Ghostbusters (2016): The team goes after their first ghost
[Erin, Abby, and Holtzmann happy with the turnout of their new equipment, set out to test them out. Abby grabbed the P.K.E. meter and switched it on. As she moved it around, a spike of spectral activity was detected to the south.
The three women jumped into the newly acquired hearse from Patty's uncle and traveled south. After traveling a few miles, the P.K.E. meter picked up a high level of spectral activity. Erin stops in front of the twelve-story building and each of them got out of the hearse.]
"This is the Chelsea Hotel," Erin said looking up.
"Yeah, it's been here since the late 1800s and is one of the oldest buildings in New York City," Abby said.
"Well, if there's one place that a ghost or spectral whatever it would be here…so says the P.K.E. meter," Holtzmann said.
"Yeah, I would have to agree. What say we take a look around huh?" Abby said as she held up the P.K.E. meter and began to follow its readings.
[Erin and Holtzmann started to follow Abby.]
"Oh wait, we can't forget these," Holtzmann said as she turned back towards the hearse.
[Holtzmann grabbed the three proton packs.]
"We can't go in unprepared right?" Holtzmann said as she handed two of the proton packs to Erin and Abby.
[Erin and Abby slid their packs on and started towards the hotel. Holtzmann slid on her pack and grabbed one last thing from the hearse.]
"And I got this baby right here…" Holtzmann said as she attached the ghost trap to her waist.
[Holtzmann caught up to the others as they passed through the main doors of the hotel. Abby's eyes remained glued to the readings of the P.K.E. meter. Erin and Holtzmann looked around hoping to see a glimpse of anything.
As they pass through the lobby of the hotel, staff and patrons take notice of the women and whisper among themselves. Abby blindly follows the P.K.E. meter until she bumps into the main desk. Erin and Holtzmann bump into Abby as their attention was also not ahead of them.
A female receptionist who was standing behind the main desk had been watching them from the moment they had walked into the lobby.]
"May I help you ladies?" the hotel receptionist said.
[Abby, Erin, and Holtzmann regained their composure after bumping into each other.]
"Ahem…Yes you can actually. My associates and I have detected a large spectral anomaly on the premises. Can you tell me the areas of this hotel that has the most connection with the afterlife or the occult?" Abby said.
[The hotel receptionist stares with a blank look on her face.]
"Let me handle this Abby. Um…hi…is there any way we could speak to the manager of this hotel?" Erin said.
"Uh…sure…" the receptionist said as she picked up the phone.
[Abby, Erin, and Holtzmann turn towards each other.]
"Okay, let me do all the talking. And try not to bring any more attention to us." Erin said.
"You got it, boss," Holtzmann said.
[Erin stares at Abby waiting for a reply.]
"…Abby?" Erin said.
"Yeah, fine whatever," Abby responded.
"Abby, seriously."
"Okay, okay. Yes."
[The receptionist put down the phone and clears her throat to get their attention. Erin, Abby, and Holtzmann turn towards her.]
"Oh, yes," Erin said.
"The manager will be out momentarily." The receptionist said.
"Yes, thank you."
[As the three women stood around waiting, both staff and patrons continued to stare and whisper. After a minute, a well-dressed man came out from the back and approached the three women.]
"Hello, I am Jonathon Weiss. How may I assist you ladies?" the man said.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Weiss. Would it be okay if my colleagues and I walked around the premises for an investigation we are conducting?" Erin said.
"May I ask what your investigation is about?" Jonathon inquired.
"Yes…We are a part of Addison's Structural Integrity Associates. And we were sent to look for any areas of the hotel that my need to be fixed."
"Yeah, you don't want this entire building to collapse and crush everyone to death right?" Holtzmann said.
[Jonathon kept his composure and responded in the same way.]
"No…no we don't. The only thing is that I was not told you were coming."
"Well of course not. This is along the lines of a food inspector going to a restaurant, you know?" Erin said.
[Erin stood nervously as she hoped Jonathon would believe her bold-faced lie and allow them access to the hotel.]
