4 Episode Four: Restless
EPISODE 4:
"RESTLESS"
RECAP
OPENING CREDITS
FADE IN.
INT. GUEST ROOM
SHANE tosses and turns as flashes of Demonspawn go through his head, SHANE sitting up as he rubs his head and looks at the clock which reads 3:12 AM.
SHANE huffs loudly and lays back down, wide awake.
SHANE
(O.S.)
Sleep, a luxury one can ill afford not to have in the FRINGE...But one I continue to avoid...
INT. KITCHEN
SHANE makes himself a drink as ANTHONY looks up from his DESK, his lamp the only light on aside the glow from his LAPTOP as he lowers his glasses as SHANE comes over towards him.
ANTHONY
Another restless night...?
SHANE
Ever since that Demonspawn bullshit a few days ago man, I can't sleep worth shit.
ANTHONY
They're scary fuckin' things man, I imagine the others are suffering the ill effects as well.
SHANE
That's good to know.
SHANE yawns as ANTHONY continues to type away.
SHANE
Working on EPISODE ONE still?
ANTHONY
The intricate plot details lend itself to much exploration, however I'm finding it difficult to put dialog that can convey the heavy handed magnitude of such an universe.
SHANE
Sounds like a problem.
ANTHONY
The dialog will suffice, but it will need to be fine tuned through the course of time, why don't you go on down to the TAVERN? I'm sure AUSTIN or EMMA will be there, I could use the extra little quiet since you seem to be up and about.
SHANE
That's cold man.
ANTHONY
Well this is my most productive hour, and you are encroaching on my big battle scene between OBI-Wan and a fleet of Droids.
SHANE
Well in that case.
SHANE yawns and puts his cup down as he throws on a jacket and walks out in a plain gray T shirt, and pajama bottoms.
INT. THE TAVERN
Smooth JAZZ is playing as SHANE walks in and notices that everyone else was there, CHARLES waving him down towards their booth as SHANE scoots in beside NIKKI who pushes his head as SHANE givers her a look and then lays his head on the table as NIKKI smiles.
CHARLES
What's your poison sport?
SHANE
I don't wanna drink, I wanna sleep.
AUSTIN
The drinking helps.
SHANE
EMMA...
EMMA
Get your own damn drinks I ain't on the clock.
SHANE
Grr.
SHANE pouts and gets up, going around the bar as CHARLES leans back in his seat, much more alert and aware then the others who all look haggard and sleep deprived.
CHARLES
So, It's safe to assume that you're having some sleeping problems of your own?
SHANE
Bingo, circle gets the square.
EMMA
Goddamn Demonspawn.
SHANE
Is that what it is?
NIKKI
Yeah, an adverse effect of dealing with Demonspawn is an overwhelming amount of dread. Even though we've faced them on numerous occasions, they still like to make frequent and often inopportune visits to my subconscious.
SHANE
Yeah, I mean, I'm not terrified of them, but it's like their presence is keeping me from sleeping.
CHARLES
It'll wear off, just gotta move on. That's why I put a call in, COLBY should be meeting us here in a little while.
SHANE
Are we going to work a job?
AUSTIN
Best way to get over it, focus our attention on something else, least that's how it's helped in the past.
SHANE
Hmph.
CHARLES
Where's TONY?
SHANE
Working on his next masterpiece.
NIKKI
Let's hope it has a better title then the one he is working on.
The UNEVENTFUL'S snicker to themselves as they all shake their heads.
ALL
BULLET EXPRESS...
SHANE takes a drink as EMMA comes over and drapes herself across the table, NIKKI flicking her on the head as EMMA grabs at the spot and looks at NIKKI confused.
EMMA
UM, ow?
NIKKI
Get that pussy off the table.
EMMA
Mean, NIKKI. Very mean.
EMMA gets off with a loud pout as NIKKI shakes her head with a smile and finishes her beer, tapping it against AUSTIN.
NIKKI
I'm out.
AUSTIN
Yep.
AUSTIN takes it and goes to the BAR, SHANE looking at NIKKI who looks at him and shrugs.
NIKKI
Hey, he's been doing it all night, I ain't going to argue against it.
SHANE
You two got something going on, I mean this is a safe place...
CHARLES
SHANE.
SHANE
Yeah.
CHARLES
Don't inquire into the love life of one NIKKI LYNN...
SHANE
Why not?
NIKKI
Because it's a non existent topic of conversation is why.
SHANE
Ah.
AUSTIN comes back and hands her another beer as he had replaced his own as well.
AUSTIN
Alright, I'm back, you may continue to bask in the glowing glory that is me.
NIKKI
Yes, SHANE. We totally have something going on.
The group laugh as AUSTIN chimes in awkwardly.
AUSTIN
What, what are we laughing at?
CHARLES
You know, I figured if there was any one of us here that could've found a more...fun way to make himself tired, it would have been you, AUSTIN.
AUSTIN
How you figure that?
CHARLES
Really?
EMMA
You, the trouser anaconda carrying man hoe, can't think of any possible way to get a strenuous workout to make yourself tired enough to actually stay asleep...?
SHANE
Dude, come' on?
