Episode Guide S3: Ep. 24 (of 26)

Ebony organizes Bray's Election campaign. Today they are covering the South side of the City. Ebony involves as many people as she can - even May - leaving the Mall almost deserted for Ned to break out the Guardian.

More posters will be needed - Luke gets onto it right away.

Luke and Ellie have time to chat. Luke now has a full-time role printing leaflets and posters.

Ellie is so pleased to see him fulfilled and happy - and it's all down to Ebony. Ellie surprises herself, for she never thought she would have cause to be grateful to her. Luke is excited about the future. Maybe he'll soon be able to go outside - take walks with Ellie - but it all depends on Bray winning the Election. But what if Moz wins? It doesn't bear thinking about.

Pride + May

Not only are Pride and May working closely together to find Amber and Trudy, they are now also Bedroom Partners, though they both wish to keep this a secret for now.

Yesterday they went to see some of May's friends in the City hoping to pick up some information on Amber and Trudy. Unfortunately no one knew anything. Pride repeats the fundamental question that hangs over the entire kidnap: How could an outsider know exactly when and where Amber and Trudy would be on their own? It has to be someone here in the Mall.

Pride's hope of ever seeing Amber and Trudy again are beginning to fade. He even asks Ebony if there's any real hope they're still alive.

Ebony (who knows damn well they are) tells him You know, I can't say why, but, deep in my bones, I think they are. Hang in there Pride.

KC Demands a Refund

KC returns to the Trading Market where he bought the necklace. He flings his remaining Election leaflets into air. Hello my friend, the friendly Trader greets KC, What can I do for you today. KC demands a refund...

KC		Well, you know that necklace you sold me yesterday?
Trader		Hmm, great choice, that! I knew you had good taste the

		minute I saw you
KC		I think I've changed my mind
Trader		Why? Something the matter with it?
KC		No, it's just that I don't have the use for it that I thought I would
Trader		What a pity! Still, win some lose some, Eh?
KC		Yeah, no big deal. So can I have my money back?
Trader		I'm very sorry, but I can't do that. I don't do cash refunds
KC		What - since when?
Trader		Well, since we started using cash I suppose. You can have a credit note if you like
KC		I DON'T WANT A CREDIT NOTE. GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY
Trader		Whoa, no need to be like that. You can swap it for a nice hat if you like, huh?
KC		I'm going to tell you what I'll do: you give me back my money, and I can give you some watches. I keep the batteries separate
Trader		Of course! They're very nice. Can you get more of them?
KC		As many as you want!
Trader		I see. So would you be the main supplier then?
KC		You could say that
Trader		OY! [The Trader calls to his mates] This is the guy who's been selling the dud watches
KC		What - there's nothing wrong with them!
Trader		Tell me, do you do cash refunds?

KC runs for his life amid shouts of "Get him!"

Trader

I thought not!

Secrets The Guardian has Disappeared

Back at the Mall, May notices how extraordinarily happy Alice is today. Alice can't resist telling her a secret: Ned and I, we're going back to my farm. We're going to work it together. But how? It's common knowledge that the Chosen left Alice's farm totally derelict. Alice explains that Ned is getting everything the farm needs, though she has no idea how. May also has a secret to tell: You were right about Pride - me and him...Alice is of course delighted. May also reveals that Pride has a rival - KC! It's a huge joke they can both share - until a shout of alarm echoes through the Mall: HELP, SOMEBODY COME QUICKLY!

Ned Transports The Guardian

As Ned struggles to put his boots on, he tells Alice about everything he is going to get for her farm: Seed, hay, sheep,

The Guardian laughs when he understands the connection between Ebony's crowbar and her information that Ned is about to deliver him to Moz.

pigs, cows, horses, chickens, ducks. Alice is wild with excitement - except - why won't he tell her how he got it all? She needs to be sure it's all "on the level". Of course it is! Ned tells her. I'm going to be a respected member of the community. And this time tomorrow we're going to be on the farm with everything we need and people queuing up to work for us. Guaranteed. When I said I was going to look after you Alice, I meant it.

Ned kisses Alice good-bye. She'd just love to know exactly how he's getting all this stuff, but of course he can't and won't tell her.

