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!

11. Episode 10: The Things We Do For Family

ELITE FORCE: Season 2 Episode 10

"The Things We Do For Family"

Oliver's Mother has escaped from prison, and Oliver is quickly summoned to Mighty Max to help figure out what happened. And what he finds out... well, it's the last thing anyone expected. Meanwhile, Chase struggles to adjust to life as normal, and Bree feels terrible for him. She tries to help him, but she realises she didn't fully account for just how annoying her little brother actually is.

FADE IN.

SCENE ONE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING.
(OLIVER, BREE, KAZ, CHASE, AND SKYLAR are hanging out in the living room. Pizza boxes sprawl between them, and they all look tiredly content. Following on from last episode, BREE's arm is in a sling. The credits roll on a movie they have just watched).

KAZ
Man, I love a good superhero movie.

BREE
Our whole lives are a superhero movie.

OLIVER
Yeah but we don't have the awesome underscores.

KAZ
Only because someone won't let me bring my speakers on missions, Skylar.

SKYLAR
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Your playlists are trash.

(KAZ is deeply offended).

BREE
Here, Chase, you want the last slice of my pizza?

CHASE
You sure? You always leave it for breakfast.

BREE
No way, I'm so full I can't look at another slice of Pepperoni for a year, I swear.

CHASE
(Taking the slice).
Your loss.

SKYLAR
How are you feeling, Chase?

CHASE
(As if nothing is wrong)
Uh, awesome, I'm eating pizza.

OLIVER
Dude, I'm pretty sure she's talking about your, you know, distinct lack of power? Your no longer supergenius, chipless system?

CHASE
(Forlornly chewing)
Man, I get it, I'm useless, geez. Can't a guy be happy with a slice of pepperoni in peace?

(BREE shifts uncomfortably, guilt creeping into her expression).

SKYLAR
I'm just saying, I get it. I lost my powers for nearly three years. So, if you want to talk about it, you can.

BREE
(Standing up quickly)
Mr Davenport and Douglas are down in Mission Command making the new chip, I'm - I'll just, um, check on them.

(BREE superspeeds to the hyperlift down to Mission Command in a blur).

CHASE
I'll be fine. It'll be fixed in a couple months. I'm still smart, even without bionics.

KAZ
But… are you the smartest? Surely now it's fair game. Skylar, Oliver, even I could be -

CHASE
(With comedic urgency)
Don't (Calming breath) finish that sentence.

SKYLAR
It's a fair point.

KAZ
(Excitedly)
Ooh, maybe we should hold a contest!

CHASE
I would still win!

OLIVER
Yeah, yeah, just eat your pizza.

(OLIVER, SKYLAR and KAZ laugh as CHASE glares at them).

CHASE
Only 'cause I want to. (He takes a sad bite).

(BREE and MR DAVENPORT appear with a flash in the hyperlift. They walk into the living room; BREE has a smile on her face as she watches her father).

DAVENPORT
Good news, Chase! Your new chip is ready.

CHASE
Really? That's great! Thank you.

(CHASE hugs DAVENPORT).

CHASE
So just a couple weeks until we can put it back in, right?

DAVENPORT
(Thinking, skeptical)
I know you're eager, but your nervous system and your bionic infrastructure are still recalibrating. I want to give it at least another month. If we put your chip back in too quickly it could -

CHASE
(Sighing)
Go from bad to worse, I know.

DAVENPORT
Sorry, kid.

CHASE
(He puts on a smile)
I understand, Mr Davenport, it's okay. Thank you for making the new chip.

(BREE steps forwards, her hand on CHASE's shoulder).

BREE
But at least we know it works! As soon as you're ready, you'll be straight back on your feet.

OLIVER
How do you know it's working? Don't you have to test it?

DAVENPORT
We did test it. On Bree.

CHASE
(Horrified)
You put my bionics in her neck? Gross! I hope you washed them after.

BREE
(Eyes wide)
I'm sorry, they wanted to test it on someone with, (awkwardly) you know… working…

DAVENPORT
Chase, you and your sister have switched chips before. It was just a diagnostic, it's not like she wore your mission suit.

CHASE
You better not have. (He looks to the group, waving his finger wildly) And no one touches it whilst I have no powers! No one!

KAZ
Oh, well it was with everyone else's when I took them to the dry cleaners -

CHASE
No one!

BREE
(Apologetically)
Why don't we go down to mission command, you can go over all the coding yourself? I can be your lab assistant and you can boss me around? (Pokes his arm as he comes round) It'll be just like when you were my Mission Leader?

CHASE
(Nodding)
I do like bossing you around.

(Before BREE and CHASE can go, there is a knock at the front door).

DAVENPORT
Who could that be? It's late.

SKYLAR
I didn't hear anyone get buzzed up.

