Prologue
1 INT. HYPERION HOTEL— LOBBY— NIGHT 1
ANGEL, GUNN, FRED and WESLEY stare at CORDELIA’s pregant belly,
amazed, while CONNOR moves to stand protectively next to her.
CORDELIA
I know it’s a bit of a shock. I mean, nobody’s more
shocked than me. (re: Connor) Okay, maybe him.
A long beat of silence.
FRED
Umm… sorry to be so… but I’m… like you said. Kind of
shocked.
GUNN
Yeah, ’cause hasn’t it only been like… definitely shocked.
CORDELIA
I haven’t been hiding or ashamed or anything. It’s just
with the Beast and his psycho master and then Faith and
Willow and all that drama-rama, not to mention—
ANGEL
Angelus.
CORDELIA
Everything’s been so Clash of the Titans around her. I didn’t
want to be a… distraction.
ANGEL
Players
4
The door opens and LORNE enters. He takes one look at Cordelia and
throws up his hands in amazement.
LORNE
Well, put me on the short bus and send me off to clueless
school. A mystical pregnancy right under my beak and not
even a tingle. Huh…
WESLEY
(to Cordelia)
How long have you known?
CORDELIA
Some time after we brought forth Angelus.
GUNN
Well, that’s a couple of weeks. Looks more like 8 months.
WESLEY
The last time Cordelia was impregnated, she came to term
overnight.
Gunn looks at Wesley like he’s lost his mind.
CORDELIA
That was a crawly, evil demon thing. This is different.
FRED
Still… shouldn’t we try and find out… what’s in there?
CONNOR
(angry)
We already know. Our baby.
GUNN
(to Angel)
Well, congratulations. You’re going to have a grandspawn.
CONNOR
You don’t know what it’s like. How scary it is. I’m going to
have a child and all you can do is joke because you don’t
like me. (to Cordelia) We shouldn’t have told them.
Gunn looks away, embarrassed, realizing he went over the line. Connor
stalks out of the room and runs up the stairs.
FRED
Cordelia…
ANGEL
Players
5
CORDELIA
I know it’s hard to understand. None of you have ever had
a living being growing inside of you. And this… my sweet
baby. We’re connected. I feel what it feels and I can’t
explain it but I sense its goodness… its love.
She turns her back on them and lifts her blouse. Her belly ripples as the
thing inside her moves and squirms. A wicked smile plays across her face.
CORDELIA
You’ll see.
She turns back toward them, her expression neutral again.
CORDELIA
My baby will be here soon and then you’ll all see.
Opening credit sequence.
Act I
2 EXT. CITY PARK— NIGHT 2
GARRETT stands alone, dressed in a trench coat, near an artistic water
fountain with an artificial waterfall. He looks around nervously, as if
worried about being seen while at the same time looking for someone in
particular, scanning the various passers-by. He looks behind him and
when he turns back, GWEN RAIDEN is standing there, almost as if she
appeared out of the ether. She’s dressed in skin-tight black leather pants
and a revealing black half-tee.
ANGEL
Players
6
GARRETT
How’d you do that?
GWEN
I’m a thief. Got my stuff?
He looks around nervously again.
GWEN
Would you stop it?
GARRETT
Stop what?
GWEN
Acting shifty. (sighs) You’ve never done this before, have
you?
She walks over and loops her arm through his, as if they are a couple.
GWEN
Let me give you a tip, sugar bear. There are over 8 million
people in this city and as far as anyone can tell, we’re just
two of them. Just a normal couple. Nobody’s going to give
us a second look if you’ll just stop acting shifty.
He yanks his arm away.
GARRETT
Look, these are very powerful people that you’re going up
against. If they catch you, they’ll—
ANGEL
Players
7
GWEN
I know the risk but I’m going in there with or without
your help… and I’m not coming out without Lisa.
She takes an envelope out from beneath her shirt and holds it out to him.
GWEN
So we gonna dance or what?
He reluctantly nods and she stuffs the envelope in his coat pocket. In
exchange, Garrett hands her an envelope of his own.
GARRETT
That’s everything. Security, blueprints, background…
GWEN
(smiles)
There, that wasn’t so bad, was it?
After a beat, he smiles as well.
GARRETT
So is it that obvious… that I’ve never done—
GWEN
Trench coat— definite rookie mistake.
GARRETT
So I should dress more like you? (off her smile) You know…
maybe when this is all over, you and I could—
A tremendous bolt of lightning arcs down out of the sky and slams into
Gwen, hurling her across the park.
ANGEL
Players
8
Garrett stumbles backward, terrified.
GARRETT
Holy sh—!
As Gwen rolls over gasping, Garrett turns and runs away as fast as his
feet will take him.
GWEN
Really, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.
She shakes her head and struggles back to her feet, envelope in hand.
CUT TO:
3 INT. HYPERION HOTEL— LOBBY— NIGHT 3
Angel, Connor and Cordelia have left the group in the lobby and
retreated to different rooms in the hotel.
