Life Is Beautiful - Season 3, Episode 3

(Scene: the edge of the rocky island. NICK pulls the boat up to the shoreline, and once it has landed, he, CLARK, QUENTIN, and JOEY get out and climb up the large rocks, keeping their eyes out for guards. Some parts of the climb are very steep, but they all make it up to the top. When they reach the top, they duck under a ledge to avoid detection by the outer guards.)

NICK: (Whispers) Okay, I counted at least twelve. We're gonna need the bazookas.

JOEY: (Whispers as she passes out the large guns) No problem, got you covered.

(Cut to the open plain, as the guards stand around. One of them is hit by a fast-moving rock and is knocked down. As the others look to see what happened, more rocks come at them at high speed. We see the four I.D.O.L. agents picking up rocks, loading them into the bazookas, and firing them at the grunts. When all twelve are down, they run across the battlefield and each of them takes an ID badge from a fallen grunt. They scan the badges to open the door and then run inside.)

CLARK: I gotta say, this place isn't as modern as I pictured it on the outside.

QUENTIN: No, it looks more like one of those old prisons or asylums.

NICK: All right, we don't know what Borchetta's planning to do with our teammates, or when he plans to do it. We'll have a better chance of finding them and getting them out if we split up. Agent Beckham, you come with me, we'll take the left tunnel at this fork here. Agents Cook and Alexander, you take the right. As soon as we find someone, we let each other know. Keep your stun guns at the ready. This place is gonna be crawling with grunts, and if we're lucky, we might just run into the big man himself.

JOEY: Should we try to contact them now? It might give us a better idea of where they are.

NICK: No, Borchetta probably confiscated their watches. We better not alert him to our location.

CLARK: Uh, quick question. What do we do about Daniel?

NICK: Don't try to negotiate with him. We have to treat him like any other Big Machine henchman. But we know what his parents look like, and I know his dad's the male admin, but I'd rather not kill them for Daniel's sake. So stun guns only, if we can help it. Any other questions?

QUENTIN: Yeah. How do you wanna divide up the robot dogs?

NICK: Agent Beckham and I will take one, you guys take the other two. You know how to work them better than I do. We don't need to meet back here; if you can find an exit closer to where you are, take it. If anyone gets out before the others, don't contact anyone until you get to the boat. If you can, try to take whoever you rescued to the big ship before coming back here. Now let's move out before more grunts show up. Good luck.

(NICK and CLARK go down one hall, while QUENTIN and JOEY take the other one. Cut to the room where BORCHETTA sits. QAASIM and DANIEL stand in the open doorway, and he sees them watching him when he turns his chair around.)

BORCHETTA: Why don't you boys go out and see if you can track down your little friends. Let me know if you catch them. (Turns back to the monitor) I have big plans for them.

(QAASIM and DANIEL looks up to the screens and see NICK and CLARK walking the halls on one and QUENTIN and JOEY walking different halls on the other.)

BORCHETTA: Go now. But be quick, and be careful. I saw the guns they were using outside. (Right camera shows a close-up of QUENTIN) They left them out there, but still, seeing a man that angry with a gun that large unnerves me.

DANIEL: We won't let you down, sir.

QAASIM: (To DANIEL) I'll start in Sector 1 if you take Sector 2.

(DANIEL nods, and the two of them exit. Cut to an upper hallway, as Big Machine grunts run in all different directions past the corner where the fish tank is visible in the hall. MADDIE watches them anxiously and taps on the glass when she sees DANIEL and QAASIM coming her way.)

MADDIE: Hey! Guys!

QAASIM: (As they stop at the tank) What? What is it?

MADDIE: What's going on? Why is everyone running around?

DANIEL: Four I.D.O.L. agents just broke into HQ. We saw them on camera. It's our teammates.

MADDIE: (Sadly realizes) And now it's your job to catch them.

QAASIM: I'm afraid so. And what Borchetta's gonna do with them, I have no idea.

MADDIE: You know, it's not too late. You can let them escape, you can help them find us.

DANIEL: I'm sorry, Maddie...but it was too late for us a long time ago.

(He and QAASIM run with the rest of the pack as MADDIE looks on, crestfallen. We enter into a brief montage of scenes set to music, where all dialogue is ad-libbed but always in character. NICK and CLARK look around on one side of Big Machine headquarters, and QUENTIN and JOEY navigate the other side, but no matter how many places they look, they cannot find any of their teammates. When they encounter grunts, they shoot them with their stun guns or engage in close combat. They also make use of their smoke bombs. When the montage ends, we see NICK and CLARK treading carefully down a poorly lit hallway. They use their flashlights to guide them along.)

CLARK: Hey, Nick?

NICK: Yeah?

CLARK: I really gotta go to the bathroom.

NICK: I thought I told you to go before we left.

CLARK: I have to go again.

NICK: You could've used those bushes outside.

CLARK: Not for this. Please, Nick, there's gotta be a bathroom around here somewhere.

NICK: (Groans) Fine. But make it quick, and make sure you're alone first.

(Cut to another hallway. We see through the radar eyes of a robot dog as it walks along, but picking up nothing significant. Cut to QUENTIN and JOEY, as she operates the controls.)

QUENTIN: Any luck?

JOEY: No, I'm not getting anything. But at least there aren't any grunts up ahead.

QUENTIN: Maybe we're going the wrong way. We keep going higher up. Maybe we should try the basement.

JOEY: Couldn't hurt. (Presses a button) Here, boy.

(The robot dog comes running back to her, and she picks it up and puts it in her bag.)

QUENTIN: They're probably keeping Maddie and Jax in a different place from Rayvon and Qaasim. (Sighs) I just hope we're not too late.

JOEY: (As they walk on) If we are, then Borchetta will have hell to pay. I can assure you of that.

(Cut to a door in the poorly lit hallway. We hear a toilet flush, some running water, and then CLARK emerges and looks around the hall. There is no one else to be seen.)

CLARK: Nick? Nick, where are you?

NICK: (Whispers) Over here. I turned on my stealth ring while I waited.

CLARK: Good idea. Here, let me turn mine on.

NICK: No, it's pointless now. Besides, I need to save the battery.

(He becomes visible again, and he and CLARK carry on down the hallway. Cut to the end, where we see someone watching them in the shadows, and then cut back to the two of them.)

CLARK: Uh...is it just me, or do you get the feeling we're being watched?

NICK: Oh, probably. A place this big has security cameras on every wall, just like our headquarters.

CLARK: No, I mean for real. Like there's a real person hiding in the shadows, waiting to pounce on us when we least expect it.

NICK: It's just the darkness playing to your spy instincts. Don't let it trip you up.

(As CLARK speaks again, a lasso of rope that glows in the dark is thrown at them from behind.)

CLARK: All right, I'll try, but it's really hard not to shake that feeling after all we've-

NICK: (Turns around, points to the lasso) Behind you!