Ned waits, hidden, for Tai-San to finish feeding the Guardian. Once she is out of the way, Ned calmly, smugly, crouches by the cage: Hello Mr. G! We're going for a little trip together - a one-way trip, in your case. The Guardian smiles to himself as Ned unlocks the cage.

Ned manhandles The Guardian through the sewers, unaware that Ebony's crowbar is concealed under his clothes.

Once outside, Ned pushes the Guardian into an open coffin and closes the lid. It's on a makeshift cart so all Ned has to do is wheel it to Moz's place.

As Ned nears Moz's hideout, he stops for a rest, and a drink from his hip flask. Sitting on the edge of the cart, Ned talks to the coffin behind him. For the Guardian, it's bonus information, and worth the delay.

Funny old world eh? Who'd have thought I'd have the all-powerful Guardian packed away like a pig going to market? And your old friend - The Supreme Mother? - got her too as it happens. Can't quite believe it myself. You see, people think I'm stupid, but I'm not. There's a brain in here, and it's got me a nice farm and a future; so you won't be dying for nothing. In fact you might want to think about that when they're stringing you up. I'll be there - I'll be right down the front where you can see me. And just when your eyes are popping out of your head, you'll think to yourself - Old Ned, he wasn't so stupid after all.

But he was. While Ned is prattling, the Guardian pushes up the lid, and clubs him on the back of the head.

Somebody Will Come

Amber and Trudy are hungry, but there's no sign of Ned. He should have come to feed them hours ago. Amber gives way to tears, resigning herself to dying with Trudy in solitary darkness. Outwardly, Trudy is the strong one, telling Amber to hang on for her baby. Inside she's just as afraid. Trudy makes Amber repeat: Somebody will come. Somebody will come

The Guardian drags Ned across the grass. He's not dead - yet. Before then, the Guardian must make him talk - about where he's hidden the traitorous, false Supreme Mother.

When Ned eventually comes round, he finds that his hands are bound. The Guardian talks to him reassuringly:
Don't be afraid. There's only one thing I need from you. Then you'll have your freedom - more than you've ever known. Now tell me, the Supreme Mother: where have you hidden her?

Bray is in the middle of a campaign speech - about the need to establish secure water and food supplies, and the real opportunity to make the City a great place to live. A heckler asks why the Mallrats still refuse to hand over the Guardian. As Bray explains why his Leadership would be far more Just than Moz's old ways of vengeance, May whispers urgently into Lex's ear.

The Guardian's escape is something Bray must hear about immediately so Lex joins Bray on the platform to tell him. Bray then tries to

continue his speech, but all that comes out is a jumble of hesitant

words. He's lost the crowd's support and he leaves to booing and hissing. In truth, he has just lost the Election.

Bray Must Drop Out of the Election - But Who Will Take His Place for the Mallrats?

Pride, Tai-San, Bray, Ebony - everyone - search the Mall, but the Guardian has gone. Tai-San replies to Lex's obvious question with an equally obvious answer: Somebody must have let him out. Ellie reports that the Sewer alarms have been disabled. While Lex starts accusing Luke, Pride speaks from the balcony: I want to know where Ned is. Ebony's roadmap to power is about to go one step further forward.

Alice		And what do you mean by that?
Pride		Exactly that. WHERE IS HE?
Alice		Look if you've got something to say about Ned
Bray		[Inserting himself between Pride and Alice] Can we cut it out and stop this arguing. We've got to find the Guardian NOW
Luke		Yeah, before the City finds out
Ellie		Surely we're going to tell the City?
Lex		Are you kidding? Bray tells them they can't have the Guardian, and that we're keeping him locked up, and then he escapes - Good-bye Election!
Ellie		Yeah, and supposing he hurts someone - how about that?
Lex		He is harmless - ask Tai-San
Ellie		Bray, you can't do this
Bray		What do you think, Tai-San?
Tai-San		Whoever took him plans to have him assassinated. I doubt very much he's still alive
Bray		Maybe we can hold them off for a couple of hours?

