Episode 21
SCENE 1
(Camera fades in from black to the Guardian standing on a platform in front of the school. The city population has gathered in the square in front of him. We see a few familiar faces scattered in the crowd: Beta, Meta, Ben, Mira as well as Lottie, Cara, Cal and Kayla. The Guardian is protected by a bunch of Chosen guards with spears and there are several other Chosen keeping an eye on the crowd.)
Guardian: Welcome brethren to the Age of Zoot. Zoot has chosen your city and its people to be the first witnesses to the return of Power and Chaos. We will extend you the honour of becoming one of his disciples if you prove yourself worthy.
Beta: What if we don't?
Guardian: Don't fear, there's a place for all of you in the Age of Zoot. Some will be Chosen (camera pans to the Astros standing in their new robes behind him) and others will work for us to make Zoot's will happen.
Beta: Like hell we are.
Guardian: There will be no more fighting. You'll find it is useless to oppose the one true way of Power and Chaos, but if you need a reminder…
(He signals to the Chosen to his right and the captured tribal leaders are brought on stage. They are all shackled and look sullen.)
Guardian: No harm will come to your false leaders as long as you cooperate. It is truly up to you.
Girl in the crowd: Where's Alpha?
(The Guardian ignores the shout as he steps off the stage. He grabs Jasper and pulls him closer.)
Guardian: Any sign of them?
Jasper: Nothing. They haven't been to see their tribes again.
Guardian: Get the girl! Send her to work!
(Jasper nods. He gathers a few Chosen and together they grab the girl out of the crowd and take her away. Camera cuts to next scene.)
SCENE 2
(The remaining Mall Rats are sitting in the café and listen to Lottie talk about the Guardian's announcement.)
Lottie: And then he said that nothing will happen to the leaders as long as we do what they say.
Ram: So that's why he wanted them alive. Makes sense.
Darryl: Did you see Gel?
Cara: No just the leaders. Noel and Amber seemed to be okay.
Darryl: What do you think he's done with Gel?
Ellie: I'm sure, she's fine, Darryl. The Guardian didn't just kill people for nothing. He liked to make an example out of them. If he wanted to harm Gel, he'd make sure, we know about it.
Ryan: That was then. He did order Patsy to be killed without making a big announcement about it.
Kayla: Thanks, Ryan, that's really helpful right now. Darryl, she's fine. I just know she is.
Ryan: Sorry.
Ruby: So what is his plan?
Ram: Taking over the city. He's already gotten all the tribes under his thumb by kidnapping their leaders.
Cloe: I don't understand why he's not taken everyone. Last time he made all of us slaves, this time he's just positioned a few guards around the hospital to see if Bray and Trudy get back.
Cal: Maybe he doesn't have the manpower yet to take everyone. Maybe he doesn't need to.
Ty: What do you mean?
Ram: He means that most of the tribes will cooperate to keep their leaders or anyone else they care about safe. The few people who do revolt, he can easily kill or take away.
(Camera pans around the room to show all Mall Rats looking a bit lost, before cutting to the next scene.)
SCENE 3
(Alpha is crawling into the maternity shop with Bray on his heels. Trudy looks relieved, when she sees them. Behind her, Bray Jr is sleeping on a pile of clothes.)
Trudy: What was the announcement about?
Alpha: Display of power.
Trudy: Did you see Brady?
Bray: No, but I saw Amber.
Alpha: What do you think his next step will be? You know the guy better than I do.
Bray: Indoctrinating as many people as possible. Make slaves out of everyone else.
Trudy: Definitely slaves. He'll have the Chosen supervise them, but his vision is to have the Chosen as some sort of upper class that don't need to work.
Alpha: I know a few people who'd want to join then.
Trudy: It won't be that easy. I'm surprised he hasn't made an example out of anyone yet.
Bray: He will as soon as he gets his hands on any of us.
(Trudy looks scared so Bray gives her hand a slight squeeze.)
Alpha: He won't. I bet there are still more than enough people out there, ready to fight those bastards.
SCENE 4
(Camera cuts to Ryan, Patsy and Cloe. They're walking down the corridor, looking into all the abandoned rooms.)
Cloe: This feels unreal.
Patsy: Not just to you. I can't believe they are back.
Ryan: If they didn't have Brady and the others, I'd go down to the cinema and break his neck.
Patsy: That would just get you killed.
Cloe: I can't believe Tai-San was in on it the whole time. I mean, I know she's lost her memory, but still… How can she buy into that creep?
Ryan: I suppose he didn't even have to lie a whole lot. She did volunteer to be the Supreme Mother last time.
Cloe: But… wasn't Trudy?
Patsy: Yes, she was. That happened after we were taken away, Cloe.
Cloe: Tai-San was telling me about a dream she had not long ago. She said, she saw death.
