Mohinder Narrating: When a big new change transpires whether within us or the world, there are often times when we face the ghosts of our past, either coming to show us how far we've come, to surface itself to be cleansed, or to even to temp us into regression.
(In a hidden lab, Joshua Jackson finishes up a painting on his canvas in his new art room. His eyes are pure white as he makes the last finishing touches on the painting. He closes his eyes and as he opens them back up; his normal eye color returns. He looks with slight confusion at his painting and tries to piece it together while scratching the side of his head with the brush. A well-dressed light-skinned woman walks up behind him and looks at his artwork in fascination.)
Simone: Interesting. Your painting style is just like someone I knew a long time ago.
Joshua: Oh yeah? (Turns around to face her) And who's that?
Simone: (Takes a seat on a nearby couch) It doesn't matter. I don't like to remember much of my life before my life here. But I do know that I am strong and I am ambitious and I won't let anything stop me from getting what I want. That's all I need to keep with me.
Joshua: I suppose memories don't matter much when you have a strong will.
Simone: Exactly. (Quickly stands up and walks over to the new painting. So this is number 13, huh?
Joshua: (Gets a bit distracted by her long flowing hair) Yeah… (Looks at the painting) This painting shows Claire Bennett, speaking with the President.
Simone: Interesting, when will this be?
Joshua: Soon. Unfortunately that's all I can say. It could be within the next few days or even today for all I know but I feel it's soon. But something interesting I noticed about this painting just now. Claire is talking with the president before a crowd of people, but if you look closely at her nametag-
Simone: It says a slightly different name. Huh, that's interesting.
Joshua: (Falls into a hypnotic state and gets lost in her hair) That's not the only thing interesting.
Simone: (Quickly turns her head to him) What?
Joshua: (Tries to keep his cool) Nothing. Don't worry. Look, I need some time to recharge; would you mind giving me some alone time to sort of process everything?
Simone: (Suspicious) Sure, I'll give you your alone time, but I'll be back in 10 minutes to check out the rest of your paintings.
Joshua: (Crosses his arms and tries to keep his cool) Sure, sure.
(Simone leaves the room and as she does so, Joshua pinches the base of his nose with his fingers and tries to keep himself grounded. A voice suddenly appears in his head.)
Voice: Love is powerful, isn't it?
(In one of the main offices of the mysterious building, the Red Queen stands with her assistant, Dr. Schwenkman, and Linderman JR. Linderman JR stands behind his desk writing something on paper.)
Linderman: It's been brought to my attention that you have Micah Sanders in your possession?
Kravid: That is true, Mr. Linderman.
Linderman JR: So when do you plan on returning him back to the surface?
Kravid: Returning him? Why would we do that when we have the goldmine in our hands? No one will miss him. He lives in isolation with his friends in his little clubhouse playing hero and we have nearly his whole team.
Linderman: (Stops doing his paperwork and looks up at her with an unsatisfied expression) Micah has too many connections; Bennett being one of them.
Kravid: Bennett's on our side now, at least for now. He doesn't strike me as the company man his file suggested he was.
Linderman: Bennett will wonder where Micah Sanders is being located and will want to see his cell. (Suddenly explodes) What we do in these labs are not to be exposed to! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! (Calms down, straightens his clothes, and controls his breathing) Bennett will eventually find this place and when he does, he will inform Angela Petrelli and she will have us shut down. You are the head of one of the biggest technology enhancing companies the world has ever seen, but the bases of your technology comes from what we do down here. If you compromise us, you compromise yourself.
Dr. Schwenkman: If I could, sir?
Linderman: (Frustratingly continues his paperwork) Yes, Richard?
Schwenkman: If we have a sample of Micah's spinal fluid, we may be able to do something with his DNA. We of course won't have the prime conduit, but with his DNA we should be able to make some progress.
Linderman: Make it happen, then take Micah to the surface prison. And please, send in your new weapon Cyrus; I'd like to speak with him about his next assignment.
[L.A.]
(Knox, Jesse, German, and Flint all sit in a black SUV parked on a small block.)
Jesse: Parkman is his name- our next target.
Knox: Parkman?
Flint: You gonna be a chicken cause you two used to be old buddies?
German: And eye-for-an-eye, friend. Parkman is dangerous and Kravid is attempting to recruit him. After seeing what she does with people like us- she'd be very hard to get to with this man on her team. We need to kill him now, problem?
Jesse: If you object, you can stay in the car and not worry about it, Knox, but you're the only sensible one out of us four. We may go a little… overboard with his family, if you know what I mean.
(Knox looks around suspiciously.)
Knox: Hold up, someone's here. (Looks in the empty trunk) Yo, I think he knows about us; someone's scared- but they feel close.
(Jesse cautiously looks around, and then laughs.)
Jesse: Cover your ears.
(Suddenly, the entire back of the vehicle is blown open and the rear door slides out onto the street behind them. Everyone gets out and stairs at the door. Suddenly, a man appears breathing heavily and holding himself in pain from the impact.)
Knox: You're alive too, huh?
