ANATHEMA: New Show Announcement & Call for Artists – The Sheridan Tapes
CONTENT WARNING: Multiple character deaths, character betrayal, strong elements of police corruption and violence, pyrophobia, and the uncanny, unreality, existential dread, body horror and transformation, coughing and choking sound effects, implied homophobia, and loud noises including screams and explosions
Omnibus 02: A recounting of the ascension and destruction of the God King Morrison.
Starring Ezra J. Wayne as Ned Leroux, Mike Kennedy as Edgar Morrison, Zane Schacht as Seb Jenkins, Leah Booth as Dispatch, Wray Van Winkle as Sam Bailey, Jesse Steele as Bill Tyler, Clayton Currie as Andrew Sheridan, Josie D. Sumner as Young Morrison, Socks Whitmore as the Possessed Host, Fennec Foxfire as the Waitress, Ray O’Hare as “The Sponsor,” Kris Allison as Dana Caldwell, Kirsty Woolven as seismography, Athena Lee as Imaging, Jenna Rose as Medic, Dontae Majors as Sensors, Josh Beard as Coordination, B. Narr as Drone Control, Stephen Indrisano as Communications, Mike LeBeau as Security, Mihai Matei as North Guard, Marnie Warner as East Guard, Michael McCue as South Guard, Michael Mishkin as West Guard, Nikolas Yuen as IT, Sneha Kumar as Lab Tech, Adrian Gibbs as Adrian Briggs, and Brad Colbroock as Commissary Michaels, with original music by Jesse Haugen. Our end credits song was “Far off Distant Plans” by Con Davison. This episode was written and produced by Wray Van Winkle and Virginia Spotts, and made possible by our supporters at Patreon.com/homesteadcorner and ko-fi.com/homesteadcorner.
Transcript
CONTENT WARNING: Multiple character deaths, character betrayal, strong elements of police corruption and violence, pyrophobia, and the uncanny, unreality, existential dread, body horror and transformation, coughing and choking sound effects, implied homophobia, and loud noises including screams and explosions
[A wind whistles, a metal door creaks open]
[Electronics spark, small fires crackle]
[Ned stumbles into the chamber, coughing, glass crunching underfoot]
[He spits, groans, and calls out]
Ned Leroux
Morrison! You still down here?
[Silence]
[Ned scoffs]
Figures. Asshole probably ran the moment things went south. Should’ve done the same, honestl—
Edgar Morrison
Ned.
Ned Leroux
WHOA!
[Ned jumps away]
Oh goddammit, don’t sneak up on me like that Morrison.
Edgar Morrison
I wasn’t… I wasn’t trying to scare you.
Ned Leroux
Well, you did. Lucky I didn’t hit you.
[Silence]
What are you still doing down here? What happened?
Edgar Morrison
I… I was, I was… Running. Sheridan let the monsters out, and I—
Ned Leroux
Shit, they’re not still down here, are they?
Edgar Morrison
No, no — they’re all gone. Back into the world.
Ned Leroux
Shouldn’t we — I don’t know, set up a perimeter? They could be halfway to Arrowhead by now.
Edgar Morrison
They’ve gone much further than that… Much further… I was a fool to think I could keep them here, and now the door is open…
[Silence]
Ned Leroux
Morrison, are you — is everything alright?
[Silence]
[Morrison turns and walks away into the tunnels]
Morrison? Morrison, we need to—
[A door shuts behind him]
[Lights buzz]
What the hell do I do now?
[Cassette noises]
[MAIN THEME]
[Cassette noises]
[Click]
[Static]
[Inside a quiet police cruiser, rolling down an empty highway]
[Chatter on police radio in the background]
[The radio crackles to life–Beep]
Dispatcher
Dispatch to Greyhound, come in Greyhound.
[Edgar picks up the receiver–Beep]
Edgar Morrison
This is Greyhound, go ahead dispatch.
Dispatcher
Edgar, that you?
Edgar Morrison
Affirmative, dispatch.
Dispatcher
Is Seb there with ya?
Seb Jenkins
Uh… yeah, dispatch, I’m here.
Dispatcher
Just wanted to make sure everything went alright with that house call — owner sounded pretty shook up.
Edgar Morrison
Yeah, everything’s fine out here. Just some animal roosting in the attic… managed to scare it off and remove the nest.
Dispatcher
10-4, Greyhound. Figure we should call animal control out, just to be sure?
Edgar Morrison
Negative, dispatch… should be taken care of, they know to call us back if it finds another way in.
Dispatcher
Roger that — get home safe you two.
Edgar Morrison
10-4, dispatch.
[He hangs the receiver back up]
Seb Jenkins
You didn’t need to lie about it.
Edgar Morrison
Oh come on Seb, I’d hardly call that lying—
Seb Jenkins
—that wasn’t an animal we found in there, Ed.
Edgar Morrison
Of course it was — it was alive, it had teeth and fur, what else would you call it—
Seb Jenkins
—Animals don’t make noises like that, Ed. They don’t move like that, and they definitely don’t beg you to spare them in English.
Edgar Morrison
What do you think it was, then?
Seb Jenkins
I don’t know. But I know you shouldn’t have killed it like that.
Edgar Morrison
Oh come off it, Seb—
Seb Jenkins
You know I’m right. Otherwise you wouldn’t have lied to dispatch just now. You wouldn’t have hidden the body from that family.
Edgar Morrison
And you think they would’ve reacted well if they saw it? You think they’d be able to get any sleep tonight if they knew?
Seb Jenkins
It’s not right. It just isn’t right.
[Moment of quiet]
[Morrison leans forward and switches off the radio]
Edgar Morrison
Listen, Seb… I know it’ll be hard to accept, but you have to trust me when I say that I did the only thing I could in that situation. This isn’t my first encounter with… things like this.
Seb Jenkins
What are you talking about?
Edgar Morrison
I’ve been in Oslow for a while now. You know that. But I didn’t come here to join the PD. When I was younger… well. I can’t really get into that, but suffice to say I… saw some things. Things that made me question what I thought was possible. And I realized that things that go bump in the night aren’t only real… they’re dangerous. And they have to be destroyed if we’re to maintain the peace.
Seb Jenkins
So this isn’t the first time you…
Edgar Morrison
First time I wasn’t alone when it happened. I didn’t think this was one of those calls.
Seb Jenkins
And Chief Wallace… does he know?
Edgar Morrison
He knows as much as he needs to know — which is nothing.
[Seb turns slightly to look at him]
Seb Jenkins
Ed, if these things are as much of a danger as you’re saying, then shouldn’t we tell him?
Edgar Morrison
And you really think that idiot would do anything about it? He’s a politician, not an officer… he’s too busy campaigning to worry about what we actually do out here.
Seb Jenkins
That’s not your decision to make, Ed.
Edgar Morrison
Oh come on, Jenkins…
Seb Jenkins
We have to tell someone. We have to report this.
[Morrison doesn’t answer, but turns on his blinker]
[Tires on dirt road]
Seb Jenkins
Why are you turning off here?
Edgar Morrison
There’s something I need to show you… shouldn’t take too long.
[The scene fades out]
[Fade to…]
[A noisy, chaotic office party – laughter, loud conversation, and the clink of beer bottles as a Christmas song – the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies – plays in the background]
[Footsteps cut through the din as someone climbs a small platform and begins speaking into a microphone. They tap the mic. The buzz of conversation fades]
Edgar Morrison
Welcome, one and all, to the 2018 Oslow County Police Department Christmas Party. I want to take a moment to thank you all for being here tonight. For those taking time off and spending the holidays with friends and family, thank you for joining us for one more night. And for everyone else who isn’t going home for Christmas – thank you. Thank you for holding the line for the rest of us. I owe you all a drink come New Year’s.
[A few claps and polite cheers go up around the room]
Now I know you all came here to celebrate, and my speeches have a tendency to end up a bit somber, so I’ll be brief. As many of you know, I’ve put on a Christmas party for this department every year since I became chief for one very simple reason. This season is about shining a light into the darkest nights of the year, combining our wills against the shadow and cold of winter and saying – No. You will not prevail. We will endure.
That’s what we do here, every day. And it takes all of us – every single person in this room, standing shoulder to shoulder against the chaos and violence that’s always there, just waiting for our vigilance to slip. [half-beat] Some people think we take our jobs too seriously. That we shouldn’t do everything it takes to protect the safety of our homes and families. That we should
just roll over and let people try to protect themselves.
[A few people chuckle at that along with Morrison]
Yeah. We all know how that would end. Just like we know that the sacrifices of each and every officer in this department is the only thing standing between Oslow County and total anarchy. We are the light that shines in the darkness. And we will endure.
And on that note, I’d like to raise a toast to you by way of a short poem. I know it’s unconventional, but it’s always been a personal favorite of mine, and I hope that it can offer you some encouragement as well.
[He clears his throat]
“But where was the child delaying?
On the homeward way was he,
And across the dike while the sun was up
An hour above the sea.
He was stopping now to gather flowers,
Now listening to the sound,
As the angry waters dashed themselves Against their narrow bound.
“Ah! well for us,” said Peter,
“That the gates are good and strong,
And my father tends them carefully,
Or they would not hold you long!
You’re a wicked sea,” said Peter;
“I know why you fret and chafe;
You would like to spoil our lands and homes;
But our sluices keep you safe!”
But hark! Through the noise of waters,
Comes a low, clear, trickling sound;
And the child’s face pales with terror,
And his blossoms drop to the ground.
He is up the bank in a moment,
And, stealing through the sand,
He sees a stream not yet so large
As his slender, childish hand.
‘Tis a leak in the dike!
He is but a boy, Unused to fearful scenes;
But, young as he is, he has learned to know
The dreadful thing that means.
A leak in the dike! The stoutest heart
Grows faint that cry to hear,
And the bravest man in all the land
Turns white with mortal fear.
For he knows the smallest leak may grow
To a flood in a single night;
And he knows the strength of the cruel sea
When loosed in its angry might.
And the boy! He has seen the danger,
And, shouting a wild alarm,
He forces back the weight of the sea
With the strength of his single arm!
He listens for the joyful sound
Of a footstep passing nigh;
And lays his ear to the ground, to catch
The answer to his cry.
And he hears the rough winds blowing,
And the waters rise and fall,
But never an answer comes to him,
Save the echo of his call.
He sees no hope, no succor,
His feeble voice is lost;
Yet what shall he do but watch and wait,
Though he perish at his post!
So, faintly calling and crying
Till the sun is under the sea;
Crying and moaning till the stars
Come out for company;
He thinks of his brother and sister,
Asleep in their safe warm bed;
He thinks of his father and mother,
Of himself as dying – and dead;
And of how, when the night is over,
They must come and find him at last:
But he never thinks he can leave the place
Where duty holds him fast.”
[With the last word, Morrison pauses, then turns the music back up as he steps off the platform, the music (Carol of the Bells) clashing awkwardly with his words]
[The crowd slowly and awkwardly begins to talk again, a little uncertain]
Sam Bailey
Jesus Christ…
Bill Tyler
You okay over there, Sam?
