Desperado – Season 1, Episode 13: Family Meeting

Elio is on a slow path to recovery. Shinji revealed his true name to Asher, and Talia decided to confront Samedi once and for all, summoning him with only a lit cigarette for offering.

You can find more information, including our full cast list and transcripts, at DesperadoRadio.com.

Credits:

Written and produced by Samy Souissi.

  • Elio – Samy Souissi
  • Shinji – Tibet Boyer
  • Talia – Tami Ige
  • Samar – Kawtar Morchadi
  • Baron Samedi – AJ Bediako
  • Joan – Emma Blacklay-Piech
  • Asher – Patrick Hutchinson

Transcript

Please be advised the content of this podcast includes driving sound effects, violence, firearms and gunshots, blood, smoking, alcohol, death, and mentions of suicide. We also swear… a whole lot… so… please listen at your own discretion. 

Previously on Desperado…

Now rescued from the Vault, Elio was on the slow path to recovery, Shinji revealed his true name to Asher, and Talia decided to confront Samedi once and for all. Summoning him with only a lit cigarette for offering.

This… is Desperado…

SFX: Eerie, almost ethereal transitional music. 

SFX: cigarette drags

BARON SAMEDI

It ain’t much indeed… (exhales) But spit on the appetizer, and you won’t get dinner… (chuckle) What else is on the table, Lady Talia?

TALIA

(Interrupting)

These fucking hands if you keep talking!

BARON SAMEDI

TALIA

She called you a God! A protector– She prayed to you every day, she trusted you with me!

BARON SAMEDI

Oh no…

TALIA

And look at what you’ve done!

BARON SAMEDI

No, no, no that won’t do at all…

TALIA

Look at me!

BARON SAMEDI

I think you’ll have to kneel.

TALIA

What?

BARON SAMEDI

Kneel, daughter, and we’ll forget about this.

TALIA

You… foolish, arrogant

BARON SAMEDI

I’ll give you one chance-

TALIA

– forgotten old man

BARON SAMEDI

– because I can’t expect you to understand-

TALIA

The grand fucking Samedi, held in chains by-

BARON SAMEDI

(voice echoing menacingly)

WHAT RESPECT MEANS! When you were raised in the jungle like a beast! Who kept your heart beating? Who called the air back to your lungs – and WHO brought you back on those two feet that you have the audacity to stand on today – I SAID KNEEL!

SFX: sizzling and burning

TALIA

Samedi writhed in pain as the Henna clawed at his power.

BARON SAMEDI

(pained grunt)

And go… wash that filth off of your skin! How many have died uttering my name, for you to spit on their sacrifice! You heard our people scream, you heard them make call for me AND YOU PUT ME IN SHACKLES!

TALIA

Your people. (A beat.) You’re not the one grandmother prayed to, are you? You dress like him, sound like him… But your heart left the island a long time ago.

BARON SAMEDI

My heart is where my people are.

TALIA

And what do they tell you down in Louisiana? Did the singing get to your head? Is that why you don’t need to hear me? See me? Why you think you can just use me?!

BARON SAMEDI

They pray for their children. The dead and the living, the ones losing blood and the ones loosing faith! While you sell yourself on a stage for the Devil herself!

TALIA

…The devil?

He laughed at my face, and slapped his thighs like I had just told him the funniest, most tragic of thing.

BARON SAMEDI

(The baron laughs.)

Tell me little girl, how much power would we need you and I, to single- handedly protect an entire circus. From gods and spirits, inquisitors, witches -from inspectors and accountants who should have figured out by now that a show like Nova can’t possibly bring a profit! In whose hands did you put your safety, Talia?! Who put you on that stage?

TALIA

They saved my life!

BARON SAMEDI

Then why can’t you TRUST ME?! (A beat.) Did I not do the same?

TALIA

You didn’t do it for me.

BARON SAMEDI

And why did you? You and your grandmother, what did you pray for? A God? Or just a weapon?

(Samedi laughs.)

Here’s the root you keep tripping on, Talia. I know what lies in the jungle back home, I know about the claws and fangs even the Old Man did not challenge. You were raised among spirits- but you’re not in the jungle anymore. I’m not something to be tamed, I’m your legacy.

