Leo Brawn - Episode 13: Surface Tension (Part 1 of 2) - Leo Brawn

Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_01 (00:01):
When you think about your death, you hope it's
planned, that it's expected,that it'll be painless and
you'll go with some dignity.

(00:23):
You hold out for the hope thatyou've said everything you
needed to say to those youloved.
and exhausted every opportunityto share how much they all mean
to you.
When I did die, when I wasmurdered at the hands of some
mystery man in an ugly orangetie, not only did I not arrive
at the pearly gates after a lifespent devoted to serving others

(00:47):
and the law and justice, I woundup in some upgraded version of
the netherworld, Hell 2.0.
The reasons for my death, amystery.
portions of my memory seeminglyremoved, a deadly sin I
committed still unknown.
The only one who may know thetruth about my death is my

(01:12):
caseworker, the onboardingspecialist Sebastian remains
missing.
Wrestling with the reality thatmy death wasn't final, that I've
been given some sort of twistedsecond chance, I Taking solace
in knowing that the lives of mydear wife Louise and my son

(01:33):
Harry would go on.
That they would endure.
A hope crushed by tragedy.
A revelation brought about as amessage from the clandestine
organization known only as theEleventh Circle.
That those I love most in thisworld are also gone.

(01:53):
I now cling to a folded piece ofpaper still kept in my pocket, a
letter that my son gave me insome dark demonic illusion, and
in turn, the promise I gave himto not open it until the time is
right, even if deep down I pinsome half-crazed hope on there
being answers within theparchment.

(02:15):
have been designated by Satanhimself, sworn to hunt and track
demons who illegally possesshuman subjects, while also
investigating a series ofgruesome murders taking place
throughout Dante.
This is Sheriff Leo Braun,captain of the Obsidian Recovery
Agency and protector of thecapital city of Dante.

(02:56):
In the highlands of Antenora, amountainous region of hell, a

(03:16):
black sedan approaches the baseof a spiraling castle.
John Tulliver, previously knownby the demeaning epithet, The
Pig, exits the vehicle andushers his way to the car's
rear.
He opens the rear driver's sidedoor and Satan, appearing dapper
and refined, steps out.
The Spiral Castle of Antinora?

(03:39):
Yes, former region for thosethat committed treason.
You think that meeting here is acoincidence?
No, sir.
I do not! The man in the orangetie emerges from the gatehouse
of the castle and makes his waydown the stone steps to receive
Satan and his henchmen.

(04:00):
We were anticipating yourarrival.
Her grace appreciatespunctuality.
She's awaiting her grace.
That's rich.
Let me give you some advice,trout pout.
Let's ignore your BDD for amoment and skip to your fashion
sense.
For hell's sake, chuckles,invest in an iron.

(04:23):
You ever heard the expression,shoes make the man?
Well, you must have not gottenthe memo.
You don't climb trees in pantyloafers.
And then, hmm, there is thattie.
You know, they make more thanone, hmm?
And whose corpse did you rollfor it anyhow?

(04:45):
If you and the pig were...
John! The name is John! Verygood.
If you'll both follow me.
Behind an antique wooden deskembellished with intricate motif
carvings, in a vast cabinetroom, sits Lilith.

(05:07):
Your Grace, your guest hasarrived.
Thank you.
Oh, your little bodyguard willhave to wait outside.
Sir?
It's fine, John.
I'm sure you and...
Chuckles have some catching upto do.
The man in the orange tie andJohn take their leave as Satan
sits across from his adversary.

(05:30):
Well, I'm here.
What do you want to talk about?
But TikTok, I have a big dayplanned.
Okay, I'll start.
Hi, Lilith.
For someone that has been inself-imposed exile as long as
you have, you look well.
You don't look a day over 4,227.

(05:53):
Love what you've done with theplace.
How are things?
Still holding a grudge againstAdam, or did you finally bury
the hatchet?
A flaccid attempt at woundingme.
I'm disappointed.
All this time, and you've becomeso boring.

(06:15):
Let's talk boring, Abzu.
It's Lilith.
Of course it is.
The Eleventh Circle.
Gosh, how did you come up withthat one?
Talk about a snoozefest.
Well, I hate to burst yourbubble, but it wasn't really

(06:35):
organized with you or yourapproval in mind.
I'm just sitting here imaginingone of your minions sitting
cross-eyed on the shitter.
Copy of Dante's Inferno in hishands, counting the circles, and
then lightbulb.
Oh, number eleven.

(06:59):
You've always had an activeimagination, Lucifer.
It's Satan.
Satan?
Of course it is.
So, this is why you asked mehere today.
A pissing contest.
Just so you know, I already win.
I can do it standing up.

(07:20):
And if that's all you've got,then you'll have to excuse me.
I have a campaign to preparefor.
Now, what made you think I askedyou here?
To speak with me...
Beyond where Lilith sits, behindclosed balcony doors, Satan
hears a deep, grumbling murmuroutside.

(07:47):
Lilith slinks over to thebalcony doors and opens them.
A cacophony of raucous voiceserupts from below.

UNKNOWN (08:02):
You need to hear from them.

SPEAKER_01 (08:06):
Satan walks out onto the balcony next to Lilith and
witnesses as the legions ofhell-born demons and sinners
amass in a valley below.
You can dismiss its name, butthe Eleventh Circle stands
before you.
Very real.
A movement that is alive.

(08:28):
A confluence of hell-born andsinners alike.
All standing in solidarity.
By the tens of thousands.
rising against this ruse, whatyou call the transformation.
All answering to me.

(08:50):
The Empress raises a hand andthe hold falls silent.