AUSTIN
Holy shit, I could be doing that. Why am I not doing that?!
AUSTIN gets out of the booth and heads off, the others cheering as AUSTIN pushes past COLBY who had just stepped in.
COLBY
Where's the fire?
AUSTIN
In late night poon, later!
AUSTIN EXITS as COLBY comes over, a FOLDER in hand as he and CHARLES pass a glance for a moment before looking away.
COLBY
It's quite odd to get a request this late to start a mission, but I suppose after the events of a few days ago, it might do some good, so here is what I was able to get TERESA to pull for us, and she's not to thrilled by the way by having to send in an requisition this early in the morning, CHARLES.
CHARLES
What else is new.
COLBY hands the FOLDER over as CHARLES reads it and hands it to NIKKI.
NIKKI
This is for me?
CHARLES
Take EMMA.
NIKKI
Girl power in effect, let's go.
NIKKI gets up and scoots out of the booth as EMMA pats CHARLES across the head as the two women leave as CHARLES stands, SHANE coming over beside him as COLBY and CHARLES give each other another look.
COLBY
What are you going to do?
CHARLES
I'm going to take SHANE here to see TERRANCE.
COLBY
Oh...
CHARLES
You wanna...
COLBY
No. I've said my goodbyes a few days ago.
CHARLES
Alright.
COLBY
Why go now? So close to...to his end?
CHARLES
Cuz someone needs to be there with him.
SHANE
Uh...?
CHARLES
I'll explain later. Come on, kid. We're going to walk this one. COLBY, stay classy my friend.
COLBY
Sure.
COLBY watches as CHARLES and SHANE leave the TAVERN, COLBY nodding as he comes over and takes a bottle of SCOTCH and pours himself a gentleman's glass.
EXT. STREET
CHARLES and SHANE walk side by side down the street as a group of teenagers walk by them, SHANE checking out the FEMALE as a few of the MEN look at him threateningly but keep on walking as CHARLES smirks.
CHARLES
We're going to the HOSPITAL.
SHANE
A hospital?
CHARLES
Yeah, I think I told you that we have one.
SHANE
Yeah, I'm just surprised you know?
CHARLES
Yeah, It's still essential. People go to be healed, to be treated...and to die.
SHANE
Someone's dying? This...uh, TERRENCE?
CHARLES
Yeah.
SHANE
Who is he?
CHARLES
I'll introduce him to you.
SHANE
Why?
CHARLES
You have something else you would rather do?
SHANE
Yeah, sleep.
CHARLES
Then you can go to sleep.
SHANE
You know I can't.
CHARLES
Then shut up about it. He's going to put some shit in perspective for you. As he has done for me for so long.
SHANE
How old are you?
CHARLES
Pretty damn old.
SHANE
Ha.
CHARLES
So, have you gone to see BRUTUS?
SHANE
I don't remember who that is...?
CHARLES
The mechanic I told you to go talk to about a job?
SHANE
Oh shit...no I forgot.
CHARLES
Get on that.
SHANE
I will, I'll go by tomorrow.
CHARLES
Try to remember to do so.
SHANE
I will. So what was the mission? The one you gave to the Gals?
CHARLES
Tag and bag an old friend of ours for questioning.
SHANE
An old friend?
CHARLES
Stick around long enough, and you'll inevitably run into him as well.
SHANE
Okay...
EXT. BUILDING
A MAN goes crashing through a WINDOW, the MAN squirming in pain as NIKKI runs out of the broken pane as EMMA casually walks through the doorway, NIKKI pulling her PISTOL on the MAN as the MAN throws his arms up.
MAN
Yo, NIKKI, come on man!
NIKKI
Why are we having to pick you up again, BRANT?
BRANT EISNER, A UNDEAD FOOL, and more importantly, a Liaison between powerful underworld players within the FRINGE lay surrounded by glass as he smirks at NIKKI.
BRANT
Look, if I knew, I wouldn't be running from you, and then getting thrown through plate glass windows.
NIKKI
They want you picked up, I'm guessing something is going on, or about to go on.
BRANT
Look, doll face, I'm out of the game, I'm free of their influence.
NIKKI
Yeah, right.
BRANT
Please, believe me, just let me go.
EMMA
BRANT, you know we can't.
BRANT
This fucking sucks.
NIKKI
Up.
BRANT gets up as he keeps his hands up as EMMA comes over and pulls out a pair of bindings as they attached BRANT'S HANDS together before pulling his arms behind his back, BRANT wincing as NIKKI puts her pistol away and leads him towards her car.
BRANT
So how's AUSTIN?
NIKKI
He's AUSTIN...
BRANT
Sound's right. And how's TONY'S new movie coming along?
The THREE begin chit chatting as she leads him to her CAR.
INT. HOSPITAL
ASTAPOR GENERAL HOSPITAL was scant but still busy as CHARLES and SHANE come in, SHANE noticing the waiting room full of dismembered UNDEAD, Brutally beaten WEREWOLVES and even an older GHOUL whom was steadily deteriorating.
CHARLES comes up to the counter as a NURSE smiles at him.
CHARLES
Hello, JOSEPHINE.