(Before either of them can react, the lasso catches CLARK around the waist, pulling his arms to his sides. He makes a small, pained sound as the luminous rope is pulled tighter around him, holding him in place. NICK pulls out his stun gun and points it in the direction behind CLARK.)

NICK: Let him go or I'll shoot!

CLARK: (Struggling) What is this stuff? It burns!

NICK: (Turns to him) Hold still. Let me see if I can break it.

(He starts to work on the rope, but it hurts when he touches it. Just then, another lasso is thrown from behind NICK, catching him by the wrists. He turns around as his hands are pulled together and is then pulled forward onto the ground. Another lasso catches him by the feet, and he is held in place. He struggles to break free, but it is all in vain.)

NICK: (Pained face) Ow...man, you're right, this does burn...

CLARK: I know! (Winces with pain) What do they use to make these things?

(At that moment, the two of them turn at the sound of footsteps coming from behind NICK. They look relieved as QAASIM steps out into the light and looks at them with a blank face.)

QAASIM: Hey.

NICK: Qaasim! Thank God!

QAASIM: I was wondering when you guys would show up.

CLARK: Well, now that you've found us, could you get us out of these burning ropes?

QAASIM: And why would I do that?

NICK: (Confused) Because...we're on the same team?

(QAASIM pulls out his gun and holds it with both hands, but he is not pointing it at anyone.)

QAASIM: No, we're not.

CLARK: (Growing nervous) What are you talking about?

QAASIM: You already knew that Daniel was the Scorpion. Now say hello to the Tarantula.

(NICK and CLARK'S faces turn to shock and dismay as more grunts emerge from the shadows.)

NICK: No... No!

(The grunts surround the two I.D.O.L. agents. One of them takes the end of the rope holding CLARK, and another takes the end of the one around NICK'S feet and starts to drag him away in the direction from which QAASIM came. A third grunt pats QAASIM on the back.)

GRUNT 3: Nice work, kid. (To the other grunts) All right, you heard the boss. (Points to CLARK) This one goes to the prep room. (Points to NICK) That one goes to him. Now move!

CLARK: (As the grunts lead him away) Hey! Stop pulling so hard! This thing hurts!

NICK: (Calls out to CLARK) Just hang in there! I'll come find you!

(But soon CLARK and the grunts surrounding him are out of sight. NICK brings his hands closer to his face and tries to press a button on his watch. Cut to QUENTIN and JOEY in another hall.)

JOEY: You know, I'm starting to wonder if we're even in the right place. I mean, I.D.O.L. sends its prisoners off to Washington, unless they have enhanced abilities. Then they go to Alaska.

QUENTIN: Yeah, but the plane was stuck here for all that time. They must be on this island.

(Suddenly, both of their watches beep. They stand facing each other in the middle of the hallway.)

NICK: (Over the watch) Hello, is anyone there? Quentin, Joey, can you hear me? Do you copy?

(JOEY presses a button on her watch, and she and QUENTIN look down to listen. From now on, the camera cuts between the two of them and NICK as they speak.)

QUENTIN: First names? This must be serious.

JOEY: We hear you, Nick. What's going on?

NICK: We've got trouble. Clark and I have been captured. I don't know where they're taking him.

JOEY: (Worried) Well, do you need us to come get you?

NICK: No, don't risk it. There are too many of them. They're hiding everywhere.

QUENTIN: But we can't just leave! How are we gonna rescue our friends?

NICK: That's what I called to warn you. Big Machine tricked us again.

JOEY: What, you mean they aren't here? I was wondering about that. It's been hours and we still haven't found anyone we came for, or that little brat Daniel-

NICK: No, listen! They sent us another mole. It's not just Daniel; Qaasim's working for them, too!

(There is a short pause. QUENTIN and JOEY look up at each other and use low, shocked voices.)

JOEY: Qaasim?

QUENTIN: Tarantula...

NICK: Find Maddie and Jax, and Rayvon and Clark if you can, but then get out of here. Forget about me. They're taking me to Borchetta, I'll deal with him myself. Please...I can't let you die for my sake. As your team leader, I order you to leave me behind and save yourselves.

(The grunt dragging him stops, takes the watch off his wrist, turns it off, puts it in his pocket, and continues dragging NICK down the hall. Cut back to QUENTIN and JOEY in their hallway.)

JOEY: Nick? Are you still there? Hello? (Waits a few more seconds, then lowers her wrist)

QUENTIN: He's gone. Looks like we're on our own now.

JOEY: But Qaasim working for Big Machine...that can't be right.

QUENTIN: But he is, and you know it. The female admin. Do you remember her name now?

JOEY: Toni Seawright... (Realizes) Qaasim's mom...Borchetta sent us both the admin's kids?

QUENTIN: Yup. My guess is, he wanted one to get in with the specialists and one to stay close to the scientists. That's why Daniel got attached to Adanna, and Qaasim...

JOEY: (Heartbroken) I don't believe it...of all the agents we ever worked with, why did it have to be him? I loved that kid, we both did.

QUENTIN: I know. But we can't let that keep us from our mission. We came to rescue our friends, and that's what we're gonna do. And if we find Qaasim, then we'll have to treat him like one of them. Even if that means taking him out. (Looks down, sighs) But I'd rather not.

JOEY: (Pulls herself together) Well, we won't get anything done by standing here. This next hallway loops around, let's say you go left and I go right.

QUENTIN: Fine by me. Lead the way.

(They continue down the hallway together. Cut to another room, where BORCHETTA sits at a table with TONI on his left and JEFFERY on his right. They look to the door as DANIEL enters.)

DANIEL: Sir, I just got a message from Qaasim. We have Agents Beckham and Fradiani.

TONI: (Smiles) Wonderful! (Turns to BORCHETTA) See, Mr. Borchetta? I told you my boy could do anything. He'll make an excellent candidate for male admin one day.

JEFFERY: Excuse me, but I think my son is perfectly capable of filling my position.

TONI: You have a daughter, don't you? She can take over my position.

JEFFERY: If you think that's how it works here, you're-

BORCHETTA: (Stands up) All right, that's enough! I don't have time for your petty arguments. (Turns to DANIEL) You have both done well. Is Agent Fradiani on his way?

DANIEL: Yes, sir. I saw them bringing him here when I came in.

BORCHETTA: Excellent. I'll go out and meet him now. (Turns to TONI and JEFFERY) I will take both of your sons into consideration when the time comes. But you are still young, and they are still young. We'll have plenty of time to worry about such things after I've conquered the world. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go attempt to recruit a new member. (Exits)

DANIEL: It's okay, Dad. I'd be fine if he chose Qaasim as the new male admin. I mean, I'd be honored if it were me, and I'll still work hard to earn it, but…he is a great agent.

JEFFERY: We'll see. Mr. Borchetta's right, we have a long time to think about it.

TONI: (Aside) One girl, was that too much to ask for?

