Heroes Volume Six: Chapter One: Ones left behind
(Voices are heard screaming in hysteria from the dark. A scan of the entire city shows the streets empty and the voices echo through the empty narrow streets of the ruined city.)
[Sometime in the future, New York]
(The voices get louder and louder and an overhead view from the rooftops shows a line of people lined up against a metal fence in a narrow alleyway- men, children, and women- all wearing white jump suits and black metal bracelets around their wrists. They beg and cry; they plead and scream for mercy half a dozen law enforcement vehicles, along with 13 armored officers with fully automated weapons in hand. The officers are given the signal and they all aim their weapons. Two men in black stand on the rooftop looking down helplessly at all those people squirming in fear.
Sylar: (Looks down at them, then the man next to him) You gonna do something or just stand at the sidelines like before?
Peter: (Staring at them in a trance) I'm going to save them.
(The officers take their safety off.)
Sylar: Tick-tick, Peter; you're gonna miss your chance.
Peter: I'm going to save them…
Head Officer: Fire!
(The sound of unloaded gunshots is heard for miles away for nearly 13 seconds before… silence. The officers put their guns on safety, jump into their vehicles, and drive off. Peter stares traumatized at the sight of a large pile of bodies bleeding out all over the ground.)
[Present Day]
(Peter is suddenly woken up by the sound of a tray slamming on the floor next to him in the hospital cafeteria. He looks beside him and sees a woman with black hair starring back at him with her face red with embarrassment.)
Doctor: I'm so sorry.
Peter: (Kneels down to pick up her tray) No, Hey, it's fine. Accidents happen, right? (Gives her a huge smile and gives her the messy tray with a smile)
(The doctor can't help but get lost in his smile for a moment. She smiles back at him and gratefully grabs the tray from him.)
Doctor: (Nervously flirting) Wouldn't consider this one of them. (Nervously chuckles) Thank you. (Walks off)
(Peter sits back down at his table and takes a bite if the only thing in front of him, which is a plush red apple. Soon, his co-worker, Hesam, take a seat beside him and patiently waits until she is out of sight.)
Hesam: It's probably from all the Soap dramas but she was totally trying to get your attention. (Bumps his elbow against Peter's shoulder) You should go for it, man; some time with the ladies could do you some good.
Peter: (Cracks a smile) No, I think I'm good, Hesam; thanks though. At this point of my life I'm married to my work anyway.
Hesam: Tch, to being a paramedic? Wow, no wonder your life is so boring. Your personal life outside this job is about as fun as hooking an IV up to a bleeding patient on the street.
Peter: Yeah, well what can I say, I'm easy to please. (Takes another bite and glances at his watch) Come on, lunch is almost over. (Stands up, walks away and taps Hesam on the chest)
Hesam: Almost over; I just got here. (Sighs) I just had to get partnered up with Speedy Gonzales over here.
[Washington, D.C.]
(Lightning roars and rain begins to heavily fall outside of a beautiful 5 star restaurant. A woman lost in the flow of her own music sways her body back and forth to the melody of her song played on the piano. A few tables down is a well-dressed attractive blonde woman and a well dressed middle-aged company man. He obviously cracks some whitey joke and the woman laughs to display interest in his attempt to seem entertaining. The server stands beside them and refills their bottles of Champaign for them before hastily taking his leave.)
Middle-aged man: Wow, this was a night to remember! (Takes a deep breath and a sip from his glass) The night is beautiful, the Champaign is exquisite- (Leans close to her) and a gorgeous woman before me - better of the two. (Twitches an eyebrow)
Tracy: (Fake chuckles) Well, Mr. G-
Tom: Please, call me Tom. I think at this point we've conversed enough with one another to speak on a first name bases.
Tracy: Right, "Tom"- we've spent the evening in flattery, but you've failed to actually tell me about your firm and what your future plans for the company are.
(Knowing he is obviously uncomfortable about the whole situation, she stares at him displaying her perfect teeth and starring straight into his eyes. He leans back and lets out a light groan while starring back at her. He sees the server nearby and gives him a wink, signaling for the check. Tracy's phone beeps but she ignores the incoming message.)
Tom: We won't discuss this hear, babe; you never know who's a rat in disguise in this city. There's a hotel nearby; I've already booked a reservation for the night. We'll discuss business there.
Tracy: Excuse me, one second.
(Tracy's phone goes off again but this time she glances at it from underneath the table then tucks it back into her purse.)
Tracy: Sorry about that. Quite bold of you to assume I didn't have other diverting plans for the night.
Tom: (Confidently grins) Oh I'm pretty confident I've made my point of how divert I can be. (Winks and grabs a toothpick beside him to discreetly check for food in his teeth)
(Tracy's phone goes off again and she quickly glances at the screen a third time.)
Tom: (Flirtatious teasing) Hm, who might that be- your other divert plans? (Chuckles)
Tracy: … either way, you won't have to worry about me disappearing in the middle of our "night to remember". Excuse me while I go do lady things. (Pushes her chair back and leaves toward the restroom.
Tom: I'll have the chauffeur wait for you at the door with an umbrella; I'll be in the car waiting; don't keep me waiting long.
(Tracy looks as though she's entering the restroom but then looks back suspiciously to make sure no one's looking. She then turns around to see a man exit the men's restroom and she quickly sneaks in behind him. Once she enters she sees a boy hunched over the sink splashing running water over his face to hide his tears. He looks over to see Tracy standing behind him. The young man is obviously not well and hysterical for some unknown reason.)
Tracy: (Approaches him) Any particular reason why we couldn't talk somewhere more inconspicuous?
Young Man: What are you talking about, the bathroom is the most inconspicuous you can get!