Patsy: Maybe she was just playing.
Cloe: But why would she tell me then? I think she's confused.
Ryan: She still sold us out. She might even get all of us killed.
(Angrily he walks away, leaving the younger girls behind.)
Patsy: I think he feels alone with everyone gone.
Cloe: He still has us.
Patsy (shrugs): He's worried. You know how he gets.
Cloe: I do? It's hard for me right now, Pats. What's happening now is blending in with what has already happened with the Chosen and things I've seen in Reality Space. I can't even tell if this is real or not.
Patsy: I'm real, you know that. Let's go through the facts again.
Cloe: My name is Cloe. I'm a Mall Rat. I live…
(The audio fades out as the camera zooms out and cuts to the next scene.)
SCENE 5
(Darryl is sitting on his bed. His eyes wander through the room resting on all the things that belong to Gel. Kayla sits down next to him and gently pats his knee.)
Kayla: Don't worry, Darryl. Gel is tougher than you think.
Darryl: I just left her there, Kay. I should've gone back for her.
Kayla: What's done is done. This helps no one.
Darryl: I let her down. I'm the one person, who should always be there for her, and I let her down. She was shouting my name.
Kayla: Okay, let's say you did get back to help her. What would've happened? You would've gotten caught too and wouldn't be able to do anything for her.
Darryl: At least she wouldn't be alone. She must be so scared. It's just like last time, when I wasn't there and she lost an eye.
Kayla: She's not alone. Amber is with her and the other tribal leaders.
Darryl: If anything happens to her… I just… I don't think I could live with myself.
Kayla: Give her a bit of credit. She's not the loudmouthed, ditzy girl anymore. Well, she is, but she's so much more than that.
Darryl: I know that, but… I still feel like I need to protect her.
Kayla: We'll get her back. We'll get all of them back.
(Darryl looks up at her and see the determined look on her face. It's enough to make him smile a little.)
SCENE 6
(The captives are led back into the cinema. The Guardian is about to head for his quarters, when a shout stops him.)
Amber: You won't get away with this, Guardian!
Guardian (turns around, smiling): Haven't I already?
Amber: They won't obey you, just because you have a few of their people.
Guardian: They better, or all of you will have to pay for it.
Debra: Once you've killed us, you have nothing to hold over them anymore.
Guardian: I never said. You're not going to the Great Hereafter as long as I have a use for you.
Amber: You can't make us say or do anything.
Guardian: Your beloved Bray thought the same thing. He and the one you call Alpha were too stubborn. I certainly had no use for them.
Leanne: That's a lie. I saw them get away.
Guardian: And then we caught them again. Of course Bray would run home to his darling son.
Amber: You're lying!
Guardian: Well, I might be, but what if I'm not? Bray and Alpha are dead. Do you want your son to be, too?
Amber: He's a child! Even you wouldn't stoop so low.
Guardian: Zoot might want to meet his nephew.
(The Guardian smiles and leaves as the captives are pushed forwards. Amber looks after him in disbelief.)
Noel: Amber, he's lying. They're not dead.
Amber: But what if he really has Junior?
Noel: All lies. Trust me.
Amber: I wish I could.
(A guard pushes him hard and Noel lands on his knees. He's quickly pulled up again and they are pushed into the storage room.)
SCENE 7
(Camera cuts to Ryan, Cal, Ram, Ruby, Jack and Ellie sitting in the café.)
Ryan: We have to do something.
Ram: You think? I thought we were all going to join the Chosen now.
Ellie: Very funny, Ram.
Cal: We should talk to the other tribes. Get organized.
Jack: They probably have guards outside their homes too and I don't think the Chosen will let us in.
Ellie: Ram, shouldn't you know something about taking over a city? Isn't there something you can do?
Ram: On my own? I had a whole score of Technos and advanced technology.
Ryan: You'll just have to make do with Jack.
Jack: Me? I don't know what to do either.
Ellie: You're a genius, Jack. (smiles) You'll think of something.
Ram: The best way to destroy a computer is with a virus. Do it from the inside.
Ellie: That's how we did it last time, but I doubt, they'll let any of the Mall Rats join.
Ruby: That would take too long.
Ram: I see, you want to do it with brute strength. Shouldn't Lex be here for that?
Cal: Has he still not come back yet?
Ryan: No.
(Camera pans around to show their worried faces before cutting to the next scene.)
SCENE 8
(Ty and Paul are sitting in the control room. They are watching the Chosen guards in front of their front and back doors.)
Paul: They creep me out.
Ty: Me too. Especially after all I've heard about the Chosen.
Paul: They won't turn me into a slave again. I'll never go back to that.
Ty: You weren't a slave under the Chosen, were you?
Paul: No. I wasn't in the city anymore, when the Chosen took over.
Ty: I really thought we'd be done with this after the Anarchists. That we'd finally have peace.
