Elite Force: Season 2

by r4spb3rry

It's 2024 - f*ck it. Elite Force Season 2. After rewatching the franchise, this is - in my semi-expert opinion - where I believe the showrunners were going with Elite Force following 'The Attack'. 1 Chapter is 1 episode, 20-minute sitcom style, just as the style of the show; written in screenplay format. Ch1 is a recap (skip to Ch2 for Ep1!). Ep 13 up now! Please read & review!

6. Episode 5: Cover Up

ELITE FORCE: Season 2 Episode 5

"Cover Up"

Bree and Chase's new ability is amazing, but the overuse is quickly driving them crazy. But when Davenport comes back to Centium City for an emergency, they are forced to work together to hide the secret from their father. Meanwhile, Oliver and Kaz realise their new Superhero call-outs have an unexpected effect on Skylar, which quickly spirals into something ridiculous...

FADE IN.

SCENE ONE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(BREE is relaxing on the couch, reading a magazine. All of a sudden, CHASE bursts into the room, running down the stairs frantically. He is in a pink robe, with his hair full of soap suds).

CHASE
(Panicked)
What? What's going on? Where's the emergency?

(He skids to a halt and sees BREE; BREE takes one look at him and bursts out laughing).

BREE
(Giggling)
What are you wearing?

CHASE
You used our emergency signal! I was in the shower and I grabbed the first thing I saw. But I'm here! What's the danger? Are you okay?

(BREE lazily gestures to a glass of water, which is sitting on the counter top in the kitchen).

BREE
(Sweetly)
Yeah, will you please grab me my water? I already sat down.

(A moment of silence as CHASE looks at BREE, absolutely incredulous).

CHASE
(Furious)
Water? Water?! Bree, I was mid-shampoo!

BREE
Yeah, does Skylar know you borrowed her robe?

CHASE
(Seething)
I grabbed the first thing I saw! Because you used the emergency signal! That is for emergencies!

BREE
(Defensively)
It was an emergency!

CHASE
(Hands on his hips)
Really? Were you dying?

BREE
Yeah! (CHASE gives BREE a black look, not buying it, so she finishes quietly) Dying of thirst.

(CHASE stands, staring at her for a second, then he forces a gritted smile).

CHASE
Fine. You want your water? Here's your water.

(CHASE uses his molecular kinesis to lift her glass of water. It steadily floats across the room, and then just as BREE reaches out to grab it, CHASE pours it all over her, the bulk of it going directly in her face. BREE yells and leaps to her feat in shock),

BREE
Chase!

CHASE
(Smugly)
There! Now we're both soaking wet. How do you like it?

(CHASE turns on his heels and promptly makes to walk away. But he slips, wiping out completely and falling over. Focus only on BREE, who laughs, but then her face contorts as she looks away).

BREE
Ew, Chase! Tie up the robe!

(CHASE leaps proudly back up to standing, a furious look on his face as he ties pulls the robe string tight).

CHASE
(So mad his voice is low)
I am going to rinse this shampoo out of my eyes. (He blinks, unable to see) Will you please direct me toward the stairs?

(BREE sighs, walking over to him and spinning him round a swift 180 degrees, patting his shoulder).

BREE
Straight ahead.

CHASE
Thank you! And next time, keep your dumb voice out of my head whilst I'm showering. It's weird!

(CHASE marches off up the stairs, BREE shrugs and, not deterred at all by her brother's mood, hums whilst she happily walks over to the kitchen to get her own glass of water).

BREE
Might as well now since I'm up.

ROLL TITLES

SCENE TWO.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(BREE and CHASE are hanging out in the living room - but are safely on opposite sides of the room, not looking at each other and not speaking. CHASE is working on his laptop at the little table by the door, and BREE is in the kitchen making a snack. OLIVER and KAZ enter the penthouse from the front door, in their mission suits, their doctors' coats in their hands).

BREE
Hey! How was the callout?

KAZ
I am wiped.

OLIVER
'Triple M' is getting a lot of traction, which is really good, but it's cold and flu season, and let me tell you, you do not want to be in the firing line of a superpowered sinus infection.

(CHASE and BREE grimace).

CHASE
Well, it's good you guys are getting out there. You are keeping 'Triple M' hidden, right?

OLIVER
Don't worry, Chase, we keep our doctors' coats in our bags until we're out of public view. We make sure we're not being followed, and we take different detours home.

KAZ
Well, Oliver's was a detour. (Laughs at himself) I got lost.

CHASE
Good. Just checking.

(BREE takes a drink of water).

BREE (V/O)
Control freak.

CHASE (V/O)
(Bitingly)
Attention hog.

OLIVER
(Unaware of the brewing telepathic fight)
Either of you guys seen Skylar?

BREE
(Distracting herself from her argument)
Um, she was here a minute ago. I guess she just went to the bathroom or-

(A sound from up the stairs, offscreen, is heard).

SKYLAR (O/S)
Step away from the staircase.

(SKYLAR comes downstairs, a facemask over her mouth and nose, disinfectant spray in front of her, and is spraying everywhere she walks. She stares at KAZ and OLIVER).

CHASE
What's with the gear? Not that I'm making fun, being health conscious is important.