TALIA

I don’t care for a legacy, if it wants me to kneel.

BARON SAMEDI

Child please, we’ll see where that talk will be next week.

TALIA

There won’t be a next week. I’m not ready Baron. I told you the first time we met. This isn’t me. 

He frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but I didn’t want to hear anything else. The conversation had completely escaped me. I closed my eyes and severed the connection, burying the voice of Samedi under the sound of my heartbeat.

Malik used to tell me one way to anchor your mind to reality was through the body. Focus on a thumping heart, a drop of sweat or an open wound, and you’d always find your way back. So that’s what I did. And when I opened my eyes again… I was all alone in the apartment.

ELIO

(whistles)

You two have… issues.

TALIA

… I get tired just talking about that night.

ELIO

Same, same-same-same.

SHINJI

Honestly, we can’t have anything nice. Like, how does a night out turn into-

ELIO

(interrupting)

Shinji, if you don’t shut the fuck up.

TALIA

Who is we?!

ELIO

(talking over)

Yeah who the fuck is we?

SHINJI

I nearly had a panic attack, broke two of my ribs, got – tranquilized! And-

ELIO

And you woke up in an actual bed, so…?

TALIA

He had weighted blanket, like- I got jack shit. Do you remember the part where I woke up in hospital?

SHINJI

Look, it sucks to suck. Next time don’t get caught.

(Elio burst out laughing)

TALIA

I hate you so fucking much it’s unreal.

ELIO

(laughing, still)

I mean- technically-

TALIA

No no he’s right, he’s fully right. I just hate the bitch. 

SHINJI

(with a shrug)

Just don’t.

TALIA

Just- (chuckles) Yeah my bad, we’ll try that next time.

ELIO

Just don’t break your ribs.

TALIA

Hey- just don’t hit on a goddamn Warlock how about that?

SHINJI

Have you seen Asher?

TALIA

Trash, absolute trash…

ELIO

(talking over) 

Y’know… Boys will be boys.

TALIA

Boys will be fucking dead if you keep saying that.

SFX: DJ’s airhorn goes off

(the boys continue chuckling)

ELIO

Is that- Where did you get a sound board?!

TALIA

It was just laying around.

TALIA

Okay… Okay…

ELIO

Should we try and reel it back?

TALIA

Gimme a minute- (Talia tries to gather herself.)

ELIO

So Talia was having a go at Samedi, I was with Samar… Shinji, what were you up to?

SHINJI

I spent the night with Asher, then received a call from Marcus early in the morning. He –

TALIA

Hold up-

ELIO

Yeah, wait-wait-wait.

TALIA

It’s all we’re going to get? “Spent the night?”

SHINJI

I’ll get to that, okay… if you’d just let me?

ELIO

Mkay. Sure.

TALIA

Go ahead.

SHINJI

So I receive a call, and I’m told to get to a hideout instead of returning to Nova. Those three days you spent in and out of consciousness with Samar, Talia and I spent them being moved around-

TALIA

Separately.

SHINJI

Yeah, yeah, we weren’t together, I think the initial idea was to get me out of the country but I insisted. I said I needed to find you guys so… three days later they just dropped me off 10 minutes away from your location-

ELIO

My location, right?

SHINJI

Yeah. They gave me a backpack and the address, and that was all.

TALIA

Yeah, same here.

SHINJI

I had to walk the rest of the way- which is always so frustrating-

ELIO

Oh, is it because you can fly?

TALIA

Oh my god Shinji can fly?

ELIO

Yeah, I think he might have wings or something.

TALIA

(Gasp; to shinji)

You do?

SHINJI

(sighs)

Are you done?

ELIO

Yeah.

TALIA

Yeah go ahead.

SHINJI

I knocked on the door and Samar opened. She was quieter than usual, and it felt weird. I expected her to y’know like… make a joke or a dig but… nothing like that. 

I don’t know- without her cheery attitude there’s nothing to – sort of downplay, the scars on her body. You know, she’s got tribal tattoos, the controlled breathing- and on some level, you always get creeped out when you realize she doesn’t make a single sound when she walks. It’s like those people with pet lions – Like… maybe you shouldn’t sit so close to a killing machine, y’know? Does that make any sense?

TALIA

Yeah, yeah I feel you.

