METROPOLIS: SPECIAL CRIMES UNIT

[Alex Matthews]

orbingmasterscripts.weebly.com/

Heya everyone,

one the Watchtower Season 3 discussion thread, I briefly hijacked it with a video I made, and talk about an idea for a 'virtual series' I have been bouncing around for a few years.
With encouragement from Mr. Chris Davies, I finally sat down and wrote the damn thing, well the premiere at least
After some final tweaks, this is the finished product - it doesn't fit into the Trinity/Watchtower universe, because I wanted to do my own take on Emil Hamilton and where his destiny might lead, but I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
This is my first proper attempt at a live-action script, so forgive the layout, although I tried to match existing VS script layout as much as possible.
Hope to hear from you all soon!

[Alex Matthews]

apologies, the link from weebly doesnt seem to be working properly, will try and sort out another way to get it up.

[Alex Matthews]

okay, this only seems to work every 5th or 6th attempt, sorry about that
most probably will copy and pasting it on here directly...

METROPOLIS
SPECIAL CRIMES UNIT

1.01 | "FORMATION"

Written by
Alex Matthews

Based on “Smallville”, developed for
television by Alfred Gough, and Miles Miller

Based on DC Comics Characters




Executive Producer
Alex Matthews
METROPOLIS : SPECIAL CRIMES UNIT
"FORMATION"

CAST

CAPTAIN MAGGIE SAWYER .................. Jill Teed
OFFICER DAN TURPIN ..................... David Paetkau
DR. BETH CHAPEL ........................ Tembi Locke
WALLY WEST ............................. Fran Kranz
KATE SPENCER ........................... Deanna Russo
DR. EMIL HAMILTON ...................... Alessandro Juliani

GUEST CAST
TODD RICE .............................. Chris Lowell
MIKE HENDERSON ......................... Avery Brooks
VANESSA KAPATELIS ...................... Hayden Panitierre
TOBY RAINES ............................ Kelly Rowan
MAYOR FRANK BERKOWITZ .................. Bruce Davison
ERIC MARSH ............................. Zachary Ty Bryan
WHISPER A’DAIRE ........................ Kate Walsh
DANIEL BRICKWELL ....................... Richard T. Jones
OFFICER GARRETT ........................ Noah Danby
OWEN RICHARDS .......................... ?
TROY WALSH ............................. ?
MARIO GONZALES ......................... ?

[Alex Matthews]

TEASER

FADE INTO:

EXT. KAPATELIS TOWNHOUSE - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
The ‘townhouse’, essentially a mansion, is the epitome of grandiose, and is also VERY busy at the moment, as cars pull up to the sidewalk and disgorge dozens of people, all dressed to the nines, who walk casually up to the front door, which is wide open, and attended to by several members of the household staff.

Soft strains of classical music, something by Brahms, can be heard filtering through the open door. We follow some of those people in as they are welcomed inside.

INT. KAPATELIS TOWNHOUSE - ENTRANCE FOYER (Continuous)
Like the outside, the interior reeks of the wealth of the family that reside there, and the various pieces of artwork and objects d’art reaffirm that the people that live here are very well off and can afford pretty much anything they want.

There are dozens of people in the foyer, many of the sipping from fluted glasses offered to them from servers wandering around with trays. Other members of the staff carry trays with various types of h’or duerves, and continue circulating.

Throughout the gathering, we also can clearly make out several well dressed men, each of them looking deadly serious as they monitor the situation, and each have visible ear pieces, showing they are private security for the function.

We pan over a family portrait, showing them in all their glory, including a YOUNG WOMAN with a demure smile in place for the camera as she poses with her mother and father, before we:

CUT TO:

VANESSA KAPATELIS, who unlike her portrait we just observed, is looking like she wishes she was anywhere else on Earth at that present moment. Dressed in a resplendent silver figure hugging dress, she watches with a bored but resigned expression as people continue to make their way through the front door, before taking a very big gulp from the champagne glass she is currently holding.

OWEN (O.S.)
You might want to slow down there, Vanessa.

VANESSA
Reacts to the voice, turning and looking over her shoulder at something off screen, her frown quickly turning into a pleasant, but still somewhat tired, smile as:

VANESSA’s P.O.V.
OWEN RICHARDS (charming, handsome, friendly and casual), approaches, making his way through the crowds of people that fill the foyer, heading straight for VANESSA.

WE pull back to Vanessa, who turns around fully to face Owen as he grabs a glass of champagne for himself from a passing server, and smiles at Vanessa, who is very VERY happy to see a friendly face.

VANESSA
Oh, thank God!

OWEN
Having a bad night, are we dear?

As he talks, he slids an arm over her, but it is more of a comradely gesture then an intimate one - these two are good friends, nothing more, and fine with that level of friendship.

VANESSA
Oh the usual, Owen, the usual.

She looks around for a moment, before spotting someone off-screen, and slapping on a fake smile and giving them a polite wave. Within seconds, the smile vanishes and she breath a sigh of relief.

VANESSA
That was the wife of the British Ambassador, horrible cow!

She grimaces momentarily, rubbing her cheeks.

VANESSA
My face is already starting to hurt from all the smiling I‘m doing.

Owen simply gives her a look that screams “and that surprises you?” before smiling and laughing softly.

OWEN <teasing>
Same old, same old? I feel your pain, Nessie. I really do.

Vanessa shoots him a mock-annoyed expression before she playfully slaps him on the chest.

VANESSA
You know I only let my mother call me that, remember.

OWEN <smirks>
Sorry, couldn’t resist. <grows serious> Besides, you know all this is for a good reason.

Vanessa rolls her eyes at that, and pulls away slightly from Owen before she responds, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


VANESSA
Oh yes, we’re all here to help the esteemed Mayor Berkowitz make sure he remains in office for at least another term, so our hearts are full of self-sacrifice.

Owen reacts, slightly stung by her words. His expression hardens in annoyance.

OWEN
Come on, Vanessa. You have to realise that Berkowitz is STILL the best thing for Metropolis if we want to keep pushing forward and growing, his work since Dark Thursday has practically rebuilt this city.

VANESSA
It’s been 5 years, Owen! How long can he keep milking that? Besides, he was one of MANY people. He’s just the one who managed to gain the media’s attention since he was the one pulling in funding from large companies like LexCorp, Wayne Enterprises and Queen Industries.

Her tone is tired - this is an old argument, and she is not in the mood to go 10 rounds with her friend over a political difference of opinion. She holds her hands up in a gesture of surrender.

VANESSA
I really don't want to go through this right now, I already have a headache coming on.

She turns away, rubbing at the bridge of her nose in a futile attempt to stymie the headache, but she looks up when someone calls her name.

HECTOR (O.S.)
Excuse me, Miss Kapatelis?

She and Owen both turn to look at the source of the call, as HECTOR (late 20s, blond, muscular and tall), every inch the image of ‘bodyguard’, dressed like all the others who are interspersed among the throng of guests.

VANESSA
What is it, Hector?

Hector nods in the direction of something off camera, a look of concern on his face.

HECTOR
The gentlemen over there, do you recognise him?

Vanessa looks over and frowns at the sight she is taking in.

VANESSA’s P.O.V.
She watches a young man, mid 20s or so, with dark brown hair, and we can’t see his face for the moment, as he has his back to us, but even then, there is something not right. He has his shoulder hunched and has an air of nervousness about him, and when he does turn around, his expression only reinforces that idea as his eyes dart around worriedly. This is ERIC MARSH (SMALLVILLE Episode 2x20: “Witness”), older then we remember, but still very much the same young man, and he seems to sense the scrutiny and looks up and briefly meets Vanessa’s gaze before looking away and moving on.

CUT BACK TO:

Vanessa, as her frown deepens

VANESSA
No, I don’t. That’s strange.

OWEN
Maybe he’s someone’s son? A last minute addition?

But Vanessa shakes her head, looking a little concerned now.

VANESSA
No, I put together the guest list for tonight myself, I checked and rechecked all the attendees, made sure I was up to date with the whos and the hows, you know, for conversation starters. He’s not in any of my reference files, I’d remember someone so young.

OWEN <smirks>
Says you.

Vanessa just shoots him a look, and the smirk disappears, and he grows serious.

OWEN
Well, who is he then?

VANESSA
Let’s find out, shall we?

She looks at Hector, and he nods in return, and starts to walk off, Vanessa and Owen watching him. But he gets only a meter or two before he suddenly freeze, mid-step, his back to them, not moving a muscle. Vanessa frowns in surprise.

VANESSA
Hector?

She takes a step forward cautiously, the camera angle looking over Hector’s shoulder as she approaches, but backs up, her face a mask of shock as Hector suddenly spins around, and she SCREAMS!

VANESSA’s P.O.V.
As we see that BLOOD is streaming out of Hector’s mouth, nose and eyes, and he weakly clutches at his throat before falling to the ground with a wet slap.

As Vanessa and Owen look down in horror at Hector’s convulsing form, we hear more SCREAMS from around the room, which get their attention.

We cut to different shots of the other members of the security force who are all experiencing the same phenomena that Hector is going through, each of them clutching at either their heads or their throats before they fall to the ground, as most of the party guests either try to get as far away as possible from them, whereas the minority of guests actually try to render aid.

TROY (O.S.)
Now that we have your attention, ladies and gentlemen?

Vanessa and Owen turn around to seek out the loud but calm, almost amused voice who just spoke, that cut through the nervous and fearful chatter.

They watch with worry as a man, TROY WALSH (late 20s, blond, tall, confident, piercing blue eyes), makes his way towards them, grinning from ear to ear as he does, looking like the cat who got the cream.

Troy walks right up to Vanessa, recognising she is the one in charge, as it were, and although his voice is raised and it is clear he is speaking to everyone, his gaze remains fixed on Vanessa herself.

TROY
As you can see, we have taken care of your protectors, so my colleagues and I will now be taking full advantage of that. Boys, if you will?

At his command, there is movement among the crowds, and we watch as the groups of people part quickly to let two people through. One of them is ERIC MARSH, looking a little less nervous now that the guards are taken care off.

The other is a shorter but similarly aged man, MARIO GONZALES (Hispanic, cocky, bit of a leech), who is quickly clicking his fingers as he walks, like a nervous habit. The careful viewer would also note that as he does, there seems to be a flicker of light between his thumb and forefinger after every click.

Vanessa also notes the strange trick of the light, and frowns again, before turning to look up at Troy, her expression determined, as she tries to mask her fear with bravado. He simply smirks at her, easily seeing through her façade.

Eric comes right up to Troy, and leans in close, his expression annoyed.

ERIC
We were supposed to wait till Berkowitz arrived!

Troy is unimpressed by the intensity of Eric’s statement, and simply looks him over lazily, almost bored, before replying.

TROY
We would have, if you could have blended in a bit better. Could you have looked anymore out of place?

Eric has the decency to look chagrined at the comment, knowing it’s probably very true. Troy turns back to look at Vanessa again.

TROY
That's why we had to make our move now.

VANESSA
Move for what? What are you after?

Owen shoots her a nervous look, surprised she would question ‘the bad guys’ so casually. Troy though seems amused by it, and looks her up and down, almost measuring her with his eyes. Vanessa can’t help but swallow a lump in her throat at the way he looks at her, especially when he gives her a rather creepy smile.

TROY
Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it?

He takes a step closer, but Vanessa doesn‘t budge, holding her ground, raising her chin and continues to look at him dead on. Troy raises a hand, and gently strokes her cheek, and she visibly shudders for a second, but doesn‘t break eye contact.

OWEN
Leave her alone!

Owen suddenly lunges forward, his fist raised, ready to strike. Troy’s gaze snaps away from Vanessa straight at Owen, and we close up on his eyes that GLOW BRIGHT GREEN for a moment.

We close up on Owen’s eyes, and see that his eyes GLOW BRIGHT GREEN as well.

The effect is instant - Owen FREEZES in place, his expression surprised, as he squirms, trying to move, but is unable as Troy continues to hold his gaze, now looking rather angry.

TROY
Wrong move. Eric.

At the use of his name, we cut to Eric, who grins in a wicked fashion as Troy steps back from Vanessa, and gestures. Eric moves in between them, and closes his own fist around Owen’s and SQUEEZES.

Owen HOWLS in agony, as the sound of BONES BREAKING can be heard, as whatever hold Troy had on him ends, and he drops to the floor on his knees, as Eric continues to crush his hand.

