Taskforce: Shadows United
Episode 6: "Consulting the Devil"
TEASER
INT. FEDERAL HOLDING FACILITY – NIGHT
The sterile, dimly lit interview room hums with tension. William Lewis sits alone, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp and calculating. The heavy metal door slides open with a hiss. Olivia Benson enters, her hand resting protectively on her visibly pregnant belly. Despite the physical strain, her expression is resolute.
OLIVIA:
"Lewis. I'm here because someone's copying your crimes. If you want any chance at freedom, you'll help us stop them."
Lewis smirks, his gaze piercing.
LEWIS:
"You always did have a knack for persistence, Olivia. But asking for my help? That's new."
OLIVIA:
"I'm not here for you. I'm here for the victims."
Lewis's smirk fades, replaced by a flicker of respect.
ACT 1: UNEASY ALLIANCE
INT. TASKFORCE COMMAND CENTER – DAY
The atmosphere is tense as William Lewis is escorted into the high-tech command center under heavy guard. Cameras and agents monitor every move. Olivia stands at the head of the room, briefing the assembled team.
OLIVIA:
"Lewis will consult on the copycat case. He's under constant surveillance. No one is to be alone with him."
Sylvester leans toward Penelope, whispering.
SYLVESTER:
"Can we really trust him?"
Penelope shrugs, eyes steady but concerned.
PENELOPE:
"We trust Liv. That's enough."
Lewis surveys the case board, his mind already racing.
LEWIS:
"These aren't mere copycats. They're escalating. Whoever this is wants your attention—specifically yours, Olivia."
Olivia's jaw tightens, but she remains composed.
ACT 2: THE FIRST BREAK
INT. CRIME SCENE – NIGHT
The team investigates a grim warehouse where a woman is found posed identically to a victim from Lewis's past. Olivia and Lewis walk the scene together, his insights chilling but precise.
LEWIS:
"They're not just copying me. They want to impress me. Or maybe… impress you."
Olivia's eyes narrow.
OLIVIA:
"Focus on evidence, not theatrics."
Lewis nods, a rare moment of respect crossing his face.
The forensic team gathers evidence, while Sylvester and Penelope analyze digital clues remotely. The tension between Olivia and Lewis simmers beneath the surface, but an uneasy professional rhythm begins.
ACT 3: PREGNANCY PROGRESS
INT. SQUAD ROOM – DAY
Olivia massages her lower back, wincing slightly. Penelope approaches with a warm cup of tea, her tone gentle.
PENELOPE:
"Baby's getting restless?"
Olivia smiles, placing a hand on her belly.
OLIVIA:
"Feels like a soccer player in there."
Sylvester joins, holding a prenatal care book he's been reading.
SYLVESTER:
"I've been reading up. If you need a break, we've got it covered."
Olivia's eyes soften with gratitude.
OLIVIA:
"I appreciate it. I'm trying to finish strong before maternity leave."
Penelope squeezes Olivia's shoulder reassuringly.
PENELOPE:
"We'll hold down the fort. You focus on you and the baby."
ACT 4: LEWIS'S VALUE
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – NIGHT
Lewis interrogates a suspect alongside Olivia. His manipulative skills force the suspect to reveal a tattoo linked to a dangerous cult believed to be behind the copycat crimes.
OLIVIA (afterward):
"You're good at this."
Lewis smirks, leaning closer.
LEWIS:
"Understanding what people want is key. Right now, Olivia, you want to protect your team—and your child."
A moment of mutual understanding passes between them, fragile but real.
ACT 5: PENNY & SYLVESTER
INT. TECH BAY – NIGHT
Penelope and Sylvester work late, decoding cult communications and analyzing encrypted messages. Their banter is light, their teamwork seamless.
PENELOPE:
"We make a pretty good team."
Sylvester smiles, eyes bright.
SYLVESTER:
"Best I've ever had."
They share a quiet smile, the beginnings of a deep friendship blossoming amid the tension.
ACT 6: A MOMENT OF VULNERABILITY
INT. OLIVIA'S OFFICE – LATE NIGHT
Olivia sits alone, writing in her journal. The weight of the case and her pregnancy press on her, but she writes with steady hands.
OLIVIA (V.O.):
"Trust is fragile. Sometimes it comes from the most unexpected places. As my world changes, I'm learning to lean on others—no matter how hard it is."
She glances at a sonogram photo on her desk, then back at the case board, determination shining in her eyes.
ACT 7: BREAKTHROUGH AND TENSION
INT. TASKFORCE COMMAND CENTER – DAY
Lewis presents a chilling theory about the cult's next move. Olivia listens carefully, weighing his words.
LEWIS:
"They want to draw you out, Olivia. The next strike will be personal."
Sylvester and Penelope exchange worried looks.
OLIVIA:
"We'll be ready. No one's going to hurt my team—or my family."
ACT 8: TEAM UNITY
INT. SQUAD ROOM – EVENING
The team gathers, united and focused. Penelope updates the tech feed, Sylvester monitors communications, and Olivia coordinates the response.
PENELOPE:
"We're stronger together. No matter what comes next."
SYLVESTER:
"And we've got your back, Liv. Always."
Olivia smiles, her strength renewed by their support.
EPILOGUE
INT. OLIVIA'S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Olivia tucks a blanket around her belly, reflecting on the day.
OLIVIA (V.O.):
"The shadows are long, but so is my resolve. With my team beside me, I'm ready for whatever comes."
She looks out the window at the city lights, hopeful and determined.
End of Episode 6