sib2x19
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TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING - MORNING 1
A run down building in an equally run down part of
Pittsburgh. A car SCREECHES to a halt outside the building,
skidding its way up onto the kerb, and the driver's side door
is flung open as CHRIS leaps out.
He races into the building as SYREN carefully steps out of
the car, looking a little panicked as her pale eyes scan the
streets around her.
SYREN
Chris? Where are you? Chris?
She starts to feel her way round the outside of the car as we
cut inside to:
2 INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - NEXT 2
Chris clatters into a small room in the dilapidated building,
skidding to a halt when his eyes fall on:
TWIST, sitting on a filthy mattress with a downcast
expression. She looks up and sees Chris - displaying several
patches of red raw skin still peppering her body - and
manages a small smile.
TWIST
Hey.
Chris rushes over to her - for a brief moment it looks like
he's going to hug her, and Twist tenses up involuntarily -
but instead he just places his hands on his shoulders,
looking her up and down.
TWIST (CONT'D)
Uh...
CHRIS
You're... are you alright? Is there
any lasting damage? Any parts that
didn't heal? Did you-
She gently pushes his hands away.
TWIST
I'm fine. My core temperature's
shot up way beyond acceptable
vampire levels, but other than
that, still smiling.
He looks up as JULIE and DANYAEL walk in. Now it's Julie's
turn to rush in - and this time, she does HUG him!
JULIE
You're here!
CHRIS
I'm here. Sorry it took me so long,
I had-
SYREN (O.S.)
Chris? Are you in here?
Everyone stops and turns - and Syren makes her way slowly in
through the doorway.
SYREN (CONT'D)
You left me by the Toyota car! Had
to follow the voices. Please don't
do that again. Got scared.
A beat as Twist, Julie and Danyael try to process what
they're seeing.
CHRIS
Everyone... this is Syren.
Julie throws a dumbstruck look at Chris, as we cut to:
3 EXT. ROAD - MORNING 3
Hiking along a remote highway are the bedraggled forms of
SANCTUS and DIEGO, the two men clearly suffering from their
recent injuries.
A trio of AMBULANCES race past them, sirens wailing, closely
followed by a pair of POLICE CARS.
DIEGO
At least the proper services are
reaching the city now.
SANCTUS
(darkly)
That won't help all the people who
died.
Diego lowers his head.
SANCTUS (CONT'D)
We had them, Diego. We had both of
them, and they beat us. They tossed
us away like we were nothing and
proceeded to slaughter hundreds of
innocent lives.
They look up - HELICOPTERS are passing overhead, bearing the
markings of local news channels.
DIEGO
We did what we could, senor! We
were outnumbered, ambushed, and-
SANCTUS
And nothing you say is going to
sound like anything but an excuse.
Diego stares at him for a beat - but then nods.
SANCTUS (CONT'D)
We let them down. We have to avenge
their deaths, and all the lives
Manon and his forces have destroyed
already.
DIEGO
Si, and maybe now we're meeting up
with Chris and the others again, we
can have more luck come our way?
SANCTUS
I hope so, Diego. I hope so.
The two continue walking - and a REVERSE ANGLE shot shows
what they're leaving behind.
The city Manon's forces tore apart is nothing but rising
plumes of black smoke and heaps of rubble. Helicopters circle
the wreckage and a myriad of flashing emergency service
lights flickers through the ruined buildings.
As the two grim faced warriors march on towards us, we cut
back to the:
4 INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - MORNING 4
Back with the team - Julie steps away from Chris, glancing to
him then back to Syren as she makes her way into the room.
Chris moves over to her, taking Syren's hand and leading her
gently into the middle of the room.
JULIE
Who... who the hell is this, Chris?
CHRIS
This is the reason I've been gone.
Syren, I'd like you to meet my
team.
SYREN
Hello.
The others just glance at each other, a long way from knowing
what the heck's going on. Twist raises her hand.
TWIST
Not to sound self-obssessed or
anything, but can I bring the
room's attention back to the fact
that I was quite recently set on
fricken fire?!? Do you have any
idea what's happened while you've
been off with your now... whatever
the hell she is?
Chris looks like he's trying to hold back from saying
something he'll regret, as Twist gets angrily to her feet.
CHRIS
Twist, I haven't been-
TWIST
No, forget it! I don't want to hear
about it!
She marches right up to him, glaring into his eyes.
TWIST (CONT'D)
(quietly)
Where were you?
Chris stares right back. Nobody else makes a sound.
CHRIS
(quietly)
I'm sorry.
TWIST
(off Syren)
Is she the reason?
CHRIS
She was in danger. I had to save
her. It's a long story.
TWIST
I don't care if it's War And Peace
Volume Two, we're going to sit here
and you're going to explain every
last detail of it to me, and I'm
not moving until you do.
(beat)
Lizzie's dead, by the way.
CHRIS
She- what?
TWIST
(cold)
Yeah, she died. Saving me. Because
you weren't here.
We had to bury her out back like a
god damn hobo! She deserved a lot
better than that.
Twist holds his gaze for a moment longer, then turns and
walks back over to Julie and Danyael, folding her arms.
TWIST (CONT'D)
So start talking.
Chris glances at Syren, who doesn't understand what's going
on, then back to the others.
He opens his mouth to speak - and his cell phone RINGS. He
sighs, reaching into his pocket and examining it.
CHRIS
It's Sanctus.
He looks up - they know he has to answer this, but still look
disgruntled as Chris takes the call.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Hello?
SANCTUS
(filtered; through phone)
Christopher? It's Sanctus. Is your
team still on schedule to reach the
next rendezvous point in time?
CHRIS
I think so, but we've had a few...
difficulties.
SANCTUS
Somehow, I doubt they'd compete
with the circumstances Diego and
myself are leaving behind. We'll
see you all in a few hours.
CHRIS
Right, yes. See you then.
He hangs up, keeping his head lowered before looking back up
to Twist and the others.
TWIST
Don't you dare...
CHRIS
We need to go.
TWIST
I knew it!
CHRIS
I'll explain everything on the way,
but we need to get moving.
DANYAEL
Woah, woah, wait a minute - Chris,
man, did you blow a fuse while you
were away or something? Twist
almost got her self turned into a
flambe, Lizzie's dead, and now
we're just moving on again? Give me
one good reason why we can't take
five minutes to hear where the hell
you've been?
CHRIS
(beat)
I think a brief listen to the local
news on the way will fill in all
the relevant blanks.
With that, he turns and goes, with Syren close behind him.
Twist and the others look at each other, stunned.
TWIST
Okay, you guys have to promise me
right now that I didn't actually
die again and this isn't Hell,
because otherwise things just took
a definite left turn down Screwy
Street.
DANYAEL
I'm afraid this is the real world.
TWIST
Crap.
(beat)
And what did he mean, 'the news
will fill in the blanks'?
They exchange curious glances before we cut to:
5 EXT. CITY STREET - NEWS REPORT - DAY 5
A shaky helicopter cam view of the ruined city blocks, the
aftermath of Manon's attack now front page news, with
'Catastrophic Storm Devastates City... Hundreds Feared
Dead...' scrolling across the bottom of the screen.
From this, we:
BLACK OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
6 INT. UNIVERSITY - LIBRARY - NEXT 6
TITLE OVER - University of Pittsburgh
Twist and Danyael push open the doors of a large, classical
university LIBRARY, with towering bookcases filled with
literally thousands of tomes, heading inside.
At a table at the end of a large row of bookcases, Chris and
Sanctus are sitting surrounded by local reference material,
in the midst of a very serious discussion.
TWIST
You see those guys? Mister and Mrs.
Intense, or what?
DANYAEL
How would you know? I can't hear
anything intense.
TWIST
You can barely hear anything!
(beat)
D'you think they're talking about
me?
DANYAEL
Why would they be all intense and
talking about you?
TWIST
Hello? I did just go through a near
death experience, you know? That's
not something that can be forgotten
just like that.
DANYAEL
(distant)
Yeah...
Twist turns and sees that he's now pretending to be engrossed
in one of the dusty old books. She grabs it and throws it to
the floor, scowling, but he just grins back at her.
TWIST
Listen, Spook, I may just have been
to the brink and back, but that
doesn't mean you can take
advantage! And show some respect!
I'm not about to forget what Lizzie
did for me in a hurry, and neither
should you!
DANYAEL
Look, this is gonna sound kinda
callous, but... I'm glad you came
back. Even if it did mean she died.
Twist and Danyael look at each other - and there's a sudden
change in the air between them. It looks like there's
something she wants to say to him, and she finally speaks:
TWIST
Danyael, I-
SYREN (O.S.)
Hey, guys?
The hint of smile soon fades from Twist, who rolls her eyes
at the sound of the voice, turning towards where Syren stands
behind her.
TWIST
In case you hadn't noticed, toots,
some of us here happen to be
female.
DANYAEL
Everything okay, Syren?
SYREN
(nods)
Yeah. Found something. Come see.
Syren heads off and Danyael follows, while Twist's expression
shows her obvious irritation with the girl.
TWIST
(to herself)
This better be, like, a fountain of
pure chocolate or something,
otherwise I'm gonna be-
She stops in her tracks as she walks out of the bookcase row
and sees what Syren found - it's a big, classical PIANO.
Syren looks a little in awe of it, trailing her hands over
its surface like it was a living thing.
TWIST (CONT'D)
(flat)
It's... a piano.
SYREN
(nods)
Yeah. Isn't it great?
TWIST
(fake nod)
Hmm. Yeah.
On the greatness scale, I'm not
giving it more than a two.
(beat)
Danyael, wasn't there a
conversation we were meant to be
observing? C'mon, let's go find
some more dusty old books.
DANYAEL
What, here? Tough call.
Without saying a word to Syren, Twist gets up and scampers
off. Danyael follows, giving Syren a goodbye smile.
Syren watches them go with a smile, before looking at the
piano in front of her. She slowly makes her way around and
sits before it.
After looking at the keys, Syren slowly moves her hands over
them and touches the piano, beginning to play a tune.
This is nothing like the last one we heard. This is good. In
fact, it's beautiful.
As the flawless sound begins emerging from the keys, which we
recognise as Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata', Syren looks
quite surprised at what she's doing - she didn't know she
could play!
Over behind the bookcases, at the table, Chris and Sanctus'
conversation continues.
SANCTUS
(mid-flow)
If our estimates are right, and
we've got the right spot for the
temple, it should only be an hour's
drive out of the city. But with
Julie wanting to go back into
Pittsburgh to tie up her loose
ends, it means we're going to be a
man, or rather woman down, so-
CHRIS
(cuts him off)
Shh!
(listens; hears piano)
Can you hear that?
SANCTUS
(listens; nods)
Moonlight Sonata. Beethoven. Played
rather well, too.
Chris, almost hypnotically, gets up and begins moving towards
the source of the music.
Syren continues playing the tune at the piano, but it doesn't
seem to be an effort for her. It's as easy as breathing.
She pauses, staring at the keys - and then suddenly kicks
into a higher gear, her hands dancing up and down the keys as
she flows effortlessly into a new song - the piano coda from
'Butterflies and Hurricanes' by Muse.
As she plays, Chris appears from one of the corridors and see
her. He looks pleasantly surprised by the sight.
Sanctus appears behind, watching, as Chris moves over and
places a hand gently on Syren's shoulder. She stops and
turns, smiling warmly.
SYREN
Chris. I didn't hear you.
CHRIS
Don't stop playing. That was
incredible. Where did you learn
Beethoven like that?
SYREN
I didn't. Just came to me.
Chris looks back at Sanctus, somewhat amazed. Sanctus raises
an eyebrow of curiosity.
CHRIS
You know, Syren, I think I've just
thought of the perfect way you can
put this new talent to use.
Syren looks at Chris with an innocent curiosity, and off
Chris' almost plotting smile, we cut to:
7 INT. UNIVERSITY - CLASSROOM - DAY 7
Open on a white board, set against one wall in an otherwise
empty teaching room. Attached to the board are several
photographs of a MAN - a dapper looking gent in his forties.
Sanctus steps into frame by the board, addressing the others.
SANCTUS
I'll be brief. My contact here
could only get us this room free
for a short time. Marcus Wolsley.
Local, respected entrepreneur and
owner of the Rosary, one of the
most exclusive nightspots in the
whole of the Pennsylvania area.
DANYAEL
Yeah, I know the place.
(off his look)
I get around, remember?
SANCTUS
Wolsley's club is often frequented
by state dignitaries, not to
mention several high-powered half
demon gangsters and businessmen,
who as you know...
He continues talking, but we focus on Twist as she leans into
Danyael.
TWIST
(re: Sanctus; quietly)
D'you think he gets a kick out of
playing Exposition Boy? I think
he's enjoying it way too much.
Chris gives her a momentary sharp look, and Twist pipes down,
though Danyael is smiling. Sanctus continues, ignoring her.
SANCTUS
I suppose you're wondering why
Wolsley and his club would attract
our attention. We've come across
plenty of others just like it,
right?
(nods)
Which is true. Except for one
critical difference.
DANYAEL
Which is?
SANCTUS
(beat)
Manon.
Twist looks interested, Danyael looks concerned, but Syren
watches innocently - she doesn't yet understand the threat.
TWIST
Wonderful. So what does Monsieur
Voodoo-Portal have to do with all
this?
CHRIS
According to our research, Manon
used to regularly venture up from
New Orleans to frequent the Rosary.
He and Wolsley used to work
together.
DANYAEL
'Used to'?
SANCTUS
The partnership ended when Wolsley
supposedly cheated Manon, cutting
him out of a deal.
CHRIS
Though something tells me it may
have been the opposite way around.
SANCTUS
The two subsequently became sworn
enemies, pursuing similar goals
with rival agendas.
TWIST
What, so this Wolsley guy wants to
unleash big, giant, scorpion
monsters on the world too?
DANYAEL
It's 'Skorpione.'
TWIST
Uh, do you mind, Spook? Sanctus was
talking.
SANCTUS
(beat)
Wolsley has an element of power and
influence, but he certainly doesn't
share Manon's new found apocalyptic
vision. He could be invaluable in
the battle against Manon's forces,
meaning we need to get him on side.
CHRIS
And I think I have the perfect way
to do it.
He looks at Syren next to him and smiles a little. She smiles
back. Sanctus watches the almost awkward beat with a touch of
concern - he knows what Chris is thinking. Twist just doesn't
like not being in the loop.
The moment is punctuated when the library doors are thrust
open and DIEGO enters. He still looks somewhat worse for
wear, but appears to be healing well.
TWIST
Diego!
Danyael frowns at Twist's happy reaction.
DIEGO
My apologies for being so late.
SANCTUS
Did you find what we feared?
Danyael looks curious about the exchange, especially as Chris
seems to know what it means too.
DIEGO
Yes, senor. It seems Manon's forces
are there, as you predicted.
CHRIS
Which means they've found it.
DANYAEL
Uh, guys?
Chris, Sanctus and Diego all turn to look at Danyael.
DANYAEL (CONT'D)
Are the rest of us gonna know
what's going on any time soon, or
should we just leave you three to
talk amongst yourselves?
Chris and Sanctus share a look, and we cut to:
8 INT. BLACK VAN - LATER 8
The team have ventured out into the fresh air - they're
standing in and around the back of the black van, parked up
just outside the university.
Sanctus opens out an old, heavy book and Danyael looks at the
page with interest - it shows illustrations of a jagged
looking, ancient TEMPLE.
SANCTUS
It's taken us quite some time, but
we've managed to dig out forty
seven books, many of them ancient,
that reference the Skorpione and
the portals.
TWIST
Where'd you get the books?
SANCTUS
Here at the university. I believe
you already know that several of
this country's colleges carry a
selection of more... unique books,
for people like ourselves.
DANYAEL
I'm just wondering how the hell
nobody's noticed yet!
TWIST
When was the last time you paid
attention to every book in a
library?
A beat - Danyael shrugs. Good point.
CHRIS
After we learned Manon's cells are
working to locate and reactivate
the entire portal network, Sanctus
and I brought us here to study
these ancient texts to pinpoint
temple locations for the portals.
DANYAEL
Why here? Pittsburgh's still not
striking me as the kind of place
you'd find a Hellmouth, if you know
what I'm saying.
DIEGO
Because we got a heads up that one
of Manon's new cells was operating
here.
SANCTUS
That's when I asked Diego to check
out their operations.
DANYAEL
(to Diego)
And you found something?
DIEGO
Si. An excavation site are at the
temple coordinates. They are
Manon's people, for sure, but my
infiltration found no sign of the
man himself.
SANCTUS
I didn't think it would. Manon is
too good to get his hands dirty
digging out temples. Or so he'd
like everyone to think.
He looks to Chris, expecting him to backup his comments.
Chris, though, is glancing over to Syren, who is talking with
Twist. He seems distracted by her, and Sanctus notices.
SANCTUS (CONT'D)
Anyway, I think it's fair to say we
need to shut that cell down before
they can access the temple and get
that portal up and running. Diego,
get our equipment ready for the
assault. We'll need weapons and
explosives.
