Episode 12
SCENE 1
(Lex and KC are standing in the doorway to Lex's room so they still have the entrance in sight.)
KC: I'm telling you, she did it again.
Lex: Keeping Bray and Amber apart, so what? Don't tell me you're suddenly gone romantic, KC.
KC: What I mean is, when she lies about small things, what else do you think she keeps to herself?
Lex: It's Ebony, you never know what she's about.
KC: So you don't think, she might know about Tai-San?
(Lex throws him a glare and crosses his arms.)
Lex: She doesn't or she would've used the information to get something out of me. Especially now that I'm the leader around here.
KC: They weren't exactly friends. She could just have her stay away like she did with Bray.
Lex: That's different. She always had a thing for Bray and if she couldn't have him, no one can.
KC: Well, Crow can.
Lex: Yea well, at least they don't live here. Imagine having Loverboy around again and all the drama.
(They laugh before the camera fades out.)
SCENE 2
(Some of the Mallrats are standing in the café. Ellie and Ram have printed more copies of the news sheet and piled them up on a table.)
Ellie: We need at least a few of you to help hand them out in the city.
(Ebony joins them with a cup of coffee in her hand.)
Ebony: You want the kids to go out there? They'll get wasted by those freaks.
Ellie: Since when are you concerned, Ebony?
Ebony (shrugs): I'm just saying.
Alice: She got a point though. We should go in bigger groups.
(Ellie sighs and nods, then picks up a stack of paper and hands them to her sister.)
Ellie: Alright, then I'd say you take one or two of the kids with you and keep an eye on them.
(Alice takes the stack from her and waves at Dylan and Chester.)
Alice: Come on, boys, we've got something to do.
Dylan: But I want to help Kayla again.
Alice: You can do that later and Kayla probably helps with the amulet any ways.
(Grumbling the brothers follow Alice out of the café. Ellie goes on handing out stacks to the other Mallrats until only her, Jack and Ram are left.)
Ellie: Guess, we'll have to hand these out and then get working on the next news sheet.
Ram: No way, I'm going out there!
Jack (amused): Are you scared, Ram?
Ram: I'm not scared, but I'm not going to be chased by some kids. Not happening!
Ellie: So who's handing these out?
Jack: I'd love to help, but as our genius over there volunteered, I'm working alone on the security cameras and alarms. Why did you volunteer any way?
Ram (grins): I was bored.
(He walks off, but stops at the door and looks back at Ellie.)
Ram: Are you coming? You wanted to do the interview today, right?
Ellie: I'll be right with you, just go ahead.
(Ram leaves and Ellie looks exhausted to Jack. He smiles and taps a finger at the last stack of the Amulet.)
Jack: Maybe you can drop these off on Kayla or Gel. I'll have to go now.
Ellie: Yes, I envy you. I'd rather work on security than having an interview with Ram. He'll probably not say anything helpful.
Jack: Probably not.
(He gives her a quick peck on the cheek before he walks off. Camera zooms in on the news sheet before cutting to the next scene.)
SCENE 3
(Sammy and Lottie are walking the streets with Ruby handing out news sheets.)
Sammy: This is so boring, why can't someone else do this?
Ruby: Because there is no one else, Sammy.
(He looks at her scowling.)
Sammy: It would be fine if you did it alone with Lottie.
Lottie: Just so you don't have to do anything.
Ruby: You'd be bored at the hospital, too. Most of us are out in the streets.
Sammy: Yea, let's see how many of us return.
Ruby: Sammy, don't say stuff like that!
(Lottie pushes her hair back and stuffs a copy of the news sheet into a girls cleavage.)
Lottie: I wouldn't mind, if Gel got lost on the way.
Sammy: You're only jealous because she's prettier than you.
(She turns around and glares at him)
Lottie (shouts): AM NOT!
Sammy: Are so!
(She lets out a frustrated scream and pushes him hard. Right afterwards Ruby pulls them off each other.)
Ruby: Stop that! Hand out the news sheet and then we're heading back. It's dangerous out here.
Sammy: Exactly and they send us you for protection. A girl...
Lottie: Hey!
Ruby: You think you can do a better job, huh?
(A boy takes a news sheet from Sammy, looks at it and throws it on the ground.)
Boy: This is not from the Consilium.
Ruby: No, our tribe did it.
Boy: All information should come from the Consilium.
Ruby (defensive): And why is that?
Boy: Because they know everything!
Lottie: No, they don't! You're stupid.
(Ruby puts a hand on her chest and holds her back.)
