mall, shopping. Evening.

Caelyn: Thanks for inviting me along.

Ess: Are you kidding? I haven’t had a girls’ day out in… ever. This is so much more fun than shopping alone.

Caelyn (giggles/beat): I have a question.

Ess: Sure.

Caelyn: It might seem weird.

Ess: That’s okay.

Caelyn: I feel weird asking it.

Ess (laughs): It’s okay.

Caelyn (beat): Josh has been great. I don’t think I could have made it through all… all of this. It’s just, I don’t know if he’s… is he-

Ess: Is he hitting on you?

Caelyn (uncomfortably): Is that a weird question?

Ess: Not at all.

Caelyn: It’s not that I’m not flattered, or not even that I’m not interested. He’s a great guy; it’s just that I’m not really ready-

Ess: He’s not.

Caelyn: He’s not?

Ess: He’s not. About three months ago, his fiancée broke up with him. He was a complete wreck for awhile. The whole ‘all women are evil‘ bit. (beat) He’s almost back to normal now, but he’s no where close to starting another relationship.

Caelyn: Oh.

Ess (teasing): That make you feel bad?

Caelyn: Yeah. (realizing) For him, I mean.

Ess: Right.

Caelyn: For him, Ess.

Ess: Of course.

Caelyn: So he’s just being my friend?

Ess: Yeah.

Caelyn: That makes me feel better.

Ess: So when does training start?

Caelyn: Next week.

Ess: Are you nervous?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: Do you want it?

Caelyn: Do I want to be nervous?

Ess: Do you want the job?

Caelyn: Yeah, I do.

Ess: You have to want it. It’s not easy.

Caelyn: I want the job.

Ess: I remember waking up crying after about a month of it, ready to quit.

Caelyn (surprised): Why didn’t you?

Ess: Gerrard and I talked for a long time one day.

Caelyn: He convinced you to stay?

Ess: He convinced me I wanted it enough. (beat) You have to want it, Caelyn.

Caelyn (quietly): I do.

Ess (smiles): Then you’ll be fine. We won’t be able to do anything like this for a few months, but you have my number. You have Josh’s number. Don’t hesitate to call if you need to talk.

Caelyn (smiles): Thank you.

Ess: Now, you have to do me a favor.

Caelyn: Anything.

Ess (holds up two pairs of shoes): Which of these would make you most jealous if you saw them on someone else?

Fade out. End Scene 1.

Scene 2: Airplane - Josh, Alec, Luke.

Luke: I need help.

Josh: Yes.

Luke: I mean, I need a good deal of help.

Josh: Yes.

Alec: We agree.

Luke: I bring this up because I need to know whether or not you two are in my camp.

Josh: In your camp?

Luke: In my camp.

Josh: Are we in your camp?

Luke: Are you?

Alec: We are.

Luke: Good.

Josh: Because you need help.

Alec: That’s what we do, Luke. We help.

Josh: Professionally, sometimes.

Luke: I’m being serious about this.

Josh: Well… stop.

Alec: We’re going to help.

Luke: I need to woo her back.

Josh: Woo her back?

Luke: Yes.

Josh: You need to woo her back?

Luke: Yes.

Josh: I don’t think so.

Luke: I do think so.

Josh: Okay, but let me tell you why you’re wrong.

Luke: I’m not wrong.

Josh: Okay.

Luke: I’m not!

Josh: Okay.

Alec: We’re in, Luke.

Josh: Let me tell you why you’re wrong-

Luke: Are you going to back me up or not?

Alec: He is.

Luke: I’m losing to a librarian.

Alec: Quite substantially.

Luke: Yes.

Alec: That’s why you need help.

Luke: That’s why I came to you.

Alec: Well, it’s about time.

Josh (dryly): ‘Cause we know what we’re talking about.

Alec (to Josh): You want to get on board?

Josh: Not really.

Alec (to Luke): He’s on board.

Luke: She doesn’t return my calls.

Josh: Maybe she doesn’t want to be your girlfriend anymore.

Luke: Josh-

Josh: Maybe she realized that she doesn’t want to be your girlfriend, but would rather be dating a librarian.

Luke (to Alec): I thought you said he was on board.

Alec: Give him a few minutes to buckle down.

Luke: This is important to me.

Josh: For me too, only not.

Alec: But we’re going to make it important, because we’re your wingmen on this.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Here to help.

Scene 2 cont. Shift: Ess and Caelyn driving.

Ess: Getting him to be serious is like pulling teeth. And he’s so ridiculously conceited.

Caelyn: He seemed nice.

Ess: That doesn’t count. He was drunk.

Caelyn: No, he wasn’t.

Ess: He’s arrogant, and flashy.

Caelyn: Flashy?

Ess: Yeah.

Caelyn: He was wearing an oxford and khakis.

Ess: I mean, we get along, but I can’t imagine trying to date the man. He’s like an insecure…-

Caelyn: Guy?

Ess: Yeah.

Caelyn: It sounds like you have a crush on him.

Ess: I do not!

Caelyn: Okay.

Ess: I do not have a crush on him. Alec is far too immature and… and-

Caelyn: Flashy.

Ess: And flashy. He is so not my type.

Caelyn: That must make it hard for you, what with having a crush on him.

Ess: I don’t! I don’t have a crush on him.

Caelyn: Okay.

Ess: I don’t.

Caelyn: Yeah.

Ess: We don’t have that kind of relationship.

Caelyn: You’re platonic.

Ess: Yes.

Caelyn: Like siblings.

Ess: Exactly.

Caelyn: You think he’s hot.

Ess: Yeah. No! I don’t. Caelyn!

Caelyn: I misspoke. I meant to say that you think he’s not gorgeous.

Ess (beat): You’re supposed to back me up on this.

Caelyn: I’m not going to see you for the next three months. I’m rather un-tethered at the present.

Ess: I do not think he’s hot. Alec? Ew. Okay? Not hot.

Caelyn: Okay.

Ess: Okay!?

Caelyn: Sure.

Ess (mutters): Think he’s gorgeous… for a barracuda, maybe.

Caelyn: You’re a few colors short of a rainbow, aren’t you?

Ess: Whatever.

Caelyn: Ten cents short of a dollar.

Ess (beat, then she giggles): Shut up.

Scene 2 cont. Shift: Luke, Alec, Josh.

Alec: No.

Luke: Why not?

Alec: Just, no.

Luke: Come on, we’d be in complete control.

Alec: Josh, tell him no.

Josh: I think it might work.

Luke: See?

Josh: The best part is that once we’re in jail, we can put a hit on Luke’s life for a pack of cigarettes.

Luke (sighs/frustrated): ADTE officers don’t get arrested.

Josh: You’re an idiot.

Luke: We don’t!

Alec: Okay, but his point still stands.

Luke: You got a better idea?

Alec: Than turning a ghoul loose in his apartment? Yeah, how about not?

Luke: Only to scare him. Then I’d-

Alec: Stop talking. Seriously, you’re psychotic.

Luke: You guys are supposed to help.

Alec: We changed out minds.

Josh: I didn’t, but I was never planning to help.

Luke: I’m losing to-

Alec: Yeah, you‘ve already lost. When the only option left is to beat up the other team’s mascot, the game is over.

Luke (beat): That’s harsh.

Alec: There are other girls out there.

Josh: Lots of homely ones.

Alec: And some not so homely.

Josh: If you’re lucky.

Luke: You guys are really no help at all.

Josh: Tell me about it.

Alec shrugs. Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3: Gerrard’s ADTE office. Gerrard on the phone.

Gerrard: No. (beat) I don’t like him, Price. (beat) I’ve told you why. In fact, I’ve told you why more than a few times. (beat) Yeah, this really isn’t working.

Caelyn opens door and looks in. Gerrard smiles and beckons her to come in.

Gerrard: Look, I have to go. Find someone else. (beat) Either of us. (hangs up) Hey.

Caelyn: Hey.

Gerrard: You ready?

Caelyn: Not really.

Gerrard: You’re having doubts?

Caelyn: Just nerves, I think.

Gerrard: Because you don’t have to do this.

Caelyn: I know.

Gerrard (grins): I’ll still love you.

Caelyn (laughs slightly): I know.

Gerrard: Ah. Three months isn’t all that much. You’ll be out of there before you know it.

Caelyn: That’s what I keep telling myself.

Gerrard: Three months, and then you’re back here. After that, we can handle the rest on the field.

Caelyn (beat): Is it enough?

Gerrard: Is what enough?

Caelyn: Time. Is three months enough time so I… don’t shoot Josh again, or something?

Gerrard: You’re worried you won’t be ready?

Caelyn: Well… yeah, a little bit.

Gerrard: You’ll be ready. You won’t remember what sleep is all about, but you will be shooting straight. And at the right targets.

Caelyn (smiles): Good. I want to be ready, when I come back.

Gerrard: They make sure people in this line of work know what they’re doing. (beat) What happened with Echo… you guys never should have been there. People are losing their jobs over that.

Caelyn: Some people lost more.

Gerrard (quietly): Yeah.

Caelyn (beat): You think I can do it?

Gerrard: I wouldn’t have offered you the job if I didn’t.

Caelyn (nods): I think so too.

Gerrard: You won’t have a lot of free time, and what little you do get will probably be spent trying to recover from the day, but if you want to talk, I’m always here for you.

Caelyn (softly): Thank you.

Gerrard: You’ll be fine.

Caelyn (smiles and stands to go): The guys all left?

Gerrard: The guys?

Caelyn: Sierra’s guys.

Gerrard: Oh, yeah. An assignment in Tallahassee.

Caelyn: Tell them I said ‘thanks, for everything.’

Gerrard: Okay.

Caelyn: Don’t let mom worry about me.

Gerrard (laughs): I’ll do what I can.

Scene 3 cont. Shift to armored vehicle with Josh, Luke, and Alec (driving). It is dark outside, and void of plant life. Everything looks covered in ash.

