Act 4
INT. SKI LODGE KITCHEN (DAY 2 - LATE EVENING)
GARCIA is sitting at a large table with a laptop linked to the purple hackdoor rig - typing furiously. JAREAU, ALVEZ, ROSSI, and SIMMONS are sitting a few seats down - the manifesto that was left at the crime scene is spread across the table in front of them.
SIMMONS
So we were correct in making the connection between the straws and aliases with the shift in women being allowed to hold combat jobs - what our unsub is saying here is that it is too little too late and that true equality for women in the service will be a complete revolution in command. She is demanding that all senior straight CIS male military officers be replaced by female or LGBTQ2 officers and that all parents be guaranteed customized maternity leave and/or guaranteed childcare for a minimum of 18 months without penalty. This is a very socially motivated psychopath.
JAREAU
But still a psychopath - I like the part where she demands that any woman who has a child in service be automatically promoted to the next rank following their maternity leave...
ROSSI
...and that any military personnel who tries to coerce a woman into delaying having a family be court martialed with potential punishments including incarceration, sterilization, and/or death by firing squad.
GARCIA
Somebody did a whammy on Ms ... oh guys - I think I just got into this rig - it's going to take a bit longer to figure out how to disrupt the code - but it means there is hope. I still have no name for her though.
An alarm goes off on a second laptop set up halfway down the table.
GARCIA
Can someone pass me the other laptop please? Carefully?
ALVEZ
I'm always careful with your things, Chica.
ALVEZ stands up and brings her the laptop - placing it beside the one she's working on. He then takes a place behind her - a hand on her shoulder - leaning over to peer at the screen with her. GARCIA practically ignores his comment, touch and proximity as she is automatically so absorbed in her task
GARCIA
Curses! Foiled again! There are no links between the list of potential contacts with the targetting tech and our giant list of potential woman master manipulators. This is so frustrating. There just is nothing for me to dig my digital claws into.
ALVEZ
What about the list top 10 list included with the manifesto? Could there be a lead there?
GARCIA
Let me see it again?
SIMMONS passes it to ALVEZ who passes it to GARCIA.
SIMMONS
I love the title "Top 10 Military Montebanks". Very alliterative.
JAREAU
If Reid was here we'd be given a definition of montebank and why it was or wasn't accurate.
GARCIA
They sell snake oil - basically a charlatan or a quack. Ok - I've was able to easily dirt on everyone else that was included in the array...except number six - Major Arganis. This weird - a lot of the guys who had access to the target technology reported - either directly or indirectly - to Arganis.
ROSSI'S phone rings. He answers.
ROSSI (To Phone)
Emily? You're on speaker. We're all here. Garcia seems to be making progress on the tech and there may be something of interest connected to one of the officers in the photo array included with the manifesto - did you get the scan we sent you?
PRENTISS (On Speaker Phone)
Yes got it - but Dave - everyone - there's been a development. We just got an anonymous tip that there has been another avalanche attack. We've confirmed by satellite image that there was avalanche activity in the last few hours at the location specified. I still need to touch base with the state police and forestry service before anything happens - but after this call Luke, Matt, and J.J. you'd better gear up but wait for my instructions.
LEWIS
Also the psychology of the message does not jive with a low confidence sociopath. Unless this is a bluff orchestrated by the female unsub... which we are not willing to completely discount yet. However, on the face of it the speaker is confident, organized, and comfortable giving orders. And while we predicted he might go rogue if the revenge project no longer fulfilled his needs - we expected some sort of devolution and certainly not this degree of authority or premeditation. Also - I feel like there is something off about the misogyny of the message but I can't put my finger on what it is...
GARCIA strangles a gasp and starts to type on the laptop ALVEZ had brought her.
PRENTISS
But as you'll hear there is another aspect of the tip - I'm going to play it for all of you in a moment. Listen carefully. And everyone - brace yourselves - especially Alvez and Garcia - he is not very complimentary. Specifically, the caller addresses Alvez directly and implies that Alvez and Garcia - whom he refers to as the Black Queen - are lovers. Alvez - I'm going to need you to let me know afterwards if you have any idea why you've been singled out.
