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Hi, this is the eighteenth episode of Angel Season 6 by me. I hope you enjoy reading it. If you have feedback, please post it here; both positive comments and constructive criticism are welcome 
Angel Episode 6.18 128. While Mortals Sleep
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters on Angel. They belong to Fox Studios and Joss Whedon. This work is fictional and is only for my and others entertainment. Therefore no infringement is intended. I do not intend to make a profit from this work. However I own all characters that have not previously appeared/been mentioned on Angel, so I can do whatever I like with them. Therefore any unauthorised usage of these characters is not permitted.
ACT I
Open on the exterior of Buffy Summers' house in Sunnydale. The caption says "May 2004". Cut to inside.
The camera shows Buffy leaning against the porch of the house, the night before the final fight with The First. She looks pensive.
The camera suddenly speeds away from her, and upwards, through the clouds, leaving America far below. It then speeds away across the Atlantic to England. Eventually it stops in a dark cave-like area. Two figures are stood in the cave. One of them looks up; it's Clare. The other is John. They are whispering words, never taking their eyes off of one another. Another figure is bound to a large rock between them and is struggling to escape. The camera moves around the two other figures, as it is indicated that they are performing some kind of ritual. There is a humming sound as a white light appears in between John and Clare, surrounding the third figure. It grows bigger. Clare and John continue to stare at one another, chanting, but their voices grow in volume. After a few more seconds there is a bright flash. John and Clare both shield their eyes as a light fills the entire cave and the figure suddenly stops struggling. Torches are lit around the walls. Clare looks on with wonder at the third figure who is now moving again; it is revealed that the woman's body is now a host; a host for The Judge. She looks around her, examining the area. John and Clare look pleased. They bow their heads.
Clare: Welcome to the plane of Earth at last my ruler?Ksyaknara.
The Judge stares at her.
The Judge: I can no longer use that name. Enemies of the cause will suspect. I shall be?The Judge, from now on.
Clare nods. The Judge looks at John.
The Judge: You. You were in league with Him.
John's smile fades.
John: Yes. I was. I believed he was-
The Judge: I do not care what you believed. What is important to me is that you will now follow the cause without question or waver.
John: I swear on my soul.
The Judge stares into John's eyes for a few seconds. John stares back intently. The Judge seems satisfied. She turns to Clare.
The Judge: Where are the rest of your people?
Clare: They are concerned with the Shanshu Prophecy at this moment in time.
The Judge looks dismissive.
The Judge: Shanshu?the obsession of my fellow Senior Partners.
Clare: They are unwise to pursue it.
The Judge: I assume you are wiser?
Clare: I also swear on my soul. What is left of it?
The Judge nods.
John: My ruler?we have concerns of our own. The First Evil, for example.
The Judge: The First Evil is an impotent force, incapable of anything more than manipulation and imprinting fear into the minds of weak humans. The Slayer and her witch will destroy its plans.
John: And what of the one they call "Jasmine".
The Judge narrows her eyes.
The Judge: I may have severed all ties with the other Partners; but there are still some enemies we share. They will not allow her attempts to spread peace to be successful. If Angel is incapable of stopping her, they themselves will see to it that she fails.
Clare: Then we have little in the way of competition.
The Judge: Little, yes. But it exists. He will continue. The other Senior Partners are gathering members of The Circle. Soon will be the time to act. In the mean time; we must watch.
Clare and John both nod.
Clare: How shall we introduce ourselves to them?
The Judge looks at them.
The Judge: Through your own means. I trust you shall be?creative.
Clare smiles. John nods.
Opening credits.
Starring:
DAVID BOREANAZ - Angel
JAMES MARSTERS - Spike
AMY ACKER - Winnifred "Fred" Burkle/Illyria
J. AUGUST RICHARDS - Charles Gunn
ALEXA DAVALOS - Gwen Raiden
KEEGAN CONNOR TRACY - Seneh
PETER KRAUSE - Benjamin "Tap" Tapping
VINCENT KARTHEISER - Connor
Special Guest Star:
JULIET LANDAU - Drusilla
Guest Starring:
STEPHANIE ROMANOV - Lilah Morgan
ADAM BALDWIN - Marcus Hamilton
SARAH THOMPSON - Eve
CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY - Ben
RAINN WILSON - Sebastian
VIRGINIA HEY - Clare
LANI TUPU - John
MELISSA JAFFER - The Judge
PATRICK STEWART - Avryx
JULIANNE MOORE - Laverica
LAWRENCE FISHBOURNE - Detrell
DIANE SCARWID - Narok
CYNTHIA WATROS - Volariant
RON RIFKIN - Ha-zar
JOAN ALLEN - Alidris
JAMES PICKENS JR. - Suvarta
APRIL GRACE - Naur-Veii
JOSH HOLLOWAY - Terethys
MORENA BACCARIN - Cescenya
MAX PERLICH - Whistler
ALFRE WOODWARD - Azure
CLAUDIA KARVAN - Invidia
ROBERT KNEPPER - Carnifex
Cut to the LA Wolfram and Hart offices as they once were; proud and tall. The caption says "June 2004". Cut to inside the building, to Angel's old office. Fred, Gunn, Wesley and Angel are stood around.
Fred: Is this gonna be our lives now? Fighting our own employees, our own clients? Are we really gonna do any good?
Angel: Yes, we are. We're gonna change things. We came to Wolfram and Hart because it's a powerful weapon, and we'll figure out how to wield it.
Wesley: Or kill ourselves with it.
Fred: Yay, team?
Angel: No, sooner or later they'll tip their hand, and we'll find out why they really brought us here.
He picks up an envelope from his desk.
Angel: Meanwhile, we do the work...our way, one thing at a time.
He rips open the envelope.
Angel: We deal...
An amulet falls out of the envelope. The camera begins moving away.
Angel OS: With whatever comes next.