SPEAKER_00 (08:58):
Members

SPEAKER_01 (08:59):
of the Eleventh Circle, mark this day.
When the one and only Lucifer,the traitor and apostate
responsible for betraying thenatural order, stands speechless
before you, the power of thismovement has rendered him

(09:20):
silent.
Now, watch this.

SPEAKER_00 (09:29):
Come now,

SPEAKER_01 (09:30):
my brethren.
as we continue to deafen himwith our silence.
Henceforth, there

SPEAKER_00 (09:40):
will be no more human possessions, whether
invited or not.
Cease any further possessionactivity.
Release those currently underyour spell.
We will adhere to thestipulations of the mandate for
now.
One cannot attack an enemy theycannot hear,

SPEAKER_01 (10:02):
that they cannot see.
Fear not the beast's bellow.
It's the hush before the strikewhere danger lies.
Rest assured, your time willcome.
The Eleventh Circle will haveits day.

(10:23):
The Eleventh Circle shall reign.
And they will hear us roar! Thehorde breaks into a deafening

(10:43):
cheer.
Outside of the cabinet room,John Tulliver stands in the
great hall of the Spiral Castleacross from the man in the
orange tie who is standingguard.
The uproar of the EleventhCircle can be heard in the
distance.

(11:05):
Ah, the Eleventh Circle.
We have such grand plans.
You know what they say, thedevil smiles when we have plans.
Oh, I have a feeling he's notsmiling this time.

(11:26):
I must say, I'm pleased for you,John.
Pleased?
You carried out your part, justas I had hoped.
And you regained somemuch-deserved dignity in the
process.
Carried out my part?
The implication being what?

(11:47):
I played a role in these grandplans?
I handed over a piece of paperwith an address on it?
Simple as that.
I didn't play a part.
John, we're leaving.
I'll escort you.

(12:08):
I hope what you've witnessedtoday...

SPEAKER_00 (12:12):
Satan

SPEAKER_01 (12:15):
snaps his fingers.
Suddenly silenced by a powerfulforce that has rendered him
unable to speak, the man in theorange tie stumbles backwards
and collapses against the wall.
He pulls at his paralyzed mouth,mumbling in panic.
We'll see ourselves out! As theydepart, Satan leans in close to

(12:39):
John.
Hey, do me a solid.
Don't tell Margo I did that.
It's my first day at the ORA assheriff and the first day

(13:01):
without Captain Manget.
I can't help but feel a bit ofimposter syndrome creeping in.
I've been a homicide detectivefor most of my adult life, but I
never got to run the big show.
Now my death has afforded mesomething I could never get in
life.
A promotion.
Now, even though Cap may not besitting in the office, which I

(13:27):
now occupy, her spirit is here.
And she left me something thatmade me smile.
A letter in the top drawer.
And it reads, For Leo So, you'resitting in the big seat now.
You should know, being captainof the ORA, or sheriff in your
case, comes with a few perks.

(13:48):
First off, the black phone onthe left corner of the desk, all
calls are routed to one placeonly.
This is your direct line todispatch.
You need something?
Just dial pound nine.
And if it's information theypossess, consider it yours.
You can also leverage dispatchto put you in touch with the
captain of the ORA's City ofDease branch, Daryl Bammer.
Gruff son of a bitch, but hell,it's the city of Dease, so you

(14:12):
kinda have to be.
Also to your left, bottomdrawer, you'll find a rare
bottle of Melloc Bull, Dante'sfinest bourbon, aged 16 years.
Don't ask me how I was able toprocure it, but from time to
time we've had to proliferatene'er-dwells of their
contraband.
It's never been opened.

(14:33):
I was saving it for a specialoccasion, but now I want you to
have it.
The framed picture on theadjacent wall facing you, the
one with the ORA insignia,behind it is a keypad that
allows access to the vault,accessible only to you.
It contains past reports andarchives related to all demon
hunts, as well as profiles onthe residents of Dante.

(14:56):
You'll also find surveillancefootage, previous agent audio
recordings, basically anythingyou would want should you ever
have to revisit old cases.
I had already requested newpasscodes before my leave.
Ronan will have the details.
Lastly, I made the effort tocalculate annually the number of
demon possessions under mywatch.
We had 47 successful demon huntsin the past year before the end

(15:18):
of my tenure.
If you can beat that, then I'lltell you what my initials, FJ,
stand for.
Good luck.
Give them hell.
Yes.
Yes, break a leg.
Leo, or should I say SheriffBraun?
Max, or should I say Sergeant?

(15:38):
What the hell is your last name?
Wait, don't answer that.
I have your death detail reportsright here.
Have a seat.
Sure, but no judgment, okay?
Max Maximilian Xerxes Walsh.
Xerxes?
Oh.
And Leo Braun is better?

(15:58):
Max it is.
Okay, now we come to it.
The deadly sin you committedwas...
I feel like I'm in theprincipal's office.
Envy?
You sought to take over as leadinvestigator on the Whitechapel
murders and were ultimatelydenied.
That is what had you chained tothe pond for all eternity?

(16:21):
Not anymore, thanks to you.
There is more to it than justwanting it, but that is a much
longer story.
The punishment doesn't seem tofit the crime, is my point.
Did you ever get anyexplanation?
No.
I don't think he felt the needto explain.
And there wasn't a discussionbeforehand, it just was.

(16:46):
Don't let my current state ofzen fool you.
Though there was a time I cursedhim, the one responsible for my
eternal torture, especially formy limited vantage point, the
world around me was changing andyet, I remained chained,
subjected to endless torture.