Ruby: Don't. (to the boy) We don't want to fight, we're just looking for some friends of ours.
Boy: What happened to them?
Sammy: Somebody took them.
Boy: You mean like kidnapped? Are you supporting the Consilium and going to school?
Ruby: No, we just arrived and were figuring everything out.
Boy (snorts): Well, then you shouldn't be surprised. Nothing happens to those who side with Kaelem.
(He walks off and the three Mallrats look after him in shock.)
Lottie: Was he serious?
Sammy: He was completely nuts! Those Consilium are really getting on my nerves.
Ruby: Shh, don't say that too loudly around here, Sammy. Let's hand these sheets out and head back to the hospital.
(They go about their business again.)
SCENE 4:
(Camera cuts to Amber, who blinks at the person standing in the door. The man takes a step forward and we see it's Kaelem. He has a surprised look on his face, but then reaches out to Amber to support her.)
Kaelem (softly): Are you okay?
(Amber looks relieved and gladly takes his hand. She's very pale and gaunt. Her voice is raspy.)
Amber: I-I think so. Wh-who are y-you? How did you f-f-find me?
Kaelem: You don't look so good, let's get you fixed up and talk later, okay?
(She nods and Kaelem puts an arm around her to steady her while walking. They slowly leave the butcher shop and we see that the city around them is deserted and silent.)
Kaelem: I was taking a walk. This part of the city is very quiet and good for thinking. It was quite a shock, when I heard you banging against the door. I'm Kaelem by the way.
Amber: From th-the Consilium?
Kaelem (smiles): Yes. I take it you've heard of me. As I hear it, not so much good.
(She can't help it but smile at the young man and camera fades out.)
SCENE 5
(In another part of the city Gel and Kayla walk around with each a stack of the amulets in their hands. Only a few people really take the time to look at them and ask questions, mostly they are ignored.)
Gel (groans): This is just pointless!
Kayla: We could as well be handing out garbage, the reaction would be the same.
Gel: Eew, so gross!
(Kayla rolls her eyes)
Kayla: Why don't you use your charm and get those guys to listen? I heard you're good at that.
Gel: I don't want to.
Kayla: Come on, the sooner we're done, the better.
Gel (snaps): Then you do it! I don't want to charm any one.
Kayla: Okay, calm down, Gel.
Gel: No! You go whore yourself out.
(She looks furiously at Kayla then pushes her news sheets in her arms and runs away.)
Kayla (yells): Gel, come back here! We're not supposed to go alone. GEL! GEL!
(Gel doesn't listen and just pushes past people until she's out of sight.)
Kayla (mutter): Stupid girl!
SCENE 6:
(Kestrel and Sparrow are walking towards the hospital. Right before they enter, Kestrel stumbles and nearly falls if Sparrow hadn't taken her by the arm. The older girl groans and holds her head.)
Sparrow (worriedly): Kestrel, what's wrong?
Kestrel: Nothing, nothing. I'm okay, you can let go of me now.
(Sparrow slowly lets go of her and they enter the hospital. Slade is on guard duty and just nods to the café. The Harpies enter and find only Lex and Ebony sitting at a table deep in conversation. Sparrow clears her throat and their heads turn. Lex only raises an eyebrow in surprise as they walk towards them.)
Ebony: If that isn't high and mighty we have here. What do you want?
Kestrel: I want to hear if you heard anything.
(Sparrow pulls out one of the news sheets and Kestrel takes it from her to smack it on the table in front of Lex.)
Kestrel: And also this. Don't you think you should have spoken to us about this first? I don't care if you want to make your own little news paper or some other shit, but printing pictures of my girls on there? Not cool!
Lex: I don't see your problem, missy. That can only help finding them.
Kestrel: Oh really? We haven't heard anything from the kidnappers and that must be for a reason. This will just put pressure on them and probably get my girls killed.
Lex: You're overreacting.
Ebony: Besides, if they wanted your girls dead, they would've already done it.
Sparrow: Shut your hole!
Ebony: Yea? Make me.
Kestrel: Sparrow, let it go.
(The younger girl glares at Ebony but follows her tribe leader's order.)
Lex: Well, it's done now anyway or do you want to pick up all those news sheets?
Kestrel: What's done is done, but you don't act on something like this without consulting me again. Are we agreed?
Lex (shrugs): Whatever. Hopefully something like this won't happen again.
Sparrow: So have you heard anything?
Ebony: No, all is quiet around here.
(From the entrance hall foot steps and heavy breathing is heard.)
Slade OS: Kayla, what's wrong?