Alec: I need to talk to you.

Josh: To me?

Alec: Yeah.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: Make him cover his ears.

Luke: Oh, come on!

Josh: Luke-

Luke: No! I’m tired of being left out of your little clique. You guys can trust me.

Alec: Can we trust him?

Josh (shrugs): Your call.

Alec (sighs): You breathe a word of this to anyone at the office, and Josh will send you off to Greenland.

Josh (impressed): Cool.

Luke: I’m not going to sing.

Josh (beat): Okay.

Luke (sighs): I meant-

Josh: Yeah, but it’s funnier the other way.

Alec: Not a word to anyone.

Luke: Not a word.

Alec: In fact, don’t even talk now. You can listen, but no interruptions. We don’t have a lot of time.

Luke: You really aren’t my boss, you know-

Alec: Josh, can I shoot him?

Josh: Yeah, okay. (beat) But then you have to file a report on it.

Alec: Well, forget that. (to Luke) Today you live.

Luke: I’m only going to listen.

Alec: Good.

Luke: Okay.

Alec: Keep it that way.

Luke: I will.

Alec: You better.

Josh: Can we please?

Alec: Okay. I don’t think I’m going to have a chance to save her life any time soon.

Josh: Whose life?

Alec (glancing at Luke): You know.

Josh (looks at Luke then back to Alec): I know it’s sometimes confusing, but he’s a dude.

Alec: Ess, you contemptible rat.

Josh: I thought we concluded you were wrecked on that front.

Alec: But you mentioned buying her a dog.

Josh: I did. I did mention that.

Alec: I’m worried it would be weird.

Josh: I would be worried about that, too.

Alec: I thought I could let it go.

Josh: You certainly gave it a valiant effort.

Alec: I’m going to ask her out.

Josh: Okay.

Alec: Should I ask her out?

Josh: You’re asking me?

Alec: No, Josh, I’m asking the mute in the backseat. (Luke rolls his eyes)

Josh: Yeah, ask her out.

Alec: Yeah?

Josh: You realize Amy dumped me?

Alec: Well, yeah, but-

Josh: You realize that I was engaged to this woman and she left me, and now you’re asking me for advice on women.

Alec: I do realize that.

Josh: And at no point do you wonder to yourself… how much of a loser am I?

Alec: So you’re saying I should stick with buying her a dog?

Luke (frustrated): Ah.

Alec: Excuse me?

Luke: I can’t believe I was actually asking you two for advice.

Josh: We couldn’t believe it either.

They pull up to a small bunker. Bryce Pellik is outside waiting for them. They park and exit the vehicle.

Bryce: Josh.

Josh (shakes Bryce’s hand): Bryce. This is Alec Wright and Luke Skywalker.

Luke: Sorrason.

Josh: Luke Sorrason.

Bryce: Nice. Come on inside and meet the team. We’ll move out as soon as you’re ready.

He leads them into the bunker. Fade out. End Scene 3.

Scene 4: ADTEO - Gerrard’s office. Gerrard is behind his desk, working. After a few moments, Ess knocks and comes in.

Gerrard: Hey, Ess, thanks for coming by.

Ess: It’s no problem. I’m not really doing anything. At all.

Gerrard (laughs): The dreariness of the mundane life?

Ess: No, I’m just bored. (they both grin)

Gerrard: I wanted to thank you for spending time with my niece yesterday.

Ess: I was happy to do it.

Gerrard: I know you were, and that makes me even more grateful.

Ess: I’m looking forward to her being part of the team.

Gerrard (nods): Well, anyway, Laura dragged me to the store yesterday, and I found this, and I thought it was too nice for anyone I know not to have it. (he hands her a small, wrapped box) Wait until you get home to open it.

Ess (touched): Gerrard, this is so sweet.

Gerrard: Try to have some fun this week, all right?

Ess (smiles and looks at the box): Yeah, okay.

Gerrard: I’ll see you on Monday.

Ess (stands to go, then turns around): Can I ask you a question?

Gerrard: Of course.

Ess: Okay.

Gerrard (after long beat): Ess?

Ess: Yeah? (Gerrard stares at her for a beat) Oh, yeah. Um, right. I was wondering… what would you think… (speaks very fast) do you think Alec would be freaked out if I asked him to dinner?

Gerrard (surprised): You and Alec?

Ess (quickly): No.

Gerrard: You want to ask him out?

Ess: What?

Gerrard: You just said-

Ess: No, I didn’t.

Gerrard: Ess, you just asked me-

Ess: What’d you get me?

Gerrard: I think he would be fine with it.

Ess: Who?

Gerrard: Ess.

Ess: You think he’d be fine with it?

Gerrard: I think he’d be pleased.

Ess (beat): Who?

Gerrard (sighs): Why don’t you just ask him?

Ess: I’m asking you.

Gerrard: And that’s a fine plan, except I really don’t know anything.

Ess (beat): I always thought of him more like a brother.

Gerrard: That could make the dating part weird.

Ess: Lately, though, it’s been different. He’s-

Gerrard: You know, I’m okay with my current level of ignorance here.

Ess: But I don’t want to ruin what we have if he’s not… where I am.

Gerrard: And where is that?

Ess (beat): I’m not really sure.

Gerrard: Might want to figure it out.

Ess: Yeah. (beat) Thanks for the gift.

Gerrard: You’re welcome.

Ess exit’s the office, then after a moment returns.

Ess: I’m sorry.

Gerrard: It’s not a problem.

Ess: I don’t want to seem pushy.

Gerrard: Really, I don’t mind.

Ess: I mean with Alec.

Gerrard: Oh.

Ess: I don’t want to seem forward.

Gerrard: No one thinks you’re like that.

Ess: Well, not yet.

Gerrard: Hadassah, listen: Alec adores you. No matter how he feels or how he responds, that isn’t going to change.

Ess: What if he feels differently about it than I do?

Gerrard (smiles sadly): Then you’re going to have to deal with it.

Ess (beat): That would bite.

Gerrard (chuckles): Yeah.

Ess: Okay. Okay, I’m off to do something fun.

Gerrard: Fun is good.

Ess (beat): I have fun here.

Gerrard: Go enjoy your vacation.

Ess: Okay. (smiles and exits after a moment)

Fade out. End Scene 4.

Scene 5: 9th Advancement Compound - Alec in darkened hallway with only dim lights on the walls. He is dressed in field gear, with dark clothing, gloves, a drawn handgun, and night-vision visor. When he speaks, it is through his com.

Alec: Is there anyway to knock out these lights?

Lily (over com): Why?

Alec: Too dim to rely on, and a bit too distracting through my visor.

Lily: They’re activated automatically by light deprivation sensors. They operate on a whole separate network. Can you deal?

Alec: Yeah.

He walks down the hall, stops and listens for a few moments, then fires three times in front of him; the shots are immediately followed by high-pitch screams. He fires again, and then begins to backtrack.

Alec: We got banshees.

Josh (over com): How many?

Alec: More than a couple.

Josh: I’m coming to you.

He stops moving and waits for a long beat, then rolls forward spins 180 degrees on his knees and fires at a banshee corporealizing where he stood. It takes the hits in the torso and falls to the floor screaming. Alec stands over it and fires two shot into it’s skull, and it goes silent.

Alec: One hostile down.

Behind him appears a second banshee.

Scene shift- 9th Advancement Compound hallways: Bryce, Luke, and Lily (field tech)

Alec (over com - gunshots): Requesting backup! There’s a whole nest of these things down here.

Luke looks at Bryce.

Scene shift - 9th Advancement Compound hallways: Alec is thrown into view against a wall from a perpendicular hallway, where he slumps to the floor. He raises his gun and fires at the rapidly approaching banshee that charges into view, then is blown off camera to Alec’s right side by successive shots. Josh enters via opposite side.

Josh: You all right!?

Alec (looks up and nods, Josh helps him struggle to his feet): Thanks.

Alec holds his left elbow tightly against his left side in a hunched over position.

Josh: How many?

Alec (nodding toward corpse): That makes three.

Josh (lifts right glove, showing the fingers to be bloodied): Can you keep going?

Alec: Yeah, it’s not bad.

Josh: Okay. Try and keep up. (into com) This is Moritz. Agent Wright and I are securing the area.

They slowly begin back down the darkened hallway that the banshee came from.

Scene shift - Bryce, Luke, Lily arrive at power node. Lily immediately sets to work.

Juan (over com): Bad news, boss. The western station is blocked off. Looks like something detonated here.

Bryce: Lil is taking care of it here. Juan, pull your unit to our position, so Sorrason and I can get to Moritz.

Josh (over com): Negative. Hold your positions until power is restored, then commence with e-vac.

Bryce: Josh, don’t be-

Josh: Hold until power is back, and then get out of here.

Luke sighs in frustration and he and Bryce exchange a glance.

Scene shift- Josh and Alec side-by-side firing down the darkened hall. The screaming gets louder, then stops.

Josh: Go.

They move together until a banshee comes through the wall on Josh’s side. He immediately turns and shoots off its right arm, which was clawing toward him, at the shoulder. Alec fires a single shot through its eye-socket and the banshee collapses. Screams erupt from the darkness.

Alec (apprehensively): Josh?

Josh (mutters): Forget this.

They each arm and throw a grenade into the dark in front of them, then rush back out the way they came in. The grenades explode, for a brief moment illuminating dozens of banshees grouped together, being consumed in a torrent of fire.

Scene shift - Outside 9th Advancement Compound: Lily, Juan, 3 others. Josh and Alec exit the compound doors, Alec’s right arm draped around Josh’s neck. Josh puts Alec down, and Lily begins to check on his wound.

Josh: Where is Luke!?

Lily (apprehensively): He and Bryce went to find you.

Josh stares in angry disbelief for a short beat, then turns around and goes back inside.