CHASE
(Glaring at BREE)
Maybe it's Adam come to tell me he has my forcefield now too.

(DAVENPORT opens the door, revealing two well-built men in uniformed, superhero suits and sunglasses. Their suits have the "Mighty Max" Logo, and they show identification. They walk into the living room from the doorway).

GUARD 1
We're from Mighty Max High Security Prison. We're looking for Oliver Yates.

SKYLAR
(Concerned)
Oliver?

BREE
(Confused)
Yates? Why did I not know that?

KAZ
Dude, what did you do? (Lowers voice) Blink twice if I need to help you hide a body.

OLIVER
I didn't do anything!

(DAVENPORT steps between the guards and the kids).

GUARD 1
Oliver, you need to come with us.

OLIVER
What?

CHASE
Woah, hold on. What's going on?

DAVENPORT
Whatever's happened, I'm sure this is a misunderstanding.

GUARD 1
Your mother is known as the supervillain Mr Terror. Yes?

OLIVER
(Afraid)
Yeah...

KAZ
You're gonna arrest him just because of who his Mom is?

GUARD 1
No. We're not here to arrest you. Your mother has escaped from Mighty Max.

(Silence, as OLIVER pales. He stares, stunned, at the guards, blinking as he processes. SKYLAR, who has been sat on the couch, stands to be by OLIVER).

SKYLAR
When?

GUARD 1
Last night. We need to bring you in for questioning. You've visited her regularly, we need to know what you talked about. We have a car waiting outside; you need to come with us.

DAVENPORT
You're not going alone, I'm coming with you.

SKYLAR
Me too.

OLIVER
Mr Davenport, are you sure, that's nice of you, but -

DAVENPORT
Please. I raised three bionic teenagers. This is not my first time being questioned by the police.

(BREE and CHASE look awkwardly away from their father's pointed gaze).

DAVENPORT
Come on, let's hustle.

GUARD 1
Our car is downstairs waiting -

DAVENPORT
I have my own, self-piloting, high-speed helicopter which will get us there in a fraction of the time.

GUARD 1
Sir, I must insist -

DAVENPORT
Does your "car" have seat warmers?

(GUARD 2 whispers something to GUARD 1).

GUARD 1
(After a breath)
We will be taking the helicopter.

DAVENPORT
That's what I thought.

ROLL TITLES.

SCENE TWO.
INT. MIGHTY MAX HIGH SECURITY PRISON - QUESTIONING ROOM - DAY.
(A harshly lit police questioning room has a table in the middle; OLIVER sits nervously at it, bouncing his leg with anxiety. SKYLAR sits next to him, unsure what to say. MR DAVENPORT enters through a door, a tray of coffee cups in his hand).

DAVENPORT
Here.

(He hands one to SKYLAR and one to OLIVER; SKYLAR takes a sip and widens her eyes, surprised).

SKYLAR
This is a high security prison hidden in the middle of nowhere. Where did you get cappuccinos?

DAVENPORT
Oh, there's a Starbucks across the street! Closer than the nearest one in Centium City. I guess if you're locked up for life, a pumpkin spice latte makes things more bearable.

OLIVER
Clearly not bearable enough to stay put. (Sighs, runs a hand through his hair) Why would you do this, Mom?

DAVENPORT
Look, I've talked to the officers, and I've even called my top lawyers. You're not in any trouble, they just want to ask you a few questions. And if they even try to push you into anything, I'll be right here, and I can get my lawyers here like that (snaps his fingers).

OLIVER
(Sadly)
Thanks, Mr Davenport.

SKYLAR
How come? You have them on speed dial?

DAVENPORT
(Laughs)
No, I mean literally. I gave them a long-range teleportation device. And trust me, with my kids' history, best investment I ever made. (Pause, bitterly) Seriously, I cannot tell you how many times Chase almost went to prison for hacking into NASA's encrypted database. Just for fun!

(At this point, the door opens again, and GUARD 1 and GUARD 2 step into the room).

GUARD 1
Sorry we're late. (Points to GUARD 2) Someone had to get a pumpkin spice latte before we could do anything.

(GUARD 2 silently sips his Starbucks).

GUARD 1
(Huffing)
Better?

(GUARD 2 nods).

GUARD 1
(Rolling his eyes)
Alrighty then. (Both GUARDS sit at the table opposite OLIVER and SKYLAR. DAVENPORT stands behind OLIVER). So what did you and your Mom talk about in your visits?

OLIVER
Uh, not much. Just… normal stuff, I guess. Work, Skylar and I. (Listing) she spent a lot of time telling me what to eat, what to wear, what to say, what not say, what to -

DAVENPORT
Oliver, I think he gets it.

SKYLAR
(Realising something)
Oh my gosh.

DAVENPORT
What?

SKYLAR
(Looking at OLIVER)
Rodissius.

OLIVER
(Realising the same thing)
Oh.