(17:07):
But now, I'm standing on my owntwo feet again, breathing in
fresh air.
Putting on clothes and shoes isliterally a joyous occasion.
I visited a bakery this morning.
I won't look back, Leo.
This is a second chance that Iwon't squander.

(17:29):
Leo, may I put a question toyou?
Yeah, shoot.
Is that a letter from your son?
Oh, this?
No, it's a pep talk from CaptainManget.
My son's letter is still in mypocket, folded up.
I haven't read it as promised.
Just waiting.
to the sign.

(17:51):
Whatever that may be.
Willie, Laurie, and June enterthe Devil's Den.
Come with me, Sergeant.
I want you to meet the agents ofthe ORA.
Leo and Max, join the demonhunters in the Devil's Den.
Agents, I want you to meetSergeant Maximilian Walsh, my
second in command.
Max, this is Willie Topaz,Laurie Stryker, and June

(18:14):
Chesterfield.
Nice to meet you all.

SPEAKER_00 (18:18):
Same here, Max.
Welcome to the ORA.
And...
what?
Dante's Sheriff's Department?
The DSD?

SPEAKER_01 (18:27):
Nah, still working on that.

SPEAKER_00 (18:29):
Boys and their acronyms.
Welcome aboard, Max.
Leo has had nothing but nicethings to say about you.

SPEAKER_01 (18:35):
Miss Stryker.
Charmed, to say the least.

SPEAKER_00 (18:40):
Bit of a smoothie, aren't you?

SPEAKER_01 (18:43):
June approaches Maximilian and examines his
hands.
Miss Chesterfield, is it?
May I ask what you're doing?
All that time in the water.
And not a bit pruney.

UNKNOWN (18:55):
Ha!

SPEAKER_01 (18:57):
I must admit, I was worried about that myself.
Would I just be a giant walkingraisin?
You're alright, kid.
We'll have to get a drinksometime.
Want to hear all about your timeat Scotland Yard.
As long as you're buying, I'lltell you anything you want to
know.
Uh, Sheriff...
Sheriff Braun?
Max, this is Ronan Delaney, solemember of our R&D department,

(19:21):
new branch of our dispatch unit.
Pleasure to meet you, Ronan.
Hi.
Okay, okay.
Sheriff, are you ready for yourtour?
It's for your eyes only, ofcourse.
Actually, I think Captain Mangutalready gave me the lowdown.
Oh.
Oh, I see.
Wait, for fuck's sake.

(19:43):
Why have Ronan explain it?
He only fixes every fuckingthing.
Just because I was born south ofthe Adrian's World doesn't mean
I'm half as bright as theScotsman that he's bashed in.
Ronan.
Ronan.
He's just a bloody lump.
Ronan.
I still need the access codesfor the vault.
I'm told you're responsible forthat.
Oh, aye, that's right.

(20:04):
Aye, access codes are beingregenerated.
It should...
I should have them by...
I should have them programmed bythis afternoon.
Perfect.
Well...
That'll be all, Ronan.
Thank you.
You say thank you, but you meanfuck off.
Okay, so that is the team.

(20:24):
Actually, Max, I'd like you tomeet Gorn.
Anyone know if he's around?
Nah, haven't seen him.
He doesn't really stay put forvery long, but I hear he took
the captain's injury extra hard.
Hasn't reported for duty since.
Okay, well, I'll have to talkwith him.
First things first, let's allhead to the brief.

(20:46):
Excuse me, Sheriff Braun.
Yes.
Oh, Miss Muldoon.
Yes, Sheriff.
May I have a word?
Uh, sure.
Sergeant Walsh, can you set upthe briefing room?
We'll review any possessionrecoveries and break open the
murder investigation.
I want to get up to speed victimby victim and come up with a

(21:07):
game plan.
Of course.
The briefing room is...

SPEAKER_00 (21:11):
Follow me, Max.
I'll escort you.

SPEAKER_01 (21:15):
Thank you, Laurie.
Miss Muldoon, how can I helpyou?
Well, we're about six hours awayfrom the Transformation Phase 2
rally, so I wanted to go overthe agenda very briefly.
Briefly?
I'll hold you to that.
Of course.
We'll kick things off withDante's own Billy Beauchief,
with a commencement speech.
You know, something to inspireand motivate the people of

(21:39):
Dante.
Then, he'll introduce me, I'llexplain my role, and build up
further anticipation beforeintroducing the man of the hour,
Mr.
Nice Guy himself Satan.
He'll lay out his agenda forphase two and then that is where
you will come in.
Okay, sounds fine to me.

(21:59):
Excellent.
Now your speech has already beenprepared.
You'll just have to read it fromthe teleprompter.
How are you with publicspeaking?
Wait, hold on.
A speech in front of anaudience?
Well, yes.
Dante's very first sheriff.
The people will want to hearfrom you and how you plan to

(22:19):
keep us all safe.
Uh, well...
Shit.
Ah, Ms.
Jillian.
Long time no see.

SPEAKER_00 (22:40):
What brings you to the High Water Saloon at this
time of day?
Can I interest you in a drink?

SPEAKER_01 (22:46):
I think I'm going to need one, Felix.
Just as long as it's not...
A Topaz surprise.
Don't worry.
That has been moved to oursecret menu, reserved entirely
for Mr.
Topaz himself.
Good call, Felix.
Is this normal to be so busyduring the day?

(23:06):
No, not like this.
All thanks to the rally outside.
Rally?
What the hell is that all about?
Some special announcement fromthe big man.
A new phase or something likethat.
More of the transformation?
He's running unopposed, Iassume.
I'd say that's a safe bet.