"Alright…what parts do you need access to?" Jonathon said.
"All of it!" Abby blurted out.
"Sssh…Um, yes the entirety of the hotel grounds would be efficient," Erin said.
"Okay…well you're going to need this, but do not lose this as it is my personal access card. You will have to return it to me once you have completed your investigation."
[Jonathon reached into his pocket and retrieved a plastic access card. Erin promptly took the card.]
"Thank you, Mr. Weiss. We promise to conduct ourselves professionally and efficiently."
"Oh and please try not to disturb the guests."
"Of course…again, thank you."
[Erin then walked away with Abby and Holtzmann close behind. Jonathon walked towards the female receptionist from before, watching them walk away.]
"Sir, do you think it's a good idea to let them wander around?"
"Not really, but they seem pretty harmless. By the looks of those things on their backs they seem more like bug exterminators…" Jonathon said then chuckling.
[Erin, Abby, and Holtzmann began to wander the hallways. Abby moved the P.K.E. meter around trying to find any readings.]
"What kind of readings are you getting Abby?" Erin asked.
[As Abby scans the area, the P.K.E. meter barely responds.]
"Nothing, there doesn't to be any spectral activity in this area," Abby said.
"Well, maybe we need to find an area that has fewer people in it and maybe somewhere that is older than this section of the hotel."
"What about the basement?"
"Yeah, that would work. It would be one of the oldest parts of the hotel and not many people would go down there other than the occasional maintenance worker."
[Holtzmann searched the area and saw a map on the wall. She scanned the map to reveal a fire escape map.]
"Hey, this fire escape map says that there is a stairwell behind this door that leads directly to the basement," Holtzmann said.
[Erin and Abby turned towards the door and saw a security lock on the door.]
"Well Mr. Weiss gave us his access card, let's check it out shall we?" Erin said pulling the access card out of her pocket.
[Erin slid the access card into the slot and the lock clicked and she opened the door. She retrieved the access card and slid it back into her pocket. Each woman peered into the stairwell.]
"Looks like a normal stairwell. Are there any readings Abby?" Erin said.
"Let me check," Abby said.
[Abby pointed the P.K.E. meter into the stairwell and it started to give some minor readings.]
"Well, it seems there is something down there that is giving off a spectral reading," Abby said.
"Let's go then, girls," Holtzmann said with a cocky smile on her face.
[Erin, Abby, and Holtzmann stared down the stairwell. As they descended further down the darker the stairwell and the stronger the readings became. When they reached the final set of stairs, it led to a single door and the stairs themselves were lit by small round lights the sat on the wall right above the handrail.
The three of them walked down the last set of stairs and crowded in front of the door. ]
"See what reading you get from in there," Erin said.
[Abby pointed the P.K.E. meter towards the door that led to the basement. It began to respond wildly.]
"Well, whatever is in there, it's giving a huge reading…" Abby said as she placed her hand on the doorknob and started to turn it.]
"Wait, hold on Abby. There's a note on the door." Erin said as she notices the piece of paper taped to the door in the minimal light.
"What does it say?" Holtzmann said.
"Light switch at top of basement stairs is nonfunctional. Light switch at bottom of the stairs is. Please be careful. And it's signed Maintenance Staff." Erin said as she squinted.
"With that, let's go but be careful alright?"
"Okay, mom…" Holtzmann said as sarcastically as she could.
[Abby slowly opened the door and as they peered in, nothing but darkness greeted them. Each of them slowly walked into the complete darkness and very carefully navigated the stairs.]
"Okay, so where is that working light switch?" Erin said once they all reached the bottom.
[Erin reached out to the wall and felt around for the light switch. After a few moments, she realized she was no close to finding it.]
"Will you two help me find it?" Erin said getting frustrated.
"Erin come on, how hard is it to find a light switch?" Abby said as she reached out to find it herself.
[After another few moments of neither of them finding the light switch, Holtzmann got fed up.]
"Geez, you two are pathetic…does it really take three people to find a light switch in an old basement?" Holtzmann said.