SKYLAR
Cold and flu season! I'm not risking anything now that these two are doing housecalls.

KAZ
(Knowingly)
Ah… she's back.

BREE
Who?

OLIVER
Skylar, Kaz and I are not going to -

SKYLAR
(Stopping him)
Ah, ah, ah… you've exhaled too much in my direction today. That's your limit. I'm going upstairs to change my clothes, I can feel the germs on me already.

(SKYLAR disappears upstairs to change her clothes. KAZ and OLIVER share a look, then explain).

OLIVER
Skylar's a bit of a hypochondriac.

KAZ
Yeah, she lived in a hospital for two years where all she saw was horrific superhero diseases, (laughs) and it kind of scarred her for life, I guess.

CHASE
I know what she means… I can't tell you how horrified I was when we left the lab and I saw chicken pox for the first time.

BREE
(Smiling sweetly)
Likening yourself to an alien, Chase - how appropriate!

CHASE
(With equal bitter politeness)
Yeah, well at least I don't look like one. I'm not the one who caught the chicken pox, (He gestures to her face) And never physically recovered.

(BREE laughs fakely at his joke, turning it into a glaring expression. Suddenly, the front door opens again and DONALD DAVENPORT walks in).

DAVENPORT
Hey everyone!

BREE
Mr Davenport!

(BREE runs over to hug her father, closely followed by CHASE).

CHASE
What are you doing here?

DAVENPORT
What? I can't just visit my kids?

BREE
You can… but you don't.

DAVENPORT
Come on, I'm just dropping in to make sure you're not tearing each other apart. Right?

(BREE and CHASE turn to each other, simultaneously deciding to lie).

BREE
(Scoffs)
Tearing each other apart?

CHASE
(Equally lying)
Us? Nah.

KAZ
(Awkwardly)
Okay, well, that's our cue.

OLIVER
Eight hours of clinics and that's the most painful thing I've seen all day.

(OLIVER and KAZ exit up the stairs. DAVENPORT watches them go up the stairs, and then hangs his coat on the coat hook).

CHASE
So, uh, how was your flight?

(DAVENPORT's expression turns serious).

DAVENPORT
(His voice serious, and low)
Listen, guys, I'm not just here for a visit.

BREE
(Smirking)
I knew it.

DAVENPORT
I didn't want to say anything in front of Kaz and Oliver, because I didn't want to worry them, but it's about your chips.

(BREE and CHASE share a look).

CHASE
What about our chips?

DAVENPORT
I got an alert on my mainframe back in Mission Creek. Your original capsules are down there, and since they're automatically set to upgrade every time your chip does, it signals when there's been a remote update to one of your chips.

BREE
(Praying she is getting this wrong)
And… someone's capsule signalled an update?

DAVENPORT
(Gravely)
Actually, both of yours did. Someone has updated the coding in both of your chips, and the update came from here in Centium City. The only person with authorization to upgrade any of your bionics is me, so someone must know your schematics enough to hack into the coding and add something unauthorised. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

(CHASE and BREE freeze, like rabbits caught in headlights, having not told their father about their new ability to mentally speak to each other. At once, they scoff, feigning innocence).

BREE
(Scoffing the same as before)
Know anything about that?

CHASE
(Equally lying)
Us? Nah.

BREE (V/O)
(Whilst still staring at DAVENPORT)
Busted…

CHASE (V/O)
Shh!

BREE (V/O)
He can't hear me!

DAVENPORT
(Thinking their silence is their shock)
I know, it's a lot to take in, but I'm here now, and I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Hopefully the coding can be erased, and we'll get ahead of whatever's happened. I'm thinking it's got to be Roman and Riker, from when Rodissius hacked into Bree's chip to control her using her schematics.

CHASE
(Trying to calm the situation, frantically)
It wouldn't be Roman and Riker, Douglas put a firewall on -

DAVENPORT
(Deadly serious)
Chase, that's why I'm worried! This could be a highly advanced cyber attack. I need to run diagnostics on both of you in Mission Command right now.

(DAVENPORT strides off to the hyperlift. BREE and CHASE share a look of panic, and then simultaneously rush after him).

SCENE THREE.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(CHASE, BREE and DAVENPORT stand in Mission Command; DAVENPORT is typing, concerned, on the cyber desk. BREE and CHASE are looking panicked at each other).

BREE (V/O)
What do we do? What do we do?

CHASE (V/O)
Just stay calm, maybe he'll change his mind.

DAVENPORT
I'm going to go get Oliver, he can bring your capsules downstairs with his superstrength.

CHASE (V/O)
Or… maybe not.

DAVENPORT
(His face solemn)
We're going to fix this guys, I promise.

BREE
(Awkwardly)
Thanks, Mr Davenport.

CHASE
(Looking away)
Yeah, thanks.

(MR DAVENPORT goes up the hyperlift and disappears out of mission command. As soon as he is gone, CHASE and BREE slump, breathing their relief. CHASE starts pacing, BREE wringing her hands).

CHASE
We cannot let him run that diagnostic, Bree. He'll see the code and we're done for!

BREE
Why does he think we've been hacked, anyway?

(CHASE runs a hand through his hair)

CHASE
I might… have… used his password. I don't have authorisation to mess with our chips' schematics.