Sam Bailey
What? Oh… Yeah. Is he always like that, uh…?
Bill Tyler
Bill. We met at the briefing last week.
Sam Bailey
Right. Is Morrison always that… Intense?
Bill Tyler
Only when he’s had a few. I mean, I’ve met sad drunks and angry drunks and funny drunks, but Morrison’s the only person I know who gets more serious when he’s drinking.
Sam Bailey
[Under his breath] Of course he is.
Bill Tyler
I’m sure he does actually feel that way… It just doesn’t come up much, you know? He just – really believes in what we’re doing here.
Sam Bailey
Hm. And what about you?
Bill Tyler
What about me?
Sam Bailey
Do you believe in it?
Bill Tyler
Uh… Well, yeah, I guess so. I mean… We’re keeping people safe. And, and… we’re helping the community, and that’s…
[Cassette noises]
Yeah. I do.
[Click]
[Cassette noises]
[Click]
[Static]
[Footsteps on concrete floor]
[Distant rumbles of underground machinery and low voices]
[Three gentle, polite knocks]
[Door opens]
Andrew Sheridan
[Small, nervous chuckle] Uh… knock knock?
[Rolling office chair moves]
Edgar Morrison
Yes — uh, hello. Can I help you?
Andrew Sheridan
I certainly hope so, uh… they told me to report to the army liaison for my briefing packet?
Edgar Morrison
Ah, you’re one of our science consultants.
Andrew Sheridan
That’d be me. Uh Sheridan, [Door closes] Andrew Sheridan.
[Footsteps]
Edgar Morrison
Nice to meet you, Mr. Sheridan. Let me just see if I can find your paperwork in here…
[Papers shuffling]
[Papers continue shuffling]
Andrew Sheridan
You, uh… need a hand there?
Edgar Morrison
No no, I’ve got it… still figuring out where everything– Ah! [Pulls out folder from pile] Here we go… Andrew Sheridan.
Andrew Sheridan
Thanks, uh…
Edgar Morrison
Ed… uh, Second Lieutenant Edgar Morrison, US Army Liasson.
Andrew Sheridan
Thanks, Ed, appreciate it.
[Andrew takes the folder and flips it open]
Christ, how much of this am I actually supposed to read?
[Pages turn throughout]
Edgar Morrison
You do realize the nature of the job you’ve signed up for?
Andrew Sheridan
Mmm hmm… top secret, need-to-know, red tape and firing squads, all that jazz. Huh.
Edgar Morrison
This project is of vital strategic importance, Mr. Sheridan. You do understand that, don’t you?
Andrew Sheridan
Yeah, yeah, I know a lot of people up in Washington have a stick up their ass over… uh hey, what’s this section about “fraternization?”
Edgar Morrison
Let me see?
[Andrew turns folder around, Ed reads]
That’s the facility’s non-fraternization policy. Long story short, keep yourself to yourself when you’re off-base, and we won’t have any problems.
Andrew Sheridan
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Edgar Morrison
It means that we should all consider ourselves operatives in hostile territory for the duration of this project. Based on our reports, Oslow County is full of communist sympathizers, hippies, and political agitators.
Andrew Sheridan
Huh. Sounds like my kind of place.
[Page turns]
[Tense beat]
Edgar Morrison
You’re not a communist, are you Mr. Sheridan?
Andrew Sheridan
Well I am an American, so I hardly get a choice in the matter do I?
[Pages continue turning]
Edgar Morrison
Mr. Sheridan, I must advise you–
Andrew Sheridan
Cool your jets Lieutenant, I’m not a fucking spy. I might not like Nixon very much, but I also don’t have any interest in getting myself shot. Plus my recruiter was well aware of my, uh… political leanings before I was hired. I know I’m on about the shortest leash the DOD could find.
[Long beat]
Edgar Morrison
[DEEP BREATH] Are you actually capable of taking anything seriously?
Andrew Sheridan
My work. That’s why you people hired me in the first place, right? I might not be as keen to do things by the book as you are, but I can assure you, I take my work deadly serious, Lieutenant Morrison.
[Beat]
Edgar Morrison
Well. So long as you understand that you are here to do that work at the behest of the US Government, then I think you and I will get along just fine, Mr. Sheridan.
Andrew Sheridan
I should hope so.
[Footsteps]
[Door opens]
[Andrew stops]
Edgar Morrison
Uh… Is there something else you need?
[Beat]
Andrew Sheridan
Andrew.
Edgar Morrison
Excuse me?
[Beat]
Andrew Sheridan
Call me Andrew.
[Click]
[Silence]
[Click]
[Car engine from inside]
Edgar Morrison
Are you sure he said he was heading east?
Bill Tyler
Yeah, I’m pretty sure… I mean, he said he had college friends out in Montana, so I think he’s trying to reach them.
Edgar Morrison
Not terribly bright of Sam. Especially not when he told you where he was going.
Bill Tyler
Well… He wasn’t exactly in the best state of mind. He probably didn’t even realize what he was telling me.
Edgar Morrison
Hmm. It’s a damned shame.
[Sighs]
What a waste of potential.
Bill Tyler
Sir… You knew he had… Issues when you hired him. Should you really be surprised that he…
Edgar Morrison
He just needed the right push Bill, that’s all. I just miscalculated how far I could push him.
Bill Tyler
Chief Morrison, Sam was… Look, I’m not sure, but I’m pretty sure
Sam was trying to kill himself.
Edgar Morrison
Really?
Bill Tyler
Well, you know he doesn’t drink, but he came home from the station with a few six packs of… Well, honestly, the cheapest beer I’ve ever seen. And his meds, well – they don’t mix well with alcohol.
Edgar Morrison
Hmm. Not exactly elegant. I wonder if it would have worked?
Bill Tyler
Sir? He’s your officer…
Chief Morrison
Was. Was.
Bill Tyler
He was your officer. You recruited him while he was still in the hospital. He was a suspect in the Agate Shore case, but you gave him the benefit of the doubt anyways. And he was…
Edgar Morrison
I know that, Bill. If you’re trying to make a point, then stop dancing around it.
Bill Tyler
Sir, you clearly wanted him in the department. You must have seen something in him, so – what changed?
Edgar Morrison
You were keeping an eye on him. You tell me.
Bill Tyler
Sir, I… I’d prefer not to talk about that.
Edgar Morrison
Why? You seemed happy enough to spy on him before.
Bill Tyler
It’s not that, it’s… I think I might have helped push him over the edge.
Edgar Morrison
What do you mean?
Bill Tyler
Well, that… that tape you had me hide with Sheridan’s. The one from Agate Shore. I think that might have been what set him off. And if I hadn’t gotten to him in time, then maybe…
Edgar Morrison
[Annoyed sigh] Bill, if Sam had gone through with it, then that would have been his fault, not yours. I gave him every opportunity to get out, but he still kept coming in to the station. He kept working. He kept pushing. I respected him for that, but if he couldn’t see the cliff before he raced off the edge, that’s his problem, not ours. End of story.
[Awkward silence]
Bill Tyler
Sir… no disrespect, but if you thought he couldn’t handle the pressure – then don’t you think you should’ve let him go? Not hired him in the first place, I mean?
Edgar Morrison
[Sighs] Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t know. Probably not worth losing sleep over, in either case. Now put your foot down, Tyler, we need to close the gap.
Bill Tyler
Yes… Sir.
[The engine revs before…]
[Click]
[Silence]
[Fade to…]
[A quiet hospital ward late in the evening]
[Heart rate monitor beeping]
[Fabric rustling]
Edgar Morrison
It’s remarkably lucky that you’re alive right now. I do hope you know that, in whatever way you can. That you know just how fortunate it is that you survived your little… encounter. For both of us.
[Sighs]
I do wonder how much of it you’ll remember, though. Really remember, that is. Experiences like this… They tend to recede into the realm of the half-remembered. Of dreams and nightmares. And if the doctors are right about the extent of your injuries… Then it might be gone completely.
I do hope it’s only the memory that’s lost. We need the rest of you here: your abilities, your obsession, your drive. If any of this is going to work, then we need all that you have to offer us.
[Chuckles]
I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we. Yes… Wait and see what comes out of all this.
[Footsteps]
[He leans closer]
Make it a good one, yes? For your sake, if no one else’s.
[Cassette player motor whirs, stops]
[Click]
[Silence]
[Click]
[Interior of a hospital room, with a heart rate monitor beeping slowly]
[Sam moves his manacle]
Sam Bailey
So… Am I under arrest now?
Edgar Morrison
[From the corner] That depends.
[Sam jumps]
Sam Bailey
Chief! I didn’t realize you were…
Edgar Morrison
That’s the idea. You’re dismissed, Tyler.
Bill Tyler
Uh… Yes… Sir.
[Bill’s footsteps retreat]
[Door opens, then closes]
Edgar Morrison
[Walking closer] Sam…
Sam Bailey
Sir, I take full responsibility for my actions — I made a poor decision and it…
Edgar Morrison
[Sitting on the edge of the bed] I am so, so proud of you.
Sam Bailey
I… Sir?
Edgar Morrison
[Laughing warmly] I was expecting a lot from you, but my god! I was worried you were going off the rails a bit there at the end, but now…
Sam Bailey
Sir, what are you talking about? I… I stole an impounded vehicle and I violated…
Edgar Morrison
Ah, details, details! Means to an end, and nothing we can’t find a way to sweep under the rug.
Sam Bailey
What… end? What are you talking about?
Edgar Morrison
The Echo, Sam! God, not even Sheridan was able to take care of that thing, and she was trying for years…
Sam Bailey
So it’s true then. You knew about the Echo. Before all this.
Edgar Morrison
I had a team working the case for months before I gave it to you Sam. You think I didn’t have them listening to the exact same tapes you had? You think you’re the only one who could’ve figured it all out?
Sam Bailey
So you knew who she was? When I brought her into the station?
Edgar Morrison
Well… yes. We were actually pretty well acquainted at that point. And I’m sorry about that, but… I couldn’t let you know that I knew. Not at that point, anyway.
Sam Bailey
Then why would… Why did you fire me? Why did you let me think I was…
Edgar Morrison
Because you needed to figure this out on your own. Find your own way to the truth. That’s the way it’s always been, with people like you: no one can tell you what you are.
Sam Bailey
[Sighs] I could have used a hint.
Edgar Morrison
[Laughs] And would you have believed me? You’d just barely accepted the existence of the supernatural when you blundered into that halfway house… [He sighs] Do you really think you’d believe me if I said you weren’t human?
Sam Bailey
[Sighs] So. I’m really not human. She was telling the truth.
Edgar Morrison
Mmm.. the truth, as she knew it… And only in the way she thought would hurt you the most.
Sam Bailey
But you knew, right? About all of it. God, that’s why you were in such a rush to hire me in the first place.