ALVEZ
Understood Boss.
ALVEZ is standing straight but his hand is now back on GARCIA'S shoulder. GARCIA was typing madly on the laptop ALVEZ passed to her - until PRENTISS said "Black, Queen" at which point she had looked up like she was struck by lightning and switched back to the laptop linked to the purple hackdoor rig.
HACKER MAN (Recording)
This is a message for Luke Alvez Army Ranger of the 75th Battalion. This evening - in service of our valiant country - I did what was beyond that undisciplined pansy female laden squad they've saddled you with. I stopped your "WOMAN UNSUB" in her tracks - before she could become another M19CO. So here are your orders Soldier - you are to head to the coordinates 47.7462125, -120.9099990 and retrieve her body. Oh and take one of those lovely satellite radios that you took to the last crime scene? But don't call me, lover boy, I'll call you. And I expect results. You are on thin ice with me, Soldier. A man can plow it wherever he wants - but his choices reflects the quality of his judgement...and your left nut would be a better technical analyst than the Black Queen could ever be. (GARCIA makes an incredulous sound - and then clear gets another idea switches back to the other laptop.) Oh and if you even think of sending Search and Rescue or the other Agents in your place - I would consider it to be refusal of a direct and lawful order Soldier - and we all know that can lead to a crushing Duck Dinner. BBSL.
ROSSI
Charming. And for those who don't know - "Duck Dinner" is old Army slang for dishonorable discharge. I don't know what BBSL stands for.
GARCIA stops typing. An intense look on her face. She looks over briefly at the rig and then dives back into typing - even more urgently.
SIMMONS
BBSL?
JAREAU
(To ALVEZ - who distanced himself from the group during the message and is looking furious) Be back sooner or later. right? (Then to the group when ALVEZ doesn't answer.) Luke, ended a call with Garcia with BBSL. (To GARCIA) Garcia, do you think he's been tapping our phones?
Over the next lines GARCIA - stands - grabs the rig - unplugs it angrily from her computer - crosses towards ALVEZ glaring and shouting at him - and then slams past him to roughly place the rig into a cupboard.
GARCIA (ANGRY)
BBSL can also mean Be Back Soon Lover...doesn't it soldier boy? You! Stupid. You. Get out of my way. This is all your fault you creep. I am such a complete fool - like women, right Alvez? And Luke - as sure as your dog is named Rosy - if you go anywhere near my laptop - you'll be lucky to have a left nut left. Stupid. Stupid. I am so stupid. Prentiss!?!
ALVEZ gets the hint Garcia has thrown his way and moves to read whatever GARCIA left on her screen. JAREAU also leans in to look. Their eyes get bigger and bigger.
PRENTISS
Uh Garcia?
GARCIA
Be quiet Emily! I have to confess something. What Rossi said before was a big fat lie. I have not gotten anywhere with the rig. I told everyone here I was making progress to save face - because I didn't want to look my usual incompetent self in front of...of...Alvez. I should have told you right away - this stupid box has turned out to be beyond me - as usual. I've completely failed and let down the team again. Clearly women cannot be hackers. Oh. Oh! This is just like that other time with Scratch - you should just put me and all my useless tech in a box - lock it up - and forget about it. Sir - please hang up - before I give you all any more far a-day hopes.
ALVEZ stands up - grimacing at GARCIA briefly.
ALVEZ
Don't you dare Rossi. I just got a peek at what she's been up to and she's less than nowhere...did you know that she was just drafting an email to send the manifesto we got to the media - seems that our inadequate female hacker believes the same feminist claptrap as our killers - no wonder she hasn't come with a name of a location. I can't believe you all make me work with this - we all know that she is good for only one thing. Our little excursion proved that, didn't it, lover girl.
GARCIA
How dare you? If it wasn't for the fact that that top 10 list only included officers with actual power over others - I'd make a recommendation that you be added - you could replace number six since we've found no dirt on him. I may have screwed up again but I am worth six of you!