GUARD 1
Rodissius the supervillain?

OLIVER
(Snapping)
No, Rodissius the cable guy. Yes Rodissius the supervillain!

GUARD 1
(Rolling his eyes)
Wow, someone has Mommy's temper.

SKYLAR
Bridget and Rodissius had a… friendship. She told him all about us, our work with the Elite Force, our powers, all of it.

DAVENPORT
You don't think he would have something to do with it, do you?

SKYLAR
(Sarcastically)
Well, we are steadily picking off his kids one by one, so I guess he might be motivated by that.

GUARD 1
Alright. (Speaks into a walkie talkie) Foxtrot-Alpha-Tango, this is Agent Harker. We're making our way to the isolation cells.

(SKYLAR, OLIVER, MR DAVENPORT and GUARD 1 stand and hurriedly make towards the door. When GUARD 2 doesn't move, and only drinks his coffee, GUARD 1 doubles back).

GUARD 1
Put the Starbucks down, Greg!

(GUARD 1 forces GUARD 2 to come with him, dragging him behind him as he leaves his coffee).

SCENE THREE.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(DOUGLAS is tinkering with something on the cyberdesk, as BREE and CHASE, at another cyberdesk, finally close down what they're doing. CHASE is stood centred, BREE just off to his right and paying attention. KAZ, bored and sitting on a stool, is watching them just for something to do).

CHASE
And done! I'm finally happy with my new chip. (He gently pets the cyberdesk, slightly unhinged) Soon, sweetie, Daddy's coming for you.

BREE
(With strained enthusiasm)
And it only took us twelve hours!

KAZ
Finally. Can we do something fun now? Or go to sleep?

DOUGLAS
I'm impressed, you two have been coding all night.

CHASE
No way, I'm way too wired to sleep. (Looking at the coding like it is a brand new baby) Just look at it, have you ever seen anything more beautiful?

BREE
We could all go get some breakfast?

KAZ
Great, I'm starving!

CHASE
(Excitedly)
Ooh! Or we could take this energy and go do a full inventory of the weapons room! We could re-organise it completely!

DOUGLAS
(Scoffs)
Yeah, good luck with that -

BREE
(Nodding, smiling)
That sounds super fun, Chase.

CHASE
(Grinning)
It does?

KAZ
(Disgusted)
It does?

BREE
(Smiling)
Mm-hmm. (Punches his arm lightly) Can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday.

KAZ
I can. Several, actually.

CHASE
Come on! First one there gets to hold the tablet!

(CHASE speeds off through the tunnels. BREE forces a smile).

BREE
Gets to? (Falsely) Yay!

(BREE follows him into the tunnels).

SCENE FOUR.
INT. MIGHTY MAX - GYM - DAY.
(GUARD 1, GUARD 2, DAVENPORT, SKYLAR and OLIVER stand in a group, standing and looking at RODISSIUS, who is busy lifting weights on a bench. SKYLAR looks ready to fight, OLIVER looks concerned, and DAVENPORT glares. GUARD 1 and GUARD 2 stand side by side, talking to him).

GUARD 1
Rodissius.

RODISSIUS
Hang on… (Counting lifts) 98… 99… 100. (He puts the weights down). What can I do for you, gentlemen?

(RODISSIUS stalks over to the group. SKYLAR lowers into a fighting stance and DAVENPORT hardens his expression).

SKYLAR
Back off if you know what's good for you.

RODISSIUS
(Smirking, holding up his hands)
Woah, woah, I'm unarmed. No need to be so hostile.

DAVENPORT
(Darkly)
I'll be as hostile as I like, you kidnapped my daughter.

RODISSIUS
(Sighs)
Ah, yes… Bree. Such a shame my little adoption didn't work out. She was a fun little pet.

(DAVENPORT starts forwards, SKYLAR holding her arm out to block him as GUARD 1 sighs like a tired parent).

GUARD 1
Rod, please stop baiting the visitors. What have we told you?

RODISSIUS
(Hanging his head)
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

OLIVER
Oh, so now you go by Rod? I told you so, it's much easier, isn't it?

RODISSIUS
It was your mother who brought me around to the idea, actually. Which, I can only assume is the reason you're here?

SKYLAR
Lucky guess.

RODISSIUS
Ah, Bridget. Such a lovely women, she does has a gorgeous -

OLIVER
(Hands over his ears)
Ah, ah, ah! Please!

RODISSIUS
Smile. She has a gorgeous smile.

OLIVER
(Grumbling)
Still weird.

RODISSIUS
I heard she escaped.

SKYLAR
Yeah, we figured. You have something to do with that?

RODISSIUS
Me? Oh, no. I don't know where she is, and that's the honest truth.

GUARD 1
Come on, we need an official questioning on the record. We'll get you on the lie detector test.