Edgar Morrison
Exactly.
Sam Bailey
Why?
Edgar Morrison
I have my own reasons. And you don’t need to know them in order to…
Sam Bailey
[Scoffs} Are you fucking kidding me? After everything you’ve put me through? You owe me an explanation, Morrison.
Edgar Morrison
I don’t owe you a thing, Bailey. But, I guess you have earned some answers, at least.
I’ve always known Agate Shore was an… unusual place, let’s say. Even more so than small towns usually are. It was built on the banks of a lake that never was quite what it seemed. Anna discovered the same thing when she passed through, through you cut her exploration a bit short when you… Well.
Sam Bailey
Wait, wait… You… you knew that I blew up the dam?
Edgar Morrison
Sam, I didn’t just have Sheridan’s tapes all those months… I had yours. So yes, I knew that you blew up the dam. I actually covered some of your tracks to make sure no one else found them… You were a bit sloppy, to be honest.
In any case… I knew exactly what you did. That’s what convinced me to hire you the most.
Sam Bailey
Wait, what? You… You hired me because I…
Edgar Morrison
Because you were willing to do whatever it took to destroy that threat. You saw the danger, recognized it for what it was, and took drastic steps to remove it.
Sam Bailey
Sir, I broke the law. I must have destroyed… Millions of dollars in…
Edgar Morrison
Of course you broke the law. Because you understand what so many people can’t accept… that there’s a natural order to things. One that’s higher than any law. And when the creatures and monsters rise up out of the dark to threaten it — they need to be put back in their place, by any means necessary. Without people like you and me — people who will act swiftly, and without mercy or hesitation — our entire civilization will dissolve into ruin, and chaos.
Sam Bailey
What about Sheridan? Was she like you too?
Edgar Morrison
[Scoffs] Don’t get me started on Sheridan. She’s even worse than the monsters, in my book. We wouldn’t have had to deal with the Echo at all, if she’d just let it be. God knows how many other monsters she let loose on this world because of her stupidity. I’m glad she’s gone.
Sam Bailey
And what about me? Where do I fit in to all this?
Edgar Morrison
[He sighs, shifts, and switches off the heart rate monitor]
You walk a very, very thin line, Bailey.
Are you human? Not entirely. You have your memories, your identity from before you went into that water. Physically, biologically, you’re a human being… Just as much as the Echo was. But what you really are?
I don’t know. When the Echoes died, their bodies just — completely disintegrated. These entities — forces, powers, whatever you want to call them — can create things that seem indistinguishable from reality. The Beechwood Monster. De Witt. Golems. Hell-hounds. All as real and dangerous as they seem.
But take away that power, that force of will that created them, and what’s left? Nothing. Less than nothing.
You’re a memory of the Sam Bailey that was — an idea of what that Sam Bailey might have become. You have free will… Or at least, you believe you do. I can’t say for sure. You’re still a person, but… Are you really human? Well… could a human have done what you did to the Echo?
Sam Bailey
So what do you want from me?
Edgar Morrison
[Chuckles] Hmm… You know the funny thing about sheepdogs?
Sam Bailey
Sheepdogs?
Edgar Morrison
Yeah. Sheepdogs. They protect their flocks from all kinds of dangers… Bears, mountain lions, thieves… But most of all, they keep away the wolves. The funny thing is, though…
[He leans in]
They used to be wolves themselves, not so long ago.
Sam Bailey
[Breathes in] Sir… if I’m not injured, and I’m not under arrest… Then I’d like to go now. If that’s alright with you.
Edgar Morrison
Bailey, if you’re not with me on this…
Sam Bailey
I need to sleep on it. On all of it.
Edgar Morrison
Of course you do. I actually think you just need to sleep, period. Here, let me get the handcuffs…
[He unshackles Sam from the gurney]
[Sam stands and crosses the room]
Edgar Morrison
But I expect to hear back from you by tomorrow morning. Understood?
[Sam stops]
Sam Bailey
Whose body was that?
Edgar Morrison
Excuse me?
Sam Bailey
Whose body was that, in De Witt’s freezer? Down in the morgue?
Edgar Morrison
Nobody important.
Sam Bailey
Who?
Edgar Morrison
I don’t know his name. Somebody no one will miss.
Sam Bailey
Hmm.
[Door opens]
Means to an end.
[Sam exits]
[Bill re-enters]
Bill Tyler
Sir, is… is he okay to leave right now?
Edgar Morrison
A little too okay, actually.
Bill Tyler
Sir… is everything okay?
Edgar Morrison
I think we might have a problem, Bill. A very big problem.
[Notices the tape recorder]
Wait, was this recording the whole…
[Click]
[Silence]
[Click]
[Noisy dive bar ambience]
[Upbeat music blares from a jukebox in the background]
[Laughter and chatter of around 40 patrons]
Andrew Sheridan
I’m telling you Ed, Mariner 10 is going to change the game, big time!
Edgar Morrison
[Chuckles] Calm down Andrew, it’s just another space probe… waste of taxpayer dollars, if you ask me.
[Edgar takes a drink as Andrew speaks]
Andrew Sheridan
No, but you don’t get it… interplanetary gravity assist changes everything for space exploration. They’re already talking about sending Mariner 11 all the way out to Jupiter and Saturn, and once it’s out there god knows how far it could go!
Edgar Morrison
[Laughs fondly] Yeah yeah, it’s definitely a fun little toy for the boys back at NASA.
Andrew Sheridan
[Scoffs lightheartedly] Hey now, don’t go badmouthing NASA… I might wanna join those fun little boys down in Canaveral after all this is through.
Edgar Morrison
Oh come on now… a man of your talents?
Andrew Sheridan
[Laughs] Where else would I go? Can’t keep getting myself hired for mysterious DOD ops forever, now can I?
[Beat]
Edgar Morrison
Maybe you could… if I kept putting in a good word for you.
Andrew Sheridan
[Chuckles into drink] Tempting. But… something tells me neither of us are going to get re-hired after MK wraps up.
Edgar Morrison
Why is that?
Andrew Sheridan
[Beat, shrugs] I dunno… I mean, you’ve seen the results from trial 14. A year and a half gone, and we’ve barely raised the Psy-wave threshold above 20 hertz, and any hope of remote viewing depends on–
Edgar Morrison
Are you sure we should be talking about this here?
Andrew Sheridan
What? [Beat] Oh, yeah, we’re totally fine… nobody’s listening.
Edgar Morrison
Are you sure? What if somebody recognizes us?
Andrew Sheridan
They’re not gonna, Ed… and besides, even if they did, they wouldn’t say anything.
[Beat]
Edgar Morrison
What makes you say that?
[Song ends in background, another begins after a moment]
Andrew Sheridan
Because, if they said anything, they’d have to admit they were here too… and nobody at this bar would ever tell a government official they’re a patron. Not unless they want to risk 1 to 6 at Nevada State.
Edgar Morrison
What’s that supposed to–
[In the background, a pair of men laugh loudly]
Oh, Jesus Christ, Andrew.
Andrew Sheridan
Hey, hey, I figured we needed to get somewhere off base to celebrate, Captain.
Edgar Morrison
And you thought here was the best choice?
Andrew Sheridan
[Chuckles] I know, I know… no “fraternization” with the locals, but… it’s just the two of us Ed, and this is about the only place in Oslow where we can drink in peace and nobody will ask our business.
[Andrew picks up his glass, ice cubes tinkling]
Plus you look like a cop anyways, so no one would want to–
Edgar Morrison
Alright! Alright. Enough.
[Andrew chuckles, then lifts his glass]
Andrew Sheridan
Here’s to you Ed… and to many more nights worth celebrating.
Edgar Morrison
And to you, Andrew — for making sure I get out of that damn bunker every now and then.
[Their glasses clink]
[Click]
[Silence]
[Click]
[An apartment building in Oslow – faint traffic in the distance, but otherwise quiet]
[The sounds of some kind of soft music drift through the door. Morrison knocks a few times]
Edgar Morrison
Oslow County Police Department [a car nearby comes to a stop] – Father Timothy sent us.
Hello? Is anyone there? We’d just like to talk.
[A moment of silence]
Possessed Host
[Through door, slightly distorted] Come in…
[A half-beat, then Morrison opens the front door and steps inside. Bill follows him in]
[Bill shuts the door behind them. Light, calming, instrumental music drifts in from the next room, almost like what you’d hear in a therapist’s waiting room]
Edgar Morrison
Hello? My name is Chief Edgar Morrison, and this is Lieutenant Bill Tyler. We’re here to help.
[A set of soft footsteps approach, then stop as they enter the room]
Possessed Host
[Their voice is distorted, discordant, almost fuzzy] Are you now… Glad you finally made it…
Edgar Morrison
You were… Expecting us? Did Father Timothy tell you we were coming?
Possessed Host
[Dark laugh] We… Were expecting… You. The other…
Edgar Morrison
Are you in any danger, uh… I’m sorry, the father didn’t give us your name.
Possessed Host
[Delighted laugh] Of course he didn’t… It would be easier to tell you all the names we have not had…
[Beat, noticing the music]
Oh – let me turn this off.
[They walk away to turn off the music]
Edgar Morrison
Bill, there’s a stack of mail on the counter – see if there’s anything with their name visible.
[The music stops]
[Edgar turns to the Possessed Host, walking closer]
[In the background, Bill shuffling through papers]
[The gentle bubble of a rice cooker in the background]
Edgar Morrison
So what seems to be the problem? You look like you’re doing… Alright.
Possessed Host
Problem?
Edgar Morrison
Why did you call the diocese?
Possessed Host
Oh. [Giggles] Because… Chief Edgar Morrison… We wanted to see you. We did say as much…
Edgar Morrison
Tyler, you got a name yet?
Bill Tyler
No – it’s all mostly junk mail, Sir.
Possessed Host
You attach such… importance to names. Flimsy little things, yet so powerful…
Edgar Morrison
Do you believe yourself to be in any danger at the present moment?
Possessed Host
What an… Interesting question.
Edgar Morrison
Have you done anything that might cause harm to yourself or others?
Possessed Host
Not… As such. Not as you’re thinking. The only danger seems to come from the fury of others, when we help them… See themselves. It tends to make them… Rather volatile.
Speaking of which… [They move] Would you like to take a seat?
Edgar Morrison
Excuse me?
Possessed Host
That couch over there is quite comfortable… [they sit] We’ll sit right here, across from you. Bill… Feel free to make yourself… Comfortable.
Bill Tyler
Uh… Sure? [He pulls out a chair and sits] Thanks?
Edgar Morrison
I’m sorry, but this is getting –
Possessed Host
Please. We insist.
[A momentary pause, then Morrison walks to the couch and sits down]
Edgar Morrison
Alright. Now what?
Possessed Host
[Almost a therapist’s tone] How close are you?
Edgar Morrison
How close am I to what?
Possessed Host
[They scoff] Oh come now, Edgar… Feigning ignorance will get you nowhere with us.
