Justin and Miss Monroe are trapped in a high-security building...

FILE SEVEN – The Last Night
(Story By Vokal & Screenplay by Jack)

EXT - CENTRE 16 - DAY

Text on Screen:
Centre 16, Salt Lake City, Utah

CALVIN
(Voiceover) You're doing what? Now?

CUT TO: INT - MISS MONROE'S OFFICE, CENTRE 16

Miss Monroe is reclining in her chair, browsing over a file; Calvin stands in front of her desk, having just sprung to his feet from his seat.

MISS MONROE
(Looking lazily up from the file) Calvin, I do have a personal life and this weekend I'd like a chance to exercise it.

CALVIN
I'm not sure now is a good time.

MISS MONROE
Now is as good a time as any. I need some time off. And if I need to remind you that I'm the Director of Special Projects here…

CALVIN
Fine. Sure. We are under review, in case you've forgotten, Miss Monroe.

MISS MONROE
I haven't forgotten… much as I'd like to. And I'm sure you've noticed Fallen prancing in and out of here as often as he likes. About time I took the initiative and did a bit of prancing myself. (She stands) I'm out of here as of Friday evening. Let Roschelle and JC know; they can have a bit of time off too. And you can as well, if that doesn't go against your Japanese-style work ethic.

She walks to the door and opens it as a signal for him to leave, and Calvin follows, but just before walking through -

CALVIN
Where did you learn about Japanese work ethics?

MISS MONROE
(Looking away) Part of my college course.

Calvin gives her a suspicious look and leaves. She closes the door behind him and leans back against it, blowing a breath out, puffing up her cheeks. Then she gives a small, excited smile to herself.

CUT TO: INT - CENTRE 16 TECH ROOM

JC sits at his laptop, tapping away a mile a minute, as usual. He seems to achieve something and he leans back and claps his hands loudly, once.

JC
Yes! Calvin steps out of the shadows behind him.

CALVIN
Am I interrupting something?

Fast as lightning, JC slams his laptop closed and spins around in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest.

JC
Not anymore.

CALVIN
Good. Pack your bags, JC, you're going on an excursion.

JC
Where?

CALVIN
Where ever Miss Monroe decides to lead you.

JC
What?

CALVIN
Miss Monroe is taking some personal time this weekend and I'm a bit concerned about its nature. So I want you to…

JC (Understanding)
You want me to follow her? I dunno, Calvin…

CALVIN
I do. I also know it's been two years, four months and seventeen days since you were allowed to go outside by yourself. About time you got some fresh air.

JC
And how do you know I won't do a runner?

CALVIN
(Turning away and examining a little metal statuette that sits on a desk) Your sister…

JC visibly pales, gets nervous.

JC
What about her?

CALVIN
(Turning around to face JC full on) You 'do a runner' and she won't be there to receive her valedictory, JC.

JC grips the arms of his chair, then runs a hand through his hair and sighs.

JC
I guess I'm packing a bag then.

CALVIN
A-S-A-P. And I want a report every hour on the hour, understood?

JC nods, and Calvin leaves. JC turns back to his computer and bangs his fists down on the desk in a moment of anger, then scoops up his laptop and leaves the room also.

OPENING CREDITS

From 1982 – 1998, an insular, secretive agency known only as 'The Centre', carried out the most advanced program ever attempted by such an organization. The program, deemed 'Project Prodigy', involved the most talented and intelligent minds of this millennia; 15 children, raised from infancy in the sub-levels of Centre 16, Salt Lake City, Utah, whose collective intelligence exceeded even advanced computer systems. They were The Prodigies. Child Geniuses. A resource unlike any other. A living super-computer with the ability to think, feel and predict. For more than a decade these children fabricated some of the most highly developed systems and programs ever created by the human mind… until one night, The Prodigies ran away…

EXT - ABANDONED WAREHOUSE

Text on Screen:
Cheveux, New York

CUT TO: INT - LIVING SPACE

The empty space has been turned into a sort of free-for-all living room with a mix of old and new furniture. Luke sits at a battered table mucking around with some electronic gear, Mercedes is sitting on a table reading a book and Dina is sprawled out on an ugly velour couch watching the Discovery Channel on TV, albeit with terrible reception. Trinity lies on her back in the middle of the room, eyes closed. She suddenly sits up.

TRINITY
Oh, no…

Justin enters, brandishing a newspaper.

TRINITY (cont.)
Quest time.

She stands and grabs a chair, which she brings over to Luke's table and places next to him. Mercedes bends a page in her book and sets it down; ready to listen to what she knows is coming, but Dina remains sprawled on the couch.

JUSTIN
Uh, Dina, could you turn that horribly tuned television off so I can show you this?

DINA
(Not taking her eyes from the screen)
Is it another terribly important quest to help the downtrodden, or a vegetarian pizza?

MERCEDES
A vegetarian pizza.

DINA
Right answer! She jumps up and turns the TV off, then turns around and sees that there isn't a pizza. She rolls her eyes and joins them any way.

JUSTIN
I need your help on this, guys.

LUKE
(Not looking up from his computer gear)
We're all ears, J.

JUSTIN
I might need your eyes too.

Luke sets down his tools and gives Justin a pointed look. Justin nods and pulls a photo of a handsome young man and a folded newspaper article out of his pocket, hands them to the others.

JUSTIN
Meet Tony Stanza. He was a construction worker on Sienna Towers, that new project a few blocks away.

DINA
Was?