FRED
Were we too harsh? I was just asking…
WESLEY
No, they were bound to skulk off to neutral corners.
GUNN
Two vampires hook up and for the only time in vamp
history have a kid— our boy Connor. Then Connor grows
up, knocks it out with Cordelia— a part demon, former
higher-being— and quick as you can say “Easy-Bake
Oven”, there’s a gigantic bun in hers. (beat) I don’t think
we were too harsh.
ANGEL
Players
9
FRED
The first time Connor tried to attack Angelus, Lorne’s
sanctuary spell knocked him halfway to Abilene.
WESLEY
Which means Connor is at least part demon.
LORNE
Yeah, well that was before my spell went all flop-apalooza.
FRED
Having two part-demon parents might could explain the
whoosh factor.
GUNN
Not gonna be long until whoosh turns into pop.
LORNE
And speaking of pop, don’t you think our re-ensouled
leader should be a part of this little confab?
The office door opens and Angel walks out.
ANGEL
Easy-Bake, flop-a-palooza, whoosh, pop. (to Wesley) I don’t
skulk. I’ve been thinking about the past few weeks and
Angelus.
FRED
Angel, you can’t feel guilty for anything Angelus did.
ANGEL
I don’t. I knew the risks. We all did… and some of us paid a
higher price than others.
He looks over at Wesley.
ANGEL
Angelus didn’t kill Lilah. She was already dead, killed by
the Beast.
A beat of shocked silence.
FRED
Well, that’s… less terrible.
ANGEL
Players
10
ANGEL
(to Wesley)
There’s no excuse for… what Angelus did to her but I’m
sorry for your loss.
Wesley nods in appreciation.
ANGEL
(back to business)
We’ve got two pressing matters: figuring out what we can
about Cordelia’s pregnancy and destroying the Beast’s
master. Lorne, you’re—
LORNE
Reliable as a cheap fortune cookie?
ANGEL
I was going to say a guy with good contacts. There have to
be rumblings around town about this new player. Talk to
your sources. See if anyone knows anyone who might
know anything.
LORNE
I’m your demon.
ANGEL
Fred, Wesley, if there’s experts on mystical births, we’re it.
WESLEY
We’ll pull all the files on Darla and her pregnancy, see what
we can find.
ANGEL
Gunn, I want you to sit tight for now. Never hurts to have
some muscle on deck. In the meantime, there has to be a
reason why the Beast’s master wanted Angelus. I’m going
to piece together everything I know. Things he said to me
when he was in my head, everything he’s done. Maybe
something will—
GWEN
(o.s.)
Strike you?
Everyone looks up as Gwen comes in the front door.
GWEN
Careful what you wish for.
ANGEL
Players
11
FRED
Well, look who’s back now that the lights are on.
GWEN
Oh, missed you, too, babe.
ANGEL
Gwen, it’s really not a great time for a social call. We’re
pretty swamped, you know… apocalypse.
GWEN
The thing is, there’s a girl. She’s in trouble. That’s what you
guys do, right?
ANGEL
Well, yeah.
GWEN
So I’m in a jam. I can’t get out of it alone. I need someone
suave, a guy who can handle himself in a tight spot.
Angel smiles modestly.
ANGEL
Gwen, I’d love to help—
GWEN
I meant him.
She points to Gunn, who stares at her for a beat, then smiles.
CUT TO:
4 INT. HYPERION HOTEL— VACANT ROOM— DAY 4
Connor sits alone in the dark in one of the empty rooms in the hotel. The
door opens and Cordelia enters.
CORDELIA
I’ve been looking all over for you. Connor, what they
said… you can’t let it bother you.
CONNOR
I don’t care what they say.
ANGEL
Players
12
CORDELIA
Really? Is that why you retreated to the Fortress of
Solitude?
CONNOR
It doesn’t make sense.
CORDELIA
Freaking out over a pregnancy’s pretty much the M.O.
with the gang around here.
CONNOR
Not them. You. All that stuff you said about Angelus. And
Willow, she didn’t open a gate to evil. She put back Angel’s
soul. I almost killed him.
CORDELIA
But you didn’t. Angel’s back, everything worked out.
Everything happens for a reason, even if it doesn’t always
seem that way.
CONNOR
How can you say that?
CORDELIA
Think about it. You sinking Angel to the bottom of the
ocean, getting kicked out of the house, me not knowing
who I was and coming to you for help. All of those
moments and a million others led to this miracle.
CONNOR
But sending me down to the basement? I had the stake.
What was the reason for that?
ANGEL
Players
13
CORDELIA
I thought our baby was in danger. All my instincts told me
that killing Angelus was the only way to protect it.
CONNOR
But you were wrong.
CORDELIA
What’s important is that when I needed help, you were
there for me. Now I know I can trust you… completely, no
matter what. See? Everything happens for a reason.