Maury Parkman: Wait, wait, hold on, I was just doing my job; they told me to watch you.
Jesse: You must've been tailing one of us.
Maury: (Shivers and slowly point to Flint) Fire boy. I was supposed to follow Meredith and her brother to make sure they didn't betray us when they went to meet some French guy who's been removing the chips. But they told me to watch you all instead. Look, I know you fellas, and I know you're gonna wanna kill me in the next few moments, but… You have to understand I- I had to try. I knew that if I influenced your minds to try and find Matt Parkman, my son, that you could lead me to him and I could still keep an eye on you guys. I just wanted to see him, if for one last time. I'm exposed now, and already dead. So please, before you kill me, let me see my son just once.
(There is a knock at the Parkman residence and Janice opens the door to see the four villains starring at her with heinous looks in their eyes.)
Flint: You must be the wife; you're purdy.
Janice: You must be some of Matt's friends. Well, we might have to see about moving somewhere else. Let me get him for you. (Yells) Matt! (Smiles) At them, please, come in.
(The four of them enter and stand in the living room while Janice sits on the couch. Matt walks in and is confused at the sight of four men in his home.)
Matt: What do you want, who are you people?
Jesse: Your pops made us feel uncomfortable, so we decided to go ahead and kill you and your family.
Matt: What?! That is insane, I don't even know you people. How did you even find me?!
Flint: So who's getting' the first lick? If It's me, I want the wife first. (Pulls her to him by her arm) I feel like I've been locked away too long.
Matt: You get your hands off her now, or you'll regret ever stepping foot in my house.
Voice in Parkman's head: That's it, Parkman, embrace it…
Matty: I dare any of you to try to hurt me or my family and I promise I will kill all of you right here; I don't care who your boss is. I love my family and won't let anything EVER happen to them!
Jesse: You like to scream… So do I.
(Jesse takes a deep breath and exhales toward Matt but nothing happens. Everyone is confused by what is happening and Matty peaks his head around the corner in fear behind Matt.)
Matt: Ma-Matty… Stay back, okay, son.
(Matt charges Jesse head on and right hooks him across the face because he is the closest to him. The German is knocked over the head with a blunt object and falls unconscious to the floor by a now visible Maury Parkman. Flint backs away and tries to use his power but is unable to and both Matt and Maury tackle him unconscious into a wall. They turn to Knox but see him being held with a knife to his throat by Janice.)
Knox: Got a good wife, Parkman.
Janice: Honey, do I deal with him?
Knox: Nah, see you got a rep now, Parkman. We know not to mess with you now; we cool.
(Matt uses his ability to put Knox to sleep and he falls to the ground unconscious. Matt then turns to his father.)
Matt: What are you doing here… alive?!
Matty: (Runs to Matt) Daddy! (Hugs Matt) It's ok, Matty. You're safe now.
[New York]
(In New York, Emma is seen at her desk with her earphones in her ears doing paperwork. She looks up to see Peter walk up to her handing her a small stack of papers with a smile on his face.)
Peter: Hey, Emma; you feeling alright today?
Emma: (Cracks a smile and speaks sign language to him) I am doing fine. I have been worried about you; are you doing okay?
Peter: I'm doing just fine, Emma, just taking it day-by-day.
Emma: (Communicates in sign language) You seemed stressed lately. If you ever need to talk or just need a friend, you let me know please.
Peter: I will, thank you, Emma. (Walks away)
(Peter walks to the elevator and as it opens, a few doctors walk out having an enlightening conversation. Peter is instantly upset when he sees an older man in a nice black suit standing in the elevator starring at him. Peter walks in and stares straight ahead as the elevator doors close the two of them in.)
Arthur: So, there's a girl, interesting. So my son is into blondes. (Deeply inhales) So why are you so afraid to talk to this girl, Peter? Is it because she can't hear, or maybe you're afraid of your own feelings.
(The elevator dings and in comes two other doctors. Peter gives them a friendly nod as they enter and hit the floor they wanna go on. The doors close and the elevator continues going up.)
Arthur: Maybe I'm being too vague. (Takes two intruding, yet gentle steps forward toward Peter) Maybe the issue isn't that you're afraid to love, maybe the issue is that you're afraid you can't protect her.
Peter: (Whispers) Leave me alone…
Doctor: What?
Arthur: Everyone you ever loved has died around you, Peter and you couldn't do a thing to stop it.
Peter: (Gets a bit angry) I said stop it…
Doctor 2: Huh? Peter, who're you talking to?
Arthur: Your girlfriend in New York was shot dead right in front of you in cold blood by her ex boyfriend all because of a love triangle. Your own brother was killed and you were powerless to stop it. That adorable little blonde with the lightning- also killed. And don't forget about that last girlfriend of yours; what was her name, Caitlin?
Peter: Say another word, and you'd wish you hadn't…
Arthur: (Gets closer to him and fearlessly talks in his hear) She lost everything for you. She lost her friends and her family. She lost her only brother, all for the sake of loving you and now where is she, Pete? Nowhere, cause she doesn't exist! You trapped her into a future which no longer exists. It's no wonder why you're afraid you can't protect this girl; you get everyone around you who loves you killed.
