Earth: Final Conflict s04e18 Episode Script
Blood Ties
Previously on Gene Roddenberry's Earth Final Conflict.
Liam! Hold me! Renée! Who are you? A companion protector Miss Palmer, reassigned to serve the Mother Ship.
Relax! You've got an internal bleeder a little Taelon core energy absorption now, should do the trick.
Da'an believes this is the moment when both Taelon and Jaridian revert to an equal energy state.
So they're joining.
No! WhatThis.
He was closer to death than I was.
We were almost one but we failed.
In death Bal'vac gave his energy to me.
Enough for a long life.
I am cursed! Welcome, 75309.
Your first visit with us? What is your pleasure? We offer a variety of services.
Memory blocks, emotion enhancers Most typical forms of physical pleasure.
I have sixty credits.
Sixty credits will buy you almost anything.
Let see what would I like? Well, I buy me your life.
They have come to Earth with the promise of peace.
An alien race called the Taelons.
But there are those who resist these alien Companions, for the Taelons' true mission the secrets they hide will forever alter our world.
Team Trad.
EFC Main synchronization: iicathys + Team EFC Transcription: iicathys + Team EFC The fate of humanity now relies on those who dare challenge the future of Earth.
Season 4 Episode 18 Could you please question everyone again? Somebody saw something.
Fifty witnesses and no-one saw a thing! This a covey club, hostesses are paid not to have any memories, and the customers don't want any.
You're Green? Do I know you? Renée Palmer.
You called me, remember? Right! Thanks for coming down, Miss Palmer, I'll be with you in a moment.
I don't think so.
See I'm not accustomed to missing sleep on account of the volunteer investigation unit I don't plan on spending a second more than I have to here.
What do you need from me? My name is Charles Green and I'm the new head of the VIU Special Crimes Unit.
Now, I've got six of these now, each one in a different country.
Same M.
O? - All partially exsanguinated by at least thirty needles - What a culling.
What's the connection between the victims.
You, I hope.
Me? All the victims are, or were minor celebrities.
They were the first six participants of a project called "blood ties", ring any bells? Yeah.
Yeah Taelon-Doors biomedical co-venture, used Taelon core energy to cure human illness.
That's it.
That's the Taelon energy that makes this a VIU case.
But we terminate that project two years ago.
After we develop synthetics with the same effects for a fraction of the costs, so But still, it could be the connection.
The first victim in Cape Town had a spinal core transplant, the one in Halifax had diabetes, This geisha, Gladis Fuentes, was given robotic legs after she lost hers in an accident.
All - cutting edge medecine, all successful.
- True.
But if that's a tie into a serial killer, I still don't see it.
Well, like I said before, I'm hoping you're gonna find the tying.
The Doors database must have a list of all the other patients.
Now, they're all potential victims here.
I'm not opening up a prioritary corporate files for the volunteers.
You say that like we were not on the same side.
You must be new at this.
Yeah, I was promoted from FBI Projections and Statistics.
I thought so.
Hear some advice: don't put too much faith in the benevolence of your new bosses.
Taelons run the VIU.
Taelons aside, I don't think you appreciate the severity of this situation.
I've got two dead here, and four more hanging on by a thread.
And somebody with untracable DNA got into the most exclusive club in Washington and according to the computer never left.
And all I have is a number.
Now, if you won't let me in your files, Miss Palmer I do have the power to write a warrant.
But it will take time and if we waste time I garantee there will be blood on your hands.
And I'm out of ideas, so please Miss Palmer, help me out here.
Let me get back to you.
Ok.
I know this is the right thing to do, but it kills me to help Volunteer Investigations.
This guy Green doesn't sound like the volunteer type.
He's not.
Up until a week ago he was a FBI bean counter.
Liam One name keeps coming up again and again on these files.
It's Alistair.
I think you should go talk to him.
All he knows now is herbs and holistic potions.
Why would you think he had anything to do with this? Because he was the head researcher on "blood ties" because he turned down a Nobel Prize for his work on and after he lost faith in the Taelons.
We've all lost faith in the Taelons, that doesn't make us killers.
Yeah, but you don't see the angrier letters that he sends me every month begging me to stop our involvement with them.
Look I'm not saying he's involved, but he certainly fits the profile of a disgruntled former employee.
Disgruntled or not, I know the guy inside and out.
I've spent half my first year with him.
He'd rather die than hurt another human being.
Just feel him out.
Check his state of mind.
If anyone can filling the holes, it's Alistair.
Besides, Green might be new but he's no fool.
He wants a list of the "bLood ties" research staff.
Don't you want to get to Alistair first? I'll be back by dinner.
.
.
Arnica.
I'm going to genetically mutate it to see if it will help cure indisgestion.
Still trying to build a better mousetrap? Well, any mousetrap that is not Taelon is a better mousetrap.
But enough about me.
Come away through, I'll tell you why you're here.
You know why I'm here? I read the papers.
Someone's been kiling my project participants.
Don't look so astonished.
A man doesn't forget the names of the people whose lives he saved.
I can't say I'm surprised, though.
I told them this day would come.
What day is that? The Reckoning.
Oh, sure the Taelons were generous with their energy when they first arrived They thought they had plenty.
And now that the well is almost dry, And don't ask me how I know that, that would insult my intelligence, they want it back.