(Scene: a large, open room at Big Machine headquarters. Two grunts lead NICK between them, his hands and feet in shackles. BORCHETTA comes out to meet them with a victorious smile.)

BORCHETTA: Nicholas Fradiani.

NICK: (Looking at him with contempt) Scott Borchetta.

BORCHETTA: So we meet at last. (Stops when he gets to NICK) Man to man, legend to legend.

NICK: Not really. I'm only a legend among my rank and you're only a legend in your own head.

BORCHETTA: (Small laugh) Even in chains, you're still full of fire. I like that in an agent.

NICK: I will say these are a nice alternative to those rope things you caught us with. What do you make those out of?

BORCHETTA: One of my own inventions, one I'm particularly proud of. The burn you felt was a constant low-level electrical shock. Impressive, isn't it?

NICK: I'm not impressed that you would waste your genius creating things to hurt people.

BORCHETTA: Oh, fine, suit yourself. You I.D.O.L. people are impossible to please.

NICK: What have you done with Maddie and Jax?

BORCHETTA: Fear not, Agent Fradiani, your little friends are safe and sound. The mermaid is in my giant ocean tank, and very soon I'll be taking her out so my surgeons can extract her voice box for me to study. As for the zombie, she's locked up tight in the basement, but tonight I will let her out so that she can carry out the next phase of my plan.

NICK: And Rayvon?

BORCHETTA: Oh, he's still alive. Not for much longer, though; his usefulness has almost ended. But don't worry, he won't die alone. I'm sure the piranhas will find him...delicious.

(He gives an evil chuckle, and NICK frowns and glares at him even more intensely.)

BORCHETTA: I have big plans for you, too. But they will all depend on your answer to my next question, Nick, can I call you Nick? So choose wisely.

NICK: I know what you're going to ask, and my answer is already no. I've spent too long fighting the forces of evil to give in to them now.

BORCHETTA: Evil? (Laughs) What is this evil of which you speak? Good and evil only exist in stories, Nick. This is the real world, full of real people living real lives with real struggles. What rule of nature states that we have to play nice in order to live? Do you not follow politics, or the economy? The climb to the top involves a lot of lying, a lot of cheating, and a lot of stealing. And yes, sometimes people die as a result. But that's the way of the world. To be self-sustaining you must be self-serving. A lion tears apart a zebra and eats the flesh, do you call the lion evil? Humans are animals, too, Agent Fradiani, and I'm doing all I can to assert my dominance. Each of us must work to ensure not only our own survival, but the survival of our next generation. And if that means taking advantage of everything and everyone I can get my hands on, then so be it. I don't believe in karma.

NICK: But you do believe in magic, and that makes you even more dangerous. A mermaid's most precious gift is her voice. You have no right to take Maddie's.

BORCHETTA: Says who? Your god? God is subjective. The very idea of goodness is subjective, which is why I have no faith in it. Humans are the most intelligent creatures on this planet. We've invented and discovered things beyond the reach of all other life forms. And yet we have these things that hold us back from the moment we're born. How could the driving force of evolution be so stupid as to include caring and selflessness in our package?

NICK: Maybe they're not as stupid as you think. Maybe they actually have a purpose.

BORCHETTA: But how could they? As long as we are honest and loyal to those who will serve us, what does it matter how we treat the rest of humanity? Like I said, I see no reward in goodness or punishment in what you call evil.

NICK: And you wonder why we have a problem with you.

BORCHETTA: I do, actually. In my eyes, I'm just a simple businessman, going about my trade. The only difference between me and the wolves of Wall Street is that I'm using my brain to actually build things and not just scam the country into submission. My grand invention is nearly complete, and once I unleash it on the world, their billions will do them no good.

NICK: It's such a shame, Scott. You could've done so much good for the world. You're brilliant, you're eloquent, you're confident and driven and self-motivated, and you're a natural born leader. You're everything we look for in an I.D.O.L. agent.

BORCHETTA: And I'm sorry to see you this way, too, Agent Fradiani. I've admired you from the moment I first laid eyes on you. You're brave, you're clever, you're trustworthy, you know so much about your field, and you never give up on a mission. I would love to have you on my team. And if you are willing, I will accept you as a part of the Big Machine.

NICK: Forget it. I already told you no.

BORCHETTA: But why not? You've already dedicated so much of your life to I.D.O.L. What makes us any different from them?

NICK: How about the fact that I.D.O.L. works to protect the world and keep it safe, while you're bent on conquering and destroying it?

BORCHETTA: Protect the world from what? Ambitious businessmen? Homemade superheroes? You're doing a lousy job of keeping aliens out. This may come as a surprise to you, Nick, but by your definition of good, Big Machine is actually better than I.D.O.L. You may not approve of our actions, but at least we are honest about our intentions. I just told you exactly what I'm going to do to your friends. But once you found out about the Goldstein Institute, didn't you start questioning all of I.D.O.L.'s motives? Weren't you wondering if you really knew who you were working for? Seacrest lied to you, Nick, and he's still keeping secrets from you. What makes you think you can trust him any more than you can trust me?

NICK: Seacrest has his flaws, but he's a good man with good intentions who wants the same things for the world as any decent person: peace and freedom.

BORCHETTA: I notice you didn't say love. But isn't that the backbone of human existence, according to you moralistic types? Daniel told me all about your girlfriend, and how much time you gave up with her in order to serve I.D.O.L. Shaina said she could see the pain in Agent Owen and Agent Alexander's eyes from all the time they spent cut off from the ones they love. When was the last time you saw your family, Agent Fradiani? What about that band you once fronted? Don't you wish you could have true love? Each and every one of you has given up something precious and hardened your hearts in the name of international security. You cold-blooded killers are no different from the ones who work here.

NICK: (Growing frustrated) You're wrong. It's not the same. Life as an I.D.O.L. agent requires a lot of painful sacrifice, but everyone who's there is there of their own free will. Unlike you, who spend all your time brainwashing children and making them impossible promises. I have no respect for a man who threatens to kill a kid's parents to make them obey.

BORCHETTA: Hey, it gets the job done. Like I said, to stay on top, you must be willing to do whatever it takes. Daniel and Qaasim are the products of a system that I have implemented for decades. Are you familiar with the proverb of the two wolves that live inside every person? One is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, despair, lies and ego, and the other is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness and truth. They are always fighting, and the one that wins is the one we feed. Well, whenever a child is born into the Big Machine, I make the effort to kill the light wolf, leaving only the dark one to grow and thrive. Whatever you saw as love in those boys was all for show, the means to an end. Deep down, they are just as heartless as I am.

NICK: I don't buy that. I still believe there is goodness in them. And as hard as it is to see, part of me thinks there's some in you, too, if you'll only embrace it.

BORCHETTA: Never. It's counterproductive. But I will give you one last chance to embrace your desire for power. Don't deny it, Agent Fradiani, everyone wants a position of fortune and fame. You could have the whole world if you join the Big Machine.