Fade out. End Scene 5.

Scene 6: ADTEO - Kevin, Janie are working.

Janie: It’s so quiet. (beat where Kevin glances up, annoyed) I hate it when they all leave. It’s so… quiet.

Kevin: It was.

Janie: Gerrard has been in there all day.

Kevin: It’s his office.

Janie: I know! Usually he comes out, and… talks… with us, or something.

Kevin: Or something.

Janie: Who do you think he’s talking to?

Kevin (pretends to ponder): Hmm. Probably Mr. None-Of-Your-Business.

Janie: What? Shut up.

Kevin: Gladly.

Janie: I think it’s Marshal Price.

Kevin: Is that from your deductive reasoning, or due to the fact you patched him through to Gerrard’s office three times already?

Janie: A little of both.

Kevin: Most people could have-

Janie: You’re old and your wife packs your lunches.

Kevin: And proud of it. (reaches for his phone)

Janie: Who you going to call?

Kevin: Ghost B-

Janie: Shut up. (Kevin chuckles)

Kevin (beat, speaks into phone): Follow up on item 48826. (beat) Has it been confirmed? (beat) Thank you. (hangs up)

Janie: I am so bored.

Kevin: I’m strangely okay with that.

Janie: This is like that time I made Mark watch Gone With The Wind.

Kevin: What?

Janie: We both hated it. I thought it was going to be romantic or something. Everyone died or was left alone.

Kevin: It’s a classic. What did you expect?

Janie: The worst part was how boring it was. So long, and… boring.

Kevin: Fortunately, you just saved me from asking a question I never would have asked anyway.

Janie: How come no one has called me today?

Kevin: Maybe they’re busy. Like, say, working?

Janie: Chumps.

Kevin (laughs): Why not take the rest of the day off? I’m sure Gerrard won’t mind. I can handle the office.

Janie: As if I’m going to leave you here alone. I’d come back and find the place burned to the ground or something equally disturbing.

Kevin: I was thinking sand in your desk drawers.

Janie: That’s amateur.

Kevin: For step one.

Janie: Right.

Kevin: Seriously, though, I don’t mind.

Janie: I’m- (phone rings, and she smiles haughtily at Kevin) ADTE Sierra, how may I direct- (beat) Alec? Alec, slow- (beat) Transferring you to Gerrard. (she pushes a button and then beckons to Kevin, who come over to listen from the speaker phone; the conversation between Alec and Gerrard)

Gerrard (over phone): Yes?

Alec (over phone, he is very excited): Gerrard, Luke is in critical condition! Josh and some of the others are riding with him in the med-transit. There was a nest in there! Banshees.

Gerrard: Alec, calm down. What happened? Is Luke stable?

Alec: I… I don’t know. The medics were working on him. Whiskey’s commander is down, too. They’re in bad shape, boss.

Gerrard: Alec, what happened in there? What went wrong?

Alec: There was a nest of them. I found them, and Josh and I burned it out, but there were too many. Josh told Bryce to take his guys out, but he and Luke came back for us. They were ambushed.

Gerrard: Pellik disobyed!? He disobeyed a direct-

Alec: Josh and some of the others went back in. We’re heading to Devlin Medical Center right now.

Scene shift to Gerrard in his office, talking on the speaker phone.

Gerrard (beat): Why not you, Alec?

Alec (beat, confused): What?

Gerrard: Why didn’t Josh take you back in?

Alec (long beat, sounds disoriented): I.. I’m kind of bleeding, and stuff.

Gerrard (runs a hand through his hair, and breathes deeply for a moment): Alec, are you-

Alec: I’m fine. It’s… I’m going to be fine. Luke is hurt.

Gerrard: Okay. Alec, listen-

Alec: We’re almost to the Center. They’re taking the phone, now.

Gerrard: Okay. Make sure Josh calls me-

Alec: He will call you when… I have to go now. Josh will call when he can.

Gerrard: Alec (beat as Gerrard steadies his breathing again)… make sure you let the doctors help you.

Alec: Okay. Okay, I have to go. I have to… (the phone clicks off on the other end).

Gerrard immediately leans back in his chair and lifts both hands to his face. There is a knock on his door and he drops his hands. Janie and Kevin look in, and he slowly beckons them inside.

Fade out. End Scene 6.

Ep 2

2007-02-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: ADTEO - Gerrard’s office. Josh and Gerrard. Gerrard is studying work on his desk. Josh is sitting on the other side, looking bored. This goes on for a few moments.

Josh: Is there-

Gerrard (doesn‘t look up): Just a second.

(Long beat) Josh: I can come back if-

Gerrard: Hold on.

(Long beat) Josh: You sure I shouldn’t be… out there… shooting things?

Gerrard (sighs and closes the folder): I’m supposed to do interviews today.

Josh: Just be confident. Employers tend to like that.

Gerrard: Shut up. (Josh nods) It’s no secret how much I hate this part of my job.

Josh: Well, not since the musical.

Gerrard: Seriously, stop talking.

Josh: Sorry.

Gerrard: However, there is a silver lining, as I was able to convince HQ that I am training you to take over for me when I move on.

Josh: HQ has always been gullible like that.

Gerrard: As such, they have allowed me to allow you to handle whatever areas of my job as I see fit, with my supervision. Since I don’t really expect to give up my position any time soon, that leaves you with parts I don’t like.

(Beat) Josh: Is this punishment for the musical thing?

Gerrard: No.

Josh: Because I think it’s a little excessive.

Gerrard: No, that will come later. This was me feeling vindictive.

Josh: Interviews?

Gerrard: You’ll be good at it.

Josh: I’ll be terrible at it.

Gerrard: Yeah, probably.

(Beat) Josh: Interviews?

Gerrard: It will be fun.

Josh: No, it won’t!

Gerrard: That’s why I’m giving it to you.

Josh: Can I delegate?

Gerrard: No.

Josh: Why not?

Gerrard: Because of that musical thing.

Josh: Gerrard-

Gerrard: Yes?

Josh: Is this for real?

Gerrard: Let go with it, Josh. I have faith in your ability to make the process entertaining.

Josh: What am I, Penn and Teller?

Gerrard (thoughtful): I never liked them much.

(Beat) Josh: Yeah, me neither.

Gerrard: The tall guy was annoying. Which one was he?

Josh: Penn.

Gerrard: Yeah. He annoyed me.

Josh: Who doesn’t?

Gerrard: As of right now? The people I don’t have to interview.

Josh: If we end up with a slew of incompetents, it’s your fault.

Gerrard: I’ll just have to find a subordinate to blame it on.

(Beat) Josh: Okay. (stands)

Gerrard: Josh.

Josh: Yeah?

Gerrard: The Marshal wants to see me, so I’m going to be out the rest of the day. Handle things here.

Josh. Yeah, of course. (Exits the room)

Scene 1 cont. Shift to hallway. Alec and Luke.

Luke: All’s I’m saying is that we have what many would consider very impressive jobs.

Alec: I agree.

Luke: I mean, it’s not like were librarians.

Alec: That’s true; it’s not like that at all.

Luke: And because we have impressive jobs, it doesn’t seem logical that a girl would leave one of us for someone whose job is so completely… not.

Alec: It really doesn’t.

Luke: And yet, that is the world we live in.

Alec: It is.

Luke: A cruel world where logic is spit upon, and librarians end up with the girl.

Alec: These are dark times indeed.

Luke: Are you mocking me?

Alec: Usually.

Luke: He’s a librarian!

Alec: Maybe he has a great personality.

Luke: My dog has a great personality, but he’s still a dog.

Alec (dryly): Because that’s the same thing.

Luke: My point is, when everything is said and done, the man still sorts books for a living.

Alec: Maybe she doesn’t find books as repulsive as you do.

Luke: I go to work armed!

Alec: I’m sure Sarah Connor would be all over you.

Luke: Who?

Alec: The mom from Terminator.

Luke: Funny.

Alec: I thought so.

They enter the main offices. Josh, Ess, and Kevin are there.

Luke: Ess, what’s more impressive: my job or being a librarian?

Ess: Your job.

Luke (to Alec): See?

Alec: I do.

Josh: There’s been a ghoul sighting near the Grand Rapids conclave.

Alec: A stray?

Josh: Looks like it. Anyone feel like flying up there and hunting it down?

Alec: Luke does.

Josh: Luke it is.

Luke (in disbelief): You have to be kidding.

Josh: Alec said you felt like it.

Luke: Alec was lying.

Josh: I don’t think so.

Luke: Make Ess do it.

Josh: Ess, you want to do it?

Ess: No.

Josh: Okay.

(Beat) Luke: How long until I lose the “new guy” assignments?

Josh: You should feel honored.

Luke: I should feel honored?

Josh: Yeah.

Luke: You’re sending me to Michigan in the winter to track a lone ghoul.

Alec: Not so much honor as approbation.

Josh (nods): Yeah.

Luke (sighs): I hate you all.

Josh and Alec laugh.

Fade out. End Scene 1.

Scene 2. Interview office. Josh and Candidate #1 (male).

Josh: Hey.

Can. 1: Hello.

Josh: How you doing today?

Can. 1: Good, fine.

Josh: You nervous?

Can. 1: A little bit.

Josh: Okay. (looks over his questionnaire) These questions are pretty lame.

Can.1: That’s no problem.

Josh: No, I mean for me. I’m going to think up some better ones.

Can.1 (uncertainly): Okay.

Josh: Alright. (Thinks for a moment). How many languages do you speak?

Can. 1: Two. English and Spanish.

Josh: Nothing exotic, like Elvish?

Can. 1 (carefully): No.

Josh: Okay. How about Klingon?

Can. 1: Klingon?

Josh: What about it?

Can. 1 (repeating): Do I speak it?

Josh (shrugs): I don’t know.

Shift - same room, candidate #2 (female).

Josh: How do you feel about old dogs and children?

