THE BURNING ZONE
"The Trial"

Written by
Coleman Luck,
&
Rob Gilmer

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. LAB -- DAY

The lab is empty. Only the security lights are on. On the tables are microscopes and bottles filled with strange substances. Projects half completed. Work unfinished. Secrets to be explored. Worlds in petri dishes.

ANGLE ON ELEVATOR DOOR

Suddenly, the elevator door opens. Michael Hailey steps out. His gun is drawn.
He's tense...on edge... alert. The elevator door closes behind him.

Quickly, Hailey moves through the familiar surroundings as though he's prepared for close-quarters combat. Then, he moves out into the hall.

INT. LAB HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

He clears the hall, then heads into the conference room.

INT. LAB CONFERENCE ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

This room, too, is empty. He checks it and heads back out.

INT. LAB -- CONTINUOUS

He re-enters the lab and moves to a computer terminal. He taps in a code.

ANGLE ON COMPUTER SCREEN

On the screen flash the words:

SECURITY CHECK -- ALL ENTRIES -- PAST 24 HOURS -- NONE.

Hailey stares at the message. The elevator door opens. Instantly, Hailey swings into firing position with his gun aimed.

Marcase steps out.

MARCASE
Whoa. Michael, take it easy. I don't think I want to get shot today.

Hailey lowers his gun. The elevator door closes.

MARCASE (CONT'D)
What the heck's goin' on? There's no security out by the gate or upstairs.

HAILEY
Did you get the same message I did?

MARCASE
Alpha triple zero one on my pager.

HAILEY
Meet Cassian here ASAP. Yet, when we get here, the building's deserted.

The elevator door slides open again. Instantly, Hailey pushes Marcase back and takes aim. Shiroma steps out. She almost has a heart attack.

SHIROMA
Michael, it's me.

HAILEY
Sorry, but I think we've got a problem.

The elevator door closes behind her.

SHIROMA
What's going on? Where's Cassian?

HAILEY
Not here. Nobody's been here for the past 24 hours.

SHIROMA
But the message was the highest urgency. He must be on his way.

HAILEY
Yeah, well we're not waiting for him. We're getting out of here right now.

He hits the elevator button.

SHIROMA
Why?

HAILEY
Because I've got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.
(beat)
Where the hell is the elevator?

He hits the button again. In another moment, it's clear that it's not coming.

HAILEY (CONT'D)
It's stopped working.

Marcase yells out and points.

MARCASE
HEY, LOOK UP THERE.

ANGLE ON CEILING

Out of the ventilation system drifts a vague, tell-tale wisp of light-green smoke.

HAILEY
GAS. IT'S A SET UP. GET OUT OF THE ROOM. SEAL IT OFF.

They rush out of the room and push a button. The glass doors close.

INT. LAB HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

They run through the hall.

HAILEY
To the emergency exit.

They rush to a large cabinet and throw open the doors. The back of the cabinet is another door. They pull on it, but it won't open.

MARCASE
It's jammed.

SHIROMA
GET THE OXYGEN MASKS.

She rushes to an emergency locker and pulls it open. It's empty.

SHIROMA (CONT'D)
THEY'RE GONE.

MARCASE
LOOK.

They turn and stare back down the hall. The light-green, mist is flowing across the floor toward them.

SHIROMA
Cover your faces.

They try to cover their faces with their clothes. They run into the lab conference room.

INT. LAB CONFERENCE ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

To their horror, the room is waist deep in the mist. All of them are choking. They try to help each other, but one by one they fall, vanishing into the light-green smoke.

Hailey is the last to go. But finally, he staggers... and drops.

ANGLE AT FLOOR LEVEL

For a moment, he struggles, crawling through a world of green mist.

POV HAILEY

Then, the mist turns into a roaring tunnel of darkness. Shrieking wind echoes around him and everything fades.

FADE TO BLACK:

FADE IN:

INT. THE HOLDING CELL -- NIGHT

Slowly, Hailey awakens. He's got a splitting headache and his eyes won't focus.

He hears the sounds of someone being beaten. A MAN'S VOICE (CASSIAN'S) cries out.

POV HAILEY

Hailey sees the ghost-like images of bars. Gradually, the room comes into focus.

He's on the floor of a large cell. Marcase and Shiroma are nearby. Edward is waking up. Shiroma is still unconscious.

The sounds of the beating continue.

MARCASE
What's happening?

Hailey is more alert.

HAILEY
Quiet.

He crawls to the bars and listens.

HAILEY (CONT'D)
Somebody's getting messed up bad.

MARCASE
Where are we?

HAILEY
A cell. But that's all I know.
(beat)
I think it's Cassian.

MARCASE
What?

HAILEY
The guy getting beaten. I think it's Cassian.

Marcase is more alert. He listens.

MARCASE
You're right.

He yells out.

MARCASE (CONT'D)
CASSIAN. CASSIAN, WHAT'S GOING ON?

The sound of the beating stops. Marcase's yell has awakened Shiroma.

SHIROMA
Oh, god...

They go over to her.

HAILEY
Somebody's done a number on us.

MARCASE
They've got Cassian. They were beating him up.

SHIROMA
What?

Shiroma's eyes come clear.

SHIROMA (CONT'D)
Is this a prison? What's happened to us, Michael?

HAILEY
There are a lot of ways to terminate a project.

MARCASE
And we're the project being terminated?

HAILEY
We'll find out soon.

Marcase jumps to his feet and yells through the bars.

MARCASE
HEY.
(beat)
HEY, WHOEVER YOU ARE, COME ON OUT. WE WANT TO TALK TO YOU.

They hear a steel door open and boots walk down a hall. In front of the cell appear six men dressed in black uniforms. Their faces are distorted behind black nylon masks and they're heavily armed.

HAILEY
Be careful what you ask for.

MARCASE
WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. WHO ARE YOU? WHY HAVE YOU DONE THIS TO US?

One of the men opens the cell door.

MARCASE (CONT'D)
WHERE IS DANIEL CASSIAN?

The guard slams a rifle butt in Marcase's stomach and drags him out of the cell.
The guards move toward Hailey.

HAILEY
Let's make a deal. You go for either one of us...
(indicating Shiroma)
... and at least one of you dies. But if you take it easy, we'll co-operate.

Cautiously, they take him by the arms and move him out.

HAILEY (CON'D)
That's very good, children. No hitting.

Shiroma is brought out behind him.

