106 The Greed of Men by Connor Johnston
EXT. GRAYLE MANSION
The moon hangs low and fat in the night sky, the landscape is hauntingly still and an eeriness lingers in the air. The street is piss stained by the flickering yellow light that escapes through the jail like windows of the mansion. A thick, arrogant silhouette of Julius Grayle is visible through one of the windows, smoke from his cigar polluting the room’s interior.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Mrs. Lee let me make this very clear. I hope you understand me when I say, with complete certainty, that when I want something, it remarkably always ends up in my possession one way or another. A record that I am determined to keep.
INT. GRAYLE'S OFFICE
A henchmen is stood up against the door frame at the rear of the office- his face hidden by the shadow cast from his hat. An Asian woman, late thirties, sits in front of a desk, clutching her fists and doing a horrible job at masking the fear on her face. Her purse lies on the desk in front of her. Grayle, still facing outside the window makes a slow, obvious hand gesture, and the henchman at the door walks forward, stopping just behind the woman’s chair. Grayle turns around, and confidently walks over to the desk, and leans over towards the woman, studying her intently, and then finally sits down behind the desk indulging another smoke of his cigar.
MRS LEE
And I hope that you understand Mr. Grayle that if you believe you can scare me into-
JULIUS GRAYLE
Tell me about your father Mrs. Lee
MRS LEE
My…. Father? I hardly think -
JULIUS GRAYLE
Your father, Cheng Wan Lee, an interesting man. His story is one I very much enjoyed hearing about- how he fled to America with you, his youngest daughter, hoping to find a safe haven for you, following the raping and murder of his wife and your three sisters at the hands of a Chinese gang – it’s an inspirational story Mrs. Lee… I’m sure you would agree.
MRS LEE
How on earth did you -
JULIUS GRAYLE
Mrs. Lee you have once again underestimated me. I know all about you and your sweet, precious dying father. For instance I know that the only way he can survive at the moment is by the daily medication that you can only obtain from one Doctor in the country. I also know that this Doctor in question, Albert Kingsly, has a young daughter who attends a primary school on 5th Avenue, and if anyone, such as let’s say a very powerful crime boss like myself, was to ever threaten the safety of Albert Kingsly’s daughter, on the condition he refused to ever supply medication to your dearest old father again, I know that it would put you in a very hard position. So Mrs. Lee, please do not think you are capable of standing up to me and trying to fool me, if you do, you best think again. Because, Mrs. Lee, if there is one thing that I am good at besides getting what I want, it is scaring people – Another one of my little skills I am ever so proud of.
Mrs. Lee is stunned in fear and shocked at Grayle’s words. Grayle snickers as he composes himself and sits back down, puffing a thick poisonous fog of smoke in Mrs. Lee’s face.
MRS. LEE
You are a vile man…
Julius grayle
I am a man of business, Mrs. Lee
mrs. lee
Have it. Just have it, and leave us alone.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Lovely to see you talking sense my dear. Place it on the desk
Mrs. Lee pulls out a blue and white marble vase and places it on the desk.
Julius grayle (cont.)
There’s a good girl.
Mrs. Lee stands up, pushing past the henchman. She hurries to the door before turning back and staring harshly at Grayle.
MRS LEE
One day, there will be something horrible enough to have you shaking in the knees. Something that will be enough to strike stone cold fear into your black heart…
Grayle, admiring the vase with great focus looks up sharply at Mrs. Lee. Suddenly out of breath, his eyes flicker to the side of the room, where a section of his display is curtained off. “Stone Cold Fear Indeed” he mouths to himself, before quickly putting on an arrogant smirk to send in Mrs. Lee’s direction.
mrs lee (cont.)
And when that day finally comes I will be the first in line to congratulate this horror in bringing down the great and powerful Julius Grayle.
julius grayle
Oh I am counting on it Mrs. Lee. Do wish Daddy the best from me. Now run along my
Dear.
MRS. LEE
You do not know what kind of trouble you have bought on yourself, you are not the only person to have shown interest in the vase – and there are people in this city, more powerful and more capable than you Mr. Grayle that will hunt you down for it, and rip it from your cold dead fingers!
julius grayle
(Laughing) I’d like to see try Mrs. Lee! I’m ever so looking forward to it.
Julius picks up the vase, and marvels at the detail. Something so compact, so delicate, yet so utterly important. Mrs. Lee leaves the office.
HENCHMAN
Another item for your collection sir? Very similar to the one in the hall –Early Chin Dynasty?
JUlius grayle
(Absently) Yes, as you say…. Early Chin
Grayle carefully caresses the side of the vase, before BANG! Lifting the vase up in frustration and smashing down onto the bench! Marble bursts everywhere, even the otherwise still henchmen are taken aback in shock, Grayle’s cackle echoing through the night.
The moon hangs low and fat in the night sky, the landscape is hauntingly still and an eeriness lingers in the air. The street is piss stained by the flickering yellow light that escapes through the jail like windows of the mansion. A thick, arrogant silhouette of Julius Grayle is visible through one of the windows, smoke from his cigar polluting the room’s interior.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Mrs. Lee let me make this very clear. I hope you understand me when I say, with complete certainty, that when I want something, it remarkably always ends up in my possession one way or another. A record that I am determined to keep.
INT. GRAYLE'S OFFICE
A henchmen is stood up against the door frame at the rear of the office- his face hidden by the shadow cast from his hat. An Asian woman, late thirties, sits in front of a desk, clutching her fists and doing a horrible job at masking the fear on her face. Her purse lies on the desk in front of her. Grayle, still facing outside the window makes a slow, obvious hand gesture, and the henchman at the door walks forward, stopping just behind the woman’s chair. Grayle turns around, and confidently walks over to the desk, and leans over towards the woman, studying her intently, and then finally sits down behind the desk indulging another smoke of his cigar.
MRS LEE
And I hope that you understand Mr. Grayle that if you believe you can scare me into-
JULIUS GRAYLE
Tell me about your father Mrs. Lee
MRS LEE
My…. Father? I hardly think -
JULIUS GRAYLE
Your father, Cheng Wan Lee, an interesting man. His story is one I very much enjoyed hearing about- how he fled to America with you, his youngest daughter, hoping to find a safe haven for you, following the raping and murder of his wife and your three sisters at the hands of a Chinese gang – it’s an inspirational story Mrs. Lee… I’m sure you would agree.
MRS LEE
How on earth did you -
JULIUS GRAYLE
Mrs. Lee you have once again underestimated me. I know all about you and your sweet, precious dying father. For instance I know that the only way he can survive at the moment is by the daily medication that you can only obtain from one Doctor in the country. I also know that this Doctor in question, Albert Kingsly, has a young daughter who attends a primary school on 5th Avenue, and if anyone, such as let’s say a very powerful crime boss like myself, was to ever threaten the safety of Albert Kingsly’s daughter, on the condition he refused to ever supply medication to your dearest old father again, I know that it would put you in a very hard position. So Mrs. Lee, please do not think you are capable of standing up to me and trying to fool me, if you do, you best think again. Because, Mrs. Lee, if there is one thing that I am good at besides getting what I want, it is scaring people – Another one of my little skills I am ever so proud of.
Mrs. Lee is stunned in fear and shocked at Grayle’s words. Grayle snickers as he composes himself and sits back down, puffing a thick poisonous fog of smoke in Mrs. Lee’s face.
MRS. LEE
You are a vile man…
Julius grayle
I am a man of business, Mrs. Lee
mrs. lee
Have it. Just have it, and leave us alone.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Lovely to see you talking sense my dear. Place it on the desk
Mrs. Lee pulls out a blue and white marble vase and places it on the desk.
Julius grayle (cont.)
There’s a good girl.
Mrs. Lee stands up, pushing past the henchman. She hurries to the door before turning back and staring harshly at Grayle.
MRS LEE
One day, there will be something horrible enough to have you shaking in the knees. Something that will be enough to strike stone cold fear into your black heart…
Grayle, admiring the vase with great focus looks up sharply at Mrs. Lee. Suddenly out of breath, his eyes flicker to the side of the room, where a section of his display is curtained off. “Stone Cold Fear Indeed” he mouths to himself, before quickly putting on an arrogant smirk to send in Mrs. Lee’s direction.
mrs lee (cont.)
And when that day finally comes I will be the first in line to congratulate this horror in bringing down the great and powerful Julius Grayle.
julius grayle
Oh I am counting on it Mrs. Lee. Do wish Daddy the best from me. Now run along my
Dear.
MRS. LEE
You do not know what kind of trouble you have bought on yourself, you are not the only person to have shown interest in the vase – and there are people in this city, more powerful and more capable than you Mr. Grayle that will hunt you down for it, and rip it from your cold dead fingers!
julius grayle
(Laughing) I’d like to see try Mrs. Lee! I’m ever so looking forward to it.