Can. 2: I don’t… understand.

Josh (writing in his folder): Uh huh, and watermelon wine? (Can. 2 just stares silently)

Shift - candidate #3 (male).

Josh: What’s your favorite Mark Hamill movie?

Can. 3 (uncertainly): Star Wars.

Josh (sighing): That’s what everyone says. (Candidate 3 looks disappointed in himself)

Shift - candidate #4 (female).

Josh: You like guns?

Can. 4: Not especially.

Josh: Ever shot anyone?

Can. 4 (a little horrified): No!

Josh: Ever been shot?

Can. 4 (slowly): No.

Josh: Basically you’re making judgments before you know, then, aren’t you?

Beat as they stare at one another; Josh has a disapproving look and shakes his head a little.

Shift - segment of Josh speaking to unseen candidates.

Josh: Give me one good reason I should hire you.

Shift.

Josh: Did you cry when Old Yeller died?

Shift.

Josh: Can I borrow a five?

Shift.

Josh: Only need one.

Shift.

Josh: What are you - a machine? Everyone cries.

Shift.

Josh: I said a good reason.

Shift.

Josh: I get misty just thinking about it.

Shift.

Josh: Okay, we’ll get back to you.

Can. 1 looks slightly dazed, nods, and exits the room.

Scene 2 cont. Shift to Josh exiting the office into the hall. Ess is there waiting and they walk down the hall.

Ess: You’re evil, you know that?

Josh (innocently): What?

Ess: Yeah, whatever. (shows him a paper) This just came in.

Josh: What it is?

Ess: Ten years ago it would have been a lawsuit for putting those poor people through emotional duress.

Josh: That’s what we call progress.

Ess: Paul Finley wants to know if you’re available on the 6th for lectures. (hands him the paper)

Josh (muttering): I hate Paul Finely.

Ess: You love Paul Finley.

Josh: I can’t do lectures.

Ess: He seems to think you can, and that you will.

Josh: I’m not good with crowds.

Ess: Among other things.

Josh: I get nervous.

Ess: Yes.

Josh: Things happen when I get nervous.

Ess: You mix up your words.

Josh: I mix up my words.

Ess: Yes.

Josh: Sometimes I drop things.

Ess: I’ve seen you do that.

Josh: I can’t do lectures. (Beat) You want to do it?

Ess: No.

Josh: Alec?

Ess: Sure.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: Luke called in from the plane.

Josh: Should I be feeling guilty?

Ess: No.

Josh: Good.

Ess: We all had to do it at some point. It’s his turn.

Josh: Because I wasn’t, and it made me wonder if I was a bad person.

Ess: You are.

Josh: But not for that?

Ess: No.

Josh: Okay.

Ess: Taking the team out tomorrow?

Josh: I can’t. I have plans.

Ess (surprised): Josh! Good for you.

Josh: Not a date.

Ess (coyly): Josh.

Josh: It’s not a date.

Ess: Who are these plans with?

Josh: Some people.

Ess: Any of them female?

Josh: Get away from me.

Ess: Josh, this is a good thing.

Josh: It’s not a date.

Ess: Who’s the girl?

Josh: Ess-

Ess: Just tell me the girl’s name.

Josh: Don’t you have work to do?

Ess: Not really.

Josh: Next time it will be you going to the frozen tundra to hunt ghoul.

Ess: That would make you a bad person.

Josh: I thought I already was.

Ess: That would seal the deal.

Josh: Go do work.

Ess: I’m going.

They enter the main office where Janie and Kevin are.

Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3: HQ offices. Gerrard and Marshal Price.

Price: Good of you to come in, Gerrard.

Gerrard: Of course.

Price: Please sit down.

They both sit.

Price: Before anything else, let me just say how thrilled HQ is with Sierra’s work. You are doing a phenomenal job there.

Gerrard: I have a good team.

Price: Indeed. A class act all around.

Gerrard: Thank you.

Price (nods and then is silent for a beat): Gerrard, a position in the Counsel has opened up. You know Samuel Blaker?

Gerrard: We’ve met briefly.

Price: Due to health problems that have been widely hidden from public view, Blaker will be stepping down from his seat on the Council come November of this year.

Gerrard: Has this been expected?

Price (laughs slightly): From most of us in top-tier. Samuel was probably the last to know.

Gerrard: A bit of a coup, eh?

Price: Well, he was more or less understanding. The truth is, some don’t expect him to live to November.

Gerrard: He’s that bad?

Price (nods): Anyway, that leaves a seat unattended. They have a replacement in mind, but he has some reservations.

Gerrard: I would think a seat on the Council would be enough to quell any reservations.

Price (smiles): I once thought that too.

(Beat) Gerrard: You?

Price (laughs): Don’t act so surprised.

Gerrard: Oh, I’m not; not really. That’s fantastic news, Logan.

Price: As I said, I have my reservations.

Gerrard: Ever since you were made Marshal, you’ve been displeased with aspects of the Council. Now you have a chance to change it for the next Marshal.

Price: That… is the problem. There are very few men I would trust with this job. I know, that’s plain conceit in it’s most basic form, but I can’t bring myself to vacate this post without the knowledge of someone equally competent filling it.

Gerrard: I understand the feeling.

Price: I have one name in mind though, and if he was to accept, I could move on with no regret.

Gerrard: Logan-

Price: Gerrard, you would be perfect for this role. HQ already loves you for your work in ADTE. No one can doubt your management skills, and with me on the council, you’d have a much freer hand than I ever did.

Gerrard: Logan, I’m not-

Price: Qualified? Of course you are. You’ve gone from field officer to Sierra commander, and at each step you excelled among your peers. This is just the next step.

(Beat as Gerrard thinks about this) Gerrard: You’re serious?

Price: I am.

(Beat) Gerrard: What about Sierra?

Price (shrugs): They’d get a replacement. One of ADTE’s best, I’ve been assured.

Gerrard (frowns slightly): But not Moritz.

Price (sighs): Gerrard, don’t get me wrong, Josh is one of the best field commanders ADTE has seen. I would love to be able to draft him into ADF as one of my guys, believe me. But he’s too young to be-

Gerrard: Too young?

Price (patiently): ADTE believes he would serve better where he is, for the time being.

(Beat) Gerrard: What names have been floated for my replacement?

Price: Right now, Heliger is the top candidate.

Gerrard: Heliger?

Price: Of course, you would have ample say in who-

Gerrard: Heliger!?

Price: He’s a good commander, Gerrard.

Gerrard: He’s a drunk who sends his people into-

Price: Gerrard-

Gerrard: -who sends his people into nests on a whim!

Price: Well, then we’ll find someone else.

(Beat) Gerrard: Do that, and then get back to me. (Stands)

Price: Gerrard, (beat) I need you here. We’ll make this work.

Gerrard (nods slowly): Not Heliger.

Price: We’ll find someone else.

Gerrard slowly nods again, and leaves the room. Price leans back in his chair and sighs.

Fade out. End Scene 3.

Scene 4: ADTEO - Alec, Janie. Janie looks bored.

Janie: Is there something you need help with, Alec?

Alec (surprised): What?

Janie: I said, is there anything I can help you with?

(Beat) Alec: What’s going on?

Janie: What do you mean?

Alec: Are you in trouble with Gerrard?

Janie: What?

Alec: Because if you’re in trouble, leave me out of it.

Janie: I’m not in trouble.

Alec: I’m serious; leave me out of it. I’ve got enough on my plate.

Janie (skeptically): Just what is on your plate, Alec?

(Beat) Alec: I’m saying that every time I get involved in one of your schemes, I end up being sent off to Quebec.

Janie: That wasn’t my fault.

Alec: Oh, I think it was.

Janie: I’m not in trouble.

Alec: I don’t like Quebec.

Janie: I’m not in any trouble with Gerrard!

Alec: It’s like the artic this time of year.

Janie: You know what, forget I asked.

Alec: Oh, as if I could!

Janie (pouts): Alec, I help sometimes.

Alec: Only with nefarious purposes.

Kevin walks in with a stack of files and places them on his desk.

Alec: Kev, what’s up with Janie?

Kevin: She tried to help you too?

Alec: Yeah.

Kevin: Scary, isn’t it?

Janie: I help!

Kevin: Don’t listen to her; she wants your blood.

Alec: Spiked your coffee again?

Kevin: She-devil.

Janie: He owes me an apology.

Kevin: I owe you nothing.

Janie: He knows what awaits him, yet refuses to yield.

Kevin: She’s deluded.

Alec: You two need to get out more.

Janie: Speaking of which, is Josh taking us out tomorrow? Third Friday of the month.

Alec: Yeah, I don’t think so.

Kevin: Why not?

Alec: He has plans.

Janie: Plans?

Alec: Janie-

Janie: A date?

Alec: No.

Janie: Are you lying?

Alec: No.

Janie: Who is she?

Alec: You know, you’re like our very own Madam Defarge.

Janie: Alec, who-

Elevator opens and Josh and Ess walk out. Janie breaks off and addresses Josh.

Janie: Josh, who’s the girl?

Josh: Who’s the girl?

Janie: Yeah. Alec won’t tell.

Josh (gesturing to Ess at his side): This is Ess.

Ess: I am Ess.

Josh: Ask me another one.

Janie (sighs irritably): The girl you are going on a date with.

Josh: I’m not going on a date.

Janie: Alec said you were.

Alec: I did not.

Janie: He said he met her and she’s very nice, but he can’t remember her name.

Alec (to Janie): They have special doctors for people like you.

Ess: He won’t tell me either.

Janie: Alec?

Ess: Josh.

Josh (semi-sternly): All right, enough. I am not going on a date tomorrow. If I were, I would be sure I told both of you who it was; and if, by some twist of fate, you didn’t know her, I would set aside a portion of the day to give you details on her name and personality. However…, I am not, so please… drop it.