JUSTIN
He died about a month ago on the project. His widow has finally got herself together and tried to claim his union insurance. They refused to pay out, saying that he hadn't taken all possible safety precautions and so basically, it was his own fault he fell 12 stories to his death while fixing skylights to a custom built apartment on the top floor without a safety harness.

TRINITY
I feel bad for his wife and everything, Justin, but how exactly does this involve us?

JUSTIN
He didn't choose to not use a harness, Trini, it wasn't even supplied. I've been taking a look at the paper work of the financier, a guy called Gragator, and it turns out he didn't even provide basic safety equipment. Which is against work-safety laws, and not only does he not provide a safe work place; but he makes his other employees lie to cover his own butt when something goes wrong. This is the third time in eight months that someone one on one of his projects has died on the job.

MERCEDES
Okay, so we're going to bowl for the home team -

LUKE
'Bat'

MERCEDES
What?

LUKE
'Bat' for the home team -

MERCEDES
Yeah, right. So, give us the 411 on your plan.

Justin smiles and pulls a large poster from behind his back, which he spreads out on the desk. It is a compressed copy of the building's blueprints.

JUSTIN
It's a new high-tech place, controlled by a central computer. Now this computer does everything, from the security systems to the central heating, to organizing the movements of the elevators. As a security precaution and to basically annoy anyone who lives or works above the sixth floor, there are two banks of elevators, one right above the other. One set goes from the ground to the sixth floor and the other goes from the sixth to the twelfth. They meet in a middle section, which is the computer floor. This is where Luke and… (He pauses) Trinity… will get into the computer area through an access hatch in the elevator shaft.

Luke and Trinity share a grin, which Justin pretends not to see.

JUSTIN (cont.)
I'm going to get Gragator and Thipholand, Gragator's right-hand-man; onto the eighth floor, then Luke and Trinity will implement a lock-down on the floor so they can't get out. I want to get them on tape, confessing to how they've hurt so many families.

MERCEDES
So how are you going to do that?

JUSTIN
(Smiling craftily)
I'm going to turn up the heat.

CUT TO: EXT - GRAND CENTRAL STATION (MORNING)

Text on Screen:
Grand Central Station New York, New York

CUT TO: INT - PLATFORM 7

Miss Monroe steps off the train dressed neatly in a silk blouse and short black skirt and her hair pinned back in a french knot, holding a leather carry-bag lightly. A woman, FAYE - Mid 20's - Female Calls to Miss Monroe.

FAYE
Monroe! Hey, Monroe!

MISS MONROE
(Looking around and seeing her friend)
Faye! On time for once!

It's obvious they are old friends as they walk with all the other people off the platform and into the main area of the station.

CUT TO: INT - COFFEE HOUSE

Miss Monroe and Faye are sitting down, sipping coffee from plain white cups in a trendy, modern "brushed-steel" coffeehouse.

FAYE
So, what have you been up to since you flew out of New York like a bat out of hell?

MISS MONROE
Oh, you know… Chasing down escaped, chemically enhanced children who's genius was being exploited by a secret organization… that kind of thing…

Miss Monroe takes another sip of coffee and looks up to see Faye's shocked face. After a moment, the shock clears and she smiles, it seems she thinks Miss Monroe is joking.

FAYE
Yeah, okay, and I was bitten by a magical spider in high school. Now I swing across New York on a Spider's Thread and stop the bad guys from destroying the world as we know it twice a week

MISS MONROE
(Deciding not to set Faye straight) Whatever you have to tell yourself to justify the spandex suits, Faye.

They have a small laugh, then Faye becomes serious again.

FAYE
Christopher is excited about the party tonight.

MISS MONROE
It'll be good to see him again

CUT TO: EXT - SIENNA TOWERS - NIGHT

People mill around the building, which is lit up from within. We see Miss Monroe walking with Faye, both are dressed in expensive evening dresses and Miss Monroe wears her hair loose. As they move on, Justin comes into focus, dressed in a tuxedo. We pick up Miss Monroe and Faye as a handsome young man, CHISTOPHER THORON - 27 years old - Male Greets them.

CHRISTOPHER
Faye!

FAYE
Cutting it a bit close, brother.

CHRISTOPHER
I know, sorry, I just got caught up at work and…

MISS MONROE
(Half hidden behind Faye)
…Lost track of time?

Christopher looks at Miss Monroe admiringly as she steps out of Faye's shadow.

CHRISTOPHER
Monroe… you look fantastic.

MISS MONROE
Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Chris.

Christopher and Miss Monroe are looking at each other like they've known each other a long time and Faye turns away as they step forward and share a light kiss that suggests a long history. When they pull away, Christopher takes Miss Monroe's arm and continues to lead her toward the building.

CHRISTOPHER
(Gesturing to the building)
Do you like it?

MISS MONROE
What's not to like? You designed it.

CHRISTOPHER
Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Monroe.

They walk inside the building

CUT TO: EXT - SIENNA TOWERS - SIDE ENTRANCE

As opposed to the front of the building, the side entrance is quiet with no one around. Trinity and Luke lie in wait, both dressed in black; Luke carries a slim padded bag containing his computer equipment.

TRINITY
How about we get around the side there, get closer to the loading entrance?

Luke nods affirmatively and they begin to move quietly along the side of the building

CUT TO: EXT - LOADING ENTRANCE

JC sits in front of his laptop, which is propped up on a pallet. He's speaking to the computer, recording a live video message to Calvin.

