tenacious_err | The Institue Pilot

Title: The Institute

Notes: Character Bible is over here, but since this in script format each character/actor will be announced as they appear.

Many, many thanks to Isa (multicolour on LJ,) for looking this over for me! ♥

I feel bad posting this already when this month has been insane and I haven't had a chance to personally read the other entries yet. But I plan to do so soon and look forward to them all. :)

THE INSTITUTE PILOT

FADE IN:

EXT. BACK ALLEY – NIGHT

A dimly-lit Alley. The sounds of voices mingled together fades out as we pan in to a WOMAN, blonde and properly dressed, walking down the alley.

The sound of footsteps echo behind her. She turns her head. A MAN walks down and approaches her. He is well-dressed and clean cut.

MAN

Excuse me, miss. Are you lost?

WOMAN

Oh, yes, I do appear to be. I

know it's silly, but I've just

never become accustomed to the

streets of London.

MAN

(Checks to see if anyone else is around.)

Well, I'm sure I can help

you...be on your way...

Man moves closer and closer to her, menacingly. She seems unaware of the threat.

WOMAN

You would? Oh, my, that

would be so kind of you.

Man smiles, flashing his teeth and revealing that he is a VAMPIRE. He backs up Woman until she is pressed against a wall of the alley.

MAN/VAMPIRE

It's so pleasant when a

tasty morsel like you shows up.

Out of nowhere SAMUEL EDWARDS (Nathan Fillion) dressed similarly to the Man/Vampire appears. He speaks as if he's having any regular conversation.

EDWARDS

You may want to check what

tasty morsels you've decided to threaten

before you take that first bite.

The MAN/VAMPIRE's attention is turned back to the woman he has cornered, who now looks a lot less innocent. She is CLARA BAKER (Katee Sackoff.)

BAKER

He's right, you know. Nowadays

you never what you're going to find.

Baker headbutts the vampire, who is sent reeling backwards into the alley. Before he can recover Edwards tosses a handful of water – holy water – onto him. The vampire lets out a scream and disintegrates into nothing.

EDWARDS

They're getting too easy.

Just as Edwards speak the line, shadowy figures begin to line the alley in front of them. Baker notices them first.

BAKER

You just had to say it, didn't you?

They begin to back away from the crowd of at least fifteen VAMPIRES approaching them.

EDWARDS

A nest?

From behind them JAMES FOSTER (Joe Flanigan) and WILLIAM FOSTER (Ben Browder) appear. Both men wear tuxes with heavy leather vests under their coats. William carries a sword; James a dagger. Both men are American, and their accents reflect this.

JAMES

You woke a nest?

BAKER

(Motions to Edwards.)

He said they were getting easy.

WILLIAM

We will have to get you a gag,

one of these days.

A fight between the VAMPIRES and James, William, Baker and Edwards commences. They fight in groups of two, back-to-back with Edwards and Baker paired together and William and James paired together. Their conversation continues while they're fighting, belayed only by the occasional punching and staking of the vampires around them.

EDWARDS

She's the one who chose a nest!

BAKER

I was unaware of it. And if you hadn't

said anything-

EDWARDS

If I hadn't SAID anything? What

kind of logic is that?

WILLIAM

With you it is absolute logic. I

have personally seen the effect opening

your mouth has on the amount of bad

luck we encounter.

EDWARDS

Really? Well, in that case, it's

too bad all these vampires are so

strong! We do not stand a chance!

A VAMPIRE growls and lunges forward, its nails dig into Edward's skin and he just barely manages to pull away. James turns closer to him and stakes the vampire, causing it to fall to the ground.

JAMES

I don't think it works that way.

The VAMPIRES are now circling the group in a very small space. Things are looking bleak.

BAKER

That may have actually made it worse.

EDWARDS

This is not my fault.

WILLIAM

Of course not. It is your mouth's fault.

They huddle even closer together. Suddenly an UNKNOWN FIGURE(Torri Higginson) dressed in full, tight body-protecting leather, lands in the alley on her feet and crouched, it is as if she has fallen from the sky. She holds a BOTTLE OF HOLY WATER in one hand and tosses it forward and into the air – it explodes before hitting the ground and sprays water over the back row of VAMPIRES. They SCREECH and disintegrate to ashes. The vampires turn to the Unknown Figure, and Baker is first to take the distraction.

Baker quickly swings a wooden stake into the VAMPIRE nearest her, and repeats the action with another VAMPIRE. William swings his sword quickly – decapitating three nearby VAMPIRES in a fell swoop. Edwards and James also stake vampires, with James using his knife as a weapon to catch them off guard.

In the background the Unknown Figure is also taking out vampires, until soon only William, Edwards, Baker and James are standing in the alley – surrounded by decapitated VAMPIRES, ashes, and the whole bodies of VAMPIRES who have been staked.

The group turns back to face the Unknown Figure, only to find her gone. There is a pause of surprise.

EDWARDS

You see? It works in the reverse

as well!

BAKER

So you admit it is your fault!