SCENE 7:
(Ellie and Ram sit in the room she shares with Jack. Ellie sits on the bed scribbling on a notepad while Ram lunges in a chair at the desk looking very pleased with himself.)
Ram (cont.): While in Liberty I learned a great deal about me and about people. I realized I was wrong and I had treated them badly.
Ellie: So was that why you helped the Mallrats defeat Mega?
Ram (laughs): That would be a very sweet little tale, right? But no, it wasn't. Mega and I had been great friends and had plans and dreams together. He had betrayed my trust and I wanted revenge. That I could do something good for my reputation in the process was just a nice bonus.
Ellie: What were your plans afterwards? Did you want control over the city?
Ram: Mostly I was glad to have some technology around me again. You must think me stupid and delusional. I was aware of what people thought of me and I couldn't rule the city. There were no Technos any more so I was out of power and I'm still not really the favourite person around. So no, I didn't plan that.
Ellie: Did you try to redeem yourself? Telling people what happened to their friends?
Ram: I hadn't been with the Technos for months at this point and all I could gather from the information in the computers didn't help much. Mega was a little more ruthless than I had been. I did what I could, but I was focused on myself.
Ellie: What does that mean?
Ram (sighs): It means, I spent my time toying around with my computers instead of doing anything helpful.
Ellie: Okay.
Ram: No snarky comment?
Ellie: I'm a reporter right now, I have no opinion. So, Ram, why do you stay with the Mallrats?
Ram: Why shouldn't I? I have a place here and people accept me in this tribe although I hurt them.
Ellie: And what do you think about the Techno situation? Are they still out there somewhere?
Ram: I can't tell you that. The Technos were a very big organisation, it is possible they are out there somewhere and regroup, but all the influential people are gone. Mega is dead and I am here. My three most valued commanders are either here or dead. If there are still Technos, they are no threat.
Ellie: Last question. If anyone out there was still looking for a loved one, what would you tell them?
Ram: I would tell them, that the work camps don't exist any more. As far as I could tell from Megas data though, some of the prisoners were sold to slave traders and if they think that deleted means dead, they are mistaken. It just means they got their memories wiped and that does not necessarily have to be forever.
(Ellie writes the last few words down, then throws the notepad on the bed next to her and stretches.)
Ellie: I don't know if this is going to mend your reputation, but it seems sincere.
Ram (laughs): Oh nothing will ever mend what I did, Ellie.
Ellie (frowns): And you're okay with that?
Ram: It was my own fault, right? I can't change anything about the way people think of me. I can't force them to forgive me.
Ellie (smiles): You really do have grown. You're not so bad.
Ram: Well, you're not half bad yourself, Blondie.
(He gets up and walks to the door. Before he leaves, he turns around.)
Ram: I take it, we're done here?
(Ellie nods)
Ram: Good, then I'm going to check on your boyfriend.
(He winks at her and leaves.)
SCENE 8
(Kaelem and Amber have arrived at the school. They sit in a somewhat crowded old cafeteria. She has a plate of food and a bottle of water in front of her and Kaelem and Dima sit across from her, watching her eat. Some of the kids around them eye them interested, but keep their distance.)
Dima: So you got separated from the lost Harpies?
Amber (nods and swallows): Yes... I don't know, two or three days ago maybe. I don't know, where they are now.
Kaelem: And nobody came to look after you?
Amber: No. I'd probably have died if it hadn't been for you. I owe you my life, Kaelem.
Kaelem (smiles): Don't mention it. I just did, what everyone would have done.
Dima: Which tribe, did you say, you were from?
Amber: I'm the leader of the Mallrats. We live in the hospital.
Dima: Their leader even? They must be devastated without you.
Amber (smiles): They manage, but I miss my son.
Dima (beams): You have a son? How old is he?
Amber: He is only a year old. I'm glad I can trust my friends to look after him, but...
Kaelem: A baby needs his mother. I'll arrange for someone to see you safely to the hospital as soon as your ready.
(Amber hastily finishes her meal and pushes the plate away.)
Amber: I'm ready!
(Dima and Kaelem laugh, but start walking.)
Amber: I can't thank you enough for this.
Kaelem: You can thank us, when you're safely home and hold your son in your arms.
SCENE 9
(Most of the Mallrats are back from handing out the Amulet, all with little success. Although Slade is still on guard duty, Kayla and Salene sit anxiously next to him.)
Kayla: I'm really worried about her. It's been hours now and she hasn't come back.
Slade: You heard them, we have to wait.