Edgar Morrison
I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Possessed Host
What do you think the odds of it working are? Your equipment, your… [chuckle] team. Your own faculties. They’re all a bit… Worn out, aren’t they? Worn thin.
Edgar Morrison
Keep pushing, and you’ll see exactly how “worn out” I am.
Possessed Host
[Chuckling] You can hurt the one we speak through… But not us. Do you really think you can afford to hurt another member of the community? How much will your masters be willing to overlook before they start to tighten your leash?
Edgar Morrison
You can’t possibly know any of that.
Possessed Host
And yet…
Edgar Morrison
No matter what the commission board says… No matter how much they slash our funding… I will fight until my very last breath to protect those in my care from whatever threatens them.
Possessed Host
[Knowing laugh] You will… Indeed.
Edgar Morrison
Why did you call Father Timothy, if you don’t feel you’re in danger?
Possessed Host
We could not get to you… Not right away. So we got to him. We knew he was… Feeble hearted… And that he would call on you when his will broke.
[Unnerving laugh] You may want to… Check up… on the Oslow Diocese. The shepherds are asleep, and there are wolves ready to their place.
Bill Tyler
[Shifting his chair forward] Listen, if you’re not afraid for your own well-being, then we should probably just –
[The Possessed Host turns to look at him, their neck cracking and popping as they turn their head all the way around… the long way]
Bill Tyler
Oh, God…
Possessed Host
There is fear where there is no danger, and danger where there is no fear, Bill Tyler… Remember this.
Bill Tyler
You’re not… We’re not any danger to you. You can trust us, I promise. If you need help, we can reach out to some people and see what we can do… Maybe take you to a counselor who can help with –
Edgar Morrison
Tyler. Close the blinds.
Bill Tyler
Sir?
[Beat]
Yes sir.
[Bill crosses the room and closes the blinds. Morrison stands up, walking towards the Possessed Host. They laugh at his approach]
Edgar Morrison
No, no, no, no… Don’t get up. You look very comfortable, sitting there.
Possessed Host
How… Considerate of you…
Bill Tyler
Chief, what are you –
Edgar Morrison
Let me do the talking, Bill.
[Deep breath]
I’ll ask you once more time. Why did you call us here? What do you want?
Possessed Host
We wanted to warn you… To show you yourself… And what you will become, if you remain on this path. We wanted to offer you… A meditation…
Edgar Morrison
If that’s all you want, then say your piece and be done with it. I have more important things to be dealing with than your nonsense.
[The Possessed laughs, the sound growing more deranged as they arch back on the wings of the chair]
[Distortion grows on the tape]
Possessed Host
[variations in tone and volume, echoing] Quisque suos patimur manes… Quisque suos patimur manes… Quisque! [heavy distortion, rice cooker bubbling over] Suos! Patimur! Manes!
[Morrison jumps back, drawing his gun]
Edgar Morrison
Hands on your head, now!
Bill Tyler
Chief, they’re –
Edgar Morrison
Stay out of this, Tyler!
[The Possessed Host grows quiet, but the heavy distortion & bubbling over in the background continue]
Possessed Host
We needed… A vessel. To deliver this message. A tool for our mission…
You understand that… Don’t you? Using people for your… [mocking scoff] “Righteous crusade?”
Edgar Morrison
How much pain are you inflicting on your… Host?
Possessed Host
[High-pitched, somehow distant laugh] We are… Comfortably sharing space. They needed help, and the father… the diocese… everyone failed them. Told them they were wrong. We’re helping them to… Work through their demons. Make peace with them.
[Possessed laughs]
[Morrison steps forward]
Edgar Morrison
[For the body cam, obvious lie] I’m warning you, if you reach for my weapon again, I’ll have no choice but to –
Bill Tyler
Chief, they didn’t…
Edgar Morrison
You make one move… Any move at all… And I send you back to the abyss you came from. Back to the drawing board.
Bill Tyler
Chief?
Possessed Host
Oh? And you think this will… Help you? Turn this little battle in your favor? We are legion, Edgar Morrison.
Edgar Morrison
You’ve got a point. Maybe I just need to lock you up. Put you in a hole and throw away the key.
[Bill finally steps forward]
Bill Tyler
Edgar, put that gun away right now before –
[Edgar turns, cocking and pointing his gun at Bill]
Bill Tyler
Chief… What are you doing?
Edgar Morrison
Stay out of this, Tyler, or you’re…
[The Possessed laughs, and Morrison growls, turning and knocking them to the ground. They try to scramble away, but Morrison puts one foot on their chest and the gun against their forehead]
Edgar Morrison
You came here to deliver a warning, huh? Then tell me! I’m here goddammit, so just say it!
[The Possessed finishes laughing]
Possessed Host
We simply came here to show you…
Your irrelevance. Your impotence. Your ignorance in the face of all you claim to understand.
Quisque… Suos… Patimur… Manes…
[Bill steps forward again, drawing his own gun]
Bill Tyler
Morrison, get off of them. Now.
Edgar Morrison
[Disoriented, confusion hitting him] I… I can’t…
Bill Tyler
You’ve done enough. Get out of here. Wait for me in the car. Now!
[Morrison hesitates, then steps back, shaking a little bit]
Edgar Morrison
Tyler, I…
Bill Tyler
Just – just go, Chief!
[Morrison stands there a moment, then walks out of the house]
Possessed Host
[whispered, varied speeds, continues in background]
Quisque suos patimur manes… quisque suos patimur manes… quisque suos patimur manes… quisque suos patimur manes…
Bill Tyler
[Holsters his gun] It’s alright, you can, uh… I’m going to help you up now, alright? My weapon is secured, and I won’t go for it, I promise. Then we can talk, okay? And if you need me to call you a doctor, then –
[Heavy distortion rises once more, the apartment shaking]
[The Possessed begins to shake, rising from the floor slightly]
Possessed Host
Be careful, Bill Tyler… Ethos… Anthropos… Daimon!
[The Host breathes out, almost screaming, as the spirit leaves their body and they drop back to the floor. Distortion quiets. They lie still for a moment, then cough, sitting up]
Bill Tyler
What the hell…
[Click]
[A diner in the late 70’s – scattered conversations, forks scraping plates, coffee pouring, and cash register chiming]
[A laid-back guitar solo on a rock track plays on a jukebox]
[The front door bell chimes as someone enters, continue
to walk to a booth]
[A young scientist folds a newspaper and sets it aside as Edgar Morrison, age 22, slides into the booth]
Andrew Sheridan
You heard about Skylab 3? They’re ready for crewed missions again.
Edgar Morrison
Glad they didn’t let one failure set them back completely, huh?
Andrew Sheridan
Lucky they had the option.
[He folds the paper and sets it down]
Edgar Morrison
Never thought you were such a quitter. You saw the same things I did in that lab. You’re really just going to leave it there? You’re really going to let that stand?
[A waitress approaches]
Waitress
More coffee?
Andrew Sheridan
Please.
[She pours in his cup]
Waitress
Anything for you, sir?
Edgar Morrison
Just coffee, thank you.
[She turns over a mug and pours him a cup, then retreats]
Andrew Sheridan
[He sighs] Well? You called me here with some grand notion of a plan. Care to tell me what it is?
Edgar Morrison
How can you just sit there, knowing what you do?
Andrew Sheridan
And what – exactly – do I know?
Edgar Morrison
Don’t pretend like you’ve already forgotten. Like you’re still sleeping sound at night.
Andrew Sheridan
[He sighs again] Edgar. Listen to me. Did you see anything unusual when you walked in here?
Edgar Morrison
What do you mean?
Andrew Sheridan
Exactly my point. If you’d been paying attention, then you would have seen the Bagman sitting in the corner booth when you came in here.
[Edgar turns to look, worried]
No, don’t – Don’t turn around. Jesus, Edgar.
[Edgar turns back]
Edgar Morrison
You knew this place was being watched? Then why did you want to meet me here?
Andrew Sheridan
I didn’t. I already know what you’re going to say, and I already know what my answer will be.
[The waitress walks back hesitantly]
Waitress
You two… Need anything else?
Edgar Morrison
We’re fine, thank you.
Waitress
And, uh – you, sir?
Edgar Morrison
I said –
Andrew Sheridan
We’re all set here. Thank you.
[The waitress hesitates, then retreats]
Edgar Morrison
Well if you’re so keen to speak for me… What am I going to say?
Andrew Sheridan
Could be any number of things. But they’d all boil down to me staying and helping you go against orders, and that’s not going to happen. They’ve shut us down, Edgar. That’s the end of it.
[A long pause passes between them. Finally…]
Edgar Morrison
Alright. Alright. I think you’ve done enough talking.
[He leans in]
I have never seen anything like what happened in that lab. And it’s messed me up. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I can’t stop thinking about who we lost. I need to find a way to make it right. I– I have to stay here. I need to make sure this never happens again, and if that means continuing the research, well I’m –
Andrew Sheridan
Keep it down, Edgar – you’re getting worked up.
Edgar Morrison
[Striking the table with his fist, rattling the silverware] I damn sure hope I am. The fact you’re not is what’s wrong with this situation.
Andrew Sheridan
I’m moving on, Edgar. I suggest you do the same. Find a post somewhere quiet. Leave the army, if you have to. But forget this ever happened. Not just for your safety – think about your family, your friends. [He stands] Hell, think about the ones who didn’t make it if you have to. But don’t let this eat you up. Please.
[A pause]
Besides… That door will open again someday. I’m sure of that. And I don’t think either of us want to be here when it does.
[With that, the scientist stands, pulls out his wallet, and puts a few bills and a rattling coin on the table]
Edgar Morrison
Where could you possibly go after what you’ve seen?
Andrew Sheridan
Iowa.
[He puts a hand on Edgar’s shoulder]
You take care of yourself, Edgar.
[He walks away]
[Cassette noises]
[Click]
[Silence]
[The echoing sound of work lights coming on]
[A computer buzzes to life]
[Someone typing on a keyboard]
[Beep]
[Inside the MKCTS Facility]
[Bill collapses in his cage, panting. Morrison and Leroux can be heard arguing faintly through the tinny speaker]
Edgar Morrison
Anything?
Ned Leroux
Close. We’re close.
Edgar Morrison
How close is close?
Ned Leroux
A few days. Just a couple more days, and the aperture should be small enough to close on its own.
Edgar Morrison
We might not have a couple more days. We might not have a couple more hours. If Bailey realizes Bill is gone and decides to do something about it –
Ned Leroux
What do you want me to do? Bend the laws of paranormal metaphysics even further than we already have? Push all of the subjects past their breaking point? We do that, and then it’ll be you who’s back to square one.
Edgar Morrison
Try not to sound so pleased about the idea.
Ned Leroux
If I thought that –
[An odd static rises over Bill’s speaker]
[Ned stops suddenly, distracted by something]
Edgar Morrison
What is it?
Ned Leroux
Nothing, just… An odd feeling.