BREE
(Eyes wide)
What? Are you serious? I thought you wanted to tell everyone about the telepathy!

CHASE
It's not telepathy, it's a communication signal, for the billionth time! And I do, I just… didn't want to tell Davenport. (Panics) Come on, Bree, you know how much of a control freak he is about our schematics! (Paces, getting more nervous) And he's going to lose it when he finds out it was me.

BREE
Chase, calm down, we'll dodge the diagnostics test. It can't be that hard, we've been getting away with stuff like this for years.

CHASE
(Deadpan)
We've been getting in trouble with stuff like this for years, Bree.

BREE
But we're adults now! Well… I am. You're just about pushing 12.

CHASE
Now is not the time for short jokes!

BREE
It's always the time for short jokes, Chase! Look, I don't want to tell him either!

CHASE
Why don't you want to tell him?

BREE
We've been over this, because I said so!

CHASE
(Bitterly)
That's always your excuse, you never want to own up to anything-

BREE
My excuse?! You're the one who-

CHASE
You use it just as much as I do, if not more, and you-

BREE
(Stops)
Wait. We're on the same side. Why are we fighting?

(A pause; CHASE thinks).

CHASE
Honestly, I've no idea. (He takes a breath) So, we're agreed? No telling Davenport about pineapple, barnyard, kangaroo?

BREE
God yes. Our secret.

(CHASE and BREE shake hands in their agreement).

SCENE FOUR.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(KAZ and OLIVER are sitting on the couch, hanging out. SKYLAR appears from the stairs, just as "protected" as she was before, in her mask and with disinfectant. She walks past the boys, spraying in a line as she does. This settles into their faces and they spit and wipe it away. SKYLAR, unfazed, walks to the kitchen and gets a glass to get a drink of water).

KAZ
Skylar, come on, you're being ridiculous.

SKYLAR
I'm being ridiculous? Living in Mighty Med was bad enough, but at least then I was surrounded by medicine, doctors and other superheroes.

OLIVER
(Proudly)
Skylar, we are doctors and we are superheroes, we'll protect you.

SKYLAR
(Shaking her head)
Oliver, now is not the time for jokes! (OLIVER looks offended, but she carries on). I'm not from Earth, and I don't have the immune system of someone exposed to all your deathly plagues like Hayfever and the (shudders) common cold.

KAZ
(Unimpressed)
Oh come on, so no one ever gets sick on Caldera?

SKYLAR
No! The heat from the lava pits kills disease before it reaches us. I've heard about what your plagues do to you: your brains liquify and run down your nostrils, your lungs explode out of your throat, and your organs start melting and making you run hot.

KAZ
(Aghast)
That's a… vivid picture.

OLIVER
Who told you that?

SKYLAR
Horace did! He told me everything I need to know about the Normo flu. (Shudders) I dread to think what it would do to my powers.

(OLIVER walks up to SKYLAR, attempting to be comforting).

OLIVER
Skylar, would you please trust us? There's no way that's what happens, you've misunderstood.

SKYLAR
(Folding her arms)
Oh, so now I'm stupid?

OLIVER
(Frantically backtracking)
Wh- uh, no. That's not what I said -

KAZ
(Enjoying this)
It kind of is what you said, buddy…

OLIVER
(Pointedly, to KAZ)
Maybe you could spray a little more disinfectant in Kaz's face, huh?

SKYLAR
I don't care what you two say. I'm not stupid, and you'll all see when I'm completely healthy, saving the world, and you two are dying on the couch from the flu.

OLIVER
Skylar, Kaz and I are careful, we wash our hands and our clothes after dealing with patients in the field. You have no reason to worry.

KAZ
Yeah, the penthouse is warm and dry, you're not going to catch anything.

SKYLAR
Warm? What does that have to do with anything?

KAZ
Well, it's called a "cold" for a reason.

(SKYLAR's expression drops in shock).

OLIVER
(Hissing)
Kaz! You're making it worse!

KAZ
Oh, come on, what's she going to do? She can't possibly-

CUT TO:
SCENE FIVE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(SKYLAR is standing wearing several layers of clothes, looking panicked around her. She is clutching a hot water bottle. KAZ and OLIVER stare at her in utter disbelief).

KAZ
(Awkwardly)
I stand corrected.

(SKYLAR, determined, sprays more disinfectant towards the boys).

SCENE SIX.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(CHASE and BREE are stood, very calm on the exterior, but they keep side-eyeing each other, clearly stressed on the inside. In the centre of mission command are their capsules, reminiscent of their old Mission Creek Lab. They are watching DAVENPORT and OLIVER, as OLIVER steps away from BREE's capsule, having just brought it downstairs with his superstrength. DAVENPORT is watching him and nods).

DAVENPORT
Thank you, Oliver, I really appreciate it.

OLIVER
No problem.

(OLIVER steps into the hyperlift and disappears upstairs. Once he has gone, DAVENPORT goes over to the cyberdesk, completely unfazed at his children's stress, and focused on running his diagnostic).

DAVENPORT
(Looks at the capsules and chuckles)
Funny to have them down in the basement again, huh?

CHASE
Yeah, so nostalgic. Great. Really takes me back. So, we done here?

