Torchwood: Children of Earth, Day Four-Part 3
Torchwood, Children of Earth: Day Four (Part Three)
Written by: John Fay
Directed by: Euros Lyn
Transcribed by: thepyromanical1
INT. LADIES’ ROOM
Lois splashes water on her face, and looks into the mirror. Gwen types her a message:
GWEN: We can stop this, but we need your help.
INT. TV
BRITSH REPORTER: The government has yet to give a reason why the children have stated a number that is equal to ten percent of the child population of each country.
FRENCH REPORTER: [French words to the same effect of those of the British Reporter] …a demandé à la Grande (?) qu’elle faisse le declaration puis vite…
AMERICAN REPORTER: All eyes are now turning toward the United Kingdom as we ask what exactly they are hiding.
BRITISH REPORTER: London remains gridlocked in the city center.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto speed up in the flashy car, only to get stuck in traffic. They jump out, intending to complete the journey to Thames House on foot. Ianto pulls out his mobile to call Rhiannon.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Children run around, laughing and screaming. The phone rings, and Rhiannon moves to pounce on it.
RHIANNON: Quiet, you lot, now, shut up! Hello?
IANTO: It’s me.
RHIANNON: Oh, I-I thought you couldn’t call here. Is it all over?
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
The bald agent is listening in on Rhiannon and Ianto’s phone call.
IANTO: It’s only just beginning.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Johnny enters.
RHIANNON: It’s Ianto.
JOHNNY: Tell him I want my in one piece.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto are still making their way through the mass of traffic and people on their way to Thames House.
IANTO: Listen, that column of fire over London, did you see it on the telly?
RHIANNON: No, I was watching The Other Side. Of course I did, you dumbo. What’s happening? The kids said “we are coming,” but who’s they? Who is it?
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
As Rhiannon speaks, our bald agent pulls up coordinates of London in an attempt to track Ianto’s location.
EXT. LONDON STREET
IANTO: Just stop a minute and listen.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
RHIANNON: Ianto, just tell me, who are they?
EXT. LONDON STREET
IANTO: They’re from another planet.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Rhiannon looks horrified, and perhaps a little disbelieving.
IANTO: They want children, that’s why they’re here.
RHIANNON: They what?
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
The baldheaded agent listens in on his headset with interest, a look of concern coming over his face.
IANTO: They want kids, millions of them.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
RHIANNON: Why?
IANTO: I’m not sure.
EXT. LONDON STREET
IANTO: But for the next few days, don’t let anyone take David or Mica away from you, for whatever reason. This goes for you people listening in on the wire, too. Forget the Official Secrets Act. If you’ve got children or grandchildren you need to hear this, and you need to tell every parent you know.
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
BALD AGENT: I’ve found Jones. We can assume Harkness is nearby.
INT. SQUAD CAR
AGENT JOHNSON: Okay. Let’s go.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Rhiannon is listening, rapt, to Ianto, with her face full of concern for her little brother.
IANTO: Look, I’ve got to go. I love you. Don’t let the kids out of your sight. I love them, too. I’m even warming to Johnny a bit.
Rhiannon smiles.
RHIANNON: We love you too.
The line goes dead.
RHIANNON: Ianto? Ianto, are you there?
Rhiannon hangs up the phone and walks to her daughter, pulling her into a hug.
JOHNNY: What is it? What did he say? Come on, Rhi, what did he say?
Rhiannon doesn’t respond.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen hands a laptop to Rhys, clearly in the process of packing him up so that he can get out.
GWEN: You’ve got to go now.
RHYS: You’re just getting me off of your hands, aren’t you? You don’t think I can hack in.
GWEN: You’re the most important part of this whole plan.
She kisses Rhys.
GWEN: Now go, you’ve got a job to do, there isn’t much time.
Rhys starts to amble off, and she motions at him to go faster. He leaves the warehouse at a run.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Agent Johnson and her squad show up where Jack and Ianto had been walking a few moments previously, but the street’s deserted now. She talks to her bald agent on her headset.
AGENT JOHNSON: Long gone. Move out.
BALD AGENT: I’ve done a sweep of the surrounding area: two miles south there’s a warehouse area in Battersea. It used to be an old holding facility for Torchwood One, back in the nineties. Could be significant; Ianto Jones worked for Torchwood One.
Johnson climbs back into the car.
AGENT JOHNSON: Can you pinpoint the location?
BALD AGENT: I’m onto it now.
The squad speeds off.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
FROBISHER: We need a cover story to explain why the operation is happening, and to encourage participation. So the suggestion is we announce the children will be given some sort of inoculation; a jab to stop them speaking in unison. We stress that there’s no immediate danger, that everyone will be seen in due course. Then when it goes wrong and the children disappear, we blame the aliens. Claiming innocence, we face the music.
DEFENCE SECRETARY: We say the 456 double-crossed us?
INT. HUB 2
Gwen watches the proceedings on the laptop, appalled. Her mobile rings.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto are still on their march through London. Ianto speaks to Gwen.
