ACT ONE

Note: Enya’s “Only Time” will play through the following scenes.

INT. LAB

Somber. The lab’s disarray reflects Sarge’s and Cleo’s attitude. Wires hanging from the ceiling spark, casting an eerie glow in the dim lights.

Enya: Who can say where the road goes
Where the day flows
Only time...

Cleo lays on the battered couch, tears flowing down her eyes. Mr. Pants barks at her, wanting to play. Cleo ignores him.

Sarge sits at the new table, polishing her gauntlet. Continuously. A tear slowly travels down her face.

Mauser stands at a console, staring into space.

INT. RAINA’S APARTMENT

Raina sits in her chair, trying to hold back the tears.

Enya: And who can say if your love grows
As your heart chose
Only time...

She stands up, looks around. In a fit of rage, she grabs her small glass coffee table and slams it against a wall, shattering it.

She collapses to the floor, crying.

INT. PORTER’S LAB/LARA’S BATHROOM

Lara sits in the tub, crying. The rushing water drowns out her cries of anguish.

Enya: Who can say why your heart sighs
As your love flies
Only time...

INT. MAIN LAB

Porter sits at the counter, his face buried in his hands. A bottle of what appears to be alcohol sits next to him.

Enya: And who can say why your heart cries
When your love lies
Only time...

INT. LAB

Sarge’s old weapons wall has been converted into a shrine for Hel. A few holophotos are mounted on it. Her gauntlet rests on a small table underneath her pictures. Her coat is hung on the wall.

A gold plaque reads: “Hel, a courageous woman with a heart of gold and no fear. She shall be missed.”

Enya: Who can say when the roads meet
That they might be
In your heart...

INT. SARGE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Sarge comes out of the bathroom, dressed in her pajamas. She glances at her night table. A holphoto of Hel rests on it. Sarge smiles and presses a button.

HEL
Sarge, Cleo, I love you guys. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.

Sarge smiles, sits down on the bed.

There’s a knocking on the door.

SARGE
(choked)
Come in.

The door slides open and Cleo enters, clutching a stuffed bear.

CLEO
I couldn’t sleep.

Sarge nods.

SARGE
It’s okay. I don’t think I can either.

Cleo sits down on Sarge’s bed.

CLEO
I just can’t believe...

She trails off, the words choked in her mouth.

SARGE
I know, Cleo. I know.

CLEO
What are we gonna do now?

Sarge doesn't’s answer. She doesn’t have one. Hel is the one that found her in the gutter, that turned her life around. And now she’s gone.

She’s about to answer when Mauser comes to the door. He looks at them.

SARGE
What is it?

MAUSER
You have to see something.

The two women exchange looks. The way Mauser said that gives them chills.

INT. LAB

The two women and Mauser walks over to the only working console. Mauser brushes off some crumbling ceiling and hits a button.

MAUSER
Maria sent us this earlier.

He presses a button. A hologram pops up.

INT. ELECTRONICS STORE

It looks like a store we’d see today, but more futuristic. Its owned by CHEK, a trashy white guy with looks that could kill(literally).

Suddenly, a small bomb is thrown through a window, and it explodes. Chek goes flying back.

Through the smoke comes BLAUDA, her one artificial eye glowing a deep blue. In her hand is what appears to be a machine gun. She points it at Chek and shoots.

Blauda then turns to the screen, and FIRES!

INT. LAB

The image goes blank. The team stares in silence.

SARGE
What have I done?

MAUSER
Nothing. Blauda is the one causing the mayhem.

SARGE
But I did it to her. I’m the one who tried to kill her. If I hadn’t, she would’ve been fine, Hel would still be alive, and...

Sarge breaks down. The tears pour down her face. She falls to the floor. Mauser grabs her before she hits. Sarge buries her face in Mauser’s chest.

Enya: And who can say when the day sleeps
If the night keeps all your heart
...night keeps all your heart...

MAUSER
Shh. It’s okay. It’ll all be okay. I promise.

INT. BLACK WATCH HQ

The new and improved HQ. Lily paces the stage, waiting for a transmission. It comes in the way of a blinking light.

She sits down in her comfy pink couch and hits a button. Creegan’s face appears.

CREEGAN
What is so important, Lily?

LILY
I just thought you should know that Hel’s dead.

This takes Creegan by surprise. He’s stunned.

CREEGAN
How?

LILY
Some chick named Blauda did it. Not sure on the details, but...

CREEGAN
This just isn’t right. Hel can’t be dead!

LILY
I thought you’d be happy.

CREEGAN
No! She’s dead. My only real adversary, taken away from me by some second-rate villain. It’s not fair. I was supposed to kill Hel.

LILY
Sorry. But it makes our plans that much easier.

CREEGAN
Our plans? Since when did you decide to hop on the bandwagon?

LILY
Since what you want and what I want coincide.

CREEGAN
I don’t trust you, Lily.

LILY
Good. I wouldn’t trust me either.

She presses a button, and the image goes off. Mark walks over to Lily.

MARK
I’d be careful, boss. He could send an army of Betrayers down here and kill us all.

LILY
No, he can’t. See, I know his plan. And I can make it obsolete with a simple call. Creegan had a very good relationship with Slade, and Slade kept good journals. So I know all of Creegan’s secrets.

MARK
You’re smart, boss.

LILY
I have to be for what I have planned.

Mark nods, leaves. Lily stands up, walks off the stage.

INT. LILY’S QUARTERS

Lily enters, and walks over to the bed. The color in her face has been drained, and she looks dead. She walks over to her bed and sits down.

LILY
What is wrong with me?

She rubs her forehead, groaning. After a minute,she lays down and closes her eyes.

INT. HIVE COMMAND

Creegan, floating in his Bailey body, hovers over a very nervous human TECH, who’s working on Jerbo’s machine last seen in “A Friend In Need.”

CREEGAN
Have you made any progress?

TECH
Um, no. Not yet.

CREEGAN
You’ve had months to figure that machine out, yet you haven’t! Why not?

TECH
It’s quite complicated. Even with the information you sucked out of Jerbo’s brain, it’s just...complicated.

CREEGAN
Let me remind you that you are replaceable. And that you replaced the last scientist to figure that machine out.

TECH
Creegan, I promise to have it done by the end of the month.

CREEGAN
What if I don’t want to wait that long?

The terrified tech stares at Creegan’s Bailey body. With sharp edges and weapons sprouting from every place, he is a foe you don’t want to mess with. Beads of sweat fall from the tech’s face.

TECH
Please?

CREEGAN
(thinking)
You have one month. If you’re not finished by then, you’re dead.

INT. WAREHOUSE

Blauda sits next to a large machine, rifling through a box full of stolen electronics equipment. She grabs a part, inserts it into a square hole on the machine, then grabs a drill and begins to drill it in.

A man walks over to her. He is hidden in shadows. We shall call him RAFE.

RAFE
Blauda, we have the location.

BLAUDA
Good. I’m almost ready here.

RAFE
Are you sure this is such a good idea?

BLAUDA
Of course. I’ll be able to accomplish my goals easily with this machine.

RAFE
But what about the raid? Innocents might be hurt.

BLAUDA
Sad as that may be, it doesn’t bother me. Look at my face. Look at me. Sarge will pay no matter what. If a few people die, then so be it.

Rafe nods, walks away.

INT. BAR

Cleo sits at a table by herself. She takes a sip of her synthehol. She grimaces in disgust, and puts it back down.

The crowd around Cleopatra seems oblivious to the fact that they lost one of their greatest protectors.

They go about life, having fun and dancing. Laughing, groping. Kissing, vomiting. Suddenly, a figure in black appears and sits down. It’s Blade.

BLADE
I’m sorry, Cleo.

Cleo looks at him, and we can see the rage building up in her.

Note: Blondie’s “One Way Or Another” begins to play in the background.

Blondie: One way or another, I'm gonna find ya
I'm gonna get ya, get ya, get ya, get ya
One way or another, I'm gonna win ya
I'm gonna get ya, get ya ,get ya, get ya

CLEO
Why?

BLADE
Why what?

CLEO
Why didn’t you help? Isn’t that what you’re famous for? Riding in like a white knight to save the day at the last minute?

Blondie: One way or another, I'm gonna see ya
I'm gonna meet ya, meet ya, meet ya, meet ya
One day maybe next week, I'm gonna meet ya
I'm gonna meet ya, I'll meet ya

BLADE
Cleo, I didn’t know. I swear. If I had, I would’ve done something.

CLEO
How could you not? You knew about everything else that’s happened? How? Why were you able to know all those other things and not this?!

BLADE
I can’t explain.

CLEO
You never can.