EDWARDS

I did not-

JAMES

You did. We heard you.

EDWARDS

No-

WILLIAM

All in favor that this was

all Mr. Edwards' fault?

All in the group except for Edwards raise their hands. He is clearly not amused.

BAKER

Now the real question is,

who was that woman?

JAMES

Another hunter, I'd wager. One

who seems to cover our territory.

WILLIAM

Feeling a little jealous?

JAMES

Of new hunters? Never. I just wonder

when we'll be reading about this one's

death. They're not trained well enough.

WILLIAM

You sound like Mr. Ward.

EDWARDS

The real disgrace is that she left

before clean up.

Edwards flicks a small LIGHTER CONTRAPTION and begins to catch the individual VAMPIRES on fire. Once the fire hits their clothing they burn quickly. The fire covers the body, melts it to ash, and then burns out.

EDWARDS

Honestly, that's just rude.

BAKER

She didn't leave any bodies.

EDWARDS

Yes, but it's the principle of

the matter.

BAKER

The principle being that we leave

more bodies?

WILLIAM

Or the principle being that she

saved us from your mouth?

Edwards has successfully caught the last body of a VAMPIRE on fire, leaving nothing in the alley but ashes.

JAMES

Edwards can't be blamed for this.

EDWARDS

Thank you!

JAMES

He clearly doesn't know the power

of his own mouth. Or of irony.

EDWARDS

(He is unamused.)

Fantastic. You fight for the betterment

of mankind and this is the thanks to be found.

May we return home now, or would you all

like to continue trading witty barbs?

WILLIAM

I think we've had our fill for the night.

Or, morning, as it's close to being.

Shall we?

The group turns, walking back down the alley way. William suddenly stops and bends down, picking up a piece of paper that has been scrawled on. He looks grave.

JAMES

William?

WILLIAM

It's a note...probably from the new hunter

(reads aloud:)

Be forewarned, the four covens of

England have formed an alliance.

The group now all look as grave as William as the news sink in. This simple sentence holds a lot of weight.

BAKER

If the covens have allied...

WILLIAM

We don't stand a chance of

survival.

ACT ONE

FROM BLACK:

INT. THE INSTITUTE – LIVING ROOM – DAY

ABIGAIL WARD (Kate Mulgrew) is talking animatedly with a room filled with PROPER WOMEN (30s). They all have TEA, the fireplace in the room is lit and running and it is clear that this is a proper event.

ABIGAIL

It is true that Mrs. Charles

was not seen at the dance, but

that does not mean she's fallen

from society's graces. No matter

what Mrs. Grace says.

In the entrance to the room we see CHARLES WARD (Anthony Head) stick his head into view. He waves his hands in a shooing motion, and Abigail catches on immediately.

ABIGAIL

But that's enough about

the scandals going on. I've

held you here long enough, the

day is wearing on.

The Proper Women slowly begin to get up and move. Charles rolls his eyes and moves out of sight as Abigail begins to clear out the room.

PAN TO:

INT. THE INSTITUTE - HALLWAY – DAY

Charles is walking down the hallway when DOROTHY RUSSELL (Teryl Rothery) walks out of a room and appears by his side. She carries the coat that Edwards wore in the fight and that is now tattered beyond repair. They talk as they walk down the hallway.

RUSSELL

Have you seen this?

CHARLES

It appears to have once been

an overcoat, Mrs. Russell.

RUSSELL

Once being the key word there,

Mr. Ward.

CHARLES

You cannot sew it?

RUSSELL

Sewing involves repair, Mr. Ward.

This coat needs an entire

resuscitation.

CHARLES

Whose coat was that?

RUSSELL

Mr. Edwards. It was a very

nice coat too.

CHARLES

I will tell him to be

more careful. And that you

mourn the loss of his coat.

RUSSELL

I will never understand why

you all insist on dressing up

to hunt those vile creatures.

CHARLES

They may be vile, but that's

no reason to dress poorly.

RUSSELL

I've seen women dress less fancy

for balls than you lot do to go

kill vampires.

CHARLES

In that case, you should

see us when we hunt vampires

at balls. Double the elegance.

Russell shakes her head EXITS as Charles continues to walk down the hallway.

Charles turns the corner and nearly collides with William, who is carrying several volumes of books.

WILLIAM

Sorry, Mr. Ward.

CHARLES

Knowledge is as good a

reason to collide with another

person as any. What are you reading?

WILLIAM

The lore we have on the covens.

This isn't the first time they've

allied.

CHARLES

No, it isn't. But it has

been a while. Do you know what

happened to Edwards coat?

WILLIAM

He said the hunting was

getting too easy.

CHARLES

Ah, enough said then. Meeting

as soon as Abigail manages to

clear out the ladies of society.

WILLIAM

Yes, sir.

Charles EXITS into a room in the hallway. William continues to walk down while poorly balancing the books he's carrying. As he rounds the corner ELLIE GARDNER (Jewel Staite) skips up beside him.

GARDNER

Most people read their books

in the actual library, Mr. Foster.