DAVENPORT
Hopefully it won't take us too long. Alright, who wants to go first?

BREE / CHASE
(Pointing at each other)
Chase does. / That's all Bree.

(BREE and CHASE glare at each other. DAVENPORT looks at them, mildly concerned).

DAVENPORT
Okay, Bree, why don't you go first?

CHASE (V/O)
(Telepathically)
Stall him!

(BREE, thinking fast, makes a mumbling phone call sound with her vocal manipulation. As she does, CHASE runs around the cyberdesk to where DAVENPORT is stood to "help" him).

BREE
Oops! Someone's calling me! (She "answers" her phone) Oh, heyyy, Leo, what's up? No, I'm not busy, go ahead!

DAVENPORT
Bree, tell Leo you'll talk later, we have to get this done.

BREE
Really? Oh, come on, we haven't talked in forever -

DAVENPORT
(Sternly)
Bree Alberta Davenport, hang up the phone.

(BREE, at the use of her middle name, scowls at DAVENPORT but obeys him. CHASE laughs smugly at the sight of his sister in trouble).

CHASE
Hey, Mr Davenport, let me help you run the diagnostic!

DAVENPORT
It's okay, Chase, I've got it -

CHASE
No, I can do it! I'm the smartest guy in the world, I think I can - (CHASE purposely presses buttons on the cyberdesk, making it sound an "error" buzz. CHASE gasps at the fake mistake). Oops! I've logged you out. Sorry.

DAVENPORT
(Looking at his son weirdly)
It's alright, no big deal, I'll just put my password in again.

BREE (V/O)
(Glaring, speaking telepathically)
Good going, Chase Newton.

CHASE (V/O)
Bree Alberta.

(DAVENPORT quickly logs himself back in again. CHASE stands frantically thinking whilst he gestures towards BREE's capsule).

DAVENPORT
Go on, Bree. Capsule's all yours.

BREE
Uh…

(BREE begins to walk towards the capsule, without any other option. Suddenly she has an idea and "falls" down to the floor, clutching at her ankle).

BREE
(Fakely)
Oh no! My ankle! Ow, I think it's broken.

(CHASE rushes over to BREE, helping her up).

CHASE
Oh man! The dangers of being a superhero, right? We better go get some ice on that -

BREE
Good idea!

(BREE and CHASE rush towards the hyperlift).

DAVENPORT
Hold it!

(BREE and CHASE stop in their tracks, turning around like two little children caught stealing from a cookie jar. DAVENPORT eyes up his kids and approaches them).

DAVENPORT
(Matter-of-factly)
I know what's going on here.

CHASE
(Apprehensively)
You do?

DAVENPORT
Please. You don't think parenting bionic teenagers has taken its toll on my gullibility? I wasn't born yesterday, guys.

(CHASE and BREE share a look. DAVENPORT puts a hand on each of their shoulders, one on CHASE's, one on BREE's, and looks at them with sympathy).

DAVENPORT
You're scared. But that's okay, someone has violated your bionics and hacked your chips, it's a lot to take in, and it's perfectly normal to be scared. I know you two are "big, tough, scary superheroes-in-the-city now", but underneath those blue and black mission suits, you're still my babies, and you don't have to lie to me.

(A pause; CHASE and BREE look mildly disgusted and a tiny bit guilty at DAVENPORT's speech. BREE folds her arms and narrows her eyes).

BREE
Oh, so now you choose to act like a good father?

(DAVENPORT looks unfazed, if even a little more sympathetic, moving the hand on BREE's shoulder up to cup her face).

DAVENPORT
Oh man, you're deflecting, you must be terrified. It's alright, kids, I'm here now. And whoever altered your chips, I'm going to make sure they pay.

(DAVENPORT hugs BREE and CHASE, who, caught off-guard, obligingly and awkwardly pat him back. They stare at each other over DAVENPORT's shoulders, silently arguing).

MIDWAY BREAK.

SCENE SEVEN.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(SKYLAR is sitting on the sofa, with a mug of steaming tea, in many, many, many layers of clothing: jackets, scarves, etc. She is visibly sweating. KAZ and OLIVER look on, weirded out and concerned, from the kitchen, completely baffled as to what to do).

KAZ
Should we do something?

OLIVER
I'm sure she'll be fine… right? She just needs our support.

(OLIVER walks over to SKYLAR placatingly, sitting beside her. SKYLAR raises an eyebrow).

OLIVER
Skylar, come here and hold my hand. You'll see -

SKYLAR
Oh no, I'm never touching you again. Anything and everything is a hotbed for infection.

(OLIVER gets back up and urgently walks over to KAZ).

OLIVER
(Now fully serious)
We have to do something about this.

KAZ
Oh please, she didn't want to be near you when she wasn't acting crazy. (He sees OLIVER's urgent expression and rolls his eyes). Fine, I'll talk to her. Man, you ruin all the fun.

OLIVER
No, you're not talking to her. You'll make it ten times worse.

KAZ
I will not, I am Skylar's friend. Just watch, I can be comforting.

(KAZ walks over to SKYLAR).

KAZ
(Unfeeling)
Hey, Crazy.

SKYLAR
What do you want, Kaz?

KAZ
(Sarcastically)
You look a little chilly, you want a blanket?