NICK: I've said it before, and I'll say it again. No.

BORCHETTA: Not even to spare your own life?

NICK: Not even for that. Then at least if you do take over the world, I will go to my grave knowing I had no part in it, and that I did all I could to stop you.

BORCHETTA: Peace of mind at death. What a silly, sentimental thing. I never understood that, either. But if that's your final answer, than so be it. I'll just have to go through with my original plan. I have a rather large refrigeration chamber on the third floor and a meat hook with your name on it. (Evil smile) A cold and lonely death for a cold and lonely man. (Low, evil laugh) Take him away. I'll be with you in just a moment.

(NICK continues to glare at him as the grunts lead him away. Cut to the hallway, as QUENTIN and JOEY reach the section that loops around. They turn to each other.)

QUENTIN: You said I go left and you go right?

JOEY: Yeah. The whole thing loops around anyway, so we'll run into each other.

QUENTIN: (Looks down the hall, then backs up against the wall) Shh! Someone's coming!

(She joins him against the wall, and they listen as the footsteps slowly make their way along the hall. Cut to further down the hallway, as QAASIM nervously walks along, keeping a sharp lookout as he goes. Cut back to QUENTIN and JOEY.)

JOEY: It sounds like it's coming from the left side. Want me to go with you?

QUENTIN: No, I'll be all right. Just let me know if you find anything.

JOEY: Okay. See you in a bit.

(They split up and go down separate hallways. QUENTIN looks down his hall with a knowing gaze, and his steps are cautious but relaxed. When he turns the corner, QAASIM turns and sees him, pulling out his stun gun. QUENTIN holds up his hands defensively but remains calm.)

QAASIM: Don't move or I'll shoot!

QUENTIN: Qaasim, drop the gun.

QAASIM: I'm serious, Quentin. Don't make me use this.

QUENTIN: Drop the gun, now.

QAASIM: (Growing nervous) You first.

QUENTIN: All right. (Takes out one of his guns, places it on the floor, and kicks it aside) Now you.

(QAASIM slowly lowers his stun gun to the floor, sets it down with a trembling hand, and kicks it aside. He lowers his hands to his sides as he turns back to QUENTIN.)

QUENTIN: There. Now we can talk about this like friends.

QAASIM: We're not friends, Quentin. We never were. I wanted us to be, really, I did-

QUENTIN: And we still can. Just come back to me. Come back to I.D.O.L.

QAASIM: You know I can't do that. I was born into this, I was raised for this. There's no escaping the Big Machine once you're a part of it.

QUENTIN: I know that's what you were taught to believe. But it's not true. There is no force in the universe stronger or more powerful than love. And we have that. Now come home to us.

QAASIM: No, Quentin, this is my home. This is where my family is. I have no choice.

QUENTIN: Yes, you do. Borchetta can't hurt you if you're with us.

QAASIM: Oh, yes he can! You saw what he did to Loren and Alexis, you know what's he's doing to our teammates! I don't wanna end up like that...I'm scared, Quentin...

(He looks ready to cry, and QUENTIN looks back at him with the utmost sympathy. Cut to the large refrigeration chamber on the third floor. It is dark inside, and the floor is full of sacks and crates covered in frost. There are chains on the walls and hooks hanging from the ceiling. The two grunts take NICK and hang him be his wrist chains on the hook directly in front of the door, some distance back. One of them pulls his cross necklace out of his shirt and pulls it off of his neck with a hard yank. NICK is still looking disdainfully at BORCHETTA, who stands just outside the chamber looking in at him with a smug grin.)

BORCHETTA: Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I have other fish to fry. Or should I say, other agents. (Evil chuckle) I'll be back in a few hours to check on you. Whether you'll still be alive by then, I have no idea. It can get pretty cold in here, as you can see. (The two grunts exit the chamber) Farewell, Agent Fradiani. I am truly sorry that you couldn't be one of us.

(He takes the door and pushes it closed with a loud slam that echoes throughout the chamber. NICK looks around him but can only see the outlines of objects in the dark. Cut to outside the chamber, as BORCHETTA secures the lock on the door. When he is done, he turns around.)

BORCHETTA: Well, that takes care of one pest. Now to deal with his companion. (Pulls out a walkie-talkie) All right, boys, you can bring me Agent Beckham now.

(Cut to the far end of the room, as two grunts, accompanied by a third in a white apron, wheel CLARK in on a stretcher to which he is strapped down. He is motionless, his eyes are closed, and he is wrapped from head to toe in industrial plastic. BORCHETTA looks down at him, displeased.)

BORCHETTA: (Looks up at the grunts) Why is he covered in plastic?

GRUNT 1: He wasn't cooperating, sir. It was the only way to restrain him.

BORCHETTA: I never told you to do this!

GRUNT 2: Well, sir, you said you wanted him dead, so I figured this would make it happen faster.

BORCHETTA: No, you idiots, I need him alive for this part! If I wanted you to kill him, I would've said so! Get it off him, now!

GRUNT 1: But we'll have to undo the leather straps, sir, and then he might break out his karate moves again! I can still feel it where he kicked me earlier...

BORCHETTA: (Frustrated groan) Fine. Just his head, then. Quickly, before he suffocates!

(One of the grunts takes the the plastic wrap covering CLARK'S head from the top of his hair. He slowly pulls it off, and once it is completely off, CLARK opens his eyes and gasps for breath. He turns his head slightly to the side and looks up at BORCHETTA, who is looking down at him.)

BORCHETTA: I apologize for the discomfort, Agent Beckham. (Turns to the grunts) It appears some of my henchmen are incapable of following instructions.

CLARK: (Once he regains his breath) So you're the one behind all this.

BORCHETTA: (Looks at him with a sinister smile) How does it feel to look into the face of evil?

CLARK: I'll admit, I'm scared out of my mind. But I'm not scared enough to give in to you.

BORCHETTA: That's all right, I won't keep you here long. I've been watching you for some time, and given your religious conviction, I figured it would be pointless to ask you to join us.

CLARK: You figured right. I see no reason why I should align myself with the losing side.

BORCHETTA: And what makes you so sure you're going to win? We have you outnumbered in men and in resources, we've gained access to your entire records system thanks to our moles, and all of I.D.O.L.'s best American agents are here, awaiting their doom. (Pokes the plastic with his finger, gives a small chuckle) I've got you wrapped up like a stiff in the morgue. So tell me how you're going to defeat the Big Machine from here.

CLARK: It doesn't matter what you do to me. You won't succeed. Good will always conquer evil.

BORCHETTA: (Scornful laugh) And here we go again.

CLARK: (Nervous but still determined) It's true. The balance of the universe will always turn to order. That's why the Authentic Icons were able to defeat Dracometer. I.D.O.L. fights for the law of God. We stand for truth, and honor, and integrity, and compassion, justice and mercy are at the heart of all our missions. And the will of God always wins.