WILLIAM

Then most people are missing out

on all the fun of trying not to

stumble in open hallways, Ms. Gardner.

William stumbles, nearly dropping a book which Gardner quickly catches for him. Without missing a beat she returns it to his stack of books.

GARDNER

(she walks silently with him for a

moment. Then:)

Is it true, Mr. Foster? About the

vampires all becoming allies?

WILLIAM

It could very well be. So far

we don't know much beyond one

random tip.

Gardner takes in the news, although not overly obvious in her emotions the possibility scares her.

WILLIAM

Not to worry, though. This

only means we'll be killing

more vampires. And annoying Mrs.

Russell even further.

GARDNER

Yes, I saw her today. You know

it really will be impossible

to mend that overcoat.

WILLIAM

So purchase a new one.

GARDNER

Oh, Mrs. Ward won't be

pleased to hear that. She's

been working very tightly

to keep us on budget.

WILLIAM

Why aren't you with Mrs.

Ward? Shouldn't you be among

the ladies of society?

GARDNER

I fear they will turn on

me like wild animals, when

they hear I still live here

and am unwed. It is not a

situation I feel like throwing

myself into today.

WILLIAM

Can't say I blame you.

Sometimes those women are

thoroughly more frightening

than any vampire.

Gardner smiles at him. Coming down the hall in the opposite direction are James and Baker. They stop in front of Gardner and William

BAKER

You know there is a library-

WILLIAM

Yes, I was informed.

JAMES

He's always one to force

his own unique manner forward.

WILLIAM

Have you seen Edwards?

BAKER

(amused)

Yes, we stumbled upon him.

It seems Mrs. Russell got to

him first.

WILLIAM

God protect his soul.

Further down the hall Russell approaches with Edwards in tow.

RUSSELL

The good lord has nothing

to do with this matter. Just

a few hunters who don't know

better than to wear their best

clothing out while they choose

to play rough.

EDWARDS

We aren't playing Mrs. Russell

we're preserving the world's-

RUSSELL

I do not care if you are saving

the world! You do it in the proper

clothing.

EDWARDS

(defeated)

Yes, well, on that note, Mr. Ward

said it's time for the meeting now.

RUSSELL

Ellie, dear, I'll need help

trying to salvage this overcoat.

GARDNER

Of course.

EDWARDS

I expect it in one piece, too!

Russell stares at him incredulously.

EDWARDS

Or, you know, (clears throat)

whatever you can manage, Mrs.

Russell.

Abigail appears at the end of the hallway.

ABIGAIL

Are you all ready for the meeting?

EDWARDS

(scuffles towards her, exclaiming loudly:)

Absolutely!

INT. THE INSITUTE – MEETING ROOM – DAY

Abigail, Charles, William, James, Baker and Edwards sit spaced out around a large table. Charles sits at the head of it, with Abigail by his side.

CHARLES

Now, as you all know, the note

was received last night during

a vampire hunt.

BAKER

What's to say the note is even

real?

WILLIAM

The signs have been showing

long before we got the note.

CHARLES

That's true. The vampires we

have hunted lately have increased

in number, even to the point of

finding a nest where there should

have only been one vampire.

JAMES

Why would they turn others? Are

vampires not usually very picky

about who they do or do not turn?

CHARLES

Usually, yes. But if the covens

have allied, it will mean that

they've decided to take an offensive

front against humans. Vampires see

us as nothing but food, but lately

we've been showing them that we can

defend ourselves. The number of hunters

is increasing daily. People are more aware

that vampires are not an urban myth than ever.

We have threatened them, and they are finally

listening to that threat.

BAKER

So we've made them very angry. But if

the covens have truly allied...

CHARLES

We won't stand a chance in a fair

fight, yes.

JAMES

Then we shall not fight fair.

CHARLES

Precisely. It will be risky, but

we must devise a plan.

BAKER

A plan to do what, exactly?

CHARLES

We must force this alliance

to break.

WILLIAM

In order to break the alliance...

CHARLES

We will have to infiltrate the

strongest coven and break the

alliance from within.

ABIGAIL

But Charles, the strongest

coven right now would be...

EDWARDS

Arabella Gideon's.

EXT. ROOFTOP – NIGHT

Unknown Figure from before stands looking down at the street below her. She is KATHERINE BISHOP (Torri Higginson). JOSHUA BUTLER (Michael Shanks) walks up to her side, and looks down to the street with her.

BUTLER

You left the note?

BISHOP

Yes. If I have tracked them

properly they should be arriving in

this alley to hunt soon.

BUTLER

You're sure I shouldn't be speaking

to them?

BISHOP

They have a female hunter. I believe

they will listen to me.

BUTLER

And when they learn everything?

BISHOP

Well, there's only one way to find out,

right?

BUTLER

You are sure you don't need back up?

Bishop turns to Butler. She rests a hand on his shoulder, asserting both kindness and leadership in the move.

BISHOP

I will be fine. Besides, there

is no reason for us all to toss out

our limbs. You can get the next

risky mission.