Vanessa reacts with horror as she watches as Eric then LIFTS Owen from the floor and holds him above his head, showing no signs of straining at lifting the older man. With an almost casual flick of his hands, Owen is sent FLYING across the room, where he crashes into a wall, and slumps to the ground, unconscious, and bleeding from a gash on his forehead.

Vanessa is distraught to see Owen crumpled on the floor in a heap, but she manages to tear her eyes away from the sight to stare daggers back at Troy. If looks could kill, Troy would have melted into a puddle of goo by now.

Troy just LAUGHS!

TROY
In case anyone else was feeling like being an idiot, my colleagues have certain ‘abilities’ that would make any such action ill-advised.

ON CUE, Mario steps forward and raises his arms in the air, where they proceed to CATCH FIRE!

One of the guests screams at the sight, but Mario just smiles as his hands continue to burn, not REACT to it in the slightest.

The SHEER HEAT coming off them makes Vanessa stumble backwards and fall to the floor, before she stares up at the sight in shock.

Throughout this, Troy has continued to keep his gaze on Vanessa, smiling ever so slightly at her reactions to what is going on around her. He’s enjoying her fear, as if he can feel it himself and is getting off on it - which may be closer to the truth then she realises.

He kneels down and his eyes flash GREEN again.

TROY (V.O)
Now then, let’s get down to business.

Troy’s lips ARE NOT MOVING, but we hear his voice clear as day, with a strange echoing quality to it - he is TALKING TELEPATHICALLY!

We CUT to Vanessa’s eyes and see them flash the same colour, as her expression slackens and the fear bleeds away. On her GLOWING GREEN EYES, we:

BLACK OUT:

(editted due to me realising the beginning was missing!)

[Alex Matthews]

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. KAPATELIS TOWNHOUSE - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
We’re back at the townhouse, but it is a very different sight that greets us, as around the house are now dozens of POLICE CARS, a couple of AMBULANCES and one FIRE TRUNK, and various people in UNIFORMS are making there way to and fro around what can only be called a scene of barely controlled CHAOS.

There is a police line in force, as uniformed OFFICERS make sure that the growing numbers of passer-bys and gawkers keep their distance from what is now a CRIME SCENE.

The house itself looks the same, except that there appears to be faint traces of smoke coming from the still-open doorway and several open windows, and the doors themselves are no longer attached to their hinges, but rather on the steps leading up to the door.

As we pan over the mess of people going about their jobs, we pass an ambulance whose rear door is still open, and we see a familiar face inside - it’s Owen! He is unconscious, and sporting several burns on his face, as a paramedic checks the IV going into his arm, the one not crushed by Eric.

There is a sudden glare of HEADLIGHTS casting into the ambulance as we:

REVERSE ANGLE:

...and watch a car pull up and come to a stop several feet from the ambulance. The driver’s side door opens, and out steps another familiar face, CAPTAIN MAGGIE SAWYER (last seen in Smallville 7x16: “Descent“), looking presentable but rather tired as she reaches into her car, and pulls out a still steaming cup of coffee in a travel mug, before slamming the door closed.

She makes her way forward towards the police line, taking a sip of her coffee with one hand and reaching into her jacket pocket with the other, pulling out her POLICE BADGE, and flashing at the OFFICER standing by the tape. He obligingly lifts it for her and she ducks under and heads into the crime scene.

OFFICER
Evening, Captain.

MAGGIE
Officer.

OFFICER
Inspector Henderson is here, thought you should know.

Maggie visibly REACTS, SURPRISED at the news, but squares her shoulders, and nods in acknowledgement before continuing.

TOBY (O.S.)
Detective Sawyer! Detective Sawyer!

Maggie stops and turns at the sound of her name and watches with an amused look on her face as TOBY RAINES (attractive, late 40s, blonde hair, smartly dressed) quickly makes her way over to the tape. The young officer starts to move to block her, but Maggie lays a hand on his shoulder and shakes her head.

MAGGIE <smiles>
She’s okay.

The officer quickly retakes his position as Toby walks right up to the tape, with a notebook and pen already in hand.

TOBY
I see they’re already calling in the big guns, if you’re here, Captain. What can you tell me about what’s going on here?

MAGGIE
As you can see, Ms Raines, I’ve only just arrived, so I can’t really answer that question right now.

As they talk, it becomes clear to the viewer that there is more to this banter then meets the eyes, as the coy eye contact and veiled comments illustrate. There is a chemistry between the two of them, they’ve done this kind of thing before, and they both enjoy it.

TOBY
Word is this was a private fundraising endeavour arranged by Mayor Berkowitz.

MAGGIE
I'm sure that once we've done a preliminary investigation, we will of course release all pertinent information to the press then.

Toby just shoots her an annoyed look that screams “seriously?”

TOBY
Come on Maggie. Can’t you at least confirm the basics for me? Rumour is it’s a meta-case, which would make sense if they called you in, everyone knows you’re the go-to gal for those kinds of cases, these days.

Maggie’s professional smile falters for a moment - she has a hard time saying “no” to this woman. Finally, she sighs, and shakes her head, with an air of knowledge she might regret this in the morning.

MAGGIE
The Mayor wasn't actually involved in what happened here tonight, that much I have been told. As to if this IS a meta-case, I can’t say yet. However, we will be pursuing any and all avenues that our investigation finds.

Toby shoots her a dazzling smile.

TOBY
Can I quote you?

Maggie narrows her eyes at her, but she still has a small smile on her face.

MAGGIE
Don’t push your luck, Toby.

Toby laughs softly at the reply, as she scribbles on her notepad, before closing it and looking back at Maggie.

TOBY
We still on for Saturday night?

Maggie nods, her smile widening a little.

MAGGIE
I hope so. My place?

TOBY
I’ll bring the wine. Now go and catch the bad guys.

With that parting comment, Toby turns on her heel and walks off back into the still-growing crowd of people, as Maggie watches her leave, somewhat wistfully. She turns around, only to see the young officer shooting her a funny look, and her smile fades as she realises he heard some of their conversation. Her expression hardens into an angry frown.

MAGGIE <defensive>
Problem, Officer?

The officer quickly swallows and shakes his head - BUSTED!

OFFICER
Of course not, no, ma’am.

He quickly looking away, not wanting to be on the wrong side of Maggie’s temper. But she isn’t about to let him off the hook easily.

MAGGIE
Good. Keep it that way, understood?

This time he nods, but still keeps looking away from her, not risking eye contact. With a dark look, Maggie turns and stalks away, now clutching her coffee mug in a death grip as we CUT TO:

INT. KAPATELIS TOWNHOUSE - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
The foyer is a complete disaster area, ten times as worse as the exterior was looking. There is blood in quite a few areas, not horror movie level, but enough that Maggie notices as she walks in and surveys the scene.

She takes a long look around, watching the various crime scene techs working, collecting the evidence, and taking notes. Maggie slowly sips her coffee as she also makes mental note of the surroundings.

There are BURN PATTERNS in the walls, the FURNITURE is completely TRASHED, food, trays, smashed glass, is everywhere the eyes can see. BODY BAGS have been moved to one area, out of the way of everything else, but who is in them is not clear at all.

Several uniformed POLICE OFFICERS mill about, taking statements from several of the party guests that have stayed behind to answer questions.

One in particular catches our (and Maggie’s) eye, but his back is to us, so we cannot identify who it is at the moment. We notice him because he is on his own, whereas the other officers are working in pairs during their questioning.

Maggie FROWNS at the sight, and heads on over.

WE move focus onto a rapidly talking YOUNG MAN (about 20 or so, blonde, very excited, and not looking too worse for wear), and his outfit shows he was one of the serving staff.

YOUNG MAN
This guy, he just picked up some poor guy and through him across the room, with one hand! It was incredible, I mean, if I hadn't been so scared it would have been kind of hot, but speaking of hot, this other guy he set himself on fire, and acted like it didn't hurt at all, I mean that was so cool!

The man pauses for breath, before frowning slightly, and looking at the officer.

YOUNG MAN
You’re writing all this down, right? I mean, this is an eyewitness account, right?

We shift focus to see a rather blank looking page in the officer’s notebook, as he taps his pen against it in a seemingly random fashion, before we pan up and over onto the face of the officer, who becomes instantly recognisable as OFFICER DANNY TURPIN (last seen in Smallville 8x16: “Bulletproof“), trying to look like he actually believes a word the young man is saying - and failing.

DANNY
I am, sir, and I have your details if we need anything further, so expect to hear from us if we have any more questions.

The ‘witness’ isn’t convinced, and gives Dan a look that screams “whatever!”

YOUNG MAN
Sure, sure.

With that, he walks off, and Danny breaths a sigh of relief to be free of him, and OVER HIS SHOULDER, we see Maggie having watched the exchange with some amusement, before she puts on her serious ‘game face’ and walks up to him.

MAGGIE
Officer?

Danny turns around, and quickly STRAIGHTENS UP at the sight of a superior officer, nodding a welcome.

DANNY
What can I do for you, Detective?

The ‘game face’ quickly gives way to a small hint of a smile at Danny’s sudden move to look a little more professional in her presence.

MAGGIE
First of all, you can relax. Then you can tell me what we've got here?

Danny immediately relaxes, and responds with a slightly embarrassed smile of his own.

DANNY
We responded to a call of an explosion at this address, but it looks like everything happened long before we got here. I was the first officer on point, with medics and fire services responded to the same call, who secured the scene, but the fires had burnt themselves out by the time I arrived so there wasn't much for them to do. The doors, though, they looked like they’d been ripped right off the hinges!

MAGGIE
What about what was going on at the time it happened?

DANNY
Some kind of political fundraiser, arranged by the Mayor, put together by a Mr and Mrs Kapatelis, who are both out of town at the moment, they weren't involved in the actual function. It was hosted by their daughter, Vanessa.

MAGGIE (nodding)
Any casualties?

DANNY
Medics have already begun treating the variety of minor injuries sustained by the guests, but while securing the scene we came across the five DOAs you see as you walk in, plus two more in the basement by a high-security vault of some kind. It looks like they made off with several millions dollars worth of jewellery and item. The medical examiner has already signed off on the bodies up here, she should be with the one downstairs now.

MAGGIE
What about witness statements?

At the mention of that, Danny visible winces, a reaction Maggie spots, causing her to frown.

MAGGIE
What’s wrong? Something up with the witness statements?

Danny shrugs, not really sure what to make of what he’s been told several times tonight already.

DANNY
Honestly, I’m wondering what all
these people were smoking tonight. All the people I've spoke too. <beat> I don't know, Detective. It comes across as a little crazy, but they're all consistent with the others, that's what makes it so strange.

This gets Maggie attention, and she focuses intently on Danny.

MAGGIE
Strange how?

DANNY
Well, they all talk about 3 men who took control of the party, quickly dealt with the private security, and made a show of demanding jewellery and money from the guests. But no one can provide even a partial description, even though they say none of them wore masks, and add to that the 'special powers' they seemed to have.

Danny uses ‘AIR QUOTES’ and a sarcastic tone, when he talks about ‘SPECIAL POWERS’ - it’s pretty clear he DOESN’T BELIEVE a word of it.

Maggie however, react differently - her eyes widen noticeably, and she becomes much more concerned with taking in her surroundings. She looks back at Danny after a moment, an eyebrow raised.

MAGGIE
You don’t believe their stories?

DANNY
Look, I know that Metropolis has had some weird goings-on in the past, but more then likely, everything can be explained in a logical, reasonable way. I mean, fire coming from a guys hands, that’s a magician’s trick, easy enough if you know how.

Maggie can’t help but smile ever so slightly at what she perceives at Danny’s ‘innocence’ compared to her, whose seen plenty over the years.

MAGGIE
So you don’t believe in ‘super-powers’, then?

Danny visibly balks at the question, caught off guard, and knowing full well that it’s a trick question, but he’s still determined to answer.

DANNY
I didn’t say that, Captain. But just because we know certain people CAN do amazing things, doesn’t mean I have to believe every story about so-called ’powers’ that I hear.

Maggie nods, impressed. Danny smiles.

DANNY
Of course, unless that person has the word ‘Super’ in their name, that is. After watching Big Blue push a planet away, I’ll believe anything I hear about him.