INT. THE COURT ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER

Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey are dragged into a large, dark room. The only light is on three chairs, sitting side by side. There are restraints at the wrists and ankles.

They're pushed into the chairs and strapped down. Then, the guards step back into the darkness.

Instantly, another pool of light comes on. Seated behind a long, high desk are three men dressed in dark suits, white shirts and ties. Two are middle-aged. The one in the center is in his early thirties (This is NEIL DECKER). These are the JUDGES.

A court clerk sits a small table nearby. On the other side of the room are ten official witnesses, seated like a jury.

MARCASE
What the hell is this?

Decker speaks.

DECKER
Mr. Prosecutor, is everything in order?

Another pool of light appears. In it stands a dark powerful man in his early forties. This is the PROSECUTOR. Beside him is an assistant seated at a table stacked with books and papers.

PROSECUTOR
It is your honor.

MARCASE
Are we on trial? WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?

Instantly, a guard steps forward with a syringe.

DECKER
Dr. Marcase, I will not allow outbursts in this court. Please don't make it necessary for us to render you silent.

Marcase stares at the syringe.

DECKER (CONT'D)
This is case number 1,372 of the Intelligence Tribunal of the United States. I am Neil Decker, the Chief of Staff at the White House. Is the accused present?

PROSECUTOR
He is, your honour.

DECKER
Then, let the trial of Dr. Daniel Cassian begin.

Another pool of light slams down. Seated under it is DANIEL CASSIAN. He's been beaten and is barely conscious.

FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. THE COURT ROOM -- NIGHT

Everything is as it was. The prosecutor steps forward.

PROSECUTOR
Your honour, and distinguished members of this tribunal. The case against Daniel Cassian does not focus on a single event or illegal act. Rather we intend to prove that for the past twenty years, the accused has led a life of lies and deception, that on numerous occasions he has been guilty of treasonous acts against his government, all of which he perpetrated, in part, for his own financial gain ...

The prosecutor bends close to Cassian and stares at him.

PROSECUTOR (CONT'D)
Further, we intend to prove that the accused was willing to do anything to advance his interests -- including the murder of his colleagues and closest friends.
(beat)
But as heinous as these crimes are, the truth about Daniel Cassian is darker still. And that truth is that for the past twenty years, he has been a member of the central committee of international conspiracy known as The Dawn.

SHIROMA
What? That's impossible.

The judge pounds his gavel. The prosecutor steps back.

DECKER
Dr. Cassian, how do you plead?

Cassian is still slightly groggy.

CASSIAN
Not guilty, your honor. I swear that I am innocent of these charges -

Once more, Marcase speaks out.

MARCASE
The man has been beaten. He's barely conscious. What kind of a kangaroo court is this? Where's his defence attorney?

Cassian turns toward him.

CASSIAN
Edward, be quiet. You can't help me. I signed away my right to a trial by jury and a defence attorney when I entered national security leadership. Everything is being done according to the rules of the intelligence community. I must defend myself.

Marcase stares at him.

MARCASE
This is insane.

DECKER
Dr. Marcase, I warn you. Do not test the patience of this court again.
(to the prosecutor)
Continue with the proceedings.

PROSECUTOR
We call as our first witness, Mr. Franklin Daniels.

Another light comes on. Seated in a witness chair is a tough looking man in his late forties. This is FRANKLIN DANIELS.

DECKER
Mr. Daniels, do you swear on your life that you will speak the truth in this court?

DANIELS
I do.

DECKER
(to the prosecutor)
Continue.

PROSECUTOR
Mr. Daniels, please tell the court your occupation.

DANIELS
For the past twenty-five years I have been an investigator for the Office of Internal Surveillance.

PROSECUTOR
And what are the activities of this office?

DANIELS
Our job is to track and examine the lives of "politically sensitive" individuals. We try to know everything about them every hour of the day and night.

PROSECUTOR
Exactly what was your assignment?

DANIELS
Twenty years ago, I was assigned to surveil Daniel Cassian. And this I have done ever since.

PROSECUTOR
So, for over twenty years, you have observed the accused on the closest possible level?

DANIELS
That's correct.

PROSECUTOR
During that time did you hear him speak about The Dawn?

DANIELS
On many occasions... and with people who do not hold the security clearances necessary to be given such information.

PROSECUTOR
Over the years, Mr. Daniels recorded the activities of Dr. Cassian on videotape. We enter as evidence tape Beta two one seven, taken by three surveillance cameras at a meeting held only eleven months ago.

A huge monitor flashes on.

ANGLE ON MONITOR

(on the screen appears a portion of the Scene 82 from "The Silent Tower.")

INT. WAREHOUSE (PREVIOUSLY SHOT MATERIAL) -- NIGHT
Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey are confronting Cassian.

SHIROMA
The database known as The Dawn, who operates it?

CASSIAN
Do you think I keep track of all the databases in Washington? Do a web search.

SHIROMA
Before an enemy can be defeated, it must be isolated. And that's our job.

CASSIAN
Nothing that I tell you will be true.

MARCASE
Tell us anyway.

CASSIAN
So, you want to hear a lie?

MARCASE
Amuse us.

CASSIAN
All right. Imagine that in the world there exists a secret international organisation. Its leaders are in positions of great power and most of them are top scientists of the medical elite.
(beat)
Imagine that this organisation has one goal ...the total extinction of the human race.

MARCASE
What? Why would anyone in the medical community want that?

HAILEY
Think about it. Wouldn't the earth be better off without us?

HAILEY (CONT'D)
Aren't we the most lethal virus in all of history, intelligent, yet destroying our host?

CASSIAN
Now, imagine that this organisation with vast biological resources, had established a time-table. And the day when humanity would end they called...The Dawn.

The image on the screen freezes.

PULL BACK

INT. COURT ROOM -- CONTINUOUS The Judge speaks.

DECKER
Dr. Cassian it appears that you broke regulations and shared highly classified information. How do you respond to this charge?

(very tired CASSIAN)
Guilty, your honor. But I was prompted by a sense of duty. I felt the need to alert my team to the dangers they were going to confront.

PROSECUTOR
A lie. He did it to serve his own ends as he has done everything else in his life.
(beat)
But this is only a minor incident in a career of deception, your honor. If I may, we'll start at the beginning of Mr. Daniel's assignment.

The judge nods.

PROSECUTOR (CONT'D)
Mr. Daniels, what was your first contact with the accused?