(Long beat as Ess and Janie exchange glances) Ess (sympathetically): You know what, Josh, that’s okay. There’s other girls out there.

Janie: You just have to get back on the horse.

(Beat) Josh (disbelief): I’m in a Woody Allen movie.

Ess and Janie giggle.

Ess: When is Gerrard getting back?

Kevin: Late tomorrow.

Ess: Okay. I’m going to head down to Charlie’s and do some tests on the prototype.

Kevin: I’ll go with you.

Ess (grins): Great. Take your car?

Kevin: Sure.

Ess: You are a sweet, old man.

Kevin: That’s what my wife keeps saying. Well, the old part, anyway.

Ess (laughs, then speaks to Josh): Call if you need something.

Josh: Don’t blow anything up.

Ess: I won’t.

Josh: Because that one time, you weren’t even facing the-

Ess: I won’t, okay?

Josh: The target was on a completely different wall.

Ess: It as an accident! You distracted me.

Josh: I still have nightmares from that.

Ess (to Kevin): You ready?

Kevin: Certainly.

Ess: We’re out of here.

Ess and Kevin enter elevator. Ess sticks her tongue out at Josh, who chuckles, as the door closes.

Fade out. End scene 4.

Scene 5: ADTEO, late. Josh is alone working on papers; Alec comes in from hallway.

Alec: What’s going on?

Josh (looks up surprised): I thought you’d left.

Alec: I was down at the range for awhile. Interviews?

Josh: Yeah, I see why Gerrard hates this.

Alec: Anyone look promising?

Josh (leans back and drops his pen): Hard to say. You know how hard it is to get a job here? I mean, this checklist is insane.

Alec: I wouldn’t stress over it too much. They weed out eighty percent of candidates in boot camp, anyway.

Josh (breathes a laugh): Yeah.

Alec: Seriously, I wouldn’t let it knock you out.

Josh: Yeah.

(Beat) Alec: Did he say what the Marshal wanted?

Josh: Sorry?

Alec: Gerrard. Did he say what the Marshal wanted to see him about?

Josh: No. They’re old friends. Probably just dinner or something.

(Beat) Alec: Josh, he’ll call in.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: Look, I’ve missed checks before. It happens when you’re out there.

Josh: Yeah, I know.

Alec (sighs): You should go home. Leave your cell on.

Josh: I have to finish this.

(Beat) Alec: You didn’t do anything wrong.

Josh: I know it seems like I’m freaking out or something, but I’m really not. I just… I have to finish this.

Alec: Okay.

Josh: Thanks, though. I mean, you know….

Alec: Yeah, okay. (Beat) Want me to stick around?

Josh (shakes his head slightly): No, that’s okay.

Alec: You sure?

Josh: Yeah. I shouldn’t be much longer.

Alec: And then you’ll go home?

Josh (laughs slightly): Of course.

Alec (looks skeptical, but then nods): Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me if-

Josh: Yeah.

Alec nods, lingers a moment, then exits via hallway. Josh looks at the paperwork for a moment, then circles a name and closes the folder. Then he sits and stares at his desk.

Scene shift to an hour and some time later. Josh is still in his chair, hands behind his head, still staring off into space. The phone on his desk rings and he looks at it and waits for another ring to pick it up.

Josh: Moritz.

Luke (over phone): Hey, didn’t think anyone would still be there.

Josh (clearly relieved, but not letting it into his voice): Uh, yeah, just finishing up some paperwork. These interviews Gerrard had me doing.

Luke: Sounds like a beast. Listen, sorry I missed the check. It turned out to be more than one ghoul, so it took me longer than I expected. I’ve been keeping com silent for the past six hours.

Josh: Oh, yeah, no problem. It happens sometimes.

Luke: Anyway, everything is taken care of here. You mind if I get a room, fly back tomorrow?

Josh: No, that’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow some time.

Luke: Great, thanks. Hey, Josh?

Josh: Yeah?

Luke: It wasn’t that bad out here. It was kind of nice.

Josh (laughs a little): Okay.

Luke: Yeah. I’ll catch an early flight.

Josh: Well done up there.

Luke: Thanks, boss.

Josh hangs up the phone, stands up and grabs his coat from his chair, and exits via hallway.

Fade out. End Scene 5.

Scene 6: Late afternoon.- Raining, outside apartment building.

Josh pulls up, gets out and runs underneath the entrance awning. After a moment of waiting, Caelyn comes outside.

Josh: Hey, how you feeling?

Caelyn: I’m.. here.

Josh: Make a run for it?

Caelyn (pops her umbrella): You wanna share?

Josh: Nah, it’s not too far.

Caelyn: Okay.

They hurry out to the car. Josh opens her door for her and waits for her to enter, closes it and runs around to his side.

Scene 6 cont. Shift to ADTE Memorial Wall (outside).

A group of about thirty people is standing around. Josh and Caelyn walk in under her umbrella and join the crowd. A man gets up front at a podium which sits under a make-shift awning. His words are drowned out by music. Throughout the scene, Caelyn cries, Josh looks solemn, and the people in the crowd do similar things.

Scene 6 cont. Shift to outside apartment complex, Night, still raining.

Josh parks the car and turns it off. They sit in silence for a few moments.

Josh (softly): It was a good service.

Caelyn: It was.

(Long beat) Josh: Look, you want to go get some coffee or something?

Caelyn (smiles barely): I don’t drink coffee.

Josh: Yeah? Neither do I. How about, I don’t know… pie?

Caelyn: Pie sounds really good.

Josh (a bit surprised, but glad): Yeah? (grins) Okay, I know a place.

Scene 6 cont. Shift to small café/restaurant. Mostly empty accept for Josh and Caelyn in a booth.

Caelyn (Josh is laughing): So he had to be isolated for like a week until the spores all died.

Josh (laughing): Sounds horrible.

Caelyn: We never let him hear the end of it.

Josh: Yeah, something like that has got to be good for a long time.

Caelyn: Ah, but he was a good sport about it. He would laugh with the rest of us, you know?

Josh: That’s good.

Caelyn (smiles, embarrassed): I’m boring you.

Josh: You’re not.

Caelyn: I really am.

Josh: You’re not.

Caelyn (shakes her head and grins): Tell me about your team.

Josh: Drunks and felons.

Caelyn (giggles): Seriously.

Josh: They’re good people.

Caelyn: Yeah?

Josh: Yeah, they’d like you.

Caelyn: They’d like me?

Josh: They would.

Caelyn (teasing): Are you… offering me a job?

Josh: I think my boss already did.

Caelyn: Yeah, but that’s a family thing. I can’t take him seriously.

Josh: You can’t take him seriously?

Caelyn: Wouldn’t be right.

Josh: Wouldn’t be right to take your uncle seriously?

Caelyn: Regarding a job offer.

Josh: What makes you think you can take me seriously?

Caelyn: What makes you think I am?

Josh: So if I were to offer you a job-

Caelyn: Why would you do that?

Josh: We need a field tech.

Caelyn: Josh, in the short time we’ve spent together, when have I given you any indication I would make a good field tech?

Josh: You haven’t.

Caelyn (slightly taken back): Then why-

Josh: I trust your uncle.

Caelyn: You trust my uncle?

Josh: Whether or not you believe it’s just a family thing, Gerrard Sully would never do anything but what’s best for Sierra. If he suggests hiring you, it’s because he believes you’re the best.

(Beat) Caelyn: Wow.

Josh: What?

Caelyn: That was… that was nice to hear.

Josh: So if I were to offer you a job…?

Caelyn: I’d have to consider it.

Josh: What would be the drawback?

Caelyn (slowly): Well, probably that I just saw my entire team get eaten.

Josh (stunned): I can’t believe I said that. I am… so sorry.

Caelyn (embarrassed): No, stop. That was uncalled for. You’ve been so kind to me, and to do that to you was cheap.

(Beat) Josh: You didn’t-

Caelyn: You’ve helped me so much. I really… (voice breaking) I really wasn’t ready to go home tonight. I didn’t mean to- I’m sorry for making you feel like that. (fighting back tears)

Josh (nods slowly): Don’t worry about it. You’re entitled to say whatever you want for another week, at least.

Caelyn (laughs slightly, and wipes her eyes): Thanks. (Beat) You’ve been very sweet. I don’t want you to think I don’t appreciate everything.

Josh: Listen, I normally take my team out for a night off on the third Friday of the month, for a number of reasons, and-

Caelyn: That’s tonight.

Josh: Yeah, but it‘s okay.

Caelyn: You shouldn’t have broke that off for me.

Josh: No, it’s nothing big; just dinner or something. Anyway, we’re doing it tomorrow instead. I think you should come.

Caelyn: I’m not on your team, Josh.

Josh: I know, but maybe it will help you decide if you still want to be a part of this.

(Beat) Caelyn: You sure they would be okay with it?

Josh: Yes, I am.

Caelyn: Dinner?

Josh: Maybe some karaoke.

Caelyn (giggles): Karaoke, huh?

Josh: I sing a mean Don McLean.

Caelyn: Really?

Josh: Oh yeah.

Caelyn: Who is that?

Josh: Don McLean?

Caelyn: Yeah.

Josh: You don’t know who Don McLean is?

Caelyn: I don’t.

Josh: The Don McLean?

Caelyn: Oh, the Don McLean?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Who is that?

Josh: I can’t believe you don’t know who he is.

Caelyn: I’m starting to disbelieve it myself.

Josh: Okay, you definitely have to come tomorrow.

Caelyn: If only to find out who Don Clean is.

Josh: McLean.

Caelyn: Yes.

Josh: You understand we aren’t talking about Mr. Clean?

Caelyn (laughs): I understand.

Begin fade out.

Josh: You say that, but in your head you’re picturing a bald guy with an earring.

Caelyn (accusingly): Well, now I am.

Josh: Oh, like it’s my fault.

Caelyn: It’s your fault, Josh.