[Pause]
I need to get some fresh air.
Edgar Morrison
What, now?
Ned Leroux
I’ll start the next trial as soon as I’m back, I just need to… Deal with something.
Edgar Morrison
[Sighing] Fine. Make it fast.
[Ned hurries out of the room, pulling the heavy creaking door shut as he leaves]
[Morrison looks over at Bill’s cage, then chuckles]
Edgar Morrison
How you doing in there, Bill?
Bill Tyler
[Weak, pained] Fuck… You….
[Edgar chuckles, amused]
Edgar Morrison
At least you still have some spirit. More than Hyde, at least. Not that it will do you much good – not in there.
Bill Tyler
[Weak, shuddering] You’re… You’re not going to get away with… Someone’s going to figure out…
Edgar Morrison
Figure out what? That I’m keeping monsters locked up in a government facility nobody knows exists? At best, they’ll be dismissed as crazy – at worst, a liar. And even if people accept that monsters exist… Well, no one will object to my trying to fix one of my own mistakes.
Bill Tyler
What are you… What?
Edgar Morrison
We’re trying to close a door, Tyler. A door I helped open a long time ago.
[Slight pause, he figures it doesn’t hurt to tell tales to a dead man]
I was two months out of officer training when I was assigned here… Middle of the Cold War, the DOD throwing everything at the wall to see what stuck. The scientists who built this place were running experiments in parapsychology, testing the limits of the human brain. I thought most of it was nonsense, but I was here to serve my country.
Turns out, we were all stepping into the middle of a much older war. And when we opened that door into hell and let these things loose on Oslow county – hm, well… Andrew Sheridan ended up on the wrong side. As did his daughter.
Bill Tyler
What are you… Even talking about?
Edgar Morrison
I just thought you’d like to know why you’re here before your brain is burnt to a crisp. I thought I’d do you that favor, at least.
Bill Tyler
You’re… Sam was right. You’re insane.
Edgar Morrison
I’m the only person sane enough to know the truth. And you really should have killed Sam when I told you.
Bill Tyler
[Heavy] He’s my… My friend! Why would I… Would I…
Edgar Morrison
Because I had faith in you. In what you might become. What a disappointment you’ve turned out to be.
Bill Tyler
It’s… I’m not…
[Suddenly, the lights shut off with a heavy clunk]
Edgar Morrison
Dammit… Generator must have seized up again. Hope you’re not afraid of the dark, Tyler?
[Click]
[Silence]
[Fades to…]
[Two sets of feet on metal rungs as Edgar and Seb climb down into the tunnels]
[Their voices echo]
Seb Jenkins
What is this place?
Edgar Morrison
Where I learned the truth about the world. [sound of movement] Here… put these on, [the sound of velcro] there are still some hazardous materials being stored down here. Don’t want to get them on your skin.
[Seb slips the gloves on]
Seb Jenkins
This is where you worked before the PD?
Edgar Morrison
For about a year, yeah. I was an army brat straight out of officer training… My dad made sure I got assigned here, hoped it would keep me out of trouble.
[Stepping around old rubble, machinery]
Seb Jenkins
How the hell have I never heard of this place before?
Edgar Morrison
Nobody has. And neither one of us knows about it either, if you know what’s good for you.
Seb Jenkins
How far do these tunnels go?
Edgar Morrison
I’m not really sure… I still get lost in them sometimes, even after all these years.
Seb Jenkins
What are these markings on this door—?
[Morrison lunges forward, grabbing Seb’s gun]
[They struggle, Morrison gets it loose and fires]
[Seb grunts in pain and collapses]
[Morrison tries to catch his breath]
Seb Jenkins
You… why?
Edgar Morrison
You… you forced my hand, Seb, you left me no other choice.
Seb Jenkins
You won’t get away with this, you bastard.
Edgar Morrison
I think I will, actually. Nobody in the PD knows about this place, and no one else is going to risk saying anything. Besides… even if they do find you, the bullet came from your gun, not mine. And these gloves mean that the only fingerprints on it are yours.
Seb Jenkins
So that’s it then. You’re just gonna shoot me in the gut and leave me here to die!?
Edgar Morrison
I was hoping you might see reason. I didn’t want it to come to this.
Seb Jenkins
Oh, fuck off Morrison… don’t pretend this is anything but a way to save your own hide.
[Edgar steps closer]
Edgar Morrison
I have to keep Oslow safe. And I can’t do that if you spill the beans to Chief Wallace.
Seb Jenkins
Then kill me.
Edgar Morrison
I… what?
Seb Jenkins
If you want to keep your secret, then you’d better not leave me down here like this, because mark my words, I will find a way out. I will drag myself up that ladder if I have to. I will tell anyone who will listen about what you did and what you’ve done. I will make sure you can never show your face in this town again. And if no one believes me, then I will hunt you down like a dog and make you pay for all the lies you’ve told, and I’ll make sure it hurts like hell before I—
[BANG-Morrison fires again]
[Seb collapses]
[The echoes die off down the tunnels]
[Pause]
[Morrison retrieves something from a storage cache off the main hall]
[He walks to Seb]
[He pours gasoline on Seb’s body]
[He returns the gasoline]
[He strikes a match and drops it on Seb]
[The fire ignites, crackling]
[Morrison watches him burn]
[Cassette noises]
[Click]
[Silence]
[Click]
[Inside an echoing, vast stone tunnels]
[Footsteps, distantly-dripping water, and the movement of air can be heard]
[Spengler speaks into his recorder]
Ellis Spengler
My god… look at this place. It’s incredible… I wish you all could see what I’m seeing. Oh wow, there’s even some of the old program logos still left on the doors—
Ned Leroux
It’s a ruined tunnel, Spengler. It’s really not that impressive.
Ellis Spengler
Not to you, maybe. But I’ve been waiting to see this place for more than 40 years. I just wish it was under different circumstances. I mean, look at the size of it! It’s an underground cathedral, built to last a thousand years and all the nuclear fury of the Soviets! The engineering required to build it at all, much less in secret just outside a populated area… no project in human history compares. It’s a wonder of the modern world, and almost no one knows about it. [he laughs] It’s… it’s—
Ned Leroux
It’s the dead husk of a dream that was never going to come true. That’s all.
[They stop walking]
Ellis Spengler
Maybe not… and certainly not with Morrison leading the charge. But our reach is greater than one disgraced police chief in the middle of the desert. And our plans are measured in centuries, not decades. We’ll find a way… eventually.
Edgar Morrison
No… [Spengler gasps in alarm, spinning around] You won’t.
Ellis Spengler
What the hell, Edgar — you nearly gave me a heart attack!
Edgar Morrison
You knew I was down here… there’s no point in being afraid.
Ellis Spengler
Well, I was. Why’d you have to jump out at me like that?
Edgar Morrison
Follow.
[Morrison turns and walks through a darkened blast door, which creaks heavily on its hinges]
Ellis Spengler
Morrison? Morrison, wait… come back here!
[Spengler starts to follow]
Ned Leroux
Well, I guess I’ll be going now that you and Morrison are back together—
[Spengler turns to address him]
Ellis Spengler
You will come with me, or I’ll make sure you live to regret it.
[Spengler continues after Morrison, Ned follows after a reluctant sigh]
[Footsteps as they all proceed to the central chamber, stepping over chunks of broken concrete and equipment]
Ellis Spengler
Edgar, listen to me: you know why I’m here. You know what you’ve done. Just tell me… why? Why did you throw away everything we’ve worked for? Everything we promised you?
[Morrison gently clicks on some overhead lights]
[They slowly flicker on; he turns to face Spengler and Ned]
Edgar Morrison
And now we are brought into the light of truth… and he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be manifest.
Ellis Spengler
Jesus Edgar… when was the last time you ate?
[Morrison laughs darkly]
Edgar Morrison
Truly, I say unto you: I will not eat of the bread of this earth until the first heaven and the first earth are passed away, and the sea is no more.
[Ned takes a few steps back]
Ned Leroux
Spengler… I wouldn’t get any closer if I were you.
[Spengler steps closer as he addresses him]
Ellis Spengler
Listen, Edgar… You need to come back with me. We’ll get you some food and water — some fresh clothes, if we can find some. You need to—
[Morrison laughs, genuinely amused]
Edgar Morrison
Come back with you? No… no, I’ll not be going anywhere with you. You… you and your ilk have held me back for far too long. I never should have tied myself to your hollow promises and empty words. I never needed you — your money, your “influence,” your ridiculous ceremonies. I had what I needed all along, from the moment that door was opened. You’ve only ever slowed me down.
Ellis Spengler
You’re not well, Edgar. I can help you, you know I can…
[Morrison laughs, nearly wheezing]
Edgar Morrison
Help me? Help me!? Like you helped all those poor souls in your consulting room, pleading for your pity, your understanding, your mercy? How many of them did you “help?”
Ellis Spengler
How do you know about that?
Edgar Morrison
[small laugh before downshifting] Oh, I know more than that, Ellis… much, much more. I have seen you. The tearful child you once were, begging your mother to kiss you better when you scraped your knee, receiving silence and scorn that never quite went away. The quiet, fearful boy that you became, learning to fear that tremor in your father’s voice that warned you of his wrath. The pompous, prideful student you became when you left for university, learning to wield your parent’s name and wealth like a cudgel against any who dared to question you. [he sighs] And the cold, cruel doctor you became when all your insecurities at last bore fruit into the man you are now: sending all you viewed as unworthy of your grace to be locked away in the halls of institutions that would never try to cure them.
But your greedy hands could only reach so far, and the world changed — you were caught — and you were given the chance to retire with dignity because you were born from an old family with old money and all the privilege it conferred.
But before you did, you took your one last chance at petty revenge: when your mother came to the practice and confided that she was hearing voices in the empty halls of your childhood home, long bereft of your father’s brooding presence. She spent the last decade of her life locked away in a dark and dreary hospital, never seeing another friendly face before the end. And she cursed your name with her shaking, final breath.
Ellis Spengler
You can’t know that… you can’t know any of that!
Edgar Morrison
Can’t I? Can’t I!? For my eyes are quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, a discerner of thoughts and intentions of the heart. I know what you are, Doctor Ellis Spengler — even as you left your work in disgrace, you were called upon by those pompous fools who think they know the meaning of shadows… of silence… of knowledge. You used the secrets whispered by your clients to blackmail and bribe your way into power and wealth and privilege of all kinds — and all this, you fed into the open mouth of the beast without a name… those fools who worship at the foot of a god whose face they cannot ever truly know. Trading the knowledge of a safe and certain world for vague prophecies and mysteries that stirred their hearts to fanatic, foolish faith.
From the birth of your cult to the fall of Byzantium, all the way to the schism that split you from those who sought to catalog and understand the impossible things they witnessed rather than worship them… from then ‘til now, you have chosen ignorance over wisdom, power over stability, and pleasure over responsibility. Say what you will about those fools at ISPHA… at least they pretend to serve some greater good. At least they tried to follow their own beliefs. What good have you and your brothers ever sought, except your own endless self-gratification, filling your coffers by the blood of the innocent?