Salene: For goodness sakes it's Gel we talk about here. She can't manage.
(Darryl walks in and seems interested at the mention of Gel's name.)
Darryl: Gel? What's up with her?
Kayla (sighs): We had a stupid fight while out in the city and she just ran away from me. Nobody has seen her since.
Darryl: You means she's out in the city alone?
Kayla (meekly): Yea...
Darryl: I'll go looking for her!
(Without hesitation he turns around and runs outside although the other three call after him.)
SCENE 10
(In the café Kestrel sits with a glass of water in front of her. Ruby sits across from her and hands her two white pills.)
Ruby: Here. They'll help your head ache.
Kestrel (smiles): Thanks. I didn't think, I'd still have a head ache after almost a week.
Ruby: That's not right, have you gotten some rest?
Kestrel: I have to keep the tribe together and the girls are scared with four of them missing.
Ruby: You were injured badly, Kestrel. Why don't you lie down for a while.
Kestrel: I can't. Sparrow and I have to go to the warehouses.
Ruby: Seriously, I'll cover for you. Maybe it will help your head ache and you can help much better after your nap.
(Kestrel takes the pills and shakes her head lightly.)
Kestrel: No, I have to go myself.
(Sparrow sits at another table with KC eyeing her tribe leader with a worried glance.)
KC: What's wrong?
Sparrow: Kestrel is not well. She won't say anything, but she has head aches all the time and gets dizzy.
KC: Maybe it's just the stress. When the girls are found, she'll be okay.
Sparrow: I hope so. Crow would murder us, if she came back and Kestrel was sick.
KC: Well that can't happen.
Sparrow: And why is that?
KC: Then I'd be right that you can't look out for yourself.
(He laughs and she lightly slaps his arm.)
Sparrow: So you're going to fight Crow for me?
(She bats her eyes at him and runs a hand through her long reddish-brown hair. KC blushes a little.)
KC: I... uh...
Sparrow (laughs): I'm just messing with you, KC. You know, I don't need you to do my fighting.
KC (huffs): Yea right... So after this whole kidnapping thing is over, you're just going to sit in your tree houses?
Sparrow: Why? Are you going to miss me?
KC (softly): M-maybe.
Sparrow (smiles): I might come by just for you.
(He blushes an even deeper red, but before he can say something Kestrel waves at the Harpy and Sparrow skips over to her. She turns around and waves at KC before they leave.)
SCENE 11
(In the small park behind the hospital Jay sits on a swing with Bray Jr on his lap. Ryan walks up to him and sits down on the swing next to him. Jay slowly swings back and forth and lulling the baby to sleep.)
Ryan: Are you feeling better?
Jay: A little. I'm just thinking what to do with this little guy, if Amber doesn't come back.
Ryan: She'll be back. A mother always finds her way back to her child.
Jay (smiles): I hope you're right. (pauses) What about you?
Ryan (shrugs): Things have been busy and kept my mind off Salene. I guess, if it's not her, it will be someone else.
Jay: Yes, I'm sure there's someone for you here somewhere.
Ryan (laughs): I'll just look under every stick and stone.
Jay: When you're not looking for Thumbelina, that might be the wrong place.
(They laugh quietly as not to wake the baby. Ryan smiles at the child in Jay's arms.)
Ryan: I just wish I had a son, too.
Jay: Me too. I mean, one of my own. This little guy is okay, but I can never forget he isn't mine.
Ryan: Well, his name is Bray so it would be really hard to forget that fact.
Jay: Maybe when Amber comes back, he can have a brother or sister.
Ryan: Are you thinking of popping the question?
Jay (snorts): This isn't the time for any of this talk, is it? Amber is gone and we are not any where near finding her
(The smiles fade from both their faces and they proceed to sit in silence.)
SCENE 12
(In the deserted apartment where the lost Harpies are kept the girls have found an old bed sheet in one of the cupboards.)
Robin: We need some paint.
Vulture: And what then? Nobody lives around here, who the hell would see it?
Hummy: Vulture, let us at least do something? For two days now, we just sat around.
Vulture: Go ahead, I still think it's pointless.
(The others roll their eyes at her and go about to find some paint or anything they can write on the sheet. After a while Robin came back with some old shoe polish.)
Robin: Can we use this?
(Crow took the tube from her and expected the sponge.)
Crow: It's dried up, but maybe if we get it wet.
Vulture: We don't have much water, It's not coming out of tabs any more.
Crow: I know. We just have to spit on it then.
Hummy: Gross!
