ELITE FORCE: Season 2 Episode 14
"Seasons Meatings"
It's Christmas Eve, and Chase only wants one thing in his stocking this year: his bionics. But when a freak snow-storm grounds everyone in Centium City, Oliver finds himself cooking for way more than expected... including Roman and Riker! Bree and Kaz, meanwhile, find the snow-storm a blessing in disguise, as it means they're able to spend Christmas together. If only they could get some alone time!
FADE IN.
SCENE ONE.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(CHASE's capsule, one again, is parked centrally in mission command, and CHASE apprehensively stands inside, a scanner in full swing. MR DAVENPORT is monitoring the cyberdesk. SKYLAR, OLIVER, BREE and KAZ watch. The atmosphere is tense).
DAVENPORT
Okay, it's up to 95%, just like last time.
CHASE
(Whispering to himself)
Come on, come on…
DAVENPORT
(Relieved smile)
Hold still, Chase, it's still climbing. (With baited breath) 96%...
(CHASE looks skyward, silently praying).
DAVENPORT
97%... still climbing…
(Discreetly behind the desk, KAZ and BREE hold hands with hope).
BREE
(Muttering)
You got this, Chase.
DAVENPORT
(Voice rising)
98%... 99%!
SKYLAR
Almost there…
(There is a tense silence; DAVENPORT watches the cyberdesk and no one dares speak. And then…)
DAVENPORT
100%! That's it!
(CHASE's capsule lights up green; CHASE grins, unable to contain his excitement).
ROBOTIC VOICE
Chase Davenport is ready for chip connection.
(BREE can't help but smile proudly, and SKYLAR and OLIVER hug in relief).
CHASE
Heck yeah he is! Let 'er rip, Davenport!
DAVENPORT
(Chuckling)
Okay, okay, hold still.
(DAVENPORT presses some buttons on the cyberdesk, and there's a sharp 'click' from CHASE's capsule. He winces briefly as the chip connects into his neck. Nothing happens. Tentatively, he steps out of his capsule and into Mission Command).
OLIVER
How do we know if it worked?
KAZ
Hang on, I got this. (He steps forwards) Chase, what's three billion and twelve divided by a hundred and seventeen thousand?
CHASE
(Habitually)
25,641. (He widens his eyes, looks around as realises what he's done. BREE gasps. He tests the waters) 25,641. (Complete disbelief, he jumps for joy) 25,641!
(CHASE sprints over to BREE and grabs her firmly by the shoulders).
CHASE
Quick! What am I thinking right now?
BREE
(Bewildered)
I don't know, you haven't activated anything yet.
CHASE
Right!
CHASE (V/O)
(Telepathically)
Pineapple, barnyard, kangaroo… testing one, two, three.
BREE
(Out loud, her eyes glassy with pride)
Loud and clear, Chase.
CHASE
Yes! Yes!
(CHASE grabs BREE and practically crushes her in a tight hug).
BREE
(Laughing)
Okay, okay, put me down. This is the longest you've ever hugged me and it's starting to get weird.
(CHASE drops her onto her feet and bounces away a few paces, whirling away. He suddenly activates his laser bo and eyes up SKYLAR).
CHASE
Alright Storm, let's go.
DAVENPORT
(Wary, but chuckling)
Okay! That's maybe enough testing for one day.
SKYLAR
Aw, really? I would have totally owned him.
CHASE
It doesn't matter! I'm back, baby!
KAZ
Yeah, you are!
CHASE
I'm back!
(CHASE pulls everyone in for a hug. He, SKYLAR, KAZ, BREE and OLIVER stand in a group hug for a second, all of them cheering).
DAVENPORT
Alright everyone, shake a leg! If we're going to get any celebration in, you better get moving. Your flights leave in three hours.
CUT TO:
SCENE TWO.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(CHASE at the front, with the others in tow behind him, steps out into the living room. We now see that the entire penthouse is decked out in elaborate Christmas decorations. A large Christmas tree stands in the far corner, tinsel stringing on the kitchen counter. Christmas throw-cushions sit on the couch, and festive trinkets sit around on shelves, tables, etc. In the cabinet, the Arcturion's pyramid casing has a red Santa hat).
CHASE
(Arms wide triumphantly)
Merry Christmas to me!
ROLL TITLES.
SCENE THREE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(CHASE stands with his luggage, waiting by the front door. Outside at the window, snow is coming down fast. CHASE looks at his watch, and yells up the stairs).
CHASE
Bree, come on! We're going to be late!
(BREE, lugging a suitcase, appears at the top of the stairs).
BREE
(Dryly)
Wow, your bionic yelling is back.
CHASE
(Holding a hand up)
Ah, ah, ah. Leave the suitcase there. I got it.
(CHASE uses his molecular kinesis, breathing with the relief of familiarity. He levitates the suitcase from the top of the stairs and pulls it towards him, placing it on the ground next to him. BREE rolls her eyes but can't help but smile at him as he giggles with the glee of his abilities).
CHASE
What were you doing upstairs anyway? I thought you said you packed last night.
BREE
Nothing! I did. I just… had something to do first.
(KAZ enters the living room from the stairs).
KAZ
(Nonchalantly)
Oh hey, you're leaving already?
CHASE
I thought you were headed to the airport too.