Julius picks up the vase, and marvels at the detail. Something so compact, so delicate, yet so utterly important. Mrs. Lee leaves the office.
HENCHMAN
Another item for your collection sir? Very similar to the one in the hall –Early Chin Dynasty?
JUlius grayle
(Absently) Yes, as you say…. Early Chin
Grayle carefully caresses the side of the vase, before BANG! Lifting the vase up in frustration and smashing down onto the bench! Marble bursts everywhere, even the otherwise still henchmen are taken aback in shock, Grayle’s cackle echoing through the night.
Grayle pulls a strange metal object, obviously not from earth, from the shards of vase.
JULIUS GRAYLE (cont)
(Laughing) Embedded in the marble! How clever! (Uncontrollable laughter) How clever indeed! Marvelous just Marvelous!
Grayle runs his fingers down the object, a glow spreads from the alien object, and it latches itself onto Grayle’s finger – forming into a ring, so tight on his finger that it may as well of melted into his skin. Picking up an apple from his desk, Grayle presses the ring into the skin of fruit, and with an electric ripple running through the air, the apple turns to pure shining gold.
HENCHMAN
That’s… that’s not possible
JULIUS GRAYLE
Oh anything’s possible Hank…. (Laughing) Do you know what this makes me! The richest man in all of New York! Hell- In the entire stinking world!
HENCHMAN
But… how sir? How did-
JULIUS GRAYLE
What does it matter?! With money comes power – with power comes influence – with influence comes possession! Possession of anything, anyone!! If used correct-
A crashing sound is heard from outside the door, followed by loud heavy thumps married with a metallic snarl which make their way closer towards the door...
JULIUS GRAYLE (cont)
(In a harsh whisper) What the hell is that?!
Hank pulls out a gun and aims it to the door – footsteps are getting closer and closer
HENCHMAN
I’d suggest moving back sir…
Grayle starts to step backwards towards the window, the footsteps get louder and louder, lights start flickering before crackling off with a smash, sizzling yellow cracks of electricity start to force through the gaps in the door, the footsteps are louder and louder still, until a haunting silence fills the scene. Suddenly a hideous snarling beast breaks through – standing upright something similar to a half bull half wild boar with massive fangs – completely golden. The beast growls and snarls as shot after shot are continuity fired at it, yet they seem to be enraging the monster then halting it as the bullets simply reflect with a CLINK off his Golden chest. Grayle, like the coward he is, runs behind a curtain- slowly peeking his eye through the crack in the material to see the beast’s claws pierce into the henchmen’s chest around his heart. Hanks Bloodcurdling screams echo through the room over the top of the beast’s growls – he drops the gun and falls to his knees, still screaming as tears of blood burn out of his eyelids and crawl down his face before drying on his skin shining gold. Grayle watches in horror as his henchman’s body shakes uncontrollably, the streaks of gold erupting through his veins. The screaming turns into choking before slowly drawing out into silence. A blurry close up of Hank’s hand and we can see Grayle’s terrified gaze in focus in the background peering through the gap before the camera focuses to the hand which slowly stops shaking – now pure, solid gold.
Start Opening Titles
JULIUS GRAYLE (cont)
(Laughing) Embedded in the marble! How clever! (Uncontrollable laughter) How clever indeed! Marvelous just Marvelous!
Grayle runs his fingers down the object, a glow spreads from the alien object, and it latches itself onto Grayle’s finger – forming into a ring, so tight on his finger that it may as well of melted into his skin. Picking up an apple from his desk, Grayle presses the ring into the skin of fruit, and with an electric ripple running through the air, the apple turns to pure shining gold.
HENCHMAN
That’s… that’s not possible
JULIUS GRAYLE
Oh anything’s possible Hank…. (Laughing) Do you know what this makes me! The richest man in all of New York! Hell- In the entire stinking world!
HENCHMAN
But… how sir? How did-
JULIUS GRAYLE
What does it matter?! With money comes power – with power comes influence – with influence comes possession! Possession of anything, anyone!! If used correct-
A crashing sound is heard from outside the door, followed by loud heavy thumps married with a metallic snarl which make their way closer towards the door...
JULIUS GRAYLE (cont)
(In a harsh whisper) What the hell is that?!
Hank pulls out a gun and aims it to the door – footsteps are getting closer and closer
HENCHMAN
I’d suggest moving back sir…
Grayle starts to step backwards towards the window, the footsteps get louder and louder, lights start flickering before crackling off with a smash, sizzling yellow cracks of electricity start to force through the gaps in the door, the footsteps are louder and louder still, until a haunting silence fills the scene. Suddenly a hideous snarling beast breaks through – standing upright something similar to a half bull half wild boar with massive fangs – completely golden. The beast growls and snarls as shot after shot are continuity fired at it, yet they seem to be enraging the monster then halting it as the bullets simply reflect with a CLINK off his Golden chest. Grayle, like the coward he is, runs behind a curtain- slowly peeking his eye through the crack in the material to see the beast’s claws pierce into the henchmen’s chest around his heart. Hanks Bloodcurdling screams echo through the room over the top of the beast’s growls – he drops the gun and falls to his knees, still screaming as tears of blood burn out of his eyelids and crawl down his face before drying on his skin shining gold. Grayle watches in horror as his henchman’s body shakes uncontrollably, the streaks of gold erupting through his veins. The screaming turns into choking before slowly drawing out into silence. A blurry close up of Hank’s hand and we can see Grayle’s terrified gaze in focus in the background peering through the gap before the camera focuses to the hand which slowly stops shaking – now pure, solid gold.
Start Opening Titles
INT. ANGEL DETECTIVE AGENCY - OFFICE
Darkness, Silence. Suddenly the roof is pulled open and we see Amy with a pen in her mouth from above, the camera is looking from inside a typewriter as she restocks the ink. She promptly inserts the canister and repositions the lid, returning the screen to darkness. The scene opens into the Amber Yellow Offices of the Angels Detective Agency, Rory Williams sits on a bench of a separate desk with a vintage stopwatch in his hands.
AMY POND
Time!
RORY WILLIAMS
Oomph! (A beat) You’re… not going to’ like it
AMY POND
No way! That time felt way faster!
RORY WILLIAMS
A minute 54… 5 seconds off your best
AMY POND
Nope. Nope I’m totally over this stupid game. It’s a stupid game!
Rory hops down of the bench as Amy storms off and looks outside the window
RORY WILLIAMS
You’re just sour because you lost! I’ll set it up again.
AMY POND
Aren’t you ever bored?
RORY WILLIAMS
I’ll admit turbo typewriter isn’t the most stimulating –
AMY POND
Not of the game stupid! (A beat) New York’s supposed to be the city that never sleeps! The city where murder, mystery and all things alien can be found at every turn! We haven’t had a proper case since New Year’s.
RORY WILLIAMS
Yes, because the lack of murders is a distressing trend
AMY POND
You know what I mean, Melody’s visits are growing longer and longer apart, Sam’s off on holiday in Nevada …
RORY WILLIAMS
His aunt had a fall!
AMY POND
… And I’m stuck in the office with you passing the time with ‘turbo typewriter’
RORY WILLIAMs
I’m sorry you find me so boring
AMY POND
Don’t worry I know you can’t help it
RORY WILLIAMS
Gee thanks!
AMY POND
You know I don’t mean it like that, it’s just well… you’d never get this bored in –
RORY WILLIAMS
The TARDIS? With the ever exciting Doctor!
AMY POND
I didn’t say that
RORY WILLIAMS
You didn’t have to.
A bell rings as someone walks into foyer, both pairs of eyes dart to the office and then pack to each other.
AMY POND
Bagsed.
INT. ANGEL DETECTIVE AGENCY - FOYER
They both run out the office but stop to see Julius Grayle standing before them in all his egotistical glory.
RORY WILLIAMS
You…
JULIUS GRAYLE
Not the coldest greeting one’s ever received…
AMY POND
What do you want Grayle…
JULIUS GRAYLE
As much as it pains me to say it… I believe I may need your help with something.
INT – ANGEL DETECTIVE AGENCY – OFFICE
A few minutes have past, Grayle sits at the desk with Amy and Rory standing opposite.
JULIUS GRAYLE
And that’s basically it… my man murdered, my house destroyed, attacked by a monster for no apparent reason!
RORY WILLIAMS
You’re saying that there was no motivation or reason you were singled out? No attraction? I mean, no offence but someone of your reputation usually isn’t the victim of random selection.
JuLIUS GRAYLE
On my life –
AMY POND
Not good enough.
JULIUS GRAYLE
… On my wealth, I swear there was nothing that could have motivated or caused the attack.
AMY POND
(A beat) Rory, a word.
Amy takes Rory to the back of the room.
AMY POND
He’s lying
RORY WILLIAMS
I know... but we have a duty to make sure no one else gets killed – especially if this... beast... has been let out on the city.