(Peter yells as loud as he can and punches the back of the elevator wall, causing it to slightly dent. Peter falls to the ground holding his bleeding hand in pain. The two doctors aren't sure whether or not to help him or leave as the elevator stops at their destination. They decide to try and help him and Peter shrugs them off as he leaves the elevator infuriated. Back out on the outskirts of Washington, Claire, Tracy, and The Haitian all stand outside of Tracy's car preparing to make a call. By surprise the man on the other side of the phone is Dr. Suresh.)
Mohinder: Hello?
Tracy: Dr. Suresh; It's been a long time. How you doing, spider boy?
Mohinder: What? Who is this?!
Tracy: Tracy Strauss… There's no way in heck you have any other woman calling you, plus my voice is very distinct.
Mohinder: I don't know with that inflated ego of yours I'd say you sound an awful lot like Nathan.
(Tracy looks at Claire with a slightly concerned look. Claire quickly blocks it out to keep the energy going.)
Tracy: Look, Suresh, how would you like a job working for the famous historian Claire?
Mohinder: Another job offer I see? Unfortunately I already have one of those. I'll be a speaker soon for people with abilities.
Tracy: That's actually exactly what we need. Who's sponsoring you?
Mohinder: His name's Lars-
Lars: Mohinder, who's that?
Mohinder: An old friend is all offering a job.
Lars: (Repetitively taps his fingers on his bottom lip) Would you mind if I spoke with them for a moment?
Mohinder: Sure; but I'll put you on speaker. Okay, Tracy, you're on the line with him.
Lars: Tracy is your name, huh? So, I understand you're trying to take my client away from me, Tracy.
Claire: No, not her, me. You may know me as Claire Bennet although it's Petrelli now. I go by my hero name.
Lars: Bennet- you were actually on my list after Hiro Nakamura.
Claire: You know Hiro Nakamura?
Lars: I know of him and his company in Japan. But less about him and more about us; I understand you want Mohinder here to be your speaker?
Claire: I do. I'm planning to meet the president with the president finally within the next day or so. I really think that with Mohinder's research on people like me he could help.
Lars: Where are you now?
Claire: Just outside of Washington D.C.
Lars: Mohinder and I are in New York so we're in the same area. Maybe we can meet with you tonight. (Mohinder gives him a dirty look) Tomorrow, sorry tomorrow.
[Unknown location, Meredith]
(Meredith Gordon sits alone at a park watching 4 kids play happily among each other. She tries to crack a smile but cannot, do to the blocking images of her leaving her daughter behind. She begins to recall a flashback she had previously with Maury, Matt Parkman's father. In the flashback, she, Candice, and Flint all are seen walking through an airport; exiting the plane. Suddenly, everyone freezes except for Meredith. The entire room is quiet and she sees a man in a fancy black suit staring out at the airplanes land and takeoff through the large glass windows. She approaches and sits right beside him.)
Maury: Just in case you tried anything funny, I was a backup for JR. I know what you're thinking- you can see Claire again, but the only way for that to happen, is to remove the chip from your neck which can blow up and kill you at any moment. I'm telling you right now, I get it, but it's not worth it. I will turn you in if I have to if you even think to remove that chip, although, Linderman can access your emotions and thoughts too through the chip since my powers were partially used to modify it. Don't waste this second chance, Meredith. Do your job and count your losses. In death, we don't get a second chance to see our children; that is a reality not even I can change.
Meredith: Isn't your child your reality? Claire is mine. She told me she loved me and even though I cared, I couldn't find myself to tell her back. She deserves the truth. Or at least some form of it. (Glances at Maury) I have a choice this time in how I'm gonna die and it won't be from some maniac injecting me, it's gonna be for someone I care about. If I don't risk my life for my child, then I don't deserve her as a mother. All I ask is you understand me as a parent and give Linderman the satisfaction of blowing my head off for defying his rules.
Maury: … The last thing I did for my son was stand up for him when he wasn't even around to see it. Arthur Petrelli did me in, my own friend after decades. I fought a battle I knew I wouldn't win and it cost me my life, but for my son, I'd do it again… (Takes a long deep breath and debates his decision) I'll grant you a head start, only because I understand, but when I catch up to you, Meredith, and you're still alive, you won't be for much longer.
Meredith: Thank you. (Stands and walks away)
(Meredith wakes from her daydream and continues to watch the kids in the park play. A kind young man sits beside her and offers her a wrapped up burrito.)
Brandon: For you, Meredith.
(Meredith grabs the burrito and Brandon quickly touches the back of her hand and transfers a green light into her which alters her emotions instantly.)
Meredith: Whoa, that's some burrito.
Brandon: It's an ability I picked up from a deceased soul. He can make you feel euphoric joys or disheartening sorrows.
Meredith: Sounds like one of those Haitian witchdoctors.