KAZ
I'm leaving later. I just had something to do first.
(Before CHASE can ask further questions, the hyperlift opens. DAVENPORT walks into the living room with a tablet).
DAVENPORT
Chase, before I forget, just make sure you're wrapped up warm, okay?
CHASE
Why?
DAVENPORT
Your bionics are still regulating, and your super-senses are hugely volatile. Anything could set them off, especially with the cold. Plus, I heard we have a snow storm coming in, so just be careful, okay?
(The front door opens, and OLIVER and SKYLAR enter, their arms full of groceries).
OLIVER
You guys are still here?
CHASE
Reluctantly. (Urgently) Come on, Bree, we're going to miss our flight!
BREE
(Rolls her eyes)
Ugh, Chase, you always insist on getting there early. We'll be waiting around forever.
CHASE
Yeah, plenty of time for you to watch me use my bionics!
BREE
(Regretfully)
I can't believe I'm going to be stuck on a plane with you for five hours.
CHASE
(Shooing her)
Out! Door! Now!
(BREE huffs, but obeys, trudging out the front door, followed by CHASE).
BREE
Bye everyone! (She looks at KAZ, smiles).
KAZ
(Casually)
See you.
(The door closes; SKYLAR and OLIVER make their way to the counter to dump the groceries).
SKYLAR
You're not going with them, Mr Davenport? It's Christmas Eve!
DAVENPORT
And be stuck on a plane with Chase for five hours? No thanks, I faked a work emergency to get a later flight. He's Bree's problem now.
(KAZ looks at his phone after a text alert).
KAZ
Yeah, well I think even Bree might be getting out of this one.
OLIVER
What do you mean?
KAZ
(Showing his phone)
All flights out of Centium City International are grounded because of the snow storm. (He walks towards the stairs) I better call my Mom, tell her I won't be making it back tonight.
(KAZ disappears upstairs, just as SKYLAR and OLIVER begin unpacking their food).
DAVENPORT
Well, it's a good thing you guys got all that food.
SKYLAR
(Pulling each item out as she speaks)
Yeah, we got Christmas pretzels, Christmas chips, Christmas peanuts...
DAVENPORT
Aren't those are just normal pretzels, chips and peanuts?
SKYLAR
Yeah, but it's Christmas!
(OLIVER pulls a turkey out of a grocery bag).
DAVENPORT
(Surprised)
Did one of you develop seeing the future? That's a big turkey for just the two of you.
(OLIVER and SKYLAR turn to each other quickly, then back to MR DAVENPORT).
OLIVER
(Shrugging)
What can I say? We like leftovers!
SKYLAR
(Coolly)
I've been eating so much recently, I'm honestly a bit of a pig.
(The front door opens again, and BREE and CHASE re-enter. They are frozen, covered in snow. BREE brushes snow from her hat, and then dusts down CHASE's shoulders as he stands shivering).
OLIVER
(Stunned)
What happened to you two? Did you get stuck in an avalanche?
CHASE
Not this time.
BREE
Our flight was cancelled.
(KAZ appears down the stairs again).
KAZ
Mine too!
DAVENPORT
And I guess mine will have been too. (Sighs) It would have been such a nice five hours.
CHASE
Well, I guess we're all spending Christmas here.
BREE
(Hiding her sarcasm as best she can, stepping towards KAZ)
Oh no. We'll all be together. What a shame...
DAVENPORT
(Heading towards the hyperlift)
I'll call Tasha.
OLIVER
I guess I'll get dinner started.
SKYLAR
Oliver, what about… (she gestures her head towards KAZ, BREE and CHASE, making a muffled noise) You know?
OLIVER
Skylar, I love you, but subtlety should not be on your list of skills.
BREE
What's the whispering for?
OLIVER & SKYLAR
Nothing.
(There is a sudden knock at the door. SKYLAR and OLIVER share a quick, panicked look).
OLIVER & SKYLAR
No one!
(There is another knock at the door).
CHASE
(Suspicious)
I'll get the door.
OLIVER
Wait, Chase, it's -
(CHASE opens the door. ROMAN and RIKER are stood, standing, smiling at CHASE. ROMAN is holding a gift, and RIKER is wearing a santa hat. CHASE takes this in, then promptly slams the door in their faces and turns to OLIVER).
CHASE
Nope!
SCENE FOUR.
INT. PENTHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY.
(Directly continuing from the last scene, CHASE is pacing, looking incredulously at OLIVER and SKYLAR. BREE and KAZ are standing awkwardly, KAZ's eyes hovering back to the closed front door).
BREE
(Stunned)
You invited them for dinner?!
SKYLAR
In our defense, you were supposed to be halfway through airport security by now.
CHASE
So the fact that we weren't supposed to find out is your excuse? What, you guys are "couples friends" with them now?
SKYLAR
Well, they're not a couple, they're brothers.
OLIVER
And they were alone! Their entire family is either in prison or missing. Come on, we've been working with them for a couple of weeks, and I was going over the inventory in the weapons' room with Riker and he mentioned they didn't have any plans -
CHASE
(Furious)
You let them in the top secret weapons room?!
(There is another knock at the door).
ROMAN (O/S)
Uh, hello?
CHASE
(Firmly)
They're not coming in for Christmas Dinner.
OLIVER
Why not?