Maggie can’t help it - she lets out a SNORT of LAUGHTER, that raises a few surprised looks and glances from the others in the room, and she COUGHS to clear her throat.

HENDERSON (O.S.)
Captain? Captain Sawyer?

Both of them look over at the source of the voice, and both their faces become more serious, but in Danny’s case, it’s more then a little dread as well.

REVERSE ANGLE:

...as MAYOR FRANK BERKOWITZ (50s, Caucasian, white hair, slim build and smartly dressed, if a little harried) is accompanied into the foyer of the Kapatelis house by INSPECTOR MIKE HENDERSON (late 40s, African-American, shaved head, serious face with a hint of tiredness) and they both look around the foyer, Berkowitz in SHOCK, visibly paling as he looks around, whereas Henderson watches with a more experienced eye.

Danny immediately stiffens up again, as Maggie turns away from them, her face immediately telling us these are the last people she wants to deal with right now. She straightens her shoulders, and casts a rather tired expression at Danny.

MAGGIE
Thank you, Officer Turpin, you can get back to work.

Danny’s pose immediately RELAXES, as does his expression, the SIGH OF RELIEF is almost audible, but he nods and quickly makes his way out, with all due haste.

Maggie watches, almost smiling, until she sees some of the OFFICERS present shooting hostile GLARES in the direction of the departing Danny. She fixes a steely gaze on TWO MEN in particular, and when they realise they’ve been busted, they quickly turn back to their work. Off her angry look, we:

BERKOWITZ (PRE-LAP)
I can’t believe all this, it’s just horrible.

CUT TO:

EXT. KAPATELIS TOWNHOUSE - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
Berkowitz quickly exits, followed closely by Henderson and Maggie, who wait for the mayor to compose himself, sucking in GULPS of air to help.

HENDERSON
Frank, you can rest assured that whoever is responsible will be caught. Captain Sawyer is one of our best officers, she’ll be in charge of the investigation.

Maggie raises an eyebrow at the compliment from her superior, but is also a little cautious about it, frowning ever so, knowing there is a LOT MORE to that statement then is currently apparent.

MAGGIE
Mr. Mayor, perhaps if you explained what the function was all about, that might help us figure out where to get started?

Berkowitz finally stands up straight again, and nods, swallowing hard, still dealing with the shock.


BERKOWITZ
Of course, of course. <beat> It was a simple fundraiser, nothing more, really. I mean, I was running a little late, I suppose, I should have been at the party from the beginning, but I got held up at the office, you know how it is.

MAGGIE
Of course, sir. But why here?

BERKOWITZ
The Kapatelis family and my own have been friends for decades, I mean, I’m godfather to their daughter! They’ve been with me for years, staunch supporters and benefactors, they offered to host this fundraiser, had my goddaughter make most of the arrangements, even host the damn thing! <pauses> Oh, lord, what am I going to tell them about Nessie?!

Maggie blinks in surprise - what is he talking about? She shoots a concerned look to Henderson.

HENDERSON
Vanessa Kapatelis is missing, Sawyer. She’s not been accounted for, dead or alive.

BERKOWITZ
She can’t be dead! Her parents would never forgive me! No, she’s been kidnapped, that’s the only explanation for it, they took her to ransom off as some kind of insurance. Taking the damn jewellery wasn’t enough for them was it?!

MAGGIE
Kidnapping is a distinct possibility, Mr. Mayor, but we have other things to consider.

HENDERSON
Such as, Captain?

MAGGIE
Look at all the dead bodies we’ve got. It’s safe to say these people weren’t concerned about keeping people alive.

HENDERSON
All but one of the bodies has been positively identified, they were all part of the security detail.

BERKOWITZ
They were part of a privately contracted group hired by the Kapatelis’.

Maggie absorbs that information for a moment.

MAGGIE
What about the seventh body?

Again, Berkowitz pales, he’s almost green and puts a hand to his mouth and turns away. Maggie is surprised by the reaction and again looks at Henderson for answers, noting that even he looks a little disturbed.

HENDERSON
I’ll leave that one for the ME to explain.

Maggie frowns at the OMINOUS tone in Henderson’s voice, wondering what could cause that kind of response from him as we:

CUT TO:

INT. KAPATELIS TOWNHOUSE - BASEMENT/VAULT LEVEL
It’s a well lit area, and in contrast to the foyer, is barely touched. Several crime scene technicians can be seen working inside the open VAULT, the door of which is open as if opened normally.

We shift focus to the only entrance to the foyer, as Maggie walks in, returning a welcoming nod from the sole OFFICER in the room. Her own focus soon shifts onto the sight of another BODY BAG being zipped closed by a couple of coroners assistants and lifted onto a waiting GURNEY.

Pulling on a pair of plastic gloves, she walks straight over to an unidentifiable PERSON, wearing one of those white one-piece coveralls that cover you from head to toe, complete with a little hood and blue booties, as they kneel over something that we see is PARTIALLY COVERED in a plastic sheet, whereas the rest is blocked by the person’s body. On their back reads “OCME” - Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

MAGGIE kneels down, just behind the coverall-garbed individual, and grimaces at the off-camera sight.

MAGGIE
I see what Henderson meant.

The person stands up and steps back, before reaching up and pulling off the hood, and shakes out a full head of LONG CURLY BLACK HAIR - this is DR. BETH CHAPEL (African-American, mid-30s, tall, beautiful, confident), and although she’s seen a lot in her career, this one still disturbs her. She takes a moment to process, and Maggie sees her, becomes concerned.

MAGGIE
You all right, Beth?

Beth manages a small warm smile at the concern in Maggie’s eyes - these two have worked together before, they’re FRIENDS.

BETH
You know how it is, Maggie. You
think you’ve seen it all before, but then something comes along and reminds you just how brutal one person can be to another.

We shift focus to see just what it is they’re talking about - and it isn’t pretty - A CHARRED, UNIDENTIFIABLE, but still mostly intact CORPSE is underneath the plastic sheet, the ground around it scorched and pitted from whatever intense fire blackened the flesh of the corpse. The corpse itself is twisted in a rictus of pain - they died in agony.

MAGGIE
<understanding>
Tell me about it.

BETH
I’ve had burn victims on my table before, I’ve seen what fire does to the body if left to run it’s course, but this, this is something else. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get DNA, the tissue and bone are that degraded.

MAGGIE
Do what you can, but the sooner we ID this guy, the better.

BETH
Well, I can say for sure it IS a guy, that much I know. But as for everything else, we’ll have to wait and see.

They walk over together to the other body, which Beth unzips as Maggie talks. IN the background two of the coroner assistants start moving and bagging the burned corpse.

MAGGIE
What about this one? Same cause of death?

BETH
No, he died from whatever killed the other security people as well. On first blush, it looks like some kind of aneurysm, but I need to run some additional tests to make that a conclusive verdict.

Maggie shakes her head, trying to take it all in.

BETH
Maggie, you better catch these guys fast. If they really have kidnapped Vanessa Kapatelis, she won’t be safe for very long, if these deaths are any indication.

Maggie nods in agreement, as they both turn to the sound of footsteps approaching, as Henderson enters, his gaze fixed on Maggie. She knows that look.

MAGGIE <to Beth>
Call me as soon as you have anything.

BETH
These guys are first on my list, I’ve already been given my marching orders.

Maggie snorts in derisive amusement

MAGGIE
Oh, I’m sure you have.

Maggie walks towards Henderson as Beth signals one of her assistants to give her a hand, and they start wheeling out the gurney.

HENDERSON
I don’t have to impress on you the importance of this case, do I, Maggie?

MAGGIE
Come on, Mike, cut the crap with me, okay? We both know I’m not exactly popular with Commissioner Corporan at the moment. He’s been treating me as a persona non grata for the past few months. You’re here, so why bring me into this?

Henderson doesn’t particularly care for the comment, but Maggie sticks to her guns and stares him down.

HENDERSON
Look, Maggie, we’ve been through a lot together, but you’ve never learnt to play the political side of the game. You’ve made a few enemies in the last few years, after your public statements accusing the Commissioner of becoming complacent, that he’s allowed any and all meta-related cases to be handled by the growing number of vigilantes operating in and around Metropolis. That’s why you got reassigned to being commander of the 2nd watch at the Special Crimes Unit. I’m only here to handle the politics of the case, the rest of it is up to you. The crime happened during 2nd shift’s watch, which makes it your case, not mine. This is your chance to prove you can do what you say you can.

Maggie can’t help be dubious at the suggestion.

MAGGIE
And if I can’t..?

Henderson’s expression grows grim.

HENDERSON
Then, you might as well start thinking about a transfer, because Corporan will make it his mission to see that no one in Metropolis take you seriously again.

Of Maggie’s look of worry, we:

BLACKOUT

[Alex Matthews]

ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. OCME BUILDING, METROPOLIS, MORNING.
Establishing shot of the building, as people come and go through the entrance.

CUT TO:
INT. MORGUE, OCME BUILDING, METROPOLIS, MORNING.
It’s the usual sterile laboratory area, as seen in countless crime shows, with several ‘slabs’ in use, the final remains of victims of deadly crimes laying at rest, many having already been examined and had their injuries catalogued and organs removed, covered in semi-transparent plastic sheets. A few in black body bags still remain unattended - it’s been a busy night in Metropolis.

BETH CHAPEL stands by one of the tables, her ‘patient’ covered, as she writes on a sheet of paper held by a metal clipboard - it’s been a long shift for her, and she’s visibly tired, not even making an attempt to hide a long yawn that escapes her.

Behind her, the double doors to the morgue open as someone comes through, back to us, having used their bottom to open the door, their hands being occupied - it’s MAGGIE. She bears two large disposable coffee cups, both steaming hot, the sight of which makes Beth smile.

BETH
You know me too well.

MAGGIE
Figured after the shift you just pulled, you deserved the good stuff, not the crap from the vending machine. Besides, I always hate coming to see you empty handed after a night like last night.

Beth eagerly takes the coffee makes offers her, and blows on it for a second, before taking a quick sip, then releases a contented sigh.

BETH
Just what I needed, thank you.

MAGGIE
No problem. You got anything useful to tell me?

Beth turns away and heads over to a particular table, one of the ones covered in the translucent sheet plastic, under which is just about visible the twisted shape of the burn victim from earlier.


BETH
(playful)
That depends on your definition of useful.

Maggie can’t help but smile at the tone Beth uses - it’s an old game of theirs, they’ve worked together a long time.

MAGGIE
Just give me the essentials, that’s all I need for now.

Beth trades her current clipboard for another that lays on top of the plastic sheet, and reads over it for a moment.

BETH
Well, my examination of the body is pretty much what you’d expect from a burn victim, but he is so badly charred, that fingerprints are useless and DNA might be out completely as well, that will be up to the lab boys to figure out. We might have to resort to dental records but that isn’t always a guarantee.

MAGGIE
So we may never I.D. this guy? Wonderful.

BETH
I sent all available trace I recovered over to the Metro Central forensic labs last night, so you might have something when you head over there.

Maggie grimaces, which Beth spots, and grins. Maggie quickly cuts her off from saying anything.

MAGGIE
Not one word from you.

Maggie turns to leave, but stops as Beth calls out.

BETH
By the way, I did discover something unusual, weird, even.

MAGGIE
“Weird“ is par for the course with most of the cases I’m involved in lately.

BETH
Then maybe you can explain how this victim seemed to be burned from the inside out?

Off Maggie’s surprised reaction, we;

CUT TO:

EXT. METRO CENTRAL - DAY
Establishing shot of the building, Metropolis’ equivalent to One Police Plaza in New York, with dozens of patrol cars parked in the lot, and various uniforms officers milling about, coming and going, with the occasional civilian or plain-clothed detective ambling past as well.

INT. METRO CENTRAL - CORRIDOR - DAY.
MAGGIE walks down the corridor, taking a final sip of her coffee, and throwing the empty cup in the closest trash can. Her expression focused, exchanging nods with other officers that walk past her, as she slows, coming to a stop by a door, that reads “Forensics Technician Wally West”. She turns the handle and opens the door - and is immediately assaulted by the LOUD strains of Britney Spears “Toxic” at top volume, mid verse, previously inaudible through the door.
She closes the door almost instantly, WINCING, shaking her head in denial, before taking a breath, screwing her issues in a place at the back of her mind, and opening it again before walking in.