Crow (shrugs): Tough. You could also pee on it, but that's hardly a better option.
(The three Harpies start their work, while Vulture watches them and camera fades out.)
SCENE 13
(Amber makes her way through the city. Next to her walks a tall dark haired boy with greyish-blue eyes and grey tribal markings. It's Liam from the Consilium.)
Amber: I really appreciate you seeing me safely home. This city is chaotic.
Liam: Yea, we're trying to figure that out. Kaelem isn't happy about all this violence in his name.
Amber: But don't they listen to him?
Liam: They do, but only so far as they like what he's saying. We think it's better to have somewhat control over them rather than let them do their own thing.
Amber: I don't know.
Liam: Maybe you can talk to Kaelem about it. You're always welcome at the school and so is the rest of your tribe.
(They stop in front of the entrance to the hospital and smile at each other.)
Amber: Do you want to come inside and say hi?
Liam: Thanks, but I'm needed at the school. I'll see you around?
Amber (nods): Yes, definitely and thank you for everything.
(He squeezes her shoulder lightly and walks away. At the same time Lottie, Ruby and Dylan run out of the hospital and hug Amber tightly.)
Lottie: Amber! You're back!
Ruby: Are you okay? Who has that?
Dylan: It was the Technos, wasn't it? Are they coming for us?
(Amber smiles down at the little boy and strokes his hair.)
Amber: No, nobody is coming for us.
Ruby: Dylan, why don't you run inside and tell everyone that Amber is back.
Lottie: I'm coming with you!
(The kids run back inside and Ruby hugs Amber once again.)
Ruby: I'm so glad you're okay. We already feared the worst.
Amber: Me too. Now I just want to see Jay and little Bray.
Ruby: Come on inside, we'll find your boy for you.
(The two girl go inside and camera cuts to next scene.)
SCENE 14
(In the city Gel is running around. Tears stream down her face and she mutters to herself, while avoiding every contact with the other people.)
Gel: You're so stupid, Gel, why did you have to run? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
(A young woman runs into Gel, who just puts her head down and wants to walk past, but the woman grabs her hair and pulls her back. The younger girl screams in pain.)
Gel: Ouch, let me go!
Woman: I don't think so. Aren't you going to apologize to me? I could have fallen.
Gel: You ran into me and you're fine. Except maybe for that hair of yours.
(The woman pulls harder at her hair and brings Gel's face up to hers.)
Woman: Watch your mouth or your hair might not be a problem for you any more.
Gel: Fine, I'm sorry. Now let me go!
Woman: I think someone ought to teach you manners, little girl.
Gel (screams): Get off me!
(She starts to struggle while screaming in pain, but the woman has a tight grip on her and starts beating her now until Gel goes down and then kicks her. From around a corner Darryl appears. He yells at the woman and chases her off. She runs away laughing and Darryl kneels down next to Gel.)
Darryl (worriedly): Gel, can you hear me?
(He gently strokes the hair out of her face and her eyes flutter open.)
Gel (whispers): Darryl?
(She then moves away from him, but winces and gives up.)
Gel: Go away, I don't want to see you.
Darryl: Maybe, but I can't leave you here. Can you walk?
(She tries to get up but fails, so Darryl puts an arm around her and one under her knees and lifts her up.)
Darryl: Hold on tight, it's a long way.
Gel: What were you doing here?
Darryl: Looking for you of course. Kayla said you ran off alone and I went to find you.
Gel: Why? You don't even like me.
(Surprised he stops and looks down at her.)
Darryl: What makes you say that?
Gel: You used me and you left!
Darryl: I didn't use you, Gel. I just didn't think you'd want me to stay.
Gel: You shouldn't have slept with me in the first place. I was drunk!
(Darryl sighs and starts walking again.)
Darryl: Let's talk about that later. We need to get you fixed up.
SCENE 15
(Lottie runs through the back door that leads to the park, because she couldn't find Bray Jr or Jay any where. As soon as she takes a few steps, she sees him and Ryan on the swings.)
Lottie (shouts): JAY! It's Amber!
(Quickly she makes her way over to them and breathes heavily before she can say another word.)
Ryan: Lottie, what is it?
Lottie (gasps): It's A-amber... she's b-back!
Jay: Back?! Are you sure?
Lottie: I saw her with my own eyes.
Jay: Here take Bray.
(He shoves the baby in her arms, who starts to cry and runs off. Lottie looks down at the baby and then back the way she came. Ryan smiles and takes Bray Jr from her.)
Ryan: I'll take him, go run after them.