AMY POND
And if it’s a trap? He did own the warehouse where River and I were held captive.
RORY WILLIAMS
Then it’s a trap we are going to have to walk into.
Rory turns back to Grayle.
RORY WILLIAMS
Congratulations Mr. Grayle. We’ve decided to take on the case.
INT. GRAYLE'S OFFICE
The office is in tatters. Smashed heirlooms everywhere, ripped curtains, burn marks on the floor and walls – an atmosphere clearly representative of past events. Amy and Rory are investigating the area.
AMY POND
This is insane, even if there was any evidence worth documenting it’s all been smashed to pieces.
Grayle enters with a new henchmen (they are so disposable).
JULIUS GRAYLE
How are we getting on?
Suddenly, a crashing sound is heard from outside the door, followed by loud heavy footsteps making their way towards the room.
AMY POND
What is that…? Grayle is this some kind of joke…
JULIUS GRAYLE
The beast?
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy, stay back…
An empty doorway, footsteps getting louder and louder still… A rippling fear encompasses the atmosphere… closer and closer until! Not a monster, but a handsome young man dressed in a long coat.
JACK HARKNESS
Hey there, Captain Jack Harkness of Torchwood. And you are?
There’s silence – the others are suspended in a moment of confusion, relief and shock. Grayle steps forward and opens his mouth to speak but Jack raises his hand in protest
JACK HARKNESS
No, I’m not finished – if I had a dollar for every time that came out of my mouth. (A beat) Captain Jack Harkness of Torchwood… and YOU are lying.
JULIUS GRAYLE
I… beg your pardon?
JACK HARKNESS
And I beg your honesty – so far I’m counting 2 lost causes, 1 hot redhead and a sensually awkward little something on the side.
With a wink, the Captain loses himself in the room, flipping open a peculiar wrist strap and busily pressing buttons walking around the room in the same fashion as someone with a metal detector – searching for some kind of signal? On Amy, her eyes on the wrist strap, a glimmer of recognition.
RORY WILLIAMS
Sorry … what? How do you know he’s lying?
JACK HARKNESS
(Taking no notice of Rory’s objection) Where is it? Where are you, you sly devil, Come to daddy…
AMY POND
Its obvious Rory...How did we know he was lying – it’s written all over his face! The real question is how does he know what Grayle’s lying about?
Jack stops and turns to face Amy with a devilish grin
JACK HARKNESS
Not bad Red – now we’re cooking!
AMY POND
Flattered, but married. So are you going to answer the question or continue the flirting?
JACK HARKNESS
I know a crime scene when I see one, Red. Granted my experience of them often comes while there in progress – but I’m getting in the habit of sympathizing with those who take a little while to catch up. You and the pretty one over here are obviously investigating the cause of whatever turned this otherwise respectable room into this disarray of glass and ash – which means Porky over there has chosen not to tell you that he knows full well what brought the creature here – still unsure to why he wouldn’t just come clean but then again I don’t know the guy.. He might get a kick from watching you “solve the mystery” – I know I would.
AMY POND
Good god, you managed to do both.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Very impressive Captain, but that still doesn’t explain HOW or WHY you’re in my humble home at this moment?
JACK HARKNESS
Because I know the truth about the beast, and the ring Mr. Grayle… and I’m going to be the one to help you catch this monster before you endanger any more lives – No matter how kinky it might be. Is that explanation satisfying to you?
Grayle swallows his pride, manages to force out an answer from behind gritted teeth.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Yes.
JACK HARKNESS
Your turn.
EXT. GRAYLE'S MANSION
Captain Jack faces out through the window, we see Amy behind him – her face turning to watch him, while Grayle explains the truth about the attack.
JULIUS GRAYLE (VO)
It won’t come off, it’s melted right through
JACK HARKNESS
Rotted. It’s rotted into your skin, not overly attractive to tell you the truth.
INT. GRAYLE'S MANSION
RORY WILLIAMS
But you don’t want it to come off do you?!This thing has the potential to kill half the city including yourself and you still are more concerned about your wealth then your life!
JULIUS GRAYLE
It’s who I am, and I’m not a person prone to making apologies for it. Even if I did want to get it off – I can’t!
AMY POND
Then what do you want us to do about it?
JULIUS GRAYLE
I want you to do your job – kill the beast – so I can bask in my power and my wealth alone without the threat. IT’s proving to be rather an inconvenience.
AMY POND
People have died. What makes you think we would help you?
JULIUS GRAYLE
Hank didn’t just die… he changed, he was taken by the beast… but he wasn’t taken as a human being. If you don’t help me then more people will die and I don’t think you could live with that. You don’t want to play a bluffing game with me Miss Pond because you will always loose. You and your husband and that pathetic detective think you’re so big and tough with your Angel Detective Agency… but you are nothing but pawns, thrown into the battle with silly little hopes you might be worth anything – but you’re just empty sacrifices with a false sense of security in my city.
AMY POND
You’re a bastard.
JULIUS GRAYLE
I am a man of business.
There is a definite shift in the atmosphere of the room. Rory stands back 1 second away from barging past Grayle’s henchmen that’s been keeping him at bay, Amy holding in her fury and her fear - but Jack, remaining unmoved by the heat, still looking out the window into the Manhattan skyline.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Now you then, Harkness – tell me what you know about the beast
JACK HARKNESS
Nothing, just how to find it. It leaves a trail every time it kills. A trail of pure blistering energy – it’s what we caught track of at Torchwood. What was strange though was that it’s not dangerous yet… it’s not a blast of energy that we’re used to… but a fog… like a breath on a mirror before it fades - giving us just enough time to lock onto it.
RORY WILLIAMS
Explains how you knew to come here.
JACK HARKNESS
But the breath on the mirror is lasting longer, getting stronger. We need to stop it before the footprint its murder leaves becomes more deadly than the attacks themselves.
AMY POND
So how do we find it?
Jack’s Vortex Manipulator starts beeping.
JACK HARKNESS
We follow the music…
EXT. ALLEY WAY
A hobo sits singing in an alleyway… mist and smoke and darkness. All of a sudden footsteps – a man, well dressed, well groomed, obviously better off financially than most.
HOBO
Change… Spare Change for the broken sir? Look into your heart sir! Sir?
The Hobo reaches out and simply brushes the side of the man’s coat. He reacts by sharply turning around and kicking the hobo over.
MAN
Don’t you touch a single fiber on me dirty scum. Pathetic – trying to live of the wealth of others.
The man continues to walk down the alleyway as the hobo picks himself up and bolts away. Holding a piece of paper, The Man turns back to watch the hobo run offering a little snicker. He turns back to look forward and
MAN
Aaah! No please! ARRRHH
The Beast, his claws embedded into the chest of the man, now shaking violently, his legs give way as the beast raises his arm, pulling him up off the ground – he drops the piece of paper down to the floor- his screams cut short by his throat being seized up by the beast – tears of blood burning through his eyes and drying gold – his veins and arteries becoming less and less transparent dark red lines bursting underneath his skin into Gold with an electric ripple – the scene focuses to Jack, Amy and Rory as they come running around the corner all three – guns raised – shooting at the beast.
JACK HARKNESS
Put the human down!
With a frustrated screech the beast throws the body to the side and faster than any alien Jack’s ever seen it jumps into the darkness above – his claws heard clinging to the fire escapes – the walls – then silence.
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy! With me
Rory and Amy runs to the Man’s side, his body still seizing up in violent jabs– his veins still burning through his skin pure gold.
AMY POND
Oh my God…
RORY WILLIAMS
Hold him down, there might be away to stop the pain
AMY POND
What are you doing?
Rory pulls out a cloth and a small bottle – pouring some liquid onto the material he presses it to man’s mouth – the shaking slowing down as his eyes shut – now nothing but unconscious jabs
RORY WILLIAMS
Medicinal Chloroform – at least now he can’t feel it
JACK HARKNESS
(To the Darkness above) Come out you coward! Come on your better than this, come finish the show!
Amy stands up and runs to Jacks side, Rory follows her
AMY POND
What are you doing?
JACK HARKNESS
COME ON! Give us our money’s worth!
Behind them, the beast lands and digs its claws into the unconscious body – finishing the kill it had started. The three raise their guns but nobody shoots…
JACK HARKNESS
Tell us what you’re doing here! Tell us what you want!
The beast turns to the group – hi voice raspy, his words only just clear enough to make out…
THE BEAST
Greed … Gluttony …. Voracity …. Hunger …
AMY POND
Stop this now! We can help you, get you want you want – just stop it!
The beast leans down to pick the piece of paper the man dropped off the ground.
THE BEAST
You’re … too late!
Throwing the paper to the side, the beast’s victim starts to glow – realizing what’s happening Rory grabs Amy and pulls them both behind a solid dumpster… the golden fog rises from the corpse.
