The Book of Markovia: Chapter Two: Lynn's Addiction

Previously on Black Lightning The Markovians are on the outskirts of Freeland, and they're marshalling their forces. The Markovians want to capture or kill as many metas as possible. What do you want me to do? Your target is the data farm up ahead. - I found it. - Now take it out. The One Hundred, the warrior class of Freeland, and y'all out here fighting over crumbs? Patient 49 is here for his blood test. Thank you, Nurse Allen. You need my antibodies to stabilize the metas, don't you? If the metas aren't stabilized, then the ASA can't weaponize them. I'm your golden goose. Come on, quickly. Get in. - No! My bag! - Leave it, leave it. - Gambi, I need my bag! - There's no time. It's time to figure out who hired Gambi's killer. While you can die, you can always be brought back to life again. I'm not working with you anymore. You don't have a choice. Wrong answer. That's a hologram. This isn't over, young lady. First Sergeant Gardner Grayle, currently attached to the ASA. From a small town in Kentucky, just outside Louisville. I was so excited when the ASA first recruited me from the 75th Ranger Regiment. This was my chance to serve my country at the highest level. At least, that's what they told me. And hell, I don't know what to believe anymore, but one thing's for certain. Killing innocent kids is not what I signed up for. I took an oath to defend our Constitution. If anything happens to me, here's what you need to know. Under direct orders from Agent Odell Dad. I came as fast as I could. You okay? Yeah, I'm good. I'm good. Oh, that's Brandon. - The ASA tried to kidnap us. - Hey. What? Look, I know Odell was behind it, so I called him and when he showed up, I tried to blast him. But it was just a hologram. You called him how? One second. All right. So You already know Odell gave me a suit, but there's way more to it than that. Okay. All right, don't be mad but Odell gave me a cell phone to call him when you and Mom were in the Pit. Yeah, okay. I know I should've told you, but he was showing me all sorts of bad stuff about Markovia. And he was also telling me that you were wrong, and you'd never agree to it. So So, I've been helping him fight the Markovians. Wait. What do you mean, "helping him"? Helping him how? I mean, I've been going on missions for Odell. What kind of missions? Well, I lit up the dudes that beat you down. You gotta admit they had that coming. And? Um I kind of located a Markovian data center, where they were doing cyber warfare. I blew it up. You did what? Jen, you could have killed somebody. I think I did. Oh, no, baby girl. Look, I saw in that other reality, how the road I was on was just leading me to a person that I never wanna be. I know that, Dad. I got played. But you and Mom never let me use my powers. So, you feel like this is our fault? No. I don't. But they're growing every day, and it's painful. I love you and Mom, but you made me feel like some sort of freak that had to be locked up all the time. And Odell, he made me feel special. I know this sounds crazy, but he set me free in ways I never could've imagined, Dad. He took me to space. I've been to I've been to space. Jen I love you. Everything your mother and I do for you is because we love you. I know. I'm really sorry. Trust me, I learned my lesson. But despite how you may feel about it, Odell needs to die. He needs to be dealt with. That doesn't mean killing him. I'll come back and get you when I figure out how to get to him. All right. So, Brendan Uh, actually, it's Brandon. Yeah, whatever. Stay away from my daughter. Understand? Dad, I told you, we're just friends. Your mother and I were just friends, too. Brandon. You know what a eunuch is? Yes, sir. Keep that in mind. Now, that's a scary dude. Oh, you don't know the half of it. Mmm Oh, my God, I've missed you so much. Then take me back with you. What about your shifting? It's under control now. The party healers are fantastic. Plus, seeing you with your dad made me realize my problem is with abandonment. And that's why my emotions would flare up and I couldn't control my shifting. But now I know I'm not alone anymore. You found my cure. It's my connection to you. I'm sorry. My dad has been blowing me up. I gotta go. We gotta go. Are you okay? You look terrible. Thank you, Peter. No, I didn't mean it like that. I mean, you look a little sick. It's just, uh, a flu. Why are you here? I need a dose of the metastablization cure. You know I only have a limited number of vials left And you can't make more without Tobias. Yes, I know. I also know that you do what you do because those kids in the Pit are counting on you to keep them alive. I have someone counting on me to do the same now. What do you mean? One of the original meta-kids, he's in the Sanctum. A 30-year pod kid? - Are you sure? - I'm sure. Because I'm the one who put him there. I thought I was doing the right thing. Keeping the world safe for liberty, you know, the whole thing, but the reality was, I was pointing out children for abduction. And when the meta-human experiment started killing them It was why I quit. I did everything I could to protect Jefferson. Raised him as if he was my own son. But I know it doesn't make up for all the lives