(23:28):
Now if memory serves, vodkagimlet is your drink of choice?
I'm impressed, Felix.
Well, let's just say you makequite the impression.
So you have your drink.
First part of my job descriptionis complete.
The next is lending an ear.
What's got you down?

(23:48):
You're not gonna just let medrown in my sorrows?
I literally wouldn't be doing myjob if I did.
Fair enough.
I left my assignment today.
What did you do anyway?
Mechanic at Sabnock Auto BodyShop.
Where did you request to bereassigned?

(24:10):
I didn't.
I know, I know.
We're all supposed to beassigned somewhere.
Like, working a job mirrors somesemblance of life back home.
But I...
I don't believe in this place.
It's like we're all pretending.
As if we're being given somesort of second chance.

(24:33):
when the very reason for thisplace, Hell's existence, is
damnation?
And if what we are witnessing istruly some attempt to alter
that, then my gut is telling meit's being done in secret, and I
feel like a higher power mayhave something to say about it.

SPEAKER_00 (24:53):
And yet, you're here.
And guess what?
You're not alone.

SPEAKER_01 (24:58):
I guess that's it.
When it comes down to it, I feelalone.
I grew close to someone here.
He is about the only person Itrust, but he's missing.
I died at the hands of someonewho betrayed me, and now I feel
this person I care about is partof a new conspiracy and

(25:22):
betrayal.
Now I have it on good authoritythat if he ever does resurface,
there is a price on his head.
Part of me hopes he stays inhiding.
If he's even alive.
Price on his head?
Conspiracy?
Maybe I've bought into thistransformation too much.

(25:43):
Felix kneels behind the bar andpulls out a bottle of whiskey.
Takes a second to admire theheavy glass bottle with no
label.
Grabs two shot glasses and poursout healthy measures.
Unlike some folks around here, Iwas a bartender before and after
my death.
It's all I've ever wanted to do.

(26:04):
Other than playing with my band,it's the only thing that makes
sense to me.
Doing it as long as I have, youget a sense for people.
Those that will lose themselvesat the bottom of a bottle and
those who can rise above it.
That darkness visits us all atsome point.

(26:25):
You don't seem like the type togive in or give up.
Everything you're facing rightnow, all these doubts and
questions, it really comes downto one question.
Really, what are you going to doabout it?
Felix raises a shot glass andgestures for Julian to take the

(26:46):
other.
Here's

SPEAKER_00 (26:48):
to

SPEAKER_01 (26:48):
those who wish us well.
All the

SPEAKER_00 (26:50):
rest can go to hell.

SPEAKER_01 (26:57):
Wow, what is that?

SPEAKER_00 (27:00):
That's the good stuff.
My own private stash.
Miss Jillian, you can't changewhere you

SPEAKER_01 (27:08):
are, but you can change where you're going.
If you're here, there is areason.
And if there is a reason, thereis a purpose.
Go find your purpose.
Jillian looks at the tattoo onher arm.
The mark, as it was called.

(27:29):
Recently, I was told I may bepart of something, an ancient
order.
I thought it was a mistake, somemisunderstanding, but there is a
part of me that feels like itmakes sense.
Thanks for talking to me, Felix.

(27:51):
Going so soon?
Need another drink?
No, but thank you.
Going to find my purpose...
And I think I know where tostart.
Miles away from Dante, in anup-and-coming suburban community
still under development calledthe Chariots of Shoal, Captain

(28:14):
F.J.
Mangat sits in a recliner in theliving room of her condominium.
The former captain runs her handover the bandage that conceals
the wound from her recentlyamputated leg.
She turns on her television asChip Steed from the Dante Daily
walks near a stage that has beenconstructed in Dante's town
square.
Ladies and gentlemen, this isChip Steed with the Dante Daily.

(28:37):
I'm standing in the recentlyconstructed town square where a
stage is also being erected,intended to be the setting for
the first announcement to usherin the second phase of what most
describe as the transformation.
The people of Dante await theannouncement with bated breath.
Helping pave the way for theevents this evening is Satan's
newly appointed campaignmanager, Margot Muldoon.

(29:00):
Miss Muldoon, thank you forjoining us today.
It's my pleasure, Chip.
Appreciate the opportunity.
Now, you're being entrusted tohelp bring the city of Dante
into a new era.
Is there anything you can sharewith us before tonight?
Well, I won't go into specifics.
That would ruin all of thesurprises in store.

(29:22):
But what I can say is that Satanfeels a real obligation to the
people of Dante and theirquality of life.
Now that we're moving into phasetwo of the transformation,
incidentally, what we'recalling, and here is a scoop
chip, the new dawn, not onlywill the lives of the people of
Dante change immeasurably forthe better, they will discover a

(29:44):
renewed sense of peace of mind.
And with this new dawn imminent,can you speak to some of the
harsher realities facing thepeople of Dante?
Namely, the brutal murders thathave plagued the city for the
better part of a month.
The number of victims increasingnow to six.
The most recent body foundfloating in the River Styx,

(30:05):
eviscerated and earless.
All at the hands of who theresidents have dubbed the Dante
Devil.
The unfortunate nickname aside,these heinous murders and
stopping them once and for allare at the forefront of Satan's
new vision.
The safety of the people ofDante remains his highest
priority, and he has severalmeasures he will outline

(30:29):
tonight.
I can assure you, we have neverbeen safer.
Before the news report cancontinue, the power goes out in
Captain Manget's condo.
Following the outage, she hearsfaint footsteps upstairs.
She grabs a pair of crutchesleaning against a lamp table
near the recliner and pullsherself up.