She begins to stand up, but Blade grabs her arm at the elbow and stops her.

BLADE
Cleopatra, please wait.

CLEO
(menacingly)
Let go of my arm.

BLADE
Cleo--

She doesn’t give him a chance to finish. She twists her arm violently out of his grasp and slams her hand, palm open, into his chest. He falls backwards, landing on his ass.

Blade looks up at her, open-mouthed.

BLADE
What was that for?

Blondie: I will drive past your house and if the lights are all down
I'll see who's around
One way or another, I'm gonna find ya
I'm gonna get ya, get ya, get ya, get ya
One way or another, I'm gonna win ya
I'll get ya, I'll get ya

CLEO
I don’t trust you. I don’t know you. I hate you.

This stings Blade. He recoils.

BLADE
How can you say that?

CLEO
Because I do. You go around acting like you’re better than everyone else. You save us at the last minute, and think we should be all happy and treat you like a god. And I’m tired of it.

BLADE
Cleo, that’s not what I want you to think. I can’t help all the time because the people above me won’t allow me to interfere until a given point.

CLEO
So, what, are you guys like the CIA or something?

BLADE
I’m not familiar with that term.

Blondie: One way or another, I'm gonna see ya
I'm gonna meet ya, meet ya, meet ya, meet ya
One day maybe next week ,I'm gonna meet ya
I'll meet ya ah
And if the lights are all out I'll follow your ass downtown
See who's hangin' out

CLEO
They were an organization from my time that did covert Ops and protected America from the bad guys.

BLADE
We’re...something like that. Hel’s death was a surprise. No one thought it would happen like it did.

CLEO
It still doesn’t make it right. The secrets, the lies.

Suddenly, Blade reaches into his duster and pulls out the Mach. Cleo screams.

CLEO
Okay, I take it all back.

Blade fires, and the blast goes past Cleo, into a guy standing behind her.

CLEO
Woah. That was close.

The patrons in the bar scream and begin to run past the fifteen or so figures standing in the doorway. They are the RAPTORS, a group of freaks that pierce their bodies in bizarre ways.

Their leader is RAFE, a dark complexion, mean-mutha with spikes jutting out of his forearms. A large lip ring impales the lower lip. A few spikes jut from the sides of his legs. His index and middle knuckles on both arms have spikes jutting from them.

His head is shaved completely, and a wire chain runs from the top all the way to his left ear. He smiles.

The other Raptors are dressed similarly, with spikes and other wires and metal stuff jutting from their bodies. They wear tan clothes, most of them have dusters. A few wear goggles.

CLEO
Okay, they look mean.

RAFE
(British accent)
Hello, darling. How’d you like to play?

Blondie: One way or another, I'm gonna lose ya
I'm gonna give you the slip
A slip of the hip or another I'm gonna lose ya
I'm gonna trick ya, I'll trick ya

BLADE
Get out of here.

RAFE
I think not. See, now since Hel is dead, you Voice buggers will be easy to pick off. So, time to start dying.

He rushes forward with speed like no other, and slams Blade across the bar. Cleo whips her gauntlet up, but Rafe is faster and grabs her arm. He smiles as he slams his fist into her face.

Blade gets back up, aims the Mach at Rafe. One Raptor sees him, and with the same speed Rafe used, rushes over to Blade and slides. The Raptor’s feet kick Blade’s, causing him to fall on his face.

The Mach is sent spinning under the bar.

Cleo stands up and delivers a high-kick to Rafe’s head. But in a blur of motion, his hand come up and blocks the kick.

He retaliates with a kick of his own, causing Cleo to slam into the wall. She stands up, bleeding. She gives him a “devil-may-care” look.

Note: Linkin Park’s “Crawling” plays throughout the fight scene.

Linkin Park: Crawling in my skin
These wounds / they will not heal
Fear is how I fall

Blade jumps up, doing a backflip. He reaches into his duster, whips out another gun, and fires. The blast aims straight for a Raptor, but he dodges out of the way. Unfortunately, the one behind him does not.

A Raptor slams his knee into Blade’s crotch. Blade groans and falls to his knees. The Raptor then brings his knee into Blade’s chin.

Linkin Park: Confusing what is real
There’s something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming / confusing
This lack of self control I fear is never ending

Rafe heads for Cleo, taking his time. Which, for him, is taking five seconds. But Cleo is ready for him. Right as the blur speeds towards her, Cleo throws a punch, seemingly at nothing. But at the split second it reaches maximum distance, Rafe arrives. And falls on his ass. His nose bleeds.

RAFE
That wasn’t nice.

He swings his legs out, tripping Cleo.

Linkin Park: Controlling / I can’t seem
To find myself again

Blade stands up, only to have one Raptor speed by him, grabbing the duster and ripping it off. All Blade’s weapons clatter to the floor. Three more Raptors run by, picking up the weapons before Blade can lay a hand on them.

Blade swings wide, low, high, small. But nothing is connecting as the Raptors speed by, laughing and throwing punches at him.

Linkin Park: My walls are closing in
Without a sense of confidence / I’m convinced
there's just too much pressure to take
I’ve felt this way before
So insecure

Cleo gets to her feet, watches as Rafe runs around, showing off his speed. That’s when Cleo figures it out. She raises her gauntlet and fires. The blast heads for the spot Rafe will be in .03 seconds, but he suddenly changes directions, and the blast just hits a wall.

He stops and smiles.

RAFE
Figured out your little trick. Won’t be able to do it again.

He laughs and takes off once again. Cleo begins firing at every place she thinks Rafe will end at, but he keeps dodging.

Meanwhile, Blade has his hands full with the Raptors that have chosen him to fight with. He swings his arms down, and two lethal daggers come sliding out from beneath his sleeves.

He times his thrust just right, and slams the dagger into a Raptor’s heart. He goes to the ground, dead.

The other Raptors stop, stunned. They stare at their dead comrade, and they get pissed. They blur by Blade, this time reaching out and ripping his shirt off. The daggers go with it. He has a gun strapped to his chest, but the Raptors take this too.

They converge on Blade, beating the crap out of him.

Cleo sees this, and tries to go to his rescue. But Rafe stops her dead in her tracks.

RAFE
Oh no, little girl. You’re mine.

And he slams his fist into Cleo, sending her flying back into the wall. She slumps to the ground and doesn’t move.

Rafe turns to the door, and smiles. Blauda enters, dressed in a leather catsuit. She looks very sexy.

She examines the bar. Blade, bloody and stripped to the waist, being held down by two Raptors. Cleo on the floor unconscious.

BLAUDA
This is what I like to see. Sarge is about to feel even more pain. Bring Cleo to me.

Rafe picks up Cleo’s limp body and lays it gently on the floor in front of Blauda.

BLAUDA
As you like to say, Rafe, “It’s time to start dying.”

She pulls out a gun...

Linkin Park: Discomfort, endlessly has pulled itself upon me
Distracting / reacting
Against my will I stand beside my own reflection
It’s haunting how I can’t seem
To find myself again

Blade struggles to get free as Blauda pulls the trigger.

BLACKOUT
END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

INT. BAR

Where we left off. Blauda pulls the trigger. The blast rips into the floor next to Cleo’s head. Blade sighs. The Raptors groan.

BLAUDA
On second thought, it would be better if Sarge was around for her to see me kill Cleo. It makes it so much funner.

RAFE
Whatever you say.

BLAUDA
Time to blow this place.

RAINA
(o.s.)
Not so fast!

The evil doers turn to see Raina standing in the doorway, holding a large plasma rifle in her hand.

RAINA
You’re not going to leave.

BLAUDA
Try and stop me.

RAINA
K.

And she fires. A bolt of blue and white crackling energy flies out, slamming into a Raptor. He disintegrates into nothing. The Raptors let go of Blade, and rush towards Raina.

But she’s firing everywhere. Even with their fast speed, the Raptors can’t get by the plasma charges, which follow them.

BLAUDA
Duck and cover!

The Raptors do just that. Very fast. They take Cleo with them. Raina continues to fire. Behind her, a cloaked figure enters, and begins to make his way around the blasts, heading for Blade.

Blade stands up, wobbling. A Raptor glances over at him and grins. He rushes out, his hand snaking out and smashing into Blade’s head.

As he heads back, a plasma charge finds him, blowing him into oblivion.

Blade falls to his knees. The figure rushes over to him, and leads him to behind a table. The figure pulls out a smaller version of the plasma rifle, and begins firing.

Raina begins to walk towards the Raptors, their blasts just hitting her shield.

RAINA
Give up, Blauda!

Behind a table, Blauda glances at Rafe.

BLAUDA
We’ll retreat, for now.