JOSEPHINE
CHARLES. NIKKI not on call tonight?
CHARLES
She's busy at the moment, I'm sure she'll be picking up a shift with her restless syndrome.
JOSEPHINE
I heard about the Demonspawn, must suck.
CHARLES
Yes, it does.
JOSEPHINE
I'm guessing you're here to see TERRANCE, we're not supposed to be allowing visitors this close to his...expiration.
CHARLES
I understand that...
JOSEPHINE
But, I know you would just find a way to visit him anyways, and he would really want to see you I would bet.
CHARLES
Thanks, JOSEPHINE. Truly.
JOSEPHINE
We're supposed to administer this shot in about three hours...it'll help him...go. But...if you want...?
CHARLES
Thanks.
CHARLES takes the syringe as JOSEPHINE reaches into her desk and pulls it out, JOSEPHINE taking the label off as CHARLES tucks it away, CHARLES coming over to SHANE as SHANE was still looking about.
CHARLES
Fourth floor, let's go.
SHANE
This place...
CHARLES
Pretty crazy.
SHANE
It's a hospital...with really fucked up patients.
CHARLES
Yeah.
SHANE
So who is this guy? I don't want to go in here blind.
CHARLES
His name is TERRANCE THORN, he's a VAMPIRE.
SHANE
VAMPIRES can just...die?
CHARLES
VAMPIRES are like the humans of this world. They age and they do die, naturally. You believe they're immortal but that's only if they gorge themselves on blood. But the FRINGE prohibits such feasting, so the ones who follow the rules, usually live a few hundreds years, but...time usually always runs out.
SHANE
Who is he to you?
CHARLES
He was the best boss we ever had.
SHANE
You and COLBY?
CHARLES
Yea.
CHARLES presses the 4F button on the ELEVATOR as the TWO step inside.
SHANE
He was a hard ass huh?
CHARLES
Not at all, as he got older he became a little older and angrier, but I suppose that's just what old people do, so if I were you, don't try to mention too many things about his age that may upset him.
SHANE
Well, I mean yeah, he's dying...
CHARLES
Don't mention that too, less it becomes a central part of it, which I'm sure it will be.
SHANE
Nice.
The TWO step out of the ELEVATOR as CHARLES leads him down the hall past some doctors and nurses, CHARLES coming to the last door on the left as SHANE looks at him a bit skeptical as CHARLES looks visibly upset.
SHANE
We don't have to do this?
CHARLES
Yeah, I do at least.
SHANE
Want me to stay out here?
CHARLES
No, this is a facet of the FRINGE you need to see.
SHANE
Okay.
CHARLES nods and opens the door, SHANE sticking close behind him as CHARLES steps in.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM
CHARLES steps in as the lights were dim, the TV on as TERRANCE, a 40ish looking VAMPIRE who was hooked up to a blood dripping IV as he however looked very weak and tired, TERRANCE looking over at CHARLES as CHARLES timidly walks in.
TERRANCE
You gonna keep walking in here like a baby fawn, or are you gonna pull up a chair and talk to me like a man, CHARLES.
CHARLES
Your dapper attitude never ceases to be warm and cuddly, my friend.
TERRANCE
Who's the new blood?
SHANE shuts the door as CHARLES waits for SHANE to come up beside him.
CHARLES
TERRANCE, this is my new UNEVENTFUL. His name is TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT.
TERRANCE
No one cares about those damn death name's of yours. What's your real name kid?
SHANE
I'm SHANE, sir.
TERRANCE
Sir, haha, I feel so old.
TERRANCE shakes SHANE'S hand as CHARLES pulls up a chair, SHANE doing the same as TERRANCE weakly pushes himself up to a more prone position in his bed.
TERRANCE
Come to see me pass on huh?
CHARLES
Someone needed to be here for you...
TERRANCE
Bullshit, I was content with moving on on my own, CHARLES, and you knew that.
CHARLES
You think I was just going to let you do that?
TERRANCE
A few days ago when you came by like the white knight you think you are, I told you truthfully and honestly that I don't want you here to see this, haven't we suffered enough? Haven't... we seen too many of us go.
CHARLES
Yeah, but we stick together.
TERRANCE
Still honoring the creed.
CHARLES
I heard COLBY came by not too long ago.
TERRANCE
He did.
CHARLES
How did that go?
TERRANCE
About as well as you would think for someone who barely remembers.
CHARLES
Yeah, I figured.
TERRANCE
(to SHANE)
Are you gonna say something there, or are you just a plant?
SHANE
Honestly, I wouldn't know what to say.
TERRANCE
You could ask me some questions.
SHANE looks at CHARLES who nods as SHANE thinks of something.
SHANE
So...how old are you?
CHARLES
SHANE...
TERRANCE
It's quite alright, CHARLES. CHARLES may want you to think I'm some surly old vamp, but I'm not too hung up on age. I'm 178 years old.
SHANE
Fuck.
TERRANCE
Yeah.
SHANE
But you still look...so young?
TERRANCE
I fed well throughout my years.
SHANE
Must be nice to be a VAMPIRE?
TERRANCE
An original vampire maybe, turned vampires, not so much.
