Post by caseyrook AKA Mechelle on May 7, 2018 19:50:22 GMT
5x20 "The One Who Will Save Us All”
Written By: Brent Fletcher
Directed By: Cherie Gierhart
Act 1 #CoulsonLives #HashtagsAreNotAsFunWhenJDWon'tBeThere
“Uh, Glenn?”
“Chin up. Almost there.”
Talbot is flying himself and Coulson to the space ship either in Earth’s atmosphere or right above it. Coulson is looking over the edge of the piece of floor they’re on a bit concerned.
The camera zooms up from them to the ship above them and the shot fades into Quovas’s bridge. He asks, “Still no word from our forces below?” and is told, “No, commander.” Quovas orders the missiles to be readied and is told that something has entered their docking station. It’s not a terran ship, the object appears to be human.
Cut to doors opening. Talbot and Coulson are now prisoners of the Remorath.
C: So, what’s our play?
T: Now you and I are gonna show there E.T.’s who’s boss. Don’t worry. I can fix this.
-They start walking-
C: I really wish you’d stop saying that.
They walk ahead into a group of Marauders and are led away.
Cue Title Card
At the Lighthouse, everyone is still gathered in the control center and are surveying the situation. Fitz asks how much Gravitonium Talbot used. Simmons comes in and answers, “All of it.” Deke says that considering Talbot just annihilated Remorath warlords, that’s not so bad, but Fitz and Simmons explain that no it is bad and use Ruby as an example. YoYo is quick to add that Ruby wasn’t stable before. May shakes her head and says, “Neither was Talbot.” Simmons fears that with Talbot’s previous brain injury, he will most certainly suffer a psychotic break.
May states that they need to find them. Fitz says that the Lighthouse systems only just came online, it could be hours before they’re fully functional. YoYo asks where Mack asks and Piper answers that Mack went to mare sure the threat’s been neutralized.
Cut to Mack progressing down a dark corridor cautiously with Shotgun-Axe, which now has a light attached to it. He finds a Marauder on the floor. He kicks its foot and then moves forward. Further down, another Marauder sees Mack, takes his mask off, pulls out a vial of odium and drinks it.
We see Mack kick another dead Marauder and then turn around in time to see the Odium Marauder stand up and prepare to attack. Mack says, “Oh, not this again” and shoots. No effects and they fight hand to hand with Mack swinging the axe end and eventually getting ready to deliver the final blow as the Marauder lays on the floor.
He is stopped by May who shouts that they need the Marauder alive, it is their only chance to find out what Coulson and Talbot are up against. Mack had his axe in the air ready to kill the guy, but he drops it on the Marauder’s shoulder/head, knocking him out.
Back on the ship:
Coulson: Pretty sure we just left Earth's atmosphere.
Talbot: Doesn't matter what galaxy they try to run and hide in. We're going to show them who’s in charge.
Coulson: I feel like we're seeing this adventure a little differently. The Gravitonium? Why?
Talbot: ‘Cause, I'm our last hope.
Coulson: But what about the voices?
Talbot: A bunch of dead losers raising a ruckus. Turns out all they needed was a general to get them in line.
Coulson: Wish I found that more reassuring. I'm a little worried about you, Glenn. It takes most people years to get a handle on their powers. You skipped the tutorial and went straight to big-boss level.
Talbot: You got to quit worrying Phil, I'm feeling fine—tip-top. Even brought my best wingman with me. What these alien scumbags didn’t count on is squaring off against the two best military minds the world has to offer.
Coulson: *stops walking a few steps* No. they most certainly did not.
They come into the ship’s bridge. Quovas has his back turned to them when he says, “You dare to approach my ship.” Quovas turns around and Coulson, Talbot’s wingman, takes point on this, steps forward, and announces to Quovas that they are here to negotiate a deal for Earth. Quovas tells them the Confederacy has a deal with HYDRA. Coulson informs them that HYDRA does not speak for all of humanity…or any of it. Quovas says that HYDRA spent years groveling at his feet and only then did he offer assistance.
Talbot is visibly bored with this conversation when Quovas berates them for sneaking aboard his ship and having the arrogance to make demands. Talbot puts his hand on Phil’s shoulder and then steps forward with his hand up casually. “I think there’s a misunderstanding. You see, (gestures/points) this is my ship.”
Getting slightly nervous, Coulson quietly says, “Easy. Buddy.”
Qovas and Talbot then get into a quick shouting match, as Quovas is not happy with Talbot’s tone, and one of Quovas’s guards ends up pulling out one of those curved bladed daggers and assuming a fighting stance.
Talbot does origami with Quovas’s guard while saying, “Seems like you got the weight of the world on your shoulders there, pal.” The remains of the guy fall to the ground and Talbot says, “That’s better.” Throughout all this, Coulson looked horrified. Talbot then points to the floor commanding everyone to kneel.
Coulson whispers that he’s not sure that that is the best negotiating tactic, but Talbot ignores him and yells louder, “I said kneel before me!”, and Coulson looks down at the floor like, okay fine.
Quovas obeys and the rest of his people follow Quovas’s lead. Talbot looks to Phil and calls this pretty good teamwork. Coulson looks at Quovas with a look of concern.
Act 2
Mack is walking in a corridor with flickering lights and is met up with YoYo. Yoyo head about today and wants to know if Mack is okay. Mack stops and says that it’s not the first creepy crawler he’s had to go toe-to-toe with. YoYo goes to touch the cut on his face, but Mack moves his head and says, “No, I’m good.” YoYo stands there and says, “Mack” but they share a moment of silence. Mack looked like he might say something but didn’t and instead says, “They are waiting for me” and walks away.
In the Lab, Simmons and May have the Marauder’s ankles and wrists shackled and spread apart.
May: How many are on that ship?
Mack: *joins them* He give us any leads?
May: Just promises to disembowel us.
Marauder: The Confederacy stood more than a thousand years. They will seek vengeance! *rattles chain* Making slaves of you all!
Jemma: Really wish we could happen upon some normal slave-trading aliens.
May: Any idea why this one is more rabid than the rest?
Mack: Probably has something to do with this. *Holds up Odium vial* I'm pretty sure this is the same stuff Kasius took.
Jemma: Must give them some sort of energy boost.
Marauder: You are not worthy of holding the Odium.
May: Augh. ‘Course it would have a dumb name.
Mack: What the hell’s that stuff do?
Marauder: The Odium gives the power of the Gods to those in final battle.
Mack: First of all, there's only one God.
Marauder: It is glory through the spilling of blood, the taste of your enemy's pain. *Goes berserker, breaks free one arm, and dies as the agents all hold up their weapons*
Mack: God definitely doesn't want you drinking that garbage.
May *with gun still trained on Marauder*: Any way to know how it works?
Jemma: *unhappy look on her face* Not without opening him up.
--Mack and May stare at Jemma--
Jemma: *resigned* I’ll get right to it.
Back on the ship, Talbot is quite happy with himself, “Not bad for a day’s work.” Coulson is impressed though the kneeling may have neem a little over-the-top. Talbot walks from behind Coulson and faces him. “Do not contradict me, Phil. This is war. First, we establish dominance, then we dictate terms, yeah?”
C: Just want to make sure we’re on the same page. Maybe now’s the time to talk big picture.
T: I’m gonna save the world.
Quovas: *kneeling with his men in the background* From whom? *Talbot rolls his eyes annoyed* The Confederacy decides what you will and will not do. *Talbots moves in front of him* It will not stand idly by…
T: Stand? Gee, I don’t see any Confederacy members standing. *points/looks to Coulson* Y-You—Phil, you see anybody standing?” *Coulson shakes head*
Q: Hydra was never this foolish.
T: Yeah, well, where’s Hydra now? *hands on hips*
Q: Your ignorance astounds.
C: *steps forward* That’s how they found us.
T: Hale
C: Take me to her.
Coulson joins Hale in her cell as the door closes behind him. He walks down the few steps in silence and stands in front of her.
Hale: You here as a prisoner? (Fair question to ask Coulson)
C: *shakes head no*
H: I sold out your team.
C: Yeah.
H: It was the only option I had. The Confederacy was done waiting for Gravitonium, and …without Ruby…
C: I’m sorry for your loss.
H; I’ve been angry for so long. You know, every time I got passed over, ignored, talked down to, I just swallowed it. I told myself I’d make it better for Ruby, but that anger just…was just always there, the hatred. In the end all I did was carry out Hydra’s agenda. I never even took a breath, stop to think about the…. *blinking through tears* the gift that life had given me. *sighs* *verge of crying* I failed her. Ruby died for nothing and it was all my fault.
C: We could use your help.
H: *sighs* I've got nothing left to give.
C: You'd be surprised. Seems there's been a development with your "Destroyer of Worlds" project. Turns out it's a go.
H: Daisy Johnson went into the machine?
C: Actually, it was someone a little more out of the box.
Cut to Talbot talking to Quovas. He thinks it’s tome they tell him about the rest of their “compadres”. Quovas and his men are standing up again. He would rather die than betray the Confederacy. As he says this, we see Quovas reach into his leather coat for a vial of odium. Before Talbot can say anything, Hale speaks as she and Coulson enter.
Hale: There are six seats—Kallusians, Rajaks. Astrans all count themselves members, obviously, the Remoraths, *Quovas takes his hand off the vial* and there are two other warrior clans.
Talbot: *looks at Hale with disgust* You. You dragged me away from my family, kept me in a hole for six months, messed with my head. Why should I believe a single word coming out of your mouth?
Coulson: You have every right to be upset. But the Confederacy is still out there, she's the only one who knows how they operate.
Hale: Look, what I did to you was wrong, but it was all to bring us to this moment. Humankind is in terrible danger, and you... You're the weapon I was trying to build. You're the only one that can save us all.
