Peace Out

Gunn

You're a power that... was?

Angel

We've all been saved. (kneels)

For so long you've all been drowning in the fighting and the pain. I'd like to help.

Fred

(walks into the room holding the shirt up and scrutinizing it) I scrubbed the other one 'til my fingers bled, but I couldn't get out the— (looks up at the woman and sees a horrifying vision of maggot-infested decaying bloody flesh where the woman's face should be)

Fred?

Fred

Blood.

Angel

We hoped Cordy's blood would have the same effect when we exposed you to it.

(winces) Aah!

Gunn

You're back with us now, Connor.

(yells out the door) They're here! Come quick! They're here.

Angel

Drive.

I'll bring them down, I promise.

This world is about to kneel before me.

Fred

I doubt anyone under her control knows these tunnels better than you.

Angel

Where's Wes?

We loved her first! (clicks angrily)

Wesley

Jasmine?

Soon you'll go out with all of my strength behind you.

Wesley

She has a name, and it has power over her! That's why she keeps it a secret!

Wesley

Angel, that creature, it came from a world that's worshipped jasmine for millennia, a world that we can reach through this. (holds up the blue sphere)

Fred

(running into the lair with Angel, Gunn, and Lorne) Connor. He's here.

Angel

I know. (shuts the door behind them)

Wesley

Angel, I got it! (helps hold the door) Someone who knows the truth has to live through this. Angel, that's you.

Gunn

Time for the big fight scene.

Angel

Oh, hell.

Fred

Charles!

Angel.

15 INT. SEWER - DAY Connor has all four of Angel's gang—Wes, Gunn, Fred, Lorne—lined up on their knees in front of him. He paces in front of them angrily as his people point guns at their captives.

What did you think you could do? Poison the whole city with your hate? Your tricks? Now I have no choice but to kill you.

Wesley

Connor—

(points the tip of his sword at Wesley's face) Shut up. (scoffs) All your talk about saving the world. Well... now somebody's gone and done it. Made everything right... and good. (angrily) And you can't stand it because you're all so full of yourselves. (whispers in Wesley's ear) Don't you get it? You're all alone now. All of you. You're the ones left out in the cold. You... don't... belong.

Gunn

If belonging means following some bogus god and killing in her name, then you're damn right we don't.

I'm not listening to your lies.

Wesley

Jasmine's the lie. You've no idea what she is.

Yes, I do. She's mine. (raises his sword, ready to strike)

(in Jasmine's voice) Connor, wait. Bring them to me.

Why?

(in Jasmine's voice) Has it become necessary to explain my wishes to you?

No, just—

(in Jasmine's voice) Then be a sweet boy and bring them. Intact. (Connor puts down his sword) Thank you, Connor.

There's a long road before us, and there's still much to do, but we've made a wonderful start, thanks to all of you. Your devotion and sacrifice have made a difference. (crowd thanks her) Now if you'll join the others in the banquet room, I'll be with you all shortly.

Thank you, Jasmine.

Thank you so much.

(to Angel's gang) So much pain, suffering...must hurt so terribly.

Gunn

Don't get all gloaty. Not the worst beating we've ever taken.

I meant the pain you've caused yourselves—letting go of me.

Lorne

Oh, by giving up absolute tranquility and perfect happiness? (chuckles) No loss. Right, guys? (looks at the others) Guys?

I only wish it was within my power to take you back.

Fred

Nobody asked.

Where's Angel?

Wesley

You're omniscient. You tell us.

Connor, please. I don't want to see that.

Wesley

The creature in the sewer. You recognized it, didn't you?

Yes.

Wesley

Just another one of your zealots?

A sentient, living being wanting what's best for his own. Is that so wrong? A few millennia ago, his world was not unlike yours. Full of hatred and fear, wars scarring its landscape.

Gunn

Until—let me guess—you came along and made it a paradise.

Well, as much of a paradise as one could with a bunch of insects to work with. I helped them along. Kicked their evolution up a few ticks.

Lorne

And how'd that work out for 'em?

