Mutant X Transcripts: Ep 111 "Whiter Shade of Pale"
Mutant X Episode Transcripts
Mutant X Episode #111 Transcript: " Whiter Shade of Pale"
[Opening Scene: New mutant safehouse operator Neil is rolling a cart of supplies through his empty safehouse near the subway when he hears a metal clang behind him. Seeing nothing, he shakes his head and continues on his way. The upper door above him opens and Brennan and Jesse come down the stairs to meet him, carrying mugs of coffee.]
Jesse: Hey, Neil!
Brennan: Hey, what's up, brother?
Neil: Hey, guys!
Brennan: Sorry we're late, man.
Neil: Everything okay?
Jesse: Yeah, everything except for the line at the Java Hut.
Brennan: Oh, that's my fault. I don't get a double latte before noon, I'm toast the rest of the day.
Neil: Never been a problem for me.
Jesse: Yeah, not with your new mutancy. Hey, how much sleep do you need, anyway?
Neil (shaking Brennan's hand): About half an hour mostly.
Brennan: I'd save 50 bucks a week on coffee alone if I had your mutant powers.
Neil: Only problem is finding stuff to do to fill the time. Sure does help driving cross-country.
Jesse: Yeah, but that makes you the perfect courier for the new mutant underground.
Neil: Still means I gotta watch a lot of other people snooze while I'm wide awake. [He nods to a corner of the room.] The citer filter Adam requested from Doc Hollis is over there.
Jesse (holding up a silver case): And this goes back with you to Doctor Hollis. It's Adam's new prototype for a genetic sequencer. [He places it on the desk near the computer.]
Brennan: If Doctor Hollis can replicate the technology, then we can stick them in safehouses across the country, help restore the DNA of alien new mutants.
Neil: Not to worry. You can tell Adam it will ride up front with me.
Jesse: Great.
Neil (going to another cart near the wall): You wanna give me a hand over here? Adam's gear is on the bottom. [Jesse follows Neil while Brennan relaxes on the stairs, with no intention of moving.]
Brennan: Yeah, I'll be right there.
Jesse (rolling his eyes): Yeah... [From the corner of his eye, Brennan spots the genetic sequencer case levitate from the table and disappear.] What the hell? Hey, guys, where did it go? [Neil and Jesse head towards the table, but Neil's cart suddenly careens into their path. Jesse masses to Neil, while Brennan ducks as a heavy suitcase flies off the cart towards his head. He aims an electrical arc at his invisible assailant, who crashes into the van across the room, shattering the glass window before fleeing the safehouse. Jesse starts up the stairs after the theif, but Brennan stops him.]
Brennan: Ah, forget it!
Neil: I thought I heard someone in here before you guys came in.
Brennan: Yeah, well, whoever or whatever it is is long gone.
Jese (to Brennan): Who's gonna tell Adam?
Brennan and Jesse (together, pointing at Neil): He is.
Opening credits. "Whiter Shade of Pale."
[At Sanctuary, Adam and Emma discuss the events at the safehouse while walking towards the main room.]
Adam: I knew the minute that word about the sequencer got out there that something like this might happen, so I installed a built-in tracking device in the control panel so that the minute it's activated, it can be tracked.
Emma: Right in the heart of Genomex, I'll bet.
Adam: Well, not necessarily. It's not really of use to Eckhart or the GSA, but for any new mutant whose DNA is mutating right out of control, it could really be useful.
Emma: You know, I have to say, you seem to be taking this very calmly.
Adam (heading up the stairs with her): Well, what do you suggest? I don't see how anger is gonna bring it back.
Emma: Yeah, but we're talking about a one-of-a-kind prototype you spent a year of your life working on. I don't know, I just figured you'd be a little more upset about it.
Adam: You seem upset enough for both of us. Look, there are very few mutants with this stealth gift out there, right? So if one of them is desperate enough to steal it, then they probably really need our help.
Emma (stopping): You keep saying stealth instead of invisible.
Adam: Yeah, 'cause they're not like H. G. Wells's invisible man. They emit an aura that serves as a kind of light-reflecting shield, and then they remain invisible within the shield. Now the problem is that if this aura begins to break down, it can be extremely debilitating. Why don't you and Shalimar go over to the safehouse and see what you can find out for me.
Emma: Okay, but...
Adam: Okay, thanks. [He walks away.]
Emma (confused): Okay.
[Inside his office at Genomex headquarters, Mason looks up from his desk when Aldous Berkley walks in.]
Mason: Ah, the informant Aldon Berkley.
Aldous: It's Aldous! Come on, man. I've been feeding you tons of dope on these new mutants for a while now.
Mason (turning back to his computer): You've been well compensated for it, I might add. What do you want now?
Aldous: I'm sick of being on the outside looking in! Seems to me I deserve a steady gig.
Mason: Do you expect me to provide this 'steady gig'?
Aldous: Well, I've...uh....I've got some information on the disappearance of a very valuable piece of Mutant X hardware.
Mason (concentrating on his computer): Mild interest at best.
Aldous: Ripped off from Mutant X by an invisible thief?
Mason (looking up): Invisible?
Aldous: According to my sources, this thief had stealth abilities.
Mason (sitting back): And where is this stealth mutant now?
Aldous: That I couldn't tell you. But man, you give me a shot, and I'll find out.
Mason: Your information has always been dependable, Mr. Berkley. Talk to Mr. Kellans in personnel about getting you outfitted.
Aldous (giving him a thumbs up): Okay. [He leaves.]
[Shalimar and Emma enter the safehouse and start looking around.]
Emma: Is it just me, or is Adam acting a little weird about this?
Shalimar (kneeling by a table): What do you mean?
Emma: I don't know. Wouldn't you expect him to be really pissed off that the sequencer was stolen?
Shalimar (thinking it over): Yeah, but he wasn't really angry, was he? [Emma shakes her head.] More like he was excited about the thought of an invisible thief. [She stands up.] You know, he didn't really come right out and say it, but I kind of think he knows who did this.
Emma: A stealth mutant who's got some history with him. [Shalimar peers at the van's shattered window.] What have you got?
Shalimar: Blood. [She picks out a piece of the glass.] Not much.
Emma: Enough to run a DNA test.
[Back at Sanctuary, Adam's in the lab running a microscopic analysis of the blood as Shalimar watches.]
Adam: All right, so there's no doubt about it. This blood sample is definitely a new mutant, and thanks to you, now I know it's a woman. But beyond that, I am clueless. No idea who it could be.
Shalimar (frowning): Why? I mean, I figured you'd be able to get a precise DNA signature and then match it against the database.
Adam: Well, ordinarily, yeah, but this DNA is so deteriorated, I can barely identify it as human.
Shalimar: Well, I guess now we know why our thief was so desperate to get her hands on the sequencer.
Adam: Exactly. However, using the sequencer on DNA this deteriorated is like using a band-aid on a broken neck.
[Meanwhile, in the main room, Jesse and Brennan are waiting at the main computer, when it begins to beep, signaling that the sequencer was in use.]
Jesse: Adam?
Adam: Yeah?
Jesse: We got a hit. [Adam comes running in.]
Adam: You got a location?
Jesse (amused): And a new record for the Sanctuary dash.
Brennan (grinning): It's a house at....uh...2459 6th Street, just off Fairway.
[Adam drives up the leaf-covered driveway to the house in the silver Audi.]
Jesse (calling him over his comlink): Adam, we should've gone with you.
Adam (getting out): Not this time. This is something I've got to do alone.
Brennan: You sure?
Adam (heading towards the house): You guys stay put. I've got it covered. [Just as he raises his hand to knock, the door opens from the inside and he's knocked backwards as an invisible form dashes out of the house. Adam follows the footprints in the leaves and watches carefully until he smells a familiar scent.] Danielle? [Seeing a wind-blown leaf stop mid-air, he reaches out and grabs the invisible woman's arm. As she becomes visible, he wraps her in his arms.]
Danielle (laughing): It was the wind that did me in?
Adam (hugging her close): Hm. Twice. When it blew the leaves that revealed your arm, and when it carried your... [He kisses her neck.] fragrance to me.
Danielle (smiling): Hm. You always knew how to touch me, Adam. [He kisses her lips.]
*****Commercial Break******
Adam (holding up the sequencer): So why'd you steal this?
