Episode 4

SCREEN PRESENCE:
Evelyn: 1
Genevieve: 1
Luka: 1
Newton: 3

All wrapped in bones of setting sun, all dust and stone and moribund, it's COGS!  Brought to you in part by a grant from the European Enlightenment, who remind you that if you watch this show to please expect a visit from the Gentlemen in Black soon after.  You filthy rebel scum.

TITLE: FOUR DAYS LATER…

EXT. THE ISLE OF MAN. Luka appears, with large glasses and a fake beard.

Newton Falk: Newton steps out of the shadows wearing tinted goggles. "That you Luka?  I can't see anything."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn is just wearing her lab coat and a bird mask. "Shhhhhh! I think I hear something! Oh wait, it's just my breathing."

Genevieve Sparling: "You're all incredibly unprofessional."

Luka Arlexi: Luka shrugs.

Newton Falk: "Who said that?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Twerp?"

Michael Harrel: The Isle of Man has been turned into a large "re-education" camp.  The group is in the woods just outside the walls.  There are several guard towers lining the walls, and a few searchlights rotating around. Every so often a patrol of giant steam mechs will rumble past.

Genevieve Sparling: "Right. Luka, you have no idea which portion of the complex holds your cousin?"

Luka Arlexi: "I don't, I'm afraid."

Genevieve Sparling: "Well, that makes this slightly less complicated than anything else we've tried to accomplish in recent memory."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "What's he in for?"

Luka Arlexi: "I think the, er, official crime was giving medical aid to an enemy of the state." Luka adds to herself, "When technically, it's probably only been enemies of the state he's given aid to at all."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She mumbles to herself, thinking aloud… "The North Eastern wing!"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling stares at Dr. Higgenbotham. "You know this from experience?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "No I…I just know."

Genevieve Sparling: "Hmm. Well, it's as good a place to start as any." Sparling heads through the trees toward the north eastern wing.

Michael Harrel: The large steam mechs rumble by again.  Everyone takes cover until they're gone.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn looks confused for a moment

Newton Falk: Newton glances at her and follows the Capt.

Luka Arlexi: Luka shrugs again, following suit.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn follows them, still thinking.

Michael Harrel: They reach the Northern Wing.  The searchlight passes over the treeline and then rotates away.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling waves Higgenbotham forward and speaks in a whisper. "How would you recommend we scale the wall?"

Luka Arlexi: Luka examines the trees. "I don't think getting in is the problem."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn looks distant and then slowly her mind comes back to the issues at hand. "Oh, I have…" She pulls out a vial of green liquid. "Stand back." She throws it at the wall. The liquid inside eats a hole through the wall.

Michael Harrel: Suddenly, from somewhere distant an alarm sounds. There are the sounds of several explosions, and then weapons fire.

Genevieve Sparling: "Impeccable timing. Let's hope the Fox is directing their attention to a different section of the complex."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Just don't let any of it drip on you… Just kidding, it's harmless now." She laughs to her self at her joke. "… Or is it?"

Michael Harrel: They rush through the steaming hole in the wall.

Luka Arlexi: Luka adjusts her oversized glasses.

Michael Harrel: Inside the compound, there are hundreds of identical-looking square buildings.  Further in, off in the distance, they see a large tower, the center of operations on the isle.

There are flashes of light and sounds of battle to the south.

Newton Falk: "You know what this place really needs?"  Newton says looking around. "A riot."

Genevieve Sparling: "You have my full endorsement to start one, Mr. Falk. Good luck finding any prisoners who are still physically capable of violence." She turns to Higgenbotham. "Doctor, you seem to be our impromptu expert on this facility. Which building do you suggest we try first?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn explains that she has no clue. "He could be anywhere."

Genevieve Sparling: "Hell." Sparling heads for the nearest building and tries the door.

Michael Harrel: The door is locked.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling draws her pistol and fires at the lock.

Michael Harrel: The door swings open, revealing twenty bunks.  The room is quite dark, and it's difficult to see, but a few of the prisoners are awake.   A few of them are missing limbs of one sort or another, and a couple have mechanical limbs in place of their real ones.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling waves Luka forward and holds up a lantern. "Is he here?"

Luka Arlexi: Luka looks around, searchingly.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Halooooo…" Evelyn whispers. "Is Henry's cousin here?"

Michael Harrel: "Are you…women?" says one of the prisoners.

Genevieve Sparling: "Oh hell," Sparling mutters.

Michael Harrel: "Haven't seen a woman in…"  another prisoner's voice trails off. Luka's cousin does not appear to be here.

Genevieve Sparling: "Doctor, tell me you've got another acid vial."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I have one. Do tell me you have more bullets, captain."

Genevieve Sparling: "Plenty." Sparling starts to back out of the building. "You know, there are plenty more women outside, gentlemen. Why don't you go find them?"

Michael Harrel: "This is a trap, isn't it?"

Genevieve Sparling: "Yes, yes it is. We work for the Enlightenment. You figured it out! What smart prisoners you are."

Michael Harrel: "They just want an excuse to send us all down with the Reconstructs," says another.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Would you rather risk staying here?"

Newton Falk: "No trap.  Just a test.  You all passed.  Back to bed."

Luka Arlexi: "Clearly. Which is why you should all ignore the rather large hole in the outside wall."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Also boobies."