Josh: Nothing’s my fault. You’ll learn that eventually.

Fade out on Caelyn laughing. End Scene 6.

Ep 1

2007-02-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

Scene 1: ADTEO early morning. Characters appear tired, recently awaken. Joshua, Luke, and Hadassah (“Ess”) are in various positions, waiting.

Luke: What is this about?

Josh (very tired): Don’t know.

Luke: He didn’t say?

Josh (annoyed): I’d know if he had said.

Luke: I only ask because it’s like four in the morning, and if this is another one of his early-breakfast pep rallies-

Ess: ‘Pep rallies?’

(Beat) Luke (uncertainly): That’s a word.

Josh: It’s two words.

Luke (convinced): That’s two words.

Ess (nods): Okay. Pep rallies?

Luke: Josh, tell her it’s legit.

Josh (almost pleading): Please don’t make me do that.

Luke: It’s legit.

Ess: But it would bother you if I disagreed, wouldn’t it?

Luke: Yes, it would. It’s an established saying. Josh and I both have told you-

Josh: No, I haven’t.

Luke: Josh would tell you if he wasn’t still half-asleep.

Josh: No, I wouldn’t.

Ess: Established saying?

Luke (sighs): I’m not arguing it’s canon, just that it’s eligible for use.

Ess: I’m not disputing that.

Luke (taken back): I thought you were.

Ess: I just think it’s a dumb word.

Josh: Two words.

Luke: My point is, it’s too early.

Ess (nods): Yes.

Luke (nods): Yes. Okay.

Alec comes into the room through elevator.

Alec: ‘Morning.

Luke: Good Morning.

Alec: Any coffee?

Ess: Right there.

Alec: Bless you, Hadassah.

Alec goes to pour himself a cup of coffee.

Ess (to Josh): Alec blessed me.

Josh (impassively): Grats.

Ess (confused): What?

Alec: So what’s going on?

Luke: We don’t know.

Alec: Josh doesn’t know?

Josh: I don’t.

Alec: He didn’t tell you?

Josh: I’m pretty certain I’d have remembered.

Alec: Okay. I’m just asking because this had better not be one of his character building exercises.

Luke: That’s what I was saying.

Alec (puzzled): When?

Luke: A minute ago.

Alec: Before I got coffee?

Luke: Yeah.

Alec: Oh. Well, now we’ve both said it.

Josh (wearily): I’m going to jam this pen through my eye.

Ess: You guys are driving Josh to suicide.

Luke: Josh needs to learn how to handle mornings.

Ess: Or, you know, morons.

Gerrard enters from elevator.

Gerrard: Good morning everyone.

Josh: Whatever.

Gerrard: What’s with him?

Ess: He’s not a moron person.

Luke: Morning person.

Ess: Yeah.

Gerrard (ignoring them): Everyone grab a seat.

The four field officers sit at random desk areas.

Gerrard: On the 14th of this month, Echo Team 4 went into Paris on a recon mission to bring back samples of the Nebula Algae. Apparently, HQ is in the process of utilizing it’s growth attributes for some kind of medicinal purposes.

Alec: Please tell me we don’t have to go gather plants.

Gerrard: You don’t have to go gather plants. (Beat) Well, yeah, maybe you do. Echo 4 came under assault and has reported casualties. We lost all contact with them less than an hour ago.

Luke: They are getting taken out?

Gerrard: Echo Team is barely field authorized. Their specialty is techno-research stuff. If danger of any kind had been assessed to reside in that quadrant of Paris, they never would have gone in.

Alec: So what, ghouls?

Gerrard: It appears so.

Josh: How many survivors?

Gerrard: One Mitchell Knowles and one Caelyn Heaton. Knowles was on the com when we lost contact. The com is still open, but we are getting no response. Find out what you can, grab the samples if you’re feeling bold.

Josh: Sir.

Gerrard: Josh?

Josh: Expectations?

(Beat) Gerrard: Simple confirmation.

A moment of silence as they all exchange solemn looks.

Gerrard: Pack up; you leave at 0600.

Ess, Alec, and Luke all exit via elevator.

Josh: Sir.

Gerrard: Yeah?

Josh (quietly): Caelyn Heaton?

Gerrard (sighs and nods sadly): Yeah.

Josh: I’ll bring her back.

Gerrard: Do what you can, Josh, but I don’t want you risking your guys if she-, if they can’t be saved.

Josh: Risk is their job. (Beat) I don’t like them much anyway.

Gerrard (tiny smile): Get out of here.

Fade Out. End Scene 1.

Scene 2: ADTE cargo plane. Josh, Luke, Ess, and Alec are seated two on each side.

Pilot (over com): ETA 13 minutes.

Josh (to Luke): Let it go, man.

Luke (surprised): What?

Josh: You’ve looked at that picture six times since we’ve been in the plane.

Luke (defensively): Maybe I like to think of my girlfriend before missions.

Josh: She’s not your girlfriend.

Luke: She was.

Josh: But now? Not so much.

Luke: It makes me feel better.

Josh: It makes you feel worse.

Luke (annoyed): How about I get to decide how I feel?

Josh: Okay, but you’re not doing it right.

Luke (more annoyed): I’m doing it fine.

Josh: Yeah, if by fine you mean wrong.

Ess: You’re certainly in a better mood.

Josh (opening his coat to reveal his handguns): I’m armed now.

Ess: Ahh.

Josh: Yes.

Alec: What were the names of the possible survivors?

Ess (reading): Mitchell Knowles and Caelyn Heaton.

Alec: Heaton. Josh?

Josh (nods slightly): Yeah.

Alec: Wow. (Beat) Why didn’t he say anything?

Ess (confused): What? Why didn’t who say anything?

Josh: Caelyn Heaton was Gerrard’s sister’s daughter.

Ess (quietly): Oh, no….

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: That’s terrible. (Beat) We have to find her.

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: Josh, we absolutely have to find her.

Josh (quietly): I know.

(Beat) Ess (sighs): Sorry. That just… makes me feel so bad for him.

Josh: Any of you guys have a problem being sent into a ghoul’s nest to retrieve her body?

Ess: No problem.

Luke: We’ve gone in for less. I’m good with it.

Alec: You know, you don’t have to ask us stuff like that.

Josh: Yeah.

Alec: I’m serious.

Josh: Okay.

Silence for a moment.

Ess: What do you guys think about Connor?

Josh: Connor?

Ess: Yeah.

Josh: Connor who?

Ess: Connor Milling. From Delta.

Josh: Milling?

Alec: I don’t like him.

Ess: Why not?

Alec: Too arrogant.

Ess (accusingly): The three of you are the most arrogant men I’ve ever met!

Josh: Yeah, but we can back it up.

Ess: Oh, and Connor can’t?

Josh: Why do you keep calling him that?

Ess: What?

Josh: That.

Ess: Connor?

Josh: Yeah.

Ess: That’s his name, Josh.

Josh: Still.

Alec: Why, do you like this guy?

Ess: He asked me out.

Josh: Milling asked you out?

Ess: He did.

Luke: Turned him down, didn’t you?

Ess: No, we went out once.

Josh. No, you didn’t.

Ess: I did, and it was fun.

Josh: No, it wasn’t.

Alec: I thought he was kind of a jerk.

Ess: I did too, at first, but he’s actually quite funny.

Josh (to Alec): He’s funny?

Alec (shakes head): I don’t think so.

Ess (dryly): Well, clearly, he doesn’t compare to you guys, but then who does?

Alec: I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t be considered funny if he were compared to Paul Ehrlich.

Luke: Who?

Ess: Have you ever talked to him?

Alec: Ehrlich?

Ess: Connor, you idiot.

Alec: Oh. About something other than how much he can dead-lift? No, can’t say that I have. (Beat) Wasn’t a very witty conversation, though.

Ess: So basically, you’re judging him without knowing anything about him?

Josh: That’s what we do, Ess.

Luke: He doesn’t seem too bad to me.

Ess: Thank you, Luke.

Alec (to Luke): Wuss.

Josh: You went out with Milling?

Ess: Why does that bother you so much?

Josh (uncomfortably): He’s… Delta.

Ess (loudly): This is about team rivalry?

Josh: It’s just… you’re so much better than him, Ess.

Alec: Literally.

Ess (disgusted): You men are so pathetic.

Luke: Hey!

Ess: Not you.

Alec (to Josh): It’s true, you know.

Josh: Luke’s not a man?

Alec: No. Well, maybe, but that’s not what I meant. We are kind of pathetic.

Josh: We make it work, though.

Alec: Yeah, we do!

The two of them bump fists and Ess rolls her eyes.

Fade out. End Scene 2.

Scene 3. Night: Streets of Paris. Josh alone, with two large handguns drawn. He is wearing night-vision goggles. He searches the area, checks his watch, which contains a radar type device. Something responds inside a near-by building, which he enters.

Josh: Anyone here? Lieutenant Heaton?

He walks slowly around the area. A ghoul suddenly leaps at him through the ceiling. He shoots it with both guns and it crumples up and begins to melt.

Josh: Level 1 ghoul eliminated. You guys see anything bigger?

Alec (over com): Killed two little ones; they fried pretty easily.

Josh: Stay awake. I find it hard to believe Echo went down to this.

Luke (over com): Found one Corporal Geop, Brian. Josh, this wasn’t a level 1. He’s pretty mangled.

Josh moves into the next room. There is a side-door shut tight. Josh scans the area, then kicks the door in. At that moment, a bullet is fired from inside and grazes his leg. Josh almost returns fire, but stops as the attacker is revealed to be Caelyn Heaton, who is seated up against the wall. One of her legs is wrapped in a slightly bloodied bandage. When she speaks, it is in a terrified, trembling manner.

Caelyn (gasping in horror): I’m sorry! I thought you were- I’m so sorry!

Josh (looking down at his wound): You shot me in the leg.