JC
She's at this place called Sienna Towers, Calvin, for the gala opening. I have no idea why she's in New York, but -

Something storms him from the darkness in front and pushes his laptop closed, turning it off and breaking the connection. JC jumps to his feet.

JC
(Trying to be aggressive)
Who's there?

Luke and Trinity step out of the darkness, Luke pointing a gun at JC's chest. JC literally deflates as his eyes grow round.

JC
Wh... what are y-you doing h-here?

LUKE
Well, that depends on what you're doing here

JC
Oh, please, put down the gun, I'm not good with guns.

LUKE
Funny, you don't have a problem when they're pointed at us.

JC
Look, I'm not here for you. Please…

Luke releases the safety, and JC begins to tremble. Trinity puts a hand on Luke's shoulder, leans in and whispers something in Luke's ear. JC looks worried at the possibility of what she might be saying as Luke nods. A moment later Luke puts the safety catch back on and sticks the gun into his waistband, then leaps forward and grabs JC by the collar.

LUKE
You're coming with us… He begins to pull JC away as Trinity puts her hand to her ear.

TRINITY
Justin, we have to abort. The L&R team is here at the towers…

CUT TO: INT - SIENNA TOWERS LOBBY/HALLWAY

Justin is standing on a half-balcony, overlooking the main lobby. We hear the second part of Trinity's warning through his earpiece as he looks down, sees Miss Monroe, and they catch each other's eye in surprise.

TRINITY
Repeat, you need to get out of there. Justin!

JUSTIN
(Murmuring to his collar microphone)
Too late

Miss Monroe is trying not to let on to her companions about her surprise at seeing Justin, and as they turn away to take glasses of champagne from a waiter, she looks up to find him but he's gone. Suddenly he's at her elbow, holding out a glass of champagne for her.

JUSTIN
Miss Monroe, what a pleasure to see you! (To Faye and Christopher) Could I steal Miss Monroe for just a moment? I'm afraid there's something rather urgent we need to discuss.

FAYE
Uh, sure

Christopher doesn't look too happy, but turns away as Justin takes Miss Monroe by the arm and leads her away from the main part of the crowd to a quieter alcove. Miss Monroe pulls her arm away from Justin

MISS MONROE
Just what the hell do you think you're playing at, following me like this?

JUSTIN
I'm not following you; I'm just… (Not wanting to give away his plan to trap the two businessmen) Here on personal business.

MISS MONROE
That makes two of us. I finally get a weekend away from Utah and the rest of the team and you decide to turn up?

JUSTIN
The rest of the team isn't here?

MISS MONROE
No. And as much as I'd like to drag you away from here this very moment and handcuff you to something that wouldn't move with an earthquake, I have a feeling you'd be gone by the time I got back, so… I'm not going to bother. I'm off duty and I personally have nothing against you. Stay out of my way, and you'll still be free at the end of the night.

Miss Monroe walks away; Justin looks surprised at this turn of events. Luke tries to raise Justin on the com. unit again.

LUKE
What was that about?

JUSTIN
That was Miss Monroe saying she isn't as tough as she wants The Centre to think. We're going to go ahead with this.

LUKE
She's lying, Justin, we caught their little computer geek outside.

CUT TO: INT/EXT - JUSTIN'S JEEP/PARK

Justin's jeep is parked among some trees in a park across the road from Sienna Towers. JC is leaning against the jeep, hands tied in front of him as Luke manages the radio and Trinity, Dina and Mercedes look on.

JC
No, she's telling the truth. The rest of the team isn't here.

MERCEDES
And you are…?

JC
(ashamed to admit why he's in New York)
Following Miss Monroe to see what she does in her personal time.

DINA
From the look on your face, I'm guessing this wasn't your choice.

JC
You could say that again.

LUKE (to radio)
J, our hacker here says that Miss Monroe is on her own.

JUSTIN
Good then, let's finish this off.

TRINITY
Justin, are you sure -

JUSTIN
I'm sure! Please, get in here and be ready to isolate the eighth floor when I get them in there.

Trinity and Luke exchange a look, then Luke pulls his bag to his shoulder and they run back toward the tower.

CUT TO: SIENNA TOWERS RECEPTION ROOM

Miss Monroe sits between Faye and Christopher at one table, Justin sits at another across the room. Neither of them are eating much of the fancy meal, but keep looking at each other across the room. The small smiles on their faces tell us that they are kind of pleased that the other is there. We see different speakers stand up to address the crowd, waiters distributing food and clearing dishes, yet Justin and Miss Monroe keep looking over to each other. Intercut with these pictures, we see Trinity and Luke climbing a rope in the elevator shaft, making their way into the computer room, Luke unpacking his computer, and Trinity standing watch as he hacks his way into the system. Back at the Reception, the Emcee stands up.

EMCEE
Well, everyone, when the final course is finished, please make your way down to the ballroom, where we have a band ready to give you some music to dance to!

The crowd claps and people start to stand up and make their way out. Justin rises and follows the line of executives through a side door.

CUT TO: INT/EXT - JUSTIN'S JEEP

Dina sits inside the car, handling the radio but Mercedes and JC sit on the hood, talking.

MERCEDES
So… why were you in prison?

JC
How - ?

MERCEDES
I'm an empath, remember? Thoughts, feelings and memories don't go un-thought, unfelt or unremembered with me around.

JC seems uncomfortable that she can 'read his thoughts', but tries to explain.

JC
It was a Greenpeace protest…

Mercedes looks skeptical, JC continues

JC
Against nuclear weapons. I… I hacked into the D.O.D mainframe and activated a few missiles, aimed them at Washington.