Luka Arlexi: "Speaking of which, where are the Reconstructs being held?"

Michael Harrel: "Underground, pretty trap-woman."

Michael Harrel: "They keep them underneath the tower, in the work pits."

Genevieve Sparling: "Oh, the tower. Of course."

Luka Arlexi: "Thanks."

Genevieve Sparling: "Mr. Falk, now would be an excellent time to initiate a prisoner uprising."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Weeeeell, we're leaving now, have a good escape."

Newton Falk: Looks at the prisoners.  Thinks. "Hey, just so you guys know, that hole in the wall over there leads to the outside.  Someone will be by the fix it in a few hours.  In the meantime would you mind making sure no one leaves through it?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She flaps her arms and "flies" towards the tower.

Michael Harrel: They head toward the tower. Paratroopers are falling into the prison to the north, while the battle still rages to the south.

Luka Arlexi: "Strange," Luka mumbles. "Fox is generally one for more subtlety."

Newton Falk: As men drop from the sky and disappear behind the already burning buildings, Newton Falk stares out at the slowly falling shapes.  Memories flood back, different buildings, different people; but the smell is the same.  Dust and machine oil under burning wood and exaust fumes.  The sounds of metal on metal, the pop of gunfire from a distance.  He realizes the sounds are still far off and looks around. Everyone else has moved on.  He follows them into the darkness between the walls.

EXT.  THE PAST.  ANOTHER WAR.

There are FUCKING Automatons EVERY FUCKING WHERE!

(Note: At this point, we decided to abandon all subtlety and write the session the way J. J. Abrams would do it. If Cogs ever becomes a real TV series, pray he doesn't get his hands on it.)

Michael Harrel: Newton, looking younger, is pulling on his gloves and goggles as he runs to his fighter autogyro. The rest of his wing are also with him; the base is under attack and they have to make it to the airfield before it's bombed to FUCKING HELL.

Newton Falk: Under his breath "Fuck, fuck, fuck…"

Michael Harrel: One of his wingmates takes a FUCKING hit from a GOD-DAMN FUCKING bullet!

Genevieve Sparling: Wingman: "Ow, FUCK!" Dies.

Newton Falk: "Fuck!  They fucking killed fucking Martin!  Hurry the fuck up and fucking get the fuck in the fucking air! Fuck!"

Michael Harrel: Under FUCKINGILY heavy fucking fire, they board their fucking planes in a fucking hurry.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Random soldier: "My fucking balls fucking itch!"

Newton Falk: "No fucking time to fucking scratch, fucker!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "FUCK!"

Michael Harrel: "THIS IS RED FUCKING LEADER ONE!  GET THE FUCK IN THE AIR!"

Newton Falk: "Fuck yes, sir!"

Genevieve Sparling: "Cut the motherFUCKING chatter, red two!"

Michael Harrel: The planes fucking ZOOM down the fucking runway, two or three of them fucking BITING IT on the fucking way down. Six planes make it into the air.

Newton Falk: "Fuck yes, I'm fucking alive! Time to fuck those fuckers up and send them the fuck to fucking hell!"

Luka Arlexi: Plane that didn't make it: "Fuuuuuuck!"

Michael Harrel: Once in the air, there's a chaotic special effects extravaganza, as planes loop and spin chasing each other around and firing their guns. High above, the warzeppelins of the Automaton Empire are moving in to begin bombing.

Newton Falk: "Not if I have anything to say about it!  Wait, shit, Fuck!"

Michael Harrel: Newton has just spotted a blood red autogyro, with a yellow crescent and star on either wing — the bloody Red Sharif!

Newton Falk: "Ah, hell no!  I'm gonna fucking fuck your fucking shit right the fuck back to… wait, wrong verb.  I'm gonna fucking kill you!"

Michael Harrel: Historical Note: The Red Sharif, or Sharif al-Richtofim, was one of the most highly decorated flying aces in the initial conflicts with the Automaton Empire.  Having personally shot down over 100 autogyros, the Sharif was untouched in number of kills in air-to-air combat.  European pilots were grudgingly forced to admit admiration for his dogfighting prowess, while each hoped paradoxically that a) they wouldn't have to fight him personally, and b) they would be the one to finally bring him down.

Newton Falk: "Fuck!  My fucking rotor is fucking shot!  I did not see that fucking coming!"  Crashes.

Michael Harrel: Newton crawls out of the ashes of his gyro.

Newton Falk: "…Fuck…" He shakes his fist at the sky.

CUT TO: The present.  The crew makes it to the base of the tower, which is guarded by a few steam mechs and steam-guards (like in the flashbacks with Luka).

Genevieve Sparling: "Mr. Falk, did you hear me?"

Luka Arlexi: Luka regards the steam guards with distaste.

Newton Falk: "Oh, sorry.  What were you saying?"

Genevieve Sparling: "I asked what you're carrying that can bring down one of those…" She gestures at the steam-guards and mechs. "… things."

Newton Falk: "I have my side arm, which can't, and this."  Pulls a tube from his pack.  "Doc said to point this end at what you want dead and not to be behind it either.  I get that right?"

