TPM: Twelve Past Midnight

Episode 4: Restless

EPISODE 4:

“RESTLESS”

RECAP

OPENING CREDITS

FADE IN.

INT. GUEST ROOM

SHANE tosses and turns as flashes of Demonspawn go through his head, SHANE sitting up as he rubs his head and looks at the clock which reads 3:12 AM.

SHANE huffs loudly and lays back down, wide awake.

SHANE

(O.S.)

Sleep, a luxury one can ill afford not to have in the FRINGE...But one I continue to avoid...

INT. KITCHEN

SHANE makes himself a drink as ANTHONY looks up from his DESK, his lamp the only light on aside the glow from his LAPTOP as he lowers his glasses as SHANE comes over towards him.

ANTHONY

Another restless night...?

SHANE

Ever since that Demonspawn bullshit a few days ago man, I can't sleep worth s**t.

ANTHONY

They're scary fuckin' things man, I imagine the others are suffering the ill effects as well.

SHANE

That's good to know.

SHANE yawns as ANTHONY continues to type away.

SHANE

Working on EPISODE ONE still?

ANTHONY

The intricate plot details lend itself to much exploration, however I'm finding it difficult to put dialog that can convey the heavy handed magnitude of such an universe.

SHANE

Sounds like a problem.

ANTHONY

The dialog will suffice, but it will need to be fine tuned through the course of time, why don't you go on down to the TAVERN? I'm sure AUSTIN or EMMA will be there, I could use the extra little quiet since you seem to be up and about.

SHANE

That's cold man.

ANTHONY

Well this is my most productive hour, and you are encroaching on my big battle scene between OBI-Wan and a fleet of Droids.

SHANE

Well in that case.

SHANE yawns and puts his cup down as he throws on a jacket and walks out in a plain gray T shirt, and pajama bottoms.

INT. THE TAVERN

Smooth JAZZ is playing as SHANE walks in and notices that everyone else was there, CHARLES waving him down towards their booth as SHANE scoots in beside NIKKI who pushes his head as SHANE givers her a look and then lays his head on the table as NIKKI smiles.

CHARLES

What's your poison sport?

SHANE

I don't wanna drink, I wanna sleep.

AUSTIN

The drinking helps.

SHANE

EMMA...

EMMA

Get your own damn drinks I ain't on the clock.

SHANE

Grr.

SHANE pouts and gets up, going around the bar as CHARLES leans back in his seat, much more alert and aware then the others who all look haggard and sleep deprived.

CHARLES

So, It's safe to assume that you're having some sleeping problems of your own?

SHANE

Bingo, circle gets the square.

EMMA

Goddamn Demonspawn.

SHANE

Is that what it is?

NIKKI

Yeah, an adverse effect of dealing with Demonspawn is an overwhelming amount of dread. Even though we've faced them on numerous occasions, they still like to make frequent and often inopportune visits to my subconscious.

SHANE

Yeah, I mean, I'm not terrified of them, but it's like their presence is keeping me from sleeping.

CHARLES

It'll wear off, just gotta move on. That's why I put a call in, COLBY should be meeting us here in a little while.

SHANE

Are we going to work a job?

AUSTIN

Best way to get over it, focus our attention on something else, least that's how it's helped in the past.

SHANE

Hmph.

CHARLES

Where's TONY?

SHANE

Working on his next masterpiece.

NIKKI

Let's hope it has a better title then the one he is working on.

The UNEVENTFUL'S snicker to themselves as they all shake their heads.

ALL

BULLET EXPRESS...

SHANE takes a drink as EMMA comes over and drapes herself across the table, NIKKI flicking her on the head as EMMA grabs at the spot and looks at NIKKI confused.

EMMA

UM, ow?

NIKKI

Get that p***y off the table.

EMMA

Mean, NIKKI. Very mean.

EMMA gets off with a loud pout as NIKKI shakes her head with a smile and finishes her beer, tapping it against AUSTIN.

NIKKI

I'm out.

AUSTIN

Yep.

AUSTIN takes it and goes to the BAR, SHANE looking at NIKKI who looks at him and shrugs.

NIKKI

Hey, he's been doing it all night, I ain't going to argue against it.

SHANE

You two got something going on, I mean this is a safe place...

CHARLES

SHANE.

SHANE

Yeah.

CHARLES

Don't inquire into the love life of one NIKKI LYNN...

SHANE

Why not?

NIKKI

Because it's a non existent topic of conversation is why.

SHANE

Ah.

AUSTIN comes back and hands her another beer as he had replaced his own as well.

AUSTIN

Alright, I'm back, you may continue to bask in the glowing glory that is me.

NIKKI

Yes, SHANE. We totally have something going on.

The group laugh as AUSTIN chimes in awkwardly.

AUSTIN

What, what are we laughing at?

CHARLES

You know, I figured if there was any one of us here that could've found a more...fun way to make himself tired, it would have been you, AUSTIN.

AUSTIN

How you figure that?

CHARLES

Really?

EMMA

You, the trouser anaconda carrying man hoe, can't think of any possible way to get a strenuous workout to make yourself tired enough to actually stay asleep...?