BUTLER

And you're sure this is the group

you're going to risk your limbs with?

BISHOP

Yes, The Institute has a very good

reputation.

Four figures (Baker, Edwards, James and William,) walk down and into the alley.

BISHOP

That's my cue.

BUTLER

Be careful.

BISHOP

Always. I will meet you and

the others tonight.

EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT

BAKER

We haven't even seen a nest-

She's interrupted when Bishop lands in front of them, once again as if she has fallen from the sky. She stands and brushes herself off, taking in the group before her.

BISHOP

Good evening.

JAMES

Well, she certainly makes

an entrance.

EDWARDS

We should do that too.

BAKER

I get the feeling that the

lady has more to do tonight

than listen to your critiques

on her landing.

BISHOP

My name is Katherine Bishop. We

met last night.

WILLIAM

We're not quick to forget a hunter

who lends a hand, let alone one who

leaves us a note saying that the covens

have allied.

BISHOP

Yes, now that you know,

you must know that taking action

is essential.

EDWARDS

If you don't mind me asking,

why exactly are you telling us

this?

BISHOP

I have watched you, all of you,

I believe The Institute of Vampire

Dispersal & Elimination stands the

best chance of properly handling this.

EDWARDS

Oh, well, that's nice. We've

become famous.

JAMES

You flatter us. But how do we know

that what you say is the truth?

BISHOP

You don't. But I doubt very much

that you will sit around while the

risk of losing all of England lies

heavy in the air.

Suddenly a VAMPIRE falls down, landing with a crash into the space in the alley behind Bishop. She turns to face the VAMPIRE who gets to its feet and HISSES.

EDWARDS

That landing wasn't nearly

as elegant, I must say.

The Vampire lunges forward to attack Bishop. She swiftly reveals a STAKE and stakes it before it gets a chance to even attack.

EDWARDS

That was-

A loud HISSING alerts the team to a large group of VAMPIRES behind them.

BAKER

You were going to say

easy, weren't you?

Bishop pushes forward to the front of the group with her stake in hand.

BISHOP

Do you believe me now?

This many in one place

is wholly unnatural.

The first VAMPIRE lunges forward, Bishop slams a fist into the side of its head and stakes it, letting the body fall to the side. Then all the VAMPIRES are lunging forward, creating an all-out fight. As before James and William and Baker and Edwards create back-to-back fighting units, leaving Bishop swinging in constant circles as she fights on her own. They speak while still fighting.

EDWARDS

I recognize these. They are

all Gideon's.

Baker GLANCES at Edwards.

BISHOP

She's sending them out in

groups now.

JAMES

Really? I hadn't noticed.

WILLIAM

But why would Gideon send out so

many? Where are the members of the

other covens?

BISHOP

Alliance or no, vampires are not

likely to fight together when they

have been feuding among themselves

for so long. Now, what do you

plan on doing about it?

EDWARDS

You want us to divulge our

plan to you – in front of the

vampires?

BISHOP

They'll be dead soon – and if they

aren't we will be.

EDWARDS

Point taken.

Suddenly an arrow flies forward from the group of VAMPIRES. It catches William in his shoulder, sending him down immediately. James CRIES OUT.

JAMES

William!

The Vampires swarm the group, making them indistinguishable and lost. James loses sight of William.

JAMES

William!

Act Two

There's a sudden spark of FIRE from the crowd and Baker is revealed holding a small torch, enough to make all the vampires around her back off. The sound of loud SCREECHES comes from nearby her and Edwards is revealed with Vampires who have turned to ash – in his hands he carries a bottle of holy water and at his feet is a shattered bottle.

A moment later James emerges from the group wielding his dagger, he moves in closer to Baker as Edwards does the same and they reclaim the area, fighting until the Vampires are all defeated.

JAMES

William. Where's William?

The others look around, but William is nowhere in sight.

BISHOP

Here!

Further down the alley Bishop is on one knee. She looks worse for the wear but bears no physical marks of it. William lies unconscious on the ground; there are Vampire bodies surrounding them.

The others rush forward, with James leading them. James immediately checks on William's vital signs, etc.

BISHOP

He's fine. He just hit his

head when they were tugging

at him.

JAMES

Was he...

BISHOP

No, no. I managed to get to them

before he was bitten. He'll be

fine.

JAMES

(clearly relieved)

Thank you.

James pulls up William's unconscious form, getting him up with help from Edwards.

JAMES

Are you coming back with

us, Ms. Bishop?

BISHOP

I would like that very

much, but I cannot do so

right now. I have other engagements.

However, I would like to offer to

help you.

JAMES

We are to infiltrate

Gideon's coven.

BISHOP

(nods)

That's going to be risky.

You'll break apart the alliance

from within?

JAMES

That's the plan.

BISHOP

And how are you actually

going to infiltrate it and

break up the alliance?

EDWARDS

Ah, well, that's the

more complicated part.

JAMES

Yes. We're still working

out the details – and trying

not to get ambushed to death

in the meantime.