Caelyn: I-I thought you were it. (drops her gun and backs away from it)

Josh: I’m not it. I’m here to res- you shot me in the leg!

Caelyn (distraught and near tears): I’m so sorry. I was-

Josh (looks at her, realizes she is near panic, and softens): Hey, it’s okay. It just grazed. I’m fine. (into com) Found one Caelyn Heaton. Beginning extraction.

Caelyn: You’re here to save me?

Josh: Yeah; are you hurt?

Caelyn (unevenly): Just some cuts and bruises.

Josh: You sure? ‘Cause I can carry you, if you want.

(Beat) Caelyn: Is that… a joke?

Josh: No.

Caelyn (confused): I shot you.

Josh (removes his goggles): Yeah, but not very well.

Alec (over com): Josh, Ess and I found the Mother. We could take it out, but there’s a whole nest in here. I recommend getting-

Josh: Yeah, we got what we came for. Pull back to the extraction.

Ess (over com): I found some of the Algae. Knowles had it on him.

Caelyn (quietly): My team… are they all-?

Josh holsters his guns and leans down to pick up Caelyn. He doesn’t answer her question as he carries her from the building.

Josh: By the way, I’m Josh.

Scene 3 cont. Shift to different street. Alec and Ess are walking back to the plane.

Alec: Let’s go.

Ess: What a waste. Look at this stuff. (opens the bag so Alec can see inside) Almost an entire team killed over this.

Alec: Yeah.

Ess: Nebula Algae. Fancy words for a new kind of dirt.

Alec: You’re right.

Ess: That they would send people out without knowing exactly how dangerous the location is, over dirt is just-

Alec: You know I agree with you, right?

Ess: Yeah.

Alec: Okay. It seemed like you were trying to convince me.

Ess: I was expounding on my feelings.

Alec: Okay. We’re clear now.

Ess: Okay.

They arrive at extraction point, where Luke is waiting next to the plane.

Luke: You guys saw the Mother, huh?

Alec: Yeah.

Luke: They should just nuke this place like they did with New York. It’s only going to get worse.

Alec: We’ll see. If they stay inside, might as well let them have it.

Josh appears, carrying Caelyn who is beginning to pass out.

Josh: Get in.

Ess: She going to be okay?

Josh: Losing some blood, but mostly exhaustion from fear. She’ll be fine.

They climb into the cargo plane.

Scene 3 cont. Shift to inside the plane.

Ess: What happened to your leg?

Josh: Little accident. Alec, tell the pilot we’re ready.

Ess: Put her down, and I’ll look at the wound.

Josh: Right. (begins setting her down, but stops)

Ess: Josh.

Josh: She’s holding on pretty tight.

Ess (looking at Caelyn): She’s hardly awake.

Josh: She’s holding on pretty tight.

Ess (softly): She’ll be okay. Hold her hand or something, but I really should look at her leg.

Josh (nods, again trying to lay Caelyn on a laid-down seat): Pry her fingers out of my arm.

Ess does so, and they succeed in getting her on the seat. Josh goes to sit with Alec and Luke; Ess begins to examine the wound.

Alec: She going to be all right?

Josh: Yeah, I think so.

Alec: You want to call Gerrard and let him know?

Luke (pointing to Josh’s arm): You’re bleeding. Ghoul?

Josh (glancing at his arm): She was holding on pretty tight.

Josh reaches for a phone on the side of the plane’s wall.

Josh (dialing): How many kills?

(Luke holds up 1 finger) Alec: Two for me. Ess didn’t see any, besides the brood.

Josh (into phone): Commander Sully, please. (Beat) Gerrard, it’s Josh. We have good news. (Beat) No, listen, she’s not dead. She was hiding- (Beat) Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure it’s her. She- (Beat) Okay, well, we’ll be back soon. She’s sleeping right now, pretty worn out. (Beat) All right. Yeah. (Josh hangs up). He was… giddy.

The three men look at one another and smile.

Fade out. End Scene 3.

Scene 4: ADTEO afternoon. Kevin and Janie are already in office. Ess, Alec, Luke, and Josh enter via hallway. Josh is moving with a slight limp.

Kevin: Welcome back.

Ess: Thanks.

Janie: Good trip?

Ess: Very.

Josh: Kev, any updates on the Tallahassee sit?

Kevin: Nothing new. Our guys have most of the bases covered, but there's still a strong ghoul presence in the south. We're having a hard time progressing through the swamps.

Alec: Josh, I swear man, if they send us down there-

Josh: I hear you.

Janie: What happened to your leg?

Josh: Had an accident.

Alec: Caelyn shot him.

Janie: Caelyn shot you?

Josh: It was a mistake. She was freaking out, and I didn’t identify myself before kicking in the door.

Alec: A comedy of errors, if you will.

Luke: I won‘t.

Ess: Has Gerrard been in yet?

Janie: He called, said he was spending most of the day with his sister's family. He'll probably stop by after supper sometime.

Josh: Alec, walk with me.

Scene 4 cont. Shift to hallway.

Josh: Okay, you're missing your chance.

Alec: I am?

Josh: Yes.

Alec: Will I get another one?

Josh: Will you get-? No, you won't get another one.

Alec: In that case, I had better buck up.

Josh: That's all I'm saying.

Alec: I better get in the game.

Josh: That's right.

Alec: Good. Thank you for the tip.

Josh: You have no idea what we're talking about do you?

Alec: No, but I was hoping I could fake it.

Josh: Milling, my friend.

Alec: Ah.

Josh: You understand?

Alec: Do I understand what?

Josh: Milling.

Alec: Do I understand Milling?

Josh: Alec, you're missing your chance.

Alec: Okay, now I know where we are. We’re talking about Milling.

Josh: She’s dating Milling, and you're letting your chance slip by.

Alec: The guy is a loser. When they break up, imagine how good I will look in comparison.

Josh: Yes, and that is a valid point. Except that it's not actually valid as much as it’s idiotic.

Alec: You think she is going to be seriously interested in that guy?

Josh: I think she isn't going to be seriously interested in you.

Alec: I see what you did there.

Josh: You're missing your chance.

Alec: It's Milling. From Delta.

Josh: You know what? You're like a real life Mighty Casey.

Alec: What?

Josh: You're so busy waiting for the third pitch that you missed your chance on the out-of-park homer.

(Beat) Alec: I have no clue what you’re referencing. I’m assuming something to do with sports.

Josh (sighs): Learn some culture.

Scene 4 cont. Shift to office. Ess, Luke, Kevin, and Janie.

Janie: So what is she like?

Ess: Who are we talking about?

Janie: Caelyn. Is she nice?

Ess: She was unconscious most of the time.

Janie: Did Josh like her?

Ess: Did Josh what?

Janie: Did he like her?

Ess (stares blankly): How on earth-

Janie: Sometimes you can tell.

(Beat) Ess (shrugging): I suppose it’s possible; she shot him and he didn’t seem to care that much.

Janie: Is she pretty?

Ess: Yeah, I guess so.

Janie (nodding): Good. Maybe we can fix Josh up with her.

Ess: Josh doesn’t need us to fix him up with anyone.

Janie: Of course he does.

Kevin: Janie can’t sleep at night unless she gets in a good day of meddling.

Janie (to Ess): I put mustard in his coffee this morning.

Ess stares at her in surprise.

Enter Josh and Alec.

Josh: Luke, you know about Mighty Casey, right?

Luke: The gorilla?

(Beat) Josh: Okay, don’t talk to me for the rest of the day.

Ess: I know about Mighty Casey. He played for the New York Yankees baseball team.

Josh (frustrated): Um, no. No, no, no he didn’t. Mighty Casey is fictional. He’s a fictional character in a fictional story that has a moral behind it.

(Beat) Ess: I’m pretty sure that he played for the Yankees.

Josh: He played for Mudville!

Alec: I thought you said he wasn’t real.

Josh: You know, Dante wrote about what awaits people like you.

Alec (teasing): Who?

Josh: Funny. You’re a funny guy.

Luke: Who’s the gorilla, then?

Janie: King Kong?

Ess: Mighty Joe Young.

Luke (snaps his fingers): That’s it.

Janie: King Kong is a gorilla.

Kevin (sardonic): Astute observation.

Janie: How’s your coffee?

Kevin: Josh, can you fire her?

Josh: I can.

Kevin: What do I have to do to convince you to exercise that ability?

Josh (shrugs): I need a new watch.

Kevin: You’ll have it tomorrow.

Josh: Okay.

Janie: Josh won’t fire me. He loves me. I’m like his older sister.

Josh: My ‘very much older’ sister.

Janie (accusingly): Josh.

Josh: What’s up, G-ma?

(Beat) Janie (offended): Well, I guess I won’t fix you up, then.

Josh: I’m kidding, Janie.

Janie: Whatever.

Josh: You’re not old.

Janie: Stop talking to me.

Josh: Want me to fire Kevin?

(Beat as she considers that) Janie: That might help.

Josh: I can’t. Gerrard specifically picked him out.

Kevin: Ha.

Janie (bitterly): And yet you still offered.

Josh: It’s the thought that counts. Who are you fixing me up with?

Janie: No one.

Josh: Who were you going to fix me up with?

Janie: It’s kind of moot now, isn’t it?

Josh: It was your frumpy cousin, wasn’t it? The one with the goggle-glasses.

Janie: No, it wasn’t, and Melinda is perfectly nice.

Ess: Caelyn Heaton.

Josh: What about her?

Ess: That’s who she wants to fix you up with.

Josh: She wants to fix me up with Caelyn Heaton?

Alec: She’s never even met the girl.

Janie: Hardly a handicap.

Josh: You can’t fix me up with someone I know better than you do.

Janie: Like I said, it’s moot; and yes I could.

Luke: So… we going to do any work today?

Josh: We actually don’t have anything on the docket. Fill your reports, and then take the day. I’ll stick around in case Gerrard has something.