SHANE

Dude, come' on?

AUSTIN

Holy s**t, I could be doing that. Why am I not doing that?!

AUSTIN gets out of the booth and heads off, the others cheering as AUSTIN pushes past COLBY who had just stepped in.

COLBY

Where's the fire?

AUSTIN

In late night poon, later!

AUSTIN EXITS as COLBY comes over, a FOLDER in hand as he and CHARLES pass a glance for a moment before looking away.

COLBY

It's quite odd to get a request this late to start a mission, but I suppose after the events of a few days ago, it might do some good, so here is what I was able to get TERESA to pull for us, and she's not to thrilled by the way by having to send in an requisition this early in the morning, CHARLES.

CHARLES

What else is new.

COLBY hands the FOLDER over as CHARLES reads it and hands it to NIKKI.

NIKKI

This is for me?

CHARLES

Take EMMA.

NIKKI

Girl power in effect, let's go.

NIKKI gets up and scoots out of the booth as EMMA pats CHARLES across the head as the two women leave as CHARLES stands, SHANE coming over beside him as COLBY and CHARLES give each other another look.

COLBY

What are you going to do?

CHARLES

I'm going to take SHANE here to see TERRANCE.

COLBY

Oh...

CHARLES

You wanna...

COLBY

No. I've said my goodbyes a few days ago.

CHARLES

Alright.

COLBY

Why go now? So close to...to his end?

CHARLES

Cuz someone needs to be there with him.

SHANE

Uh...?

CHARLES

I'll explain later. Come on, kid. We're going to walk this one. COLBY, stay classy my friend.

COLBY

Sure.

COLBY watches as CHARLES and SHANE leave the TAVERN, COLBY nodding as he comes over and takes a bottle of SCOTCH and pours himself a gentleman's glass.

EXT. STREET

CHARLES and SHANE walk side by side down the street as a group of teenagers walk by them, SHANE checking out the FEMALE as a few of the MEN look at him threateningly but keep on walking as CHARLES smirks.

CHARLES

We're going to the HOSPITAL.

SHANE

A hospital?

CHARLES

Yeah, I think I told you that we have one.

SHANE

Yeah, I'm just surprised you know?

CHARLES

Yeah, It's still essential. People go to be healed, to be treated...and to die.

SHANE

Someone's dying? This...uh, TERRENCE?

CHARLES

Yeah.

SHANE

Who is he?

CHARLES

I'll introduce him to you.

SHANE

Why?

CHARLES

You have something else you would rather do?

SHANE

Yeah, sleep.

CHARLES

Then you can go to sleep.

SHANE

You know I can't.

CHARLES

Then shut up about it. He's going to put some s**t in perspective for you. As he has done for me for so long.

SHANE

How old are you?

CHARLES

Pretty damn old.

SHANE

Ha.

CHARLES

So, have you gone to see BRUTUS?

SHANE

I don't remember who that is...?

CHARLES

The mechanic I told you to go talk to about a job?

SHANE

Oh shit...no I forgot.

CHARLES

Get on that.

SHANE

I will, I'll go by tomorrow.

CHARLES

Try to remember to do so.

SHANE

I will. So what was the mission? The one you gave to the Gals?

CHARLES

Tag and bag an old friend of ours for questioning.

SHANE

An old friend?

CHARLES

Stick around long enough, and you'll inevitably run into him as well.

SHANE

Okay...

EXT. BUILDING

A MAN goes crashing through a WINDOW, the MAN squirming in pain as NIKKI runs out of the broken pane as EMMA casually walks through the doorway, NIKKI pulling her PISTOL on the MAN as the MAN throws his arms up.

MAN

Yo, NIKKI, come on man!

NIKKI

Why are we having to pick you up again, BRANT?

BRANT EISNER, A UNDEAD FOOL, and more importantly, a Liaison between powerful underworld players within the FRINGE lay surrounded by glass as he smirks at NIKKI.

BRANT

Look, if I knew, I wouldn't be running from you, and then getting thrown through plate glass windows.

NIKKI

They want you picked up, I'm guessing something is going on, or about to go on.

BRANT

Look, doll face, I'm out of the game, I'm free of their influence.

NIKKI

Yeah, right.

BRANT

Please, believe me, just let me go.

EMMA

BRANT, you know we can't.

BRANT

This f*****g sucks.

NIKKI

Up.

BRANT gets up as he keeps his hands up as EMMA comes over and pulls out a pair of bindings as they attached BRANT'S HANDS together before pulling his arms behind his back, BRANT wincing as NIKKI puts her pistol away and leads him towards her car.

BRANT

So how's AUSTIN?

NIKKI

He's AUSTIN...

BRANT

Sound's right. And how's TONY'S new movie coming along?

The THREE begin chit chatting as she leads him to her CAR.

INT. HOSPITAL

ASTAPOR GENERAL HOSPITAL was scant but still busy as CHARLES and SHANE come in, SHANE noticing the waiting room full of dismembered UNDEAD, Brutally beaten WEREWOLVES and even an older GHOUL whom was steadily deteriorating.

CHARLES comes up to the counter as a NURSE smiles at him.