CHASE
(Scoffs)
Oh, I don't know. Perhaps the vast collection of atrocities they've committed?
OLIVER
But they shouldn't be alone on Christmas.
CHASE
You're right, they should be dining in the prison cafeteria!
KAZ
To be fair, Skylar, I'm surprised you agreed to this.
SKYLAR
Well, it felt like the right thing to do at the time! Plus, have you tried finding a turkey just for two people? I thought Caldera was an impossible planet to live on. But grocery stores after Black Friday? (She shudders, traumatised).
CHASE
Look, an Alliance is one thing, but after everything they've pulled, I am not just going to… pass them the cranberry sauce!
KAZ
Well that's just poor table etiquette.
SKYLAR
(Sympathetically)
Kaz, he was raised in a basement, he doesn't know.
CHASE
Bree, back me up here!
BREE
Chase has very good table manners.
CHASE
About Roman and Riker!
BREE
(Nodding confidently)
Oh, yeah, they should absolutely come to dinner.
CHASE
That's not what I said!
BREE
Oh, it wasn't? Sorry, I tune your voice out.
CHASE
Unbelievable.
(Another knock at the door).
RIKER (O/S)
Hello? Can we come in? We don't want to go back out in the snow.
OLIVER
(Sighing)
Please, Chase? My first Christmas without my Mom, Kaz's family took me in, and it was one of the nicest Christmases I've ever had. I want to do this for them!
(CHASE sighs, hesitating).
CHASE
Okay, fine. But don't expect me to pour them eggnog and play charades.
OLIVER
Thank you, buddy.
(SKYLAR walks to the front door and opens it, gesturing for ROMAN and RIKER to enter).
SKYLAR
Sorry about that. Come on in! Merry Christmas.
RIKER
Wow, this is a really nice place!
CHASE
Yeah, I doubt you've seen it from the front door before, since you usually break it at the window.
BREE
Chase, be nice! (Pause, she looks him up and down) And would you put a sweater on? You're going to catch a chill and you know what Mr Davenport said.
CHASE
Ugh, you're so bossy. (He looks around, upset) Way to put a damper on my "Got My Abilities Back" Day, guys. (CHASE storms off to get a sweater, muttering) "Get a sweater". I'll get a sweater for your face.
SCENE FIVE.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(The hyperlift door opens, and BREE tiptoes out into mission command, looking expectantly around, as if searching for something).
BREE
Chase? (She pauses, listening out), Chase, are you down here? (Silence, and when she's sure she is alone, she turns to the hyperlift). Okay, all clear.
(KAZ steps out from behind the hyperlift door, smirking as he walks towards BREE. BREE grins, pulling KAZ towards her. His hands sit on her waist as she presses herself back against the cyberdesk).
KAZ
Are you sure we should be sneaking around like this?
BREE
Are you kidding? That snow storm was a miracle. (Her hands reach up to his neck). I thought I'd have to spend Christmas Eve with Chase… trust me, this is a miracle.
(BREE leans in to kiss him, but KAZ pulls away a little).
KAZ
Not that I'm complaining, which I'm definitely not, because you're hot as the sun, and these last two weeks have felt like a dream, Bree… (BREE lips tug into a smile) …but -
BREE
(Complaining)
No… no "but".
KAZ
Bree, should we really be hiding this from the team?
(BREE sighs).
BREE
I want to tell Oliver and Skylar, but if we tell them, then we have to tell Chase, and then if we tell Chase, then we have to tell Mr Davenport and then Adam and Leo, and if my family knows about us… (She looks at him with sincerity) I will have to leave the country.
(KAZ laughs).
KAZ
Come on, they surely can't be that protective of you, you're a superhero.
BREE
It's not me they'll be worried about. They'll try to warn you about me.
KAZ
(Skeptical)
Warn me?
BREE
Uh-huh. They're going to tell you every embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me, and I'm not ready for you to know that! I need you to still think I'm cool for a little while longer. (Pause) You think I'm cool, right?
KAZ
Given your hands are still on my neck, I'm going to say "yes".
BREE
Sorry. (BREE's hands sink to his shoulders) Come on, this is new, and it's exciting. We'll tell them, we will, but let's let it just be us right now. (She smiles, a twinkle in her eye). It's Christmas, and we're together... and you have to kiss me.
(A smile escapes from KAZ; he raises an eyebrow).
KAZ
Oh, I have to, huh?
BREE
(Seriously)
Yep, it's the rules.
KAZ
Well, I am a rule follower…
(A gasp escapes BREE as KAZ pulls her towards him by her waist; they lean in to kiss. But at the exact same time, the sliding door to the tunnels opens, and MR DAVENPORT enters, his head in his tablet).
DAVENPORT
Ugh, this screen is frozen.
(BREE and KAZ snap apart, acting casual).
BREE
(Flustered)
Mr Davenport! My Dad! Mr Dad-enport. You're here! In Mission Command! How are you?
(DAVENPORT blinks strangely at BREE).
DAVENPORT
Your social skills are still coming along since the basement, huh, honey?
BREE
(Panicked, strained)
Merry Christmas!
SCENE SIX.
INT. PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.
(The atmosphere is tense. OLIVER and SKYLAR are stood behind the kitchen counter, food prep surrounding him and the turkey ready to go in the oven. They are smiling awkwardly as ROMAN and RIKER stand opposite them, drinks in hand. CHASE leans against the dining table, arms folded, in an ugly christmas sweater, looking furious. No one really knows what to say).
RIKER
(Awkwardly)
Thank you for the invite.
SKYLAR
You're welcome. (Long, awkward pause. She offers a snack bowl) Christmas peanuts?
(ROMAN and RIKER politely each take a small handful, and there is another silence. OLIVER opens his mouth to say something, but can't think of any appropriate small talk. CHASE stares angrily at ROMAN and RIKER; SKYLAR purposely avoids CHASE's gaze).
OLIVER
(Stilted)
So… how about that snow storm. Am I right? (A ding signals from the oven; he sags with relief). Oh thank God.
(OLIVER, excused from the conversation, gratefully turns away to the stove. ROMAN places his glass down on the counter).
ROMAN
Maybe this was a bad idea. We should just go.
(SKYLAR lurches forwards towards him).
SKYLAR
No! No, stay. We want you to stay. Besides, no one should be out in that snowstorm, you'll catch a cold.
(CHASE suddenly sneezes violently).
SKYLAR
Like that. See? Snow is dangerous.
RIKER
Are you sure? I don't want to out-stay our welcome…
ROMAN
(Mildly disgusted)
"Out-stay our welcome"? Oh my gosh, what happened to us? We used to be villains. (Horrified gasp) And I just said "gosh"!
SKYLAR
Ignore Chase. He's just been grumpy for so long without his powers, he forgot how to be nice to people now he has them back.
RIKER
(Genuinely pleased)
Chase, you got your abilities back? (Offers out a hand to shake) That's great, man!
(CHASE eyes RIKER's hand like it's a foreign object).
CHASE
Whatever. (He coughs).
SKYLAR
(With forced positivity)
Hey! I know what's a good icebreaker: cooking. Why don't we all help make dinner!
OLIVER
Absolutely not. (Gestures to ROMAN and RIKER) You two, fine. But you… (gestures to CHASE) you're sick. You're not coming anywhere near my sprouts with your snot.
CHASE
(Bunged up)
I am not sick. I'm recalibrating. There's a difference.
SKYLAR
(Muttering)
I told you snow was dangerous.
CHASE
Snow is not dangerous, you're just from the Planet "Lava" and are basically a reptile.
(SKYLAR gasps, offended, her hand flying to her chest).
SKYLAR
(Glaring)
Okay, you get cranky when you're sick, huh?
CHASE
I am not - (He is forced to stop speaking as he delves into a sneezing fit).
OLIVER
Get out of my kitchen, Patient Zero!
(CHASE sighs).
CHASE
Ugh, fine. But only 'cause I want to and - (he sneezes again) - I'm allergic to…uh… (he looks at the stove) What are you cooking?
OLIVER
I'm boiling water.
CHASE
(Confidently)
Yep. I'm allergic to that.
(CHASE, with pride, strides off to the hyperlift, and the door, fire roaring in the hearth, closes behind him. SKYLAR smiles sweetly, ignoring CHASE completely. With frazzled determination to keep the peace, she shoves a bowl of snacks towards ROMAN and RIKER).
SKYLAR
Christmas pretzel?
SCENE SEVEN.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(DAVENPORT exits out of the tunnels, BREE retaining perfect composure).
BREE
Bye! Bye - yeah, see you later - yeah, bye!
(She slams the button to shut the tunnel door. Once it's closed, she turns back to KAZ, who has been watching her with a smirk from the cyberdesk. She has a determined smirk on her face as she walks back to him).
BREE
Now… (She loops her hands around his neck) Where were we?
KAZ
Somewhere around... here.
(BREE and KAZ lean in to kiss, and they almost make it this time, but the hyperlift door dings open. BREE and KAZ panic, BREE following through on leaning in and hunching over the cyberdesk to type something; KAZ follows through his own lean, bending double to tie his shoe. CHASE walks through out of the hyperlift, entering mission command).
BREE
Come on!
CHASE
(Weakly)
Bree, have you seen the nazal spray?
BREE
(Snapping)
Why would I have seen the nazal spray? Go away, Chase! I'm busy!
CHASE
I just thought cause you had a cold last week -
BREE
Well, I don't have one now, so why are you still here?
(CHASE violently sneezes).
KAZ
(Amused)
Ha-ha, it's Christmas, and here you are with a red nose. You need help finding Santa's sleigh?
CHASE
(Bunged up)
Very funny. Getting caught in the snow storm must have thrown my recalibration off.
(BREE rummages in a drawer and pulls out a decrepit box of tissues. She shoves it into CHASE's grasp. She forcefully turns him round by the shoulders and ushers him towards the hyperlift, constantly speaking. CHASE, confused, attempts to protest but can't get a word in).
BREE
Here you are, here's some tissues. Better go upstairs and make the most of our Centium City Christmas - maybe go outside and make a snow angel? Stay outside, lock yourself out. See how well your body responds to extreme temperatures. Like a science experiment, right? Yep. See ya!
KAZ
Wait - wait a second.
(BREE turns to KAZ, looking at him exasperated).
BREE
Why? He was just leaving. He likes leaving.
KAZ
Chase, come over here a sec.