Danielle: I'd heard it could help me.
Adam (taking her arm): All right, come with me. [They head towards the car, but Danielle pulls away when they see Aldous and a GS agent appear in front of them.]
Danielle (running away): Gotta go.
Adam (reaching out for her): No, no, wait!
Danielle: Meet me tonight! You know exactly where! [She turns invisible again, leaving Adam alone with Aldous and the GS agent.]
Aldous: Go get her. [Adam tosses the sequencer on the ground, advancing towards Aldous, whose feral eyes flash. Adam kicks Aldous in the stomach, but Aldous flips behind him and blinds him by kicking leaves into his face before knocking him to the ground. Grabbing the sequencer, Aldous leaps up to the roof of the house. Adam stands, but soon collapses in pain. Aldous smiles, waves goodbye, and leaps down behind the house. Shortly thereafter, a disconsolate Adam returns to Sanctuary.]
Brennan (running up to him): How'd it go?
Adam: Didn't.
Shalimar (hurrying downstairs): Hey, did you find the sequencer?
Adam: No.
Jesse (looking up from the main computer): Hey, I've been trying to reach you--
Adam: Turned off my comlink.
Emma (coming out of her room): Is everything okay?
Adam: Got my ass kicked. [The team stares as Adam stomps up the dojo stairs, throws off his coat and plops down on the steps, head in his arms. Realizing he needs a moment alone, Jesse retreats towards the lab.]
Jesse: I'm gonna--uh--
Shalimar (following him): Mmm. Yeah, I'll help you. [Emma and Brennan follow them out of the room. Later on, Emma comes in as Adam's examining Danielle's DNA structure on the lab computer again.]
Emma: What are you looking at?
Adam (sighing): It's the DNA from that blood sample.
Emma: The chromosomes look splintered.
Adam: Yeah.
Emma: This woman that stole the sequencer, she wasn't just a Child of Genomex. She meant a lot to you, huh?
Adam (frowning at her): Are you scanning me?
Emma (smiling): There's no need. You're an open book.
Adam (nodding): Yeah. Her name is Danielle Hartman. I met her, I don't know, 16 years ago at Genomex? She was still struggling with her....gift. I fell in love with her.
Emma: So what happened?
Adam: Well, I think she knew her life span was going to be limited. I guess she just didn't want to get tied down.
Emma: You guess? You never talked to her about it?
Adam: No, never had the chance. She just...disappeared.
[In Mason's office, Aldous lays the genetic sequencer on Mason's desk.]
Mason (turning it on): I thought I made myself clear. The device is of secondary interest to me.
Aldous: You want the stealth mutant, right? This is phase one.
Mason: And when can I expect phase two?
Aldous: She slipped by us. But we'll get her.
Mason: A woman?
Aldous: Yeah. Named Danielle Hartman.
Mason (visibly reacting to the name): You failed to detect her presence even equipped with infra-red goggles?
Aldous (sighing): We didn't have goggles that time.
Mason: I think it's time to reassign this case to a more experienced squad leader.
Aldous: You need somebody as connected as me on your team!
Mason (backing him against the wall): It appears to me your connections only get you so far. After that, competence--or lack of it-- comes into play.
Aldous: Just please, Mr. Eckhart, just give me a shot. I'll bring her in!
Mason: You're aware of the consequences if you don't?
Aldous: I hear it all out on the street.
Mason: Just don't harm her in any way. Am I clear, Mr. Berkley?
Aldous: As a bell. [Mason leaves the room. Aldous grabs the sequencer and follows him out.]
[That evening, Adam waits at a table in a posh restaurant, sipping his water. When Danielle enters, he goes to her and kisses both of her cheeks.]
Adam: Hey.
Danielle: Hey. I knew you'd remember.
Adam (pulling out her chair for her): I wasn't sure you'd show up.
Danielle: I wasn't all that sure myself.
Adam (going back to his seat): So, have I changed as much as this place has?
Danielle: You haven't changed a bit.
Adam: That's my line.
Danielle (chuckling): Then we'd both be lying.
Adam (pouring her wine): Cheers.
Danielle (holding up her glass): Cheers. [They both drink.]
Adam: You're still very beautiful. You know what's happening?
Danielle (nodding): Exactly as you predicted.
Adam: So why haven't you come to see me?
Danielle: The way I left, I thought you'd hate me.
Adam: Well, I did. For a while. So why'd you just leave like that?
Danielle: After what Mason told me, I didn't have much choice.
Adam: What'd he tell you?
Danielle: That Genomex was everything to you. If I stayed, I'd spend my life as your lab experiment.
Adam (scoffing): And you believed him? You didn't see that that was his jealousy talking?
Danielle: I trusted Mason. And so did you.
Adam (nodding): Once upon a time.
Danielle: I knew you'd never accept the inevitable. I wanted to enjoy the time I had, not pine away for some miracle cure that wasn't going to happen.
Adam: Yeah. So you made the decision for both of us. [Danielle sighs in pain; Adam takes her hand, concerned.] Danielle? You okay? [In his grip, her hand turns invisible, then turns visible again.]
Danielle: I'm beginning to lose control.
[Emma and Shalimar stand outside Danielle's house.]
Emma: You know, I'm not comfortable with this.
Shalimar: What? I mean, if Adam finds out, we'll just...you know...tell him that we were looking for...evidence.
Emma: Yeah, well, let's hope Adam doesn't find out. [She looks at Shal's puppy dog eyes and gives in.] Okay. [She follows Shalimar into the house.] This is breaking and entering, you know.
Shalimar (leading her into the kitchen): It's all for a good cause.
Emma: Snooping into Adam's private life?
Shalimar: Look. He hasn't seen or heard from this woman in 16 years. We don't know what she's after.
Emma: Ah, right, right. So we're doing this for his protection.
Shalimar: Yes.
Emma (giving in to Shalimar's puppy dog eyes): Okay. [She points to a card on the table.] What's that?
Shalimar (leaning on the table to read): "Catherine, having dinner with an old friend. Back before you know it."
Emma: Who do you think Catherine is? [They look up as the front door opens.]
Shalimar: I think we're about to find out. [She tugs Emma out of the room. A teenaged girl walks into the kitchen.]
Catherine: Mom? [Putting her bag on the table, she reads the note, then startles when she hears a creak down the hallway.] Who's there? [Emma stands pressed against the wall at the foot of the stairs, and Shalimar balances on the railings. Shalimar gasps when the invisible Catherine suddenly re-appears in between them.]
Catherine (to Shalimar): Who the hell are you?
Emma: We're...
Shalimar: ...uh...friends of your mother.
Emma: Yeah.
Catherine: Cut the crap. We just moved here; my mom doesn't have any friends.
Emma: We're new mutants, like you and your mother.
Shalimar (getting down): Has your mom ever talked about a guy named Adam?
Catherine: You know Adam?
Shalimar (hearing a noise outside): I think the GSA's back.
Emma: We'd better get out of here.
Catherine: I can go stealth.
Shalimar (leading them upstairs): That's not gonna help you. [Aldous and two GS agents wearing infra-red goggles break into the front door; Shalimar and Emma stand with Catherine on the roof.]
Catherine: You're gonna jump?!
Shalimar: Yeah, and so are you. [She takes Catherine's waist and leaps down to the ground. Emma jumps down onto the roof of the minivan in the driveway and they run off together.]
******Commercial Break*******
[Sipping their wine, Adam's trying to convince Danielle to stay with him.]
Adam: I want you to come back to the Sanctuary with me; I want to run some new tests.
Danielle: Adam, don't play with me. It's too late for that. What about Ephenol?
Adam: Ephenol? No. Does more damage than good.
Danielle: Mason thought it had a lot of promise.
Adam: Well, Mason doesn't know what he's talking about. Ephanol has never been successfully administered.
Danielle: But it's proven to halt DNA mutation.
Adam: Yeah, it's also proven to have serious side effects.
Danielle: Fine. The right dosage on the right subject.
Adam: Danielle, it's too risky.
Danielle: I'm willing to take the risk.
Adam: All right, look. There's got to be another way.
Danielle: I don't have time to find another way. I've gotta do this for Catherine.
Adam: Catherine?
Danielle: My...daughter.
Adam (in shock): How old is she?