SKYLAR
(Completely seriously)
Do you think I should?

KAZ
Sure… if you want to be a human baked potato.

(SKYLAR glares at him).

KAZ
(Fake sweetly)
Look, I was just curious… isn't that Bree's sweater? You know, between Chase's shirt and my Parka?

SKYLAR
Yeah, why? I grabbed everything I could out of the clean laundry bin.

KAZ
Well… and I'm just thinking out loud here… isn't the goal to stay healthy and not get sick? And wouldn't you do better sticking to just your stuff. I mean, I used that mug you're holding this morning for my coffee, and I washed it, sure, but… you know what bugs are like. They just sit on everything. Every little crevice… every scrap of fabric…

(KAZ runs a loose sleeve on one of SKYLAR's layers between thumb and forefinger. SKYLAR looks down and realises).

SKYLAR
Oh my GOSH!

(SKYLAR superspeeds away, returning moments later in just one layer of clothes, but wearing a space-helmet, gloves, and a hazmat suit).

SKYLAR
This was in my closet, this should keep me safe.

OLIVER
(To KAZ, furious)
Dude! What was that?

KAZ
What? I got her to take off the clothes, didn't I?

OLIVER
Yeah, and now you've turned her into E-frickin'-T! (To SKYLAR, nicely) No offence, Skylar, I love that you're an alien. (To KAZ, mad again) You were supposed to make her feel better about catching colds, not scare her into making it worse!

KAZ
(Laughing at himself)
Oh, sorry… then I vastly misunderstood what we were doing here. (He thinks, then turns back to SKYLAR) Wait, hang on, you just… had a hazmat suit in your closet?

SKYLAR
(Shrugs)
I like to be prepared.

(OLIVER opens his mouth to say something, but is too stunned for any words to form, and closes it again).

SCENE EIGHT.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(BREE and CHASE are looking more stressed, clearly running out of excuses. They have been stalling a long time now, DAVENPORT stood safely between CHASE and BREE as BREE finishes up showing him something on her phone).

DAVENPORT
Okay, Bree, I've looked over all the old family photos on your phone twice now. Man, I really haven't aged, have I? (Eager to get on, he approaches the cyberdesk) But now it really is time to run that diagnostic.

(CHASE rushes to his side).

CHASE
Uh, Mr Davenport, I wondered if you could - uh - tell me the story of how you made your first billion dollars again. I love that one.

DAVENPORT
Oh Chase, (he puts a hand on his shoulder) Read my autobiography, it's all in there. I keep telling you.

BREE (V/O)
(Telepathically)
He did get us both a copy for Christmas the last three years running.

(CHASE, caught off guard, snorts at BREE's joke. Then realises his mistake when DAVENPORT looks at him strangely).

DAVENPORT
What's so funny?

CHASE
(Quickly)
Nothing! Just… allergies.

BREE (V/O)
(Sarcastically)
Good going!

CHASE (V/O)
Shut up!

DAVENPORT
Okay, we've done enough messing around for one day. Bree, get in your capsule.

BREE
But, Mr Davenport, I really think -

DAVENPORT
(Strictly, now not messing around)
Go!

(BREE and CHASE look at each other, having completely run out of stalls and excuses. BREE looks to CHASE, but he subtly shakes his head and shrugs, out of ideas. BREE, with nothing else to do, slowly approaches her capsule. She reluctantly steps inside).

BREE (V/O)
Maybe it won't show up on the scan?

DAVENPORT
Okay, the diagnostic is running.

CHASE
(Distracting, pointing to BREE's capsule)
Mr Davenport, what's that?

(DAVENPORT looks to where CHASE is pointing and when he is not looking, CHASE quickly taps something on the cyberdesk. He very nearly gets away with it, if not for a robotic voice speaking out of the cyberdesk. His eyes widen).

ROBOTIC VOICE
Confirm to delete diagnostic.

(DAVENPORT, alert to the voice, turns to CHASE and the cyberdesk. CHASE, caught completely red handed, freezes).

DAVENPORT
Chase! What are you doing?

CHASE
I… uh…

ROBOTIC VOICE
Diagnostic scan completed.

(DAVENPORT narrows his eyes and shoos CHASE out of the way to look at the scan. CHASE looks at BREE, who looks back, eyes wide. There is no doubt about it, they are caught).

DAVENPORT
There! I've found the anomaly. It's a… wait, that's odd. Bree, it says there's a communications signal in your chip… and that I added it in… (He looks accusingly at CHASE, beginning to lose his temper, gritting his teeth) From the cyberdesk in Centium City Mission Command. (He smiles fakely at CHASE, his anger growing) Busted.

(CHASE sighs).

CHASE
(A little ashamed)
Okay, okay, fine. You got me. I'm sorry, Mr Davenport. It wasn't Roman and Riker, I added the new code. It's a signal between Bree's and my chips. I have it too.

DAVENPORT
(Shocked)
What? Chase, that's completely irresponsible! You know you're not supposed to mess with your chip schematics, you could have seriously hurt yourself, or Bree!

CHASE
I know, but Mr Davenport, I only did it because -

DAVENPORT
(His voice rising)
And especially without permission! I hope you ran this by your sister before you experimented on her. Huh?