Off Mercedes, who looks shocked that this gentle-looking guy would do such a thing, JC hurries to fill in the blanks.

JC
They would never have gone off… I wouldn't have done that. It was just… we just thought that it would be good for the government to feel a bit of fear. Know that it could happen.

MERCEDES
A taste of their own paracetamol?

JC
What?

MERCEDES
Paracetamol.

JC …
Medicine?

MERCEDES
That's it; medicine.

JC
Well, yeah. They sit in silence for a moment.

MERCEDES
Well, I'm guessing that when you aim nuclear weapons at Washington DC, they don't just give you a slap on the wrist.

JC
You got that right. I spent about six months in… hell… before The Centre got me out.

MERCEDES
How'd they do that?

JC
They, ah, helped me fake my own suicide. They slipped me a drug that slowed down my heartbeat enough to make it appear as if I'd died of a drug OD, then paid the prison quack enough to prevent an investigation and autopsy.

Mercedes looks unconvinced again.

JC
Look, I know it sounds like something out of "Mission: Impossible", but that's how it happened.

MERCEDES
You've gone from one prison to another, JC.

JC nods slowly in agreement.

CUT TO: INT - THE COMPUTER ROOM

LUKE
Justin, I'm in. Whenever you're ready, man.

JUSTIN
It might be a little while yet. I've got a problem.

DINA
How big a problem?

JUSTIN
Well, if you put them together… about 600 pounds…

FROM JUSTIN'S POV (outside the door with glass panels): INT - PRIVATE LOUNGE The executives are now surrounded by three men who look like body-builders in tuxedos as they take a private drink. He backs away to think but almost as soon as he does, he moves forward again and knocks on the door. All inside are surprised by the intrusion, and one of the bodyguards has already reached for his gun. Justin puts his hands up in mock surrender. One of the bodyguards let him in, Mr. Gragator and the other execs look at him expectantly.

JUSTIN
Good evening, gentlemen. May I have quiet word with Mr. Gragator and Mr. Thipholand?

MR GRAGATOR
Whatever you have to say can be said in front of all of us. No secrets between partners.

Justin raises his eyebrow and steps toward Gragator. He leans in close to him and whispers into Gragator's ear.

JUSTIN
You mean they know about how you do business? How you let men die on your projects to save a bit of money?

Gragator pales but doesn't admit anything, Justin moves away to the drink tray.

MR GRAGATOR
Who are you?

JUSTIN
A reporter for the newspapers, Mr. Gragator. One who knows the truth.

One of the other executives speak up.

EXEC. #1
What's this all about, Scott?

MR GRAGATOR
Nothing, Darren, just someone trying to pull a con.

He makes a dismissing move to the bodyguards, who try to shepherd Justin to the door, but Justin stands his ground.

JUSTIN
If you want to speak to me, Mr. Gragator; Mr. Thipholand, and set me straight, how about you meet me in office 37 on the eighth floor? Half an hour? We can have a good old chat about anything you'd like.

Justin moves toward the doors, taking a glass of champagne from the tray on the way, and as he walks out the door, he turns around and raises it in a mock toast to the two men.

CUT TO: INT - CENTRE 16 - ROSCHELLE'S LAB

Text on Screen:
Prodigy Wing Research Lab 2, Centre 16

Roschelle sits at a lab bench, peering through a microscope. Calvin enters from behind, dressed in black coat and scarf as she looks up and makes some notes on a piece of paper.

ROSCHELLE
He hasn't reported back again?

CALVIN
It doesn't seem right. JC loves his sister too much to try anything crazy.

FLASHBACK JC sits at a desk, Roschelle stands behind him with her hand on his shoulder. JC seems disheartened and unhappy, looking down at his hands in his lap.

JC
Mom and Dad didn't really care… but I just wish I had a picture of my sister. She'd make things in here seem a bit brighter.

END FLASHBACK

ROSCHELLE
That was the impression I always got.

CALVIN
Something's gone wrong. I've got the sweepers firing up the jet and I'm heading out to New York. Want to come?

ROSCHELLE
What is this, a picnic? (She sighs) Yeah, I'm coming.

As she stands up and sheds her lab coat, Mr. Fallen enters.

MR FALLEN
Calvin, Roschelle. (Nods in greeting) I believe two little Centre pigeons are out for a night on the town.

ROSCHELLE
(Sharing looks with Calvin) Well, I guess that's one way you could put it.

Mr. Fallen slips on a pair of "cool" tinted sunglasses.

MR FALLEN
Then let's get going.

Fallen leads the way out, followed by Calvin and then Roschelle, who seems to be containing a smile.

INT - SIENNA TOWERS (MONTAGE) We see Justin leave a 'perch' on the balcony. As he does so, Miss Monroe looks up and sees him moving, she excuses herself and follows him.

Justin enters the lift and presses the button for the sixth floor, waits patiently as the doors close. Miss Monroe comes from around the corner and watches the lights above the door change. We assume she knows about the half-half arrangement because it is only a moment before she heads for the stairs. Justin gets out on the 6th floor and presses the call button for another lift. A moment later Miss Monroe peeks from around the corner, hair slightly disheveled and face flushed. Justin steps in the new lift and she watches as the lights go up to the 8th floor, then stop. She smiles and takes the stairs again.

INT - EIGHTH FLOOR, OFFICE 37 Justin leans against the sturdy wooden desk already in place in the luxurious office and looks up when he hears the door open. His expression quickly turns from expectancy to surprise when it is Miss Monroe who enters.