Brandon: Would explain some things actually. (Opens and takes a bite of his burrito)
Meredith: So who are you again?
Brandon: I'm uh… Brandon, I guess. I thought I moved on and my soul went to the next step but uh… No… I guess I just became something different. Since I died and came back, I've been able to contact dead spirits and also their abilities. As long as their soul is a part of me in some way, I can keep the power but once the soul moves on, so does the ability, at least until I learn to permanently keep it.
Meredith: Why are you here?
Brandon: Because Hiro Nakamura's soul witnessed the future and contacted me. He told me where to come find you once you were dead.
Meredith: But I'm not dead.
(Brandon pulls out his Sprint phone and shows her a news report clip. It shows Meredith holding her chest and coughing out in pain before bursting into flames and falling to the ground dead. He then puts the phone away.)
Brandon: You were killed after you and your brother Flint separated so he most likely isn't aware of what happened.
Meredith: I remember that happening, but I didn't die. I attempted to sever a few of my nerves to burn the chip and set myself on fire on accident. But I can't get burned, so no, I'm still alive.
Brandon: Huh… okay and here I thought I was cool and knew everything. Well uh… Okay! Hiro Nakamura has instructed me to assist you in getting to Claire. Apparently it plays a big part in saving the world otherwise he wouldn't have made me do it.
Meredith: Why do you do it?
Brandon: I guess I feel lost. I don't know, I just- don't feel alive, but I'm not dead either. I feel… "awake" like- I can see what I'm doing, I know what I'm doing and at the same time reality is an illusion to me. I feel so many personalities in me but I'm always aware of which is me unseasoned from outside influence. I guess it just comes with the power. I guess some powers affect people's psyche.
Meredith: This is a nice talk, I guess, but if you're here to take me to see Claire, then we should go. That is the only thing I care about right this moment.
Brandon: Well uh… I didn't plan to give a ride but- I guess since I have to, it might as well be first class.
(Right before Meredith's eyes, Brandon shifts and changes his appearance to Nathan.)
Meredith: Well, a'int that something?
(Nathan gives her a big smile.)
[Parkman Residence]
(The four intruders have now been caught and Janice secures the ropes before walking into the living room to join the rest of the family. Maury looks around in fascination at the accomplishments his prodigy has mad.)
Maury: Wow… you really figured it out. You got the wife- gorgeous by the way.
Janice: Mhm, thanks.
Maury: You got the kid- my grandson. (Watches his grandson shy away behind Matt) I've always known you were destined of great things, but actually seeing it.
Matt: Why are you here, dad? You can't just pop in here whenever you want and expect us to have tea and eat sandwiches like everything's normal!
Maury: You're right and I'm sorry. I just wanted one last chance to see you again. Even in my absence, you still did good. I'm proud of you.
Matt: I don't need your approval; I need you to get out.
Maury: Matt, you've helped me see my faults as a man and as a father and I never gave you half as much as I should've. I gave you my gift-
Matt: No, gift?! This thing is a curse! I don't want this, ANY of 'em!
Maury: Matt, our ability is more than just reading mind; it's so much more…
Matt: What, like pushing thoughts in people's heads? Yeah you taught me that little trick, remember?!
Maury: Matt… (Humble himself a bit) You do what the brain does- everything. That also makes you smart. You can learn things most people don't even think of.
Matt: I'm trying to get RID of this power, not learn more about it. I appreciate the pep talk but I don't need it.
Maury: Oh but you do, because, Matt, if you don't understand where this came from, you won't understand how it affects your life; you won't see the repeating patterns. (Get's closer to Matt) I see a lot of myself in you, and if you want to avoid becoming me, you'll need to acknowledge in what ways I'm still with you.
Janice: Matt, honey… Maybe you should talk to your father. At least this time you KNOW it'll be the last time you see him… maybe.
Matt: (Sighs) You promise to leave after you say whatever it is you wanna say?
(Maury walks over to the couch and has a seat. He looks at his grandson and gives him a smile.)
Maury: Hey, it's okay, little man; I'm your grandpop. I'm your daddy's dad.
(Matty is hesitant but he eventually comes around and gives Maury a hug. Matt does not fully like this, but Janice quickly talks with him to keep him calm.)
Janice: Let him get to know his grandfather. He may not ever see him again but at least he'll have a good memory of him.
(Maury overhears their conversation and stops hugging Matty. Matty then walks away.)
Maury: I appreciate you saying that. You don't know how right you are though. (Stops himself from saying anything he might regret) Call it whatever you want, a magical force, or a god, but something out there has allowed this moment to happen. I am grateful.
Matt: Dad, why are you speaking that way, what's going on?
Maury: I see myself in you, Matt, but I also see how you're better than I am. You stayed; you didn't abandon your son like I abandoned you.
Matt: I did…
Maury: But you came back.