Danielle: She just turned 15. I passed my mutancy on to her. I don't want her to go through this. [She pales as her entire body turns invisible.]
Adam: Wait. Danielle, don't.
Danielle (turning visible again): I can't stop it, Adam.
Adam: I'm taking you back to Sanctuary.
[In Sanctuary's lab, Jesse watches from the computer as Adam draws up a dose of Ephanol for the completely invisible Danielle, who is lying on the biobed under a sheet.]
Jesse: You're using the Ephanol?
Adam: Yeah. Just half the recommended dosage. Maybe it'll buy us some more time. [He hands hands Jesse the syringe.] See, the real problems with Ephanol are the wild card side effects it has on DNA, so I need to monitor this thing very closely. Otherwise, we're not going to know the impact that the drug has on her strand until it's almost too late to do anything about it. [Adam sprays an orange dye on Danielle's skin to locate her arm, then injects her.] All right, good. [They wait until Danielle begins to re-appear.]
Jesse: It seems to be working.
Adam: Like I said, we need to monitor her system really closely. [Jesse nods, and they head back to the computer.]
[In the main room, Shalimar and Emma stand with Catherine, who is wearing visual cloak.]
Catherine: This really sucks. [Shalimar removes the blinders, and she looks around, spellbound.] What's this place supposed to be?
Shalimar (smiling at Emma): Well, we call it Sanctuary.
Emma: You ever hear of Mutant X?
Catherine (awestruck): Come on. You two? And Adam?
Shalimar (laughing): Well, you're looking at the Mutant X secret headquarters.
Brennan (trotting downstairs): Yeah. And now that I'm here, three fifths of the Mutant X team. [He bows.]
Emma: Brennan, this is Catherine, Danielle's daughter.
Brennan: Hi.
Catherine: Where's my mother?
Brennan (looking to Emma and Shalimar for help): Um...
Catherine: What happened?
Brennan: She's here, but...
Catherine: I wanna see her. Now.
Brennan: Well, Adam thinks it's better that she doesn't have any visitors right now.
Catherine (to Emma): Is she getting worse?
Emma: It's okay. Adam's treating her now. [Catherine, spying her mother through the glass doors, turns invisible.]
Shalimar: Catherine!
Brennan (looking around in vain): Been here before. [They all head towards the lab, where Danielle is just waking up.]
Adam: Hey.
Danielle (starting to sit up): Hey. Hmm.
Adam: No, no. Lie back. You need to rest.
Danielle: So you tried the Ephanol.
Adam: Just half a dose. [She smiles.] Welcome back. [Catherine suddenly appears at Danielle's side, touching her arm.]
Catherine: You okay?
Danielle: I'll be fine. How did you get here?
Shalimar (entering with Brennan and Emma): We brought her in.
Adam: Thanks.
Catherine: These guys are Mutant X?
Danielle (nodding): There's someone I want you to meet.
Catherine (to Adam): You're Adam?
Adam (shaking her hand): Hello, Catherine.
Catherine: My mom's told me all about you.
[Back at Genomex, Aldous accompanies Mason on his way back to his office.]
Aldous: Come on, man. We staked out her place in case she comes back.
Mason: The clock is ticking, Mr. Berkley.
Aldous: Yeah, yeah. There's a new development. She's got a daughter.
Mason (stopping): Does the daughter have stealth abilities?
Aldous: It's possible. We didn't see her. Heh-heh. [When Mason doesn't crack a smile, Aldous hands her Catherine's student ID card.] Okay. We did find this in her backpack with some text books. She's fifteen, man.
Mason: Danielle is nearing the end of her short but unhappy life. But her daughter...this girl could be the key to the kingdom. Make her your priority. [He hands the card back and walks away.]
Aldous: Okay.
[Catherine and Emma watch the sleeping Danielle through the observation window above Sanctuary's lab.]
Emma: Adam's doing everything he can to help your mom.
Catherine: There's nothing he can do. My mother knows she's dying and she's trying to help me.
Emma: Do you have any other family?
Catherine: We're it.
Emma: What about your father?
Catherine (shaking her head): Not in the picture. Never was.
Emma: Did your mother ever tell you anything about him?
Catherine: All she ever said was that he was smart. And for a little while, they really loved each other. [Downstairs in the lab, Danielle wakes up again and sits up, rejuvenated. Adam, at the computer, turns and walks to her.]
Adam: Hey. Take it easy.
Danielle (standing): The Ephanol's working. I can feel it.
Adam (taking her arm): No, no, no. What you're feeling are the euphoric side effects.
Danielle: I'm healing! I know it. I haven't felt this good in months.
Adam (ushering her to a chair): No, here, come on. I want you to sit down. You shouldn't be on your feet.
Danielle: Why not? You've done it. You're as brilliant as ever. [She hugs him.]
Adam: No. Listen, listen, thanks. But hey, there's something you've gotta know. The dose that I gave you has bought you some time, but your bloodwork shows that's all it is, time.
Danielle: I know I can handle a full dosage.
Adam: No. Until I've run more tests, there's no way to tell how much your system can take.
Danielle: I know how I feel!
Adam: Well, I wish it were that simple, but it's not. I mean, look, it's already affecting your judgement.
Danielle: If you don't give it to me, I know someone who will.
Adam: Don't do that. Eckhart can not be trusted. Hey, what about Catherine? If something goes wrong, what about her?
Danielle: All right. We'll do it your way. [Jesse calls Adam from the main room.]
Jesse: Adam.
Adam: Yeah?
Jesse (at the computer with Brennan): The sequencer's been activated again.
Adam: They must be testing it. I'll be right there.
Danielle: Go do what you have to. I'm fine. [She hugs him again.]
Adam: All right. Now I want you to lie down. Get some rest. Okay. [She lies down obediently, and he goes into the next room to join Brennan and Jesse.] So it's still operating.
Jesse: Yeah. But if they're testing it, why is it moving?
Adam: That's a good question. I don't have the faintest idea.
Brennan: Well, that's refreshing. At least it reminds us that you're still human.
Adam (chuckling): So why don't you guys take off for a while, all right? I'll have Shalimar do the tracking from here. But guys, hey, don't worry. You're not gonna miss a thing. I'm sure she'll give you regular updates on what's going on between Danielle and I. [He leaves Jesse and Brennan looking at each other, bewildered. He enters the lab, but Danielle's gone.] Danielle? [He spots message on the wall in lipstick: "Adam. Sorry, I had no choice."]
*****Commercial Break*****
[Mason receives a call from Danielle in his office.]
Mason: Danielle, lovely to hear your voice. It's been too long.
Danielle (in her car on her cellphone): Hello, Mason.
Mason: To what do I owe the pleasure?
Danielle: When I left Genomex, Adam was still working on my problem.
Mason: Yes, something about your premature mortality, wasn't it?
Danielle: Yes. He never solved it.
Mason: And now you're feeling the effects of his failure.
Danielle: And I was hoping you could help me.
Mason: Well, why don't you and your daughter come in and we'll see what we can do to help you out?
Danielle: How'd you know about my daughter?
Mason (lying smoothly): Simple background check. When can we expect you?
Danielle: Why don't we...uh...get together for dinner and talk this over?
Mason: Lovely idea. I remember you were always fond of Gaytano's, wasn't it? Let's say...eight o'clock? [She hangs up.]
[Back at Sanctuary, Catherine's sitting quietly by the reflecting pool when Adam sits beside her.]
Adam: Hey. We'll find her. Catherine, I promise.
Catherine: Whatever my mother's done, she did it for me. So I guess that makes it my fault as much as hers.
Adam: That's not true. If anyone's responsible for what's happened to her, it's me.
Catherine: You?
Adam: Going back to when she first came to me for treatment.
Catherine (fishing): You mean...if you hadn't gotten together back then, I wouldn't be here?
Adam (returning her smile): No...no. The work I did at Genomex saved her life, but it also gave her these stealth abilities, right?
Catherine (disappointed): Right.
Adam: And now it's these stealth abilities that are causing her the pain.
Catherine: Look. If you are as smart as she says you are, why can't you help her?
Adam: Well, there's a chance that I can. But I'm gonna need your help.
Catherine: I'll do anything.
Adam: Okay, good. It hit me that if I recombine your DNA with hers, there's a chance that I can reverse her breakdown and maybe prevent you from having the same thing.