INT. METRO CENTRAL - FORENSICS LAB - DAY.
“Toxic” continues to blare out of several well-placed and large speakers, set amongst the various high-tech equipment dotted about the room itself. The ROOM itself though, look run down and under-funded - it doesn’t have as much equipment as it looks like it should. The first thing Maggie sees when she finally steps in is a lithe young red-headed man DANCING away in a rather crazy fashion, his back to her. His dancing would win NO AWARDS, and Maggie can’t help but break into a smile at his display, watching for only a second though. She quickly spots the stereo, and walks over briskly and hits the OFF switch, filling the room with BLESSED SILENCE, adopting a more serious expression as she does.
Abruptly caught out, the man spins around, surprised by the sudden lack of music and annoyed to have his solace disturbed - this is WALLY WEST (late 20s, a little mad-looking, cocky and brilliant).

WALLY
(miffed)
Hey! Who the hell is..?

Looking around, he soon sees Maggie by the stereo, and his annoyance gives away to embarrassment, and his angry words trail off.


WALLY
(sheepish)
Oh, hi, Captain Sawyer. Was the music a little too loud?

MAGGIE
Just a little, Wally.

WALLY
Ah, sorry about that, it helps me think.

MAGGIE
The dancing help as well?

Wally, caught out, quickly turns to the ARRAY OF COMPUTER SCREENS behind him, and pulls out a stool to sit on.

WALLY
I’m guessing you’re here for the trace results that Dr. Chapel sent me?

MAGGIE
Among other things, yeah.

Wally, TYPING at incredible speeds, pulls up several different screens of information on each monitor, eyes darting from each display after barely glancing at them.

WALLY
Well, if I actually had the resources you promised me when you recruited me from the Central City police department, I probably would have those trace results done for you by now. As it happens, though, I’m still waiting on this antiquated junk to get me back results that make sense.

Maggie lets out an frustrated SIGH - it’s not something she needs to be reminded of, unfortunately.

MAGGIE
I know, I know, I’m working on it, believe me. So, you’ve got nothing for me?

Wally grins at her, somewhat cheekily.

WALLY
I didn’t say that, did I? Just because I’m working with equipment that hasn’t been updated in the last decade doesn’t mean I’m not good at my job.

Tapping at his keyboard, one of the screens displays a new window, stating “PRINTING”, and he reaches over to a nearby printer as it spits out a couple of sheets of paper, containing several diagrams of charts and results. He hands them to Maggie, who looks them over blankly for a second, before looking at Wally, eyebrow raised as if to say “translation please?”

WALLY
I tested the debris sent out to me from the crime scene, and found something, or rather, a lack of something.

MAGGIE
Wally, no riddles, today, okay?

WALLY
There was no accelerant or explosives used in the fires, no indication as to how or why they even started, they just seem to have combusted without warning. I’m running the tests again, just to be sure, though.

MAGGIE
Eyewitnesses did say that one of the party crashers did seem to be able to start fires at will.

Wally suddenly JUMPS up from his stool, practically bouncing up and down in EXCITEMENT!

WALLY
See, this is why I agreed to move here in the first place, Central City never had as many meta-cases in a year as Metropolis does in a week! They’re just so cool!

MAGGIE
Focus, Wally, focus. Anything else to report?

WALLY
I’ve been sent over the digital footage from the Kapatelis house’s security system, but it’s pretty degraded, someone trashed the computer’s main hard drive. I’m running it through a recovery program, I might be able to put together a few seconds worth of images.

MAGGIE
Which might give us some I.D.s on the perps, good work. Keep me posted.

WALLY
Will do, boss.

Maggie turns to head out, but looks back as Wally calls out to her.

WALLY
Hey, you won’t tell anyone about the dancing, will you?

Off Wally’s nervous expression, we:

SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. METRO CENTRAL - CAR LOT - DAY
Maggie exit’s the building, and quickly fishes through her jacket pockets for something, before pulling out a very screwed up PACK OF CIGARETTES. She pulls one out, and sticks it between her lips, before pulling out an old LIGHTER, and bringing it up to her mouth.

GARRETT (O.S)
(derisive)
Hey, Danny Boy!

DANNY (O.S)
Not now, Garrett.

OVERHEARING the exchange, Maggie’s attention turns away from attempting to light her cigarette, and looking out into the CAR LOT and sees:

REVERSE ANGLE, MAGGIE’S POV.

DANNY TURPIN, closing the door on his vehicle, and walking away from it, as two other OFFICERS, the two from the Kapatelis crime scene that Maggie gave a ‘look’ earlier, cut in front of him, cornering him. One of them, GARRETT, butch, shaved head and your regular ‘tough guy’

GARRETT
Yes, now, Danny Boy. I hear you took the Detective’s exam, huh? You really think someone like YOU will get promoted?

Danny’s expression hardens - he’s not in the mood for this shit today.

DANNY
Why not? Because, according to you, I’m a traitor to the badge, a snitch, a turncoat? You really think I care what an ass like you thinks of me?

GARRETT

Don’t push me, Turpin!

DANNY
Why? What you gonna do, Garrett?

GARRETT
I’m just gonna do what should have been done after you gave testimony that sent good cops to jail.

He suddenly reaches out, and GRABS hold of Danny’s police shield, and pulls - HARD.

SHHHRRRIIPP

The badge, and a small amount of fabric from Danny’s jacket, TEAR LOOSE, and the Officer holds it in front of Danny’s face, before dropping it to the floor. We go CLOSE UP as it falls into a dirty puddle of water with a WET SPLASH.

Danny’s jaw hardens in anger as Officer #1 gives him a cocky smirk, his comrades behind laughing at his actions.

GARRETT
What you gonna do, Danny Boy?

CLOSE UP on Danny, as he smiles slowly, before we see his fist clench TIGHT.

THWACK!!

Danny throws the first punch, and pretty soon, the two men are grabbing, wrestling, throwing a variety of punches and blows at each other, getting angrier and more fierce with each impact. It is only when Maggie, who has watched the entire thing, runs over and physically split’s the two men apart.

MAGGIE
Hey, hey, break it up, break it up, right now!

She finally manages to push them away from each other, interposing herself in between, bringing the scuffle to an end. Danny’s nose is BLEEDING, and Officer #1 is sporting a BUSTED LIP, and a bruise forming from Danny’s first punch.

MAGGIE
What the hell do you two think you’re playing at?! Turpin, my office, now!

Danny, SHOOTING DAGGERS at Officer #1, storms away from the scene, heading back into the Metro Central building. Officer #1 watches him go, and snorts in amusement.

GARRETT
Loser. Thanks, Captain, but we could have handled-

SLAM!!

Officer #1 is suddenly FACE DOWN on the hood of Danny’s patrol vehicle, his face twisted IN PAIN, and it’s MAGGIE that’s holding him there, one arm locked behind his back, and PUSHED UPWARDS painfully. She leans down close, practically breathing down his neck.

MAGGIE
If I EVER see you disrespecting the badge like that again, I will make sure you never work in ANY police department in this state or the next one for the rest of your life, understood?

GARRETT
But, he’s a narc!

Maggie pushed and twists his arm a little more, and he grunts in pain.

MAGGIE
Understood?!

GARRETT
Yes! Yes, ma’am!

Maggie grabs him by the collar, and pulls him up, before pushing him away and into his two friends, who look at Maggie in SHOCK and WORRY.

MAGGIE
All of you, take a hike, get out of my sight, before I decided to report you all to your sergeant, got it? Go!

The three men don’t need telling again, and they quickly TAKE OFF and head as far away from Maggie as they can get. She watches them go, an angry expression on her face, before looking down at something on the ground.

MAGGIE’S POV: It’s Danny’s SHIELD, still in the puddle it fell, dirty and scuffed.

CUT TO:

INT. METRO CENTRAL - MAGGIE’S OFFICE - DAY
It’s a cramped space, rather not befitting a watch commander, much less an officer of Maggie’s rank and experience, and there are only a few touches of home, a few photos dotted around, to break up the stark nature of the room. There are two desks, one is tidy and organised, while the other is messy and piled with paperwork.

DANNY stands in the middle of the small space, gingerly touching his nose, some tissues held to his nostrils, as the door opens, and in walks TODD RICE (early 30s, handsome, laid-back and friendly), with an ICE-PACK in one hand, and a BOX OF TISSUES in the other.

TODD
So, is Maggie picking up strays now?

Danny shrugs, which, given where his hands are, doesn’t really work. He allows Todd to guide him to a chair, and then takes the proffered ice-pack.

DANNY
Thanks.

TODD
Yeah, well, I don’t think the cleaning staff would have appreciated you dripping blood all over the floor, so I did them a favour. What happened to you?

Danny breaks eye contact, looks away, not really wanting to talk about it. The door opens to admit Maggie as he replies.

DANNY
I lost my temper, picked a fight I shouldn’t have.

Maggie, hearing that last part, as she walks in, SCOFFS.

MAGGIE
Damn right you shouldn’t, Officer Turpin.

She moves behind her desk (the messy one), and takes her seat, opposite Danny, as Todd picks up a couple of manila folders from his desk and waves them at her.

TODD
Don’t forget to go over the final budget requests before I have to submit them before the close of office hours today. Also, your ex-husband called again, not happy either, so you might want to actually return his calls?


MAGGIE
Yeah, yeah, I will, I will.

After taking the folder, she spots the ice-pack and tissues, and looks up at Todd, amused.

MAGGIE
You playing “Doctor” again?

TODD
Someone had to, he was staining the carpet.

With a grin, Todd walks out of the office, closing the door behind him, leaving Danny and Maggie to stare at each other in silence for a moment, before once again, Danny breaks eye contact first. He looks down, Maggie pursing her lips in response.

MAGGIE
Do you have anything to say for yourself for what I just witnessed?

Danny looks up and LOCKS EYES with Maggie, and his are filled with anger and determination.

DANNY
With respect, ma’am, we both know you know who I am, so I’m not going to apologise for anything. People can disrespect me all they want for what I did 3 years ago, but they should NOT disrespect the badge.

Maggie remains silent and still as Danny says his piece, and lets him stew for a couple of seconds after he finishes, until breaking into a grin.

MAGGIE
My thoughts exactly, Officer Turpin.

She then places his BADGE onto the middle of her desk, and pushes it towards him.

MAGGIE
Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page there.

Danny’s eyes widen in surprise, he even blinks a few times.

DANNY
Excuse me?

MAGGIE
That jerk deserved the pounding you were laying on him. I’d lay odds, if his friends hadn’t helped, you’d had him on the floor within a minute or so.

Danny’s surprise gives way a small smile.

DANNY
Yes, ma’am.

MAGGIE
Please, drop the ma’am, makes me feel old! When we’re inside, call me Maggie, and when we head out into the field together, either Captain or Detective Sawyer will do.

DANNY
Understood

He then realises what Maggie just said.

DANNY <CONT>
Wait, ‘together’?

MAGGIE
I put a call into your Sergeant last night, I’m temporarily reassigning you to my command.

DANNY
Why me?

MAGGIE
You were the first police responder to the scene of last night’s incident at the Kapatelis, you dealt with the majority of witness statements that were taken there, and have a good working knowledge of what happened. I need that to work in my favour if we’re going to solve this case quickly and find Vanessa Kapatelis.

DANNY
Have no demands or ransom been issued?

MAGGIE
None so far, and given that they raided the family vault and took a few millions worth of jewellery, that might tide them over for a while before or even IF they do issue one.

DANNY
You don’t think they will? Why wouldn’t they, the Kapatelis are worth a hell of a lot of money.

MAGGIE
True, but this doesn’t feel like a well-thought out kidnapping, it feels like one were trouble caused them to take a hostage. You saw the bodies, right?

Danny SWALLOWS, HARD, and nods - he did, and it still disturbs him.

DANNY
Won’t forget that for a while. You think there is more to this then just a robbery gone bad, though?

MAGGIE
You’ve worked a few meta-related cases before, haven’t you? You know they’re never as simple as it sounds.


DANNY
The witnesses who talked about a guy playing with fire? You think he’s a meta?

MAGGIE
Better to go in believing they are, better prepared you are - I learnt that the hard way. I once had a guy rob a bank who was bullet-proof and could make things explode somehow. Since then, I’ve always said, be ready for anything, no matter how bizarre.

