TPM: Twelve Past Midnight

Episode 3: Making Friends

EPISODE 3:

MAKING FRIENDS

RECAP

OPENING CREDITS

FADE IN

INT. DINER

CINDY serves CHARLES a plate of food and another refill as CHARLES winks at her as she pats his shoulder and heads off to another table as COLBY walks in, CHARLES looking at him before taking a bite as COLBY sits across from him.

COLBY looks at CHARLES firmly as CHARLES wipes his mouth and clears his throat as COLBY says nothing.

CHARLES

Yes?

COLBY

Less than a week.

CHARLES

I am aware.

COLBY

You understand that there is already a negative stigma about your and yours.

CHARLES

Things happen, COLBY, do you remember our days?

COLBY

Our days had validation, merit, reason. Most of the lives we took were contracted.

CHARLES

You're neglecting a lot of gray areas my old friend. Because I clearly recall many more incidents that weren't sanctioned.

COLBY

Don't turn this around...

CHARLES

Why not? You come in here, harboring your bad attitude and slinging about righteousness about me and mine when you know just how dark and cold this place can get.

COLBY

A week, CHARLES.

CHARLES

He'll be fine.

COLBY

The earful I got today, it puts people in bad moods. I do not mean to take it out on you my friend, truly, I do not, but this is becoming way out of hand.

CHARLES

We are well within our rights a majority of the time, and we take our punishments.

COLBY

That you do, but that luck will run out, and if I were a betting man, I would say that perhaps that day is today. TERESA will not go easy on him, the SYSTEM will get involved...and then...I don't know.

CHARLES

So what are you here for? Babysitting duty?

COLBY

Yes. Until I receive the call, you are relegated to remain here. I do have the payouts for the last missions, and they were nice enough to give me one to occupy a few of yours.

COLBY hands over a stack of labeled money, one for NIKKI, and one for EMMA and SHANE. CHARLES takes it as COLBY hands him a folder, CHARLES putting it in his booth beside him as he takes a drink as COLBY takes off his suit jacket and waves CINDY down.

CHARLES

That bad huh?

COLBY

What do you want me to say, CHARLES? What do you expect me to do, I am only a...(to CINDY) Diet COKE, and a chicken fried steak please.

CINDY

Sure thing, sugah.

COLBY smirks as he looks back at CHARLES who was waiting on him to finish, COLBY huffing as he throws his arms on the back rest behind him.

COLBY

We are not infinite, CHARLES. We are Finite here. The difference between us here, and when we were alive is that we didn't know, it was speculation and hearsay, taking things on faith. Here we know that when it's over...it's over.

CHARLES

Do we though?

COLBY

Don't start...

CHARLES

You're preaching the SYSTEM'S way of thinking, what they want us to believe, that when we go here, that's it...but how do we know?

COLBY

What do you think happens to a SOUL when it supernova's? It goes to fuckin' Disneyland?!

CHARLES

Calm down.

COLBY

You and your UNEVENTFUL seem to believe that everything here plays out like it used to be. Where DEATH is just a ho hum solution to your problems and violence begets everything. Keep in mind the powers at be here, and the even flow you continuously f**k up with each and every soul you and yours help destroy.

CHARLES

If that were the case, we wouldn't be privatizing and putting out contracts for souls to be taken. It seems to me it's a perfect balance of import and export between those souls we take and those the FRINGE brings in.

COLBY

You using this CHECKS and BALANCES bullshit on me is laughable, I know as well as you do that things are what they are, there is no set balance in place that we can perceive to comprehend.

CHARLES

Maybe for you, but then again, you wouldn't know, because your mind isn't fully your own anymore.

COLBY

I will not hear more of this, CHARLES. I am done with this argument.

CHARLES

Argument? It's only an argument if one gets overly emotional about the context.

COLBY

You know my reasons.

CHARLES

I don't fault you for you doing so.

COLBY

Yet you have no qualms to bring it up every single time you get the chance.

CINDY brings over COLBY'S drink as COLBY takes his straw and stirs the ice about a bit before drinking as CHARLES takes a bite of his sandwich.

CHARLES

You're just different, COLBY. You're not the guy I remember, not all of you at least.

COLBY

You think I don't know that. You think I don't...feel the emptiness, feel the voids left in place when they took from me what I choose to forget? But I did so for a good reason, and without me in your corner right now, who knows what would've happened to you and yours by now.

CHARLES

I'm not Ungrateful, I'm just a sucker for old times.

COLBY

Those times weren't any better...

CHARLES

To each their own I would say.

COLBY checks his CELL as he then tucks it back away.

COLBY

He'll be starting the written deposition soon.

CHARLES

He'll be fine.

COLBY

I'm sure you coached him up.

CHARLES

Not as much as you would think.

COLBY

You did with everyone else?

CHARLES

Everyone else knew the consequences much better, SHANE'S best chance of getting off is to have that naivety of his be purely genuine.

COLBY

You displace too much trust in him.

CHARLES

Maybe I am.

CHARLES pulls out his CELL as he dials a number as CINDY brings over COLBY'S FOOD.