SHANE
You can be turned here?
CHARLES
Yes. A VAMPIRE'S bite can corrode your soul, twist it, and darken it.
SHANE
Sounds...pleasant.
TERRANCE
It isn't.
SHANE
So how did you two meet?
CHARLES smirks as TERRANCE closes his eyes for a moment as CHARLES perks up but TERRANCE opens them, CHARLES easing up as SHANE notices CHARLES'S reaction.
TERRANCE
MM, if I can recall, I think we met after they killed their Demon leader.
SHANE
You killed your boss?
CHARLES
He was conspiring with some Vampires, and other Demons to overthrow the SYSTEM. They sent our handler a mission and after a very intense and body count riddled battle, we took him out. Only a few of us were left.
TERRANCE
You, COLBY, LANCE...and...hell what was that WRAITH'S name? The one with the fop haircut?
CHARLES
Haha, MAGNUS.
TERRANCE
Haha, yes. That was it.
SHANE
I thought only UNDEAD were RECLAIMERS?
TERRANCE
Mostly UNDEAD, RECLAIMERS and SYSTEM workers are composed of nearly everyone and everything. I was a RECLAIMER for a while, had a pretty good record, so with CHARLES'S group as one of the watermarks within the SYSTEM, they needed some structure, someone who could fill their little power vacuum. So I stepped in.
CHARLES
He was the best boss we ever had. The only guy who cared about us. How many demerits did you take before they ousted you?
TERRANCE
More than anyone ever, I would imagine.
CHARLES
I Think I've got you beat.
TERRANCE
If so, then things must be really getting bad out there.
CHARLES
More so then they were.
TERRANCE
Seems I missed out on the fun years ahead, huh?
CHARLES
Shut up, boss.
SHANE
They kicked you out of being the lead?
TERRANCE
I had loose cannons, but good loose cannons. However, certain things happened...
CHARLES
Yeah.
SHANE
I'm guessing whatever forced COLBY to go HANDLER, and you to branch off to take the UNEVENTFUL lead?
CHARLES
You could say that.
SHANE
So what happened?
TERRANCE
You haven't told him, CHARLES?
CHARLES
Time and a place for that story ,If it makes it better, I haven't told any of my crew.
TERRANCE
It's a story that must be told, not just for them to understand you, but to understand how this place really can be...?
CHARLES
There will be a time and a place, sir.
TERRANCE
Hey, new blood.
SHANE
Yes, sir?
TERRANCE
I would tell you, but I'm sure CHARLES will go ahead and take the initiative and smother me here with my pillow. So should he ever tell the tale, I just want you to remember this. "I never saw it coming" .
CHARLES
TERRANCE...that's enough.
TERRANCE
Remember, that kid.
SHANE
I will.
CHARLES
You think you can remember that? Cuz I recall you being unable to remember going to see a man for a job two days ago?
SHANE
Cheap blow.
TERRANCE
You don't have a job yet, how long have you been here?
SHANE
A few weeks...
TERRANCE
Get on the ball, kid. Having a job here opens up windows. It's not just a means to acquire money, it's not an excuse to get out of reclaiming, it's a chance at normalcy, a schedule. It's stability, having a real job. Relying on RECLAIMING, leads you down a bad road, look at me. Hell, look at your boss here.
CHARLES squirms as SHANE nods as TERRANCE begins coughing, TERRANCE wiping some blood away from his lips as CHARLES looks concerned.
TERRANCE
Damn...
CHARLES
How are you feeling?
TERRANCE
Could you...tap the IV, It's thinning out on me.
CHARLES
Sure.
CHARLES gets up and comes over to the IV, tapping the BLOOD IV BAG as TERRANCE looks at SHANE.
TERRANCE
Point is kid, peace of mind, work, it'll help you, it'll help you get over some things. Especially in the line of work you're a part of now.
SHANE
What did you use to do?
TERRANCE
Before I took over as a lead, I was a WRITER.
SHANE
No way.
TERRANCE
Yeah, I wrote a few novels, they were...moderately successful.
SHANE
What kind?
TERRANCE
History accounts mostly, non-fiction to me, is more fascinating than fiction.
CHARLES
I read a few of his books...they were...books.
TERRANCE
Thanks...
CHARLES
No problem.
SHANE
Haha.
CHARLES smirks as SHANE listens as TERRANCE begins explaining about a book in particular.
INT. NIKKI'S CAR
NIKKI hands BRANT a cigarette as BRANT sticks his head out the window and has EMMA light it as she was outside, leaning against the CAR as they were outside the admin building for the SYSTEM.
NIKKI
I forgot why I hate these late night tag and bag's. Having to wait till fuckin' Six A.M. To have someone open up for processing.
EMMA
It's a cruel cruel world we live in.
BRANT
You know, You could just...
NIKKI
Give it up, BRANT, it ain't happening.
BRANT
Goddamnit, NIKKI, please you have to believe me, I don't know what's going on down there.
NIKKI
BRANT, If I were to believe that, I would be a Moon Elf with magical powers, but I'm not, am I?
EMMA
A Moon Elf?