Paul: I'm not kidding myself anymore. There's always someone else trying to be the boss.
Ty: The Anarchists didn't want to lead, they just…
Paul: I know. This guy talks about Power and Chaos a lot, but there's not much chaos about his attempt. The Anarchists were the chaotic ones. They were more like the Locos.
Ty: Locos?
Paul: Zoot's tribe. They terrorized the city. Apparently this Guardian guy was one of them. I can't really see it.
Ty: He's definitely messed up enough to fit in with them by the sounds of it.
(Paul runs a hand along Ty's arm until he reaches his hand and intertwines their fingers. Ty kisses his cheek, then pulls his hand back in order to sign.)
Ty: How am I going to tell Patsy with all of this going on?
Paul: There's never going to be a right time. If it's not the Chosen, it's something else.
Ty: I guess…
(Camera pans back to the screen with the Chosen guards and then cuts to the next scene.)
SCENE 9
(Alpha, Trudy and Bray are pacing in the little shop, all of them feeling like caged animals. Even Bray Jr is getting restless.)
Bray Jr: Daddy, I wanna go home. I miss Mummy.
Bray (picks him up): We'll have to stay here a bit longer.
Bray Jr: It's boring here.
Alpha: I'm meeting with Beta later. I could probably get the whole Pack behind an attack, what about your tribe?
Trudy: They'd fight.
Bray: But we'd still not have enough people for a serious attack.
Alpha: We couldn't attack the cinema, that's true. We could take out some of the guards around the city though and animate the City Kids to join us.
Bray: And what then? They kill Amber and the others? You heard the Guardian, if we start anything, they'll harm the captives.
Alpha: What do you suggest then?
Bray: We have to gather enough people to attack the cinema and get our friends out.
Trudy: Where are we going to get the people?
Bray: I can go to the warehouses. They'll want to free Noel too. And we can talk to the Lost Boys, Skygliders and Gypsies too. They all wanted to fight the Anarchists, so they should be up to fighting the Chosen too.
Alpha: You'll get caught. There's guards everywhere.
Bray: I won't.
Alpha: Well, take the risk then, but I'm telling you, there's nobody saving your ass a second time.
Trudy: Maybe I should go.
Alpha: You? You couldn't even climb up here without help.
Trudy: I might not be strong, but I can move without anyone hearing or seeing me. Bray, I've lived with the Ecos long enough.
Bray: I know, Trudy, but it's too dangerous. I'll go. I know the city better than you do.
Trudy: Fine.
(He hands her Bray Jr and the two boys climb through the broken window to round up the other tribes.)
SCENE 10
(Camera cuts to the storage room just as the door opens and Tilly walks in with two guards. She points at Lex and Cloud.)
Tilly: Those two!
(The Chosen get them up and push them to the door.)
Amber: Where are you taking them?
Tilly: None of your business.
(She follows the guards outside. In the foyer she stops them.)
Tilly: Bring Cloud to my room. The Guardian wants to see the other one in theatre 2.
(She follows the Guard who's leading Cloud away. Camera stays on Lex as he's brought into the theatre. The Guardian, Tai-San and Brady are standing in front of the screen as he's brought in.)
Lex: Tai-San!
Brady: Lex!
(She starts running to him, but her way is blocked by two Chosen guards. Tai-San pulls her back to her side.)
Brady: Let me through. He's my friend.
Guardian: He's an enemy of the Chosen. All of the Mall Rats are.
Brady: Are the others here too? Is Mummy here?
Guardian: Quiet, Princess!
(Brady looks up at Tai-San, who nods slightly. She falls silent.)
Lex: What do you want?
Guardian: I'm just curious why you decided to join us out of your own accords.
Lex: I knew you had Brady, so I came looking.
Guardian: How did you know the Divine Child was here? You're not saying the Supreme Mother gave it away, are you?
(He gives Tai-San a stern look, which she meets without fear.)
Lex: Camille. Her story sounded fishy to me.
Guardian: Well, she's not the sharpest tool in the shed, that one. Got the job done, though.
Lex: What are you going to do with me now?
Guardian: I haven't decided yet. The Supreme Mother and I are still debating whether to let you join Zoot so he can get his own revenge on you or send you back to your friends with a bit of a warning. (he puts an arm around Tai-San's waist and pulls her closer) What do you think?
(He grins down at Lex, when he sees the anger flare on his face. Lex struggles against his cuffs, but it's no use.)
Lex: Get away from her! Don't you touch her!
Tai-San: It would be great for our cause if we could break his spirit, Guardian. Someone as strong-willed as him would make a great example.
Guardian: I don't think we can break Lex.
Tai-San: With Zoot's help everything is possible. Especially you should be able to break his will, isn't it so?
Brady: He can't do it!