CHARLES

(To AUSTIN)

AUSTIN...Yeah, bring NIKKI and EMMA and meet me at the DINER in fifteen. Did ANTHONY get SHANE there in time? Good, alright.

CHARLES hangs up as he tucks his phone away as COLBY is eating, CHARLES decides to continue eating as well as the two eat in an odd silence.

INT. WHITE ROOM

SHANE looks about the WHITE ROOM as he was the only one in there, the ROOM was fluorescent almost, as the only objects there were a table in front of the CHAIR he was sitting in and a BLANK piece of paper.

SHANE waits a few more moments before he shifts about uncomfortably as he looks about the ROOM.

SHANE

Uh...

VOICE

(O.S.)

Hello, TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT.

SHANE looks about curiously as the VOICE fills the entire room.

VOICE

(O.S.)

In front of you is a BLANK SHEET OF PAPER. We need a detailed written account of the night in question in which JERRICK FINCH was killed, an order expressed directly in the Mission Report.

SHANE

Yeah, one I did not read...!

VOICE

(O.S.)

Do not speak.

SHANE grabs his head as he hears a high pitched screeching sound in his mind, SHANE screaming as it stops a few moments later.

VOICE

(O.S.)

Speaking out of context, or not when given permission, is a punishable offense. As of right now, you are in the custody of the SYSTEM, and your soul is tethered to our frequencies, allowing us absolution over your senses. Now please, write your account as detailed as possible. You may ask your questions now.

SHANE

I have nothing to write with...

VOICE

(O.S.)

Your senses are ours, we will again show you that we have absolution over you, look upon the table.

SHANE looks down to see a PEN sitting beside the paper.

VOICE

(O.S.)

It was there the entire time, we just did not want you to see it.

SHANE

Who are we?

VOICE

(O.S.)

We are your absolution, we are the SYSTEM.

SHANE

I thought the SYSTEM was a collection of ANGELS and DEMONS...?

VOICE

(O.S.)

We are, we are merely speaking as one, watching and containing you until we have the answers and truths we seek. No more questions at this point, please...begin writing.

SHANE rubs his forehead as he looks about before taking the pen and taking a deep breath, begins writing.

INT. THE DINER

AUSTIN comes over and takes a CHAIR pulling it up to the TABLE as NIKKI and EMMA had taken up the outside seats of the booths, NIKKI handing AUSTIN the FILE as CHARLES and COLBY were still engaging in a conversation, EMMA paying attention to it as NIKKI crosses her arms.

NIKKI

Seems like we have some stay out of the way business to attend to while CHARLES here is on diner lock down.

AUSTIN

CARISSA JONES, WANTED DEAD of ALIVE after the murders of fifteen werewolves. Shesh, what's her deal?

NIKKI

Don't know but we gotta bring her in.

AUSTIN

5'9, 105 pounds, brunette...A DEMON. Wow, this sucks.

NIKKI

Nothing we can't handle.

AUSTIN

Guess not.

COLBY breaks away from the convo as he points to AUSTIN.

COLBY

There's a nice payday in for you guy's if you, and I mean yes you specifically AUSTIN can keep her alive and brought in. Plus it wouldn't hurt to get some good will back.

AUSTIN

I don't kill everyone I get in a bounty.

EVERYONE stares at him.

AUSTIN

Not on purpose...

NIKKI

We'll do what we can? EMMA?

EMMA

I'm a sit this one out, I think. I just got done with the AUDIT and I'm not in the mood.

NIKKI

How'd it go...?

EMMA

If this wasn't my first time, I would be shitting in my pants, but it went about as well as It could.

AUSTIN

Damn. SHANE'S gonna be pressed hard huh?

CHARLES

Have faith, NIKKI, AUSTIN be careful, and I'll see y'all later. EMMA, do you have work?

EMMA

No.

CHARLES

Then stay a while, I could use the company against this suit.

COLBY

Original.

NIKKI scoots out of the BOOTH and heads off as AUSTIN follows her out as EMMA sips on her tea.

COLBY

So you tell me, EMMA, how bad was it really...?

EMMA sets her drink down as CHARLES nods at her as she looks very somber.

EMMA

Honestly...It was the worst experience I've ever had since I've been here. I feel bad for SHANE...they're going to break him...

CHARLES

He's tough.

EMMA

CHARLES, even I broke and I didn't do anything wrong. The SYSTEM wants answers...FINCH was connected.

COLBY

Well more connected than we could of possibly imagined, the order set to keep him alive was specific, he had a up.

CHARLES

Then that means the SYSTEM knew of his little side ventures, does it now?

COLBY

You have no right to assume that...

EMMA

Then what is it then, COLBY? Why protect a scumbag like FINCH?

COLBY

I may work for the SYSTEM, but I am not a part of it. I can only offer you theories and hypotheses, just as you.

CHARLES

Cept your paid to take the opposite stance no matter what.

COLBY

That's unfair.

CHARLES

Yeah, well, something is off about this.

COLBY

The truth will come out.

CHARLES

I have no doubt about that.

EMMA grabs her tea again as CHARLES and COLBY stare each other down.

INT. WHITE ROOM

SHANE sets the PEN down as the PAPER and PEN suddenly disappear, SHANE looking about as he rubs his hand.

VOICE

(O.S.)