JUSTIN
What are you doing here?

MISS MONROE
That's what I want to know. How did you know I'd be here tonight and why on earth did you have to come?

JUSTIN
I didn't know you'd be here, it's just a flute that we both came here tonight.

MISS MONROE
Fluke.

JUSTIN
What?

MISS MONROE
A "fluke" that we both came here tonight.

JUSTIN
Oh, right. (Pause) Look, you have to get out of here.

He takes her by the elbow and pulls her toward the door. We cut away from the pair to the elevator, where Gragator, Thipholand and their three bodyguards are walking calmly out of the elevator. They hear Miss Monroe's next question -

MISS MONROE
Why? What are you up to?

And turn right at a corner.

JUSTIN
I can't explain, but you have to - (He looks up and sees the men, bodyguards with guns at the ready; obviously changing the words he was planning to say) Run.

He pushes Miss Monroe out of the doorway and follows her down a short hallway as the bodyguards open fire. He leads her to a large floor-level vent and pulls off the cover.

JUSTIN
My little door marked 'exit'. (He pulls his lapel up and talks into his mic.) Trinity, Luke, we're good to go.

CUT TO: COMPUTER ROOM

LUKE
Copy that.

Luke starts typing madly, fingers flying over the keyboard as Trinity keeps lookout.

CUT BACK TO: EIGHTH FLOOR

Justin and Miss Monroe are still at the entrance to the vent as the lights go out.

JUSTIN
(Whispering) Go, Monroe!

MISS MONROE
(Whispering back) I'm not a prissy little girl, Justin, you go first.

JUSTIN
For Christ's sake…

They are interrupted by BODYGUARD #3 who shines a flashlight on them, but not really expecting to find them; he is surprised and slow to react. Justin pushes Miss Monroe out of the way as the bodyguard begins to fire. One of the bullets catches Justin in the side of the chest and we see him slam into a wall. Miss Monroe turns back and helps him up. The bodyguard turns the corner only to find the hallway empty. He gives a suspicious look and turns back to find the others. A close up on another office door shows that it is slightly ajar, and it is softly closed.

CUT TO: COMPUTER ROOM

LUKE (Through the com.)
I've sealed off the floor and I'm turning up the heat.

CLOSE IN on his computer screen; we see he is manipulating the air systems and he has turned up the heating system on the eighth floor to 50°C / 122°F

CUT TO: EIGHTH FLOOR We see Justin and Miss Monroe in a montage of situations: Justin first tries his com. mic.

JUSTIN
Trinity - Luke - can you guys hear me?

He gets no answer and knows that the equipment is smashed from the fall against the wall. He pulls the earpiece out and lets it hang freely. Justin and Miss Monroe try a door, to find it locked. Miss Monroe helps Justin, who is lagging behind, to the emergency stairs, but that door has also closed with the lockdown. They react to a noise from an unseen source and scurry to hide, only just avoiding the light of Bodyguard #2's torch. Justin and Miss Monroe attempt to return to the air vent but as they look around the corner, they see Bodyguard #1 stationed there.

CUT TO: COMPUTER ROOM

Luke and Trinity seem uneasy.

LUKE
I can't believe we haven't heard from him…

TRINITY
You don't think… he could still be up there?

Luke and Trinity exchange horrified looks, and Luke gets typing on his computer again, Trinity leaning over his shoulder.

TRINITY
Stop the temperature changes and unseal the floor.

LUKE
(All his attention focused on the computer) Aye, aye, Captain

CLOSE IN on the screen as a window opens, announcing that the security system has detected unauthorized access. A second line of flashing type appears, saying; "FULL BUILDING SHUTDOWN IMPLEMENTED"

LUKE
Dammit! He types furiously, trying to reverse it.

TRINITY
Turn the heat off, Luke!

LUKE
I'm trying!

He continues typing but nothing seems to be working. Trinity leans over and touches his arm.

TRINITY
Luke, we're going to have to leave.

LUKE
We can't! Justin…

TRINITY
There'll be more trouble and a higher risk of exposure if we stay.

Luke pauses and watches the window on the screen flash several times before making his reluctant decision.

LUKE
Okay, let's go.

Luke and Trinity pack up in record time, leaving no evidence of their visit and run back toward the elevator shaft. They climb in and we see Luke pull the cover back over the entrance.

INT - ELEVATOR SHAFT Luke and Trinity climb down the elevator shaft, bracing themselves between two beams. Above them, an elevator starts moving down, closing the distance quickly.

TRINITY
Jump!

She and Luke jump to the roof of the lower elevator, landing hard; as the elevator continues to lower… Luke pulls Trinity down; they lay face down on the roof of the lower elevator. The top elevator continues coming down… Trinity squeezes her eyes closed and as it comes even lower, Luke does the same… And the elevator stops in position barely an inch or two above them, leaving them trapped and unable to move.

CUT TO: EXT – SIENNA TOWERS: GROUND FLOOR

Alarms are now going off outside the building and the crowds from the opening gala are being evacuated. Dina and Mercedes hear the commotion and jump up, leaving JC in the jeep, to spy from the edges of the park.

DINA
What's going on?

MERCEDES
(Quietly, hoarsely)
They're being evacuated. Something's gone wrong…

They pause for a moment, then Mercedes looks up, a troubled expression on her face.

MERCEDES
… and Justin's in trouble.