That's what they're after.
The energy! So, how can they drain a human being of core energy that was transfused years ago? It shouldn't be that difficult.
You'd have to find a way to stream the blood.
And of course you'd have to keep the victim alive during the process.
But that's easy enough.
I I'm sure it could be done.
Listen, Alistair.
Renée Palmer sent a list of possible victims to the VIU.
Your name is on it.
They probably gonna send some men over here for your protection.
Boy, God, they will not! The Volounteers are all companions stooges! Rats scuring around for scraps from the Taelons table, I'll have none of them around in my home! You self-experimented with the core energy during the project.
It's in your blood too! You're as much of a target as the rest of them! I can look after myself! You're still stubborn as a mule! And you're not?! And who taught you to fight like hell when you know you're right? We both know who's behind this.
The being that's responsible for all the world's woes.
"Man Upstairs".
And I'm not talking about the one with the flowing robes and the white hair.
The energy retrieval program is moving along as scheduled.
Excellent.
It must be your top priority.
It already is Zo'or.
I've made special arrangements to safeguard the investigation.
I have placed Charles Green in charge.
His investigational skills coupled with his naivite could contribute to our mission success.
My aid, agent Frank Tate, is monotoring his activities.
Thank you.
Agent Sandoval was right, about Green making the connections with Doors International.
and getting the "blood ties" list from Renée Palmer, but guess what, he doesn't have any firewalls on his fax line.
I manage to swept the list of patients without lifting two fingers.
Dispatch your operative immediately.
Before they are put under guard.
Most of them already are, Zo'or.
Find one that is not.
Miss Palmer, thank you for the patient list.
But I still need the names of the researchers who worked on project "blood ties".
Maybe one of them went nuts or something.
Yeah, I'm working on it Charles.
I'll get back to you Thanks in advance for cutting corners for me, I'm pretty desperate.
Yeah.
At least he's polite.
Something's strange about him working on this, though.
I think the volunteers would use a senior investigator, not some transfer from research.
You think he's up front? Or working for Sandoval.
Either way, I'm not gonna let him drag Alistair into some basement for interrogation.
He can stay here.
He won't come.
Well, then I'll throw him into a sac and drag him here.
I'm in the middle of something.
So I can't answer my global right now.
Leave me a message if you want, and I'll get back to you eventually.
" Alistair, quit hiding behind your machine.
It's Liam, call me asap.
Liam! Alistair, I need to talk to you.
I did it.
Did what? "yWhere have you been? I've been figuring out how to drain the energy.
I've been refining the process all day.
Alistair, what do you mean? Refining the process how? Look! He's Draining his own blood, he's self experimenting again.
Wait! Who's there? He's draining out his own core energy into cristals.
Alistair, I'm on my way.
Stop what you're doing and wait for me! Who is it? You'll get nothing out of me! You'll be O.
K.
, don't worry.
They can stabilize you.
They know what to do.
You have to let me get to work now.
Could you ask him to stop that? He's corrupting the crime scene.
It's ok, your friends have already finished up over there.
Look, Charles.
He and the victim are very close.
Well, If Mr.
Fitzpaine had let me send some protection over here They might have got here in time or they might not that you don't know.
I'm about to ask them to take me off this case.
Don't give up on yourself.
You just don't know the right questions here.
Let me show you something.
This equipment is responding as if it was hit with an interdimensionnal field barrage.
So? So, the attacker used a pirate I.
D portal to escape.
That's probably our number 75309 back at the covey club.
These portal was activated less than an hour ago, so you should be able to track the residual I.
D field back to the termination point.
How did I miss this? That's not all you're missing.
Erased D.
N.
A.
records, core energy draining devices.
This all thing stinks of the Taelons and they write your checks.
You may not like the Taelons, but they're my bosses.
You brought me in as an advisor, right? Let me take a look at your forensics.
No.
I've brought you in for a list of potential victims.
If I let you into my investigation, I'll lose credibility.
Doors International is seriously anti-Taelon these days.
I see, your credibility with the Taelons is more important than your value for human life.
OK, just the forensics.
We are not working together on this.
You're simply an outside lab for me.
Hey! That's not clear yet.
Remember when Alistair heard the noise in the shop, Came right over here to this thing.
How do you know? Sound on his global.
Taelon core energy From his own blood.
They say that sundown pool crumples your skin.
Make you lose your air and looks.
But frankly I don't think it's done you a bit of harm.
Is that what you think? Let me tell you what I think.
Until you'll been floating in a tank of goo at the temperature of your own blood for three years, your opinion won't be worth a damn.
But this days I care a whole lot less about ideas, than I do sensations.
You? Me, whatever gets you through the night.
So.
Are we gonna do this or what? Give me the list.
I got these ones of the Doors list before I gave it to Sandoval.
Figure a little skim of the top never hurt anybody and you get the energy and I'll go sixty / for Like I said, fifty / fifty.
But keep it on the Q.
T.
'cause if Sandoval finds all about this we'll both be floating in a tank face down.
So you want me do what? Dry your back for you? No.
But if you leave now I'll let you live.
How's that? Oh, Come on.
What's wrong with me? You're just not bad enough.
I'll work on that.
You've got my codes, give me a call when you're ready for a pick up.
He's a moron.
Why do you send me morons to deal with? He has his uses.