(30:50):
She makes her way to the foot ofthe stairs just as the commotion
above falls silent.
Hello?
Who's there?
Back at the ORA, Leo stands atthe podium in the briefing room.
He inserts a weevil into his earand taps it.
Ronan, we all set?

(31:12):
I should have, yes, I, uh, yes,should have, you should, should
see the display now.
A feed from Leo's computer inhis office displays images to a
portable projector screen set upin the briefing room.

SPEAKER_00 (31:27):
Wow, high tech.

SPEAKER_01 (31:29):
All right, look, we had a lot to cover and I didn't
want to be writing on achalkboard the whole time.
Now, I'm supposed to make anappearance and manage security
for the campaign rally laterthis evening.
So for our Demon Hunteraudience, I hope you'll bear
with us.
They're calling him the DanteDevil.
And the latest report is thathe's killed six people that we

(31:51):
know of.
Most recent body was found onthe River Styx just this
morning.
I don't think I'm going to goout on a limb here by saying
that this is not a whodunit.
It's a matter of when he'llstrike again and who he'll be
targeting.
There's one man who hasmystified all of us, how he was
allowed to walk freely all thistime, the formerly convicted

(32:16):
serial killer Herman EdwardCoxland.
If money still existed, I'd betall of it on him.
So, what do we know?
Ronan?
Ronan displays a report on theprojector screen that provides
an overview of the details ofthe case.
Look, the victims are almostentirely female, except for the

(32:36):
couple murdered and left behindthe Hades Hot Wings restaurant.
All victims have their internalorgans removed and their left
ears sectioned off.
We now know that the bodies aretaken and moved to a second
location, far from the initialmurder site.
Max?
That's right.
I witnessed firsthand as a manin a hood choked the first of

(32:59):
the female victims.
Apparently, she was a member ofthe 11th Circle.
Then, while still stranglingher, he brandished a long, large
dagger.
I didn't witness the act itself,but when I emerged from the
pond, both the victim and thekiller were gone.
It was only later when thevictim's body was found, once it
had been moved to the StygianMarsh.

(33:20):
This means Coxland is eitherincapacitating the victim or
performing the initial kill,then taking the victim someplace
else for the ritualistic removalof body parts.
Then, once on the move again,dropping the body off in another
part of the city, all whilegoing completely unnoticed.
Willie, no need to raise yourhand.

(33:42):
What do you have?
There's more to this case than Ithink

SPEAKER_00 (33:46):
you realize.
We all experience it.
Flashbacks, your life before youdied, and even memories of your
death, happens to all of us atdifferent moments.
Recently, while investigating aconnection between the death of
an inmate and the organizationknown as the 11th Circle, I had
such a flashback.

(34:06):
I was hovering over the crimescene, my hotel room at the
Bellevue in Philly.
I could see my body, my throatslit.
I could see my manager, MauryStillman, sobbing at the
doorway.
And I saw you too, Leo.

SPEAKER_01 (34:21):
Me?
When was this?
86.
I didn't make detective untillater.

SPEAKER_00 (34:29):
No, you weren't lead investigator.
You were a uniformed officerthen.
It was investigated by someonenamed Wallace.

SPEAKER_01 (34:39):
Norman Wallace.
That's it.
You remember him?
Detective Norman Laddy Wallace.
Of course I do.
He was my mentor and friend.
Everything I learned about beinga detective was because of him.
He taught me everything I know.
but I have no recollection ofthis, no memory of it at all.

(35:00):
Then you

SPEAKER_00 (35:01):
won't remember that the killer responsible for my
death was Barbara EarlineCoxland, Herman's older sister.
Holy shit!

SPEAKER_01 (35:11):
Now that name does ring a bell.
Sounds like she taught Hermaneverything she knows.
Max, any correlation between themurder victims being female...
And the fact that his oldersister was a serial killer, that
probably trained him.
It's possible.
If they had a falling out, or ifthere was some reason to hate

(35:35):
her or fear her.
Let's start with that.
Max, I'd like you to draw up afull psychological profile on
Herman.
Gladly.
Although I may be a little outof touch.
Most of what I know is 1880spsychology.
I need some time to brush up.
Dispatch can give you everythingyou'll need.
Next, the murder weapon.

(35:56):
The way I understand it, thevictims have all been sinners,
which means, like all of us, aphysical representation of our
souls, which is supposed to meanunder normal circumstances, we
can't die again.
But the victims seem to havefallen prey to a permanent
second death.

(36:16):
Now, before I took over, Cap hadmentioned the only way for a
death to be permanent was byusing a weapon of ancient
significance and power.
But it was all believed theseweapons were lost, or at the
very least, extremely hard tocome by.
How would this psycho get hishands on something like that?
He must be getting help.

(36:36):
He's connected somehow.

SPEAKER_00 (36:37):
Connected to who?
Or to what?
Max, you said you believed thefirst victim was a member of the
Eleventh Circle.
That's right.
She was vandalizing a bench,spray-painting it with the 11th
Circle insignia when Hermanattacked her.
And when I investigated the carof someone impersonating an ORA
security guard, I found thatreceipt for the Cedar Hill

(36:59):
Cemetery, which led me tofinding Leo's grave marker, as
well as...
Right.
The point being, Leo, HermanCoxland, the serial killer
running loose in Dante...
just happens to be the youngerbrother to a serial killer that
your mentor investigated.
Herman's first victim was amember of the 11th Circle, a

(37:21):
group that I believe wanted theCedar Hill Cemetery to be found,
to lead to you, Leo, or someoneclose to you back there and
discover the terrible truth.