[As the three women scoured the wall for the light switch, each getting annoyed by the second.]
"How in hell, can we not find this light switch?" Holtzmann said.
"Well, we can't proceed until we do," Erin said.
"Why can't we just get a little light down here?" Abby said.
[Just as Abby finished talking, a dim green light began to emanate from the center of the room. As each of them turns towards it, a figure started to materialize. The figure took shape of a woman wearing a long dress. The figure hovered in the air above them.
They all stood in awe as they stared at the figure. As the P.K.E. meter started to go crazy, Abby snapped out of her trance.]
"Guys, snap out of it…this entity is what we are looking for," Abby said.
[Erin continued to stare at the figure as it reminded her of when she was young. After a few moments, the figure looked down and noticed the three women. It then slowly floated down towards the center of the room.
Erin, moved almost to tears wanted to get closer to it. She very slowly moved towards the figure. The figure noticed her movement and turned her eyeless gaze towards her.
Erin paused as the figure's attention was now on her. She gulped hard and started to move forward.]
"…Get…out…" a voice coming from the figure said.
[Erin paused again, torn between moving forward more or doubling back. Her intrigue got the better of her and she moved forward once more.]
"….Get out…" the voice said this time a little more aggressively.
"Erin, I think we should do what it wants…" Abby said a little on the nervous side.
"No, we can't abandon this now, our proof is right here in front of us," Erin said not taking her gaze off the figure.
"Listen I understand that you want proof to bring back, but this isn't some ghostly figure in someone's attic. This is a fully-fledged apparition and it's telling us to leave."
"We can't just walk away from this. This is what we've been looking for all this time. With this proof, we will not be mocked or ridiculed ever again."
"But this is dangerous; we barely understand what we are doing. If we are not careful this will be a suicide mission."
[For another few moments, Erin and Abby argue. Holtzmann glances at the figure and notices it coming towards them with an outstretched arm.]
"Guys…" Holtzmann said trying to get the other's attention.
[Erin and Abby continue to argue as the figure comes closer.]
"Screw this…" Holtzmann said as she turns her proton pack on.
[The proton pack hums as the energy inside of it charges up. Holtzmann realizing the danger prepares herself. Watching as the figure continues to close in on them, Holtzmann aims the proton gun and fires.
As the figure is hit, its wails echo through the room. Erin and Abby finally realize what's happening and bring their attention to the apparition.]
"Holtzmann, what are you doing?" Erin said.
"Well ya know, the ghost that you two want to argue about wants to do something about us not leaving and I don't want to get hung from the rafters. So will you help me before this thing kills all of us?" Holtzmann said as she fired towards the apparition once more.
"She's right Erin, we gotta do something about this…" Abby said as she turned on her proton pack.
[Erin again was being torn because of her desire for proof. She knew what notoriety this kind of proof would get her, but if she didn't make it out of this encounter it would be all for nothing. Erin switched on her proton pack and got ready to fight.]
"Alright…let's dance…" Erin said as she fired towards the apparition.
[The apparition darted through the air trying to avoid the proton streams. Trying to hit the apparition, Erin and Abby simultaneously moved their streams close together. As the apparition darted out of the way, their streams got close to each other causing both of them to be violently knocked back.]
"Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention…if two protons streams touch…there's going to be one hell of a reaction," Holtzmann shouted.
"What kind of reaction?" Erin said as she stood back up.
"You know the Big Bang right?"
"Yeah…"
"Well, something like that."
[Erin and Abby looked at each other and shared the same expression. Each of the women tried to snag the apparition in their proton streams. But with the apparition darting away they kept being unsuccessful.
After some time, the apparition seemingly tired of the game, fazed through the ceiling and towards the upper floors of the hotel.]
"It's escaping!" Holtzmann said.
"If it gets to the other floors, someone is going to get hurt," Abby said.
"We have to hurry and find it before it does," Erin said.
[The three ran back to the stairwell and back to where they had entered.]
"Which way Abby?" Erin said.
[Abby took the P.K.E. meter out and moved it around until she saw a similar reading as before.]