RODISSIUS
Fine with me, boys.

DAVENPORT
Have you tried checking her cell for clues?

GUARD 1
It was the first thing we did.

SKYLAR
Maybe the three of us could have a look. Oliver might be able to pick up on something you guys didn't.

DAVENPORT
Would that be okay?

GUARD 1
(Nods)
Good idea. Here, (he hands keys to DAVENPORT) We'll go question Rodissius, let us know what you find.

RODISSIUS
(A fond smile, teasing)
I hope you bring her back, I miss her.

OLIVER
(Like a child, stomping his foot)
I'm not going to call you Dad!

(DAVENPORT and SKYLAR widen their eyes).

DAVENPORT
Wow, okay, that escalated.

OLIVER
But he's -

SKYLAR
(Placatingly)
I know. Come on, let's go.

(DAVENPORT and SKYLAR share a look an awkwardly pat OLIVER's back as they lead him out).

SCENE FIVE.
INT. TUNNELS - WEAPONS ROOM - DAY.
(BREE stifles a yawn as she helps CHASE, who is excitedly reorganising the weapons room. It's a little chaotic, CHASE has a tablet in hand and is muttering to himself whilst BREE cleans shelves. BREE has a distant look on her face).

CHASE
So we already tried alphabetical, but that didn't work. I don't think colour coding will work, do you? (BREE doesn't respond, having not heard him) Bree?

BREE
(Turning around)
Mm? Sorry, I didn't hear you. Say again?

CHASE
You know, you don't have to help me if you don't want to.

BREE
No, no! I'm having fun, I swear! I do want to. (She smiles the sleep away from her expression). Let's see the tablet.

(BREE takes the tablet, scrolling. She scrolls again. She keeps scrolling. She looks at CHASE, and then keeps scrolling).

BREE
That's… a lot of organisation techniques you've got there.

CHASE
Yeah. I've got to throw myself into something though, right?

BREE
(Nodding)
Of course. (She takes a breath) Okay, so what's next?

CHASE
I think we should organise these energy blasters by size.

BREE
(Laying it on thick)
Great idea, Chase! Genius as always. Who needs bionics? Certainly not you.

(CHASE, notified by the over the top compliment, stares at her weirdly, but it's brief).

BREE
Alright… (BREE picks up an energy blast gun and motions to hang it on the wall. CHASE makes a hesitant sound, she clearly does it wrong).

CHASE
Not there. (BREE motions to hang it on a different hook; CHASE has the same reaction) Not there. (BREE tries again, with the same reaction from CHASE).

BREE
(A deep, calming breath)
Why don't you just tell me where it goes?

CHASE
Oh, sorry, am I irritating you?

BREE
No! Of course you're not irritating me. I'm having a great time, hanging out with my brother. You're having fun, right?

CHASE
Heck yeah! This has been on my to-do list forever and with your superspeed, we'll be done in no time.

BREE
(Genuine, thankful for the escape)
Superspeed. Great idea.

(BREE superspeeds around the room. A second later, she lands back where she started in a blur, and everything is polished, ready, on the wall).

CHASE
I mean, it's not as clean as I would like it. And I think we should organise those cables -

BREE
(Forcing a smile)
My mistake. I'll do it again.

CUT TO:
SCENE SIX.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(DOUGLAS and KAZ are eating a whole breakfast spread. Sandwiches, coffees, fruit, all spread out on the cyberdesk. BREE, her hair frazzled, losing her mind, paces in front of them).

BREE
I cannot do this anymore!

KAZ
Do what?

BREE
Hang out with that… that… urgh! (She makes an incredulous groan).

DOUGLAS
Oh, you mean Kaz?

KAZ
Dude! She obviously means Chase.

DOUGLAS
Ooh, well I understand that even more.

BREE
Every five seconds it's do this, do that, picking and picking and picking. And he's so boring! I watched a five hour documentary with him on Thursday about the history of pencils. Pencils! (She eyes up DOUGLAS' breakfast sandwich) Give me that.

(She takes his food and eats it).

DOUGLAS
Hey!

KAZ
Why are you torturing yourself with this? It's not like you have to.

(BREE sighs and sits on a stool).

BREE
He sacrificed his bionics for me, I owe him! And he's off missions until he's cleared, so it's not like I can just save his life right back. So I'm just…

KAZ
Being his personal yes-man?

BREE
And it's hard! You know, all this time, I thought that being super-insufferable was one of his bionic abilities, but turns out he's just really, really good at it! (She slumps onto her hands, face buried in the cyber desk). I don't want to hurt his feelings, he's enjoying the attention and frankly, he deserves it, but I don't know how much longer I can keep this up!

DOUGLAS
I can give you some fatherly advice if you want?

BREE
(Skeptical expression)
You? Fatherly?

DOUGLAS
When Donnie and I were kids, he was the exact same. Controlling, self-centred, laser focused to a fault.