SPEAKER_01 (37:32):
Hey, Bubba, I'm no detective.
But there does seem to be aconnection.
If there is a connection, thenit's possible that the 11th
Circle provided Herman with thisancient weaponry.
Thank you, Willie.
Max, connect with dispatch andget all the information you can
on Barbara Erland Coxland aswell.
Needed to know how her trail ofmurder ended.

(37:54):
Maybe Herman is holding somesort of grudge and if I'm
involved, however disconcertingthat may be, he's holding a
grudge against me.
Either way, I'm going to need arefresher on the case.
It'll be done.
Okay, Ronan, move to the nextslide, please.

(38:14):
Ronan?
Oh, Sheriff! Yeah, what is it,Ronan?
Um, you need to come see this.
The group gathers in the Devil'sDen.
Ronan mans a workstation andlogs into a computer and pulls
up a status report provided byDispatch.

(38:39):
Oh, shit, if I can explain it,but...
Dispatch, they monitor thesignals of the demonic
possessions at their earliestpossible point, way before they
reach a discernible possessionlevel.
That allows us to prioritize thecases that will be assigned to
the field.
Ronan, skip to the end.
We...
Wait, look, Sheriff! About 15minutes ago, all the signals

(39:02):
just disappeared.
It's as if all demonicpossessions just stopped.
Did you check with dispatch?
A technical malfunction of somekind?
Aye, Sheriff, everything's inorder.
I've checked and I'vedouble-checked.
Are you saying that there aren'tany possessions taking place at

(39:25):
all?
I'm not just saying that's whathappened.
It is what happened.
Give me a second.
June, the ORA has been aroundfor how long?
Over two years now.
Ever seen anything like this?
Zero possessions?

SPEAKER_00 (39:47):
Never.

SPEAKER_01 (39:48):
What...
What does this mean?

SPEAKER_00 (39:51):
It can't be.
This has to be a glitch orsomething.
Demonic Possession has beenaround since time immemorial.

SPEAKER_01 (39:57):
It's not a glitch.
Maybe we shouldn't becomplaining.
This is our end goal, after all.
Alright, I just spoke to thecaptain of the city of
Disbranch.
What's the update?
Gabba's right.
He's an asshole.
But he's also confirmed nodemonic possessions.

(40:20):
They all just stopped.
One second the signals werethere, and then poof, nothing.
Why does this scare me more thanwhen there were signals?
I know.
It sounds like it should be agood problem to have, but
nothing about this feels right.
Well, in light of our currentpredicament, Sheriff, looks like

(40:40):
you have a few out-of-work demonhunters that could lend a hand
on this murder thing.
Yeah, count me in.

SPEAKER_00 (40:47):
Hey, I had been investigating the 11th Circle
already, so count me in, too.

SPEAKER_01 (40:52):
Count me in, too.
Jillian?
Oh, hell yeah.
What do you say, Sheriff?
I say, I hope you aren't too bigon ceremony.
Consider yourselves deputized.
All right, yeah, all right.
Okay, Max, find out everythingyou can on Herman and his

(41:12):
sister.
Based on that, write up apsychological profile.
As unfortunate as it may be, weneed to get inside this guy's
head.
June, if Herman has a weaponthat can cause a second death,
we need to understand what thatinstrument may be and who gave
it to him.
Willie, Laurie, find outwhatever you can on this 11th

(41:33):
Circle, what they have plannedand who's running the show.
Anne, Sheriff Braun, what aboutme?
You're with me.
Security detail for the campaignrally tonight.
From CIA officer to securityguard.
I'm moving up.
Well, from mechanic to sheriff'sdeputy.

(41:54):
This is definitely an upgrade.
Okay, everyone has theirassignments.
Ronan, anything changes, anysignals pop up, you let me know.
Aye, Sheriff.
Okay, people.
Let's move like we got apurpose.
Yes, sir! Meanwhile, at theChariots of Shoal condominiums,

(42:19):
Captain Mangut eases her waycarefully through her kitchen.
She pulls a 12-gauge from thepantry and limps slowly back to
the stairway.
Whoever you are, you're notwelcome here.
Come down slowly and showyourself, otherwise I'm going to
start putting holes in theceiling.
A figure rises behind thecaptain.

(42:43):
Captain Mangut lands clumsilyagainst the stairway steps,
losing her grasp on the 12-gaugein the process.
Herman Edward Coxlin stands overher and kicks the 12-gauge out
of reach.
Gotta check those corners,Captain.
Who the hell are you?

(43:03):
Oh, you haven't heard.
I'm who they're calling.
The Dante devil.
It's you.
You're the one killing thosepoor people.
You're also trying too hard withthis whole crazy laughing maniac

(43:25):
routine.
If that's the mask you wear, Ican see right through it.
You seem much for someone soold.
Satan entrusted the ORA to achariatric, and you've gone
lame.

(43:47):
You're not up on current events.
I'm not the captain of the ORAanymore.
That's what you do with a lamehorse.
Put them out of their misery.
Love to know who took yourplace.
That news will become publicsoon enough.
Wouldn't want to spoil thesurprise.
Then maybe you can tell me howyou lost that leg.

(44:10):
I have a feeling that's a storyworth sharing.
Another lame horse put out ofits misery.
I get it now.
You're a tough nut to crack.
I can see why you were chosen tolead the demon hunters.

(44:31):
Let's not pretend you know fuckall about me, or that you're
here for small talk.
I know what you are, so go aheadand do your worst.
Oh, I always enjoy martyrdom.
I appreciate the offer I do, butI'll require fresh prey.

(44:52):
And you, well, you're not that.
I guess you're just waiting forme to ask, so I'll get to it.
Then why are you here?
I'm a big movie fan.
Watching the story unfold fromscene to scene.
You're skipping to act three.