Guardian: Shut up! You better teach the Princess, when to hold her tongue, Supreme Mother.
Tai-San: I will. My apologies.
Guardian: But you're right of course. If anyone can do it, I can. It would be a great display of Zoot's mercy as well.
(He grabs Tai-San's chin and kisses her forcefully, which makes Lex roar again.)
Lex: Get your filthy grubs off my wife!
Guardian: She's not your wife, Lex. She's the Supreme Mother. Whatever earthly bonds you've pushed on her, no longer bear any meaning. (to Chosen guards) Take him away. I want him in solitary confinement.
(Lex is screaming obscenities at the Guardian as he's dragged away.)
SCENE 11
(Camera cuts to the forest in the park of the hospital. Chosen guards are seen in the background at the hospital's backdoor. Cara and Paul are sitting in the grass, leaning against a tree.)
Cara: I want to kick their ass. I could easily do it.
Paul: Me too. How stupid do you have to be, to buy into that crap?
Cara: I wonder what kind of people they were before.
Paul: Losers.
(A sound behind them makes Cara jump to her feet. Paul follows suit, confused at what got his friend so spooked. Camera pans around to show Mira hiding between the trees. Paul and Cara look over their shoulder, but the guards haven't noticed anything and so they go to meet her.)
Cara: Who are you?
Mira: Mira.
Paul: She's a friend of Lex's.
Mira: What's with the hands?
Cara: He's deaf. It's how we talk.
Mira: Oh, okay.
Cara: What are you doing here? Are you spying for the Chosen?
Mira: No, definitely not. I was just wondering if you heard about Lex.
Paul: What about Lex?
Cara: Do you know what happened to him?
Mira: They have him. I saw him the other night at the cinema. A bunch of guys pulled him inside.
Cara: That explains where he went.
Paul: At least the others can stop freaking out about his drinking.
Mira: Do you plan anything? We have to get rid of these guys, right?
Cara: What's it to you? For all we know, you could be a spy.
Mira: I want them gone. I can help.
Cara: How?
Mira: Well, looks like you can't go anywhere without the Chosen knowing about it. I can.
Paul: Bray and Trudy can't come here without getting caught. Maybe she could help us.
(Cara nods. The three of them continue talking as the camera cuts to the next scene.)
SCENE 12
(Cal and Kayla are sitting in Kayla's room.)
Kayla: I wonder what's going on at the farm. Do you think they're alright?
Cal: They might be far enough away to be safe.
Kayla: How long? The Chosen need food too.
Cal: KC will be fine. He's slippery.
Kayla: It's not just him. The farm and the people that live there… I build that place up again. I don't want to lose it.
Cal: You won't. The Chosen won't be around for long.
Kayla: They were the last time. I lost my tribe once because of them. I don't want to be left alone again.
Cal: I'll be here for you, Kay. Whatever happens, you won't be alone.
Kayla: You don't know the Chosen like I do.
Cal (wraps his arms around her): But I know other tyrants and I know this one, won't have it as easy as the first time.
Kayla: He already has everything he wants. There's nothing we can keep from him.
Cal: Sure there is. He'll never get our obedience.
Kayla: Do you think the rest of the city sees it the same way? He could have us all killed, that's enough to scare anyone into obedience.
Cal: If the Anarchists didn't scare them, the Chosen won't either.
Kayla: I hope you're right.
(She rests her head on his chest. Camera cuts to the next scene.)
SCENE 13
(Jack and Sammy are sitting on the chairs in Ram's room. They cleared a bit of space at the desk and Ram places three of the old Techno zappers in front of them.)
Sammy: I don't believe it!
Jack: You've had these all this time? (Ram just shrugs) Why didn't you use them against the Anarchists?
Ram: They didn't work then.
Jack: So that's what you've been doing in here while you were sulking.
Ram: I wasn't sulking. I was tired of all your pathetic problems.
Jack: Right.
Sammy: So you fixed them?
Ram: Mostly. I have to regulate the intensity of the beam. They had two settings, stun and kill, but I haven't gotten that fixed.
Jack: What does it do right now?
Ram: Stun, but not as effectively as before. There just isn't enough energy to charge them like we used to.
Jack: That's probably best. I don't reckon the others would let us use them, if they could still kill.
Ram: You mean, you wouldn't use one.
Jack: So? Is there anything wrong with not wanting to kill people?
Ram: Not necessarily. Don't think the Chosen will care about your moral, when they stab you with their spears.
Jack: Is that all you have? Some gadgets?
Ram: I don't see you coming up with any ideas.
Jack: We have to get Brady and Tai-San and let everyone see how crazy the Guardian really is.
Sammy: Can't you do this thing you did with Amber? When we tried to take over your broadcast on CityNet, you made Amber's picture say all of these lies.