DANNY
If you say so, boss.

Off Maggie’s small SMILE at the term, they both turn when the door opens to admit Todd again.

TODD
Sorry to interrupt, but I’ve one very excited red-head on the line, says he needs to see you in his lab right away.

Off the all-seriousness expressions of Maggie and Danny, we:

CUT TO:

INT. FORENSICS LAB - METRO CENTRAL - DAY
Back in the lab, Wally, still seated on his wheeled stool, is ZIPPING from computer screen to computer screen, occasionally pushing off to tap at one piece of equipment or another, like the centrifuge, or the electron microscope, before heading back to the computer screens, almost GIGGLING with EXCITEMENT. It is to this display that both Maggie and Danny walk in.

MAGGIE
You got something for me on the Kapatelis case?

WALLY
Indeed I do!! In fact, I have several “somethings” for you.

His stool now in one place, Wally continues to SPIN around on it as he talks, as he reflects on what he just said.

WALLY <CONT>
Is that right? Several ‘things’, instead of ‘somethings’?

Maggie, loosing patience already, reaches out and physically STOPS Wally from his spinning.

MAGGIE
Wally, focus, please. Results?

WALLY
Whoa, dizzy now. Right, results!

He reaches out to the printer and pulls a large wad of printed sheets from it, and waves them at Maggie.

WALLY
While I was waiting for the trace results, I went over the blood work from the burn victim, and found something really funky in his blood! Some kind of unidentifiable compound!

MAGGIE
That’s it? That’s all?

WALLY
(miffed)
No! There’s more, but I thought I’d start with the fun part first.

DANNY
Fun?

Wally LOOKS OVER at Danny, finally registering he’s there.

WALLY
(confused)
Who are you?!

DANNY
Dan Turpin.

WALLY
Oh. Hi! I’m Wally West, resident forensics whiz.

MAGGIE
Now that the introductions are out of the way? What else did you find?

WALLY
Well, the trace analysis just finished, from the guy who was beaten up at the party.

DANNY
Owen Richards.

WALLY
If you say so, I don’t really follow the names in here, just the evidence. Anyway, I was able to get some foreign DNA from it, this guy was pretty heavy handed, he left a lot of his own blood and skin behind. I ran it through CODIS, and I got a hit, a good one too!

He ruffles through the pages, until he pulls a particular one out, and holds it up.

CLOSE UP on a mug shot of one ERIC MARSH, younger, back from his Smallville days, with his particulars and criminal record listed alongside and below his picture.

On his face, angry, resentful, captured forever in that moment by a police camera, we:

BLACK OUT:

[Alex Matthews]

ACT THREE

EXT. METRO CENTRAL - METROPOLIS - DAY
Establishing shot to reaffirm we haven’t left the building, be we:

CUT TO:

INT. METRO CENTRAL - FORENSICS LAB - DAY
DANNY is working on the main computer station, looking at various displays on the different monitors, typing away at a reasonable pace, but stopping every so often, and looking over at WALLY with FRUSTRATION.

Wally, though, is clueless to the looks he is getting, as he mumbles Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” under his breath, but loud enough to be made out, and to know he CAN’T SING, as he works a sample out from the centrifuge, and drips some of it on a test slide, before placing that in another device.

Danny tries to focus on his typing, but when Wally hit’s a particularly off-key note at a rather high volume, Danny CAN‘T TAKE ANY MORE!

DANNY
Do you have to do that while I’m working?

WALLY
Do what? Sing?

DANNY
I’ve heard singing, and that ain’t it.

WALLY
Everyone’s a critic! My lab, dude, my rules, simple as.

Danny turns back to the monitors, letting out an angry sigh.

WALLY (CONT.)
Search not going well for what’s-his-name?

DANNY
Eric Marsh, and no, it isn’t. I’ve tried a load of different databases, but I can’t find any trace of him.

Wally looks up from his own work, a little surprised at the remark.

WALLY
He’s a convicted felon, he should be flagged easily enough.

DANNY
Exactly! But aside, from him serving a brief stint in Stryker's Island Prison, there’s nothing.

WALLY
That’s a little disturbing, wasn’t this guy arrested for armed robbery and assault charges?

DANNY
Yeah, how does the data trail for someone like that just vanish? I get going off the grid, but I don‘t even have a previous address or a parole officer to start from.

Wally comes over, a little too close, and takes the keyboard away from an indignant Danny, and types himself for a few seconds. A large red screen suddenly pops up - “RESTRICTED ACCESS” - not encouraging at all.

WALLY
Ooh, nasty.

DANNY
That didn’t happen before.

WALLY
You aren’t me, dude. This could be fun, leave it with me, I’ll get into this when my tests are done.

BEEP!!

Wally and Danny look up, as another machine in the room, the one Wally fed a test slide into earlier, sounds its alarm, and the printer linked to it spits out a sheet of paper. Wally hops over and pulls out the paper, and reads it, EYES WIDE.

WALLY
Whoa! Look at the spikes on this!

As Wally’s eyes continue to BOGGLE at the results, in walks, Maggie, and Danny takes one look at her SERIOUS mien and GRIMACES. Wally however, is OBLIVIOUS.

WALLY
Just in time for the grand finale!

MAGGIE
Good, I could use some good news today for once.

DANNY
You’re meeting at LexCorp didn’t go so well?

Maggie starts PACING as she talks, her tone BEYOND annoyed

MAGGIE
They may have changed the damn name of the company, and talked about ‘rebranding’ and making the company more ‘friendly and accessible’, but their damn PR department is still as obstinate as ever! I even called ahead and gave them a good hour to deal with my request, but it was like getting blood from a god-damned stone!

Wally, wanting to be the focus of attention again, waves his paper printout.

WALLY
Hello, genius at work here, remember?

MAGGIE
What have you got?

WALLY
It’s the chemical breakdown of that compound I isolated from the blood work from the burn victim, the really funky one.

DANNY
And?

WALLY
Can I just preface this by reminding you once again, I AM a genius, and very, very good at my job.

Maggie stops her pacing, and simply fixes her VERY ANNOYED gaze on the red-head, who swallows nervously.

WALLY (CONT.)
Basically, its your standard mix of cutting agents, but the major contributor of the compound is our old friend, benzoylmethylecgonine.

DANNY
Cocaine? Wait, the compound is some kind of drug?

MAGGIE
Come on, Wally, spill, no way cocaine would stump you.

WALLY
(sighs)
The mass-spec had some trouble with the other major ingredient, it can’t seem to identify it. It just down-right refused.

Maggie FROWNS, and fishes through her pockets for something, and pulls out a USB DATA DRIVE.

MAGGIE
Maybe our friendly LexCorp spokesperson actually did help after all.

She under-arm throws the data drive at Wally, who clumsily catches it, a little confused.

MAGGIE (CONT.)
Compare your mystery results with the chemical analysis on the drive.

As Wally turns to his computers, edging Danny out of the way rather unsubtly, he backs up and turns to Maggie, INQUISTIVE and IMPRESSED.

DANNY
I thought you didn’t get anything from them.

MAGGIE
I said it was difficult, not that I came away empty-handed. It takes a little more then a jumped up secretary to stop me from getting what I need for a case.

Wally suddenly WHISTLES!

WALLY
Now this is interesting!

Danny and Maggie look over and approach, as Wally continues to work on the keyboard.

POV: MONITOR DISPLAYS

Two images are next to each other, one labelled “SCU-UNIDENTIFIED”, the other “LC TEST 12897/D”, and even to an untrained eye, the peaks and troughs of the line diagrams look very similar.

Wally HITS a couple of KEYS and the two images move across the screen, eventually overlaying each other, and we see they are EXACTLY THE SAME!

BETH (PRE-LAP)
It’s used to be called meteor-rock, but when a certain superhero started showing up, it became known as Kryptonite.

CUT TO:


INT. OCME BUILDING - BETH’S OFFICE - DAY
It’s about as small as Maggie’s, but given the fact that many of the alls are covered in FILING CABINETS, it looks TINY, with only a few personal touches about it’s owner, including several diplomas and a couple of photos of family.

BETH, fishing through several different drawers of one particular cabinet, pulls out several manila folders, and drops them onto a large pile of identical folders on her messy desk, a half eaten apple laying precariously next to them.

DANNY
Kryptonite? You mean the stuff that supposed to be the remains of his home planet?

BETH
Wally sent me over the chemical breakdown, and I knew it looked familiar, so I went back over some of my recent cases that were apparent overdoses. There’s been this new designer street-drug doing the rounds, especially down in Suicide Slums, called ‘starlight’, which knowing what we do know, seems apt.

MAGGIE
How so?

BETH
This drug is regular street-level cocaine mixed with refine Kryptonite.

MAGGIE
Wait, so people are getting high snorting coke mixed with space rock?

BETH
Exactly. Given what people witnessed at the Kapatelis house, this might be more poignant then you realise. You’re both familiar with the two meteor showers in Smallville, right?

MAGGIE
Not so much the showers themselves, but the ’meteor freaks’ that were the result, yeah.

Beth gives her a disapproving look, before starting to hunt through the piles of paperwork for something.

BETH
I have a colleague over at Metropolis General, a staff physician, who also does some work with Queen Industries and the Isis Foundation researching into the ‘kryptonite phenomenon”. You might want to ask his opinion as well.

She takes a business card, and scribbles down in pen on the back of it, before handing it to Maggie.

MAGGIE’S POV: We see on the card, written in block capitals, is “DR. EMIL HAMILTON”

CUT TO:

EXT. METROPOLIS GENERAL HOSPITAL - DAY
Establishing shot of the hospital as ambulances pull out, and various people mill about, some in lab coats, some in nurses outfits, and some in regular civilian attire.

MAGGIE (PRE-LAP)
Excuse me, Dr. Hamilton?

CUT TO:

INT. METROPOLIS GENERAL HOSPITAL - NURSES STATION - DAY
EMIL HAMILTON (last seen in Smallville 10x18: “Kent“) looks up from the clipboard he’s working on, surprised to see Maggie and Danny walking up to him, Maggie holding her detective shield up for Emil to see.

EMIL
Yes, Detective, Officer? Can I help you with something?

MAGGIE
Captain Sawyer, Officer Turpin, Special Crimes Unit. We were wondering if we could take a few minutes of your time to talk to you about your work with the so-called ‘meteor freaks’.

Emil FROWNS, and crosses his arms, DEFENSIVE.

EMIL
Actually, we prefer people to use the term ‘meteor-infected’. These people didn’t ask for what happened to them, they’re as much victims as anyone else can claim to be.

DANNY
With respect, Doctor, I’ve spent a few years cleaning up after those so-called ‘victims’, and seen what they can do.


MAGGIE
The point is, sir, we’ve been told you’re an authority on the problems that this meteor infection can result in. You’re highly respected not just as a ER doctor, but also as a scientific authority on pretty much everything. It was you that helped cure that rabies strain, what, 2 years ago?

EMIL
(miffed)
Yes, the ‘zombie virus’ as everyone called it. I’m surprised you found out I had any involvement, the Department of Domestic Security tried their damnedest to cover up my part in that.

MAGGIE
We both have friends in high places, Dr. Hamilton.

EMIL
(suspicious)
Just what is it you want my ‘expertise’ on, Captain Sawyer? I am a very busy man, as you can imagine. In fact, I need to get back to my lab, would you care to follow me?

Emil WALKS away, forcing Maggie and Danny to follow him, as he heads down a corridor to his lab.

MAGGIE
You’re aware of the new drug going around, called ‘starlight”?

Unseen by the two police officers, Emil visibly REACTS, and frowns again, but tries to play it cool.

EMIL
In passing only, I’ve not had any involvement in any cases directly related to it.


DANNY
So you’re not aware of the fact that it’s actually cocaine mixed with Kryptonite?

EMIL freezes his tracks - he’s NOT SURPISED at all, but quickly feigns it, turning to look at the officers.

EMIL
Meteor rock? No, I wasn’t, if I had, then Queen Industries would have taken note of it.

Maggie frowns - she’s not buying it, but that’s not the important thing at the moment.

MAGGIE
Maybe you could explain just how this ‘infection’ works? I’ve worked a few cases myself involving people affected by the meteors, and I’ve never noted any kind of pattern to it.