That's very well written and dictated, TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT, we are very pleased with it's explicit details, it has helped put many pieces in place.

SHANE

Okay...

VOICE

(O.S.)

a lot of this correlates with your partners statements. However, we are a bit concerned with the quick and easy actions you took in regards to murder.

SHANE

I...

VOICE

(O.S.)

No talking.

SHANE hears the same high pitched ear piercing wail, SHANE dropping to his knees as the tone goes on for a solid minute before stopping.

VOICE

(O.S.)

Your written deposition is now over. You will now be meeting with your OVERSEER, who will then decide whether further evaluation with us is required. Please, stand.

SHANE does so as he holds his head, SHANE watching as the ROOM begins to shift almost, contorting and spinning into a completely different area before SHANE closes his eyes, opening them a few moments later to see himself standing in the middle of a nice room, HIGH ART hanging about as BOOKS were on shelves all over the room were neatly placed in order alphabetically as SHANE looks over to see TERESA sitting behind her desk, a LAPTOP open, a few files and folders on her desk but nothing messy. She stares at him, not saying a word as SHANE looks about to see he was in a completely different room altogether.

TERESA

TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT. Or do you prefer to go by SHANE, like the others?

SHANE

SHANE.

TERESA

Very well, it seems the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree.

SHANE

Uh...

TERESA

Please sit down, we have much to discuss.

SHANE slowly comes over and takes a seat in front of TERESA as she crosses her hands and places them on the DESK as SHANE keeps a composed face.

SHANE

That...voice isn't gonna be showing up and putting me in a mental vice grip again is it?

TERESA

It hasn't happened before, and I do not believe it shall again.

SHANE

Alright.

TERESA

Let me stress something first. So that we may be understood. I do not like you.

SHANE

That's very obvious.

TERESA

You have been here a very short amount of time, and already you have caused quite the commotion and stir. But do understand my well placed feelings are more geared towards the company you keep, and the boss you work for.

SHANE

I see.

TERESA

You are an UNEVENTFUL, and true to your nature, you have already created havoc. Your ilk, creates pandemonium on a massive scale, and the ground beneath the feet that is keeping you level is starting to give way, and there is not much I can do. I am bound by duty, and you are bound to destroy and defile the laws and natures of the world you now inhabit and it is for that reason and that reason alone that I despise you, and what you stand for.

SHANE

Then why are we even talking? If I am not getting a fair shake then this is all just bullshit theatrics, putting on a face and sticking to a rulebook that you obviously have no respect for.

TERESA

It would be wise to never speak out like that against me again, I am your OVERSEER, I am your true boss.

SHANE

Well you're a true b***h.

TERESA stiffens as SHANE stares her straight in the eyes.

TERESA

TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT, you killed JERRICK FINCH...

SHANE

And I'd do it again.

TERESA

Is that so?

SHANE

Yeah.

TERESA

Why?

SHANE

Because he threatened to take the life of my partner.

TERESA

By holding a knife to her throat?

SHANE

To her eye.

TERESA

One eye. Last I checked you needed to take out both to kill a soul?

SHANE

He could have easily done so.

TERESA

And you could have easily handled him in a number of fairly obvious and numerous ways without the cause of his life being taken...

SHANE

Why FINCH? Why am I being harassed over the death of one man, and not the three others that I took out?

TERESA

Are you acknowledging that you coldly killed the other three men?

SHANE

Self defense.

TERESA

Then why should I be harassing you about them if it were self defense?

SHANE

Because I thought each soul here was equally Important in these matters...?

TERESA

They're not.

SHANE

I...

TERESA

The matter is straightforward, in regards to what reason you had to put Mr. FINCH down, he was specifically given immunity from being harmed in the mission deposition.

SHANE

Which I tried to explain earlier, I got no look at...

TERESA

You were not given access to the document?

SHANE

No...

TERESA

Huh...well according to Miss LAIN'S statement, you were given the FILE along with numerous other documents and pictures in the planning stage of the caper? Are you saying that her statement is incorrect?

SHANE

No, I saw the file but I wasn't given it to study.

TERESA

But you had access to it? You were allowed to view it for tactical planning and therefore the excuse of “I wasn't given the mission deposition” is rendered obsolete as you and her agree that the file was allowed to be read and reviewed by you, correct?

SHANE

Sure.

TERESA

Anything else you want to use to defend your stance in regards to paperwork?

SHANE

Just get to your next point.

SHANE looks flustered as TERESA nods and moves some files about as she smirks to herself.

INT. NIKKI'S CAR

NIKKI scopes out a BUSY AREA around what appears to be a MALL as AUSTIN pops some candy into his mouth as NIKKI lowers her binoculars.

NIKKI

Don't spill any of that please.

AUSTIN

It wasn't like I was fuckin' planning on it.

NIKKI

I know...just don't.

AUSTIN

I'm getting real sick and tired of you guy's riding me on every little thing. “Austin, don't kill that person”, “Austin, don't drop candy”, “Austin, wear a c****m”.

NIKKI raises an eyebrow as she looks at him as AUSTIN drops some of the candy as he tries to wrap it up and put it away, NIKKI grimacing at him as AUSTIN looks at her apologetically.