(45:14):
But sure, you're probably duefor your nap time.
So I'll oblige.
I need access codes for theslab.
Access to the slab?
That's why you're here?
Let's just say I'm feelinghomesick.

(45:39):
The codes.
Give them to me.
I remember you now.
You apparently got lost during atour.
Found you in the slab.
So your memory is still sharp asa tack.
Should be no problem rememberingthe codes then.
Okay.

(46:01):
Mind if we make it interesting?
I'm going to tell you a joke.
See if you can figure out thepunchline.
If you can, then you'll haveyour codes.
I like jokes.
When they're funny.
Oh, this one is hilarious.
You like knock-knock jokes?
My favorite type.

(46:22):
Perfect.
Ready?
Ready.
Knock-knock.
Who's there?
Gorm.
Gorm the who?

(46:42):
me gorm knock knock terminusthrown across the living room
advances towards him as hermankicks the former wrestler in the
shin falls to one knee andobserves as the serial killer
produces a dagger with a longthick blade gorm launches a fist

(47:03):
determined disarming the killerGorm! The shotgun! Gorm notices
the 12-gauge lying on the floorand kicks it over to the
captain.
Herman uses this temporarydistraction to his advantage and
leaps on Gorm's back, puttinghim in a chokehold.

(47:26):
Time for a nap, baby.
Gordon Mangut leans over andgrips the 12-gauge.
He aims in the direction of thetwo men.
Gorm! Can't get a shot! Gorm'svision turns foggy as he becomes
lightheaded.
But with what strength he hasleft, he leaps upwards, slamming
into the ceiling.

(47:47):
Berman's head crashes throughthe threshold as both serial
killer and demon trackercollapse to the floor.
Gorm grabs Herman's wrist andankle and spins him towards the
living room window and thenreleases his grip.
Herman is sent flying.
Captain Manga takes aim andfires.
Blood sprays across the walls ofthe bunker and penetrates

(48:12):
Herman's leg.
Captain.
I'm fine, Gorm.
Gorm nods and then rushes to theshattered living room window and
peeks over the windowsill.
To his dismay, Herman the serialkiller is nowhere to be seen.
The devil is gone.
Looks like he forgot something.

SPEAKER_00 (48:35):
Demon Blade.

SPEAKER_01 (48:50):
In the realm of Nether Hell, formed in a
naturally occurring fracture inHell's surface, what those who
know of its existence call theCleft.
Faint light flickers within thedeep crevice below.
At ground level, the activityunderneath can't be discerned,
but below the surface, theEleventh Circle has been busy.
The Cleft hides from view theEleventh Circle's newly

(49:13):
constructed headquarters, wherean experiment is underway.
The man in the orange tie standsat the helm of a computer
mainframe situated at themidpoint of a modernistic
operations center in the cleftheadquarters.
The computer mainframe isbedecked with a variety of
knobs, dials, buttons, and greenglowing computer monitors.

(49:34):
He secures a thin headset withmicrophone to his abnormally
shaped head and activates it.
Is the subject ready?
Yes, sir.
The HCC is fully integrated andthe neural junction is linked.
Excellent.
Prep the volunteer.
Yes, sir.
Preparations are underway.

(49:55):
The subject's path has beenloaded into the mortuary and the
trajectory has been plotted.
The volunteer will be at thegateway in five minutes.
Very good.
Well, I must admit...
This all looks official.
Your Grace.
Ah, able to speak again, I see.

(50:17):
Yes, my lips are still a littlenumb, but functioning.

SPEAKER_00 (50:22):
How wonderful.
I'm pleased to hear it.

SPEAKER_01 (50:26):
And I'm equally pleased that you were able to
make it.
I wouldn't miss it.
Although we're about two hoursaway from...
the New Dawn campaign rally...
So I expect this little missionof yours to stay on schedule?
Oh, we are on track.

(50:46):
In fact, the volunteer should bearriving at the gateway at any
moment.
I must admit, I'm surprised youplan on attending Lucifer's
farce.
I won't be there in person.
My many eyes and ears...
My loyal shadows will be,however.

(51:10):
I do plan to give them myundivided attention.
Ah, yes, yes, of course.
And, um, what of Leviathan?
It can remain imprisoned at thebottom of the Mailer Bulge.
Lucifer, as nauseating as he is,kept his word.
Therefore, I will keep mine.

(51:32):
Dante will stay standing.
For now.
I shall notify members of theCircle to stand down.
Yes, you do that.
Now, suppose you are successfulwith this demonstration.
What is your expectation thatwill support the predicted

(51:52):
outcome?
Ah, yes.
Excellent question, Your Grace.
The original HCC was intended toimmediately sever the connection
between Hellborn and thepossessed, triggered by an
auditory severance code,rendering the possessor, the
demon, temporarily comatose asto ensure no additional attempts

(52:13):
at possession would besuccessful.
Of course, in this scenario, thechip was surgically implanted in
the Hellborn Demon, as per therequirements of the mandate.
Now, we're implanting themdirectly in the intended
subject.

SPEAKER_00 (52:31):
And our

SPEAKER_01 (52:31):
test subject.
Who

SPEAKER_00 (52:34):
is she?

SPEAKER_01 (52:35):
The subject is Agnes Stab, 89 years of age, retired
elementary school teacher,located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
She lives with her husband of 63years, Lawrence Stab.
Agnes had a mole she feared tobe cancerous.
During a scheduled biopsy, oneof our operatives had assumed

(52:58):
the identity of a surgeon.
Similar to the ORA's slab, ourmortuary can support
reincarnation travel, allowingour operatives to temporarily
carry out missions on theEleventh Circle's behalf.
How the mortuary differs is thatit also provides safe haven for
demonic possession.