Ram (grinning smugly): Oh yea, that was brilliant. But I can't. I was only able to manipulate her picture and voice like that, because we had her scanned for Paradise.
Sammy: Oh…
(Jack takes one of the zappers and studies it. The camera cuts to the next scene.)
SCENE 14
(Brady and Tai-San are walking through the cinema. They are followed by two guards, but as they reach Tai-San's room, she makes the guards stop.)
Tai-San: It's time for Brady's lessons. I don't want to be disturbed by anyone.
Guard: Of course, Supreme Mother.
(They stay outside the door as Brady and Tai-San enter. Both of them relax a little once they are alone. Brady jumps onto the bed and lets her feet dangle over the edge. Tai-San keeps her distance, knowing the little girl is still wary of her.)
Brady: What is he going to do with Lex?
Tai-San: I don't know.
Brady: Why did you tell him to do stuff to him?
Tai-San: I was trying to save his life.
Brady: Is everyone else here too?
Tai-San: No, just Lex and Amber. Oh and another girl, what was her name again… Ah yes, Gel.
Brady: Can I see them?
Tai-San: I'm afraid not. I'm not allowed to see the captives either.
Brady: Are you going to tell me made-up stories about my Daddy again?
Tai-San: No, but if anyone asks, that's what we're doing.
Brady: You're still a liar and I don't like you.
Tai-San: That's okay, but we need to stick together now.
Brady: Why do you want to go? They are your friends, aren't they?
Tai-San: I thought so, but I think I made a huge mistake.
Brady: Why can't you just say that and go?
Tai-San: Because apparently I'm the Supreme Mother. They won't let me leave just like you. Even though I don't remember you and the others, I think I owe it to all of you to try and keep you safe.
Brady: What about Lex, Amber and Gel?
Tai-San: Them too.
(Brady nods as if she's actually understanding what is going on with the Chosen. Tai-San smiles, knowing it is way too much for a 6-year-old to grasp.)
SCENE 15
(Camera cuts to Bray sneaking through the city on his way to the warehouses. He's able to dodge the Chosen patrolling the streets, but he can't get past the guards without being seen. He covers in the shadows for a while, trying to find an opening, but can't. He slowly retreats, making sure to remain hidden, when a group of people from various tribes and city kids move past him. They are led by Beta and Meta. They don't get far until they are stopped by a group of Chosen.)
Beta: Out of the way, dumbasses!
Felix: Disband now!
Meta: We're not scared of you, Felix. I'm not even surprised you bought all this Zoot crap.
Felix: Last warning. Disband now or suffer the consequences.
(Meta spits in his face. There's complete silence with nobody moving for a few seconds, then everything dissolves into chaos. The group led by Meta and Beta jump the Chosen, but they are fighting back just as hard. Bray crouches behind a pile of rubbish, watching the whole scene.)
Felix (shouts): Stop right now or she dies!
(Felix is holding Meta in a chokehold and everyone freezes. Felix grins.)
Felix: Lower your weapons!
(They hesitate, but eventually follow the order. Felix nods at his fellow Chosen and they start grabbing them. Some of the city kids run away, but a few stay along with Beta.)
Beta: Let her go, Felix!
Felix: I will. (A Chosen tries to grab Beta, but he fights him off) Once you learn to cooperate, Beta.
Beta: I'm not going anywhere with you.
Felix: I thought you cared more about your sister.
Meta (choking): Beta, please, he's not joking.
(Beta immediately stops resisting and lets the Chosen tie his hands behind his back.)
Beta: What are you going to do with us?
Felix: That's not for us to decide. (pauses) Well, but Meta was disrespecting me. (He tightens his hold, making her gasp for air) I'll just tell the Guardian it was a casualty.
Beta: You can't! We cooperated, stop hurting her!
Felix (grabs a spear from another Chosen): I can.
(He lets go of Meta and pushes her forward, making her fall to her knees. Before she can get back to her feet, he thrusts the spear into her back. Meta's eyes fly open in shock. She makes a gurgling sound as she falls onto her face. Blood starts pooling around her and staining her clothes.)
Beta: NO! No! Meta! You bastard! I'm gonna kill you! I'll kill you!
Felix: I'd stop with the ruckus unless you want to join your sister.
(On his command they start marching the captives back to the cinema. Beta is screaming and fighting the whole way. Camera pans back to Bray, who stares at Meta's body in shock. When he's sure, nobody's around, he quickly moves over to her and turns her over. Her dead eyes stare up at him and he closes them with his hand.)
Bray: I'm sorry.
(Knowing he can't do anything to help her or put her to rest, he leaves her. Camera stays on Meta for a moment, before cutting to the next scene.)
SCENE 16
(Cloud is sitting on the bed in Tilly's room. His hands are still cuffed, but otherwise he's fine. When Tilly enters, she's gotten out of her robe and is only wearing a short skirt and a bra. Cloud raises an eyebrow at her, then turn his head and stares at the wall.)