IANTO: Okay, Gwen, we’re here.
GWEN: Take care.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen hangs up the phone.
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
We see a “location confirmed” message pop across the bald agent’s screen, pinpointing Gwen’s location to the suspected Torchwood One warehouse from earlier.
BALD AGENT: Positive ID, Gwen Cooper, Torchwood warehouse.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen is still at the laptop, typing to Lois.
GWEN: Jack is in position. Let’s do it.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
Lois is watching the politicians attempt to wash their hands of the blood of millions of innocent children.
RICK YATES: It is the aliens’ fault, and that’s where the blame should lie, not with us.
FROBISHER: We play the part of naive dupes rather than willing accomplices.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: We’re not willing. No one in this room is a willing accomplice.
EXT. SQUAD CAR
Agent Johnson and co. are rushing to get to the makeshift Hub to find Gwen. The bald agent speaks to her over the radio.
BALD AGENT: Right, all clear. ETA Torchwood warehouse, 88 seconds.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto continue to stride purposefully.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen is typing to Lois.
GWEN: Jack is in position. Do it NOW.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Thank you, gentlemen. Comments? Anyone?
Lois begins to raise her hand, a bit timidly, ignored by the politicians.
RICK YATES: This is going to take a hell of a lot of organization. We’re going to have to tell the police to stand down and put the army in their place. We barely have time to talk, we need to get this thing moving.
The Prime Minister takes off his glasses, preparing to leave. Nobody has noticed Lois raising her hand.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Then, shall we reconvene at 1800?
LOIS: Excuse me?
The Prime Minister looks directly at her.
BRIDGET SPEARS: Lois, stop it.
LOIS: I have something to say.
Frobisher turns to look at her now, as well. The Prime Minister speaks dismissively to her.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Really. Well, it’s nice that you want to make a contribution, what was your name?
LOIS: Lois. Lois Habiba, sir.
As she says her name, Lois stands up.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Well, thank you for your hard work, Lois, it’s much appreciated, but this really isn’t the best time.
LOIS: I’m sorry, sir, I know I’m only supposed to be here to take notes, but, um, I am a voter.
RICK YATES: Listen, love, this isn’t a referendum.
Bridget Spears rises from her seat as well, looking deeply displeased with Lois’s display of impropriety.
BRIDGET SPEARS: Lois, could I have a word outside?
Lois looks resolved now, nervousness gone.
LOIS: No, it needs saying.
FROBISHER: Lois, seriously, not now.
LOIS: And I’m not just speaking on my own behalf.
Yates heaves a sigh of exasperation.
RICK YATES: Oh, just what we need, a revolutionary.
LOIS: If you like, sir, that’s what I am.
RICK YATES: Oh yeah? You and whose army?
LOIS: Torchwood.
This finally gets the attention of the politicians.
PRIME MINSTER GREEN: What?
FROBISHER: Don’t be ridiculous.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen’s face shifts from nervous to triumphant.
GWEN: I think she’s doing it-good girl!
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
LOIS: But Torchwood has been recording all these meetings, and everything that’s been said around this table, every single word spoken by every single one of oyu will be made public, unless you do exactly what Torchwood says.
EXT. HUB 2
Agent Johnson and her squad cars zoom up to the exterior of the warehouse where the makeshift Hub is housed. The agents leap out of the car dressed in full riot gear, sprinting to get into place.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen and Clem are seated, intently regarding the proceedings with the politicians. The agents burst in, training their guns on Clem and Gwen. Clem gets up in fear, but Gwen remains seated, her expression cool.
CLEM: Whoah.
INT. THAMES HOUSE
Jack and Ianto have finally reached their destination. They enter Thames House, walking past the security guards, who have drawn their weapons, with their guns raised above their heads.
JACK: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones. We’re Torchwood.
They slam their guns onto the security desk in unison.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen turns away from the laptop to look at Agent Johnson. She’s still smiling serenely.
GWEN: We’ve been expecting you.
AGENT JOHNSON: On the floor! Face down, hands on your head!
Clem obeys. Gwen remains seated.
GWEN: You traced Ianto’s calls, did you?
AGENT JOHNSON: On the floor!
Johnson is angry, Gwen is still forceful but totally calm.
GWEN: And now that you’re here, you can take me to Alice and Steven Carter.
AGENT JOHNSON: You’ll be in the very next cell. On second thought, maybe I’ll just have you shot while resisting arrest.
GWEN: That would me a mistake.
AGENT JOHNSON: Why?
GWEN: Take a look at what we’ve been recording.
At the sound of Prime Minister Green’s voice starts to echo out of the laptop. Johnson lowers her gun and moves forward ever so slightly.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: And how exactly are you going to make us do this? Torchwood’s been destroyed.
LOIS: I’m afraid not, sir. Right now, Captain Jack Harkness, head of the Torchwood Institute, is in the MI5 building. So you’re going to stand aside, and let him do his job, and deal with the 456, immediately. And, uh… I think that’s it.