AMY POND
Jack!!
Rory covers Amy as the fog explodes – electricity burning in every direction. Jack is thrown to the ground by the force before it eventually fades. Rory and Amy slowly recover themselves, standing up from behind the dumpster.
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy! Amy, Are you ok?
AMY POND
Yes, I’m fine – you?
RORY WILLIAMS
Yep, might need a new shirt though.
AMY POND
Captain?
JACK HARKNESS
Yep, here.
Jack’s on the other side of the alleyway, now empty. No beast. No victim. No explosion. Bending down he picks up the flyer the beast discarded before the energy attack.
RORY WILLIAMS
How did you survive that?
JACK HARKNESS
It wasn’t as strong as it looked.
AMY POND
The whole alleys be burned... you don’t even have a scratch on you!
JACK HARKNESS
Look it’s a special coat alright? Surely it’s not the most impossible thing you’ve seen in your line of work – Besides, we have bigger things to worry about
AMY POND
What do you mean?
JACK HARKNESS
Look at this
He hands her the piece of paper – a flyer for a new casino “Harold’s” opening in Nevada
JACK HARKNESS
We are dealing with a creature who feeds off Greed. To him, this is a buffet of lives, a buffet of greed. You saw how powerful the aftermath of that last kill was… how many murders is he away from being able to burn up half of America? Half of the world?
RORY WILLIAMS
But Nevada. That’s the other side of the country. It’s over 2000 miles away, we have time to evacuate the casino. I can get in contact with Sam and –
JACK HARKNESS
Look, Rory – did you not see how fast it moved? That was faster than anything I’ve ever seen before. It could be across the country in an hour – an hour and a half if we’re lucky.
RORY WILLIAMS
So what do we do?
AMY POND
It’s a monster that feeds off greed?
JACK HARKNESS
Yes
AMY POND
Then let’s take away its major food source…
On Jack, a wonderful realization at what she means
JACK HARKNESS
Brilliant! You are on fire!
AMY POND
I do my best.
RORY WILLIAMS
Grayle? Grayle’s greed is the beast’s main food source?
JACK HARKNESS
Until it gets strong enough to survive on its own – there may be a chance… but we have to hurry, there’s three of them now remember – If Grayle is that important to their continued strength I’m sure they wouldn’t leave him unguarded. Let’s race!
With a wink and a look down to his wrist strap, Jack bolts around the corner. Amy goes to follow him but Rory grabs her arm stopping her.
AMY POND
What are you doing?
RORY WILLIAMS
Please don’t. We both saw the vortex manipulator. Promise me you won’t ask him.
AMY POND
Not really the right time for this Rory.
RORY WILLIAMS
It’s exactly the right time for this. I thought you’d learn to accept it – I thought you were coming to terms with our life here
AMY POND
But if we could go back to the Doctor, back home –
RORY WILLIAMS
We ARE home, Amy?! As long as I’m with you I’m home – but I saw that fire in your eyes, that hope when you saw it.
AMY POND
Rory…
RORY WILLIAMS
You know we can’t go back… you KNOW that… Don’t you?
AMY POND
Stop it. Just Stop it.
RORY WILLIAMS
I’m sick of feeling like your consolation prize.
AMY POND
I gave it all up – without even thinking for you. To be with you. Look, we are not doing this now, Jack needs us.
EXT. Grayle’s Mansion
There’s a tension in the air – Lights flicker from inside the mansion, sounds of the distant traffic echoing through the scene. A blink of darkness moves across the scene. The beast is in attendance.
INT. Grayle’s Mansion
Grayle sits at his desk, admiring one of his many brand new golden trophies. Jack bursts into the room and moves toward Grayle with purpose.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Such an aggressive entrance every time. God help you if I need new hinges.
JACK HARKNESS
The health of your hinges is the last thing you need to worry about right now Mr. Grayle.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Not Good news then? I must say I’m a little disappointed…
Amy and Rory enter in a rush.
AMY POND
Get ready to get more disappointed very soon.
JACK HARKNESS
Mr. Grayle listen to me. Whatever power you think you have – whatever sense of security you feel you have it’s gone. We are dealing with an alien – a force that is growing stronger with every life it takes.
julius grayle
More reason to dispose of it promptly, then?
jack harkness
Easier said than done I’m afraid.
AMY POND
Grayle – these beasts aren’t just feeding of the lives of those they murder, they’re feeding off their greed. Right now it’s on its way to a buffet of greed – a buffet of real human lives, real people.
A crashing sound is heard down the hallway.
JULIUS GRAYLE
What have you done?! You brought it here… you idiots it’s going to kill us all.
JACK HARKNESS
It never left Grayle, there are three of them – one’s been guarding you since the night you acquired that ring.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Guarding me? Why on earth would it be –
A metallic snarl… slowly approaching
RORY WILLIAMS
We’re running out of time
JACK HARKNESS
You are its main food source Grayle – it’s feeding off your greed still because it isn’t strong enough to sustain enough power to kill without you.
JULIUS GRAYLE
What do you mean main food source?
JACK HARKNESS
We have a chance of stopping these creatures before they can kill again. Now I know underneath it all you’re probably incredibly scared right now – and I don’t need you to admit it, but I need you to make the right choice. Fear and greed are two of the most intoxicating motivators known to man. When both of these forces push in the same direction, virtually no human being can resist – but you can change that tonight Grayle. Greed is the most destructive thing in our universe – but we can stop it tonight.
Heavy Footsteps… closer and closer. Amy’s eyes fixed on Jack, his words resonating with her on a seemingly deeper level.
AMY POND
It’s rotting into you Grayle – don’t let it! Tonight you can save real lives– not just your own. You’ll still be incredibly rich – it’s just giving up 1 thing. 1 thing for the fate of this world
On Grayle, he rubs the ring on his finger – he looks up, could they have convinced him? Footsteps getting louder and louder – before a chilling silence, only broken by Grayle Letting out a horrendously evil laugh.
RORY WILLIAMS
Have I missed something funny?
JULIUS GRAYLE
Something hysterical Mr. Williams! Something Hysterical indeed!
JACK HARKNESS
Don’t do this –DON’T DO THIS!
JULIUS GRAYLE
You said it yourself Captain! They need me – they’ve had so many opportunities to kill me but they haven’t!
Suddenly the beast breaks through the window behind Grayle. Everyone is taken aback, but Grayle composes himself and continues laughing hysterically.
JULIUS GRAYLE
I appreciate them for what they are Captain! They’re men of business that know better than to bite the hand that feeds them! They can feed of my greed and I can reap in the rewards of their power!
AMY POND
But People will die!
JULIUS GRAYLE
They will do that whether I help them or not. Who are they to demand such a sacrifice? I’m simply hurrying things along!
With incredible speed the Beast grabs Grayle and forces him up against the wall
JULIUS GRAYLE
Ah! What – What are you doing? Greed – I can give you greed!
The Beast studies Grayle, the others in the background each with their guns raised in defense. The Raspy voice of the beast is heard once more.
THE BEAST
Wrong… All of you… Wrong!
JULIUS GRAYLE
What do you mean? Wrong? What are we wrong about?
We see Grayle’s reflection in the polished skin of the beast.
THE BEAST
I … see … you
Jack lowers his gun, slowly realizing
JACK HARKNESS
Oh God…
AMY POND
What? What are we wrong about?
JACK HARKNESS
The beasts, they don’t feed on Greed… Polished Gold, what does Polished Gold do? I said when they killed they left a traces… like a fog… like –
AMY POND
Like Breath on a mirror.
JACK HARKNESS
Like Breath on a mirror. They reflect it – they see in to a person’s soul and they reflect what they see… the beasts murdered to collect the greed of their victims… they’re trying to mirror more greed they see Grayle has… how much would they need before the reflection becomes stronger than the original image…
Darkness, Silence. Suddenly the roof is pulled open and we see Amy with a pen in her mouth from above, the camera is looking from inside a typewriter as she restocks the ink. She promptly inserts the canister and repositions the lid, returning the screen to darkness. The scene opens into the Amber Yellow Offices of the Angels Detective Agency, Rory Williams sits on a bench of a separate desk with a vintage stopwatch in his hands.
AMY POND
Time!
RORY WILLIAMS
Oomph! (A beat) You’re… not going to’ like it
AMY POND
No way! That time felt way faster!
RORY WILLIAMS
A minute 54… 5 seconds off your best
AMY POND
Nope. Nope I’m totally over this stupid game. It’s a stupid game!
Rory hops down of the bench as Amy storms off and looks outside the window
RORY WILLIAMS
You’re just sour because you lost! I’ll set it up again.
AMY POND
Aren’t you ever bored?
RORY WILLIAMS
I’ll admit turbo typewriter isn’t the most stimulating –
AMY POND
Not of the game stupid! (A beat) New York’s supposed to be the city that never sleeps! The city where murder, mystery and all things alien can be found at every turn! We haven’t had a proper case since New Year’s.