I took, from so many kids. And I'm asking you, Lynn, just please help me give one back. How could I refuse. I need something from you first. Name it. You have remote access to the AC system in the Sanctum. I need it to check on the kids in the Pit. You don't wanna get caught with I'm not asking this lightly. I know the risks. All right. Thank you. Do you love travel, Major? Is that why you joined the ASA? Because I don't. I'd rather be home. A place specifically designed by me for me. But I can't be home, because if I dare go back to Gotham, everything goes to hell. We've had a few setbacks, sir. - It's nothing that we can't - "Setbacks"? You lost a quarter of the city to the Resistance. The Resistance took down our detainment facility. And you failed with Jennifer Pierce so badly that she likely turned against us. "Setbacks. " These are not setbacks. They're disasters. Might I suggest a new plan of action, sir? By all means. Chip and stabilize the metas we have here in the Pit. Do we still have supplies of the stabilization cure? Negative. But Dr. Blair's standing by to make more. All we need is more bone marrow from Tobias Whale. Request permission to move him to the medical ward. Chip and stabilize the metas, rinse and repeat. Your plan is approved. Sergeant Grayle. Thanks for coming. Come in. No problem. Are you okay? I'm fine. I don't know how you messaged me through the ASA system and I don't wanna know. I saw you in the security footage picking up the bag. You didn't log it in. Because I needed to decide whether to find you and return it. Or you knew you were being watched and you were trying to play me. With all due respect, I don't play when it comes to innocent lives. - Now, you have every right not to trust me - Exactly. Thank you. Everything is there. But I was tempted to go through and see if there were any stabilization cures in there. Dr. Blair attempted to recreate it and killed three kids in the process. Oh, my God. I have to stop them. Security in the Pit is beyond cutting-edge. There is no way in hell to extract those kids. Yeah, but they need Tobias for the cure. I'll get him out. Dr. Stewart, Tobias Whale Is extremely dangerous. Yes, I know. Listen, you could be prosecuted for treason. I'll conceal your involvement. Don't worry about me. Sounds like you have a plan. I do. I'm with you. Excellent. Would you excuse me for a moment? That's a lot of boxes. You ain't had no trouble with the ASA? Yo, man, after everything they did to me while I was in there Every chance I get to pop an ASA joke, I'm taking it. That's what's up. But be careful mixing personal with business, Devonte. That's the fastest way you end up getting caught slipping. I'm born and bred in Freeland. And these streets These streets are my heart, and so are the people. That's personal. But you wanna know why I sell guns to the Resistance double the price? - Business. - That's right. You've been moving up since you got out of the ASA jail. I need you to stay focused. I'm focused. I even found a hacker for that briefcase just like you asked. Yeah, I need you to hit pause on that, until we know for sure that Tobias is still in Freeland. 'Cause ain't nobody seen his albino ass. We got other business to handle. Streets have been talking. Somebody else set up shop on the East Side. Making bank and they ain't offered me a penny for protection. They ain't paid their tithes. I need you to find out what's what. I got you. That's what's up. My entire body hurts. I've got just what you need. It's not gonna hurt. That feels weird. Better? Better. Why are you doing all of this for me? Most white people would've seen me and had a problem, and called the ASA. We all need someone sometime. Nobody gets through this life alone. Right now, I'm just a guy who could help you. Besides you remind me of someone. Now, why don't you lay back and get some rest? Gambi? Jeff, what is it? Odell manipulated my baby girl to commit murder. Now, you know once you kill someone you're never the same again. That's exactly what he wanted. Come on, Jeff, take a breath. Who's that? Well, this very special young man is TC. Jefferson. TC. Excuse me. Can I talk to you? If this meta-booster works, I can temporarily augment normal cells to transfer to a particular meta-human profile. That's unbelievable. - Everybody can have powers. - Temporarily. If it works, I can use it to sneak Tobias out. But I have to test it on myself first to be certain. No. You're too important. What if something goes wrong? I'll do it. Sergeant, we're talking about cell disruption, it could be fatal. I'm in the ASA. We take fatal risks every day. Let's do it. How can you not like puzzles? I'm just saying. Even as a kid, puzzles completely puzzled me. Ha-ha. Funny pun. You don't know what you're missing. They are very relaxing. Anissa, my queen. Your father is here. - "My queen"? - Yeah. Well, at least Shonda is intelligent and she laughs at my jokes. You see your dad. I'll give you some space. All right, cool. Dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes. Okay. - Shonda - Yes, Anissa? Let him in. - What's wrong? - The ASA. We're going after Odell. Okay. I'm not dead yet. I'm starting to feel something. Good news. Your vitals never wavered from normal, and your