ALVEZ
A woman like you worth six of me - a soldier? An army ranger? How do I dare? Once a soldier always a soldier. I bet thee is nothing wrong with any of those men on the array! Well except number six - he'll probably turn our to be the hacker - after all didn't you say he was responsible for most of the techs on your list? Prentiss when are you going to wise up and fire this one - not that you're much better - eh Matt? Rossi? How can two women cause such an avalanche of incompetence. And Jennifer and Tara - don't let me get started on the two of you - another example of a pair of women burying the men around them.
PRENTISS
That is enough Agents.
ROSSI
I've got this Emily - the boy does have a point after all. (ROSSI hangs up - turning off the power on the phone completely but we don't see that - the team exchanges looks.) Alright I don't want to hear another word - Garcia you are in the worst kind of trouble. Luke - good lad for standing up for us against this one and that uppity boss of ours- go with Matt and get Ron and get suited up. Jenifer you go too - the boys might need someone to get them some coffee or something. Oh and Luke - my phone just died... give me yours? (Luke tosses him his phone) I'll come find you three when that pathetic excuse for a C.O. gets back to us. As for you Missy - we are going to stay here and you are going to explain to me exactly what you have been up to - but first we are going to go find me a drink.
CUT TO
INT. AVALANCHE CENTRE
PRENTISS and LEWIS are taking out their cell phones and tablets and putting them into a purse that LEWIS has pulled out.
LEWIS
What was that about?
PRENTISS
No idea...but if Garcia thinks I will ever side with her against Alvez - an Army Ranger - she's got another thing coming. I can't believe she flew out here on a whim. My budget can't handle her hormones - why she'd ever think she'd be good enough for Luke...
LEWIS
I don't blame you one bit. That girl gives us women a bad name.
LEWIS snaps the purse shut and puts it at the far end of the room.
LEWIS
Ok we're secure. That was some quick thinking on Pen's part - but I must be tired - it took me longer than it should have to catch on. But oh my - can you imagine Penelope's real reaction if Luke actually ever spoke to her like that?
PRENTISS
Dooms day. That said I can't imagine Luke ever saying a bad word about our Penelope Garcia. Now... where's our copy of the array? Number 6? Major Arganis. So Garcia seems to think this is our guy? I guess all we have to do now is find him.
LEWIS
I'll go see if Sgt. Darben's folks have anything on him. I'll also see if they have a phone we can borrow and we'll call into the backup line Pen set up. By the way that Faraday purse is pretty chic - I'm jealous - Penelope got it for you after the whole Scratch thing?
PRENTISS
Thanks. Yeah. I don't know if our phones and tablets have been hacked or just Luke's but better safe than sorry - PG will confirm when we call in. I'm going to start on the revised profile. The clock is ticking - the rules have just completely changed and that is usually bad news in this game.
SGT. DARBEN suddenly appears behind LEWIS who is standing in the doorway of the office they are using.
SGT. DARBEN
Sorry to interrupt Agents, but I just finished speaking to the Senior Avalanche experts here about the location of the presumed last attack - and they are very concerned. Apparently one of the Avalanche problems in the near vicinity is a Deep Persistent Slab that they have been warning backcountry enthusiasts about for weeks. The issue is the danger area is huge and the projected avalanche path has the potential to bury a good part of a valley town called Duckleton.
LEWIS
Might lead to a crushing Duck Dinner. Rossi said it was slang for a dishonorable discharge...but...
PRENTISS
..How many inhabitants?
SGT. DARBEN
I thought there might be a connexion. About 1800? We would normally evacuate - but I just got word that it's snowing pretty fierce out there and there's been a few slides on the highways in and out of town. Folks can go to shelters but it's not ideal... if a big slide happens casualties would still be expected.
PRENTISS
Whatever you and your people can do to make people as safe as possible Sargent, do it. We'll do what we can to make sure nothing is triggered.
SGT. DARBEN
Will do. Oh one last thing - the experts seem to think that the spot that was targeted was one of very few along that line that wouldn't trigger the big one - he was either very precise or very lucky.