Connor, before our baby comes, I might ask you to do
some things… for us. And I want you to remember,
there’s always a reason.
CONNOR
(flat)
I’ll remember.
Cordelia smiles but watches him warily.
CUT TO:
5 INT. GWEN’S APARTMENT— DAY 5
Gunn picks up a small jade tiger figurine from a table and examines it.
GUNN
So why me?
GWEN
I told you, I need a suave guy in a tight spot.
GUNN
(laughs)
Suave. (re: tiger) You been collecting these for a while?
GWEN
Yeah, I get one each trip. Just brought the dolphin back
from Tahiti. You collect anything when you travel?
GUNN
Umm… yeah. I got a big old scar on my thigh from Boyle
Heights, a piece of vamp stake I picked up a while back in
Alhambra and a couple of burn marks on my hip from
Encino. Yep, name a town, I’ll show you the souvenir.
ANGEL
Players
14
GWEN
I didn’t mean to—
GUNN
Nah, I’m not complaining. Hell, I’ve seen more here than
most people seen traveling around the world. Someday,
maybe. So what’s so big and bad that Electro-Gwen needs
my super-suave assistance? Something about a girl in
trouble?
GWEN
Yeah, I did a little black bag dealio for this corp. Happens
all the time. Company A hires me to make sure Company
B’s thingamabob doesn’t so much bob as bust.
GUNN
And Company A gets a multi-million dollar payday.
GWEN
Right. But this time Company B fought back. They
kidnapped this girl.
She hands gun a photo of a young Asian girl.
GWEN
Her name’s Lisa. She’s the daughter of the guy who hired
me to do the dirty work.
GUNN
And nobody can go to the cops ’cause—
GWEN
Of what I did. So you see? It’s my fault. I have to save her
and I can’t do it alone.
She takes out some papers and hands them to him. He looks at her
curiously when he sees the edges are scorched and burned.
GWEN
Don’t ask. This is everything I could get on the man who’s
holding her. His name is Takeshi Morimoto. He’s the head
honcho of the company I tanked. He’s promised to kill the
girl if Company A doesn’t come clean about what they did.
ANGEL
Players
15
GUNN
This dude’s a serious player. Chairman Emeritus, honorary
degrees, all kinds of charity work. Cancer research, wildlife
preservation… the zoo committee? Whoa, bank fraud,
smuggling, money laundering…
GWEN
And now kidnapping.
GUNN
This guy know about you?
GWEN
Nope. That’s why I think we have a shot at getting to the
girl.
She takes out a set of blueprints and spreads them out on a table.
GWEN
They’re keeping her at his compound. It’s gated, armed
guards, infrared surveillance, dogs, the works. If we’re
going to have half a chance… (off his smirk) You’re gonna
have to stop grinning like that and share the joke with the
entire class. You think this is impossible?
GUNN
No, I think it’s fantastic. Listen, I’ve spent most of this year
trapped in what I can only describe as a turgid
supernatural soap opera. The fact that I have the chance to
go out and really help somebody, well, it feels good to be
doing good. So how are we breaking in to Fort Knox?
GWEN
We’re walking in the front door.
CUT TO:
6 EXT. MORIMOTO COMPOUND— DRIVEWAY— NIGHT 6
A sleek black limousine pulls up and Gunn steps out in a tuxedo, then
reaches in for Gwen who is dressed in a formal red dress in the style of
the Japanese geisha. The join a group of other similarly attired guests and
make their way into the mansion where a formal party is being held.
GWEN
How are you doing?
ANGEL
Players
16
GUNN
You tell me. I’m thinking James Bond never looked this
fine.
GWEN
I’m thinking you’re right.
GUNN
Of course, I’d feel better if we were packing some of his
secret weapons.
GWEN
Charles, we are the secret weapons.
They move into line behind the other guests passing through a security
screening.
GWEN
Nervous?
GUNN
Nah, I’ve gotten into clubs with tighter security than this.
7 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— FOYER— NIGHT 7
First Gwen, then Gunn pass through a device shaped like an airport
metal-detector. An operator nearby taps commands into a keyboard, then
watches a monitor as an infrared scan of their bodies appears on the
screen. They both pass through with no problems.
GWEN
One down, one to go.
ANGEL
Players
17
GUNN
Hey, how’s your electro-thing gonna do with these metal
detectors?
GWEN
Piece of cake.
They step forward and two security guards wave wands over their
bodies, looking for concealed weapons. Finding nothing, the guards wave
them forward.
They step inside and hand their invitation to a man sitting behind a desk.
He takes it and scans it with an optical reader.
GUNN
(to Gwen)
Now if we can just get out as easily as we got in—
The computer emits a shrill alarm when it scans the invitation and Gwen
and Gunn suddenly find themselves surrounded by security guards.
GUNN
Why did I even say that?