Rafe nods. He and Blauda stand up. Rafe wraps his arms around Blauda’s waist and takes off. The other Raptors follow. Some of the plasma charges find their targets.

The cloaked figure walks over to Raina, and the two merge.

Raina walks over to Cleo, checks her pulse. She’s still alive. Raina smiles.

Blade groans and stands up, holding his head. Raina looks at him, takes in his smooth chest. She smiles. Wicked thoughts are forming in her mind. She quickly shakes them away.

RAINA
You okay?

BLADE
(glancing down)
Um, yeah. Except for my near-nudeness.

Raina reaches down and tosses Blade his shirt. He quickly puts it on. He walks over to Cleo.

BLADE
How is she?

RAINA
Fine.

BLADE
That’s good. Thanks for your help.

RAINA
Don’t mention it. Now, let’s get out of here before they decide to come back.

INT. RAINA’S APARTMENT

Raina and Blade enter, Cleo in Blade’s arms. He is now wearing his shirt and duster.

RAINA
Sit her down on the couch.

Blade does. He glances over at Raina.

BLADE
Shouldn’t we have gone to the lab first?

Raina glances at him, then motions with her finger.

RAINA
I have to check on something first.

INT. BEDROOM

Raina and Blade enter. Nathaniel lays on the bed, machines hooked up to his body. He’s barely alive.

BLADE
My god. Who did this?

RAINA
Dr. Ramsey. We were captured, and Ramsey wanted to know...things. I wouldn’t tell him, but he was very cordial to me. I guess now I know why.

Blade puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.

RAINA
He’s clinging to life by a thread. The machines are repairing what they can, but its’ too slow.

BLADE
I’m so sorry.

Raina shrugs his hand off, her moment of weakness gone.

RAINA
Nothing for that. We just need to worry about Cleo.

She walks out of the bedroom.

INT. LAB

The trio enter, Cleo still knocked out.

Sarge looks up in alarm as they enter.

SARGE
What happened?

BLADE
We were attacked.

SARGE
Mauser, activate the bio-bed!

Mauser rushes out of the mechanics bay and over to the bio-bed. He starts it up. Blade gently sets Cleo in it.

SARGE
Who did this?

RAINA
Blauda and her gang of Raptors.

SARGE
Raptors?

RAINA
Techno-freaks that graft weapons and other mechanical devices to their bodies. They place some kind of speed device in their legs, making them fast motherfuckers.

Sarge’s rage is reaching melting point. A tear escapes her eye, but she brushes it away.

SARGE
That’s it. She has gone to far. I will make her pay for what she’s done.

RAINA
Sarge, I miss Hel too. But you can’t go storming Blauda. There are hundreds of Raptors, probably all working for her too. Plus, it’s what she wants.

SARGE
Since when are you Miss Sane? Huh?

Raina feels like she’s just been slapped across the face.

RAINA
Sarge...

SARGE
No, Raina. You have tried to kill us so many times. Sure, you’ve saved us now and then, but... I don’t trust you.

This has an impact on Raina and Blade. They’re the outcasts here. They’re the ones who don’t belong.

On the biobed, Cleo wakes up. She groans and places a hand to her forehead.

CLEO
What happened? The last thing I remember was fighting that one dude.

BLADE
He knocked you out. Raina here saved us.

SARGE
Cleo, I’m glad you’re okay.

CLEO
I’m glad you’re okay. I was afraid those guys were gonna attack you, too.

SARGE
Don’t worry. I’m fine. But Blauda isn’t. I’m gonna kill her.

CLEO
Sarge, you can’t.

SARGE
Why is everybody telling me what I can’t do?

MAUSER
Sarge, it is unwise.

Sarge turns on him, her anger reaching meltdown. It explodes.

SARGE
Out of the people I expected to turn against me, you weren’t one of them! I love you, and yet you can’t even back me up! And what about Voice! What has she had to say since her daughter died! I am sick and tired of people that won’t take action when a loved one dies! It makes me sick!

She looks at all of them, who cringe in fear. Mauser places his hands on Sarge’s shoulders.

MAUSER
Sarge, I love you too.
(adding quickly)
We all do. And we all want to stop Blauda. But we have to wait, form a plan. Trust me, we will get revenge. But when we do, it has to be a foolproof plan. Understand?

Sarge slowly nods her head, but we can tell she doesn’t like it. She shrugs off Mauser and walks away, towards her room.

The gang watches her go, sad that there’s nothing more they can do.

INT. GUARD STATION

The place has been cleared out of all the Guards, except for one or two used as slaves. The place has been taken over by Blauda and the Raptors.

Blauda and Rafe sit at a desk, discussing plans.

BLAUDA
Okay, we know the location of Sarge’s lab. What I want to know is where do her friends hang out? Where can we find them? And what is the cruelest way to kill them?

RAFE
All good things. But what about a bigger plan? I mean, what do you plan on doing after Sarge is killed?

BLAUDA
Whatever I want. Understand?

Rafe nods.

BLAUDA
Sarge took everything away from me. My innocence. My natural body. Do you know what it’s like to know that what’s inside of you isn’t real? That it’s all synthetic? Knowing that half of your heart isn’t yours?

Blauda stands up, looks into a mirror on the wall.

BLAUDA
Look at me. Look at what she did to me. I’m ugly! And I will make Sarge pay. I will make her watch as I torture each and everyone of her friend’s life right in front of her.

Blauda grabs a gun and shoots the mirror, blowing it into millions of tiny pieces. A few shards cut her face, creating deep gashes. She smiles.

BLAUDA
No pain.

She turns and marches out. Rafe and the other Raptors follow.

INT. PORTER’S LAB

Porter paces aimlessly. A door opens and Lara enters, a towel wrapped around her waist.

LARA
It’s all yours.

PORTER
Thanks.

LARA
It seems as if no matter how many times I bathe, I can’t get rid of the blood on me. All the people I killed, and I still can’t get rid of the blood.

Porter comes over to her, wraps his arms around her.

PORTER
I know. It’s tough. Hel was a great leader. I just...I just can’t imagine that she’s gone.

LARA
What are we gonna do, Porter? It’s so hard. I just want to collapse and never get back up.

PORTER
I know. It’s tough. It’s very tough.

LARA
We lost Quint to the Bailies, now we lose Hel to some freak chica.

PORTER
We’ll survive, Lara. I promise.

Lara nods, but we can tell she doesn’t believe it, and neither does Porter.

INT. LAB

Blade, Raina, and Cleo stand around aimlessly. They’re not sure what to do.

RAINA
It’s strange. I never thought that something like this would happen. Even when I was trying to kill you guys, I never thought I’d succeed.

CLEO
Yeah, strange.

More awkward silence.

INT. WHITE ROOM

Sarge is inside, beating the crap out of a hologram. She doesn’t let up. She just keeps punching and kicking. No mercy.

INT. LAB

Thunk!

The noise is small, but Raina picks it up. She turns to the doorway, and gasps.

RAINA
Plasma grenade!

The team goes to duck when the grenade goes off, shooting bright shockwaves out in all directions.

Then the Raptors are in. Moving with speed and agility. They quickly take down Raina, capturing her.

Cleo manages to make it to the console and slams a button. Then Rafe is on her, twisting her arms behind her back.

Blade is jumped by quite a few Raptors.

Mauser comes out of the mechanics bay, only to be stopped by three Raptors.

At the entrance, Blauda claps. She scans the room, looking for Sarge.

BLAUDA
(sing-song)
Sarge! Oh, Sa-a-a-rge! Won’t you come out and play?

The answer is yes. The ceiling above Blauda breaks open and Sarge jumps down, slamming her foot into Blauda’s chest. A few Raptors tense to attack, but Blauda holds up her hand.

BLAUDA
This is between me and Sarge.

She throws her arm out, but Sarge blocks and retaliates with a devastating kick to the gut. Blauda groans.

Blauda retaliates with a mid-level roundkick, then grabs Sarge by the shoulders. The two femme fatales struggle, fighting to be the first one to deliver the next blow.

Sarge throws Blauda down. Blauda throws a right hook, but Sarge blocks it. Sarge counters with her own right hook, and hers makes it home.

Blauda backhands Sarge, then kicks her in the knee. Sarge groans, but isn’t willing to give up so easy.

She retaliates with a left hook-spinning backhand combination that sends Blauda to the floor. Blauda stands up and executes an axe kick to Sarge’s side.

While those two fight, Raina, eyes closed, is concentrating. Hard. Slowly, her plasma gun is floating off the floor. Slowly, it aims at a Raptor.

THOOM!

The weapon fires, and a Raptor is toast.

Blauda and Sarge look over at the weapon, and their eyes widen.