Catherine: And how do we do that?
Adam: Well, by using the genetic sequencer that she stole from the safehouse.
Catherine: But those guys that broke in took it.
Adam: I know, but I sent Emma back to try to find it.
[Tracking the sequencer's movements, Shalimar calls Emma as Emma flies over the city in the Double Helix.]
Shalimar: Hey, Emma. The sequencer's come to a stop. It's at the Hotel Infantimo on Carmine Street.
Emma: What about Danielle?
Shalimar: Well, she just pulled into the parking lot at Gaytano's, and the guys are already on their way.
Emma (viewing the map on her computer): Got it. Wish me luck. [Emma enters the hotel bar to find Aldous drinking.] Hey. Is this seat taken?
Aldous (to himself): Woah. [He turns back to Emma as she slides into the seat next to him.] Only by you, gorgeous. You and you alone. Can I buy you a drink?
Emma: Amaretto Sour.
Aldous: Okay. [He signals the bartender.] Amaretto sour.
Emma: Thank you.
Aldous: You're welcome.
[Meanwhile, Danielle walks unsteadily into the empty Gaytano's restaurant on Mason's arm.]
Mason: I sent the kitchen staff home and brought my own personal chef in for the evening. My dear, I hate to say this, but on closer examination, you don't look well at all.
Danielle: We...uh...always knew this stealth thing would someday catch up with me.
Mason (pulling out her chair): I'm here to help, Danielle. All of Genomex is at your disposal.
[Emma notices the genetic sequencer lying on the table in front of Aldous.]
Emma: You...uh...catching up on some work?
Aldous (sliding it towards him protectively): No. No. It's just a little thing I'm playing with.
Emma: Can I take a look at it? [He reluctantly slides it towards her.]
Aldous: Be careful with it. It's one of a kind.
Emma (opening the case): I'll bet it is. [Emma reaches out with her mind, projecting an image of Aldous engulfed in flames. As he suddenly starts to yell, warding off the invisible fire, Emma takes the case and stands up, laughing.] You really shouldn't drink in public. [She walks out of the room. As the illusion fades, Aldous looks around for her in vain.]
[Danielle and Mason talk as they wait for their food.]
Danielle: I moved upstate and got a job at a small shipping company. Kept my new mutancy a secret until I couldn't control it anymore.
Mason: And you came looking for help.
Danielle: I still had a few contacts in the underground. That's how I found out about the genetic sequencer. I figured if I could get my hands on it...
Mason: A stop-gap measure at best.
Danielle: But it might keep me around a little bit longer. For Catherine.
Mason: You're her only family? Well, then, by all means, we'll bring her to Genomex too.
Danielle: Right now, I need to take care of me, Mason.
Mason: We'll take care of you, Danielle. But it's important that you have the emotional support...
Danielle (firmly): Just me.
Mason: Now, I'm torn, Danielle, between the feelings we once shared and the exigencies of the work that has been thrust upon me. Unfortunately, today's realities preclude yesterday's romances.
Danielle: Adam was right. [Mason sips his wine as four GS agents emerge from behind the curtain.]
Mason: Whatever you do, don't let go of her. [Two agents grab Danielle's arms and haul her up. As they leave, Aldous comes up to the table.]
Aldous: Sorry I'm late, Mr. Eckhart.
Mason: About time you got here.
Aldous: What about the daughter?
Mason: Where the mother goes, the daughter follows.
Aldous (nodding): Okay. [Mason inclines his head, dismissing him.] Oh, okay.
Mason: Gently, Mr. Berkley. We need her in the best of condition to serve as bait. [As soon as Aldous disappears behind the curtain, Mason hears Brennan's voice.]
Brennan: Wow, hand delivery. I'll take it from here. [Aldous comes running back into the room, towing Danielle by the arm. A GS agent comes flying out from the curtain, covered in electrical impulses and lands at Jesse and Adam's feet as the two walk in through the front entrance. While Brennan battles the second GS agent, Adam looks at Mason and points to Danielle.]
Adam: She's coming with me. [He shoves Aldous away from Danielle. While Adam, Jesse, and Brennan fight his GS agents, Mason straightens his jacket and quietly exits the room. Seeing Aldous knock Adam to the ground, Brennan yells to him.]
Brennan: Adam, stay down! [Brennan shoots an electrical arc at Aldous over Adam's head, but Aldous leaps out of the way, and the arc hits Jesse, who quickly masses to avoid being hurt. The three take out all the GS agents except Aldous, who is using his feral abilities to leap from one side of the room to the next. Finally, Brennan aims an arc at the metal ring he's hanging from, and he falls to the ground, unconscious. Adam takes Danielle's hand, and the four cockily walk out of the restaurant together.]
****Commercial Break******
[Flying back to Sanctuary in the Double Helix, Adam calls ahead to Shalimar and Emma.]
Adam: We're on our way in. Emma, I need you to download the data into the sequencer. Shalimar, I need you to prepare Catherine's blood sample.
[In the lab, Shalimar draws Catherine's blood as she sits on the biobed. Emma's working on the computer behind them.]
Shalimar: Have a little faith, Catherine. Your mom's gonna be fine. [Adam enters, followed by Brennan and Jesse, carrying Danielle to the biobed.]
Adam: Okay, where do we stand?
Emma: I followed your instructions to the letter, but you should really check this out.
Adam (making some adjustments): Good.
Shalimar (handing him the vial): Catherine's blood.
Adam: Perfect. [He places the sample into his scanner. Catherine goes to Danielle's side.]
Danielle: Catherine.
Catherine: Mom.
Danielle: Don't worry, honey. Everything's gonna be okay.
Catherine (nodding): Yeah. You're right, Mom. The sequencer...it's....it's gonna make everything better.
Danielle: That's just another way you're like me. You're a lousy liar. [They smile at each other.]
Adam: All right. Everybody stand by.
Catherine (taking Danielle's hand): I love you, Mom.
Danielle: I love you too.
Adam: All right. We're ready. [Catherine goes to stand with the rest of the team by the computers as Adam turns the EDD scanner on Danielle. Brennan rubs Catherine's shoulder as they all wait tensely.]
[Meanwhile, back in Gaytano's restaurant, Mason and Aldous sit opposite one another at the table, before large plates of pasta.]
Mason: Eggs, bacon, cheese and cream. Satan's four major food groups. [He takes a large bite.] Mmmm. I don't know what's going to kill me first: the nitrates in the bacon, the fat in cheese and cream, or the cholesterol in the eggs. But we only live once, don't we? [He looks up.] You haven't even touched your dinner, Mr. Berkley.
Aldous: Actually not that hungry.
Mason: One thing you should know about me. I don't like to eat alone. [Sighing in defeat, Aldous picks up his fork and takes a mouthful of his pasta. Mason sips his wine and watches intently as Aldous begins to choke and falls backwards from his chair, dead.] My compliments to the chef.
[Back at the mutant safehouse, Brennan comes downstairs to join Adam, Catherine, and a fully recovered Danielle.]
Brennan: Well, Neil's all set whenever you are, to take you to your new home on the coast.
Adam (handing Brennan the sequencer): And to finally deliver the sequencer to Dr. Hollis.
Brennan: Ah-hah!
Catherine: Mom?
Danielle: I'll be right there.
Catherine (hugging Adam): Thanks so much for everything.
Adam: Thank you. You're great. We'll see you soon.
Catherine: Yeah.
Brennan (picking up her bag): I'll get that for you.
Catherine (leading him up the stairs): How long is it gonna take us to get there?
Brennan: Hm, a couple of days.
Catherine: You ever get a chance to visit the coast?
Brennan (laughing): No.
Adam (watching them go): Oh, she's great.
Danielle: You don't have to tell me that.
Adam: You've done a wonderful job raising her.
Danielle: Hasn't always been easy.
Adam: You know I have to ask you, right?
Danielle: She's not your daughter. [Adam nods sadly.] I can see how disappointed you are. I'm sorry for that.
Adam: Well, I was wondering where she got those blue eyes anyway.
Danielle (hugging him): Thank you.
Adam (releasing her): I know you have to go.
Danielle: Yeah. I've got a daughter to finish raising. But you know where I am.
Adam: That I do. [He kisses her cheek.]
Danielle: I'll see you.
Adam: Soon. [She heads up the stairs. Adam smiles wistfully after her.]
