| Subject: 5x05: Same Place Twice |
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by Greyfus
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Date Posted: 05:00:31 01/14/04 Wed
Author Host/IP: 62.252.0.6
EXT. WOLFRAM & HART - DAY (DUSK)
Establishing. Business suit-types enter and exit the building going about their routines. The sun is just setting in the background.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - LOBBY - DAY
The lobby is abuzz with very similar activity, lawyerly lookin' folks headed in all different directions.
However, we see them only briefly as the camera angles up, up and away into:
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - ANGEL'S OFFICE - DAY
The luxurious office is flooded with sunlight, which gleams off nearly all the expensive looking furnishings.
ANGEL stands, hands in pockets and lost in thought, directly in the sunlight of his necro-tinted windows. He looks out over the city, watching the sunset.
LILAH (O.S.)
Always thought that 'creature of the night' thing was just an act.
Lilah stands just within the doorway, obviously just arrived. She's carrying a filing folder under one arm.
Angel barely turns his head to say over his shoulder:
ANGEL
(dryly)
Something I can do for you, Lilah?
Lilah enters the office, setting the folder down on Angel's desk.
LILAH
Nope. Just came by to drop off the information you requested.
Angel turns suddenly and rushes past Lilah to inspect the files.
ANGEL
You? I asked Bethan-...Tiffan-
LILAH
Stacy.
ANGEL
Stacy to get this for me.
LILAH
(slight amused smile)
What can I say? I'm a full-service kind of gal.
ANGEL
(hotly)
I don't want you anywhere near--
LILAH
Relax, chief. A deal is a deal.
Angel relents a little.
LILAH (CONT'D)
UCLA, though? Not bad.
Angel's had enough, and goes to the door to indicate she can leave now. On her way out:
LILAH (CONT'D)
You need anything else, don't hesitate to ask.
After Lilah leaves, Angel sits at his desk and flips open the file.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - RESEARCH LAB - DAY
FRED and KNOX stand in front of a counter adorned with alchemy gear.
Their attention is focused on a vial in the middle, filled with light-blue liquid. Knox has another vial filled with greenish liquid in his hand.
Fred carries a clipboard, has her hair pulled back into a severe ponytail and is wearing her glasses. She makes a note on the clipboard, and then:
FRED
All right. All systems go?
KNOX
(grinning)
Check.
FRED
(also smiling)
Well? What are you waiting for?
Knox pours the green liquid into the blue. They both stare intently at the new vial for a moment. Nothing happens.
FRED (CONT'D)
Darnit.
She takes off the glasses and sets down the clipboard in defeat.
KNOX
Maybe we should up the Magnesium Synthethic?
Fred thinks for a moment.
FRED
If I could only be sure that it--Wait! I think I know something-
She turns and rushes out of the room, leaving Knox looking after her in confusion.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - LIBRARY - DAY
Wesley sits alone in the library, two volumes opened on the desk in front of him. He jots down notes out of one and consults the other.
FRED (O.S.)
So this is where you hide.
Wesley looks up to see her standing just within the doorway, pleased. Ever the gentlemen, Wesley stands.
WESLEY
Fred. I was just cross-referencing the D'shindi Volumes with the--is there something I can do for you?
Fred, who has now wandered into the room and is flipping through a book from the shelf.
FRED
I just came to get some information-
She holds the book pages out to Wesley to show him that they're all blank.
FRED (CONT'D)
But I guess this isn't that sort of library.
Wesley chuckles and walks over to her, taking the book from her hands. Their fingers touch and they lock eyes for a moment.
WESLEY
(breaking out of it)
What-what were you looking for?
FRED
(averting her eyes)
Oh, just something on synthetic elements...
Wesley holds the book up and speaks into it:
WESLEY
"Bengtsson's Compounds."
He hands it back to Fred who flips through it, amazed that there's now an entire text inside.
FRED
Wow! This library has every book ever in it?
WESLEY
Haven't run across one yet that it doesn't.
FRED
(looking around in awe)
No wonder you lock yourself away in here.
WESLEY
Not strictly a matter of choice. I've been-
He casts a surreptitious glance towards a corner of the ceiling, where there's a security camera embedded.