The plasma gun fires again, and again. The Raptors are being massacred. Blade shrugs off his captors, reaches into his duster, pulls out his Mach, and begins firing.

Rafe looks at Cleo, then the plasma gun. His eyes are wide in fear. Suddenly, a plasma charge hits him, and he turns to dust.

SARGE

turns to Blauda, smiles.

SARGE
Looks like you’re finished.

BLAUDA
No!

But Sarge strikes her in the chest with as much force as she can muster. Blauda flies back through the wall door and disappears.

Sarge doesn’t smile. She just sits down, her face blank. The battle rages around her.

INT. LAB - LATER

The battle is done. All the Raptors are gone. But the lab has been demolished once again. The team looks around, not sure what to do next.

CLEO
(unsure)
That was some good thinking, Raina.

RAINA
Thanks.

Sarge stands up.

SARGE
I quit.

Everyone looks at her.

BLADE
What do you mean?

SARGE
I am tired of fighting. I am tired of killing. Without Hel, it seems pointless.

CLEO
Sarge, no...

SARGE
I’m sorry, Cleopatra. But I can’t keep this up any longer. Now that Blauda’s dead, my mission is over.

MAUSER
Sarge, you can’t be serious. We’ve been through so much together.

SARGE
But Hel’s death is the worst. I can’t handle all this anymore. I just want a simple life. No more Bailies, no more getting turned into bestial, no more death.

RAINA
What about Voice? Won’t she have some say in this?

SARGE
You know what, I think I’m gonna tell Voice to her face. She’s never done anything for this team, yet she gets all the credit. I am going to finally tell Voice what I think of her.

Sarge turns and walks out.

CLEO
Sarge!

She takes off after her. Mauser glances at Raina and Blade, then runs after his lover and his friend.

BLADE
Okay.

RAINA
I’m guessing we did everything we could. I mean, Blauda and the Raptors are gone. They’re gonna have to sort through this themselves. I have other problems to worry about.

BLADE
Yeah. We tried, but we can only do so much. The rest is left up to them.

INT. SHAFTS

Sarge flies through the shafts, determined to finish what remains of her mission.

INT. VOICE LAB

Sarge comes in through the door, looks down the dark corridor. It seems as if nobody is home.

SARGE
Voice! I know you’re here! You can’t hide from me!

She comes to a door and tries to open it. The door is locked. Sarge raises her gauntlet and fires. The door bursts open.

Sarge enters the room, but it’s empty.

SARGE
Voice!!! I know you’re here somewhere! Show yourself!

Sarge is pissed. Everything that she’s been feeling the past few days, all the sorrow, the anger, the blame, the self-doubt, has surfaced. And it’s about to blow.

SARGE
Voice!!

INT. VOICE COMMAND

Sarge enters, gives the room a quick check. No Voice.

SARGE
You wanna play hard to get? Fine! Have a little taste of your own medicine!

She fires her gauntlet, blowing away a console. She takes aim, and fires again. The console goes up in smoke.

Sarge fires again, then again. She aims at the ceiling, and fires. It starts to crumble.

SARGE
I can keep doing this until you stop me! Until you actually do something! You’ve been quiet since Hel’s death, and I’m tired of it!

Another blast is fired, and a wall panel explodes outward in a shower of sparks and heated metal. Sarge turns, preparing to fire again. But she stops when a FIGURE steps out of a doorway.

SARGE
(not believing)
It can’t be...

But it is. The figure steps out of the shadows, and reveals herself to be... HEL!

HEL
Hello, Sarge.

BLACKOUT
END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

INT. VOICE COMMAND

Where we left off. Sarge, her gauntlet poised to fire, stares disbelievingly at Hel, who should be dead.

SARGE
What kind of trick is this?

Hel steps forward, but Sarge steps back, keeping the gauntlet raised.

HEL
Sarge, it’s me.

SARGE
No, it’s not. I saw you die. I was at your funeral.

HEL
A funeral, yes. But not mine. It’s me, Sarge. I promise.

Suddenly, Cleo and Mauser come barging in.

CLEO
Sarge, don’t do anything Shu--

She comes to a complete stop when she sees Hel.

CLEO
Woah.

HEL
Hi, Cleopatra.

CLEO
Sarge, what’s going on here?

SARGE
I’m not sure, Cleo. Just keep your distance.

HEL
Guys, it’s me. I’m Hel. The person you saw get shot was a clone.

CLEO
Yeah, like we’re really going to believe that.

HEL
What do I have to do to prove to you that I’m real?

SARGE
The real Hel would never have abandoned us.

HEL
I didn’t. I had to leave. I put you guys at risk.

Sarge scoffs. She’s not ready to believe one word.

SARGE
Sure. What kind of risk?

HEL
A disease. One that was very contagious. Creegan somehow gave it to me when he held me hostage before he attacked the underground. I guess it was his back-up plan.

SARGE
You really want me to believe this?

HEL
Yes. Please, Sarge. I need your trust. I wouldn’t be able to survive without it.

Sarge doesn’t waver. She needs more than that. Mauser is confused, but Cleo is picking up on the truth.

CLEO
I think she’s telling the truth.

SARGE
Cleo, she’s lying. We both saw Hel die.

CLEO
But what if it was a clone? I mean, the Black Watch was able to clone you, and Hel and I never knew the difference.

MAUSER
Cleopatra does have a point.

Sarge shoots him a look.

HEL
Yes! Dylan kidnaped you and made a clone. He sent the clone to us. He made it seem as if the clone had killed him and his partner, but your clone killed their clones.

SARGE
Okay, so you know about that. But it’s in the Guard database. You could have read it.

HEL
Sarge, it’s me. I don’t know what else I can do to prove it to you.

SARGE
If it is you, why didn’t you tell us? Why didn’t you just come out and say, “I have a virus.”

HEL
(pleading)
Because at the time, it was untreatable. I was going to die from it. I didn’t want you to have to go through that. So I holed up here. I had all the best doctors and clonists come here. They created the perfect clone, free of disease or any imperfections. It had all my abilities, memories. Plus, it had me.

She goes over to a console that isn’t blown up, and presses a button.

HEL
(talking like Voice)
I was able to mimic my mother’s voice, and so I decided that this was the best way to guide the resistance. I had always been afraid of commanding all those people. Afraid that one wrong decision and I could end up having a person killed. I didn’t understand how Adela did it. But when she showed me her memories, I understood.

She presses the same button. She looks to the group, tears welling up in her eyes.

HEL
She had to become someone greater than who she was. She had to become an enigma, a mystery. And she did. I did, too. I became Voice. It was hard at times, having no real company save for the doctors. But I managed knowing that you guys had the clone.

Hel sighs, clasps her hands behind her back.

HEL
But the clone was coming apart. After its visit to Mognasa, it started fritzing. It knew it wasn’t me. So I talked to it, explained everything. Since it was my clone, it agreed fully. And co-operated. But the doctors had overlooked one little flaw. The clone’s molecular structure was falling apart. It would go through heavy bouts where it had to fight to stay in one shape. I knew it wouldn’t be long before it died completely. And the first cloning process almost killed me. I knew I wouldn’t be able to survive a second one.

SARGE
Okay, that’s almost believable. But what about know? You said the virus was contagious. How are you able to stand right in front of us? The real Hel would be worried that we would get it.

Hel gives a small smile.

HEL
The same way I was able to come back for a while when you had to rescue Mognasa.

The team looks shocked.

CLEO
You mean, you came back?

HEL
Why did you think I changed outfits so many times?

MAUSER
We didn’t notice, save for one time. We were all caught up in the battle.

HEL
Understandable. The doctors were able to create a serum. An antidote. Not a permanent one, but one that puts the virus to sleep, as the doctors say. I can go about five days after I inject myself before the virus wakes up. That’s why I didn’t come rushing over when the clone died. I was injecting myself.

Sarge, of course, looks doubtful.

SARGE
It took you that long to inject yourself?

HEL
I have to lay in a bio-bed for five hours, then wait a day before coming out into the population. It’s a nasty cure, but it’s the only one right now. I guess when the clone died, I wasn’t sure what to do. This isn’t a way to live with a team. Missions can pop up at any time. I’m sorry. I really am.

Cleo smiles and rushes into Hel’s arms, giving her a big hug.

CLEO
(crying)
Oh, I missed you. I missed you.

HEL
(near tears)
I missed you too, Cleopatra.

Mauser walks over to her and claps her on the back.

MAUSER
We’ve all missed you. I’m glad your alive, Hel.

HEL
Thank you, Mauser.

Hel looks over at Sarge. She lowers her gauntlet, but makes no move towards Hel.