Ellis Spengler
There is no way you can know any of this… it’s not possible!
Edgar Morrison
Isn’t it?
Ellis Spengler
I burned every single record myself… and you know the other sponsors are even more thorough. There is no historical record — there never has been!
Edgar Morrison
Ooh… but there is. The path of misery and violence they’ve cut through this world cannot help but leave a trace — just not one that can be seen or heard or touched. But in the darkness… in the shadows… there is no silence. And when all my plans had come to ruin and death seemed near… I heard a voice… my own voice… the voice your mother heard, all those years ago. Asking what I would do to save myself… who I would give to save myself. In my fear, I made all the promises I could think of and more — promises I thought I’d never be able to keep. I promised it everything, everyone, to do any terrible deed it asked of me, if only it allowed me to live. And as one of the creatures of fire and stone I’d captured and lost sunk its red-hot claws into my chest and pulled out my heart… [he sighs] I felt myself change. The door that had been opened in this bunker oh-so-long ago finally opened again — opened fully, inside my soul — and the darkness and chaos I’d spent my entire life fighting flowed into and through me like liquid fire, tearing holes in the world around me through which the monsters who sought my death vanished in an instant.
Alone, I wandered these tunnels, unaware of who I was or where I was going. I felt like I would drown in the power that sought to fill me, and I was lost for many weeks — no longer eating or sleeping or drinking, but feeling no hunger or thirst or fatigue. As I wandered, I found myself adrift… the cage of my body falling away as I saw and heard things I should never have known — things long past, things far away… and things yet to come in the dark days ahead. And I realized… I’d been given a gift.
[his voice begins to sound distorted]
[a light buzzing begins on the recorder]
So I strove with the power inside my soul — wrestled with a being more great and powerful than any mortal mind could contain, and said: I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And I was blessed. I was victorious. And I saw the vast expanse of history stretching back to the birth of all universes, and the terror of the future which mankind shall bring forth in the days to come.
[distortion increases]
And I said behold: I am coming soon, and my reward is with me: to give to every man according to his work. I am the end of the ending, the watcher of the watchmen… the last of the first. And if my right hand offend me — I shall cut it off and cast it from me.
[moment of stunned silence]
Ellis Spengler
Ed, please… you’ve clearly suffered some kind of mental breakdown. We can figure this out, but first you have to leave these tunnels and come with me to—
Edgar Morrison
You think I am so blind that I do not know your mind? I have failed you and your little crusade, and you… you intend to kill me!
Ellis Spengler
No, of course not! I’m just trying to help you before you hurt—
Edgar Morrison
[growling] You Lie. That is all you do… you and your little boys club. Lie, and cheat, and play with powers you could not possibly comprehend. You are unworthy of the world I will create, Ellis Spengler — so now I take you from it.
[Morrison raises a hand; the universe tears open with a horrible rending sound and the crackle of flames]
[Static and distortion increases; Spengler’s scream stretches and distorts as he falls into the roiling chaos]
[The recorder falls to the ground; the tear slams shut]
[Static, and something that sounds like fire]
Ned Leroux
[breathing hard] Fucking hell.
[Morrison turns to look at him and laughs, growling in an exhale]
Edgar Morrison
Go: leave this place and this city and this desert far behind. Warn your friends the Searchers, if that is what you truly desire. You are already on the path to your own destruction, and I will not raise a hand against the doom which you have made yourself. Go.
[Ned bolts]
[Morrison laughs, low and guttural]
[The earth begins to rumble beneath his feet]
[Clack]
[Fades to…]
[Frantic radio chatter]
Seismography
Shit, did you all feel that?
Imaging
What the hell is that?
Medic
Is anyone hurt?
Sensors
Look at the size of that thing…
Coordination
All stations, tell me what you see.
Sensors
There’s nothing on any of the scopes, sir, but it could be a technical issue—
Drone Control
Forget the scopes, just look at it!
Communications
It’s a… it looks like Oslow, but… something’s wrong…
Seismography
Yeah no shit! There’s a fucking pyramid in the middle of it!
Coordination
Please limit the color commentary, seismography.
Medic
They’re right though… there’s some kind of large structure in the center of the city… Possibly a ziggurat.
Sensors
I’m seeing walls and guard towers too, sir… this really doesn’t look like any of the pictures of Oslow we have.
Coordination
Imaging, are we picking up anything?
Imaging
Negative, Coordination — no visual on camera, spectrograph, or x-ray, just a fuzzy black spot in the middle of the image. Some hazing around the edges, but nothing I can positively ID.
Seismography
But I can see it! It’s right fucking there!
[Brief pause]
Coordination
I’m patching in Director Caldwell’s office. [Beep; static pop] Director?
Dana Caldwell
I hear you, Joshua. What’s going on?
[Beeps during radio messages with distant team]
Coordination
Doctor Caldwell, it appears Oslow has re-emerged into normal space time, but it’s… different, somehow.
Dana Caldwell
Understood. All control personnel, remain at your posts and continue observations. Security, lock down all entrances and exits, I don’t want anyone getting in or out without my say-so.
Security Chief
Roger that, director.
Dana Caldwell
I’m on my way down, standby.
Security Chief
Security stations, sound off.
North Guard
North entrance, secure.
East Guard
East entrance, secure.
South Guard
South entrance, buttoned up tight.
West Guard
West entrance, secure.
Security Chief
Facility is secure, sir. All stations, stay on your toes and watch your six. Good luck.
[Beep]
[Silence]
[Beep; new CCTV footage in central observation]
[Caldwell buzzes the door to request entry]
[The sound of busy tapping]
Dana Caldwell
Caldwell to Observation — unseal door one.
[Footsteps to the door; beeps and chimes]
[The door unlocks and slides open with mechanical clunks and a hiss of air]
[Caldwell steps through, the door is sealed behind her]
Dana Caldwell
Status.
Coordination
Unchanged, Doctor Caldwell. We’re still receiving no usable data from the anomaly. Seismography detected a short burst of Rayleigh waves, but it barely registered a 1.6.
[Door finishes locking]
Dana Caldwell
Still nothing on any of the cameras?
Imaging
No sir… I’m running a full spectrum analysis and I’m still getting nothing. It’s almost like it’s being… censored, somehow.
[Caldwell steps forward]
Dana Caldwell
And yet we can all see it. Hmmm. [Muttering] What have you done, Ren?
IT
Did you say something, director?
Dana Caldwell
Nothing, it’s nothing. [Into radio; BEEP] Security team, report in.
Security Chief
All stations, sound off.
North Guard
All clear.
East Guard
All clear.
“South Guard”
All clear, chief.
West Guard
All clear as well, sir.
Security Chief
Facility is secure. Still recommend that all personnel remain at their stations until we know more.
Dana Caldwell
Agreed. We’re not going anywhere… not until we figure this out.
[Beeps of radio messages cease; looks around the room]
Where’s drone control?
Drone Control
Uh… right here, sir.
Dana Caldwell
Can you send something up to get a closer look?
Drone Control
Um… I should be able to. It might just be difficult figuring out a flight path if the onboard camera still doesn’t pick anything up, but I can give it a shot—
Dana Caldwell
Just get it done.
[Drone Control stammers slightly, then presses some buttons on their console]
[They grab the joystick]
Drone Control
Quadcopter one is in the air… I have picture.
Dana Caldwell
On monitor one.
[A flat-panel screen displays the drone’s picture, the whine of the drone’s motors heard over the speakers]
Drone Control
No change, director… the image is still negative.
Dana Caldwell
Move in closer, I want to see if the effect holds.
Drone Control
Roger that.
[The whine of the drone increases]
[Caldwell steps forward]
Dana Caldwell
Imaging, is that hazing I’m seeing consistent with the spectrographic images you took earlier—
Drone Control
AHHH!
[The image on the screen suddenly vanishes in a rush of static, a whine of feedback]
Dana Caldwell
What happened?
Drone Control
I uh… [They turn off the feed] the drone is offline, sir. It uh… something hit it.
[The room has grown quiet]
Dana Caldwell
What do you mean, something? Did you see it?
Drone Control
I, uh… I think I did, sir.
Dana Caldwell
…well?
Drone Control
…It looked like some kind of… hand.
[Pause]
[Caldwell’s phone buzzes]
Dana Caldwell
Excuse me for a moment. [Beep as she picks up; into phone] Caldwell.
ISPHA Lab Tech (over phone)
Director Caldwell, so sorry for calling you unannounced. This is Doctor Kumar… from the gravity observatory?
Dana Caldwell
Keep it brief Doctor, we’re dealing with a bit of a situation here.
ISPHA Lab Tech (over phone)
Sir, we just picked up a massive spike on our laser interferometer… we’re on call with LIGO to see if it was a glitch, but so far it seems to be an accurate reading.
Dana Caldwell
And?
ISPHA Lab Tech (over phone)
Doctor Caldwell, we’re detecting a large spike in gravitational waves, seemingly originating from a terrestrial source. Wherever they’re coming from… it’s close.
Dana Caldwell
…Doctor Kumar, there’s something unusual happening at Observation Post Ganymede — could the two be connected somehow—
[The phone call is interrupted with the sound of static and interference]
Dana Caldwell
Hello? Hello, Doctor Kumar? Can you hear me?
[The call hangs up]
Dana Caldwell
I need to borrow a cell phone… does anyone have reception in here?
[The members of the team check their phones and answer “No” in their own surprised and dismayed ways]
[A landline is hung back up]
Communications
The landline is dead too, Doctor Caldwell… not even getting dial tone.
[Typing]
IT
Looks like our internet connection is cut off too. I can only connect to the internal server.
[Radio beeps in conversation]
Dana Caldwell
Caldwell to security — anyone have eyes on the transmission array?
East Guard
Copy that director… I’ve got a visual, it looks like it’s still intact.
Dana Caldwell
Something must be interfering with the signal, then… [She steps towards Communications] are there any local radio stations we’ve been able to pick up from here?
Communications
Uh… I’ve been able to get the classical station from Arrowhead occasionally.
Dana Caldwell
Try to tune into that, then run a full sweep of AM and FM frequencies. We need to know if we’re not completely cut off.
Communications
Got it.
[Communications turns the radio on, the static shifting and whining as they search for a signal]
Communications
Ah… Negative on FM… [The radio turns off] checking AM.
[The AM section of the radio turns on, and they attempt to scan as before]
[A muffled voice emerges from the static]
Communications
I think I’ve got something, but it’s not—
Adrian Briggs
…oh children of Oslow! Behold, your king has risen from the depths of the earth out of the waters of creation, bringing with him this new paradise remade in the image of our savior! You may feel fear at a change so great and terrible, but fear not — for the fear of the god-king casts aside all troubles and woes. [The technician attempts to change the channel, but the message continues] He has come to judge the world in fire and spirit, and the wicked shall be cast down and utterly destroyed before him. But worry not, you who listen and watch from the dark, for he brings salvation even to you who rebel against his will… the annihilation of the self in service of the god—
Dana Caldwell (over the last line of the message)
Switch it off.