Matt: I thought he wasn't mine…
Maury: You're lying to yourself if you think that's true. Matt you have my insecurities and you left thinking you weren't good enough. Yu didn't wanna mess it up, but take it from someone who's gone through it, those demons in your head tell you to do the very thing you think you're avoiding. You created a solution in your head before a problem even presented itself and ended up creating the problem. Insecurities do that to us. Every insecurity you have will push you to do things that make them a reality until they have become you or destroyed you. I have become mine, and I don't want that from you. Matt, I am a terrible person and all of those terrible traits you have inherited from me, I know are suppressed and rejected. I know you cover them with your anger- because I am a face to your problems and how you treat me is how you treat those terrible inherited parts of yourself you got from me. If that's the case, let's work through them together. Because we both suffer the same. I believe we can- we can maybe help each other out.
(Matt takes a seat and thinks long and hard about how he's going to respond to his father. When his answer comes close, he stares over his father.)
Matt: I'm willing to hear you out…
Maury: M-Matt, don't be afraid of anything, son. These powers we have come from insecurity and being too afraid to see ourselves. At least it was like that for me. I'm guessing, you inherited the same abilities as me because you have the same issues I did, but also because you felt abandoned by me and your subconscious gave you my power as a way to… be close to me in some way.
(The room is silent for a few short seconds.)
Maury: No wonder you reject your powers… They too come from me.
Matt: I don't wanna accept that… (Holding back his very sudden buildup of tears) I don't wanna accept anything you offer me.
Maury: You don't have to… but if you're going to save yourself and your family, you'll need to accept the truth of yourself. Now whether you approve or deny it is up to you completely, but once you accept a part of yourself, you'll at least have that decision to be a victim or find empowerment. Most people think that by accepting, they become the victim, but to empower means we give guidance to whatever has affected us.
Matt: (Takes a moment to calm himself down) I'm losing myself a lot lately… I see things and feel things I'm not too sure about anymore. And clocks… (Here's ticking in his head for 2 rapid seconds) I transferred a guy's memories from one person to another and his mind was stuck in mine.
Maury: I'm guessing it was Angela Petrelli?
Matt: It was her. How did you know that?
Maury: We've done it before. We found out, it was possible to transfer a person's consciousness from one body to another. One of her sons passed away at a young age and through very questionable methods, we brought him back.
Matt: The irony is, she did it again.
Maury: Who did you switch minds with?
Matt: Her son, Nathan and some serial killer guy.
Maury: Matt, your insecurities must have been what attached one of their minds to you. It was because you felt you lacked something they had and on some level, you wanted that soul to be a part of you.
Matt: I was miserable the whole time! I didn't want that for myself!
Maury: This is why it is important that you understand who you are. Not to avoid problems but to accept why they're happening to you. If you understood your flaws, then you would've been able to direct this man's soul instead of being a victim to it. This man made you face your insecurities, didn't he- nearly all of them?
Matt: Ballpark.
Maury: … Son, you must face yourself and you cannot be afraid because they will smell it.
Matt: You want me to face these ghosts? No way, they need to stay buried!
Maury: Matt, they will only control you. You're a good man and you deserve to be happy. Let me help you, if you feel you are ready.
(Matt thinks for a few seconds then gives his father the answer.)
Matt: I don't know if I'm ready, but I'm willing to face them…
Maury: Quick change of heart… Don't toy around with this, son. This ability I'm about to show you is very, very dangerous and with it, you can not only dissect a person's soul but you can also keep their soul trapped in a specific mindset nightmare, or dream. You can completely make them a slave to their own mind with nearly no chance of evolution or escape. They won't even know they're a prisoner.
Matt: Then why teach me this?
Maury: Because if you make one mistake… you can use this ability on yourself and trap yourself in to a mindset which may ultimately destroy you. We're dissecting your soul, son…
(Janice sits next to Matt and places her hand on the back of his. The two of them connect minds and amplify their brain power to the point that Matt's shadow side appears in front of him beside Maury.)
Maury: I won't be able to see what you see, son, but don't be fooled; it will play on your weaknesses and make you feel as though letting it take control will be better. DO NOT listen to it.
Parkman: (Devilishly laughs) So your dad has come back, huh? How nice of him to play daddy before he dies. I'm sure you felt it too, him knowing he's speaking his last words- (Dramatically gasps Oh wait, I'm your subconscious; I can do things you still aren't aware you can do. (Chuckles and gets closer to Matt) So you're gonna go ahead and leave me out to dry or are you gonna let me in? I only ask because 4 men- no 5, if we include your father has just broken into your home. That isn't including the two men from a few months ago who broke in and tied up your family. You're weak and you're not able to handle this power.
Matt: I know I'm not weak, I know I'm not, but I am accepting a part of you into me. I need to keep my family safe and I cannot be afraid to use my power.
Parkman: You have the hunger… Sylar's influence on your mind has never fully gone away. It's no wonder he's turned over to the good side. His inner demon is now you and it attached to your power. Congratulations, you're officially a monster.
Matt: I choose my family over myself anyway, as long as I'm able to protect them; I'll do whatever it takes!
Parkman: (Leans into Matt) You do realize that mentality leaves a backdoor open for shadows to influence you to do crazy things and justify it, right? You're accepting "whatever it takes", which means whatever will be an unsecured section of your brain.