Luka Arlexi: "Ferroustech mark IV steam armor, and 3rd generation Russian cryodrones," Luka mutters.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn is staring at the tower, somewhat fearfully.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling glances at Luka. "Well, it seems I hired several crewmembers with knowledge they didn't put on their résumés. Felix, are you secretly an expert in veterinary medicine?"

Michael Harrel: "Not that I'm aware of, but if you have a cat in need of an operation, I'll give it my best shot."

Genevieve Sparling: "Noted."

Luka Arlexi: "My great uncle helped design the steam armor. It was supposed to be for use by construction workers and miners."

Genevieve Sparling: "Aha. Did he happen to work in a weakness?"

Luka Arlexi: "Well, he did show me the original designs, and the metal they're using isn't really strong enough for the weight of all the weapons they added. The knee joints are usually fairly weak."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Henry…" Evelyn shakes her head to clear her thoughts, "that's very good. Very good indeed."

Luka Arlexi: "Oh, and user error."

Genevieve Sparling: "Fire when ready, Mr. Falk."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "But don't miss. Or we're dead. No pressure."

Newton Falk: "One knee injury, coming up." Newton aims at the passing steamarmor. He's sweating a bit. Evelyn see's his nerves and in an effort to encourage him, smacks him on the shoulder as he's firing. The jolt actually corrects his shot and the round strikes the armor.  There is a fireball and the head of the mecha can be seen tipping forward and crashing to the ground.  Dust and smoke fill the air.

Someone yells "Fuck!" from the center of the explosion, but it's quite muffled.

Michael Harrel: The steamguards open fire toward crew, who jump for cover.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling fires at the nearest steamguard. "Well done, Mr. Falk," she calls. "Keep moving!"

Newton Falk: "Ah, yes sir."  Drops the smoking tube and follows.

Michael Harrel: The crew makes it to the door of the building. Inside, there is a wide room with a stairway going up, and a trap door on the floor.  The crew lays down a wave of suppressing fire, forcing the steamguards up the stairs, and then make a rush for the trap door.  Sparling shoots off the lock. "How are we going to get back up?" says Felix.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling pauses, but only for an instant. "We'll figure something out."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "There will be another way out, of course."

Michael Harrel: Down they go; a long stone stairway.  After a few flights the walls begin to open, and it becomes obvious that beneath the tower and prison is a large subterranean structure.

Michael Harrel: There's a guard station on the next landing.  A barrage of gunfire greets them as they round the corner; Sparling dodges back just in time.

Newton Falk: "What now, Capt!"  Shoots around the corner.

Michael Harrel: A bullet whizzes by Newton's ear.

CUT TO: THE PAST. Many bullets are similiarly whizzing past Newton's ear as he runs for cover. Behind him, in Arabic, someone is yelling for him to drop his gun and surrender.

Newton Falk: -shoot- "I don't fucking speak" -shoot- -shoot- "Fucking Arabic!" -shoot- -reload-

Newton Falk: Newton dodges between trees to escape the enemy troops.  Turning to shoot at his pursuers, Newton trips on a root and falls through some bushes and down a steep hill.  After a few tense and violent moments he reaches the bottom.  As he picks himself up, Newton finds that he has fallen into an enemy supply depot.  Ducking behind some crates he spies an idleing autogyro being loaded with supplies.

Michael Harrel: Hiding behind some crates, Newton sees his pursuers run past him and start shouting in Arabic at the workers loading the gyro.  The workers say something back, and the pursuers start searching in and around the crates.

Newton Falk: Thinking quickly, Newton tumbles into an open crate and pulls the lid over.

Michael Harrel: There's a bunch of grenades in the crate. It's also very dark.

CUT TO: THE PRESENT. Luka stands in the middle of the guard station, a pile of dead guards around her. She's holding a smoking gun.

Luka Arlexi: "Bah." Luka looks around. "Everyone intact?"

Michael Harrel: There's a door into a hall on this level, and also the stairs continue downward

Newton Falk: "Huh?"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling dusts herself off. "Most impressive, Luka."

Luka Arlexi: "I have my moments."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Indeed…"

Luka Arlexi: Luka thinks for a moment, and then removes one of the holsters from a dead guard.

Newton Falk: "Who killed…" He looks at Luka.  Looks at the bodies. "Good job."

Genevieve Sparling: "Shall we press on? Mr. Falk, try to stay in the present with the rest of us."

Newton Falk: "I'll give it a shot, sir."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Please do."

Genevieve Sparling: "Anyone care to venture a guess at which way we should go?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn starts opening doors. "Hello?" "Hello?" "Hello?"

Michael Harrel: The doors in the hallway seem to lead to some sort of ancient, filthy medical lab.

Newton Falk: "Oh this looks like a good sign…"

Michael Harrel: There are bloodstains on the floor, and several suspicious looking bones.  There are operating tables and vials of various chemicals and other sundry liquids.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn walks in and begins to sniff the vials. "Have it, spoiled, don't need it…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling wrinkles her nose. "I was hoping 'Reconstruct' would just be a figure of speech."

Michael Harrel: A doctor appears at the doorway, "Who the FUCK are you?" he says, pulling a gun out of his coat.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh, good, I was looking for someone."

Luka Arlexi: Luka eyes the various instruments lying about.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "The state of this laboratory is just… horrible. I need to speak to your superiors."

Newton Falk: Newton rises up behind him, autopilot in hand.