Tilly: What? You don't like it?
Cloud: Not particularly.
Tilly: You're very ungrateful.
Cloud: What should I be grateful for? That you let my tribe be taken over by a complete lunatic or that you had me locked up in the storage room?
Tilly: I did what I had to do.
Cloud: That makes no sense.
Tilly (slaps him): I saw you with Tai-San. I wasn't gonna let her take my man, so I made sure she wouldn't.
Cloud: I'm not yours anymore. You're paranoid, Tilly. I was never interested in Tai-San like that, but you definitely made sure, I have no interest in you either.
Tilly: Well, you better get it back, or I could make your life a lot more difficult.
Cloud: You? I don't think you have much of anything to say around here anymore. Quite a deal you made there.
(Tilly pushes him, then straddles him. She runs a hand up his chest and lets it rests on his cheek, moving her thumb over his lower lip.)
Tilly (whispers): You better believe I have the power, so maybe you should be a bit nicer to me.
Cloud (pushes her): Get off of me!
Tilly (digs her nails painfully into his face, hisses): That's not very nice, Cloud. I'll give some more time to think about.
(She kisses him, then gets off and puts her robe back on. She opens the door and lets two Chosen in to take Cloud away.)
SCENE 17
(Camera cuts to Bray entering the maternity shop through the broken window. Alpha is back already. He's sitting on the counter eating beans from a can. Trudy is lying on the pile of clothes with Bray Jr, napping.)
Bray (quietly): I take it you didn't have any luck talking to the other tribes either?
Alpha: Not a chance getting in unseen.
Bray: Yea, it was the same for me.
(He moves over to Trudy and gently shakes her. Once she's awake, he motions for her to follow him over to Alpha and let Bray Jr sleep.)
Bray: I did see some people standing up to the Chosen on my way back here. Beta and Meta were leading them.
Alpha: That's how my people are. Pro-active.
Bray: Yes, well…
Trudy: What is it? What happened to them?
Bray: They were taken, probably to the cinema.
Trudy: Wherever they are keeping the prisoners, it must be getting pretty crowded.
Alpha: I don't believe it. Beta and Meta are skilled fighters, they wouldn't just get taken.
Bray: No. They had Meta and… the others surrendered to save her.
Alpha: Well, there's no one Beta loves more than his sister.
Bray (looks away): They killed her anyway, Alpha. They left her in the street, but I couldn't do anything for her, when I got there.
Alpha: What? Meta is dead?
(Bray nods)
Alpha (flings the can against the wall): They won't get away with this! They'll pay! All of them!
(Being woken this abruptly, Bray Jr starts crying. Bray sits down next to him and the small boy crawls into his lap.)
Bray: It's alright, Junior. Alpha is just a bit angry.
Bray Jr: Can we go home now?
Bray: Not yet.
Bray Jr (curls into a ball): When?
Bray: Soon.
Bray Jr: I miss Mummy.
(Bray undoes his necklace with Amber's ring and ties it around Bray Jr's neck instead.)
Bray: This belongs to Mummy, whenever you miss her, you just look at it and she'll know.
Bray Jr: Really?
Bray: Really. It's what I do, when I miss her.
(Bray Jr closes his little fist around the ring and dozes off to sleep again.)
SCENE 18
(Camera cuts to the Chosen having a ceremony together in the big theatre. Tai-San and Brady are standing behind the Guardian as he addresses his followers.)
Guardian: Zoot is very pleased with all of you. It will only take a few more days and the complete city will live under his will. I've gathered you all here to receive another of Zoot's teachings. Directly from the Divine Child.
(He motions for Brady and she slowly comes to stand next to him.)
Brady: Z-zoot has been with me for all… all my l-life. He is my f-fa-father. (She looks up at the Guardian and the fear in her eyes changes to stubbornness) And he's dead! He's not real! And he wasn't like this phony says!
(The Guardian grabs her arm hard and drags her away. Tai-San quickly follows them, leaving the Chosen to speak among themselves. Camera follows them to a small room behind the screen.)
Guardian: How dare you? I thought we'd taught you better than that.
Brady: It's the truth! You're all liars!
Guardian: Zoot forbids me to hit you, but I would. You behave like that again and you'll be in deep trouble.
Brady: Just let me go! I want my Mummy and my friends.
Guardian (lights up): Friends. Right.
Tai-San: I'm so sorry, Guardian. I thought she was ready. This is completely my fault.
Guardian (waves her off): She just needs a bit of motivation.
(He exits, leaving Brady and Tai-San behind to wonder what he meant.)
SCENE 19
(Camera cuts back to the hospital. Sammy and Lottie are sitting in their room. They have moved things around a bit, getting rid of the single beds in favour for a double bed underneath the window, making a bit more space.)