INT. HUB 2
GWEN: What she’s telling them is my gorgeous husband has recordings of them all secretly agreeing to sacrifice millions of innocent children to the aliens. Now, him and his laptop, at this very moment, are in a secret location. And he’s ready to press send and tell the whole world what’s been going on, unless you do exactly as we say.
There is a pause, and Agent Johnson’s face softens slightly.
GWEN: Take a seat, maybe you’ll learn something about the people you’ve been working for. Come on, Clem.
Gwen reaches down to Clem, who was cowering on the floor in the face of the agents’ guns.
INT. THAMES HOUSE ELEVATOR
Jack and Ianto get up to Floor Thirteen, rushing out as soon as the doors ding open. There are some guards there, too. Jack addresses Mr. Dekker.
JACK: I want to feed the live TV pictures directly to this number, can you do that?
MISTER DEKKER: I can do that.
They move purposefully down the hall to the room where the 456 is being housed.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
Jack and Ianto stand directly in front of the tank, side-by-side, facing the 456. Jack wastes no time in addressing the alien.
JACK: I’m Captain Jack Harkness. I’ve dealt with you lot before. I’m here to explain why this time, you’re not getting what you want.
THE 456: You yielded in the past.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
The politicians are watching Jack and Ianto converse with the 456. As Jack owns up to the fact that he was involved in the 1965, the Prime Minister and Frobisher exchange a glance.
JACK: And don’t I know it. I was there. In 1965, I was part of that trade, and that’s why I’m never going to let it happen again.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
THE 456: Explain.
JACK: There’s a saying here on Earth, a very old, very wise friend of mine taught me it: an injury to one is an injury to all. And when people act according to that philosophy, the human race is the finest species in the Universe.
IANTO: Never mind the philosophy. What he’s saying is you’re not getting one solitary, single child. The deal is off.
JACK: Uh, I like the philosophy.
IANTO: I gathered.
THE 456: You yielded in the past. You will do so, again.
JACK: In the past, the numbers were so small they could be kept secret, but this time, that is not going to happen.
INT. HUB 2
Clem, Gwen, and Agent Johnson are watching the proceedings in Thames House as well.
JACK: Because we’ve recorded everything. All the negotiations.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
JACK: Everything the politicians said. Everything that happened in this room. And those tapes will be released to the public.
Denise Riley, the Prime Minister, and the others look startled.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
JACK: Unless you leave this planet for good.
THE 456: You yielded in the past. You will do so again.
JACK: When people find out the truth, you will have over six billion angry human beings taking up arms to fight you. That might be a fight you think you can win, but at the end of it, the human race in defense of its children will fight to the death. And if I have to lead them in to battle, I will.
IANTO: You’ve got enough information on this planet. Check your records. His name is Captain Jack Harkness. Go back a hundred and fifty years and see what you’re facing.
THE 456: This is fascinating, isn’t it?
INT. HUB 2
Clem twitches at the 456’s statement.
CLEM: Isn’t it-isn’t it? It knows I’m watching.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
THE 456: The human infant mortality rate is 29,158 deaths per day. Every three seconds, child dies. The human response is to accept, and adapt.
JACK: We’re adapting right now, and we’re amking this a war.
THE 456:Then the fight begins.
JACK: We’re wating for your reply.
THE 456: Action has been taken.
Alarms blare; Thames House goes lockdown.
JACK: What have you done?
THE 456: You wanted a demonstration of war. A virus has been released. It will kill everyone in the building
INT. HUB 2
AGENT JOHNSON: Can we override it?
GWEN: I don’t know.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
FROBISHER: The building’s designed to withstand chemical and biological attack. Nothing or no one can get in or out.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Ugh. Happy now?
INT. THAMES HOUSE
Office persons rush out of the elevator, screaming and panicking. Some of them are already starting to collapse, and are trampled by the others.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN HALLWAY
Jack runs in, addressing the guards from earlier.
JACK: The air’s poison. Call someone. Shut down the air conditioning, block every air vent. Get gas masks, hazard suits, oxygen cylinders.
INT. THAMES HOUSE STAIRWELL
Well-dressed bureaucrats continue to trample each other in their futile attempt to escape the virus. Mr. Dekker is among them.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
Ianto cocks his gun and aims it at the 456’s tank, but is totally calm as he speaks.
IANTO: If there’s a virus, then there must be an antivirus. Release it now, or I’ll blow a hole in that tank, and we’ll all die together.
Jack runs back in, frantic. Panic is obvious in his voice.
JACK: You made your point, now stop this and we can talk.
THE 456: You are dying, even now.
Jack and Ianto fire at the tank. The bullets ricochet off the glass, leaving no holes or even scratches. They lower their guns as the 456 lets out a piercing screech. The dial on the front of its tank fluctuates wildly.
JACK: What’s that noise? What’s it doing?
Green mucus splatters against the tank wall as the alien continues to shriek eerily, banging its creepy claws against the glass.
INT. HUB 2
Clem screams in agony, holding his head in his hands. The 456’s screams can be heard here. Gwen gets up and rushes over to him.
GWEN: Turn it off, turn it off!
Johnson switches off the laptop, but Clem continues to cry out. Gwen pulls him into her arms; blood is coming out of his ears.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
Jack turns to Ianto, putting his hands on his shoulders so that they’re in an embrace that mirrors Gwen and Clem’s. Jack’s eyes are already filling with tears.
JACK: We’ve got to get you out of here. I can survive anything, but you can’t!
IANTO: Too late. I’ve breathed the air.
JACK: There’s got to be something-there’s got to be an antidote!
Ianto is already visibly weakening.
THE 456: You said you would fight.
Jack lets go of Ianto, turns to shout helplessly at the 456’s tank.
JACK: Then I take it back, alright? I take it all back-but not him!
Ianto falls to his knees, Jack sinks down with him in a futile attempt to keep him up.
JACK: No! No no no no no no no-no!. No. Ianto. No, no, no…
Ianto is sprawled on the floor, Jack cradles him and cries.
INT. HUB 2
Clem is having a much more violent death than Ianto-he’s flailing around and screaming while Gwen tries to hold on to him. Agent Johnson looks on in horror. Blood runs from Clem’s nose and ears.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
THE 456: The remnant will be disconnected.
The dial on the tank twitches like mad, then falls still.
INT. HUB 2
Clem stops screaming with a groan. Gwen continues to hold him for a moment before she realizes what has happened. She lays him gently down on the bench. Gwen and Johnson are wearing the same expression, for once: shock.
GWEN: He’s dead. What about Thames house?
AGENT JOHNSON: They can’t get out.
Gwen buries her face in her hands, slumped over in defeat.
GWEN:…dead.
INT. THAMES HOUSE
There is no sound in this montage, only the music. Mr. Dekker runs down a hallway alone, to where his equipment for monitoring the 456 was stored in Day One.
People in business attire still run about frantically, toppling over and trampling each other in their desperate bid for escape.
Mr. Dekker makes it to a hazard suit. He flings off his shoes and pulls it on.
Guards use hammers to attempt to break the doors, but it’s of no use: nobody can get out. We see an exterior shot of the front door of Thames House-people are banging on the doors. They begin to sink to the floor, almost as one.
Mr. Dekker breathes in his suit, his breath fogging his safety helmet just as the others’ breath fogged the front doors.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
JACK: It’s all my fault.
IANTO: No it’s not.
JACK: Don’t speak, save your breath.
Ianto begins to sob a bit.
IANTO: I love you.
Jack shakes his head.
JACK: Don’t.
Ianto’s eyes fall closed-Jack shakes him a little in desperation, his voice breaking during the next line.
JACK: Ianto. Ianto? Ianto, stay with me. Ianto, stay with me please-stay with me, stay with me, please!
Ianto opens his eyes again, and looks up at Jack. Jack is crying. They’re both trying to be strong for each other but it’s of no use.
IANTO: Hey. It was-good, yeah?
JACK: Yeah.
IANTO: Don’t forget me.
Jack smiles.
JACK: Never could.
IANTO: A thousand years’ time…you won’t remember me.
JACK: Yes I will. I promise, I will.
Ianto gasps a bit, finally dying.
JACK: Ianto. Ianto? Don’t go. Don’t leave me, please. Please, don’t-
THE 456: You will die. And tomorrow, your people will deliver the children.
Jack looks up at the 456, the picture of tragedy: he has tears running down his face and is clutching Ianto’s body. He places a gentle kiss on Ianto’s lips and falls beside him.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
They were watching Jack and Ianto’s doomed stand: there is utter silence in the room.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: What now?
RICK YATES: Two choices: eigher we go to war against an enemy we can’t beat, or we go to war against our own people, for their own good.
DENISE RILEY: An injury to one is not an injury to all. We can’t go to war, we have to surrender.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Thirty-five million children.
DENISE RILEY: Or 6.75 billion people.
The Prime Minister addresses Frobisher.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Start putting your plan into action.
INT. MORGUE
Gwen follows two soldiers down an aisle among rows and rows of bodies covered in blood red tarps. One points off screen for her, directing her to her fallen comrades.
SOLDIER: 13, 14.
Gwen stands, steeling herself for a moment. She slowly moves forward, her boots clicking loudly in the dead silent room.
She kneels down between the bodies labeled 13 and 14. She pulls the cover off of the first body, revealing Jack. Looking down at his body, she smiles tenderly.
A dark look comes over her face as she glances down at the other body. She remains still for a moment before she pulls back the cloth to look at Ianto. Unlike Jack, he’s pale and obviously will not be coming back.
Jack gasps to life, but softly, unlike his usual huge intake of breath. He sits up, looks forward, glances to his side, and then stares at his lap, unable to look at Gwen and Ianto beside him. Gwen begins to cry softly. Jack comes up behind her and puts his arms around her, and together they look down at Ianto.
GWEN: There’s nothing we can do.
END DAY FOUR
Written by: John Fay
Directed by: Euros Lyn
Transcribed by: thepyromanical1
INT. LADIES’ ROOM
Lois splashes water on her face, and looks into the mirror. Gwen types her a message:
GWEN: We can stop this, but we need your help.
INT. TV
BRITSH REPORTER: The government has yet to give a reason why the children have stated a number that is equal to ten percent of the child population of each country.
FRENCH REPORTER: [French words to the same effect of those of the British Reporter] …a demandé à la Grande (?) qu’elle faisse le declaration puis vite…
AMERICAN REPORTER: All eyes are now turning toward the United Kingdom as we ask what exactly they are hiding.
BRITISH REPORTER: London remains gridlocked in the city center.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto speed up in the flashy car, only to get stuck in traffic. They jump out, intending to complete the journey to Thames House on foot. Ianto pulls out his mobile to call Rhiannon.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Children run around, laughing and screaming. The phone rings, and Rhiannon moves to pounce on it.
RHIANNON: Quiet, you lot, now, shut up! Hello?
IANTO: It’s me.
RHIANNON: Oh, I-I thought you couldn’t call here. Is it all over?
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
The bald agent is listening in on Rhiannon and Ianto’s phone call.
IANTO: It’s only just beginning.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Johnny enters.
RHIANNON: It’s Ianto.
JOHNNY: Tell him I want my in one piece.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto are still making their way through the mass of traffic and people on their way to Thames House.
IANTO: Listen, that column of fire over London, did you see it on the telly?
RHIANNON: No, I was watching The Other Side. Of course I did, you dumbo. What’s happening? The kids said “we are coming,” but who’s they? Who is it?
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
As Rhiannon speaks, our bald agent pulls up coordinates of London in an attempt to track Ianto’s location.
EXT. LONDON STREET
IANTO: Just stop a minute and listen.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
RHIANNON: Ianto, just tell me, who are they?
EXT. LONDON STREET
IANTO: They’re from another planet.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Rhiannon looks horrified, and perhaps a little disbelieving.
IANTO: They want children, that’s why they’re here.
RHIANNON: They what?
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
The baldheaded agent listens in on his headset with interest, a look of concern coming over his face.
IANTO: They want kids, millions of them.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
RHIANNON: Why?
IANTO: I’m not sure.
EXT. LONDON STREET
IANTO: But for the next few days, don’t let anyone take David or Mica away from you, for whatever reason. This goes for you people listening in on the wire, too. Forget the Official Secrets Act. If you’ve got children or grandchildren you need to hear this, and you need to tell every parent you know.
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
BALD AGENT: I’ve found Jones. We can assume Harkness is nearby.
INT. SQUAD CAR
AGENT JOHNSON: Okay. Let’s go.
INT. RHIANNON’S HOUSE
Rhiannon is listening, rapt, to Ianto, with her face full of concern for her little brother.
IANTO: Look, I’ve got to go. I love you. Don’t let the kids out of your sight. I love them, too. I’m even warming to Johnny a bit.
Rhiannon smiles.
RHIANNON: We love you too.
The line goes dead.
RHIANNON: Ianto? Ianto, are you there?
Rhiannon hangs up the phone and walks to her daughter, pulling her into a hug.
JOHNNY: What is it? What did he say? Come on, Rhi, what did he say?
Rhiannon doesn’t respond.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen hands a laptop to Rhys, clearly in the process of packing him up so that he can get out.
GWEN: You’ve got to go now.
RHYS: You’re just getting me off of your hands, aren’t you? You don’t think I can hack in.
GWEN: You’re the most important part of this whole plan.
She kisses Rhys.
GWEN: Now go, you’ve got a job to do, there isn’t much time.
Rhys starts to amble off, and she motions at him to go faster. He leaves the warehouse at a run.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Agent Johnson and her squad show up where Jack and Ianto had been walking a few moments previously, but the street’s deserted now. She talks to her bald agent on her headset.
AGENT JOHNSON: Long gone. Move out.
BALD AGENT: I’ve done a sweep of the surrounding area: two miles south there’s a warehouse area in Battersea. It used to be an old holding facility for Torchwood One, back in the nineties. Could be significant; Ianto Jones worked for Torchwood One.
Johnson climbs back into the car.
AGENT JOHNSON: Can you pinpoint the location?
BALD AGENT: I’m onto it now.
The squad speeds off.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
FROBISHER: We need a cover story to explain why the operation is happening, and to encourage participation. So the suggestion is we announce the children will be given some sort of inoculation; a jab to stop them speaking in unison. We stress that there’s no immediate danger, that everyone will be seen in due course. Then when it goes wrong and the children disappear, we blame the aliens. Claiming innocence, we face the music.
DEFENCE SECRETARY: We say the 456 double-crossed us?
INT. HUB 2
Gwen watches the proceedings on the laptop, appalled. Her mobile rings.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto are still on their march through London. Ianto speaks to Gwen.
IANTO: Okay, Gwen, we’re here.
GWEN: Take care.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen hangs up the phone.
INT. AGENT JOHNSON’S HEADQUARTERS
We see a “location confirmed” message pop across the bald agent’s screen, pinpointing Gwen’s location to the suspected Torchwood One warehouse from earlier.
BALD AGENT: Positive ID, Gwen Cooper, Torchwood warehouse.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen is still at the laptop, typing to Lois.
GWEN: Jack is in position. Let’s do it.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
Lois is watching the politicians attempt to wash their hands of the blood of millions of innocent children.
RICK YATES: It is the aliens’ fault, and that’s where the blame should lie, not with us.
FROBISHER: We play the part of naive dupes rather than willing accomplices.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: We’re not willing. No one in this room is a willing accomplice.
EXT. SQUAD CAR
Agent Johnson and co. are rushing to get to the makeshift Hub to find Gwen. The bald agent speaks to her over the radio.
BALD AGENT: Right, all clear. ETA Torchwood warehouse, 88 seconds.
EXT. LONDON STREET
Jack and Ianto continue to stride purposefully.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen is typing to Lois.
GWEN: Jack is in position. Do it NOW.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Thank you, gentlemen. Comments? Anyone?
Lois begins to raise her hand, a bit timidly, ignored by the politicians.
RICK YATES: This is going to take a hell of a lot of organization. We’re going to have to tell the police to stand down and put the army in their place. We barely have time to talk, we need to get this thing moving.
The Prime Minister takes off his glasses, preparing to leave. Nobody has noticed Lois raising her hand.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Then, shall we reconvene at 1800?
LOIS: Excuse me?
The Prime Minister looks directly at her.
BRIDGET SPEARS: Lois, stop it.
LOIS: I have something to say.
Frobisher turns to look at her now, as well. The Prime Minister speaks dismissively to her.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Really. Well, it’s nice that you want to make a contribution, what was your name?
LOIS: Lois. Lois Habiba, sir.
As she says her name, Lois stands up.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Well, thank you for your hard work, Lois, it’s much appreciated, but this really isn’t the best time.
LOIS: I’m sorry, sir, I know I’m only supposed to be here to take notes, but, um, I am a voter.
RICK YATES: Listen, love, this isn’t a referendum.
Bridget Spears rises from her seat as well, looking deeply displeased with Lois’s display of impropriety.
BRIDGET SPEARS: Lois, could I have a word outside?
Lois looks resolved now, nervousness gone.
LOIS: No, it needs saying.
FROBISHER: Lois, seriously, not now.
LOIS: And I’m not just speaking on my own behalf.
Yates heaves a sigh of exasperation.
RICK YATES: Oh, just what we need, a revolutionary.
LOIS: If you like, sir, that’s what I am.
RICK YATES: Oh yeah? You and whose army?
LOIS: Torchwood.
This finally gets the attention of the politicians.
PRIME MINSTER GREEN: What?
FROBISHER: Don’t be ridiculous.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen’s face shifts from nervous to triumphant.
GWEN: I think she’s doing it-good girl!
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
LOIS: But Torchwood has been recording all these meetings, and everything that’s been said around this table, every single word spoken by every single one of oyu will be made public, unless you do exactly what Torchwood says.
EXT. HUB 2
Agent Johnson and her squad cars zoom up to the exterior of the warehouse where the makeshift Hub is housed. The agents leap out of the car dressed in full riot gear, sprinting to get into place.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen and Clem are seated, intently regarding the proceedings with the politicians. The agents burst in, training their guns on Clem and Gwen. Clem gets up in fear, but Gwen remains seated, her expression cool.
CLEM: Whoah.
INT. THAMES HOUSE
Jack and Ianto have finally reached their destination. They enter Thames House, walking past the security guards, who have drawn their weapons, with their guns raised above their heads.
JACK: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones. We’re Torchwood.
They slam their guns onto the security desk in unison.
INT. HUB 2
Gwen turns away from the laptop to look at Agent Johnson. She’s still smiling serenely.
GWEN: We’ve been expecting you.
AGENT JOHNSON: On the floor! Face down, hands on your head!
Clem obeys. Gwen remains seated.
GWEN: You traced Ianto’s calls, did you?
AGENT JOHNSON: On the floor!
Johnson is angry, Gwen is still forceful but totally calm.
GWEN: And now that you’re here, you can take me to Alice and Steven Carter.
AGENT JOHNSON: You’ll be in the very next cell. On second thought, maybe I’ll just have you shot while resisting arrest.
GWEN: That would me a mistake.
AGENT JOHNSON: Why?
GWEN: Take a look at what we’ve been recording.
At the sound of Prime Minister Green’s voice starts to echo out of the laptop. Johnson lowers her gun and moves forward ever so slightly.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: And how exactly are you going to make us do this? Torchwood’s been destroyed.
LOIS: I’m afraid not, sir. Right now, Captain Jack Harkness, head of the Torchwood Institute, is in the MI5 building. So you’re going to stand aside, and let him do his job, and deal with the 456, immediately. And, uh… I think that’s it.
INT. HUB 2
GWEN: What she’s telling them is my gorgeous husband has recordings of them all secretly agreeing to sacrifice millions of innocent children to the aliens. Now, him and his laptop, at this very moment, are in a secret location. And he’s ready to press send and tell the whole world what’s been going on, unless you do exactly as we say.
There is a pause, and Agent Johnson’s face softens slightly.
GWEN: Take a seat, maybe you’ll learn something about the people you’ve been working for. Come on, Clem.
Gwen reaches down to Clem, who was cowering on the floor in the face of the agents’ guns.
INT. THAMES HOUSE ELEVATOR
Jack and Ianto get up to Floor Thirteen, rushing out as soon as the doors ding open. There are some guards there, too. Jack addresses Mr. Dekker.
JACK: I want to feed the live TV pictures directly to this number, can you do that?
MISTER DEKKER: I can do that.
They move purposefully down the hall to the room where the 456 is being housed.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
Jack and Ianto stand directly in front of the tank, side-by-side, facing the 456. Jack wastes no time in addressing the alien.
JACK: I’m Captain Jack Harkness. I’ve dealt with you lot before. I’m here to explain why this time, you’re not getting what you want.
THE 456: You yielded in the past.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
The politicians are watching Jack and Ianto converse with the 456. As Jack owns up to the fact that he was involved in the 1965, the Prime Minister and Frobisher exchange a glance.
JACK: And don’t I know it. I was there. In 1965, I was part of that trade, and that’s why I’m never going to let it happen again.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
THE 456: Explain.
JACK: There’s a saying here on Earth, a very old, very wise friend of mine taught me it: an injury to one is an injury to all. And when people act according to that philosophy, the human race is the finest species in the Universe.
IANTO: Never mind the philosophy. What he’s saying is you’re not getting one solitary, single child. The deal is off.
JACK: Uh, I like the philosophy.
IANTO: I gathered.
THE 456: You yielded in the past. You will do so, again.
JACK: In the past, the numbers were so small they could be kept secret, but this time, that is not going to happen.
INT. HUB 2
Clem, Gwen, and Agent Johnson are watching the proceedings in Thames House as well.
JACK: Because we’ve recorded everything. All the negotiations.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
JACK: Everything the politicians said. Everything that happened in this room. And those tapes will be released to the public.
Denise Riley, the Prime Minister, and the others look startled.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
JACK: Unless you leave this planet for good.
THE 456: You yielded in the past. You will do so again.
JACK: When people find out the truth, you will have over six billion angry human beings taking up arms to fight you. That might be a fight you think you can win, but at the end of it, the human race in defense of its children will fight to the death. And if I have to lead them in to battle, I will.
IANTO: You’ve got enough information on this planet. Check your records. His name is Captain Jack Harkness. Go back a hundred and fifty years and see what you’re facing.
THE 456: This is fascinating, isn’t it?
INT. HUB 2
Clem twitches at the 456’s statement.
CLEM: Isn’t it-isn’t it? It knows I’m watching.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
THE 456: The human infant mortality rate is 29,158 deaths per day. Every three seconds, child dies. The human response is to accept, and adapt.
JACK: We’re adapting right now, and we’re amking this a war.
THE 456:Then the fight begins.
JACK: We’re wating for your reply.
THE 456: Action has been taken.
Alarms blare; Thames House goes lockdown.
JACK: What have you done?
THE 456: You wanted a demonstration of war. A virus has been released. It will kill everyone in the building
INT. HUB 2
AGENT JOHNSON: Can we override it?
GWEN: I don’t know.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
FROBISHER: The building’s designed to withstand chemical and biological attack. Nothing or no one can get in or out.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Ugh. Happy now?
INT. THAMES HOUSE
Office persons rush out of the elevator, screaming and panicking. Some of them are already starting to collapse, and are trampled by the others.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN HALLWAY
Jack runs in, addressing the guards from earlier.
JACK: The air’s poison. Call someone. Shut down the air conditioning, block every air vent. Get gas masks, hazard suits, oxygen cylinders.
INT. THAMES HOUSE STAIRWELL
Well-dressed bureaucrats continue to trample each other in their futile attempt to escape the virus. Mr. Dekker is among them.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
Ianto cocks his gun and aims it at the 456’s tank, but is totally calm as he speaks.
IANTO: If there’s a virus, then there must be an antivirus. Release it now, or I’ll blow a hole in that tank, and we’ll all die together.
Jack runs back in, frantic. Panic is obvious in his voice.
JACK: You made your point, now stop this and we can talk.
THE 456: You are dying, even now.
Jack and Ianto fire at the tank. The bullets ricochet off the glass, leaving no holes or even scratches. They lower their guns as the 456 lets out a piercing screech. The dial on the front of its tank fluctuates wildly.
JACK: What’s that noise? What’s it doing?
Green mucus splatters against the tank wall as the alien continues to shriek eerily, banging its creepy claws against the glass.
INT. HUB 2
Clem screams in agony, holding his head in his hands. The 456’s screams can be heard here. Gwen gets up and rushes over to him.
GWEN: Turn it off, turn it off!
Johnson switches off the laptop, but Clem continues to cry out. Gwen pulls him into her arms; blood is coming out of his ears.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
Jack turns to Ianto, putting his hands on his shoulders so that they’re in an embrace that mirrors Gwen and Clem’s. Jack’s eyes are already filling with tears.
JACK: We’ve got to get you out of here. I can survive anything, but you can’t!
IANTO: Too late. I’ve breathed the air.
JACK: There’s got to be something-there’s got to be an antidote!
Ianto is already visibly weakening.
THE 456: You said you would fight.
Jack lets go of Ianto, turns to shout helplessly at the 456’s tank.
JACK: Then I take it back, alright? I take it all back-but not him!
Ianto falls to his knees, Jack sinks down with him in a futile attempt to keep him up.
JACK: No! No no no no no no no-no!. No. Ianto. No, no, no…
Ianto is sprawled on the floor, Jack cradles him and cries.
INT. HUB 2
Clem is having a much more violent death than Ianto-he’s flailing around and screaming while Gwen tries to hold on to him. Agent Johnson looks on in horror. Blood runs from Clem’s nose and ears.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
THE 456: The remnant will be disconnected.
The dial on the tank twitches like mad, then falls still.
INT. HUB 2
Clem stops screaming with a groan. Gwen continues to hold him for a moment before she realizes what has happened. She lays him gently down on the bench. Gwen and Johnson are wearing the same expression, for once: shock.
GWEN: He’s dead. What about Thames house?
AGENT JOHNSON: They can’t get out.
Gwen buries her face in her hands, slumped over in defeat.
GWEN:…dead.
INT. THAMES HOUSE
There is no sound in this montage, only the music. Mr. Dekker runs down a hallway alone, to where his equipment for monitoring the 456 was stored in Day One.
People in business attire still run about frantically, toppling over and trampling each other in their desperate bid for escape.
Mr. Dekker makes it to a hazard suit. He flings off his shoes and pulls it on.
Guards use hammers to attempt to break the doors, but it’s of no use: nobody can get out. We see an exterior shot of the front door of Thames House-people are banging on the doors. They begin to sink to the floor, almost as one.
Mr. Dekker breathes in his suit, his breath fogging his safety helmet just as the others’ breath fogged the front doors.
INT. FLOOR THIRTEEN
JACK: It’s all my fault.
IANTO: No it’s not.
JACK: Don’t speak, save your breath.
Ianto begins to sob a bit.
IANTO: I love you.
Jack shakes his head.
JACK: Don’t.
Ianto’s eyes fall closed-Jack shakes him a little in desperation, his voice breaking during the next line.
JACK: Ianto. Ianto? Ianto, stay with me. Ianto, stay with me please-stay with me, stay with me, please!
Ianto opens his eyes again, and looks up at Jack. Jack is crying. They’re both trying to be strong for each other but it’s of no use.
IANTO: Hey. It was-good, yeah?
JACK: Yeah.
IANTO: Don’t forget me.
Jack smiles.
JACK: Never could.
IANTO: A thousand years’ time…you won’t remember me.
JACK: Yes I will. I promise, I will.
Ianto gasps a bit, finally dying.
JACK: Ianto. Ianto? Don’t go. Don’t leave me, please. Please, don’t-
THE 456: You will die. And tomorrow, your people will deliver the children.
Jack looks up at the 456, the picture of tragedy: he has tears running down his face and is clutching Ianto’s body. He places a gentle kiss on Ianto’s lips and falls beside him.
INT. GOLD COMMAND BOARD ROOM
They were watching Jack and Ianto’s doomed stand: there is utter silence in the room.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: What now?
RICK YATES: Two choices: eigher we go to war against an enemy we can’t beat, or we go to war against our own people, for their own good.
DENISE RILEY: An injury to one is not an injury to all. We can’t go to war, we have to surrender.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Thirty-five million children.
DENISE RILEY: Or 6.75 billion people.
The Prime Minister addresses Frobisher.
PRIME MINISTER GREEN: Start putting your plan into action.
INT. MORGUE
Gwen follows two soldiers down an aisle among rows and rows of bodies covered in blood red tarps. One points off screen for her, directing her to her fallen comrades.
SOLDIER: 13, 14.
Gwen stands, steeling herself for a moment. She slowly moves forward, her boots clicking loudly in the dead silent room.
She kneels down between the bodies labeled 13 and 14. She pulls the cover off of the first body, revealing Jack. Looking down at his body, she smiles tenderly.
A dark look comes over her face as she glances down at the other body. She remains still for a moment before she pulls back the cloth to look at Ianto. Unlike Jack, he’s pale and obviously will not be coming back.
Jack gasps to life, but softly, unlike his usual huge intake of breath. He sits up, looks forward, glances to his side, and then stares at his lap, unable to look at Gwen and Ianto beside him. Gwen begins to cry softly. Jack comes up behind her and puts his arms around her, and together they look down at Ianto.
GWEN: There’s nothing we can do.
END DAY FOUR