CHARLES

Hello, JOSEPHINE.

JOSEPHINE

CHARLES. NIKKI not on call tonight?

CHARLES

She's busy at the moment, I'm sure she'll be picking up a shift with her restless syndrome.

JOSEPHINE

I heard about the Demonspawn, must suck.

CHARLES

Yes, it does.

JOSEPHINE

I'm guessing you're here to see TERRANCE, we're not supposed to be allowing visitors this close to his...expiration.

CHARLES

I understand that...

JOSEPHINE

But, I know you would just find a way to visit him anyways, and he would really want to see you I would bet.

CHARLES

Thanks, JOSEPHINE. Truly.

JOSEPHINE

We're supposed to administer this shot in about three hours...it'll help him...go. But...if you want...?

CHARLES

Thanks.

CHARLES takes the syringe as JOSEPHINE reaches into her desk and pulls it out, JOSEPHINE taking the label off as CHARLES tucks it away, CHARLES coming over to SHANE as SHANE was still looking about.

CHARLES

Fourth floor, let's go.

SHANE

This place...

CHARLES

Pretty crazy.

SHANE

It's a hospital...with really f****d up patients.

CHARLES

Yeah.

SHANE

So who is this guy? I don't want to go in here blind.

CHARLES

His name is TERRANCE THORN, he's a VAMPIRE.

SHANE

VAMPIRES can just...die?

CHARLES

VAMPIRES are like the humans of this world. They age and they do die, naturally. You believe they're immortal but that's only if they gorge themselves on blood. But the FRINGE prohibits such feasting, so the ones who follow the rules, usually live a few hundreds years, but...time usually always runs out.

SHANE

Who is he to you?

CHARLES

He was the best boss we ever had.

SHANE

You and COLBY?

CHARLES

Yea.

CHARLES presses the 4F button on the ELEVATOR as the TWO step inside.

SHANE

He was a hard a*s huh?

CHARLES

Not at all, as he got older he became a little older and angrier, but I suppose that's just what old people do, so if I were you, don't try to mention too many things about his age that may upset him.

SHANE

Well, I mean yeah, he's dying...

CHARLES

Don't mention that too, less it becomes a central part of it, which I'm sure it will be.

SHANE

Nice.

The TWO step out of the ELEVATOR as CHARLES leads him down the hall past some doctors and nurses, CHARLES coming to the last door on the left as SHANE looks at him a bit skeptical as CHARLES looks visibly upset.

SHANE

We don't have to do this?

CHARLES

Yeah, I do at least.

SHANE

Want me to stay out here?

CHARLES

No, this is a facet of the FRINGE you need to see.

SHANE

Okay.

CHARLES nods and opens the door, SHANE sticking close behind him as CHARLES steps in.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

CHARLES steps in as the lights were dim, the TV on as TERRANCE, a 40ish looking VAMPIRE who was hooked up to a blood dripping IV as he however looked very weak and tired, TERRANCE looking over at CHARLES as CHARLES timidly walks in.

TERRANCE

You gonna keep walking in here like a baby fawn, or are you gonna pull up a chair and talk to me like a man, CHARLES.

CHARLES

Your dapper attitude never ceases to be warm and cuddly, my friend.

TERRANCE

Who's the new blood?

SHANE shuts the door as CHARLES waits for SHANE to come up beside him.

CHARLES

TERRANCE, this is my new UNEVENTFUL. His name is TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT.

TERRANCE

No one cares about those damn death name's of yours. What's your real name kid?

SHANE

I'm SHANE, sir.

TERRANCE

Sir, haha, I feel so old.

TERRANCE shakes SHANE'S hand as CHARLES pulls up a chair, SHANE doing the same as TERRANCE weakly pushes himself up to a more prone position in his bed.

TERRANCE

Come to see me pass on huh?

CHARLES

Someone needed to be here for you...

TERRANCE

Bullshit, I was content with moving on on my own, CHARLES, and you knew that.

CHARLES

You think I was just going to let you do that?

TERRANCE

A few days ago when you came by like the white knight you think you are, I told you truthfully and honestly that I don't want you here to see this, haven't we suffered enough? Haven't... we seen too many of us go.

CHARLES

Yeah, but we stick together.

TERRANCE

Still honoring the creed.

CHARLES

I heard COLBY came by not too long ago.

TERRANCE

He did.

CHARLES

How did that go?

TERRANCE

About as well as you would think for someone who barely remembers.

CHARLES

Yeah, I figured.

TERRANCE

(to SHANE)

Are you gonna say something there, or are you just a plant?

SHANE

Honestly, I wouldn't know what to say.

TERRANCE

You could ask me some questions.

SHANE looks at CHARLES who nods as SHANE thinks of something.

SHANE

So...how old are you?

CHARLES

SHANE...

TERRANCE

It's quite alright, CHARLES. CHARLES may want you to think I'm some surly old vamp, but I'm not too hung up on age. I'm 178 years old.

SHANE

Fuck.

TERRANCE

Yeah.

SHANE

But you still look...so young?

TERRANCE

I fed well throughout my years.

SHANE

Must be nice to be a VAMPIRE?

