The Institute Part II

[tenacious_err]

Title: The Institute (Part II)

Notes: The last part! Thanks for reading. :)


 

THE INSTITUTE PILOT PART II

 

FADE IN:

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – DAY

 

Baker, James and Edwards are surrounded by vampires. They're throwing them off as best they can but are being overrun and clearly losing the battle.

 

Suddenly from the door there's a blinding FLASH and the sound of holy water being tossed into the room.

 

As the flash dies down Bishop appears in the doorway. Behind her are Butler, Young and Wright.

 

The room is cramped and a fight ensues with Baker and Bishop ending up back-to-back, Edwards and James back-to-back and Wright and Young back-to-back.

 

BAKER

I am glad to see you've

decided to join us, Ms. Bishop.

 

BISHOP

So he didn't tell you.

Well, a welcome is better

than a quick stake in the

heart, I suppose.

 

BAKER

Excuse me?

 

BISHOP

I'll explain after we've finished

fighting for our lives.

 

BAKER

Sounds like a plan.

 

The fight continues on, with people changing groups as they are shoved around in the tight space. In the corner of the room Bishop is shoved towards James.

 

 

JAMES

Ms. Bishop.

 

BISHOP

Mr. Foster.

 

JAMES

You're wearing garlic.

 

BISHOP

Yes. It masks my smell.

 

JAMES

But does not kill you.

 

BISHOP

No. It is very unpleasant, but

the effects of garlic have been

mostly exaggerated.

 

JAMES

And a stake through the heart?

 

BISHOP

Would kill me, but to be fair

it would kill you as well.

 

JAMES

There is nothing fair about this.

 

Suddenly a vampire lunges at James, pinning him back against the wall. Bishop pulls the vampire off sharply, twisting its neck until it makes an audible snap and then staking it and throwing it to the ground.

 

BISHOP

No, there is not.

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – ARTIFACT ROOM – DAY

 

Charles stands in front of Adams, with his weapon raised. Suddenly Adams looks at him as if coming out of a daze, her teeth retracting as she takes a step back.

 

ADAMS

I-Who are you?

 

Charles takes a step forward uncertainly.

 

Adams suddenly goes back to vampire mode, her teeth going back out as she hisses.

 

Charles takes a step back from the hissing vampire in front of him.

ACT I

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – EMPTY ROOM – DAY

 

After finishing off a few vampires Baker, James, Edwards, Bishop, Young, Wright and Butler all stand in a room now filled with vampire bodies.

 

BAKER

Well, that was fun.

 

EDWARDS

You're insane, you know that?

Nice to see you again Ms. Bishop,

now can we get the hell out of here?

 

Young, Wright and Butler all look to Bishop. When she steps forward they all form a formation behind her.

 

BISHOP

There are two ways we may proceed.

But first...I must tell you something.

 

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – ARTIFACT ROOM – DAY

 

Adams leaps forward and Charles swings at her, sending her reeling into a glass case. Suddenly she shakes her head, seemingly as if coming out of a dream again.

 

ADAMS

Stay back!

 

CHARLES

And here I was just about to

suggest the same.

 

ADAMS

I have not been around a

human in a very long time.

I mean you no harm.

 

Charles looks to William, still unconscious.

 

CHARLES

You could have fooled me.

 

ADAMS

Just...go. Take him with you.

(screaming)

Leave!

 

Charles is startled, but carefully watches Adams as he slings William up as best he can and slowly leaves the room.

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – EMPTY ROOM

 

EDWARDS

You're a what!?

(speaking to James:)

You KNEW about this!?

 

JAMES

She only pulled me aside when

I went missing in the alley earlier.

I've only known since then.

 

EDWARDS

Only!?

 

BISHOP

I mean you no harm. In fact I

would like to ally with your group.

 

EDWARDS

Ally with a vampire? Never. We might

as well drain our own blood and hand

it to you in a cup.

 

BUTLER

I imagine that would be hard, after

the draining.

 

Edwards steps forward, infuriated, and quickly Wright, Young, and Butler move forward as if to fight him. Bishop steps between them.

 

BISHOP

I understand your disposition, Mr. Edwards.

We are not proud of what we are, we do not

choose to give into the baser instincts that

rule our kind. We wish to help in this fight, and

we cannot do that on our own.

 

Baker steps forward, resting a hand on Edwards shoulder. She looks to Wright.

 

BAKER

I recognize you. I fought with

you years ago, Mr. Wright.

 

EDWARDS

Fought with...

 

WRIGHT

Yes. I was a vampire slayer when

I was human. Believe me, the irony

is not lost nor is it wholly unheard

of. Many good people are converted instead

of killed.

 

Edwards turns away from him, slamming a fist roughly against the wall.

 

BISHOP

Mr. Edwards' sister was converted,

by Gideon.

 

Edwards whirls around, furious.

 

EDWARDS

Which is why I know what you're

saying is impossible! Vampires are

not good, they do not do good work.

They are lost once they are converted,

always.

 

BISHOP

Changed, not lost. We change. Going against

the instinct of a vampire is not easy... it's

very much the same as deciding one day to stop

breathing, but it is possible.

 

BAKER

And I don't suppose there are any humans

lately who would have disagreed until

you ate them?

 

YOUNG

We do not feed on humans. Human blood

only makes the blood instinct stronger.

 

JAMES

They have saved us twice now.

 

Baker and Edwards move to James in surprise. The room is split in two clear groups, the humans and the vampires.

 

BAKER

Mr. Foster, you cannot be saying

what I think you are saying.

 

JAMES

I'm saying they've saved us twice.

Not that they are good, or even that

they won't kill us in our sleep. I am merely

saying that whatever their plan it doesn't

involve us dead right now.

 

Charles enters, dragging William and the artifact.

 

CHARLES

Why are you lot talking? Now

would be the time to leave.

 

JAMES

William?

 

CHARLES

Fine, just not having great luck

with staying conscious.

 

BISHOP

Mr. Ward.

 

CHARLES

Yes, that would be me. And

you are?

 

BISHOP

Katherine Bishop.

 

CHARLES

Ah, and it's lovely to finally

meet you – but once again, why are

we still here?

 

Suddenly there is a loud rumbling, and the sound of hissing. The room is flood with vampires from another door, not the one the vampires first came in. In unison the group rush forward.

 

INT. GIDEON's COVEN – ENTRANCE – DAY

 

-Only to find the way they originally came blocked by a wall of vampires.

 

BISHOP

This way!

 

Bishop motions down the hallway they originally went down. James and Edwards carry William on their shoulders.

 

EDWARDS

Why should we believe you?

 

BISHOP

Because if you do not you will

die.

 

Bishop, Wright, Young and Butler go through the door. Edwards, James, William, Baker and Charles follow.

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – HALLWAY – DAY

 

Bishop runs forward, hitting a few panels on the stone wall separating the room – they push in and the wall goes up. She quickly moves forward and takes the second to last door.

 

As the others follow her, the VAMPIRES approach close on their tail.

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – LIBRARY – DAY

 

They enter a library, Bishop moves with precision through the bookcases until she
reaches one at the end of the room and shoves the entire bookcase forward to reveal a sewage covering. She opens it, revealing a ladder going down into the sewer system.

 

BISHOP

This will lead out.

 

The entire group minus Charles and Bishop make their way into the sewer system.

 

Charles is the last of the group while Bishop overseas everyone going down – and just as he's approaching the hole the VAMPIRES reach them.

 

They grab him viciously, he loses the VITA TRIBUO as it falls to the ground out of his reach. Bishop grabs him and roughly shoves him towards the hole.

 

CHARLES

No- wait!

 

Bishop shoves him down and follows him.

 

INT. SEWAGE AREA – DAY

 

-she closes it tosses up a bottle of holy water and then pulls the cover shut and locks it from the inside.

 

BISHOP

We must move.

 

CHARLES

We need the Vita Tribuo.

 

BISHOP

It is lost. This mission is botched.

You must return home now.

 

JAMES

And you?

 

BISHOP

It's clear we're not wanted here. We

will move on.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – MEDICAL AREA – LATE DAY

 

William wakes up to find himself in the very basic medical area (with beds, a few kits,) Russell walks in carrying a small jar.

 

RUSSELL

Oh, good. Mr. Foster, you've awoken

just in time.

 

WILLIAM

Why do I feel I should have

stayed asleep then?

 

RUSSELL

Very funny. Drink this.

 

She gives him the vial. He smells it.

 

WILLIAM

Ugh! What is that?

 

RUSSELL

Many things. It's for you, and

your apparent constant need to get

knocked in the head. Drink it.

 

WILLIAM

This won't kill me?

 

RUSSELL

Don't be ridiculous.

 

William chugs the liquid, gagging afterward. Russell takes it with a nod.

 

James enters as Russell exits.

 

JAMES

What'd she make you drink?

 

WILLIAM

Only the good lord knows.

 

JAMES

Ah, that bad?

 

WILLIAM

I'm alive for the time being.

I heard I missed quite the chain

of events while I was gone.

 

JAMES

Yes, you did. You would get

knocked unconscious just as

things were getting interesting.

 

Baker enters.

 

BAKER

Oh good, are we talking about

people being knocked unconscious?

I fear you'll take the title of

damsel in distress from me, Mr.

Foster.

 

WILLIAM

Oh, Ms. Baker you have not been

in distress for as long as I've

known you.

 

JAMES

I sometimes question the damsel

part as well.

 

BAKER

Mr. Foster!

 

JAMES

(to William)

I believe she's talking to you.

 

BAKER

I most certainly am not. Such

rudeness.

 

Edwards enters.

 

EDWARDS

Who is being rude?

 

BAKER

He was. He questioned my status as

a lady.

 

JAMES

Damsel, actually.

 

EDWARDS

Ah, well in that case I believe

we have all questioned that status.

 

BAKER

Oh, really!

 

Baker slaps James hard on the arm.

 

JAMES

Ow!

 

EDWARDS

That is not proving your point

very well, Ms. Baker.

 

BAKER

Is it not?

 

EDWARDS

No.

 

Baker slaps Edwards on the arm.

 

BAKER

Perhaps that will better suit

my point.

 

Baker, William, Edwards, and James all laugh.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

 

Charles sits alone in front of the fire, deep in thought. Abigail breaks him from those thoughts when she puts down a tray with a tea pot and cups.

 

She pours the cups and takes the seat opposite him; they both remain quiet for a long moment.

 

Charles glances at her.

 

CHARLES

You're too loud.

 

ABIGAIL

Excuse me?

 

CHARLES

You're thinking too loudly.

 

ABIGAIL

'The raven chides blackness'

 

CHARLES

It is my job to think.

 

ABIGAIL

And it isn't mine?

 

CHARLES

It is yours to be beautiful, of

course.

 

ABIGAIL

Odd. Here I thought I managed all the

finances of this place, including the

finances of all the hunters.

 

CHARLES

Yes, but you do it all while being

beautiful.

 

ABIGAIL

Your sight is gone dear, age has taken

all but my brains.

 

CHARLES

Surely those numbers in your head

have jumbled it; your beauty

is timeless.

 

Abigail laughs, resting her hand on top of his. They sit in silence for another moment.

 

CHARLES

I failed.

 

ABIGAIL

You did no such thing.

 

CHARLES

I didn't get the Vita Tribuo,

and now the alliance still goes

on. Vampires are taking a front

against humans for the first time

ever and I'm sitting by a fire

wondering whether or not they're all

actually evil.

 

ABIGAIL

The world has been around for a very

long time, Charles. I hate to deflate

your ego, but it managed to hold its own

all those years without you. It will still

be standing tomorrow.

 

CHARLES

Things are worse, Abigail. Things get worse

and worse, creatures are popping up that

we've never even heard of. A war is brewing

and sides are being drawn, the coven leaders

are getting restless, this alliance is proof

enough of that. I feel as if we are constantly

running uphill. Sooner or later I fear we're

going to fall.

 

ABIGAIL

You underestimate us, Charles. We will never

fall all at once, and if you are to fall we

will simply carry you until you can run again.

 

CHARLES

It isn't that simple.

 

ABIGAIL

It never is. But you cannot assume

our demise. We will make it, we will

keep running – no matter the size of

the hill or the length. You know why?

 

CHARLES

No, why?

 

ABIGAIL

Because it is what we do.

 

EXT. ALLEY WAY – NIGHT

 

A lone, cloaked, dark figure runs through the alley way with clear purpose, jumping over items with quick, nonhuman agility and arrives at -

 

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – ENTRANCE – NIGHT

 

The figure stops at the entrance, a driveway. The figure climbs up the gate outside in quick leaping jumps, soon flinging itself over the gate and winding up at the door.

 

The figure lifts its hood to reveal it is Adams. She opens the door, entering The Institute.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – MED AREA – NIGHT

 

Gardner enters the room where Baker, James, William and Edwards still are.

 

GARDNER

There is a woman in the foyer.

 

BAKER

What?

 

GARDNER

She was entering just as I was by

the door – she says she wishes to

speak to someone.

 

WILLIAM

What!?

 

William gets up from the bed and with shaky movements crosses to Gardner.

 

WILLIAM

(clearly upset)

God, Gardner, people aren't just

allowed in! She could be dangerous

• you can't just -

 

GARDNER

I'm sorry – I didn't -

 

JAMES

(interrupting)

No mind now. Ms. Gardner,

fetch Mr. Ward would you?

 

Gardner nods and exits quickly. Baker, James, William and Edwards all make a quick rush out.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – FOYER – NIGHT

 

James, William, Edwards and Baker enter the Foyer, followed by Charles. Adams, already in the foyer, stands in front of them.

 

William and Charles are startled to see Adams. William steps forward in a defensive pose.

 

WILLIAM

You!

 

Adams steps back uncertainly.

 

ADAMS

Please-

 

She looks to Charles, who she released earlier.

 

ADAMS

My name is Isabelle Adams, I mean

you no harm. I brought this.

 

She raises a hand to reveal the VITA TRIBUO. The others are startled.

 

The others all move to high alert as Charles takes forward, slowly and carefully taking the Vita Tribuo from Adams' hand. She lets him take it and takes a step back to show she isn't a threat. Charles examines it.

 

CHARLES

This...is the Vita Tribuo. It

is real. Okay, you have our

attention. What do you want?

 

ADAMS

I come...to inform you.

 

WILLIAM

(skeptically)

Inform us?

 

ADAMS

Yes. Arabella Gideon figured out

your plan...she is coming.

 

CHARLES

Coming where?

 

ADAMS

Here. She plans to destroy

The Institute.

 

ACT TWO

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – MEETING ROOM – NIGHT

 

Adams sits at one end of the table. Next to her William stands menacingly, clearly on guard. James, Baker, Edwards and Charles all sit at the other end of the table.

 

CHARLES

Vampires have never made an

outright attack on humans.

This is unheard of.

 

ADAMS

I am a vampire, and I'd wager

I'm the first to sit at this

table. Things are changing.

 

CHARLES

Why would she attack us?

 

ADAMS

It is a statement. The belief

is that humans are weaker than

vampires, always. Gideon intends

to prove the point violently.

 

WILLIAM

(roughly)

And what do you believe?

 

ADAMS

It doesn't matter what I believe.

 

WILLIAM

You're asking us to trust you,

I think it does.

 

ADAMS

I don't ask for trust, I merely

send a message.

 

EDWARDS

You think we're going to believe

a vampire?

 

ADAMS

You traveled with Bishop's people.

 

BAKER

We no longer do.

 

JAMES

You know Bishop?

 

ADAMS

She is a legend in the coven. Her

and those who followed her are black

sheep, traitors.

 

CHARLES

What does that make you?

 

ADAMS

Once again, I am merely an informant.

 

Adams stands. In a split second everyone in the room has one weapon or another up and is ready to fight.

 

ADAMS

I meant it when I said I mean

no harm. I am to return to my

coven.

 

WILLIAM

What makes you think we're

letting you leave?

 

ADAMS

Honor.

 

William approaches Adams, menacingly. Adams doesn't flinch.

 

WILLIAM

I hate to disappoint,

but-

 

CHARLES

William!

 

William stops and turns to Charles.

 

WILLIAM

She's a vampire. For all we

know she's been sent here to get

the schematics of the place.

 

CHARLES

If that were the case she didn't

get much. Ms. Baker, please see

her out.

 

Baker nods and moves towards Adams.

 

WILLIAM

But-

 

CHARLES

We will release her. If

she crosses us we will not

be so merciful.

 

Baker and Adams exit. Charles leans forward at the head of the table, resting his weight against it.

 

CHARLES

Gideon is all about power and

where it lies. If we manage to

hold out for a night she will not

attack us again – not immediately.

 

JAMES

Can we hold out a night?

 

EDWARDS

Looks like we haven't been given

that choice.

 

CHARLES

No, we have not. Men, get ready.

The war has been ignited.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – MED AREA – NIGHT

 

Russell readies the medical kits. Charles enters.

 

CHARLES

How goes it?

 

RUSSELL

Have I ever told you that

I am not, in fact, a doctor

Mr. Ward?

 

CHARLES

Many times, Mrs. Russell.

 

RUSSELL

So you do know then, and yet

you see fit to keep putting

me here as if I were one. I

mend clothing, not people.

 

CHARLES

And you cook.

 

RUSSELL

Is that sarcasm?

 

CHARLES

Oh, no, never.

 

RUSSELL

Uh-huh.

 

CHARLES

Mrs. Russell, your herb

concoctions have proved

completely invaluable to this

place, as have you.

 

RUSSELL

And yet, I'm still not

a doctor.

 

Russell and Charles smile at each other.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – WEAPONS ROOM – NIGHT

 

Baker stands in a room full of weapons. She weighs an axe in her hands. Gardner enters.

 

BAKER

Ms. Gardner. What can I

do for you?

 

GARDNER

I...wish to fight.

 

BAKER

To fight? You're not a

hunter.

 

GARDNER

No, but I-I've been

practicing with the crossbow

and I want to defend this

place.

 

BAKER

Practice means very little in

the field.

 

GARDNER

But that would mean I could

never get into the field!

 

BAKER

But it isn't your place. Your

place in this battle is beside

Mrs. Russell.

 

GARDNER

Mrs. Russell doesn't need me.

Please, Ms. Baker...none of the

men in this house would let me

pick up a weapon.

 

BAKER

For good reason, Ms. Gardner.

They are more open than any

men I've met and should not

be held any other way, but you

are not ready-

 

GARDNER

I've heard this before! I need

to be out to get experience, and

I need experience to get out.

 

BAKER

I'm sorry but-

 

GARDER

Please, Ms. Baker. This place

is my home, has been my home

since I was but a child. I want

to help defend it. I have to

defend it.

 

There is a stand-off where Baker considers Gardner. Finally, and with reluctance, she nods. She takes a crossbow and hands it to Gardner.

 

BAKER

Very well. But you stay hidden,

go to the top of The Institute and aim

at those that come towards us, and

if they bring weapons that shoot back

you hide, you understand me?

 

GARDNER

Yes. Thank you.

 

BAKER

Don't thank me.

 

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – HALLWAY – NIGHT

 

James and Edwards are both closing doors in the hallway and locking them.

 

JAMES

She could come, you know.

 

EDWARDS

Gideon? I doubt it. She

wouldn't risk herself in

the raid.

 

JAMES

I wasn't talking about Gideon.

 

EDWARDS

Of course you weren't. You

know, between you and Baker

I feel I'll drown in the

sympathy.

 

JAMES

Still-

 

EDWARDS

My sister died years ago. As

soon as that vampire bit her,

she was dead. I have mourned

her. If a vampire that happens

to look like her shows up- well-

it is not her. Not where it matters.

 

JAMES

You're not even curious? If what

Ms. Bishop said were true-

 

EDWARDS

If it were true. Which it is

clearly not. Do not be pulled

in by such fairy tales of 'good'

vampires, Mr. Foster. If we start

seeing them as human or salvageable

our objectivity is ruined. They are

monsters, pure and simple.

(pause)

Now help me lock this door.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – SAFE ROOM – NIGHT

 

The safe room is just that – a room that is essentially a walk-in safe. Abigail is putting away items on shelves when William joins her, carrying more items/valuables.

 

ABIGAIL

Put those over here.

 

WILLIAM

You know, I've never understood

the point of this room. Does having

a 'safe room' not just make it a

target for those wishing to steal

from us?

 

ABIGAIL

Vampires don't steal, but they also

aren't gentle. This is more the

'don't break it' room.

 

WILLIAM

Ah. So just because we're about

to be overrun by vampires is no

reason for our pretty items to get

ruined?

 

ABIGAIL

Exactly so.

 

WILLIAM

And are your valuables to be

found here?

 

ABIGAIL

Please, I have not had valuables

for as long as you've been here.

 

WILLIAM

(mock surprise)

Mrs. Ward! Do the women of society

know of your dark little secret?

 

ABIGAIL

I'm sure they would make me an

immediate outcast if they were

to ever discover my shame.

 

WILLIAM

Fear not, your secret will be

safe with me.

 

ABIGAIL

Such chivalry, Mr. Foster. I

rest easy knowing that you protect

my deep secrets.

 

WILLIAM

I do wonder, though...has

Ms. Gardner not been joining

your ladies?

 

ABIGAIL

Ah, yes. Ellie is very good

with the women when she wants

to be...but she does not enjoy

it. At all. She instead has

the utmost dedication to this

place.

 

WILLIAM

Yes, but surely that cannot

be good for her future-

 

ABIGAIL

Would you have her married off?

 

WILLIAM

Of course not-

 

ABIGAIL

In that case I think neither

of us can do much. I wish Ellie

to have the best future possible-

but only she can choose it. Now

come on, help me lay some traps

for these beasts.

 

EXT. THE INTSITUTE – BALCONY – NIGHT

 

Gardner sits on the balcony, looking out to the driveway/entrance to The Institute. Suddenly she sees a pack of figures approaching – her hands shake as she looks at them and they keep approaching.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – ENTRANCE – NIGHT

 

It turns out the group is Bishop, Butler, Young, and Wright. Bishop leads the group as they walk forward, towards The Institute.

 

YOUNG

Katherine, there is still time

to turn around.

 

BISHOP

As there was the last time you

informed me, Tuli. You may leave

if you want.

 

YOUNG

We're a team; we travel together.

 

WRIGHT

And die together, no matter how stupid

the reasoning.

 

BUTLER

Now, now, the reasoning isn't stupid.

 

BISHOP

Thank you, Joshua.

 

BUTLER

It is merely illogical.

 

BISHOP

Oh, very funny.

 

BUTLER

Thank you, I thought so.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – BALCONY – NIGHT

 

Ellie raises her crossbow and takes aim. Her hands are shaking the entire time.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – ENTRANCE – NIGHT

 

BISHOP

We cannot just leave them to

fight Gideon on their own.

 

YOUNG

Can we not? With our recent

luck they will just slay us

on the spot and move on to being

slayed by Gideon.

 

BISHOP

They won't slay us, they are-

 

BUTLER

Honorable, we know.

 

YOUNG

But we are pushing that honor.

You said we would not come back.

 

BISHOP

They need help. That is all there

is to it.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – BALCONY – NIGHT

 

After some hesitation, Gardner fires her crossbow.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – ENTRANCE – NIGHT

 

WRIGHT

But surely-

 

Suddenly Wright is struck with the arrow – right in the chest. He falls backwards in shock. Chaos erupts.

 

ACT THREE

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – FOYER – NIGHT

 

Young carries the unconscious Wright over her shoulder. Young and Butler are in full vampire mode – with fangs. Bishop leads them. On the other end of the hall is Charles, James and William, all armed.

 

CHARLES

What do you think you're doing?

 

BISHOP

What do I think I'm doing? You

shot one of my people!

 

CHARLES

We did no such thing!

 

BISHOP

I have a man nearly dead-dying-

who begs to differ!

 

Bishop and Charles stand toe-to-toe. Gardner, ecstatic, enters with Baker.

 

GARDNER

I did it, Mr. Ward! I took

down a vampire.

 

BUTLER

You WHAT?

 

Butler charges towards Gardner. Baker covers her immediately. Bishop thrusts out an arm, holding Butler back as the other hunters also ready themselves for a fight.

 

WILLIAM

What did you do?

 

GARDNER

I-I thought shooting vampires

would be a good thing.

 

WILLIAM

Who let you shoot vampires

in the first place?

 

BAKER

That would be me.

 

WILLIAM

How could you give her a weapon,

Baker? What were you thinking!?

 

BAKER

She is an adult, Foster. She

asked-

 

WILLIAM

(irate)

It was stupid!

 

BUTLER

She will suffer-

 

BISHOP

ENOUGH!

 

Everyone in the room freezes at Bishop's loud voice.

 

BUTLER

She attacked him-

 

BISHOP

I do not care.

 

BUTLER

WHAT!? How can you-

 

BISHOP

I have a man who is injured.

I believe the wood came very close

to his heart-too close- now I need an

area to help him. I care about nothing else

right now. May we have a room, Mr. Ward?

 

There is a long pause while Charles stares at Bishop.

 

WILLIAM

Vampires aren't welcome here.

 

CHARLES

Enough. See your man to our

medical area.

 

WILLIAM

But-

 

CHARLES

I said, enough. This way, Ms.

Bishop.

 

Bishop nods to Young, who moves forward with Wright. She motions to Butler and he keeps close by her, glaring at Gardner as they all pass and exit.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – MEETING ROOM – NIGHT

 

Charles stands on end of the table, Bishop on the other.

 

BISHOP

We came to help you, Mr. Ward.

 

CHARLES

Help us?

 

BISHOP

Yes. To fight against Gideon. Ms.

Adams, the girl who gave you the Vita

Tribuo, came to us.

 

CHARLES

Ms. Bishop, you are a vampire. Why

do you keep offering your help to us?

 

BISHOP

Because I wish to form an alliance.

I know that will not be easy, that

trust is not won overnight. But I

will keep my hand extended until you

and your people are ready to accept it.

 

CHARLES

How is your man?

 

BISHOP

Well enough. That girl is quite a

good shot, the wood came very close

to his heart and temporarily crippled

him, but he is recovering.

 

CHARLES

You would still help us,

after that?

 

BISHOP

I am a vampire, Mr. Ward. I

have control of my baser instincts

now – but I have harmed many in the

time that I didn't. What happened here

was a mistake- if you take us for allies

with what we are, then you've still done

us a favor.

 

Russell enters.

 

RUSSELL

Mr. Ward, Gideon's vampires have been

spotted, they are coming.

(to Bishop:)

Mr. Wright wished to speak to you.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – MED AREA – NIGHT

 

Wright lies in a bed with Butler and Young on either side of him. They speak quietly. Gardner enters with William by her side. The room is tense.

 

GARDNER

(to Wright)

I wish to speak to you.

 

WRIGHT

Very well.

 

Wright nods his head to Butler and Young, who move off into a corner of the room. William stays close to Gardner as she moves forward to Wright's bedside. Gardner is obviously scared.

 

GARDNER

Mr. Wright. I-I'm the one

who- I- um-

 

WRIGHT

You shot me.

 

GARDNER

I'm so sorry.

 

WRIGHT

You're sorry?

 

GARDNER

I thought you were one of

Gideon's vampires- but you

weren't- and I didn't mean-

 

WRIGHT

I am still a vampire, miss.

 

GARDNER

Yes, but you're not evil, are you?

 

WRIGHT

(startled)

You believe that?

 

GARDNER

Well, Ms. Bishop told us about all

this in the first place and I have

no reason not to believe you, so yes.

 

WRIGHT

(smiling)

Thank you, Ms. Gardner. Your apology

is accepted.

 

GARDNER

Truly? But I shot you, I almost

killed you-

 

WRIGHT

I'm already dead. Besides, a shot

like that will be useful in a few

moments.

 

GARDNER

Oh, no. I'm not meant to be a-

 

Charles enters the rooms suddenly, with Bishop. Behind them are James, Edwards and Baker.

 

CHARLES

Gideon's vampires approach. We

must get ready, now. Come with me.

 

Young and Butler look to Bishop, who nods to them. William, Gardner, Butler, Young, Edwards, Baker and Charles exit. Bishop moves to Wright's bedside.

 

BISHOP

Luther, I assume you're going

to be stubborn and insist on

fighting?

 

WRIGHT

Of course, Katherine. I'm not

going to just sit by and watch

this ridiculous alliance of

yours actually start to bloom.

 

BISHOP

Well, right now Mr. Foster has

been left here to make sure we

aren't plotting the demise of

this entire place from the inside.

 

JAMES

What? I-

 

WRIGHT

We would do the same, Mr. Foster.

 

JAMES

You use each other's first names.

 

BISHOP

Yes. It's not as if society is about

to open its doors to us, Mr. Foster.

We've decided to live by our own rules.

 

Wright begins to get out of bed, slowly. Bishop helps him, but he shakes her off and gets on his own feet.

 

WRIGHT

Shall we?

 

BISHOP

Yes, we have odds to defy.

 

JAMES

In more ways than one.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – ENTRANCE - NIGHT

 

A hoard of VAMPIRES approaches The Institute. The first group move to open the gates by sheer force of will – but they soon SHRIEK and BURN.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – BALCONY – NIGHT

 

Baker and Edwards stand out on the balcony, watching the approaching hoard.

 

BAKER

Well, holy water-laced bars seem

to be an effective deterrent.

 

EDWARDS

But now they're coming in- that

killed maybe six on each side.

 

BAKER

Not a bad number. How many more

would say there are?

 

EDWARDS

A hundred, minimum.

 

BAKER

You just have to hold them

off, Mr. Ward says. No problem,

just a hundred vampires storming

a small area.

 

EDWARDS

Well, at least it couldn't be

any worse.

 

At this statement the vampires at the gates trample forward, crushing the gates down under their strength.

 

BAKER

You really just like pushing

your luck, don't you?

 

Baker and Edwards both pull out crossbows and begin attacking the vampires below.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – FOYER – NIGHT

 

William and Charles stand in the Foyer. The door shakes from the outside as the sound of vampires slamming into it resonates around the hall.

 

Butler and Young enter. There is a pause when both groups look at each other, then Butler and Young moved forward to stand beside William and Charles.

 

 

WILLIAM

Well, I never thought I'd be

fighting vampires with... well,

vampires.

 

BUTLER

Nor did we expect to ever be

fighting members of our old

coven with humans. Life is

funny like that.

 

CHARLES

Indeed it is.

 

The door finally breaks down under the vampires barrage. Instantly all those in the room are in a fighting pose.

 

CHARLES

Well, gentleman, lady,

vampires...we will have

a lot to talk about if we

live through this.

 

WILLIAM

I never thought a demise would

be a tidier ending.

 

The vampires lurch forward and a battle ensues. William and Charles fight back-to-back, as do Butler and Young.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – HALLWAY – NIGHT

 

James, Bishop and Wright all stand in the hallway with weapons ready.

 

BISHOP

Where are those who

aren't fighting?

 

James remains silent.

 

BISHOP

Fine, you don't have to tell

us-

 

JAMES

They're locked away upstairs.

 

BISHOP

That's probably for the best. I assume

you used something to mask their smell?

 

JAMES

Yes.

 

BISHOP

Good. If the fight should go for the

worse, will they know what to do?

 

JAMES

We have plans in place, yes.

 

BISHOP

Good.

 

JAMES

Excuse me- but why do you care?

You do realize one of the people

no longer fighting almost killed him,

right?

 

WRIGHT

The girl did not intend me harm.

 

JAMES

Yeah- if someone almost killed me

I'm not sure I'd be so quick to

forgive.

 

BISHOP

(dryly)

But kidnapping you to tell you

something is acceptable?

 

JAMES

Well-

 

The sound of many footsteps approaching stops the conversation. James, Bishop and Wright all tense and stand ready to fight as the first vampire comes into sight.

 

WRIGHT

They've already broken through

the others.

 

BISHOP

They need to get past us to

physically reach Baker and Edwards,

and I am sure the others are holding up

in the foyer. We haven't even begun

to fight.

 

JAMES

I see you're an optimist, like

William.

 

WRIGHT

An annoying trait, is it not?

 

James, Wright and Bishop form a circle so that they're all facing outward as the vampires come forward.

 

BISHOP

I'm sorry I was not trained to

announce at this part in the fight

that we're all going to die.

 

The fight begins, with blows being exchanged on both sides.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – BALCONY – NIGHT

 

Baker and Edwards stand shooting the vampires that still haven't entered The Institute. Suddenly the door to the balcony swings open, and they both whirl around, each pulling out a stake as more vampires approach.

 

BAKER

So, our demise is pretty close,

eh?

 

EDWARDS

If I agree does that mean it won't

happen?

 

BAKER

We can always try.

 

The vampires overrun them and soon they're fighting but barely visible.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – ROOM – NIGHT

 

Abigail, Gardner and Russell all sit in the room. Gardner sits nervously.

 

GARDNER

It sounds as if they're getting

closer.

 

RUSSELL

Our fighters are the best, dear.

 

ABIGAIL

That's right. Besides, I hear you're

quite the shot.

 

GARDNER

But I shot the wrong vampire.

 

ABIGAIL

A day ago there wasn't a wrong

vampire, don't worry about it.

 

RUSSELL

I'm still not sold there is.

 

Suddenly there is the sound of footsteps and a banging on the outside of the door. The vampires have arrived. Gardner startles and jumps up as Russell and Abigail step back from the door.

 

ABIGAIL

Mrs. Russell, I believe we're

going to need things that are

sharp and wooden.

 

RUSSELL

Yes, I believe you're right.

 

The door breaks down, leaving a mass of vampires to move forward – leaping forward to attack the women.

 

ACT FOUR

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – ROOM – NIGHT

 

The vampires lurch forward as the women move to a corner of the room. Suddenly Russell grabs a wooden frying pan. One vampire lurches forward and she slams it in the head with the pan before stabbing it in the heart and causing it to fall to the ground.

 

Suddenly there is a LOUD GROWL. Bishop enters the room in full-vampire mode, looking FERAL as she launches forwards. She roughly takes out the vampires, staking them and breaking necks.

 

James and Wright follow her in moments later, watching in surprise as she manages to take out all the vampires in the room quickly. She reverts back to looking human.

 

BISHOP

More will come. We must guard the

door. Are you all okay?

 

ABIGAIL

Fine. Thank you.

 

Bishop nods but pays them no more attention as she whirls to James and Wright.

 

BISHOP

The door, gentlemen.

 

The three of them guard the door as more vampires approach.

 

JAMES

Why haven't you been doing

that this whole time?

 

BISHOP

We didn't want to startle you.

These vampires are stronger

than what I thought Gideon

would send – I thought your

scent covers would hide them.

 

JAMES

But you could smell them.

 

BISHOP

We don't suppress our instincts

by being weak vampires, Mr. Foster.

 

The vampires attack; Bishop and Wright now fight fully feral as James fights as best he can.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – FOYER – NIGHT

 

Butler and Young have also gone feral. They take out vampires left and right.

 

EXT. THE INSTITUTE – BALCONY – DAWN

 

Edwards lights a torch and spins it around, giving him and Baker room. They aren't as many vampires as there were, many lying dead around them. Baker looks up to the sky.

 

BAKER

I have never been so glad

to see the sun in my life.

 

The sun is rising in front of them. The vampires around them screech. A few make a run for it, leaping off the balcony and running away from The Institute.

 

EDWARDS

Well, we appear to have made

it. You know what I'd like to

do now?

 

BAKER

Sleep forever?

 

EDWARDS

Later, maybe. Now I would

like to see what Mrs. Russell

has cooked for us.

 

BAKER

(laughing)

You are a moron, Mr. Edwards.

 

EDWARDS

Shall we, Ms. Baker?

 

They exit.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – DARK ROOM – DAY

 

Bishop, Butler, Young and Wright all stand in a room that has been curtained off to be very dark.

 

Charles enters.

 

CHARLES

Ms. Bishop.

 

BISHOP

Mr. Ward.

 

CHARLES

I hope these accommodations are

acceptable.

 

BISHOP

Yes, thank you.

 

CHARLES

And I...would like to

talk to you about that

alliance you mentioned. We've

got quite a clean up to do right

now, but perhaps tonight.

 

BISHOP

You would consider it?

 

CHARLES

Yes, I would. You saved my

wife, Ms. Bishop...you all

were instrumental in this battle.

That is not something I am soon

to forget.

 

BISHOP

It was the least we could

do, but we are still vampires.

 

CHARLES

Yes. I never said I was about

to leap up for joy...but I believe

the way to earn trust is one step

at a time.

 

BISHOP

I quite agree.

 

Bishop extends her hand in a sign of friendship. Charles hesitates for a moment then nods and takes her hand. They shake on it.

 

CHARLES

Well, I never thought this

would happen.

 

BISHOP

Life can be strange.

 

INT. THE INSTITUTE – FOYER – DAY

 

The Institute lays in worse shape – the doors are broken and unhinged, things are broken and vampire bodies lay piled on the floor.

 

Edwards, William, James and Baker are all picking things up. Edwards lights up a match to burn the bodies.