Michael Harrel: "I'll be happy to call them —  ugh," he says, as Newton brings the autopilot down on his head.
Sparling kicks open the next door.  There's another doctor in this room, chained to the operating table this time.

Genevieve Sparling: "Luka, I may have found him…"

Michael Harrel: Luka walks over: it's Daniel.

Luka Arlexi: "Danny?" Luka pulls off her fake beard (not that it did much).

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn walks into the room and freezes. She looks terrified.

Michael Harrel: Danny gives a start.  "Luka?  What the FUCK are you doing here?!"

Luka Arlexi: "Racing Fox to get you out. Granted, she doesn't know it's a race, because she doesn't know I'm here…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling notices Higgenbotham's expression. "Doctor?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She says nothing. She doesn't even look like she hears the Captain.

Michael Harrel: "You've got to get out of here," says Daniel.  "You don't know what they'll do to you — what they've made me do…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling grasps Higgenbotham by the shoulder. "Doctor, what is it?"

Newton Falk: "You can tell us all about it!  Now where are the keys?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She looks at the captain and then looks at Daniel. "Restrain him!"

Luka Arlexi: "We're getting you out of here, Danny." Luka starts examining the chain.

Genevieve Sparling: "He's chained to the bloody table, Doctor."

Newton Falk: "I didn't do anything!"

Michael Harrel: "One of the head guards has it."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "This is a re-education center. He may already be theirs. We can't take that chance."

Luka Arlexi: "Then go."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn seem incredibly lucid. "We can take him with us, but keep him tied up."

Newton Falk: "I brought some brain wash insurance."  holds up the autopilot.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I may be able to reverse the effects, but you don't understand how much danger we are in."

Genevieve Sparling: "I already have my doubts about his mental stability, Doctor, but I took that into account when I brought us here." As she says this, Sparling keeps her eye on Luka.

Michael Harrel: "Luka, they're turning people into monsters," says Daniel.  "You've got to get out while you still have the chance."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She looks at Luka, "Henry, please. He may be fine, but…we just can't take that chance."

Michael Harrel: The chain is attached to his leg via a cuff, and to the table via a loop welded into the side of the table.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling turns to Daniel. "Do you want to be rescued or not? My crew risked their lives for you, and we're not leaving until you're safely onboard our ship, conscious or otherwise."

Luka Arlexi: Luka doesn't look up from the table. "As long as we get him out of here, Doctor."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I promise I will get you all out of here."

Luka Arlexi: She pulls a small welding torch out of her coat.

Michael Harrel: So, Luka uses her torch to undo the chain. Newton clubs Daniel over the head, and he falls to the floor unconscious.

Luka Arlexi: "…Was that really necessary, Mr. Falk?"

Newton Falk: "Nope, not really." -smiles-

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Felix, grab him and let's go!"

Michael Harrel: Felix scoops up Daniel and the crew heads back up the stairs. Upon reaching the trap door at the top, however, they find that it's been shut and boarded over from the other side.

Genevieve Sparling: "Hell."

Luka Arlexi: Luka ducks back down for a second, and after a moment of thought, shoots the unconcious doctor in the head. Twice.

Genevieve Sparling: "Doctor Higgenbotham, the last vial…?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She hands it to the captain.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling tosses the vial up at the trap door.

Michael Harrel: Everyone stands a good distance back.

FLASHBACK.  THE PAST. NIGHT.
Newton climbs out of the crate, armed with several grenades and a bowie knife.  He sneaks through the corridors toward the outside.  The building seems abandoned, and even the bodies of his fellow soldiers seem to have been removed.  Peering around a corner, he sees a group of three Turkish soldiers armed with rifles between himself and the door outside.

Newton Falk: The guards chat idly until their conversation is interrupted by the click of metal on stone.  In unison they look down to see… A Grenade!  Each man in their heart is a true patriot and knows that they would truly die for their comrades and country.  Each man jumps forward to throw themselves on top, in order to save the others.  Sadly they only manage to concuss each other before being killed violently by shrapnel.

Michael Harrel: "For the 40 virgins!" they all yell.

Newton Falk: Without a second look Newton moves on…

Michael Harrel: Outside, the Turks have piled all the corpses onto the airfield.  There is a tent set up near them, and strange multi-colored lights are flashing inside it. Also parked on the airfield is a menacing-looking blood-red three-winged autogyro.

Newton Falk: Newton counts his grenades… He finds them wanting. He begins looking for anti-tank mines…

CUT TO: THE PRESENT.  The acid has eaten away the trap door.  There is silence in the room above.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling steps forward and peers up through the hole where the trap door used to be.

Michael Harrel: She leaps back as a chorus of gunshots greet her.

Genevieve Sparling: "Hmm."

Genevieve Sparling: "Dr. Higgenbotham, I don't suppose in your encyclopaedic knowledge of the island there's any alternate exit from this facility?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Yes. But not alive."

Genevieve Sparling: "Well hell."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Quite"

Luka Arlexi: "We could search the rooms, see if there's anything we can use."

Genevieve Sparling: "That seems to be our only option at the moment. Luka, wake up your cousin and see if he knows anything about the contents of these laboratories."

Luka Arlexi: Luka tries to rouse her cousin. "I'm afraid his recent head trauma may make that difficult, Captain."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Peeks her head so she's looking up at the soldiers. "Go away!" she yells before ducking back.