ELIO

Kinda.

SHINJI

Well… I asked about you Elio, and when she led me to your room. You were so still… I almost went to check your pulse, but Samar said we should leave you alone and let you rest. She sat me down in the kitchen, at a white plastic table, under the cold light bulb hanging from the ceiling. It took her a while to bring me up to speed, but eventually we just kind of sat there in silence taking it all in.

SFX: storm brews away outside the window

SAMAR

Anything to drink?

SHINJI

No, no. I- I’m alright. Thank you.

SAMAR

And you?

SHINJI

What?

SAMAR

How have you been? You look like a raccoon.

SHINJI

Is it the bags under my eyes or just… general racism?

SAMAR

I don’t know but that’s a deflection.

SHINJI

You don’t know if it’s racism or not?

SAMAR

Shinji.

(A beat.)

SHINJI

…I can’t complain. I didn’t really sleep much.

SAMAR

Mh.

SHINJI

Samar… when do you think he’ll wake up?

SAMAR

He did already, couple times. But once he recovers we can’t leave him alone.

SHINJI

What do you mean?

SAMAR 

It’s hard to be on your own once you’ve had what he had. Build yourself back up knowing how the world can just… (beat) It’s… it’s hard. 

SHINJI

Right, so… he’s essentially just on suicide watch then.

SAMAR

Pretty much, yeah.

SHINJI

… I should’ve been there.

SAMAR

Oh, absolutely not. That would’ve been a disaster.

SHINJI

I looked up. Samar kept her eyes on me, as she tapped the ash off her cigarette. I didn’t have time to reply.

SFX: door knock

Samar checked something on her phone, then got up to open the door.

TALIA

…And she rushed me inside. I fell into her arms without hiding my relief and… That woman is strong. I don’t know why it struck me then, but without Samedi’s powers… Damn.

SAMAR

How’s the henna holding up?

TALIA

Better than expected – Shinji!

SHINJI

Hey-

SFX: they hug

TALIA

I can’t believe I got you into this.

SHINJI

You wish you could get rid of me. 

TALIA

Where is he?

SAMAR

Resting. Come, I’ll make some tea.

TALIA

Can I see him?

SAMAR

When he’s recovered.

TALIA

Please, I just want to-

SAMAR

(interrupting)

Sweetie. You’re barely keeping it together and I can’t deal with… any more. He’s not good, but he’s alive. Save yourself the image.

SHINJI

Umm… sorry. Where’s the kettle?

SAMAR

Behind you.

SHINJI

Right. Thank you.

SAMAR

Thank you. Bring yourself a chair Talia.

TALIA

…Okay.

SFX: chair pulls out

SAMAR

We’ll try to locate Catrina. But we’ll have to lay low until Elio recovers. 

SHINJI

And… how do we do that?

SAMAR

You. Our descriptions are up everywhere, but they have no idea who you are. I’ll ask Basim to alter the uniform we stole from-

SHINJI

I can’t.

(A beat.)

SAMAR

Are you sure?

SHINJI

Certain.

SAMAR

(swear)… Fine, I forget you’re just a few months old- okay-

TALIA

Why can’t we send him? 

And- I’ll never forget this- Shinji was just by the kitchen counter when I said that, back towards us-

SHINJI

Pouring water from the kettle.

TALIA

Yeah… and when I tell you I blinked– and suddenly his wings were all over me.

SFX: Wings deploy, whoosh of air

ELIO

(gasp)

Ah, no!

TALIA

Elio, I blinked- They had torn through his shirt and their fucking razor blades were hovering juust above my skin. I felt one of them right next to my throat, and still without turning around, I hear him say:

SHINJI

Jugular.

TALIA

Then right under my shoulder blades:

SHINJI

Heart.

TALIA

My wrists.

SHINJI

Ulnar, and Radial.

TALIA

Then lower, to my outer thigh.

SHINJI

And if I dig right through that, I’ll find the femoral. You’d bleed out in less than a minute. I can’t tell you how I know that, but I do.

SAMAR

And that’s why we’re not sending death itself down there.

SHINJI

If I start to panic and the spirit takes control… I… can’t fight. I just… kill. That’s… all I know.