Or he had.
I've got a new target.
He's not on the list.
But I happen to know he received a substantial amount of pure core energy after he was shot about a year ago.
You want it done? Consider it done.
How about giving me something I want? Serina, the things you want done they frighten even me.
Dr Arvis says Alistair might be strong enough to receive the energy cristal later today or tomorrow.
What have you got? I ran Green's forensic evidences through Augur's database.
Augur's got stuff in here no one else has.
Not the VIU, FBI not even the ANA.
These are informants.
They're parasites, they grow in Sen-Dep tanks, they attached themselves to a prisoner's skin.
Permanentely.
Augur found 'em on himself after he got out.
Now, these ones were found as skin samples from under the victims fingernails.
So, our killer was in Sen-Dep.
Hello Martin.
Well.
The last time I saw you, you were in a correct prison uniform.
You costing me my job.
Good memory.
Tell us about your life, since you left the penology game.
I left when then feds moved in on 3380, I I can't tell you anything about it.
Well.
It's not the prison we want to talk about.
No.
It's the prisoners you had in your sensory depravation tanks.
Hell, there *** another prisonner dead.
Then why is one them running around the globe killing people? Who paid you off Marty? Think hard 'cause they just love caps of worms on the inside.
An Amoralist named Serina Sharmo, in for murder.
What's your frequency number.
Frequency number, what's that? Correct pro installed a subdoor locator chip in every prisonners as backup security.
Oh look.
We erased all the files on 3380 nobody tracks the chips no-one even knows the frequencies.
We think someone does.
We think that someone is you.
You people are crazy.
Listen.
I've got a friend who's dying in a hospital bed because of a murderer, whose file you decided to lose.
I don't care about anything anymore.
Except making him well.
Not me.
Not you.
And not right or wrong.
Just whatever it takes.
Serina Hello? Have I catch you napping? No.
I Guess not.
Jumpy.
A little old for hide and seek, aren't you? If it's not one game.
It's another.
How about this one? Thought you said I wasn't bad enough for you? No.
But You're good for something.
This isn't from me.
This is from your friend Ronald.
Let him go! Back away Serina.
Help me.
This amount of core energy, would sustain a Taelon for years.
And what do you think Zo'or would be willing to do to get it? What do you wish of me? Go to Synode, tell them what's going on that you think Zo'or is involved.
Energy cannibalism is the Taelon's highest taboo.
An accusation like that cannot be made without proof.
Highest taboo or not, you and Zo'or have broken it before.
He'd level a city to get half.
I am sorry but we so little to support these claims.
I cannot become involved.
Zo'or is killing innocent people to feed this mad need for survival.
You're gonna have to get involved! If you'll excuse me.
I have a friend who's gonna need this.
The shock fused the energy suit to your skin.
It will take a day to fully regenerate.
Damned Kincaid for interfering with my pleasure.
Well I'm used to it.
Does it to me all the time.
I'm gonna need a place to stay tonight.
Green's men are watching, you know.
But they're really my men.
You'll be safe here.
Try to get a sleep reparing When this is over I'll expect something more personal from you.
How long 'til he wakes up? Few hours depends how soon he gets on to our replenishment unit.
Well, your other friend hasn't finished stabilizing.
Is there anyway we can speed it up? I need to ask him some questions.
Sure.
If you happen to have a spare dose of core energy healing.
You know what you need to do Liam.
I think that Tate is the only thing that will stop the killing.
You must bring him back.
Absolutely not.
Liam much as I hate to say it right now, if we want to get to the bottom of it we do need Tate.
So we gonna take the life blood from Alistair and give it to someone like Tate, a thief - a murderer? - Liam.
No.
Alistair, no.
I won't let you.
You're the one who taught me right from wrong and this, this is very wrong.
Is it right to help a murderer to kill again? Give it to him.
How do you feel? Ah.
Good.
Really good.
What's with the hardware? We've got some questions for you.
Well, find someone else to ask 'cause I've got no answers.
Really? Is that Fitzpaine? You worked on the energy drain.
Good for you.
Now, I can take this energy away as easily as it was giving to you.
That's not a good idea.
Come on guys.
If you want to live, why don't you ask yourself some questions? Like where do you think you're going from here? Why had Serina tried to kill you and who sent her? If it was Zo'or and Sandoval we all know that they aren't gonna give up on you after one try.
Tough as you think you are, you can't beat them.
So like it or not, it appears that we're the only friends you have.
So why don't you fill us in on what got you into this mess and maybe, well, you'll stay alive.
I skim some names of the Sandoval's hit list Fitzpaine was on it incidentally.
Oh, don't look at me that way, the FBI pension plans stinks.
What I am about to do is very difficult for me.
I have spent several hours considering its appropriateness I have known you all of your life Da'an.
You have nothing to fear.
I am sure you are aware of the recent rash of energy draining attacks on the humans.
Of course.
A tragic loss of lives.
I have reason to believe that Zo'or is responsible.
I am also convinced that Zo'or has cannabilized the energy of another Taelon.
Who? Our military leader.
General T'Than.
This is a serious accusation.
The attacks on the humans are grounds to have him removed as head of the Synode.
But if he has siphonned the energy of another Taelon I'm aware of the punishment.
What is it you wish me to do? Petition the Synode on my behalf.