CUT TO
INT. SKI LODGE CHANGING ROOM
SIMMONS, ALVEZ, and JAREAU are half changed into their skiing outfits. ALVEZ is distracted.
SIMMONS
So let me get this straight - our hacker started as a guided missile tech? Do we think our female unsub was conned by the hacker or were they really partners.
JAREAU
Seems possible based on what Penelope dug up. Do we still think the symphorophiliac thing is in play?
SIMMONS
There has to be some sort of release specific to creating the avalanches - afterall if it was just causing destruction and fear and death which was important you'd think vanilla bombings plan would meet those needs and be far easier to hide behind.
JAREAU
Luke is being treated as someone who can be commanded - that could be the need that our woman unsub thought she was tapping into and manipulating. But is that something that is driving this new phase? How do you read being targeted, Luke? Luke? Why do you think you're being targetting?
ALVEZ
What? Sorry. Um I have tried to remember if I have any specific connection with Arganis or anything else to do with this case...but I haven't come up with anything. But Matt and Rossi were Navy...so maybe it's the fact that I was Army has something to do with it? Argh I hate going back to square one - and when are we going to be ok'd to leave? We're dressed. It's already dark.
ALVEZ runs a hand over his face and starts pacing.
SIMMONS
It's only been twenty minutes - give them time. Let's go back to what Garcia found out - I still don't understand the leap.
JAREAU
Before the Oscar worthy performances you mean? Well - she got that look and started typing at lighting speed after Tara pointed out that our profile was flawed - that he was comfortable giving orders and planning strategically.
ALVEZ
Which corresponds to the profile of someone who was successful in the military versus what we'd been looking for previously - which was a washout lower-level...and now we think the hacker is still active in the military...so what?
ALVEZ stares at the door hard lost again in thought and frustration. He is tense.
JAREAU
If it's helpful - Gideon used to say all bombers were cowards. So playing by the rules could have been motivated by self preservation.
ROSSI enters.
ROSSI
I'm ok to talk - no tech in the room? (Nods from the Agents) Alright you three are heading out - here is a clean phone for each of you. Garcia is working as quickly as possible on the rig - the issue is there might be another rig out there which could be used to trigger new attacks - so she can't just render it inoperative. Garcia thinks she'll hacked it to override whatever other rig's signals - but she's still trying to boost the strength and range. To increase chances of it working she's going to be dropped off with you all at the mobile command post the state police are setting up on the highway. Its beside an tunnel so they can be as close as possible to the accident site and safety
ALVEZ
No.
ROSSI
There is no time to discuss - there's more - so you all need to listen up.
CUT TO
INT. HACKER'S OFFICE
HACKER is still seen in silouette from from behind although we can see the outline of a uniform. On his screen we see a live feed video from a camera that is clearly hidden inside the rig. We watch a clearly frustrated GARCIA trying to hack into the rig but she clearly is not having any success
HACKER
Another forlorn hope.
CUT TO
MONTAGE OF HELICOPTER FLYING THROUGH SNOWY NIGHT.
CUT TO
EXT. BACKCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN SLOPE
JAREAU is putting together shovels as ALVEZ, SIMMONS, and RON SUNDERS are skiing in a typical avalanche rescue pattern. Each is holding an avalanche transmitter in front of them hoping to pick up a signal from the transmitter that was hopefully being carried by the WOMAN UNSUB.
ALVEZ
Over here!
JAREAU is there with the shovels. ALVEZ does the fine search with the tracker - then probes finding where they think the body might be. The four form a v and start to dig - moving the snow off the body and down the slope like a conveyer belt. Just as they are uncovering the body - ALVEZ's radio crackles to life.
CUT TO
INT. AVALANCHE CENTER
PRENTISS is on the phone.
PRENTISS
Yes - I understand that Major Arganis has an impeccable record ma'am. General, any help you can offer us would be appreciated. Yes, but if you could send us that list of any phones, computers, and other tech or weapons. Also any information you have about private residences? Yes. As soon as possible, we want to prevent any p.r. issues for you. Thank you. We'll keep you posted. Yes, thank you.