(She grins up at him and runs after Jay. Ryan gently rocks the baby and follows them slowly so as not to disturb the baby any further.)
SCENE 16
(In the abandoned apartment the lost Harpies finally got the sheet ready spelling HELP in big black letters. Crow is inspecting the window now.)
Vulture: It's locked.
Crow: I know that, Vulture. I'm thinking we might have to break the glass otherwise it's hard to see.
Vulture: Who is going to see it anyway? No one is around here.
Robin: Oh shut up, I've heard enough of you now, Vulture.
(Vulture shrugs and leaves the room.)
Hummy: But when we break the glass, it's going to be freezing cold in here.
Crow (laughs): You mean like out in the woods, where we live?
Hummy (smiles): Yea, I guess.
Robin: So how are we going to do it?
Crow: Find something heavy that we can throw and then we need another sheet or something.
(Right then Vulture comes back with a pan in her hand.)
Vulture: That was the only thing I could find.
Crow: Mhm... we can't throw that, but maybe just slam it into the window like chopping wood.
Vulture: Stay out of the way then.
(Hummy and Robin stand back and Crow starts looking for another sheet. Vulture starts banging the pan into the window.)
Robin: Why are you being helpful now?
Vulture: Just doing it right.
SCENE 17
(In the café Amber sits surrounded by the rest of the tribe and talks about her experience being kidnapped, when Jay storm in with Lottie on his heels. He sees her and his face lights up.)
Jay (yells): AMBER!
(Everyone turns to see him and Amber runs into his arms. She hugs him tightly and they kiss. When they part Jay gently strokes her face.)
Jay: I was so worried.
Amber: I missed you so much.
Jay: You look good.
Amber: Thanks to Kaelem, but where's Bray? I need to see my son.
(Jay frowns then looks at Lottie.)
Lottie: Ryan has him, he's coming.
Jay: Who's Kaelem?
Ellie: Isn't that the guy from the Consilium?
Amber (nods): Yes, he found me and probably saved my life. He took me to the school to clean up and then he send someone to escort me back here. He's really nice.
Ebony: That's not what the feather girls tell us.
Amber: Maybe there was a misunderstanding.
Jack: Amber, have you looked outside? The city is a boiling pot because of the Consilium.
Ellie: Yea and don't forget the lies, they've been telling.
Amber: I don't know. Maybe we can talk to Kaelem about that. He seems reasonable.
KC: So what about the other girls, why were you alone?
Amber: A few days ago we got separated. I have no idea where they are now or what happened to them.
(Every one starts to talk among themselves and soon after that Ryan enters with baby Bray on his hip. Amber kisses her son all over the face and then hugs Ryan.)
SCENE 18
(Darryl and Gel are now nearly back at the hospital. He is huffing and sweating and walking very slow.)
Gel: You can just set me down. I'm okay.
Darryl: No, you're not. We're almost there and then you have to rest.
Gel: You know, when you're not acting like an idiot, you can actually be very sweet.
(Darryl blushes as he pushes open the door to the hospital.)
Darryl: Er... thanks, I guess.
(Kayla is still sitting in the entrance hall waiting for them to return and lets out a little shriek when she sees them. She jumps up and helps Darryl carry Gel.)
Kayla: Oh my God, what happened?
Darryl: I found her just when some stupid bitch was beating her up.
Kayla: Let's just get her into bed and fix her up.
(Together they get Gel into her room and lay her down on her bed. We can now see her injuries. Blood trickles down her brow and into her blonde hair, her lip is swollen and her clothes are dirty and torn. She whimpers quietly. Kayla sits down next to her.)
Kayla: Gel? Does anything else hurt but your head?
Gel: My stomach.
Darryl: She got kicked in the stomach.
Kayla: Darryl, can you bring me a cloth and some water and then find Ruby.
(The boy runs out and Kayla starts carefully undressing Gel.)
Kayla: I'm sorry for what I said.
Gel: Good. (pauses) I shouldn't have run away, though.
Kayla: Doesn't matter. You're safe now. You're lucky to have a friend like Darryl.
Gel: He's not my friend.
Kayla: Really? He seemed very worried about you, when I told him about the fight. He seems to care about you.
(Gel smiles, then winces again.)
Kayla: Get some rest now, I'll take care of you.
SCENE 19
(Back in the school, Liam knocks on the door to Kaelems office and is invited in.)
Kaelem: Ah Liam, did everything go well?
Liam (nods): Yes, she's safely home and I gave her the impression, that you could need her advice on how to handle the situation. So she'll be back.
Kaelem (smiles): Excellent, so we might soon have a few Mallrats kids here to teach.
Liam: But they are spreading lies about what really happened with the Technos.
Kaelem: Yes, but they can't back that up. I'll handle that.
Liam: And what are we doing with the other girls?
Kaelem: Nothing. We wait until the Harpies ask for our help. They need to come to us. We just make sure they stay alive until then.
(Liam nods and leaves. Kaelem looks victorious at the picture of him and Kestrel on his desk.)
Kaelem: So little sister, who is on top now? Soon we'll be a family again, Kelly, and you'll stop playing in the woods.
(camera fades out.)
SCENE 20
(Lottie sneaks around the café trying to keep others from seeing her, as she taps Dylan on the shoulder. She motions for him to be quiet and he follows her into her room. The door closes behind them.)
Dylan: What's up?
Lottie: Now that Amber is back, things will be a little more relaxed. Do you remember our bet from the party?
Dylan: The one about KC?
Lottie (nods): I think we shouldn't take any chances that Sammy and Chester win and we have to do their work. I heard Gel was injured today, so maybe we can get KC to nurse her like he did with Sparrow.
Dylan (grins): That's a great idea.
Lottie: Great, then you go tell him, she is asking for him.
Dylan: Me? Why me?
Lottie: Because no one would believe that I went in there to check on her. I still think she deserved what she got.
Dylan: Fine.
(He groans and leaves her room to find KC, while Lottie just smiles to herself.)
SCENE 21
(Jack, Amber, Ram and Lex walk into the control room next to Amber's and Jay's room that Jack and Ram had started setting up since the abduction of the Harpies and Amber.)
Jack: I got everything hooked up today. We should be able to see around the hospital with the cameras.
Ram: We could even install one in the corridor near the back door and one in the entrance hall.
Amber: Isn't that going a little too far? We don't want to spy on the tribe.
Lex: We're not putting up cameras in all the rooms just in the area at the doors.
Jack: And we'd tell the others of course.
Amber: Mhm... maybe we could vote on that.
Ram: If we had the cameras, we wouldn't need a guard in the entrance hall though. Just someone who watches the cameras.
Amber (sighs): Okay fine, install the cameras at the entrances tomorrow.
(Ram and Jack nod and Lex and Amber leave them. In front of her door they stop.)
Amber: What about the rest of the security?
Lex: I got Slade and Ebony to put up some traps around the park and no one was allowed to go into the city alone. Plus Ellie and Ram were working on that stupid news sheet of hers. I guess the new issue is going to be an interview on Ram.
Amber: I want to read it, before she starts handing it out, but if you don't mind, I'd like to rest now.
Lex: Whatever. I could just stay in charge.
Amber: Sheriff, we already tried that and it didn't work. You're chief of security, that should be enough.
(Lex grumbles and leaves. Amber looks after him smiling before entering her bedroom.)
SCENE 22
(Kayla leaves her room wearing dirty jeans, a black tank top and boots. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She walks over to the door across the hall and enters without knocking. Startled KC throws the gameboy he was playing on in the air, but catches it, before it can hit the ground.)
KC: Geez, Kay, why don't you knock?
Kayla: Because I didn't want to.
KC: What are you up to? You look like work.
Kayla (laughs): Today is the last day of my week, remember? Don't think I'll let you off easy. How's that book of yours coming by the way?
KC (groans): It has no pictures just text.
Kayla: Yes, I know, I've read it several times. It's one of my favourites.
(KC gets up from his bed while shaking his head and putting on some shoes.)
KC: You're a mad woman. So what have you planned?
Kayla: Oh, I couldn't find Dylan and Alice is busy so today you're going to help me with my vegetable garden.
KC: But that means I have to get dirty.
Kayla: You sound like Gel. Just put something on that you don't like that much anyway.
(He rolls his eyes at her and changes his shirt. She stares at him and he blushes lightly.)
KC: Can't a man have some privacy here without you ogling him?
Kayla: Nothing I haven't seen yet, KC, but you're not too bad.
KC: Uh... thanks I guess.
Kayla: You're welcome. Now come on and get dirty!
KC: Woman, this is turning into an odd conversation.
Kayla: Less talking, more walking.
(She grabs his hand and pulls him with her to the back door and into the park.)
SCENE 23
(Ram sits in the control room, watching the cameras while flicking through an old magazine. A soft knock is heard and when he looks up, Ruby stands in the doorway.)
Ruby: Can I come in?
Ram (smiles): Of course, it's really boring here.