AUSTIN

Okay, my bad.

NIKKI

Pick it up.

AUSTIN Unbuckles as he begins to rummage around and dig things up as NIKKI continues to watch the MALL as she looks at the stack of papers sitting in between her and AUSTIN as she looks over the pictures of CARISSA and various last locations.

AUSTIN

You really think she'll show back up around here?

NIKKI

This is LYCAN territory, all the deceased werewolves were of teen age, so it's more and likely she's picking them off here. All of them were also male. She's pretty enough and old enough to be appealing for an adolescent teen to think he can woo her.

AUSTIN

Sounds like she's sucking down on wannabe wolf boy Casanova’s.

NIKKI

Yep.

AUSTIN

Maybe I can interest her?

NIKKI

This isn't a sting operation, AUSTIN. And you're not what she wants to begin with.

AUSTIN

Yeah, well...don't blame a guy for throwing ideas around.

NIKKI

If your idea's had merit, or were based on any kind of actual reasoning or thought process I wouldn't have to s**t on all of them, but seeing how they are not, they blow.

AUSTIN

Is that her?

NIKKI looks over to see CARISSA JONES talking to a few TEENS as NIKKI huffs as she looks at AUSTIN who was smiling at her, NIKKI starting the car as AUSTIN smiles.

INT. THE DINER

EMMA is off at another booth, talking to a beautiful man as COLBY and CHARLES watch her work.

COLBY

Such a fascinating creature that one.

CHARLES

She's a good girl...a little promiscuous but otherwise, a sweetheart.

COLBY

So how do you think it's going, I imagine he's been chatting it up with TERESA by now.

CHARLES

I'm sure TERESA is breaking him down, but he's holding firm.

COLBY

Do you remember when we first got AUDITED? What was that OVERSEER'S name?

CHARLES

DARMON.

COLBY

That's right...what a dickhead.

CHARLES

High level DEMONS usually are.

COLBY

Even he didn't bust as many balls as TERESA does.

CHARLES

She's a stickler for the rules, by the book that one.

COLBY

I know it. Yet...there's something about her too that I notice when she's around you...

CHARLES

Don't start...

COLBY

Oh, well isn't that something, you having a topic you would like to avoid?

CHARLES

I get it.

COLBY

Just saying my friend.

CHARLES eyes COLBY as COLBY smirks at him.

INT. TERESA'S OFFICE

SHANE rubs his chin as TERESA crosses her hands again after finding a document to her liking.

TERESA

Now that we've established a bit of a rapport Mr. YATES, I would like to get a yes or no question from you on this. Did you or did you not have pre conceived plans to murder Mr. FINCH.

SHANE

No.

TERESA

Were you planning on murdering Mr. FINCH prior to him taking your partner hostage?

SHANE

No.

TERESA

Was there any point in the night that made you want to murder Mr. FINCH?

SHANE

Yes.

TERESA

Is that so?

SHANE

When I met his daughter.

TERESA

That's an odd reason to want to murder someone you don't know.

SHANE

I read his files, what he really does, and just like you, I know the s**t he did, and was getting away with. And keeping that little girl as a pawn...a little “look at me and how clean and perfect I am trophy”. A facade that that fuckin' asshole was hiding behind and that you all buy, even though you know he's full of s**t.

TERESA

That's a powerful statement, especially in the context. So you did have intentions to kill him?

SHANE

No, you asked was there any point that made me want too, but wanting too, and planning too aren't the same thing.

TERESA

You're rationalizing something that is in the same ascetic as walking a tightrope. Your fine line ways of thinking are straddling a very disturbing and troubling thought process, one that the FRINGE does not agree with.

SHANE

It seems slaving, and murdering those on a piece of paper is fine, or even those who stand in the way of achieving your goal. But murdering a horrid individual, in self defense or because it's the right thing...now that's punishable...monstrous.

TERESA

The fact remains, he was not meant to go.

SHANE

Then explain to me his true purpose? Why was someone like him being protected?

TERESA

I don't have that information.

SHANE

Then send me to the ones who do.

TERESA

If I do that, you forfeit this meeting, rendering my judgment obsolete, which means you will be at the mercy of the SYSTEM, those who put the specific order in place, those who are not as forgiving as I.

SHANE

You aren't giving me the answers I want. And I could give two shits about your judgment. Besides...I'm sure we'll be meeting again on a regular basis.

TERESA

That, I can guarantee.

TERESA puts the papers away into a single file as she stamps it and files it into her desk.

TERESA

Mr. YATES, In one of what I will assume will be many more unpleasant and troubling meetings, I will say goodbye for now.

SHANE

Yeah.

TERESA

Good luck to you.

SHANE notices a hint of concern on her face as SHANE watches everything in the room begin to spin and contort again as he was back in the WHITE ROOM.

VOICE

(O.S.)

So this is what you have chosen?

SHANE looks about as he has a stern but confident look on his face.

INT. HOUSE

CARISSA JONES swings the door open to the HOUSE as she was passionately making out with a YOUNG TEEN LYCAN, the BOY watching as she pushes him off and takes his shirt off, rubbing his chest as she leads him towards the back of the room, The LYCAN TEEN sitting on the edge of the bed as CARISSA begins to undress, The TEEN salivating almost as she has him rub her body, but as she does her eyes glow YELLOW AND GREEN, the TEEN not noticing as she smirks.