HEL
Sarge?

SARGE
I believe you. I believe you’re the real Hel. But I can’t forgive you for what you’ve done. I will never be able to forgive you. You lied to us, Hel.

HEL
Sarge, I-

SARGE
No, Hel. You should’ve told us. You put us in more pain by not telling us. Did you think we wouldn’t understand? Is that it?

HEL
No. I just thought it would be better.

SARGE
You thought that putting some “perfect” clone in your place would make things better? Why? All you did was run away from your problems.

CLEO
Sarge, she did what she had to do.

SARGE
No, she didn’t. There were a million other things she could’ve done!

MAUSER
Sarge, please. We’ve all been through a lot today. Let’s just go home.

SARGE
No. Never again. I-I can’t. I said I quit, and I am. My mission is done. I am tired of this stupid resistance. I am tired of never knowing if I’m gonna make it back or not. I’m tired of being lied to.

Sarge turns away in disgust, and runs off.

HEL
Sarge!

She starts to go after her, but Mauser stops her.

MAUSER
Give her time, Hel. It’s what she needs. It’s what we all need.

INT. LAB - LATER

Hel, Mauser, and Cleo enter. Hel looks around. She’s somewhat surprised.

HEL
I didn’t think the place was this bad. But after Sarge’s fight with Nancy, I lost most visual.

CLEO
Oh, it was looking better. Until Blauda came and blew it up again.

HEL
I’ve missed a lot.

MAUSER
(curtly)
Yes, you have. If you need me, I’ll be in the mechanics bay.

He turns and walks away. Hel stares at him, shattered.

HEL
First Sarge, now Mauser.

CLEO
I understand what they’re feeling. I mean, I’m not gonna turn away or anything, but I do understand. You did betray us, in a way. I know you had your reasons, but sometimes reasons aren’t good enough.

HEL
I know, Cleo. I know.

CLEO
I don’t agree with what you did. I think there is a better way. But that’s just me.

There’s silence. They don’t know what to say to each other. Cleo goes over to a console and picks up a tool. She begins working. Hel just stares at her.

INT. RAINA’S APARTMENT

Raina enters and stands still. A wave of blue and white energy coalesces around her. Then, Raina 2 is there.

RAINA 2
(sarcastically)
You handled that well.

RAINA
What else was I supposed to do?

RAINA 2
Well, you pretty much betrayed the fact that you’re powers have returned!

RAINA
Okay, first things: Don’t refer to it as powers. It sounds childish. And second: It’s funny you should mention the word betray. Since it is pretty much what we’re planning on doing.

RAINA 2
Hey, we have to!

RAINA
No, we don’t. They accepted us, even after we tried to kill them. They took us in as one of their own. We don’t have to stick with the plan.

RAINA 2
Don’t go soft on me. Not when we’re so close. I can feel it in my hands.

RAINA
I know. But we don’t have to hurt them. Not now.

RAINA 2
What happened to the whole, “stick to the plan” attitude? You drilled that into my skull in the beginning.

RAINA
That was when you were trying to kill Hel and the others. We needed them.

RAINA 2
We still do! If it wasn’t for them, Nathaniel might not be in that condition!

RAINA
Don’t blame what happened to him on them! They had nothing to do with it. You’re just picking at straws.

RAINA 2
So what if I am?! I shouldn’t have to be picking at anything if you would stick to the plan.

RAINA
We can still complete the plan without getting them killed.

RAINA 2
But that was the beauty of the plan. We accomplish our goals, and kill them! It was poetic. It was down right funny!

RAINA
It’s not anymore.

RAINA 2
Listen to me, you little bitch. You aren’t going to ruin this for us. I won’t let you.

Raina backhands Raina 2, sending her crashing into the couch. Raina clutches her hand in pain.

RAINA 2
(smiling)
Hurt yourself, dearie?

RAINA
Not as much as I hurt you. Remember, I am the dominant one in this little unity. I can kick your ass any time I want. Sure, it causes me some pain, but not as much as it causes you.

Raina 2 stands up and wipes the blood from her mouth.

RAINA 2
You’re pushing me too far, little woman. You may be me, but I can still survive without you.

RAINA
No you can’t.

RAINA 2
Can’t I?

She smiles, forms into the energy again, and merges with Raina. There’s a bright flash, then Raina stands there, whole. She smiles.

RAINA
Feels good to be me again.

From his room, Nathaniel groans. A look of concern washes over Raina’s face, and she moves towards the bedroom.

RAINA
Coming.

INT. SHAFTS

Sarge walks absentmindedly down the shafts. They have become a somewhat better place. A few Guards walk up and down, making sure justice is upheld. Children play in the shafts, laughing and having fun.

But Sarge isn’t. She’s lost. Lonely. Confused.

Note: Melissa Etheridge’s “Into the Dark” begins to play.

Melissa: There were stairs they were steep
I was falling falling deep
You were there you were small
There was screaming down the hall

Sarge kicks a can, and it rattles into an alley. She passes by a bar, and sounds of merriment and friendship floats out. Sarge walks by. She’s in no mood for any type of fun.

Melissa: I've been here sleeping all these years
There comes a time we all know
There's a place that we must go
Into the soul into the heart
Into the dark

Sarge continues walking, and the farther she goes, the worse off the shafts get. It’s apparent that the Guards’ influence doesn’t reach this far. But Sarge doesn’t mind. This is her type of place.

Sarge stops suddenly, looks up. A neon sign simply reads: Library. Intrigued, she goes inside.

INT. LIBRARY

It’s like traveling into the past. It looks like an actual library. Low lights, row upon row of books. Sarge looks around in amazement.

She heads into the stacks, her eyes scanning the title of each book.

Melissa: There was fire there was death
There was lying on your breath
I turned away I would pretend
But the burning never ends

Sarge finds a book and takes it off the shelf. She sits down at a table and opens it. Dust flies up. Sarge coughs and waves it away.

INT. LAB

Hel comes over to Cleo and kneels down beside her. She grabs another tool and goes to work.

HEL
Cleo, I know that what I did wasn’t the best thing in the long run, but it was in the short term. I thought I was going to die. I really believed that it was all over for me. And I couldn’t bear the thought of you guys having to go through that. That’s why I did what I did. I never meant for anybody to get hurt.

Cleo puts down her tool, looks at Hel.

CLEO
I can’t begin to imagine...what you must’ve gone through. The pain of knowing that you might never see your loved ones again, knowing that there was nothing you could do.
(pauses)
Wait. I do know. I went in to get one large order of boobs, and woke up in 2525. I will never be able to see my family again. I was lucky enough to see my boyfriend Johnny once, but he was about fifty. I was just lucky to see him once more before he died. I know all about love and loss. If I had the choice of sending a clone to my family or a message, I’d send the message.

HEL
That’s where we differ, Cleo. I would’ve, and did, send the clone.

CLEO
I know. And it’s something we’re gonna have to live with.
(thinks)
You know, I wonder if you would’ve revealed the truth had it not been for the clone’s death.

HEL
Of course I would’ve. Once I had found a cure. A real cure.

CLEO
I bet. But would you have told us it was a clone, or would you have kept the wool over our eyes?

Hel doesn’t answer. Cleo gives a grim nod.

CLEO
I thought so.

She stands up and walks to her room. Hel casts a glance at the tool in her hand, then tosses it away.

INT. MECHANICS BAY

Mauser works on taking apart Raina’s plasma rifle. He cuts himself, and a dark fluid pumps out. He doesn’t even grimace in pain. He simply grabs a tool, runs it over the wound, and its sealed.

MAUSER
(softly)
No pain. No...pleasure.

A tear rolls down his cheek.

INT. LIBRARY

Sarge is engrossed in the book. She reads every word like it will be her last. She’s so deep into the fantasy world the book has created, she doesn’t notice the person approaching from behind.

The person reaches out a small, delicate hand and taps Sarge on the shoulder. Sarge spins around, gauntlet ready.

The young NICOLE screams and backs away in terror. Sarge smiles, relieved. Nicole is a small slip of a girl, with auburn hair tucked in a bun. Large glasses hide a face that could be considered lovely. She’s about 5 foot. She wears a simple sweater and skirt.

SARGE
I’m sorry. I thought you were someone else.

NICOLE
Indeed. I’m sorry for sneaking up on you and almost having my head blown off. It wasn’t my intention.

Sarge gives her a forced smile. She’s in no mood for company right now.

NICOLE
I simply came because I saw that you were actually interested in the books, and not just vandalism.

SARGE
Do you get a lot of vandalism here?

NICOLE
Yes. Most people don’t like to read nowadays. The boys, they come in here and try to touch me. There’s a group that comes in almost regularly and cause trouble.