TALIA

You could have just said that, you psycho…

SHINJI

Yeah, well. People tend to be skeptical when the skinny guy acts all tough. Would you like a cup of tea?

TALIA

Thanks.

SHINJI

Do you take milk or sugar?

TALIA

Xanax, if you have any.

SHINJI

If I did I wouldn’t share.

TALIA

Damn we have a LOT in common.

SHINJI

Yeah, well, it’s probably the trauma.

(A beat.)

TALIA

… Let me just drink that tea.

SHINJI

Samar? You’ve been quiet.

SAMAR

… We… are gonna stalk a witch.

(A beat.)

TALIA

(done)

Okay.

SAMAR

Get some intel, get the crystal, get out of this country.

TALIA

And just… any witch?

SAMAR

As long as they’re stationed in London, meaning they work for Joan.

SFX: Footsteps, door opens

ELIO

What about the inquisitor?

SHINJI

Elio!

ELIO

Hey. Talia you look like you’ve seen a ghost-

SFX: another hug

Oof!

TALIA

Oh my god you’re okay. Thank you. Thank you. I’m so sorry.

ELIO

Are you okay? Last time I saw you I threw you against a wall.

TALIA

Yeah just a wall, that’s nothing.

SAMAR

Okay. Come sit him down. He’s barely standing.

SHINJI

Do you need anything?

ELIO

I’m alright. Thanks. Samar’s been taking care of me.

SAMAR

You still couldn’t walk yesterday…

ELIO

I didn’t know we’d get my goddess back, yesterday. So what’s the plan? I know, I know, I’m not coming. Just wanna be in the loop.

SAMAR

…We can’t do anything about Zylla for now, we have no proof, nothing-

TALIA

And also, not our problem honestly.

SAMAR

Yeah, the Kalsara is our priority.

SHINJI

The what?

ELIO & SAMAR

(overlapping)

The Kalsara – The crystal.

ELIO

Sorry. Go ahead.

SAMAR

We need a target.

SHINJI

I think… I might be able to help. (A beat.) I met a Warlock on friday night-

TALIA

At the club?

ELIO

Friday?

SHINJI

Yeah.

ELIO

I thought it was on Saturday… I only spent one night in the Vault?

SAMAR

Yeah.

ELIO

Goddess…

TALIA

Okay, you met a warlock…?

SHINJI

I didn’t know he was a warlock! Elio called and he said that you were fine and… I was about to leave when he started chatting me up.

SAMAR

And?

SHINJI

And- He left me his number.

TALIA

How did you figure out he was a Warlock?

SHINJI

He- he flew away, so…

SAMAR

You think you could get his address?

SHINJI

Yeah he sent me his address, he wanted to meet up.

TALIA

Wait… you gave him your number??

ELIO

They probably exchanged it before.

SHINJI

Yeah, yeah. Before I knew he was a warlock.

TALIA

Mkay…

SAMAR

So where is it?

SHINJI

I… I don’t know if I have the exact like numbers-

ELIO

You said he sent it.

SHINJI

Right- let me just get my phone.

SAMAR

It’s in your pocket.

TALIA

(confused)

Dude, what’s…? What’s up? What’s going on here?

(A beat.)

SHINJI

Look- It’s been a lot lately, I’m a bit-

ELIO

Where did you stay? On Friday?

SHINJI

I went to a hostel, why?

ELIO

On the phone you said you’d meet me back at Nova.

TALIA

… Oh you didn’t… You didn’t…

SHINJI

I thought it’d be safer. I mean… I don’t know, I changed my mind?

TALIA

No you DIDN’T!

ELIO

And you didn’t warn anybody?

TALIA

(talking over)

Shinji you did NOT fuck a warlock!

SHINJI

WHAT? NO?!

ELIO

What? No, no…

SHINJI

I didn’t- I didn’t! Guys- I didn’t fuck a warlock!

SAMAR

It’s okay if you did.

ELIO

How is it okay?

TALIA

No it’s not! What the fuck were you thinking!

SAMAR

Does he know what you are?

SHINJI

I didn’t! No! I gave him a fake name, everything-

TALIA

You are so lying! Look at your warlock-fucking face.

ELIO

Do you know how easy it is to NOT fuck an agent of the S.C.U?

TALIA

Seriously!