(Some of the grunts laugh in a tormenting way. CLARK starts to cower under their harsh gaze.)

BORCHETTA: Your devotion to your faith is admirable, Agent Beckham, but I'm afraid your logic is very flawed. The only reason we need the Authentic Icons to fight for us is because the scale of the universe is always tipping towards chaos. It is they, and you, who fight the uphill battle. If your God intended peace and prosperity and all those good things for the world, then why would He give any of his creatures the free will He gave humans? No, my dear agent, if God is as all-knowing as you believe, then He saw this world coming and it was part of His plan. You cannot rely on Him for guidance or for comfort, and crying out to him now will not save your life, or yourself from the pain you are about to endure.

CLARK: (Softer voice) Why are you having so much fun torturing us?

BORCHETTA: It's just a psychological thing. Some people get off on their own pain. (Sadistic smile) I get off on other people's. And I can't wait to see the little mermaid's face when she wakes up without her voice, and the zombie girl when she realizes that she's been doing my bidding and didn't even know it. What a shame you won't be here to see it all unfold.

CLARK: (Near whisper) You're a despicable man...and you will suffer for all that you've done.

BORCHETTA: I appreciate your concern for my soul, Agent Beckham, but you are about to suffer more than I ever will. But you just keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better about your fate. (Pulls out the Nighty-Night pen with an evil grin) Give my regards to Saint Peter.

(He pokes CLARK in the neck with the Nighty-Night pen, and CLARK cringes with pain before falling unconscious. BORCHETTA then puts the pen away and turns to the grunts around him.)

BORCHETTA: See, boys? This is why you always carry your Nighty-Night pen with you on the job.

(He reaches down and pulls off the cross from around CLARK'S neck with a hard yank.)

BORCHETTA: (Looks up at the grunt in the white apron) He's all yours, Chef.

(The grunts wheel the stretcher out of the room. Cut back to QUENTIN and QAASIM in the hallway above. QAASIM appears to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.)

QUENTIN: (Calm but serious voice) Qaasim Asani Malik Seawright-Middleton. I know you. You may have been undercover with us, but I saw your heart and soul. This is not you. The real you, the loving, caring, compassionate you is still in there. I still see him. And if you just embrace him, let him out, then we can rescue our friends and shut down the Big Machine.

QAASIM: (Tears forming in his eyes) No, Quentin...you don't understand. I have to stay true to him. I don't wanna kill you, but I have to take you in. Or else he'll kill my whole family.

QUENTIN: (More urgent tone) But together we're stronger than Borchetta. We can beat him because we have love and he doesn't. Qaasim, we're your family, too.

(There is a short pause. QAASIM turns his head away slightly and then back to QUENTIN.)

QUENTIN: Someone will have overheard us by now. They'll be coming soon. Just let me go.

QAASIM: I can't do that, Quentin...I'll get in trouble...

QUENTIN: No, you won't. I can protect you if you let me. Just come back to us.

QAASIM: No, I can't...I can never come back to I.D.O.L....not after what I've done...

QUENTIN: What you've done doesn't matter. I.D.O.L will understand. They'll forgive you. Because I already have. (Short, tense pause) Please hear me out. Let me go, and we'll rescue all our friends. Just let me go, and we can take down Big Machine once and for all. We'll get you and Daniel out of here. You can be free. Please, Qaasim.

(There is another short, tense pause. QAASIM trembles but fights back tears as he pulls his other gun out of his belt and points it at QUENTIN. QUENTIN'S face does not change.)

QAASIM: I'm really sorry about this!

(He pulls the trigger, and QUENTIN takes a step forward, hunched over. Cut to further down the hall, as JOEY stops in her tracks at the sound of the bang. Her eyes widen, and she runs back the other way. Cut back to QUENTIN, who puts a hand on his chest as the blood pours out and then looks up at QAASIM in surprise and pain. QAASIM stares at him in shock and confusion, then looks at the gun in his hands. When he turns to the wall where the other gun lies, QAASIM remembers that it was the stun gun he kicked aside and the bullet gun that was still in his belt.)

QAASIM: (Turns back to QUENTIN, horrified whisper) Oh, no...

QUENTIN: (Weak voice) Qaasim...why?

(He slumps onto the ground, and QAASIM is frozen in place with terror and grief.)

QAASIM: (Starting to tremble) What have I done...

(JOEY steps onto the scene, sees QUENTIN on the floor, gasps loudly and kneels down before him. She utters panicked phrases and makes distressed sounds as she tries and fails to stop the flow of blood from his chest. She then looks up and sees QAASIM with the gun in his hands.)

JOEY: You did this...

QAASIM: Joey, listen, I swear to God I didn't mean for this to happen-

JOEY: (Furious) Shut up! (Looks down at QUENTIN, who is now immobile, and then looks back up at QAASIM with tears in her eyes, low voice full of anger) You are dead to me.

(She returns her focus to QUENTIN, holding him while cleaning up the blood around his wound. She whispers softly to him as QAASIM starts shaking. Silent tears run down his face as he turns and runs away. JOEY is also shedding some silent tears as she leans over QUENTIN.)

JOEY: Hang in there, buddy...you're gonna make it...you're gonna pull through...

QUENTIN: (Eyes barely open, reaches up to her) Joey...there's something I have to tell you...

(JOEY leans in closer to listen, but there are loud footsteps all around them and when JOEY looks up, they are surrounded by Big Machine grunts with large guns. She gets up on one knee, pulls out her gun, and looks around at them ready for a fight, but she does not move from her place.)

(Scene: the basement of Big Machine headquarters. JAX sits alone in a dark room, her hands and feet chained to the wall. The cuff on one wrist is a little higher up her arm to accommodate for the bracelet. She looks up at the door, solid except for a tiny barred window, as it opens to admit BORCHETTA, who is carrying a pail and a small glass. He sits down before her.)

BORCHETTA: Here. I brought you something to tide you over.

(He offers her the glass, but JAX does not speak or move, just glares at him with contempt.)

BORCHETTA: Don't worry, it's just water. I'm not about to poison my best asset.

(JAX hesitantly accepts the glass, dips it in the bucket, and drinks the water. When she sets the glass down, she notices that BORCHETTA is looking at her with a scheming smile.)

BORCHETTA: Sorry, I didn't bring any food. I want you to save your appetite for tonight.

JAX: If you think I'm ever going to do what you want me to, you're even crazier than I thought. Why should I obey you when this is how you treat me and my friends?

BORCHETTA: Because there's no way you can escape me, Jackie. As I recall, when you turn into a zombie, you become unaware of your actions, is that not true? How are you going to stop yourself from going on a bloodthirsty rampage?

JAX: Concentrated power of will, that's how. You want to use me to terrorize people, but I'm still in control of my own mind. Zombie or not, I will never hurt anyone you send me after.