SARGE
I’m sorry.

Nicole gives a smile. We get the feeling that Nicole uses smiles as a type of self-defense.

NICOLE
No, I should be the one apologizing. Here I am, talking to you, a complete stranger, about all my problems. I shouldn’t burden you.

SARGE
It’s okay. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one with problems. Here, join me.

Nicole stands there awkwardly, not sure if she should. Sarge gives the chair a simple pat.

SARGE
Come on. I don’t bite.

NICOLE
Okay.

She sits down. Silence.

SARGE
(trying to break the ice)
This is a really good book. I’m not sure why I grabbed it. The title just seemed to make women seem inferior.

NICOLE
What is it?

SARGE
“Little Women.” An atrocious name for such a good book.

NICOLE
It is good. I’ve read it.

SARGE
You’ve read it?

NICOLE
Yes. Along with most of the books in here. W-we don’t get a lot of customers, so I...have a lot of free time. Just me and my books.

SARGE
Who else works here?

NICOLE
Um...just me and my father. Yep. Just us two.

SARGE
What about your mom?

NICOLE
She died while giving birth to me. One life begins as another ends. My dad says it was her idea to open the library. Her family have always been librarians, and they saved as many books as they can. They even wrote a few of their own. About life before the Bailies, during the Bailies, and after.

Nicole smiles sheepishly.

NICOLE
Sorry. Sometimes I get carried away. I don’t have too many people to talk to.

Sarge smiles, and this time it isn’t forced.

SARGE
It’s okay.

NICOLE
So, what about you? Your family?

SARGE
Well, my mom and dad are dead. I have one sister, but we don’t get along.

NICOLE
How sad. Why not?

SARGE
We just don’t see eye to eye on an important topic.

NICOLE
I’m sorry. I wish I had siblings. Older or younger. Either someone to show me what to do, guide me through life. Or someone I could guide through life.

SARGE
What about your father?

NICOLE
He has cancer. He can’t do much these days. He just sits back there, reading books. Kinda like me. Except for the cancer.

SARGE
Have you not gotten it treated?

NICOLE
We’ve tried. But there’s no one that will help. I even went to the Guard, but they refused us. Said we were nothing but trash.

If we could see Sarge’s heart, it would be bleeding right now. She feels for this girl.

SARGE
I’m sorry. But I know how you feel. I had a friend you had a disease, too.

NICOLE
Did she get treated?

SARGE
Somewhat. But this friend lied to me about it. And I don’t think I can trust her anymore.

NICOLE
Why did she lie?

SARGE
She said to protect me from getting hurt.

NICOLE
That’s a good thing, right? I don’t like to get hurt.

SARGE
Neither do I, but she should’ve told me. I had a right to know.

NICOLE
Are you sure? I mean, it was their disease. They had a right to keep it to themselves. But it’s all a matter of perspective. The thing you should be focused on is that your friend is okay, and that she did tell you.

Sarge thinks this over for a minute. She slowly nods her head.

SARGE
I guess you’re right. But I still can’t stop thinking about the betrayal.

Before Nicole can answer, there’s a large ruckus emanating from the front of the library. Sarge looks over at Nicole.

NICOLE
Those boys. You could set a clock to ‘em.

They two women stand up and head away from the table.

INT. LIBRARY - FRONT

A group of five boys has entered. Their ages range from fifteen to seventeen. The leader, JAKE, a handsome, rugged, cowboy type, looks around at the library.

JAKE
Now, where’s that cute little librarian?

Nicole and Sarge emerge from the stacks.

JAKE
Here she is.
(eyeing Sarge)
And she brought a friend.

BOY 1
A hot friend.

JAKE
Oh, yes indeedy, it is my lucky day.

SARGE
I guess that depends on how you define luck.

Jake laughs, slaps hands with one of his friends.

JAKE
What a mouth you got, gurl. Don’t worry, though. Jake will teach you everything ya gut to know.

SARGE
Will you, now?

JAKE
I will. After I get done with little Ms. Library here.

He walks over to Nicole, swats her ass.

JAKE
Hey there, beautiful.

NICOLE
(nervous and scared)
Jake, please don’t.

JAKE
Why not? You used to like it. What has this newbie said to you, huh? Has she convinced you that you can stand up to me?

NICOLE
N-n-n-no. S-she’s n-not part of this.

JAKE
She’s what I say she is.

In a moment of pure boyhood, Jake grabs Nicole’s skirt and lifts it up, revealing her underwear for all to see. The boys laugh and clap each other’s hands.

This is the last straw. Sarge has had enough. She walks over to Jake and looks down at him.

SARGE
Who do you think you are? You have no right to treat her like this. You think it’s funny to expose her like that?

JAKE
Yeah. I do. Got a problem with it?

Sarge smiles. She reaches down, grabs Jake by the neck, and lifts him off the floor. His friends back up. Sarge grabs the waistband of Jake’s pants.

She pulls down, bunching the pants at his feet. She drops him to the floor. She reaches down, pulls off his shoes, then his pants.

Jake stands up, wearing only white boxerbriefs. His friends laugh at him. Jake turns beet red.

SARGE
It’s not as much fun when it happens to you, is it?

She throws the pants to Nicole, who is also laughing. Jake reaches for the pants, but Nicole keeps them away.

SARGE
Let this be a lesson to you. Don’t mess with women. We’ll always win sooner or later.

JAKE
I can’t go home like this. All I have is sisters. They’ll make fun of me.

SARGE
That’s your problem. Not mine.

BLAUDA
(o.s.)
There’s the Sarge I know and love. The cruel, vicious woman who de-pants kids and humiliates them. Oh, did I forget cold-blooded killer?

Blauda steps out from the stacks.

SARGE
You’re dead. I killed you.

BLAUDA
Please. You shoved me out into the shafts. Have you never heard of shaft webbing?

SARGE
It doesn’t matter. I’ll kill you again.

BLAUDA
Third time’s a charm, isn’t it?

She glances at the boys and Nicole.

BLAUDA
I am not without a heart. Granted, it’s only half mine, but it is there. You are all free to go.

JAKE
We’re outta here!

The boys take off, Jake suddenly forgetting he’s without pants.

Nicole glances over at Sarge, not sure what to do.

SARGE
Get out of here.

NICOLE
But--

SARGE
Now!

Nicole disappears into the stacks.

BLAUDA
Now, it’s just you and me. The way it’s supposed to be.

SARGE
Let’s get it over with.

Blauda attacks, but Sarge blocks and slams her fist into Blauda’s stomach. Blauda doubles over, then rams her head up into Sarge’s chin. Sarge flips onto the floor.

Blauda holds out a gun, and shoots a dart into Sarge’s neck. Sarge groans, then goes limp. Blauda smiles. She throws the gun onto the counter and grabs Sarge’s body.

BLACKOUT
END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

INT. LAB

Hel finishes the work on the panel, and closes it up.

HEL
Well, at least I can repair some things.

She sighs, and begins to work on another broken system.

INT. WAREHOUSE

A large warehouse that seems to have been abandoned long ago. Sarge is tied to a chair, her head resting on her chest.

Blauda appears, holding a needle. Behind her, we see a small cluster of Raptors.

Blauda inserts the needle into Sarge’s neck, and drains all the fluid.

Sarge’s eyes flutter open, then close. They open again, and stay open. Sarge groans, looks around.

SARGE
Where are we?

BLAUDA
That is of no importance. What is important is...you.

SARGE
Blauda, what I did to you was wrong. I realize that. But what you have done is worse.

BLAUDA
How is that? I have never murdered a little girl begging for mercy. I have never shot people in cold blood.

SARGE
But you have killed. You’ve become just like me.

Blauda slaps her, hard.

BLAUDA
I am not like you. I will never be like you.

SARGE
But you are. You’ve become everything you hate.

BLAUDA
(thinking)
Okay. Fine. I can live with that. So what if I have? I am still going to get revenge. I am going to lure your friends here, then I’m going to kill them.

SARGE
Blauda, don’t. There’s no need to kill anyone else. You have me.

BLAUDA
Do you know what it’s like to die? Huh? Because I was officially dead. You did kinda blow my brains out.

Blauda taps her skull.

BLAUDA
At least, half of it. The doctors who found me were miracle workers. They fixed me up. Replaced my blown away portion of a brain with a computer. My face was horribly scarred, so they fixed me up with this puppy.
(taps face plate)
Some of my internal organs failed, so they replaced those. Some they replaced with real ones, others with simulated.

Blauda sighs, touches her chest.

BLAUDA
Do you know what it’s like to be a freak of nature? To have all different kinds of things inside? It’s not fun, Sarge. You took away my youth, my innocence! And I will take away all your friends, then I will take away your beauty.