KAZ
Isn't he still like that now?

DOUGLAS
What I used to do, is just imagine when he's talking, that I had a tiny little invisible remote in my hand that I could use to mute him, fast forward, or turn him off. (He mimes holding a remote).

BREE
(Copying the mime)
That could work…

DOUGLAS
Yeah, of course my later coping mechanism was to turn gloriously evil, but we all know how that -

(BREE mimes muting DOUGLAS).

DOUGLAS
Did you just try to "mute" me?

BREE
(Grinning)
Oh my gosh, you're right, that is super satisfying! Thanks, Uncle Dougie!

SCENE SEVEN.
INT. MIGHTY MAX - MR TERROR'S CELL - DAY.
(SKYLAR, OLIVER and MR DAVENPORT stand in a cave-like corridor, with stone walls. A small cave within one of these walls - MR TERROR'S CELL - has a red light at the mouth, from floor to ceiling, acting as a barrier. DAVENPORT presses the key he was given into a fob next to the cell, and the red light disappears).

DAVENPORT
There - the barrier's down.

SKYLAR
I can't believe they just gave you that key.

DAVENPORT
I know, kind of speaks to the security here. No wonder supervillains can just break out as they please.

(DAVENPORT, OLIVER and SKYLAR climb into the cell, looking around. It is relatively bare with a cot-bed, desk and chair. They begin thumbing for clues, OLIVER looking around overwhelmed, SKYLAR taking apart the sheets, and DAVENPORT pressing his hands on various parts of the wall).

SKYLAR
I can't believe this was her home, it's so bare.

OLIVER
(Shrugs)
It's honestly about the same as my childhood bedroom.

DAVENPORT
Just keep looking - we'll find something, I'm sure.

(OLIVER checks the desk).

OLIVER
Why did she have this desk? She never wrote any letters.

SKYLAR
(Teasing)
Maybe they were love letters to Rodissius. (OLIVER glares at her) too soon?

OLIVER
If it's happening right now, it's too soon!

(OLIVER tries to pull the drawer out from the desk, but something clunks).

OLIVER
Guys, something's stuck.

DAVENPORT
Let me have a look.

(DAVENPORT wiggles the draw, and fiddles with a mechanism; the drawer comes loose when something falls on the floor. A torn scrap of paper).

OLIVER
There!

SKYLAR
What is it?

OLIVER
(Picking it up)
It looks like it was torn off a bigger sheet of paper - maybe a letter or something? (to SKYLAR, who has opened her mouth to tease) Don't!

DAVENPORT
Does it say anything?

(DAVENPORT takes the paper to have a look. It says "Journal Entry Num-" and trails off at the top).

OLIVER
Looks like some kind of diary?

SKYLAR
Can you make anything out? (OLIVER has seen something; he does not respond. Instead, he pales). Oliver, what is it?

OLIVER
It says… right there. "Plans for attack"... "The Elite Force won't see it". (A pause, he processes, turning the paper over in his hands) My mom broke out of prison to attack us.

MIDWAY BREAK

SCENE EIGHT.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING.
(BREE and CHASE are mid-conversation. BREE is sitting on the couch, smiling innocently at her brother, whilst CHASE is stood, staring at her like she has three heads).

CHASE
You want… what?

BREE
You heard me.

CHASE
Wait, wait. Let me get this straight. You… want to stay home tonight? On a Saturday night?

BREE
(Nodding)
Uh-huh.

CHASE
(Confused, blinking)
With me?

BREE
Yep.

CHASE
Here? At this home?

BREE
Mm-hmm.

CHASE
(Baffled)
To learn how to play chess?

BREE
That's right.

CHASE
And you said you already cancelled your plans?

BREE
What's so wrong with that?

CHASE
(Eyes narrowing)
You're being weird… (He gasps) Am I in a parallel universe? … Are you sick? … Are you dying? (Eyes widen) Am I dying?

BREE
No one's dying! I just want to spend some quality time with my brother.

CHASE
(Unsure, pointing at himself)
Your brother… Chase?

BREE
Yes.

CHASE
By choice?

BREE
(Begins to snap)
Oh would you just -

(BREE cuts herself off, breathes, stands up calmly and, by her side, clicks an invisible remote. She releases the breath, smiling. She then goes over to the table by the door of the penthouse, where a sleek chessboard sits ready. She sits and beckons him).

BREE
Come on, come over here.

CHASE
(Suspicious)
Why? Are you going to hit me?

BREE
Chase! (She clicks the remote again, breathing). This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to do something you've been begging me to do for years. (She looks confused but eager at the board) So where do I start? Is it with the horsey or the pointy one?

(CHASE tentatively, slowly, as if dealing with a wild animal, sits opposite her).

CHASE
(Unsure)
You move one of the pawns to start. It's better to… open out the middle.