TERRANCE

An original vampire maybe, turned vampires, not so much.

SHANE

You can be turned here?

CHARLES

Yes. A VAMPIRE'S bite can corrode your soul, twist it, and darken it.

SHANE

Sounds...pleasant.

TERRANCE

It isn't.

SHANE

So how did you two meet?

CHARLES smirks as TERRANCE closes his eyes for a moment as CHARLES perks up but TERRANCE opens them, CHARLES easing up as SHANE notices CHARLES'S reaction.

TERRANCE

MM, if I can recall, I think we met after they killed their Demon leader.

SHANE

You killed your boss?

CHARLES

He was conspiring with some Vampires, and other Demons to overthrow the SYSTEM. They sent our handler a mission and after a very intense and body count riddled battle, we took him out. Only a few of us were left.

TERRANCE

You, COLBY, LANCE...and...hell what was that WRAITH'S name? The one with the fop haircut?

CHARLES

Haha, MAGNUS.

TERRANCE

Haha, yes. That was it.

SHANE

I thought only UNDEAD were RECLAIMERS?

TERRANCE

Mostly UNDEAD, RECLAIMERS and SYSTEM workers are composed of nearly everyone and everything. I was a RECLAIMER for a while, had a pretty good record, so with CHARLES'S group as one of the watermarks within the SYSTEM, they needed some structure, someone who could fill their little power vacuum. So I stepped in.

CHARLES

He was the best boss we ever had. The only guy who cared about us. How many demerits did you take before they ousted you?

TERRANCE

More than anyone ever, I would imagine.

CHARLES

I Think I've got you beat.

TERRANCE

If so, then things must be really getting bad out there.

CHARLES

More so then they were.

TERRANCE

Seems I missed out on the fun years ahead, huh?

CHARLES

Shut up, boss.

SHANE

They kicked you out of being the lead?

TERRANCE

I had loose cannons, but good loose cannons. However, certain things happened...

CHARLES

Yeah.

SHANE

I'm guessing whatever forced COLBY to go HANDLER, and you to branch off to take the UNEVENTFUL lead?

CHARLES

You could say that.

SHANE

So what happened?

TERRANCE

You haven't told him, CHARLES?

CHARLES

Time and a place for that story ,If it makes it better, I haven't told any of my crew.

TERRANCE

It's a story that must be told, not just for them to understand you, but to understand how this place really can be...?

CHARLES

There will be a time and a place, sir.

TERRANCE

Hey, new blood.

SHANE

Yes, sir?

TERRANCE

I would tell you, but I'm sure CHARLES will go ahead and take the initiative and smother me here with my pillow. So should he ever tell the tale, I just want you to remember this. “I never saw it coming” .

CHARLES

TERRANCE...that's enough.

TERRANCE

Remember, that kid.

SHANE

I will.

CHARLES

You think you can remember that? Cuz I recall you being unable to remember going to see a man for a job two days ago?

SHANE

Cheap blow.

TERRANCE

You don't have a job yet, how long have you been here?

SHANE

A few weeks...

TERRANCE

Get on the ball, kid. Having a job here opens up windows. It's not just a means to acquire money, it's not an excuse to get out of reclaiming, it's a chance at normalcy, a schedule. It's stability, having a real job. Relying on RECLAIMING, leads you down a bad road, look at me. Hell, look at your boss here.

CHARLES squirms as SHANE nods as TERRANCE begins coughing, TERRANCE wiping some blood away from his lips as CHARLES looks concerned.

TERRANCE

Damn...

CHARLES

How are you feeling?

TERRANCE

Could you...tap the IV, It's thinning out on me.

CHARLES

Sure.

CHARLES gets up and comes over to the IV, tapping the BLOOD IV BAG as TERRANCE looks at SHANE.

TERRANCE

Point is kid, peace of mind, work, it'll help you, it'll help you get over some things. Especially in the line of work you're a part of now.

SHANE

What did you use to do?

TERRANCE

Before I took over as a lead, I was a WRITER.

SHANE

No way.

TERRANCE

Yeah, I wrote a few novels, they were...moderately successful.

SHANE

What kind?

TERRANCE

History accounts mostly, non-fiction to me, is more fascinating than fiction.

CHARLES

I read a few of his books...they were...books.

TERRANCE

Thanks...

CHARLES

No problem.

SHANE

Haha.

CHARLES smirks as SHANE listens as TERRANCE begins explaining about a book in particular.

INT. NIKKI'S CAR

NIKKI hands BRANT a cigarette as BRANT sticks his head out the window and has EMMA light it as she was outside, leaning against the CAR as they were outside the admin building for the SYSTEM.

NIKKI

I forgot why I hate these late night tag and bag's. Having to wait till fuckin' Six A.M. To have someone open up for processing.

EMMA

It's a cruel cruel world we live in.

BRANT

You know, You could just...

NIKKI

Give it up, BRANT, it ain't happening.

BRANT

Goddamnit, NIKKI, please you have to believe me, I don't know what's going on down there.

NIKKI

BRANT, If I were to believe that, I would be a Moon Elf with magical powers, but I'm not, am I?

EMMA

A Moon Elf?