WESLEY (CONT'D)
-Just brushing up on old texts.
FRED
I see.
Fred steps closer to Wesley, also glancing at the camera.
FRED (CONT'D)
(softly)
You don't think they're, you know, spying on us?
WESLEY
(just as softly)
Most likely.
They're both pretty close, leaning in to each other. Then:
LILAH (O.S.)
Guess it's true what they say...
Fred and Wesley jump apart at her voice, and turn to see the smirking Lilah in the doorway.
LILAH (CONT'D)
If you build it, they will come.
(to Fred)
Knew I'd find him here, but can't say I'm surprised to find you as well. All these books--just couldn't resist, could ya?
Fred hesitates, about to retort, then changes her mind.
FRED
I was just...uh, leaving.
She brushes past Lilah and out the door. Wesley gives Lilah a "I-know-I-should-expect-that-of-you-but-still-don't-like-it" look.
LILAH
Did I interrupt the study session?
WESLEY
Somehow I think that was the idea.
He nods towards the security camera. Lilah glances.
LILAH
Oh, Wes. I'm past such trivial things as jealousy...and breathing.
Wesley looks away, obviously not amused.
LILAH (CONT'D)
Besides, I came to make sure you found the resources we have to be adequate.
WESLEY
That's the best you can do?
LILAH
Hey, I just go and do what and where they tell me. And the Senior Partners are very concerned about making sure the transition is as painless as possible, for all of you.
WESLEY
I'm sure...
Off Wesley looking warily at Lilah:
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - ANGEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Angel sits at his desk, flipping through files, organizing. Suddenly a BEEPING comes from his phone accompanied by a FLASHING RED LIGHT. Angel presses a button on it.
ANGEL
Yeah?
STACY
(through intercom)
Mr. Angel, there's some...one here to see you. She says she doesn't have an appointment but, um...She says she's *very* well acquanted with you.
ANGEL
Who is it?
STACY
She says her name is Gwen, sir. Gwen Raiden.
ANGEL
Send her in.
A moment later GWEN RAIDEN strides into his office, looking around appraisingly. She wears something extremely provocative, that would easily give the receptionist cause to think she's a workin' gal. Angel stands to greet her.
GWEN
Wow. The security here is...well, I could beat it.
ANGEL
Gwen. Nice of you to drop by.
GWEN
Isn't it? I found out you'd moved up in the world, had to see for myself.
(takes in the office)
I had no idea, though.
ANGEL
Don't know if 'up' is the right direction.
GWEN
Oh, yeah. Evil lawyers and all that. Did some jobs for them before--indirectly of course--they're into some pretty-
ANGEL
*Were*. *Were* into.
GWEN
Right. Of course.
ANGEL
Not that I'm not glad to see you, but was this a social visit? Or is there something I can do for you?
GWEN
Actually, yeah. There is. Well, sort of. I need to borrow something.
ANGEL
What?
GWEN
Gunn.
ANGEL
(confused)
I'm not his mom. He doesn't need my permission to go out and play.
GWEN
I know. But I don't know where he is and his office isn't listed downstairs.
ANGEL
Oh. I'll call him.
GWEN
Thanks.
Angel picks up the phone, dials a number.
ANGEL
(into phone)
Yeah...Tell him to come to my office, as soon as he can. He has a visitor.
He hangs up the phone, turns back to Gwen.
ANGEL (CONT'D)
Is this something to do with last time? He never spoke about it.
Gwen turns away, unsure how to answer that.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - HALLWAY - NIGHT
GUNN struts through the hall, walking briskly in an expensive-looking tailored suit. All black, with a gray shirt, and no tie.
An EMPLOYEE pops out from a door as he passes, trying to catch his attention.
EMPLOYEE
Mr. Gunn! Mr. Gunn!
Gunn stops and turns to the employee.
GUNN
Yeah?
EMPLOYEE
Sir, Mr. Angel just called your office. He said you have a visitor.
GUNN
Okay.
He turns and continues walking down the hall.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - ANGEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gwen is nosing around Angel's office, checking out the decor and testing the various finishes. Angel stands by looking on in amusement.
ANGEL
It's like you've never seen an office before.
GWEN
No--I've just never seen you in an office before. And a high-rise? Definitely had you pegged as the basement type.
ANGEL
I've got an elevator. It goes underground.
GWEN
Nice.
Gunn enters, briefly knocking on the door as he walks on in.
GUNN
(to Angel)
Hey, said I had a visitor--
He sees Gwen and stops.
GUNN (CONT'D)
Gwen. Hey.
GWEN
Hi.
Gunn looks from Gwen to Angel and back again, unsure.
GUNN
Angel, hey, you think we could get a few minutes alone--
GWEN
No. I'd rather him be here. Keep it strictly business.
Angel eyes them both curiously and a little amused.
GUNN
Alright. Business. What's up?
GWEN
Well, I need your help again. I've got a meeting with some men later and--
GUNN
And they're holding endangered species hostage? Not gonna fall for that again.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - HALLWAY OUTSIDE ANGEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Fred walks looking a little dejected, and clutching the book from the library towards Angel's office. She slows down as she hears voices, and listens outside Angel's door to hear:
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - ANGEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
GWEN
No. They've got something that I need. I'm buying it from them. Completely legit. I want some support, just in case- these guys are big time.
GUNN
How do I know this isn't another setup?
GWEN
Because I've already done that. It's not nearly as fun the second time.
GUNN
Yeah, that must be why you haven't--
GWEN
(quickly)
Strictly business.
GUNN
Right. Well, guess you caught me on a bad day, 'cause I'm not feelin' real charitable. And you wanna play the pretense game, fine. But I'm not having any of it.
GWEN
I thought this might be a good opportunity for us to spend some time together. I could've asked Angel, but--
GUNN
Oh, now you wanna spend time together? When you happen to need something? Some "muscle"?
ANGEL
(to Gwen)
But what?
GWEN
(ignoring Angel)
Fine. If you don't want to help, I'm not going to beg.
She starts for the door but stops after:
GUNN
Leaving again? So I shouldn't expect to see you again for a month?
Gwen turns around, upset.
GWEN
Screw you.
GUNN
Well alright. It would be keeping with tradition--you can leave right after.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - HALLWAY OUTSIDE ANGEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Fred overhears this, and cups her hand to her mouth in shock. She scurries off, unseen and upset.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - ANGEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gwen stops toward Gunn threateningly, pissed. Angel steps inbetween the pair, addressing Gwen.
ANGEL
I'll help you. Whatever it is. Count me in.
Gwen eyes him gratefully and seems to be calmed down.
ANGEL (CONT'D)
Gunn. Why don't you leave me and Gwen to go over the details.
Gunn casts one last cold glance at Gwen and leaves. After he's gone, Angel casts a worried glance towards the door before turning his attention to the still slightly shaken Gwen.
ANGEL (CONT'D)
So tell me about this deal.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - LIBRARY - NIGHT
Wesley sits, reading. He leans back, yawns and stretches. When he regains composure he sees Fred wandering in, forlon. She clutches the book to her chest.
WESLEY
Fred? What is it? Not what you needed?
FRED
(sadly)
No. Not at all.
Wesley gets up and goes to her side, he pulls the book from her hands.
WESLEY
I'm sure we can find some other text..
FRED
No. Not that. Charles.
WESLEY
Oh.
FRED
I mean. I know we were over. But I thought maybe there might be something still there...and now-
WESLEY
What? Did Gunn do something?
FRED
Yeah. A sleazy walking battery!
WESLEY
You mean...Gwen?
Fred just nods.
WESLEY (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.
FRED
It's okay...it just-I'm such a wreck! Getting so upset over nothing. It's not like we were still together. He can...be with whoever he wants now, right?
WESLEY
I suppose-
FRED
Why her?! She killed him! Yeah, she brought him back...but she probably uses that on all the guys.
WESLEY
I seriously doubt-
FRED
(calming down)
I'm sorry. I guess it just came as a bit of a shock.
WESLEY
I'll bet.
FRED
Here I am...still holding onto some hope. And he's out doing electro-gal.
WESLEY
Well, it seems you may need is to do the same. I mean, move on.
FRED
I don't know if I can...After Pylea, Charles was the only one who I was comfortable with.
WESLEY
I'm sure that's not true.
FRED
Well. Not the *only* one...
She looks frankly at Wes and moves a little closer. She puts her hand on Wes' arm, and Wes doesn't resist. She moves in a little closer...and Wes glances towards the video camera. He pulls away, suddenly.
WESLEY
Fred...we can't.
FRED
(embarassed & welling up)
Oh. I'm so stupid. I thought--nevermind.
WESLEY
No, it's because of-
FRED
You don't have to explain. I'm sorry.
She's stricken and rushes from the room. Wesley starts to go after her then reconsiders. He glances again at the camera.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - SECURITY ROOM - NIGHT
Lilah stands in front of a monitor, on which Wes is standing there in the library, looking directly at the camera. Lilah smiles to herself.
EXT. OUTDOOR CAFE - NIGHT
TWO MEN in classy suits sit at a table. Angel and Gwen approach the table, Angel surveying the surroundings. Gwen carries a briefcase. Gwen takes the only vacant seat at the table, while Angel stands a little ways behind.
MAN #1
(eyeing Angel)
We told you to come alone.
GWEN
Which is exactly why I didn't.
Both men laugh, good-naturedly.
MAN #1
Very well. You've brought the device? And half the payment?
GWEN
(confused)
What?
MAN #1
We need the actual device to perform the installation. The other half of the payment upon completion.
GWEN
I'm not giving it to you.
MAN #1
Look, it's an extremely complicated process. We're really going to need the LISA device. Otherwise, we can't help you.
GWEN
There's no way it's leaving my possession.
MAN #1
That's a snag. You see, we have the facilities to perform the installation. It's the highest sort of tech. Unless you've got a state-of-the-art lab in your house...I don't see another option.
GWEN
It's not your problem. I've got the full payment. Just give me the modification.
MAN #1
I don't think you understand. This is the most advanced technology in the world. Without our resources, the modifier is worthless to you. And honestly, we wouldn't be comfortable selling it to you under those circumstances.
ANGEL
I've got the best lab evil money can buy.
Both men and Gwen turn to Angel, who's leaning nonchalantly against the restaurants fence.
ANGEL (CONT'D)
And a whole slew of brainy people. I'm sure they can figure out some way to fit two pieces together.
Gwen gives Angel a very grateful look.
MAN #1
Well. Um. I'm still not sure-
Gwen slides her briefcase across the table. Man #2 reaches for it, but Gwen pulls it back.
GWEN
The modifier.
Man #1 and #2 share a resigned look. Man #2 pulls a small black case out of his jacket, and sets it on top of the briefcase. Gwen takes it and lets the man take the briefcase. She opens it to verify, then stands.
GWEN (CONT'D)
Pleasure.
Her and Angel stride off.
INT. WOLFRAM & HART - ANGEL'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Angel leans on his desk, Gwen clutches the little black case possessively.
ANGEL
It'll be alright. I'll make sure of it.
GWEN
I know you will.
She hands the case over to Angel, then removes another similar yet slightly larger case from a bag on the floor. She holds this one for a moment.
ANGEL
We've got the best. Speaking of...
Fred enters his office, still looking a little torn up from the events of the night.
FRED
I guess you wanted to see me-oh. Gwen.
GWEN
Hey...
ANGEL
Fred, I'm hoping you'll be able to do something for me. For Gwen.
FRED
(warily)
Oh. Um. I don't know...
ANGEL
It's important. This-
(holds out the black case)
is a modifier chip which needs to be installed into Gwen's device for it to work properly. I was hoping you might look after it personally, as it's sensitive.
FRED
(slight glance at Gwen)
I'm not sure I can, we're swamped-
GWEN
Please, Fred? Angel's the only one I'd trust with it--there's noone else who can.
FRED
(taking the case)
What's it do?
GWEN
It regulates body activity.
FRED
(realization)
Oh. So that you can--
GWEN
(looking away)
Right.
FRED
(mildly eager)
I'd be happy to.
Off Fred, a slight smile on her face:
BLACK OUT.
END OF SHOW.
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