Lottie: Did you make any plans?
Sammy: Not really. Even Ram and Jack don't know what we should do.
Lottie: Guess they're only smart when it comes to computers.
Sammy: Ram is a genius.
Lottie (shrugs): Maybe, he's still not very people smart.
Sammy: Guess not.
Lottie: I'm really proud of you, Sammy. You came out with us the other day and you're still doing fine, right?
Sammy: Yes. It's actually good to have something to do.
Lottie: I hope we're getting rid of the Chosen soon. I want the others to come back.
Sammy: Me too. And Brady… she doesn't deserve any of this. She's… she's so small like…
Lottie: Mouse?
(Sammy nods.)
Lottie: They won't hurt Brady. You heard what the others said about the Chosen, that Brady is important to their cause or something.
Sammy: I know, but… what if they mess with her head? She's only a little child and she must be really scared.
Lottie: We just have to hope she's okay. There's nothing else we can do right now.
Sammy: No, I guess not.
Lottie: We're all scared. I'm scared.
Sammy: You're never scared.
Lottie: Of course I am. I guess, I'm just better at hiding it.
Sammy: You don't have to hide it from me. Actually (chuckles) I'd prefer if you didn't. I already feel like such a loser with you always looking out for me.
Lottie: You're not a loser, Sammy. You're sick and I'm looking out for you, because I care about you. I don't think you're weak or anything.
Sammy: I wish you'd forget that I'm sick sometimes.
Lottie: I do. There's plenty of other things I think about.
(She grabs his face and gives him a long kiss. When they pull away, they both end up laughing.)
Lottie: I'm less scared, when I'm with you.
Sammy: Me too.
(Camera cuts to the next scene.)
SCENE 20
(Tai-San and Brady are still standing in the small room, when the Guardian walks back in. He's followed by a guard pushing Gel in.)
Brady: Gel!
(Gel's head snaps up, a huge smile spreads across her face, when she sees Brady.)
Gel: You're safe!
Guardian: You like this girl, Princess?
Brady: Gel is my friend.
Guardian: Good. I want Gel to look after your needs from now on. She'll be your handmaiden and look after the Supreme Mother as well.
Tai-San: Her? She can barely cook a meal, Guardian.
Guardian: She can serve it. She'll do whatever you want her to do, Supreme Mother.
Brady: Cool!
Guardian: She'll also take your punishment, Princess. As I said, Zoot doesn't want me to hurt you, so I won't, but if you can't behave, I'll just have to punish Gel instead.
Brady: What?
(He nods at the guard, who pushes Gel to her knees and holds her down. The Guardian hits her so hard in the face, that Gel's eyepatch slips a bit.)
Brady: No! Don't hurt her!
Guardian: Then you better behave yourself from now on.
Brady (nods): I will. I promise.
Guardian: That's enough for now then. Take of her restrains.
(The guard frees Gel, who immediately fixes her eyepatch and then gets to her feet.)
Guardian: You will do as the Supreme Mother and the Divine Child say. You won't leave their side unless you're ordered too and you don't speak unless you're spoken too. Understood?
Gel (nods): Yes.
(Tai-San, Brady and Gel leave, The Guardian looks very smug about his idea.)
SCENE 21
(Camera cuts to Mira wandering through the streets. She keeps out of the way of the Chosen, but they don't pay her much attention anyway. She's walking through the old shopping mile, when she hears a child crying. She follows the sound to the maternity shop, but can't quite make out how to get there.)
Mira (shouts): Hey! You up there with the baby!
(The crying stops immediately, but nothing happens.)
Mira: I know you're in there.
(It takes a while until Alpha's face appears in the broken window.)
Mira: There you are. I've actually been looking for you.
Alpha: Why?
Mira: Let me come up, and I'll tell you. Don't want the Chosen to find us, do we?
Alpha: Who says you aren't with them?
Mira: Guess you'll have to trust me on this.
Alpha: Not gonna happen.
Mira: Look, I'm coming from the Mall Rats. I'm a friend of Lex.
(Bray's face appears behind Alpha now. They have a short conversation, then Alpha shows her the way up. Camera cuts to Mira standing in the maternity shop with them.)
Bray: Who are you?
Mira: My name is Mira. I'm here to tell you about what's happening at the hospital. I had time to talk to Cara.
Trudy: Any news about Brady?
Mira: Who?
Trudy: My baby! My daughter!
Mira: Don't know. I saw the Chosen take Lex. They are patrolling all the tribes. No one gets in or out without them noticing. The same goes for the city.
Alpha: Do you know, who's joined them except for the Astros?
Mira: No. Not many have joined yet, but who knows how long they'll be able to hold out.
Bray: What about the Mall Rats? Do they have a plan to fight the Chosen?