CUT TO
INT. SURVEILLANCE VEHICLE - TEMPORARY OPS POST
GARCIA is sitting with two state police techs. GARCIA is working on the rig, another tech is helping her with searches, and a third is monitoring weather and avalanche data.
GARCIA
Well that's all I can do unless it lights up.
TECH 1
So it had an imbedded camera and microphone? So you figure they expected you to find the rig or is it just insurance?
GARCIA
A little of column A? A little of column B? The good news was I was able to override it and sent a loop of me working unsuccessfully - but that will likely only deceive for so long. So fingers crossed.
TECH 2
After this is all done - you have to show me some of your tricks. Oh we just got a ping on one of the devices we're tracking. It looks like it's in a Seattle hotel.
GARCIA
Let me see? Yes. (Calling PRENTISS). Boss Lady? We have narrowed down the address - a hotel in Seattle - sending it to you now. And otherwise I am ready and standing by.
PRENTISS
Got it Garcia. You made a good first guess - we are about 7 minutes away. We'll let you know when we arrive.
CUT TO
EXT. BACKCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN SLOPE
ALVEZ (ON SATELLITE RADIO)
Sir, we have located what appears to be a body.
HACKER (ON SATELLITE RADIO)
Excellent Soldier.
ALVEZ (ON SATELLITE RADIO)
We are digging it out now. Do you have further instructions?
HACKER (ON SATELLITE RADIO)
Just keep digging I need you to confirm she's dead -
Suddenly UNSUB WOMAN wrapped in a foil rescue blanket - appears from a snow shelter she's been hiding in. She grabs RON SUNDERS from behind in a choke hold - shielding her body - and pressing a gun to his head. She starts to pull him up the slope on an angle - moving away from the Agents. SIMMONS and JAREAU both pull their guns and train them on her.
UNSUB WOMAN (coldly)
You talking to my lovely partner. Throw your gun down Agent Alvez. Bring that radio over here or I shoot him.
ALVEZ, JAREAU, and SIMMONS exchange a look. SIMMONS nods. JAREAU nods. ALVEZ tosses his gun over towards JAREAU and then crosses towards the woman.
HACKER (ON SATELLITE RADIO)
Is that you - my pretty wannabe bomber? You made it ok.
UNSUB WOMAN
Just as you thought would happen - my airbags kept me near the surface - and the heated suit and oxygen allowed me to self rescue. The avalanche was your typical masterpiece - not too big and not too small. You ready to party, Handsome?
HACKER
Ready when you are. Just push the button when everyone is in position and we'll bury the past. They'll pay for what they put us through. Oh and Luke? Remind your Agents that I have a very big cold gun cocked - and the only way you have any hope of surviving is to follow my girl's instructions. You have seen how precise I can be.
UNSUB WOMAN
Alright you two - throw your guns down over there. Good - now you three - move in that direction now. No not up the slope. Right across. Stay together - don't be shy - especially you Soldier Alvez - we're going to play a game.
CUT TO
INT. HIGH CLASS HOTEL (DAY 2 - NIGHT)
PRENTISS and LEWIS wearing vests lead a SWAT TEAM. They enter the lobby - flash their credentials and head for the stairs.
CUT BACK TO.
EXT. BACKCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN SLOPE
JAREAU
What sort of game, Captain Cecilia Fitzroy?
UNSUB WOMAN
Ahh you figured out who I am. All hail the Black Queen? And my friend?
SIMMONS
Major Arganis?
UNSUB WOMAN
Even more perfect. Did you hear that, Handsome?
HACKER
Loud and clear, my dear. Now game. We do not have all night and all is as we expected it. The Black Queen is not the ruler of the night.
ALVEZ
What is this game?
UNSUB WOMAN
We're going to play a high stakes game of "Would you Rather". One question. One answer. One result. For you - our dear Luke - you get to decide what happens next. Ready?
ALVEZ
Yes.
HACKER
Oh and one more rule, if you don't choose - we do both!
ALVEZ
What's the question?