CHASE
Of course I did. She -

DAVENPORT
(Holding his hands up to silence CHASE)
Bree, is that true?

(CHASE looks at BREE, quietening so she can back him up and tell the truth. But BREE gets suddenly nervous, her motive for keeping quiet, whatever it may be, still running through in her mind. She looks at MR DAVENPORT, looks at CHASE, and stays quiet. She gives a small shake of her head).

CHASE
(Widening his eyes)
What?! But -

DAVENPORT
(Furious)
Chase, I can't believe you! Your own schematics is one thing, but you had absolutely no right to mess with your sister's chip.

CHASE
But she knew! She literally pressed the button to activate it!

DAVENPORT
Chase, don't lie!

CHASE
(Desperately)
I'm not lying! Bree!

(There is a horrible silence as CHASE stares at his sister, utterly betrayed. But BREE just stays completely silent. She looks down).

BREE
(Quietly)
I didn't know.

CHASE
How dare you?! You -

DAVENPORT
(Yelling)
Chase, that's enough! (CHASE goes silent, not used to his father yelling. DAVENPORT walks up to him). I know you think you know everything, but your bionics make your head a computer, Chase, they do not make you God! I am so disappointed in you.

(CHASE looks incredibly hurt).

CHASE
But -

DAVENPORT
(Eyes blazing with anger)
No! Get out of Mission Command, now.

CHASE
What?!

DAVENPORT
Do you think you can be trusted after this? You are benched from missions until further notice. No bionics, no Elite Force. Nothing.

CHASE
You can't just do this!

DAVENPORT
You're lucky I'm not sending you back to Mission Creek. Upstairs, now!

CHASE
I… (he turns to BREE) Are you seriously not going to… (BREE looks down and CHASE looks completely and utterly devastated. He gives a final look at DAVENPORT and holds up his hands, his voice catching a little in emotion) Whatever.

(CHASE, fuming, heads up the hyperlift, leaving BREE and DAVENPORT on their own).

SCENE NINE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.
(CHASE is silently getting a drink of water. BREE, coming out of the hyperlift and looking incredibly guilty, walks up to him).

BREE
Chase...

(CHASE ignores BREE, filling his glass and turning away).

BREE
I'm sorry, he was really harsh.

(CHASE gives her more silent treatment and walks away onto the terrace. BREE tries an awkward smile).

BREE
Come on, are you just going to ignore me?

(CHASE turns around, bitingly).

CHASE
Are you going to tell him the truth?

BREE
(Hesitantly, after a pause)
I just… can't.

CHASE
Then I have nothing to say to you.

(CHASE turns to walk onto the terrace; BREE tries again).

BREE
I'm sure Mr Davenport will get over it, Chase. He was just in shock. Maybe if he sees how well the signal works, then -

(CHASE stops and he turns around and faces her again, not done. Complete betrayal burns in his eyes).

CHASE
You know, you've done some awful stuff in the past. Destroying your chip, giving Giselle's android my schematics, humiliating me at school countless times when we were kids. But this… (he shakes his head) I will never forgive you for this, Bree.

(CHASE storms off onto the terrace. BREE starts after him, tears in her eyes).

BREE
Chase!

(But the door closes shut between them, leaving BREE alone in the penthouse. She pauses, as if to go after him again, wringing her hands, but instead just stands there, unsure what to do or how to repair what's broken).

SCENE TEN.
EXT. PARK - EVENING.
(KAZ and OLIVER are half-dragging, half-pushing SKYLAR down a path. She is still in her bright yellow hazmat suit and her space helmet, looking highly nervous, and protesting).

SKYLAR
Guys! Please, don't make me. I can feel the end nearing me. There are people sneezing and coughing everywhere.

KAZ
Dude, you look like a sterile space banana, you're good.

OLIVER
Skylar, you've spent all day worrying about this. Being scared of getting sick from every little thing is no way to live.

SKYLAR
(Grumpily)
Maybe not for you, but I could do it.

OLIVER
Come on, you're in fresh, open air. There's nothing to worry about, just… take the helmet off.

KAZ
Yeah, and can you hurry? People are staring.

SKYLAR
But what about the -

OLIVER
You'll be fine.

SKYLAR
But the brains, and the nose -

KAZ
That's just snot.

SKYLAR
The exploding lungs -

OLIVER
Coughs.

SKYLAR
Melting organs -

KAZ
(Shrugging)
Eh, just eat a bunch of ice-cream, you'll be fine.

(OLIVER elbows KAZ).

SKYLAR
Are you sure? I don't know.

OLIVER
Completely sure, exposure therapy works. Plus, I have tons of aspirin in my pocket, you'll be fine.

SKYLAR
(Screws up her face)
Aspirin?

OLIVER
Yeah, it's Normo medication.

SKYLAR
Wait, wait, wait. Normos have medication for illnesses too?

KAZ
Uh, duh. What did you think we did?

SKYLAR
Horace said you just ate noodle soup and cried until you either recovered, died, or cut off a limb…

OLIVER
(Confused)
I don't think anyone's done that since the middle ages.

KAZ
The cut off a limb for the flu thing, not the noodle soup. Say what you will, but it's my favourite food.