[Communications turns the radio off]
[Silence; pause]
[Radio beeps in conversation]
Security Chief
Security to Observation, come in Observation.
Dana Caldwell
Go ahead, Security.
Security Chief
Director Caldwell, we have a situation at the South entrance. We found a body.
[Pause]
Dana Caldwell
Can you identify it?
Security Chief
It’s Michael, sir… he was posted down here.
Dana Caldwell
How did he die?
Security Chief
…sir, it seems he was… burned to death.
[A distant, bloodcurdling scream]
[People react in quiet alarm]
IT
That came from the west entrance.
Dana Caldwell
Chief Thomason, gather up everyone you can find and report to Central Observation… I don’t want anyone else getting picked off.
Security Chief
U-Understood, sir. All hands, code red. Abandon your stations and gather everyone you can on your way to central observation.
East Guard
Copy that sir… I’m on my way.
“West Guard”
Roger WILCO, chief.
[Radio beeps in conversation cease]
Dana Caldwell
Stephen, we need to get word out to ISPHA HQ, now — they need to know what’s happening.
[Typing]
Communications
I’ve been trying to raise them on shortwave, but I can’t get a response — satellite and cell communication are still down.
Dana Caldwell
Whatever’s happening in Oslow, it must be interfering with the signals somehow… what about the high-gain antenna?
Communications
There aren’t any receiving stations in visual range, sir… Closest one is in California.
Dana Caldwell
That’s not what I’m suggesting. Could you tune into NASA’s deep- space network and bounce a signal off one of their lunar satellites?
Communications
A strong enough directional signal might be able to cut through this interference… but NASA probably wouldn’t be too happy about us hijacking their network for private communications.
[Distant scream]
Dana Caldwell
Inter arma enim silent leges. We need to warn them, now.
Communications
Understood, sir.
[They prepare the signal]
[A distant scream; then another]
Dana Caldwell
Stephen…
Communications
Mayday, mayday, mayday! This is ISPHA Observation Post Ganymede, transmitting in the blind. We are under attack by forces unknown and seeking immediate assistance in the Churchill County area. Mayday, mayday, mayday! Is anyone receiving?
[Tense moment of silence]
[A muffled voice becomes clearer]
Adrian Briggs (through the transmitter)
Trouble yourself not, oh watchers in the dark — for the silence beyond our dread lord’s domain is complete, that no word of heresy may pass between you and the apostates beyond. For lo, the only voice you need to hear is the voice of our savior and his heralds, and in time you shall all know the—
Dana Caldwell (over the message)
Shut it off, Stephen.
Communications (over the message)
…sir, we could still get a response through the deep space network if we—
Dana Caldwell (over the message)
I said shut it off!
[They shut off the message]
[A moment of tense silence]
[Caldwell’s personal radio beeps to life]
Adrian Briggs (through radio)
Do you think you can so easily ignore the voice of your messiah, your god-king incarnate returned from perdition? For all voices shall one day rise in the chorus of the lord of Oslow, the lord of the Earth, the lord of all earths and heavens that ever were or ever could be—
[Beep as Caldwell answers on her radio]
Dana Caldwell
Whoever this is… if you can hear me, then you should know you won’t be able to block our communications forever. This room is full of the most gifted technicians and engineers alive today, with access to some of the most advanced communication equipment and scientific instruments on the planet — we will find a way to reach our organization, and when we do, they’ll send every law enforcement agency in the state here to deal with you.
[Beep as she finishes]
[Beep as someone else answers, continuous beeps in conversation]
Security Chief
…Doctor Caldwell? Can you hear me now?
Dana Caldwell
I’m sorry, Roger… whoever’s attacking us piggybacked your frequency.
Security Chief
I… I didn’t hear anything. I’ve been trying to reach you for the last few minutes.
Dana Caldwell
What’s wrong?
Security Chief
We’re… I tried to find as many of us as I could, but whatever this thing is, it keeps picking us off one by one the moment we’re alone. I’ve gathered as many of us as I could find in one of the supply caches, but I don’t know if—
Dana Caldwell
All of you, get to Central Observation as quickly as possible. I’ll be standing by to open the door as soon as you get here. Don’t stop for anything or anyone else, understood?
Security Chief
Copy that sir. Moving out now… ETA, 30 seconds.
[Radio conversation finishes]
Dana Caldwell
Medic, prepare to receive survivors, they may be injured.
[The Medic begins moving, preparing for trauma response]
Medic
Already on it, director.
Dana Caldwell
Coordinator, clear your workstation, we may need additional space for patients.
Coordination
Understood, director.
[Desks being cleared, medical supplies being prepped]
[Caldwell stares out the door window, stepping forward]
[Tiny, mechanical beeps as she preps the door to open]
Dana Caldwell
I have a visual! Four survivors, one with burn injuries and one limping. Medic, standby to—
[A sudden roar of flames on the other side of the door]
[The Security Chief and the rest of the survivors scream as they burn, collapsing to the floor]
[Eventually, the screams subside, and the flames slowly die down]
[Everyone in central observation is locked into stunned silence]
Dana Caldwell
I… I don’t…
Communications
Orders, director?
Dana Caldwell
[Brief pause] The Observation Post is compromised. We need to get word out to ISPHA and warn them about Oslow. Nothing has changed.
Seismography
Nothing has changed? The entire security team is fucking dead!
Coordination
Watch your tone, seismography.
Seismography
My name is Kirsty, you bureaucratic wanker! And I’m not just going to sit here and wait for whatever’s out there to kill us all!
Dana Caldwell
Central Observation has not been breached, Kirsty. There is only one way in or out of this room, and no one is opening that door from the outside. If you leave now, you’ll be exposing all of us to even greater danger.
Seismography
…shit.
Dana Caldwell
Coordinator, make sure that door remains locked tight until I give the order to evacuate.
“Coordinator”
Of course, director Caldwell.
Dana Caldwell
Drone Control, does anything in our fleet have automated guidance?
Drone Control
Uh… some of the high-altitude birds have GPS capabilities, but with the level of interference we’re dealing with I don’t think that’ll really work—
Dana Caldwell
Then point it south and tell it to fly away from Oslow until it gets a signal… if we load it with our most recent communication logs, it may be able to reach the ISPHA field station in Death Valley on its own.
Drone Control
U-understood, Doctor Caldwell. I’ll… I’ll see if the onboard drives can handle that kind of uplink.
Dana Caldwell
Do it.
[Drone Control types rapidly]
[Caldwell looks out at Oslow, talking to herself]
Dana Caldwell
[Muttering] Broad-spectrum EMF interference… hacking into encrypted communications… terrestrial gravity waves… [Out loud, without turning] Seismography, has anything else showed up on the sensors after that initial rumble?
[No response]
Seismography, this is no time to—
[Caldwell turns and gasps]
[The other technicians react in alarm]
IT
Shit, where did they go?
Medic
Did anyone see what happened?
Imaging
I just saw them a second ago!
Sensors
Holy shit we’re all going to die in here…
Dana Caldwell
Everyone, get in a circle between the work stations — do not take your eyes off the people across from you for any reason.
Communications
Doctor Caldwell, what the hell is going on?
Dana Caldwell
Whatever was out there is in here now, and I’m not letting it pick anyone else off. Circle! Now!!
[Movement of bodies as they move into a small circle in the center of the room]
Imaging
Doctor Caldwell, we can’t just stay like this forever, we have to—
Dana Caldwell
—We won’t. We’re going to establish a baseline of safety before we make our next move, whatever that is. Now keep your eyes on the people across from you, and don’t look away unless I tell you to.
[A moment of silence]
[Nearby radio sparks to life, staticky]
Adrian Briggs (through radio)
You think you are wise, don’t you? You watchers in the dark. You seers without sight. Turning your back on the holy city and the danger it presents to those beyond the light of the god-king’s mercy. You were here to watch, but now you have turned your gazes inward upon yourselves, unaware of the dagger that is already—
Dana Caldwell (over the message)
Ignore that. Do not turn around, do not look out the window. Stephen, can you turn that off without looking away?—
Communications
—Already on it, director.
[Not taking their eyes off anyone, they walk backward, type a quick command, and unplug the radio equipment]
[The eerie message disappears]
Dana Caldwell
[Sigh of relief] Much better… now— [cuts off, looking at Coordinator] Coordinator? Why are you looking at me like that?
“Coordinator”
You know, it’s funny you keep calling me that… I’d thought that of all people, you might be the one to see through the lie.
[The sounds of the room fade]
[An odd crackle]
Dana Caldwell
What are you… What are you doing?
Edgar Morrison
It’s very simple, Doctor Caldwell… I am reminding you and your employers of your place in my new world.
[The sound of crackling fire grows]
Dana Caldwell
[eyes wide] Morrison. [snapping into action] Everyone, get away from the Coordinator! Now!
[The sound of fire fades]
[The normal noises of Central Observation return]
[People react in alarm]
Medic
Doctor Caldwell? Doctor Caldwell, are you okay?
Communications
What’s going on?
Dana Caldwell
Get away from— [She cuts off] Oh my god…
Drone Control
Holy shit… where did they go?
IT
They were right next to me!
Medic
Where’s Coordinator Holt?
Dana Caldwell
Gone. Along with Dontae and Athena.
Communications
Did someone grab them? I didn’t even see anyone come into the room—
Dana Caldwell
No, of course you didn’t see anything, because there was nothing to see. Coordinator Holt has been dead since the security team was killed. Maybe even before.
Communications
Then who was…
Dana Caldwell
It was Morrison, Stephen. He replaced the Coordinator to… I don’t know what, besides toy with us.
[Brief pause]
Medic
Then what do we do, Doctor Caldwell?
Dana Caldwell
[Brief pause] Live to fight another day. Again. [Deep breath] Everyone, we’re going to make a beeline for the garage and load into one of the personnel transports. Pick a partner and keep one hand on their shoulder at all times. Do not let yourself get separated from the group, no matter what happens. We are all getting out of here alive, understood?
[Each Technician gives a quick, nervous “Yes Sir”]
Dana Caldwell
Jenna, prepare to unseal door one.
Medic
Copy that, director.
[She begins the unsealing process on the door]
Dana Caldwell
As soon as that door is open, we move — do not stop for anything unless I tell you to.
[The door slides open, the corridor beyond echoing]
Dana Caldwell
Alright — on me—
[The breakers trip, and all equipment powers down]
IT
Shit, they’ve cut the power.
Dana Caldwell
This changes nothing. Flashlights, everyone — keep them moving, I don’t want us to get blindsided.
[People pull out their phone flashlights and switch them on]
Communications
Ready, Doctor.
Dana Caldwell
Let’s move.