The camera side-scrolls slowly past the wall as Spike can be heard emerging from the envelope. Eve is seen walking into an elevator across the hallway. The doors of the list close, as she stands alone in the centre. The lift begins to move upwards. Eve stands silently, looking bored. The elevator suddenly stops moving. Eve looks puzzled.
Voice OS: You know, it's weird.
Eve looks surprised as she turns round. Lilah is leaning against the wall behind her, smiling pleasantly.
Lilah: A multi-million, multi-dimensional corporation?and the elevators are still as slow as hell.
Eve looks annoyed and turns away.
Eve: Shouldn't you be getting tortured right about now?
Lilah stands straight and steps next to Eve.
Lilah: As it happens, I have an opening.
Eve: What fun.
Lilah: Relatively, yeah.
Eve: And you're here, what, for the social benefits?
Lilah: Well no, cause if I was I'd be in an elevator with just about any other person in this building. Including any of the clients.
Eve fake smiles.
Eve: So why don't you do us both a favour and get to the point?
Lilah: Sure thing. Spike's in the building.
Eve glances at her.
Lilah: But then again, I figured that might not be a complete shock for you.
Eve: I don't know what you-
Lilah: Save it. Luckily for you, the Senior Partners aren't listening right now. They think I'm here to advise you on how to deal with our new arrival; with no idea that you're way ahead of them on that subject. Seeing as they're a little preoccupied right now, they aren't looking in your direction. I however, have a lot more time to look around the nitty gritty.
Eve stares at Lilah looking a little worried.
Eve: How'd you find out without them knowing?
Lilah: Just cause I'm dead doesn't mean I can't spy. The Partners know it, so I do it for them every now and then.
Lilah steps a little closer.
Lilah: (whispering) Don't worry. It can stay between us girls; right?
She smiles at Eve who stares back, narrowing her eyes. She puts on a smile.
Eve: You don't scare me, Lilah. You think you're still in the game? That boat sailed when you got stabbed in the neck. "Advising"? That's all there is for you now. You're done.
Eve smiles condescendingly. Lilah stands back.
Lilah: Oh honey?I haven't even started. You may have been chosen as the Partner's liaison to Angel for some unknown reason?but you'll never get to where I was. I may have been gone a while but?I'm still the bitch. You? Well, you just don't cut the mark. And when the Senior Partners do find out what you're doing, cause believe me, they will?you're gonna realise just how right I am. You'll be out of here before the year is out.
Eve frowns.
Lilah: Tell Lindsey I said hi, k?
Lilah waves falsely and vanishes. Eve stares at where Lilah was standing and then turns to face the elevator doors. She then looks at the elevator's buttons. She presses several floor keys. The white button appears.
Cut to Wesley, Fred and Wesley's "father" on the roof of Wolfram and Hart from "Lineage". The caption says "November 2004".
Wesley: I drop this, the crystal shatters, and Angel is restored. So I reckon whether I live or die, your plan has failed.
Roger Wyndam-Pryce: I see. Well, then... maybe if it's someone you care about-
When his father grabs Fred, Wesley points the gun at his father and shoots it without another moment of consideration. He shoots his father in the chest until his clip is empty - nine times. The camera suddenly zooms upwards into space, as a flash of colours fills the screen, followed by a bright white light. The light fades to show Seneh staring out of a window. She is wearing a trouser suit and looks fairly formal. She is stood in what appears to be an office. A young man appears behind her. He is also wearing a suit.
Man: You hear about Pryce?
Seneh sighs but smiles a little.
Seneh: I did, I did.
The man looks cocky and puts his hands in his pockets.
Man: Tougher than you thought huh?
Seneh rolls her eyes and turns around to look at the man.
Seneh: I never said Wesley wouldn't kill his?"dad".
The man laughs.
Man: Uh, I think you kinda did Seneh.
Seneh: No, I said that he might not be manipulated as easily as you thought he'd be.
Man: Well guess what?
The man takes his hands out of his pockets and lifts his hands out. He looks happy.
Man: He was!
Seneh rolls her eyes and folds her arms, but it is clear that the interaction is jovial.
Seneh: Well what if he let Fred die? Then you'd be kinda screwed.
Voice OS: Interesting point, Seneh.
Seneh and the man both turn to see that Hamilton has appeared nearby. They both look less than happy to see him.
Man: And just when the day was looking better.
Hamilton smiles neutrally.
Hamilton: Ben. I have a message for you. From the Senior Partners.
Ben's expression changes a little, indicating some fear in his eyes. Seneh glances from him to Hamilton, frowning.
Seneh: Since when do you give us messages?
Hamilton: When the messages are of a?delicate nature.
Ben looks nervous.
Ben: What is it?
Hamilton pauses, smiling.
Hamilton: Your little plan concerning the cyborgs was beneficial, but the Partners are worried that you're taking risks concerning Angel and company.
Ben: Hey they told me to push and I'm pushing.
Hamilton: Perhaps you should think about pushing a little more subtly, Ben. You wouldn't want a major player's death on you hands now, would you?
Ben doesn't respond. Seneh glares at Hamilton and steps towards him.
Seneh: So what, the intimidation routine is cause you wanna get all the gold stars from the Senior Partners right?
Hamilton stares down at her, smiling still.
Hamilton: I don't have to do much to upstage the both of you. Eve may be the frontrunner at this moment in time, but we all know she won't last.
Ben: Well if it's a choice between you and Eve I know who I'd pick. At least she's not trying to backstab us.
Hamilton: Oh I wouldn't be so sure. Nobody's spotless in this game Ben. I'd have thought you'd have realised that by now.
Ben glares at Hamilton, as does Seneh. Hamilton looks unimpressed.
Hamilton: Take the message on board. I'm sure our paths will cross again soon.
Hamilton turns around and walks out of the room, without waiting for Seneh and Ben to respond. They watch him go. Seneh sighs.