Request an energy audit of Zo'or.
If he has consumed any energy, not his own its signature will appear in the audit.
Do not think that the Synode has not noticed Zo'or's erratic behaviour.
Perhaps this is the time to call him to task.
Then We must act quickly.
The unique signature of the stolen energy - will soon be imprinted by Zo'or's own.
- Agreed.
But I must warn you Da'an.
Without proof, only your reputation allows this If you are wrong, that reputation will suffer badly.
I tell you that really picks your appetite.
Appetites.
Potential victims have all been taken to safe houses.
Good.
That's where you come in.
*** please Hey, I wasn't finished with that Yes you are, because it's time for you to go to Sandoval and Zo'or and beg for forgiveness.
Are you crazy? Sandoval's gonna skin me alive.
No, he won't.
Because you're gonna deliver him the only target that isn't in VIU protected custody.
Who's that? Oh, that's right.
That companion protector, huh Malley gave you an infusion of pure core energy when you're *** on the mothership.
Bright boy.
Renée is the only mark left.
You give him the time and the place for the hit.
We'll do the rest.
Doors lab, parking lot, ten o'clock tonight.
Let me get this straight, you and the cops will be wait in the pounds when Serina shows.
Oh.
There's one thing we can count on.
He understands double cross.
I think I can handle that.
But afterwards I want a new I.
D, fingerprints *** Oh.
And uh a safe passage out of town.
Our pleasure.
Thanks for the sandwich.
Real meal? nice touch.
You trust him? Of course not.
Perfect.
Brave of you to show your face here.
Stupid but brave.
Believe me, I wouldn't have come if I didn't have something to offer.
You know, in some cultures it's custumary to cut off the hands of a thief.
Let's hope for your sake that what you have to offer is over overwhelmingly convincing.
I've got a chance for you to make and settle a score at the same time.
And you can nab the last chunck of core energy in human form on earth.
Continue.
Renée Palmer and Liam Kincaid sent me here to set you up Palmer's got core energy and they want you to try to make a hit so they can trap you.
Sorry, Serina, you're struck out.
- You're surrounding, give it up.
- I've got men everywhere.
You and I are going on a trip Renée.
Back off! She's rigged with a covert portal.
Sandoval rig to us the I.
D terminus, the flux is grounded to her body.
They sacrifice their own operative.
That's right, go home Green.
The killer is dead, the case's closed, I'll find Renée.
What about the people pulling the strings? I'm not get let them walk.
What you mean your bosses? That kind a talk can get you killed.
Well, let it.
We have to find Renée before they kill her.
*** leads.
Maybe, maybe not.
But that's straight they gonna have to find another way to siphon the energy.
But there is no other way.
- Except Alistair Fitzpaine built a rig.
- Bingo.
Let's go! You know, Green you got potential.
You could have vended all this.
Saved those peoples lives.
Saved your soul.
Look, the money I'm gonna make from my *** deal will be able to buy me a new soul.
No one would sell you one, Tate.
This isn't about money anyway It's about self-preservation, you see if I don't *** with your *** pronto Sandy and Zo'or are going to evicerate me.
Now If I've got to choose between you those suckers you've got trained.
and me.
I'm gonna choose me everytime.
It hurts, uh? Trust me I know.
How can you do this? We saved your life.
How can you live with your soul? You know, I can kill.
That's why I keep busy all the time.
Well, that might sting a little.
I'm alright.
Get Tate.
It's okay.
Green is on it.
He got away.
Portable I.
D.
portal coordinates scrambled.
For the record, his name is Franck Tate.
Good luck trying to pin anything on him.
He's got friends in high places.
You are accused of the most *** crime of our species.
Theft of core energy from another Taelon.
If found guilty your punishment will be the most severe Taelons may administer.
The sentence of Yet'nai.
Your energy will be particulized.
Those particules will then be dispersed throughout the universe.
Your essence will still exist the destruction of that would make us as guilty as you but your form will be forever altered.
Have you any statements before the audit commences? My innocence will be my statement.
If he has any foreign energy in his system.
.
the indicator beam will expose his guilt.
His signature is pure.
You have defended yourself beyond the doubt Zo'or.
The Synod begs your forgiveness.
I demand satisfaction for this false accusation.
I request an energy audit of Da'an.
It is your right.
Explain this Da'an.
You have nearly a full life span of energy while no other Taelon has more than a few weeks.
Not to mention that the bulk of your energy has no known signature.
I have stolen no energy.
I have attempted a joining with a Jaridian.
An attempt of joining? Surely this is treason! The theft of energy Taelon is taboo but recovering it from our enemy is every Taelon's duty.
You may wish to find me guilty but I have commited no crime.
His doctor says Alistair only has a few hours Liam.
Liam.
Da'an what are you doing here? I have come to offer you this.
That should be enough to revive the souls Zo'or has violated.
This is your energy.
It matters not from whom this energy comes.
Why? Though it grows increasingly evident that humans have less and less to learn from Taelons.
We seem to discover more and more we can learn from Humanity.
Such as the difference between right and wrong.
It seems as if you little coup backfired Da'an.
You may say what you wish in front of the rest of the Synod.
But do not presume I have forgotten the truth.
You were fortunate T'Than's energy disolved into your own.
You obviously have not ingested the energy stolen from the humans.
Let this be a warning.