UNSUB WOMAN
Luke, would you rather we detonate the explosive we planted in the hackdoor rig that your oh so brilliant T.A. is still struggling with and will surely kill her? Or shall we trigger the avalanche which will bury the town at the foot of this mountain and hopefully crush many many people - including yourself and your fellow Agents but leave Miss Penelope Garcia safe and sound to live another day?
CUT BACK TO
INT. HIGH CLASS HOTEL (DAY 2 - NIGHT)
PRENTISS and LEWIS and the SWAT TEAM are gathered outside a hotel room. PRENTISS silently counts down with her fingers and then gives the go ahead to break down the door.
CUT BACK TO
EXT. BACKCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN SLOPE
ALVEZ
That is the easiest round of "Would you Rather" ever.
UNSUB WOMAN
Happy to oblige. Choose or we do both.
SIMMONS
Luke. No.
JAREAU
There has to be another way.
ALVEZ
Detonate the Avalanche.
CUT BACK TO
INT. HIGH CLASS HOTEL (DAY 2 - NIGHT)
PRENTISS and LEWIS and the SWAT TEAM break into the hotel room. A middle aged woman is standing infront of the computer screens we've seen so many times throughout the episode - she has clearly and triumphantly just typed in a command and is linked to the satellite radio through a Bluetooth headset. A SWAT officer takes her down while another removes and turns off her headset. The woman just keeps smiling as she is handcuffed on the ground.
HACKER
You're too late - I just triggered the biggest avalanche in Washington state since 1910.
PRENTISS
Stay where you are. (Then on her earpiece.) Rossi? Alvez? We've secured Captain Bella Handsome. You are good to neutralize our other woman unsub. Garcia - status? Garcia? Report back!
CUT TO
INT. SURVEILLANCE VEHICLE - TEMPORARY OPS POST
GARCIA is still sitting with two state police techs. GARCIA is working feverishly on the laptop connected to the rig, the other two techs are watching her wide eyed. The rig has lit up and is whirring and making frantic beeping noises.
GARCIA
No you don't! Not on my watch, you cold hearted she-devils.
The rig makes a satisfying click and whirrs to silence.
GARCIA (TO PRENTISS et al)
Done it. The command to detonate has been overridden.
CUT BACK TO
EXT. BACKCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN SLOPE
UNSUB WOMAN
Really? You're going to put her - a woman - first? Did you hear that, Handsome?
There is only static on the radio. Just then ROSSI appears gun drawn over the rise - just behind the UNSUB in the sightline of JAREAU and SIMMONS.
ROSSI
Drop your gun. We have your partner - Major Arganis - in custody.
UNSUB WOMAN
Bella - do it. Do both now!
Still there is only static on the radio.
ROSSI
Oh did I say your partner was the Major? I mis-spoke. I mean we have Captain Bella Handsome in custody.
UNSUB WOMAN roars in frustration. She aims her gun at the snow above JAREAU and SIMMONS. ROSSI takes the shot - but as the WOMAN UNSUB falls, she empties her clip hitting where she had aimed. The bullets trigger a snow slide which catches JAREAU and SIMMONS - who both activate their air bags as they are swept away.
In slow motion we see them buried - then ALVEZ, ROSSI, and SUNDERS follow the protocol and locate and uncover both SIMMONS and JAREAU who are both miraculously alive.
CUT TO
CLOSE UP OF WOMAN UNSUB BLED OUT ON THE SNOW - EYES OPEN AND STARING
CUT TO
INT. HIGH CLASS HOTEL (DAY 2 - NIGHT).
LEWIS reading rights and leading off the HACKER in cuffs.
CUT TO
INT. SURVEILLANCE VEHICLE - TEMPORARY OPS POST
GARCIA gives other techs high fives and then starts to show them some of her tricks.
CUT TO
EXT. BACKCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN SLOPE
ALVEZ, ROSSI, and SUNDERS care for SIMMONS and JAREAU. Warming and doing what they can to make them more comfortable them as additional rescue people arrive.