Mira: Not yet. Right now they have to deal with all of you being gone. To be honest, they seem a bit like headless chicken.
Trudy: With you, Amber and Lex all gone, no one is there to step up as leader.
Bray: They'll figure something out. Can you get back to them, Mira?
Mira: I said, I'd meet them at the same time and spot tomorrow.
Bray: That's great, then we'll have a way to communicate with them.
Alpha: What's in it for you?
Mira: I don't fancy getting killed by the Chosen. Is that reason enough for you?
Trudy: It's enough for me. We're going to need all the help we can get.
Bray: I'm with Trudy on this.
Alpha: Guess I'm outvoted then.
(Camera lingers on Mira's smile before cutting to the next scene.)
SCENE 22
(Lex is pacing in a small room without windows. The door flies open and three guards enter and grab him. Lex lands a few punches, but in the end, they overpower him. The Guardian laughs as he enters.)
Guardian: I see you haven't calmed down a bit.
Lex: You should call off your lap dogs and let us handle this man to man.
Guardian: Why would I do that? Brawn isn't everything, Lex.
(He nods at the guards. They put shackles on Lex's wrists and hoist him up by a chain. He's now standing in the middle of the room with his arms raised over his head, leaving his body exposed.)
Lex: What are you gonna do? Preach about Zoot to me?
Guardian: I'm going to save my breath, but it'll be fun to see you in pain. Maybe I'll even make you beg.
Lex: I don't beg.
Guardian: We'll see about that. (to Chosen) You know what to do.
(The Guardian leaves. The three Chosen start hitting Lex. He endures it until one of them hits him hard in the face and knocks him out. Camera zooms in on Lex, hanging unconscious in his shackles.)
SCENE 23
(Camera cuts to Brady, Tai-San and Gel in Brady's room at the cinema. Gel is looking in the mirror, inspecting her split lip from when the Guardian hit her earlier.)
Brady: I'm sorry, Gel. I didn't want him to hurt you.
Gel: I know, Brady.
Tai-San: But you have to control your temper now, Brady. If you anger the Guardian, he'll take it out on Gel from now on.
Gel: What do you care? You took Brady and you betrayed your friends.
Tai-San: I know, I made a lot of mistakes.
Gel: So what are you going to do about it?
Tai-San: Shhh… not so loud. We don't want anyone else hearing us.
Brady: Tai-San is really sorry, Gel. She's protecting me.
Gel: The least she could do.
Tai-San: I'm trying to help, but I haven't figured out, how to do it yet.
Gel: Why don't you just take Brady and walk out of here.
Tai-San: The Guardian wouldn't let me. Not without guards.
Brady: But you're the Super Mother.
Gel: Yea, that must mean something.
Tai-San: Supreme Mother. I guess, he doesn't fully trust me. I have to work on that
Gel: You better get on that then.
SCENE 24
(Camera cuts to the captives in the storage room just when the guards bring Cloud back. There's silence as they tie him to one of the shelves again and leave.)
Cloud (looking at Beta and the others from the riot): Looks like we got some new company.
Amber: Don't start anything with them please. They just calmed down.
Cloud: I'm not in the mood anyway.
Amber: What happened to Lex? And Gel? They took her out of here about an hour ago.
Cloud: Don't know. Only one I saw was Tilly.
Leanne: Tilly? You're still with her.
Cloud: No, but she wants me to be.
Amber (notices the claw marks on his face): Did she do that?
Cloud: It's nothing.
Amber: But what do you think happened to Lex and Gel? Did they hurt them?
Noel: They might still come back, Amber. Gel hasn't been gone that long.
Amber: But Lex has. Knowing him he could be in trouble.
Leanne: Even if he is, there's nothing we can do about it now.
Amber: Cloud, there must be a way for us to get out of here.
Cloud: If I knew, would I still be here?
(Camera pans around their disappointed faces before cutting to the next scene.)
SCENE 25
(Ty is sitting in his room, he folding a piece of paper into a crane. There are already several of them on the bed and the floor around him. Patsy enters, but Ty only looks up shortly.)
Patsy: What's wrong? I haven't seen you all day?
Ty: I had guard duty.
Patsy: But that ended ages ago.
Ty: Yea.
(Patsy crawls onto the bed behind him, wrapping her arms around his neck.)
Patsy: Are you mad at me?
Ty: No.
Patsy: Ty, can you please talk to me?
Ty: I just have a lot on my mind right now.
Patsy: You can tell me.
Ty: I try all the time and then I… don't.
Patsy: Is it bad? Maybe it helps if you relax a bit. (she starts massaging his shoulders)
Ty: I wish I could.
Patsy: I know. The Chosen are getting under everyone's skin.
Ty: Yea. The Chosen.
(Camera zooms out as Patsy starts kissing his neck.)