RORY WILLIAMS
Yes, because the lack of murders is a distressing trend
AMY POND
You know what I mean, Melody’s visits are growing longer and longer apart, Sam’s off on holiday in Nevada …
RORY WILLIAMS
His aunt had a fall!
AMY POND
… And I’m stuck in the office with you passing the time with ‘turbo typewriter’
RORY WILLIAMs
I’m sorry you find me so boring
AMY POND
Don’t worry I know you can’t help it
RORY WILLIAMS
Gee thanks!
AMY POND
You know I don’t mean it like that, it’s just well… you’d never get this bored in –
RORY WILLIAMS
The TARDIS? With the ever exciting Doctor!
AMY POND
I didn’t say that
RORY WILLIAMS
You didn’t have to.
A bell rings as someone walks into foyer, both pairs of eyes dart to the office and then pack to each other.
AMY POND
Bagsed.
INT. ANGEL DETECTIVE AGENCY - FOYER
They both run out the office but stop to see Julius Grayle standing before them in all his egotistical glory.
RORY WILLIAMS
You…
JULIUS GRAYLE
Not the coldest greeting one’s ever received…
AMY POND
What do you want Grayle…
JULIUS GRAYLE
As much as it pains me to say it… I believe I may need your help with something.
INT – ANGEL DETECTIVE AGENCY – OFFICE
A few minutes have past, Grayle sits at the desk with Amy and Rory standing opposite.
JULIUS GRAYLE
And that’s basically it… my man murdered, my house destroyed, attacked by a monster for no apparent reason!
RORY WILLIAMS
You’re saying that there was no motivation or reason you were singled out? No attraction? I mean, no offence but someone of your reputation usually isn’t the victim of random selection.
JuLIUS GRAYLE
On my life –
AMY POND
Not good enough.
JULIUS GRAYLE
… On my wealth, I swear there was nothing that could have motivated or caused the attack.
AMY POND
(A beat) Rory, a word.
Amy takes Rory to the back of the room.
AMY POND
He’s lying
RORY WILLIAMS
I know... but we have a duty to make sure no one else gets killed – especially if this... beast... has been let out on the city.
AMY POND
And if it’s a trap? He did own the warehouse where River and I were held captive.
RORY WILLIAMS
Then it’s a trap we are going to have to walk into.
Rory turns back to Grayle.
RORY WILLIAMS
Congratulations Mr. Grayle. We’ve decided to take on the case.
INT. GRAYLE'S OFFICE
The office is in tatters. Smashed heirlooms everywhere, ripped curtains, burn marks on the floor and walls – an atmosphere clearly representative of past events. Amy and Rory are investigating the area.
AMY POND
This is insane, even if there was any evidence worth documenting it’s all been smashed to pieces.
Grayle enters with a new henchmen (they are so disposable).
JULIUS GRAYLE
How are we getting on?
Suddenly, a crashing sound is heard from outside the door, followed by loud heavy footsteps making their way towards the room.
AMY POND
What is that…? Grayle is this some kind of joke…
JULIUS GRAYLE
The beast?
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy, stay back…
An empty doorway, footsteps getting louder and louder still… A rippling fear encompasses the atmosphere… closer and closer until! Not a monster, but a handsome young man dressed in a long coat.
JACK HARKNESS
Hey there, Captain Jack Harkness of Torchwood. And you are?
There’s silence – the others are suspended in a moment of confusion, relief and shock. Grayle steps forward and opens his mouth to speak but Jack raises his hand in protest
JACK HARKNESS
No, I’m not finished – if I had a dollar for every time that came out of my mouth. (A beat) Captain Jack Harkness of Torchwood… and YOU are lying.
JULIUS GRAYLE
I… beg your pardon?
JACK HARKNESS
And I beg your honesty – so far I’m counting 2 lost causes, 1 hot redhead and a sensually awkward little something on the side.
With a wink, the Captain loses himself in the room, flipping open a peculiar wrist strap and busily pressing buttons walking around the room in the same fashion as someone with a metal detector – searching for some kind of signal? On Amy, her eyes on the wrist strap, a glimmer of recognition.
RORY WILLIAMS
Sorry … what? How do you know he’s lying?
JACK HARKNESS
(Taking no notice of Rory’s objection) Where is it? Where are you, you sly devil, Come to daddy…
AMY POND
Its obvious Rory...How did we know he was lying – it’s written all over his face! The real question is how does he know what Grayle’s lying about?
Jack stops and turns to face Amy with a devilish grin
JACK HARKNESS
Not bad Red – now we’re cooking!
AMY POND
Flattered, but married. So are you going to answer the question or continue the flirting?
JACK HARKNESS
I know a crime scene when I see one, Red. Granted my experience of them often comes while there in progress – but I’m getting in the habit of sympathizing with those who take a little while to catch up. You and the pretty one over here are obviously investigating the cause of whatever turned this otherwise respectable room into this disarray of glass and ash – which means Porky over there has chosen not to tell you that he knows full well what brought the creature here – still unsure to why he wouldn’t just come clean but then again I don’t know the guy.. He might get a kick from watching you “solve the mystery” – I know I would.
AMY POND
Good god, you managed to do both.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Very impressive Captain, but that still doesn’t explain HOW or WHY you’re in my humble home at this moment?
JACK HARKNESS
Because I know the truth about the beast, and the ring Mr. Grayle… and I’m going to be the one to help you catch this monster before you endanger any more lives – No matter how kinky it might be. Is that explanation satisfying to you?
Grayle swallows his pride, manages to force out an answer from behind gritted teeth.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Yes.
JACK HARKNESS
Your turn.
EXT. GRAYLE'S MANSION
Captain Jack faces out through the window, we see Amy behind him – her face turning to watch him, while Grayle explains the truth about the attack.
JULIUS GRAYLE (VO)
It won’t come off, it’s melted right through
JACK HARKNESS
Rotted. It’s rotted into your skin, not overly attractive to tell you the truth.
INT. GRAYLE'S MANSION
RORY WILLIAMS
But you don’t want it to come off do you?!This thing has the potential to kill half the city including yourself and you still are more concerned about your wealth then your life!
JULIUS GRAYLE
It’s who I am, and I’m not a person prone to making apologies for it. Even if I did want to get it off – I can’t!
AMY POND
Then what do you want us to do about it?
JULIUS GRAYLE
I want you to do your job – kill the beast – so I can bask in my power and my wealth alone without the threat. IT’s proving to be rather an inconvenience.
AMY POND
People have died. What makes you think we would help you?
JULIUS GRAYLE
Hank didn’t just die… he changed, he was taken by the beast… but he wasn’t taken as a human being. If you don’t help me then more people will die and I don’t think you could live with that. You don’t want to play a bluffing game with me Miss Pond because you will always loose. You and your husband and that pathetic detective think you’re so big and tough with your Angel Detective Agency… but you are nothing but pawns, thrown into the battle with silly little hopes you might be worth anything – but you’re just empty sacrifices with a false sense of security in my city.
AMY POND
You’re a bastard.
JULIUS GRAYLE
I am a man of business.
There is a definite shift in the atmosphere of the room. Rory stands back 1 second away from barging past Grayle’s henchmen that’s been keeping him at bay, Amy holding in her fury and her fear - but Jack, remaining unmoved by the heat, still looking out the window into the Manhattan skyline.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Now you then, Harkness – tell me what you know about the beast
JACK HARKNESS
Nothing, just how to find it. It leaves a trail every time it kills. A trail of pure blistering energy – it’s what we caught track of at Torchwood. What was strange though was that it’s not dangerous yet… it’s not a blast of energy that we’re used to… but a fog… like a breath on a mirror before it fades - giving us just enough time to lock onto it.
RORY WILLIAMS
Explains how you knew to come here.
JACK HARKNESS
But the breath on the mirror is lasting longer, getting stronger. We need to stop it before the footprint its murder leaves becomes more deadly than the attacks themselves.
AMY POND
So how do we find it?
Jack’s Vortex Manipulator starts beeping.
JACK HARKNESS
We follow the music…
EXT. ALLEY WAY
A hobo sits singing in an alleyway… mist and smoke and darkness. All of a sudden footsteps – a man, well dressed, well groomed, obviously better off financially than most.
HOBO
Change… Spare Change for the broken sir? Look into your heart sir! Sir?
The Hobo reaches out and simply brushes the side of the man’s coat. He reacts by sharply turning around and kicking the hobo over.
MAN
Don’t you touch a single fiber on me dirty scum. Pathetic – trying to live of the wealth of others.