Tracy: A grown women in the men's restroom talking to a kid your age; this is the exact opposite of inconspicuous. At least in a public place people would see us together and not think twice.
Young Man: Okay, okay, whatever! Look, I'm freaking out, okay, like- they tagged my uncle's hideout and like the cops or whoever are going to drag him to prison or kill him! I don't know but I like seriously need you to Emma Frost this thing and get-him-out!
Tracy: (Sighs) I can't compromise myself; other people need my help also and if I stop to save everybody, nobody gets help. (Walks away) Sorry, kid. No please, go home where it's safe.
(Tracy exits the restroom and quickly enters the women's restroom. She looks at herself in the mirror and her phone goes off once again. She looks down to see that the young man has sent her a message saying "I have called your other partner to help also. He might need ur help.". Tracy lets out an agonizing sigh.)
Tracy: (Looks at herself in the mirror) Remember your priorities.
[Tokyo Japan]
(in a small grocery store, 6 masked individuals all wearing black leather and holding swords are seen holding up a bank. One of them speaks on the cell phone to other members of their organization. He then hangs up the phone and approaches the store clerk who's hastily shoving money into a duffel bag for the robbers.)
Robber: HURRY, HURRY, this isn't the time to move slow! We will hurt you!
Old Man: I'm moving as fast as I can. Pease, do not rush me.
Robber 2: COPS are here, we need to move!
(Robber 3 and Robber 4 look at each other then head straight out the door. Dozens of cops surround them and aim guns at the criminals.)
Cop: Put your weapons down and surrender or we shoot!
(Robber 3 and 4 get into fight stances.)
Cop: Get ready to fire!
(Robber three drops his sword, stands up straight then slowly lifts his left hand. The vehicles around everyone begin to levitate and the cops look up in shock. Once the cars are too high up the cops quickly begin to back up but the order is given to shoot. The cops then begin unloading their six shooters but the bullets seem to be disappearing once they get close to the robbers; once the shooting stops the cops have a look of disbelief on their faces. The air distorts and bullets go flying toward the cops, manifesting from the air itself. The cops brace themselves but then quickly disappear. The robbers look to see the police have all been teleported out of the line of fire but still on the same city block. Robber 3 clenches his fist and the cars come crashing down, aggressively smashing against the ground. They both run back into the store and once inside, see that all of their other teammates have been tied together with rope and knocked out. Soon after, a man wearing black and red streaks of lightning decorated on his clothes and, a safety helmet covering his face, faces off against them with his sword firmly in hand. The two criminals feel a sense of discomfort when seeing them.)
Robber 3: Crimson Arc… (Grabs the sword nearest to him and attacks him)
(The man deflects the attack, as well as three more strikes which come his way. The doors open behind him and a second man with a sword and a traditional Japanese mask.)
Robber 3: And Kensei… the sidekick.
Masked Man: (Says in squealing voice) Sidekick?! N-no-
Robber 4: Just the sidekick; this should be over quickly.
(Robber 4 engages in sword combat with masked Kensei and Robber 3 engages with Crimson Arc. Several cops peak around the edge of the door way comedic-cally, cautious to not get too involved in the action. Robber 4 cannot keep up with Kensei and goes in for a straight stab to the heart. Kensei disappears and reappears behind him with his sword pressed up against his neck.)
Masked Man: (Says in deep manly voice) AH, villain, I have bested you. Surrender!
(Robber 4 drops the blade knowing he cannot do anything and the masked man looks up at the police starring back him waiting to see what happens next. The masked man clears his throat and the police realize it's their turn to make the arrest. Red lightning surges through Crimson Arc's sword from his hands and as he slashes at Robber 3's sword the physical contact causes his entire body to be shocked. Robber 3 falls to the ground unconscious.)
Crimson Arc: (Raises his sword in excitement) Victory for And-
(Masked man teleports behind him and slaps his hand over Crimson's mouth.)
Masked Man: Ah. Thank you, thank you.
(The police and saved citizens clap while the two heroic figures bow to them.)
Masked Man: We must be going now.
Crimson Arc: Wait, I am writing autographs fo-
(The Masked Man teleports the two of them away. They reappear in a large office room and the masked man sees a woman approaching their direction from the glass door. The masked man closes his eyes and as the woman walks in she sees the two in full office uniform "hard at work" with computers and paperwork.)
Ando: Hm? Kimiko! My soon-to-be wife; what brings you here? Have we missed lunch again? We lose track of time when we-
Kimiko: Stop talking! (Suspiciously glances at the two of them) Brother…
(Hiro dramatically gets up, nearly knocking the entire keyboard off the desk and slipping off of his chair, just to stand up straight and not seem so suspicious to Kimiko.)
Hiro: Yes, great sister of mine?!
Kimiko: Customer service and communications have tried contacting you but there was no answer and you two were missing from what I was told. (Squints her eyes at him) Where'd you two go?
Ando: Oh, we… were at the restroom- together.
Kimiko: Together?!
Hiro: Yes, it is how we roll. (Adjusts glasses)
Kimiko: I better not catch you two sneaking off reading comic books again; we nearly lost a BIG client for the company.
Hiro: No worries, sister; none of that will get involved with our busy work. (Smiles and pokes his cheeks out)
Kimiko: You two better be behaving! And why is it so dark?!
(Kimiko walks over to every blind and opens them to make the room bright as possible.)
Kimiko: Now, it looks decent in here. (Quickly leaves the room) Call communications please. (Closes the door behind her)
Hiro: (Quickly sits down) Phew, that was a close one. We weren't gone long; how could we miss TWO calls! We can't afford to get sloppy!