BISHOP

How is that going for you?

INT. THE INSTITUTE – MEETING ROOM – DAY

Baker and Edwards sit opposite of each other at the table, they are alone.

BAKER

Are you doing well?

EDWARDS

(shrugging her off,)

I did not get mauled by

vampires last night.

BAKER

No, but it must be hard

for you, going up against

Gideon, against the vampire

who-

EDWARDS

(harshly)

Your concern is unnecessary.

BAKER

(unfazed)

I still have it. If you need

to talk, you know I am here.

William, now with a BANDAGE on his arm, and James enter the room.

BAKER

How are you feeling?

WILLIAM

Like I'm not a vampire,

which is enough for now.

BAKER

Well, we all know that

Edwards is to blame.

EDWARDS

Oh, come on. You cannot

blame me for this.

BAKER

(smiling)

And yet, I still do,

funny that, huh?

EDWARDS

A riot.

Abigail and Charles enter. James and William sit quickly as the room quiets and Abigail and Charles takes their seats.

CHARLES

I have asked around.

I can find nothing about

a 'Katherine Bishop.'

BAKER

So she's lying.

WILLIAM

Or she's good at

what she does.

CHARLES

Either way we can't

simply sit around. We

must take her word and

go into action.

EDWARDS

How will we do that?

CHARLES

Well, I have an idea about

that. We must move the Vita Tribuo.

ABIGAIL

Charles-

BAKER

(over Abigail)

Impossible! That is a

myth, Mr. Ward.

CHARLES

It is not. I've seen it

with my own eyes, years ago. My

current intelligence says that it

now rests in Gideon's care. If we

were to move it to another coven

the suspicion that would be raised

should be enough to tear apart the alliance,

at least for now.

WILLIAM

To walk into a one coven and

steal something, let alone the fact

that we'd have to plant it in yet

another coven – that is suicide.

CHARLES

If we do not act, we'll be dead

anyway.

JAMES

And if the vampires figure out

that we moved their mystical

object?

Abigail

They will not, Mr. Foster. Vampires

are ignorant creatures, they still

think our slaying habits are merely

a way in which we like to pass the time,

not a threat to their kind. Even with this new

front against humanity, they would

never assume humans would be able to

complete such a task.

CHARLES

Indeed. They will attack each other,

not us.

EDWARDS

Infiltrating a vampire coven it is.

But what will we eat for dinner?

ABIGAIL

You worry about dinner?

EDWARDS

If we aren't dead I would like

a good, celebratory dinner.

JAMES

And if we are?

EDWARDS

Well then I don't care

what we're eating.

CHARLES

If our dinner engagements are quite

planned now, may we move on?

Abigail hands Charles a ROLLED UP MAP, which he unrolls on the table.

CHARLES

We'll arrive at night and

move in the day. This is where

we will enter...

INT. THE INSTITUTE – LIBRARY – DAY

William is standing in front of a table secluded by book shelves, looking over various books and maps strewn out over the table. His arm is still bandaged and he is deep in thought when Gardner approaches him.

GARDNER

Mr. Foster-

WILLIAM

(jumps, startled)

What- oh, Ms. Gardner. I did

not hear your approach.

GARDNER

I'm sorry.

WILLIAM

No, no. It is my fault.

Or perhaps you should be the

one slaying vampires with

such stealth.

GARDNER

(looking at his bandage)

I'm afraid I'm not built

for such things. How are

you feeling?

WILLIAM

As if I'm not a vampire, so

fine.

Gardner continues to stare at his bandage, more outwardly fazed by the wound.

WILLIAM

I am fine.

GARDNER

Yes, of course. I just wish

you all would stop almost getting

yourselves killed.

WILLIAM

Unlikely.

GARDNER

In that case, I brought you this.

Gardner reveals a small bottle.

GARDNER

Mrs. Russell made you a balm for

the pain, assuming you're going to

insist on joining in on this mission.

WILLIAM

Thank you.

GARDNER

What is the Vita Tribuo?

WILLIAM

It is a mystical object, said

to bring the dead back to life.

GARDNER

Truly? Surely such a thing could

not be possible...

Charles enters from behind Gardner.

CHARLES

I'm afraid it is so, Ms. Gardner.

I saw the relic years ago.

Ellie leans over the books, picking up one where there is a sketch of the VITA TRIBUO.

GARDNER

This is it? But that is merely

a wooden triangle with the top folded

downwards.

CHARLES

One end represents life, the other death.

The middle point is the in-between, the place

that the artifact is said to bring a person

back to.

GARDNER

That's barbaric.

CHARLES

You would not use it on a loved one?

If they were to perish?

GARDNER

Certainly not. The dead once dead

should not be retrieved. Vampires are

proof enough of that.

CHARLES

That's a noble outlook. I'm afraid

there are others who are more apt

to want to control life and death.

WILLIAM

What I can't figure out is if

it has ever actually been used.

CHARLES

That's hard to say. Truthfully

it is held as an object of power more

than anything else.

Edwards enters the room.

