Review By: Emma Keturah "You’re the only one who finds a way to help me." - Monica Reyes Who is Monica talking to? In an emotional scene Monica finds some well-deserved peace. Has she finally found a way to control her gift? Does it have something to do with John Montgomery at the Facility? It's a busy couple of days for that sexy beast Knowle as he makes an important discovery at the Pentagon and has a change forced upon his life. (Face it Knowle, it's been a long time coming). Knowle lovers rejoice! He recieves lots of 'screentime'! *Cheers!* Three syllables: Fan-tas-tic! |
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Title: "Highly Sensitive"
Written by: Kristi
Date: October 3-5, 2005; November 16, 2005
Air Date: November 28, 2005
Rating: PG
Series: FRVS - Episode #161
Spoilers: Past episodes of FRVS may be spoiled.
Feedback: We love it. There is a form at the bottom of this story that you can use to send us feedback. Thank you.
Archiving: "Fox & Rat" Virtual Series only!
Disclaimer: We do not own anyone. They belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen Productions, and 20th Century FOX Broadcasting.
Author's Note: The personalities of the characters within the world of "Fox & Rat" are not those you know from "The X-Files" television series. We have warped them and given them a common past, immature behavior and a sense of humor. Any horrid behavior should not be mimicked in your every day life.
Summary: Monica's senses are overwhelming and becoming too much for her to handle alone, while Knowle finds some top secret information hidden away at the Pentagon.
FADE IN:
INT. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE – THE PENTAGON – MORNING
NOVEMBER 23, WEDNESDAY
Knowle Rohrer walks through the lobby of the Pentagon, making his way through the morning rush. A man sees him, his name is Thomas Hunter, and is a colleague of Knowle’s. He runs after Knowle.
THOMAS HUNTER
Knowle, hold up!Knowle turns to see him, he stops walking.
KNOWLE
Morning, Tom.THOMAS HUNTER
Have you heard about this
mandatory flu vaccine everyone
is required to take?Knowle shakes his head.
KNOWLE
I haven’t. Must’ve been in
a memo I overlooked.Knowle laughs it off as if it is nothing, but Tom doesn’t seem to take it as a joke at all. Knowle senses this.
KNOWLE
(after a short beat)
What is it?THOMAS HUNTER
It’s just odd because they
gave out flu vaccines a
month ago and everyone got them.
(beat) Now, suddenly it’s mandatory.KNOWLE
Seems suspicious to me. (beat)
I don’t care if it’s mandatory.
Last time I checked we still
lived in a free country.THOMAS HUNTER
The memo said it was required
for all DOD agents regardless.
(beat) Must be some kind of
"official channel" thing I guess.Knowle shakes his head. He’s not thrilled about the government inoculating him with something that is mandatory and required for all DOD agents.
KNOWLE
You know, with the way our government
is, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s...He trails off from his sentence when he sees Monica standing in the middle of the lobby watching him.
KNOWLE
(distracted)
...some kind of...He looks back at Thomas.
KNOWLE
(changing subject)
I’ve go to go. I’ll see you later.Knowle leaves Thomas and gives him a pat on the back as he makes his way over to Monica.
Thomas watches him as he approaches Monica.
Knowle comes up to Monica and smiles. He’s surprised to see her here.
KNOWLE
(surprised but happy to see her)
Hey, surprised seeing you here.Monica’s eyes linger on Thomas until he walks out of the lobby.
Knowle looks at her with concern when she doesn’t acknowledge him. He gently places his hand on her shoulder to get her attention.
KNOWLE
(soft, concerned)
What is it?Knowle follows her eyes and watches Thomas leave the lobby. Monica looks up at him and he returns his attention back to her.
MONICA
(somewhere else, hushed, serious)
They’re everywhere...Knowle leans in to speak to her.
KNOWLE
Who?Monica looks around, not making eye contact with him yet.
MONICA
(looking around)
We haven’t been able to prove
it because they are in our
disguise. Walking like us. Becoming
us, but not with good sense.Knowle listens to her.
KNOWLE
Who Monica, who’s here?Monica stops looking around and looks up at him.
MONICA
Those who shape. They shape
and no one knows.She starts to become upset.
MONICA
(upset)
They shape, but not their blood.
It always stays the same. Green
as a storm. Not blue turning
rose red with oxygen running
through the veins...She stops her tears from coming and looks at him. After a beat, she smiles at him and is suddenly calm.
MONICA
(calm, happy)
You’ve always had me in your heart.She places her hand on his chest, over his heart.
MONICA
Now I’ll truly be there. (beat)
After all, it is the flu season.Knowle looks at her with confusion. Monica simply smiles at him and walks away.