Ando: Ah, Hiro, I don't think I'd be able to keep my marriage with Kimiko as well be Crimson Arc. Eventually she's going to suspect something.
Hiro: You must always do what you feel is the correct thing. If you don't have faith in your own character, how can you have faith in what I say to you? (Smiles at Ando)
Ando: I suppose you are right, yes. Uh, I think maybe we should get back to work before we fall behind more.
Hiro: Aye, boss.
[Washington, D.C., Claire Bennet]
(Late into the night, a young woman, fresh around the age of beginning college years, is seen starring up at the ceiling in a dark room listening the rain splashing across her hotel window. She grabs her phone on the nightstand beside her and searches through her text messages hoping she had received something new, but sadly, it's the same ole screen with dozens of her messages sent with no response back. She sighs and stands to her feet, throwing her phone back onto the stand. She stands at the window and indulges in the sound of the beautiful falling rain. Suddenly a man appears behind her sitting on the bed and startles her as he talks.)
Mysterious Man: You look like you have something on your mind, or someone. Being in the mud of politics for so many year, you learn to read body language pretty well.
Claire: Dad?! No, Sylar! You're impersonating my-
Nathan: No, Claire, it's just me. It's just your dad.
Claire: How do I know you're really him?
Nathan: Because you're alone and I know Pete has been neglecting his duties as your uncle to watch after you in my absence. You need someone to confide in, I know Claire; I know I'm dead but I wanna be here to provide that for you; whether I'm a dream or not, I'm here.
(Dismissing the complicated places her mind can take this situation, she agrees to take advantage of the moment and takes a seat in the chair next to her.)
Claire: I meet The President tomorrow. (Nervously Laughs) The President of The United States!
Nathan: Sure have come a long way from being a small-town girl from Texas.
Claire: (Smiles) And for being just your daughter.
Nathan: I always knew you were meant for great things Claire, not because you're "just" my daughter, but because your heart is strong where it matters. You're a Petrelli and as Petrelli, we do amazing things.
Claire: (Leans back in her chair) I don't feel amazing; I feel selfish for what I did. (Has a quick flashback) Jumping off that Ferris wheel then putting myself back together in front o millions of people exposed everyone and now instead of feeling empowered and free to be themselves out in the open, people are more scared than ever to come out. I've had attempted attacks on my life already and now the government wants to keep tabs on me 24/7. Do you have any idea how much more trapped I feel?!
(Nathan takes in her words and tries his best to understand where she's coming.)
Nathan: Sometimes we take on the burdens of what it is we're trying to prevent in this world, Claire. As your father, I'd like to always protect you, but I give you credit for being strong enough to handle the truth. Your life from now; moving forward is going to be massive change. Truthfully, if you do not learn to adapt to it, it will ultimately be your undoing. Take this position you're in and use it to your advantage- heal the world.
Claire: … (Stares at him a bit and thinks) What should I do first when approaching the President?
Nathan: Whatever your heart desires, Claire. Being a figure means to follow it always. No one, not even your parents are going to know what is best for you. You've gotta decide your own destiny. When you see the President, make sure you go by Petrelli if you wish to do so.
Claire: I figured I would to protect Lyle and mom.
Nathan: Don't forget Mr. Muggles. (Smirks)
Claire: … Did you meet Mr. Muggles?
Nathan: Not in person… no, but you and your father have mentioned the ball of fur once or twice. (Smirks and holds his head in pain) You've gotta be off to bed now, missy; you've got a big day in the morning. (Stands) Uh… since I'm a ghost, would you mind opening the window for me?
(The two of them laugh.)
Claire: Sure. (Stands and vertically opens the window)
(Claire turns around to see her father nowhere around. She smiles and hops into her bed enjoying the chaotic sounds of the rain outside her room. Out in the rain her father is seen floating outside starring into her room. His face begins to change and so does his entire body, but before the image of his identity can be clear, he dashes across the moon. Somewhere nearby, on this dark and stormy night, a man is seen running through a maze of shipping containers in a panic. Behind him, two individuals in black suits pursuit him. In Slow motion, an individual is seen taking casual steps forward through the rain. The man continues to run through the containers and the agents following him take three shots at him.)
Agent 1: You can't keep this up, Ernie!
(The man turns around to face them and in one breath, releases a supersonic scream which sends them to their knees. He catches his breath then quickly takes off again. The individual before continues to slowly walk through the rain, nearing a corner of a shipping container. The light from the bright full moon reflects off the rim of his glasses. Ernie continues to run in a panic, nearing a corner. The man wearing the rimmed glasses pulls a tazer from out of his pocket. Ernie quickly turns the corner and is startled by the man wearing glasses aiming a stun gun at him. Ernie lets out a loud scream and the man with the glasses falls to the ground, aggressively holding his ear. Ernie runs passed him and before getting 5 feet away, he is shot in the back with the tazer. He falls and slowly turns around to see the man in the rimmed glasses standing over his body with a grin on his face. He pulls out a small container from his pocket then removes the small ear buds from both his ears.)
Man in Horn-Rimmed Glasses: Beethoven; good listen. I'll make sure to get you a playlist so your days won't be so solace; I know how much you love noise.
(He tries to scream again but ice suddenly grows around his body. He releases a deep exhale then suddenly his entire body is covered in thick ice. He can't help but shiver. A van is backed up to where they are and the agents begin loading him in the back. Out from the passenger's seat comes a blonde woman wearing a long black raincoat, unbothered by the heavy rain falling upon her. She approaches HRG.)
Tracy: That was good; I guess old habits are hard to kick.
HRG: Hunting-
(She gives him a menacing glare.)