The man continues to walk down the alleyway as the hobo picks himself up and bolts away. Holding a piece of paper, The Man turns back to watch the hobo run offering a little snicker. He turns back to look forward and
MAN
Aaah! No please! ARRRHH
The Beast, his claws embedded into the chest of the man, now shaking violently, his legs give way as the beast raises his arm, pulling him up off the ground – he drops the piece of paper down to the floor- his screams cut short by his throat being seized up by the beast – tears of blood burning through his eyes and drying gold – his veins and arteries becoming less and less transparent dark red lines bursting underneath his skin into Gold with an electric ripple – the scene focuses to Jack, Amy and Rory as they come running around the corner all three – guns raised – shooting at the beast.
JACK HARKNESS
Put the human down!
With a frustrated screech the beast throws the body to the side and faster than any alien Jack’s ever seen it jumps into the darkness above – his claws heard clinging to the fire escapes – the walls – then silence.
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy! With me
Rory and Amy runs to the Man’s side, his body still seizing up in violent jabs– his veins still burning through his skin pure gold.
AMY POND
Oh my God…
RORY WILLIAMS
Hold him down, there might be away to stop the pain
AMY POND
What are you doing?
Rory pulls out a cloth and a small bottle – pouring some liquid onto the material he presses it to man’s mouth – the shaking slowing down as his eyes shut – now nothing but unconscious jabs
RORY WILLIAMS
Medicinal Chloroform – at least now he can’t feel it
JACK HARKNESS
(To the Darkness above) Come out you coward! Come on your better than this, come finish the show!
Amy stands up and runs to Jacks side, Rory follows her
AMY POND
What are you doing?
JACK HARKNESS
COME ON! Give us our money’s worth!
Behind them, the beast lands and digs its claws into the unconscious body – finishing the kill it had started. The three raise their guns but nobody shoots…
JACK HARKNESS
Tell us what you’re doing here! Tell us what you want!
The beast turns to the group – hi voice raspy, his words only just clear enough to make out…
THE BEAST
Greed … Gluttony …. Voracity …. Hunger …
AMY POND
Stop this now! We can help you, get you want you want – just stop it!
The beast leans down to pick the piece of paper the man dropped off the ground.
THE BEAST
You’re … too late!
Throwing the paper to the side, the beast’s victim starts to glow – realizing what’s happening Rory grabs Amy and pulls them both behind a solid dumpster… the golden fog rises from the corpse.
AMY POND
Jack!!
Rory covers Amy as the fog explodes – electricity burning in every direction. Jack is thrown to the ground by the force before it eventually fades. Rory and Amy slowly recover themselves, standing up from behind the dumpster.
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy! Amy, Are you ok?
AMY POND
Yes, I’m fine – you?
RORY WILLIAMS
Yep, might need a new shirt though.
AMY POND
Captain?
JACK HARKNESS
Yep, here.
Jack’s on the other side of the alleyway, now empty. No beast. No victim. No explosion. Bending down he picks up the flyer the beast discarded before the energy attack.
RORY WILLIAMS
How did you survive that?
JACK HARKNESS
It wasn’t as strong as it looked.
AMY POND
The whole alleys be burned... you don’t even have a scratch on you!
JACK HARKNESS
Look it’s a special coat alright? Surely it’s not the most impossible thing you’ve seen in your line of work – Besides, we have bigger things to worry about
AMY POND
What do you mean?
JACK HARKNESS
Look at this
He hands her the piece of paper – a flyer for a new casino “Harold’s” opening in Nevada
JACK HARKNESS
We are dealing with a creature who feeds off Greed. To him, this is a buffet of lives, a buffet of greed. You saw how powerful the aftermath of that last kill was… how many murders is he away from being able to burn up half of America? Half of the world?
RORY WILLIAMS
But Nevada. That’s the other side of the country. It’s over 2000 miles away, we have time to evacuate the casino. I can get in contact with Sam and –
JACK HARKNESS
Look, Rory – did you not see how fast it moved? That was faster than anything I’ve ever seen before. It could be across the country in an hour – an hour and a half if we’re lucky.
RORY WILLIAMS
So what do we do?
AMY POND
It’s a monster that feeds off greed?
JACK HARKNESS
Yes
AMY POND
Then let’s take away its major food source…
On Jack, a wonderful realization at what she means
JACK HARKNESS
Brilliant! You are on fire!
AMY POND
I do my best.
RORY WILLIAMS
Grayle? Grayle’s greed is the beast’s main food source?
JACK HARKNESS
Until it gets strong enough to survive on its own – there may be a chance… but we have to hurry, there’s three of them now remember – If Grayle is that important to their continued strength I’m sure they wouldn’t leave him unguarded. Let’s race!
With a wink and a look down to his wrist strap, Jack bolts around the corner. Amy goes to follow him but Rory grabs her arm stopping her.
AMY POND
What are you doing?
RORY WILLIAMS
Please don’t. We both saw the vortex manipulator. Promise me you won’t ask him.
AMY POND
Not really the right time for this Rory.
RORY WILLIAMS
It’s exactly the right time for this. I thought you’d learn to accept it – I thought you were coming to terms with our life here
AMY POND
But if we could go back to the Doctor, back home –
RORY WILLIAMS
We ARE home, Amy?! As long as I’m with you I’m home – but I saw that fire in your eyes, that hope when you saw it.
AMY POND
Rory…
RORY WILLIAMS
You know we can’t go back… you KNOW that… Don’t you?
AMY POND
Stop it. Just Stop it.
RORY WILLIAMS
I’m sick of feeling like your consolation prize.
AMY POND
I gave it all up – without even thinking for you. To be with you. Look, we are not doing this now, Jack needs us.
EXT. Grayle’s Mansion
There’s a tension in the air – Lights flicker from inside the mansion, sounds of the distant traffic echoing through the scene. A blink of darkness moves across the scene. The beast is in attendance.
INT. Grayle’s Mansion
Grayle sits at his desk, admiring one of his many brand new golden trophies. Jack bursts into the room and moves toward Grayle with purpose.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Such an aggressive entrance every time. God help you if I need new hinges.
JACK HARKNESS
The health of your hinges is the last thing you need to worry about right now Mr. Grayle.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Not Good news then? I must say I’m a little disappointed…
Amy and Rory enter in a rush.
AMY POND
Get ready to get more disappointed very soon.
JACK HARKNESS
Mr. Grayle listen to me. Whatever power you think you have – whatever sense of security you feel you have it’s gone. We are dealing with an alien – a force that is growing stronger with every life it takes.
julius grayle
More reason to dispose of it promptly, then?
jack harkness
Easier said than done I’m afraid.
AMY POND
Grayle – these beasts aren’t just feeding of the lives of those they murder, they’re feeding off their greed. Right now it’s on its way to a buffet of greed – a buffet of real human lives, real people.
A crashing sound is heard down the hallway.
JULIUS GRAYLE
What have you done?! You brought it here… you idiots it’s going to kill us all.
JACK HARKNESS
It never left Grayle, there are three of them – one’s been guarding you since the night you acquired that ring.
JULIUS GRAYLE
Guarding me? Why on earth would it be –
A metallic snarl… slowly approaching
RORY WILLIAMS
We’re running out of time
JACK HARKNESS
You are its main food source Grayle – it’s feeding off your greed still because it isn’t strong enough to sustain enough power to kill without you.
JULIUS GRAYLE
What do you mean main food source?
JACK HARKNESS
We have a chance of stopping these creatures before they can kill again. Now I know underneath it all you’re probably incredibly scared right now – and I don’t need you to admit it, but I need you to make the right choice. Fear and greed are two of the most intoxicating motivators known to man. When both of these forces push in the same direction, virtually no human being can resist – but you can change that tonight Grayle. Greed is the most destructive thing in our universe – but we can stop it tonight.
Heavy Footsteps… closer and closer. Amy’s eyes fixed on Jack, his words resonating with her on a seemingly deeper level.
AMY POND
It’s rotting into you Grayle – don’t let it! Tonight you can save real lives– not just your own. You’ll still be incredibly rich – it’s just giving up 1 thing. 1 thing for the fate of this world
On Grayle, he rubs the ring on his finger – he looks up, could they have convinced him? Footsteps getting louder and louder – before a chilling silence, only broken by Grayle Letting out a horrendously evil laugh.
RORY WILLIAMS
Have I missed something funny?
JULIUS GRAYLE
Something hysterical Mr. Williams! Something Hysterical indeed!
JACK HARKNESS
Don’t do this –DON’T DO THIS!
JULIUS GRAYLE
You said it yourself Captain! They need me – they’ve had so many opportunities to kill me but they haven’t!
Suddenly the beast breaks through the window behind Grayle. Everyone is taken aback, but Grayle composes himself and continues laughing hysterically.
JULIUS GRAYLE
I appreciate them for what they are Captain! They’re men of business that know better than to bite the hand that feeds them! They can feed of my greed and I can reap in the rewards of their power!
AMY POND
But People will die!