(Diego nods; heads off)
Danyael, will you give him a hand?
DANYAEL
Sure thing.
(beat)
Uh, should I be calling you 'boss'
now?
Sanctus looks at the still distracted Chris and turns to him,
as Danyael joins Diego.
SANCTUS
I take it you agree with my plan of
action?
CHRIS
(distracted)
Of course.
SANCTUS
Or could it be that your mind is
elsewhere?
Chris turns to him, his expression a little dark.
CHRIS
What is that supposed to mean?
SANCTUS
Syren.
(beat)
This plan of yours... are you sure
it's wise? It might be too soon to
put her in the firing line.
CHRIS
On the contrary - I think it's
exactly the right time.
Clearly not enjoying having his authority questioned, Chris
gives Sanctus a little glare and walks off, leaving Sanctus
increasingly concerned.
Twist stands facing Syren with her hands on her hips, a
forceful posture. The calm Syren has clearly just told her
something that hasn't gone down well.
TWIST
Sorry to go all John McEnroe for a
second, but you cannot be serious!
There's no way that Chris would
trust you with that kind of gig so
soon!
(beat; narrows eyes)
You're lying.
SYREN
(innocently)
Why would I do that, Twist?
TWIST
'Cause... 'cause... just...
because, alright?!
SYREN
Chris asked me to do this, and I
told him I would. I would do
anything for him.
TWIST
Just be glad Chris ain't into that
kind of thing, 'cause statements
like that could get you into a
whole heap of trouble, toots.
Syren looks at her a little blankly. Twist goes to explain,
but then gives up. Chris approaches, and Syren immediately
brightens up when she hears his voice.
CHRIS
Let me guess, Twist. Syren told you
about the plan involving Wolsley?
TWIST
She may have mentioned it.
(beat)
Are you serious?
CHRIS
Completely. Syren's musical talent
on the piano, not to mention her
voice, are perfect when it comes to
the Rosary. According to Danyael,
they have guest musicians in all
the time, so she can get close to
Wolsley and earn his trust enough
to turn him into the ally we need
against Manon.
TWIST
But she's the new girl! The rookie!
You don't break in Little Miss
Mythology here by sending her into
the lions den!
CHRIS
I think you're underestimating her.
(looks at Syren)
I've seen what she's capable of.
There is a beat as Twist sees Chris and Syren share a look of
recognition at shared history.
TWIST
Alright, that's enough of the
cryptic schtick.
(beat)
This plan is crazy. There's no way
Syren can do this on her own.
CHRIS
You know, maybe you're right,
Twist.
TWIST
(does a double take)
I am?!
(beat; suspicious)
What's going on? You never say
that.
CHRIS
Well, I'm saying it now. Syren
probably does need a little backup,
given that this is her first
mission, so to speak.
(beat)
You're going to prove it.
TWIST
Say what?
CHRIS
You have the experience and the
know-how to help Syren bring
Wolsley in for the fight.
TWIST
Hey, listen, when I suggested she
needed help, I was thinking of
Spook, not-
CHRIS
(firm)
You're going with her, Twist.
Discussion over.
(beat; lightens)
So why don't you two ladies go and
work on your infiltration plan?
SYREN
That sounds like a good idea.
(smiles at Twist)
Twist?
Chris gives Twist another firm look, though he's clearly
dying not to smile. Twist gives him a firm look right back,
clearly still not happy with him - but then she SIGHS.
TWIST
Sure. Not like I've got anything
better to do like help save the
fricken world!
Directing her comment bitterly at Chris, Twist stalks off and
Syren follows. Chris watches them go as Sanctus approaches.
SANCTUS
You sent Twist with her?
CHRIS
(nods)
Something tells me Twist feels a
little threatened by the new girl.
Maybe a field assignment will bring
the two closer together.
SANCTUS
I still think it's too soon. Even
with Twist. And she's been through
a lot herself, let's not forget
that. Losing a powerful ally like
Lizzie was a blow to us all, and
it's bound to have had an effect on
Twist.
CHRIS
I think you should start having a
little faith in my judgement,
Sanctus.
(beat)
I know how to run my team.
Sanctus nods as Chris turns and watches the two girls begin
working, but Sanctus' eyes are on Chris. He knows something
isn't right, as we cut to:
BLACK OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
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