HRG: -rounding up- individuals like Earnest here is like second nature to me. (Walks side-by-side with the blonde woman)
Tracy: Don't forget they're human too. If you get outta line or go after the wrong person; I won't hesitate to building 26 your entire operation. Be sure his nephew sees him safe.
(Before he could respond, the man in the glasses looks over and she appears to have vanished. He just smiles and resumes walking forward. As he continues to walk toward his vehicle, he sees a cop car parked beside his further down the docks and is startled at the sight of the rugged cop exiting the car and giving him a scowl.
Cop: We got a call about a kidnapping.
HRG: (Reaches into his pocket and pulls out a white vinyl car to show him) I'm still not quite used to this, but- Company certified.
Cop: Ah, you're with that new organization tasked with hunting those freaks.
HRG: (Smiles at him) That's right; and it takes a lot of preparation for this job, so if you'd excuse me.
(As he attempts to walk passed him, the cop slides his bottom over the hood of the car and gets in his face.)
Cop: What exactly is the motive behind this so called "Company"? Is it to protect them from real justice?
HRG: I doubt you have any clue as to what real justice even is.
Cop: Real justice would be to let the people decide what should be done with them or maybe they should go to a legitimate prison, where WE can keep an eye on them.
HRG: Those aren't the rules, and as I've said in our pending company slogan, we follow protocol now unless that protocol changes, I have no reason to act or think different from what is progressive and working, now if you'd excuse me, sir; some of us have got real work.
(The cop is hesitant, and debates in his mind on what to do, but eventually slides over and faces away from him. The man in the glasses nods as a kind gesture and walks passed him to get to his car. As he reaches for the door handle, the cop stands and says something that stops him mid-motion.)
Cop: You know, I'd just kill 'em.
(The light sound of thunder roars in the background but the man in the glasses does not engage. He opens the door to his vehicle.)
Cop: They're nothing but a disease; they all need to die before they infect us all!
HRG: (Tightens his fist and turns to the cop with a huge grin on his face) If we did then what would we do for sport?
(The cop gives off a chuckle and a lingering smirk. He points his finger at him and wiggles it forward and backward.)
Cop: Good point there, sir. I don't know how you people do it, but I'm interested in joining. If you could use the help, find me.
(HRG's cell phone goes off. He takes it out of his pocket to give it a quick look.)
HRG: My people already have, Officer Dinkley. (Puts his phone away) We'll be keeping an eye on you. You have a good night now.
(One last light roar of thunder is heard and the two men go their separate ways. That same roar of thunder is heard not too far out into the distance in a small Los Angeles home. The home is dark and the sound of a crying child is heard. In hast, his mother quickly rushes in to attend to him. She turns the lamp on beside him and sits at the edge of his bed.)
Mother: Hey, hey, Matty; SHH; It's okay. (Grabs his face and looks him in the eyes) It's okay; mommy's here. What happened; nightmare? Was it another nightmare?
Matty: (Nods and struggles to speak) Y-y-yes…
Mother: Oh, sweetie. (Embraces him close to her chest) Where's your father, did he come check on you?
Matty: No…
Mother: (Sighs and rocks him back and forth) You're okay now. It's okay; it's over.
Matty: (Angry) I want it to stop, mommy.
Mother: I know, honey; me too.
(Light thunder is heard roaring through the sky once again and the mother walks into the kitchen to see her husband in the dark kitchen scribbling something on a blank sheet of paper. She slowly walks up to her husband but something out in the distance catches her attention. She looks out to see flashing red and blue lights outside of her home. She looks over at her husband scribbling away then walks off. The scribbles are revealed to be various pictures drawn in different colored crayons. She gets to the door and as she opens it, two officers are standing outside. One was in motion of knocking on her door.)
Officer: Ah, good morning, ma'am. We're terribly sorry to disturb you at this hour, but we've received a disturbing call about a quote "intoxicated or drugged out" male scavenging through a neighbor's home office and stealing stacks of paper. She watched the man come into this house, is everything fine?
Wife: Yeah- (Takes a relieving breath) Give me a minute.
(She walks over a few feet and grabs a badge sitting on the night stand. She walks up to the police and shows them the badge.)
Wife: My husband's name is Officer Parkman, Matt, Matt Parkman, sorry; I'm his wife. I know this badge doesn't excuse his behavior but please, hear me out. (Lowers the badge) With all that crazy stuff happening on the news lately, my husband's been under a lot of stress and has been sleepwalking. He's in recovery right now and not being able to drink has really taken a toll on him. (Peaks back into the kitchen then to the police) I promise; my husband's an honest cop. First thing when he wakes up, I'll have him go down to the station and fill out a report.
(The two cops look at each other than look at her.)
Officer: I know Officer Parkman. Not personally but his name's been around. He's had his issues, but he's honest. First thing tomorrow morning, we expect him to talk with the Sergeant.
Janice: Of course; thank you so much.
Officer 2: You have an awesome morning now ma'am.
(The two officers give her a nod and Janice releases a sigh of relief as they go away. A few hours pass; the sun begins to rise and her husband, Matt finally wakes up. He lifts himself off the couch and looks down at the coffee table to see about 7 papers of drawings displaying random events. He looks over to see Janice in a chair sitting in front of him tilting a plate of food in her hand while giving him a mean stare.)
Matt: Ugh… it happened again, didn't it? (Sighs) I'm so sorry, Janice.
Janice: It's scaring me, Matt. It scares me every time you go into that trance; I never know whether or not you're going to come back out.
Matt: It's not like I'm doing it on purpose, Janice; I don't know how to control this.
(Janice angrily tosses the plate on the coffee table and rushes to her feet, holding her hands over her face.)