(He pats the chair next to him and she sits.)
Ruby: We haven't talked lately.
Ram: No, everything was just so busy. How are you doing? Still glum?
Ruby: I don't know. I was worried most of the time and didn't think about Slade.
Ram: So this is guy drama? Do you really think I'm the person to talk to about this?
Ruby (shrugs): Probably not, but Lottie is too young for this talk and you're my only other friend.
(He looks taken aback, but quickly gains his composure back.)
Ram: Surely that's not true. You've got your charm.
Ruby: Since Siva died and the whole business with Slade I didn't really try to socialize. I'm just glad you were here... well you and Lottie and Darryl in a way.
Ram: They'll warm up to you. If they can get along with me, they will love you.
Ruby: You know, you're a little creepy without your sarcastic remarks and actually being nice.
Ram (laughs): You can have that, too. Just thought I might give this friendship thing a go.
(Ruby lays her head on his shoulder and studies the cameras in front of them.)
Ruby (softly): I like it.
Ram: It's not that bad.
Ruby: Of course you have to say something like that. Look (she points at a camera) friendship is great.
(They watch KC and Kayla out in the park, messing around with the dirt more than actually doing any gardening. On another camera Lex and Ryan sit in front of the hospital talking.)
Ruby: I'll make you see that.
Ram (smirks): Bring it on.
SCENE 24
(The curtains are closed and Gel is sleeping. Next to her on the bed sits Darryl and watches her. Now and then he dabs her brow with a wet cloth and runs his fingers gently through her hair. Suddenly she stirs and looks up at him.)
Gel: How long have you been sitting there?
Darryl: Since I got back and Ruby gave you those pills. They said someone had to keep an eye on you.
Gel: And you got stuck?
(She shoots him an evil look and tries to sit up, but for one she isn't wearing more than underwear and her stomach hurts too much. Darryl puts a hand on her shoulder, but quickly pulls it back, when he sees her reaction.)
Darryl: Stay down! You need to rest. And I didn't get stuck, I volunteered. Look, I think we should talk.
Gel: What about? You using me and completely ignoring me afterwards?
Darryl: You weren't talking to me, what should I have done? I didn't use you either, you started it.
Gel: Very mature, Darryl! Get out!
Darryl: No.
(She's clearly taken aback, but scowls at him.)
Gel: GET! OUT!
Darryl: No. We should talk about this.
Gel (snaps): Then tell me why you left.
Darryl: I thought you wanted me to. You were drunk and I thought you might be embarrassed, when you woke up. So I wanted to spare you that.
Gel: Oh yea, because waking up feeling used is so much better. For crying out loud, Darryl, that was my first time.
(He stares at her with wide eyes and open and closes his mouth unable to say anything.)
Gel: So I woke up and you were gone, which could only mean it was horrible and you wanted to forget it ever happened.
Darryl: But... I asked you, if you really wanted it.
Gel: I was drunk!
Darryl: I... Shit! I'm sorry, Gel. I didn't know. I wouldn't have done it.
Gel: Because it didn't mean anything, right?
Darryl: I didn't think you wanted it to mean anything.
Gel: What the hell do I know. Things like this should happen after weeks of dating not like this.
(Tears start to form in her eyes and she rolls around, so he no longer can see her face while she silently cries into her pillow. Still he doesn't leave and just looks at her for a while.)
Darryl (softly): It wasn't horrible, you know. You told me, you really like me right before.
(When she doesn't respond, he continues.)
Darryl: I really like you, too, you know. Maybe... maybe we could... you know... date?
(Slowly Gel turns around again and looks at him with tear strained cheeks. He smiles and reaches out to her, this time she lets him and he gently wipes the tears away.)
Gel: You mean it? You like me?
Darryl: I said it, didn't I?
Gel: Then... uh... say it again. I didn't hear you.
Darryl: I like you.
(She smiles and takes his hand from her face. Then she pulls him down, so he lays next to her and spoons her.)
Gel: Maybe we can date... if you ask me out properly.
(He gently strokes her arm and then takes her hand and brushes his lips against her shoulder.)
SCENE 25
(The sun is setting over the city. Camera zooms in on the warehouses and we see Yara run on the roof. She's smooth and quick as a cat and leaps onto another building and another. The camera follows her in this dangerous game of hers until she suddenly stops in her tracks and looks up at a high building. The sheet from the captured Harpies is waving in the little wind there is.)
Yara (whispers): Help? Maybe I should tell Bray.
(The young girl turns and runs and jumps back the way she came from just quicker.)