Matt: I know… whatever… I don't care. I wanna do what's right for them!
Parkman: You should've listened to your father. This path you've chosen will crash and bury you.
Matt: Then let me be buried.
Parkman: This also includes the parts of yourself you wife loves. Those will be gone as well… Don't be hasty; think about this.
Matt: I already have and I wanna do this- be stronger for my family, not for the world; not for myself.
(Parkman is very disappointed and jabs his arm into Matt's chest. Black blood then begins to consume them both.)
Parkman: When you've crashed and have nothing left, then come see me again, I will have your heart until then.
(Everything goes back to normal and both Matt and Maury look at one another. Maury's face is instantly filled with regret once seeing that his attempt to help Matt has only destroyed him more.)
Maury: I no longer recognize you as being different from me. I'm sorry I did this to you… but thank you for letting me be a part of this family in my last moments.
(Maury takes a deep breath and lets all of his burdens go for a moment.)
Maury: I'm moving on, son, but I leave you with faith that everything will be ok in the end.
[Nathan and Meredith]
(Looking out at a large city from a tall hill are both Meredith and "Nathan".)
Meredith: Why didn't things work out with us?
Nathan: It was never going to work out with us, Meredith, not with vastly different backgrounds.
Meredith: (Smiles) Thanks for the ride. I can officially say I've flown with a veteran.
(Meredith chuckles for a second but then reality catches up to her quickly.)
Nathan: Who exactly are you gonna tell?
Meredith: (Shrugs) I guess you're right. I mean it's not like I have much time left. I know once I see Claire again Linderman will have me killed. I'm surprised he's let me get this far. Nathan, why are you still here?
Nathan: I don't know, Meredith, but I'm tired and can't rest. I don't know why… A tiny piece of something is still clenching on to this life and it's keeping me here. It's not you, it's not even Claire, it's- something unexplainable.
Meredith: Well I hope you find it and are able to move on.
(In New York, Peter walks out onto the balcony of the hospital and leans over the railing starring out down at the long drop down to the crowded streets of the city. He hears footsteps behind him and quickly turns around. It's a young female nurse with short blonde hair. She cautiously lifts up her hands and shows Peter a small first aid kit.)
Nurse: (Friendly) Whoa, man, chill, I just saw what happened in the elevator and was just checking to make sure you were all good. You all good?
(She walks up to Peter and examines his hand wound.)
Nurse: It's not too bad compared to what else I've seen. It's not-
Peter: (Cringes a bit) Ergh. Sorry.
Nurse: I take that back, maybe it is pretty bad.
Peter: It'll heal. (Lets it sink in that he no longer has Claire's power) Eventually…
Nurse: (Disinfects his wound) Of course, Peter. All wounds heal, it just depends on how you tend to those wounds that decide how good they do.
Peter: Yeah, I guess so.
Nurse: (Focuses on his wound) … You angry about something?
Peter: No, just job stress.
Nurse: Well, in a job like this, you can't always let stress get to you. Sure we all have it, but one breakdown or outburst could mean the end of someone's career or life.
Peter: Yeah, I know.
Nurse: (Starts wrapping the bandage around his hand) If you know then why not seek help or heck even get laid? I can tell you haven't looked at a woman in a while.
Peter: (Chuckles) I think I'm okay in that department. Relationships are a distraction.
Nurse: (Smiles) Oh yeah? Distraction from what exactly?
Peter: My job.
(She stops for a second and glances up at him. Soon after she just smiles and continues to wrap his hand.)
Peter: My job is all that really matters right now.
Nurse: (Smirks and finishes up his bandage) You seem to take care of everyone but yourself, Mr. Hero. (Takes a few steps back) I use to be like you, intense, driven, obsessive, no life, until I learned to chill out a bit. (Leans on a metal bar beside him)
Peter: Why'd you change?
Nurse: I didn't change really. I just had an understanding that the world is gonna always need saving and it's always gonna need people willing to save it. I'm willing to contribute in any way I can, but I also know that I'm not alone trying to save it. Burying myself in my work was only an attempt to escape something else going wrong in my life.
Peter: Thank you for the talk, I really appreciate it, but I think I'll be fine.
Nurse: Of course you will be, Peter, cause all wounds heal, remember? (Smiles) You're kinda cute, you know that? (Writes something down on a small scrap of paper and hands it to him) By the way my name is Kelly. (Smiles and walks away)
Peter: It was nice to meet you, Kelly.
(In the hidden underground facility, Linderman is seen sitting in his office chair eating a bright red apple with one hand and tapping the polished wooden desk with the other. He impatiently looks at his door and glances at the clock over and over again. He gets more and more nervous as time passes. The door opens and he instantly keeps his cool. In comes two guards who escort an angered young handcuffed prisoner to the desk and sit him down on the chair before him.)
Linderman JR: Hello. This imagery seems quite poetic, doesn't it, Micah? My father bound your mother and your father after they borrowed money from him and now I have you bound.