Michael Harrel: But there's nothing in any of the rooms!

Newton Falk: Newton says"  I'll hang here and shoot anyone who comes down.  How do you say "We're unarmed" in whatever they speak?"

Genevieve Sparling: "I believe it translates roughly into 'Don't shoot, ye fackin' eedjit.'"

Michael Harrel: Newton suddenly brightens.  "Hey!  I have an idea…!"

CUT TO:  THE PAST

Everything is in flames.  The fetid stench of burning flesh fills the air.  The tesla coil spires from the fallen tent have gone haywire, sending out bright blue and yellow electrical arcs in all directions.  The gurney that was in the tent has fallen over, spilling the corpse that had lain on top of it into a pool of water.  Newton is running toward the Red Tri-winged Autogyro.  Behind him, the Red Sharif gives chase, firing his pistols wildly.

Newton Falk: Bounding up the ladder to the cockpit, Newton is cut short as the shape of the Red Sharif's co-pilot rises from the back seat.

"Humas humas!  Falafel tabuli lawash!" ("Ha ha!  I have you now, Infidel!")  He yells before pulling the trigger on his pistol.

The cloud of black powder dissipates, revealing the stunned face of Newton Falk.  Looking down at his chest he is even more surprised to see he isn't dead.  Behind him the Red Sharif slumps to the ground.

"'Scuse me chap,"  Says the co pilot in a perfect english accent. "By any chance do you know how to fly one of these?  I'd like to steal it."

CUT TO: THE PRESENT.  Everyone is tied up to stakes, under the watch of the steam-guards.

Luka Arlexi: "Well, Mr. Falk. What now?"

Newton Falk: Newton says  "That could have gone better…"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn is clearly bonkers at this point, no use asking her anything right now.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling is stonily silent.

Newton Falk: "… Well, there's this other thing—"

Genevieve Sparling: "No."

Newton Falk: "Right"

Luka Arlexi: "If this one involves head trauma, it's going to be yours."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She's mumbling to herself erratically.

Newton Falk: "Yeah, maybe someone elses turn.  Yeah…"

Michael Harrel: The guards suddenly spring to attention as the door unlocks and swings open.  Three gentlemen dressed in black and wearing bowler hats enter the room.  One has an umbrella tucked neatly under his arm.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Henry, please be near me! Be near your dear Agatha!"

Luka Arlexi: "Erm…"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Agatha Flavasham misses you!"

Newton Falk: "Did we break her?"

Michael Harrel: The gentleman with the umbrella seems to be leading the other two.  He walks around the Aether crew, examining them from behind his darkened spectacles.  He stops where Felix and Daniel (the latter still unconscious) have been tied to the same stake.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn hasn't removed her mask. She swings her head to look at Luka and she can see her eyes are very serious.

Michael Harrel: One of the steam guards slaps the beak of the mask.  "Shut the FUCK up, bird-lady!"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Squack!"

Michael Harrel: "Now now, Lt. Springer," says one of the gentlemen.  "That's no way to treat Dr. Higgenbotham.  She's a valuable commodity."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh bugger."

Luka Arlexi: "Doctor," Luka asks in a hushed tone, "are you alright?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She sulks. And calculates faster than any normal human should be able to calculate.

Michael Harrel: "Not as valuable as the mechanic," says another gentleman.  
"Oh, indubitably," says the first.  "Still, no reason to harm her…just yet, at any rate."
"Quite right," concedes the other.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I beg your pardon?! My mind is infinately more important than someone's egg!" She's indignant. Ruffled even…

Michael Harrel: The gentleman on the umbrella leans forward, supporting his weight with the umbrella.  He is looking hard at Daniel.

Luka Arlexi: Luka glares at him.

Michael Harrel: Daniels eyelids flutter.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She begins to grumble…"the nerve!…comparing my genious to reproduction…grbl….grmbl…Insulting!…smglnrf…I'm DR EVELYN HIGGENBOTHAM FOR CHRISSAKES!"

Luka Arlexi: "And here I thought I couldn't be any more uncomfortable," Luka mutters.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh, sorry Henry, they won't open your uterus. Not on my watch."

Luka Arlexi: "…Thanks."

Michael Harrel: "Your potential, Miss Higgenbotham,  is severely crippled by your… shall we say… mental disfunctions?"

Newton Falk: "Wow, this is officially not how I want to die…"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "MY! … Oh. Yes… I'm bonkers… you should just let me go… I'm no use to you after all… My mind hasn't improved at all… no… I can't invent things you'd never be able to dream in a million years with a million Henry eggs…nope…"

Luka Arlexi: "Can we all stop mentioning any aspect of my reproductive system? Please?!"

Michael Harrel: "I say, lads," says the gentleman with the umbrella.  "wasn't this prisoner already interred in the sublevel of E-ward?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She mumbles again.

Michael Harrel: The other two gentlemen ignore Luka and Evelyn, their attention suddenly focused on Daniel. "Guards," says the one with the umbrella.  "Very…slowly…take this prisoner into holding cell B5.  Very.  Carefully.  If you please."

Luka Arlexi: "No!"

Michael Harrel: One of the steamguards moves toward Daniel.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Listen to the future zygote!"