I have let you run rampant for too long.
Your free reign ends here.
Liam! Hold me! Renée! Who are you? A companion protector Miss Palmer, reassigned to serve the Mother Ship.
Relax! You've got an internal bleeder a little Taelon core energy absorption now, should do the trick.
Da'an believes this is the moment when both Taelon and Jaridian revert to an equal energy state.
So they're joining.
No! WhatThis.
He was closer to death than I was.
We were almost one but we failed.
In death Bal'vac gave his energy to me.
Enough for a long life.
I am cursed! Welcome, 75309.
Your first visit with us? What is your pleasure? We offer a variety of services.
Memory blocks, emotion enhancers Most typical forms of physical pleasure.
I have sixty credits.
Sixty credits will buy you almost anything.
Let see what would I like? Well, I buy me your life.
They have come to Earth with the promise of peace.
An alien race called the Taelons.
But there are those who resist these alien Companions, for the Taelons' true mission the secrets they hide will forever alter our world.
Team Trad.
EFC Main synchronization: iicathys + Team EFC Transcription: iicathys + Team EFC The fate of humanity now relies on those who dare challenge the future of Earth.
Season 4 Episode 18 Could you please question everyone again? Somebody saw something.
Fifty witnesses and no-one saw a thing! This a covey club, hostesses are paid not to have any memories, and the customers don't want any.
You're Green? Do I know you? Renée Palmer.
You called me, remember? Right! Thanks for coming down, Miss Palmer, I'll be with you in a moment.
I don't think so.
See I'm not accustomed to missing sleep on account of the volunteer investigation unit I don't plan on spending a second more than I have to here.
What do you need from me? My name is Charles Green and I'm the new head of the VIU Special Crimes Unit.
Now, I've got six of these now, each one in a different country.
Same M.
O? - All partially exsanguinated by at least thirty needles - What a culling.
What's the connection between the victims.
You, I hope.
Me? All the victims are, or were minor celebrities.
They were the first six participants of a project called "blood ties", ring any bells? Yeah.
Yeah Taelon-Doors biomedical co-venture, used Taelon core energy to cure human illness.
That's it.
That's the Taelon energy that makes this a VIU case.
But we terminate that project two years ago.
After we develop synthetics with the same effects for a fraction of the costs, so But still, it could be the connection.
The first victim in Cape Town had a spinal core transplant, the one in Halifax had diabetes, This geisha, Gladis Fuentes, was given robotic legs after she lost hers in an accident.
All - cutting edge medecine, all successful.
- True.
But if that's a tie into a serial killer, I still don't see it.
Well, like I said before, I'm hoping you're gonna find the tying.
The Doors database must have a list of all the other patients.
Now, they're all potential victims here.
I'm not opening up a prioritary corporate files for the volunteers.
You say that like we were not on the same side.
You must be new at this.
Yeah, I was promoted from FBI Projections and Statistics.
I thought so.
Hear some advice: don't put too much faith in the benevolence of your new bosses.
Taelons run the VIU.
Taelons aside, I don't think you appreciate the severity of this situation.
I've got two dead here, and four more hanging on by a thread.
And somebody with untracable DNA got into the most exclusive club in Washington and according to the computer never left.
And all I have is a number.
Now, if you won't let me in your files, Miss Palmer I do have the power to write a warrant.
But it will take time and if we waste time I garantee there will be blood on your hands.
And I'm out of ideas, so please Miss Palmer, help me out here.
Let me get back to you.
Ok.
I know this is the right thing to do, but it kills me to help Volunteer Investigations.
This guy Green doesn't sound like the volunteer type.
He's not.
Up until a week ago he was a FBI bean counter.
Liam One name keeps coming up again and again on these files.
It's Alistair.
I think you should go talk to him.
All he knows now is herbs and holistic potions.
Why would you think he had anything to do with this? Because he was the head researcher on "blood ties" because he turned down a Nobel Prize for his work on and after he lost faith in the Taelons.
We've all lost faith in the Taelons, that doesn't make us killers.
Yeah, but you don't see the angrier letters that he sends me every month begging me to stop our involvement with them.
Look I'm not saying he's involved, but he certainly fits the profile of a disgruntled former employee.
Disgruntled or not, I know the guy inside and out.
I've spent half my first year with him.
He'd rather die than hurt another human being.
Just feel him out.
Check his state of mind.
If anyone can filling the holes, it's Alistair.
Besides, Green might be new but he's no fool.
He wants a list of the "bLood ties" research staff.
Don't you want to get to Alistair first? I'll be back by dinner.
.
.
Arnica.
I'm going to genetically mutate it to see if it will help cure indisgestion.
Still trying to build a better mousetrap? Well, any mousetrap that is not Taelon is a better mousetrap.
But enough about me.
Come away through, I'll tell you why you're here.
You know why I'm here? I read the papers.
Someone's been kiling my project participants.
Don't look so astonished.
A man doesn't forget the names of the people whose lives he saved.
I can't say I'm surprised, though.
I told them this day would come.
What day is that? The Reckoning.
Oh, sure the Taelons were generous with their energy when they first arrived They thought they had plenty.
And now that the well is almost dry, And don't ask me how I know that, that would insult my intelligence, they want it back.
That's what they're after.