EDWARDS

Are you lot ready? Because Baker

is and she's getting quite impatient.

WILLIAM

Yes, shall we?

Edwards, William, and Charles leave.

GARDNER

Good luck.

EXT. ALLEY WAY – EARLY NIGHT

Bishop stands beside a run-down warehouse. Around her are Butler, TULI YOUNG(Zoe Saldana) and LUTHER WRIGHT (Harry Lennix).

BISHOP

They should be here soon.

YOUNG

Katherine, are you sure this is wise?

Allying ourselves with them without

even knowing their character...

BISHOP

Yes. I have studied them

intensively. I believe that they

are our best choice...besides, it

isn't as if we have many options.

BUTLER

And if you continue with this

plan of yours, we shall have none.

WRIGHT

I agree. You might as well be

throwing yourself away.

BISHOP

And I disagree. We cannot continue

on the path we are on – alone we are

nothing more than bait waiting to be

caught. We need strong allies who will

watch our weak spots while we watch theirs.

WRIGHT

In theory, that's fine. But in reality-

YOUNG

In reality it is foolishly

idealistic. You cannot truly

expect anything good to come from

this.

BISHOP

Your concerns have been noted.

Now, if you don't mind, we

have a vampire hunter to kidnap.

BUTLER

You're sure you want this one?

BISHOP

Yes.

EXT. ALLEYWAY – NIGHT.

James, William, Baker, Edwards and Charles all walk together, with Charles in the lead and Baker and James at the back of the group.

BAKER

How long has it been since

Mr. Ward was out on a hunt?

I did not expect him to join us.

JAMES

Neither did I, but he is

the expert on what we seek.

BAKER

Still, he is...old.

CHARLES

I can hear you, you know. For

an old man I have quite good

hearing.

BAKER

Oh, yes, very good sir! Just

testing you.

CHARLES

Of course, that's plausible-

Suddenly VAMPIRES appear in front of the group and leap forward to attack them.

CHARLES

Fall into formation!

A fight breaks out, leaving the whole scene chaotic. Suddenly from the back of the group Young and Wright appear, and while James is distracted they grab him and drag him back and away from the group.

Charles, Baker, Edwards, and William finish the fight with the vampires.

CHARLES

That was close, well fought -

where is Mr. Foster?

There is silence as they stand in the empty alleyway, with just vampire bodies around them.

Act Three

INT. RUN DOWN BUILDING – SHABBY ROOM - NIGHT

James is shoved forward into a room, turning back with his dagger in hand. Bishop walks in after him, calmly.

JAMES

Ms. Bishop. This seems quite the

odd greeting for someone who

claims to be an ally.

BISHOP

I lead a small group, Mr. Foster.

Similar in purpose to The Institute.

We call ourselves The Derelict.

JAMES

Right. And your idea of a friendly

hello is a kidnapping?

BISHOP

I needed to speak with you. Alone.

JAMES

Once again...kidnapping? You'll excuse

me if that doesn't win over my trust.

There is a pause. Bishop's tone turns suddenly serious.

BISHOP

There is something I must

tell you that will surely break

your trust anyway. I am not

what you think I am.

JAMES

I don't actually know much

about you, so...

BISHOP

I'm a vampire, Mr. Foster.

James is immediately tense. He raises his weapon; clearly on the defensive.

JAMES

That isn't funny, Ms. Bishop

BISHOP

No, it's not.

Suddenly Bishop HISSES, revealing FANGS. James immediately aims the dagger towards her.

BISHOP

I do not intend to hurt

you, Mr. Foster. If that

had been my goal I would

have accomplished it by

now, you know that's true.

JAMES

Perhaps you were just interested

in speaking one of those evil

monologues your type seem to

like so much.

BISHOP

I am not your enemy.

JAMES

No, you're just a vampire

holding me hostage while

wearing body leather.

BISHOP

Well, I can't have you

putting a stake through my

heart before I've even been

allowed to speak, now

can I?

JAMES

What do you want?

BISHOP

Exactly what I wanted before.

To ruin the alliance, and

to preserve mankind in the

meantime.

JAMES

So you can feast on them

later?

BISHOP

What do you think vampires

are?

JAMES

Vampires are soulless creatures

who prey on the unfortunate.

BISHOP

Not all.

JAMES

(sarcastic)

Oh, I suppose you're a good vampire?

BISHOP

Good? Hardly, but some of us don't

give into our instincts so easily.

JAMES

You'll excuse me if I'm a little

cynical. Why are you telling me

this if you're not going to

kill me?

BISHOP

I've been watching you. Out

of all those in your group

I think you have the least

amount of bias. You seem

the most likely to actually

listen to me.

JAMES

Well, it looks like you've

misjudged me. Are you going

to kill me now?

BISHOP

No. Sorry to disappoint you.

No matter what you think I am

not going to suck your blood -

or anyone else's. But there is

something I have kept from you

that I must divulge.

JAMES

You mean besides the minor

fact that you're a vampire?

BISHOP

(ignoring him)

I lead The Derelict.