It was a trial run, an early experiment to work out the bugs, so to speak. I won't make that mistake again. I know where Angel is, and I know what he's looking for. He's wasting his time.

Wesley

If you really believed that, you'd have killed us already.

Patience.

(walks into the room) Yes, ma'am?

The news people have started to arrive. Please ask them to set up in the lobby. I'll be ready to speak with them after I've eaten.

Mm-hmm. (walks out)

Wesley

So it's time, is it?

Gunn

Time for what?

Wesley

Too much trouble conquering a primitive dimension, wasn't it, Jasmine? Or whatever your name is. Must be nice for you that we have satellites to beam your message to the rest of the world.

You're not wrong.

Fred

Oh, God. Connor, you can't let her do this. She'll enslave everyone.

She'll bring them together.

Fred

You don't— She's not what she pretends to be! She's—

Gunn

A monster.

Fred

Yeah. Cordy's blood that we put in you, it was supposed to break the spell. Show you what she really looks like.

I know what she looks like. (show Jasmine with bloody, maggoty, rotting flesh) She's beautiful.

Gentlemen, please show our guests to their accommodations.

Wesley

Save us the euphemisms. We're bargaining chips to keep Angel quiet.

Quiet about what?

Connor, this address is going to be very draining for me. While I'm feasting to build up my strength, I'm going to be out of touch with you, with everything. You'll be my eyes and ears. You understand?

Yeah.

I want you to stand guard over them, make sure they don't escape. If Angel so much as shows his face—

What is he looking for? Angel?

The unattainable.

Angel

Thanks for the tip. Maybe I can use your body to cushion the blow.

Angel

You. You're the—

High priest, guardian of the word, caretaker of her most blessed temple.

Angel

Well, blessed temple's kind of empty, padre. So where are the other true believers? Or are you it?

(chuckles) Betrayers, blasphemers. Centuries of waiting for her return have caused most to doubt.

Angel

But, not you, her faithful P.R. flak.

She is the light. She is the way.

Angel

She is not coming back.

She will when she's through with your world.

Angel

You know, maybe we're not talking about the same person here. What's the name of yours again?

(laughs) That's why you're here, dead thing. What you've come for. The word. The name.

Angel

Good. You got that. So I don't have to ask it again. (grabs the priest by the throat, lifting him off the ground; the priest chokes) What is it?

Fool. You can take away her power, but you've already lost... everything.

Lorne

I just gotta know one thing. The reason our little blood ritual didn't raise any veils for you. You've always seen Jasmine's true appearance, haven't you?

Gunn

(scoffs) You gotta be kidding me. You know what maggot-face looks like, and you're still big with the worship?

(walks back toward the cage, sits in a chair) I grew up in Quor-Toth—a hell dimension full of all sorts of things you can't even imagine. So, you know, appearance? Not that important to me.

Fred

What is important to you, Connor?

Gunn

Not us, apparently. Or his own father.

Fred

What about Cordelia? She needs help, medical attention. I mean, who knows what that coma's doing to her?

She's fine.

Fred

Are you sure? Have you checked on her? Connor, if you don't care for her, then—

She isn't—she's been moved.

Gunn

Moved? What do you mean?

Someplace safe, OK? She's taken care of, so just quit—

Wesley

Connor, what does Jasmine eat?

What?

Wesley

The creature in the sewer. It called her the "devourer." Devourer of what?

(shakes head) I don't know.

Wesley

Don't you? The followers she randomly chooses to come to her room. The ones she sent to meet her in the banquet hall.

Lorne

They're the banquet.

Gunn

Wait. People? She eats people?

Fred

Oh, no.

Gunn

"To Serve Man." It's "To Serve Man" all over again.

Fred

And now she's going global.

Gunn

You don't think Cordy's—

Wesley

I hope not, but we really have no way of knowing, do we? (looks at Connor)

I know all about you, dead thing. She who brought us up out of the mud and molded us into what we are has given me sight into the hearts and minds of others. I see you. I know all about— (Angel squeezes harder) Aah!

Angel

Then you know I'm kind of in a hurry. Give me her name.

(choking) Keeper!