Janice: Dang it, Matt; we've had this discussion. You can't control it because you don't want to! You'd rather keep it as an accuse to feel pity for yourself!
Matt: Please, Janice, I don't want to fight about this anymore. If I knew how to stop this thing, I would, trust me. What you think I like waking up in middle of the night not knowing where I am or why I'm there like a drunk?! Janice, believe me when I say, I don't want this; and didn't choose this.
Janice: … (Angrily shaking her leg with her arms crossed) There's always something with you, Matt; even before this thing you have! Even before the mind reading! The cops came by a few hours ago for you because you broke into a neighbor's house and terrified them. They're expecting you to write a report on it first thing this morning when you go in.
Matt: (Frustratingly rubs his eyes with his fingers) I can't deal with this.
Janice: That's exactly the problem; you don't deal with anything. You'd rather just leave it for others to deal with.
Matt: (Defensive) Well what do you expect me to do, Janice; I'm trying?!
Janice: (Shakes her head and furiously walks passed Matt in a fit of rage) Enjoy your breakfast. I'll see you after work. (Aggressively slams bedroom door)
(Matt just takes a long breath to keep himself calm then reaches into his pocket for a bottle of tiny pills. He pops it open and takes 2 pills straight from the bottle without any liquid to wash it down with.)
[Odessa]
(In a nice suburban home, an anxious yet glittery-eyes woman is seen scooping a fresh pancake out of the frying pan. She places it on a larger plate of pancakes and turns around to serve it to the two teenage kids sitting at the table- one overly excited and one horse-faced.)
Teenage boy: (Sarcastic) Oh boy, pancakes again, yay. Who could've ever predicted we'd have them for breakfast, again?
Teenage girl: (Scoffs) Ryan, you're so emo! (Teases) No wonder why Trish dumped you.
Mother: Hey now, no, no, none of that. You know how sensitive your brother is about that. (Goes into the refrigerator and pulls out a vase of orange juice) Now- Christina, I wanna know how you did on your English quiz. Don't think I forgot about that; we studied hard together for that quiz. Did you get your grades back up yet? (Pouring two large glasses for them)
Christina: (Nervously chews on a pancake) No… but we get our new grades in today. I'll show you my grades after school.
Ryan: (Points) Hey, first bite! She says grace!
Mother: Good! I can't wait to see them. (Puts the vase back in the refrigerator) Your future is bright, Christina; all you have to do is applying what you know- then you will grow! (Leans against the counter) That's something my grandfather used to say to me. (Winks) Ah, it's too bad the two of you couldn't have met him; a fine man your great grandpa was.
(The two teenagers look over at each other with a look of awkwardness.)
Ryan: Mother, you're being weird again. Stop it.
Christina: (Drowning her pancakes in syrup) I don't know what's taking that stranger upstairs so long to get down here, but he's about to lose out on this delicious meal.
Mother: (Washing her cooking pan in the sink) Oh come now, you two need to get in the habit of calling him father, now, even though he's technically not your legal father.
Ryan: Pfft, yeah or biological.
Mother: Stop it. Now I know he hasn't been around for most of your lives but Gene really helped us when we were in a rut living in that trailer without any light or heat. Do you remember when we had to trade off every month between glass, electricity, or food? Without Gene, we'd probably still be in that rut if not worse. We've gotta be grateful for what he's given us- this nice home, a chance at an education. He's a good man. I know ya'll may not feel like he's your father, but if calling him dad makes him than so be it.
(Light creaking is heard coming from the stairs and down comes their soon to be step father in a large red jumpsuit adjusting his long sleeves. The mother nervously drops her pan in the sink water and rushes over to her fiancée.)
Mother: Good morning, our wonderful hero! (Gives him a big hug) Breakfast is all ready for you and the table is set. (Gives him a desiring look) Enjoy… (Kisses him and walks back to the sink)
Gene: Thanks, hun; I appreciate that. Ooh, how I just love your delicious pancakes; I can't eat enough of them MM! (Walks over to the table and looks around in slight confusion) Uh, honey…
(The mother turns around and sees her daughter eating directly from the plate made to serve everyone at the table. She looks up at her soon to be stepfather and shamelessly giggles at him with a mouth full of food.)
Christina: Sorry, Gene…
Ryan: No. No she's not.
Christina: No I'm not.
[New York, New York]
(Speeding down a busy city street is a brightly lit ambulance, honking its horn in an attempt to warn citizens to clear out. The ambulance stops once it gets to a crowd of people and out of the driver's seat comes a man in his late 20's rushing through a crowd of people and eventually making it to an injured man on the side of the road. The side of his stomach is bleeding badly and the younger paramedic attempts to find the source of the bleeding. He looks over and sees another guy pacing back in forth on the sidewalk with a bloodied knife in his hand. Moments pass and the victim stabbed is in the back of the ambulance on the gurney hanging on as best he can. The younger paramedic injects something in the man's IV and tries to remain subtle about the situation at hand. The victim before him continues to shake and shiver and the sounds of his weeping silently breaks the paramedics heart.)
Peter: This should help make the pain go away.
Victim: (Panicking) Thanks man... Hey, you seem like a cool guy. Be honest with me. Am I in pretty bad shape?
Peter: … (Hesitant to answer) You lost a lot of blood on the street. I don't know too many people who could honestly survive that much blood loss. You must be pretty strong to hang in there as long as you did.
Victim: Thank you for your honesty. W-What's your name, man?
Peter: … Peter- I'm Peter.
Victim: Francis. (Yelps twice) Ya know, Peter, I'm glad I was able to share this moment with you. (Bends his elbow and opens his hand to him)
Peter: (Stares at his hand for a bit before slowly reaching over and firmly grasping his hand) Me too, Francis.