Coulson: What was Hydra's arrangement with the Confederacy?
Hale: To protect the Earth from being attacked.
Talbot: In exchange for what?
Hale: Resources. Inhumans and Gravitonium above all.
Coulson: Why Gravitonium?
Qovas: Because it's power is unlimited. It can bend space. Build empires and destroy them.
Coulson: Couldn't you just find a fun game on your phone instead?
Hale: *to Coulson* Look, we need to renegotiate our deal with the Confederacy.
Talbot: I think maybe it's time we started shaking some hands.
Qovas: Impossible. The Confederacy gathering is sacred, the ceremony dating back five of your centuries.
Talbot: *walks to Quovas* Well, as a military man, I'd hate to buck tradition. So why don't you bring me up to speed on protocol?
Qovas: Even if the Confederacy were to grant you an audience, you have nothing to offer.
Coulson: But...*walks towards Quovas and Talbot* If it's Gravitonium your friends want, there he is.
Cut to Fitz pacing as he says the control center is an outright disaster as it could take hours to rewire the antiquated system. Who knows what cosmos the Remoraths could escape to by then? Fitz is suddenly surprised by the system kicking on and Deke coming from behind the wall of monitors. Fixing old electronics was kind of Deke’s thing back in his day, the future.
Fitz goes to high five Deke, but Deke leaves him hanging and pulls Fitz’s hands down and quickly looks around the room.
Deke: Why are... What are you doing?
Fitz: What? It's just a thing. It's a thing people do celebrate...
Deke: *disgusted* Not cool people. Come on, man, you're better than that.
Fitz: Okay...
Deke walks to the middle of the room and looks up at the whole in the ceiling, commenting about how it took Talbot flying out of there like a wizard to be able to breathe fresh air again.
Fitz: Well, being a SHIELD Agent brings its risks.
Deke: Yeah, well, that's just it. I'm not a SHIELD agent. But for some reason, I'm still hanging around this rusty drain pipe.
Fitz: Well, you do have family here. *had been looking back but looks in front of him as he works at a desk*
Deke: *Chuckles, looks up* Yeah, I don't think it's that. *Fitz looks at Deke.* Well, don't get me wrong. You guys are great. Totally not disappointments, at all.
Daisy’s voice comes over the comms.
Daisy: Lighthouse? Is anyone there? Over. Repeat, Lighthouse, this is Daisy Johnson. Does anyone copy?
Deke rushes to the desk and stands next to Fitz. Fits starts to answer but Deke interrupts.
Deke: We're here Daisy, sorry, we just had some technical difficulties.
Daisy: Deke! Thank god you're there. I've been trying to get through for 30 minutes. I'm flying in. What's wrong?
Deke: We were under attack.
Cut to the zig-zag doors opening. Daisy, with a duffle bag over her shoulder, is met with a very disappointed looking YoYo.
Yo-Yo: Where were you?
Daisy: May had me drop off Polly and Robin. *walks out of elevator*
Yo-Yo: Lie! * blocks Daisy* I know that's not all.
Daisy: *passes her anyway* I'm not having this conversation right now, Yo-Yo. Coulson's missing.
Yo-Yo: Coulson's missing because of you. * Daisy stops, looks back at YoYo* After all your finger wagging, the same rules don't apply to you?
Daisy: You are the last person who should be giving a lecture right now.
Yo-Yo: What's in the bag? Is that what you abandoned us for?
Daisy: It's none of your business. *Yo-Yo snatches the duffle, and has it opened before Daisy realizes what happened*
Yo-Yo: *Sees Skele-Mom* What's wrong with...*Daisy gives her a knuckle sandwich*
Act 3
Back from commercials, Daisy and YoYo are fighting hand to hand. Daisy gets more hits in, but the blows that YoYo lands are stronger. At one point, YoYo tells Daisy that they needed her. People died. Daisy tells her, “Don’t put that on me,” as she punches YoYo in the face. When YoYo turns around again, she sees Daisy quaking the ground at her sides.
YoYo: Oh, you want to use powers now? *Uses her powers land to hard blows to Daisy’s stomach* *Daisy has to step back* Then I definitely win.
Daisy counters by quaking YoYo so hard she flies backwards and hits her back on the wall and falls to the ground hard.
They charge at each other, but a gunshot snaps them out of it. May has fired a pistol at the ceiling (killing at least one person).
May: You done?
Daisy: *quietly, breathing heavily* May…
May: *Sternly* Satellite just picked up an object outside of Earth's atmosphere. Piper believes it's the Remorath ship.
Daisy: When do we leave?
May: As soon as the artificial gravity is installed in the Zephyr. *Daisy and YoYo shoot each other looks* *Daisy starts to walk away with May*
Yo-Yo: She's going to get everyone killed!
May: *stopping to look back at YoYo* We're going to help Coulson. Either find a way to pitch in, or don't be here when we get back.
On the ship, a Remorath brings Talbot a robe. Talbot speaks before we see him.
Talbot: I appreciate the trim, but if feels like a lot of pomp and circumstance to me.
Hale: We need allies for whatever war is coming to Earth. Diplomacy is key.
Coulson: Maybe I should come along, help navigate any choppy waters.
Talbot: Best not to rock the boat. These snowflakes seem awfully precious about decorum. I think I'll just take the alien.
Coulson: *Quietly* Okay, but remember, tread lightly. Try to get a feel for the r--
Talbot: I already told you I can fix this. *Coulson swallows nervously* *Superhero pose* How do I look?
Coulson: *Anxious hands* Pretty cool, actually.
Talbot: I could probably get the boys to rustle you up one if you want...
Coulson: I'm good. I'm not much of a "robes" guy...
Talbot: I'm leaving this man in charge. Anybody here disobeys an order, you'll suffer the same pretzel logic your friend did earlier. *Gestures to Qovas* Alright Chuckles, let's hit it. *They use the 084 device and transport out after Coulson and Talbot exchange looks*
They pop in in another room with the blue writing. A whole group of aliens from all different species’ are waiting. They all look at Talbot unimpressed and share looks with each other. The woman. Estella (named slyly after a certain actor’s daughter, maybe?), announces that the six all stand present. “Let us unite under the banner of one true Confederacy.”
The green faced guy standing to Estella on the left, Crixon, asks Quovas, “Who is this intruder?” Quovas looks Talbot over for a second and then tells them that “this man hails from Earth.” Talbot is already over this. Quovas continues, “He has come to renegotiate the terms of their protection.”
Crixon: The terms have already been set. *Talbot sighs and closes his eyes* Why would we ever entertain such derangement?
Talbot: Because…you guys have been dealing with a bunch of weak amateurs. It’s time you met Earth’s mightiest hero…*looks at everyone* me.
At the Lighthouse, Daisy is sitting in the sads and is joined by Deke who politely knocks on the door.
Deke: *glances at the duffel bag* What's in the bag?
Daisy: My Mom.
Deke: *jaw dropped, shocked* Oh. *pause, walks forward* I heard about your little dust up. I just want to make sure you're alright.
Daisy: I've been better. Like the universe keeps reminding me I should have never come back from the future. Also, some creep put a bunch of *gestures to bed* lemons on my bed. Some weird sort of, prank.
Deke: *leans against wall in front of Daisy* Sounds like classic Fitz! *Uncomfortable silence* Look, I um, I feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. I, on the other hand, I *pause* lived in the Lighthouse my entire life only to time travel into the past and still spend every single day of my life inside the freaking Lighthouse, so... It's like even with Kasius gone this place just has a leash that keeps pulling me in...
Daisy: Well, I'm glad you stuck around, even if it's a little... crazy.
Deke: Maybe it's not that crazy. I've been wanting to *heads towards Daisy* tell you something since we've gotten, *sits down next to her* I don't want to say closer, but...
Daisy: You really don't. Anyone that gets close to me ends up dying.
Deke: Me too. That's why I think we have so much in common.
Daisy: My Mom, Lincoln...
Deke: Who's Lincoln?
Daisy: Lincoln Campbell. He was the first Inhuman that I became close with. Fought by my side, and he died.... He died for me, really... Right when we were getting going, or, you know, getting good.
Deke: *looking right at Daisy who isn’t looking at him* Sounds like you were really in love with this guy.
Daisy: Kinda still am. Which is why I can't lose someone else. And Coulson means more to me than anyone, and if he goes...
Deke: No, no, we're... we're going to find a way to save him.
Daisy: Sorry, you were going to tell me something. *finally looks right at Deke*
Deke: Yeah, FitzSimmons are my grandparents.
Daisy: What? Wait, what? Are you serious?
Deke: Uh-huh.
Daisy: Do they know?
Deke: Yeah, yeah, cat's totally out of the food sack.
Daisy: Oh my god. That makes so much sense. You and Fitz are both so... *Looks at Deke* You're... such special people.
Deke: Good, I was worried it was going to make things weird between us.
Daisy: Why would it make things weird?
Deke: No reason... *chuckles*
Back in the Confederacy meeting, Estella believes Talbot to be a charlatan. She suggests stripping him to rags and selling him at auction as no mortal being can wield the power of Gravitonium, especially some human. Quovas tells Estella that that would be a bad idea since Talbot has harnessed Gravitonium within himself. Estella argues that that has no bearing because Talbot is not of the Confederacy and has no business here.
Talbot suggests it’s time they make him a part of their little secret society and is told by Crixon that that’s impossible because it would desecrate the Order if they added another member when there has always been six. Talbot calls this a room full of Democrats with their rules and regulations, asks, Qovas who’s really in charge here, is told by Estella that as a Confederacy that all voices are equal, is told by (the character ironically named Confederacy Leader Joqo) that Crixon is often considered the most wise among them, and is told by Crixon that there is no place for a human among them.