CUT TO: EIGHTH FLOOR – DARK OFFICE

Only dim emergency lights provide light amongst the flashing red alarm lights. The office door opens and Miss Monroe helps Justin struggle in, settling behind the desk. Justin seems groggy and is sweating heavily. He almost falls into her lap and as she helps him sit up, her hands slip inside his jacket. They come out covered in blood, and she looks at them in horror.

MISS MONROE
Oh, God… Justin, what happened?

She lays him down on the floor and pulls his jacket and shirt off as lightly as she can, gasping as she sees the bullet wound. She takes his jacket and presses it against the wound, applying pressure, but the blood continues to seep through.

MISS MONROE
(Worried, talking to herself)
Oh, god, I'm not a doctor! What do I do? What should I do?

Justin closes his eyes and we see a flashback - who's we don't know -

Young Justin lies in the hospital bed (as seen in 1.01: Reunion)

YOUNG JUSTIN
Help me

YOUNG MISS MONROE
I'm not a doctor.

YOUNG JUSTIN
Please…

End flashback

Miss Monroe takes Justin's hand (which is hanging limply) and places it over his wound to hold the jacket in place. She begins to tear his shirt into strips, nearly sobbing with each tear of the shirt.

MISS MONROE
I'm not a doctor… god, what do I do, I'm not a doctor!

CUT TO: EXT – JUSTIN'S JEEP

Mercedes, JC and Dina stand around the front of the jeep, where Dina has Justin's set of Sienna Tower's blueprints spread over the hood.

DINA
There's a manual over-ride box out near the side entrance.

MERCEDES
But we don't have the gear to re-program it.

JC
I do.

Mercedes and Dina give him skeptical looks.

JC
That's Miss Monroe in there too. You guys aren't the only ones with something to lose.

Dina and Mercedes exchange looks and then turn back to him and nod. He grabs his computer and they leave the jeep.

CUT TO: INT – CENTRE 16 JET

Roschelle sits across from Calvin, Fallen sits across the aisle. He is speaking softly into his cell phone. He closes it and leans in toward Calvin and Roschelle.

MR FALLEN
I've just deployed a New York Sweeper team to check for any trouble. They're heading for Sienna Towers as we speak.

Roschelle simply nods slightly and looks out the window. Calvin smiles slightly and strokes his chin in thought.

CUT TO: INT – DARK OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR

The temperature in the room has risen extremely high and both Justin and Miss Monroe are sweating. Justin seems to be unconscious, but stable, with a bandage made from his shirt in place. Miss Monroe gently rests her hand on his forehead, then smoothes his hair back.

The alarms suddenly stop ringing, the red lights stop flashing, and all is quiet.

MISS MONROE
(Whispering to Justin, genuinely concerned )
How are you? Are you okay?
(Her concerned expression changes to one of mock disappointment, it is obvious she does not mean it)
Can't have you dying before I get a chance to take you back to The Centre...

Justin doesn't answer and she sighs softly. She stands up and, with a struggle, rips the lower part of her expensive dress off, leaving her with a knee-length skirt. Just then, we hear murmuring voices from the other side of the door. Miss Monroe pauses, then pulls Justin up and drags him through a side door into a bathroom. No sooner does she close the door behind her than the three bodyguards burst in, guns drawn.

We see Miss Monroe and Justin exit another side door from the bathroom into yet another hallway, going as fast as they can.

Back in the office, the bodyguards have circled the desk and opened all the drawers and cupboards in the room. Bodyguard #2 bends down behind the desk and touches his finger to the floor, then lifts it up again, we CLOSE IN to see the blood on the tip. He looks closely around and sees a small trail towards the bathroom door. His expression hardens as he stands.

CUT TO: EXT – SIENNA TOWERS, SIDE ENTRANCE – MANUAL OVERRIDE BOX

JC stands with his laptop hooked up to the override box, typing quickly. He turns around for a split second and sees that Mercedes and Dina are no longer behind him. He shrugs and continues. A moment later,

SECURITY #1
Freeze!

JC 'freezes' and puts his hands on his head as he turns around to see two security guards with guns drawn.

SECURITY #1
Now, step forward and –

He doesn't complete his sentence, Mercedes and Dina appear from behind to club Security Guards #1 and #2 over the head with tree branches. JC smiles.

JC
Never thought I'd be so glad to see you guys. You got the moves!

He turns back to his computer and begins typing again. Mercedes turns to Dina.

MERCEDES
(Mouthing, confused)
"Got the moves?"

Dina, smiling, shrugs off Mercedes' question, indicating that it's all right.

CUT TO: INT – ELEVATOR SHAFT

Trinity and Luke remain sandwiched between the elevators. Trinity looks over at Luke, who has his eyes closed and is breathing deeply, frowning.

TRINITY
Could you cut that out?

LUKE
(Surprised, he opens his eyes)
What?

TRINITY
Breathing so deep. You're stealing my oxygen.

Luke looks at her, then starts laughing.

TRINITY
Stop it! Now you're using even more!

Luke continues to laugh his infectious laugh and before long, Trinity begins to giggle and laugh too.

LUKE
(Through his laughter)
You know, I think we're dying. Our brains are being deprived of oxygen, and that's why we're laughing in this completely and utterly inappropriate place.

TRINITY
(Through her laughter)
Well, at least I'll die with the man I love.

Luke stops laughing immediately and looks at her seriously. Trinity doesn't seem to realize what she has said for a moment, and then she too stops laughing, returning Luke's serious stare.