NIKKI

I don't know.

BRANT takes a drag as he blows the smoke out of the window.

BRANT

Okay, fine, sure, Whatever don't believe me, but all their going to do is dig through my head, not find the answers they want, and then I'll be back out here, waiting another few months before you or one of the other UNEVENTTFUL'S comes and beats my a*s into submission for more baseless information that I don't know anything about.

NIKKI

BRANT.

BRANT

Yeah?

NIKKI and EMMA

Shut up!

BRANT shakes his head as he takes a drag as EMMA looks at her phone and huffs loudly.

INT. AUSTIN'S ROOM

AUSTIN climbs off of an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN as he wipes sweat from his head before taking a few deep breaths and grabbing a water bottle.

AUSTIN

Still wide awake...damn, alright, who's next ladies?

AUSTIN watches as a few woman who waiting in lingerie in the corner come over towards the BED as the woman he was having s*x with prior rolls out with a large satisfied smile. AUSTIN pours some water over his head as he picks one of the brunettes, who giddily jumps into the bed as AUSTIN looks at himself in the mirror and smirks before he crawls on top of the brunette while the others watch anticipatively.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

TERRANCE rubs his face as he pokes at one of his fangs.

SHANE

So what's it like? Being a VAMPIRE?

TERRANCE

I wouldn't really know a way to describe it to someone. I mean, it's what I am, how I was born here. Being a vampire is much like how being a human must have been, it's just inherent.

SHANE

I thought the UNDEAD couldn't...

TERRANCE

We are not UNDEAD here, here we're just DEAD. Dead and dead can counteract each other, thus, bare life. UNDEAD such as yourselves are just souls, because you were alive.

SHANE

I feel like I'm getting a headache.

TERRANCE

Try not to think about it too much, this world is...full of wonder and surprises. Much like how I imagine your world was.

SHANE

You never been?

TERRANCE

Because of our influence...and prime interaction with living beings from hundreds of hundreds of years ago, we in the course of the last four hundred years in our time, have been banned from returning to the world of the living.

SHANE

So you never got too?

TERRANCE

No. The SYSTEM won't allow VAMPIRES or any other creature bore from the FRINGE to go to the living world.

SHANE

What about when you were RECLAIMING?

TERRANCE

Still couldn't do it.

SHANE

Tough.

TERRANCE

We had our chance. And we blew it, that's why they're so strict on you guys. The restrictions you have are almost not worth going to the living world, but a job has to be done.

SHANE

Did you ever regret it? Becoming a RECLAIMER?

TERRANCE

No. Best time of my life.

CHARLES

Not when you were writing, and sucking down on fine zombie women?

TERRANCE

Those were good day's too, a bit hazy, but..

The THREE chuckle.

SHANE

I still can't get over this.

CHARLES

What's that?

SHANE

This. I died, and now I'm here, and what am I doing? Sitting in a hospital, with someone I barely know, but respect, sits in that bed...dying. I mean, I thought this place was supposed to be different?

TERRANCE

It is. For you. You'll never get old enough to have to be hooked up to a machine to keep kicking, because you'll never age. Your soul is transfixed, it's permanent. Mine...mine ages, mine, rots, and moves on eventually.

SHANE

Where?

TERRANCE

Where what?

SHANE

Where does your soul go? I mean my soul came here, but it had two other options. What happens to a...monsters soul?

CHARLES

Really?

TERRANCE

Monster, wow.

SHANE

Shit, I'm sorry, I...

TERRANCE

No it's fine. I understand. I guess the best way to answer that is...I don't know. In your life you never knew for sure. You had idea's, and theories, and eventually you expire and you find out. I understand for you, being here is your afterlife, and you can't possibly seem to fathom the idea of their being an after life, after life. But for me, I'm going into that great beyond. I'm going to find out what my after life will be. Maybe there is a place just like this. Maybe there is a heaven and hell for us monsters as you say, or maybe there's just nothing. I'm sure in a little while I'm going to find out...and if I ever could find a way to come back and tell you, I'll tell you all about it, deal?

SHANE

Yeah.

TERRANCE

Can I share something with you, CHARLES?

CHARLES

Of course.

TERRANCE

I know it's going to sound...ridiculous for you CHARLES, and for you new blood, I'm not sure how comfortable you will feel, but...I'm scared. Me, 178 years old, And I'm scared of this...scared because I don't know...

CHARLES

I know.

TERRANCE

What was it like...for you?

CHARLES

It was terrible. I didn't believe in an afterlife, In the times I grew up, how could I? So when...it happened...I just didn't know, I couldn't know...

TERRANCE

What about you, new blood?

SHANE

Everything just sorta flashed for me. Like a perfect microcosm of bad luck and serenity. There was this strong sense of foreboding, of dread, overcome by a sensational amount of peace...and then waking up in a white room surrounded by desks and a very fat and ugly lady with a stack of papers.

TERRANCE

That doesn't sound ideal.

SHANE

It really wasn't at first. But it got better, it's still getting better, though it's a little strange still.

TERRANCE

You think that's what awaits me?

SHANE

I hope not.

TERRANCE

Why's that?