DANIELS
It was in 1976, when he was an impoverished medical student on the verge of bankruptcy.

PROSECUTOR
Impoverished? But how can that be? He comes from a well-to-do family. Both his father and grandfather were prominent physicians who spent years in public service.

DANIELS
His family had disinherited him and cut off his funds while he was in medical school.

PROSECUTOR
But why?

DANIELS
His father had discovered that he was addicted to gambling and he was willing to do anything to feed that addiction.

CASSIAN
THAT IS A LIE.

PROSECUTOR (lifting a sheaf of papers)
We enter as evidence, records of Dr. Cassian's many visits to a series of casinos in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas from 1976 to 1978.

CASSIAN
My younger brother had a gambling problem and for several years I did everything I could to help him. I resent my family's difficulties being paraded in front of this court.

PROSECUTOR
The truth is that he gambled away the money given to him for tuition. He would travel with his younger brother, in an attempt to mask his activities. When his father found out, he disinherited both of them.

CASSIAN
That isn't the reason I was disinherited. My mother had died. My father was in the initial stages of alzheimer's. He married a much younger woman who manipulated him to get his money.
She caused him to disinherit us.

PROSECUTOR
Impoverished by his lifestyle, Dr. Cassian began a long series of treasonous activities. Mr. Daniels, describe what you discovered at the beginning of your surveillance.

DANIELS
I discovered that he had just begun a relationship with a young woman named Olga Varens, a known KGB agent.

CASSIAN
She was not with the KGB. She was Austrian and she worked for the World Health Organization.

DANIELS
One of many identities.

PROSECUTOR
And what was the nature of this relationship?

DANIELS
It was... quite personal.

CASSIAN
For a brief period, we were in love.

PROSECUTOR
We enter as evidence videotape alpha one zero five, taken by surveillance cameras in a Monte Carlo hotel room June 5, 1976.

Cassian's face goes pale.

ANGLE ON MONITOR

INT. HOTEL ROOM (BLACK AND WHITE) -- DAY

A much younger Daniel Cassian is getting dressed. A beautiful woman is still in bed watching him. This is OLGA VARENS. When she speaks it's with the slightest of accents.

OLGA (wrapping her arms around him)
So, we'll meet again in a month?

CASSIAN
I wouldn't miss it for anything.

They kiss deeply. When they're finished, he reaches in his coat pocket and hands her an envelope.

OLGA
These are all the documents?

CASSIAN
Everything you need is there. Be very careful to follow the instructions. Remember, when the shipment arrives, the containers will be outdated. Use them immediately, before they... lose their potency.

OLGA
The money is in that envelope.

He smiles and moves close.

CASSIAN
Having secret relations with the Soviet bloc has been very pleasurable.

He kisses her again, picks up the envelope and leaves the room.

PULL BACK
INT. COURT ROOM -- NIGHT
Cassian is almost shaking with anger.

CASSIAN
THAT IS COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTEXT.

DECKER
Why don't you explain the "context," Dr. Cassian?

CASSIAN
Olga Varens was a physician with World Health. She represented the medical union of Bulgaria. They had no human insulin. They were using swine insulin and children were dying from it. Through my father's contacts I arranged for a secret shipment of outdated human insulin -- still perfectly safe --to be delivered to them. But it had to be used immediately. The money was to pay the cost of freight. I took nothing for myself.

PROSECUTOR
Another lie.
(holding up more papers)
In reality, the containers marked insulin held the ingredients for a biological agent. Immediately afterward, a lethal strain of swine flu was released in Poland in cities where Solidarity was growing strong. The results were devastating. And Olga Varens guided the entire operation.

Cassian leaps up.

CASSIAN
YOU ARE LYING.

DECKER
Sit down, Dr. Cassian or you will be restrained.

He sits back down.

PROSECUTOR
Remember that the purpose of The Dawn is to bring about the extinction of the human race in order to cleanse the earth of what they call the human virus. The principle means of accomplishing their goal is the use of chemical/biological agents. Not only did Dr. Cassian enrich himself, he furthered their hellish goals.

CASSIAN
All you have presented are words out of context and forgeries. Where is your evidence?

PROSECUTOR
We ask the court to excuse Mr. Franklin Daniels and we call as our second witness, Dr. Ali Hafiq.

Cassian looks totally puzzled.

CASSIAN
What?

Daniels steps down. Out of the darkness walks a handsome Arab man of about Cassian's age. As he sits in the witness chair, he turns apologetically to Cassian.

HAFIQ
I am truly sorry, Daniel.

DECKER
Dr. Hafiq, do you swear on your life that you will speak the truth in this court?
HAFIQ
I do.

PROSECUTOR
Dr. Hafiq, what nationality are you?

HAFIQ
I am Iraqi.

PROSECUTOR
But you don't live in Iraq any longer.
Where do you live now?

HAFIQ
One year ago, I defected to the United States.

PROSECUTOR
In Iraq you were part of Saddam Hussein's government, what position did you hold?

HAFIQ
I was chief of his chemical/biological warfare program.

PROSECUTOR
Where did you get the formulas and materials to begin this program?

HAFIQ
From my friend, Dr. Daniel Cassian.

CASSIAN
Oh, my god ...

Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey stare at Cassian. He looks like he's going to have a heart attack.

PROSECUTOR
We enter as evidence surveillance tape delta four four one, taken in September of 1987 in a secret lab outside of Baghdad.

ANGLE ON MONITOR

INT. IRAQI LAB -- DAY

Cassian and Hafiq are in bio-hazard suits, opening a shipment of deadly agents. Two boxes are in front of them. A picture are in of Saddam Hussein is on the wall.

HAFIQ
This is amazing. I can't believe that you've actually done it.

CASSIAN
It's all here. You've got samples of VX, anthrax and more than a dozen others. Obviously, bio-security is of the utmost importance. There's enough nastiness here to wipe out the human race.

HAFIQ
Daniel, what can I say? You are a miracle worker.
(beat)
You will be happy to know that I have made the donation to the required charity.
CASSIAN (Smiling)
Excellent. The required charity thanks you.

PULL BACK

INT. COURT ROOM -- NIGHT

Cassian sits with his head in his hands. Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey are hardly able to believe what they have just heard.

PROSECUTOR
It was only a few years later that American soldiers experienced the "charity" of Dr. Daniel Cassian during the gulf war. Now, because of him, hundreds of children are deformed and thousands of men will never know a day of good health for the rest of their lives.