Closing Credits.
Mutant X Episode #111 Transcript: " Whiter Shade of Pale"
[Opening Scene: New mutant safehouse operator Neil is rolling a cart of supplies through his empty safehouse near the subway when he hears a metal clang behind him. Seeing nothing, he shakes his head and continues on his way. The upper door above him opens and Brennan and Jesse come down the stairs to meet him, carrying mugs of coffee.]
Jesse: Hey, Neil!
Brennan: Hey, what's up, brother?
Neil: Hey, guys!
Brennan: Sorry we're late, man.
Neil: Everything okay?
Jesse: Yeah, everything except for the line at the Java Hut.
Brennan: Oh, that's my fault. I don't get a double latte before noon, I'm toast the rest of the day.
Neil: Never been a problem for me.
Jesse: Yeah, not with your new mutancy. Hey, how much sleep do you need, anyway?
Neil (shaking Brennan's hand): About half an hour mostly.
Brennan: I'd save 50 bucks a week on coffee alone if I had your mutant powers.
Neil: Only problem is finding stuff to do to fill the time. Sure does help driving cross-country.
Jesse: Yeah, but that makes you the perfect courier for the new mutant underground.
Neil: Still means I gotta watch a lot of other people snooze while I'm wide awake. [He nods to a corner of the room.] The citer filter Adam requested from Doc Hollis is over there.
Jesse (holding up a silver case): And this goes back with you to Doctor Hollis. It's Adam's new prototype for a genetic sequencer. [He places it on the desk near the computer.]
Brennan: If Doctor Hollis can replicate the technology, then we can stick them in safehouses across the country, help restore the DNA of alien new mutants.
Neil: Not to worry. You can tell Adam it will ride up front with me.
Jesse: Great.
Neil (going to another cart near the wall): You wanna give me a hand over here? Adam's gear is on the bottom. [Jesse follows Neil while Brennan relaxes on the stairs, with no intention of moving.]
Brennan: Yeah, I'll be right there.
Jesse (rolling his eyes): Yeah... [From the corner of his eye, Brennan spots the genetic sequencer case levitate from the table and disappear.] What the hell? Hey, guys, where did it go? [Neil and Jesse head towards the table, but Neil's cart suddenly careens into their path. Jesse masses to Neil, while Brennan ducks as a heavy suitcase flies off the cart towards his head. He aims an electrical arc at his invisible assailant, who crashes into the van across the room, shattering the glass window before fleeing the safehouse. Jesse starts up the stairs after the theif, but Brennan stops him.]
Brennan: Ah, forget it!
Neil: I thought I heard someone in here before you guys came in.
Brennan: Yeah, well, whoever or whatever it is is long gone.
Jese (to Brennan): Who's gonna tell Adam?
Brennan and Jesse (together, pointing at Neil): He is.
Opening credits. "Whiter Shade of Pale."
[At Sanctuary, Adam and Emma discuss the events at the safehouse while walking towards the main room.]
Adam: I knew the minute that word about the sequencer got out there that something like this might happen, so I installed a built-in tracking device in the control panel so that the minute it's activated, it can be tracked.
Emma: Right in the heart of Genomex, I'll bet.
Adam: Well, not necessarily. It's not really of use to Eckhart or the GSA, but for any new mutant whose DNA is mutating right out of control, it could really be useful.
Emma: You know, I have to say, you seem to be taking this very calmly.
Adam (heading up the stairs with her): Well, what do you suggest? I don't see how anger is gonna bring it back.
Emma: Yeah, but we're talking about a one-of-a-kind prototype you spent a year of your life working on. I don't know, I just figured you'd be a little more upset about it.
Adam: You seem upset enough for both of us. Look, there are very few mutants with this stealth gift out there, right? So if one of them is desperate enough to steal it, then they probably really need our help.
Emma (stopping): You keep saying stealth instead of invisible.
Adam: Yeah, 'cause they're not like H. G. Wells's invisible man. They emit an aura that serves as a kind of light-reflecting shield, and then they remain invisible within the shield. Now the problem is that if this aura begins to break down, it can be extremely debilitating. Why don't you and Shalimar go over to the safehouse and see what you can find out for me.
Emma: Okay, but...
Adam: Okay, thanks. [He walks away.]
Emma (confused): Okay.
[Inside his office at Genomex headquarters, Mason looks up from his desk when Aldous Berkley walks in.]
Mason: Ah, the informant Aldon Berkley.
Aldous: It's Aldous! Come on, man. I've been feeding you tons of dope on these new mutants for a while now.
Mason (turning back to his computer): You've been well compensated for it, I might add. What do you want now?
Aldous: I'm sick of being on the outside looking in! Seems to me I deserve a steady gig.
Mason: Do you expect me to provide this 'steady gig'?
Aldous: Well, I've...uh....I've got some information on the disappearance of a very valuable piece of Mutant X hardware.
Mason (concentrating on his computer): Mild interest at best.
Aldous: Ripped off from Mutant X by an invisible thief?
Mason (looking up): Invisible?
Aldous: According to my sources, this thief had stealth abilities.
Mason (sitting back): And where is this stealth mutant now?
Aldous: That I couldn't tell you. But man, you give me a shot, and I'll find out.
Mason: Your information has always been dependable, Mr. Berkley. Talk to Mr. Kellans in personnel about getting you outfitted.
Aldous (giving him a thumbs up): Okay. [He leaves.]
[Shalimar and Emma enter the safehouse and start looking around.]
Emma: Is it just me, or is Adam acting a little weird about this?
Shalimar (kneeling by a table): What do you mean?
Emma: I don't know. Wouldn't you expect him to be really pissed off that the sequencer was stolen?
Shalimar (thinking it over): Yeah, but he wasn't really angry, was he? [Emma shakes her head.] More like he was excited about the thought of an invisible thief. [She stands up.] You know, he didn't really come right out and say it, but I kind of think he knows who did this.
Emma: A stealth mutant who's got some history with him. [Shalimar peers at the van's shattered window.] What have you got?
Shalimar: Blood. [She picks out a piece of the glass.] Not much.
Emma: Enough to run a DNA test.
[Back at Sanctuary, Adam's in the lab running a microscopic analysis of the blood as Shalimar watches.]
Adam: All right, so there's no doubt about it. This blood sample is definitely a new mutant, and thanks to you, now I know it's a woman. But beyond that, I am clueless. No idea who it could be.
Shalimar (frowning): Why? I mean, I figured you'd be able to get a precise DNA signature and then match it against the database.
Adam: Well, ordinarily, yeah, but this DNA is so deteriorated, I can barely identify it as human.
Shalimar: Well, I guess now we know why our thief was so desperate to get her hands on the sequencer.
Adam: Exactly. However, using the sequencer on DNA this deteriorated is like using a band-aid on a broken neck.
[Meanwhile, in the main room, Jesse and Brennan are waiting at the main computer, when it begins to beep, signaling that the sequencer was in use.]
Jesse: Adam?
Adam: Yeah?
Jesse: We got a hit. [Adam comes running in.]
Adam: You got a location?
Jesse (amused): And a new record for the Sanctuary dash.
Brennan (grinning): It's a house at....uh...2459 6th Street, just off Fairway.
[Adam drives up the leaf-covered driveway to the house in the silver Audi.]
Jesse (calling him over his comlink): Adam, we should've gone with you.
Adam (getting out): Not this time. This is something I've got to do alone.
Brennan: You sure?
Adam (heading towards the house): You guys stay put. I've got it covered. [Just as he raises his hand to knock, the door opens from the inside and he's knocked backwards as an invisible form dashes out of the house. Adam follows the footprints in the leaves and watches carefully until he smells a familiar scent.] Danielle? [Seeing a wind-blown leaf stop mid-air, he reaches out and grabs the invisible woman's arm. As she becomes visible, he wraps her in his arms.]
Danielle (laughing): It was the wind that did me in?
Adam (hugging her close): Hm. Twice. When it blew the leaves that revealed your arm, and when it carried your... [He kisses her neck.] fragrance to me.
Danielle (smiling): Hm. You always knew how to touch me, Adam. [He kisses her lips.]
*****Commercial Break******
Adam (holding up the sequencer): So why'd you steal this?
Danielle: I'd heard it could help me.