EMIL
There does appear to be a random nature to the abilities people may develop, but it has been postulated that the mutagenic changes that occur can be related to several factors, such as the atmosphere and surroundings at the time of infection, the person’s emotional state, or in others, it triggers latent meta-human abilities. We’ve’ only recently began to unlock the secrets of the so-called ‘meta-gene’, and unfortunately, those who have them are naturally hesitant to come forward, especially after all the VRA nonsense.

DANNY
But what about the fact that so many of these people, they seem to end up going all kinds of crazy.

EMIL
(unimpressed)
Is that the technical term, Officer Turpin.

MAGGIE
My partner has a point, Doctor.

EMIL
(sighs)
Unfortunately, yes, it does appear in the majority of the cases, but not all, that kind of genetic mutation can cause a severe psychological effect, ranging from a change in personality, to a complete psychosis.

MAGGIE
So, these ‘starlight’ users, if Kryptonite can cause these mutations, could they be using the drug to do the same? To give themselves abilities somehow?

EMIL
Theoretically, yes, it’s possible, but as to what kind of abilities they would develop, there is no way to be sure.

MAGGIE
Anything like pyrokinesis or enhanced strength?

EMIL
Again, it’s possible. Why do you ask?

Off of Maggie and Danny exchanging a worried look, we:

CUT TO:

INT. METRO CENTRAL - FORENSICS LAB - DAY
CLOSE-UP of one of Wally’s MONITOR SCREENS, which displays slightly fuzzy image of the KAPATELIS VAULT AREA, and several indistinct people, with static lines moving through it - the video is paused.

WALLY
So, you’re thinking that the guys that attacked the Kapatelis place, they’re not meta-humans, but regular people using this ‘starlight’ drug to give themselves a meta-power?

We pull back from the monitor to see MAGGIE, WALLY and DANNY are all in the room, Wally on the stool by the monitors, turned to face the police officers, who are leaning on a counter each.

MAGGIE
9 years ago, Eric Marsh came up with a way to use refine meteor rock in an inhaled form to give himself super strength, so maybe if he’s using starlight, it’s having the same effect on him.

WALLY
I suppose that makes sense, yeah, considering how much that stuff plays havoc with your genetics anyway. Oh, that reminds me! I got a call from Dr. Chapel over at the morgue, she said she’d looked back over the body of the burn victim, and it took a little time, but she found evidence of track marks, definite drug use.

DANNY
Well, we knew that anyway, right? I mean, we found the drug in their blood. But, wait, that means they killed one of their own?

WALLY
Maybe they wanted to increase the cut among the other two?

MAGGIE
Maybe, maybe not. Have you watched the video yet?

WALLY
No, I waited for you two to get back and be suitably impressed by my data recovery skills. Plus, I was waiting for my popcorn to get ready.

DANNY
Forget the popcorn, lets see what it shows.

WALLY
Fine, fine!

Wally, turning back to the keyboard, taps a couple of keys, as Danny and Maggie move closer and watch over his shoulders as the video plays.

The image clears up a little as it does, and we watch as the 4 people enter the shot, and move towards the Vault door - 3 men, 1 woman. As the woman goes over to the control access keypad, and taps at it, she moves clearer into shot and we see it’s VANESSA.

MAGGIE
Nice work, Wally, that’s pretty clear considering.

WALLY
I aim to please.

The footage continues, as the vault door opens, and we see ERIC, carrying a back-pack, head in, as one of the other men, MARIO, clearly visible on camera, in apparent discomfort, suddenly clutch at his stomach, and collapse to the floor, as SMOKE can be seen rising from him.

DANNY
Is it me, or is that guy… smoking?

MAGGIE
(realising)
Wait for it.

Suddenly, the guy BURSTS INTO FLAMES that cover his entire body, the other man stumbling away from him in shock, and we see it’s TROY, clearly seeing his horror.

WALLY
Whoa!

DANNY
Wait, what just happened?!

MAGGIE
They weren’t expecting that to happen at all, look at that shock. The ’victim’, he was in on the robbery, he was part of their little gang. I think he was a starlight user, and it gave him the ability to create and control fire, he was the guy your witnessed talked about.

DANNY
The one who set his hands on fire.

MAGGIE
Exactly. But something went really wrong, either he lost control, or the starlight effect isn’t as predictable as they believed.

WALLY
So he spontaneously combusted?! That’s awesome!

Wally taps a control, and a brief freeze frame captures Troy’s image, and copies and moves the image to a corner of the screen. He also rewinds the footage, and does the same for Mario.

DANNY
Well, now at least we can ID the poor guy, and his wingman, and we’ve confirmed Eric Marsh was in on the robbery too. Play the rest, would you.

Wally taps a key, and the video resumes, with Mario a smoking corpse on the floor, as Eric, swinging the back pack onto his shoulder, runs, while Troy grabs Vanessa by the arm and pulls her out of shot. We see Danny frown at the screen for a moment.

DANNY
Why take her though?


MAGGIE
You thinking something?

DANNY
Vanessa Kapatelis is a member of one of the wealthiest families in Metropolis, but we’re still waiting for a ransom demand. It doesn’t make sense.

Wally freezes the image and we CLOSE-UP on the image, grainy to an extent, but clear enough to make out that while TROY looks panicked as all hell, Vanessa looks CALM, ALMOST BLANK OF EMOTION.

On the grainy, blank expression of Vanessa Kapatelis, we:

FADE TO:

INT. PRIVATE WAREHOUSE - SUICIDE SLUMS - NIGHT
A pair of dirty, bare feet, scratched and bleeding from tiny cuts and scrapes, toenails painted silver, are the focus of attention, as WE SLOWLY PAN UP and see a figure, wrapped in darkness, but clad in a familiar silver dress, torn in places, ruffled and wrinkled, and long blonde hair, flowing down untidily over their face.

DANNY (V.0)
She looks so vacant, compliant, even. We’re assuming they panicked at took her as insurance, but what if that wasn’t it. What if they decided she was their best bet at finding somewhere to lay low?

WALLY
Well, the Kapatelis have a lot of money tied up in real estate, redeveloping Suicide Slums, especially around Hobbs Bay. Maybe they used her to gain access to one of them?

DANNY
That’s a big area, we need to narrow it down.

MAGGIE (V.0)
One way or another, we need to figure out where the hell she might be.

Suddenly, a shaft of light appears, ILLUMINATING the figure, but we still can’t see who it is:

REVERSE ANGLE:

MAGGIE and DANNY, weapons drawn, approach from underneath a raised shutter door, and we can see several police cars behind them, their lights casting into the warehouse as they walk forward. Maggie, spotting the figure moves in quickly, as other uniformed officers moved throughout the warehouse, making sure it’s secure.

She kneels, down, and feels for a pulse for a moment. Satisfied, she nods at Danny, who lowers his weapon, and gets on his radio, as Maggie gently lifts the person’s head up, and into the light, gently moving the hair from their face:

It’s VANESSA KAPATELIS!

On her unconscious, but tear-stained and blood-streaked face, we

BLACK OUT:

END OF ACT THREE

[Alex Matthews]

ACT FOUR

FADE INTO:

EXT. METROPOLIS GENERAL HOSPITAL - NIGHT
Establishing shot of the building.

VANESSA (V.O)
I don’t really remember much of what happened, really, it’s all kind of indistinct, like a movie I know I watched, but can’t remember much about.

INT. VANESSA’S ROOM - METGEN - NIGHT
Vanessa, now in a patient gone, is seated in BED, looking a little tidier but still very unsure of herself, as DANNY and MAGGIE wait for her to continue. EMIL, reading over her vitals, and keeping an eye on the machines nearby, hovers around as well.

VANESSA (CONT.)
I remember being scared out of my wits after one of the men threw Owen across the room like a rag doll, and then this other one spoke to me, and I felt this overwhelming sense of calm coming over me.

MAGGIE
Can you describe the two men?

VANESSA
They were both blonde, and about my age, and they didn’t look at all healthy. Very skinny and tired looking, like the way you expect junkies to look. The one that spoke to me, he had these intense eyes, green, I think, or maybe brown?

MAGGIE
Was it this man?

Maggie holds out a printout, which contains a mug-shot of TROY, and a rap-sheet going down the side. Vanessa takes a moment, but then shakes her head.

VANESSA
(upset)
I’m sorry, I can’t really remember his face clearly at all. I’m not sure, I’m sorry.

DANNY
That’s okay, you’re doing fine, Ms. Kapatelis. What else do you remember after that sense of calm you described?

VANESSA
Just this sudden desire to do exactly whatever that man told me to do, it was so strange, I’ve never felt so focused but so eager to please before. I remember going down the vault, and giving them the combination to the vault. I remember a sudden heat, and then going with them as they left, but then after that, nothing, it’s, it’s just all dark and blank. The first thing I remember clearly is waking up in the ambulance on the way here.

EMIL, seeing her getting distressed, steps forward, all BUSINESS

EMIL
I think that’s enough for now, detectives, my patient has been through an emotionally and physically exhausting experience, she needs rest.

MAGGIE
We may have further questions later on, Doctor, Ms. Kapatelis, this is still an ongoing investigation, remember.

EMIL
Be that as it may, it will have to be at a time when she is feeling stronger. I only allowed this interview because Ms. Kapatelis insisted on talking to you when she saw you.

VANESSA
Please, those men, they hurt Owen, they killed all those men on the security detail, they stole a day of my life, please find them, stop them from doing this again.

DANNY
We will, Ms. Kapatelis, you’ve helped us more then you may now.

Vanessa SMILES slightly, charmed by Danny’s easy way with people, as Emil escorts them out.

EMIL
She was very fortunate to be found, she was suffering from severe dehydration and exhaustion. How did you manage to track her down so fast?

MAGGIE
We reasoned that the kidnappers took her because she was going to be useful to gain access to places under Kapatelis control. My forensic technician ran through a list of their unused properties, and cross checked it with Water and Utilities usage.

EMIL
Very impressive.

MAGGIE
It’s what we get paid for. Doctor, she mentioned memory loss?

EMIL
Yes, she didn’t seem to realise how long she’d been missed for, until I explained it. She has no clear memory of the last 24 hours, but her CAT scans show no damage to the brain to indicate why she may have amnesia like that.

MAGGIE
Could it be the result of a meta-ability, that could explain both the memory loss and the sudden need to cooperate she describes.

EMIL
Possibly, I read Dr. Chapel’s autopsy reports on the security detail, their deaths by sudden onset of an aneurysm could have been the result of someone with a telepathic or telekinetic ability affecting their brain chemistry. We already ruled out anything viral or bacterial, and the odds of 6 healthy men dropping from the exact same cause at the exact same time are astronomical.

DANNY
Come on, guys, really? Does it always have to be a meta-problem? Vanessa not remembering could be the result of PTSD or something, and just because you didn’t detect anything doesn’t mean they weren’t doped or something - it could have been some kind of nanotechnology injected or ingested.

EMIL
(impressed)
Yes, that’s very true, Officer Turpin. I’d need to run their blood through something a tad more sophisticated then we have here though, to find that out.

DANNY
Maybe your buddy Green Arrow could lend us a hand?

Emil stiffens at the joke, not seeing the funny side.

EMIL
I have rounds to do, if you’ll excuse me.

Emil walks off, leaving the two police officers standing in the corridor, Maggie shooting an annoyed look at a surprised Danny.

MAGGIE
Nice work, Danny.

DANNY
Sorry, boss. Jeez, he’s a little sensitive, though, huh?

MAGGIE
You think, huh? I thought you liked Green Arrow, didn’t he save your life?

DANNY
I haven’t got an issue with the capes anymore, they do an alright job, when they work with us, not against us. Just can’t wrap my head around the fact that Oliver Queen, playboy extraordinaire, runs around in leather and tights.

MAGGIE
I don’t know, those fishnets of Black Canary’s must always need replacing, they can’t come cheap.

Danny can’t help but SNORT in amusement, quickly following after Maggie who has started to walk off.

MAGGIE (CONT.)
Anyway, what was the deal with you and ‘Vanessa’, huh?

DANNY
Pardon me?

MAGGIE
(teasing)
You were very ‘friendly’ in that, turning on the charm. You couldn’t have used that with Hamilton? Does your wife know you talk to other women like that?

DANNY
She was scared and confused, she didn’t need us both being ‘bad cop’.

MAGGIE
‘Bad Cop’? Hell, I was just being myself.