genetic profile is back to normal. The meta-booster effect lasted roughly one hour. It should be enough. Tobias is being moved to the med ward tomorrow to collect bone marrow. It should be much less guarded than the detention wing. But I'm afraid we'll still be skating uphill. I don't need you to go in. I have a cloaking device. But since it's key to my DNA, I'm gonna have to boost Tobias with the chameleon ability to get him out. I'll be there for exfil. Let's go. You know what, I'm not waiting around anymore. Then I'm coming with you. No, Brandon. Look, this is not your fight, okay? I'm not trying to involve you. It's a little too late for that, don't you think? Besides, we're both freaks, remember? So we're in this together. You helped me find Jace, now let me help you. Fine. But there's some stuff you might find out about me on the way that you're gonna have to keep on the hush. You're in play, the package just left the warehouse. Sending you an intercept now. You're up. You're still a little shaky, son. Maybe, go back to bed. I have to show you I unraveled that that Bitcoin chain. This is who had you killed. You know her? Did. She's a former ASA agent who went into business for herself. Drug trafficking, money laundering murder. She funded an offshore account and paid for the hit through the dark web. See? Took her shooters a year to find me and make their move. Well, she's not one to worry about now. What do you mean? What's to say she doesn't hire someone else? She's dead. Excuse me. Okay. Coordinates as follows. It's them. Get ready. Don't stop. Keep going. Go, go, go! Don't move! Got your ass. He's awake. You're making a mistake of immense proportions. Yeah, well, you already made one. You reneged on our deal, went behind my back and made my baby girl a killer. You think I'll let that stand? What you're doing right now is gonna get you locked up for the rest of your lives. Agent Esposito. - You're not dead. - No. And I have questions. I have nothing to say. Everybody talks, eventually. Since you taught me everything I know you know this is gonna hurt. You're bluffing. You don't kill, you won't torture either. No, he won't. But I will. I'm gonna take off your shoes and socks. And I'm gonna hammer a nail into your foot. And I'm gonna keep going until you tell me everything I need to know. I play golf. With the President. Yeah, well, the next time you do it, you'll be doing it with a limp. I warned you not to make an enemy of me. You have to kill me after this is over. You know that, right? - Okay. - You're not okay with this. - You're a hero. - I've never claimed to be. But you try to do the right thing. There's good in the worst of us, and evil in the best of us. When we know this, we're less able to hate our enemies. Did this coward just quote Dr. King to get off the hook? I'm not a coward. I knew the man. At least, I think you'd appreciate what I'm saying. Mmm-hmm. Here's what I'm saying. I told you not to mess with my family. You did. So your ass is mine. Hit him. The Lord is my Shepherd. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Really, now you're full of prayer? The 23rd Psalm, after all the evil you've done. "Evil"? I'm a patriot. A patriot. Do your worst. That should do it. You got it? Mmm-hmm. You tricked me. Yeah, how about that? He's out. Jeff? Don't lose yourself just to get him. Heads up. Black Lightning and Thunder have kidnapped the director. Could you track Black Lightning again? Affirmative. I've got his energy signature in my goggles now. I just need to go to where he acquired the boss, and play bloodhound. I'm rescinding the immunity for the Pierce family. We're going to find Agent Odell and kill the Pierces. Each and every one. Hey, what is this place? It's where my uncle works. Who's your uncle? James Bond? Man! Don't touch anything. Yeah of course. Damn. This place is dope. Hey. That's Black Lightning. And that's Thunder. You're Lightning? Wait. And he's - Wait, he's - He's my father, yes. And Thunder's my sister. Now, come on. Whoa! Hey. Wait, wait. Hold on. Brandon. Hey, isn't that the guy who was the hologram you blasted? Odell. Damn it, Dad. Hey, so, do I get a suit? No. Look, the only reason why I brought you here and I'm showing you any of this is because those stupid ASA commandos are after the both of us. So we need to stick together. Besides, you don't have a name yet, so Damn. Right What would my name be? "Quakeboy. " "Earth Force"? - "Geo. " - Look, I don't know. Just stay here, okay? There's a fridge in the back with snacks and drinks. Nobody should bother you. Just don't touch anything. I'm Destiny. Welcome to the Ultimate O. Right this way. We believe in equal opportunity, here at the Ultimate O. You have your choice of male female or both. So what will it be? What you think? Now So, as far as price You. You. Y'all go ahead, get started without me. I'll be right back. Damn! Yeah. There you go. If they like their feet tickled, then make sure someone tickles their feet. feet tickled, then make sure someone tickles their feet. You ought to get some serious paper up in there, boss. I'm talking about the whole place was packed. Yeah. There was a lady in there. I don't know who she is, but she seemed important. Yeah, that's her right