Adam (taking her arm): All right, come with me. [They head towards the car, but Danielle pulls away when they see Aldous and a GS agent appear in front of them.]
Danielle (running away): Gotta go.
Adam (reaching out for her): No, no, wait!
Danielle: Meet me tonight! You know exactly where! [She turns invisible again, leaving Adam alone with Aldous and the GS agent.]
Aldous: Go get her. [Adam tosses the sequencer on the ground, advancing towards Aldous, whose feral eyes flash. Adam kicks Aldous in the stomach, but Aldous flips behind him and blinds him by kicking leaves into his face before knocking him to the ground. Grabbing the sequencer, Aldous leaps up to the roof of the house. Adam stands, but soon collapses in pain. Aldous smiles, waves goodbye, and leaps down behind the house. Shortly thereafter, a disconsolate Adam returns to Sanctuary.]
Brennan (running up to him): How'd it go?
Adam: Didn't.
Shalimar (hurrying downstairs): Hey, did you find the sequencer?
Adam: No.
Jesse (looking up from the main computer): Hey, I've been trying to reach you--
Adam: Turned off my comlink.
Emma (coming out of her room): Is everything okay?
Adam: Got my ass kicked. [The team stares as Adam stomps up the dojo stairs, throws off his coat and plops down on the steps, head in his arms. Realizing he needs a moment alone, Jesse retreats towards the lab.]
Jesse: I'm gonna--uh--
Shalimar (following him): Mmm. Yeah, I'll help you. [Emma and Brennan follow them out of the room. Later on, Emma comes in as Adam's examining Danielle's DNA structure on the lab computer again.]
Emma: What are you looking at?
Adam (sighing): It's the DNA from that blood sample.
Emma: The chromosomes look splintered.
Adam: Yeah.
Emma: This woman that stole the sequencer, she wasn't just a Child of Genomex. She meant a lot to you, huh?
Adam (frowning at her): Are you scanning me?
Emma (smiling): There's no need. You're an open book.
Adam (nodding): Yeah. Her name is Danielle Hartman. I met her, I don't know, 16 years ago at Genomex? She was still struggling with her....gift. I fell in love with her.
Emma: So what happened?
Adam: Well, I think she knew her life span was going to be limited. I guess she just didn't want to get tied down.
Emma: You guess? You never talked to her about it?
Adam: No, never had the chance. She just...disappeared.
[In Mason's office, Aldous lays the genetic sequencer on Mason's desk.]
Mason (turning it on): I thought I made myself clear. The device is of secondary interest to me.
Aldous: You want the stealth mutant, right? This is phase one.
Mason: And when can I expect phase two?
Aldous: She slipped by us. But we'll get her.
Mason: A woman?
Aldous: Yeah. Named Danielle Hartman.
Mason (visibly reacting to the name): You failed to detect her presence even equipped with infra-red goggles?
Aldous (sighing): We didn't have goggles that time.
Mason: I think it's time to reassign this case to a more experienced squad leader.
Aldous: You need somebody as connected as me on your team!
Mason (backing him against the wall): It appears to me your connections only get you so far. After that, competence--or lack of it-- comes into play.
Aldous: Just please, Mr. Eckhart, just give me a shot. I'll bring her in!
Mason: You're aware of the consequences if you don't?
Aldous: I hear it all out on the street.
Mason: Just don't harm her in any way. Am I clear, Mr. Berkley?
Aldous: As a bell. [Mason leaves the room. Aldous grabs the sequencer and follows him out.]
[That evening, Adam waits at a table in a posh restaurant, sipping his water. When Danielle enters, he goes to her and kisses both of her cheeks.]
Adam: Hey.
Danielle: Hey. I knew you'd remember.
Adam (pulling out her chair for her): I wasn't sure you'd show up.
Danielle: I wasn't all that sure myself.
Adam (going back to his seat): So, have I changed as much as this place has?
Danielle: You haven't changed a bit.
Adam: That's my line.
Danielle (chuckling): Then we'd both be lying.
Adam (pouring her wine): Cheers.
Danielle (holding up her glass): Cheers. [They both drink.]
Adam: You're still very beautiful. You know what's happening?
Danielle (nodding): Exactly as you predicted.
Adam: So why haven't you come to see me?
Danielle: The way I left, I thought you'd hate me.
Adam: Well, I did. For a while. So why'd you just leave like that?
Danielle: After what Mason told me, I didn't have much choice.
Adam: What'd he tell you?
Danielle: That Genomex was everything to you. If I stayed, I'd spend my life as your lab experiment.
Adam (scoffing): And you believed him? You didn't see that that was his jealousy talking?
Danielle: I trusted Mason. And so did you.
Adam (nodding): Once upon a time.
Danielle: I knew you'd never accept the inevitable. I wanted to enjoy the time I had, not pine away for some miracle cure that wasn't going to happen.
Adam: Yeah. So you made the decision for both of us. [Danielle sighs in pain; Adam takes her hand, concerned.] Danielle? You okay? [In his grip, her hand turns invisible, then turns visible again.]
Danielle: I'm beginning to lose control.
[Emma and Shalimar stand outside Danielle's house.]
Emma: You know, I'm not comfortable with this.
Shalimar: What? I mean, if Adam finds out, we'll just...you know...tell him that we were looking for...evidence.
Emma: Yeah, well, let's hope Adam doesn't find out. [She looks at Shal's puppy dog eyes and gives in.] Okay. [She follows Shalimar into the house.] This is breaking and entering, you know.
Shalimar (leading her into the kitchen): It's all for a good cause.
Emma: Snooping into Adam's private life?
Shalimar: Look. He hasn't seen or heard from this woman in 16 years. We don't know what she's after.
Emma: Ah, right, right. So we're doing this for his protection.
Shalimar: Yes.
Emma (giving in to Shalimar's puppy dog eyes): Okay. [She points to a card on the table.] What's that?
Shalimar (leaning on the table to read): "Catherine, having dinner with an old friend. Back before you know it."
Emma: Who do you think Catherine is? [They look up as the front door opens.]
Shalimar: I think we're about to find out. [She tugs Emma out of the room. A teenaged girl walks into the kitchen.]
Catherine: Mom? [Putting her bag on the table, she reads the note, then startles when she hears a creak down the hallway.] Who's there? [Emma stands pressed against the wall at the foot of the stairs, and Shalimar balances on the railings. Shalimar gasps when the invisible Catherine suddenly re-appears in between them.]
Catherine (to Shalimar): Who the hell are you?
Emma: We're...
Shalimar: ...uh...friends of your mother.
Emma: Yeah.
Catherine: Cut the crap. We just moved here; my mom doesn't have any friends.
Emma: We're new mutants, like you and your mother.
Shalimar (getting down): Has your mom ever talked about a guy named Adam?
Catherine: You know Adam?
Shalimar (hearing a noise outside): I think the GSA's back.
Emma: We'd better get out of here.
Catherine: I can go stealth.
Shalimar (leading them upstairs): That's not gonna help you. [Aldous and two GS agents wearing infra-red goggles break into the front door; Shalimar and Emma stand with Catherine on the roof.]
Catherine: You're gonna jump?!
Shalimar: Yeah, and so are you. [She takes Catherine's waist and leaps down to the ground. Emma jumps down onto the roof of the minivan in the driveway and they run off together.]
******Commercial Break*******
[Sipping their wine, Adam's trying to convince Danielle to stay with him.]
Adam: I want you to come back to the Sanctuary with me; I want to run some new tests.
Danielle: Adam, don't play with me. It's too late for that. What about Ephenol?
Adam: Ephenol? No. Does more damage than good.
Danielle: Mason thought it had a lot of promise.
Adam: Well, Mason doesn't know what he's talking about. Ephanol has never been successfully administered.
Danielle: But it's proven to halt DNA mutation.
Adam: Yeah, it's also proven to have serious side effects.
Danielle: Fine. The right dosage on the right subject.
Adam: Danielle, it's too risky.
Danielle: I'm willing to take the risk.
Adam: All right, look. There's got to be another way.
Danielle: I don't have time to find another way. I've gotta do this for Catherine.
Adam: Catherine?
Danielle: My...daughter.
Adam (in shock): How old is she?
Danielle: She just turned 15. I passed my mutancy on to her. I don't want her to go through this. [She pales as her entire body turns invisible.]