We were all originally members of

Arabella Gideon's coven. She is not

pleased that we've left and are now

hunting our own kind. That is why

Gideon sends out mobs of vampires

after me so frequently.

JAMES

The alliance. That was all a

fraud?

BISHOP

Absolutely not. That is true. Gideon

just has her own vendetta out

against me and my people.

JAMES

If that's true, why hasn't

she taken you out?

BISHOP

Believe me, she's tried.

Unfortunately for her the

more times she attempts it

the weaker she looks. And if

she were to send out too many men-

well, that would look equally

bad to her position of power.

JAMES

If you're not to kill me

then why are you telling me

this?

BISHOP

Because I cannot be part

of any raid near Gideon's

territory. She will smell me

and my people instantly. But we

may help you in other ways, ways

that your people cannot even begin

to cover.

There is a long pause as Bishop and James stare each other down. Bishop steps closer to James, and he doesn't back away. For a moment he seems to be considering her words as his dagger lowers slightly. She takes this as a cue.

BISHOP

Mr. Foster-

JAMES

NO!

James lifts the dagger back into a defensive position, looking angry. Bishop says nothing, but nods as she steps back, leaving a path to the door free.

BISHOP

You are free to leave. You

are not my prisoner.

Suddenly James LUNGES forward, knife raised to Bishop. She reacts with lighting-quick reflexes, turning him to the nearest wall. A single hand pushes his chest and raises and pins him to the wall so that his feet are dangling while the other hand wraps around his neck. Her FANGS show.

BISHOP

I am not the enemy you seek,

Mr. Foster. But make no mistake,

I will not sit by as you threaten

me.

They stare at each other, Bishop with her FANGS out and James still angry. Then Bishop releases James, causing him to drop to his knees, gasping. Bishop steps back, leaving the path to the door open again.

BISHOP

Goodbye, Mr. Foster.

James EXITS. Bishop turns, looking out the window as the door closes.

EXT. ALLEY WAY - NIGHT

Baker, Charles, William and Edwards are all at different places and have clearly been searching for James. They come back together.

WILLIAM

Well?

CHARLES

No sign of him.

BAKER

It's like he vanished.

WILLIAM

Let's keep looking, then.

EDWARDS

I'll check the roof tops.

Edwards runs off. Just then James enters, his dagger still in hand when he rejoins the group.

WILLIAM

My god, James. Where have

you been?

James' hand moves to William's shoulder in a clear show of comfort.

JAMES

Here and there. You would

not believe me if I told

you.

BAKER

Dropping out on our vampire

hunting, eh?

CHARLES

Shall we proceed now? Does anyone

know if Ms. Bishop will be joining

in this hunt?

JAMES

No, no. She will not. I believe

we have seen the last of Ms. Bishop.

CHARLES

I expect more information on that later.

James nods, but says nothing. He is still preoccupied with the information he's just been given.

Edwards runs backs in, out of breath.

EDWARDS

I did not find him.

BAKER

Yes, well he found us.

EDWARDS

What? Oh, hello Foster.

JAMES

Edwards.

EDWARDS

I see you're still alive.

JAMES

For now.

CHARLES

Speaking of which, shall we

proceed?

WILLIAM

Yes, day is approaching and we need

to infiltrate a highly dangerous coven.

ACT FOUR

EXT. GIDEON'S COVEN – ALMOST DAY

Edwards, James, Charles, William and Baker are all camped a good distance outside the coven, waiting for day to fully break before they make their entrance.

James and William sit together.

JAMES

William...

WILLIAM

Yes?

JAMES

Vampires...what makes them

evil, exactly?

WILLIAM

(confused)

Being vampires, for one.

JAMES

No, of course, but...

do they lose their souls

upon conversion? What in

particular removes the moral

conscious?

WILLIAM

James, are you feeling okay?

JAMES

Yes, yes. Sorry. I've just

been thinking too much lately.

Baker enters, sitting beside James.

BAKER

You've been thinking? That's

certainly odd. Perhaps the world

really is on the verge of ending.

JAMES

Hah.

Charles and Edwards join the group.

EDWARDS

Oh good, are we mocking

someone who isn't me?

CHARLES

Yes, very good, but that will

have to wait. Now, those vampires

inside the coven should be asleep,

but will wake up as our smell sinks

into the place. We must get in,

get the Vita Tribuo and get out as

soon as possible.

BAKER

Right. In and out or we all die.

JAMES

No pressure then.

EDWARDS

Did we ever decide on our

celebratory meal?

William slaps Edwards in the back of the head.

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – ENTRANCE

A high-roofed room with a single VAMPIRE GUARD walks around the apparently empty area.

Baker suddenly appears behind the vampire, tapping it on the shoulder and making it turn in surprise.

BAKER

Hello. It seems you're going to

have to up your guard count.

Suddenly William appears behind the vampire, stabbing it from the back and through the heart and causing it to collapse.

Edwards enters; sets the vampire on fire to make it become ash.