ELIO

Could you not have picked ANYBODY else in that club? Anybody?!

SAMAR

Well, he’s the only one of us who hasn’t been found out so maybe if we all fucked a warlock, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

(A beat.)

ELIO

… This is a fucking joke…

SAMAR

I’m just saying…

TALIA

…I can’t believe it… Like- Can you confirm? Can you just say it, I just wanna hear it.

SHINJI

…Define fucking.

TALIA

DEFINE-?

SHINJI

It’s not like it was with a goddamn crusader! Their job is to help people!

ELIO

Look at me! What they did to me

SAMAR

I don’t- guys, I don’t… give a shit. I’m not gonna discuss the morality of fucking a warlock. But now, what we’re gonna do, because this is Shinji, is give him the benefit of the doubt. So we can get the address.

SFX: rain stops

ELIO

(chuckle)

I still can’t believe this happened.

TALIA

Shinji turned so pale.

ELIO

And then red. So, so red. I mean, damn… How long did you stay with Asher in the end?

SHINJI

The night. And most of the next day. But then I did go to thethe hostel. I mean again, I didn’t know what happened to you two! I was completely in the dark!

ELIO

Okay, sOkay, so then what happens? Cuz, I remember Cuz I remember Talia and I stayed behind, and yeah… Shinji, you and Samar went to Asher’s apartment.

TALIA

And what a place, she told us! You really know how to pick them.

ELIO

Oh, if you live on the ground floor, you know Ji-Ji’s not going home with you.

TALIA

He’s got standards.

SHINJI

Okay, okay, fuck off already.

ELIO

And if a man hasn’t committed war- crimes?

TALIA

Baby, he’s not committing either.

SHINJI

He’s literally the reason we’re still alive. So maybe some gratitude.

ELIO

Yeaaaah yeah.

TALIA

And he’s got great hair and a full set of teeth, we know.

SHINJI

So, Samar and I took off in the middle of the night, while we knew Asher was on shift.

ELIO

How did you get there again? I forgot.

SHINJI

Stole a car. Literally the first one we saw. Basim made a key for it.

TALIA

Love that genie.

ELIO

Love him.

SFX: car key goes in, car door slams closed, engine starts

SAMAR

…What?

SHINJI

What what?

SAMAR

You keep fidgeting, what is it?

SHINJI

… Why am I here?

SAMAR

Well, your mommy and daddy loved each other very much, and-

SHINJI

First of all, no they didn’t. And I meant why can’t you just- get there? Teleport.

SAMAR

Too far away, too many people. When I go, there’s no…distance. It’s like the world just become this… web… of energy. And people, their minds, are… lighthouses. You chose one and you anchor yourself to it. So it’s just safer to have someone you know with you.

SHINJI

…And if you chose someone one the other side of the world, could you just…?

SAMAR

Theoretically, yeah, completely. But that’s how most people die. Sensing the minds of everyone between you and your target, millions and billions… And that’s not even counting Gods, spirits, 

SAMAR (CONT’D)

demons… You can’t. You lose yourself completely… So to survive, the trick is actually to limit your scope as much as possible.

SHINJI

Yeah might as well take a car.

SAMAR

Yep – Oh hey can you do something for me?

SHINJI

Mhm?

SAMAR

If you can find a tutorial or something, that explains what’s inside a microphone, and how it works, or something-

SHINJI

Why?

SAMAR

Because I’ve been asking Basim to make some, so we can bug Asher’s flat. But he keeps making… plastic shells. Empty inside. He doesn’t get it.

SHINJI

Oh. Yeah sure, gimme a sec.

SAMAR

(In Arabic)

Basim, come have a look! Come watch.

SFX: Smoke and magic as Basim comes out

SHINJI

Okay… yep, I think I found something.

SFX: mist and steam, Basim becomes upset

Uh… Samar?

(Basim slaps and poke at Samar a couple times.)

SAMAR

What- Ow-, aïe,- BASIM?! What? Oh- he doesn’t understand- Yeah, yeah, I’ll translate. 

(To Shinji)

Can you not find one in arabic?

SHINJI

I don’t think so…

ELIO

In the meantime, as I said, Talia and I stayed in the hideout, which… was fine.

SFX: Footsteps approach

TALIA

What are you watching?