Maggie’s cell-phone begins to ring, a generic ring tone, rather boring, and she pulls it out and answers it quickly.

MAGGIE
Sawyer.

INT. MAGGIE’S OFFICE - METRO CENTRAL - NIGHT (INTERCUT)
Todd sits at his neat desk, rummaging through a few briefs.

TODD
Maggie, it’s Todd. You need to get over to Centennial Park, Dr. Chapel is requesting you.

MAGGIE
Why? What’s happened?

TODD
Uniforms got called in when some dog walkers found a body there about an hour or so ago.

MAGGIE
Wait, Todd, you said Centennial Park, right? Which area?

TODD
The entrance near Suicide Slums. Is that important?

Off Maggie’s thoughtful frown, we:

CUT TO:

EXT. CENTENNIAL PARK - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
The bright lights of street lamps and mobile light stands brought in by the CSI team illuminate the darkness in a secluded part of the Park. We follow the activities of the various uniformed officers, and white-overall-covered criminalists for a few moments before we focus on a white-sheeted figure on the grass. A plastic-gloved hand reaches down and yanks off the covering, revealing the figure underneath to be a very dead TROY WALSH - skin pale and blue, eyes open, blood seeping from every visible orifice, still dressed in his suit from the night before, sans jacket.

REVERSE ANGLE:

BETH CHAPEL kneels by the body as MAGGIE SAWYER kneels down next to her, letting out an annoyed breath.

MAGGIE
Yeah, that’s our guy alright.

BETH
As soon as I saw the body, I left a message for you at Central. By the way, make sure to thank Wally for identifying Mario Gonzales for me.

MAGGIE
No problem. Care to postulate on the cause of death?

BETH
Well, it looks to be the same as the security detail from the fundraiser, but you’re saying he was involved though?

MAGGIE
Yeah, his name was Troy Walsh, a low level scumbag, a list of minor offences, mostly drug charges and the like. We got a positive ID of him from the security footage Wally recovered. Still not sure though how he got hooked up with Eric Marsh and Mario Gonzales, or how they all got caught up with ‘starlight’.

BETH rearranges the sheet, revealing an arm, where the shirt has been cut away. We can clearly see the track marks on his pale flesh.

BETH
Speaking of, I took a quick look, and he’s definitely a user, and since I can’t find any obvious signs of injury to account of the blood, until I get back to the morgue, I’m wondering if he OD’d?

MAGGIE
We’re theorising at the minute that this ‘starlight’ crap can give regular people meta-powers, right? We also think this guy was able to put people under some kind of mental coercion, and that he was the one that killed the entire security team. So maybe, if the guy who played with fire was burned to death from the inside out, maybe the man who can make brains explode had the same thing happen to him?

BETH
You mean, his powers backfired, or turned against him? Some kind of result of using too much starlight too often? I’ll get his blood samples to Wally straight away, maybe he can match the levels of the drug in this guys system to the other?

MAGGIE
That would be a start.

Beth lowers the arm, and covers it up, before both women stand up fully, as Danny walks over.

BETH
The CSI team will confirm it, but this was a secondary site, a body dump - there’s not enough blood here to indicate this is where he died.

MAGGIE
Makes sense, he’s a wanted man with a very recognisable prize, he wouldn’t be out and about with his hostage.

DANNY
I‘ve got Wally talking to the CCTV guys to see if we can find any footage of the body being dumped, boss. The guy who called it in didn’t see anything, though, he was out walking his dog, and literally stumbled across it while finding somewhere for man’s best friend to do it’s business.

MAGGIE
I hope he cleaned up after it.

DANNY
He did say he saw a van high tail it out of here, and there is a parking area nearby.

MAGGIE
Okay, so let’s think about this. Eric Marsh and Troy Walsh just crashed a Kapatelis facility, dumped Vanessa there, they‘re probably scared and unsure of their abilities, probably high on ‘starlight’ to try and take the edge off.

BETH
Would they be? Surely they must have realised that it would be the ‘starlight’ that was causing the problems?

DANNY
Addicts are addicts, Doc, they don’t think like that, they just care about their next hit. If this stuff really is giving them super powers, that would make the high even better.

MAGGIE
So, they’re in hiding, on the move, with Vanessa silent and cooperative because of Troy’s influence - maybe that’s why he’s taking more of it? To make sure he is able to keep her under control until they can think of some thing. But either way, Troy has the same kind of reaction as Mario, his ability kills him.

DANNY
So, what? Eric dumps the body in the nearest dark space, and cuts Vanessa loose before getting the hell out of Dodge?

MAGGIE
Could be. Call Wally, have him get that CCTV footage, forget witnesses, tell him to find the van, get as much detail from your witness as you can, so he can narrow his search. If we find the van, we can find Eric Marsh.

She turns to Beth, DETERMINED.

MAGGIE
I need you to do a complete blood work up of Troy, and contact Emil Hamilton for me. He knows meteor rock better then anyone else, he’ll probably see things you might not, no offence.

BETH
None taken, I know myself well enough to hand something like this over to someone more qualified.

She turns her attention back to the body, as Danny steps closer to Maggie, LOWERING HIS VOICE, CONCERNED.

DANNY
Boss, that’s the 2nd of 3 men involved in this case to die from a possible side effect of their using. Eric Marsh could be living on borrowed time, and not even realise it.

MAGGIE
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

They both look down at the still form of Troy, Beth covering him up fully as we:

CUT TO:

EXT. METRO COFFEE STOP - METROPOLIS - MORNING
It’s the morning rush for everyone to get their java hit, as the baristas rush about filling orders and taking payments, as everyone goes about their usual business - until there is a very LOUD CRASH!

Everyone turns to see that one of the tables has been knocked to the ground by a fallen individual, who is writhing around on the floor, moaning in pain.

One customer, a man dressed in POLICE UNIFORM, approaches, and we see it’s GARRETT, the man who harassed Danny earlier.

GARRETT
Sir? What’s wrong?

The Officer suddenly reacts, an expression of horror at what he sees.

REVERSE ANGLE:

We see that the fallen man, as he flips into his back, in obvious pain, is ERIC MARSH! But something is very, very WRONG - his veins are bulging out of his skin, with a greenish hue to them, as well as his skin looking pale and sweaty, his hair wet and matted to his face.

ERIC
(barely a whisper)
Please, help me!

The Officer helps him stand, calling out to the nearest barista, his face SERIOUS.

GARRETT
Call 911!

SUDDENLY, a hand closes around his throat, and squeezes, he begins to choke, as we pan across the arm of the hand holding onto this windpipe, to see ERIC, his eyes bloodshot, but the veins have taken on the same green hint, his pupils barely pinpricks of black against the green and white of the iris. He GROWLS, like an animal, and with barely any effort, THROWS the Officer across the forecourt of tables.

THWACK!!

The Officer is sent CRASHING INTO a wall, before falling into the nearest table, knocking it to the ground, as Eric DOUBLES OVER in obvious pain, his SKIN and MUSCLES begin to shift and warp, the customers nearest to him moving away in fear. The GREEN VEINS become more pronounced and obvious and Eric SCREAMS in ANIMALISTIC FURY and AGONY,

On this horrible sight, we:

BLACKOUT:

[Alex Matthews]

ACT FIVE

EXT. METRO COFFEE STOP - METROPOLIS - DAY
The MCS is a complete wreck - chairs, tables, glass and other debris litter the outside seating area, and the walls have been smashed in, and we see that inside, hidden in the shadows, occasionally glimpsed through the cracks, SOMETHING moves around, skulking slowly back and forth.

REVERSE ANGLE:

4 police cruisers are parked in a CLOSE FORMATION, doors wide open, each door being leaned over by an officer, with their SERVICE WEAPON AIMED and ready. Behind them, a SWAT van pulls up and another 5 heavily armed and battle-suited combat officers pile out, ready for orders.

Through this throng of ORGANISED CHAOS stride Maggie, her dark leather jacket replaced by a bullet-proof vest, Danny behind her, similarly protected.

DANNY
Damn, a ‘disturbance’ they said.

MAGGIE
Yeah, that was definitely an understatement. At least we’ve confirmed no hostages were taken.

DANNY
SWAT team’s in position, we got snipers armed with tranquilisers as per your orders up top.

MAGGIE
Good, this kid may be a thug, but he didn’t ask for whatever is happening to him right now.

DANNY
Still, we’ve got to lure him out of there somehow, otherwise we won’t get the shot.

EMIL (O.S)
Captain Sawyer!

Both Maggie and Danny turn, surprised to see EMIL behind the partition that has been used to keep civilians out of the way. She quickly waves him through the cordon, and he HURRIES over, carrying a small black bag.

MAGGIE
Doctor, what are you..?

EMIL
I have something I think might help you.

He opens the bag, and pulls out a small silver box, which he cautiously opens to reveal a SYRINGE, with a strange YELLOW LIQUID inside it.

EMIL (CONT.)
I’ve been developing this based on my own research and the work of Dr. Curtis Knox and the BCE Clinic.

MAGGIE
Knox? The suspected serial killer who disappeared, what 5 years ago?

EMIL
He pioneered work into curing meteor infection, although his approach was surgical. I’ve been looking into turning it into a more streamlined and less invasive procedure, although it hasn’t been tested as much as I would like.

DANNY
How does this help us now?

EMIL
If Eric Marsh is undergoing the same mutagenic changes as Troy Walsh and Mario Gonzales, his body will be unable to cope with it for much longer. This serum, if it works, will nullify the meteor rock in his system, rendering him ‘normal’, for lack of a better term.

DANNY
‘If it works’? Not liking the sound of that.

MAGGIE
I’ll take any advantage I can get, thanks.

She TAKES the syringe in one hand, and then picks up the LOUD SPEAKER from the car hood in front of her, speaking into it.

MAGGIE
Eric! Eric Marsh, my name is Maggie Sawyer, with the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit. We know about Troy and Mario, Eric, and we think we know what’s happening to you as well.

She SETS the loudspeaker back down and SUDDENLY BEGINS TO WALK TOWARDS THE COFFEE STOP! All the officers suddenly become a lot more alert as she walks forward.

DANNY
Boss!

MAGGIE
Stand down, Dan. Trust me, all right.

DANNY, against his better judgement, bites his lip, but nods. But he also pulls out his own SERVICE WEAPON, and readies himself, EMIL hovering next to him.

MAGGIE continues to walk forward, slowly, cautiously, arms raised in a passive open gesture.

MAGGIE
Eric? You need help, okay? You need to come out here, no one will hurt you, I promise.

In REPLY, there is a low, almost mournful, moan,

REVERSE ANGLE:

From out of the rubble, a SHAPE steps partially into the light, allowing us to see ERIC, shirtless, dishevelled, his body covered in cuts and scrapes, pronounced green veins bulging through his skin, which itself has taken on a soft green hue. HIS ENTIRE FORM seems to have swelled outwards, looking like a STEROID CASE, but in OBVIOUS PAIN - his body is TEARING ITSELF APART, with rips in the stretched skin.

We see the VARIETY OF REACTIONS from the assembled officers and curious onlookers - horror, disgust, shock, sympathy. We see all those emotions play out of the faces of DANNY and EMIL as well.

DAN
Holy mother of God.

EMIL
His body can’t handle much more of that kind of transformation. Captain Sawyer needs to get that syringe into him now!

DANNY
She’ll do it, don’t worry.

They continue to watch as ERIC slowly shambles out into the open a little more, before crumpling, moaning in pain as Maggie approaches closer. Eric closes his eyes tight against the agony.

ERIC
(slow, stumbles, rough)
It, it hurts, everywhere.

Maggie opens up her hand, and shows Eric the syringe she carries.

MAGGIE
I have medicine, Eric, it will take the pain away, make it all better.

CLOSE UP on Eric’s eye as it snaps open.

TROY (V.O)
This will make it all better, dude.

We FLASHCUT TO a series of memories of Eric’s - as Troy, smiling, charming, hands him a syringe, filled with GREEN LIQUIF, that seems to GLOW, Eric injecting it, and the world turning a shade of green as he lays back and feels the rush. The images are FAST, barely lasting a couple of seconds each, before we cut back to ERIC.