BREE
(A little offended)
Chase? (Pause) Really? Of the two Davenports in front of you right now, Chase is the one you want over there?
KAZ
(Beckoning)
I can help.
(CHASE, confused, walks over to KAZ).
CHASE
How?
(KAZ pulls a box of junk out from a shelf under the centre cyberdesk. It is labelled with the Mighty Med Mobile "Triple M" logo).
KAZ
(Gestures to himself)
Doctor, remember? Here. (He produces a stethoscope, and places it on CHASE's back). Cough for me.
CHASE
This is humiliating -
KAZ
Look, I don't know why Doctors do it either, but I've seen it on TV. Just cough!
(CHASE relents and coughs).
KAZ
(Decidedly)
Yeah, that was gross. But, here… (He produces a small pot of gel-like substance from the box, and hands it to CHASE).
CHASE
What do I do, rub it on my chest?
(KAZ turns to him, confused for a moment).
KAZ
Rub it on your - no, you - (he sees what he has given CHASE and darts to grab it from him). Oh! Whoops, I gave you the wrong thing. That's the stuff that makes you grow a second heart. One sec.
BREE
(Snatches the gel and drops it in the box).
No. No! Enough playing doctor. Can we please get back to… (she becomes acutely aware of CHASE standing next to her) …mission reports? (Hinting) I would like to actually… write one… before dinner!
KAZ
Alright, alright! (He finds what he is looking for). Ah-hah! Here you go, take this. (He hands CHASE a small bottle of liquid). Drink this, it'll clear your sinuses right up.
CHASE
Can't I get that over-the-counter?
KAZ
Nah, this stuff has a chemical compound from Caldera that works magic. Seriously, magic. It's the only stuff that can stop superhero colds.
CHASE
(Skeptical)
I don't know… (He hesitates, but sniffs).
KAZ
Come on, give it a try. What do you have to lose?
(There is a pause. BREE, impatient, forcefully prompts him).
BREE
Just take it! Take it and leave!
CHASE
Okay, okay! Geez. (He takes the bottle and turns to go). I'll let you get on with your mission reports.
(CHASE starts towards the hyperlift, and as he turns his back, BREE and KAZ, heating up, drift back towards each other. But then CHASE spins around again and they jump apart).
CHASE
I will say, it's really nice to see you two take such an interest in the administration side of our operation. Good to know it's not just Oliver and me doing them.
BREE
(Smiling pleasantly)
Yep! Super dedicated! Get out now!
SCENE EIGHT.
INT. PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.
(SKYLAR and OLIVER, along with ROMAN and RIKER, are in the kitchen, preparing the Christmas meal. OLIVER is frantically chopping veggies. A timer beeps).
OLIVER
(Stressed)
The mashed-potatoes! Skylar, can you get the potatoes?
(SKYLAR takes the potatoes off the stove).
SKYLAR
Oliver, breathe.
OLIVER
Breathe? Breathe? I'm cooking for eight people instead of four, and you're telling me to breathe? I'm pulling side dishes out of thin air - we don't have nearly enough food!
RIKER
Is there anything we can do to help?
OLIVER
Can you shapeshift into stuffing?
SKYLAR
He's joking…
OLIVER
(Crazed laughing)
Totally, stuffing would be crazy. (He pauses, fully serious). How about gravy, huh? Or a pie? We don't have anything for dessert yet!
SKYLAR
Oliver, stop trying to cook our guests.
OLIVER
What are we going to do? There's just… not enough food! Look at this teeny tiny turkey! It's pathetic!
ROMAN
Why don't you just use a growth serum?
OLIVER
Growth serum? Pssh. (He strongly considers it, desperate). Do you have some?
RIKER
No, but you do. It's in your storage, I saw it on your list when we were doing the inventory… (He realises his mistake) that I totally didn't look at over your shoulder, by the way. (He pauses, his face falling) Please don't kick us out into the snowstorm.
OLIVER
(Like a mad professor)
The serum!
SKYLAR
(Sighing)
I'm starting to believe you just really like saying that.
(SKYLAR superspeeds off, and a moment later, returns with a bottle in her hand).
SKYLAR
Here.
(OLIVER shakes the bottle all over the turkey).
OLIVER
Okay, so we just sprinkle a little on here. A little on there… a lot there… (He sniffs) hmm, lemony! (He opens the oven). Okay then, we'll just put it in, and crisis averted, we'll have plenty of turkey for eight people. Nothing can go wrong!
CUT TO:
SCENE NINE.
INT. PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.
(SKYLAR, OLIVER, ROMAN and RIKER are standing, eating the Christmas pretzels at the counter, the mess of the side dishes and the chaos of cooking a little more cleared away. There is a "ding" of a timer).
OLIVER
(Excited)
That'll be the turkey!
(OLIVER moves to the oven, but through the glass of the oven, it appears to have grown abnormally large).
SKYLAR
Uh… Oliver. Is it supposed to be that big?
OLIVER
Yeah, it's totally fine! It's -
(The oven door explodes off its hinges and collides into OLIVER, making him fly backwards. The turkey, steadily expanding, continues to grow, having taken up the whole space of the oven).
OLIVER
(Wincing)
My jingle bells.
RIKER
I'm thinking maybe you used too much.
SKYLAR
(Bitingly)
What gave it away?!
MIDWAY BREAK.
SCENE TEN.
INT. UNDERGROUND TUNNELS - INVENTORY ROOM - DAY.
(BREE and KAZ sneak into the inventory room, walls lined with weapons and storage, closing the door behind them. BREE sighs deeply, turning and leaning her back on the door to make sure it is closed).
BREE
I thought we'd never get rid of him.
KAZ
(Sympathetically)
He's sick.
BREE
He's an attention hog, and he's ruining Christmas.
(BREE sighs, takes a calming breath, and now that they're finally alone, she approaches KAZ again. They meet in the centre of the room, their arms wrapping around each other. BREE smiles, their heads leaning closer).
BREE
Now this is more like it.
KAZ
(Murmuring)
Best Christmas ever.
(They lean in, their lips almost brushing, and then…)
CHASE (V/O)
Pineapple, barnyard, kangaroo.
(BREE snaps her head back).
BREE
(Furious)
Chase!
KAZ
(Horrified, without context)
Chase?
BREE
No! Not - ew! Ugh. (She closes her eyes briefly, connecting to the signal) What do you want, Chase?
KAZ
(Understanding)
Ooh! I get it now.
CHASE (V/O)
Do you know where Kaz is?
(BREE looks at KAZ).
BREE
Haven't seen him - why?
CHASE (V/O)
I think there's a problem with that stuff he gave me for my sinuses. If you see him, can you tell him to meet me in Mission Command?
BREE
(Sighing, relenting)
I will let him know.
CHASE (V/O)
Thanks.
BREE
(Grumbling)
Yeah, whatever.
KAZ
(Understanding)
Chase needs me?
(BREE whines, sighing, and wraps her arms around his neck again).
BREE
Come on, I need you way more. We've wasted a lot of time, we need this! Chase will heal, he's fine. He's just being dramatic.
(BREE leans in to kiss him, but he pulls away).
KAZ
Maybe I should go see what he wants, just for five minutes.
BREE
Ugh, this is so not fair, he ruins everything!
KAZ
(Teasing)
Hey, you're the one who said his name when we were kissing.
BREE
(Unamused)
And if you want another opportunity to ever kiss me again, you'll stop talking.
KAZ
Wow, you're so mean.
BREE
(Smirking)
You love it.
KAZ
Not wrong. (He holds up five fingers) I'll be five minutes. Keep busy, I'll be right back.
(KAZ runs off out of the inventory room and down the tunnels. BREE, scoffing, picks up a tablet).
BREE
(Grumbling)
Great. Christmas Eve, and now I'm actually doing mission reports!
SCENE ELEVEN.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(KAZ walks in through the tunnels, into Mission Command, looking around expectantly for CHASE. CHASE is facing the wall, arms folded, so KAZ cannot see his face).
KAZ
Hey, Chase? Bree - uh - texted. You okay?
CHASE
So, good news: it definitely cleared my sinuses, and I don't look like Rudolf anymore.
KAZ
(Pre-emptively wincing)
I'm assuming there's bad news?
(CHASE turns around to face KAZ, and his nose is completely white, drained entirely of colour. KAZ yells and recoils).
KAZ
(Immediately composing himself)
You know, it's barely noticeable.
CHASE
(Furious)
I look like a porcelain doll!
KAZ
Okay, okay, calm down!
CHASE
What was in that cold medicine?!
KAZ
You must have just used too much. How much did you use?
CHASE
I had a spoonful! Like it said on the bottle!
KAZ
(Realising, awkwardly)
Ooh, yeah, I see what happened.
CHASE
(Frantic)
Are you going to tell me?!
KAZ
"Spoon" is the Calderan word for "drop". They have all sorts of weird words like that. Their word for "Candy" is "Diarrhea". (Laughs) Hilarious, really.
CHASE
(Incredulous)
My nose looks like it's about to fall off! It's not hilarious! Why didn't you think to tell me the dose?!
KAZ
Sorry! I was a little distracted by the… mission reports. I can fix this, don't worry.
(KAZ then brings his phone out of his pocket, and is immediately distracted again, typing a message).
CHASE
(Impatiently)
Today, please!
KAZ
Alright, alright, keep your nose on. (He puts his phone away). This is just going to take a lot longer than five minutes, that's all.
SCENE TWELVE
INT. PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.
(SKYLAR, OLIVER, ROMAN and RIKER are stood, baffled, staring up at the turkey, which has grown so big, it is now taking up the entire space of the kitchen counter, and is easily four feet tall).
OLIVER
(Face collapsing in stress)
Well… I hope everyone's hungry!
ROMAN
Are these disasters normal for you guys?
SKYLAR
For Christmas? No. For us? Yes. (To OLIVER) Did you use a normal spoonful, or a Calderan spoonful?
OLIVER
Does it matter? It's bigger than me and still growing!
ROMAN
Well, that's not hard.
RIKER
Roman, that's rude!
OLIVER
Christmas is ruined. Ruined!
SKYLAR
It's not ruined, Oliver.
OLIVER
What are we going to do with this much turkey? It completely throws off the balance of the spread! It's supposed to be a centrepiece, not an umbrella!
(Behind SKYLAR and OLIVER's conversation, RIKER suddenly taps ROMAN's arm, with an idea).
SKYLAR
You're overreacting.
OLIVER
I'm not overreacting! Everyone's here, and we had a chance to make it perfect! But we messed it up.
(ROMAN nods at RIKER's plan as he whispers something).
SKYLAR
(Awkwardly)
Well… you messed it up. Let's not use the plural.
(We focus completely on OLIVER and SKYLAR now. ROMAN, RIKER and the turkey are completely out of frame as OLIVER and SKYLAR spiral by the stack of side dishes).
OLIVER
I mean it, Skylar! This - this - cretinous mountain - is completely ridiculous! We didn't get much of a Christmas last year at all because we were fighting Roman and Riker, and this time we actually get to celebrate, and we need to celebrate something! Otherwise, what's the point? Chase just got his abilities back, it's our first Christmas as a couple, we're starting to be able to trust Roman and Riker, and -
(SKYLAR suddenly turns her head to the counter).
SKYLAR
Are you sure about that?
(SKYLAR points, and once we follow her point to the kitchen counter, the turkey is completely missing. And ROMAN and RIKER are gone too).
OLIVER
(Whimpering)
Well, this seems fair. First we have enough turkey and not enough people. Then, we have too much people and not enough turkey! Then we have too much people and too much turkey, and now we have just the right number of people and -
SKYLAR
(Regretfully)
No turkey.
OLIVER
(Crazed, screaming to the heavens)
No turkey! Why? Why does it always happen to me?
SCENE THIRTEEN.
INT. MISSION COMMAND - DAY.
(CHASE and KAZ are standing side by side by the cyberdesk, with a range of Mighty Med products and Davenport Industries gadgets spread out across the surface. CHASE's nose is porcelain white, and his eyes are close to watering with the air now free-flowing through his sinuses. KAZ looks puzzled, and winces at the situation).
CHASE
I am not having this conversation with you again. I can't believe I let you and your freak juice near me in the first place! There's a reason I never used the Arcturion when I lost my abilities: mixing science and superpowers always ends badly.
KAZ
(Gesturing to one of his Mighty Med products)
Chase, I have the fix right here. You just have to -
CHASE
No! No. No more. I am fixing this with science!
(The door to the tunnels slides open, and BREE enters).
BREE
(With fake sweetness)
What's going on in here? (To KAZ) I would say these mission reports aren't going to finish themselves, but they might if you don't hurry up.
KAZ
It's not my fault.
CHASE
(Furious)
I'd say it is!
(BREE looks at CHASE and laughs hard).
BREE
Oh my Gosh! You look a little ginger bread man. (She goes to pinch his nose, but he swats her away).
CHASE
Yeah, well, I'm fixing it.
(CHASE picks up a worryingly dangerous-looking, gun-shaped ray device).
KAZ
Chase, it's okay, I got it -
CHASE
You've got nothing.
BREE
Hey!
(BREE steps between KAZ and CHASE).
BREE
(Defensively)
Don't talk like that to my… (clears throat) mission report buddy.
CHASE
(Whining)
But look what he did to my face!
BREE
(Bitterly)
We all want to do things to peoples faces, Chase, but I can't, so long as you're causing problems! Now, enough. Skylar and Oliver are screaming about something upstairs, Mr Davenport won't stay in the same place for longer than ten minutes, so please let's fix you, so we can finish our mission report before Christmas dinner!
CHASE
(Protesting)
Bree -
BREE
(Searching the cyberdesk)
Which one is it?
CHASE
Hey, wait!
KAZ
(Pointing)
That one.
BREE
On it.
CHASE
Guys!
BREE
Hold still.
(BREE extends a device from Mighty Med. She slaps the "charge" button, and before CHASE can protest, zaps him with it. CHASE stumbles back, and bends double).
BREE
(A little regretful, to KAZ)
I probably should have asked before shooting my brother - was this dangerous?
KAZ
(Shrugs, panicked)
I don't know! I've never used it before!
(CHASE snaps up to standing, his hair a mess, but his face now completely back to its normal colour. He glares at BREE).
CHASE
Was that necessary?!
BREE
(Innocently)
I care very deeply about the Elite Force's admin. (Clearing her throat, now lowering the weapon, a little guilty). You feeling okay?
(CHASE sniffs once, testing his breath. He sniffs again, longer. Then he sniffs a third time, finding his sinuses are back to normal).
CHASE
Strangely perfect.
KAZ
(Enthusiastically)
See! What did I tell you? Mighty Med Mobile strikes again. (CHASE glares, but KAZ keeps his enthusiasm) …Or, at least, aims somewhat for average!
(BREE awkwardly gives a strained cheer, smiling innocently at CHASE as he rolls his eyes).
SCENE FOURTEEN.
INT. PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.
(SKYLAR and OLIVER are standing, worried and pacing, in the kitchen, when the hyperlift opens. CHASE, KAZ and BREE enter through into the living room, walking over to the kitchen).
CHASE
Wow, what smells so good?
OLIVER
(Glumly)
The lies.
BREE
(Confused)
Where's the turkey?
(OLIVER lets out an anguished groan and sinks into a chair).
OLIVER
I was wrong, you all were right. Are you happy?
KAZ
(Looking around)
And Roman and Riker…?
SKYLAR
(Regretfully)
The same place as the turkey.