Michael Harrel: Felix begins nudging Daniel rougly.  "Hey!  Wake up, Daniel!" Daniel moans. "Silence!" hisses the gentleman at Felix.  He raises his umbrella menacingly—

Luka Arlexi: Luka wriggles, and with a rather disturbing sounding wet click as her right shoulder dislocates, she drops out of her bindings and launches herself at the man with the umbrella. She catches him in the chest and knocks him back into one of the guards in the steam armor, grabs the umbrella with her good arm, and holds the point to his neck.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling raises a brow.

Luka Arlexi: "Are you ready to die for your country?"

Michael Harrel: Daniel wakes up.

Luka Arlexi: "I'll help."

Michael Harrel: The gentleman grins. "Oh, Miss Romanov.  I already have." Luka hears a noise from Daniel's direction. Felix says, "Oh FUCK." There's an inhuman growl from the same direction, along with the snapping of cords.

Luka Arlexi: Luka tries to glance over her shoulder without taking her eyes completely off of the man whose umbrella she's brandishing.

CUT TO: FLASHBACK A COUPLE MINUTES AGO EPISODE TIME.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling grasps Higgenbotham by the shoulder. "Doctor, what is it?"

Newton Falk: "You can tell us all about it! Now where are the keys?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She looks at the captain and then looks at Daniel. "Restrain him!"

Luka Arlexi: "We're getting you out of here, Danny." Luka starts examining the chain.

Genevieve Sparling: "He's chained to the bloody table, Doctor."

Newton Falk: "I didn't do anything!"

Michael Harrel: "One of the head guards has it."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "This is a re-education center. He may already be theirs. We can't take that chance."

Luka Arlexi: "Then go."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn seem incredibly lucid. "We can take him with us, but keep him tied up."

Newton Falk: "I brought some brain wash insurance." holds up the autopilot.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I may be able to reverse the effects, but you don't understand how much danger we are in."

Genevieve Sparling: "I already have my doubts about his mental stability, Doctor, but I took that into account when I brought us here." As she says this, Sparling keeps her eye on Luka.

Michael Harrel: "Luka, they're turning people into monsters," says Daniel. "You've got to get out while you still have the chance."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: She looks at Luka, "Henry, please. He may be fine, but…we just can't take that chance."

Michael Harrel: The chain is attached to his leg via a cuff, and to the table via a loop welded into the side of the table.

CUT BACK TO: THE PRESENT. Daniel is undergoing a horrid transformation.  His muscles have grown exponentially.  Sores are appearing all over his body, as his skin and internal structure seems to be somehow reconfiguring itself.  He brushes past both steam guards, throwing them against the walls and breaking their backs.  Then he breaks down the door of the cell and runs off, his howls and roars echoing through the building.

Luka Arlexi: "Danny…"

Newton Falk: "Oh God."
"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling takes a shuddering breath and mutters, "Here there be monsters."

Michael Harrel: Felix, struggling to his feet without the cords, suddenly shouts "LUKA!"

Luka Arlexi: Luka looks back to the gentleman in black, tightening her grip on the umbrella.

Michael Harrel: The gentleman has drawn a small pistol and is about to fire —

Luka Arlexi: Luka smacks his wrist away with the umbrella and kicks him hard in the groin. "Now is a very bad time," she growls. As the man doubles over, she thwacks him on the back of the head with the umbrella.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Cheers

Michael Harrel: Felix is helping the others out of their restraints, starting with the Captain.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling gets up and kneads her wrists. "Thank you, Felix."

Luka Arlexi: Luka drops the umbrella to pick up the gun. "Someone with a good dominant arm want to take this?"

Newton Falk: Newton eyes the umbrella, picks it up.  "He won't have gotten too far."  Tests his wieght on the umbrella.  "We need to find him, but be careful.  He's not himself right now."  Shakes the umbrella.  "This would make a great autopilot…"

Michael Harrel: Felix says: "You seem to know a lot about what's happened to him."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn is rocking back and forth. She looks like she'd very much like the get the fuck out of here. Even through the bird mask.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling eyes the doctor and tries to discern whether she needs immediate attention, or if this is just her usual brand of crazy.

Luka Arlexi: Luka sticks the gun in her belt and kneels by Evelyn. "Doctor…?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Let's go, Captain. Let's go."

CUT TO: FLASHBACK.  Newton is in a blood-red tri-winged auto-gyro, flying high above the storm clouds.  "Ya-hoo!" the co-pilot yells over the sound of the storm and the engine.  "Jolly good show, m'lad!"

Newton Falk: Newton says "This fucking thing is fucking amazing!  No fucking wonder the fucker fucking killed so fucking many people!"

Michael Harrel: "Oh good lord.  I should known I'd have the bad luck to be rescued by a Scotsman."

Newton Falk: "Aye."

Michael Harrel: A spray of bullets whizzes past the autogyro.  Looking back, Newton sees that three Automaton gyros are in hot pursuit!

Newton Falk: "Hold on to your butt!"  Newton throws the autogyro into a dive and takes it into a nearby canyon… (always handy!)

Michael Harrel: The three three gyros follow Newton into the canyon.  Newton tears through at top speed, with the three gyros right behind him — two side by side and one trailing a bit behind.  Newton's dodging boulders and outcroppings, when suddenly up ahead the canyon narrows considerably — his wingspan is too great!  "I say, chap!  Pull up!" calls the co-pilot.  Instead, Newton accelerates toward the narrow crevice!