FADE OUT
Act II
8 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— RECEPTION— NIGHT 8
Gunn and Gwen stand in the center of a ring of goon-like security guards.
GUNN
What seems to be the problem?
The head SECURITY GUARD regards him coolly.
GUARD
The electronic imprint on your invitation’s been altered.
GWEN
I can explain that. I was struck by lightning. (off his look)
Really. (to Gunn) See how my life sucks?
GUARD
Step this way, please. (off Gunn’s look) Please don’t make a
scene.
ANGEL
Players
18
GWEN
Little late for that, isn’t it? What with the beeping and
batons…
GUNN
(to Gwen)
Maybe it’s not our night.
GWEN
(sotto)
Then we make it our night. This is my one shot, Gunn, and
I’m not leaving without you-know-who.
Gunn spots MORIMOTO making his way among the guests across the
room.
GWEN
And if that means we do it the hard way…
She starts to remove her gloves.
GUNN
Uh-uh. Keep your mittens on, sparky. (calls out)
Morimoto-san!
Morimoto looks over and acknowledges him and Gunn bows and greets
him in Japanese. Surprised, Morimoto rattles off a rapid-paced Japanese
response.
GUNN
(smiles)
Sorry, didn’t follow that last bit. Shot my entire Japanese
vocabulary when I said hello.
MORIMOTO
The gesture is still appreciated.
He turns to go back to his guests.
GUNN
Mr. Morimoto, I’m Charles Gunn. We met at the zoo
benefit last year? (off his look) You don’t remember me, do
you? Your wife held that monkey right after my girlfriend
did. Ugly little gray thing— the monkey, not my girl.
(laughs, brings Gwen forward) Gwen, you remember Mr.
Morimoto. We met him at the zoo benefit.
ANGEL
Players
19
Gwen smiles and bows.
GWEN
How could I forget?
GUNN
Mr. Morimoto, in case we don’t have the opportunity to
speak later, please do me the honor of accepting this
humble gift.
He reaches into his jacket and removes a small gift box, then holds it out
to Morimoto.
GUNN
To thank you for inviting us into your beautiful home.
MORIMOTO
You’re too generous.
GUNN
Please, it’s just a trinket.
Morimoto hesitates, then takes the box and opens it. Inside is the jade
tiger figurine from Gwen’s apartment. Gwen shoots Gunn an angry look.
MORIMOTO
(surprised)
It’s beautiful.
GUNN
Well, I read somewhere you love tigers.
MORIMOTO
Truly exquisite. Thank you.
ANGEL
Players
20
He nods and walks off, leaving Gunn and Gwen with the security guards.
GUARD
If you’ll follow me, please.
GWEN
(sotto; to Gunn)
Okay, we tried it your way.
GUNN
Hang on.
GUARD
This way, please.
Gunn watches as Morimoto stops about 20 feet away, then motions them
inside.
GUARD
All right. Go ahead.
He opens the velvet rope and lets them in.
CUT TO:
9 INT. HYPERION HOTEL— OFFICE— NIGHT 9
Fred and Wesley are poring over a stack of books and papers, researching
Cordelia’s pregnancy. Fred holds up a picture of a deformed creature
covered with spines.
FRED
That’s supposed to be a kid?
WESLEY
An infant Gatbar demon. The spikes grow to full size in the
womb.
FRED
Ouch. Gross-factor aside, these pregnancies all seem to be
run-of-the-mill demon life-cycle stuff. Nothing mystical
about ’em.
She sighs and Wesley looks over.
WESLEY
They’re just pictures, Fred.
ANGEL
Players
21
FRED
It’s the pictures in my mind that are getting me. I can’t stop
thinking about Connor and Cordy, hiding up in that room,
imagining what they do up there… it’s like being stuck in a
really bad movie with those Clockwork Orange clampy
things on my eyeballs.
WESLEY
Why imagine? Reality’s disturbing enough.
FRED
Connor’s Angel’s son. How did he and Cordy get all…
couply?
WESLEY
They were probably as surprised as anyone. But they were
both lost… lonely.
FRED
No matter how lonely I was, I would never—
WESLEY
Things happen, Fred. When you’re alienated from the
people who care about you… you start to look other
places.
Fred realizes he’s not talking about Cordelia and Connor anymore.
FRED
Lilah…
ANGEL
Players
22
WESLEY
We were fighting on opposite sides but it was the same
war.
FRED
(angry)
But you hated her. (beat) Didn’t you?
WESLEY
It’s not always about holding hands.
CUT TO:
10 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— GRAND HALL— NIGHT 10
Gwen and Gunn mingle among the party guests.
GWEN
So when did you become Mr. Japanese Ambassador?
GUNN
Well, you watch enough samurai movies, you learn a
couple of things about the culture. The first is reishiki,
which is a fancy way of stressing proper etiquette at all
times. The other is never underestimate the value of a
thoughtful gift.
GWEN
You mean that gift you stole.