ELIO

That baking show. I don’t think they should have let Witches participate, honestly. It’s not fair for the others. Like, do a spin-off with witches only or something.

TALIA

Yeah- Hey, wanna play cards?

ELIO

I’d rather jump in a piranha tank-

TALIA

There’s no money this time!

ELIO

I’m not playing with a God of the Party… again!

TALIA

He’s too weak to do anythin-

ELIO

I don’t care! You’re just gonna win!

TALIA

So we’re just gonna sit there and-

ELIO

Yes, please. Please. (A beat.) How are you two by the way?

TALIA

Not great. Thinking of getting rid of him.

ELIO

Mhm…

TALIA

Sorry. Didn’t mean-

ELIO

No, no don’t worry… But, maybe now’s not the best time to try that.

TALIA

There’ll never be a best time. I don’t know how you do it.

ELIO

Well… she was never as bad as Samedi, but… I don’t know, I think if I tried to tell her no, you can’t use my blood, it wouldn’t have ended super well.

TALIA

Different boundaries.

ELIO

Yeah… I’m not saying you should give him a chance, not at all, but… I don’t think either of us knew what we were getting into. They weren’t made for us, but we chose them, still. I think it requires a different way of living.

TALIA

I don’t have to put up with it.

ELIO

No, you don’t.

(A beat.)

…If it was just about you I’d say let him go but… You could do so much good with his powers. 

TALIA

You don’t know what you’re asking.

ELIO

It doesn’t matter what I ask, you do what you want. It sucks though, I’m sorry.

TALIA

Yeah. (turns attention to the tv) … Oh what is this icing?

ELIO

Yeah, she’s fucked.

SHINJI

We got into Asher’s flat without trouble. Samar tried to look into his home computer but obviously, password. I thought it’d be safer to leave it after that, but she said:

SAMAR

I got it.

SHINJI

She composed a number on her burner phone, then brought it to her ear. It only rang once.

SAMAR

Hi sweetie, don’t worry about it, but I have a computer password in front of me, can you give me a guess?

SHINJI

(whispering)

Who is it?

SAMAR

(whispering)

Marcus.

SHINJI

Oh.

SAMAR

(Over phone)

Mhm. Spell that?… 

SFX: keyboard clacks 

Yep, we’re in! Thank you!

SFX: phone hangs up with a click

SHINJI

Seriously? Is that it?

SAMAR

Yep. Passwords, pins, lottery… How do you think he got money for the circus?

SHINJI

And how is he not a billionaire?

SAMAR

He has to save his powers most of the time. If he’s out of luck the next time the S.C.U comes knocking…

SHINJI

You can quantify luck?

SAMAR

Probably, but he’s bad at maths.

SHINJI

In the end we didn’t find anything relevant, Asher had never even accessed his work email from this computer. Nothing. So we made sure we left everything in its place, and right before we left, Samar asked me:

SAMAR

Hey, do you know what you’re doing? With this guy?

SHINJI

It was just one night.

…He’s not a killer.

SAMAR

That’s most people, Shinji. I know there are some things we can’t be for you. But… don’t lose yourself looking for them.

SHINJI

… Thank you.

SAMAR

What for?

SHINJI

Not… shouting, earlier. I don’t want them to… to think any less of me, y’know?

SAMAR

Talia got on stage to convince herself she’s in control. Elio went after her because he wanted to save everybody. You’re all idiots, but you care about each other. That hasn’t changed.

SHINJI

…Thanks…?

SAMAR

Anytime.

SFX: Door closes

TALIA

The following week was just a lot of waiting, honestly.

ELIO

Samar kept us in shape and got me through rehabilitation, which was… a lot more meditating  and less excercising than I thought. Because physically it was just three days. I didn’t lose anything. It was just my mind, muscle connection that was completely messed up.

TALIA

We had to re-apply Henna on me daily at that point, but it kept. My mind was all over the place so I wasn’t in the right state to try and talk it out with Samedi.

ELIO

We gathered, through the recordings, that Asher and his team were working on a new spell. The one they had exhumed from me was a pledge to Catrina. If they could somehow find the right words, alter it and infuse it with enough power, they could… bend a goddess’s will. The right spell, and she would protect whoever held her prison.

SHINJI

And on the 8th day, we finally got the tip we needed.

SFX: Door slides open

JOAN

Thompson?

ASHER

Hey, I’m almost done with the new-

JOAN

It worked.

ASHER

… Are you serious?

JOAN

Come.

SFX: Running up stairs, vault door opens, the ambience of various crystals fills the air, accompanied by ominous winds

Step back a little.

SFX: ominous winds continue, whispers seeping in between breezes

(Joan’s voice echoes)

Obey, mother,

To the voice of another.

Widen your embrace,

Or remain in disgrace,

Obey, mother,

To the blood of a stranger.

SFX: blood shield deploys

(Joan giggles)

ASHER

I can’t believe it… Can it be replicated?

JOAN

I think the wording could be improved but it shouldn’t be an issue for most agents. And here’s the best part.

SFX: crystal breaks

It splits. If we grow that crystal, we could provide each agent with their own.

ASHER

Is it safe to feed a Kalsara like that?

JOAN

You’re S.C.U, Thompson-

ASHER

No, I know-

JOAN

If you couldn’t survive the Red Plague, you wouldn’t be here.

ASHER

I’m not worried about the infection. I’m not gonna eat it.

JOAN

I do it.

ASHER

You… infect yourself… with the Red Plague?

JOAN

And then kill the crystal from the inside, yes. It’s good training. If I can’t neutralize a mindless leach – 

ASHER

…It’s not the crystal that I’m worried about… it’s the god inside.

JOAN

Her power will be divided amongst our agents, each opposing their own will to her. Draining her. Where’s the risk?

ASHER

…It’s gonna work isn’t it… It’s gonna work! How fast can it grow?

JOAN

Even with the blood and will of the entire ward it would take weeks. But if we bring it to the hanging stones, it might be a matter of hours. I’ve already sent my request to Queen Tempest, if she approves, we’ll be there next week.

SFX: rain gently falls against window, click as recording stops

SHINJI

…The crystal’s… alive?

TALIA

Sort of. They’re… loosely related to coral, apparently. And they’re the only creature known to feed off… Belief, Will, Consciousness- whatever it is, that… energy we produce, they use it to multiply. Grandmother had one.

SHINJI

Why?

TALIA

I mean, they’re basically batteries. Witches use them when they’re running low.

ELIO

Samar tapped her necklace with a smile.

SAMAR

Or if you want to bring a friend on the road.

TALIA

Yep. Samar feeds the crystal, and Basim feeds on it.

SAMAR

He’s not nearly strong enough to possess a body. I don’t think he’d even like that.

TALIA

But in theory, you could host him?

SAMAR

Nooo! You don’t put more than one spirit in the same body. The gods don’t share.

ELIO

…They said they were moving her.

TALIA

I heard hanging stones?

ELIO

Stonehenge. Millenia of rituals have made it extremely sensitive to magic. The air, the earth, you can almost feel them waiting, ready to obey. Witch’s powers have no match in this place. The ancestors knew.

SHINJI

So we have to intercept it.

ELIO

Yeah. Otherwise there’s no chance.

SAMAR

Or someone else will.

TALIA

…Zylla.

SAMAR

And the fate of the country is in our hands. This always fucking happens.

ELIO

So what do we do?

SAMAR

Oh I don’t know what we’ll do, but you stay put.

(A beat.)

ELIO

Samar, there’s nothing in this world that will make me stay put. You can shackle me, I’ll break through. You can drug me, knock me out, I’ll wake up, I swear it. No matter what you do I’ll answer when she calls. You know it.

SAMAR

Then prove it. Prove I won’t have to worry about you.

ELIO

How?

SAMAR

I wanted to wait a little longer but, if you insist… Every few years, urban legends and stupid teenagers bring a powerful demon back to life. And a couple days ago a flat party turned into a blood bath when someone said the wrong name three times.

TALIA

And what is the S.C.U doing?

SAMAR

It hasn’t made it back to them yet because the police thinks it’s a murder case.

ELIO

Does that mean I’m taking care of it?

SAMAR

We’re gonna barricade this house and leave you inside. Call its name, and kill it.

ELIO

And I can come?

SAMAR

And you can come.

ELIO

Deal.

SFX: outro music

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