SHANE

This place, for me it's starting over. It's finding purpose and meaning, because I lived my one life, without that. For you, this is that life, that first one, to make a real impression. From what I know, from what I heard, you...you're going to where you belong. Not to start over.

TERRANCE

Thanks. Truly. But we just don't know.

CHARLES

I know. I know there's something better, and grander and...peaceful for you beyond this place. There has to be.

TERRANCE

Sounds again like your rubber stamping hope.

CHARLES

No, not this time, boss.

TERRANCE

It's so weak of me.

CHARLES

No it isn't...

TERRANCE

Yes it is.

SHANE watches as tears well up in his eyes as TERRANCE wipes them away before they can fall.

TERRANCE

I mean, one second I'm going to be here and the next...I'm not. I remember, CHARLES, so clearly, so vividly staring down those HUSKS...or when we got trapped in the burning refinery while the GHOULS were tearing apart everyone we were sent to save...or that Demonspawn outbreak. I remember facing those threats head on, when death was so imminent, so sure, I...still can't believe we beat it. I faced those moments with a calm, a peace, I wasn't afraid, I was stoic, and brave, and now look...look at me now...old, broken down, rotting away in a bed, moments away from a final call, and I can't stop my hand from shaking...this is not me...this is not strength...this is...

CHARLES

Normal.

TERRANCE

Normal...ha.

TERRANCE shakes his head as CHARLES reaches over and takes his hand, TERRANCE nodding as he puts his other hand on top of CHARLES as a tear falls.

CHARLES

It's going to be okay, My friend. This is how it's supposed to end. Naturally, pain free. Not the way we thought we were going to go.

TERRANCE

How can you be scared of death, CHARLES. There's only one way to kill you.

CHARLES

You think that's still not scary, to know how anyone can take you out at any giving moment? I much rather age and just...go, then live on never knowing what thing will take me out. The death I suffer here, will be ten times the horror I suffered from when I was alive, and that's only because then, It could happen at any time, when it was time, it was time, but here...here is what it is, no plan, no reason. Just bad luck.

SHANE

I was afraid of death. So afraid I neglected truly living.

The TWO look at SHANE as SHANE nods.

SHANE

I avoided it at all costs. My grandad was dying, liver disease. He was the coolest guy I knew, so carefree and funny, funniest guy I ever met in my life. And I never said goodbye. He was in a hospital too, rigged up, breathing through tubes, living off of a IV, and for months my mother would beg me to go see him, beg me to come with them to see him, cuz it was going to be any day now, that's what she always said, any day now. I just couldn't face that. To see him one second, and to know that there may not be that next time. I was so scared that seeing him again would hurt me so badly, that when he did go, the guilt...and the hurt from never just saying goodbye was too great. I never talked about it, about anything that was remote to death, because I didn't have time for it. That's how I rationalized it, I don't have the time to think about death cuz it's just going to happen. And yea, that's pretty much what happens, but I feel like...maybe if someone had come to see me, to tell me how scary it was for them to know I wasn't going to be around, to see how scared I was...maybe it would of made it easier...to come to that term. I think I robbed my grandpa of that, because I robbed myself of that. Because I was afraid. That's why I got hit by a semi truck, instead of getting a chance to say goodbye to anyone. Because I was a coward. You're not a coward. Because you've already admitted to the one thing Someone like me couldn't have. Being afraid of the unknown.

TERRANCE nods as CHARLES pats SHANE on the shoulder.

TERRANCE

Thank you for that.

SHANE

Sure.

The THREE went silent for a moment as the heaviness was weighing on them now.

EXT. NIKKI'S CAR

The THREE sit against the CAR, NIKKI lighting another cigarette as BRANT watches the SUN slowly dawning.

BRANT

Fine. I do know stuff.

NIKKI

Like there was any doubt.

BRANT

You don't understand, NIKKI. How hard it is to get out of that life.

EMMA

We know it's hard, because we keep having to come and get you for the same s**t.

BRANT

You think I like being a rat/information broker. It's nerve racking, I hardly sleep.

NIKKI

What's going on down there, BRANT?

BRANT

You're going to find out soon enough I imagine.

EMMA

Then give us the heads up.

BRANT

Got another cigarette?

NIKKI

Cough up the details.

BRANT

Grr, NIKKI just...

NIKKI

Spill.

BRANT

There's a major coup going down. The WEREWOLVES are pushing for peace but the VAMPIRES are hesitating on the deal.

EMMA

The WEREWOLVES have been slumming it for generations, what gives them leverage to broker such an alliance?

BRANT

The new head VAMP for the top clan is pushing for change, he believes something is coming, he won't say what, or why, but he's got half the VAMPIRES in the underworld wound up and ready for some kind of big war. Whatever he knows he's using it to gain support amongst the smaller but more vocal clans, but the VAMPIRE hierarchy aren't sitting well with it. Add in the other sub monster groups that have thrown in their vote of confidence and the full backing of the werewolves, and you've got a VAMPIRE of the people who's rising up faster than the others like.

NIKKI

This VAMPIRE got a name?

BRANT

None I'm willing to give up yet, but trust me, you'll probably be getting to know him soon enough.