He SEES the syringe in Maggie’s hand, and REACTS - he BELLOWS WITH RAGE, and swings a powerful arm, that KNOCKS MAGGIE BACKWARDS, SENDING HER FLYING BACK. She lands, hard, and tumbles across the pavement as the SYRINGE skitters away from her. She groans in pain, but manages to right herself, desperately looking around for the syringe, as ERIC STEPS FORWARD, ROARING!

ERIC
NO!!! NO MORE ‘ALL BETTER‘!!

He CHARGES TOWARDS Maggie, until

BANG!!

A bloody hole appears on Eric’s right shoulder, and he CRIES OUT IN PAIN, turning in SHOCK AND PAIN, his angry eyes searching for:

DANNY, whose weapons is aimed and still smoking from the discharge, his face like stone. Emil, standing beside him, has his hands clapped to his ears, deafened by the shot.

THINKING FAST, Maggie spots, reaches out and GRABS the syringe, before jumping up and BRINGING IT DOWN HARD BETWEEN Eric’s SHOULDER BLADES, and pushing down on the PLUNGER. The fluid is quickly emptied into Eric’s bloodstream, and he JERKS from THE PAIN of the injection, but doesn’t cry out. Instead he suddenly straightens up and flings his arms out, Maggie backing away from him as he does. Close in on HIS EYES as they GLOW GREEN for a moment, before SHIFTING TO GOLD, then back to their natural BLUE. The veins bulging across his face begin to fade, skin and muscle begin to warp, as he collapses out of frame.

Maggie, approaching slowly, looks down, stunned at what she is seeing off camera, before looking up to see EMIL and DANNY both approaching, Danny, his weapon still cautiously aimed at the off-camera ERIC. Danny looks up and gets a small nod from Maggie - ‘thanks‘. All three look down together as we pan around as ERIC, as the last vestiges of the pronounced veins slowly disappear from sight, his body back to normal, barely clothed in the tattered remains of jeans.

As well pull back from the scene and move into the Metropolis air, we:

FADE TO:

EXT. METGEN HOSPITAL - METROPOLIS - DAY
Establishing shot of the building, before we

CUT TO:

INT. METGEN HOSPITAL - METROPOLIS - DAY
MAGGIE is seated on a gurney in the outer treatment area of the Emergency Room, her arm being tended to by a nurse, who once she finishes wrapping it, leaves her be, as DANNY and EMIL wait nearby.

EMIL
Given the all clear, I see?

MAGGIE
He knocked the wind out of me for a second, that‘s all.

She stands, and IMMEDIATELY HISSES IN PAIN, and touches her side gingerly.

DANNY
Yeah, if you say so, boss.

MAGGIE
Just some bruised ribs, nothing I haven’t been through before. He wouldn’t have got me at all if I had been firing on all cylinders, I’m getting slow in my old age.


She walks over to the two men, and they move down a corridor and out of them way.

MAGGIE (CONT.)
How’s Eric doing?

EMIL
We sedated him to keep him under control, just in case, before he was moved here, but the serum seems to have done the trick, thankfully. His blood is still showing heavy concentrations of starlight, but it’s been rendered inert, and the mutagenic changes seem to have halted. Time will tell if he’ll recover completely, though. His respiratory and circulatory systems underwent a massive trauma, so the prognosis is 50/50 at best for the moment.

DANNY
Poor kid.

MAGGIE
You changing your tune?

DANNY
Hey, he made some lousy decisions, sure, but I saw what you all saw, he was in pain, his body was turning against him.

EMIL
If and when he is on the road to recovery, I’m going to contact the Isis Foundation, they specialise in helping those with meteor-related issues, maybe their counsellors can-

BEEP BEEP BEEP!!!

An ALARM begins to sound loudly.

VOICE (V.O)
Code Blue, Code Blue, crash team to Room 217 stat!

REACTION: EMIL, his eyes widen, and his jaw drops, and he takes off RUNNING down the corridor.

EMIL
That’s Eric’s room!

Off of Maggie and Danny’s realisation that this IS NOT GOOD, we:

FADE TO:

EXT. METRO CENTRAL - METROPOLIS - DAY
Establishing shot of the building.

HENDERSON (PRE-LAP)
I heard about Eric Marsh, Maggie, I’m sorry.

CUT TO:

INT. MAGGIE’S OFFICE - METRO CENTRAL - DAY
Maggie herself is looking out of the window, as Henderson pours two drinks from a small cabinet, before approaching and offering her one, which she accepts. He then sits atop Maggie’s desk, eyes fixed on her, who continues to look out onto the Metropolis skyline. Both LexCorp and the Watchtower building are clearly visible, as is the Daily Planet’s globe. Maggie takes a deep swig of the drink, before turning to face Henderson.

MAGGIE
Mike, cut the small talk, okay? We both know why I’m here, so let’s get this out of the way, huh?

HENDERSON
What do you mean?

MAGGIE
You told me that if I didn’t bring the kidnappers of Vanessa Kapatelis to justice, I should kiss my career in Metropolis goodbye, right? Well, I didn’t, so should I just hand in my badge now, or wait till Corporan comes calling for it?

HENDERSON
Actually, you might want to hold onto it for a while, considering you’re getting a promotion.

Maggie REACTS, STUNNED to say the least!

MAGGIE
Is that your idea of a joke?

HENDERSON
Well, that depends, really. You finding Vanessa Kapatelis alive and well has forced our dear Commissioner’s hand in certain matters. Do you remember what you told Corporan the last time you saw him?

MAGGIE
That we need to reorganise the way we look at crimes in this city, sure. Metropolis isn’t the same city is was before Dark Thursday, hell, every year we’ve had more and more cases being labelled with the word ‘unexplainable’. We can’t rely on costumed vigilantes, no matter how powerful or good their intentions, to do our job for us, because we’re the ones who have to put the pieces back together after they fly or swing off into the sunset.

HENDERSON
What you said made sense then, and it still does now, but because you went in all guns blazing, and then proceeded to slate the Commissioner in public, the idea was pretty much kyboshed.

MAGGIE
Yeah, don’t remind me.

HENDERSON
However, it seems you’ve made a few friends in high places. corporan has been fielding calls from the Mayor, corporate executives, hell, even State Senator Kent!

MAGGIE
What are you saying, Bill?

HENDERSON
What I’m saying is, that I have been asked by the Commissioner to join his staff as his newly appointed Special Advisor for any cases that deal with ‘special individuals’. So, I nominated you as my replacemant as 1st Shift Commander and overall head for of the SCU. From now on, the purview of the Unit will be to look into any and all cases dealing with circumstances beyond the normal job of the police.

MAGGIE
So basically, its going to be our job to deal with the cases that no other department or precinct wants to touch?

HENDERSON
Look, Maggie, you need to look at this as a blessing, not a curse. You’ll be in charge of the whole department, answerable to me, able to hand pick the personnel you want onboard, have a dedicated lab space and staff, and we’ll be able to update all the equipment thanks to a very generous donation from Queen Industries. Apparently, a Dr. Hamilton is willing to come onboard as a scientific advisor, if you want him? That is, if you accept the reassignment. What do you say?

Maggie is IN SHOCK, she takes a final sip of the drink, before smiling, coyly.

MAGGIE
Do I get to move into your office?

HENDERSON laughs, before taking another sip of scotch, as we:

CUT TO:

EXT. DANNY’S HOUSE - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
Maggie pulls up in her car, and exits, heading up onto the porch, giving the door a firm knock, before waiting for someone to answer.

HENDERSON (V.O)
So, any thoughts on what kind of personnel transfers you want to make? I mean, you’re going to need a new partner.

MAGGIE (V.O)
Actually, yeah, but you might not like it.

DANNY answers the door, SURPRISED to say the least.

DANNY
Boss? I mean, Captain Sawyer?

MAGGIE
You can keep calling me Boss at work, but from now on, outside of work, it’s Maggie. You heard about my promotion, I take it?

Danny NODS.

DANNY
Yeah, congratulations, Capt- sorry, I mean Maggie.

She brings up a box she is holding in one hand, and passes it to Danny, who takes it, confused.

MAGGIE
Actually, I think it’s me who should be saying that to you.

Danny opens the box to find a METROPOLIS POLICE SHIELD, very new and very shiny, with the very prominent words ‘METROPOLIS’ and ‘DETECTIVE’ embossed on it’s surface. Danny looks up at Maggie, SPEECHLESS.

MAGGIE
Apparently, you aced the exam. Hell, you even beat my score! See you bright and early tomorrow morning, Detective Turpin.

Maggie walks away, leaving the totally floored Danny in his open doorway, and by the time she is back by her car, she looks around to see SUZIE TURPIN (Last seen in “Smallville” 8x16 - “Bullet-proof”) approach her husband. She watches as Danny, inaudible to the viewer, tells her the good news, and she EXCITEDLY EMBRACES her husband in celebration.

With a SMILE, Maggie quickly climbs into her car as we:

FADE TO:

EXT. METROPOLIS SATELLITE CENTER - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
Establishing shot of the building.

CUT TO:


INT. ACE OF CLUBS RESTUARANT - METROPOLIS - NIGHT
The club is closed for business, with only a minimal degree of lighting by the bar, as the elevator DINGS to signal it’s arrival, before the doors open. We see a pair of heel-clad feet walk out a few steps, before we pan up to reveal a stunning RED-HEAD, dressed in a business suit - this is WHISPER A’DAIRE (gorgeous, statuesque, but ice cold).

WHISPER
Treating me to dinner, Brickwell?

REVERSE ANGLE:

We see someone standing by the terrace opening, staring into the night sky, the lights of Metropolis visible, before they turn around. This is DANIEL BRICKWELL (late 30s, a hulk of a man, African-American, white dreadlocks pulled back in a ponytail), and he is NOT HAPPY.

BRICKWELL
I figured it would be best if we talked alone, Ms. A’Daire. We don’t open for the night shift for a few hours yet.

WHISPER
Oh, you know how to romance a girl, Daniel.

She moves to the bar, as Brickhouse moves to join her.

BRICKWELL
You said the raid on the Kapatelis mansion would be a simple job, Whisper. But what part of it costing me 3 of my guys makes it ‘simple’.

WHISPER
Oh, Daniel, we both know those 3 were the lowest rung of your little posse, and that they were deliberately recruited because of their latent meta-gene potential. Mario and Troy, their deaths tell us that we need to keep working on the ‘starlight’ formula so that it doesn’t cause a fatal reaction from the new ability.

FADE TO:

INT. VANESSA’S ROOM - METGEN HOSPITAL - NIGHT
We see the sleeping Vanessa, TOSSING AND TURNING in her sleep. We close up on her sweat-stained face, her eyes moving rapidly under her eyelids, as SHE DREAMS.

WHISPER (V.O)
As for poor Eric, well, his death demonstrates that the Kapatelis hit wasn’t a total loss. Not only do we have several million in jewellery, but we also have a new ‘associate’ who can strike at the very heart of Metropolis high society without anyone being aware of it before it happens.

FLASH CUT TO:

A series of images:

- a dainty hand, fingernails painted silver, but cracked and chipped, picking up a cushion from the nearby chair.

- Vanessa standing by the sleeping Eric, cushion in hand

- her face, dead of emotion

- slamming the cushion down on his face

- the EKG SILENTLY GOING FLATLINE

- the pillow being placed back on the chair

- Vanessa watching from across the corridor as the Crash Team races into Eric’s room, fruitlessly performing CPR, her face expressionless.

FLASH CUT TO:

Vanessa’s eyes snap open, and she bolts upright, breathing heavily, looking around panicked for a moment, her eyes WIDE AS SAUCERS.

BRICKWELL (V.O)
Yes, our little Silver Swan, I wonder what kind of nightmares she‘s having?

Off of Vanessa’s TERRIFIED expression, we:
BLACKOUT:
END OF EPISODE

[Jack Malone]

This, along with leaving reviews for the "Bitten" premiere and "The Super Teens" premiere are on my list of things to read/review. I used to read a virtual series where it focused on the Gotham City Police Department within the city, and showing the lengths they go to in order to keep the city clean, while "Batman" was just a background figure, occassionally popping up in nothing but a supporting role. That route always intrigued me, and doing something similar with Metropolis, in your own take of the Smallville universe, looks really interesting to me.

[Alex Matthews]

i read a few of the Gotham Central graphic novels as research, and I have a whole first season planned out of 13 episodes, I really look forward to hearing your thoughts on it Jack, you are one of my inspirations