DECKER
Dr. Cassian, how do you answer this charge?

Cassian is distraught, almost in tears.

CASSIAN
Guilty, but once more, the truth has been twisted. Yes, I delivered those chemical/biological agents to Dr. Hafiq in Baghdad. But in 1987, the U.S. was arming Saddam Hussein in his war with Iran. Dr. Hafiq knows that I gave him those materials because we believed Saddam’s forces would be attacked with chemical biological warheads. We were attempting to create an inoculation to protect his troops. That's why the samples were needed.
(beat)
And yes, I'm quite certain they were used against our own soldiers. But, God help me, that was never the intention.

DECKER
And what about the donation to the charity?

CASSIAN
It was nothing more than a small wager. Dr. Hafiq bet me one thousand dollars that I wouldn't be allowed to make the delivery. The money was paid to the International Red Cross, of which I was a board member.

PROSECUTOR
Is this true, Dr. Hafiq?

HAFIQ
Unfortunately, no. After the delivery my government deposited ten million dollars into an unmarked Swiss account.

Cassian stares at him.

CASSIAN
How can you speak such lies?

Marcase can't hold it back any longer.

MARCASE
WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU PEOPLE? CAN'T YOU SEE THIS MAN IS A WAR CRIMINAL WHO'LL SAY ANYTHING TO SAVE HIS OWN SKIN? THIS ISN'T A TRIAL, IT'S A CIRCUS.

The judge nods. A guard steps up behind Marcase and inserts a needle into his neck. He chokes and slumps forward.

DECKER
The court will recess for thirty minutes.

He bangs his gavel and the lights go out.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. HOLDING CELL - DAY

Marcase is sitting on the floor, propped up against the wall. Shiroma is kneeling next to him, checking him out. Hailey paces back and forth across the cell.

SHIROMA
Maybe next time you'll know when to keep your mouth shut.

MARCASE
Thanks. I can't believe this. This is a joke.

HAILEY
I've heard rumours about these kind of trials before, but I've never been involved in one. I didn't think they really existed.

SHIROMA
They can't hold us here. Without some reason, without some explanation.

HAILEY
Who's going to stop them? I doubt anyone knows where we are or what's going on.

Hailey's words sink in. He's right. They're alone. Invisible. Marcase struggles to his feet.

MARCASE
This is like The Inquisition. Is any of that stuff they're accusing Cassian of true? Deals with the
KGB? Germ warfare in Poland and Iraq? How well do you know Cassian?

HAILEY
How well do any of us know the guy?

No one speaks for a moment. Entertaining private thoughts and memories about Cassian. Then:

HAILEY (CONT'D)
Cassian's always been a mystery. I met him when I started working for Dr. Rhinehart's bio-hazard team. Cassian was already on board. He'd wanted to head the team, but Rhinehart got the nod. They never got along. Not for a second. Rhinehart never trusted Cassian - said he worked both sides of too many streets.
(a beat)
Everyone on Washington does, of course ... it's always a question of which streets you're working. And why...

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - CORRIDOR - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

it's dark. Hailey is outside the office door, about to open it. Freezes. Hears something inside. Takes out his gun, slowly, quietly unlocks the door. We hear:

HAILEY (V.O.)
I came by Rhinehart's office late one night to pick up some files. Someone was already there ...
Hailey kicks the door open, rushes into

THE OFFICE - CONTINUOUS (FLASHBACK)

And hits the lights. Catching Daniel Cassian at Rhinehart's desk, mini camera in hand, taking pictures of a file spread out in front of him. He freezes, glances at Hailey. The look on his face is cold, furious.

BACK TO PRESENT

Hailey stops pacing, turns to Marcase and Shiroma.

HAILEY
It was Cassian. When I asked him what the hell he was doing, he said he had an A-Level Omega clearance issued by the White House. He ordered me to forget I'd even been there that night.

MARCASE
What did you do?

HAILEY
I told Rhinehart everything I knew.
(a beat)
That was the last I heard about it. No one ever mentioned it again.

SHIROMA
What was in the file?

HAILEY
I don't know.
(a beat)
But, I checked on the A-Level clearance. It was valid…

Marcase and Shiroma exchange a look. Strange.

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

The trial continues. Shiroma has been called to the witness stand. The Prosecutor paces in front of her as he talks.

PROSECUTOR
How long have you known Dr. Cassian, Dr. Shiroma?

SHIROMA
We've worked together less than a year.

PROSECUTOR
The question was how long you've known Dr. Cassian. Is it not true you met him in August, 1991, at a medical conference in San Francisco?

Shiroma is surprised by the detailed information they have.

Across the room, Marcase and Hailey register surprise, too. This is news to them.

SHIROMA
Yes. We were both members of the same panel during the symposium.

PROSECUTOR
You and Dr. Cassian hit it off, didn't you? Got to know each other quite well during that symposium ...

SHIROMA
It was a professional meeting. A scientific conference. We hardly got to know each other well ...

As she says this, several pictures flash on the monitor, all featuring Cassian and Shiroma:

-- Sitting next to each other on the dias, chatting and laughing.

-- Standing at the bar, having a drink. Seeming to enjoy each other's company.

-- Involved in an intense conversation at a reception. In the b.g. of this picture, we see ALLEN COVELL, Shiroma’s then fiancee, approaching with drinks in his hand.

Shiroma reacts, surprised, to these pictures. The last picture remains during:

PROSECUTOR
Can you identify the man in the background, please?

SHIROMA
Dr. Allen Covell.

PROSECUTOR
Your relationship to Dr. Covell?

SHIROMA
We were engaged to be married.

PROSECUTOR
What was Dr. Cassian's reaction when he discovered you were engaged?

Shiroma glances over at Cassian, who's staring intently at her. She flushes nervously.

SHIROMA
I... I don't remember exactly.

PROSECUTOR
Wasn't he angry, Dr. Shiroma? And jealous? Because of the relationship you two had begun at the symposium...because of the feelings he had for you?

SHIROMA
No. We didn't start anything.

PROSECUTOR
(pushing hard)
And wasn't that the reason Dr. Cassian confronted Dr. Covell outside his hotel room and threatened him with bodily harm? Because of the feelings he had for you... ?

As the Prosecutor says this, the monitor blinks to life and we see

ON THE MONITOR - VIDEO FOOTAGE

Of a heated conversation between Covell and Cassian in a hotel corridor.
At one point Cassian, who's obviously been drinking, pushes Covell. Covell pushes him away, unlocks his door quickly and disappears inside. Cassian pounds on the door, shouts something else, then weaves off.

BACK TO SCENE

Everyone in the room, including the stunned Marcase and Hailey, stare at Shiroma. And Cassian.

SHIROMA
Dr. Cassian was the Chair of the symposium. He was under a great deal of pressure that weekend. Held had a little too much to drink ...

PROSECUTOR
And flew into a violent, jealous rage.

SHIROMA
For which he apologized the next day, to Dr. Covell... and to me.

PROSECUTOR
Yes. Dr. Cassian was so mortified, in fact, he used his considerable influence to get Dr. Covell assigned to a team tracking the Ebola virus in Africa. A prestigious assignment for which Dr. Covell lacked both the requisite experience and medical training.

SHIROMA
Dr. Covell was experienced and well trained ...

PROSECUTOR
The day Dr. Covell left for Africa, did Dr. Cassian call you?

SHIROMA
Yes. Again, it was a purely professional call.

PROSECUTOR
And the invitation for dinner... was that purely professional?

SHIROMA
I never had dinner with him.

PROSECUTOR
But, he did invite you.

SHIROMA
And several other doctors.

PROSECUTOR
Dr. Shiroma, did you and Dr. Cassian became lovers while your fiance was in Africa?

SHIROMA
No! Absolutely not! I never even saw Dr. Cassian.

PROSECUTOR
But, you must have made quite an impression on him in San Francisco. It was his recommendation that resulted in your being hired on Dr. Rhinehart's team.
(a beat)
Surely you were aware of that, Dr?

SHIROMA
No... I had no idea.

PROSECUTOR
No idea...
(a pause, a look)
And your fiance, Dr. Covell. What became of him?

SHIROMA
He contracted the Ebola virus and died in Africa.

As Shiroma speaks, an aid enters the room with a bio-hazard suit. Dirty and worn and aged.

PROSECUTOR
This bio-hazard suit was worn by Dr. Covell in Africa. A detailed analysis has revealed sub-standard material was used throughout the suit virtually guaranteeing that Dr.Covell would be exposed to the Ebola virus ...
(a beat)
Sub-standard material that is not normally used in the construction of these suits.
(another beat)
Which strongly suggests Dr. Covell's death was not an unfortunate accident in the field, but was, instead, premeditated murder.

Shiroma stifles a cry in response to these words. Shock and disbelief race across her face.

PROSECUTOR (CONT'D)
Why, one must ask, would anyone want Dr. Allen Covell dead?

Now, all eyes turn toward Cassian. He stares hard at the Prosecutor. Shakes his head.

INT. COURTROOM - LATER

Hailey's now on the witness stand. During the examination, he glances often at Cassian.

PROSECUTOR
So, you contradicted Dr. Cassian's orders to remain silent and discussed the incident in the office with Dr. Rhinehart?

HAILEY
That's right.

PROSECUTOR
And why did you ignore Dr. Cassian's orders?

HAILEY
At that point in time, I didn't trust him.

PROSECUTOR
But, you hardly knew Dr. Cassian. Why didn't you trust him?
(Hailey doesn't respond)
It was because Dr. Rhinehart didn It trust him, correct? Because he felt Dr. Cassian might be compromising the team’s work by abusing his authority for financial gain. Isn't that what Dr. Rhinehart told you?

HAILEY
He said that, yes, but there was never any proof ...

PROSECUTOR
And isn't that why Dr. Rhinehart sent you with Dr. Cassian on a trip he made to Sao Paulo in February of 1994? So that you could monitor his activities in Brazil?

HAILEY
Look, that trip to Brazil...

PROSECUTOR
Yes or no, Mr. Hailey?

HAILEY
Yes.

The Prosecutor nods, staring at Cassian as he continues.

PROSECUTOR
What was the ostensible purpose of Dr. Cassian's trip to Brazil?

HAILEY
To examine and inventory medical supplies at an UN-financed medical center and to bring back any outdated or contaminated supplies to the States.

PROSECUTOR
Did he do so?

HAILEY
(a beat)
I can't answer that question.

PROSECUTOR
Can't or won't, Mr. Hailey?

HAILEY
I can’t. I didn’t load the crates we shipped back. I didn’t inspect the contents myself. I have no idea what was actually in them.

PROSECUTOR
And you didn't inspect the crates because Dr. Cassian refused to allow you do so, correct?

HAILEY
He wasn't happy I was there in the first place. He wasn't anxious to make my job easier.

PROSECUTOR
Answer the question, please.

HAILEY
No, he did not allow me to inspect any of the crates.

The Prosecutor turns and faces

THE MONITOR

Video footage shows a distinguished-looking man in a three-piece suit - HEINRICH KAUFMAN - talking to Cassian in a lush park. Cassian hands him an expensive-looking leather attache case. Kaufman opens it. Money inside. Lots of it.

PROSECUTOR
Do you recognize this man?

HAILEY
I think that's the doctor who was in charge of the UN medical center.

PROSECUTOR
Dr. Heinrich Kaufman, from Venezuela-. The son of Dr. Gustav Kaufman, the chemist in charge of the Nazi chemical warfare effort during World War II and a man who's secretly dedicated his life to the establishment of the Fourth Reich by continuing his father's deadly work...
(referring to papers)
For years, Dr. Kaufman has led two lives: preeminent physician who's dedicated his career to the United Nations - and one of the largest private manufacturer of biological warfare agents in the world.
(glancing at Cassian)
And Dr. Daniel Cassian was one of his customers.

Suddenly, Cassian is on his feet, shouting at the Prosecutor.

CASSIAN
I was working with Interpol and the CIA, you idiot! That buy was part a sting designed to bring Kaufman out into the open. Check with the CIA, with Interpol... they'll tell you.

PROSECUTOR
There's no record of any such sting, Dr. Cassian. And Dr. Kaufman continues selling his weapons of death around the world.

The Prosecutor gestures to a bailiff who restrains Cassian and forces him to sit.

The Prosecutor turns back to Hailey.

PROSECUTOR (CONTID)
You thought Dr. Rhinehart suspected Dr. Cassian was smuggling cocaine into the states, didn't you?

HAILEY
I don't have any idea what he suspected Dr. Cassian of doing.

PROSECUTOR
When, in fact, Dr. Rhinehart was worried about something far more sinister than cocaine.
The Prosecutor turns to the monitor again.

ON THE MONITOR

More video. This time we see Cassian and Rhinehart in a small hotel room somewhere. Caught in the harsh, low resolution glare of a surveillance camera that seems to be set on a table close to them.

We hear badly recorded, muffled voice track:

RHINEHART
I know what you're up to, Dan. I know who you're working for.

CASSIAN
You don't have any idea what's really going on here.

RHINEHART
You underestimate me. I've suspected you from the beginning. I know exactly what and who you are.

CASSIAN
There's no use fighting this, Rhinehart. It's bigger than you. There's nothing you can do now ...

Suddenly, Rhinehart produces a gun, points it at Cassian.

RHINEHART
Oh, yes, there is. I'm going to expose you... the game’s over.

Suddenly, Cassian lunges for Rhinehart, wrestles with him for the gun. Their momentum carries them out of range of the unmoving camera. We hear the sounds of a struggle: things crashing, furniture toppling, the two men fighting. Glass breaks, we hear a man's voice calling out in shocked surprise - Help! - but we can't tell who's voice it is. Then silence. Still, eerie silence, broken only by one man's heavy, labored breathing. A figure passes the camera, too close for us to see, then sits down. It's Cassian. He carefully, methodically, wipes a glass clean of any fingerprints. As he doe, the screen goes black.

BACK TO SCENE

The courtroom is silent. The Prosecutor steps forward, facing Cassian.

PROSECUTOR
Dr. Thurmond Rhinehart fell thirty-seven stories to his death. Pushed through a balcony railing at the Stratford Hotel by Daniel Cassian.

Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey stare at Cassian, looks of shocked disbelief on their faces.

Camera PANS to Cassian. The blood's drained out of his face. He can't look at them. HOLD on him, and then

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. THE HOLDING CELL -- NIGHT

Shiroma is standing silently with her arms crossed. Hailey is sitting down and Marcase is pacing. No one is happy.

MARCASE
I've never liked Cassian. I always knew he couldn't be trusted. But killing Rhinehart?

SHIROMA
You don't belieIve that do you?

HAILEY
Anything's possible.

SHIROMA
I just can't believe it.

MARCASE
Why? Because you’ve been sleeping with him?

SHIROMA
That's not trueI!

HAILEY
I've seen you come out of his house wearing his shirt.

Hailey gets up and begins examining the cell, looking for an escape.

MARCASE
He always defers to your opinion. It's almost nauseating.

SHIROMA
I don't have to listen to this.

MARCASE
Where you gonna go?

SHIROMA
You're jealous, aren't you? Well, it's all lies, but I'll tell you something, if it was a choice between you with your pompous, self-righteous, arrogant attitude, Cassian would win hands down.

HAILEY
I have noticed the way you look at Kim.

MARCASE
What? That's a load of crap. What are you doing anyway?

HAILEY
Trying to find a way out of here. You realize they're going to kill us all?

MARCASE
How come you never told us about your suspicions about Cassian?

HAILEY
I had nothing substantial. I believe every man deserves an opportunity to prove himself and be redeemed, even if he's done terrible things in the past.

MARCASE
So what was in that shipment you and Cassian brought back from South America?

HAILEY
I never saw anything.

MARCASE
It looks like I'm the only one who isn't connected to Cassian in the past.

The door opens. Guards come in and take the team out.

INT. THE COURT ROOM -- NIGHT

The team files in and sits down. Cassian is seated, still not looking good. The judges are flipping through documents. The prosecutor steps up and Decker nods.

DECKER
We're ready to continue.

PROSECUTOR
Let me summarize up this point. The prosecution has demonstrated up to this point that Dr. Daniel Cassian has been involved in treasonous activities including, but not limited to, collaboration with the former Soviet Union and the Iraqis to provide chemical and biological weapons and conspiracy to murder Doctors Allen Covell and Thurman Rhinehart.
(beat)
Continuing this line of questioning, the state calls Dr. Edward Marcase.

Marcase is escorted to the stand. He sits down.

PROSECUTOR (CONT'D)
Dr. Marcase-

Marcase cuts him off.

MARCASE
Yeah, I want to say I find these proceedings to be a farce and a criminal violation of our rights as American citizens. I don't recognize your authority to pass judgement on anyone.

DECKER
Noted. Now, I suggest you confine yourself to responding to the questions. The alternative is quite unpleasant. Mr. Prosecutor?

PROSECUTOR
Dr. Marcase. You've had quite a distinguished career. You graduated from a private high school for the gifted at age fifteen, attended Princeton where you received your degree in three years and moved on to medical school at Johns Hopkins. At the tender age of twenty-two you were recruited by the CDC and rose rapidly through the ranks. How would you characterize your time at the CDC?

MARCASE
I wouldn’t.

PROSECUTOR
I'd say tempestuous and colorful. Would you agree?

MARCASE
I don't care for bureaucrats, if that's what you mean.

PROSECUTOR
And how long have you known the defendant?

MARCASE
About eleven months.

PROSECUTOR
(skeptical)
Really?

MARCASE
Yeah, really. Why don't you get to the point?

PROSECUTOR
Certainly. Dr. Marcase, do you recall a Soviet virologist and biochemist named Mikhail Minkov?

MARCASE
I know the name.

PROSECUTOR
I’m sure you do. What was your relationship with him?

MARCASE
I had no relationship. I never met the man. I knew him by reputation
only.

PROSECUTOR
You recall of course that Dr. Minkov was kidnapped and killed late last year? In October to be exact.

MARCASE
Yeah.

PROSECUTOR
And that his body was found in Lucerne, Switzerland?

MARCASE
Yeah. Yeah.

PROSECUTOR
And where were you on October 17th through the 21st?

MARCASE
Lucerne, Switzerland.

Shiroma and Hailey react.

PROSECUTOR
And what were you doing there?

MARCASE
I was attending a conference at the World Beneficence Organization on hemorrhagic diseases.

PROSECUTOR
The World Beneficence Organization. And you went with a colleague? Dr. Shiroma perhaps?

MARCASE
I was there with Cassian. Part of the time.

PROSECUTOR
Please elaborate.

FLASHBACK BEGINS

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY -~ LUCERNE SWITZERLAND -- DAY

Marcase and Cassian are walking up the hallway to the door. Marcase is dressed in a suit. They stop at the door to Marcase's room.

MARCASE
Man, they really grilled me.

CASSIAN
You handled yourself brilliantly.

MARCASE
You think so?

CASSIAN
Edward, your paper on the Southeast Asian Hanta-B Virus is going to be remembered as the highlight of this otherwise dull conference.

They enter.

INT. HOTEL ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Marcase begins taking off his tie.

CASSIAN
Edward. I have to leave for a couple of days ...

MARCASE
What? Where you going?

CASSIAN
Just a little bit of business.

MARCASE
You've got some Swiss babe waiting at an embassy chalet, don't you?

Cassian smiles.

MARCASE (CONT'D)
Come on, she's got a friend right? I'll go with you.

CASSIAN
You'd miss the panel discussion on Ebola Zaire. As one of only two western doctors who've survived it personally, your input is invaluable.

MARCASE
Great.

CASSIAN
I'll be back in time for the flight.

FLASHBACK ENDS

Marcase is on the stand.

PROSECUTOR
And you didn't see Dr. Cassian for two days?

MARCASE
No. Not until 1, he picked me up for the airport.

PROSECUTOR
And tell us about the ride to the airport.

Marcase looks at Cassian. He’s torn. Cassian nods.

FLASHBACK BEGINS

INT. LIMO SINE -- LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND -~ NIGHT

Marcase is back in normal clothes. Cassian is there and they're driving to the airport. Cassian looks beat. The limousine pulls to a stop.

MARCASE
Why are we stopping?

CASSIAN
Wait here.

Cassian gets out. He's gone for several minutes. When he gets back in he's holding a notebook. He hands it to Marcase.

CASSIAN (CONT'D)
Take a look at this. Can you verify it's authenticity?

Marcase flips through it. It's filled with handwritten scribbles of formulas and data. The name of Mikhail Minkov is written on the inside cover.

MARCASE
This is written by Dr. Minkov. The missing scientist.

CASSIAN
Are you sure?

MARCASE
What's going on?

CASSIAN
Is it real Edward?

Marcase examines it closely.

MARCASE
Well, I'm no handwriting analyst but the science is accurate. It's blueprints for biological weapons. Where’d you get this?

CASSIAN
I was sent here to negotiate on behalf of the U.S. government for Minkov’s notebooks and if possible, arrange his release. We can't allow this information to fall into the wrong hands.

MARCASE
So what happens now?

CASSIAN
Now, I need you to forget we were ever in Switzerland. Don't tell anyone about this trip.

FLASHBACK ENDS

Marcase is on the stand. Hailey and Shiroma are shocked by what they learned.

PROSECUTOR
And was Dr. Minkov released?

MARCASE
No. Two days later his body was found.

PROSECUTOR
And the notebooks?

MARCASE
Cassian returned with all three of them and we flew home.

PROSECUTOR
Now why don't you tell us what really happened?

MARCASE
I told you what happened!

PROSECUTOR
Wasn't Dr. Cassian a part of the plot to kidnap Minkov from the start? So that you and he could obtain Minkov’s ground breaking research and sell it to the highest bidder?

MARCASE
I don't know what you're talking about.

The prosecutor holds up a file.

PROSECUTOR
How is it then, that these intelligence documents show that the Libyans have developed some of the very biological weapons that were detailed in Dr. Minkov’s notebooks?

Marcase looks over the file and looks up at Cassian as if he were stricken.

MARCASE
I don't know.

PROSECUTOR
Please Dr. Marcase. Are you going to deny that you worked in collaboration with Dr. Cassian to obtain Minkov’s documents and kill him?

MARCASE
I absolutely deny that!

PROSECUTOR
How did you finance your education, Dr. Marcase? Your parents were missionaries. Not the wealthiest people. And when they died you lived with your Grandfather in downtown Washington D.C. After he passed away the inheritance he left you with was a debt-ridden community clinic. Yet you attended some of the top schools in the country.

MARCASE
I had an unknown benefactor. All I know is that he was a friend of my Grandfathers. He paid for everything.

PROSECUTOR
Our research shows that the World Beneficence Organization that you visited in Lucerne paid for your education.

The prosecutor holds up a series of photocopied canceled checks. Marcase examines them.

PROSECUTOR (CONT'D)
And you don't know that the World Beneficence Corporation is a front for the terrorist organization known as The Dawn?

MARCASE
That's impossible. My benefactor was a friend of my Grandfathers.

PROSECUTOR
Oh, quite possibly. These photos and documents will prove that Dr. Geoffrey Marcase, your grandfather was a member of The Dawn.

Marcase is shocked as he looks at the photos and documents.

PROSECUTOR (CONT'D)
Our contention is that you, Dr. Marcase, have been groomed by the Dawn and have worked with Daniel Cassian in numerous terrorist activities. We will offer you immunity if you change your testimony now and tell us what you know about Dr. Cassian's involvement.

MARCASE
This is crap! You people are all insane, you know that?

PROSECUTOR
Are you denying your involvement in the CDC operation where Allen Covell lost his life? You were the team leader and the Prosecution has already proved that Cassian arranged for Allen to be on that trip. Are you denying your collaboration in Dr. Covell's murder?

MARCASE
Allen wasn't murdered by anyone! I was there! Who the hell are you to tell me what happened? If you don't shut up, I'm gonna rip your head off.

CASSIAN
I have something to say.

All eyes turn to Cassian.

CASSIAN (CONTID)
I am the one on trial here. Not my team. They are innocent of all wrong doing.
(beat)
I, however, admit my guilt in the accusations.

He looks Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey one by one. They're stunned by this admission.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. THE COURT ROOM -- NIGHT

The tribunal re-enters the courtroom. A large glass box with a table, chair and syringe in it sit in the middle of the room. Decker signals for Cassian to step up to the bench.

DECKER
Dr. Daniel Cassian, because of your admission of treasonous acts against the state this tribunal has sentenced you to death.

Cassian nods.

DECKER (CONT'D)
Your death will appear to be from natural causes - heart failure. Sentence is to be carried out immediately. Would you like someone to administer the drug?

CASSIAN
I'll do it myself.

Decker nods and motions to the guards. They open the door the glass box.

CASSIAN (CONT'D)
If I may have a moment to say goodbye to my team?

DECKER
Of course.

Cassian walks over to the table where Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey are seated.

CASSIAN
I want to apologize for putting you through this. What I did, I felt was necessary for the greater good.

SHIROMA
You once said that life was always the greater good.

CASSIAN
Did I say that? Power dictates what good is and power has it's price.

MARCASE
You bastard.

CASSIAN
You're such an idealist, Dr. Marcase.

HAILEY
Why don't you get it over with?

Cassian nods, smiles sadly and turns back to the bench.

CASSIAN
Dr. Shiroma, Dr. Marcase and Agent Hailey are innocent of any wrongdoing. I manipulated them and used them for my own ends. But I do ask one thing.

DECKER
What's that?

CASSIAN
Promise me you'll release them unharmed.

DECKER
They will be released. The jurisdiction of this court extends only to you at this time.

Cassian turns and steps into the glass box. He sits down and rolls up his sleeve. He calmly takes the syringe, checks it's load and injects himself. Shiroma turns away. Hailey lowers his eyes. Only Marcase watches. He locks eyes with Cassian as the drug takes effect. A ghost of a smile plays on Cassian's face for a split second. Marcase stares right at him. The drug has taken effect. Cassian slumps over.

DECKER (CONT'D)
Dr. Marcase, verify that Dr. Cassian is indeed dead.

Marcase gets up and enters the chamber. He examines Cassian, checking his pulse and eyes.

MARCASE
(in disbelief)
Yeah. He's dead.

EXT. GRAVEYAPD -- DAY

It is a gray day. Wind is blowing, rustling the trees in a bleak graveyard. A line of cars pull up. Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey get out of the back of a limousine. A group of people all dressed in black suits are already gathered around the open grave as the casket is lowered in. The team joins the crowd. Hailey looks around.

HAILEY (under his breath)
Odd.

MARCASE
What?

HAILEY
I don't see any of Cassian's family here.

But the tribunal judges are there. A minister steps up and begins to speak.

MINISTER
We are gathered here to pay our final respects to Dr. Daniel Cassian. Dr. Cassian dedicated his life to healing the sick and we pray that his legacy will not be forgotten.

The minister steps back and Decker steps forward. He throws a handful of dirt on to the casket.

EXT. FUTURE STUDIES INSTITUTE -- ESTABLISHING ~- NIGHT

INT. BOARDROOM OF THE DAWN -- NIGHT

The board of the dawn is in session. Decker walks into the room.

DECKER
Where's the Chairman?

BOARDMEMBER
He's out of the country on business. You have something to report?

DECKER
It’s the most amazing thing. Dr. Daniel Cassian is dead.

This creates a bit of a stir.

BOARDMEMBER
You're sure of this?

DECKER
I sentenced him myself. I saw his casket enter the ground. He was tried and convicted of being a member of The Dawn by an Intelligence Tribunal.

This creates even more of a stir.

BOARDMEMBER
(to an underling)
Contact the Chairman. We need to find out if Cassian was part of our organization.

CASSIAN (O.S.)
That won't be necessary.

Cassian walks into the room. He's followed by a team of armed men in suits.

Cassian walks around the room.

CASSIAN (CONTID)
Nice place.
(beat)
The Washington Cell of the Dawn is being shut down. You are all under arrest.

DECKER
What is this? I watched you die.

CASSIAN
I'm very disappointed in you. I had my suspicions about you, but I was really hoping they were unfounded. You see, I wasn't on trial. You were.
(beat)
Take him away.

Cassian turns to the rest of the board. They look very tense.

CASSIAN (CONT'D)
Relax. You all should be pleased to know that I'm going to aid you in your goal of the elimination of human life. At least partly. I'm going to eliminate your lives. He smiles.

INT. LAB CONFERENCE ROOM

Marcase, Shiroma and Hailey are sitting around the table. They're eyeing each other suspiciously.

SHIROMA
So what happens now?

HAILEY
I imagine that the President will assign someone to fill Cassian's position.

MARCASE
I feel like I’ve lived through a bad dream. Well, I've had enough. I quit.

Cassian enters.

CASSIAN
You quit?

The team is shocked.

MARCASE
What the hell? You were dead. I examined you myself.

CASSIAN
Don't sound so disappointed. My temporary death was courtesy of Ernie the CIA pharmacist.

HAILEY
This was all a set up?

CASSIAN
The whole thing.

SHIROMA
YOU sick jerk. You put us through that hell to play some game?

CASSIAN
It was no game.     It was sting operation. We knew that the Dawn had a mole placed highly in the Administration at the White House. So we made our top suspects the judges at my trial. Trials of this sort are incredibly top secret. The only way for the Dawn to discover the nature of my death was for someone to report it. Decker walked right into the trap-

HAILEY
The President's Chief of Staff?

Cassian nods.

MARCASE
That doesn’t excuse what you did. You could have told us.

CASSIAN
I needed you all to be absolutely convincing, not only on the stand but in cell where the judges were monitoring your conversations. And you all performed beautifully. We were dancin'.

SHIROMA
What about the evidence presented at the trial?

CASSIAN
All fabrications. I aided in the preparation of the evidence by taking real events and twisting them.

HAILEY
How do we know you're not lying now?

Cassian moves over to the monitor. He pushes a button. Ali Hafiq appears on the screen.

CASSIAN
Ali, Cassian here.

HAFIQ
Daniel. Beautiful job. We finally nailed that monster. Daniels and I want to take you out for drinks to celebrate. And please thank your team. Their performance was incredible. I think Dr. Marcase missed his calling. He should have been an actor.

CASSIAN
Thank you Ali. I'll meet you and Daniels at seven for drinks. The usual place. Cassian out.

Cassian turns to the team.

MARCASE
So my unknown benefactor isn't the Dawn?

CASSIAN
We're still looking into that.
(beat)
Come on, guys. You trust me don't you?

They glare at him.

SHIROMA
What's going to happen to Decker?

INT. THE COURT ROOM -- NIGHT

The court is the same. Decker is lead into the room, before the tribunal of judges.

The lead Judge is Daniel Cassian.

CASSIAN
Neil Decker you are accused of crimes against humanity. How do you plead?

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR

Editor’s Notes: The trial was an episode written to be aired during that time of the season when studios want to limit the cost of production. The episode was written to be shot on a single stage with little action or special effect shots. One thing of note is that the background given for Marcase is very different than the bio released by UPN at the beginning of the series. In this version Marcase graduated from high school at age 15 then attended Princeton. He graduated college at age 18 then entered medical school at John Hopkins. This version puts him more on an equal footing intelectually with Shiroma. It also explains how he can be a renouned virologist at the age of 29.