Micah: Who are you?!
Linderman JR: I'm Linderman JR. The Mr. Linderman you knew from a long time ago was my father. I was always kept in his shadows and never brought to the surface by my father's request.
Micah: I don't care who your dad is! What did you do with my friends?!
Linderman JR: Oh yeah, that's right, your parents died, didn't they? You grew up all alone and through the dysfunction machines were your only friends. After your parents abandoned you like so many others, your little team of rebels became your family.
(Linderman indulges at the look of fury in Micah's face for him.)
Micah: Where are they?! Tell me right now or I'll hurt you!
Linderman JR: They're safe; under the care of the US Government. You on the other hand are not. You're a unique gem and down here we find you very favorable… I have a proposition for you, young Micah, and if you agree to this, I promise to reward you a remarkable gift.
Micah: Let me guess, my freedom, right?
Linderman JR: Your family. At the moment there is only so much I can do, but given the opportunity, I could possibly do more for you; all I ask is you cooperate with us for the next few hours.
(Moments later, Linderman JR opens his office doors, and his "mother" Niki comes in smiling at him. Micah gets over excited and rushes to his "mother" so the two can exchange a hug.)
[Parkman's home]
(In Matt's home, Janice and Matt both stare at Knox, The German, Jesse, and Flint. Knox is the only one conscious however.)
Janice: What are we gonna do with them?
Matt: No, I told you, this is my mess; I'll handle it.
Janice: No, Matt, we're doing this together; I'm your wife.
Matt: Ok, so you four obvious broke in here for a reason; what reason was that?
Knox: Like your pops said, he tricked us into coming here so he could see you and keep an eye on us. We have no beef with you, nor do we want any.
Matt: (Turns his head and reads his mind) He's telling the truth. But your buddies, they're psychotic. When they get up, I don't have a guarantee they won't hurt us.
Knox: Only because you say so, Matt.
Janice: He has a point, Matt. Can't you just… I don't know, push a thought into their head to leave us alone?
Matt: (Sighs) I don't think I have enough- (Takes a second thought) Alright… Alright, I'll try.
Knox: But… hey, I'd rather you not use your mojo on me; I'd like to keep my thoughts authentic, if you don't mind.
Matt: We'll see.
(Matt hesitates for a second then turns his head to Knox, convincing him to fall asleep slowly.)
Janice: What did you do?
Matt: There's a card beneath the nightstand; there's a number on it; bring it to me.
(Janice soon returns with the card and hands it to him without hesitation. Matt then calls the number and a woman answers.)
Matt: I may have 4 fugitives you'd be interested in.
(In the underground laboratory, Joshua is seen finishing up the final steps of blending his smoothie in his loft. He looks at the container to make sure it has the right texture. There is a sudden knock on his door.)
Joshua: Yeah, come in!
(The door is opened by Simone. She closes the door behind her and walks straight up to Joshua. She leans on the counter and bats her beautiful green eyes at him while standing 2 feet away from him.)
Joshua: (Feeling awkward) … hi? (Smiles) Would you like a cup of smoothie?
Simone: Something about you seems so familiar, but I can't quite tell what it is. But no worries, I'll figure it out sooner or later.
(Joshua turns away and proceeds to fill two cups with his green smoothie.)
Joshua: Whatever do you mean, miss? You and I just met not too long ago and I've spent the last few years in the mountains isolated from the rest of the world.
Simone: (Scoots) No, there's something different… What are you, really?
Joshua: (Looks over at her) I don't know, maybe give me a kiss and find out.
Simone: (Squints her eyes) Mmm…
Joshua: A little too strong?
Simone: A little. (Laughs) You really have been isolated, haven't you? When was the last time you've seen a woman?
Joshua: (Chuckles) Look, I'm not saying I'm into you or anything, I'm just saying you came in here and got in MY face. I just assumed flirtation is what you wanted. (Hands her a cup filled with a smoothie)
(Simone accepts the smoothie and takes a sip from the straw.)
Simone: Anyway, I admire your artwork. You have the ability to paint the future but what good it that gonna us if you're locked in here all day making health drinks?
Joshua: I've helped a lot. Linderman has some interesting test subjects out there in the field and so I've actually been making a few art pieces of them to make sure they don't cause too much trouble.
(Simone turns around and sees various paintings of Maury, Elle, Knox, Jesse, Matt, Niki, Mohinder, and Micah.)
Joshua: I'm debating on whether or not the famous blonde duo will reunite, meaning Claire Petrelli and her biological mom. (Drinks from his cup) I haven't been a complete stranger, the President has gotten some of my artwork and he sees that a lot of the riots and terrorist attacks are happening from Evos. He's been given paintings of events which later came to past and soon he'll be given my masterpiece.
Simone: So you're painting grim events in society to influence the President's outlook on us; that must make you feel pretty special.
Joshua: We're all just down here hiding from the world when we should be up there making a difference.