Fade out. End Scene 4.

Scene 5. Alec and Ess walking down a hallway.

Alec: Been a long time since we had a nothing day.

Ess: This works out well. Connor was asking me about-

Alec (speaking over her): Ess.

Ess: -going to a dinner-theatre-

Alec: Ess, you really like this guy, or are you just trying to drive us crazy?

Ess: Why does it drive you crazy? You know nothing about Connor.

Alec (haltingly): I know his name.

Ess: I mean, if he were someone who beat you up in fourth grade or something, but you don’t know anything-

Alec: So you really like him, then?

Ess (stares at him for a moment): Are you asking as a friend or as the arrogant guy who wants to rag on my choices?

Alec: I thought that’s what friends do.

Ess shakes her head and walks away. After a moment Alec follows.

Alec: Ess, I was just kidding. Come on.

Ess (sarcastic): What a surprise.

Alec: Ess-

Ess: You know, you guys are like my family here. You and Josh are practically my brothers, and I understand you wanting to give me a hard time, but once in awhile-! (breaks off with an angry sigh) Just forget it.

Alec (stunned): Ess, we didn’t mean anything by it.

Ess (disappointed): I know, Alec. But there are times that I want you to mean something.

Alec: Sometimes I do.

Ess (looks at him questioningly): What do you really think of Connor?

(Beat) Alec: I don’t know enough to say - (Ess rolls her eyes and begins to turn away) but - (Ess turns back) I know Morgan runs a tight crew over there at Delta, and anyone working for him won’t be anything less than honorable.

Ess (smiles slightly): Was that so hard?

Alec: Why don’t you have him come up sometime we‘re playing poker? We can get to know him that way, and then -

Ess: I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again. He’s kind of immature for me.

(Beat) Alec: Okay, what?

Ess: Thanks for being honest. I’ll see you tomorrow, Alec.

Ess lingers a moment, and then walks away. Alec watches her go, and then exits opposite direction.

Scene 5 cont. Main office, Josh is alone, seated at his desk, reading some files. Alec enters from hallway and stands against a desk.

Alec: Josh.

Josh (looks up and nods): What’s up?

Alec: I’m in trouble.

Josh: Man, I told you not to invest in anything having to do with seafood. Didn’t I tell you that?

Alec: Yes, you did, and I should have listened, but that’s not what I’m talking about.

Josh: Oh.

Alec: It’s about Ess.

Josh: I told you about that too.

Alec: Yes, yes you did.

Josh: It’s like I’m Obi-wan, telling you not to run off to fight Vader in Empire Strikes Back, but you just ignore me.

Alec: I thought that was Yoda.

Josh: It was both of them.

Alec: At the same time?

Josh: Yeah.

(Beat) Alec: I don’t remember that.

Josh: You’re my errant student whom I am trying to protect, but instead you go rushing off-

Alec: But you told me to go to Ess.

Josh: Well, now you’re just taking the metaphor too far.

Alec: She broke up with Milling.

(Beat) Josh: Really?

Alec: Yeah.

Josh: Is it considered breaking up after only one date?

Alec: What?

Josh: It’s not like they were a couple or anything. If you were having a party, you wouldn’t have said, ‘Let’s invite Ess and Milling.’ You would have invited Ess and not even considered the guy.

Brief pause as they both ponder that.

Alec: Anyway, that’s the good news. The bad news is, she sees me as a brother.

Josh: How does she see me?

Alec: What does that have to do with anything?

Josh: If she sees you like a brother, but me as just a friend, then I’m doing something wrong.

Alec: Not everything is about you, Josh.

Josh: Alec-

Alec: She sees you as a brother, too.

Josh (grins): Cool.

Alec: Can we focus for a minute?

Josh: Right. Yeah, you’re wrecked.

Alec: What, there’s no chance now?

Josh: Not unless something drastic happens.

Alec: Like what?

(Beat) Josh: You realize I have no expertise on this whatsoever, and everything I say regarding your situation is thought up on the fly?

Alec (nods): Yeah.

Josh: Okay. You probably have to save her life.

Alec: Save her life?

Josh: Maybe buy her a dog.

Alec (snaps fingers): I could do that.

Josh: Does she like dogs?

Alec: Yeah.

Josh: See how that works out.

Alec (nods slowly for a moment, then pauses): I’m wrecked, aren’t I?

Josh: Yeah.

Alec (sighs): You think of her as a sister?

Josh (nods somberly): Yeah, I do.

(Beat) Alec (small smile): I guess that’s not too horrible a relationship to have.

Josh (sincerely): It’s really not.

Alec (checks his watch and takes a deep breath): How much longer you here?

Josh: Probably an hour or two, unless Gerrard shows up.

Alec: Okay. (he stands up) I’ll see you tomorrow.

Josh: Goodnight, Alec.

Gerrard enters from hallway.

Gerrard: Going home, Alec?

Alec: Yes sir, unless you need me for something.

Gerrard: No, take the rest of the day. I figured I should at least make an appearance, but I won’t be around long.

Alec: How is your niece doing?

Gerrard: Excellent. She‘s doing very well. Thank you, both of you. I mean that.

Josh: Our pleasure, sir.

Alec (nods): Goodnight, Gerrard. Josh.

Gerrard: Goodnight, son.

Alec exits via hallway.

Josh: Anything that I should know about… anything, or can I go home too?

Gerrard (smiles and sits behind a nearby desk): Caelyn doesn’t remember very much of last night.

Josh: She was pretty scared.

Gerrard (nods): She did, however, remember shooting you. (Josh laughs slightly and Gerrard grins). She feels quite horrible about it.

Josh: She shouldn’t. The bullet barely grazed-

Gerrard: They’re keeping her there overnight for observation. (he paused) I’m thinking about hiring her on as a field-tech.

Josh: Field-tech.

Gerrard: Think that’s a bad idea?

Josh (shrugs): Does she want to keep working for ADTE?

Gerrard: She doesn’t know. She does know she’s done with Echo’s wing, though.

Josh: Yeah, can’t fault her there.

(Beat) Gerrard: She feels really bad about shooting you, Josh.

Gerrard stands and exits via hallway.

Fade out. End Scene 5.

Scene 6: Hospital hallway. Josh with a small bouquet, 2 nurses are talking at the counter. He is reading the door numbers and stops at 312 and knocks. Caelyn is inside lying on a hospital bed. She is tired but not sleeping.

Josh: Hey.

Caelyn (surprised): Hey. Come on in.

Josh (entering slowly): I don’t have to stay-

Caelyn. No, no, I’m glad you’re here. This was really sweet of you.

(Small pause as Josh smiles slightly) Josh: Um, here. (he hands her the flowers, which she takes and smiles)

Caelyn: Thank you. You didn’t have to. (Lifts the flowers to smell them, then gently sets them on the nearby table) Want to sit down?

Josh (nods): Yeah, thanks. (sits down) How are you feeling?

Caelyn: I’m doing well. I’m… (she pauses and frowns)… I miss my friends. (she looks down and tries not to cry)

A few moments pass with Josh looking sorry and Caelyn regaining her composure.

Caelyn (still fighting tears): I’m sorry. I’m so rude to do that to someone I just met.

Josh (softly): Hey, no. Don’t be sorry. I’ve lost friends before on missions, and it… it tears you apart. I can’t imagine losing them all at once. (Beat) I can go if you want to be alone.

Caelyn (pitifully): Please don’t.

Josh (softly): Okay.

More time passes as they sit in silence; Caelyn‘s head is down, and Josh looks uncomfortable, but he doesn‘t move to leave. For the rest of this scene, the lines are delivered softly, with Caelyn still near the verge of tears.

Caelyn: I’m sorry I shot you.

Josh (smiles a little): Don’t worry about it. I’m not even limping anymore.

Caelyn: Most people wouldn’t come to the hospital to visit the person who shot them. (Josh’s smile grows as she looks up at him) This really was very sweet.

Josh: Yeah? You think my mother would be proud?

Caelyn (laughs a little): I do. She did a very good job.

Josh: I also know which side of the plate the knife goes on.

Caelyn (laughs again): I… I never thanked you for, you know, saving my life.

Josh: You don’t have to.

Caelyn: I have a mother, too. (Josh laughs) Really, though, what you did… thank you, Josh.

Josh (nods): You’re welcome, Caelyn.

Caelyn: Um… I-I’m going to ask you something, and please don’t feel obligated to say yes, as you’ve already-

Josh: Hey, anything you need.

Caelyn: The… the, uh… memorial for my (chokes up a little)… my team is in a few days, on Friday. They only let ADTE officers go to those things, and… I don’t want to go alone, and-

Josh (sincerely): Yeah, of course I’ll go.

Caelyn (voice-breaking): Yeah?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn (breathing out in relief): I was so scared of having to do that alone. Uncle Gerrard is going to be away. (Beat) Thank you so much.

Josh: It’s really no problem.

(Beat) Caelyn: Uncle Gerrard says Sierra needs a field-tech.

Josh: Yeah, we’ve been without one for a few months now.

Caelyn: He thinks I could do it.

Josh: I think you could too.

Caelyn (wryly): Was it the shooting my rescuer or the waves of tears that convinced you?

Josh (laughs): You’d get training.

Caelyn: Yeah. I think I need some of that.

Josh: Sierra is a good group of people.

Caelyn: I believe it. (she smiles a little and Josh returns it) You know, I don’t know your last name.

Begin Fade out.

Josh: Moritz.

Caelyn: Joshua Moritz?

Josh: Yeah.

Caelyn: Two first names, huh?

Josh: Moritz isn’t a first name.

Caelyn: I’m pretty sure it is.

Fade out. End Scene 6.

Explanation

2007-02-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

This is my second blog. I'm basically using this space to post my scripts as I write and finish them. If you want my actual blog, it's at mmsbhs.blogspot.com.