GUNN
Yeah, sorry about that. Hope it wasn’t too valuable.
GWEN
Let you in on a little secret?
She opens her pocket to reveal the jade figurine resting inside.
GUNN
You stole it back?
GWEN
It’s not like 18th Century jade’s falling off trucks.
He chuckles, then notices something has caught Gwen’s attention.
GUNN
What?
ANGEL
Players
23
He follows her gaze across the room where a young Asian girl stands
surrounded by burly security guards.
GUNN
Is that her? Shouldn’t she be tied to a chair or something?
GWEN
Tied up or dressed up, she’s a prisoner. Look at the muscle
around her. I’m going to go see if I can get a better look.
Gunn moves to follow her but she stops him.
GWEN
No. Keep an eye on Morimoto.
She moves off into the crowd and Gunn turns back to watching the little
girl.
CUT TO:
11 INT. HYPERION HOTEL— ANGEL’S SUITE— NIGHT 11
Angel sits alone, reading through a stack of papers.
ANGEL
Come on in, Cordelia.
The door opens and Cordelia enters.
CORDELIA
You know, that never stops creeping me out.
ANGEL
Yeah? Kind of creeped out myself.
CORDELIA
Can we not do this right now?
ANGEL
Okay by me. Kind of in the middle of something, anyway.
CORDELIA
Anything coming to mind?
ANGEL
Not really.
ANGEL
Players
24
CORDELIA
Nothing?
ANGEL
Well, to be honest, I’m almost pining for the halcyon days
of the Beast.
CORDELIA
Right… ’cause it’s not like he slaughtered hundreds of
people with his bare hands.
ANGEL
No, the Beast was just a flunky.
CORDELIA
Who did his master’s bidding.
ANGEL
Killing Manny, stealing my soul, murdering Lilah… those
are surgical strikes. They’re not the smash-and-trash style
of the Beast.
CORDELIA
But if lava-boy didn’t do all that, who did?
ANGEL
His master.
CORDELIA
I’m his master. (beat) I’m his all-powerful master and I’m
going to break into a guarded room, steal your soul from
a safe— not by ripping it open but by using the
combination— then I’m going to hunt and kill Lilah right
under this very roof. Sure. Evil geniuses live for that
playing-with-fire stuff.
ANGEL
You don’t understand. This thing was in my head. I’ve
heard him and he’s insane enough to pull those kind of
stunts.
Cordelia is offended but tries not to show it.
CORDELIA
When you say insane, you mean like diabolical?
ANGEL
Players
25
ANGEL
No, I mean like deluded and demented. And he spoke to
me in this cheesy self-important voice. I bet he doesn’t
even have a master plan. He’s just making it up as he goes
along.
Cordelia is visibly upset now.
ANGEL
Hey, don’t worry. We’ll figure it out. Come on, anybody
as daredevilly as this guy will slip up sooner or later and
when he does… he’s dead.
Cordelia forces a smile for Angel but she’s seething inside.
CUT TO:
12 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— GRAND HALL— NIGHT 12
Gunn stands with Morimoto and several party guests, listening as a
woman with far too much jewelry goes on about the recent supernatural
events.
WOMAN
Meteor showers, earthquakes, that strange thing with the
sun… I find it an exciting time to be in Los Angeles.
MORIMOTO
I couldn’t agree more. I can’t help but feel something
wonderful’s coming. Don’t you, Mr. Gunn?
GUNN
Well, something seems to be coming, all right. Just ain’t so
sure I’d call it wonderful.
ANGEL
Players
26
Morimoto laughs as Gwen taps Gunn on the shoulder.
GUNN
(to Morimoto)
If you’ll excuse me. Gwen, you’re not gonna— (off her look)
What is it?
GWEN
They’re going to kill her— tonight.
GUNN
Not gonna happen.
GWEN
We have to act fast. You need to get Lisa and get out.
GUNN
You mean we need to?
GWEN
No, I mean you. I’m going over to the other side of the
room to create one hell of a distraction. By the time they
figure out what hit ’em, you’ll have her halfway to my
place. This is our one shot.
GUNN
Like I said when I signed up— feels good to be doing
good.
GWEN
Okay, work your way over there. Wait for my signal.
Gwen crosses the room and stands with her back to a table covered with
cups and dishes. Gunn circles around the room and positions himself
behind the guards and the little girl. When he’s ready, nods at Gwen and
she nods back, then tips the table over. The dishes shatter on the floor
with a tremendous crash, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
Gunn ducks out from behind a support column and snatches the little girl
with a hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming and ducks back
down the corridor with her.
Across the room, Gwen pulls a security guard aside and points at Gunn.
GWEN
Oh, my god. Somebody’s trying to hurt that little girl.
ANGEL
Players
27
GUARD
(into mike)
This is Bravo 9, we have a situation in progress.
The guard runs off after Gunn, gathering up the other bodyguards as he
goes.
