Spotlight character: None for this episode.
Back in the present, Lazarus and Zach continue to investigate the Cells. It's a re-purposed prison, with ready-made security features. Many of the systems are switched off. The staff know that the people are there voluntarily.
The walls have been repainted into friendlier colours. Drunk-tank pink is used liberally throughout. More recreational facilities have been added.
Today, the facility is deserted.
As Zach picks up a flashlight, Lazarus turns to him and says, "We need to get out of here quickly. There is nothing here for us to learn. We're going to see empty cells. Unless there is something hidden in an office drawer or filing cabinet there is nothing here for us."
"I want to make sure."
"Then be quick. You can run faster than I can. Where's the office? You're looking for former prisoners. Former cellmates."
"I guess," he replies. "I just wanna know what's going on here. I wanna make sure that the reports and the reality are the same thing. You've got a good idea. Let's start with the office."
Sgt Cathy holds up the schematics of the facility and they follow it to the administration area.
Meanwhile, in the army's data centre, the general walks in and says, "Simmonds, you summoned me?"
The General
Simmonds flicks up a screen, taps a couple of buttons to open a video feed of Zach, Lazarus, and the security guards walking around in the Cells.
"Oh I see," says the General, sighing. "Well, I suppose we'd best see how this plays out, gentlemen. Get a team scrambled down there will you. Follow theta protocol."
Back in the Cells, Zach looks for cameras to see if they're running. However, the place smells like a hospital. A clean team has been through since it was last used.
Zach rifles through what little files are left to try and find his cell number. Zach, ever an untrustyworthy person, searches every unexpected hiding place in the office. Ventilation shafts, behind cabinets, under desks... then he remembers from his time in the Cells a time he snuck around the building to hear through a ventilation shaft a conversation. He can't make out much, just a phrase. "I'm not sure about B. I think it might be time to move on to the Odessa Complex." The conversation continues, but the sound of high heels is all he can hear as the people speaking move past the vent.
Still remembering his time in the Cells, Zach sees Alex in the cell. He's pacing.
"Thirty paces. Ten paces. Then forty, fifty, sixty. Gotta get your thousand steps, Zach. Seventy. Eighty. Zach... Zach, you're in the way."
"Just move around me."
"Zach... please... just... Zach could you...
"Move around me."
"C'mon Zach... just a bit..."
Zach moves out of the way and Alex keeps pacing.
Out-takes
Theta protocol?! Do you know how many revisions it took to get to that one?!