So, naturally, Talbot does simple math and subtracts 1 from 6 after telling Crixon his mistake: he thought Talbot was still a human. Talbot eats/sucks up liquefied Crixon with his hand and then looks at his hand like, ‘Ooh I can do that too? Sweet.’
“Looks like there’s a spot for me here after all.”
Act 4
Mack is turning a wrench with effort as he works on installing the Gravitonium system on Zephyr. Fitz joins him, walking slowly in the room. Fitz points to Mack’s work and tells him good job on getting it assembled as he kneels down at Mack’s side but keeps his distance. Mack asks, “That it?” Fitz answers, “Yeah” and hands the Gravitonium canister to Mack. Mack takes it without a word and installs it, touches the panel, and activates it.
Mack watches the Gravitonium start to flow through the tubes for a few seconds and then silently grabs his tool, gets up, lingers behind Fitz for a few seconds and leaves while Fitz watches the Gravitonium in awe and says, “Guess we just built SHIELD’s first spaceship.” Fitz then turns around to watch Mack walking away, already out of the room.
Fitz: Mack.
Mack: *stops walking looks back*
Fitz: *leaves the room, goes to hallway* I just wanted to apologize for…*gestures at Mack, rubs back of neck* locking you up…before. *hands at waist, not making eye contact* Really wasn’t my idea. I actually had—
Mack: *quietly, looking down at what’s in his hands* You went along with it.
Fitz: Yeah, well, we were trying to get ahead of the problem.
Mack: *drop hands at side, looks right at Fitz* By having YoYo execute a kid?
Fitz: *sighs, looks down at feet again* Things got messy, but, I mean, it was the only way that Y-YoYo…*trying to look up but not able to fully*
Mack: When does killing become the only way? We’re SHIELD. Aren’t we supposed to better than that? *Fitz hands on hips but glances at the floor* None of this would’ve happened if you would’ve just said this invincible nonsense wasn’t real. But instead you and Simmons lit the match, and now YoYo’s responsible for a girl’s death.
Fitz: *looks up* I’m sorry, Mack. I really am. But it’s not that simple.
Mack: *steps closer to Fitz* Simple is how you live a good life. *In front of Fitz now, gesturing* Not with your theories or prophecies. It’s following the Good Word and doing the right thing *Fitz has backed up and can’t look at Mack again* ever time, simple as that.
Fitz: *now leaning against wall* No. Not always, ‘cause there lots of instances in history where--*reaching to touch another wall* where it was necessary to sacrifice the few in order to save the lives of many. (SPOCK!)
Mack: *looks down, shakes head in disappointment* ‘Course you’d say that. *walks away*
Fitz: *still against the wall* *loudly* Ruby was dangerous, and it got complicated *steps forward gestures with both hands* and that is just the way it was. So, I’m sorry if that doesn’t fit whatever narrative you’ve built for yourself. *turns back on Mack*
Mack: You need to look inside of yourself and figure out what kind of man you want to be. ‘cause lately, what you’ve been, it needs fixing. (Remember in season 2 when Mack was the one that helped Fitz heal and was the only one he could talk to? Ah, the good ol’ days.)
In the lab, Jemma is cutting open the Remorath’s heart. Daisy walks in with the duffel bag.
Daisy: What happened there?
Jemma: This Remorath ingested a substance that stimulated every single cell in its body.
Daisy: And what, its heart exploded?
Jemma: Rather macabre, isn't it?
Daisy: Just you wait... *sets duffel bag down, opens box that has Centipede Serum, sets it on the table* *Theme from season one plays*
Jemma: Where did you get that?
Daisy: What matters is we might be able to save Coulson, by combining that with my Mom's DNA.
Jemma: *sighs, goes to take off face shield* Oh Daisy. This feels like we may be crossing a line.
Daisy: Then we cross it. Are you just willing to just let Coulson die?
Jemma: It's not that simple. There are moral implications.
Daisy: *hands together in front of her waist* This isn't a morality debate. It's just a question. Are you willing to let Coulson die? Yes or no?
Jemma: No.
Daisy: Good. Then get to work. This is your top priority. *walks out of the room*
Jemma looks at the things and then looks around with a look.
On Zephyr, May is in the Pilot’s seat, Davis in the Co-Pilot’s seat, and Daisy appears in the background. She asks May if they are space ready. May responds that it looks like they are about to find out. May notices Deke in her peripheral vision.
May: *to Deke* You’re coming with?
Deke: Yeah, I just need to get out of the Lighthouse.
Agent Davis: *flipping a switch above him* So you're going on a space mission to a hostile alien ship?
Deke: Yeah, well, I don't have many options
-Daisy and Deke walk down and take a seat at jump seats. Zephyr is ready to take off. -
May: This is Zephyr One. We are all systems go.
Piper: *over radio* Roger that, Zephyr.
-Jumps to Lighthouse control center-
Piper: You are clear for takeoff. *Joins at Mack at monitors where they see a graphic of Zephyr*
We see Zephyr take off from the underwater Zephyr entrance/exit.
Cut to the room with the blue writing as Estella transports at with the 084 device. Camera pans back and we see Talbot and Quovas stand next to each other as another guy, Taryan, KASIUS’S DAD, come out of the shadows, announcing that Quovas was right to bring “this man” here, for truly he stands a giant. Taryan looks at Talbot impressed and Talbot simply nods like, ‘uh huh.’
Qovas: As always, you see wisdom, while the others cower in fear.
Taryan: A strength of our warrior breeding.
Talbot: I'm sorry partner, *steps forward and in front of Daddy Kasius* I didn't get your name earlier. *Holds out hand to shake hands but Daddy Kasius just looks at the hand and either ignores it or is confused*
Taryan: *bows* No apology necessary, the honor is mine. I am the first-born Taryan, Master of the House of Kasius.
Talbot: Kasius, huh? Certainly, has a ring.
Taryon: The way you handled yourself today was... quite admirable. Though I fear, your Earth faces a far more pressing threat than anything posed by our Confederacy.
Talbot: Is this the attack Qovas warned might be coming?
Qovas: It shall be the end of your planet.
Talbot: That's why Hale had a deal with the Confederacy to fight beside us.
Taryon: The Confederacy never intended to honor this agreement. Nor could it, even if it so desired. It's merely a deception to extort the resources from your planet before time ran out. Which now, it has.
Talbot: What are you saying?
Taryon: Thanos... and his forces, have begun an assault on your world even as we speak.
Talbot: Then I've got to get down there with the Avengers, and take on this... Thanos.
Taryon: Thanos' strength is unrivaled. You will lose even with your powerful friends fighting alongside you. Though perhaps, there might still be a way... *They all share a look*
On the Bridge of Quovas’s ship, Hale and Coulson are talking. Coulson, as is the new norm for him, has his arms crossed against his chest/stomach. (Always cold, I’d imagine)
H: Astronauts say the view of Earth from space changes you. It’s why I always wanted to be one.
C: Malick has Project Distant Star running inside NASA. Why didn’t you go work for him?
H: *looks at Coulson* Leadership had other plans for me. *Coulson nods and they turn away from the window* Really rolled the dice letting Talbot go out on his own.
C: *Looking around* Not to mention we have no way out of things go sideways. *Looks back at Hale* Artillery, I’m guessing?
H: *They start walking* Probably have enough firepower there to incinerate your entire base.
-Talbot and Quovas transport back, startling the two of them somewhat.-
Talbot: It seems the situation is worse than we feared. The Earth is under attack by an alien named, "Thanos".
Hale: What about the Confederacy? Did they agree to help us?
Talbot: More bark than bite. I'm afraid we're on our own, General.
Coulson: We have to get back.
Hale: And do what exactly?
Talbot: The only option left. Make me invincible.
Coulson: *Hears this, looks right at Talbot* Excuse me?
Talbot: *stepping forward* I struck up a conversation with this guy from the Confederacy. He tells me there's untapped deposits of Gravitonium under the Earth's surface.
Hale: And you want to get it out and power yourself up more.
Talbot: That way I can handle any threat the Earth faces. I can be... the shield.
Coulson: Can we just talk about this for a second?
Talbot: No, you don't get to take a time-out, Phil. Our very way of life is under threat.
Coulson: Which we will find a way to defeat. But Gravitonium? It's too dangerous. You could lose control.
Talbot: *starts to walk* I've never been more in control. You know, it's just like you *gestures at Coulson* to second guess me. Or *holds out arms to side* is it now that you've seen Gravitonium's power, you want it all for yourself?
Coulson: That's not what's happening, and you know it.
Talbot: Do I? How many times have we worked together, only for me later to find out later that you weren't being above board? (Hey, Talbot? Did you know Mace wasn’t really an Inhuman?)
Hale: *attempting to change the subject, stepping between Talbot and Coulson holding a hand out in front of her* Do you trust this Confederacy member who told you about the Gravitonium?
Talbot: Yeah, a real straight shooter named Kasius. Said he has two sons of his own.
Coulson: *Gets a look on his face* *steps forward* Did you say Kasius? Glenn, you're being played. You can't trust him!
Talbot: The hell is wrong with you, Phil? First you question my capacity to handle myself. And then it's our allies, who you begged me to make.
Coulson: *gestures, speaks loudly* I know it sounds crazy, *Hale has a look on her face* but the alien running Earth in the future was a Kasius. He's our enemy.
Qovas: *steps forward* Kasius is the most noble family in the Confederacy. This man is clearly lying.
Talbot: *Gives Coulson a look, smiles puts hands on hips* *Quovas is thrilled* So what? Is this another angle you’re playing, Phil?
Coulson: *realizing he’s Fitzed* Glenn—
Talbot: We are at war – a war we will surely lose if I am not the most powerful being in the universe.
Coulson: No, there’s got to be another way. *looks at the star charts table* We can use this ship and attack.
Talbot: *loudly with his eyes closed* This is not a debate. *steps very close to Coulson who is realizing he is super Fitzed* I’m in charge here. You’re either with me or against me.
Coulson: Obviously, I’m with you.
Talbot: Then kneel. *Hale looks from one to the other like, ‘is this really happening? I need to get popcorn…’*
Coulson: *taken aback* *quietly* What?
Talbot: I’m Earth’s last hope, Phil, it’s true protector, the one who can save us all. *Coulson swallows* Now, either you accept that….
Talbot uses his power. There’s a rumbling and Coulson winces at first but then leans on his knee, holding his stomach and the table for support, grunting in pain.
Two Things: 1. I can’t tell for sure but Coulson may also be having trouble breathing, and 2. Talbot is either doing something to the inside of Coulson’s body, or he is increasing the force of gravity around Coulson exponentially.
…Anyway, Hale can’t believe what she’s seeing and steps back, looking away. Talbot tightens his hold on his power, making it even more painful for me…Page…I mean Coulson. We then see Coulson get a look on his face realizing it’s over and Talbot finishes his sentence, “…Or suffer the consequences.”
Coulson stands straight and looks at Talbot breathing heavily.
Talbot: Kneel.
Coulson kneels with a hurt look on his face and anxious fingers as my fingers and feelings hurt.
Talbot looks up satisfied.
Hey show, Coulson is DYING. Can you please stop doing this sugar honey ice and tea to him? Please?
Act 5
Back from break, May announces to the Lighthouse and Davis that artificial gravity is engaged, they are approaching the outer atmosphere and to prepare for Vertical burn. Piper and Mack watch from the control center. Piper says, “Roger that. Vertical Burn is a go.”
Zephyr ascends nose up, facing space straight up, engages thrusters and leaves the atmosphere. They use a whole dictionary of space-shuttle lingo. Deke and Daisy have a moment while they shake in their jump seats. Daisy should have talked Deke out of this.
Deke: What? No, this great. I’m going to space--*clearly not happy* again.
Daisy: *Reaches to hold Deke’s hand* Thanks for coming along. *Deke looks over at her and then forward, closing his eyes tightly, sort of smiling through the anxiety*
In the cockpit, May and Davis watch the altimeter screen. Davis informs May they are approaching the Karman line. May says into the headset, “Nominal MECO, Main Thruster is no longer required.”
At the Lighthouse, Mack repeats that, and Piper says, “Prepare to be the first SHIELD team in space.” Mack says quietly, “In this timeline, maybe.” YoYo joins him at his side and they share a nod. Over comms, May says, “Looks like we did it, Control.”
We hear their response over the radio on Zephyr’s end. “Roger that, Zephyr. Good work, you guys. *Mack’s voice* Time to turn on cloaking. Won’t be long till you reach the ship.”
Zephyr cloaks and turns.
We see Fitz watching Zephyr’s progress on a tablet with his hand on his head as he thinks while pacing. Simmons is working at one of the lab’s work stations.
Fitz: Looks like the Zephyr’s in space.
Simmons: *turns around, smiles* ‘Cause of your design. *Fitz nods solemnly, Simons frowns* I know you’d rather be up in Control right now.
Fitz: *shakes head* No, it’s probably for the best that I’m not. *turns away* *Simmons turns away and goes back to work* *moment of silence* So the Centipede Formula is functioning as what? Some sort of catalyst to unleash Jiaying's regenerative properties *holds up hand* ?
Simmons: *focused on the work* That's the hope.
Fitz: *sighs* Do you really think this is a good idea?
Simmons: *exhales deeply* What I think is... the less we talk about it, the better. *grabs a tool forcefully* Now unzip that duffel and get me a viable sample. *holds up tool*
Fitz tales the tool and looks at it, Simmons, and then the duffel bag.
In Zephyr’s cockpit, we see the spaceship through the windshield. Davis narrates, “Approaching enemy ship. No signs of resistance yet.” May shoots him a look, takes off her headset, and leaves the cockpit.
At the Lighthouse, Piper calls that alien ship, “One big ship”. Mack reiterates that once the Zephyr docks with the alien ship, cloaking won’t matter. They need to be ready to move. Camera pans to a graphic of the alien ship on a monitor.
In Z1’s cargo bay, Strike Team MayDaisy are in position. They nod at each other and we see Z1 dock at the ‘neck’ of Quovas’s ship.
On said ship, Quovas, Talbot, Hale, and Coulson are looking in the same direction, at the bridge’s large viewport. Coulson is standing up now (arms crossed) but is now being guarded by a Remorath standing just a few feet behind him. Talbot has his right fist in his hand and at his chest with his eyes closed as if he’s thinking.
Talbot: Quinn's team originally found Gravitonium at the bottom of one of his mines.
Hale: How did you know that?
Talbot: *opens his eyes/annoyed* He just told me.
A Remorath working a monitor announces that sensors indicate an unseen object has breached their hull. Quovas looks to his side and asks how that is possible.
Talbot gets angry. “Cloaking.” All eyes fall on Coulson who now has that famous ‘I am royally Fitzed’ smile on his face. Talbot asks, “What is SHIELD doing here?” Coulson answers, “I guess providing backup.” Talbot steps forward. “This is mutiny. You made contact behind my back?”
Coulson: That’s not true.
Talbot: They’re here to do what, take my ship?
Coulson: You’ve got this all wrong. (Why are you even still talking, you idiot? Just ‘confess’ or don’t speak!)
Talbot: You’re a liar! *points a finger* You’re a liar! *Coulson reacts, possibly scared Talbot will do the thing again* *Talbot turns to Quovas* Did you have any part in this?
-Hale narrows her eyes, seeing an opportunity. Coulson watch out for that bus…oh, wait you’re already under it-
Hale: I told Coulson not to do it. He wouldn’t listen to me.
Coulson: *points to Hale* *Talbot looks at Coulson with narrowed eyes* Also not true.
Talbot: *cocks his head slightly* Fine the intruders and take them out.
-Remorath nods and looks to his friends-
Coulson: They’re here to help. What are you doing? *Talbot faces Coulson* *softly* Glenn, don’t do this.
Talbot: You have betrayed me for the last time, Phil. Whatever happens next is on you.
-Cut to Strike Team MayDaisy walking a corridor of the ship. Daisy quakes two aliens and launches them. May calls that ‘a start’.-
Coulson: SHIELD is not your enemy.
Talbot: All these years, double-crossing me. *turns and walks away* I should have known better.
Daisy quakes an alien into the Bridge, Talbot sees this and has Coulson in the air before May and Daisy even enter. Coulson looks down at his feet as he rises. Talbot yells, “You quake and Coulson dies.” Daisy walks in slowly with a hand up. She and May both look towards Coulson. (Oh and NOW Coulson has learned to shut up because he stays quiet until nearly end)
Daisy: What are you doing?
Talbot SHIELD isn’t welcome here. This is my ship.
May: *stepping forward* This is an alien ship. We’re here to rescue you.
Talbot: Rescue me? I’m the one that’s gonna save us.
Daisy: *arm still up* Then put Coulson down, and we can talk about that. *Both she and May glance toward Coulson who we don’t see*
Talbot: Agent Johnson, always in the center of the storm. *walking towards them* Maybe that’s because you’re the problem.
Daisy: If I’m the one you want, fine, I won’t resist, but first you have to put Coulson down. *We finally see Coulson and he turns his head towards Daisy*
Talbot: You and I both know you can’t be trusted. *getting closer*
Hale: I trust her.
-Hale, Talbot, and Daisy share looks-
Talbot: *to Hale* Why would you trust Quake?
Hale: Because she kept her word. When Ruby was infected with Gravitonium, she tried to help.
Talbot: Infected? Ruby was weak. *Hale gives him a look of pure hate* Gravitonium wasn’t intended for some itty-bitty little girl. It was meant for a hero strong enough to handle it. *Hale moves to be directly across from Talbot*
Hale: You need to take a deep breath and calm your mind, Glenn. *Coulson looks to Hale from the air*
Talbot obeys and puts his hand down, gently putting Coulson down (I was expecting him to crash to the ground) May sighs and Coulson’s boots contact the ground again. Hale continues:
Hale: You know what’s best. It’s best if you comply.
Talbot: *quietly* Compliance will be rewarded.
Hale: *nods* That’s right.
Talbot: *cocks head somewhat* And so will your betrayal.
Talbot does origami again and I look away.
Talbot finishes and looks to Daisy. Daisy immediately gets to quaking and quaked Talbot back. Coulson stays where he is but shares a look with May who also stays where she is (they’re both probably afraid Coulson will suffer if either of them move).
Before Talbot can be quaked into the wall, he lifts a finger and sends Daisy to the ceiling. She hits the floor, knocked out. May rushes to check on her and then pulls her gun and advances towards Talbot.
Talbot: Go ahead. Fire that weapon, Agent May, and Coulson dies just like Hale. *May readjusts her grip and looks towards Coulson and back at Talbot* Do you surrender, Agent May?
-May looks at Coulson again and then holds her hands up and gently drops the weapon-
Quovas: What should we do with them?
Talbot: *looks them over* They’re prisoners of war, Treat them accordingly.
-Quovas motions and a Remorath comes from behind Coulson and pins Coulson’s arm behind his back-
Coulson: It didn't have to be like this! *struggles against the Remorath’s grip hard*
Talbot: *back turned, hands at hips* You were always the enemy Phil. Only now I have the clarity of mind to see it.
Tag Scene
In the blue alien writing wall room, Taryan transports in. “The Earth is no longer a hidden blue gem. It belongs to another now. And yet it still has gifts to give. *kneels down to Daisy’s side* So I look forward to taking mine home.
Camera pans over Daisy and we see that she is awake with her eyes closed.
Written By: Brent Fletcher
Directed By: Cherie Gierhart
Act 1 #CoulsonLives #HashtagsAreNotAsFunWhenJDWon'tBeThere
“Uh, Glenn?”
“Chin up. Almost there.”
Talbot is flying himself and Coulson to the space ship either in Earth’s atmosphere or right above it. Coulson is looking over the edge of the piece of floor they’re on a bit concerned.
The camera zooms up from them to the ship above them and the shot fades into Quovas’s bridge. He asks, “Still no word from our forces below?” and is told, “No, commander.” Quovas orders the missiles to be readied and is told that something has entered their docking station. It’s not a terran ship, the object appears to be human.
Cut to doors opening. Talbot and Coulson are now prisoners of the Remorath.
C: So, what’s our play?
T: Now you and I are gonna show there E.T.’s who’s boss. Don’t worry. I can fix this.
-They start walking-
C: I really wish you’d stop saying that.
They walk ahead into a group of Marauders and are led away.
Cue Title Card
At the Lighthouse, everyone is still gathered in the control center and are surveying the situation. Fitz asks how much Gravitonium Talbot used. Simmons comes in and answers, “All of it.” Deke says that considering Talbot just annihilated Remorath warlords, that’s not so bad, but Fitz and Simmons explain that no it is bad and use Ruby as an example. YoYo is quick to add that Ruby wasn’t stable before. May shakes her head and says, “Neither was Talbot.” Simmons fears that with Talbot’s previous brain injury, he will most certainly suffer a psychotic break.
May states that they need to find them. Fitz says that the Lighthouse systems only just came online, it could be hours before they’re fully functional. YoYo asks where Mack asks and Piper answers that Mack went to mare sure the threat’s been neutralized.
Cut to Mack progressing down a dark corridor cautiously with Shotgun-Axe, which now has a light attached to it. He finds a Marauder on the floor. He kicks its foot and then moves forward. Further down, another Marauder sees Mack, takes his mask off, pulls out a vial of odium and drinks it.
We see Mack kick another dead Marauder and then turn around in time to see the Odium Marauder stand up and prepare to attack. Mack says, “Oh, not this again” and shoots. No effects and they fight hand to hand with Mack swinging the axe end and eventually getting ready to deliver the final blow as the Marauder lays on the floor.
He is stopped by May who shouts that they need the Marauder alive, it is their only chance to find out what Coulson and Talbot are up against. Mack had his axe in the air ready to kill the guy, but he drops it on the Marauder’s shoulder/head, knocking him out.
Back on the ship:
Coulson: Pretty sure we just left Earth's atmosphere.
Talbot: Doesn't matter what galaxy they try to run and hide in. We're going to show them who’s in charge.
Coulson: I feel like we're seeing this adventure a little differently. The Gravitonium? Why?
Talbot: ‘Cause, I'm our last hope.
Coulson: But what about the voices?
Talbot: A bunch of dead losers raising a ruckus. Turns out all they needed was a general to get them in line.
Coulson: Wish I found that more reassuring. I'm a little worried about you, Glenn. It takes most people years to get a handle on their powers. You skipped the tutorial and went straight to big-boss level.
Talbot: You got to quit worrying Phil, I'm feeling fine—tip-top. Even brought my best wingman with me. What these alien scumbags didn’t count on is squaring off against the two best military minds the world has to offer.
Coulson: *stops walking a few steps* No. they most certainly did not.
They come into the ship’s bridge. Quovas has his back turned to them when he says, “You dare to approach my ship.” Quovas turns around and Coulson, Talbot’s wingman, takes point on this, steps forward, and announces to Quovas that they are here to negotiate a deal for Earth. Quovas tells them the Confederacy has a deal with HYDRA. Coulson informs them that HYDRA does not speak for all of humanity…or any of it. Quovas says that HYDRA spent years groveling at his feet and only then did he offer assistance.
Talbot is visibly bored with this conversation when Quovas berates them for sneaking aboard his ship and having the arrogance to make demands. Talbot puts his hand on Phil’s shoulder and then steps forward with his hand up casually. “I think there’s a misunderstanding. You see, (gestures/points) this is my ship.”
Getting slightly nervous, Coulson quietly says, “Easy. Buddy.”
Qovas and Talbot then get into a quick shouting match, as Quovas is not happy with Talbot’s tone, and one of Quovas’s guards ends up pulling out one of those curved bladed daggers and assuming a fighting stance.
Talbot does origami with Quovas’s guard while saying, “Seems like you got the weight of the world on your shoulders there, pal.” The remains of the guy fall to the ground and Talbot says, “That’s better.” Throughout all this, Coulson looked horrified. Talbot then points to the floor commanding everyone to kneel.
Coulson whispers that he’s not sure that that is the best negotiating tactic, but Talbot ignores him and yells louder, “I said kneel before me!”, and Coulson looks down at the floor like, okay fine.
Quovas obeys and the rest of his people follow Quovas’s lead. Talbot looks to Phil and calls this pretty good teamwork. Coulson looks at Quovas with a look of concern.
Act 2
Mack is walking in a corridor with flickering lights and is met up with YoYo. Yoyo head about today and wants to know if Mack is okay. Mack stops and says that it’s not the first creepy crawler he’s had to go toe-to-toe with. YoYo goes to touch the cut on his face, but Mack moves his head and says, “No, I’m good.” YoYo stands there and says, “Mack” but they share a moment of silence. Mack looked like he might say something but didn’t and instead says, “They are waiting for me” and walks away.
In the Lab, Simmons and May have the Marauder’s ankles and wrists shackled and spread apart.
May: How many are on that ship?
Mack: *joins them* He give us any leads?
May: Just promises to disembowel us.
Marauder: The Confederacy stood more than a thousand years. They will seek vengeance! *rattles chain* Making slaves of you all!
Jemma: Really wish we could happen upon some normal slave-trading aliens.
May: Any idea why this one is more rabid than the rest?
Mack: Probably has something to do with this. *Holds up Odium vial* I'm pretty sure this is the same stuff Kasius took.
Jemma: Must give them some sort of energy boost.
Marauder: You are not worthy of holding the Odium.
May: Augh. ‘Course it would have a dumb name.
Mack: What the hell’s that stuff do?
Marauder: The Odium gives the power of the Gods to those in final battle.
Mack: First of all, there's only one God.
Marauder: It is glory through the spilling of blood, the taste of your enemy's pain. *Goes berserker, breaks free one arm, and dies as the agents all hold up their weapons*
Mack: God definitely doesn't want you drinking that garbage.
May *with gun still trained on Marauder*: Any way to know how it works?
Jemma: *unhappy look on her face* Not without opening him up.
--Mack and May stare at Jemma--
Jemma: *resigned* I’ll get right to it.
Back on the ship, Talbot is quite happy with himself, “Not bad for a day’s work.” Coulson is impressed though the kneeling may have neem a little over-the-top. Talbot walks from behind Coulson and faces him. “Do not contradict me, Phil. This is war. First, we establish dominance, then we dictate terms, yeah?”
C: Just want to make sure we’re on the same page. Maybe now’s the time to talk big picture.
T: I’m gonna save the world.
Quovas: *kneeling with his men in the background* From whom? *Talbot rolls his eyes annoyed* The Confederacy decides what you will and will not do. *Talbots moves in front of him* It will not stand idly by…
T: Stand? Gee, I don’t see any Confederacy members standing. *points/looks to Coulson* Y-You—Phil, you see anybody standing?” *Coulson shakes head*
Q: Hydra was never this foolish.
T: Yeah, well, where’s Hydra now? *hands on hips*
Q: Your ignorance astounds.
C: *steps forward* That’s how they found us.
T: Hale
C: Take me to her.
Coulson joins Hale in her cell as the door closes behind him. He walks down the few steps in silence and stands in front of her.
Hale: You here as a prisoner? (Fair question to ask Coulson)
C: *shakes head no*
H: I sold out your team.
C: Yeah.
H: It was the only option I had. The Confederacy was done waiting for Gravitonium, and …without Ruby…
C: I’m sorry for your loss.
H; I’ve been angry for so long. You know, every time I got passed over, ignored, talked down to, I just swallowed it. I told myself I’d make it better for Ruby, but that anger just…was just always there, the hatred. In the end all I did was carry out Hydra’s agenda. I never even took a breath, stop to think about the…. *blinking through tears* the gift that life had given me. *sighs* *verge of crying* I failed her. Ruby died for nothing and it was all my fault.
C: We could use your help.
H: *sighs* I've got nothing left to give.
C: You'd be surprised. Seems there's been a development with your "Destroyer of Worlds" project. Turns out it's a go.
H: Daisy Johnson went into the machine?
C: Actually, it was someone a little more out of the box.
Cut to Talbot talking to Quovas. He thinks it’s tome they tell him about the rest of their “compadres”. Quovas and his men are standing up again. He would rather die than betray the Confederacy. As he says this, we see Quovas reach into his leather coat for a vial of odium. Before Talbot can say anything, Hale speaks as she and Coulson enter.
Hale: There are six seats—Kallusians, Rajaks. Astrans all count themselves members, obviously, the Remoraths, *Quovas takes his hand off the vial* and there are two other warrior clans.
Talbot: *looks at Hale with disgust* You. You dragged me away from my family, kept me in a hole for six months, messed with my head. Why should I believe a single word coming out of your mouth?
Coulson: You have every right to be upset. But the Confederacy is still out there, she's the only one who knows how they operate.
Hale: Look, what I did to you was wrong, but it was all to bring us to this moment. Humankind is in terrible danger, and you... You're the weapon I was trying to build. You're the only one that can save us all.
Coulson: What was Hydra's arrangement with the Confederacy?
Hale: To protect the Earth from being attacked.
Talbot: In exchange for what?
Hale: Resources. Inhumans and Gravitonium above all.
Coulson: Why Gravitonium?
Qovas: Because it's power is unlimited. It can bend space. Build empires and destroy them.
Coulson: Couldn't you just find a fun game on your phone instead?
Hale: *to Coulson* Look, we need to renegotiate our deal with the Confederacy.
Talbot: I think maybe it's time we started shaking some hands.
Qovas: Impossible. The Confederacy gathering is sacred, the ceremony dating back five of your centuries.
Talbot: *walks to Quovas* Well, as a military man, I'd hate to buck tradition. So why don't you bring me up to speed on protocol?
Qovas: Even if the Confederacy were to grant you an audience, you have nothing to offer.
Coulson: But...*walks towards Quovas and Talbot* If it's Gravitonium your friends want, there he is.
Cut to Fitz pacing as he says the control center is an outright disaster as it could take hours to rewire the antiquated system. Who knows what cosmos the Remoraths could escape to by then? Fitz is suddenly surprised by the system kicking on and Deke coming from behind the wall of monitors. Fixing old electronics was kind of Deke’s thing back in his day, the future.
Fitz goes to high five Deke, but Deke leaves him hanging and pulls Fitz’s hands down and quickly looks around the room.
Deke: Why are... What are you doing?
Fitz: What? It's just a thing. It's a thing people do celebrate...
Deke: *disgusted* Not cool people. Come on, man, you're better than that.
Fitz: Okay...
Deke walks to the middle of the room and looks up at the whole in the ceiling, commenting about how it took Talbot flying out of there like a wizard to be able to breathe fresh air again.
Fitz: Well, being a SHIELD Agent brings its risks.
Deke: Yeah, well, that's just it. I'm not a SHIELD agent. But for some reason, I'm still hanging around this rusty drain pipe.
Fitz: Well, you do have family here. *had been looking back but looks in front of him as he works at a desk*
Deke: *Chuckles, looks up* Yeah, I don't think it's that. *Fitz looks at Deke.* Well, don't get me wrong. You guys are great. Totally not disappointments, at all.
Daisy’s voice comes over the comms.
Daisy: Lighthouse? Is anyone there? Over. Repeat, Lighthouse, this is Daisy Johnson. Does anyone copy?
Deke rushes to the desk and stands next to Fitz. Fits starts to answer but Deke interrupts.
Deke: We're here Daisy, sorry, we just had some technical difficulties.
Daisy: Deke! Thank god you're there. I've been trying to get through for 30 minutes. I'm flying in. What's wrong?
Deke: We were under attack.
Cut to the zig-zag doors opening. Daisy, with a duffle bag over her shoulder, is met with a very disappointed looking YoYo.
Yo-Yo: Where were you?
Daisy: May had me drop off Polly and Robin. *walks out of elevator*
Yo-Yo: Lie! * blocks Daisy* I know that's not all.
Daisy: *passes her anyway* I'm not having this conversation right now, Yo-Yo. Coulson's missing.
Yo-Yo: Coulson's missing because of you. * Daisy stops, looks back at YoYo* After all your finger wagging, the same rules don't apply to you?
Daisy: You are the last person who should be giving a lecture right now.
Yo-Yo: What's in the bag? Is that what you abandoned us for?
Daisy: It's none of your business. *Yo-Yo snatches the duffle, and has it opened before Daisy realizes what happened*
Yo-Yo: *Sees Skele-Mom* What's wrong with...*Daisy gives her a knuckle sandwich*
Act 3
Back from commercials, Daisy and YoYo are fighting hand to hand. Daisy gets more hits in, but the blows that YoYo lands are stronger. At one point, YoYo tells Daisy that they needed her. People died. Daisy tells her, “Don’t put that on me,” as she punches YoYo in the face. When YoYo turns around again, she sees Daisy quaking the ground at her sides.
YoYo: Oh, you want to use powers now? *Uses her powers land to hard blows to Daisy’s stomach* *Daisy has to step back* Then I definitely win.
Daisy counters by quaking YoYo so hard she flies backwards and hits her back on the wall and falls to the ground hard.
They charge at each other, but a gunshot snaps them out of it. May has fired a pistol at the ceiling (killing at least one person).
May: You done?
Daisy: *quietly, breathing heavily* May…
May: *Sternly* Satellite just picked up an object outside of Earth's atmosphere. Piper believes it's the Remorath ship.
Daisy: When do we leave?
May: As soon as the artificial gravity is installed in the Zephyr. *Daisy and YoYo shoot each other looks* *Daisy starts to walk away with May*
Yo-Yo: She's going to get everyone killed!
May: *stopping to look back at YoYo* We're going to help Coulson. Either find a way to pitch in, or don't be here when we get back.
On the ship, a Remorath brings Talbot a robe. Talbot speaks before we see him.
Talbot: I appreciate the trim, but if feels like a lot of pomp and circumstance to me.
Hale: We need allies for whatever war is coming to Earth. Diplomacy is key.
Coulson: Maybe I should come along, help navigate any choppy waters.
Talbot: Best not to rock the boat. These snowflakes seem awfully precious about decorum. I think I'll just take the alien.
Coulson: *Quietly* Okay, but remember, tread lightly. Try to get a feel for the r--
Talbot: I already told you I can fix this. *Coulson swallows nervously* *Superhero pose* How do I look?
Coulson: *Anxious hands* Pretty cool, actually.
Talbot: I could probably get the boys to rustle you up one if you want...
Coulson: I'm good. I'm not much of a "robes" guy...
Talbot: I'm leaving this man in charge. Anybody here disobeys an order, you'll suffer the same pretzel logic your friend did earlier. *Gestures to Qovas* Alright Chuckles, let's hit it. *They use the 084 device and transport out after Coulson and Talbot exchange looks*
They pop in in another room with the blue writing. A whole group of aliens from all different species’ are waiting. They all look at Talbot unimpressed and share looks with each other. The woman. Estella (named slyly after a certain actor’s daughter, maybe?), announces that the six all stand present. “Let us unite under the banner of one true Confederacy.”
The green faced guy standing to Estella on the left, Crixon, asks Quovas, “Who is this intruder?” Quovas looks Talbot over for a second and then tells them that “this man hails from Earth.” Talbot is already over this. Quovas continues, “He has come to renegotiate the terms of their protection.”
Crixon: The terms have already been set. *Talbot sighs and closes his eyes* Why would we ever entertain such derangement?
Talbot: Because…you guys have been dealing with a bunch of weak amateurs. It’s time you met Earth’s mightiest hero…*looks at everyone* me.
At the Lighthouse, Daisy is sitting in the sads and is joined by Deke who politely knocks on the door.
Deke: *glances at the duffel bag* What's in the bag?
Daisy: My Mom.
Deke: *jaw dropped, shocked* Oh. *pause, walks forward* I heard about your little dust up. I just want to make sure you're alright.
Daisy: I've been better. Like the universe keeps reminding me I should have never come back from the future. Also, some creep put a bunch of *gestures to bed* lemons on my bed. Some weird sort of, prank.
Deke: *leans against wall in front of Daisy* Sounds like classic Fitz! *Uncomfortable silence* Look, I um, I feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. I, on the other hand, I *pause* lived in the Lighthouse my entire life only to time travel into the past and still spend every single day of my life inside the freaking Lighthouse, so... It's like even with Kasius gone this place just has a leash that keeps pulling me in...
Daisy: Well, I'm glad you stuck around, even if it's a little... crazy.
Deke: Maybe it's not that crazy. I've been wanting to *heads towards Daisy* tell you something since we've gotten, *sits down next to her* I don't want to say closer, but...
Daisy: You really don't. Anyone that gets close to me ends up dying.
Deke: Me too. That's why I think we have so much in common.
Daisy: My Mom, Lincoln...
Deke: Who's Lincoln?
Daisy: Lincoln Campbell. He was the first Inhuman that I became close with. Fought by my side, and he died.... He died for me, really... Right when we were getting going, or, you know, getting good.
Deke: *looking right at Daisy who isn’t looking at him* Sounds like you were really in love with this guy.
Daisy: Kinda still am. Which is why I can't lose someone else. And Coulson means more to me than anyone, and if he goes...
Deke: No, no, we're... we're going to find a way to save him.
Daisy: Sorry, you were going to tell me something. *finally looks right at Deke*
Deke: Yeah, FitzSimmons are my grandparents.
Daisy: What? Wait, what? Are you serious?
Deke: Uh-huh.
Daisy: Do they know?
Deke: Yeah, yeah, cat's totally out of the food sack.
Daisy: Oh my god. That makes so much sense. You and Fitz are both so... *Looks at Deke* You're... such special people.
Deke: Good, I was worried it was going to make things weird between us.
Daisy: Why would it make things weird?
Deke: No reason... *chuckles*
Back in the Confederacy meeting, Estella believes Talbot to be a charlatan. She suggests stripping him to rags and selling him at auction as no mortal being can wield the power of Gravitonium, especially some human. Quovas tells Estella that that would be a bad idea since Talbot has harnessed Gravitonium within himself. Estella argues that that has no bearing because Talbot is not of the Confederacy and has no business here.
Talbot suggests it’s time they make him a part of their little secret society and is told by Crixon that that’s impossible because it would desecrate the Order if they added another member when there has always been six. Talbot calls this a room full of Democrats with their rules and regulations, asks, Qovas who’s really in charge here, is told by Estella that as a Confederacy that all voices are equal, is told by (the character ironically named Confederacy Leader Joqo) that Crixon is often considered the most wise among them, and is told by Crixon that there is no place for a human among them.
So, naturally, Talbot does simple math and subtracts 1 from 6 after telling Crixon his mistake: he thought Talbot was still a human. Talbot eats/sucks up liquefied Crixon with his hand and then looks at his hand like, ‘Ooh I can do that too? Sweet.’
“Looks like there’s a spot for me here after all.”
Act 4
Mack is turning a wrench with effort as he works on installing the Gravitonium system on Zephyr. Fitz joins him, walking slowly in the room. Fitz points to Mack’s work and tells him good job on getting it assembled as he kneels down at Mack’s side but keeps his distance. Mack asks, “That it?” Fitz answers, “Yeah” and hands the Gravitonium canister to Mack. Mack takes it without a word and installs it, touches the panel, and activates it.
Mack watches the Gravitonium start to flow through the tubes for a few seconds and then silently grabs his tool, gets up, lingers behind Fitz for a few seconds and leaves while Fitz watches the Gravitonium in awe and says, “Guess we just built SHIELD’s first spaceship.” Fitz then turns around to watch Mack walking away, already out of the room.
Fitz: Mack.
Mack: *stops walking looks back*
Fitz: *leaves the room, goes to hallway* I just wanted to apologize for…*gestures at Mack, rubs back of neck* locking you up…before. *hands at waist, not making eye contact* Really wasn’t my idea. I actually had—
Mack: *quietly, looking down at what’s in his hands* You went along with it.
Fitz: Yeah, well, we were trying to get ahead of the problem.
Mack: *drop hands at side, looks right at Fitz* By having YoYo execute a kid?
Fitz: *sighs, looks down at feet again* Things got messy, but, I mean, it was the only way that Y-YoYo…*trying to look up but not able to fully*
Mack: When does killing become the only way? We’re SHIELD. Aren’t we supposed to better than that? *Fitz hands on hips but glances at the floor* None of this would’ve happened if you would’ve just said this invincible nonsense wasn’t real. But instead you and Simmons lit the match, and now YoYo’s responsible for a girl’s death.
Fitz: *looks up* I’m sorry, Mack. I really am. But it’s not that simple.
Mack: *steps closer to Fitz* Simple is how you live a good life. *In front of Fitz now, gesturing* Not with your theories or prophecies. It’s following the Good Word and doing the right thing *Fitz has backed up and can’t look at Mack again* ever time, simple as that.
Fitz: *now leaning against wall* No. Not always, ‘cause there lots of instances in history where--*reaching to touch another wall* where it was necessary to sacrifice the few in order to save the lives of many. (SPOCK!)
Mack: *looks down, shakes head in disappointment* ‘Course you’d say that. *walks away*
Fitz: *still against the wall* *loudly* Ruby was dangerous, and it got complicated *steps forward gestures with both hands* and that is just the way it was. So, I’m sorry if that doesn’t fit whatever narrative you’ve built for yourself. *turns back on Mack*
Mack: You need to look inside of yourself and figure out what kind of man you want to be. ‘cause lately, what you’ve been, it needs fixing. (Remember in season 2 when Mack was the one that helped Fitz heal and was the only one he could talk to? Ah, the good ol’ days.)
In the lab, Jemma is cutting open the Remorath’s heart. Daisy walks in with the duffel bag.
Daisy: What happened there?
Jemma: This Remorath ingested a substance that stimulated every single cell in its body.
Daisy: And what, its heart exploded?
Jemma: Rather macabre, isn't it?
Daisy: Just you wait... *sets duffel bag down, opens box that has Centipede Serum, sets it on the table* *Theme from season one plays*
Jemma: Where did you get that?
Daisy: What matters is we might be able to save Coulson, by combining that with my Mom's DNA.
Jemma: *sighs, goes to take off face shield* Oh Daisy. This feels like we may be crossing a line.
Daisy: Then we cross it. Are you just willing to just let Coulson die?
Jemma: It's not that simple. There are moral implications.
Daisy: *hands together in front of her waist* This isn't a morality debate. It's just a question. Are you willing to let Coulson die? Yes or no?
Jemma: No.
Daisy: Good. Then get to work. This is your top priority. *walks out of the room*
Jemma looks at the things and then looks around with a look.
On Zephyr, May is in the Pilot’s seat, Davis in the Co-Pilot’s seat, and Daisy appears in the background. She asks May if they are space ready. May responds that it looks like they are about to find out. May notices Deke in her peripheral vision.
May: *to Deke* You’re coming with?
Deke: Yeah, I just need to get out of the Lighthouse.
Agent Davis: *flipping a switch above him* So you're going on a space mission to a hostile alien ship?
Deke: Yeah, well, I don't have many options
-Daisy and Deke walk down and take a seat at jump seats. Zephyr is ready to take off. -
May: This is Zephyr One. We are all systems go.
Piper: *over radio* Roger that, Zephyr.
-Jumps to Lighthouse control center-
Piper: You are clear for takeoff. *Joins at Mack at monitors where they see a graphic of Zephyr*
We see Zephyr take off from the underwater Zephyr entrance/exit.
Cut to the room with the blue writing as Estella transports at with the 084 device. Camera pans back and we see Talbot and Quovas stand next to each other as another guy, Taryan, KASIUS’S DAD, come out of the shadows, announcing that Quovas was right to bring “this man” here, for truly he stands a giant. Taryan looks at Talbot impressed and Talbot simply nods like, ‘uh huh.’
Qovas: As always, you see wisdom, while the others cower in fear.
Taryan: A strength of our warrior breeding.
Talbot: I'm sorry partner, *steps forward and in front of Daddy Kasius* I didn't get your name earlier. *Holds out hand to shake hands but Daddy Kasius just looks at the hand and either ignores it or is confused*
Taryan: *bows* No apology necessary, the honor is mine. I am the first-born Taryan, Master of the House of Kasius.
Talbot: Kasius, huh? Certainly, has a ring.
Taryon: The way you handled yourself today was... quite admirable. Though I fear, your Earth faces a far more pressing threat than anything posed by our Confederacy.
Talbot: Is this the attack Qovas warned might be coming?
Qovas: It shall be the end of your planet.
Talbot: That's why Hale had a deal with the Confederacy to fight beside us.
Taryon: The Confederacy never intended to honor this agreement. Nor could it, even if it so desired. It's merely a deception to extort the resources from your planet before time ran out. Which now, it has.
Talbot: What are you saying?
Taryon: Thanos... and his forces, have begun an assault on your world even as we speak.
Talbot: Then I've got to get down there with the Avengers, and take on this... Thanos.
Taryon: Thanos' strength is unrivaled. You will lose even with your powerful friends fighting alongside you. Though perhaps, there might still be a way... *They all share a look*
On the Bridge of Quovas’s ship, Hale and Coulson are talking. Coulson, as is the new norm for him, has his arms crossed against his chest/stomach. (Always cold, I’d imagine)
H: Astronauts say the view of Earth from space changes you. It’s why I always wanted to be one.
C: Malick has Project Distant Star running inside NASA. Why didn’t you go work for him?
H: *looks at Coulson* Leadership had other plans for me. *Coulson nods and they turn away from the window* Really rolled the dice letting Talbot go out on his own.
C: *Looking around* Not to mention we have no way out of things go sideways. *Looks back at Hale* Artillery, I’m guessing?
H: *They start walking* Probably have enough firepower there to incinerate your entire base.
-Talbot and Quovas transport back, startling the two of them somewhat.-
Talbot: It seems the situation is worse than we feared. The Earth is under attack by an alien named, "Thanos".
Hale: What about the Confederacy? Did they agree to help us?
Talbot: More bark than bite. I'm afraid we're on our own, General.
Coulson: We have to get back.
Hale: And do what exactly?
Talbot: The only option left. Make me invincible.
Coulson: *Hears this, looks right at Talbot* Excuse me?
Talbot: *stepping forward* I struck up a conversation with this guy from the Confederacy. He tells me there's untapped deposits of Gravitonium under the Earth's surface.
Hale: And you want to get it out and power yourself up more.
Talbot: That way I can handle any threat the Earth faces. I can be... the shield.
Coulson: Can we just talk about this for a second?
Talbot: No, you don't get to take a time-out, Phil. Our very way of life is under threat.
Coulson: Which we will find a way to defeat. But Gravitonium? It's too dangerous. You could lose control.
Talbot: *starts to walk* I've never been more in control. You know, it's just like you *gestures at Coulson* to second guess me. Or *holds out arms to side* is it now that you've seen Gravitonium's power, you want it all for yourself?
Coulson: That's not what's happening, and you know it.
Talbot: Do I? How many times have we worked together, only for me later to find out later that you weren't being above board? (Hey, Talbot? Did you know Mace wasn’t really an Inhuman?)
Hale: *attempting to change the subject, stepping between Talbot and Coulson holding a hand out in front of her* Do you trust this Confederacy member who told you about the Gravitonium?
Talbot: Yeah, a real straight shooter named Kasius. Said he has two sons of his own.
Coulson: *Gets a look on his face* *steps forward* Did you say Kasius? Glenn, you're being played. You can't trust him!
Talbot: The hell is wrong with you, Phil? First you question my capacity to handle myself. And then it's our allies, who you begged me to make.
Coulson: *gestures, speaks loudly* I know it sounds crazy, *Hale has a look on her face* but the alien running Earth in the future was a Kasius. He's our enemy.
Qovas: *steps forward* Kasius is the most noble family in the Confederacy. This man is clearly lying.
Talbot: *Gives Coulson a look, smiles puts hands on hips* *Quovas is thrilled* So what? Is this another angle you’re playing, Phil?
Coulson: *realizing he’s Fitzed* Glenn—
Talbot: We are at war – a war we will surely lose if I am not the most powerful being in the universe.
Coulson: No, there’s got to be another way. *looks at the star charts table* We can use this ship and attack.
Talbot: *loudly with his eyes closed* This is not a debate. *steps very close to Coulson who is realizing he is super Fitzed* I’m in charge here. You’re either with me or against me.
Coulson: Obviously, I’m with you.
Talbot: Then kneel. *Hale looks from one to the other like, ‘is this really happening? I need to get popcorn…’*
Coulson: *taken aback* *quietly* What?
Talbot: I’m Earth’s last hope, Phil, it’s true protector, the one who can save us all. *Coulson swallows* Now, either you accept that….
Talbot uses his power. There’s a rumbling and Coulson winces at first but then leans on his knee, holding his stomach and the table for support, grunting in pain.
Two Things: 1. I can’t tell for sure but Coulson may also be having trouble breathing, and 2. Talbot is either doing something to the inside of Coulson’s body, or he is increasing the force of gravity around Coulson exponentially.
…Anyway, Hale can’t believe what she’s seeing and steps back, looking away. Talbot tightens his hold on his power, making it even more painful for me…Page…I mean Coulson. We then see Coulson get a look on his face realizing it’s over and Talbot finishes his sentence, “…Or suffer the consequences.”
Coulson stands straight and looks at Talbot breathing heavily.
Talbot: Kneel.
Coulson kneels with a hurt look on his face and anxious fingers as my fingers and feelings hurt.
Talbot looks up satisfied.
Hey show, Coulson is DYING. Can you please stop doing this sugar honey ice and tea to him? Please?
Act 5
Back from break, May announces to the Lighthouse and Davis that artificial gravity is engaged, they are approaching the outer atmosphere and to prepare for Vertical burn. Piper and Mack watch from the control center. Piper says, “Roger that. Vertical Burn is a go.”
Zephyr ascends nose up, facing space straight up, engages thrusters and leaves the atmosphere. They use a whole dictionary of space-shuttle lingo. Deke and Daisy have a moment while they shake in their jump seats. Daisy should have talked Deke out of this.
Deke: What? No, this great. I’m going to space--*clearly not happy* again.
Daisy: *Reaches to hold Deke’s hand* Thanks for coming along. *Deke looks over at her and then forward, closing his eyes tightly, sort of smiling through the anxiety*
In the cockpit, May and Davis watch the altimeter screen. Davis informs May they are approaching the Karman line. May says into the headset, “Nominal MECO, Main Thruster is no longer required.”
At the Lighthouse, Mack repeats that, and Piper says, “Prepare to be the first SHIELD team in space.” Mack says quietly, “In this timeline, maybe.” YoYo joins him at his side and they share a nod. Over comms, May says, “Looks like we did it, Control.”
We hear their response over the radio on Zephyr’s end. “Roger that, Zephyr. Good work, you guys. *Mack’s voice* Time to turn on cloaking. Won’t be long till you reach the ship.”
Zephyr cloaks and turns.
We see Fitz watching Zephyr’s progress on a tablet with his hand on his head as he thinks while pacing. Simmons is working at one of the lab’s work stations.
Fitz: Looks like the Zephyr’s in space.
Simmons: *turns around, smiles* ‘Cause of your design. *Fitz nods solemnly, Simons frowns* I know you’d rather be up in Control right now.
Fitz: *shakes head* No, it’s probably for the best that I’m not. *turns away* *Simmons turns away and goes back to work* *moment of silence* So the Centipede Formula is functioning as what? Some sort of catalyst to unleash Jiaying's regenerative properties *holds up hand* ?
Simmons: *focused on the work* That's the hope.
Fitz: *sighs* Do you really think this is a good idea?
Simmons: *exhales deeply* What I think is... the less we talk about it, the better. *grabs a tool forcefully* Now unzip that duffel and get me a viable sample. *holds up tool*
Fitz tales the tool and looks at it, Simmons, and then the duffel bag.
In Zephyr’s cockpit, we see the spaceship through the windshield. Davis narrates, “Approaching enemy ship. No signs of resistance yet.” May shoots him a look, takes off her headset, and leaves the cockpit.
At the Lighthouse, Piper calls that alien ship, “One big ship”. Mack reiterates that once the Zephyr docks with the alien ship, cloaking won’t matter. They need to be ready to move. Camera pans to a graphic of the alien ship on a monitor.
In Z1’s cargo bay, Strike Team MayDaisy are in position. They nod at each other and we see Z1 dock at the ‘neck’ of Quovas’s ship.
On said ship, Quovas, Talbot, Hale, and Coulson are looking in the same direction, at the bridge’s large viewport. Coulson is standing up now (arms crossed) but is now being guarded by a Remorath standing just a few feet behind him. Talbot has his right fist in his hand and at his chest with his eyes closed as if he’s thinking.
Talbot: Quinn's team originally found Gravitonium at the bottom of one of his mines.
Hale: How did you know that?
Talbot: *opens his eyes/annoyed* He just told me.
A Remorath working a monitor announces that sensors indicate an unseen object has breached their hull. Quovas looks to his side and asks how that is possible.
Talbot gets angry. “Cloaking.” All eyes fall on Coulson who now has that famous ‘I am royally Fitzed’ smile on his face. Talbot asks, “What is SHIELD doing here?” Coulson answers, “I guess providing backup.” Talbot steps forward. “This is mutiny. You made contact behind my back?”
Coulson: That’s not true.
Talbot: They’re here to do what, take my ship?
Coulson: You’ve got this all wrong. (Why are you even still talking, you idiot? Just ‘confess’ or don’t speak!)
Talbot: You’re a liar! *points a finger* You’re a liar! *Coulson reacts, possibly scared Talbot will do the thing again* *Talbot turns to Quovas* Did you have any part in this?
-Hale narrows her eyes, seeing an opportunity. Coulson watch out for that bus…oh, wait you’re already under it-
Hale: I told Coulson not to do it. He wouldn’t listen to me.
Coulson: *points to Hale* *Talbot looks at Coulson with narrowed eyes* Also not true.
Talbot: *cocks his head slightly* Fine the intruders and take them out.
-Remorath nods and looks to his friends-
Coulson: They’re here to help. What are you doing? *Talbot faces Coulson* *softly* Glenn, don’t do this.
Talbot: You have betrayed me for the last time, Phil. Whatever happens next is on you.
-Cut to Strike Team MayDaisy walking a corridor of the ship. Daisy quakes two aliens and launches them. May calls that ‘a start’.-
Coulson: SHIELD is not your enemy.
Talbot: All these years, double-crossing me. *turns and walks away* I should have known better.
Daisy quakes an alien into the Bridge, Talbot sees this and has Coulson in the air before May and Daisy even enter. Coulson looks down at his feet as he rises. Talbot yells, “You quake and Coulson dies.” Daisy walks in slowly with a hand up. She and May both look towards Coulson. (Oh and NOW Coulson has learned to shut up because he stays quiet until nearly end)
Daisy: What are you doing?
Talbot SHIELD isn’t welcome here. This is my ship.
May: *stepping forward* This is an alien ship. We’re here to rescue you.
Talbot: Rescue me? I’m the one that’s gonna save us.
Daisy: *arm still up* Then put Coulson down, and we can talk about that. *Both she and May glance toward Coulson who we don’t see*
Talbot: Agent Johnson, always in the center of the storm. *walking towards them* Maybe that’s because you’re the problem.
Daisy: If I’m the one you want, fine, I won’t resist, but first you have to put Coulson down. *We finally see Coulson and he turns his head towards Daisy*
Talbot: You and I both know you can’t be trusted. *getting closer*
Hale: I trust her.
-Hale, Talbot, and Daisy share looks-
Talbot: *to Hale* Why would you trust Quake?
Hale: Because she kept her word. When Ruby was infected with Gravitonium, she tried to help.
Talbot: Infected? Ruby was weak. *Hale gives him a look of pure hate* Gravitonium wasn’t intended for some itty-bitty little girl. It was meant for a hero strong enough to handle it. *Hale moves to be directly across from Talbot*
Hale: You need to take a deep breath and calm your mind, Glenn. *Coulson looks to Hale from the air*
Talbot obeys and puts his hand down, gently putting Coulson down (I was expecting him to crash to the ground) May sighs and Coulson’s boots contact the ground again. Hale continues:
Hale: You know what’s best. It’s best if you comply.
Talbot: *quietly* Compliance will be rewarded.
Hale: *nods* That’s right.
Talbot: *cocks head somewhat* And so will your betrayal.
Talbot does origami again and I look away.
Talbot finishes and looks to Daisy. Daisy immediately gets to quaking and quaked Talbot back. Coulson stays where he is but shares a look with May who also stays where she is (they’re both probably afraid Coulson will suffer if either of them move).
Before Talbot can be quaked into the wall, he lifts a finger and sends Daisy to the ceiling. She hits the floor, knocked out. May rushes to check on her and then pulls her gun and advances towards Talbot.
Talbot: Go ahead. Fire that weapon, Agent May, and Coulson dies just like Hale. *May readjusts her grip and looks towards Coulson and back at Talbot* Do you surrender, Agent May?
-May looks at Coulson again and then holds her hands up and gently drops the weapon-
Quovas: What should we do with them?
Talbot: *looks them over* They’re prisoners of war, Treat them accordingly.
-Quovas motions and a Remorath comes from behind Coulson and pins Coulson’s arm behind his back-
Coulson: It didn't have to be like this! *struggles against the Remorath’s grip hard*
Talbot: *back turned, hands at hips* You were always the enemy Phil. Only now I have the clarity of mind to see it.
Tag Scene
In the blue alien writing wall room, Taryan transports in. “The Earth is no longer a hidden blue gem. It belongs to another now. And yet it still has gifts to give. *kneels down to Daisy’s side* So I look forward to taking mine home.
Camera pans over Daisy and we see that she is awake with her eyes closed.