Victim: My life has had a lot of pain, but being here right now; it feels as though none of it really mattered. (Takes a long deep sigh) I should've spent more time with my kids… (Deeply exhales) I should've spent more time with my kids..
(There is a moment of silence that fills the area. Peter gentle lowers his hand and pats Francis on the chest.)
Hesam: Peter, everything good? What's going on?
Peter: Time of death: 8:43AM.
(Peter knew from the start the man wasn't going to make it but even still, Peter hoped he would. Later that day, Peter is seen in the wash area cleaning his hands and washing his face off with cold water. He grabs a nearby towel and wipes himself dry. As he walks out into the hall, he accidentally bumps into a dark-haired female nurse from the cafeteria the day before.)
Female Nurse: Oh! I'm so sorry; I wasn't watching where I was going.
Peter: No it's fine, it's fine. Hey- it's all good, really. (Smiles) Hey, you good; you look a bit shaky; more than usual.
Female Nurse: Yeah, I'm good; It's just… I watched some video online and it's just got me a bit edgy.
Peter: Yeah, that's why I stay away from the internet; nothing good ever came from starring at a screen all day.
Female Nurse: Yeah- (Awkwardly sighs) It's just once I get into something my brain can't stop and I just fall down this rabbit hole of funny videos of cats and online challenges. Every once in awhile I find myself lost in a disturbing video or two and it's just disorienting is all.
Peter: (Smirks) Well try not to let 'em get to you, okay? This job is stressful enough as it is. (Nods and walks away)
Female Nurse: Wait! Uh- Peter, right? So- (Takes a deep breath) A couple of friends of mine, or A friend of mine, are thinking about going out for some coffee tomorrow night at this awesome Café; you should join us; we'd appreciate the company of someone else…
Peter: Uh, sorry; I didn't catch your name. (Looks at her name tag)
Kelly: Oh, uh- (Nervously covers her tag and awkwardly laughs) You can just call me Kelly. Uh Kelly, yeah.
Peter: Okay, Kelly. My schedule is pretty filled you know with work and all. But hey, maybe next time?
Kelly: Oh… okay, yeah work is pretty important. (Smiles) Well, I've taken enough of your time; I should uh, go get cleaned up and I'll hopefully see you again… soon.
Peter: We're bound to run into each other again sooner or later. (Smiles and continues to walk away)
[Odessa, Gene, Christina, and Ryan]
(Shortly later that morning, students are seen wondering around a large school campus socializing and laughing with one another. Gene is seen pulling over on the side of the road in front of the school in his silver Nissan with Ryan and Christina in the back seat.)
Gene: Alright, jitter-bugs, off to school ya go; how exciting.
Ryan: Um… No. I don't think so.
Gene: (Chuckles) One of these days I'll get you two to laugh. For now, I'll just settle for a thanks for the ride and a "see ya later"
Ryan: (Opens the door) Peace, Gene; thanks. (Leaves the car)
Christina: (Chuckles) He's so rude sometimes, isn't he? (Giggles) Thank you, Gene; we appreciate you.
Gene: (Gratefully smiles) Ah, thanks, pumpkin.
(There is a moment of silence.)
Gene: Oh, sorry; too soon or awkward?
Christina: Not as awkward as what you call… my mother, thankfully. (Nervously laughs)
Gene: I'll be a little late picking ya up today if you don't mind waiting. One of my best managers at the shop called in for a family emergency and I've gotta fill in for him.
Christina: That explains, the serial killer jumpsuit, you usually dress up all fancy.
Gene: Well, I like getting my hands a little dirty every now and then with the grunts. Have a good day, kiddo. Give those teachers a good lesson!
Christina: (Laughs and opens the door) Thanks… Gene. (Awkwardly leaves the car and closes the door behind her.
(The two of them walk side-by-side toward the entrance of the school.)
Ryan: About time, what were in there apologizing about eating his breakfast?
Christina: Nothing like that, observant brother of mine. Oh heads up; there's Aubrey
Ryan: Uh… So embarrassing. (Tries to avoid eye-contact) After what happened I can't help but feel humiliated every time I'm around her; I wish I were just invisible to her, forever so she can't ever see me.
(Kathryn looks up at him sand gives him an apologetic look.)
[Police Station, LA, California]
(Matt Parkman enters the office of his superior officer and sits before him.)
Sergeant: I'm glad you're here, Parkman; I wanted to had a quick word with you today.
Matt: My wife, sir… told me a neighbor called other officers for uh- breaking and entering... I uh- apparently was… sleepwalking again, sir, and-
Superior: (Taps his finger against the table repeatedly) I understand you're working that case on than man who murdered his partner; stabbed her in cold blood?
Matt: (Slightly confused) Yeah. Sir, what abou-
Superior: I heard there's a break as to where his location might be. As we suspected, the daughter slipped and knew his location the entire time.
(A moment of awkward silence passes.)
Matt: I appreciate the update, sir, but-
Superior: I'd suit up if I were you, Parkman. This man may still be armed. He stabbed his wife in cold blood- multiple times; just imagine what he would do to you.
Matt: Uh, thank you, sir.
Superior: You're dismissed.
(Parkman is hesitant, but he stands to his feet and turns around to leave the office. His boss catches him at the door.)
Superior: By the way, Parkman; this man you're pursuing; he's a real threat to this society. I only like to waste my time on real threats; you're not one. Fill out your statement and turn it in, but then let it roost once it's done.
Matt : Yes, sir. (Leaves and closes the door on his way out)
Officer: (Approaches him) There you are, Parkman. You ready to catch this guy? I know the sergeant filled you in- he couldn't wait to get this going.