"This way!" she shouted as she began to move in the same direction.
[They ran until the reading was the same as before. It was coming a set of doors that had a sign near it that read "Entertainment Hall".]
"In here!" Abby shouted.
[Holtzmann ran up and kicked the doors open. The doors swung open violently and the three ran in. As they entered they could see rows of seats that led up to a stage where an opera rehearsal was going on.
Several people were in the seats watching, but their eyes, as well as the opera singers, were now on them.]
"Sorry to interrupt we're just…looking for something…" Erin said.
[The people in the seats near them sat confused as the singers on stage stood agitated, getting more by the second.]
"Abby, where is it?"
"I don't know…the reading is coming from the entire room," Abby said.
[The main opera singer now out of patience erupted into an outrage.]
"How are we supposed to resume our rehearsal if the three of you are going to just stand there and look dumb?" the singer shouted.
[The three continued to scan the area completely ignoring the outburst.]
"Come on Abby…give me something," Erin said.
"I'm having trouble pinpointing it, just give me a second," Abby said getting frustrated.
[The lead opera singer began to tap her foot and clenching her prop spear.]
"How dare these uncultured wretches do this to us. This is completely unnecessary and Mr. Weiss will hear about this." the opera singer said to her fellow singers.
[As one group stood searching for their apparition, another completely confused, and the last agitated and unhappy, the apparition slowly fazed through the floor of the stage and appeared behind the opera singers.
One of the opera singers felt a cold shiver go down their back and noticed a faint green glow behind them. As they slowly turned around, they saw the apparition start to reach out for them. The singer let out a bone-chilling scream, drawing everyone's attention.]
"There she is…" Holtzmann said.
"Holtzmann ran past the others and stopped about 20 feet from the stage. She aimed the proton gun at the apparition.]
"Get down now!" she shouted towards the stage.
[Everyone on stage dropped as fast as they could. The moment it was clear, Holtzmann fired her beam. In a blink of an eye, the beam shot forward and struck the apparition.
She wailed again as she did in the basement and darted around escaping the proton beam. Everyone began to scream and shout as all of them were completely terrified.]
"Abby, help Holtzmann trap that specter between the beams. I'm going to clear this area out and I'll be back to help you out." Erin shouted.
[Abby nodded and ran to help her comrade. Erin grabbed all the people from the theater seats one by one and led them out. Once they were clear she sprinted towards the stage.]
"Okay, you guys are last. Just head up the main aisle and run towards the lobby. Got it?" Erin instructed.
[Each of the singers nodded and hopped off the stage and up the aisle. Erin turned and saw the opera singer who shouted remained on the stage.]
"Hey, didn't you hear what I said?"
"As a matter of fact, I did." The singer said still with attitude.
"Then why didn't you go with the others?"
"If you can't tell, this costume I'm wearing is not suited for running for my life."
[Erin sighs deeply.]
"Fine, just jump on my back."
"I beg your pardon."
"You heard what I said. I may be smaller in size but trust me."
"Well, alright I suppose…but don't think all is forgiven…"
"Just get on my back already."
[The opera singer carefully got on Erin's back. Once she was set, Erin got up and moved up the aisle. As she moved she could feel the weight on her back cause her to slow down.]
"Do yourself a favor honey and lay off the snack cakes will ya?" Erin said
"Well, I never." The opera singer said in outrage.
[Erin finally reached the doors and let the opera singer off her back.]
"Alright now go meet the others in the lobby," Erin said.
"Okay…thank you. Oh, and good luck in there." The opera singer said before leaving.
[Erin ran back inside closing the doors behind her. She could see that Abby and Holtzmann finally caught the apparition between their streams. She aimed her proton and fired causing the three beams to trap the apparition completely.]
"Alright Holtzmann, throw that trap underneath her, and let's end this," Erin shouted.
[Holtzmann nodded and with one hand on her proton gun she unclipped the ghost trap from her waist. With one good wind up, she tossed the trap towards the specter. She dropped the release pedal to the floor near her foot.]