Off Knowle’s look...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GOVERNMENT EXAM ROOM – THE PENTAGON – LATER THAT DAY
Knowle enters the exam room and is greeted by Dr. Tsunimoto.
DR. TSUNIMOTO
You must be Mr.-He looks down at his chart. His eyes widen when he sees Knowle’s last name.
DR. TSUNIMOTO
(looking up at Knowle)
Mr. Knowle.KNOWLE
Knowle Rohrer, yes.Knowle smiles.
DR. TSUNIMOTO
Good. Have seat over there.Dr. Tsunimoto nods his head and goes over to the counter and prepares a syringe.
Knowle goes over and takes a seat on the exam table. He takes off his suit jacket.
KNOWLE
So, does this go in the left
or right arm?DR. TSUNIMOTO
The left.Knowle nods his head and rolls up the sleeve on his left arm.
Knowle’s eyes look around the room and sees Dr. Tsunimoto putting an amber substance into the syringe. Knowle’s eyes lock on it.
What the hell is that? Can’t possibly be the flu vaccine.
His eyes continue around the exam room. The atmosphere is cold, eerie, and quiet. Something’s not right. His eyes stop when he sees a small video camera in the upper corner of the room – not noticeable if you weren’t looking for something suspicious.
KNOWLE
(clearing throat)
Is it really necessary to get
this vaccine. I got one about
a month ago.Dr. Tsunimoto turns around and approaches him with the syringe.
DR. TSUNIMOTO
This is just a routine inoculation
required for all DOD agents. (beat)
After all, it is the flue season.Knowle looks up at the doctor, remembering the same words Monica had told him earlier that day. Dr. Tsunimoto injects Knowle with the "flu vaccine" as Knowle’s mind thinks back to everything Monica said. Was she speaking jibberish, or was she trying to tell him something...
TIME CUT TO:
INT. SHOPPING MALL – DAY
TWO DAYS LATER
NOVEMBER 25, FRIDAY
THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVINGThe mall is crowded, everyone packed close together like sardines, all rushing to get into small stores with Holiday Sale signs. Amongst the chaos of holiday shopping and the huge Day After Thanksgiving Sale, is Scully, Doggett, Monica and Brad. Scully is leading them through the crowd. She holds onto Doggett’s hand, who holds onto Monica’s, who holds onto Brad’s. They are like a serpentine train of ants weaving through the crowd.
SCULLY
You know John, you are the first
to volunteer to help me shop in
this sale. Everyone else has
been too scared.DOGGETT
You always told me you’d love
to have my help, so why not
lend my helping hands on the
biggest shopping day of the year?Monica looks around at everyone.
MONICA
Is it just me, or can
everyone hear all of them?BRAD
It’s not just you. This is
reminding me of a Beatles concert.Monica smiles.
MONICA
Without the screaming girl.DOGGETT
Oh I’m sure that’s happening
in some teen clothing store.Scully leads them into a video store. She turns to face them.
SCULLY
(this is business)
Ok, here are your assignment.
(beat) Go find them.Scully hands each of them a slip of paper with a movie title written on it. Doggett looks up at Scully when he sees the title he’s supposed to find.
DOGGETT
"Hawaiian Bunny"?Scully smiles.
SCULLY
It’s for the boys. They’ve
been looking for it everywhere.
(beat) It’s in the porn section.Doggett shrugs his shoulders and makes his way to the porn section.
Meanwhile... Monica is searching the comedy section for "Sgt. Bilko". As she searches, her mind starts to go elsewhere. She puts her palm to her forehead.
MONICA
(to self; wishing it would stop; quiet)
Stop. Please just – no more.Brad turns the corner and stops when he sees her.
MONICA (CON’T)
(somewhere else, reciting voices)
Over the moon – a car – derailed train -
flipping coin – you don’t treat me right.
Just go before he kills you and you
never – STOP IT!Monica drops her piece of paper and covers her ears with both her hands, hoping to stop block the noise that never stops.
Brad comes over to her and gently places his hand on her back. She lets out a terrified scream and as if she is in painful anguish. She moves away from him, not realizing it’s him.
MONICA
(terrified)
I can’t reach you! Go on without me!BRAD
Monica, it’s me.Monica continues to back away from him. She has caught the attention of the customers and employees in the store. She shakes her head as tears fall down her face.
MONICA
(pleading)
Make them stop. Make them just -
I can’t - Please.She backs himself into the wall and slowly slides down into a sitting position. Brad watches on. What the hell is going on with her? How can he help her?
Customers back away from her. Brad goes up to her and kneels down in front of her. He’s unsure what to do. He hesitantly takes hold of her hand. His eyes glance up to the customers standing by watching her.
BRAD
Monica? It’s me, Brad.