Adam: Wait. Danielle, don't.
Danielle (turning visible again): I can't stop it, Adam.
Adam: I'm taking you back to Sanctuary.
[In Sanctuary's lab, Jesse watches from the computer as Adam draws up a dose of Ephanol for the completely invisible Danielle, who is lying on the biobed under a sheet.]
Jesse: You're using the Ephanol?
Adam: Yeah. Just half the recommended dosage. Maybe it'll buy us some more time. [He hands hands Jesse the syringe.] See, the real problems with Ephanol are the wild card side effects it has on DNA, so I need to monitor this thing very closely. Otherwise, we're not going to know the impact that the drug has on her strand until it's almost too late to do anything about it. [Adam sprays an orange dye on Danielle's skin to locate her arm, then injects her.] All right, good. [They wait until Danielle begins to re-appear.]
Jesse: It seems to be working.
Adam: Like I said, we need to monitor her system really closely. [Jesse nods, and they head back to the computer.]
[In the main room, Shalimar and Emma stand with Catherine, who is wearing visual cloak.]
Catherine: This really sucks. [Shalimar removes the blinders, and she looks around, spellbound.] What's this place supposed to be?
Shalimar (smiling at Emma): Well, we call it Sanctuary.
Emma: You ever hear of Mutant X?
Catherine (awestruck): Come on. You two? And Adam?
Shalimar (laughing): Well, you're looking at the Mutant X secret headquarters.
Brennan (trotting downstairs): Yeah. And now that I'm here, three fifths of the Mutant X team. [He bows.]
Emma: Brennan, this is Catherine, Danielle's daughter.
Brennan: Hi.
Catherine: Where's my mother?
Brennan (looking to Emma and Shalimar for help): Um...
Catherine: What happened?
Brennan: She's here, but...
Catherine: I wanna see her. Now.
Brennan: Well, Adam thinks it's better that she doesn't have any visitors right now.
Catherine (to Emma): Is she getting worse?
Emma: It's okay. Adam's treating her now. [Catherine, spying her mother through the glass doors, turns invisible.]
Shalimar: Catherine!
Brennan (looking around in vain): Been here before. [They all head towards the lab, where Danielle is just waking up.]
Adam: Hey.
Danielle (starting to sit up): Hey. Hmm.
Adam: No, no. Lie back. You need to rest.
Danielle: So you tried the Ephanol.
Adam: Just half a dose. [She smiles.] Welcome back. [Catherine suddenly appears at Danielle's side, touching her arm.]
Catherine: You okay?
Danielle: I'll be fine. How did you get here?
Shalimar (entering with Brennan and Emma): We brought her in.
Adam: Thanks.
Catherine: These guys are Mutant X?
Danielle (nodding): There's someone I want you to meet.
Catherine (to Adam): You're Adam?
Adam (shaking her hand): Hello, Catherine.
Catherine: My mom's told me all about you.
[Back at Genomex, Aldous accompanies Mason on his way back to his office.]
Aldous: Come on, man. We staked out her place in case she comes back.
Mason: The clock is ticking, Mr. Berkley.
Aldous: Yeah, yeah. There's a new development. She's got a daughter.
Mason (stopping): Does the daughter have stealth abilities?
Aldous: It's possible. We didn't see her. Heh-heh. [When Mason doesn't crack a smile, Aldous hands her Catherine's student ID card.] Okay. We did find this in her backpack with some text books. She's fifteen, man.
Mason: Danielle is nearing the end of her short but unhappy life. But her daughter...this girl could be the key to the kingdom. Make her your priority. [He hands the card back and walks away.]
Aldous: Okay.
[Catherine and Emma watch the sleeping Danielle through the observation window above Sanctuary's lab.]
Emma: Adam's doing everything he can to help your mom.
Catherine: There's nothing he can do. My mother knows she's dying and she's trying to help me.
Emma: Do you have any other family?
Catherine: We're it.
Emma: What about your father?
Catherine (shaking her head): Not in the picture. Never was.
Emma: Did your mother ever tell you anything about him?
Catherine: All she ever said was that he was smart. And for a little while, they really loved each other. [Downstairs in the lab, Danielle wakes up again and sits up, rejuvenated. Adam, at the computer, turns and walks to her.]
Adam: Hey. Take it easy.
Danielle (standing): The Ephanol's working. I can feel it.
Adam (taking her arm): No, no, no. What you're feeling are the euphoric side effects.
Danielle: I'm healing! I know it. I haven't felt this good in months.
Adam (ushering her to a chair): No, here, come on. I want you to sit down. You shouldn't be on your feet.
Danielle: Why not? You've done it. You're as brilliant as ever. [She hugs him.]
Adam: No. Listen, listen, thanks. But hey, there's something you've gotta know. The dose that I gave you has bought you some time, but your bloodwork shows that's all it is, time.
Danielle: I know I can handle a full dosage.
Adam: No. Until I've run more tests, there's no way to tell how much your system can take.
Danielle: I know how I feel!
Adam: Well, I wish it were that simple, but it's not. I mean, look, it's already affecting your judgement.
Danielle: If you don't give it to me, I know someone who will.
Adam: Don't do that. Eckhart can not be trusted. Hey, what about Catherine? If something goes wrong, what about her?
Danielle: All right. We'll do it your way. [Jesse calls Adam from the main room.]
Jesse: Adam.
Adam: Yeah?
Jesse (at the computer with Brennan): The sequencer's been activated again.
Adam: They must be testing it. I'll be right there.
Danielle: Go do what you have to. I'm fine. [She hugs him again.]
Adam: All right. Now I want you to lie down. Get some rest. Okay. [She lies down obediently, and he goes into the next room to join Brennan and Jesse.] So it's still operating.
Jesse: Yeah. But if they're testing it, why is it moving?
Adam: That's a good question. I don't have the faintest idea.
Brennan: Well, that's refreshing. At least it reminds us that you're still human.
Adam (chuckling): So why don't you guys take off for a while, all right? I'll have Shalimar do the tracking from here. But guys, hey, don't worry. You're not gonna miss a thing. I'm sure she'll give you regular updates on what's going on between Danielle and I. [He leaves Jesse and Brennan looking at each other, bewildered. He enters the lab, but Danielle's gone.] Danielle? [He spots message on the wall in lipstick: "Adam. Sorry, I had no choice."]
*****Commercial Break*****
[Mason receives a call from Danielle in his office.]
Mason: Danielle, lovely to hear your voice. It's been too long.
Danielle (in her car on her cellphone): Hello, Mason.
Mason: To what do I owe the pleasure?
Danielle: When I left Genomex, Adam was still working on my problem.
Mason: Yes, something about your premature mortality, wasn't it?
Danielle: Yes. He never solved it.
Mason: And now you're feeling the effects of his failure.
Danielle: And I was hoping you could help me.
Mason: Well, why don't you and your daughter come in and we'll see what we can do to help you out?
Danielle: How'd you know about my daughter?
Mason (lying smoothly): Simple background check. When can we expect you?
Danielle: Why don't we...uh...get together for dinner and talk this over?
Mason: Lovely idea. I remember you were always fond of Gaytano's, wasn't it? Let's say...eight o'clock? [She hangs up.]
[Back at Sanctuary, Catherine's sitting quietly by the reflecting pool when Adam sits beside her.]
Adam: Hey. We'll find her. Catherine, I promise.
Catherine: Whatever my mother's done, she did it for me. So I guess that makes it my fault as much as hers.
Adam: That's not true. If anyone's responsible for what's happened to her, it's me.
Catherine: You?
Adam: Going back to when she first came to me for treatment.
Catherine (fishing): You mean...if you hadn't gotten together back then, I wouldn't be here?
Adam (returning her smile): No...no. The work I did at Genomex saved her life, but it also gave her these stealth abilities, right?
Catherine (disappointed): Right.
Adam: And now it's these stealth abilities that are causing her the pain.
Catherine: Look. If you are as smart as she says you are, why can't you help her?
Adam: Well, there's a chance that I can. But I'm gonna need your help.
Catherine: I'll do anything.
Adam: Okay, good. It hit me that if I recombine your DNA with hers, there's a chance that I can reverse her breakdown and maybe prevent you from having the same thing.
Catherine: And how do we do that?