Angel

(lets the priest go) That's it? Caper?

The true name is known only by the keeper of the name.

Angel

Right. (grabs the priest's neck again) That's you!

No, I am the guardian of the word!

Angel

You said the word is the name.

Yes, and I guard the keeper of it.

Angel

So you're the keeper's keeper?

I am the Guardian of the Word!

Angel

Yeah, OK, so where's this Keeper of the Name? (the priest glances toward the corner where another creature is kneeling; Angel lets the priest go) Swell.

The keeper will not be forthcoming. Only with its last breath will it divulge the true name of the blessed devourer.

Angel

(walks up to the keeper) Ok, big guy, you got a name I need. So we can either do this the easy way or the hard way. (the keeper stands) But you're gonna give me her name or— (the keeper growls menacingly at Angel) Right. The hard way.

21 INT. BANQUET HALL AT HOTEL / ANGEL INVESTIGATIONS - DAY Connor walks into the banquet hall teeming with people in various stages of undress. He walks purposefully toward Jasmine who's talking to some of her followers.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Before you came, my life was a mess. I had no job, I was being evicted...

It's all right, Susan. You'll never be burdened with those worries again.

The emptiness, the weight I've been carrying all my life—it's gone. All I feel now—

(whispers as Connor comes up to her) Connor, is everything—

I need to talk to you.

(to the girl) Excuse us a moment.

Of course, Jasmine. (leaves)

Can we do this later? I really hate to keep these lovely people waiting.

(softly) I'm sorry. I was— I was just wondering. I, uh... I wanted to know—

Cordelia.

Yeah. What did you do with her...exactly?

I told you. She's exactly where I need her to be, out of harm's way.

Yeah. I think I should know.

(sweetly) But there's no reason for you to know. Just take comfort in my words. She's safe, and... (grimaces) You think I ate her.

What? No! No.

(smiles) It's all right, Connor. I'm not offended. But who would put such a ridiculous idea in your head?

No one. I never thought— So, no, then... about the eating?

I could never hurt Cordelia Chase any more than I could you. You're my parents, my tether to this world. It was your love that brought me here. (nods) I understand. You miss her.

So she's still here. She's not in some alternate dimension?

Of course not. I had a few of my faithful move her to a secure location for her protection.

Who? Who took her?

It doesn't matter. Just know she's alive and...well, comatose. And under constant guard, much as our guests downstairs are supposed to be. (Connor nods and walks toward the door) Thank you, Connor. Shut the door on your way out.

What is it you think you fight for, dead thing? Valor? What you call justice? Your friends are dead... most likely. Or so you believe, so it's not for them you fight.

Angel

(still fighting) I'm trying to save my world.

Your world?! A world that doesn't care for you? Doesn't want you.

Angel

(still fighting) It needs me.

So your Powers That Be tell you, and maybe they're right, but it's not why you're here.

Angel

Ok, bugsy, you want to tell me what I'm fighting for?

Him.

Angel

(looks at the keeper) Him?

The boy. The woman you've already lost. The boy is what you're fighting for. But you're going to fail. You're going to lose him, too.

(to the technician) How's the satellite feed coming?

(writing on his PDA) Uh, Moscow's on-line in 20. Paris and Nairobi little longer.

I almost envy 'em. First time you see Jasmine—nothing like it.

Yeah.

I just feel so much more alive since I've been here, you know what I mean?

(smells the woman from behind, she turns around) Sorry. You kind of smell like, uh...

Cordelia. (Connor walks away) Yeah, I read this was her favorite perfume.

(cuts off Connor) Hi. Tracy Bellows, KTLA. Could I get you to say a few words? This is such a special day, and as Jasmine's father, you must be so proud—

(continues walking away) Bursting.

(smiling into camera) Ok, back to you, Hal.

(to two people standing on the steps) Hey. Reporter's looking to interview local followers inside.

Oh, great. Thanks. (walk inside)

Connor.

Right, 'cause she needs more of that. Listen, you're the guys who moved Cordelia, right? I kind of need to know where she is.

(puts his hand on the man's shoulder) Hey, it's OK. Jasmine told me you two helped move her. I mean, how else would I know, right?

(pushes the man against the wall, holding his forearm to the man's neck) I'm asking you. (pushes Brent away, knocking him to the ground) I can smell her on you. So tell me, and I'll crush your windpipe.

Where's Cordy?

So much effort, always struggling, trying to make things right for the boy, for Connor, but it's never enough. Why do you bother?

Angel

(struggling, choking) I can see you never had kids.

The boy should not even exist. He was only a device to bring forth the blessed she— a means to an end.

Angel

Yeah, well, people get born for all sorts of reasons.

He will never love you.

Angel

It doesn't matter.

Foolish dead th—

Angel

Oh. Oh, that'll work.

Fred

I mean, starting not to look so good for us. Not that I'm giving up or anything.

Lorne

You can stop that anytime now.

Gunn

I will... (kicks the door) just as soon as somebody comes up with a better idea... (kicks the door) to get us out of here.

Lorne

And then what, Kato? The anti-Jasmine crowd's about to become a staggering minority on this planet.

Gunn

Yeah, well, first things (kicks the door) first. We'll worry about that when the time comes.

Lorne

Bell's rung, babe. Time's come.

Fred

Weird—Connor walking out like that, you know? Leaving us unguarded.

Lorne

Yeah. If he's not careful, we might move about freely in our impervious 10 by 9 steel cage.

Gunn

Maybe we were getting to him.

Lorne

More than likely, her godliness summoned him for a little tender-lovin'—

Wesley

Blood.

Fred

Is that some kind of ritual she has him doing? 'Cause...ew.

Wesley

What? Oh, no, I was just thinking. Cordelia's blood, it had the same power as Jasmine's to break the thrall she had over us.

Fred

So I figured. Mother and daughter, they share the same blood.

Wesley

And now she's been moved—Cordelia. Why?

Gunn

Guess so people like us don't use Cordy's blood against Jasmine.

Wesley

(paces) There are no people like us. Not anymore. We're it. She had us on the run. And if Cordelia's so dangerous to her, why not kill her and be done with it?

Fred

Because maybe she can't.

Wesley

Exactly. I think Jasmine may be dependent on Cordelia. She can't hurt her, not without hurting herself. But maybe Cordelia can hurt Jasmine.

Gunn

That's a whole lot of maybes.

Wesley

Maybe, but if I'm right, Cordelia might be our only hope to stop Jasmine.

Lorne

If we can wake her up.

Fred

Wake her? We have to find her first.

Hi.

Hi.

(shrugs) Really? I had no idea.

I need to get in here.

Found you. (walks toward the altar)

Mmm... there. Time for my close-up.

30 INT. CATHEDRAL - DAY Connor is standing beside the person laid out on the altar, talking softly.

I wanted to see you again. I had to, to know that you're still here... with me. (close-up to show the person on the altar is Cordelia) I'm sorry I haven't— (sits on altar beside Cordelia) It's started, Cordy. The new beginning. Just wish you'd wake up and see it. Just what you wanted. (looks down) I mean... (stands, paces) it is what you wanted, right? Why you came to me? You know...what this was all about? Protecting our baby—Jasmine—so she can...be, and make this world the... the kind of place you wanted. And it is better. Not harsh and cruel—the way that angel likes it so he has a reason to fight. (walks away, angrily) 'Cause you know that's what he's about, him and the others. Finding reasons to fight. Like that's what gives their lives any meaning. The only damn thing! (punches the lectern, smashing it) I'm not like them. I just... (walks back toward Cordelia) I want to stop. Stop fighting. I just want to rest. God, I want to rest. But I can't. (looks at Cordelia with tears in his eyes) It's not working, Cordy. I tried. I tried to believe. I wanted it. Went along with the... the flow. (paces) Jasmine, she's...she's bringing peace to everyone, purging all of their hate and anger. But not me. (chuckles, then angrily) Not me! I know she's a lie. Jasmine. My whole life's been built on them. I just... I guess I thought this one was better than the others.

I can tell you, Hal, there is a feeling of terrific anticipation in the room as I'm sure there is for our countless brothers and sisters across the globe watching this broadcast.

Many of us have already been touched by her power and her glory. And for those who've yet to experience the sublime benevolence of Jasmine, this will easily be the most momentous day in recorded history.

(speaking spanish) La bendita Jasmine entregará su mensaje en todos los idiomas conocidos. Dependiendo de sus comentarios, esta transmisión, podrá continuar durante este fin de semana. (NOTE: Translation: Holy Jasmine will give her message in all known languages. Depending on her comments, this transmission might continue until next weekend.)

I told you she can't be disturbed.

(walks out of her room) Know what?

(smiling) This young man says he was attacked.

Jeremy? Why would anyone—

Connor.

Um, I'm sorry, ma'am, but your press conference.

Yes. Thank you, Patience. (walks away)

Oh, I believe that... Yes, she may be... Yes, yes, Jasmine. She's primed. (supporters kneel as Jasmine walks to the balcony) Isn't she beautiful.

Jasmine...

(smiling) Please. Please stand. (crowd stands) This is a moment to cherish, and I want everyone to share it with me, heads held high. Welcome. And to all those people of this remarkable world who are meeting me for the first time...(blows a kiss to the crowd) mmwah. I want to thank you for allowing me to speak with you. I come to you not as a leader or divinity, but as your partner in a venture to make this the best of all possible worlds, without borders, without hunger, war, or misery. A world built on love, respect, understanding, and, well, just enjoying one another. Doesn't that sound nice? (smiles)

Yeah. (applauds)

Fred

What's that?

Wesley

Jasmine's world debut, I expect.

Gunn

So...we're alone. It's just us now.

Lorne

(stands) That's all, folks.

Now I know you have lots of important questions for me—difficult questions—and I want you to know everything, so I'm going to open up the floor. (reporters raise their hands) Yes, Tracy?

Uh— (shocked) uh, you know my name?

That's right. You have a question?

(still shocked) You know my name.

Anyone else?

Uh, excuse me, Jasmine. What can we do to show our love for you?

You don't have to do anything except love one another. (smiles broadly) Although a temple would be nice. Something massive and awe-inspiring, yet warm and nurturing, celebrating the gentle pleasures of a peaceful, precious coexistence where violent behav—

Kill him! All of you, kill him now!

Angel

I'm sorry.

Don't.

No! (glows white for a moment, improving her appearance slightly, so now her face is rotting, but the maggots are gone) Please. Pay no attention. It's a lie. See? I—I'm not— (everyone leaves the room in panic, screaming) Wait! Please! Don't leave me!

Lorne

What in the hell is goin' on up there?

Fred

It didn't sound good. I don't know what—

Gunn

(kicks at the door) I'll tell you what it was. The devourer chowing down, (kicks at the door) and I bet you we're dessert.

Wesley

Gunn, will you stop wasting your—

Gunn

(kicks at the door, and this time it opens; Gunn sighs proudly) Never give up, never surrender.

Wesley

Let's go. (walks out, the others follow)

Gunn

That's it? No thank you?

Fred

Thanks, Charles.

Gunn

I just want my props is all.

(frightened when she sees Jasmine) Oh! Oh, my God! No!

Don't be afraid! It's still me! I'm— (someone throws a rotten tomato at her) listen to me! (closes her eyes) Connor...

Angel

(from behind her) Jasmine, it's over. You've lost.

(turns to face Angel) I've lost? Do you have any idea what you've done?

Angel

What I had to do.

No. No, Angel. There are no absolutes. No right and wrong. Haven't you learned anything working for the Powers? There are only choices. I offered paradise. You chose this!

Angel

Because I could. Because that's what you took away from us. Choice.

And look what free will has gotten you.

Angel

Hey, I didn't say we were smart. I said it's our right. It's what makes us human.

But you're not human.

Angel

Working on it. (Jasmine turns to walk away) Where you going?

(walking away) Leave me alone.

Angel

Sorry, but... can't do that.

What? You've taken everything. You're gonna try to kill me now, as if you could.

Angel

Maybe not. But I'll die before I let you hurt anyone else.

You're already dead!

Angel

You know what I mean. It ends right here.

(crying) Why do you hate me so much?

Angel

Let's run down the list, huh? Rain of fire, blotting out the sun, enslaving mankind, and, yeah, oh, yeah, hey, you eat people!

Like you never have?

Angel

Thousands of people are dead because of what you've done.

(walks up to Angel) And how many will die because of you? I could've stopped it, Angel. All of it. War, disease, poverty. How many precious, beautiful lives would've been saved in a handful of years? Yes, I murdered thousands to save billions. (walks to the edge of the bridge) This world is doomed to drown in its own blood now.

Angel

The price was too high, Jasmine. Our fate has to be our own, or we're nothing.

Like me?

Angel

(walks up to her, stands beside her) Look, we've all done horrible things. All we can do is try and make up for it. So, OK, you know, it's not the world that you wanted, but maybe you can still help us make it better, even if you have lost your powers.

(looks down, then at Angel) Not all of them.

40 EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT Resume. Angel has just landed on top of a car after Jasmine punched him off of the bridge. Jasmine, still on the bridge, picks up a station wagon.

Angel

(to car driver) Run. (the driver runs away)

(yelling from the bridge) Think the price was too high? You haven't begun to pay!

Maybe you're right. Maybe I can still make this world a better place. (punches Angel across the street) One body at a time. I loved this world. I sacrificed everything I was to be with you.

Angel

So you could rule us?

Because I cared. The other Powers don't. Never really did. You know that's true in your heart. Shame now I gotta rip it out.

I was forged in the inferno of creation, vampire. Do you really think a little electricity would destroy me?

Angel

Worth a shot.

Remember the prophecy, Angel? The one that says in the time of the apocalypse, you'd play a major part? How you never knew whether you'd be on the side of good or evil? Well, now you know. (grabs Angel's face) Thanks to you, this frail, little Power That Was has just enough strength in her to wipe out your whole species. And it's all on your hands.

Angel

(punches her) This isn't my fault! (she grabs his throat) Go to hell.

You first, baby. (forces Angel into a kiss)

(walks up to Jasmine and Angel) Always the same, dad. I get a girl, you gotta make a play for her.

Angel

(gasping) Connor.

(smiling) Connor.

Wesley

Find anyone?

Gunn

We got ourselves a ghost hotel.

Fred

Garden's empty. This is incredibly creepy.

Lorne

Only in a post-apocalyptic "Night of the Comet" kind of way.

Fred

(picks up someone's purse from the floor) Do you think they're all—

Lorne

Dead. (holding the remote control) Dead air. TV stations going off line. Something big went down.

Gunn

(picks up the keeper's head) Yeah. And here's its head.

Wesley

Angel.

Fred

You sure?

Gunn

Where we goin'?

Wesley

We have to find him and Cordelia before Jasmine does.

Fred

Oh, my god.

Connor, I still have you. Angel's ruined everything. But he can't defeat both of us. You still believe in me, don't you? You still love me?

Yes. (punches Jasmine in the head so hard that his fist goes right through her skull)

Angel

Connor... It's OK. It's over. (Connor looks up at Angel) Look, I know this is difficult for you. I'm just— I'm just happy to have you. (Connor walks away; a weakened Angel tries in vain to follow him) Connor. Connor? Connor. Connor!

Fred

Angel.

Angel

Oh, my God. You're alive.

Wesley

Angel.

Angel

Jasmine's dead. I brought back her name and her powers were destroyed. (sits) Connor killed her.

Fred

Connor?

Wesley

Um, there's something—

Angel

I've never seen him like this. He wasn't hurt or angry, he just... killed her. And his face, it—it was just blank, like he had nothing left.

Wesley

(shakes his head) Angel, you really—

Angel

I've got a bad feeling. He's just...given up. I think he's gonna do something. You know, he might—

End world peace? (Angel looks over to see her standing in the office doorway) Well, you already took care of that. Congratulations.