They move closer together in an effort to kiss… but Luke's laptop is pressed between them and their heads are stuck only inches away from each other. They give each other another look, and burst into laughter again.

CUT TO: EIGHTH FLOOR HALLWAY

Miss Monroe supports Justin as they continue down yet another hallway, but Justin collapses. Miss Monroe tries to rouse him.

MISS MONROE
Justin… pats him on the cheeks Justin, we have to get out of here! Justin, wake up!

Justin won't wake up again. Miss Monroe kneels beside him and gently strokes his hair.

MISS MONROE
(Softly, in a whispery tone)
What the world needs now,
Is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some,
But for everyone…

CUT TO: EXT – SIENNA TOWERS, GROUND LEVEL

People from the gala are milled around the building and there are police cars around. We weave through the crowds to find Christopher with his arm around Faye as she talks to a young policewoman, who takes notes.

FAYE
… Monroe. She's our friend, and she's still in there!

Behind them a Centre issue black sedan pulls up and four men dressed in black suits, who we assume are sweepers, step out.

CUT TO: EXT – SIENNA TOWERS, SIDE ENTRANCE – MANUAL OVERRIDE BOX

JC finishes typing with a flourish and presses enter. We see a bar fill, indicating something is loading, and seconds later, a message appears, announcing

"BUILDING SHUTDOWN REVERSED: UNSEALING SEQUENCE COMMENCING"

JC
(in delight)
Yes!

Mercedes and Dina also yell out with happiness and there is a crush as he is hugged by the two of them at the same time, all smiles.

After a moment, the hug breaks and the two girls step away as JC begins to disconnect his computer from the mainframe.

We follow Dina as she goes to a corner of the building and sees the sweepers as they break and start to spread out. She runs back to the other two.

DINA
Sweepers around the front, heading this way.

She looks at Mercedes and nods, Dina begins to run away but stops when Mercedes doesn't.

DINA
Mercie!

MERCEDES
(to JC)
I hope you see your family soon.

Mercedes takes off quickly, following Dina into the underbrush, leaving JC confused: he never told her about his family…

CUT TO: INT – ELEVATOR SHAFT

Luke and Trinity remain trapped between the two elevators. Trinity seems to have passed out, her eyes are closed and her face is paler than normal. Luke watches her concernedly.

Suddenly the elevator they are lying down on begins to move down. Luke looks up, surprised, then turns to rouse Trinity.

LUKE
Trini, wake up. Trini…

Trinity wakes up and Luke points down at a hatch in the roof of the elevator.

CUT TO: INT – ELEVATOR

Trinity lowers into shot from the hatch; Luke follows, lowering himself. Trinity reaches out for the control panel and we CLOSE IN to see that she presses the button for the Sixth Floor.

LUKE
What are you doing?

TRINITY
We have to go back for Justin.

CUT TO: EIGHTH FLOOR HALLWAY

Justin's head is resting in Miss Monroe's lap as she continues to smooth his hair back. Miss Monroe looks hot and flustered, almost ready to pass out herself. The lights turn on in succession until the halls are brightly lit; Miss Monroe and Justin are now highly visible. Recognizing the danger, Miss Monroe tries to lift Justin but is unable to shift him, nor does he awake in the attempt. Miss Monroe checks his pulse at the neck and seems concerned.

CUT TO: SIXTH FLOOR ELEVATOR BANK

A bell chimes and the doors of one lift open to reveal Trinity and Luke. They rush to another lift and hurry in, Luke pressing the button for the eighth floor on the way, then repeatedly pressing the "door close" button until it does so.

CUT TO: EIGHTH FLOOR HALLWAY

Justin remains unconscious, head resting in Miss Monroe's lap, as voices get closer.

BODYGUARD #1
We've already checked out here, Baker.

BODYGUARD #3 (BAKER)
Where did you get your bodyguard licence, Davidson; out of the bottom of a Cornflakes box? Ever heard of backtracking? Ever heard of double checking, triple checking, and –

A door opens onto the hallway almost directly opposite where Miss Monroe and Justin are and Baker stops in surprise at seeing them

BAKER (cont.)
… hitting the jackpot?
(to Davidson)
Get Messieurs Gragator and Thipholand out here.

Davidson hesitates on seeing Justin's condition.

BAKER (cont.)
NOW!

Davidson turns and leaves the hallway, while Baker and Bodyguard #2 cover Miss Monroe and Justin with their drawn weapons. It is only a moment before Davidson arrives with Gragator and Thipholand.

GRAGATOR
Well, then. Finish this, Baker.

Baker looks surprised.

BAKER
Finish this? You mean kill him?

GRAGATOR
What else does 'finish this' mean? What did you think you were going to do?

BAKER
Take 'em out to the cops.

Gragator looks slightly anxious at mention of the police.

THIPHOLAND
Mr. Gragator is right. Finish this now, Baker…
(Thipholand draws a small gun from a shoulder holster, releases the safety, and points it toward Baker.)
or you'll be finished right after him.

Baker takes a breath and raises his gun, pointing at Justin; while Miss Monroe seems frozen in place.

We hear a GUNSHOT, and by the turning of Baker's head we understand he didn't fire it.

Behind Gragator, Thipholand and the bodyguards stand Luke and Trinity, Luke with his arm still in the air holding the gun he used to fire the shot toward the roof, while Trinity points a gun at the bodyguards, looking like she wishes she could throw it away. Luke lowers his gun and points it at Gragator, who seems to lose a bit of his nerve. Miss Monroe looks at Trinity and Luke with amazement and relief, with her hands still smoothing back Justin's hair. Luke smiles one of his cold, emotionless smiles.