Newton Falk: At the last minute Newton pitches the autogyro sideways, narrowing navigating the, well, narrow opening.  The two craft closest behind collide in mid air and explode into spectacular fireballs.  A moment later the third autogyro flies directly through the cloud unscathed!  Adjusting his sights the pilot bears down on Newton and the ex-Sharif's ex-co-pilot.

"Was it really necessary to throw that explosive, chap?"

"Necessary?"  Newton turns.  "Those planes don't blow up on their own!  I know!"  Turning back he pulls back on the throttle.  "Well, most of the time…" he mumbles.

Michael Harrel: The third autogyro is more skillful than the other two.  It follows Newton's gyro close behind, peppering the canyon walls with bullets.  The tail of Newton's gyro takes a hit, and Newton struggles to keep the craft under control, while still dodging the continued shots of the other gyro.

"Ugh.." says Newton's as-yet-unnamed copilot.  "I say, chap, I don't feel so good all of a sudden. Perhaps you could fly a slight bit more…smoothly?"

Newton Falk: "They broke my new plane!" Newton turns to survey the damage. "The bastards!" As he does the plane pitches dangerously close to some rocks, and corrects itself as he turns back.

Michael Harrel: "I *am* sorry about that, but-I-URK!" says the copilot.  There is a gurgle, and then a wet ripping sound.

Newton Falk: "What the hell is it now-"  Newton turns back, and stares in horror.  Involuntarily he pulls back on the rudder still in his hand and the gyro begin to climb into a loop…

Michael Harrel: His co-pilot has turned into a feral monster!  He howls in hungry rage and begins clawing his way paw-by-paw toward the front seat of the gyro.

Michael Harrel: Newton stares in horror as the thing, mutating before his eyes into some hideous beast, pulls itself toward him.  He feels the hot breath of the creature on his face.

"Oh god."

The creature lunges for him as the plane reaches the apex of the loop.  As it lets go of the plane to grab Newton, it drops like a rock.  Meanwhile, the second plane has followed Newton into the loop maneuver, and as it's coming up from beneath the monster drops straight into its propeller.  Hilarity ensues.

Pieces of monster fly everywhere.  The engine explodes.  The Turkish pilot ejects, but flies straight into the still-somehow-living top half of the monster.  As its jaws rip the pilot's throat out, they're both enveloped by the explosion. The whole mess erupts in a mid-air ball fire and smoke.

Newton Falk: "…Fuck."  Newton rights the autogyro and solemnly flies the rest of the way through the canyon.

CUT TO: THE PRESENT.  Newton is warily leading the way out of the dungeon, seeming a bit more paranoid at the situation even than the other crewmembers.  Felix, second, has one of the gentlemen at gunpoint,  and is followed by Sparling and the others.

Genevieve Sparling: "So Mr. Falk, which way do you expect our helpless prisoner friend went?"

Michael Harrel: "You're making an enormous mistake," says the gentleman.  "You should all surrender yourselves.  It'll go better for you that way."

Newton Falk: "It's a nearly mindless beast intent on killing anything it finds."  He tosses the umbrella ahead of him a notes the direction it lands.  "Maybe left?  And someone tell me I can bludgeon him."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling eyes the gentleman coolly. "I'm sure Felix is tired of carrying men around this dungeon, so I suggest you keep your mouth shut and save us the trouble of incapacitating you."

Newton Falk: "Awww…"

Luka Arlexi: "Can… someone help me reset my shoulder? I've never gotten the hang of that part."

Newton Falk: "Hold still."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "I'm a Doctor, I'll do it."

Newton Falk: "Doctor of what?"

Luka Arlexi: Luka shrugs, and winces.

Michael Harrel: The gentleman snorts, but Felix taps his shoulder with the gun before he can say anything, and he shuts up.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Everything, now shut up."

Luka Arlexi: "Someone do it."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn puts Luka's shoulder back in the socket.

Luka Arlexi: "Hghn. Thanks."

Newton Falk: Newton retrieves the umbrella.

Michael Harrel: The gentleman sniffs the air.  "Your friend is wrong," he says.  "It went to the right."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling notes the gentleman's olfactory observation and suppresses a shiver, thinking of her own Gentleman in Black.

Michael Harrel: "Shut up," says Felix. He looks at Newton.  "What do you think?"

Newton Falk: "I think we should go left.  Partially because I don't like him."  Evil eye. "But mostly because there's slime on the floor and it goes left."

Michael Harrel: They go left.

As they hurry through the corridors it becomes evident that Daniel did, in fact, follow this route.  This is evidenced by the damage done to the property as well as the series of dead bodies ripped to shred in his wake.

Newton Falk: "If he gets to the airfield it's too late…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling arches a brow. "Mr. Falk, you think that thing can operate an autogyro?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Preposterous!"

Newton Falk: "What?  Oh, I said that outloud?  Sorry."

Luka Arlexi: "Danny's never been good with machines. I doubt he'd start now."

Genevieve Sparling: "I daresay in the time you've been separated, a lot about 'Danny' has changed, Luka."