Seneh: So that confirms my theory that we're the good half of the family.
Ben looks at Seneh. He is clearly worried. Seneh looks sympathetic as she notices.
Seneh: Ben, don't listen to him-
Ben: It's not just a threat though. They could get rid of any one of us. And right now is like a good time for them to be doing that what with their disagreements and everything.
Seneh: Oh come on, they need us. You think they expect Eve to take care of Angel and company single-handedly?
Ben: What if they replaced me? Us, even.
Seneh doesn't respond.
Ben: Face it Seneh. All we're doing is standing behind the stage. They use Lilah more than they use us. It wouldn't take much for them to make us disappear. At no extra cost.
Seneh looks away.
Seneh: I won't let it happen.
Ben: What, you'll snark them into submission?
Seneh: I have a few other weapons at my disposal. None of us are spotless, right?
[I]She glances up at him. Ben stares back looking anxious.
Cut to LA, night. The penultimate scene from the end of "Damage" plays out with Angel, Andrew, Wesley and the Slayers. The caption says "January 2005".
Angel: You're way outta your league. I'll just clear this with Buffy.
Andrew: Where do you think my orders came from? News flash; nobody in our camp trusts you anymore. Nobody. You work for Wolfram & Hart. Don't fool yourself... we're not on the same side. Thank you for your help... but, uh...we got it.
He gestures to the girls to get Dana. The screen fades to white quickly, cutting to Eve walking down a corridor. She opens a door and walks in to what appears to be an office. Seneh turns to look at her as she enters. Eve smiles.
Eve: Good news Seneh. The Partners are impressed by your little shape shifter stunt.
Rather than looking pleased, Seneh looks worried.
Seneh: What are they gonna do with the Slayer?
Eve looks surprised.
Eve: Since when is that your concern?
Seneh doesn't respond. Eve rolls her eyes.
Eve: The Partners don't have a use for her. She can back to her?"life", or whatever.
Seneh closes her eyes, sighing a quiet breath of relief. Eve watches and then folds her arms. She smiles vaguely but there is a glint of malice in her eyes.
Eve: Are you some kind of humanitarian now? Is that what you've become back here?
Seneh stares at Eve.
Eve: You're a Child of the Senior Partners-
Seneh: (shouting) I do not need a goddamn lecture from you Eve! You think you're better than us just cause you got picked as liaison? You think you can act like we're beneath you!?
Eve glares at her.
Eve: You are. Because you're weak. You're worried that you might hurt some poor little mortal. You're not supposed to care about them. That's not our job. And the fact that I know that way more than you is why I'm the Partner's liaison to Angel and you're back here staring out the window every other hour.
The camera focuses on Ben standing in the background behind Seneh and Eve, who go out of focus. He clears his throat causing Seneh and Eve to look at him. Seneh glares at Eve and then walks out.
Seneh: Hey Ben.
Ben smiles kindly at her as she walks past. He then stares at Eve. She moves her tongue around her mouth and sighs.
Eve: Of course you're here, cause you two are never apart for long.
Ben slams the door behind him. Eve looks a little shocked.
Ben: This isn't about Seneh. This is about me?and you?
Eve looks confused.
Ben: Cause word has it that you have something to hide.
An element of fear is now present in Eve's eyes.
Eve: I don't know what you're-
Ben: Yeah well I don't either, really, but let's just say that it's true. Cause right now your expression tells me everything I need to know.
Eve swallows and looks annoyed with herself.
Eve: What do you want from me?
Ben walks towards her.
Ben: You know that the Partners are just asking for an excuse to get rid of me. Thing is?if they should find out that you're not so perfect, that might cause them to reconsider who gets the chop.
Eve: You're going to blackmail me?
Ben: Not exactly. I think we can help each other.
[I]Eve stares at him, uncertainly. Ben stares back looking out of his depth but attempting to remain confident in front of Eve.
Cut to the scene from near the end of "You're Welcome". The caption says "March, 2005". Eve is stood in the elevator as Angel and co. surround her.
Cordelia: It's really been a pleasure. Let's never keep in touch.
Angel: It's a new game, Eve. If I were you, I'd start thinking strategy.
Eve: And here I am thinking revenge.
Angel: And what do you imagine the senior partners are thinking?
The elevator doors close on Eve who looks anxious. The screen fades to white. As the white fades we see Seneh walking into the office she, Ben and Hamilton conversed in before. A man is stood behind the desk, sorting through papers; the same man from the end of "Casualties of Law". He is wearing a suit but his jacket is hanging on the chair behind him. Seneh looks surprised. The man smiles in a friendly way.
Man: Hello.
He speaks politely but without emotion. Seneh smiles vaguely but looks confused.
Seneh: Uh?hi. Um, who are you?
Man: My name is Sebastian. You must be Seneh.
Seneh: That's right?
Sebastian smiles once again and walks around to stand beside Seneh. Seneh looks hesitant as he holds out his hand, but then exchanges a handshake.
Sebastian: I'm sure we're going to get along famously.
Seneh smiles falsely but then looks anxious.
Seneh: Uh, yeah, where's Ben?
Sebastian looks puzzled but continues to smile.
Sebastian: I'm sorry, I don't know a "Ben".
Seneh: This is his office.
Sebastian seems to realise something and smiles sympathetically.
Sebastian: Oh?no I'm afraid not. This is my office now.
He continues to smile, without malice. Seneh looks horrified as she realises what has happened. She turns and rushes out. Sebastian looks confused and then turns back to sorting through his papers.
Cut to Seneh running down a corridor. She runs faster, looking angry and upset. Cut to a close up of Hamilton placing books in a shelf. The room appears to be his office. Seneh bursts in behind him, but Hamilton doesn't look at all phased, in fact he doesn't even turn to look at her. Seneh glares angrily.
Seneh: Where. Is Ben?