BORCHETTA: We'll see about that. (Holds her wrist with the bracelet) That's a lovely trinket you've found. I'm surprised none of my scientists have been able to get it off of you.

JAX: Science doesn't have the answer to everything. This is magic we're dealing with.

BORCHETTA: And who's to say they're mutually exclusive? What some call magic, others call science, and vice versa. I am a believer in many things, things that some people like to call impossible. Much like the White Queen, I try to think of six before breakfast every morning.

JAX: But you don't believe in the dignity of human life, apparently.

BORCHETTA: (Rolls his eyes) Please don't start with the moral lecture. I've already gotten enough of it from your I.D.O.L. friends.

JAX: (No change in her tone) So it's true, then? They are here?

BORCHETTA: Yes, but not for much longer. Agents Beckham, Owen, and Fradiani have already been left to their slow and painful deaths, and just before I came in here, I got word that Agents Cook and Alexander have been captured. (Stands up) And now I'm off to see them disposed of. Soon Miss Walker will be going in for surgery, and I most oversee it to make sure nothing goes wrong. We only have one chance to get her voice box out intact, and if it's damaged, then we will have to go all the way back and find another mermaid. But I will be back for you when the sun sets, and then you will carry out the next phase of my plan.

JAX: Forget it! I'll never go along with any plan of yours. (Turns away from him) You're a monster.

BORCHETTA: (Evil smile) No, my dear. You are the monster. And tonight you will see it for yourself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a missile to launch.

(He exits, and JAX leans up against the wall and cries to herself. Cut to the balcony of another large room, much like the pool room. The grunt in the white apron is looking down at the lower level when BORCHETTA approaches him. He looks down, and his face does not change.)

BORCHETTA: I can't tell if he's writhing in pain or struggling to break free.

CHEF: I think it's a bit of both, sir.

BORCHETTA: (Turns to the chef) What've you got the heat set at?

CHEF: Three, sir. The highest setting is seven.

BORCHETTA: Crank it up a notch. (Turns to go, but then turns back around) But don't add any oil until I get back.

(The chef nods in acknowledgement, and after BORCHETTA exits, he turns to a panel on the wall, lifts it up, and turns the dial underneath a notch to the right. The camera pans down to the lower level, and we see that the floor is mostly taken up by a giant black skillet on a burner. Inside the uncovered frying pan is CLARK, no longer wrapped in plastic but tied up with regular rope and still dressed in his black spy clothes. He writhes and struggles in the heat, gently gasping for breath whenever he takes a break.)

(Scene: the refrigeration chamber. NICK is almost completely still as he hangs alone, feeling the cold. As his eyes have adjusted to the darkness, the outlines of objects become clearer, and his face is heavy with sadness and loneliness. He sighs, and his breath is visible in front of him.)

NICK: (Quietly to himself) As much as I hate to say it...he's right. I gave up everything for I.D.O.L....including love. I let Seacrest turn me into a fighting machine. (More loudly) Oh, Arianna...wherever you are...I'm sorry I let it come to this. You were right. I should've put you first. I should've let you know that I love you...and now it's too late. (On the verge of tears) We could've had real love...we could've had a happy ending...and I blew it.

(Music plays, and NICK maintains his heartbroken expression as he sings "What Hurts the Most." From his position, the only thing he can move is his head, though his body does jerk and a little at certain parts. When the song is over, he hangs his head and stays there in silence.)

(Scene: a large, round room with shiny metal walls and a bridge that cuts through the middle. A large missile is positioned at the center, pointed upwards, and QUENTIN and JOEY are being chain linked to it by the grunts who surrounded them in the hallway. JOEY looks resigned but still angry, and QUENTIN is conscious but weak. The grunts step back as BORCHETTA approaches.)

BORCHETTA: Joey Cook. Quentin Alexander. The ones who almost got away. (Stops at the missile) That's quite a mark my boy left on you.

JOEY: If you've come to mock us, save it. I'm not in the mood.

BORCHETTA: Well, that's too bad, because there's nothing you can do about it. And for your friend's sake, I hope that bullet wound kills him before the timer reaches zero. But at least you'll get a nice view of the Pacific Ocean and all its islands before you burn up in the atmosphere.

(He gives an evil laugh, and JOEY struggles in vain to break free. QUENTIN remains motionless.)

BORCHETTA: Oh, this is too wonderful! I got you two here, I got Agent Fradiani in the freezer, I got Agent Beckham in the frying pan, I got Agent Owen ready to swim with the piranhas, plus a mermaid in the fish tank and a zombie in the basement! I am on a roll! (Laughs) It won't be long now until I'm ready to take over the country! No one can stop me now!

JOEY: Just you wait. We're not the only agents after you. Someone else will come, and then you'll be sorry you ever heard of the International Defense and Offense League!

BORCHETTA: Which, by the way, is the lamest name for a spy organization ever. Someone was really reaching when they came up with that. But I digress. (Turns to go) Well, I must go and prepare my speech. First America, then the world! Ha ha! Have a nice flight!

(He turns and exits, followed by all of the grunts. JOEY tries to look over at QUENTIN, but he is on the opposite side of the missile as her. She continues to struggle, but to no avail.)

JOEY: Quentin...Quentin, can you hear me? Do you have anything that can get us out of here?

(QUENTIN looks over at her with what little strength he has and shakes his head no. After a few more seconds of struggling, JOEY gives up to catch her breath, looking upward in despair. The camera pans to a clock near the floor of the bridge, counting down the seconds in red numbers.)

(Scene: another room at Big Machine headquarters. QAASIM and DANIEL are practicing their marksmanship with some older grunts. They hit all of their targets on point. When they are done, they remove their goggles and vests and put the guns away.)

GRUNT 1: Wow, you boys have really improved!

GRUNT 2: They must've taught you well over at I.D.O.L.!

QAASIM: (Quietly to DANIEL) Don't tell anyone, but after what happened earlier, I don't care if I ever see another gun for as long as I live.

DANIEL: That's the price of being part of the Big Machine, I guess. But at least our families are safe as long as we keep this up.

QAASIM: Are they? I can't help feeling like I just killed my own brother.

DANIEL: Okay, now you're scaring me. I'm the one who always has the second thoughts. If you're having them now, then something is definitely wrong.

QAASIM: Yeah, something's wrong, all right. (Sighs) I just wish I knew what to do.

DANIEL: Shh. Here comes Mr. Borchetta. (The two of them duck into a corner)

BORCHETTA: (Enters the room) Well, that takes care of the last of those pesky I.D.O.L. agents. From here on out, we should be free to operate without any disturbance. (The grunts voice their approval.) Speaking of which, how goes the surgery preparation?

GRUNT 1: I just got a message from the medical wing, sir. They're all ready to go.

BORCHETTA: Excellent. Tell them to prepare a dose of anesthetic for the mermaid. In gaseous form, of course, I'm not sure how her blood will react to an injection. And tell them to do it quickly. If they take too long, we'll have to put it off until tomorrow.