Gwen smiles and moves off in the opposite direction.
CUT TO:
13 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— CORRIDOR/LIBRARY— NIGHT 13
Gunn runs down the corridor with the girl in his arms and ducks into a
library. He sets the girl down and slides the doors shut.
GUNN
Hang in there. We’re almost out.
A wooden staff suddenly slams into his head from behind and he drops to
the floor, unconscious.
FADE OUT
Act III
14 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— LIBRARY— NIGHT 14
Several of Morimoto’s security men stand over Gunn, staves in hand. He
struggles to his feet and feels the back of his head, the confronts his
attackers.
ANGEL
Players
28
GUNN
Now you did it. I’m gonna have to get your lame-ass
blood all over my sweet new suit.
The security guards attack. Gunn parries their blows, punches one in the
gut and takes his staff. He uses it like an expert, taking each one on, oneby-
one until there’s only one left. They circle each other, the guard with a
samurai sword and Gunn with his bamboo staff.
GUNN
You know, I spent the last couple of weeks whackin’ on a
giant lava demon and more vamps than I can count.
Almost forgot how good it feels to just let off a little steam.
The guard attacks and Gunn makes quick work of him, using the staff to
flip him up and over his head. Gunn drops the staff and calmly straightens
his tie as the guard crashes to the floor unconscious behind him. Then he
turns to the little girl cowering in the corner.
GUNN
All right, let’s get you out of her. (off her frightened look) It’s
okay. I’m here to take you home.
AIKO
I am home.
GUNN
No, you’ve been kidnapped.
AIKO
Get out of my house!
GUNN
(realizes)
Your name’s not Lisa, is it?
She crosses her arms, defiant.
AIKO
I’m Aiko Morimoto and when my daddy finds out you
tried to hurt me, he’s gonna kill you.
CUT TO:
ANGEL
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15 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— STUDY— NIGHT 15
Gwen stands before a large wall safe, slowly turning the dials and
listening to the tumblers through a microphone/earpiece device. A hand
falls on her shoulder and jumps. She turns to find Gunn standing behind
her.
GWEN
It’s you.
GUNN
It was the scanners, wasn’t it? Why you wanted me—
Angel, no heartbeat.
GWEN
Security scan of a dead guy might have raised a few
eyebrows.
GUNN
You know, for about five seconds I thought you might
actually care about something.
GWEN
Okay, so what if I didn’t tell you about my plan? And so
what if I set you up for a fall? When’s the last time you had
this much fun? I saw your face out there. You were having
a great time.
GUNN
That’s ’cause I thought I was doing good.
GWEN
You were! Just not the kind that involves saving a fairy
princess from an evil king.
ANGEL
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30
GUNN
So Lisa doesn’t exist.
GWEN
Yes, she does. And I’d have liberated her from this steel
tomb by now if you’d stop yappin’ for half a sec. (off his
look) It’s a military acronym: localized ionic sensory
activator. L-I-S-A.
GUNN
A weapon? LISA’s a weapon?
GWEN
Not a weapon. A covert device worn by black ops.
Regulates body temp, heartbeat, body chemistry.
Morimoto’s company designed it and I’ve been hired to
steal the beta test.
GUNN
God bless America.
GWEN
Actually, China or North Korea. Not really sure.
Morimoto’s selling it to the highest bidder.
GUNN
And who are you stealing it for?
GWEN
Look, there are two things that make me a good thief. I
steal what I’m paid to steal and I don’t ask too many
questions.
GUNN
Well, good luck with that.
He turns and heads for the door.
GWEN
Nothing’s changed, you know. Morimoto’s still a bad guy.
You’re still a good one.
GUNN
You know, I can’t believe I actually took time out of the
apocalypse for this.
ANGEL
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31
GWEN
Even the Prez takes vacations. Besides, they need you,
they’ll call. (he hesitates) Come on, we started this together,
let’s finish it the same way.
He shakes his head and goes for the door again.
GUNN
It’s not the same.
GWEN
You can keep the suit.
That does it. He nods and walks back to her.
CUT TO:
16 INT. HYPERION HOTEL— OFFICE— NIGHT 16
Fred enters and hands Wesley a coffee. They both stand in front of
Angel’s desk, watching him intently as he writes.
ANGEL
You know, this would be a lot easier if you two weren’t
hovering.
WESLEY FRED
Take your time. No rush.
Angel sighs and flips the pad around.
ANGEL
I think that’s it.
Wesley and Fred rush forward to look at it.
CORDELIA
(o.s.)
What’s it?
They look up as Cordelia walks in and looks over their shoulders at the
writing on the pad.
ANGEL
A passage from Lilah’s beastie book. The one Angelus
destroyed after the big boomy voice threatened to reensoul
him.
ANGEL
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FRED
Angel’s been visualizing the text, trying to recreate it.
ANGEL
Just a little thing I can do…
CORDELIA
You think there was something in that book that high and
spitey didn’t want us to know about?