Matt: He did somewhat inform me. I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Do we have a warrant?
Officer: Issued and signed partner. Let's get us a bad guy.
[Tokyo Japan]
(In Tokyo Japan, both Hiro and Ando are seen working together in the main office. Suddenly, Hiro's sister Kimiko barges in the office room angry.)
Kimiko: HIRO!
Hiro: W-what did I do now…?
Kimiko: You invested over a quarter of our assets to a video game company not producing any income?! Are you still 8 years old?!
Hiro: Oh- no- I just thought-
Kimimko: You thought stupid! I was beginning to trust you again as CEO, but you've cost father's business too much money since he left it to you. Start making smarter decisions or else… Or else… Get yourself a new partner! (Storms out of the room)
Ando: Uh… I better go check on her and make sure she's ok. I know the upcoming wedding has had her stressed recently.
Hiro: (Smiles and rests his hand on Ando's shoulder) I am glad she has you to take care of her, my friend.
(Ando gives Hiro a nod, then leaves the room quickly to catch up to his fiancée. Seconds later, Hiro's computer monitor gets a bit fuzzy and turns itself off. Curious, Hiro sits in his chair and begins typing on the keyboard to see what's going on. A strange Horizontal S type shape appears on the screen then a dark distorted voice appears on the monitor.)
Voice: (English) Hiro, Nakamura. The time has come. The world needs you; will you accept the call or will you deny it? Will you sit idly by as the world consumes itself or will you take a stand and give hope to those who still believe there is chance?
(Two options appear on the monitor in Japanese. Hiro's eyes go back and forth between the two then he quickly presses Y on his keyboard.)
Voice: The images you are about to see may seem disturbing, but this world is disturbed and this truth must be shown to those who have the courage to face it.
(Various images of fire gunshots, violence and other traumatic things are shown on the monitor followed by screams, loud noises and explosions. Hiro can't help but to stare and watch in horror at these sights.)
[Los Angeles]
(A car is seen speeded down the road with a trio of speeding police cars hot on its trail. The car drives onto a lawn in an upper middleclass neighborhood and comes to a complete stop. A man around the age of 30 rushes out of the vehicle and up to the front door of the yard he has just pulled into. He tries to open the door, but it's locked. The police cars all stop around him and as soon as the police get out of their vehicles with their guns in hand, the man running from them breaks the lock and rushes in. One cop, slightly overweight, Parkman gets out of the car and rushes straight into the house.
Officer: Parkman, hold on! (Takes his gun off safety and cautiously runs after his partner)
(Officer Parkman chases after the man they were pursuing and the residence of the home scream out in fear as the two rush through the home. Parkman stops in the kitchen and points his gun at the fleer as he grabs the grandmother by the neck and holds her hostage with no weapon.)
Fleer: (Panicking and in tears) I didn't want any of this, man! I didn't mean to hurt anybody!
Parkman: You killed your wife and stabbed her multiple times; you have to come to terms with that! Maybe you didn't mean to do it, maybe you did- (Looks at the scared look on the grandmother's face and lowers his weapon) but listen, hurting this innocent woman won't change the fact that there are multiple armed officers surrounding this place and once she's out of your hands, whether alive or dead, you're going down. Please, let her go.
(The fleer takes a moment to let his emotions out and lets reality sink in. He lets her go and she quickly rushes toward the living room where her grandchildren are seen scared for their lives.)
Parkman: Okay, good. Now get on your knees. (Aims his pistol)
(Parkman's partner sees he has him and quickly signals the family in the nearby room to follow him safely out the front door.)
Fleer: (Sucks in his tears of fear) I'm a freak. I only wanted to protect my family.
(His hands turn black and silver and extend into long shard blades as big as his arms.)
Fleer: What am I…?
Parkman: (Conflicted) Uh… You- you're one of them- us. You're one of us.
(Parkman hears the officers surrounding the house and rushing toward the back of the house.)
Parkman: (Conflicted) Look, you really didn't mean to do what you did to your wife?
Fleer: I didn't.
Parkman: … (Checks behind him to make sure no one is nearby) Look, go through the back and find a motel room to stay in for the night.
Fleer: What, they're cops out ther-
Parkman: I just need you to trust me ok. Look, I don't have time to explain, but I'm like you, and I understand, I just need you to trust me right now and get as far away as you possibly can, alright. GO!
(The fleer is nervous but he takes a leap of faith and rushes out the back. The door hits the side of the house as he pushes it open but the handful of cops in the backyard just stand in position with their guns pointed at him. He walks forward but the cops do not move, nor do they say anything. He just casually walks passed them and they continue to blindly stare at the door. The fleer rushes passed them and hops the fence, getting away to safety. Parkman holds his head in pain and His partner comes up behind him.)
Mike: Parkman!
Parkman: (Nervously turns around) Mike.
Mike: Where did he go? I thought you had him?
Parkman: I- I thought I did too. He bolted, and I froze. I thought the officers in the back would've got him.
Mike: But you had your gun on him! (Glances at the door and rushes toward the back)
(Parkman is left with a guilty look on his face.)
[School, Odessa]
(The bell rings and students are dismissed for lunch. Out in the hall, a girl with long blonde hair is laughing and talking with her friends, until she sees her classmate Ryan talking with his sister near their lockers. She dismisses the conversation with her friends and walks off toward them, keeping her eyes on him and making her way through the busy crowd in the hall.)
Ryan: Oh no, here she comes.
Christina: Who? (Glances back) Oh your girlfriend. (Smirks) Maybe she wants to smooch.