there. tickled, then make sure someone tickles That's Lady Eve. The last time I saw her ass, she was floating in a vat. She's been brought back from the dead. Let's pack these guns up. For sure. Okay. The entrance you need to use will have guards here, and here. Once inside, you'll be 20 meters from the medical wing where they have Tobias. Okay. So how much longer? Here we go. It's rendering. By the time it's finished, we use the biometrics and keywords we've collected to simulate Odell. Then we go into the ASA system to take down the perimeter and withdraw from Freeland. By the time they realize it's not him, we'll have taken back the city. All right. This is Agent Odell. I am ordering all officers to withdraw from Freeland. Damn, that's freaky. If you don't like this one, you can kiss my ass. I guess I missed my call that you found him, huh? - Jen, slow down. - You lied to me. This is better for everybody. Trust me. I'm done trusting you. We're under attack. Look, take care of the data. We got this. Get down, get down! Khalil? And here I thought it was gonna be another boring day. We're leaving. I'm afraid you didn't think this through, Dr. Stewart. How am I supposed to just walk right out the front door? You'll have Maryam's chameleon powers. So, yes, to answer your question, we're gonna walk right through the side entrance. Hmm. Looks like Christmas came early this year. I'll admit, you're a lot smarter than I gave you credit for. You can't run. We have to stick together. Run? Now, why would I do that? I have Black Lightning's wife. I'm not running anywhere. You thought I was your golden goose, Dr. Stewart, but in reality you're mine. Dad, don't let him touch you. No! - Jen, stop. - Khalil. - Khalil, are you okay? - Jen, let us go. Guys, what's going on? Why y'all trying to hurt him? - Because he's not Khalil! - No, he's a murderer. Khalil, talk to me, please. Get Agent Odell out of here. Yeah. I'll deal with the Pierces. You need to stop them! Sir. Watch it. This way. Jennifer Pierce, you are a pain in the ass. You need to let us go. Khalil, stop. Just stop. It's okay. I got you. I got you. He's still alive. Damn. Not bad. Welcome to the Ultimate O. Men, women or both? Lady Eve. We don't have anyone here by that name. Yes, you do. Now, take me to her. I think it's best you leave. Ain't nobody ask you what you think. Do y'all know who this is? Big man take the night off. Let's go. All right. In the next two seconds, you're gonna have Lady Eve's location on your lips, or a bullet in your head. Follow me, please. Excuse me. Well, well, well. Thought I saw you when I was in resurrection but I assumed I was dreaming. Now you're back on top in Freeland. I like this little hustle that you got going on here. Let me guess, you want a piece? Nah. I'm taking the whole thing. As of right now, you work for me. Ain't gonna happen. I know where Lazarus' creepy ass is staying. If I smoke both of y'all, there ain't no coming back for you. Be careful writing checks with your mouth that your ass can't cash. Honey you'd be surprised of what this ass can do. Now, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave, and take the 40 hitters you got waiting outside with you. In consideration of what you have done in this community for the past 20 years, I'm gonna give you 48 hours to get some sense into your head. That was disrespectful. How do you wanna handle it? We deal or we die. For now. Odell just left the perimeter. He's probably heading back to Gotham. Oh, my God. Hey, is that your ex in there? Yeah. He was actually gonna kill me. That's because he's not your ex. The ASA rebuilt him. They put a chip in his head so they could control his mind. They can do that? You knew Khalil was alive and you didn't tell me. How could you keep something like that from me? Jen, so you can go after somebody who looks like they're your ex-boyfriend, get heartbroken, maybe even killed? I'll never forgive you for this. Whoa, wait a minute, let's calm down before we say something we don't mean. Your sister was only trying to protect you. Why does everyone think I need their protection? I don't, I'm not helpless. If I had known, maybe I could've gotten through to him. Jen. It's not that simple. So we're not even gonna try? Hey. Who's Jen? That's me. He loves you. How do you know that? He told me. This way, follow me. You said it was gonna last more than an hour. I don't know. You have a uniquely altered genotype, remember? Are you trying to set me up? I'm not. The surveillance cameras in this section are disabled. For now. Now, come on! You know, I had you all wrong, Dr. Stewart. I thought you was one of them saditty, bougie, squeaky-clean sisters, afraid to get her hands dirty. But, you know, it's refreshing to know that Black Lightning's wife is a bit more flexible. Shut up and keep moving! Where the hell is he? He should be here by now. Whoever you're waiting for, probably got canceled. The ASA is good at stuff like that. You know what, Dr. Stewart? You're not that smart after all. Did you really think I would give you powers and not give myself any? You black women. Always so damn tricky. You thick-lipped bastard! Thanks, Erica. I owe you one. What happened? I had to go to plan B. Outstanding. Help me load him into the back.