CUT TO: INT – SIENNA TOWERS' UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT

Trinity and Luke come out the access stairs carrying Justin between them as Dina and Mercedes pull up in Justin's jeep. Luke and Trinity load Justin into the car and jump in themselves as Dina drops the clutch and they roar out.

CUT TO: EXT – SIENNA TOWERS: GROUND LEVEL (EARLY MORNING)

The area in front of the building is mostly deserted except for a several police cars and a few cops walking around. Miss Monroe stands in her torn evening gown with a blanket around her shoulders, looking drawn and exhausted. Christopher, Faye, the young policewoman and a more senior policeman stand with her, listening to her tell her story.

MISS MONROE
(Playing dumb)
… And when I couldn't get out of the toilet block, I knew something had to be wrong. And then all those alarms started flashing, but I still couldn't get out. But when they stopped and the lights came back on, I tried the door again, and…

She makes a hand gesture as if to say, "here I am". The policeman nods.

POLICEMAN #1
Thank you for your cooperation, ma'am.

MISS MONROE
(Sweetly)
No problem at all, officer.

The Policeman nods to the policewoman and they move away. Christopher is giving Miss Monroe suspicious looks.

FAYE
I'll go get the car.

Miss Monroe nods, and draws the blanket closer around her as Faye walks away. Christopher turns to face her.

CHRISTOPHER
I don't believe you, Monroe.

MISS MONROE
What do you mean?

CHRISTOPHER
You got locked in the toilets? Come on. The toilet block never gets locked down. What really happened in there?

Miss Monroe stays resolutely silent. Christopher sighs.

CHRISTOPHER
You're not the same person I remember, Monroe. You've changed… and not for the better.

MISS MONROE
You have to adapt if you want to survive, Chris.

CHRISTOPHER
But not at the expense of your friends.

Miss Monroe remains silent, not willing to confide in him.

CHRISTOPHER
I don't know who you've become, Monroe, and what you've had to adapt to…

MISS MONROE
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

CHRISTOPHER
I doubt you even know. I… I don't think we should see each other anymore.

Miss Monroe looks down at the ground. Christopher leans over and kisses her gently on the forehead, then walks away. Miss Monroe looks up and watches him leave, then turns and sees a black sedan pull up and Fallen, Calvin and Roschelle get out; JC standing beside the Centre Sedan with the sweepers. She pauses, then walks toward them…

CUT TO: INT – HOSPITAL WARD

Text on Screen: Haywood General Hospital,
New York, New York

Luke and Trinity sit in plastic seats next to Justin's hospital bed, while Mercedes reads his chart.

MERCEDES
Did you know your fever is down 4½ degrees today?

JUSTIN
Thanks, Doctor Mercedes.

MERCEDES
You're welcome. Did we get to the part about JC yet?

JUSTIN
Which part about JC?

MERCEDES
The bit where he found surveillance tapes of Gragator and Thrip – Thipho –

JUSTIN
Thipholand

MERCEDES
Yeah. That. While he was hacked into the main computer system, he came across footage of them talking about the claims for Tony Stanza's insurance and in no uncertain terms, it's basically a signed and sealed confession. The police should be getting it right about… she looks at her watch two minutes from now. And then Gragator and Thip… Oh, Gragator's right-hand, whatever his name is; will be off for a nice vacation.

TRINITY
I hear there's a cozy little place just out of town with nice steel doors and 4-inch bars on the windows. So safe no one can break in. Oh, did I say in? I meant out.

The group smiles at each other, happy that their 'mission' has been accomplished.

Dina enters the room, dressed in white coat and scrubs, carrying a clipboard.

DINA
(Smiling)
Okay, people, Mr. Towers needs his rest.

Amongst a chorus of "byes" and "see you later" 's, the group leaves, Dina follows and closes the door behind her.

Justin leans back in his hospital bed, relaxing, and has a FLASHBACK

Young Justin (13 years) and Young Miss Monroe sit on the bed in Justin's cell.

YOUNG MISS MONROE
Guess what? It's my birthday today.

YOUNG JUSTIN
Really? Birthday? What do you do on a birthday?

YOUNG MISS MONROE
Well, some kids have parties…

YOUNG JUSTIN
Parties?

YOUNG MISS MONROE
… But Daddy is always too busy… and Mom... well... so I just got a few presents this morning.

YOUNG JUSTIN
Presents? Why would someone give you something today that they wouldn't give you normally?

YOUNG MISS MONROE
It's a celebration. I got some music.

YOUNG JUSTIN
You got some music? You mean you wrote some? Like Mozart?

YOUNG MISS MONROE
Mozart? No, Daddy gave me a Madonna tape.

The look on Young Justin's face says it all: he doesn't know who or what Madonna is. Young Miss Monroe grins and moves closer to him, turning to look into his eyes.

YOUNG MISS MONROE
This is one of my mom's favourites... she used to sing it to me when I was a little girl... before... before things changed...

Miss Monroe begins to sing softly

YOUNG MISS MONROE
What the world needs now,
Is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some,
But for everyone…

END FLASHBACK

Justin smiles gently, closes his eyes and begins to hum as we PULL OUT of the room and the screen fades to black.

THE END

Next Week - In a Prodigy Xmas special, Miss Monroe realises the true extent of corruption within C-16, and Mercedes plans the perfect xmas for the prodigies...