Andy		NO! I tell you he's not harmless. He's been faking it since the very beginning
Tai-San		That's not true, Andy
Andy		Yes it is. He said he'd bite off my arm. He sucked you all into believing that he's insane
Ebony		I'm afraid I'm to blame for this. Andy told me about this some time ago and I didn't believe him. Perhaps I should have. I'm sorry
Lex		Come on Bray, we're wasting time
Bray		No, we have to alert the City first
Luke		Think about what you are doing. If this gets out, Moz has won. They'll blame you - bound to

Lex Rescues KC

Lex leads a posse of Mozzies, combing the streets, asking everyone they meet if they've seen the Guardian. KC, still fleeing from the angry traders he has scammed, is mighty glad to run into Lex. What's going on, KC asks. Lex tells him that Bray has just given the Election away to Moz.

The City Must be Warned that The Guardian is at Large

With Bray's full approval Ellie is about to print a public warning that the Guardian is on the loose. Ebony asks her to delay, maybe a couple of hours, while there's still a chance of recapturing him. Ellie screams NO!

They all agree that Bray has just forfeited the Election to Moz. Ebony begins to play her next card: If only Amber was here, she could step right into his shoes. But there isn't anybody else. I mean, would they vote for Lex?... Alice? My God, there isn't anybody else! We're going to be stuck with Moz - I can't believe it! Luke has a brilliant idea! The answer is staring right at us! There is someone who could take Bray's place. Ellie knows who Luke means and shakes her head to warn him against choosing Ebony. Ebony plays along. Who? Everything is going according to Ebony's plan.

My God, there isn't anybody else!
We're going to be stuck with Moz

Ebony doesn't want to be City Leader (Oh Yeah?) Lex Does

Bray and Luke plead with Ebony to stand in Bray's place. She refuses - it's totally impossible. Lex comes in. He's heard what's going on and objects in principle, putting himself forward instead. Ebony uses some reverse psychology

Lex		If anybody's taking your place it should be me
Bray		I'm sorry, Lex, that isn't going to work
Lex		Why? What's she got that I haven't?
Bray		Well nothing, but ever since you've been a Sheriff, it hasn't made you popular, you know that. You've been throwing your weight around
Lex		So, I'm not afraid to show people who's boss. They respect me for it
Luke		No, they fear you, Lex, and that's why they won't vote for you
Lex		Shut up, it's none of your business
Bray		No Lex, he's right, you don't have a chance, Ebony does
Lex		Great! So how long have you been plotting this?
Ebony		WHAT!
Lex		Well you might have fooled the others but you don't fool me
Bray		Lex, would you just shut up
Lex		She's tricking you - you're crazy to even listen to her
Ebony		It wasn't my idea, I don't even want to do it
Bray		I've been trying to persuade her
Lex		Are you crazy? For all we know it was her that sprung the Guardian
Ebony		That's it. I'm not standing around here being badmouthed for something that I don't even want. You want an alternative candidate? Well here he is
Bray		Ebony -
Ebony		Forget it Bray, I'm out of here
Bray		Thanks, Sheriff!
Lex		Well are you sure it wasn't Ebony's idea?

I'll Do it for You, Bray

Ebony lies on her bed in pseudo-sulk, waiting for Bray's inevitable, desperate request to reconsider. She doesn't wait long, before hearing his footsteps coming down the stairs. But she must not change her mind too quickly. Soon he'll be eating out of her hand

Bray		Ebony
Ebony		Go away!
Bray		look, would you at least hear me out. I'm sorry for what happened back there
Ebony		It wasn't your fault
Bray		Lex shouldn't have said those things. I think he feels fairly stupid now
Ebony		It just shows what people really think of me round here
Bray		No, that's not true. People have been saying how fantastic you've been since Amber and Trudy were taken away. They're saying how you're the the one thing that's holding this place together. They're saying how you've changed

Ebony turns to face Bray

Ebony		They are?
Bray		Yes!
Ebony		Well, people also say that a leopard can't change its spots. I could never gain their trust
Bray		No, that's not true. I know you're different. You're like the Ebony I used to know
Ebony		What?
Bray		You could be so soft - and sensitive too - when you really cared about people. And we're all seeing that side of you again, Ebony
Ebony		You really mean that?
Bray		Yes. It's the truth
Ebony		Well it still doesn't mean can win the Election though
Bray		I know you can. I know we can if we just pull together
Ebony		Are you sure?
Bray		Yes. Trust me
Ebony		If I won, it would be for you, Bray. You'd be the real leader. You'd be there for me?
Bray		Yes, of course I would
Ebony		Okay. I'll give it my best shot

Ebony's done it. She's well on the way to becoming City Leader. There's now just one thing she will soon have to do to make herself the City Hero.

Mallrat Campaign Switches to Ebony

Bray escorts Ebony back up the stairs. Ebony, I think Lex has something to say to you. With everyone else backing Ebony what else can Lex do?

I apologize - I had no right to say what I did. Ebony also apologizes - for her own past - and asks for Lex's help to win the Election. Lex gives it - grudgingly. Inside, he still distrusts her. Bray rallies support for Candidate Ebony. There must be new Posters, leaflets, and a new front page for The Amulet.

KC's Necklace...stays Unwanted

Alice is still happy and singing. KC shows her his unwanted necklace, hoping she'll trade for it. Today's your lucky day because I'm about to make you even happier. Feast your sparkling blue eyes on that, babe! Alice holds it to her neck and agrees it's beautiful. But she can't accept his gift because Ned would get jealous. KC explains he wants to trade it.

May comes in carrying Brady (behind KC). Alice "helpfully" suggests he might try trading the necklace with May! KC's in a spot! He exits trying to control his embarrasment.

The Guardian Locates Amber & Trudy

Amber and Trudy are starving. They have managed to untie themselves, but unless Ned brings food soon.... Trudy is beginning to think that Ned has decided to abandon them.

The Guardian finds a pile of old clothes in an alleyway. Without his white robes, he will be able to blend into the shadows with ease. Next he finds the school, just where Ned said; now he can deal with the treacherous Impostor, Trudy.

The Mozzies Find Ned

Moz is on the Election trail, mustering support and more importantly, votes. With the Guardian on the loose, it's not hard to badmouth the Mallrats.

Two Mozzies report an important development. Nearby, they've found a Mallrat - dead. Moz follows them to the corpse lying in the grass.

Moz Brings Ned's Body to the Mall

Moz brings Ned's body to the Mall and calls: Hey Mallrats! Anybody here? Ebony greets them with a sarcastic comment, then stares at the corpse. A faint smile precedes fake concern: What happened? For now, the two rivals drop their jingoistic bravado. Moz tells where they found him - Behind the old factory on North

Street, then asks: You okay? Moz is genuinely caring.

Lex Imposes a Total Movement Ban - which Everyone Ignores

Lex, Bray, Tai-San, KC, Luke and May all come to see why Mozzies are in the Mall. Ebony breaks the news: Somebody wasted Ned. Tai-San examines the body: Looks like a broken neck. Lex (as Sheriff) must take it from here. Okay, I'm Sheriff, so I'm in charge. Everybody listen up. This is a murder enquiry. So nobody goes anywhere without my saying so. Right, Ebony? Ebony agrees, and is the first to leave the Mall! It's something I gotta do. Minus Ebony, Lex continues: We're going to do everything by the book. He reprimands Moz for moving the body and destroying vital clues. He even suggests she might have murdered him herself. Then Alice shows up. What's going on? Have I missed something? Bray hesitates: It's Ned. Alice shrieks in utter despair and loss.

Regardless of Lex's movement ban, Moz leaves the Mall with her tribe. Lex orders her not to leave the City and to be ready for an interrogation. Everyone just smiles, for no one is taking him seriously. While everyone at the Mall has sympathy for Alice's grief,

KC suddenly remembers Tally and Andy: Who's going to tell them. Everyone agrees it should be KC. May goes with him for moral support.

KC and May break the tragic news of Ned's death. It doesn't go quite as they expected

KC		I'm sorry guys, real sorry
May		We all are
Tally		The stupid idiot! How could he?
KC		What?
Tally		How could he do this to us?
Andy		Yeah, it's so typical of him
May		How do you mean?
Andy		Never thinking about us
Tally		Never!
Andy		Always letting us down
KC		Listen guys, I don't think you understand
Tally		Well he's really done it for good this time, hasn't he?
Andy		Yeah, getting himself wasted like that
Tally		Yeah, and I don't care what happens this time but we're never going to forgive him

Ebony Rescues Amber And Trudy in Daring Solo Raid

At last, Amber and Trudy's hopes are answered. They definitely heard noises in the building. They're not certain that it's Ned so they bang on the door and shout. They couldn't have made it easier for the Guardian to find them. The girls hug each other as a key turns in the lock and the door opens. There, menacing in the doorway, is The Guardian, seeking revenge on all unbelievers.

Guardian		Impostor! Traitor! Deceiver! It's all your doing
Trudy		What is?
Guardian		Everything. You were never the True Supreme Mother
Trudy		I never wanted to be. You forced me. You brainwashed me. I just wanted to save my baby
Guardian		Tai-San was the real Supreme Mother. She stayed true to me to the end. She was sent by Zoot
Amber		No she wasn't, she was sent by the Mallrats. Zoot doesn't exist. He's dead
Guardian		NO! Zoot lives! He's testing me. I can see it all now. I must redeem myself in his eyes
Amber		How?
Guardian		I must destroy the False Mother - eliminate her from the face of the earth - her and all blasphemers
Trudy		Have you forgotten who I am?
Guardian		You are nobody, nothing
Trudy		I was Zoot's woman. I am the Mother of His Child. He wouldn't want to hurt me
Guardian		You betrayed him. He wants vengeance - VENGEANCE!
Trudy		No, and He wouldn't want to hurt Amber either. She is carrying his brother's baby, a child of His blood
Guardian		The child of a blasphemer. Zoot will not be denied. YOU MUST ALL DIE
Trudy		NOOOOO!

Trudy rushes the Guardian, pushing him backwards, slamming him against the wall, but it's a token gesture. The Guardian responds by hurling Trudy, face first, against the wall. As she collapses unconscious, The Guardian turns his rage towards Amber. Suddenly the door opens. Ebony walks in and assesses the situation. As the Guardian escapes, he hurls her through the door and against the facing wall. She's badly winded but still able to stand. Together they help Trudy as best they can.

Ebony Brings Amber and Trudy Home

Pride sits with May by the stairs while she looks after Brady. Pride imagines a similar threesome that just might happen one day. But no, May doesn't wish Brady were hers - But I wouldn't mind if she was ours!

Ebony, Amber and Trudy walk through the grille entrance. Apart from a bump on the head Trudy is fine. The greetings begin Amber! (Pride) Trudy! (May) Brady! Oh my baby (Trudy) .... Pride gives Amber a hug; May shouts and hollers the good News to everyone in the Mall. Amber makes eye contact with Bray at the top of the stairs and they run into each other's arms. Trudy reassures everyone that they weren't harmed. Amber gives all credit and praise to Ebony. Bray is curious - how did Ebony know where to find them? My scouts heard a rumor. So I thought I'd check it out. [And with no one to correct her story, no one will ever know that Ebony was in cahoots with Ned]. Amber and Trudy give a brief account of their rescue. Lex isn't up to speed: The Guardian? How can the Guardian be the kidnapper? Trudy supplies the final piece: The kidnapper was Ned. May warns that Alice is going to freak.

Alice freaks. She had no idea that Ned was the kidnapper.

Ellie assures her that Ned kept the girls comfortable and well fed. Alice crouches alongside the corpse: You idiot! Of all the stupid stupid things to do. How could you do that to Amber and Trudy? How could you do that to me?

Case Solved!

Lex still doesn't get it. Ebony helps him sort out an "official" version of the story.

Lex		If Ned was the Kidnapper where did the Guardian come into all this?
Ebony		If Ned could see he was getting nowhere with the kidnapping, well maybe he broke the Guardian out?
May		But why would he do that?
Ebony		To sell him to the Mozquitos?
Pride		That would make sense, if he thought there was something in it for himself
Ebony		Right! Then somewhere along the way the Guardian jumped Ned and forced him to tell him about Amber and Trudy
Lex		Then he wasted him - Bingo! Case solved!
KC		So the Guardian knew the whole time?

Andy strides up to Tai-San

Andy		I told you! Didn't I tell you? He's been putting on an act
Tally		Yeah, he did, but you didn't believe him
Andy		You wouldn't listen to me. None of you would. And now Ned's dead
Tally		It's all your fault. You're the one looking after the Guardian
Andy		I bet you knew all along that he wasn't a loony
Tai-San		No, really... I'm sorry
Andy		You must have, though. You just must have. You're a liar
Lex		Watch your mouth, kid

The twins run off chanting Liar, Liar...

"She's Still Ebony"