The energy! So, how can they drain a human being of core energy that was transfused years ago? It shouldn't be that difficult.
You'd have to find a way to stream the blood.
And of course you'd have to keep the victim alive during the process.
But that's easy enough.
I I'm sure it could be done.
Listen, Alistair.
Renée Palmer sent a list of possible victims to the VIU.
Your name is on it.
They probably gonna send some men over here for your protection.
Boy, God, they will not! The Volounteers are all companions stooges! Rats scuring around for scraps from the Taelons table, I'll have none of them around in my home! You self-experimented with the core energy during the project.
It's in your blood too! You're as much of a target as the rest of them! I can look after myself! You're still stubborn as a mule! And you're not?! And who taught you to fight like hell when you know you're right? We both know who's behind this.
The being that's responsible for all the world's woes.
"Man Upstairs".
And I'm not talking about the one with the flowing robes and the white hair.
The energy retrieval program is moving along as scheduled.
Excellent.
It must be your top priority.
It already is Zo'or.
I've made special arrangements to safeguard the investigation.
I have placed Charles Green in charge.
His investigational skills coupled with his naivite could contribute to our mission success.
My aid, agent Frank Tate, is monotoring his activities.
Thank you.
Agent Sandoval was right, about Green making the connections with Doors International.
and getting the "blood ties" list from Renée Palmer, but guess what, he doesn't have any firewalls on his fax line.
I manage to swept the list of patients without lifting two fingers.
Dispatch your operative immediately.
Before they are put under guard.
Most of them already are, Zo'or.
Find one that is not.
Miss Palmer, thank you for the patient list.
But I still need the names of the researchers who worked on project "blood ties".
Maybe one of them went nuts or something.
Yeah, I'm working on it Charles.
I'll get back to you Thanks in advance for cutting corners for me, I'm pretty desperate.
Yeah.
At least he's polite.
Something's strange about him working on this, though.
I think the volunteers would use a senior investigator, not some transfer from research.
You think he's up front? Or working for Sandoval.
Either way, I'm not gonna let him drag Alistair into some basement for interrogation.
He can stay here.
He won't come.
Well, then I'll throw him into a sac and drag him here.
I'm in the middle of something.
So I can't answer my global right now.
Leave me a message if you want, and I'll get back to you eventually.
" Alistair, quit hiding behind your machine.
It's Liam, call me asap.
Liam! Alistair, I need to talk to you.
I did it.
Did what? "yWhere have you been? I've been figuring out how to drain the energy.
I've been refining the process all day.
Alistair, what do you mean? Refining the process how? Look! He's Draining his own blood, he's self experimenting again.
Wait! Who's there? He's draining out his own core energy into cristals.
Alistair, I'm on my way.
Stop what you're doing and wait for me! Who is it? You'll get nothing out of me! You'll be O.
K.
, don't worry.
They can stabilize you.
They know what to do.
You have to let me get to work now.
Could you ask him to stop that? He's corrupting the crime scene.
It's ok, your friends have already finished up over there.
Look, Charles.
He and the victim are very close.
Well, If Mr.
Fitzpaine had let me send some protection over here They might have got here in time or they might not that you don't know.
I'm about to ask them to take me off this case.
Don't give up on yourself.
You just don't know the right questions here.
Let me show you something.
This equipment is responding as if it was hit with an interdimensionnal field barrage.
So? So, the attacker used a pirate I.
D portal to escape.
That's probably our number 75309 back at the covey club.
These portal was activated less than an hour ago, so you should be able to track the residual I.
D field back to the termination point.
How did I miss this? That's not all you're missing.
Erased D.
N.
A.
records, core energy draining devices.
This all thing stinks of the Taelons and they write your checks.
You may not like the Taelons, but they're my bosses.
You brought me in as an advisor, right? Let me take a look at your forensics.
No.
I've brought you in for a list of potential victims.
If I let you into my investigation, I'll lose credibility.
Doors International is seriously anti-Taelon these days.
I see, your credibility with the Taelons is more important than your value for human life.
OK, just the forensics.
We are not working together on this.
You're simply an outside lab for me.
Hey! That's not clear yet.
Remember when Alistair heard the noise in the shop, Came right over here to this thing.
How do you know? Sound on his global.
Taelon core energy From his own blood.
They say that sundown pool crumples your skin.
Make you lose your air and looks.
But frankly I don't think it's done you a bit of harm.
Is that what you think? Let me tell you what I think.
Until you'll been floating in a tank of goo at the temperature of your own blood for three years, your opinion won't be worth a damn.
But this days I care a whole lot less about ideas, than I do sensations.
You? Me, whatever gets you through the night.
So.
Are we gonna do this or what? Give me the list.
I got these ones of the Doors list before I gave it to Sandoval.
Figure a little skim of the top never hurt anybody and you get the energy and I'll go sixty / for Like I said, fifty / fifty.
But keep it on the Q.
T.
'cause if Sandoval finds all about this we'll both be floating in a tank face down.
So you want me do what? Dry your back for you? No.
But if you leave now I'll let you live.
How's that? Oh, Come on.
What's wrong with me? You're just not bad enough.
I'll work on that.
You've got my codes, give me a call when you're ready for a pick up.
He's a moron.
Why do you send me morons to deal with? He has his uses.
Or he had.
I've got a new target.
He's not on the list.