But before she fully undresses AUSTIN kicks the door to the BEDROOM open, the LYCAN TEEN HOWLING at him in shock and anger as CARISSA turns to him as NIKKI steps in, SHOTGUN in hand.

NIKKI

CARISSA JONES, you are to be taken in dead or alive, for the murders of Fifteen LYCANS.

CARISSA

I wondered when they would finally send someone after me.

TEEN LYCAN

She does what?!

CARISSA turns and goes to pounce on the LYCAN, her eyes GLOWING as her mouth was suddenly jagged and monstrous but AUSTIN tackles her first, knocking her into the wall as the TEEN jumps off the bed as CARISSA back hands AUSTIN off of her, watching as he lands near NIKKI who was lining up a shot that was thrown off, which gave CARISSA enough time to jump out of the window.

NIKKI curses as she runs to the WINDOW and notices CARISSA on the ground a few yards away, screaming as she was convulsing on the ground, AUSTIN reeling as he the TEEN comes over beside her, watching as CARISSA was going through some form of metamorphosis.

TEEN LYCAN

What the hell is going on?!

NIKKI

She didn't consume you in time...she's....morphing.

TEEN LYCAN

Into what?

NIKKI

Her true form.

AUSTIN

Oh those are always pretty.

NIKKI

She was unauthorizedly consuming LYCAN parts to keep herself from deconstructing.

AUSTIN

Why didn't she turn herself in for a requisition form for a new body?!

NIKKI

She probably got too accustomed to the one she had...didn't want to give up her looks...

TEEN LYCAN

Holy shit...

The THREE watch as CARISSA was screaming in a horrible monstrous scream, her body contorting and changing as her skin and body was literally melting off as parts of her were stretching and turning more gooey and jagged as she was turning into a LARGE LIMBED DEMON.

The THREE watch as she stands, 9 feet in length, with razor claws that stretched against the ground, her eyes were glowing as she still had her long hair, a small tail wagged behind her as her mouth was hyperextended about a foot out, with jagged jaws as she screeched.

AUSTIN

Hurry up and blast that b***h!

NIKKI takes aim but as she does the DEMON leaps on top of the ROOF, NIKKI and AUSTIN looking about as the DEMON is quickly darting around the ROOF, AUSTIN grabbing the TEEN by the shoulders.

AUSTIN

What's your name?

ZANE

It's ZANE.

AUSTIN

ZANE, I need you to transform right now, we're going to need it.

ZANE

Why?

NIKKI

She's going to be bringing back up...

The THREE watch as from their windows they can see GREEN AND YELLOW BLOOD beginning to fall across the ground like rain, as from on the ROOF, CARISSA had split her wrists open and was throwing the heavy amounts of blood in all directions, the THREE watching as the blood was drenching all around the house as AUSTIN look horrified as NIKKI grabs her bag and pulls it open, revealing a barrage of guns as she hands AUSTIN a MODIFIED MACHINE g*n/SHOTGUN like hybrid, as AUSTIN grabbed his cell phone.

AUSTIN

ZANE, it's time to wolf out, now!

ZANE nods as NIKKI watches as the DEMON BLOOD PUDDLES are beginning to bubble.

INT. THE DINER

CHARLES looks at his phone as he answers it.

CHARLES

AUSTIN, what's up?

AUSTIN

CHARLES! The DEMON was feeding to keep her body intact, when we broke the cycle...

CHARLES

She morphed. Where are you?

AUSTIN

Track my cell with that little GPS device, and hurry, they're coming!

CHARLES hangs up and quickly gets out of the booth as COLBY stands as well, EMMA coming over to him as COLBY cuts him off.

COLBY

I can't let you leave until I get the call...

CHARLES

My people are trapped with Demonspawn on the way...

COLBY

Shit. You're going to need help, Since you can't leave my sight, looks like I'm coming as well.

CHARLES doesn't wait to argue as he heads out as COLBY follows, EMMA looking confused as she throws some money down and leaves as well.

INT. HOUSE

NIKKI comes to another window as the BUBBLES were now forming into shapes, hundreds and hundreds of shapes as AUSTIN was taking point at the broken window as ZANE was screaming in agony as he was beginning to change into a full on LYCAN, AUSTIN checking his phone as he then tucks it away.

AUSTIN

CHARLES better drive like a motherfucker.

NIKKI

We can hold out until then.

AUSTIN

Remember the last time we dealt with Demonspawn?

NIKKI

Vividly.

AUSTIN

Then you know just as well as I do that this s**t is about to get crazy.

NIKKI comes over to ZANE, who was now standing as a fully erect LYCAN, his snout drooling as he bore his fangs, NIKKI patting him on the chest as he howls.

NIKKI

Cover the door, if anything tries to get threw, tear it apart and push it back. Destroy it's eyes, or sever it's head.

AUSTIN

It's almost time!

NIKKI

ZANE!

THE LYCAN snarls at her.

NIKKI

Am I understood!?