James and Charles enter. Charles moves forward to the floor, tugging at rocks on the floor that turn out to be a fake panel that opens up to reveal a ladder going down into a dark area.

JAMES

The coven?

CHARLES

Indeed. Shall we?

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – DAY

Enter a torch-lit room, a stone hallway that leads into a larger room with at least fifty VAMPIRES all sleeping piled together on the floor.

Quietly Charles motions to a door on the left side of the room, and James, William, Baker and Edwards all follow him to it – stepping between and over the vampires.

Charles, James and William all exit through the door. Baker is half-way through the door when suddenly a sleeping vampire's hand lands on Edwards ankle. He freezes.

EDWARDS

(whispering)

Ms. Baker (she doesn't hear him)

...Clara.

Baker is startled by the use of her first name. The moment passes when she sees Edwards is stuck.

BAKER

You would get stuck.

Baker leans down slowly and moves the VAMPIRE's hand, freeing Edwards to step forward. They both exit.

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – HALLWAY - DAY

James, William, Baker, Edwards and Charles stand in a long hallway with many doors.

JAMES

Why do I feel like a rat

in a maze?

CHARLES

Covens are designed this way.

Intricate to misguide those who would

dare to trespass.

WILLIAM

Yet you have a map of the area.

CHARLES

Connections formed after years bring

about such things, yes. This way.

Charles steps forward with William. Suddenly a STONE WALL descends, separating the hallway in half. Charles and William are cut off from James, Baker and Edwards.

INT. - GIDEON'S COVEN – HALLWAY UPPER HALF – DAY

Charles and William stand staring at the wall.

WILLIAM

That's not good.

CHARLES

I'd say not.

Charles considers the wall before speaking.

CHARLES

You and I must continue forward.

WILLIAM

What? Impossible. The others-

CHARLES

Will no doubt return once they realize they

cannot penetrate a stone wall.

WILLIAM

They could be in danger.

CHARLES

Likely they are. But we cannot

penetrate stone either. We must

continue on our mission.

WILLIAM

I will not leave-

CHARLES

I do not like it either.

But we cannot fail in this goal,

you know that.

There is a pause. William clearly doesn't want to leave, but he nods, following Charles as they continue on.

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – HALLWAY LOWER HALF – DAY

JAMES

Well, that's bad.

EDWARDS

I don't remember a stone-wall

trap being on the map.

BAKER

And yet there it is.

From the adjoining room full of VAMPIRES suddenly a low growl emits itself – it grows louder and louder, indicating that the vampires are waking up. James, Baker and Edwards all move closer in guarded stances as they face the door in front of them.

EDWARDS

All in favor of opening a

random door instead of being

mauled by vampires?

BAKER

(with James)

Yay!

JAMES

Yay.

EDWARDS

Now, which door shall

we be risking our lives

with?

The door leading back to the room with the vampires begins to shake. Baker and James both grab onto Edwards.

JAMES

(referring to the shaking door)

Any door but that one.

James and Baker both shove Edwards into the closest door and follow him in.

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – HALLWAY/STAIRCASE/HALLWAY - DAY

William and Charles move down a spiral stair case leading deep into the coven and wind up finally at another hallway.

CHARLES

It's this way.

WILLIAM

Yes, I know. I memorized the

map.

CHARLES

It's unfortunate you got trapped

with me, then.

WILLIAM

I'm sure the others will be fine.

James has a good sense of direction.

They enter a room, the second to last door in the hallway.

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – ARTIFACTS ROOM – DAY

The room is lined with cases with various artifacts. On its own pedestal is the VITA TRIBUO, which Charles reaches forward for. The door behind them opens with a loud CLANK and William and Charles – with VT in hand – both whirl around to face ISABELLE ADAMS (Summer Glau) who is clearly a vampire.

WILLIAM

I thought they were all asleep.

CHARLES

It is very rare for a vampire

to be able to stay awake in the

day.

WILLIAM

Oh. Well. I believe we've

found a rare vampire.

Adams HISSES, revealing her fangs as she spreads her arms, ready to attack.

William and Charles both ready weapons as Adams steps closer. She leaps forward, and with quick, precise moves knocks William backwards, knocking him unconscious. With a vicious snarl she approaches Charles, who takes steps back, the VT in one hand and his weapon in the other.

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – EMPTY ROOM – DAY

BAKER

I thought you said your

sense of direction was good.

JAMES

Usually it is.

EDWARDS

Five empty rooms beg to differ.

Honestly, why are there even this

many empty rooms?

JAMES

To throw our sense of direction.

BAKER

Well that's working.

James open another door, and suddenly finds himself back in the first room – now with fifty angry vampires.

JAMES
I found the way we came.

Baker, James, and Edwards move back to the empty room to stand in a fighting formation as vampires begin to flood in – leaving no space for exit and leaving them entirely outnumbered.

BAKER

Gentlemen, it's been lovely

knowing you.

The vampires all LEAP FORWARD, covering the group. Things look grim.

TO BE CONTINUED

Part Two

The Institue Pilot - Part I

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