Simone: I agree. Unfortunately Linderman wants us to sit on our potential like un-hatched eggs. The world knows about people with powers and it's only a matter of time before people start to turn on them. (Slowly walks closer to him) When their suspicions start to rise, so will we.
Joshua: You're pretty suspicious right now…
Simone: (Chuckles) You're, not afraid to say what's on your mind, that's for sure. I really like that.
Joshua: Oh I can tell you're a dangerous one. I really like THAT. (Takes a big swallow of his smoothie) Tell me, (Walks away and heads over toward his couch) Why'd you agree working for a man like Linderman in the first place? (Plops down on his sofa)
Simone: (Turns around) Honestly, I worked for his father, Linderman SR years back. Linderman SR. had a lot of connections and this underground facility was one of his hidden projects. I'm sure you heard about the "bomb" threatening to blow up New York.
Joshua: (Being sarcastic) Which one?
Simone: (Stands near him by the couch) The "exploding man" one. (Takes a seat in the chair next to the sofa) Linderman and his group knew about the exploding man blowing up New York City. Linderman SR and his friends all prepared a plan for what to do next. Linderman SR made this facility in order to research people with abilities and learn to harness their abilities. This would be a way to control the population after people with abilities were exposed. Well truthfully, I had no idea about this place, until after I was shot by my ex boyfriend. I was taken by the company and Linderman SR was part owner of the Company at the time because he was a founding member. I was the daughter of one of the other founding members and when Linderman heard what happened to me, he saved my life. He brought me back from the dead but in return I had to work for him. I've been loyal ever since. The truth is, I don't agree with everything they do here, but I pledged my loyalty to keeping his legacy safe- his company and his only son. His son took it upon himself to catch those who were seemed to be dead or were declared dead and used his ability to bring them back as either slaves or workers down here- Candice Wilmer, D.L. Hawkins; Flint Gordon. The list goes on. Linderman JR wasn't able to save everyone he wished to like Eden McCain or Elle Bishop, but overall he's happy.
Joshua: It's a good way to keep employees and decrease the demand of pay. Find victims who have been killed, find their bodies, bring them back to life then tell them they need to work for you; kinda chilling. I'm curious, why hasn't he brought his old man back?
(Simone remains silent.)
Joshua: Unless, he has…? So Linderman SR is still alive?!
Simone: He- didn't want his father to be saved. (Awkwardly smiles at him) The two of them didn't really get along. But that's partially why D.L. Hawkins is still alive. D.L. Hawkins was responsible for killing his father before the two could make peace. Now Linderman JR keeps D.L. as a prisoner down here as revenge for what he did. That woman you saw when you first arrived here, she had the ability to produce fire. However Dr. Schwenkman and Linderman JR have been working on transferring abilities and at the time were transferring his into her body.
Joshua: Phasing wasn't her natural ability, that's why her arms ripped out of her body when she pulled out of the glass.
Simone: He keeps them hooked into machines and the machines force their abilities to activate. It's sketchy though because finding the link between them and machine is difficult. But they're bringing someone in to help with that.
Joshua: Micah? That kid, who just arrived, right?
Simone: Exactly.
Joshua: With Micah's ability, their technology could be perfected.
Simone: Exactly. The only problem is Micah Sanders has connections on the surface and his disappearance will raise questions.
Joshua: So you're hoping to borrow Micah for a short time? Pfft, I doubt that would work. But I understand, it's the only option we have at the moment.
Simone: (Nods) Unfortunately. (Takes a big sip of her smoothie)
Joshua: (Puts his smoothie on the table and takes his shirt off) Let me paint something. I'm gonna see if I can help predict a useful situation for us.
Simone: (Stares at his shirtless chest) Mmm, yeah you do your thing and I'll just sit here and- be on the lookout… (Smirks)
(In another room located in the facility, Micah has just finished hugging his mother. Linderman JR and his guard leave the room and as they do so, Micah quickly backs away.)
Micah: After all these years, you still do a horrible impersonation of my mother.
(She smiles at Micah with a distinct smirk. The entire room wobbles and distorts around them. His mother then shifts into a young thin woman with long brown hair.)
Micah: I never thought I'd see you again.
Illusionist: Yeah well, I'm an illusionist; I make people see what I want them to. After Linderman and I used you to rig the 2006 election, I'm sure you learned your lesson about trusting us. You're obviously not gonna make this easy for us, Micah, so what will it take for you to cooperate with us?
Micah: Nothing, I won't cooperate with any of you.
Illusionist: (Disappointed) Yeah… Well the plan was for me to pretend to be your mom and have you work for us in order to "save her".
Micah: My mother died. There's nothing that can chance that.
Illusionist: Oh well; I tried.
(The door opens and in comes Linderman JR and his two guards.)
Linderman: And how did it go, Miss Candice?
Illusionist: He found me out and I tried talking to him but he doesn't seem to want to hear it.
Linderman: It's a shame, chain him up and extract spinal fluid. We need his adrenaline up when we extract so make sure he's wide awake when you perform the procedure.
(The two guards approach Micah from behind and proceed to begin their experiment.)
TO BE CONTINUED…