The WEREWOLF nods as NIKKI goes back to her window and knocks the glass out as she and AUSTIN share a glance as the shapes were beginning to form into the same monstrous like beings that CARISSA turned into.

EXT. STREET

CHARLES hands his keys to EMMA to his car as COLBY looks at him confused.

CHARLES

You follow my GPS in the car, it should already be set to AUSTIN'S location...

COLBY

What are you doing?

EMMA

Boss...

CHARLES

I am going to get an employee so that I can save my employees.

COLBY

CHARLES don't be a fool...!

CHARLES disappears as COLBY curses as EMMA gets into the CAR and starts it, COLBY shaking his head as he gets into the CAR as well.

INT. TERESA'S OFFICE

TERESA is typing away as she looks up in shock to see CHARLES storming towards her.

CHARLES

Where is SHANE?!

TERESA

I...

CHARLES

I don't have time for answers, but you will get them, please, where is SHANE?!

TERESA

He denied my judgment and is in council with the hierarchy...

CHARLES

Fuck!

TERESA

Whatever you think you're doing, don't...

CHARLES

I'm sorry, TERESA...

TERESA

CHARLES!

CHARLES disappears as TERESA looks horrified.

TERESA

CHARLES!

INT. WHITE ROOM

SHANE paces about as he shakes his head.

VOICE

(O.S.)

You seem...displeased.

SHANE

Displeased...I'm being punished by voices who are trying to protect the legacy of a man who was not only a slaver but a murderer as well.

VOICE

(O.S.)

Did you ever stop to think that perhaps his time was meant to come at a much later and much more...satisfying time?

SHANE

Don't give me that s**t.

VOICE

(O.S.)

The FRINGE was meant to be a beta of the living world. As the living world is dictated by an unseen force, planning out the times and dates and events of those who go, so must we try here. JERRICK FINCH was tasked to survive, so that his time would come at a later date. His transgressions were not to go unpunished.

SHANE

Convenient. So because someone else at a later time doesn't get to off him, I have to pay some penance?

VOICE

(O.S.)

We are afraid so.

SHANE

That's some serious bullshit.

VOICE

(O.S.)

We understand that that is how you feel, but that is the way of the FRINGE. And that is a transcendental law that you broke.

SHANE

I...

CHARLES appears beside SHANE.

SHANE

CHARLES...?

CHARLES

We have to go.

VOICE

(O.S.)

You are violating an internal judgment hearing, doing so will bring forth consequences upon yourself that...

CHARLES

I don't give a f**k! I have members of my team to save, and I need all hands on deck. You want to punish me, go ahead, but do it after I get mine out of harm's way.

SHANE

Boss...

CHARLES

Shut up, SHANE.

CHARLES grabs SHANE and the two disappear.

INT. HOUSE

ZANE knocks a Demonspawn back as he rips it's head off as NIKKI was busting off rounds one after the other, AUSTIN firing off as well as he keeps a large pack of Demonspawn away as NIKKI blows one's head off as it falls over but more and more continue to come.

AUSTIN

Where the hell is our back up!

ZANE howls as a Demonspawn cuts him across his chest, NIKKI firing and blowing it's arm off as ZANE then takes it's head off by gripping his jaws into it's throat and ripping up, tearing it clean off.

AUSTIN fires and hears the click of his charge gauge go off, the Demonspawn coming at him quickly but as he does he switches it over to the SHOTGUN Gauge, firing a few shots that knock some Demonspawn back as AUSTIN looks to see a CAR coming over the horizon towards the HOUSE, AUSTIN firing and blowing one's eyes out.

EXT. HOUSE

EMMA smashes into a few Demonspawn as COLBY reaches into the back and grabs a MACHINE g*n, but EMMA begins to scream as the Demonspawn suddenly surround the CAR rocking it as they use their GIANT CLAWS to pry the car apart, COLBY handing EMMA a PISTOL as she looks about horrified as AUSTIN watches.

NIKKI

What's going on?!

AUSTIN

They're surrounding the Car!

NIKKI

Go help them then!

AUSTIN

Are you shitting me!

NIKKI

I'll cover you.

AUSTIN blows another Demonspawn away as he hears the MACHINE g*n Gage click go off, AUSTIN switching it back as he jumps out the window, spraying away as he runs towards the CAR, NIKKI coming over to ZANE who had blocked the DOORWAY nearly chest high with severed bodies of Demonspawn.

NIKKI

Cover me wolf boy!

NIKKI runs to the window that AUSTIN was at and begins firing at Demonspawn that were turning and chasing down AUSTIN, AUSTIN screaming as he quickly dodges a wild swing from a Demonspawn as AUSTIN makes it to the CAR, blasting away everything that was surrounding the CAR as EMMA and COLBY get out firing away as Austin quickly begins to lead them towards the HOUSE.

AUSTIN

Form up around me!

COLBY fires into a crowd of Demonspawn as NIKKI was covering them the best she could but she notices more blood beginning to spew across the ground.

NIKKI

AUSTIN!

AUSTIN shoots one away as he looks to see NIKKI pointing up, AUSTIN looking up to notice CARISSA spewing more blood about the house, creating fresh Demonspawn.