Luka Arlexi: "… Right…"

Michael Harrel: Through the next door, they find Danny, still in monster form, chewing on the remains of a dead guard.

When he sees them, he growls hungrily, and drops the guard.

Newton Falk: "Oh crap…"

Michael Harrel: "Uh… so what now?" says Felix.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Maybe he'll remember you." She pushes Luka in front.

Newton Falk: "Luka!" Newton throws her the umbrella.

Luka Arlexi: Luka catches the umbrella, and blinks. "What…?"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling steps over to Newton and keeps her voice low in the hopes that Luka won't hear. "Mr. Falk, do you know how to kill it?"

Newton Falk: "I'm sorry, I don't have a plane, Capt."

Genevieve Sparling: "Hell."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Go on!" Evelyn smiles encouragingly.

Luka Arlexi: Luka takes a tentative step towards Daniel. "Danny, it's me."

Michael Harrel: "You idiots," says the gentlemen.  "You set him free before his programming was complete.  He's completely uncontrollable in this state."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Too bad for you."

Michael Harrel: "He'll kill all of us."

Newton Falk: Newton punches him in the kidney when the Capt. isn't looking.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Not if we throw you to him first."

Genevieve Sparling: "Programming?" Sparling snarls. "You made him this way on purpose?"

Michael Harrel: "Of course we did this to him on purpose," says the gentleman. "Imagine! A modern, man-made werewolf!"

Genevieve Sparling: "Another brilliant and enlightened idea from the people who brought you mandatory procreation and vivisection."

Newton Falk: Newton punches him in the kidney when the Capt. IS looking.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "It's what they do. But even that can be reversed. Or overcome altogether."

Michael Harrel: Danny roars at Luka, a sticky trail of blood connecting his top and bottom fangs.

Luka Arlexi: "Danny, it's going to be okay." Luka takes another step forward.

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling turns to Higgenbotham. "How exactly would we do that, Doctor?"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Well… hm… I'm not sure. I've been trying to figure out what exactly it takes to do such a thing. I've never really been able to recreate it in a lab setting… however, I think I may be getting close…"

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling bites back a question as to whether the Doctor has been doing this in the lab on the Aether, and waits for her to elaborate.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "He'd be a good subject…"

Newton Falk: "Not helping…"

Genevieve Sparling: "I won't have that thing on my ship if there's any danger of this happening again."

Michael Harrel: Danny crouches, growling at Luka, and looking ready to pounce.

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Oh, no no no no no… probably."

Newton Falk: "Is this the time to be picking quarters?  Besides, he can bunk with Felix."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Luka, perhaps you should relate to him something that happened to you both. A story he'd remember."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling mutters, "Yes, he looks like he's in the mood for some nostalgia." But she crosses her arms and waits.

Newton Falk: "Avoid family dinners…"

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "Well, he's not attacking yet. Just in case, ready the Twat in Black."

Genevieve Sparling: To Newton, Sparling murmurs, "When he transformed before, he'd just woken up. If we were to knock him out somehow, perhaps he'd revert…"

Newton Falk: "Worth a shot." He looks at Luka. "Ultimately it's up to her."

Luka Arlexi: Luka watches Daniel closely. "Danny… Remember when you gave me my name? Matthew said I couldn't be Alexandra anymore, I had to be someone else. You told me… That there was a book you loved. That there was a girl in it named Luka. You told me she had scars like mine." She chuckles softly. "You lied. You made it up. But it's my name now. Remember?"

Michael Harrel: Danny emits a low growl, but he doesn't pounce.

Luka Arlexi: "I didn't figure it out until after you taught me to read. I went through every book you owned, and never found it. Matthew finally told me."

Michael Harrel: Danny's growl turns into a low rumble.

Luka Arlexi: "Remember…?"

Michael Harrel: Danny walks over to Luka, and lets her put her hand on his head.  His rumble sounds like a purr, almost.

Felix says, "Okay, now we kill it, right?"

Newton Falk: "Don't say that about your bunk mate."

Genevieve Sparling: Sparling exhales a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Luka Arlexi: Luka kneels down so that she's on eye-level with Daniel. "It's going to be okay, Danny."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: "It's okay Felix, he can stay in my room. Besides, the other rooms lack the… fortifications mine have."

Michael Harrel: The beast suddenly jerks away from Luka, and cringing, falls to the floor.  Its skin begins opening and re-arranging as before, only in reverse.  When it's finished, an unconscious and naked Danny lies on the floor.

Luka Arlexi: Luka pulls off her coat and sets it over him. "Sorry, Felix, but I think I'm going to need your help with him again."

Newton Falk: "I'll help."

Michael Harrel: From the other direction, there's the sound of a scuffle, and everyone turns to see Felix and the gentleman fighting over the gun.  The gentleman crushes Felix's hand and pulls the gun away—

BANG.

TITLE: To be continued…

NEXT TIME, ON COGS:

Michael Harrel: Luka is crying, beside a figure drapped in a white sheet.

Newton Falk: A sparkling ocean, the sun slowly setting.  Newton standing on top of the Aether throws the Autopilot into the ocean.  

"Well, Fuck."

"Dr" Evelyn Higgenbotham: Evelyn smirks at Daniel who is chained to her wall and in human form. Obviously naked and blushing profusely. MAYBE THERE WILL BE BOOBS!

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