(BREE moves a pawn one space forward).

BREE
Like this?

CHASE
Uh, yeah. Pretty good!

BREE
(Grinning)
Awesome! High five?

(She holds her hand up, and CHASE looks at her like it was the strangest request she has ever made. He slowly completes the high five, watching as she smiles warmly at him then looks back down at the board).

CUT TO:
SCENE NINE.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(CHASE storms in from the hyperlift. KAZ and DOUGLAS are still eating, but have now moved on to an evening meal and are eating sushi. As soon as CHASE frantically enters, they pause, chopsticks midway to their mouths).

CHASE
Bree's possessed!

KAZ
Come again?

DOUGLAS
(Sighs)
Oh boy.

CHASE
(Hysterically ranting)
Or she's - she's - I don't know - Roman and Riker! Uhuh! Yeah, I'm onto her. I don't know what's happened but someone or something has shapeshifted into my sister because the Bree I know only lifts her hand to slap me!

DOUGLAS
Chase -

CHASE
(All in one breath)
She's sneaky, but I'm onto her. Yeah. She hasn't fought with me in days. She hasn't insulted me once, she keeps - keeps - giving me things! And doing stuff! But I know better. She isn't going to trick me with pizza slices and chess. Oh no. I may not be a supergenius right now but I am still a regular genius, and I am never wrong!

KAZ
(Bluntly)
Yeah, uh… you're wrong.

CHASE
Oh. (He looks over at DOUGLAS' sushi, and snatches it out of his hand) Give me that.

DOUGLAS
Again! Come on!

(CHASE chews crossly on the sushi).

KAZ
Dude, chill. There's nothing wrong with Bree. She just feels bad you don't have your bionics anymore.

CHASE
Huh? Why would she feel bad about that? It saved her life.

DOUGLAS
(Sighs sympathetically)
That's the point, Chase. If it wasn't for her, you'd still have your abilities, and she feels like she owes you right now. She's just trying to be nice.

CHASE
Well, she's not being nice, she's creeping me out.

DOUGLAS
Well… you could always talk to her.

CHASE
(Scoffs)
Bree and I don't talk, we fight, and we mess with each other. Like adults. And if she's going to mess with me like this -

KAZ
Except she's not messing with you, she's just being a decent person.

CHASE
(Ignoring KAZ)
Then I'm going to mess with her right back! Ha! (He storms out towards the hyperlift, scoffing and mumbling to himself). You think you can trick me Bree? Psh, she'll crack. You'll all see.

(CHASE disappears in a flash up the hyperlift).

DOUGLAS
We shouldn't get involved… right?

KAZ
Oh no, I kind of want to see how this plays out.

(DOUGLAS and KAZ use their chopsticks to tap their sushi together in a cheers).

SCENE TEN.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING.
(BREE and CHASE are sitting opposite each other playing chess. The tension is thick. BREE is trying to breathe herself through not snapping at her brother, clicking an invisible remote discreetly at her side, whilst CHASE smirks, staring at her with a new plan).

BREE
This is really fun, right?

CHASE
(Smugly)
I'm having a blast. Go on, your move.

(BREE moves her bishop. CHASE makes an exaggerated hiss through his teeth).

CHASE
(Condescendingly)
Ooh, are you sure you want to do that? I mean, I understand someone of your inferior intelligence wouldn't see what you just did wrong. 'Cause, you know, you're always doing stuff wrong.

BREE
(Frantically clicks the invisible remote, straining a smile)
You're probably right, Chase. What would you have done?

CHASE
Well for starters, I wouldn't have put on a shirt that made me look like a twelve-year-old librarian.

(BREE drops her jaw, completely aghast).

BREE
Oh you know what…

CHASE
(Grinning)
Yes, Bree?

(Before either of them can say another word, the front door to the penthouse opens with a start. OLIVER, SKYLAR and MR DAVENPORT rush in, frantic, having just returned from the prison. CHASE looks at them, and BREE takes the opportunity whilst her brother is not looking to hold the invisible remote out to his back and frantically press it, silently screaming at him).

DAVENPORT
Okay, move! We don't have time to waste!

SKYLAR
I'll lock all the windows!

(SKYLAR blurs away using her superspeed around each window of the penthouse. DAVENPORT turns to BREE and CHASE).

DAVENPORT
(Relieved, urgent)
Good, you're both okay. Where's Douglas, and Kaz?

CHASE
What's going on?

OLIVER
My Mom's on her way to attack us. We don't know when, or how, or what she's going to do, but we know she's coming.

CHASE
The Arcturion - I'll hide it in the weapon's vault.

DAVENPORT
Good idea. Bree, go with him.

(BREE and CHASE avoid each other's gaze).

BREE
But he's so capable on his own.