AUSTIN begins opening fire on her, but she quickly jumps from the ROOF away from the bullets, AUSTIN cursing as EMMA shoots one away but get's nipped across the back by a Demonspawn, EMMA screaming as COLBY spins and drops to a knee, firing rounds and killing the Demonspawn and a few others as EMMA reels, AUSTIN grabbing her as he leads her inside, COLBY covering them as NIKKI runs back to her window and keeps a few at bay as ZANE watches some Demonspawn begin to come back down the hallway into the HOUSE, COLBY jumping into the WINDOW as he and AUSTIN open fire, shredding Demonspawn into pieces as COLBY suddenly hears his g*n discharge, EMMA tossing her PISTOL to him as he catches it and opens fire without missing a beat as NIKKI tosses EMMA a MACHINE g*n from the bag, EMMA taking it as she and NIKKI take turns firing out of NIKKI'S WINDOW.

AUSTIN watched as the ground was bubbling again with hundreds of more Demonspawn preparing to be birthed.

AUSTIN

Oh shit...

COLBY

We have to kill the goddamned DEMON whose birth these things are we're not going to make it out of here alive!

AUSTIN

You think I don't know that?! But you wanna go out there, be my guest!?

NIKKI

One of us is going to have too!

EMMA

Look!

NIKKI looked out her window as EMMA had stopped firing.

CHARLES and SHANE had suddenly appeared outside the HOUSE near the CAR, CHARLES reeling a bit as SHANE looked away to see the hundreds of Demonspawn turn towards them.

SHANE

What the f**k!?

CHARLES

Shoot their eyes, or cut their heads off.

CHARLES reaches into his back and pulls out TWO MACHETE'S, SHANE eying him as CHARLES reaches behind his back and tosses him a PISTOL, SHANE taking it as he pulls his from the back of his pants and takes aim, firing away at the Demonspawn that drew closer to him as he began taking them out with precise rounds, as CHARLES began walking right into the thick of them, AUSTIN and COLBY watching with a smirk as CHARLES begins hacking and slashing away, taking off heads with each swing and stroke of his machete's as SHANE was staying close behind covering CHARLES'S BACK while dropping Demonspawn left and right as ZANE tears a few more Demonspawn apart as EMMA comes over and helps thin out the HALLWAY numbers as NIKKI, COLBY, and AUSTIN were covering CHARLES from their windows as CHARLES was standing in the middle of the Demonspawn nest, killing everything that moved around him as SHANE was standing out of slashing distance, SHANE firing with precise rounds as CHARLES noticed CARISSA watching from a spot outside the HOUSE, as CHARLES begins towards her, CARISSA screeching at him as SHANE takes aim at her and fires, but a Demonspawn jumps in the way, taking the bullets as SHANE fires again and kills it just as the Guns drain.

SHANE tucks them away as he watches the Demonspawn draw closer and closer as CHARLES is still slashing away.

EMMA and ZANE come over towards NIKKI as NIKKI hands ZANE a shotgun.

NIKKI

Take it to the guy with blonde hair!

ZANE jumps out the WINDOW, barreling and slashing through Demonspawn as SHANE watches the LYCAN run over towards him and drop the SHOTGUN, ZANE nodding for him to take it as SHANE picks it up and blows a few Demonspawns heads apart as ZANE was covering SHANE who was still covering CHARLES as he made his way towards CARISSA, who was trying to make more and more Demonspawn.

CHARLES spins and slices his arms into an X, taking out Two Demonspawn at once as he comes over towards CARISSA who tries to run but as she moves, NIKKI lines her up and takes a few shots at her legs, immobilizing her as AUSTIN, EMMA, COLBY, NIKKI, and SHANE unload on the Demonspawn around her as CHARLES walks up to her, yellow and green blood oozing off of his blades as CARISSA hisses and screeches at him, CARISSA taking a swipe at CHARLES but CHARLES slashes up and takes off the ARM at the elbow, CARISSA screeching again but as she does CHARLES takes her head off, CHARLES stepping away as a WHITE LIGHT begins to glow from her neck before it bursts into a brighter light, The GROUP all shielding their eyes before they open to find everything was gone. All the Demonspawn, corpses, and severed limbs. ZANE howls as SHANE looks about, g*n still leveled as COLBY hands NIKKI the MACHINE g*n and heads out of the WINDOW, AUSTIN coming over to NIKKI as she smiles at him as EMMA looks relieved.

CHARLES puts his machetes away as COLBY walks over to him, SHANE handing him his PISTOL back as CHARLES tucks it away as COLBY and SHANE exchange a glance.

CHARLES

COLBY let's go.

COLBY

Yeah.

SHANE

Boss...

CHARLES

I'll explain later. You just stay with the others till I get back.

SHANE

What about my AUDIT...?

CHARLES

Don't worry about that...trust me. They've got other things to worry about.

COLBY comes over and pats CHARLES on the shoulder, CHARLES disappearing with COLBY as SHANE comes over towards the others who meet him outside the HOUSE.

SHANE

Well that all seemed....crazy.

AUSTIN

Dude...you have...no fuckin' idea. Come' on, I'm buying the rounds at the TAVERN.

AUSTIN walks off towards NIKKI'S CAR, as NIKKI comes over to ZANE.

NIKKI

You can come get a drink with us, but you better change back cuz I ain't getting your fur in my car.

ZANE nods as EMMA takes SHANE by the hand.

EMMA

Come on new meat, we'll take CHARLES'S CAR.

EMMA and SHANE head off towards CHARLES'S CAR as ZANE is reverted back to a now fully n***d Young Adult who runs inside and grabs his clothes before running towards NIKKI'S CAR.

INT. WHITE ROOM

CHARLES and COLBY appear in the WHITE ROOM, CHARLES fuming as COLBY looks about and nods at something.

CHARLES nods at COLBY who disappears out of the room as CHARLES doesn't speak as he just walks back and forth.

VOICE

(O.S.)

You may say what it is on your mind...

CHARLES

You fuckin' knew that the DEMON was using Lycan's from changing. Which means you knew that if the cycle was broken, we would face Demonspawn...the worst hell...the worst t*****e and punishment you could convey upon your world...you put my crew in dire and direct danger!? For what?!

VOICE

(O.S.)

For a lesson that you all needed to learn.

CHARLES

I am done dealing with these kinds of lessons!

VOICE

(O.S.)

You're more than welcome to move on if you like.

CHARLES

SHANE'S mistake was mine to take...

VOICE

(O.S.)

And you did. The Demonspawn was your penance for not stressing the dire straits of the FRINGE and the way things are to be followed in regards to your mission parameters. We will gladly do it again, and we may not be as forgiving with only one DEMON.

CHARLES

You sons of bitches...

VOICE

(O.S.)

Your judgment has been rendered. We are glad that you and yours survived. Let this be a reminder that things can get very dark...very dangerous for you and yours Mr. REID, if you do not corral your men, we will do it for you.

CHARLES

Next time you wanna f**k with me and mine, do it directly.

VOICE

(O.S.)

Noted.

EXT. STREET

CHARLES suddenly appears on the street next to COLBY, who looks guilty.

CHARLES gives him a dagger induced stare before walking right past him.

COLBY

CHARLES...You understand that I work for the SYSTEM. I represent them. I didn't have a choice.

CHARLES

You're not the COLBY I fought and would have died for. You're just a suit, who has lost the value of friendships.

COLBY

I have CHARLES. You have to understand that sooner or later.

CHARLES

I understand, but I don't have to fuckin' like it. I ever find out again that you help set my team up with something of this magnitude...I'll kill you personally. Then we'll see how the SYSTEM will go to punish me for that one.

CHARLES walks off as COLBY nods and heads inside the building.

INT. THE TAVERN

The UNEVENTFUL'S TAP GLASSES as ZANE was smiling as he was drinking pretty heavily already at a nearby booth with some OLDER WOMEN, NIKKI shaking her head as ANTHONY looked distraught.

ANTHONY

Demonspawn!?

SHANE

Yep yep.

ANTHONY

Why wasn't I called, goddamnit guys, you can't keep doing this to me, I can help!

EMMA

We know, hun.

AUSTIN

But we knew you had some filming tonight, couldn't risk ruining your career.

ANTHONY

That's bullshit and you guys know it.

AUSTIN

Look, who cares, we're alive, and that's what matters, not a lot of people can go up against Demonspawn on the regular like we can and say they live to tell the tale, hell how many incidents of Demonspawn is that for us?

NIKKI

Since I've been here...Six.

AUSTIN

Goddamn. Scary every time.

SHANE

So that's like some high rank s**t right there?

AUSTIN

Yeah, but the mission we got wasn't that high ranked, a C class at best, not like the SYSTEM to f**k up on that big of a mission.

SHANE

You'd be surprised.

AUSTIN

I guess you talked to them.

SHANE

Kinda sorta.

CHARLES walks in and the group cheer and begin clapping, CHARLES forcing a smile as CHARLES bows and comes over, as EMMA pours him a drink, CHARLES quickly taking it down as AUSTIN stands and holds his drink up towards him.

AUSTIN

To our boss, our leader, and one bad a*s mofo with some sharp a*s objects! And to SHANE, our badass dead shot, and our friend!

ALL

HERE HERE!

CHARLES and SHANE nod as everyone drinks, as AUSTIN pats them on the shoulder before going over and slapping hands with ZANE who introduces him to his lady friends, as CHARLES sits next to SHANE.

SHANE

How'd it go?

CHARLES

Tore me a new one, as I knew they would.

SHANE

Why'd you do what you did?

CHARLES

You're my crew. I needed you to help save your friends.

SHANE

Yeah...I guess they are huh...so what happens now...what happens with me?

CHARLES nods as he watches EMMA take a shot with a group of guys as NIKKI was talking with ANTHONY who was still arguing over not being called, AUSTIN and ZANE laughing it up with the ladies as CHARLES takes a drink before looking at SHANE.

CHARLES

You'll be alright, kid. Don't worry about it, It's all been taken care of, Just...next time follow the rules more closely, okay?

SHANE

Yeah man.

CHARLES pats him on the shoulder before taking another drink, hiding the guilt and shame that splashes on his face as his crew continue to celebrate.

FADE OUT

End of Episode