GRUNT 2: Why's that, sir?

BORCHETTA: Because I want to be there when they operate to make sure nothing goes wrong. And tonight I will be busy with another important phase of my plan. For this, ladies and gentlemen, is the day I finally do away with I.D.O.L.'s golden trio, once and for all.

GRUNT 3: How are you gonna do that, sir?

BORCHETTA: I've had it planned out for quite some time. You see, tonight is the night of the new moon, and if you'll recall from our mole reports, the new moon is when Agent Jax's zombie transformations are the most violent. There is nothing that will stop her once she's on the hunt for flesh. So as soon as Agent Fradiani has frozen to death and Agent Beckham has burnt to a crisp, I will remove them from their deathtraps and lay their bodies out in the open. (Sadistic grin, slightly lower and rougher voice) Then, when the sun sets and the sky is clear and black, I will release the ravenous little zombie from her cell and let her roam the grounds at will. She will find them...and she will devour them!

(He gives a long, evil laugh, and the grunts all join in. QAASIM and DANIEL look on in horror.)

BORCHETTA: And while she gnaws the flesh off their bones, I am going to video tape her and save the recording to my file. Then, whenever she tries to convince herself that she's not a monster, I will have evidence to the contrary! She will do my bidding for the rest of her life!

(He laughs uproariously again, and the grunts laugh along. The boys remain hidden in the corner.)

BORCHETTA: Come, my faithful servants! This calls for a celebration! Drinks are on me!

(They all walk away together, laughing and cheering. Once the coast is clear, QAASIM and DANIEL slowly step out of the shadows and turn to each other in utter shock and dread.)

DANIEL: Oh, man...we really messed up, Qaasim!

QAASIM: Yeah, Daniel, yeah we did.

DANIEL: We gotta fix this, before he kills any more of our friends!

QAASIM: You're right. And I know just where to start.

(They exit the room together, QAASIM treading ever cautiously and DANIEL shaking all over with fear. Cut back to the room with the giant skillet. BORCHETTA enters and approaches the chef.)

CHEF: Am I good to add the oil now, sir?

BORCHETTA: Yes. But not too much. I don't want him frying up all at once.

(The chef goes down to the lower level and climbs up onto a platform that overlooks the frying pan, holding a bottle of cooking oil. When he gets to the top, he opens the bottle and pours some into the pan. It crackles and sizzles when it hits the bottom, and CLARK cries out in pain. Cut to the balcony, as BORCHETTA smiles gleefully, and then to the refrigeration chamber, as CLARK'S cries of agony are pumped in through a sound system. NICK starts to cry as he shivers violently, and the tears freeze up on his cheeks as they come out. Cut to JAX'S cell, as she sits and sheds a single tear, then to the pool room as RAYVON sheds one, then to the launch room as QUENTIN and JOEY each shed one, and finally to the giant fish tank as MADDIE sheds one from where she sits. The camera cuts to an overview of the rocky island, and then the scene fades to black.)

(Scene: I.D.O.L. headquarters. TYANNA is pacing back and forth in the briefing room of the secret base. ADANNA is sitting in a chair, and SARINA-JOI is lying on the floor, both looking bored.)

ADANNA: Tyanna, will you stop pacing? It's driving me crazy.

TYANNA: (Continues pacing) I'm sorry, I need to work off the tension. It's been hours and we haven't heard a word from them. Any of them.

SARINA-JOI: I'm sure they're fine. We're the super team, we always make it out okay.

TYANNA: Yeah, when we're together and actually working as a team! (Groans) We should've gone with them. We should all be there now.

ADANNA: And if something did go wrong, we'd all be dead or close to it. This was for the best.

TYANNA: But I can't just stand here waiting for the news! Something bad has happened, I just know it. We need to get over there.

SARINA-JOI: Don't be ridiculous. Seacrest won't let us leave until they're back.

TYANNA: (Stops pacing) Well, I'll just have to talk to him about that. (Reaches for the phone on the wall, dials a number) Hello, Director, it's Agent Jones. Are you busy?

SEACREST: (In his office) Not at the moment. What do you need? (A button on his desk beeps and glows red) Oops, hold on, I'm getting a video call. I'll get back to you when I'm done.

TYANNA: Wait, no- (Dial tone) Ugh! (Hangs up the phone) I give up. He's impossible.

ADANNA: What happened, did he get another call?

TYANNA: (Upset) Someone wants to video chat. Which means it must be important.

ADANNA: Okay, then, he's gonna be busy for a while.

SARINA-JOI: Hey, now might be a good time to try out Joey's new toy.

ADANNA: Oh, no, we are not hacking into Seacrest's video call.

TYANNA: (Interested) Wait, you can do that?

SARINA-JOI: We can now. Come on, I'll go get it.

ADANNA: But what if he finds out? He'll get mad at us. Besides, it might not be worth it. For all we know, this is someone calling about his book deal.

SARINA-JOI: Or it could be an important update from our friends.

TYANNA: I say let's do it. Where's the thing?

SARINA-JOI: Somewhere in the lab. Let's look around.

(They all go into the laboratory together. Cut to SEACREST'S office as he presses the flashing button. He turns to the side to face the large screen on the wall. BORCHETTA looks back at him from his own office chair, with a smug smile on his face. SEACREST does not look happy.)

BORCHETTA: Greetings, Director Seacrest.

SEACREST: Hello, Scott. And to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?

BORCHETTA: I just wanted to give you a little update on my plan to conquer the globe.

(Cut to the briefing room, as SARINA-JOI finds the device and plugs one end to the wall near the telephone. ADANNA plugs the other end into the monitor, and then TYANNA turns it on. The three of them step back, watching and listening as BORCHETTA appears on their screen.)

SARINA-JOI: Scott Borchetta?

ADANNA: What does he want?

TYANNA: Whatever it is, it can't be good.

BORCHETTA: It's getting late, Seacrest. Do you know where your agents are?

(He gives a low, evil chuckle. SEACREST and the girls just stare at their screens, on edge.)

BORCHETTA: I'll give you a hint.

(In one hand, he holds up the three cross necklaces that he pulled off of NICK, CLARK, and RAYVON. SEACREST maintains eye contact with BORCHETTA, but his face reveals his sadness. TYANNA, ADANNA, and SARINA-JOI also look sad.)

BORCHETTA: Don't worry, they've remained loyal to you. It takes a special kind of man to resist the temptation of ultimate power, and Agent Fradiani is a special kind of man. But as special as he is, he is still not immortal. I didn't bother trying to recruit the other two. Agent Beckham is too good, and Agent Owen is too nice. Not exactly Big Machine material.

SEACREST: Is there anything I can offer you in exchange for them?