CUT TO
EXT. JET FLYING EARLY MORNING
CUT TO
INT. BAU JET
Everyone except ALVEZ are gathered together in the conversation area of the jet. We briefly see that ALVEZ is pointedly sitting alone. His bag beside him preventing anyone from sitting beside him. He is staring out the window - and his jaw is working in anger. Then the camera takes us to the group who is chatting quietly. JAREAU and SIMMONS are both a bit banged up but otherwise seem ok.
ROSSI
So they knew each other growing up? Ran together as hellions in Duckerton before both were shipped off to the military when they were blamed for something some local boys did?
LEWIS
Apparently they fell out of touch. So while Fitzroy was volunteering as a liaison in Afghanistan - trying to get closer to the action Handsome ended up at a Captain reporting to Major Arganis - she was brought into Avalanche mitigation because of her familiarity with the area - who's only crime by the way - was that the brass selected him instead of Handsome for promotion and command.
PRENTISS
But I still don't understand the trigger for Fitzroy and the link to the sperm and egg freezing weirdness.
JAREAU
According to the manifesto it was that she believed the integration of women into the military was too slow - and the 2016 announcements triggered a need for revenge.
ROSSI
So she originally started trying to trigger avalanches and kill civilians because she blamed the boys who'd gotten her into the military for holding out the promise of full belonging and instead she lived a life of never being able to reach her own goals and standards.
GARCIA
So when her plan wasn't working - btw I found a 5th connected incident - right at the end of last season - she twisted her knee really badly and that's why she ended up looking for her old friend - which mixed her rage and mission with Handsome's technical know-how and taste for disaster. Apparently Handsome had been a tester on the target technology and with fantasies on getting back on her oppressors - made sure there was a remote way back in to the targets - originally with just the plan to bury her old town.
LEWIS
It funny - their logic makes no sense to me but I do understand their rage - sometimes it feels like your only paths are keeping your head down or shattering ceilings - neither of which is very comfortable.
SIMMONS
Do we know why Luke and you were targetted that way?
PRENTISS
Tara - you said Handsome won't talk about it right?
LEWIS
Yeah. I interviewed her for 6 hours and got nothing about that part of it.
GARCIA
My feeling though is Handsome may have been a fangirl back over 15 years ago in my Black Queen days...and when we got the case I fell back onto her radar? She'd clearly been ready to put whoever came after them under surveillance - I think it was a fluke it was me and I think they incorrectly drew the wrong conclusions about me and Luke?
JAREAU
Well all I can say is we are lucky to have you both on the team -.if it wasn't.for.both of you Matt and I could have died not just once but twice.
SIMMONS
Kirsty is going to have the biggest hugs for both of you.
GARCIA
Yeah - that's how Luke and I roll...anything for our family...
CUT TO
EXT. JET
GARCIA (VOICE OVER)
Whatever happens, I'll just keep moving forward. Like an avalanche. -Michelle Phan
FADE TO
INT. FBI GYM
ALVEZ - still dressed in the clothing he wore on the flight - is alone in the gym - running at a punishing speed on the treadmill. His shirt is plastered to him by wide patches of sweat - testifying that he has been racing - is it to or from something - for some time. His jaw is set. He is breathing hard.
GARCIA enters the gym and stands behind him - just watching - heartwrenched.
BEAT.
Unexpectedly ALVEZ pulls the emergency stop cord - and the treadmill slams to a halt. He howls in pain or maybe frustration as his body stutters against the change in momentum - his hands coming up to push down on the top of head - like he's trying to keep himself from flying in all directions - then he turns and sees GARCIA and freezes.
GARCIA
Luke? Rossi said you were down here. You know that if you're trying to run away from something - a treadmill probably isn't the ticket?
ALVEZ
.I..uh..I...yeah. Um just um can you uh please go away? I'm fine. I'm ok. Just uh...go away? Please?
GARCIA
Wasn't that my line once upon a time? You know it didn't work on you and it isn't going to work on me, right?
ALVEZ
Pen...Penny...Matt and J.J are...alive because...because...