CHASE
(Mockingly)
Yeah, I don't need her, what's she going to do? Run really fast?

DAVENPORT
Yes, Chase, that's the point of superspeed! Go!

(BREE and CHASE share a glance but do as they're told. CHASE grabs the Arcturion and then BREE; they disappear in a blur).

OLIVER
(A tablet in hand)
Mr Davenport, I've checked our security feed. There haven't been any breeches yet.

DAVENPORT
That's good.

(BREE and CHASE return with a blur and halt to a stop beside DAVENPORT. CHASE is on BREE's back, poking her face).

CHASE
Is that annoying? Is that annoying? Is that annoying? Is that annoying?

BREE
(Through gritted teeth)
No, no. That's fine. Do it more if you want!

(CHASE, still on BREE's back, now lightly slaps her head and face over and over).

CHASE
What about that? What about that? What about that? What about -

DAVENPORT
(Yelling)
Enough!

(BREE and CHASE immediately leap apart, staring at their father with wide eyes, shoulders hunched like children being told off. DAVENPORT is furious).

DAVENPORT
I know I raised you better than this. We have an emergency and you two are acting like toddlers!

CHASE
She started it!

(BREE, in CHASE's face, makes a furious muting gesture with her invisible remote, poking her tongue out at her brother and screwing up her face. CHASE looks insulted, but not sure why he's insulted, and DAVENPORT's eyes widen in realisation).

DAVENPORT
Bree, did you just mute your brother with an invisible remote?

BREE
(Quietly)
No… I fast forwarded him.

DAVENPORT
(Sighing understanding)
I see what happened. My brother used to do that to me! Douglas tried to parent you again, didn't he?

(As if on cue, DOUGLAS and KAZ appear from the hyperlift).

KAZ
We heard the alerts. What's happening?

OLIVER
My Mom escaped Mighty Max and she's on her way to attack us.

KAZ & DOUGLAS
What?!

(SKYLAR superspeeds back, breathless).

SKYLAR
Windows are secure.

DAVENPORT
Excellent, thank you Skylar. (To DOUGLAS) You, on the other hand. You didn't think I wouldn't recognise your little (mimes clicking a remote) trick? I leave for twenty-four hours and you break Bree and Chase!

KAZ
To be fair to Douglas, they were already breaking each other.

CHASE
We were not! I was just trying to get her to stop being weird!

BREE
I'm not being weird! I'm being nice!

CHASE
That is weird! You're a monster!

BREE
Oh (clicks the remote at him to mimic swearing) you!

CHASE
Seriously? Fine. (Clicks the remote back) you too!

OLIVER
(Snapping)
Stop it! Both of you, shut up! You're fighting over nothing! My evil mother is about to attack us as we speak, I haven't had a Dad since I was 10 because he ran off to England. I don't have a brother or a sister, and you have two Dads, a step-mom, two brothers, a baby sister, and each other! (He tears up now, trembling) All you do is pick each other apart, it's the same thing, over and over. Do you know how much I would kill for what you two have? (Tears fall) I don't have a family anymore! I went to my mother's jail cell today to find out she wants to kill me, and you two hate each other because, what? He saved your life and she's grateful? You love each other! You have everything! Act like it! (BREE and CHASE look briefly at each other, but then look down, ashamed). I am so sick of listening to it! You Davenports are nothing but privileged idiots who don't know how good you have it, so just shut! up! And… (he mimics clicking a remote at BREE) to you and (does the same to CHASE) to you too!

(An awful silence descends as OLIVER stands there, catching his breath after yelling. SKYLAR and KAZ are looking at OLIVER with loving pity; DOUGLAS looks sombre, DAVENPORT looks disappointed, and CHASE and BREE shuffle awkwardly, apologetically under the spotlight. The siblings share another brief look, realising everything got out of hand).

BREE
We're so sorry, Oliver.

CHASE
Yeah, we're sorry. We didn't mean to disregard what's going on with your Mom.

KAZ
But Oliver, buddy, for the record. You do have a family.

SKYLAR
Yeah. Whatever happens with your Mom, you always have us.

DAVENPORT
All of us. (Smiles, looks at OLIVER, KAZ and SKYLAR) Don't think for one second I don't think of you three as my kids. You're a part of this team, which means you're a part of this family.

OLIVER
(Eyes glassy)
Really?

CHASE
(Huffs a laugh)
Oh totally, he's really good at taking in kids with evil parents.

BREE
Yeah, when he's not locking them in basements.

DAVENPORT
(With mock sternness)
Don't think I won't put you two back in there.

DOUGLAS
Plus, you know, Oliver, if it's any consolation. As the said "evil parent", I once tried to kill these two.

BREE
(Raising an eyebrow)
Once?

CHASE
(Correcting)
Fifty-seven times.

DOUGLAS
Okay, I tried a lot, but I'm reformed. Your Mom might be on this path now, but there's hope.