BORCHETTA: I'm sorry, my dear Seacrest, this is not a ransom call. If I wanted to make a deal with you, I would've gotten in touch with you much sooner. No, I'm just calling to let you know that you failed to stop me, and now your beloved agents are going to suffer for it. And suffer they will. Mark my words, Seacrest... (Evil smile) their deaths will last for hours.

(He gives a low, evil laugh. SEACREST shakes his head in disappointment. The girls listen on.)

BORCHETTA: I take it you figured out who the other mole is? It should be obvious by now.

SEACREST: (Looks back up at him) I have a guess, but after everything that's happened, it pains me to admit it. It makes me realize what a stupid thing I've done.

BORCHETTA: Yes, you have done a very stupid thing. Did it not strike you as odd when Qaasim Middleton begged to go to Washington, D.C. to see Daniel Seavey put away? Didn't you wonder why he insisted on taking the mermaid and the zombie girl with him? (Cut to the three girls as they make silent, gasping faces) Those two pathetic excuses for agents were no match for a child of the Big Machine. (Cut back to BORCHETTA) An innocent face and a spotless record are nature's best disguises. But I realized that long before you did.

SEACREST: Please, Scott, I beg you...have a little mercy...they're only children...

BORCHETTA: I don't care if they were born yesterday. Those two girls are of use to me, and I will do whatever it takes to harness their magic powers. And as for the boys, they've been under my control for far too long to betray me now. Qaasim even helped me to capture Agents Cook and Alexander. Shot one of them right through the heart, he did, without a care in the world. No, Seacrest, there is nothing you can do for any of your precious agents now. I win, you lose.

(The camera cuts back to the briefing room, as the girls remain fixated on the screen.)

BORCHETTA: (Sadistic smile) Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to oversee the removal of Miss Walker's voice box. I'll call back when the next phase of my plan is complete, and by then I will have some lovely footage to show you. Oh, don't give me that look, Seacrest. If you really cared about your agents, you wouldn't have let them interfere with me. So you can just sit there, knowing that all their blood is really on your hands. Have a good day.

(He hangs up, and the screen goes fuzzy. SEACREST sighs as he turns off the screen.)

SEACREST: (Hangs his head in shame, sad whisper) How did it come to this?

(Cut to the briefing room. TYANNA turns off the screen as ADANNA and SARINA-JOI disconnect the device. They turn to each other in fear and despair.)

ADANNA: Well...now we know what happened.

TYANNA: I knew it was bad. We should've just gone with them.

SARINA-JOI: No, Tyanna, they would've gotten us, too. It's good that we stayed here.

TYANNA: You know what, you're right. We were right to stay behind. Because now we can go rescue them while Borchetta's busy doing his little victory dance.

(She starts to walk out, but ADANNA and SARINA-JOI follow her with frightened expressions.)

ADANNA: You can't be serious! You wanna walk right into his trap?

TYANNA: Yes, I wanna walk right in and get our teammates out. We're the only chance this team has left of stopping Big Machine.

SARINA-JOI: Tyanna, no, it's too dangerous. Even if we had everyone else at HQ on backup, Big Machine will see us coming now. We don't stand a chance.

TYANNA: So that's it? We're just gonna give up and leave our friends to die?

ADANNA: You heard what Borchetta said, Tyanna. They're already dead.

TYANNA: When did he say that?

ADANNA: He said their deaths would last for hours. For all we know, it's been hours since he started. We're probably too late.

TYANNA: He said their deaths "will" last for hours. Meaning it hasn't happened yet. If we leave right now, we can still make it in time to save them.

SARINA-JOI: And what if we don't? What if we get there and it's too late to do anything for them?

TYANNA: Then maybe we can still get Maddie out before they steal her voice.

SARINA-JOI: "Maybe" being the operative word here.

TYANNA: What is wrong with you? You're the Dark Horse Twins, you're the stuff of I.D.O.L. legend! You shouldn't be talking like this! What makes you think we can't do it?

ADANNA: Tyanna, if the combined force of the Golden Boys and two of I.D.O.L.'s top scientists couldn't rescue three prisoners, why should we be able to rescue seven on our own?

TYANNA: Because then we'll be the combined force of the Golden Boys, two top scientists, a mermaid, a zombie, and the Dark Horse Triplets. United we stand, divided we fall.

SARINA-JOI: No, Tyanna. It's too dangerous. Even if we ask the others for help, they'll never agree to it. There's no way we can pull this off.

(There is a pause. TYANNA stares at ADANNA and SARINA-JOI, making them both uncomfortable.)

TYANNA: Did I ever tell you that my middle name is Elise? (No response.) Well, it is. I am Agent Tyanna Elise Jones. And you know what the most important part of my name is?

(Cut to ADANNA and SARINA-JOI, who stare blankly at her, and then back to her intense gaze.)

TYANNA: Agent. (Short pause) I signed onto this team because I wanted to protect the people I love from those who threaten the safety of the free world. I knew the risks, I knew it could kill me, but I swore that I would never leave my family defenseless. How many times have those guys risked their lives for us? More than we can count. And you know perfectly well that if it was the other way around and we were trapped over at Big Machine, they'd be making a plan to come get us right now, no questions asked. Because that's what I.D.O.L. is all about. We fight to protect what matters most to us. And that means having our teammates' backs, no matter how big and scary the enemy is. In case you've forgotten, Candice Glover singlehandedly killed Darth Amuric with nothing but the power of her voice.

ADANNA: Yes, but Candice had the Arial Gift. She was special. They all were.

TYANNA: And so are we. You were both there when Clark said that I could be strong, too. I took those words to heart. I live by them. And now's our chance to prove it. Amuric was an alien. Borchetta is human. If Candice and her team could do it, then so can we. We have to at least try. And you know what? I don't even care if you go along with me or not. You do what you want. But I can't go the rest of my life knowing that I abandoned my family when they needed me the most. And if you don't come with me and help me rescue them...then you have no right to call yourselves agents of I.D.O.L. So make up your minds.

(There is a tense pause. TYANNA continues to glare at ADANNA and SARINA-JOI, who look back at her and then slowly turn to each other. After a deep, silent look into each other's eyes, they turn back to TYANNA with a new look of determination. TYANNA'S face has softened.)

SARINA-JOI: All right, we're in.

ADANNA: Let's do this.

TYANNA: Really? You mean it?

ADANNA: You're right. We're agents of I.D.O.L., rescuing friends in need is part of the job.

SARINA-JOI: And this is the perfect chance to catch Big Machine unawares.

TYANNA: (Smiles) That's more like it! Now let's go fire up the boat.

(Cut to the private harbor, as a speedboat takes off into the water. SARINA-JOI is at the helm as ADANNA and TYANNA look out from the sides. All three have determined expressions and stand strong and tall as the boat bounces along in the waves. The camera cuts to an overview of the ocean as the boat leaves a long white trail in his wake, and then pans up into the clear blue sky. The sun is shining brightly, and birds fly across the scene, with no regard for the boat down below or the girls on it.)