But I happen to know he received a substantial amount of pure core energy after he was shot about a year ago.
You want it done? Consider it done.
How about giving me something I want? Serina, the things you want done they frighten even me.
Dr Arvis says Alistair might be strong enough to receive the energy cristal later today or tomorrow.
What have you got? I ran Green's forensic evidences through Augur's database.
Augur's got stuff in here no one else has.
Not the VIU, FBI not even the ANA.
These are informants.
They're parasites, they grow in Sen-Dep tanks, they attached themselves to a prisoner's skin.
Permanentely.
Augur found 'em on himself after he got out.
Now, these ones were found as skin samples from under the victims fingernails.
So, our killer was in Sen-Dep.
Hello Martin.
Well.
The last time I saw you, you were in a correct prison uniform.
You costing me my job.
Good memory.
Tell us about your life, since you left the penology game.
I left when then feds moved in on 3380, I I can't tell you anything about it.
Well.
It's not the prison we want to talk about.
No.
It's the prisoners you had in your sensory depravation tanks.
Hell, there *** another prisonner dead.
Then why is one them running around the globe killing people? Who paid you off Marty? Think hard 'cause they just love caps of worms on the inside.
An Amoralist named Serina Sharmo, in for murder.
What's your frequency number.
Frequency number, what's that? Correct pro installed a subdoor locator chip in every prisonners as backup security.
Oh look.
We erased all the files on 3380 nobody tracks the chips no-one even knows the frequencies.
We think someone does.
We think that someone is you.
You people are crazy.
Listen.
I've got a friend who's dying in a hospital bed because of a murderer, whose file you decided to lose.
I don't care about anything anymore.
Except making him well.
Not me.
Not you.
And not right or wrong.
Just whatever it takes.
Serina Hello? Have I catch you napping? No.
I Guess not.
Jumpy.
A little old for hide and seek, aren't you? If it's not one game.
It's another.
How about this one? Thought you said I wasn't bad enough for you? No.
But You're good for something.
This isn't from me.
This is from your friend Ronald.
Let him go! Back away Serina.
Help me.
This amount of core energy, would sustain a Taelon for years.
And what do you think Zo'or would be willing to do to get it? What do you wish of me? Go to Synode, tell them what's going on that you think Zo'or is involved.
Energy cannibalism is the Taelon's highest taboo.
An accusation like that cannot be made without proof.
Highest taboo or not, you and Zo'or have broken it before.
He'd level a city to get half.
I am sorry but we so little to support these claims.
I cannot become involved.
Zo'or is killing innocent people to feed this mad need for survival.
You're gonna have to get involved! If you'll excuse me.
I have a friend who's gonna need this.
The shock fused the energy suit to your skin.
It will take a day to fully regenerate.
Damned Kincaid for interfering with my pleasure.
Well I'm used to it.
Does it to me all the time.
I'm gonna need a place to stay tonight.
Green's men are watching, you know.
But they're really my men.
You'll be safe here.
Try to get a sleep reparing When this is over I'll expect something more personal from you.
How long 'til he wakes up? Few hours depends how soon he gets on to our replenishment unit.
Well, your other friend hasn't finished stabilizing.
Is there anyway we can speed it up? I need to ask him some questions.
Sure.
If you happen to have a spare dose of core energy healing.
You know what you need to do Liam.
I think that Tate is the only thing that will stop the killing.
You must bring him back.
Absolutely not.
Liam much as I hate to say it right now, if we want to get to the bottom of it we do need Tate.
So we gonna take the life blood from Alistair and give it to someone like Tate, a thief - a murderer? - Liam.
No.
Alistair, no.
I won't let you.
You're the one who taught me right from wrong and this, this is very wrong.
Is it right to help a murderer to kill again? Give it to him.
How do you feel? Ah.
Good.
Really good.
What's with the hardware? We've got some questions for you.
Well, find someone else to ask 'cause I've got no answers.
Really? Is that Fitzpaine? You worked on the energy drain.
Good for you.
Now, I can take this energy away as easily as it was giving to you.
That's not a good idea.
Come on guys.
If you want to live, why don't you ask yourself some questions? Like where do you think you're going from here? Why had Serina tried to kill you and who sent her? If it was Zo'or and Sandoval we all know that they aren't gonna give up on you after one try.
Tough as you think you are, you can't beat them.
So like it or not, it appears that we're the only friends you have.
So why don't you fill us in on what got you into this mess and maybe, well, you'll stay alive.
I skim some names of the Sandoval's hit list Fitzpaine was on it incidentally.
Oh, don't look at me that way, the FBI pension plans stinks.
What I am about to do is very difficult for me.
I have spent several hours considering its appropriateness I have known you all of your life Da'an.
You have nothing to fear.
I am sure you are aware of the recent rash of energy draining attacks on the humans.
Of course.
A tragic loss of lives.
I have reason to believe that Zo'or is responsible.
I am also convinced that Zo'or has cannabilized the energy of another Taelon.
Who? Our military leader.
General T'Than.
This is a serious accusation.
The attacks on the humans are grounds to have him removed as head of the Synode.
But if he has siphonned the energy of another Taelon I'm aware of the punishment.
What is it you wish me to do? Petition the Synode on my behalf.
Request an energy audit of Zo'or.
If he has consumed any energy, not his own its signature will appear in the audit.