(OLIVER smiles, releasing a breath as he looks around).

OLIVER
Thank you, everyone. That means a lot.

(SKYLAR from next to him, kisses his cheek and hugs him. Then KAZ joins the hug, followed by BREE, CHASE, DAVENPORT, then finally DOUGLAS. OLIVER, well and truly, feels loved).

DAVENPORT
Come on, we can do this. Whatever Bridget is going to hit us with, whenever she hits us with it… we'll be ready.

SCENE ELEVEN.
EXT. PENTHOUSE - TERRACE - NIGHT.
(OLIVER is standing alone at the railing in the dark, staring out into the city).

OLIVER
(To the sky).
Wherever you are, Mom, I hope you're okay. I really do.

(There is a small landing noise behind OLIVER. BRIDGET, OLIVER's mother, appears behind him, a glistening smile on her face as she stares sadly at her son).

BRIDGET
I am.

(OLIVER jumps out of his skin and turns around, steadying his heart with a hand on his chest).

OLIVER
Have you never heard of a rhetorical question? Jeez!

BRIDGET
Oliver -

OLIVER
(Lowers himself into a fighting stance)
If you're here to kill me, get it over with.

BRIDGET
(Confused)
Why would I be here to kill you?

OLIVER
Don't lie to me! I found the journal entry in your cell. You have a plan to kill us. It's right here on this paper!

(OLIVER pulls the torn, crumpled paper out of his pocket. BRIDGET looks frantic).

BRIDGET
Oliver, no. I'm not here to kill you.

OLIVER
Oh… you're here to maim us?

BRIDGET
No.

OLIVER
Gravely injure?

BRIDGET
No.

OLIVER
Mildly inconvenience?

BRIDGET
(Sternly)
Honey, what have I told you about constant questions?

OLIVER
(Obediently)
Let people speak.

BRIDGET
Let people speak! (BRIDGET frantically approaches OLIVER, seemingly checking him for injuries) If you knew… they must have contacted you. Are they here yet? Have they hurt you?

OLIVER
What? Mom, who is "they"? Who are you talking about?

BRIDGET
(Sighs)
Rodissius' children.

OLIVER
What?

BRIDGET
Rodissius told me everything, because he thinks I'm on his side because I'm a villain. But he's wrong, Olly. I know I've made mistakes, but you are my son and I would do anything for you.

OLIVER
(Understanding)
Which is why you broke out…

BRIDGET
Because I had to warn you! This paper, this is from a journal entry I was writing when Rodissius walked in the room, so I had to tear it up so he wouldn't see what I was writing. There's an attack coming from their family, and I knew that without me, you wouldn't see it coming.

OLIVER
(His heart races)
What is it?

BRIDGET
They've been focusing on just destroying you up until now, but they've realised that you keep fighting back, that they need to think bigger. They're a more powerful force than ever. Oliver, never mind the superheroes, never mind Centium City, they're trying to destroy the world. And they're going to start with you.

OLIVER
What?

BRIDGET
(Urgently)
Honey, that's all I know. I have to go.

OLIVER
(Holding her arm)
What? Mom, no! You just got here.

BRIDGET
Sweetie, if I stay for too long, someone will see me, and if Roman and Riker know that I told you, this will all be for nothing.

OLIVER
But -

BRIDGET
Listen to me. You're a strong young man, and you will fight, and you will win. (Her hand cups his face and she smiles tearfully) But I have to go now. I'm going to turn myself back in to Mighty Max, but because I escaped, I won't be allowed any visitors for a long time…

(OLIVER stares at BRIDGET; his breath hitches).

OLIVER
Mom…

(OLIVER and BRIDGET hug tightly).

BRIDGET
Remember to always pack a spare pair of underwear, okay? And always wash your grapes when you buy them from the market. And don't pet strangers' dogs, you don't know where they've been.

OLIVER
The dogs?

BRIDGET
(Sincerely)
No, Olly, the strangers.

(They break apart from the hug; BRIDGET looks OLIVER up and down).

BRIDGET
You'll be okay, won't you?

OLIVER
(Blinking back tears, smiling despite everything)
Of course. (He takes a deep breath) I have a family here, Mom.

BRIDGET
Good. That's good, Olly, I'm really glad.

(With one final look, OLIVER, swallowing and wiping his eyes, watches BRIDGET mount the railing of the terrace. With a leap, she disappears, flying away. OLIVER watches her go, waving tiredly, sighing a deep, shaky breath).

OLIVER
(Whispering after her)
Thank you. I love you, Mom.

(OLIVER's expression darkens as he realises the gravity of his mother's warning, and he has to steady himself on the railing, thinking. OLIVER knows he has his team behind him, his family, but now they have to face their biggest enemy yet… and the fate of the world rests on their shoulders).

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE