Act Three[/u]
INT. NEW YORK CITY, KATE LOCKLEY’S APARTMENT
Kate paces back and forth, agitated and frustrated by the situation. She takes a deep breath.
KATE:
So, let me get this straight. You want my help to bring in your friend who has taken a sudden liking to serial killing. But you don’t want to involve the NYPD.
SHELL:
It’s not quite as simple as that.
KATE:
It rarely is.
(beat)
I’m assuming she’s not exactly human.
Shell shakes her head.
SHELL:
No, not exactly. She’s what you would call a Vengeance Demon. Vengeance Demons right perceived wrongs by wreaking vengeance. For them to do this, somebody needs to have made a wish.
KATE (under breath):
Cindy.
JACK:
What was that?
KATE:
Cindy, the daughter of the last victim. She said she made a wish.
SHELL:
Yeah, that’s definitely a Vengeance Demon’s MO.
ILLYRIA:
Where do we go from here?
SHELL:
Go through the laptop and see what you can find. With any luck we can find something that will lead us to Kalinka, so we can stop her.
KATE:
And then I’ll bring her in.
JACK:
No, you won’t.
KATE:
Look, demon or not, your friend has just
murdered three people, and there are no signs that she has finished yet. You may think you’re above the law, but you really are not.
JACK:
You can try to arrest her, but I really don’t like your chances. There’s a reason that demons live outside the confines of human law, and that’s because they
can, plain and simple. Generally speaking, they are far more powerful than you.
(beat)
That and she’s our friend.
Shell glances to Jack and Illyria, and they nod in response. The three turn to leave Kate’s apartment. Shell opens the door and looks back at Kate.
SHELL:
We’ll be in touch.
The door closes as Shell, Illyria and Jack leave the apartment.
KATE:
Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.
INT. DOMINION BAR
The Dominion Bar is empty, except for Bob who sits alone by the bar. The lighting is dim and Bob is lost in thought. The door to the bar opens and Shell enters the bar, closely followed by Illyria and Jack.
SHELL:
Illyria, let me know as soon as you’ve found something on the computer.
Illyria nods her head and sets the laptop on a table. She opens it up and begins to type. Shell walks toward Bob who smiles to her.
BOB:
Look at you taking charge, Shell. There may be some hope for you yet.
Shell gives Bob a half-smile, acknowledging the compliment however still distracted.
BOB:
Is everything okay, Shell?
SHELL:
Has Kalinka made her way back at all?
BOB:
No, she hasn’t. Honestly, I don’t know if we’ll be seeing her again. Things have been strained between her and Clem lately, and she might have decided to cut her losses.
SHELL:
Well, that might explain why she’s gone all vengeancy.
BOB:
What?
SHELL:
That dead guy I mentioned this evening, it turns out that it was Kalinka. And he’s not the
only one. She’s killed three men in two nights. The kicker is that they all work for Wolfram & Hart.
BOB:
You’re sure about this?
Shell nods her head.
SHELL:
I’m afraid so, Bob. Death by decapitation, evisceration and snakes, and a blonde woman was seen at the scene of each killing. A little girl told the police that she made a wish to the woman.
BOB:
Vengeance Demons aren’t generally calculated killers.
JACK:
No, but that doesn’t mean that there’s not some other force at work here.
Illyria looks up from her computer and toward Shell.
ILLYRIA:
I’ve found something.
Shell, Bob and Jack run across the bar to Illyria, who is staring at the computer screen.
ILLYRIA:
It looks like Wolfram & Hart is having a cocktail party tomorrow night.
SHELL:
Well, if Kalinka’s chasing down Wolfram & Hart employees, that place should be full of them.
(beat)
And on the plus side, free drinks.
JACK:
Look, I hate to bring this up, guys, but how are we going to break the news to Clem? Last time he found out about Kalinka’s extra-curricular activities, he didn’t take it so well.
BOB:
We don’t tell him. Let’s see what we find tomorrow night.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE
A small amount of light enters the warehouse, shining through the tiny windows toward the ceiling. Kalinka is slumped in a corner, holding her necklace in her hand. She stares at the amulet attached to it. D’Hoffryn enters the warehouse and walks toward Kalinka.
D’HOFFRYN:
Good evening, Kalinka.
KALINKA:
D’Hoffryn. You told me that tonight will be big.
D’HOFFRYN:
That I did, Kalinka, that I did.
(beat)
I hope you like parties, because that is where your targets will be. It’s the same as the others. Wait for them to anger somebody, and then exploit it. Thankfully, working for Wolfram & Hart requires a certain “moral flexibility,” so it shouldn’t be too difficult.
INT. DOMINION BAR – SHELL’S BEDROOM
Shell steps out from behind her closet, wearing a stunning evening gown, and turns to Jack, who is wearing a tuxedo.
SHELL:
Wow, you scrub up nicely.
JACK:
You don’t look too shabby yourself.
Jack leans across and kisses Shell on the cheek. She looks at her bed and the sword that she has laid out on it, and grimaces. She picks up the sword and looks at Jack.
SHELL:
Um, how do you conceal a sword in an evening gown?
JACK:
I’ll holster it for you. Hopefully it’ll make me look distinguished.
Jack and Shell hear a knock at the bedroom door before it opens, revealing Bob, wearing his standard coat.
SHELL:
Wow, look at you dressing up for the occasion, Bob.
BOB:
We’re going to stop Kalinka, Shell,
not to party.
SHELL:
Oh come on, Bob, even
Illyria’s dressing up for it.
BOB:
I don’t play dress-up, Shell.
SHELL:
So, what do we do when we find her, Bob? Kill her?
BOB:
That’s what a Slayer would do, Shell.
Shell lowers her eyes and looks toward the ground, unsure of how to respond.
BOB:
But we’re still not sure of exactly how you fit in to the whole Slayer pantheon.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART – NIGHT
The front of the Wolfram & Hart building is buzzing with activity as limousines arrive, and staff and guests step from them and begin to walk toward the entrance. A LARGE MAN stands at the door, checking invitations.
Music cue – “Goodnight Moon” by Shivaree
What should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out and maybeKate walks briskly to the building’s entrance, rubbing her arms from the cool breeze. She walks toward the large man.
Music (continued):
And then the wind just starts to moan
Outside the door he followed me homeLARGE MAN:
Invitation.
KATE:
I have your invitation right here.
Kate withdraws her wallet and flips it open to reveal her police badge.
KATE:
Now kindly let me in, sir.
The large man shakes his head as Kate reaches into her handbag. She pulls out a crucifix and presses it against the large man’s throat. His skin begins to burn and smoke emanates from his throat and the crucifix.
Music (continued):
Well goodnight moon
I want the sun
If it's not here soon
I might be done
No it won't be too soon 'til I say
Goodnight moonThe large man’s face morphs to reveal a vampire’s appearance and he savagely punches Kate in the face with the back of his hand. Kate falls to the ground as a small amount of blood trickles from her mouth. She stares up at the vampire, who grins as he stares down at her.
Music (continued):
There's a shark in the pool
And a witch in the tree
A crazy old neighbour and he's been watching meSuddenly, the vampire turns to dust. As it settles, Kate can see Shell standing behind where the vampire was, holding a sword. Shell extends her arm and helps Kate up from the ground.
KATE:
I thought I might see you here.
SHELL:
Yeah, except I think I blew our cover.
Music (continued):
And there's footsteps loud and strong coming down the hall
Something's under the bed
Now it's out in the hedgeFour vampires run toward Shell and Kate. Jack and Illyria, dressed in their evening wear, rush to their aid, followed closely by Bob.
Music (continued):
There's a big black crow sitting on my window ledge
And I hear something scratching through the wallBOB:
You guys get inside and
find Kalinka. I’ll look after these guys.
Kate stares at Bob in disbelief.
KATE:
He’s a friend of yours?
SHELL:
More like my
boss.
Jack turns toward Bob and draws his sword.
JACK:
Bob, you look like you could use some help.
BOB:
Nonsense. You made yourself pretty for tonight, so get upstairs. We don’t have much time.
(beat)
Besides, I don’t think I meet the standards of their dress code.
JACK:
Here, take this.
Jack throws his sword to Bob, who catches it and turns toward the vampires.
JACK:
It should make decapitations a little easier.
Music (continued):
Oh what should I do I'm just a little baby
What if the lights go out and maybe
I just hate to be all alone
Outside the door he followed me homeJack turns away from Bob and runs into the foyer with Shell, Illyria and Kate following close behind.
Vampire #1 jumps toward Bob, punching him in the face. Bob staggers back slightly before slashing the sword at the vampire, decapitating and dusting it.
Music (continued):
Now goodnight moon
I want the sunVampire #2 runs past Bob and chases Shell, Illyria, Kate and Jack. Bob hurls the sword at the vampire and it slashes through the back of its neck, decapitating it.
Music (continued):
If it's not here soon
I might be doneBob runs toward vampire #3 and grabs him in a stranglehold. The vampire struggles to escape, unsuccessfully, as Bob twists the vampire’s head forcefully. The vampire’s neck snaps and Bob rips the head clean off the vampire.
Music (continued):
No it won't be too soon 'til I say
Goodnight moonThe fourth vampire looks at Bob, scared, as the demon lifts him into the air. Bob runs, carrying the vampire toward a tree and impaling him on a large branch. The vampire disappears into dust.
INT. NEW YORK CITY, WOLFRAM & HART MEZZANINE LEVEL
A hundred-odd people fill the extravagant mezzanine level of the Wolfram & Hart tower. Renaissance paintings adorn the walls and chandeliers hang from the high ceiling. A lawyer, SIENNA CAMPBELL leads a Japanese man in his forties, KATSUO SAKAMOTO across the marble floor and introduces him to a group of people.
SIENNA:
I would like to introduce you to Katsuo Sakamoto from our Tokyo branch.
(beat)
He’s here in relation to the Oni.
Katsuo smiles and bows to the group of lawyers.
KATSUO:
It is a pleasure to meet you.
In the corner of the room Kalinka stands alone, watching Katsuo. She smiles before slowly walking toward him.
The large doors at the entrance of the room swing open violently as Shell, Illyria, Jack and Kate rush into the room. They survey the area and Jack sees Kalinka approaching Katsuo. He points toward her.
JACK:
There’s our girl.
Shell runs toward Kalinka, followed closely by the others.
SHELL (shouting):
Get
away from that woman!
The crowd look at Shell in disgust, dismissing her as a partygoer who has had too many glasses of champagne. Shell ignores them and leaps into the air, tackling Kalinka. The two of them crash into the ground as everybody in the room watches.
JACK (shouting):
Everybody, stay away from the blonde woman! Do not say a
word to her.
KATE:
What? Your tactics are all about
stranger danger?
ILLYRIA:
Kalinka’s power relies on people making wishes. As long as nobody makes a wish, she’s
harmless.
Kalinka rises to her feet, picks Shell up and throws her through the air, crashing her into a brass pillar.
KATE:
That’s harmless?
ILLYRIA:
Relatively speaking.
KALINKA:
You really shouldn’t have come looking for me, guys.
Illyria ignores Kalinka’s words and morphs into her demonic form as she runs toward her. With a swift punch, Illyria sends Kalinka crashing into a wall on the other side of the room. Jack helps Shell to her feet as D’Hoffryn appears next to Kate. Startled, Kate jumps and draws her gun, pointing it at D’Hoffryn’s head.
D’HOFFRYN:
Ah, Kate Lockley.
KATE:
How do you know me?
D’HOFFRYN:
I make it my business to familiarise myself with all women who have the potential for great vengeance.
(beat)
Your father’s death was such a shame.
KATE:
Shut the hell up, you sanctimonious son of a bitch.
Jack and Shell turn around to see D’Hoffryn talking to Kate and rush over. Kalinka and Illyria trade blows, neither one of them gaining an advantage.
D’HOFFRYN:
You might want to ask your friend to stop hitting Kalinka, Ms. Moore.
SHELL:
Honestly, I don’t like seeing Kalinka getting beaten up, but given the circumstances, that is
not going to happen.
JACK:
What have you done to her, demon?
D’HOFFRYN:
What would make you think that I am responsible for your friend’s actions? Vengeance is in her blood.
SHELL:
Oh, maybe the fact that Kalinka has been avoiding reaping vengeance, especially after your
last encounter.
(beat)
That and showing up here doesn’t exactly scream innocence.
(to Kate)
That’d make him an accessory, right?
Kate nods her head.
KATE:
Not that I think it worries him, though.
Jack draws his sword and aims it directly at D’Hoffryn’s throat.
JACK:
Honestly, I have no idea if this will kill you or not. Either way, it will hurt.
(beat)
What have you done to Kalinka?
D’HOFFRYN:
It’s simple, really. During our last encounter, I thought that Kalinka may be a little more difficult to convince the next time. And somehow, she just so happened to swallow a Persuasion Worm’s egg.
(beat)
It looks like it may have hatched.
SHELL:
Son of a bitch…
With her sword firmly in hand, Shell runs toward Illyria and Kalinka.
ILLYRIA:
I have this handled, Shell.
SHELL:
What do you know about Persuasion Worms?
Kalinka kicks toward Illyria, who effortlessly blocks the move and slams Kalinka onto the ground.
ILLYRIA:
They hatch inside their host’s stomach, which leaves them susceptible to influence from an external party.
SHELL (under breath):
An external party like D’Hoffryn.
Kalinka stands and runs toward Shell. Shell stabs Kalinka and runs her sword right through her stomach, pinning her to the wall behind her.
KALINKA:
That hurt, Shell. When I get free from here, I’ll—
SHELL:
I’m sorry, Kalinka. Just be thankful you can survive being impaled.
(beat, to Illyria)
Would you do the honours? I really can’t bring myself to, you know.
Illyria nods her head as Shell turns her back to them. Shell grimaces as she hears Illyria plunge her hand into Kalinka’s stomach wound. Illyria lifts her hand up, holding the worm, and squeezes, and crushes it.
Kalinka’s face turns red with anger.
KALINKA:
D’Hoffryn did this, the son of a bitch.
(beat)
And couldn’t you have thought of a
less painful way of saving me?
ILLYRIA:
Just be grateful I didn’t kill you.
Shell nods to Kalinka before walking back to Jack, Kate and D’Hoffryn. In the background, Illyria pulls the sword from Kalinka’s stomach.
SHELL:
Looks like we’re done here.
D’HOFFRYN:
Oh, that was
stupid, Ms. Moore. When the Oni rises, I truly hope you are prepared.
Bob enters the mezzanine, slightly scuffed from his fight outside. He looks at Illyria.
BOB:
What’d I miss?
Illyria simply shakes her head.
Jack presses his sword against D’Hoffryn’s throat with some extra force before the demon teleports away.
KATE:
Police will be here any minute, guys. Given what’s happened here and the crimes you’re already wanted for, I’d get out now.
Shell nods her head appreciatively.
SHELL:
Thanks for the warning.
KATE:
Look, if this kind of thing happens again and I need some assistance, where do I find you?
SHELL:
You don’t, Detective Lockley.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY, DOMINION ACCESS POINT – NIGHT
Shell, Jack and Bob walk toward the access point ahead of Illyria, who is helping Kalinka walk as she heals.
KALINKA:
What have you told Clem?
ILLYRIA:
Nothing. But I suggest you try honesty when we get inside.
Kalinka lowers her head and nods subtly.
ILLYRIA:
I don’t know how he’ll react, Kalinka. But you do have friends here. We’re here for you. I am here for you.
Kalinka smiles, appreciating Illyria’s sentiment. Bob perks his ears, surprised, and Shell gives him a gentle nudge on the shoulder.
JACK:
Strawberry cheesecake.
Jack opens the door and steps aside as Illyria helps Kalinka in, then Shell and Bob enter. Jack follows them inside and closes the door behind him.
Kate steps into the alley and rushes toward the access point. She opens the door and steps inside to discover a dilapidated storeroom. Kate looks around the storeroom confused and shakes her head.
KATE (under breath):
Apparently, I really
don’t find them.
INT. DOMINION BAR
The bar is quiet, with few patrons sitting down having a few drinks. Clem is slumped behind the bar as he sees the door open and everybody enter. He smiles to himself when he sees Kalinka. Shell smiles and gives Clem a wave.
SHELL (to Kalinka):
I’ll look after the bar while you two find somewhere private to talk.
BOB:
And if you’ll all excuse me, I’m off to have a few quiet words with D’Hoffryn.
Bob turns around and exits the bar. Kalinka walks toward the bar. Shell follows, keeping her distance, and walks behind the bar.
KALINKA:
Hey.
CLEM:
You’re back. And you’re…
hurt.
KALINKA:
Yeah, I’ve seen better days. Listen, can we find somewhere quiet to talk?
Clem nods his head.
INT. DOMINION BAR, CLEM’S OFFICE
Kalinka enters the office and switches on the light as Clem follows, closing the door behind him.
Music cue – “Littlest Things” by Lily Allen
Sometimes I find myself sittin' back and reminiscing
Especially when I have to watch other people kissin'
And I remember when you started callin' me your miss's
All the play fightin', all the flirtatious dissesClem pulls up a seat behind his desk and Kalinka sits awkwardly opposite him.
CLEM:
What is it? Are you okay?
KALINKA:
Yeah…sort of.
(beat)
These past two nights, I was working with D’Hoffryn.
Clem’s head sinks.
CLEM:
Oh.
Music (continued):
I'd tell you sad stories about my childhood
I don't why I trusted you but I knew that I could
We'd spend the whole weekend lying in our own dirt
I was just so happy in your boxers and your t-shirtKALINKA:
It’s not what you think.
CLEM:
It never is, is it?
KALINKA:
D’Hoffryn had me brainwashed, Clem. Last time, when he sent me to the Tengu Temple, he infected me with a Persuasion Worm. It left me open to suggestion by him, almost as if I was hypnotised.
Clem shakes his head.
Music (continued):
Dreams, Dreams
Of when we had just started things
Dreams of you and meKALINKA:
I killed three people.
CLEM:
Did they, um…did they
deserve it?
KALINKA:
About as much as anybody suffering the wrath of a Vengeance Demon does.
Music (continued):
It seems, it seems
That I can't shake those memories
I wonder if you have the same dreams tooCLEM:
Oh, I see.
(beat)
And you promise me that D’Hoffryn was manipulating you?
Kalinka nods her head solemnly.
KALINKA:
Yes, Clem. I do.
Music (continued):
The littlest things that take me there
I know it sounds lame but it’s so true
I know it’s not right, but it seems unfair
That the things are reminding me of youKALINKA:
The thing about it, though…
(beat)
The thing is that when I was killing, it felt
good. Part of me enjoyed it.
Clem stands up from behind his desk and walks around to Kalinka. He places his hand on her shoulder gently.
CLEM:
Look, things have been…strained between us lately, but no matter where we stand with each other, you can talk to me.
Music (continued):
Sometimes I wish we could just pretend
Even if only for one weekend
So come on, Tell me
Is this the end?Clem and Kalinka look at each other solemnly. Clem smiles softly.
EXT. ARASHMAHAAR – NIGHT
Arashmahaar is dark and foreboding to the point where even Bob looks uncomfortable walking through the dimension. Spirits fly through the air hauntingly as Bob approaches a figure in the shadows who has his back to him.
BOB:
D’Hoffryn, we
need to talk.
The figure turns around to face Bob and steps out from the shadows. Bob looks at the figure with confusion as he reveals himself to be HEXT.
HEXT:
D’Hoffryn’s not here, Bob. But imagine the coincidence of me running into you here.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE.
CLOSING CREDITS ROLL.
Guest starring Ron Rifkin as Hext
Written by:
Allan WhatfordStory Editor:
Marie MenningaSpecial Thanks:
Everyone who read this episode (and any of them, really!) - I hope you enjoyed it. Any comments in the
feedback thread[/u] are appreciated. Thanks.
Dominion[/i] © 2007 Allan Whatford[/b]
(incidentally, the next episode will feature Bob very heavily, so hopefully you guys will like that one).