JULIUS GRAYLE
They will do that whether I help them or not. Who are they to demand such a sacrifice? I’m simply hurrying things along!
With incredible speed the Beast grabs Grayle and forces him up against the wall
JULIUS GRAYLE
Ah! What – What are you doing? Greed – I can give you greed!
The Beast studies Grayle, the others in the background each with their guns raised in defense. The Raspy voice of the beast is heard once more.
THE BEAST
Wrong… All of you… Wrong!
JULIUS GRAYLE
What do you mean? Wrong? What are we wrong about?
We see Grayle’s reflection in the polished skin of the beast.
THE BEAST
I … see … you
Jack lowers his gun, slowly realizing
JACK HARKNESS
Oh God…
AMY POND
What? What are we wrong about?
JACK HARKNESS
The beasts, they don’t feed on Greed… Polished Gold, what does Polished Gold do? I said when they killed they left a traces… like a fog… like –
AMY POND
Like Breath on a mirror.
JACK HARKNESS
Like Breath on a mirror. They reflect it – they see in to a person’s soul and they reflect what they see… the beasts murdered to collect the greed of their victims… they’re trying to mirror more greed they see Grayle has… how much would they need before the reflection becomes stronger than the original image…
Back to Grayle’s reflection in the polished skin of the beast.
THE BEAST
I see Greed… I see Hatred… I see … Murder
As the Beast raises his hand, Amy raises her gun
AMY POND
I see a bloody invasion of privacy
She opens fire, once again not enough to cause any damage to the creature, but annoy it beyond frustration. Unknowingly he throws Grayle down and advances towards Amy.
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy!
IN this moment time seems to slow down… The beast moving toward Amy, Grayle seeing his knife on the floor in front of him, Jack firing shot after shot at the beast and Rory moving in front of his wife. Grayle reaches out for the knife, and Rory is thrown away with ease – hitting the floor unconscious. Jack thrown to the back of the room – thumping into the wall with a moan but quick to get back up
AMY POND
Rory!
The Beast reaches out to attack Amy. Pressed to the door frame, she closes her eyes awaiting the end before – A sharp and quick retort from the beast – like an invisible blow to his torso. Its form starts flickering between a physical presence and rippling shards of electricity in the air. Turning around it sees Grayle standing there – holding his right hand in his chest, we see blood stained on his shirt – his index finger completely cut off. He throws the ring to the foot of the beast.
JULIUS GRAYLE
In the world of business, we call that a refund.
In a dying rage, the best speeds forward and digs his claws into Grayle’s chest – letting his blades piece through every inch of his thick body.
JACK HARKNESS
GRAYLE!
Discarding Grayle’s limp weight, the beast turns around in a desperate plea to find some force to latch onto. In the chaos Amy’s reflection is seen through the monster’s polished skin, looking up from holding Rory.
AMY POND
No… no
THE BEAST
I see … misery… a thirst... I see an appetite
JACK HARKNESS
Oi!
The beast turns around, golden ripples of electricity encompassing it – see’s Jack standing there; as heroic as ever
JACK HARKNESS
Why don’t you take a picture, it’ll last longer!
THE BEAST
I see…you… lost… lost in time and space
JACK HARKNESS
See it! Mirror it!
THE BEAsT
I see… dying… death ONLY DEATH… No!
Charging at Jack with his last breath of existence the beast fractures and explodes into fading ripples of electricity.
Stillness. Silence. Relief.
amy pond
What was that…? What just happened?
Jack walks over to Grayle’s body, checks for a pulse, then guides his eyelids shut.
JACK HARKNESS
The Reflection looked into reality… it didn’t like what it saw.
AMY POND
It said it saw death, saw –
JACK HARKNESS
Amy, look after your husband.
Accepting defeat, Amy rushes back to her husband’s side. Jack pick up the ring from the floor, walks back over to Grayle’s corpse and put it in his top jacket pocket, pressing it to his un-beating heart.
INT. Angel Detective Agency
Amelia sits alone in the office, staring blankly at a typewriter, a blank sheet of paper stares back. Jack enters holding his coat over his arm – obviously about to depart.
JACK HARKNESS
You know you have actually physically press the keys for words to get printed onto the page…
AMY POND
You don’t say!
They laugh, Jack pulls up a chair and sits next to her.
jack harkness
Confessing your love for me in written form? Perfect starting: Dear Captain Hotty, your body fills me with desire, my heart yearns –
AMY POND
Shut it Harkness, I’m married remember?
JACK HARKNESS
I don’t discriminate!
AMY POND
What are you still doing here…
JACK HARKNESS
I couldn’t exactly leave knowing there was something up?
(Amy starts to deny it)
I can see there’s something wrong – Spill
AMY POND
It’s nothing really
JACK HARKNESS
I’m not leaving until you spill the beans Red.
AMY POND
It’s just… when you were pleading with Grayle I couldn’t help but thinking… and then what the beast saw in me… (A beat) There was this guy.
JACK HARKNESS
Isn’t there always?
AMY POND
No, not like that… he was my best friend – and his life Jack, his life was sensational – You could spend one hour with him and feel on top of the world
JACK HARKNESS
Sounds like my sort of guy!
AMY POND
But then its more than that – His life is addictive Jack – after a while nothing else can compare to that life, and yeah there were times when I thought I could manage- when I tricked myself into thinking I wouldn’t miss it… and here I am alive and healthy- living a great life with the man I love… and that’s more than most people have, it is– To anyone else looking in they’d think I’m so lucky… and I know I should be happy, I know should feel lucky but-
JACK HARKNESS
Nothing else can compare.
AMY POND
(She reluctantly nods) A few weeks ago, my daughter came to visit – and she had seen him – this guy – and (a beat) I know… I know I have this great life, I have my health, my daughter, my husband – But I can’t help that to me, it’s not enough. I’m greedy and selfish (Jack tries to interrupt) No! Don’t do that - Please don’t try to tell me that I’m not because I know it – the truth is I’m just as bad as Grayle – I don’t regret my choice… but I’ve spent all this time grieving and hating and longing for my old life as well and not even bothering to think about how it’s affecting Rory and -
JACK HARKNESS
Amy stop and breathe. You’re not a bad person for wanting a better life after you get a taste of luxury– It’s called being a human being. It’s our common flaw: Nothing makes us more vulnerable than loneliness, except greed.
AMY POND
I don’t know why I’m telling you this
JACK HARKNESS
Because you know you can trust me – (He smiles) and because you know you’ll probably never see me again.
AMY POND
But what am I supposed to do…
JACK HARKNESS
I think you already know… you said it just before - be the person that you want to be – Give a second thought to Rory... what effect is it having on him.(A beat) I lied before… with Grayle. Greed is a funny thing, a sometimes a hateful thing, sometimes a sexy thing – but it’s not the most destructive thing in the world.
AMY POND
No?
JACK HARKNESS
No. Guilt– that is the most destructive thing. Guilt and Regret. Because they fester inside us and hold us back from moving on and doing the right thing. Greed was Grayle’s undoing – but Greed is not a financial issue. It's an issue of the heart.
Amelia looks to Jack, smiling with a look of realization, as he stands up and puts on his coat.
JACK HARKNESS
And that is far too much serious jargon for me Miss Williams!
AMY POND
MRS
JACK HARKNESS
Spoil sport. (A beat) You know – maybe if you stopped pointing out your marriage whenever you can you might realize I’m not the one you’re trying to convince. It’s obvious that you two are in love with each other, you don’t need to turn it into a spectacle. (A beat) Not that it makes things any fairer on me.
Jack walks towards the office door, chuckling to himself with a cheeky grin.
AMY POND
Oi! Captain!
Jack turns around and faces her.
AMY POND (CONT)
(Sincerely) Thank-you… for everything.
THE BEAST
I see Greed… I see Hatred… I see … Murder
As the Beast raises his hand, Amy raises her gun
AMY POND
I see a bloody invasion of privacy
She opens fire, once again not enough to cause any damage to the creature, but annoy it beyond frustration. Unknowingly he throws Grayle down and advances towards Amy.
RORY WILLIAMS
Amy!
IN this moment time seems to slow down… The beast moving toward Amy, Grayle seeing his knife on the floor in front of him, Jack firing shot after shot at the beast and Rory moving in front of his wife. Grayle reaches out for the knife, and Rory is thrown away with ease – hitting the floor unconscious. Jack thrown to the back of the room – thumping into the wall with a moan but quick to get back up
AMY POND
Rory!
The Beast reaches out to attack Amy. Pressed to the door frame, she closes her eyes awaiting the end before – A sharp and quick retort from the beast – like an invisible blow to his torso. Its form starts flickering between a physical presence and rippling shards of electricity in the air. Turning around it sees Grayle standing there – holding his right hand in his chest, we see blood stained on his shirt – his index finger completely cut off. He throws the ring to the foot of the beast.
JULIUS GRAYLE
In the world of business, we call that a refund.
In a dying rage, the best speeds forward and digs his claws into Grayle’s chest – letting his blades piece through every inch of his thick body.
JACK HARKNESS
GRAYLE!
Discarding Grayle’s limp weight, the beast turns around in a desperate plea to find some force to latch onto. In the chaos Amy’s reflection is seen through the monster’s polished skin, looking up from holding Rory.
AMY POND
No… no
THE BEAST
I see … misery… a thirst... I see an appetite
JACK HARKNESS
Oi!
The beast turns around, golden ripples of electricity encompassing it – see’s Jack standing there; as heroic as ever
JACK HARKNESS
Why don’t you take a picture, it’ll last longer!
THE BEAST
I see…you… lost… lost in time and space
JACK HARKNESS
See it! Mirror it!
THE BEAsT
I see… dying… death ONLY DEATH… No!
Charging at Jack with his last breath of existence the beast fractures and explodes into fading ripples of electricity.
Stillness. Silence. Relief.
amy pond
What was that…? What just happened?
Jack walks over to Grayle’s body, checks for a pulse, then guides his eyelids shut.
JACK HARKNESS
The Reflection looked into reality… it didn’t like what it saw.
AMY POND
It said it saw death, saw –
JACK HARKNESS
Amy, look after your husband.
Accepting defeat, Amy rushes back to her husband’s side. Jack pick up the ring from the floor, walks back over to Grayle’s corpse and put it in his top jacket pocket, pressing it to his un-beating heart.
INT. Angel Detective Agency
Amelia sits alone in the office, staring blankly at a typewriter, a blank sheet of paper stares back. Jack enters holding his coat over his arm – obviously about to depart.
JACK HARKNESS
You know you have actually physically press the keys for words to get printed onto the page…
AMY POND
You don’t say!
They laugh, Jack pulls up a chair and sits next to her.
jack harkness
Confessing your love for me in written form? Perfect starting: Dear Captain Hotty, your body fills me with desire, my heart yearns –
AMY POND
Shut it Harkness, I’m married remember?
JACK HARKNESS
I don’t discriminate!
AMY POND
What are you still doing here…
JACK HARKNESS
I couldn’t exactly leave knowing there was something up?
(Amy starts to deny it)
I can see there’s something wrong – Spill
AMY POND
It’s nothing really
JACK HARKNESS
I’m not leaving until you spill the beans Red.
AMY POND
It’s just… when you were pleading with Grayle I couldn’t help but thinking… and then what the beast saw in me… (A beat) There was this guy.
JACK HARKNESS
Isn’t there always?
AMY POND
No, not like that… he was my best friend – and his life Jack, his life was sensational – You could spend one hour with him and feel on top of the world
JACK HARKNESS
Sounds like my sort of guy!
AMY POND
But then its more than that – His life is addictive Jack – after a while nothing else can compare to that life, and yeah there were times when I thought I could manage- when I tricked myself into thinking I wouldn’t miss it… and here I am alive and healthy- living a great life with the man I love… and that’s more than most people have, it is– To anyone else looking in they’d think I’m so lucky… and I know I should be happy, I know should feel lucky but-
JACK HARKNESS
Nothing else can compare.
AMY POND
(She reluctantly nods) A few weeks ago, my daughter came to visit – and she had seen him – this guy – and (a beat) I know… I know I have this great life, I have my health, my daughter, my husband – But I can’t help that to me, it’s not enough. I’m greedy and selfish (Jack tries to interrupt) No! Don’t do that - Please don’t try to tell me that I’m not because I know it – the truth is I’m just as bad as Grayle – I don’t regret my choice… but I’ve spent all this time grieving and hating and longing for my old life as well and not even bothering to think about how it’s affecting Rory and -
JACK HARKNESS
Amy stop and breathe. You’re not a bad person for wanting a better life after you get a taste of luxury– It’s called being a human being. It’s our common flaw: Nothing makes us more vulnerable than loneliness, except greed.
AMY POND
I don’t know why I’m telling you this
JACK HARKNESS
Because you know you can trust me – (He smiles) and because you know you’ll probably never see me again.
AMY POND
But what am I supposed to do…
JACK HARKNESS
I think you already know… you said it just before - be the person that you want to be – Give a second thought to Rory... what effect is it having on him.(A beat) I lied before… with Grayle. Greed is a funny thing, a sometimes a hateful thing, sometimes a sexy thing – but it’s not the most destructive thing in the world.
AMY POND
No?
JACK HARKNESS
No. Guilt– that is the most destructive thing. Guilt and Regret. Because they fester inside us and hold us back from moving on and doing the right thing. Greed was Grayle’s undoing – but Greed is not a financial issue. It's an issue of the heart.
Amelia looks to Jack, smiling with a look of realization, as he stands up and puts on his coat.
JACK HARKNESS
And that is far too much serious jargon for me Miss Williams!
AMY POND
MRS
JACK HARKNESS
Spoil sport. (A beat) You know – maybe if you stopped pointing out your marriage whenever you can you might realize I’m not the one you’re trying to convince. It’s obvious that you two are in love with each other, you don’t need to turn it into a spectacle. (A beat) Not that it makes things any fairer on me.
Jack walks towards the office door, chuckling to himself with a cheeky grin.
AMY POND
Oi! Captain!
Jack turns around and faces her.
AMY POND (CONT)
(Sincerely) Thank-you… for everything.
JACK HARKNESS
Ma’am.
Nodding his head, he grins and exits. Amelia turns around and looks at the empty, sun-stained room in front of her, her eyes dart to the typewriter… and then to a photo in a frame on her desk: Rory and herself, smiling – happy. Sitting down she picks up the frame and looks at the picture, a simple smile breaks through as RORY enters through the Door looking extremely apologetic. Noticing him there about to speak she stands up and interrupts him.
AMY POND
No! Shut-up – don’t say anything; I need to ask you something…
Amy walks up to him, closes the door and takes his hands in hers
RORY WILLIAMS
(Unsure) Amy?...
AMY POND
Rory Williams. (A pause) Will you marry me?
RORY WILLIAMS
We’re already married Amy…
AMY POND
I know, but we’ve finally just started to settle into this new life – You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I need to show you that. You are more than enough for me – if anything it’s you who should want more
Rory leans in a kisses Amy
AMY POND
What was that for?
RORY WILLIAMS
Because I love you, utterly and completely
AMY POND
I’m not sure I got that answer, can you just repeat it for me?
Rory laughs and kisses his wife once more, as the camera zooms out through the window into the Manhattan skyline – golden rays of sun framing the screen. Suddenly the screen goes black – a phone rings.
INT. Violet’s Office
A man wrapped in darkness answers the phone.
MR VIOLET
Violet here. Dead? Well that’s somewhat regrettable – Julius was occasionally useful… at the very least his assets were. I want his estate acquired immediately.... What that? Angel Detective Agency again. It seems we’re making progress then… Time will tell.
He hangups the phone and pulls out a file. On the file are photos of Amy, Rory and Sam. He leans back with a smile.
MR VIOLET
Time will tell indeed
FADE TO BLACK
NEXT TIME
Ma’am.
Nodding his head, he grins and exits. Amelia turns around and looks at the empty, sun-stained room in front of her, her eyes dart to the typewriter… and then to a photo in a frame on her desk: Rory and herself, smiling – happy. Sitting down she picks up the frame and looks at the picture, a simple smile breaks through as RORY enters through the Door looking extremely apologetic. Noticing him there about to speak she stands up and interrupts him.
AMY POND
No! Shut-up – don’t say anything; I need to ask you something…
Amy walks up to him, closes the door and takes his hands in hers
RORY WILLIAMS
(Unsure) Amy?...
AMY POND
Rory Williams. (A pause) Will you marry me?
RORY WILLIAMS
We’re already married Amy…
AMY POND
I know, but we’ve finally just started to settle into this new life – You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I need to show you that. You are more than enough for me – if anything it’s you who should want more
Rory leans in a kisses Amy
AMY POND
What was that for?
RORY WILLIAMS
Because I love you, utterly and completely
AMY POND
I’m not sure I got that answer, can you just repeat it for me?
Rory laughs and kisses his wife once more, as the camera zooms out through the window into the Manhattan skyline – golden rays of sun framing the screen. Suddenly the screen goes black – a phone rings.
INT. Violet’s Office
A man wrapped in darkness answers the phone.
MR VIOLET
Violet here. Dead? Well that’s somewhat regrettable – Julius was occasionally useful… at the very least his assets were. I want his estate acquired immediately.... What that? Angel Detective Agency again. It seems we’re making progress then… Time will tell.
He hangups the phone and pulls out a file. On the file are photos of Amy, Rory and Sam. He leans back with a smile.
MR VIOLET
Time will tell indeed
FADE TO BLACK
NEXT TIME