Can you hear me?MONICA
(upset)
I hear. All the time voice
in my head. Make them stop.She cries. Brad looks at her, at a loss on how to help her.
MONICA
(crying)
Constant noise from above in
tongues not known to Earth.
Oh god, please.She covers her ears again, hoping to make the internal hell stop inside her head.
MONICA
(crying)
They’re around me. All the
time watching. Knowing.She looks up at Brad.
MONICA
Hearing like I hear but I
don’t know what they say.Behind Brad, a customer stands watching her. For a split second, she sees this man’s face change into what can only be described as... an alien.
Monica’s eyes widen in fear.
MONICA
(whispers to Brad)
Only me. Only I see, Brad. Oh god.
(she starts to cry) Please. Take me
away, Brad. I can’t be here. I don’t
know what he’s saying, but I hear
it and I don’t want to any more. I
don’t want to Brad, please.Her voice is desperate, confused. Brad glances up at the customers, then back to Monica. He slowly nods his head.
BRAD
(at a loss, caring, soft)
Ok.Brad gently wraps his arms around her and she grabs onto him. He helps her to her feet and doesn’t let go. Tears come to his eyes. He hates feeling helpless with her. He only wants to know how to help her. She says to take her away from here, so he’ll do that. That’s all he can do for her. It’s all he knows how to do now to help her.
BRAD
(soft)
It’s ok. Everything’s ok. (beat)
We’ll get you out of here.Monica cries in his arms and he gently strokes her hair.
MONICA
My Grandmama. I miss her.Brad nods his head. Behind them, Scully and John have found them. They look on with concern.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. KNOWLE ROHRER’S APARTMENT – WASHINGTON, D.C. – DAY
Knowle sits at his kitchen table carefully sharpening his army knife. The apartment is quiet except for the sound of the knife blade being sharpened, and the random sounds of someone putting things away in another room.
Knowle looks up from his knife when he hears what sounds like a suitcase latching shut from the other room.
KNOWLE
(after a beat)
Shan’?No reply from Shannon, only the sound of approaching footsteps until Shannon appears in the kitchen doorway. She stands, holding a suitcase in one hand. Knowle looks at her, wondering what the hell is going on. He sets his knife down.
KNOWLE
What’s going on?SHANNON
I’m moving out, Knowle.KNOWLE
(shocked)
What?SHANNON
I’m moving on in my life. (beat)
We both know nothing is going to
come of whatever it is that we had.Knowle slowly stands up, realizing what she is saying, but not wanting to believe it. He cares for Shannon.
KNOWLE
Shannon, what are you saying?She can’t be breaking up with him.
SHANNON
I don’t want to fool myself anymore.
(beat) I can’t go on with you like
this anymore. I love you, but there
comes a time when every rela-KNOWLE
-This is about that General, isn’t it?Shannon stops talking. In part he is correct. She has fallen in love with General Roger Thompson (first seen in 8x08 "The Beginning and The End"), but this is not the only reason.
SHANNON
(after a beat)
Roger is a great man.KNOWLE
(upset but handling it with defense)
On a first name basis with a
General? (beat) You sleep with him?Shannon lets out a sigh.
SHANNON
(slightly bitter)
I’m not like you, Knowle. I
don’t do that any more. I
don’t sleep with random-KNOWLE
-And neither do I any more.
You know that, Shan’.Shannon takes a deep breath to compose herself. She doesn’t want to fight with him.
SHANNON
(after a beat)
Knowle, I don’t want this to
end ugly between us. We’ve been
through too much to let that happen.KNOWLE
Shannon, I... I lo-He can’t say it. He never has been able to. Shannon looks at him.
SHANNON
I know you love me, Knowle. You
just don’t love me in the way
we were trying to love one another.
(beat) You could never say it because
you knew deep down it wasn’t right
with us. (beat) You’ve only been able
to say the things you really mean.Shannon looks at him with knowing eyes and turns and leaves the kitchen. Knowle hesitates a moment, then goes after her.
KNOWLE
Shannon. Listen. You said it yourself.Shannon turns to face him.
KNOWLE
We’ve been through too much
to just give up on what we have.Shannon sets down her suitcase. He has such good intentions. In a way, it breaks her heart to have to do this to him.
SHANNON
Knowle, we don’t have anything left.
After how many years? And nothing
ever came of us. There’s a reason for
that. (beat) Life is too short for the
bullshit we believed we could have.Knowle doesn’t want to lose her. She’s always been the constant in his life.
KNOWLE
You say you love me, Shannon.
We can work this out.SHANNON
No. We can’t. (beat) It’s not
to be that way with us.Shannon looks at him for a moment.