ANGEL
He’s definitely hiding something.
WESLEY
I recognize the text. It’s an early Fallorian code system.
Let’s see. “The green… cart-like vehicle… eats…”
Cordelia’s hand moves surreptitiously to Fred’s cup of coffee and starts to
tip it toward the pad on the desk.
WESLEY
“…I am not a bucket-head.”
ANGEL
Damn it!
Cordelia sets the cup back down.
WESLEY
It’s a tricky language. An inverted serif can alter the
meaning of an entire passage.
CORDELIA
What now?
ANGEL
I try again.
He grabs the pad and starts to write. The others hover over his desk, then
turn and walk guiltily away when he shoots them annoyed glare.
CUT TO:
17 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— STUDY— NIGHT 17
Gwen dials the final combination and turns the handle on the safe. It clicks
open only to reveal another door sealed by an electric keypad.
ANGEL
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33
GUNN
Crap!
GWEN
Nah, this is the easy one.
She peels off her glove and presses her palm to the keypad. A bright flash
of energy shorts out the pad and the door slides open. Gwen reaches in
and takes out a small credit card-sized box. She opens it to reveal a thin hitech
computer wafer.
GWEN
We’re outta here.
They turn and head for the door.
GWEN
We should split up in case they—
GUNN
Oh, no. We’re not doing that again. Either we both make it
out or—
GWEN
Neither of us do.
He turns around to find Morimoto and four of his men blocking the exit.
CUT TO:
18 INT. HYPERION HOTEL— OFFICE— NIGHT 18
Angel tears a sheet of hieroglyphs from the pad and hands it to Wesley.
ANGEL
Try this one.
WESLEY
Something about… strangling poultry.
Angel throws down his pencil with a weary sigh.
ANGEL
That’s it. I gotta get out of here.
He gets up and heads for the door as Lorne comes bustling in.
ANGEL
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34
LORNE
Uh-uh. Easy does it, compadre. No huffy exits before I spill
the joyous news.
ANGEL
About the baby?
CORDELIA
About el jefe?
LORNE
No and no. My sources got nothing on mystical birthing or
the Big Kahuna. But Wanda, that demon you
recommended— what a peach, by the way!— anyway, she
sold me this cleansing abracadabra to clear my muddled
mind.
FRED
You’re empathic again?
He unfolds a black velvet cape.
LORNE
Please, you think this Dungeons & Dragons cloak is a
fashion statement? I gotta do this whole song and dance.
WESLEY
Well, we’re getting nowhere. If you need extra hands…
LORNE
Sorry, I can only take my two. Ritual has to be performed
solo. Just me and my shadow, secluded in a dark, dusty
nowhere land. But the upside is I should be all-systems-go
come sunrise.
CORDELIA
Then you’ll be able to read me?
ANGEL
Players
35
LORNE
No worries, dumplin’. Come morning, I’ll be a lean, mean,
belly-readin’ machine.
Cordelia smiles uneasily.
CUT TO:
19 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— STUDY— NIGHT 19
Gunn and Gwen face off with Morimoto and his men.
MORIMOTO
Put that on the desk and step away.
Gwen doesn’t move.
MORIMOTO
Set it down now.
GWEN
No.
MORIMOTO
I don’t think you realize who you’re up against.
GUNN
If it’s those two girls, I already kicked their ass once.
The two guards flanking Morimoto draw pistols and aim at Gunn.
GUNN
But when you put it like that… (to Gwen) Maybe we
should.
GWEN
I won’t give it back. I can’t.
GUNN
I can. I’m not dying for this.
GWEN
(desperate)
I’m finishing the job!
GUNN
Gwen, it’s too late. We’re busted.
ANGEL
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36
GWEN
(determined)
I’m not leaving without it.
MORIMOTO
Then you’re not leaving at all. (to guards) Finish it.
GUNN
Gwen, give it to him.
GWEN
No! I need it.
MORIMOTO
I said finish it!
GWEN
It’s mine!
Massive bolts of electricity leap from her hands and arc across the room.
They slam into Morimoto and his guards, electrocuting them where they
stand. The men jerk and writhe as the power courses through their
bodies.
Gunn watches in shock for a moment, then tackles Gwen to the floor,
cutting the circuit between her and the men. They drop to the floor, dead,
as Gunn cradles Gwen in his arms.
FADE OUT
ANGEL
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37
Act IV
20 INT. MORIMOTO ESTATE— STUDY— NIGHT 20
Resume. Gunn helps Gwen to her feet.
GUNN
Liar. You’re not stealing it for someone else. It’s for you.
You think it’ll fix you.
She just glares at him and walks out.
CUT TO:
21 INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE— NIGHT 21
The door opens and Lorne enters wearing the cape. When it shuts behind
him, the place is cast into an inky darkness.
LORNE
Oh, fudgcicle!