Ryan: (Freaks out) This isn't funny! I made a total fool of myself with her at the party and I can't bare being around her. C-cover for me, sis, please. I'll be hiding in the bathroom. (Takes off)
(Running into a few students, the blonde girl eventually makes it to where Christina is and is a bit upset she wasn't able to catch up with him.)
Christina: Hey, Tricia; what's shaking?
Tricia: Hey, uh, where's your brother at? Why does he keep avoiding me? I know it's not my place to pry on sibling loyalty, especially when the siblings are twins-
Christina: Fraternal twins.
Tricia: Right, sorry. But I just really need to speak to him about the other night and what happened. I hope he isn't made at me.
Christina: He's just, a little confused is all. Your reaction is mostly what spooked him I think, but, yeah, he can be a bit of a drama princess anyway.
Tricia: Yeah… is there any way I can speak to him?
Christina: Sure, he's in the bathroom; don't tell him I I told you he was in there, or do. (Shrugs) It doesn't matter to me.
Tricia: (Excited) I so owe you a cup of ramen next lunch! Thank you so much! (Rushes toward the restrooms)
(Tricia enters the boy's restroom and takes a quick glance to make sure no boys are in there.)
Tricia: Ryan?
(Ryan quickly, but silently locks the stall he's in and tucks his feet up to his torso on the toilet. Tricia opens the door of the first stall.)
Tricia: I'm sorry about the party last night, Ryan; I didn't mean to make you feel embarrassed like that. (Checks the second stall)
(Ryan becomes more nervous knowing she's only 2 more stalls away.)
Tricia: (Opens the third stall door) Please, just talk to me, Ryan, so we can clear this up; please.
(She walks over to the fourth stall and stands before Ryan. She tries to push it open but it's locked.)
Tricia: Ryan! Please, come out; you don't have to be afraid of me, just come talk to me.
(Tricia gets on her knees and slowly peaks underneath the stall. She looks directly at Ryan and he looks directly at her. She lets out a sigh and quickly stands to her feet.)
Tricia: Of course your sister would cover for you! You're not even in here! (Storms out of the room)
(Ryan waits until the door is closed before unlocking and leaving the stall. He looks to make sure no one's in there then looks forward into the mirror. He realizes there is no reflection staring back at him. The door is aggressively pushed open and in comes three jocks shoving a large heavy-set jock to the floor.)
Bully: Hey, dork, just so you know, just because you wear the same jacket as us now, that doesn't make you any less a loser you were yesterday!
Jock: (Sits on the floor hoping not to escalate the situation) Look, man; I don't wanna cause any trouble. I like football and just wanted to join; that is all.
Bully: Don't expect us to treat you like a team player out there on the field. You still don't have what it takes to be like us. You stay on the bench and stay out of our way. (Raises his fist)
Jock: Okay, okay! I got it.
Bully: Good!
(The bully turns around and leaves with his two goons behind him. The victimized jock stands to his feet angrily and slams his hands against a wall with an angry punch to follow. The sound of Ryan's foot step sliding across the floor is heard but as the jock turns around he sees no one there. He storms out of the bathroom angered and Ryan stands in confusion at what has just happened in front of him.)
[Diner, unknown location]
(A man in a baseball cap sits at the counter of a small diner sipping hot coffee and starring at the television. Suddenly a second man sits beside him and places his cup on the counter.) She man in the hat peaks over at the cup then casually takes a sip of coffee, preparing for what unpleasant event might happen next. Thunder lightly roars outside from the heavy falling rain.)
Stranger: We recognize your face from the photos. It's alright, don't say anything, we urge you to listen to what we have to offer. We know you're the man they call Sylar and we're not stupid enough to come after you, even though you'd make one heck of a mantle on my wall.
("Sylar" casually takes another sip of coffee and just listens to the stranger.)
Stranger: We've been hard at work collecting trophies and we've racked a sweet list of prey for you to indulge in. Some are too dangerous for us to pursue directly, and we believe in the rule "all of us, none of them". You, however, are an exception. Help us find these people and in exchange, you can have their power. What do you say- a mind for a mind?
Sylar: (Lightly chuckles) Waitress would you turn that up slightly please? I am just a sucker for politics. I used to be a senator too ya know. (Winks at her)
Waitress: Got it sir. (Turns up the sound)
T.V.: Evos are people, just like us- just like my ancestors who came to this country in chains, just like so many of your ancestors who came in boats or planes hoping for a better life. The American dream isn't just for white people, it isn't just for landowners, it isn't just for men, it isn't just for heterosexuals-and it isn't just for people who don't have strange powers. It's for everyone. Which is why I'm going to urge congress to pass the Evo Registration Act. Let me emphasize that this is not going to be a mandatory registration. What the act will do, assuming it is passed, is empower the Department of Homeland Security to collect-
Stranger: Well, there goes our advantage huntin' from the shadows. With the government keeping tabs on the freaks now, that only makes the hunt more difficult.
Sylar: (Turns to the man and smiles) I like difficult. It's one of the few useful things my father actually handed down to me.
Stranger: So you'll do it? Good man.
Sylar: The only thing I'm hunting are ALL of you. Tell your little gang of rats I'm coming for them and there won't be a hole anywhere in this city or the next where I won't find them. And if they ask- yes fries do come on the side with that.
(The stranger looks away, lets out am egoistical laugh then turns back only to see the Sylar nowhere to be found. The man looks down and beside him is a paper with writing on it- it's an address and words on the bottom that say "find me". The man crumbles the paper and just tosses it, not entertaining the idea that he has hopes in capturing Sylar. The man leaves a tip for the waitress and leaves the diner.)
TO BE CONTINUED…