CHASE
(Understanding)
Ah… a Holiday Heist. Stealing a bird. (Beat, smugly) You know, if only someone had warned the group that having Roman and Riker here for Christmas dinner was a bad idea.
BREE
(Deadpan)
No one likes this side of you, Chase.
CHASE
Right, sorry. (He gestures) Proceed.
(OLIVER stands up and sighs, looking ashamedly at the group, and to the pile of side dishes that have collected on the counter in the turkey's absence).
OLIVER
I'm sorry, guys. I just wanted us to have the perfect Christmas… I guess I went a bit overboard.
SKYLAR
(Comfortingly)
Hey, you still made all those side dishes!
KAZ
Yeah, there's no way Christmas is ruined. We can have (he looks at the dishes) Potatoes, and cranberry sauce and… stuffing!
OLIVER
Still… it's not the same without the turkey.
CHASE
All that matters is…
OLIVER
(Smiling shyly)
That we're happy, healthy and together?
CHASE
(Scoffing)
No, forget that! All that matters is that I have my abilities back!
(Suddenly the front door slides open, and DAVENPORT enters, with none other than ROMAN and RIKER in tow).
DAVENPORT
Uh, guys? Why were our guests out in the snow?
(OLIVER snaps up, running).
OLIVER
Give me back my bird, you sh-
SKYLAR
Oliver, language! It's Christmas!
OLIVER
What? I was going to say shapeshifters.
ROMAN
(Rolling his eyes)
You superheroes, so dramatic. The turkey is right here.
(He gestures to RIKER, who is holding a normal-sized tray, with a normal-sized turkey on it. SKYLAR and OLIVER look beyond baffled).
SKYLAR
How did you…
OLIVER
(Triumphantly)
So, I did do it right!
ROMAN
No. It's a completely different bird.
OLIVER
(Sighs, disappointed)
Man. So close.
CHASE
Where did you get it?
(ROMAN and RIKER exchange a look).
RIKER
We're only eight people, and that turkey was so big it could have fed the whole of Centium City - just like you said, Oliver. So we thought… why not do that.
ROMAN
We took it to a homeless shelter, swapped it out for this little guy (he gestures the turkey on the tray). Our super-turkey is going to keep everyone warm and then some, so they weren't going to miss this.
(DAVENPORT, BREE, SKYLAR, CHASE, KAZ and OLIVER all look at them stunned).
BREE
Wait, wait, wait… you two did something nice?
KAZ
It's a Christmas miracle!
(RIKER beams, ROMAN looks disgusted).
ROMAN
Yeah, yeah, whatever. I mean, we stole this turkey from homeless people! That's still evil!
OLIVER
Yeah but barely. You left them with enough turkey to last them to New Years!
RIKER
Come on, we were superheroes once too! Before our father turned… you know.
(SKYLAR smiles at RIKER, tossing an arm around his shoulders as they walk to the table).
SKYLAR
Well, welcome back to the good side!
CHASE & ROMAN
Temporarily.
(SKYLAR shoots RIKER a mocking look on CHASE's behalf, as if to say "ignore him". OLIVER gestures to the table, and all at once: everyone descends to a chair, finding their places and sitting around).
OLIVER
Dig in everyone!
SCENE FIFTEEN.
INT. PENTHOUSE - DINING TABLE - DAY.
(The meal has depleted significantly, and everyone looks stuffed and tired. DAVENPORT leans back in his chair, sighing contentedly).
DAVENPORT
Oliver, Skylar, you have outdone yourselves.
CHASE
Yeah, that was awesome, thank you.
SKYLAR
(To OLIVER, smugly)
See? Told you we'd get a perfect Christmas.
(OLIVER smiles at SKYLAR, squeezing her hand. BREE mutters, almost to herself, where she is sitting next to KAZ).
BREE
(Glancing at KAZ)
Almost perfect.
CHASE
(Innocently)
Oh yeah! Did you ever finish that mission report?
(BREE takes a drink, hiding her expression).
KAZ
Still working on it.
CHASE
(Smiling kindly)
I can always help you if you want.
(BREE chokes on her water, coughing frantically).
BREE
(Unable to look him in the eye)
No! No, that's really okay. We're good.
(The conversation at the dinner table moves on, SKYLAR explaining the detailed measurements of her home planet, and everyone else trying desperately not to seem lost. KAZ glances over at BREE, an idea forming; he smirks).
KAZ
(Loudly to the room, pointing out the window)
Oh my gosh! What is that?! Is that Rudolf?
(Everyone stands up and rushes to the window. As soon as everyone's back is turned, KAZ grabs BREE's waist and kisses her, firmly, quickly, and pulls back, winking. She stands, breathless, stunned, and blushes).
KAZ
Oh, you know what, false alarm. It was a traffic light on stop!
(Everyone shrugs, thinking nothing of it, and takes their places again, KAZ nonchalantly taking a bite of food. BREE, who is still recovering, just blinks, a stunned smile on her face as she gathers her composure).
DAVENPORT
You alright, Bree?
(BREE nods).
BREE
I'm way better than alright. (She holds up her glass) Merry Christmas everyone!
(We pan away, the group toasting their glasses. They may be a mismatch collection of people, and some may be holding secrets, but at the end of the day, Oliver was right all along: it's Christmas… and they have a lot to celebrate).
FADE OUT.
END OF EPISODE