Hamilton: Seneh. I wondered how long it'd be before you arrived here.
Seneh steps forward menacingly.
Seneh: Answer. Me.
Hamilton turns to her.
Hamilton: His position has been terminated.
Seneh looks at a loss. She glances downwards, staring into space.
Hamilton: It turns out that he and Eve were both less than honest with the Partners. Ben had been helping Eve hide Lindsey McDonald's whereabouts.
Seneh looks up at him. She shakes her head slowly.
Seneh: No. No Ben wasn't that, that stupid!
Hamilton: Unfortunately for him; he was.
Seneh pauses.
Seneh: (coldly) What about her?
Hamilton: Eve? She's currently off the radar. But she can't hide forever now, can she?
Seneh doesn't respond.
Hamilton: Don't worry, Seneh. It'll be taken care of.
Hamilton smiles, but his smile is untrustworthy. Seneh glares at him and then turns around. She stops as Hamilton begins to speak once again.
Hamilton: Oh, and I'll hope you'll make our new associate welcome. It's just the three of us from now on.
Seneh pauses and then walks away without responding. Hamilton smiles to himself.
Cut to Angel, Gunn, Wesley, Spike and Lorne at the beginning of "Not Fade Away". The caption says "May 2005".
Angel: Then we're all agreed.
Spike: Yeah, we're all one big happy Manson family.
Gunn: We taking 'em all at once?
Angel: Can't. Circle of the Black Thorn is the most powerful group in this plane of existence. Together, they'd vaporize us, but separated, they're just demons.
Wesley slings his shotgun over his shoulder and walks towards to Angel.
Wesley: When do we make our move?
The camera speeds away from them and upwards. Light flashes several times as the camera speeds upwards. As the light fades from the screen, we see Hamilton standing in the office he and Seneh were in previously. Lilah is leaning against his desk. She smiles to herself
Lilah: Nervous?
Hamilton turns to her and smiles confidently.
Hamilton: And why would I be?
Lilah: Well it is "The End" according to just about everyone. I was just wondering whether you were ready to deal with that.
Hamilton: We're prepared for a number of circumstances.
Lilah: Right, like you were prepared for Seneh to jump ship? For Connor's little return to field? For Illyria?
Hamilton's smile fades.
Lilah: Cause, correct me if I'm wrong but your little exchange was supposed to end with her dead, right? And yet?she's not.
Hamilton: I came for Drogyn, Lilah. Illyria is irrelevant.
Lilah: And that's why your bosses were so keen to get her out of the way only a few days ago?
Hamilton: Whereas yours want to use her? They're foolish if they think her kind can be controlled.
Lilah pushes herself off the table and walks towards Hamilton.
Lilah: We're setting up for damage limitation. Your guys think you can go all out against Angel? You can't. We won't let you destroy him.
Hamilton: Your superiors don't have it in their power to stop us.
Lilah: Maybe not alone. But we do have some help.
Hamilton frowns.
Lilah: Seems that The Powers That Be aren't so stupid after all. They know which side to choose. And believe me, they've chosen.
Hamilton looks angry.
Hamilton: You can't stop the Apocalypse Lilah. Nothing can.
Lilah: Well maybe you've got your star charts upside down. Cause I'm thinking that we'll still be playing the game for a while yet.
Lilah smiles.
Lilah: And I think I'll be seeing a lot more of you downstairs. Have fun.
She turns round and walks out. Hamilton swallows. For the first time, there is fear in his eyes.
Cut to a montage of scenes from "Vendettas" and "Different Destinations". There is a shot of Clare dying. A shot of Faith killing Jake. A shot of Ksyaknara dispersing. A shot of Dawn shooting Luce. A shot of Faith, dead.
The screen fades to white. As the white fades, we see Whistler walking down a corridor. The caption says "May 2005". He appears to come to a dead end but as he places his hand on the wall, a door is formed. He opens it and walks into the room that was seen in "Pandora's Box". And just like in that episode, Seneh is stood in the room. The door is swallowed up behind Whistler as he walks forward. Seneh stands with her arms folded.
Whistler: She did it.
Seneh unfolds her arms in surprise. She shakes her head.
Seneh: No, no, you can't kill a Senior Partner.
Whistler: We don't know if that's the case. Ksyaknara might still have some conscious form?somewhere. But she's no longer an issue.
Seneh doesn't respond.
Whistler: The truth is Seneh?that Ksyaknara's demise wasn't simply random. It was orchestrated.
Seneh looks confused.
Whistler: Why do you think she went after Jakenos? He's not included in the prophecy. They were doomed to fail.
Seneh seems to realise something.
Seneh: They were misled?
Whistler: Right.
Seneh: Who told them? The Senior Partners?
Whistler: No?their tool. You know who.
Seneh pauses and then nods, realising something.
Seneh: So, now they know they're not as invincible as they thought?what are the Partners gonna do?
Whistler: As we speak, Angel and his group are launching an offensive against The Circle of the Black Thorn. Looks like they'll take them out. Avryx's faction aren't willing to let Angel get away with that.
Seneh: This can't end well?
Whistler: Well that depends from which side you're looking from. Ha-zar's group aren't so willing to give up on Angel just yet. They think there's still time. And so do we.
Seneh: You can't intervene.
Whistler: Sometimes we can.
Seneh: What, when you're about to lose?
Whistler stares at her.
Whistler: You came here for sanctuary Seneh. We can take that away if you're not on board here.
Seneh looks worried and swallows.
Seneh: I'm on board. I just?there are things I don't understand.
Whistler: You will. You've just been seeing things from backstage so far. We think it'll soon be time for you to step into the spotlight. That is?if you're ready.
Seneh looks surprised by this offer. She nods once.
Classic build up music plays as we see a montage of shots of Angel and co. fighting the Circle of the Black Thorn: Wesley dying. Angel killing Hamilton. Wolfram and Hart falling down. Angel, Illyria, Spike and Gunn standing in the alley way. Angel swinging his sword at the camera.
Angel Episode 6.18 128. While Mortals Sleep
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters on Angel. They belong to Fox Studios and Joss Whedon. This work is fictional and is only for my and others entertainment. Therefore no infringement is intended. I do not intend to make a profit from this work. However I own all characters that have not previously appeared/been mentioned on Angel, so I can do whatever I like with them. Therefore any unauthorised usage of these characters is not permitted.
ACT I
Open on the exterior of Buffy Summers' house in Sunnydale. The caption says "May 2004". Cut to inside.
The camera shows Buffy leaning against the porch of the house, the night before the final fight with The First. She looks pensive.
The camera suddenly speeds away from her, and upwards, through the clouds, leaving America far below. It then speeds away across the Atlantic to England. Eventually it stops in a dark cave-like area. Two figures are stood in the cave. One of them looks up; it's Clare. The other is John. They are whispering words, never taking their eyes off of one another. Another figure is bound to a large rock between them and is struggling to escape. The camera moves around the two other figures, as it is indicated that they are performing some kind of ritual. There is a humming sound as a white light appears in between John and Clare, surrounding the third figure. It grows bigger. Clare and John continue to stare at one another, chanting, but their voices grow in volume. After a few more seconds there is a bright flash. John and Clare both shield their eyes as a light fills the entire cave and the figure suddenly stops struggling. Torches are lit around the walls. Clare looks on with wonder at the third figure who is now moving again; it is revealed that the woman's body is now a host; a host for The Judge. She looks around her, examining the area. John and Clare look pleased. They bow their heads.
Clare: Welcome to the plane of Earth at last my ruler?Ksyaknara.
The Judge stares at her.
The Judge: I can no longer use that name. Enemies of the cause will suspect. I shall be?The Judge, from now on.
Clare nods. The Judge looks at John.
The Judge: You. You were in league with Him.
John's smile fades.
John: Yes. I was. I believed he was-
The Judge: I do not care what you believed. What is important to me is that you will now follow the cause without question or waver.
John: I swear on my soul.
The Judge stares into John's eyes for a few seconds. John stares back intently. The Judge seems satisfied. She turns to Clare.
The Judge: Where are the rest of your people?
Clare: They are concerned with the Shanshu Prophecy at this moment in time.
The Judge looks dismissive.
The Judge: Shanshu?the obsession of my fellow Senior Partners.
Clare: They are unwise to pursue it.
The Judge: I assume you are wiser?
Clare: I also swear on my soul. What is left of it?
The Judge nods.
John: My ruler?we have concerns of our own. The First Evil, for example.
The Judge: The First Evil is an impotent force, incapable of anything more than manipulation and imprinting fear into the minds of weak humans. The Slayer and her witch will destroy its plans.
John: And what of the one they call "Jasmine".
The Judge narrows her eyes.
The Judge: I may have severed all ties with the other Partners; but there are still some enemies we share. They will not allow her attempts to spread peace to be successful. If Angel is incapable of stopping her, they themselves will see to it that she fails.
Clare: Then we have little in the way of competition.
The Judge: Little, yes. But it exists. He will continue. The other Senior Partners are gathering members of The Circle. Soon will be the time to act. In the mean time; we must watch.
Clare and John both nod.
Clare: How shall we introduce ourselves to them?
The Judge looks at them.
The Judge: Through your own means. I trust you shall be?creative.
Clare smiles. John nods.
Opening credits.
Starring:
DAVID BOREANAZ - Angel
JAMES MARSTERS - Spike
AMY ACKER - Winnifred "Fred" Burkle/Illyria
J. AUGUST RICHARDS - Charles Gunn
ALEXA DAVALOS - Gwen Raiden
KEEGAN CONNOR TRACY - Seneh
PETER KRAUSE - Benjamin "Tap" Tapping
VINCENT KARTHEISER - Connor
Special Guest Star:
JULIET LANDAU - Drusilla
Guest Starring:
STEPHANIE ROMANOV - Lilah Morgan
ADAM BALDWIN - Marcus Hamilton
SARAH THOMPSON - Eve
CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY - Ben
RAINN WILSON - Sebastian
VIRGINIA HEY - Clare
LANI TUPU - John
MELISSA JAFFER - The Judge
PATRICK STEWART - Avryx
JULIANNE MOORE - Laverica
LAWRENCE FISHBOURNE - Detrell
DIANE SCARWID - Narok
CYNTHIA WATROS - Volariant
RON RIFKIN - Ha-zar
JOAN ALLEN - Alidris
JAMES PICKENS JR. - Suvarta
APRIL GRACE - Naur-Veii
JOSH HOLLOWAY - Terethys
MORENA BACCARIN - Cescenya
MAX PERLICH - Whistler
ALFRE WOODWARD - Azure
CLAUDIA KARVAN - Invidia
ROBERT KNEPPER - Carnifex
Cut to the LA Wolfram and Hart offices as they once were; proud and tall. The caption says "June 2004". Cut to inside the building, to Angel's old office. Fred, Gunn, Wesley and Angel are stood around.
Fred: Is this gonna be our lives now? Fighting our own employees, our own clients? Are we really gonna do any good?
Angel: Yes, we are. We're gonna change things. We came to Wolfram and Hart because it's a powerful weapon, and we'll figure out how to wield it.
Wesley: Or kill ourselves with it.
Fred: Yay, team?
Angel: No, sooner or later they'll tip their hand, and we'll find out why they really brought us here.
He picks up an envelope from his desk.
Angel: Meanwhile, we do the work...our way, one thing at a time.
He rips open the envelope.
Angel: We deal...
An amulet falls out of the envelope. The camera begins moving away.
Angel OS: With whatever comes next.
The camera side-scrolls slowly past the wall as Spike can be heard emerging from the envelope. Eve is seen walking into an elevator across the hallway. The doors of the list close, as she stands alone in the centre. The lift begins to move upwards. Eve stands silently, looking bored. The elevator suddenly stops moving. Eve looks puzzled.
Voice OS: You know, it's weird.
Eve looks surprised as she turns round. Lilah is leaning against the wall behind her, smiling pleasantly.
Lilah: A multi-million, multi-dimensional corporation?and the elevators are still as slow as hell.
Eve looks annoyed and turns away.
Eve: Shouldn't you be getting tortured right about now?
Lilah stands straight and steps next to Eve.
Lilah: As it happens, I have an opening.
Eve: What fun.
Lilah: Relatively, yeah.
Eve: And you're here, what, for the social benefits?
Lilah: Well no, cause if I was I'd be in an elevator with just about any other person in this building. Including any of the clients.
Eve fake smiles.
Eve: So why don't you do us both a favour and get to the point?
Lilah: Sure thing. Spike's in the building.
Eve glances at her.
Lilah: But then again, I figured that might not be a complete shock for you.
Eve: I don't know what you-
Lilah: Save it. Luckily for you, the Senior Partners aren't listening right now. They think I'm here to advise you on how to deal with our new arrival; with no idea that you're way ahead of them on that subject. Seeing as they're a little preoccupied right now, they aren't looking in your direction. I however, have a lot more time to look around the nitty gritty.
Eve stares at Lilah looking a little worried.
Eve: How'd you find out without them knowing?
Lilah: Just cause I'm dead doesn't mean I can't spy. The Partners know it, so I do it for them every now and then.
Lilah steps a little closer.
Lilah: (whispering) Don't worry. It can stay between us girls; right?
She smiles at Eve who stares back, narrowing her eyes. She puts on a smile.
Eve: You don't scare me, Lilah. You think you're still in the game? That boat sailed when you got stabbed in the neck. "Advising"? That's all there is for you now. You're done.
Eve smiles condescendingly. Lilah stands back.
Lilah: Oh honey?I haven't even started. You may have been chosen as the Partner's liaison to Angel for some unknown reason?but you'll never get to where I was. I may have been gone a while but?I'm still the bitch. You? Well, you just don't cut the mark. And when the Senior Partners do find out what you're doing, cause believe me, they will?you're gonna realise just how right I am. You'll be out of here before the year is out.
Eve frowns.
Lilah: Tell Lindsey I said hi, k?
Lilah waves falsely and vanishes. Eve stares at where Lilah was standing and then turns to face the elevator doors. She then looks at the elevator's buttons. She presses several floor keys. The white button appears.
Cut to Wesley, Fred and Wesley's "father" on the roof of Wolfram and Hart from "Lineage". The caption says "November 2004".
Wesley: I drop this, the crystal shatters, and Angel is restored. So I reckon whether I live or die, your plan has failed.
Roger Wyndam-Pryce: I see. Well, then... maybe if it's someone you care about-
When his father grabs Fred, Wesley points the gun at his father and shoots it without another moment of consideration. He shoots his father in the chest until his clip is empty - nine times. The camera suddenly zooms upwards into space, as a flash of colours fills the screen, followed by a bright white light. The light fades to show Seneh staring out of a window. She is wearing a trouser suit and looks fairly formal. She is stood in what appears to be an office. A young man appears behind her. He is also wearing a suit.
Man: You hear about Pryce?
Seneh sighs but smiles a little.
Seneh: I did, I did.
The man looks cocky and puts his hands in his pockets.
Man: Tougher than you thought huh?
Seneh rolls her eyes and turns around to look at the man.
Seneh: I never said Wesley wouldn't kill his?"dad".
The man laughs.
Man: Uh, I think you kinda did Seneh.
Seneh: No, I said that he might not be manipulated as easily as you thought he'd be.
Man: Well guess what?
The man takes his hands out of his pockets and lifts his hands out. He looks happy.
Man: He was!
Seneh rolls her eyes and folds her arms, but it is clear that the interaction is jovial.
Seneh: Well what if he let Fred die? Then you'd be kinda screwed.
Voice OS: Interesting point, Seneh.
Seneh and the man both turn to see that Hamilton has appeared nearby. They both look less than happy to see him.
Man: And just when the day was looking better.
Hamilton smiles neutrally.
Hamilton: Ben. I have a message for you. From the Senior Partners.
Ben's expression changes a little, indicating some fear in his eyes. Seneh glances from him to Hamilton, frowning.
Seneh: Since when do you give us messages?
Hamilton: When the messages are of a?delicate nature.
Ben looks nervous.
Ben: What is it?
Hamilton pauses, smiling.
Hamilton: Your little plan concerning the cyborgs was beneficial, but the Partners are worried that you're taking risks concerning Angel and company.
Ben: Hey they told me to push and I'm pushing.
Hamilton: Perhaps you should think about pushing a little more subtly, Ben. You wouldn't want a major player's death on you hands now, would you?
Ben doesn't respond. Seneh glares at Hamilton and steps towards him.
Seneh: So what, the intimidation routine is cause you wanna get all the gold stars from the Senior Partners right?
Hamilton stares down at her, smiling still.
Hamilton: I don't have to do much to upstage the both of you. Eve may be the frontrunner at this moment in time, but we all know she won't last.
Ben: Well if it's a choice between you and Eve I know who I'd pick. At least she's not trying to backstab us.
Hamilton: Oh I wouldn't be so sure. Nobody's spotless in this game Ben. I'd have thought you'd have realised that by now.
Ben glares at Hamilton, as does Seneh. Hamilton looks unimpressed.
Hamilton: Take the message on board. I'm sure our paths will cross again soon.
Hamilton turns around and walks out of the room, without waiting for Seneh and Ben to respond. They watch him go. Seneh sighs.
Seneh: So that confirms my theory that we're the good half of the family.
Ben looks at Seneh. He is clearly worried. Seneh looks sympathetic as she notices.
Seneh: Ben, don't listen to him-
Ben: It's not just a threat though. They could get rid of any one of us. And right now is like a good time for them to be doing that what with their disagreements and everything.
Seneh: Oh come on, they need us. You think they expect Eve to take care of Angel and company single-handedly?
Ben: What if they replaced me? Us, even.
Seneh doesn't respond.
Ben: Face it Seneh. All we're doing is standing behind the stage. They use Lilah more than they use us. It wouldn't take much for them to make us disappear. At no extra cost.
Seneh looks away.
Seneh: I won't let it happen.
Ben: What, you'll snark them into submission?
Seneh: I have a few other weapons at my disposal. None of us are spotless, right?
[I]She glances up at him. Ben stares back looking anxious.
Cut to LA, night. The penultimate scene from the end of "Damage" plays out with Angel, Andrew, Wesley and the Slayers. The caption says "January 2005".
Angel: You're way outta your league. I'll just clear this with Buffy.
Andrew: Where do you think my orders came from? News flash; nobody in our camp trusts you anymore. Nobody. You work for Wolfram & Hart. Don't fool yourself... we're not on the same side. Thank you for your help... but, uh...we got it.
He gestures to the girls to get Dana. The screen fades to white quickly, cutting to Eve walking down a corridor. She opens a door and walks in to what appears to be an office. Seneh turns to look at her as she enters. Eve smiles.
Eve: Good news Seneh. The Partners are impressed by your little shape shifter stunt.
Rather than looking pleased, Seneh looks worried.
Seneh: What are they gonna do with the Slayer?
Eve looks surprised.
Eve: Since when is that your concern?
Seneh doesn't respond. Eve rolls her eyes.
Eve: The Partners don't have a use for her. She can back to her?"life", or whatever.
Seneh closes her eyes, sighing a quiet breath of relief. Eve watches and then folds her arms. She smiles vaguely but there is a glint of malice in her eyes.
Eve: Are you some kind of humanitarian now? Is that what you've become back here?
Seneh stares at Eve.
Eve: You're a Child of the Senior Partners-
Seneh: (shouting) I do not need a goddamn lecture from you Eve! You think you're better than us just cause you got picked as liaison? You think you can act like we're beneath you!?
Eve glares at her.
Eve: You are. Because you're weak. You're worried that you might hurt some poor little mortal. You're not supposed to care about them. That's not our job. And the fact that I know that way more than you is why I'm the Partner's liaison to Angel and you're back here staring out the window every other hour.
The camera focuses on Ben standing in the background behind Seneh and Eve, who go out of focus. He clears his throat causing Seneh and Eve to look at him. Seneh glares at Eve and then walks out.
Seneh: Hey Ben.
Ben smiles kindly at her as she walks past. He then stares at Eve. She moves her tongue around her mouth and sighs.
Eve: Of course you're here, cause you two are never apart for long.
Ben slams the door behind him. Eve looks a little shocked.
Ben: This isn't about Seneh. This is about me?and you?
Eve looks confused.
Ben: Cause word has it that you have something to hide.
An element of fear is now present in Eve's eyes.
Eve: I don't know what you're-
Ben: Yeah well I don't either, really, but let's just say that it's true. Cause right now your expression tells me everything I need to know.
Eve swallows and looks annoyed with herself.
Eve: What do you want from me?
Ben walks towards her.
Ben: You know that the Partners are just asking for an excuse to get rid of me. Thing is?if they should find out that you're not so perfect, that might cause them to reconsider who gets the chop.
Eve: You're going to blackmail me?
Ben: Not exactly. I think we can help each other.
[I]Eve stares at him, uncertainly. Ben stares back looking out of his depth but attempting to remain confident in front of Eve.
Cut to the scene from near the end of "You're Welcome". The caption says "March, 2005". Eve is stood in the elevator as Angel and co. surround her.
Cordelia: It's really been a pleasure. Let's never keep in touch.
Angel: It's a new game, Eve. If I were you, I'd start thinking strategy.
Eve: And here I am thinking revenge.
Angel: And what do you imagine the senior partners are thinking?
The elevator doors close on Eve who looks anxious. The screen fades to white. As the white fades we see Seneh walking into the office she, Ben and Hamilton conversed in before. A man is stood behind the desk, sorting through papers; the same man from the end of "Casualties of Law". He is wearing a suit but his jacket is hanging on the chair behind him. Seneh looks surprised. The man smiles in a friendly way.
Man: Hello.
He speaks politely but without emotion. Seneh smiles vaguely but looks confused.
Seneh: Uh?hi. Um, who are you?
Man: My name is Sebastian. You must be Seneh.
Seneh: That's right?
Sebastian smiles once again and walks around to stand beside Seneh. Seneh looks hesitant as he holds out his hand, but then exchanges a handshake.
Sebastian: I'm sure we're going to get along famously.
Seneh smiles falsely but then looks anxious.
Seneh: Uh, yeah, where's Ben?
Sebastian looks puzzled but continues to smile.
Sebastian: I'm sorry, I don't know a "Ben".
Seneh: This is his office.
Sebastian seems to realise something and smiles sympathetically.
Sebastian: Oh?no I'm afraid not. This is my office now.
He continues to smile, without malice. Seneh looks horrified as she realises what has happened. She turns and rushes out. Sebastian looks confused and then turns back to sorting through his papers.
Cut to Seneh running down a corridor. She runs faster, looking angry and upset. Cut to a close up of Hamilton placing books in a shelf. The room appears to be his office. Seneh bursts in behind him, but Hamilton doesn't look at all phased, in fact he doesn't even turn to look at her. Seneh glares angrily.
Seneh: Where. Is Ben?
Hamilton: Seneh. I wondered how long it'd be before you arrived here.
Seneh steps forward menacingly.
Seneh: Answer. Me.
Hamilton turns to her.
Hamilton: His position has been terminated.
Seneh looks at a loss. She glances downwards, staring into space.
Hamilton: It turns out that he and Eve were both less than honest with the Partners. Ben had been helping Eve hide Lindsey McDonald's whereabouts.
Seneh looks up at him. She shakes her head slowly.
Seneh: No. No Ben wasn't that, that stupid!
Hamilton: Unfortunately for him; he was.
Seneh pauses.
Seneh: (coldly) What about her?
Hamilton: Eve? She's currently off the radar. But she can't hide forever now, can she?
Seneh doesn't respond.
Hamilton: Don't worry, Seneh. It'll be taken care of.
Hamilton smiles, but his smile is untrustworthy. Seneh glares at him and then turns around. She stops as Hamilton begins to speak once again.
Hamilton: Oh, and I'll hope you'll make our new associate welcome. It's just the three of us from now on.
Seneh pauses and then walks away without responding. Hamilton smiles to himself.
Cut to Angel, Gunn, Wesley, Spike and Lorne at the beginning of "Not Fade Away". The caption says "May 2005".
Angel: Then we're all agreed.
Spike: Yeah, we're all one big happy Manson family.
Gunn: We taking 'em all at once?
Angel: Can't. Circle of the Black Thorn is the most powerful group in this plane of existence. Together, they'd vaporize us, but separated, they're just demons.
Wesley slings his shotgun over his shoulder and walks towards to Angel.
Wesley: When do we make our move?
The camera speeds away from them and upwards. Light flashes several times as the camera speeds upwards. As the light fades from the screen, we see Hamilton standing in the office he and Seneh were in previously. Lilah is leaning against his desk. She smiles to herself
Lilah: Nervous?
Hamilton turns to her and smiles confidently.
Hamilton: And why would I be?
Lilah: Well it is "The End" according to just about everyone. I was just wondering whether you were ready to deal with that.
Hamilton: We're prepared for a number of circumstances.
Lilah: Right, like you were prepared for Seneh to jump ship? For Connor's little return to field? For Illyria?
Hamilton's smile fades.
Lilah: Cause, correct me if I'm wrong but your little exchange was supposed to end with her dead, right? And yet?she's not.
Hamilton: I came for Drogyn, Lilah. Illyria is irrelevant.
Lilah: And that's why your bosses were so keen to get her out of the way only a few days ago?
Hamilton: Whereas yours want to use her? They're foolish if they think her kind can be controlled.
Lilah pushes herself off the table and walks towards Hamilton.
Lilah: We're setting up for damage limitation. Your guys think you can go all out against Angel? You can't. We won't let you destroy him.
Hamilton: Your superiors don't have it in their power to stop us.
Lilah: Maybe not alone. But we do have some help.
Hamilton frowns.
Lilah: Seems that The Powers That Be aren't so stupid after all. They know which side to choose. And believe me, they've chosen.
Hamilton looks angry.
Hamilton: You can't stop the Apocalypse Lilah. Nothing can.
Lilah: Well maybe you've got your star charts upside down. Cause I'm thinking that we'll still be playing the game for a while yet.
Lilah smiles.
Lilah: And I think I'll be seeing a lot more of you downstairs. Have fun.
She turns round and walks out. Hamilton swallows. For the first time, there is fear in his eyes.
Cut to a montage of scenes from "Vendettas" and "Different Destinations". There is a shot of Clare dying. A shot of Faith killing Jake. A shot of Ksyaknara dispersing. A shot of Dawn shooting Luce. A shot of Faith, dead.
The screen fades to white. As the white fades, we see Whistler walking down a corridor. The caption says "May 2005". He appears to come to a dead end but as he places his hand on the wall, a door is formed. He opens it and walks into the room that was seen in "Pandora's Box". And just like in that episode, Seneh is stood in the room. The door is swallowed up behind Whistler as he walks forward. Seneh stands with her arms folded.
Whistler: She did it.
Seneh unfolds her arms in surprise. She shakes her head.
Seneh: No, no, you can't kill a Senior Partner.
Whistler: We don't know if that's the case. Ksyaknara might still have some conscious form?somewhere. But she's no longer an issue.
Seneh doesn't respond.
Whistler: The truth is Seneh?that Ksyaknara's demise wasn't simply random. It was orchestrated.
Seneh looks confused.
Whistler: Why do you think she went after Jakenos? He's not included in the prophecy. They were doomed to fail.
Seneh seems to realise something.
Seneh: They were misled?
Whistler: Right.
Seneh: Who told them? The Senior Partners?
Whistler: No?their tool. You know who.
Seneh pauses and then nods, realising something.
Seneh: So, now they know they're not as invincible as they thought?what are the Partners gonna do?
Whistler: As we speak, Angel and his group are launching an offensive against The Circle of the Black Thorn. Looks like they'll take them out. Avryx's faction aren't willing to let Angel get away with that.
Seneh: This can't end well?
Whistler: Well that depends from which side you're looking from. Ha-zar's group aren't so willing to give up on Angel just yet. They think there's still time. And so do we.
Seneh: You can't intervene.
Whistler: Sometimes we can.
Seneh: What, when you're about to lose?
Whistler stares at her.
Whistler: You came here for sanctuary Seneh. We can take that away if you're not on board here.
Seneh looks worried and swallows.
Seneh: I'm on board. I just?there are things I don't understand.
Whistler: You will. You've just been seeing things from backstage so far. We think it'll soon be time for you to step into the spotlight. That is?if you're ready.
Seneh looks surprised by this offer. She nods once.
Classic build up music plays as we see a montage of shots of Angel and co. fighting the Circle of the Black Thorn: Wesley dying. Angel killing Hamilton. Wolfram and Hart falling down. Angel, Illyria, Spike and Gunn standing in the alley way. Angel swinging his sword at the camera.
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