SKYLAR
You're telling me that there's medicine for all kinds of coughs and colds, not just superpower injuries?

OLIVER
(Sighing in understanding)
Oh, I get it! You spent so long in Mighty Med, you still have completely distorted blind spots of the real world!

KAZ
In which case, it's perfectly normal to give friends money when they help you in situations such as this.

SKYLAR
I'm not that stupid, Kaz.

KAZ
Worth a try.

SKYLAR
This changes everything, I don't know what I was so worried about! (SKYLAR takes off her helmet and her hazmat suit, revealing normal clothing underneath. She sighs with relief) Man, it was so hot in there. So, if there's ever anything wrong, there's Normo medication for it, every single time?

OLIVER
More or less, yeah.

SKYLAR
Cool! I'll have to remember that and take some aspirin the next time I get a bad haircut! I bet it'll just grow right back. Ice-cream anyone?

(SKYLAR exits, not a care in the world. OLIVER goes to correct her, but KAZ stops him).

KAZ
Don't bother, she'll figure it out eventually. One crisis at a time.

SCENE ELEVEN.
EXT. PENTHOUSE - TERRACE - NIGHT.
(The light of evening has just disappeared over the tops of the buildings, leaving Centium City in darkness. On the terrace, CHASE stands, leaning casually on the railing, staring out at the city, deep in thought. He still has hurt all over his face, unable to believe this has happened. The door opens from the living room and BREE enters, staring at him. She looks nervous, and CHASE turns around to glance at her quickly, but doesn't give her much attention, going back to stare ahead).

BREE
You're not going to use your forcefield to stop me talking to you, are you?

CHASE
(Not looking at her)
Well I didn't think it would work a second time. Plus I'm benched from using my bionics, remember?

BREE
(Awkwardly)
Right…

(BREE swallows, stopping a few feet away from him. She thinks about saying something else, but CHASE beats her to it, turning around).

CHASE
(Desperately, bluntly)
Tell Mr Davenport the truth.

BREE
Chase, it's not that simple…

CHASE
It is that simple! I'm banned from missions, Bree. Missions! How could you just let that happen?

BREE
I'm sorry.

CHASE
Then prove it and tell him the truth.

BREE
(Teary)
I can't.

CHASE
Why?

BREE
Please, Chase, there must be some other way we can work it out. I can't -

CHASE
There is no other way, Bree! Why you won't just tell him -

BREE
You won't understand -

CHASE
Then help me to understand!

BREE
Chase -

CHASE
Please, Bree, please! I can't not go on missions, I can't not use my bionics. You have to get how ridiculous this is! If you won't tell me, then -

BREE
(Snapping)
It's because I'm embarrassed!

(A silence. CHASE stops talking and looks at her).

CHASE
What are you talking about?

BREE
(Her voice raised in her ramble)
I'm embarrassed, about this whole thing, I'm completely humiliated. Roman and Riker attack Centium City, and I'm the one who gets kidnapped. I almost die from the Arcturion, and Skylar loses some of her powers saving my life. I get stranded on Caldera, and you and Kaz have to rescue us. Rodissius kidnaps me, controls me. And after all that… (She pauses, emotion welling up in her eyes) After all that, after being such a complete burden to the team, putting everyone in danger countless times, I'm scared to leave the house in case I get hurt, and you swoop in and save me! Again!

(BREE takes a breath to try and ground herself, and she is unable to look him in the eye. She wipes a tear away).

BREE
(Quietly)
It's embarrassing, Chase, embarrassing that I need my brother to make a 24/7 telepathy signal just to make me feel safe enough to go to the supermarket. It's embarrassing that you saw that in me, and had to spend time making it, and it's embarrassing that after all these weeks I still feel the most safe when I'm using it.

(She pauses, and makes her way over to the terrace railing, leaning on it to look out, her fists in her sleeves as she looks away, ashamed).

BREE
(Mumbling)
I really am sorry, Chase.

(CHASE takes his place beside her again).

CHASE
I didn't realise that you felt that way.

BREE
Well… I don't like talking about it. (She sniffs) It's hard, seeing everyone else so effortless when I'm still looking over my shoulder on missions. I don't want everyone else on the team - or Mr Davenport - to think I'm weak. I didn't want you to think I'm weak either but… (she shrugs) I guess I've said it now, so…

(Another pause. CHASE puts a hand on BREE's shoulder).

CHASE
I don't think you're weak. (BREE glances at him, but says nothing) And, for the record, I didn't make the signal for you.

BREE
You didn't?

CHASE
No. I saw you were struggling a little, yeah, but… I guess, I wanted something to know you were safe too. (BREE looks at him fully now, listening as he speaks). I was a mess when Rodissius took you. I couldn't even type my password into the cyberdesk, Skylar had to do it for me. (Laughs at himself) I even punched Kaz.

BREE
(Surprised)
You? Punched Kaz?

CHASE
Like I said, serious mess. Look, we've been doing this our whole lives, so sometimes I can't really draw the line between being your teammate and being your brother. I know you're completely capable, I'm not saying you're not, but I am saying that these villains we're fighting are way more powerful than Krane, than Giselle, than anything we've ever fought before. (He pauses, looking at her, his eyes soften) I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you. I couldn't make that call to Adam or Leo, Bree, I really couldn't. So, yeah… I made the signal for me, just as much as I made it for you. I don't think you're weak, it's just...

BREE
(Understanding)
Safekeeping.

CHASE
(Nods)
Yeah.

BREE
(A small smile forming)
Wow, Chase, if I didn't know any better, I'd say my brother actually loved me or something.

CHASE
(Scoffs)
Yeah, no, let's not get crazy.

(BREE laughs softly, then nudges CHASE with her arm).

BREE
I'm sorry I let you take the fall with Mr Davenport.

CHASE
I'm sorry I brought up all your past mistakes. (Pause) Even though, for the record, we could have guessed Troy was evil purely because you had a crush on him. I mean, your taste in guys, not top form.

(BREE rolls her eyes and nudges CHASE again).

BREE
(Fondly)
Loser.

CHASE
(Nudging her back)
Weirdo.

(CHASE and BREE share a smile, before both turning back to stare at the skyline. In the silence, BREE rests her head against CHASE's shoulder).

SCENE TWELVE.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - NIGHT.
(The capsules are now cleared out of mission command, and BREE and CHASE stand facing MR DAVENPORT, OLIVER, KAZ, and SKYLAR (who is now back in normal clothing). BREE is talking, confessing everything, ashamedly, and CHASE stands a pace behind her).

BREE
So then Chase made the signal, and he asked me if I wanted to activate it, and I did. If either one of us is in trouble, we just need to think our activation phrase: "pineapple, barnyard, kangaroo", and then we can open a telepathic communication. It's an amazing invention, and it's helped me feel safe, and I'm really sorry that I lied, and that we kept it from all of you. We're all a team, (she looks at CHASE) and we've always been a team, (she looks back to the others, zeroing in on DAVENPORT) and you deserved to know.

KAZ
I knew there was something going on with those silent arguments you two kept having! I just thought you were having a staring contest. (Laughs pityingly) Man, I couldn't have my sibling in my head 24/7, that'd be a living nightmare.

CHASE
Trust me, it often is. (To BREE) We still need to have that talk about boundaries.

SKYLAR
Why "pineapple, barnyard, kangaroo"?

CHASE
(Shrugs)
It's something you have to pointedly think about, so you can't accidentally activate it. For example, I don't know, when one is in the shower.

BREE
(Rolling her eyes)
Oh my god, I get it, you were mid-shampoo. Your hair is spiky enough, genius, I did you a favour!

(OLIVER, KAZ and SKYLAR stare at them, a little concerned).

OLIVER
Basement kids… different breed.

(SKYLAR, OLIVER and KAZ laugh, shaking their heads at their friends, and exiting Mission Command, disappearing up the hyperlift. After they're gone, DAVENPORT steps forwards).

DAVENPORT
Wow… that's some invention.

CHASE
(Neutrally, wary)
Thank you.

DAVENPORT
I owe you an apology, son. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I just panicked when I saw on the mainframe that someone added something to your chips and I guess I thought the worst.

CHASE
(Shrugs)
Eh, it's fine. Bree's admitted it's all her fault and that she's dumb.

BREE
I never said I was dumb.

CHASE
(Smugly)
Do you want me to forgive you or not?

(BREE glares at him, but there is a small smile there too. DAVENPORT looks between BREE and CHASE, a smile of his own on his face and pride in his eyes).

DAVENPORT
I guess you two really are "big, tough, scary superheroes-in-the-city now", huh? I'm very, very proud of the adults you're both becoming.

BREE
Yeah, you don't need to worry about us. We've got each other's backs. (Pause) It's really Adam and Leo you should be concerned about.

CHASE
Yeah, Adam called me last week saying he'd accidentally turned a student into a pickle. An actual pickle. Like, in a jar. I had to try to fix that over video chat.

DAVENPORT
(Concerned)
Yeah… maybe I should drop by the island on my way back to Mission Creek.

CHASE
Probably for the best.

BREE
But, you know, just for the record, there doesn't have to be some crisis for you to drop by. It was nice to see you today… even if we spent half the day trying to trick you and lie to you.

DAVENPORT
Please, you two spent half your childhoods tricking me and lying to me.

(CHASE and BREE smile fondly).

CHASE
Yeah.

BREE
Good times.

(DAVENPORT looks between BREE and CHASE one more time).

DAVENPORT
Alright, you two. Look after each other - I'll text you when I land.

CHASE
Bye, Mr Davenport.

BREE
Safe flight!

(BREE and CHASE watch MR DAVENPORT as he heads to the hyperlift and disappears away. There is a beat of silence, when CHASE looks at BREE, one more thought on his mind).

CHASE
Bree?

BREE
Yeah?

CHASE
(Awkwardly, stumbling over his words).
You do know that, I do… you know… and stuff, right?

BREE
(Smiles knowingly)
I "you know and stuff" you too, Chase.

CHASE
(Awkwardly, nodding)
Good, glad we're clear on that.

BREE
(Chuckling)
Crystal.

(BREE and CHASE share a final smile, and head in separate directions, BREE towards the hyperlift, and CHASE busying himself on the cyberdesk. CHASE shakes his head fondly as he works, safe in the knowledge that he and his sister will always be there to protect each other, no matter what).

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE