FADE IN. Ext. Factory Alley. Night.
Same scene that we left with. Caden hugging the little girl (Tryna), Angel's shocked face, with the rest of the gang just supremely confused.
FRED
(oblivious to the tension, offers Caden her hand cheerfully)
Hi! I'm Fred.
ANGEL
Fred get back.
Fred looks surprised and confused, but obliges, stepping back.
SPIKE
Uhh... I'm guessing you two know each other, then?
ANGEL
(without looking back)
You could say that.
WESLEY
Angel? Care to fill us in?
ANGEL
(grimly)
She's a killer.
They all turn towards Caden, who is still holding Tryna, but rises slowly.
CADEN
(bluntly, with an accusing look and a deep breath)
He's right. I am. But if you don't mind, could we keep the K-I-L-L-I-N-G talk
to a minimum? (re: Tryna)
TRYNA
(to Caden)
Mom? Can we go now?
CADEN
Yes, baby.
Caden takes Tryna's hand and starts to leave. Angel grabs her arm.
ANGEL
Do you really think I'm going to let you go??
CADEN
(almost surprised that its in question)
Yes.
(off of Angel's "are you kidding?" expression)
Look. You don't know what this is. You don't know what's happened. And you don't
know me. So either try and--
(she pauses to cover Tryna's ears)
kill me, which me being human, and you all soulful, I think presents problems,
or get out of my way.
GUNN
Hey, not to butt in or anything. But let's just clear this up, you're not a
Slayer, are you?
CADEN
(Huh? Duh.)
No...
GUNN
Cool.
ANGEL
(trying to put personal feelings aside)
Why were they after you?
CADEN
These days everybody's looking me.
(she looks sadly at Tryna and holds her close)
For us.
ANGEL
(bitterly)
I wonder why.
CADEN
(seething)
Hey, I'm sorry about what happened, but that's the work, alright? That's what
I do!
(swallow)
Did. Things change. People change.
ANGEL
Hello?? Vampire with a soul. I'm the *last* person to get a lecture on change.
But somehow, in your case? I doubt it.
TRYNA
(curiously)
What's a vampire?
CADEN
(sigh - to Tryna)
We'll talk about it later kiddo.
(to Angel, trying to keep her tone even)
If that's true, if you really are as redeemed as people say, then cut me a break.
ANGEL
(stoic)
Give me a reason to.
CADEN
(Grrrr)
I quit. Pissing many people off in the process. In particular a very rich, and
very powerful man. A father of a past target, at that.
He found out about (motions to Tryna)
and now wants his...
(through clenched teeth)
revenge.
WESLEY
(surprised at this)
They want to kill
(Caden shoots him a glare, and he changes his words)
...they want "payback"?
CADEN
Yep. Yours truly "getting her dues".
ANGEL
(lets just say "pissy")
If I had my way, you'd get a lot worse then that.
CADEN
(swallows this)
Yea well... either have your way, or don't, but I have my daughter to protect.
So if we're gonna throw down, then just get to it. Otherwise, *get out of my
way*.
Angel waits a moment, never losing that "pissed off" look, and then does move out of her way. Caden picks up her daughter and exits. It's another tense moment before anyone says anything.
ANGEL
Let's go.
GUNN
We're gonna leave her?
ANGEL It's not our problem.
WESLEY
Yes, it is.
(Angel turns to him, angry)
She may not deserve our help Angel, but that little girl does.
ANGEL
(thinks about the truth of that for a second)
We'll go back to the office. Find out what we can. Spike, you and Gunn see if
you can track her.
(Spike shoots him a look - not liking being ordered around, Angel merely raises
his eyebrows and stares right back)
SPIKE
(holds his look for a moment, then sighs)
And what if she doesn't play nice?
ANGEL
Don't approach her, just...
(grimly) ...know where she is.
Spike and Gunn nod and head off following Caden. There's an awkward moment between the remaining group. Angel takes a moment and then scans the dead demon bodies strewn about the alley.
ANGEL
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't I say not to kill them?
A battered Fred and Wesley shoot Angel an "you've got to be kidding?" look.
ANGEL
I'm just saying....
Wes and Fred look at eacher, picked up the weapons, and head out towards the main street. Angel follows them.... maybe even chasing....
ANGEL
Be nice to see that somebody's listening...
CUT TO: Office - Not W&H, perhaps there's a different logo on the table/wall. Early morning.
One man, obviously the boss, looks pissed. There are three others. Two who seem petrified, and one who is a bit more confident and familiar to this situation...
JAREB
You're NOT listening!!!!!!
SELF-ASSURED GUY
Sir...
JAREB
No! I want the girl. I want her here, now!!
(he throws a file/folder at the wall)
How many friggin' times are we going to do this?!?!
SELF-ASSURED GUY
Mr. Jareb, I assure you. This situation will be dealt with.
JAREB
(still phenomeally pissed, but quieter - thru clenched teeth)
This isn't a situation... This is revenge.
SELF-ASSURED GUY
Yes, sir. Of course. I apologize. What I meant is that we will get her.. we
will--
JAREB
(turning to look thru the window)
Now! Now, Jack. I want her here. This goes down tonight or you
all will be sincerely missing your heads...
(turns to look at them) after I chop them off.
UBEL
Come on, Jareb. Let's not forget what our real goal is here.
(he receives a steely glaze from Jareb, but no rebuttal)
Our objective is the vial. Don't let emotions block your logic.
JAREB
(more restrained than his previous shouting fit)
My objective is giving Caden what she deserves.
UBEL
You'll have your payback. But only after we collect what we need.
Ubel nods to the "subordinates" and they compliantly exit the room. Walking over to the window he stands side by side with Jareb.
UBEL
(quietly, sincerely, staring out the window just like Mr. Jareb)
It's the key to our prosperity.
Continuously and slowly we close up on the two men staring out of the window.. and then push past them to see what they're seeing. LA's morning view. The angle slowly lowers as we....
CUT TO: Backstreet/Alley - Day
Angling down... Caden is holding Tryna's hand and walking down the typical 3am LA backstreet, beside a warehouse. She rounds a corner but the camera stays and trails back.. revealing Spike and Gunn following her discretely...
SPIKE
(sigh)
Well, this is loads of un.
GUNN
Would you mind shutting up?
SPIKE
Oh, right. I would hate to drown out the sound of whores and drunks down the
road....
GUNN
(shooting him a look)
We're working here, okay? This has nothing to do with --
SPIKE
"Working"?? Is that what you call this? We're tailing some Mom simply cuz Championboy
has got a history with her. If you ask me the poof always made too many aquaintances
anyways...
GUNN
The way I hear it you were the wreckless one. Besides, no one's asking you.
SPIKE
I was the wreckless one?
(scoff)
Sure I had my fun, but it was Angelus who insisted on taking his time and --
GUNN
Angel is not Angelus.
SPIKE
(resigned)
Yea, he is. He always will be. No one can outrun their past, mate.
(somber)
Believe me.
Spike continues walking down the alley, turning a corner. Gunn lags a bit, thinking about what he said and then follows. We stay we Gunn, following him around the turn as he practically bumps into a standstill, yet shock-faced Spike.
GUNN
What are you--
(his face goes blank with shock as he focuses on what Spike is seeing)
Oh crap...
CUT TO: W&H Office - focused on a closed door
We hear the sound of toilet flushing. A second later and the door opens as Lorne walks out. He picks up a drink off us his lavish desk and takes a sip. His office is, needless to say, extravagant, in typical Lorne fashion. There's a bunch of posters/pictures on the wall of famous singers.. one is even of him from the time he spent in "The House Always Wins", cuz.. you know.. he was a headliner. Controlled by an evil destiny-stealing sleaze bag, yes.. .but still a headliner. There is also a very nice sound system install, delux stereo, and even a mic on a nearby shelf. There are numerous files on his desk, presumtiously those of W&H clients in the music industry. He stands where his chair is, humming to himself. After a moment he looks at the phone on his desk and hits the speaker button. Taking one more sip before....
O.S. SECRETARY
Yes, Mr. Deathwok?
LORNE
(cringes)
Applepie, I told you, call me "Lorne".
O.S. SECRETARY
Of course. I apologize. What can I do for you, Mr. Lorne?
LORNE
(sighs, giving up)
Yea, Is Angelcakes back brooding in his office yet?
O.S. SECRETARY
One second sir.
An audible click is heard, to signify teh secretary switching to another line. Lorne sits down at his desk, still sipping his seabreeze. With his glass raised, about to drink, a loud scream is heard down the hall... seconds later, a crash. Lorne looks confused for a sec... then shrugs. He finishes his sip and sets the glass down.
O.S. SECRETARY
Mr. Lorne?
LORNE
Just Lorne bubblegum, and yes?
O.S. SECRETARY
Yes, sir. He is back, and currently in his office. Should I tell him you're
coming to see him?
LORNE
That'd be lovlier than Streisand's verbrato honeybuns. Thank you.
O.S. SECRETARY
Yes sir, Mr. Lorne.
Lorne starts to correct the gal again when another click is heard and it's evident that she's hung up. He shakes it off, sets his glass down and heads to the door. About to open it he pauses.. turns around, grabs his drink, and then proceeds out the door.
CUT TO: W&H Hallway
Huming to himself and walking down one hall he turns to the next, and then another... then another corner, and suddenly the lighting shifts and the traffic slows down.. Lorne stops to sip his drink and when he raises his head he realizes he has no idea where he is.
LORNE
I'm lost in the depths of a massive corporation dedicated to serving evil....
(sigh)
There's no way this can end well.
He backtracks, trying to retrace his steps but.. really just guessing. After a few minutes sighs, and downs the last of his drink. Nearly-willing to belt out a high-A for help he pauses... hearing something. Lorne slowly traces the sound of mumbled voices around a corner, as he remains hidden. There is one female and one male. Inching closer to the final corner between him and the unseen conversationalists he listens...
O.S. FEMALE
Does Angel know?
Lorne freezes as he seems to recognize the female voice...
O.S. MALE
We don't think so.
Rounding the corner, he see...
LILAH
Well do yourself a favor and make sure before I rip your head off. And
keep him away from Caden and the kid. Their situation's not something he, or
we, need to get involved in.
UNK. MALE
Ma'am, Mr. Jareb and Ubel are clients of the firm. It's our--
LILAH
I know who they're clients you peabrain. I also know they're desperate.
(sigh)
And desperate people are not the kind you should associate with. Trust me.
UNK. MALE
So..?
LILAH
I need to get back. Get a full status report. Go through channels...
(walking down the hall... away from Lorne's position)
If you need me I'll be engulfed in flames.
Lorne ducks behind the corner again as Lilah's associate heads his way. He continues past the turn where Lorne hides, and after a moment Lorne is satisfied that he's alone agian.
LORNE
Angel. Got to tell Angel....
(pause)
Which would be great if I knew where the hell I was.
CUT TO: Gunn and Spike. Right where we left them, in an unamed backalley. Late afternoon.
We focus on Gunn and Spike, from the front, directly on their faces.. It's not visible what they're seeing, but we can hear not-so-nice growls.
SPIKE
Oh, bloody hell.
GUNN
Okay... what do we do?
SPIKE
Fight 'em off I guess..
GUNN
Man, I don't want to be fightin' them.
SPIKE
(sigh)
Well it's not like we have much a choice now, is it?
GUNN
Okay, you first.
SPIKE
(turning to look at him for the first )
Like hell!
GUNN
You've been alive for... well... ever! I'm sure you've
(unsure)
dealt.. with.. this.. before....
(Spike merely raises an eyebrow)
Great. I partner up with the one immortal demon who skipped out on that day
of the riots.
SPIKE
Hey! Just because I've never faced 'em head on before, doesn't mean I can't
kill 'em.
GUNN
(seriously and motioning to the unseen enemy)
We are not killing them!
SPIKE
(rolling his eyes)
Fine. You take the two on the left, I'll take the one on the right.
GUNN
Uh huh, the regular joe faces two while Mr. Superstrength takes on one? Real
fair...
SPIKE
(annoyed)
Fine. I'll take the two on the right.
GUNN
Fine!
Cutting to reveal what they've been blabbing about - 3 growling and angry... Rottweilers.
Spike and Gunn look at each other, hesistate for a moment and then charge. The dogs charge right back and send our boys stumbling backward. They continue to attack, although no serious damage is done, and push them back up the alley... at one point, almost an imaginary line the dogs stop advancing and merely hold their ground.
SPIKE
Well that was spectacular waste of time.
GUNN
Now what?
O.S CADEN
Now you tell me what the hell you're doing.
Spike and Gunn turn to see Caden coming up behind the dogs, her arms croxxed and looking a little pissed.
GUNN
Are these monsters yours??
CADEN
(insulted)
They're not monsters you moron, they're guard dogs. And yes they're mine.
(she whistles, and the three pups cease growling and move to her side, sitting
down)
SPIKE
You couldn't have done that five minutes ago??
CADEN
(with a grin)
Too much fun watching you two.
(serious again)
Now why are you following me?
Spike and Gunn both look at each, "gig's up". With a sigh they turn back to a glaring Caden.
CUT TO: Int. Angel's office. Dusk.
Angel sits behind his desk. The red rays of sunset stream through the open window. He shuffles through paperwork and after a moment hits a button on the desk phone.
ANGEL
Carrie?
O.S. CARRIE
Yes, Mr. Angel?
ANGEL
Could you please hold any calls for the rest of the day. I'm going to head out
soon.
O.S. CARRIE
Of course, sir.
Angel hangs up the phone with a push of the button and stands. He steps around his chair to stare out at the sun... basking in the warm dying rays. He closes his eye and stays there for a moment... Until Lorne comes crashing in, Carrie trailing behind him, surprising him enough to nearly cause him to jump through the window.
LORNE
Angel!
CARRIE
I apologize, sir.
(pointedly at Lorne)
I told him you were done for the day.
LORNE
And I told klondikebar here, that this was important!
ANGEL
No, Carrie.. it's okay.Please...
(nods to the door and Carrie discreetly exits)
Lorne, what's wrong...?
LORNE
Well first of all, do you realize that this place has more hallways than Bette
Midler's mansion??
ANGEL
Lorne..
LORNE
Right, right. That kid. From last night that you all were blabbering on about...
Katey or Jaden or..
ANGEL
Caden.
LORNE
Yes! Her. I just heard Lilah--
ANGEL
Lilah?? She's back?
LORNE
Back, still dead, and she knows something about your little friend...
Angel looks at Lorne, wondering what's this all about. He sits down next to Lorne in the guest chairs and prepares for the explanation....
CUT TO: Same alley as before
CADEN
I'm gonna kill him!! What right does he have?! I'm gonna bash his skull in with
my fist.
SPIKE
Look, the poof bugs me too but he was just looking out for the pint-sized one.
CADEN
I can look out for her myself. Been doing it for five years.
GUNN
Yea, but now you're in our town. Rules change.
CADEN
Ohhhhh, well sorry. Didn't know I was in yourtown.
GUNN
We're just trying to hel--
CADEN
You don't get it do you?? You guys are visible. People around here know you.
By "protecting" us you're bringing attention to us. Trust me when I say we'd
be better off left alone.
SPIKE
Wait a sec.. how'd you know who we are?
GUNN
Um.. is the peroxide bleaching your cranium, there? We met her a couple hours
ago.
SPIKE
(glare - to Gunn)
I meant how'd she know we were "visible"?
(to Caden)
Who told you that Angel ran W&H?
CADEN
Duh. Everybody knows. I may have quit the biz, but that doesn't mean I lost
my connections. A mixed batch of hero-like freaks who take of a branch of the
most powerful evil orginization ever? Word spreads.
GUNN
Then why'd you come here?
CADEN
What?
GUNN
If you knew Angel had this grand new role, why choose LA to be your next hiding
spot unless you did need help?
CADEN
(secretively)
I have my reasons.
SPIKE Like...?
CADEN
"Like" its none of your business.
O.S. ANGEL
The Hell it's not.
Spike, Gunn and Caden turn to see Angel at the end of the alley, Wesley behind him.
ANGEL
Whatever the Hell is going down with you, involves us now. We're at risk. So
you're going to tell us everything.
CADEN
How can you be involved?!
WESLEY
These men that are after you, that are after your daughter... What are their
names?
CADEN
(she thinks for a moment, debating whether or not to tell him)
Jareb. Jareb and--
ANGEL Ubel.
CADEN
(surprised she turns to Angel)
How did you...?
ANGEL
Because Wolfram & Hart represent them.
GUNN
Whoa, whoa, whoa... What?
WESLEY
Lorne overheard Lilah having a conversation in the hallway
GUNN
Jeez.. for a corpse, Lilah's got a big mouth.
WESLEY
(cont. - to Caden)
They know you're here...Jareb and Ubel. And its only a matter of time until
they figure out where.
At this, obviously realizing something the others do not, Caden's face falls... she stares at the ground, a mix of confusion, worry and shock.
ANGEL
(steps closer to Caden, almost threatening her)
So like I said. You're going to tell us everything.
CADEN
(grr)
Fine. Come inside.
Caden turns and walks back around the corner where Gunn and Spike first met the dogs. Everyone follows her as she faces the brick side of one of the buildings which makes of the alley. Moving aside several boxes and a trash can, she reveals a man-sized hole which she slips through... One by one, Angel, Spike, Wesley and Gunn disappear into the building.
CUT TO: Int. Caden's Hideout
The place is rundown, yea. But actually quite livable. It appears as an old, abandoned, apartment. There's a bathroom, kitchen area, and a hallway - which lead to (unseen) two rooms, each with a curtain for a doorway. Things are fixed up and as clean as to be expected. Caden and Tryna have made a "home" out of this place.
Still groggy, Tryna walks out.. barely notcing anyone but Caden.
TRYNA
Mommy..
CADEN
Tryn, go back to bed.
TRYNA
(whiny)
I want you to tuck me..
CADEN
(sigh)
Okay. Go back to your home, I'll be there in a second.
(Tryna nods and heads cor the curtained doorway, Caden looks back at Angel and
co.)
Just.. give me a few minutes, okay?
Angel doesn't say anything but lets her go. Spike, Wesley and Gunn mew about. Checking our the "house" and finding seats to plop down in. There's pictures put up on all the dilapidated walls. Mostly hand-drawings done by Tryna. Angel wanders to the "live-in" space next to where they came in. There's a couch, a small table, a few toys lying about and some framed photographs set upon make-shift shelves and tables. Most of the pictures are of the two together, many of Tryna alone, and only a two of Caden with other people - seemingly from a while ago.
ANGEL
(sigh)
We don't have time for this.
GUNN
Huh?
ANGEL
It's not safe here. Spike - go get her.
SPIKE
What? No!
ANGEL
Don't argue, just..
(reluctantly)
Please.
Spike sighs and rolls his eyes. He heads for the hallways...
CUT TO: Int. Tryna's Bedroom
Spike carely peals back the curtain and looks into the room. It's smallenough, but easily the most decorated area so far. Pictures, games, stuffed animals, books, and toy litter the walls and floor around the room. There's a small cot-like bed in the far corner where Tryna is laying. Neither her nor Caden have noticed Spike's prescence as of yet. Caden's pulling the covers up over her daughter and then gently kisses her on the forehead. She's about to turn and leave when Tryna stops her.
TRYNA
Mommy, can you tell me the story?
Caden kneels beside the bed.. and strokes her cheak.
CADEN
Baby, it's late, you're tired...
TRYNA
Please! Pretty pretty please!
Still unnoticed, Spike watches them. He leans on the doorframe and smiles to himself...
O.S. CADEN
(sighs and then smiles)
Okay, kiddo.
CUT TO: Angel, Wesley and Gunn in the main area
CUT TO: Spike still leaning against the hallway wall outside Tryna's room. He listens to the mumbled voices of Caden and Tryna in the other room...
CUT TO: Caden, curled up on Tryna's bed, hold her and coming her hair with her fingers. There's a pause and they're both silent. Tryna's eyes are droopy, but she's still awake and Caden looks at her lovingly.
TRYNA
Tell it again, mom!
(Caden sighs)
Pleeeassse, tell it again...
CADEN
(she regards her for a moment and then sits up from the bed)
No, honey. You need your rest. Get some sleep.
TRYNA
(begging)
Mooommmmyyy!
CADEN
(smiling she kneels down)
Tomarrow, darling. I promise. I'll tell you all the stories you want.
(Tryna smiles at this, as does Caden and puts a kiss on her daughters cheek)
Sweet dreams, kiddo.
TRYNA
(rolling under the covers)
Goodnight Mommy.
CADEN
(stands and walks towards the curtained exit, and turns to looks at her daughter
one more time)
Goodnight, baby.
CUT TO: Spike in the hallway. Caden comes out of Tryna's room and is startled to see him waiting there.
SPIKE
Angel wanted me to come get you.
CADEN
(rolls her eye)
I wasn't aware that he had the power to summon me.
Caden moves down the hallway to the main area, Spike follows.
CUT TO: Int. Caden's place
Caden and Spike enter, tirggering a look from Angel
CADEN
(sarcastically)
I've been summoned, sir?
ANGEL
(shoots a look at Spike.. grrr)
That was 15 minutes ago.
Caden hears this and realizes that Spike waited for her to finish with her daughter. She looks at him, surprised and also grateful - offering a smile in thanks.
ANGEL
(continuing)
So?
CADEN
So..... what?
(off Angel's look)
Ohhhh, right.
(sigh)
Jareb. Well, I killed his son. What more do you want?
WESLEY
(showing a little bit of bitterness)
You killed a lot of people son's. Why's this one different?
CADEN
Because... he deserved it. Jareb doesn't want to admit that. And.. it was...
brutal.
GUNN
Oh, okay. Cuz I was under the impression that most murders were trips to the
beach.
CADEN
If only.
(she sighs and sits down)
Jareb's son, Tim, took his father's stance for granted. He crossed some people
he shouldn't of.... Pissed off the wrong people. Someone finally acted.
WESLEY
So, they hired you.
CADEN
Yep.
GUNN
What'd the kid do?
CADEN
Wasn't my place to ask. They hire. I kill. That's the way it worked.
(pause)
But. I think he offed some second-in-command-type that worked with one of Jareb's
competitors.
WESLEY
When was this?
CADEN
About six years ago.
(directed to Angel)
Right before I met you.
ANGEL
(trying to ignore the old hatred)
That's it?
CADEN
(she swallows and looks at him for moment...)
That's it.
Suddenly the whole group tunrs as five demons come crashin in from the cealing.
CADEN
Oh, well this is just great.
And cue the fighting. Wesley, Spike, Angel and Caden each take a demon. Leaving one to shift from fight to fight. Interchange of shots - Caden dodging and ducking, getting in a good punch, kick, ect. Angel grabbing another demons attempted punch, twisting him around and breaking its neck. Wesley gets a good hit in the jaw and knocked to the ground, face down. Pissed, he shoots out a sword from his arm and turngs, getting up. But his opponent is gone. He looks confused for a second, but is distracted when Gunn gets in trouble. Spike's fighting his own demon. Grinning sadistically and toying with him. Punches/kicks are thrown and Spike mostly dodges the big ones. Finally, the demon nails him in the chest - sending Spike back against the wall behind him. Now he looks pissed. He charges the demon... throws him to the ground and proceeds to beat the ever-loving shit out of him. Gunn is pinned down, wrestling a demon. From behind, Wesley stabs his arm-sword through the demon's chest. The beast collapses on Gunn, and with a disgusted look, he rolls out from under it. Looking around at the dead demons Gunn freezes.
GUNN
Wait.. this is only three. There were five...
CADEN
(her eyes go wide and she gasps)
Tryna!
Caden bolts down the hallway, yelling for her daughter and practically tears the curtain off of Tryna's doorway. The room is empty. Her pink bedspread is wildly ruffled on the bed and there's a few pictures torn down from the wall. Caden doesn't stay to look around for long, she darts out of the room, across the hallway, and into through the other curtain - her bedroom. She unzips a large bag set on the floor and takes out a gun and knife. Instantly spinning on her heels Caden heads back out into the hallway where Angel grabs her shoulders.
ANGEL
Slow down!
CADEN
(her demeanor is almost calm, but her voice is frantic)
They took her!!
ANGEL
And we'll get her back, but if you go rushing after her like this, odds are
you'll get hurt... or she will.
She just glares at him, wrestles out of his grasp and then moves down the hallway..
CUT TO: Int. Caden's hideout - Main space
Caden comes stomping in from the hallway and just stands in the center of the room for a minute.. not sure what to do. Spike, Wesley, Gunn and Angel watch her. Then she lets out a scream and flips over the kitchen table. Kicks and pummels a chair, and pounds against the wall and then lets herself slide down.. collasping, but leaning, on the wall.
ANGEL
(trying to calm her down)
Caden...
CADEN
(she looks directly at him, accusingly)
This is your fault.
ANGEL
What?
CADEN
This is your fault! They know you! They can track you! You led them here.
(pause)
We were safe before you came along.
Off of Caden's raged face and Angel's stunned guilt....
FADE OUT.