NIKKI
I don't know.
BRANT takes a drag as he blows the smoke out of the window.
BRANT
Okay, fine, sure, Whatever don't believe me, but all their going to do is dig through my head, not find the answers they want, and then I'll be back out here, waiting another few months before you or one of the other UNEVENTTFUL'S comes and beats my ass into submission for more baseless information that I don't know anything about.
NIKKI
BRANT.
BRANT
Yeah?
NIKKI and EMMA
Shut up!
BRANT shakes his head as he takes a drag as EMMA looks at her phone and huffs loudly.
INT. AUSTIN'S ROOM
AUSTIN climbs off of an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN as he wipes sweat from his head before taking a few deep breaths and grabbing a water bottle.
AUSTIN
Still wide awake...damn, alright, who's next ladies?
AUSTIN watches as a few woman who waiting in lingerie in the corner come over towards the BED as the woman he was having sex with prior rolls out with a large satisfied smile. AUSTIN pours some water over his head as he picks one of the brunettes, who giddily jumps into the bed as AUSTIN looks at himself in the mirror and smirks before he crawls on top of the brunette while the others watch anticipatively.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM
TERRANCE rubs his face as he pokes at one of his fangs.
SHANE
So what's it like? Being a VAMPIRE?
TERRANCE
I wouldn't really know a way to describe it to someone. I mean, it's what I am, how I was born here. Being a vampire is much like how being a human must have been, it's just inherent.
SHANE
I thought the UNDEAD couldn't...
TERRANCE
We are not UNDEAD here, here we're just DEAD. Dead and dead can counteract each other, thus, bare life. UNDEAD such as yourselves are just souls, because you were alive.
SHANE
I feel like I'm getting a headache.
TERRANCE
Try not to think about it too much, this world is...full of wonder and surprises. Much like how I imagine your world was.
SHANE
You never been?
TERRANCE
Because of our influence...and prime interaction with living beings from hundreds of hundreds of years ago, we in the course of the last four hundred years in our time, have been banned from returning to the world of the living.
SHANE
So you never got too?
TERRANCE
No. The SYSTEM won't allow VAMPIRES or any other creature bore from the FRINGE to go to the living world.
SHANE
What about when you were RECLAIMING?
TERRANCE
Still couldn't do it.
SHANE
Tough.
TERRANCE
We had our chance. And we blew it, that's why they're so strict on you guys. The restrictions you have are almost not worth going to the living world, but a job has to be done.
SHANE
Did you ever regret it? Becoming a RECLAIMER?
TERRANCE
No. Best time of my life.
CHARLES
Not when you were writing, and sucking down on fine zombie women?
TERRANCE
Those were good day's too, a bit hazy, but..
The THREE chuckle.
SHANE
I still can't get over this.
CHARLES
What's that?
SHANE
This. I died, and now I'm here, and what am I doing? Sitting in a hospital, with someone I barely know, but respect, sits in that bed...dying. I mean, I thought this place was supposed to be different?
TERRANCE
It is. For you. You'll never get old enough to have to be hooked up to a machine to keep kicking, because you'll never age. Your soul is transfixed, it's permanent. Mine...mine ages, mine, rots, and moves on eventually.
SHANE
Where?
TERRANCE
Where what?
SHANE
Where does your soul go? I mean my soul came here, but it had two other options. What happens to a...monsters soul?
CHARLES
Really?
TERRANCE
Monster, wow.
SHANE
Shit, I'm sorry, I...
TERRANCE
No it's fine. I understand. I guess the best way to answer that is...I don't know. In your life you never knew for sure. You had idea's, and theories, and eventually you expire and you find out. I understand for you, being here is your afterlife, and you can't possibly seem to fathom the idea of their being an after life, after life. But for me, I'm going into that great beyond. I'm going to find out what my after life will be. Maybe there is a place just like this. Maybe there is a heaven and hell for us monsters as you say, or maybe there's just nothing. I'm sure in a little while I'm going to find out...and if I ever could find a way to come back and tell you, I'll tell you all about it, deal?
SHANE
Yeah.
TERRANCE
Can I share something with you, CHARLES?
CHARLES
Of course.
TERRANCE
I know it's going to sound...ridiculous for you CHARLES, and for you new blood, I'm not sure how comfortable you will feel, but...I'm scared. Me, 178 years old, And I'm scared of this...scared because I don't know...
CHARLES
I know.
TERRANCE
What was it like...for you?
CHARLES
It was terrible. I didn't believe in an afterlife, In the times I grew up, how could I? So when...it happened...I just didn't know, I couldn't know...
TERRANCE
What about you, new blood?
SHANE
Everything just sorta flashed for me. Like a perfect microcosm of bad luck and serenity. There was this strong sense of foreboding, of dread, overcome by a sensational amount of peace...and then waking up in a white room surrounded by desks and a very fat and ugly lady with a stack of papers.
TERRANCE
That doesn't sound ideal.
SHANE
It really wasn't at first. But it got better, it's still getting better, though it's a little strange still.
TERRANCE
You think that's what awaits me?
SHANE
I hope not.
TERRANCE
Why's that?
SHANE
This place, for me it's starting over. It's finding purpose and meaning, because I lived my one life, without that. For you, this is that life, that first one, to make a real impression. From what I know, from what I heard, you...you're going to where you belong. Not to start over.
TERRANCE
Thanks. Truly. But we just don't know.
CHARLES
I know. I know there's something better, and grander and...peaceful for you beyond this place. There has to be.
TERRANCE
Sounds again like your rubber stamping hope.
CHARLES
No, not this time, boss.
TERRANCE
It's so weak of me.
CHARLES
No it isn't...
TERRANCE
Yes it is.
SHANE watches as tears well up in his eyes as TERRANCE wipes them away before they can fall.
TERRANCE
I mean, one second I'm going to be here and the next...I'm not. I remember, CHARLES, so clearly, so vividly staring down those HUSKS...or when we got trapped in the burning refinery while the GHOULS were tearing apart everyone we were sent to save...or that Demonspawn outbreak. I remember facing those threats head on, when death was so imminent, so sure, I...still can't believe we beat it. I faced those moments with a calm, a peace, I wasn't afraid, I was stoic, and brave, and now look...look at me now...old, broken down, rotting away in a bed, moments away from a final call, and I can't stop my hand from shaking...this is not me...this is not strength...this is...
CHARLES
Normal.
TERRANCE
Normal...ha.
TERRANCE shakes his head as CHARLES reaches over and takes his hand, TERRANCE nodding as he puts his other hand on top of CHARLES as a tear falls.
CHARLES
It's going to be okay, My friend. This is how it's supposed to end. Naturally, pain free. Not the way we thought we were going to go.
TERRANCE
How can you be scared of death, CHARLES. There's only one way to kill you.
CHARLES
You think that's still not scary, to know how anyone can take you out at any giving moment? I much rather age and just...go, then live on never knowing what thing will take me out. The death I suffer here, will be ten times the horror I suffered from when I was alive, and that's only because then, It could happen at any time, when it was time, it was time, but here...here is what it is, no plan, no reason. Just bad luck.
SHANE
I was afraid of death. So afraid I neglected truly living.
The TWO look at SHANE as SHANE nods.
SHANE
I avoided it at all costs. My grandad was dying, liver disease. He was the coolest guy I knew, so carefree and funny, funniest guy I ever met in my life. And I never said goodbye. He was in a hospital too, rigged up, breathing through tubes, living off of a IV, and for months my mother would beg me to go see him, beg me to come with them to see him, cuz it was going to be any day now, that's what she always said, any day now. I just couldn't face that. To see him one second, and to know that there may not be that next time. I was so scared that seeing him again would hurt me so badly, that when he did go, the guilt...and the hurt from never just saying goodbye was too great. I never talked about it, about anything that was remote to death, because I didn't have time for it. That's how I rationalized it, I don't have the time to think about death cuz it's just going to happen. And yea, that's pretty much what happens, but I feel like...maybe if someone had come to see me, to tell me how scary it was for them to know I wasn't going to be around, to see how scared I was...maybe it would of made it easier...to come to that term. I think I robbed my grandpa of that, because I robbed myself of that. Because I was afraid. That's why I got hit by a semi truck, instead of getting a chance to say goodbye to anyone. Because I was a coward. You're not a coward. Because you've already admitted to the one thing Someone like me couldn't have. Being afraid of the unknown.
TERRANCE nods as CHARLES pats SHANE on the shoulder.
TERRANCE
Thank you for that.
SHANE
Sure.
The THREE went silent for a moment as the heaviness was weighing on them now.
EXT. NIKKI'S CAR
The THREE sit against the CAR, NIKKI lighting another cigarette as BRANT watches the SUN slowly dawning.
BRANT
Fine. I do know stuff.
NIKKI
Like there was any doubt.
BRANT
You don't understand, NIKKI. How hard it is to get out of that life.
EMMA
We know it's hard, because we keep having to come and get you for the same shit.
BRANT
You think I like being a rat/information broker. It's nerve racking, I hardly sleep.
NIKKI
What's going on down there, BRANT?
BRANT
You're going to find out soon enough I imagine.
EMMA
Then give us the heads up.
BRANT
Got another cigarette?
NIKKI
Cough up the details.
BRANT
Grr, NIKKI just...
NIKKI
Spill.
BRANT
There's a major coup going down. The WEREWOLVES are pushing for peace but the VAMPIRES are hesitating on the deal.
EMMA
The WEREWOLVES have been slumming it for generations, what gives them leverage to broker such an alliance?
BRANT
The new head VAMP for the top clan is pushing for change, he believes something is coming, he won't say what, or why, but he's got half the VAMPIRES in the underworld wound up and ready for some kind of big war. Whatever he knows he's using it to gain support amongst the smaller but more vocal clans, but the VAMPIRE hierarchy aren't sitting well with it. Add in the other sub monster groups that have thrown in their vote of confidence and the full backing of the werewolves, and you've got a VAMPIRE of the people who's rising up faster than the others like.
NIKKI
This VAMPIRE got a name?
BRANT
None I'm willing to give up yet, but trust me, you'll probably be getting to know him soon enough.
EMMA
A VAMPIRE pushing for peace with WEREWOLVES, sounds far fetched.
BRANT
Wish it were. But there's a major battle coming for the stake of the UNDERWORLD, and if he wins, there's going to be a lot of changes coming to the FRINGE. Good for the most part I think, but bad too.
NIKKI
Why bad?
BRANT
The losers aren't going to go quietly.
EMMA
Sounds about right.
BRANT
Look, I don't know what the SYSTEM plans on doing with this information, but if it's planning on intervening, they better side with the guy who wants to unite the FRINGE, not the ones who'll want to keep things the way they are.
EMMA
The SYSTEM won't want massive change, they never have and they probably never will.
BRANT
Then they're going to regret that, because I don't know if you've noticed it, but things are getting worse. The crime, the violence, the...slaving and killing. The FRINGE has always been chaotic but this new amount of chaos seems...odd, don't you guys agree, don't you see it?
NIKKI
Can't say I disagree, but I think that's just the climate of the...
BRANT
No, don't feed me the bullshit sister, I see both sides of the same coin here, It's my job. You think you're more civilized and better than those who run the Underworld but I'm telling you, the chaos is spreading throughout both worlds, and it's only starting to get worse. This new VAMP can help quell a growing angst, but he's only one man, even if he keeps the Underworld from imploding...what or who is going to keep it from happening here? We have an answer for that side of the coin...but from where I'm standing...there ain't one for this world yet, and that...could be trouble.
NIKKI
Time to go BRANT.
BRANT
Yeah.
EMMA leads BRANT over towards a ANGEL whom had appeared outside the SYSTEM building as the sun had peaked at just the right time, NIKKI checking her watch as it was dawn as the artificial SUN was beginning to rise as EMMA pats BRANT on the shoulder and kisses him on the cheek as BRANT smirks and follows the ANGEL inside as EMMA comes back over to NIKKI who looks about as the day was starting to form.
EMMA
What do you think?
NIKKI
I think BRANT believed everything he was saying.
EMMA
Yeah..me too.
NIKKI
Yeah.
EMMA
Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?
NIKKI
Didn't you hear him?
EMMA
Yeah...
NIKKI gets into her car as EMMA goes around and get's into the passenger side as NIKKI starts her car and heads off.
INT. AUSTIN'S ROOM
AUSTIN lays wide awake as a dozen of so half naked women are sleeping in sex coma's all around his room as he was still bugged eyed and awake.
AUSTIN
Son of a bitch.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM
SHANE and CHARLES are standing as TERRANCE was dozing in and out, SHANE looking at CHARLES who looks heartbroken as CHARLES rubs his hand through his friends hair, TERRANCE stirring awake as he groggily looks at CHARLES who musters a small smile.
TERRANCE
CHARLES...you still here?
CHARLES
You dozed off on me buddy.
TERRANCE
Yeah...I think it's that time.
CHARLES
Yeah.
TERRANCE
New blood....SHANE, right?
SHANE
Yes, sir.
TERRANCE
Come here.
SHANE comes closer as TERRANCE holds a hand out, SHANE taking it as TERRANCE pats him with his free hand.
TERRANCE
It was nice to meet you, kid. I think you're going to be fine. I really do...
SHANE
Thank you. It was nice to meet you too, TERRANCE.
CHARLES
SHANE, could you give me a moment with TERRANCE.
SHANE
Yeah.
SHANE pulls away and heads to the door, stopping as he opens it.
SHANE
Goodbye, TERRANCE.
TERRANCE
Goodbye to you, new blood.
SHANE exits as he shuts the door, CHARLES coming over with the SYRINGE as he pulls it out and places it into the IV, CHARLES pushing the liquid into the IV as the last few amounts of blood were beginning to empty.
TERRANCE
Will it...?
CHARLES
No, it'll mix right in with the blood, you'll get tired and groggy and you'll fall asleep my friend. And you won't wake back up.
TERRANCE
Painless...
CHARLES
Painless.
TERRANCE
I'm going to miss you, CHARLES.
CHARLES
Boss...you don't have to do this...
TERRANCE
What are you talking about?
CHARLES
I could get you fresh blood...younger blood...
TERRANCE
No...
CHARLES
TERRANCE...
TERRANCE
I said no!
CHARLES looks like a scolded child as he hangs his hand, TERRANCE taking a deep breath as he coughs as CHARLES looks at his friend with tears.
TERRANCE
This is my choice...to die proud, to live out a life..when the blood I have wasn't getting it done, I knew...I will not mess with my natural order to sustain a few more years of living, and for what? Retirement and bingo, I...I have to go.
CHARLES
I know, but...boss...
TERRANCE
Goddamnit, CHARLES...I'm not your boss anymore. I'm just your friend. And this is how I...how it needs to end.
CHARLES nods as TERRANCE seems to be getting more and more drowsy, his eyes fighting to stay open as CHARLES watches TERRANCE hold a hand out, CHARLES taking it as he goes to a knee beside his friend.
TERRANCE
CHARLES...you have to forgive...forgive LANCE...
CHARLES
I...
TERRANCE
Forgive, MAGNUS, forgive COLBY even...You never forgave me, and I don't blame you, but you have to forgive yourself...if you never do that, if you never tell...what happened to yours...when the time comes to get them through a crisis...you may make the same mistakes I did...don't make those mistakes...be better than I ever was...be better than you've allowed yourself to be...be...be who you are...meant to be...my...
CHARLES feels the grip loosen with every word as TERRANCE closes his eyes, and taking a few more deep breaths, ceased to exist.
CHARLES nods before letting tears fall down his face, CHARLES letting go of his hand as he sets it on his body, CHARLES not wasting a moment as he turns and briskly walks out.
INT. THE TAVERN
NIKKI and EMMA come in as AUSTIN was sitting at the bar alone, a whole bottle nearly empty as NIKKI smirks to herself as EMMA runs over and hugs him, AUSTIN shrugging her off as EMMA grabs a beer for NIKKI as she pours herself a shot.
NIKKI
How'd it go?
AUSTIN
Like you care.
NIKKI
I don't.
AUSTIN
It went terrible, you happy?
NIKKI
A little.
EMMA
How many you bag?
AUSTIN
About fifteen. Nothing, wide awake. How about you guys? What CHARLES give you?
EMMA
Tag and bag. BRANT, again.
AUSTIN
That guy. Jesus Christ.
NIKKI
It's always interesting running into BRANT.
AUSTIN
He go through a window again?
EMMA
Like a bear to honey.
AUSTIN
Ha.
NIKKI eyes AUSTIN as AUSTIN takes another shot as EMMA goes to the bathroom.
NIKKI
Sorry the nailing random sluts didn't work out for ya.
AUSTIN
Yeah, I'm not.
NIKKI
Maybe you just didn't bang the right slut, you know?
AUSTIN
What are you talking about?
AUSTIN looks at NIKKI who looks at him with a raised eyebrow.
EMMA comes out of the bathroom a few moments later and finds the TWO gone.
EMMA
Oh, smart career move guys.
EMMA shakes her head as she comes around the bar and turns on the music box.
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT
NIKKI and AUSTIN are kissing like mad as NIKKI forces her way into her apartment as AUSTIN was already disrobing quickly as NIKKI slams her door and pushes AUSTIN over onto the floor as his pants were halfway off.
NIKKI
Hands behind your back at all times, do not kiss me, and please don't go soft on me like you did last time...
AUSTIN
You broke my penis.
NIKKI
Learn to hold on better, here we go.
NIKKI straddles him.
EXT. STREET
CHARLES and SHANE walk side by side back down the same street they had come up from, CHARLES not saying a word as SHANE can see how shaken he looked.
SHANE
You really respected him, didn't you?
CHARLES
He was a vampire who stuck to his code, never waned. He took some illegal blood when he was younger, what kept him around and active for so long, but once he wised up, he never went back...never. Even in the end.
SHANE
You could have saved him?
CHARLES
He could have saved himself. But he didn't. He wanted to die a proud vampire. I don't know if that's more foolish, or valiant. But...what's done is done.
SHANE
If that's how he wanted to go...who are we to judge?
CHARLES
Yeah. I guess so.
SHANE
That's one hell of a fucked up lesson to teach me when I can't sleep.
CHARLES
Death is multi-faceted here, just as it is when you were alive. It comes in different ways, but it's also a reminder. That though we may live forever in a sense, there is still death, natural, beautiful. We may be robbed of such natural death now, but I think it's important for you to see something like this...
SHANE
Why?
CHARLES
Because I'm sending you on the next REAP to the living world.
SHANE
You're what...?
CHARLES nods as he continues to walk, SHANE slowing a bit as he looks shocked but smiles a bit as CHARLES continues to head on.
SHANE
I think...I'm going to call it a night.
CHARLES
Do what you gotta do...see you tomorrow morning right?
SHANE
Sure, after I take care of some things.
CHARLES
Very good.
SHANE heads off in the opposite direction as SHANE begins to narrate.
SHANE
(O.S.)
I guess there are different ways everyone deals with being restless....
INT. THE TAVERN
EMMA lays on the bar top passed out as she was surrounded by dozens of empty bottles.
SHANE
(O.S.)
You could knock yourself into a drunken coma.
INT. ANTHONY'S APARTMENT
ANTHONY was sleeping like a baby in his bed.
SHANE
(O.S.)
You could get some good work in.
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT
NIKKI and AUSTIN lay cuddled in each other's arms, fast asleep on NIKKI'S FLOOR.
SHANE
(O.S.)
You could be with the person you need to be with most.
INT. SHANE'S ROOM
SHANE was fast asleep back at his room in ANTHONY'S APARTMENT.
SHANE
(O.S.)
Or you could have a sobering experience with death yet again...or maybe put into shock by some big news you weren't expecting so early in your new life...
INT. CHARLES'S ROOM
CHARLES lay wide awake, staring forward at his ceiling.
SHANE
(O.S.)
Still, for every reason there is to be asleep, there are probably way more that keep you up. You just have to hope you find the solace, before it weighs itself down on you.
FADE OUT
END OF EPISODE.