Do not think that the Synode has not noticed Zo'or's erratic behaviour.
Perhaps this is the time to call him to task.
Then We must act quickly.
The unique signature of the stolen energy - will soon be imprinted by Zo'or's own.
- Agreed.
But I must warn you Da'an.
Without proof, only your reputation allows this If you are wrong, that reputation will suffer badly.
I tell you that really picks your appetite.
Appetites.
Potential victims have all been taken to safe houses.
Good.
That's where you come in.
*** please Hey, I wasn't finished with that Yes you are, because it's time for you to go to Sandoval and Zo'or and beg for forgiveness.
Are you crazy? Sandoval's gonna skin me alive.
No, he won't.
Because you're gonna deliver him the only target that isn't in VIU protected custody.
Who's that? Oh, that's right.
That companion protector, huh Malley gave you an infusion of pure core energy when you're *** on the mothership.
Bright boy.
Renée is the only mark left.
You give him the time and the place for the hit.
We'll do the rest.
Doors lab, parking lot, ten o'clock tonight.
Let me get this straight, you and the cops will be wait in the pounds when Serina shows.
Oh.
There's one thing we can count on.
He understands double cross.
I think I can handle that.
But afterwards I want a new I.
D, fingerprints *** Oh.
And uh a safe passage out of town.
Our pleasure.
Thanks for the sandwich.
Real meal? nice touch.
You trust him? Of course not.
Perfect.
Brave of you to show your face here.
Stupid but brave.
Believe me, I wouldn't have come if I didn't have something to offer.
You know, in some cultures it's custumary to cut off the hands of a thief.
Let's hope for your sake that what you have to offer is over overwhelmingly convincing.
I've got a chance for you to make and settle a score at the same time.
And you can nab the last chunck of core energy in human form on earth.
Continue.
Renée Palmer and Liam Kincaid sent me here to set you up Palmer's got core energy and they want you to try to make a hit so they can trap you.
Sorry, Serina, you're struck out.
- You're surrounding, give it up.
- I've got men everywhere.
You and I are going on a trip Renée.
Back off! She's rigged with a covert portal.
Sandoval rig to us the I.
D terminus, the flux is grounded to her body.
They sacrifice their own operative.
That's right, go home Green.
The killer is dead, the case's closed, I'll find Renée.
What about the people pulling the strings? I'm not get let them walk.
What you mean your bosses? That kind a talk can get you killed.
Well, let it.
We have to find Renée before they kill her.
*** leads.
Maybe, maybe not.
But that's straight they gonna have to find another way to siphon the energy.
But there is no other way.
- Except Alistair Fitzpaine built a rig.
- Bingo.
Let's go! You know, Green you got potential.
You could have vended all this.
Saved those peoples lives.
Saved your soul.
Look, the money I'm gonna make from my *** deal will be able to buy me a new soul.
No one would sell you one, Tate.
This isn't about money anyway It's about self-preservation, you see if I don't *** with your *** pronto Sandy and Zo'or are going to evicerate me.
Now If I've got to choose between you those suckers you've got trained.
and me.
I'm gonna choose me everytime.
It hurts, uh? Trust me I know.
How can you do this? We saved your life.
How can you live with your soul? You know, I can kill.
That's why I keep busy all the time.
Well, that might sting a little.
I'm alright.
Get Tate.
It's okay.
Green is on it.
He got away.
Portable I.
D.
portal coordinates scrambled.
For the record, his name is Franck Tate.
Good luck trying to pin anything on him.
He's got friends in high places.
You are accused of the most *** crime of our species.
Theft of core energy from another Taelon.
If found guilty your punishment will be the most severe Taelons may administer.
The sentence of Yet'nai.
Your energy will be particulized.
Those particules will then be dispersed throughout the universe.
Your essence will still exist the destruction of that would make us as guilty as you but your form will be forever altered.
Have you any statements before the audit commences? My innocence will be my statement.
If he has any foreign energy in his system.
.
the indicator beam will expose his guilt.
His signature is pure.
You have defended yourself beyond the doubt Zo'or.
The Synod begs your forgiveness.
I demand satisfaction for this false accusation.
I request an energy audit of Da'an.
It is your right.
Explain this Da'an.
You have nearly a full life span of energy while no other Taelon has more than a few weeks.
Not to mention that the bulk of your energy has no known signature.
I have stolen no energy.
I have attempted a joining with a Jaridian.
An attempt of joining? Surely this is treason! The theft of energy Taelon is taboo but recovering it from our enemy is every Taelon's duty.
You may wish to find me guilty but I have commited no crime.
His doctor says Alistair only has a few hours Liam.
Liam.
Da'an what are you doing here? I have come to offer you this.
That should be enough to revive the souls Zo'or has violated.
This is your energy.
It matters not from whom this energy comes.
Why? Though it grows increasingly evident that humans have less and less to learn from Taelons.
We seem to discover more and more we can learn from Humanity.
Such as the difference between right and wrong.
It seems as if you little coup backfired Da'an.
You may say what you wish in front of the rest of the Synod.
But do not presume I have forgotten the truth.
You were fortunate T'Than's energy disolved into your own.
You obviously have not ingested the energy stolen from the humans.
Let this be a warning.
I have let you run rampant for too long.
Your free reign ends here.