Blauda pulls a gurney over to the chair, and throws the towel off. Laying on the gurney are all different kinds of sharp instruments.

BLAUDA
I debated over whether or not to kill you or just maim you, and I’ve decided to go with maim. Make you life the rest of your life as a freak like I have to.

SARGE
Fine. But leave my friends out of this.

BLAUDA
Hmmm, let me think. No.

SARGE
Blauda, they didn’t hurt you. I did. They don’t deserve to die.

BLAUDA
I know. But it will hurt you so much. And in the end, that’s always a good thing.

She smiles and pats Sarge on the shoulder.

INT. LAB

Cleo enters from her room, looks around. Hel’s made some progress in the way of repairing some of the minor systems, but the place is still a wreck.

CLEO
Hel, um... I just want to say that I’m sorry. I know that you were under a tremendous strain, and you did what you thought was best. I shouldn’t judge you for it.

HEL
Thanks, Cleo. I know things won’t be the same around here, but I want to try. I want to earn your trust, and Mauser’s, and Sarge’s. I want to make things right. I have to make things right.

CLEO
I’m not sure if you can, but we can try.

HEL
Thanks, Cleo.

CLEO
You’re welcome.

Suddenly, Blauda’s holographic image pops up. Hel ducks down.

BLAUDA
I know you’re listening to this, Cleopatra. I want you to know that I have Sarge.

Hel stands up, relieved that it’s an automated message, but also afraid for Sarge.

BLAUDA
If you do not come to these coordinates in thirty minutes, then I will kill Sarge, then I will kill you. Does that sound fair?

The message ends. Cleo and Hel exchange a look.

CLEO
Did you see those guys in the background?

HEL
Yeah.

CLEO
Those are the Raptors. She still has some left. We’re gonna need help.

INT. MECHANICS BAY

Hel and Cleo enter. Mauser has just finished putting the plasma rifle back together.

CLEO
Mauser, Blauda has Sarge. We know where, but she still has Raptors left.

MAUSER
Not to worry. I am almost done incorporating Raina’s plasma rifle technology into our gauntlets.

HEL
Good work.

MAUSER
(ignoring her)
So, where do we go?

CLEO
We’re gonna need reinforcements.

HEL
Porter and Lara.

CLEO
Good choice. Of course, we’re gonna have a hard time explaining how you’re still alive.

HEL
That’s gonna be fun.

INT. SHAFTS

The team falls down. They shoot their webbing and land on an edge.

CLEO
Well, we’re here. This is Porter’s and Lara’s lab.

HEL
Hopefully they accept my explanation of my death.

MAUSER
Not everyone has the same outlook as you, Hel. You’re just going to have to accept that.

Hel is taken aback by this. The same people who welcomed her are turning against her.

Suddenly, Blade appears, swinging on his webbing. He drops down next to Cleo.

CLEO
What are you doing here?

BLADE
I’m here to help...against orders.

He looks at Hel.

BLADE
Hi.

HEL
You’re okay with the fact that I’m alive now?

BLADE
My superiors filled me in.

HEL
And how do they know?

BLADE
Not sure.

CLEO
More secrets.

BLADE
I’m here to help, okay? I was told not to interfere, but I am. That should be a sign of good faith.

CLEO
Yeah. Yeah, I guess it is.

Porter and Lara emerge from their lab, ready for battle. Lara sees Hel and rushes over to her, giving her a big hug.

LARA
Oh Hel, thank god you’re not dead. I was so worried.

HEL
Shhh. It’s okay.

MAUSER
(disgusted)
Time’s running out, people.

HEL
He’s right. We have to go.

They all nod. They’re ready.

INT. WAREHOUSE

Blauda glances at her gauntlet.

BLAUDA
Time’s almost up. Guess I’m gonna have to kill them. Oh well.

She walks behind Sarge to the machine, which is now covered with a tarp. She pulls the tarp off. The machine is a long, steel cylinder mounted on a platform, with lots of shiny buttons.

The tip of the cylinder is pointed, with red tubes running from it down the the computers on the platform.

Blauda and a few Raptors push the machine to the front of the warehouse, giving Sarge a good look.

BLAUDA
This is my masterpiece, Sarge. I call it the Killer. Not an original name, but that is what it does. Kill. See, when the Raptors fought with your friends, they released a toxin that ties directly in with this machine. The toxin is filled with millions of tiny probes, which enter that person’s blood stream and transmits data to this machine. The toxin is also contagious. So whoever they come in contact with will also be filled with the probes.

SARGE
What’s the purpose?

BLAUDA
The probes send the Killer information, and I can read anything about that person. It takes a while to get all the data collected and form a logical pattern, but I don’t need that to do what I’m about to do.

Blauda pauses, wanting Sarge to ask her what it’s going to do.

SARGE
(annoyed)
Which is?

BLAUDA
I can self-destruct all the probes in the bloodstream, killing the person. They’ll die of internal bleeding if they’re lucky. If the probes have infiltrated their lungs, liver, heart, kidney, well.... You get the picture.

She presses a few buttons and the machine comes to life. She looks at a view screen, which shows a picture of Cleo, Blade, Raina, and Mauser. It also has three dark spots, with the words “Collecting Information” on it.

BLAUDA
It seems as if you’re friends have picked up three new buddies. The more, the merrier. I swear, this was the best invention I could’ve created.

SARGE
You created that?

BLAUDA
Yes. Why?

SARGE
Well, if you created it, then it’s probably not going to work.

BLAUDA
(seething with rage)
Yes, it will. And even if the probes don’t self-destruct, which they will, the Killer also doubles as a laser gun. Based on your gauntlet designs.

She presses a button, and the coils begin to heat up. The Killer hums, then a long, steady, blue beam arcs out, hitting a wall of the warehouse, blowing it up.

BLAUDA
Pretty cool, huh?

She glances down at the clock on the Killer.

BLAUDA
Well, time’s up. Your friends aren’t here, so I guess I’ll just have to kill them.

She goes to activate the self-destruct, when an explosion rocks the warehouse.

IN THE NOW RUINED DOORWAY

stands Hel, Cleo, Mauser, Blade, Porter, and Lara. They’re ready for battle. Tense. Grim faced.

BLAUDA
Well, well, well. You’re all-

She stops when she sees Hel.

BLAUDA
You!? But you’re dead! I killed you!

HEL
Wrong. I’m still alive and kicking.

Hel fires her gauntlet, but Blauda jumps off the platform, and the shot goes wide.

The others open fire, and their blasts streak out across the warehouse.

The Raptors kick their feet, and begin to run at super speeds.

Blade reaches into his coat and pulls out a small sphere. He throws it on the ground. The sphere explodes, and sends a shockwave through the warehouse. It hits the Raptor’s legs, and begins to short-circuit their leg implants.

INT. RAPTOR LEG

We’re getting a first hand look at the device implanted into their legs. It begins to melt, sending sparks up into their legs.

INT. WAREHOUSE

All the Raptors collapse, howling in pain.

Cleo turns to Blade.

CLEO
Nice trick.

BLADE
Thanks.

The Raptors begin to stand up, the pain wearing off. They rush our team. Not at super sonic speed, but still pretty fast.

One swings his elbow blade at Lara, who ducks and kicks him in the back. Another rushes her, punching her in the face. She goes down.

The Raptor gets ready to slice her open when a plasma charge hits him, turning him into dust. Lara looks up to see Porter. She smiles, but its short-lived. Two Raptors tackle Porter to the ground, while one grabs Lara.

Cleo punches a Raptor in the face, then grabs his hand and swings him into two of his buddies. His sharp protrusions slam into one Raptor’s chest, killing him.

Blade kicks one Raptor in the chest, cracking his ribs. He turns around, swinging his left arm out, also activating the dagger within. He slams it home into a Raptor’s knee.

A Raptor jumps on his back, beating his face. Blade runs backwards, slamming the Raptor into a crate. He grabs the Raptor by his shoulders and flips him onto the ground. He kicks him in the head.

Mauser is taking hits from three Raptors, but it doesn’t even faze him. He grabs one Raptor’s hand and breaks his wrist. He picks him up and throws him all the way across the warehouse.

The other two Raptors try to run, but Mauser grabs them by their shirts and pull them back. He begins pounding on them, slamming his Betrayer fists into their faces.

Hel flips over a Raptor, swings her legs out, catching two Raptors in the face. She lands in a split, jumps up, turns in the air, and slams her foot into a rushing Raptor’s face.

She lands, somersaults, and elbows a Raptor in the face. One runs up to her and punches her in the face. The Raptor then slams its fist into Hel’s gut. Hel grabs the Raptor by the throat and throws him away.

A Raptor takes a swing at Cleo, but she ducks and pushes him back. She jumps into the
air and unleashes alternating front kicks so fast she succeeds in hitting him the in chest six times before landing on her feet.

Lara slams her knee into a Raptor’s gut, then throws him away. Another Raptor attacks her. She catches one of his arms, then the other, crossing them at the wrists, and holds them with one hand as she jack hammers her other fist three times into his face. He frees his arms and she deflects his
punch and shoves him back to hit him in the chest with a stepping sidekick.

Porter flips into the air, avoiding a deadly slash by a Raptor. He fires his gauntlet, taking him out. As he lands, a Raptor wraps his arms around him in a big bear hug. The Raptor lifts Porter off the ground, squeezing him.

Porter takes his time, and then executes a will placed kick to the Raptor’s shin. The Raptor groans and releases him. Porter whirls around on his attacker and kicks him in the face, knocking the man into the wall. Porter grabs him by the head and brings it down to meet his knee. The Raptor collapses to the floor.

Blade jumps at a Raptor leading with a fist to the Raptor’s face. He grabs the Raptor by the shoulders and slams a knee into his gut. It doesn't seem as if he felt a thing. He spins Blade around, jabbing him smartly in the kidney, then tosses him into the air. Blade flies across the warehouse in a spinning flip and lands hard on one of the wooden crates. He flops down to the floor.

Hel runs to Sarge’s side as she dispatches the latest Raptor. She kneels down and begins to undo her bonds.

HEL
Hang on, Sarge.

SARGE
I guess I should thank you for the rescue.

HEL
You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.

Suddenly, Blauda appears behind Hel, grabs her by the shoulders, and throws her away.

BLAUDA
No rescue today, Sarge.

She turns to Hel, smiles.

Hel charges Blauda and leaps into the air to attack her. Blauda intercepts her with a hard punch to her midsection and Hel goes flying back, tumbling across the floor. She comes up on her knees, then shoulder rolls forward, springing to her feet, and hits Blauda with a hard front kick to the stomach. She follows through with a left hook, then a right-left combo to Blauda’s face. She snaps a backhand against her face, but Blauda doesn't appear to be bothered by her attack.

She swings out with her arm, catching Hel right in the nose. Hel stumbles back, bleeding. Blauda takes the momentary distraction and jabs Hel with a right hook, followed by an uppercut.

Hel falls flat on her ass. Blauda swings her leg straight at Hel’s face. Hel blocks it, then pulls Blauda’s foot out from under her. Blauda falls on her back.

Hel jumps to her feet. Blauda does the same. Blauda launches an attack, but Hel manages to block most of the blows. A few connect with her face.

Hel grabs Blauda’s arm, twists it, then snap kicks her in the side. Blauda doesn’t even cringe. She pulls her hand free and slams it, palm open, into Hel’s already sensitive nose.

Blauda extends her left arm, and a long skewer slithers out of her leather sleeve. Hel looks at it in amazement.

BLAUDA
I’ve been upgrading.

Blauda thrusts it at Hel, but she manages to side-step it. Blauda swings in a wide arc, but Hel jumps up into the air, grabs her ankles with her arms, and flies right out of the target range.

She lands in a crouch. Blauda swings down. Hel’s hands swing up. Hel catches the skewer, and shoves Blauda back.

She doesn’t even give Blauda a chance to recover. She presses her attack, slamming her fists into every available opening. She uppercuts, right hooks, left hooks, does a combination.

Blauda falls to her knees, panting.

BLAUDA
You fool. I have no pain receptors. No matter how many times you hit me, I won’t feel a thing.

She laughs.

Meanwhile, Sarge pulls at her bonds, and is able to get them free. A Raptor charges her, but Sarge just slams her fist into his face and he crumbles to the floor.

Sarge runs over to the Killer and hops on the platform. She glances at the monitor. It now shows Hel’s, Lara’s and Porter’s face. But it also shows Blauda’s.

SARGE
(smiles)
She didn’t make herself immune? How stupid.

She tries to make heads and tails of the buttons, but it’s too complicated. Suddenly, a Raptor leaps at her, knocking her off the platform and into the fray.

Meanwhile, Blauda has Hel against the ropes. She slams her fists into Hel’s face, not letting up. Hel is beginning to weaken. Blauda throws her to the ground, and gets ready to skewer her.

Blade punches a Raptor, then sees Blauda standing over Hel. He reaches into his duster and whips out his Mach. He fires.

Blauda looks over and sees the blast. She jumps out of the way at the last second.

She rushes Blade, knocking him to the ground. He jumps up and delivers a hard kick to her chest. Blauda stumbles back, but then slams her right fist into Blade’s face. She then kicks him in the balls. Blade crumbles to his knees.

Cleo screams and jumps on Blauda’s back. She slams home three good punches before jumping off. Blauda turns to face her, lashing out with her skewer. Cleo jumps aside, but not fast enough. Blauda nicks her arm.

Cleo delivers a roundhouse kick to Blauda’s chest, followed by a punch to the gut. Blauda doubles over. Cleo launches herself into the air and slams both feet into Blauda’s back. She falls to the floor.

Cleo lands on her feet and kicks Blauda in the head. Blauda swings out with her skewer and slashes Cleo’s ankles. Cleo screams and falls to the ground.

Blauda stands up. She turns just in time to see Mauser slam his huge fist into her face, sending her flying back into a wall.

Mauser charges her, thinking Blauda’s out of it. But at the last second she slams the skewer into his chest. It goes straight through.

She pulls it out and pushes Mauser down.

Lara jumps at Blauda, kicking her in the face. Blauda’s head snaps back, but that’s it. She retaliates with a hard kick to Lara’s side, followed by a right hook that knocks Lara down.

Meanwhile, Sarge finishes with three Raptors. She sees the major fight going on, and jumps onto the platform. She begins trying to isolate the self destruct signal just to Blauda.

Porter rushes Blauda, slamming his fist into her gut. She just laughs and grabs him by his hair. She rams her knee into his groin, and then lets go. Porter falls to the ground.

Blauda looks around. The destruction is almost complete. Lara stands up, but Blauda high kicks her in the face, and she crumbles like a rag doll.

She notices Sarge on the Killer’s platform. She smiles.

BLAUDA
What are you doing, Sarge? Trying to blow your friends up yourself?

SARGE
No. Seems like you forgot to make yourself immune!

Blauda’s eyes go wide in horror.

BLAUDA
No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!

She leaps up into the air, aiming for the platform. Everything goes into slow motion.

Sarge typing furiously, trying to isolate Blauda’s DNA pattern.

Blauda, her mouth open in a silent scream, flying through the air trying to stop Sarge.

Sarge finally figures it out, and Blauda’s image fills up the screen. Sarge hits a button. She looks up at Blauda, but not with joy. With sorrow.

SARGE
(mouthing)
I’m sorry.

Blauda’s eyes go wide as she realizes the implications of those two words.

INT. BLAUDA’S BLOOD STREAM

We can see the small probes swimming in the blood. Then, one by one, they begin to explode.

INT. WAREHOUSE

As Blauda flies through the air, she catches on fire. Her skin begins to melt. Her skewer falls to the ground.

Sarge jumps off the platform as Blauda’s body slams into it. The fire catches on the machine, and there’s a small explosion.

Hel sits up, groans. She feels her head. She has a small bump. She stands up.

HEL
Everyone okay?

Lara glances at a deactivated Mauser.

LARA
I think so. Except for Mauser. He’s off-line.

CLEO
I’m not. Blauda slashed my ankles.

Blade stands up and walks over to her. He scoops her up in his arms.

BLADE
I got you.

CLEO
My knight in shining armor.

They smile at each other.

HEL
Hey, Sarge. Thanks for the rescue.

She looks over at the platform, but Sarge is gone.

HEL
Sarge?

BLADE
I don’t think she’s here.

CLEO
(doubtfully)
Maybe she went back to the lab?

HEL
Maybe.

She glances at her warriors. They’re tired, bruised. Hungry.

HEL
Let’s go home.

The rugged team of warriors turn and head out of the warehouse, glad to have lived through another battle. Porter and Hel prop Mauser up between them.

At the Killer, the cylinder has collapsed, and the tip rests on the floor. A small fire blazes. In that fire is s round, black box. One of its lights begins to glow. It sparks, and the sparks hit the control panel.

After a second, the control panel comes to life. On the screen is Blauda’s face!

BLAUDA
No!

BLACKOUT

Executive Producers
Davin Nation
&
Cody Steinman

Next Week

(No episode next week.)