EMMA

A VAMPIRE pushing for peace with WEREWOLVES, sounds far fetched.

BRANT

Wish it were. But there's a major battle coming for the stake of the UNDERWORLD, and if he wins, there's going to be a lot of changes coming to the FRINGE. Good for the most part I think, but bad too.

NIKKI

Why bad?

BRANT

The losers aren't going to go quietly.

EMMA

Sounds about right.

BRANT

Look, I don't know what the SYSTEM plans on doing with this information, but if it's planning on intervening, they better side with the guy who wants to unite the FRINGE, not the ones who'll want to keep things the way they are.

EMMA

The SYSTEM won't want massive change, they never have and they probably never will.

BRANT

Then they're going to regret that, because I don't know if you've noticed it, but things are getting worse. The crime, the violence, the...slaving and killing. The FRINGE has always been chaotic but this new amount of chaos seems...odd, don't you guys agree, don't you see it?

NIKKI

Can't say I disagree, but I think that's just the climate of the...

BRANT

No, don't feed me the bullshit sister, I see both sides of the same coin here, It's my job. You think you're more civilized and better than those who run the Underworld but I'm telling you, the chaos is spreading throughout both worlds, and it's only starting to get worse. This new VAMP can help quell a growing angst, but he's only one man, even if he keeps the Underworld from imploding...what or who is going to keep it from happening here? We have an answer for that side of the coin...but from where I'm standing...there ain't one for this world yet, and that...could be trouble.

NIKKI

Time to go BRANT.

BRANT

Yeah.

EMMA leads BRANT over towards a ANGEL whom had appeared outside the SYSTEM building as the sun had peaked at just the right time, NIKKI checking her watch as it was dawn as the artificial SUN was beginning to rise as EMMA pats BRANT on the shoulder and kisses him on the cheek as BRANT smirks and follows the ANGEL inside as EMMA comes back over to NIKKI who looks about as the day was starting to form.

EMMA

What do you think?

NIKKI

I think BRANT believed everything he was saying.

EMMA

Yeah..me too.

NIKKI

Yeah.

EMMA

Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?

NIKKI

Didn't you hear him?

EMMA

Yeah...

NIKKI gets into her car as EMMA goes around and get's into the passenger side as NIKKI starts her car and heads off.

INT. AUSTIN'S ROOM

AUSTIN lays wide awake as a dozen of so half n***d women are sleeping in s*x coma's all around his room as he was still bugged eyed and awake.

AUSTIN

Son of a b***h.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

SHANE and CHARLES are standing as TERRANCE was dozing in and out, SHANE looking at CHARLES who looks heartbroken as CHARLES rubs his hand through his friends hair, TERRANCE stirring awake as he groggily looks at CHARLES who musters a small smile.

TERRANCE

CHARLES...you still here?

CHARLES

You dozed off on me buddy.

TERRANCE

Yeah...I think it's that time.

CHARLES

Yeah.

TERRANCE

New blood....SHANE, right?

SHANE

Yes, sir.

TERRANCE

Come here.

SHANE comes closer as TERRANCE holds a hand out, SHANE taking it as TERRANCE pats him with his free hand.

TERRANCE

It was nice to meet you, kid. I think you're going to be fine. I really do...

SHANE

Thank you. It was nice to meet you too, TERRANCE.

CHARLES

SHANE, could you give me a moment with TERRANCE.

SHANE

Yeah.

SHANE pulls away and heads to the door, stopping as he opens it.

SHANE

Goodbye, TERRANCE.

TERRANCE

Goodbye to you, new blood.

SHANE exits as he shuts the door, CHARLES coming over with the SYRINGE as he pulls it out and places it into the IV, CHARLES pushing the liquid into the IV as the last few amounts of blood were beginning to empty.

TERRANCE

Will it...?

CHARLES

No, it'll mix right in with the blood, you'll get tired and groggy and you'll fall asleep my friend. And you won't wake back up.

TERRANCE

Painless...

CHARLES

Painless.

TERRANCE

I'm going to miss you, CHARLES.

CHARLES

Boss...you don't have to do this...

TERRANCE

What are you talking about?

CHARLES

I could get you fresh blood...younger blood...

TERRANCE

No...

CHARLES

TERRANCE...

TERRANCE

I said no!

CHARLES looks like a scolded child as he hangs his hand, TERRANCE taking a deep breath as he coughs as CHARLES looks at his friend with tears.

TERRANCE

This is my choice...to die proud, to live out a life..when the blood I have wasn't getting it done, I knew...I will not mess with my natural order to sustain a few more years of living, and for what? Retirement and bingo, I...I have to go.

CHARLES

I know, but...boss...

TERRANCE

Goddamnit, CHARLES...I'm not your boss anymore. I'm just your friend. And this is how I...how it needs to end.

CHARLES nods as TERRANCE seems to be getting more and more drowsy, his eyes fighting to stay open as CHARLES watches TERRANCE hold a hand out, CHARLES taking it as he goes to a knee beside his friend.

TERRANCE

CHARLES...you have to forgive...forgive LANCE...

CHARLES

I...

TERRANCE

Forgive, MAGNUS, forgive COLBY even...You never forgave me, and I don't blame you, but you have to forgive yourself...if you never do that, if you never tell...what happened to yours...when the time comes to get them through a crisis...you may make the same mistakes I did...don't make those mistakes...be better than I ever was...be better than you've allowed yourself to be...be...be who you are...meant to be...my...

CHARLES feels the grip loosen with every word as TERRANCE closes his eyes, and taking a few more deep breaths, ceased to exist.

CHARLES nods before letting tears fall down his face, CHARLES letting go of his hand as he sets it on his body, CHARLES not wasting a moment as he turns and briskly walks out.

INT. THE TAVERN

NIKKI and EMMA come in as AUSTIN was sitting at the bar alone, a whole bottle nearly empty as NIKKI smirks to herself as EMMA runs over and hugs him, AUSTIN shrugging her off as EMMA grabs a beer for NIKKI as she pours herself a shot.

NIKKI

How'd it go?

AUSTIN

Like you care.

NIKKI

I don't.

AUSTIN

It went terrible, you happy?

NIKKI

A little.

EMMA

How many you bag?

AUSTIN

About fifteen. Nothing, wide awake. How about you guys? What CHARLES give you?

EMMA

Tag and bag. BRANT, again.

AUSTIN

That guy. Jesus Christ.

NIKKI

It's always interesting running into BRANT.

AUSTIN

He go through a window again?

EMMA

Like a bear to honey.

AUSTIN

Ha.

NIKKI eyes AUSTIN as AUSTIN takes another shot as EMMA goes to the bathroom.

NIKKI

Sorry the nailing random sluts didn't work out for ya.

AUSTIN

Yeah, I'm not.

NIKKI

Maybe you just didn't bang the right s**t, you know?

AUSTIN

What are you talking about?

AUSTIN looks at NIKKI who looks at him with a raised eyebrow.

EMMA comes out of the bathroom a few moments later and finds the TWO gone.

EMMA

Oh, smart career move guys.

EMMA shakes her head as she comes around the bar and turns on the music box.

INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT

NIKKI and AUSTIN are kissing like mad as NIKKI forces her way into her apartment as AUSTIN was already disrobing quickly as NIKKI slams her door and pushes AUSTIN over onto the floor as his pants were halfway off.

NIKKI

Hands behind your back at all times, do not kiss me, and please don't go soft on me like you did last time...

AUSTIN

You broke my p***s.

NIKKI

Learn to hold on better, here we go.

NIKKI straddles him.

EXT. STREET

CHARLES and SHANE walk side by side back down the same street they had come up from, CHARLES not saying a word as SHANE can see how shaken he looked.

SHANE

You really respected him, didn't you?

CHARLES

He was a vampire who stuck to his code, never waned. He took some illegal blood when he was younger, what kept him around and active for so long, but once he wised up, he never went back...never. Even in the end.

SHANE

You could have saved him?

CHARLES

He could have saved himself. But he didn't. He wanted to die a proud vampire. I don't know if that's more foolish, or valiant. But...what's done is done.

SHANE

If that's how he wanted to go...who are we to judge?

CHARLES

Yeah. I guess so.

SHANE

That's one hell of a f****d up lesson to teach me when I can't sleep.

CHARLES

Death is multi-faceted here, just as it is when you were alive. It comes in different ways, but it's also a reminder. That though we may live forever in a sense, there is still death, natural, beautiful. We may be robbed of such natural death now, but I think it's important for you to see something like this...

SHANE

Why?

CHARLES

Because I'm sending you on the next REAP to the living world.

SHANE

You're what...?

CHARLES nods as he continues to walk, SHANE slowing a bit as he looks shocked but smiles a bit as CHARLES continues to head on.

SHANE

I think...I'm going to call it a night.

CHARLES

Do what you gotta do...see you tomorrow morning right?

SHANE

Sure, after I take care of some things.

CHARLES

Very good.

SHANE heads off in the opposite direction as SHANE begins to narrate.

SHANE

(O.S.)

I guess there are different ways everyone deals with being restless....

INT. THE TAVERN

EMMA lays on the bar top passed out as she was surrounded by dozens of empty bottles.

SHANE

(O.S.)

You could knock yourself into a drunken coma.

INT. ANTHONY'S APARTMENT

ANTHONY was sleeping like a baby in his bed.

SHANE

(O.S.)

You could get some good work in.

INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT

NIKKI and AUSTIN lay cuddled in each other's arms, fast asleep on NIKKI'S FLOOR.

SHANE

(O.S.)

You could be with the person you need to be with most.

INT. SHANE'S ROOM

SHANE was fast asleep back at his room in ANTHONY'S APARTMENT.

SHANE

(O.S.)

Or you could have a sobering experience with death yet again...or maybe put into shock by some big news you weren't expecting so early in your new life...

INT. CHARLES'S ROOM

CHARLES lay wide awake, staring forward at his ceiling.

SHANE

(O.S.)

Still, for every reason there is to be asleep, there are probably way more that keep you up. You just have to hope you find the solace, before it weighs itself down on you.

FADE OUT

END OF EPISODE.