He clicks on a flashlight and makes his way deeper into the building.
CUT TO:
Later. Lorne lights a series of candles on a makeshift alter set up in the
center of the vast, empty room.
On a catwalk far above, Cordelia stares coldly down at him, a dagger in
her hand.
CUT TO:
ANGEL
Players
38
22 INT. GWEN’S APARTMENT— NIGHT 22
Gunn sets the jade tiger back in its place among her collection.
GUNN
Back where he belongs. I gotta give you credit. You are
stubborn.
GWEN
I know what I want.
GUNN
I get that. At least I used to. Things aren’t always so clear
anymore.
GWEN
You seemed pretty clear tonight.
GUNN
Adrenaline rush. When I was trying to save that girl.
GWEN
I meant when you were saving me.
GUNN
(shrugs)
Hey, I’m just the muscle.
GWEN
Don’t knock the muscle, buddy. Makes the girls go all
knocky in the knees. But if that’s all you were, we never
could have gotten into that party tonight.
ANGEL
Players
39
GUNN
Oh, you would’ve gotten in. Of course, the damage would
have been significantly higher.
GWEN
Thanks to your brains-over-brawn approach…
GUNN
Not so much brains as too many movies.
GWEN
Man, they have done a number on you. You really believe
this “I’m the muscle” crap.
GUNN
This your version of a pep talk?
GWEN
Could be. Need one?
GUNN
Nah.
GWEN
Good. It’s not my area of expertise. So why do you stay if
that’s all they see in you?
GUNN
I’m a fighter, born and raised. You love being a thief?
She holds up her hands.
GWEN
I’m a freak. Being a thief makes me a part of something
and not a part at the same time. Tonight? Yeah, kinda
loved it.
He holds up the LISA case.
GUNN
You know for someone loving life, you seemed awfully
willing to die for this.
GWEN
What you saw tonight, that’s as bad as it gets but even at
its best… (beat) That thing might let me be, well, not
normal but… hold hands, maybe. So yeah, guess I was
willing to die or even… you wouldn’t understand.
ANGEL
Players
40
GUNN
Sure, I do. Brainy, remember? You want to show me how
this thing works?
CUT TO:
23 INT. GWEN’S APARTMENT— BEDROOM— NIGHT 23
Gwen approaches the bed and drops her kimono. She’s nude from the
waist up and she lies down on her belly. Gunn sits next to her, opens the
case and takes out the device.
GUNN
How do you fire it up?
GWEN
It’s not an X-Box. Just put it on.
He reaches down to set it on the small of her back.
GWEN
Careful.
Gunn hesitates, then touches the tip of his finger to her skin. A bolt of
electricity shocks him painfully.
GWEN
Like I said.
He sets the device on her back right over her spine.
GWEN
It’s chilly.
ANGEL
Players
41
A small LED screen springs to life with scrolling data as wire circuits extend
from the casing and burrow into her body.
GWEN
What’s it doing?
GUNN
You ever see one of those body-snatcher movies?
The wire filaments disappear beneath her skin.
GUNN
You feel any different?
GWEN
Yeah. (beat) Not so much.
Gunn tentatively reaches out and places his hand on her back. Nothing
happens.
GWEN
I think it worked.
He runs his hand down her back.
GWEN
It feels good.
GUNN
So if you couldn’t touch, I guess that means you’ve
never…
She sits up, covering herself, nervous.
GWEN
Nope… nope. Anyway, thanks for turning me… off.
GUNN
Anytime. Thank you.
GWEN
For what? The guards? The suit? The almost dying?
GUNN
The most fun I’ve had since…
ANGEL
Players
42
He leans close and their lips meet in a kiss. She suddenly draws back,
flustered.
GWEN
You know… that… device, it’s a prototype. It might not
hold.
GUNN
Well… you already killed me once. If it happens again, you
know where my battery is.
He kisses her again and this time she doesn’t resist.
CUT TO:
24 INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE— NIGHT 24
As Lorne pours some oil into a metal lamp and picks up a songbook,
Cordelia makes her way across the catwalk above toward the stairs.
He sprinkles some spices on his hand, then raises the hood of the cloak
and starts to sing a mournful tune.
ANGEL
Players
43
Cordelia descends the stairs and approaches Lorne from behind, her
dagger raised to strike.
Suddenly the lights snap on all around them and Cordelia spins around to
find Angel standing right behind her, staring at her expressionlessly.
CORDELIA
Angel…
She turns to run but Wesley and Fred appear out of the shadows and
surround her. Wesley racks his shotgun and Fred aims a trank gun at her.
With nowhere to go, Cordelia turns back to Angel and stares icily at him
as Lorne slides a toy Magic 8-Ball out from under his altar and shakes it.
ANGEL
Players
44
LORNE
Has Cordy been a bad, bad girl?
He turns the ball over and the cube inside rises to the surface with the
answer:
DEFINITELY
FADE TO BLACK
END