"Time to say bye-bye Ghosty…" Holtzmann said as she lifted her foot and dropped it fast, hitting the release pedal. The trap opened but was just short of grabbing the apparition.]
"Dammit. Okay, I was a little off with my throw, but if you guys can move her a little towards me, I can get her this time."
[Abby and Erin complied and as they tried to keep their streams steady, moved ever so slightly towards Holtzmann. Right as she was about to open the trap again, Abby miss stepped and tripping herself up causing her stream to stop and let the apparition escape.
The apparition then darted towards the main doors and fazed through them.]
"Oh shoot. I'm sorry you guys. I have two left feet sometimes." Abby said struggling to get up.
[Holtzmann sprinted over and helped her up.]
"Don't worry Abby, next time we got her," Holtzmann said.
"Well if we don't hurry, there may not be a next time and a whole bunch of casualties," Erin said.
[The team regrouped and headed out the main doors, towards the lobby. As they ran through the hallway, Jonathon could be seen standing near the desk. He took notice, and addressed them.]
"Oh, are you ladies done with your investigation?" Jonathon said with a smug expression.
[Jonathon already knew they weren't who they said they were as he called around while they were looking around and no building integrity company has sent anyone to the hotel. He was now going to revel in exposing them.
[The three of them stopped short and pointed their proton guns towards his direction. Jonathon realized he was now in a predicament.]
"Okay, I won't call the cops! Just don't shoot me!" Jonathon cried out while holding his hands up.
"We're not going to shoot you, Mr. Wiess. Just listen to me and follow my instructions okay?" Erin said.
"Mmm…hmm…"
"Great, now all I need you to do is slowly walk towards us okay?" Erin said as she could see the apparition floating behind him.
[Jonathon nodded and slowly started to walk towards them. By the time he was halfway, Holtzmann thought he was going too slowly and decided to speed up the process.
"Oh and make sure you don't look behind you."
[With his reflexes taking control, he turned and saw the apparition reaching out at him. Jonathon's face turned white and his body went limp. Erin saw him falling so she reached and grabbed him and pushed him to the side. With Jonathon now out of the way, the apparition was now theirs.]
"Get out!" the apparition shouted.
"Okay, on three. One…two…three!" Erin shouted as the three proton guns fired.
[Each stream hit the apparition at the same time causing it to be unable to move. Holtzmann threw the trap once more, this time with perfect accuracy. She dropped the pedal and stepped on it as quickly as she could.
The trap opened, grabbing the apparition. It was pulled into the trap, sealing it. The lobby sat quietly as the spectral anomaly was now gone. Holtzmann looked up and saw the trap was blinking red, indicating the trap was full.
She stood up and walk towards the trap. After picking it up and indeed seeing it was full, a smile parted across her face.
"We did it. Holy shit we did it!" she shouted proudly.
"Wait…we did it?" Erin said standing up.
"Heck yeah, we did," Abby said standing up.
[The three of them got close to each other and hugged one another.]
"I can't believe we did it," Erin said as she began to jump up and down.
"Yeah for a moment back there I thought we were done for," Holtzmann said.
[The reality started to sink in when they looked around and saw all the startled and confused onlookers. Erin looked and saw Jonathon who was sitting nearby with a complete look of shock on his face.]
"Oh, Mr. Weiss I'm glad to see you're alright. Thank you for your assistance with our investigation, we were able to be quite thorough." Erin said as she reached in and pulled out the access card and placed it into his front breast pocket.
"Goodbye for now."
[With the testing of their equipment now completed, the three of them began to walk back out towards the hearse. Jonathon snapped out of being shocked.]
"Wait…hold on…" Jonathon said.
[The three of them stopped and turned back around.]
"You don't work for any building integrity company."
"You caught us…no we don't," Erin said with a smirk.
[They continued back towards the hearse.]
"Wait…you're not exterminator's are you?"
"No…no we're not. Well, actually we kinda are. Oh, and we will be sending you a bill."
[Erin and the others walked back to the hearse and drove back to the firehouse to dispose of their first ghost.]