[Footsteps on metal]
[Beep]
[Silence]
[Beep]
[Some time later, Caldwell breathes heavily, trying to catch her breath]
[The “officers'” batons lightly rap against the door]
[Caldwell’s breath catches in her throat, terrified]
[The batons rap against the window again]
[Silence]
[The “officers” retreat, moving down the corridor beyond]
[Caldwell finally exhales and begins to cry]
Dana Caldwell
I’m sorry. I am so, so sorry. I thought I could get you all out of here alive… I really thought I could.
[Moment of quiet pain]
[They recover enough to stand up and begin walking through the room]
Okay Dana… focus. The emergency exit should be on the other side of the backup generator, just… ah. [she laughs nervously, pained] Sabotaged. Something punched a hole in the bottom of the fuel tank… no wonder it didn’t switch on when the primaries failed.
[She unscrews the lid of a fuel drum]
They left the fuel itself alone… twenty barrels of gasoline for a generator that doesn’t work. Brilliant. [She lets the lid fall] Doesn’t matter, just need to get out through the…
[She cuts off, confused]
The exit’s… it’s gone. How can it be…
Don’t ask how, just accept it. The door is gone. There is no emergency exit any more. Whatever Morrison is now… he can change things. Like he made Joshua disappear.
And now I’m trapped in here with him.
[She stands frozen for a moment]
[She begins walking around the room again]
Alright — don’t focus on what’s missing, focus on what you have. Resources: a broken generator. Not much help, unless Morrison leaves me alone long enough to build something out of it. One cell phone with no signal and a flashlight that is rapidly running out of battery… [she flicks a zippo open] one old zippo lighter. Huh. Guess I shouldn’t have given Ren so much shit about his newfound smoking habit. Not like I could light up in here even if I had a cigarette, not with all the gas—
[She cuts off]
[She sighs and laughs, sad… knowing]
[She steps into the center of the room and calls out]
Dana Caldwell
Morrison! Edgar Morrison, I know you can hear me! Show yourself! Or is the god-king too scared to face one of his subjects?
[A faint sound of air movement from the darkness, his voice fading in along with him]
Edgar Morrison
Not scared at all, Caldwell. Just… patient.
Dana Caldwell
We have that in common, then.
Edgar Morrison
Oh, I think we have a lot more in common than that, Dana. And you don’t have to pretend you’re not afraid anymore. We both know better than that.
Dana Caldwell
Fine. Yes, I’m terrified. I have no idea what you’ve turned yourself into or how you’ve done it, but it scares the living shit out of me. But you know what else I am, Morrison?
Edgar Morrison
What are you?
Dana Caldwell
Pissed. Off.
[Morrison just laughs]
Dana Caldwell
You killed my entire team — everyone in this facility, everyone I was supposed to keep safe. Everyone who trusted me with their lives. And you’re going to pay for that.
Edgar Morrison
[Recovering from his laughter] Oh come now, Dana — I’m far beyond your ability to hurt me now.
Dana Caldwell
Wrong. I’m the one you can’t hurt any longer.
Edgar Morrison
Don’t be so sure. You think you’ve suffered just because I killed your team? No… that was just the prelude.
Dana Caldwell
Prelude to what?
Edgar Morrison
The example I will make of ISPHA… of you. There will be no pretenders to the throne, no rival powers within my realm. And I will make sure the Source itself cries out that warning to all who hear it.
Dana Caldwell
…no.
Edgar Morrison
No?
[She steps towards him]
Dana Caldwell
You’re going to kill me? So what. I’ve already accepted that. I’m not afraid of death. You’ve got nothing to threaten me with.
Edgar Morrison
I said nothing about death, Dana… not yet, at least. You know, I’ve never been much of a history buff, but you have to admire the Romans. They maintained peace across their entire empire for nearly 200 years… and all it took was the brutality of crucifixion to make it stick.
Dana Caldwell
No, Morrison. That’s not where my story ends. You’ve already taken everything that you could from me… but now, it’s my turn.
[She steps towards the gas drum]
[She pulls the zippo lighter out and flicks it open, holding it over the drum]
[Brief pause]
Edgar Morrison
So. Fire, then.
Dana Caldwell
It seemed to work well enough for you. One spark, and all the gas in this room goes up. This whole place becomes a funeral pyre for the both of us.
Edgar Morrison
Unless…?
Dana Caldwell
Unless you go back to your city and stay there. Leave this facility in peace. Let us bury our dead.
Edgar Morrison
You’re bluffing.
Dana Caldwell
[laughing wildly, dangerously] Am I?
Edgar Morrison
You would never give up your own life like this. You’re too much like me, Dana. You’ve got too much to live for.
Dana Caldwell
Death isn’t something I can run away from. Not forever. And neither can you.
“And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his gods?”
Edgar Morrison
Dana… Dana, don’t…
[Click; the zippo ignites]
[Sudden, violent rush of flames]
[CCTV feed vanishes quickly with a Beep]
[Silence]
[Beep]
[A dying CCTV camera flickers on in the burning wreckage of the ISPHA Observation Post]
[After a few moments, movement is heard]
[Morrison gasps in pain, crawling out of the rubble]
[He gasps and coughs, dragging himself towards his city]
[The CCTV camera succumbs to the flames; BEEP]
[Silence]
[Click]
[Cheap motel ambience]
[Old rotary fan rattles overhead]
[Minifridge buzzes]
[Crickets chirp outside]
[Long beat]
Andrew Sheridan
It’s, uh… it’s over.
[Beat]
I wish, uh… I almost wish Ed hadn’t called. That I, uh… I could’ve just skipped town without seeing him. I even thought about it when he called, I, I thought that… maybe seeing him would give me some kind of closure. Make it easier.
[Beat, weary sigh]
God I’m an idiot.
[Bed springs creak as Andrew buries his head in his hands]
[Deep breath] The program’s over. The tunnels are sealed. Far as the rest of the world’s concerned… none of it ever happened. He and I never worked together. Never even knew each other. God, maybe that’s for the best. I just… I just wish I could forget that we–
[Long, pained pause]
No. No, I-I don’t want to forget that. As bad as it ended… we had some good times. I said some things I regret, but I… I don’t — regret him. Never.
[Beat]
[Sighs, shifts on bed] But I, uh… I can’t go back. Ed… Morrison. He’s going down a dark path, and if I stick with him… I’m going to get burned.
[Beat]
I need to go home.
[Click]
“Far off Distant Plans” by Con Davison
[Fade in to…]
[Morrison’s speech echoes through a grand space beyond, muffled through the walls]
[The crackling of torches]
Edgar Morrison (muffled through walls)
So rejoice in your station and your place within this glorious realm, and know that there are only two paths placed before you… perdition, or paradise. Know my mercies and live, or scorn my gifts and…
[He trails off, noticing Sam and Ned]
Bring them to me.
[Through the walls, ordered boots march]
[Distant alarm sounding]
[Footsteps towards us, the door opens]
[A haggard Morrison enters, breathing in pain]
[His voice echoes in his private hall]
Edgar Morrison
Still not beating… why isn’t it beating?
Commissary Michaels
Uh… my Lord?
Edgar Morrison
What is it, servant?
Commissary Michaels
I trust the ceremony went well?
Edgar Morrison
Indeed. The thief was dispatched of, and what was stolen, recovered.
Commissary Michaels
I… I see. The wound is looking… much better, my lord.
Edgar Morrison
Then I’m sure you won’t mind changing the dressings again, once you’ve prepared my supper and drawn my bath.
Commissary Michaels
Of course, god-king. I live to serve you.
Edgar Morrison
And don’t you forget it. You are dismissed, Michaels.
[The former commissioner scurries away]
[Morrison winces, then falls into his throne with a grunt of pain]
Edgar Morrison
Why did Bailey’s wounds heal the moment he was out of that lake, but mine just keep getting worse?
[A whoosh of air]
[The torches flutter]
The Possessed
I told you before, Edgar… Quisque suos patimur manes.
Edgar Morrison
“Each of us bears his own hell.” I am aware. And I thought I told you to stop haunting my halls.
The Possessed
[Laughter] If you could send me away as easily as you dismiss your servants, Edgar, then I would not be here at all. You trapped me in your labyrinth when you pulled this city into the dark… my presence is the price you pay for your ascension. Every king needs his fool, after all.
[Morrison grows, attempting to send fire their way]
[He grunts in pain]
The Possessed
Edgar, Edgar, Edgar… you really need to work on that temper. It’s gotten worse since you’ve stopped needing to hide it behind civility.
Edgar Morrison
Leave me be, spirit. I’m not in the mood.
The Possessed
Oh but Edgar! [They rush up beside him with a gust of wind] That’s the best time for jokes. Here’s one of my favorites: what do you call a police chief who fancies himself god, but can’t even heal his own wounds?
Edgar Morrison
Don’t.
The Possessed
Or better yet… what does that same god do when he accidentally drags an entire city into the void, and can’t figure out how to bring it back on his own?
Edgar Morrison
Listen here, fool…
The Possessed
Aha! Yes, a fool’s fool indeed! I knew you’d get it in the end!
[Morrison makes an angry noise as he stands and walks away from his throne]
[The Possessed follows him with a whoosh of air]
The Possessed
Oh come now, don’t be a spoil-sport! You know I’m right.
Edgar Morrison
I just want you to know that if it was within my power, I would cast you into the deepest, darkest corner of the Source and feed you to the Guardian myself, and I promise you, I’d sleep better at night for it.
The Possessed
Oh I’m sure you would… but alas, you cannot risk another journey to that place — not now that the Guardian has your scent. I’m sure it would be only too happy to get revenge on you for chaining it, now that it’s free.
Edgar Morrison
Not for much longer. My power grows every time the boundaries expand, and soon I’ll be more powerful than you could ever imagine.
The Possessed
Mm. And how much of your own power does it take to keep the bubble growing? To create enough of your “officers” to keep the city in check? To trap all these poor souls in their mistakes for their own “purification?” You know, if you wanted to hide the fact that you couldn’t actually loop time properly, you could have just left them alone. It’s not like any of this is healing your wounds.
Edgar Morrison
I’ll find a way. I haven’t come this far just to die because some bitch decided to blow herself up and take me with them.
The Possessed
[Laughter] Oh I’m sure you will. Just need to make sure Sam and Ned stay far, far away from here so they can’t see just how far you’ve fallen. If they thought you were vulnerable, they might actually put up a fight.
[Footsteps as someone approaches]
Commissary Michaels
Uh… my lord! Your supper is prepared.
The Possessed
Go on Edgar… keep up your strength… you’re going to need it.
Edgar Morrison
Why don’t you go find someone else to haunt.
Commissary Michaels
My lord? Who are you talking to?
The Possessed
[Laughter] Ooooo, tell them you’re seeing ghosts now, I’m sure that will go over great with the servants.
[Brief pause]
Edgar Morrison
No one, Michaels. No one at all.
[Fade out]
Homestead on the Corner 