 

Russell enters.

 

RUSSELL

Mr. Edwards! What on earth are

you doing?

 

EDWARDS

The bodies must be disposed of-

 

RUSSELL

I will have no one lighting things

on fire in this house, bodies or

otherwise! You will take them to

the fireplace like a civilized person.

 

EDWARDS

But the fireplace is so far-

 

RUSSELL

So you carry them!

 

EDWARDS

...yes, Ms. Russell.

 

Russell leaves, fussing about the house and its condition as she does so. Baker, James and William all snicker.

 

BAKER

Do you still wish to ask

her what she's cooked

for us?

 

EDWARDS

(sulking)

This is a thankless job,

you know it?

 

JAMES

It's a good thing we

don't do the job for

thanks, then.

 

WILLIAM

Or for food, with how it

is when she does cook.

 

RUSSELL

(from the hallway)

I heard that!

 

BAKER

Just another day when the

world didn't end and clean up

takes longer than the fight.

 

INT. THE DERELICT'S HOME – NIGHT

 

Bishop, Young, Wright and Butler all sit in a run down room.

 

YOUNG

I must say, I am surprised

we aren't all dead.

 

BISHOP

I'll take that as a compliment.

I truly believe that this alliance

will work.

 

BUTLER

Is it an alliance, then?

 

WRIGHT

In name, perhaps.

 

BISHOP

Yes, it will take more

to truly earn their trust-

but the point is we're on

the path for it now. We're

on the path, now. One day

we may just destroy Gideon.

 

YOUNG

A path which is a long way

off-

 

The door opens, revealing a cloaked Adams. She lifts her hood as everyone in the room gets on their feet.

 

BISHOP

Ms. Adams.

 

ADAMS

Yes...I...I've left the coven.

I wish to join you.

 

BUTLER

Funny, I didn't see you

at that fight we had.

 

ADAMS

I was a coward. I am sorry.

But...I cannot go on.

 

WRIGHT

When's the last time you

fed on human blood?

 

Adams is silent.

 

WRIGHT

That's what I thought.

 

Young steps forward, watching her carefully.

 

YOUNG

I will vouch for her.

 

BISHOP

(surprised)

Tuli, are you sure-

 

YOUNG

We have all been where she was.

She gave the Vita Tribuo to The

Institute, she warned us. She has

done enough.

 

Adams looks around shyly to the others, who are all more focused on Young and the declaration she's just made.

 

BISHOP

Very well.

 

INT. GIDEON'S COVEN – THRONE ROOM – NIGHT

 

ARABELLA GIDEON (Claudia Black,) sits on a throne lazily as a SERVANT (male, 30s,) speaks. Around them are other vampires.

 

SERVANT

The missing Vita Tribuo

was found just outside

Vincent's coven.

 

GIDEON

Yes, they planted it

there. That is not surprising.

 

SERVANT

But you were aiming to kill them

and you did not-

 

GIDEON

Excuse me?

 

SERVANT

The plan was not fufil-

 

GIDEON

Come closer, dear.

 

The Servant slowly approaches Gideon. When he is a breath away she reacts quickly, grabbing a hidden knife and swooping it fast – his head falls off.

 

GIDEON

Would anyone else like to

speak up?

 

The room remains quiet.

 

GIDEON

That is what I thought.

 

Suddenly the door opens, and a figure steps in.

 

GIDEON

Ah, just who I was looking for.

Step closer.

 

The figure steps closer, and it's revealed to be none other than Adams.

 

GIDEON

How did it go?

 

ADAMS

I am one of them, now.

Young vouched for me.

 

GIDEON

She always was slow. Very well,

now I will know if anyone else is planning

on betraying me – as well as what makes Ms.

Bishop and her little pawns tick.

 

Gideon laughs. Adams smiles.

 

FADE TO BLACK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[oparu.livejournal.com]

I feel my shippy predictions were justified. Were this show on, I would run out and make the shipper community for Abigail and Charles, right now. I adore them so much.

And Katherine.

And Dorothy.

And Ellie Gardner! adorable!!

so much intrigue and humour and a cast of total win. I adore this show. Brilliant done. Even in script format it leaps off the page.

[tenacious_err]

Thank you! And yes, as far as ships those were definitely my main ones. Abigail and Charles I really wanted to come across well since they're not a slow building UST ship like Katherine and James would be, so I'm honored you like them enough to theoretically make a comm. :)

Thanks for reading! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. ♥

[oparu.livejournal.com]

I would so make a comm and ship them hard. I love the happy mum-and-dad ships. THEY'D be SO cute!!!

[ek_johnston]

OMG, I WOULD WATCH THE HELL OUT OF THIS SHOW!!!

I remember being super pumped reading your character Bible, and it has DEFINITELY paid off! I love all the characters to pieces. Your fight scenes are EXCELLENT, and the formatting was tied in perfectly to your storytelling.

And I'm not gonna lie: the idea of Nathan Fillion and Katee Sackoff sniping at each other in English accents is very appealing.

SO MANY 'SHIPS! SO LITTLE TIME! *hearts them all*

Kate Mulgrew FOR THE WIN!

When do we get the next episode? ;)

[tenacious_err]

Thank you!

I think the secret is that people sniping in English accents is awesome and then adding Nathan Fillion and Katee Sackoff just makes it irresistible. ;)

I'm actually writing more of this right now! I'll let you know.

I'm glad you enjoyed it!