SHANNON
We had our second chance and
we couldn’t fix us. (beat) Yes,
you weren’t sleeping around
anymore, but I’m not a fool, Knowle.She smiles at him.
SHANNON
I know, Knowle. I know you’ve
realized what I’ve known for years.
(beat) The feelings you have for
someone else. I know because
it’s obvious.KNOWLE
(denying)
I don’t-SHANNON
-Knowle...She goes up to him and looks him in the eyes.
SHANNON
I’ve always known. (beat) You’d
do anything for her. I wouldn’t
put it by you to die for her. (beat)
You... you are so selfless with
her. I hope you find happiness.She gives him a kiss on the cheek and smiles at him.
SHANNON
You deserve it.Knowle stands speechless. She knows his feelings and always has. She has even known before he knew them.
KNOWLE
(after a long quiet beat)
Shannon... I... I’m sorry.SHANNON
Don’t be, Knowle. We were
just one of life’s journeys
to help us become who we are.
(beat) Everything happens for a reason.They share one last look of silence for a moment before Shannon picks up her bag and leaves the apartment.
Knowle stands in the middle of his living room. He’s unsure what to do or feel about what has just happened. He stands in the silence...
TIME CUT TO:
EXT. GRANDMAMA REYES’S HOME – CHIHAUHAU, MEXICO – DAY
NOVEMBER 26, SATURDAY
The breeze gently whistles through the warm late November air of northern Mexico. Grandmama Reyes sits on a small wooden chair in front of her home. She quietly blows into a wooden pipe, letting out a soothing, comforting airy whistle. She stops playing when she sees Monica walking up the hill all alone. Grandmama sets down her pipe and watches her as she makes her way over to the edge of the cliff that Grandmama lives on.
Grandmama squints her eyes as she watches Monica look down into the deep canyon below, and for the first time in her life, she worries...
Monica looks down into the deep canyon. Her toes are slightly over the edge of the cliff. In hope, Monica shuts her eyes and inhales the fresh air. She attempts to clear her mind of the world... yet even here, in solitude, she cannot stop it.
Grandmama quietly comes up to her.
MONICA
(eyes opening)
They won’t stop, Grandmama.
(beat) Not even here.A tear falls down Monica’s cheek.
MONICA
I want it all to stop.Monica looks down into the canyon.
MONICA
Everything is easier without me...
if I just blew away with the wind,
everyone would be happier...Grandmama’s eyes go from Monica to the bottom of the canyon.
GRANDMAMA
You know that’s not true. (beat)
You really think going down there
would be better than how things are?Monica shuts her eyes and tears fall down her cheeks.
GRANDMAMA
You feel that you are wrong.
(beat) I sense this.MONICA
(desperate)
How do I make it stop?She opens her eyes and looks at her Grandmama, knowing she must have the answer. She has always had the answer.
GRANDMAMA
(after a beat; quiet)
I do not know.Monica looks at her Grandmama. This was not what she expected to hear from her, and Grandmama’s words do not bring her comfort at all.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GRANDMAMA’S HOME – KITCHEN – MOMENTS LATER
Grandmama sets a teacup in front of Monica, who sits at the kitchen table.
GRANDMAMA
Drink this. It will make
you feel better.Monica does. Grandmama sits down across from her.
MONICA
How do you do it? How
do you control this?GRANDMAMA
I control it by living up
here. For me, I cannot hear,
see, or feel any one.Monica looks down, knowing what her Grandmama is getting at.
GRADMAMA
(after a beat)
You are much stronger than
I am, Monica.Monica quietly sips her drink.
MONICA
(after a beat)
Will it ever stop? Will life
ever be the same?Grandmama looks into her eyes. She’s not sure how she should tell her this.
GRANDMAMA
I cannot tell for sure.Monica looks at her curiously.
MONICA
But I thought-GRANDMAMA
-A person such as you and I
can never see beyond their
own death.There is a long moment of silence as Grandmama’s words come to term in Monica’s head. Tears sting Monica’s eyes.
MONICA
(soft, scared)
What do you mean?GRANDMAMA
I am an old woman, Monica.
I cannot live forever. (beat)
But you already know this.Grandmama takes hold of Monica’s hand, feeling her fear. Knowing her words bring Monica no comfort.
GRANDMAMA
Everything I have told you in
life... there is no way to be
certain it is true for all of
your life. My ability has a
limit. (beat) I cannot see
beyond my death.Monica listens.
GRANDMAMA
With you, this could be different.
We are all unique. (beat) Do you
know what never lies?MONICA
The heart.Grandmama nods her head.
GRANDMAMA
You follow your heart, and
you cannot go wrong.Grandmama takes a sip of her tea and they sit in silence for another moment.
GRANDMAMA
(lightening the mood)
Did you see your tile?MONICA
My tile?GRANDMAMA
Yes. Bradly finished it for
you when he came to visit me
long time ago.Grandmama gets out of her chair and finds the tile on the floor. She picks it up and hands it to Monica. Monica takes it and smiles.
MONICA
It’s exactly how I wanted it.Monica runs her hand over the tile. She stares down at it, looking at the little white house with a white picket fence.
MONICA
This is Corona... I didn’t
know it at the time.GRANDMAMA
Yes you did. You just
didn’t remember.Grandmama smiles at her. Monica looks back down at the tile. She looks at the words "Love Eternal".
MONICA
"Love Eternal". Brad had it
engraved on my engagement ring.Grandmama smiles.
GRANDMAMA
How are things going between you two?MONICA
You know we’ve broken up, right?GRANDMAMA
"Broken up". Sounds so negative.MONICA
It’s not. He knows I just
need time to figure out my
life. (beat) It’s different
living alone though. (beat)
I get scared sometimes.GRANDMAMA
Why do you get scared?MONICA
I don’t know. I just do. (beat)
Probably afraid to open my eyes
and see someone staring back at me.GRANDMAMA
They can’t hurt you. Usually,
they just want your help. Or
they want to visit you. Or-MONICA
I’ve seen Luke a lot. He’s been
around me a lot recently. I’m
not sure why.GRANDMAMA
All in good time.Monica looks at her. Does Grandmama know why she’s been seeing Luke a lot?
GRANDMAMA
(after a beat)
So, have you seen that boy from
New Orleans you used to date?MONICA
No. Why?GRANDMAMA
Just making sure he’s not
bothering you. (beat) I
get the feeling you two ended
things on bad terms.MONICA
You mean when he was down
for the wedding?Grandmama nods her head.
MONICA
"Bad terms" to say the least. (beat)
I just hope he doesn’t find out we
didn’t get married.GRANDMAMA
I don’t trust him.Monica smiles.
MONICA
You don’t even know him, Grandmama.GRANDMAMA
Don’t have to. Any man that
says what he said to you the
night before you were to be
married, for the sole purpose
of trying to get one last chance
with you, is trouble.Monica looks down and takes a sip of her tea. Her mind becomes filled with thoughts of everything that happened two weeks ago.
MONICA
(after a beat)
This month was supposed to
be perfect, Grandmama.Grandmama listens.
MONICA
Brad and I were supposed to get
married... but... everything went wrong.GRANDMAMA
Everything happens for a reason, Monica.Monica allows Grandmama’s words to sink in.
MONCIA
(upset)
How can you say that when everything
that has happened to me has ruined
my life? You say that everything
happens has a reason, as if everything
that I’ve been through is a good thing.Monica wipes a tear away as she thinks of the daughter she could’ve had. She looks to her Grandmama with anger.
MONICA
Explain to me this "reason". Why did
all of this have to happen to me? To
Dana? To Brad? To John? (beat) It doesn’t
make sense why I had to lose my daughter.Grandmama takes hold of Monica’s hand.
GRANDMAMA
(caring)
Monica... life is not happy. Life
is not perfect. Life is difficult,
unpredictable. (beat) When I say that
everything happens for a reason it
does not mean life will be happier or easier.Monica wipes a tear away.
GRANDMAMA (CON’T)
Think of it this way, Monica. Because
of you, many will survive what will
happen to this planet in a few months.
(beat) Yes, you endured unexplainable
pain and suffering, but you have saved
the lives of many. (beat) I know right
now you don’t understand, but in time
you will. (beat) Everything will fall into
place. All the confusion and pain you feel
now will begin to make sense. (beat) Already,
someone you love has just been saved because
of everything that has happened to you.Monica looks at Grandmama and knows.
MONICA
He’s suspicious... I hope
he is careful...SLOW FADE TO:
INT. THE PENTAGON – WASHINGTON, D.C. – NIGHT
The hallway is dimly lit, and Knowle cautiously makes his way, passing a sign on the wall that says "RESTRICTED – LEVEL 5 ACCESS ONLY". He randomly checks behind him to make sure he is not followed.
Knowle approaches a door at the end of the hallway. He pulls out a key card with "THOMAS HUNTER" on it and swipes it to unlock the door. He gets the green light and opens the door. He puts the key card away and walks through the door.
INT. ROOM – CON’T
Knowle enters the room and shuts the door behind him. He turns to see a large room filled with several filing cabinets. He stops, not sure where to begin until the glowing light of a computer screen catches his attention. He goes over to the computer and sits down in front of it.
Knowle looks the screen over and sees that it has an inventory list of everything in the filing cabinets. He notices a search option box. He thinks for a moment, then types in "STRUGHOLD". He leans back and allows the computer to search.
Ever since being inoculated with the "flu" vaccine that was required for all DOD agents, Knowle has been suspicious. He’s never been one to trust the government despite being employed by it. The fact that Monica came that very day, leads him to suspect that things are not as they should be. She even mentioned the flu to him. Though she was vague and didn’t make much sense at all, she has given him enough suspicious to find out what is really going on.
The computer finds the results for "STRUGHOLD" and a large list of information loads on the screen. A list containing serial numbers, codes, and other information.
Knowle scrolls down until he finds the only vaccine on the list. He makes a mental note of the number as he heads out to find it in the large room of filing cabinets.
He wanders down one of the aisles and finds a cabinet labeled "STRUG-NY". He opens the cabinet and finds several vials of the amber substance he was injected with a couple days ago. He picks one up and looks at it. The vial is marked with "RT-7915-3". He cautiously pockets the vial.
His mind is racing. This is no flu vaccine. There has to be something more to it.
SHORT TIME CUT TO:
INT. ANOTHER TOP SECRET ROOM
Knowle has made his way to another top secret room in the Level 5 area. He sits at a desk. He’s completely engrossed with what he has discovered. He is reading a file with highly sensitive material – information for the eyes of those in the highest of power in the government. Information concerning alien invasion and the government’s involvement with military forces around the world.
He turns a page and sees a diagram of an alien body. On it, shows the area in which it can be killed – a puncture to the back of the neck, using what the document refers to as a "stiletto". Knowle turns the page and sees a picture of the stiletto. He looks away from the document and to a thin metal cylinder case on the desk. He picks it up and hits a small button on the side and the sharp point of the stiletto (which should remind us of a small, metal ice pick) pops out with a Rabwin-esque thwit.
Knowle looks at the stiletto. This little thing can kill aliens? If all of what he has been reading is true, then we are looking at a war that is impossible to win. Hand to hand combat with alien beings is impossible. Especially since they seem to be more intelligent than humans, and obviously stronger if they can survive space travel at the distance they supposedly come from. No amount of military training could prepare any one soldier in this amount of time for what the planet is facing.
Knowle pockets the stiletto and finds another file that contains names of individuals in the government who have been sent as "replacements".
Replacements? What the hell does that mean? Replacements as in aliens replacing officials in the government?
As Knowle looks through the names he recognizes many – almost all – as military leaders. One of the names on the list is that of his co-worker, Thomas Hunter, whose key card Knowle stole.
Knowle looks up from the document, a look of pure worry washes over him. Maybe this is what Monica meant by saying "they" have been walking among us, only in "our disguise"...
CUT TO:
INT. MONICA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Monica and Brad enter the apartment, and Monica turns on the lights.
MONICA
Thanks for picking me up.BRAD
Not a problem. Did going
down there help?MONICA
A little. (beat) In a way.
(beat) But now that I’m back,
I hear them all again. My
Grandmama didn’t have any tips
on how to block it while living
in the city.Monica smiles.
BRAD
I hope you can find a way.MONICA
Me too. (beat) Did you want
to stay a little while and-Monica is cut off by a sharp pain hitting her head. She squeezes her eyes shut trying to block the pain.
BRAD
Monica?Suddenly, Monica falls to the ground. Brad immediately goes to her side, checking her over to make sure she hasn’t hurt herself.
BRAD
Can you hear me?Monica starts to talk in tongues that can’t be deciphered. Her eyes remain shut and she is non-responsive to Brad. He quickly pulls out his cell phone and dials.
BRAD
(moments later)
Dana, something’s going on
with Monica. She’s... I don’t
know. I can’t understand a word
she is saying. She just collapsed.Brad waits a quick beat as Scully says something to him.
BRAD
Thank you.He hangs up the phone and returns his full attention back to Monica, trying to get her to respond to him, but she doesn’t.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. STRUGHOLD RESEARCH FACILITY – EARLY MORNING
NOVEMBER 27, SUNDAY
John Montgomery opens the double doors to the cold, white exam room and two of his assistants wheel Monica into the room. She is lying down, strapped by the arms and by the head. Brad and Scully enter behind them.
MONICA
Revenge with blood splatter on
the window sill of- They speak
to me, but they’re dead. Always
coming to me. I can’t-Montgomery goes up to her and shines a light in her eyes. Monica tries to look away, but he won’t let her.
MONTGOMERY
How long has she been like this?He puts the light away and looks up at Scully and Brad. Brad stands behind Scully, not wanting to get in the way.
BRAD
Few hours.MONICA
(reading)
No, she hasn’t...She starts to cry, wanting nothing more than this to end.
MONTGOMERY
What about the medication I gave
her? Has she been taking them regularly?BRAD
No, she hasn’t.MONTGOMERY
Why no-MONICA
-Nothing helps! When death
washes us, there won’t be anymore.SCULLY
She says she can fight
this on her own.Montgomery turns away from them.
MONTGOMERY
I gave that to her to
help this situation.Monica looks over at Scully.
MONICA
Stopped the bullet to save him.
Always watching out for you,
Starbuck- Please make them go...Montgomery turns around again and comes over to Monica with a syringe.
MONICA
He knows you! He sees you all
the time – touching to relieve.
Oh god. (starts to cry) He’ll
come again with a sharp-MONTGOMERY
-This should help her.-MONICA
-"Help her" is a lie!Montgomery injects Monica with the medication, and her body relaxes, her face calms and her breathing slows. Her eyes stare blankly at nothing.
Scully watches Monica for a moment.
MONTGOMERY
She should be injected daily with
this. It should keep her calm and
will stop the nonsense she’s been saying.Tears fall down Monica’s face. Scully notices.
Montgomery hands a vial of medicine to Scully, along with a package of needles.
MONTGOMERY
I want you to give this to her.Scully looks down at it.
SCULLY
This won’t help her. It’s only
stopping her from expressing
what she feels.Scully is worried for Monica. Not being able to express will not help her at all.
MONTGOMERY
It’s all we can do. She could
become a danger to herself
and others.SCULLY
We brought her here to be helped,
not restrained of all emotion.MONTGOMERY
Either we do this or we
let her continue on-SCULLY
-In her head she continues on! With
this medicine we don’t have to hear it.Montgomery senses her anger at this decision.
MONTGOMERY
This is all we can do for her
unless you want her to be kept
here again under my care and
supervision. (beat) She doesn’t
need that, and you know it. (beat)
This is all we can do for her.Scully glares at him. She is not happy with this.
MONTGOMERY
I know a lot more about this than
you do, Dana. (beat) I don’t have
time to argue this with you. (beat)
You know her options. You decide.With that, Montgomery leaves the exam room. Scully glares at him as he leaves. This isn’t fair to Monica at all, but there is no way Scully will keep her here to be taken care of. Montgomery is right, that’s not what she needs. Scully looks down at the vial of medicine and looks at Monica who has tears flowing down her face.
Off Scully’s look, we...
FADE TO:
INT. MONICA’S APARTMENT – MORNING
Monica sits quietly on her couch. She looks out the window, watching the cold rain drops fall from the sky. Scully sits in front of her with the medicine Montgomery gave her.
SCULLY
I’m sorry Monica, but right now
I think we should do as Dr.
Montgomery says. (beat) He –MONICA
-He knows what’s best.Monica looks at Scully with sadness in her eyes. Scully looks down, it’s hard for her to make eye contact with Monica considering what she has to do.
MONICA
It doesn’t help me, Dana.
(beat) I’m too strong.SCULLY
(unsure)
Monica... I...MONICA
You have to. I know.Monica looks away from her again and looks out side the window again. The sounds of the world flood her mind. She cannot escape their voices, their screams, their laughter.
Scully looks down and injects Monica with the medicine. Monica doesn’t even flinch as she feels the substance enter her body and go through her veins.
The sounds do not stop. Nothing changes.
Tears come to Scully’s eyes. She doesn’t know what else to do. She can’t put Monica back at that facility, and she knows she doesn’t want to be medicated. Scully’s not even sure what to do about this situation. She has to trust Montgomery in that he knows more about this than she does.
SCULLY
(after a beat)
I have some errands I have
to do today, but I’ll see
you later, ok?Scully forces a smile. Monica smiles back.
MONICA
Ok.Scully stands up and grabs her coat.
MONICA
It’s cold out there. Stay warm.SCULLY
I will.She goes over to the door.
SCULLY
Bye.MONICA
Bye.Scully leaves the apartment.
After a couple minutes, Monica stands up and goes over to the window. She watches the raindrops slide down the glass window. She concentrates on a single drop, and slowly the loud voices of millions stop and all she eventually hears is the sound of the gentle rainstorm outside. She shuts her eyes and smiles.
A quiet knock on the door breaks the silence. Her eyes open and she hears the voice again. Her smile fades as her moment of peace is gone.
She slowly goes over to the door and opens it.
MONICA
(surprised)
Knowle?Knowle hears the surprise in her voice and smiles.
KNOWLE
Well there’s somethin’ good.MONICA
(confused)
What?KNOWLE
I surprised you.He gives her a smile. After a short beat, Monica smiles too when she realizes he is right.
KNOWLE
May I-MONICA
-Come in.She steps aside to let him in. Before stepping on the carpet, Knowle slips his shoes off. Monica looks down at them.
KNOWLE
(explaining)
Shoes are all muddy
from the rain.Monica nods.
MONICA
Should’ve watched your step.Monica sits on the couch, Knowle follows her and sits next to her.
They sit in silence for a beat... well, silence for Knowle at least.
KNOWLE
It’s quiet.MONICA
(feeling rather down)
Is it? (beat) I couldn’t tell.Knowle looks over at her, sensing something is wrong. He’s about to ask, when:
MONICA
I’m sick of this, that’s all. (beat)
It got worse when I came back from my
Grandmama’s. Even there, I could still
hear them... but not this bad.KNOWLE
Have you tried-MONICA
-Concentrating on one object
in the hopes of blocking
everything else?She looks at him.
MONICA
Didn’t work.KNOWLE
What was it?MONICA
A raindrop. Worked until
you knocked on the door.She smiles at him.
KNOWLE
(feeling bad)
I’m sorry...MONICA
Don’t be. (beat) You surprised me.
Hasn’t happened since Mulder bringing
Carlos down to Mexico.Knowle nods his head.
KNOWLE
I’ve got an idea. (beat) How about you
concentrate on my thoughts, and I’ll
think of nothing so you can have another
moment of silence. You know, as a way of
getting the feeling on how to control it.Monica smiles.
MONICA
I’d like that. But you have
to promise not to think of
anything. (beat) At all.KNOWLE
Scout’s honor.He holds two fingers up, indicating his "Scout’s Honor".
Monica adjusts her sitting position so she is seated "Indian Style" facing Knowle. Knowle turns to face her.
MONICA
Ok. Go.He clears his mind and Monica stares at him intensely, as if they are having a highly competitive staring contest.
Before Monica knows it, she hears the silence of the room, and eventually she picks up the sounds of a clock ticking in the room. A smiles slowly comes to her face, and Knowle can’t help but smile too, knowing she has done it.
KNOWLE
(quiet)
Now hold on to that, ok?MONICA
(trying)
I don’t know if I can.Knowle takes her hand into his and looks into her eyes.
KNOWLE
(positive)
I know you can. (beat) I
believe in you, Monica.Her smile becomes even more sincere, and increases, feeling that he means every word he just said.
Knowle watches her for a beat.
KNOWLE
You got it?MONICA
Yes.KNOWLE
Good.MONICA
But this isn’t why you
came here, is it?KNOWLE
Do you already know?MONICA
(thankful)
No.KNOWLE
You came to me at the DOD
a couple days ago.MONICA
I remember.KNOWLE
You said "after all, it
is the flu season."MONICA
You needed the vaccine.KNOWLE
But it wasn’t the flu vaccine.
(beat) You told me that now you
would truly be in my heart.Monica sits quietly, waiting for him to continue.
KNOWLE
(after a beat)
I did some digging. (beat)
The vaccine given to me
is part of you.MONICA
You’re protected now.KNOWLE
Only their virus. Not them.Knowle pulls the stiletto out of his pocket. He holds it out to her and she looks down at it.
KNOWLE
(serious)
I want you to have this for
when they come. Use it to protect-MONICA
(even more serious)
-No.Knowle looks into her eyes, feeling how serious she is.
MONICA
I want you to take it. You need
it, not me. If I take it, then you-Tears come to her eyes and she looks away from him. She doesn’t want to say what could happen to him if he doesn’t keep the weapon.
Monica grabs her head and tears fall down her face.
MONICA
(trying to block)
They’re back...She wishes she were dead.
MONICA
(pleading whisper)
Make them stop...Knowle gets off the couch and kneels down in front of her. He gently takes hold of her hands, bring them away from her head.
KNOWLE
(understanding, soft)
Hey... look at me.Monica’s eyes remain tightly shut. Knowle gently squeezes her hands.
KNOWLE
It’s ok Monica. Just open
your eyes, sweetheart.He moves one of his hands up to her head and gently moves a lose strand of hair off her face.
KNOWLE
Ignore them Monica. You’re in control.Monica’s body starts to relax. She slowly opens her eyes and looks at him.
MONICA
(after a beat)
Thank you.She slides off the couch and gets on her knees in front of Knowle. She wraps her arms around him, feeling safe.
MONICA
Why is it only you?Knowle holds her close to him.
KNOWLE
What do you mean?MONICA
You’re the only one who
finds a way to help me.A tear falls from her eye. She doesn’t bother to wipe it away.
KNOWLE
I don’t know...MONICA
(after a beat)
They took me back to
that facility, Knowle...More tears fall as the memories of the facility enter her mind again. Knowle’s eyes look down as he holds her. He knows that was the last thing Monica ever needed in her life again.
Off his look, we...
FADE OUT:
THE END.
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