Adam: Well, by using the genetic sequencer that she stole from the safehouse.
Catherine: But those guys that broke in took it.
Adam: I know, but I sent Emma back to try to find it.
[Tracking the sequencer's movements, Shalimar calls Emma as Emma flies over the city in the Double Helix.]
Shalimar: Hey, Emma. The sequencer's come to a stop. It's at the Hotel Infantimo on Carmine Street.
Emma: What about Danielle?
Shalimar: Well, she just pulled into the parking lot at Gaytano's, and the guys are already on their way.
Emma (viewing the map on her computer): Got it. Wish me luck. [Emma enters the hotel bar to find Aldous drinking.] Hey. Is this seat taken?
Aldous (to himself): Woah. [He turns back to Emma as she slides into the seat next to him.] Only by you, gorgeous. You and you alone. Can I buy you a drink?
Emma: Amaretto Sour.
Aldous: Okay. [He signals the bartender.] Amaretto sour.
Emma: Thank you.
Aldous: You're welcome.
[Meanwhile, Danielle walks unsteadily into the empty Gaytano's restaurant on Mason's arm.]
Mason: I sent the kitchen staff home and brought my own personal chef in for the evening. My dear, I hate to say this, but on closer examination, you don't look well at all.
Danielle: We...uh...always knew this stealth thing would someday catch up with me.
Mason (pulling out her chair): I'm here to help, Danielle. All of Genomex is at your disposal.
[Emma notices the genetic sequencer lying on the table in front of Aldous.]
Emma: You...uh...catching up on some work?
Aldous (sliding it towards him protectively): No. No. It's just a little thing I'm playing with.
Emma: Can I take a look at it? [He reluctantly slides it towards her.]
Aldous: Be careful with it. It's one of a kind.
Emma (opening the case): I'll bet it is. [Emma reaches out with her mind, projecting an image of Aldous engulfed in flames. As he suddenly starts to yell, warding off the invisible fire, Emma takes the case and stands up, laughing.] You really shouldn't drink in public. [She walks out of the room. As the illusion fades, Aldous looks around for her in vain.]
[Danielle and Mason talk as they wait for their food.]
Danielle: I moved upstate and got a job at a small shipping company. Kept my new mutancy a secret until I couldn't control it anymore.
Mason: And you came looking for help.
Danielle: I still had a few contacts in the underground. That's how I found out about the genetic sequencer. I figured if I could get my hands on it...
Mason: A stop-gap measure at best.
Danielle: But it might keep me around a little bit longer. For Catherine.
Mason: You're her only family? Well, then, by all means, we'll bring her to Genomex too.
Danielle: Right now, I need to take care of me, Mason.
Mason: We'll take care of you, Danielle. But it's important that you have the emotional support...
Danielle (firmly): Just me.
Mason: Now, I'm torn, Danielle, between the feelings we once shared and the exigencies of the work that has been thrust upon me. Unfortunately, today's realities preclude yesterday's romances.
Danielle: Adam was right. [Mason sips his wine as four GS agents emerge from behind the curtain.]
Mason: Whatever you do, don't let go of her. [Two agents grab Danielle's arms and haul her up. As they leave, Aldous comes up to the table.]
Aldous: Sorry I'm late, Mr. Eckhart.
Mason: About time you got here.
Aldous: What about the daughter?
Mason: Where the mother goes, the daughter follows.
Aldous (nodding): Okay. [Mason inclines his head, dismissing him.] Oh, okay.
Mason: Gently, Mr. Berkley. We need her in the best of condition to serve as bait. [As soon as Aldous disappears behind the curtain, Mason hears Brennan's voice.]
Brennan: Wow, hand delivery. I'll take it from here. [Aldous comes running back into the room, towing Danielle by the arm. A GS agent comes flying out from the curtain, covered in electrical impulses and lands at Jesse and Adam's feet as the two walk in through the front entrance. While Brennan battles the second GS agent, Adam looks at Mason and points to Danielle.]
Adam: She's coming with me. [He shoves Aldous away from Danielle. While Adam, Jesse, and Brennan fight his GS agents, Mason straightens his jacket and quietly exits the room. Seeing Aldous knock Adam to the ground, Brennan yells to him.]
Brennan: Adam, stay down! [Brennan shoots an electrical arc at Aldous over Adam's head, but Aldous leaps out of the way, and the arc hits Jesse, who quickly masses to avoid being hurt. The three take out all the GS agents except Aldous, who is using his feral abilities to leap from one side of the room to the next. Finally, Brennan aims an arc at the metal ring he's hanging from, and he falls to the ground, unconscious. Adam takes Danielle's hand, and the four cockily walk out of the restaurant together.]
****Commercial Break******
[Flying back to Sanctuary in the Double Helix, Adam calls ahead to Shalimar and Emma.]
Adam: We're on our way in. Emma, I need you to download the data into the sequencer. Shalimar, I need you to prepare Catherine's blood sample.
[In the lab, Shalimar draws Catherine's blood as she sits on the biobed. Emma's working on the computer behind them.]
Shalimar: Have a little faith, Catherine. Your mom's gonna be fine. [Adam enters, followed by Brennan and Jesse, carrying Danielle to the biobed.]
Adam: Okay, where do we stand?
Emma: I followed your instructions to the letter, but you should really check this out.
Adam (making some adjustments): Good.
Shalimar (handing him the vial): Catherine's blood.
Adam: Perfect. [He places the sample into his scanner. Catherine goes to Danielle's side.]
Danielle: Catherine.
Catherine: Mom.
Danielle: Don't worry, honey. Everything's gonna be okay.
Catherine (nodding): Yeah. You're right, Mom. The sequencer...it's....it's gonna make everything better.
Danielle: That's just another way you're like me. You're a lousy liar. [They smile at each other.]
Adam: All right. Everybody stand by.
Catherine (taking Danielle's hand): I love you, Mom.
Danielle: I love you too.
Adam: All right. We're ready. [Catherine goes to stand with the rest of the team by the computers as Adam turns the EDD scanner on Danielle. Brennan rubs Catherine's shoulder as they all wait tensely.]
[Meanwhile, back in Gaytano's restaurant, Mason and Aldous sit opposite one another at the table, before large plates of pasta.]
Mason: Eggs, bacon, cheese and cream. Satan's four major food groups. [He takes a large bite.] Mmmm. I don't know what's going to kill me first: the nitrates in the bacon, the fat in cheese and cream, or the cholesterol in the eggs. But we only live once, don't we? [He looks up.] You haven't even touched your dinner, Mr. Berkley.
Aldous: Actually not that hungry.
Mason: One thing you should know about me. I don't like to eat alone. [Sighing in defeat, Aldous picks up his fork and takes a mouthful of his pasta. Mason sips his wine and watches intently as Aldous begins to choke and falls backwards from his chair, dead.] My compliments to the chef.
[Back at the mutant safehouse, Brennan comes downstairs to join Adam, Catherine, and a fully recovered Danielle.]
Brennan: Well, Neil's all set whenever you are, to take you to your new home on the coast.
Adam (handing Brennan the sequencer): And to finally deliver the sequencer to Dr. Hollis.
Brennan: Ah-hah!
Catherine: Mom?
Danielle: I'll be right there.
Catherine (hugging Adam): Thanks so much for everything.
Adam: Thank you. You're great. We'll see you soon.
Catherine: Yeah.
Brennan (picking up her bag): I'll get that for you.
Catherine (leading him up the stairs): How long is it gonna take us to get there?
Brennan: Hm, a couple of days.
Catherine: You ever get a chance to visit the coast?
Brennan (laughing): No.
Adam (watching them go): Oh, she's great.
Danielle: You don't have to tell me that.
Adam: You've done a wonderful job raising her.
Danielle: Hasn't always been easy.
Adam: You know I have to ask you, right?
Danielle: She's not your daughter. [Adam nods sadly.] I can see how disappointed you are. I'm sorry for that.
Adam: Well, I was wondering where she got those blue eyes anyway.
Danielle (hugging him): Thank you.
Adam (releasing her): I know you have to go.
Danielle: Yeah. I've got a daughter to finish raising. But you know where I am.
Adam: That I do. [He kisses her cheek.]
Danielle: I'll see you.
Adam: Soon. [She heads up the stairs. Adam smiles wistfully after her.]
Closing Credits.