GARCIA
Because you dug them out. Because I hacker the rig. ...because we trusted the profile... and worked as a team.
ALVEZ
Yeah. Pen? I almost didn't... couldn't. And six kids...but if I...you were always the one saying you weren't sure...that we shouldn't be together and work together because...what if you had to choose between me or someone else on the team...and I didn't...get it...but I understand what you were trying to explain...I'm so sorry.
GARCIA
We saved a lot of lives.
GARCIA opens her arms to him and ALVEZ steps in. Her arms go around his neck and he is holding her around her waist - they look into each other's eyes. They cup each other's faces with their right hands and we see their rings catch the light.
Tears glisten in GARCIA'S eyes but she is smiling.
ALVEZ's face is impassive but intense.
ALVEZ
But you were right weren't you? We did it this time - but we can't - not over the long run...we can't be together and be on the team at the same time - not because no one could do it - but because of who we are and we can't do it. And..and-
GARCIA (QUIETLY)
And this case proved...at least for now...that we both need to be on this team...here for our family.
ALVEZ
Yeah. I just have no idea how to...
GARCIA
Luke...I do. We took our time getting into this...so we will take the time to forge a trail back to being just friends and colleagues. I don't believe for one nano-second that it will be easy or a straight line... but we can do this. We will do this. Together. Ok? I say we give ourselves two weeks to make the journey and then...and...and..aim to start the New Year fresh.
ALVEZ
There you go again - dazzling me Penelope Garcia. Two weeks? Then good friends and good colleagues?
GARCIA
The best type of friends and the best kind of colleagues. And...and.. it will no longer be in my mission statement to flirt with you, Luke Alvez. And you can go on dates and tell me all about them - and I will be happy for you when you find someone amazing to come home to and love in that way - because you deserve the best always. (ALVEZ goes to speak but GARCIA lays a finger over his lips) Hush. And we will keep our promises and even though we.will choose to no longer be lovers or in love...we will still love each other in some way...always.
ALVEZ painfully nods and they seal the agreement with a soft kiss.
ALVEZ (WHISPER)
Two weeks.
GARCIA and ALVEZ kiss again but this time - the kiss is deep and forcefully unstopable - their hearts are wide with pain and resolve and love - barreling through them like an avalanche.
FADE TO BLACK
CLOSING CREDIT
END OF EPISODE
Author's Note:
Thanks for coming on this ride with me! What a weird process to write something like this in installments with only a vague plan. Whether you are reading this the day it is posted or ages later - I'd love to hear what you thought of this crazy little story I pulled together.
For the Garvez fans - I'm sorry for the bittersweet ending - but part of this whole little journey I am on is to try and figure out how my headcanons fit with the actual canon...and we all know that Lisa and some really lovely friendship moments between this OTP are coming ...
Next will be the story of Luke and Penelope getting from where they are now to New Year's...so stay tuned. The working title right now is "Deep and Crisp and Even" and I've already written drafts of 2.5 chapters...it will be mature - so apologies for anyone who isn't into that. I'll make sure to include individual chapter warnings.
I leave you now with links two amazing pieces that tell the stories of two real-life Avalanches and rescue efforts.
The first I read/explored five years or so ago and it has stayed with me. It tells the story of the 2012 Tunnel Creek Avalanche through the eyes of the survivors:
https//projects/2012/snow-fall/index.html#/?part=tunnel-creek
Trigger warning: Tragically this avalanche was fatal for three of the people who were caught in it.
The second I discovered as part of this project. I was produced by Avalanche Canada and tells the story of four incredibly fortunate avalanche survivors:
https/www.avalanche.ca/cherry-bowl/#/intro
Both stories are told with text, graphs, video, and audio and are incredibly worth working your way through.
Finally - this story is dedicated to all those who work tirelessly to help keep backcountry enthusiasts safer and to all those who have sadly lost their lives or loved ones to avalanches. I wish everyone could be as lucky as J.J and Matt and survive without any permanent injuries. All liberties and mistakes and random things I would change in future drafts remain my own.
All the best,
Bacchic
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