(53:19):
During this procedure, thebiopsy, the HCC was implanted?
Yes, precisely.
And now...
With the HCC in place.
To simplify, we've reversed thepolarity, if you will.
Instead of the chip acting as adam, cutting off the flood that

(53:40):
lies in wait, conversely, thechip now acts as an open port.
The expected outcome is that thepossession will occur without
incident, allowing the demon tofreely enter Miss Stab and
assume control, unfettered.
We've also removed the auditoryseverance mechanism and
retrofitted each chip with acountermeasure.

(54:03):
It emits a variety of phantomsignals that mimic two-way
radio, cell phones, etc.,preventing the ability to
accurately pinpoint theastrophysical signal present
during demonic possession.
Sir, the volunteer is at thegateway.
Affirmative.
Ah...
Your Grace, the demonstration isready to begin.

(54:27):
Shall we proceed?
Begin.
Open the gate.
I'm switching to intercom.
Members of the...
I think it would bolster thetroops if I step in at this
point.
Wouldn't you agree?

(54:47):
Um...
Yes, Your Grace.
Of course.

SPEAKER_00 (54:54):
Behold, our loyal disciple, Agarat, one of the
Second Spirits, but first inforging a path for the Eleventh
Circle.
We regard you

SPEAKER_01 (55:06):
in the highest esteem and with the utmost
respect and honor.
May the wings of the ShadowSeraphim guide you safely.
Well done, Your Grace.
Open drawer number three.

(55:29):
Lilith, the man in the orangetie, and members of the crew
observe through thick glass asAgarad approaches the enclosed
motory.
Draw number three opensautomatically, and Agarad climbs
in.
Close drawer number three.
This security feed is projectedon the screen where the subject,

(56:01):
Agnes Stab, is in a modestkitchen cooking a meal.
Her husband Lawrence sits at thedinner table petting a cat.
This security feed, what's itfrom?
A portable surveillance system,wide field of view, motion
capture, and night visioncapable, equipped with
omnidirectional amplification.
Portable?

(56:22):
This is not one of those creepystuffed bears you created.
I will admit to my own perverseamusement that these toy dolls
share some similarities to mylikeness, but they have proven
highly effective.
due to the sheer mundanity theteddy bears possess.

(56:44):
Carry on.
Open the portal.
We're ready for launch.
Affirmative.
Portal is open.
We're a go.
Launch, launch, launch.
We are ready to launch in 5, 4,3, 2, 1.
Launch.

(57:09):
Position in progress.
Open the audio feed.
Your Grace, you can turn yourattention to the screen now.
There is no going back.
The subject Agnes stabbed staresas two over a hot stove.

SPEAKER_00 (57:27):
Agnes, is the stew almost done?
I know it's a family recipe, butdid you have to speak to each
member to get the ingredients?
Eating too late is not good formy gout.

SPEAKER_01 (57:40):
Neural junction is secured.
Possession complete.
Lawrence?

SPEAKER_00 (57:54):
Here, you want some stew?

UNKNOWN (57:56):
Open your mouth.

SPEAKER_00 (57:57):
Here it comes.

SPEAKER_01 (57:59):
Agnes lifts the pot off the stove and pours the
steaming hot stew on herhusband.
Lawrence collapses to the floor,screaming in agony.
Agnes, now completely controlledby the demon Agorad, identifies
the surveillance camera andapproaches closer.
That was courtesy of theEleventh Circle.

(58:32):
Excellent work.
Thank you, my Grace.
I would say the first phase hasbeen a success.
Please keep me abreast of anyfurther updates.
Lilith takes her leave.
A red light blinks next to aphone mounted to the mainframe.

(58:57):
The man in the orange tie picksup and answers.
The man in the orange tiereturns his gaze to the
surveillance video.
Agnes Stab appears to be havinga seizure and foaming at the
mouth.
Can you get him back?
Initiate the extraction.

(59:17):
Extraction initiated.
Agnes erupts in an otherworldlyscream and then vomits a black,
viscous fluid from her mouthbefore collapsing to the ground.
The kitchen appears to shake andbecomes unsteady.
The surveillance camera isjostled from its perch and lands
on the dining room floor as bothAgnes and Laurence Stab lay on

(59:38):
top of one another.
Stop the recording.
Shut down the feed.
No, I need to see this, but stoprecording the footage.
Look! Agnes lays incapacitatedon the floor on top of her
husband.
Their pet cat approaches,investigating.
Her mouth opens as two black,slimy objects the size of

(59:59):
walnuts slither out of her mouthand plop on the tile floor.
The cat hisses and scurriesaway.
What is that?
I...
I have no idea.
The man in the orange tiewatches on the large screen as
the black slimy slugs slitherthrough the kitchen until they
are out of frame.

(01:00:20):
Inside the mortuary, the slabdrawer opens automatically.
Smoke billows out of theopening, but the demon doesn't
exit.
Send in the hazmat team.
Responders are at the gateway.
Open the gate.
Two members of the EleventhCircle, wearing vintage hazmat

(01:00:42):
suits with respirators, enterthe mortuary and approach the
open drawer.
Before reaching the drawer, ablack slimy fluid pours out of
it, spilling out into the floorin a dark, glistening puddle.
Uh, sir, there doesn't appear tobe anything left of the
volunteer.
Preparing for sterilization.

(01:01:04):
The flattened black puddlespurts upwards, forming into a
solid.
Those arms?
And...
legs.
Lock the gate.
The substance mutates again.
Liquid hands form and thensolidify, finishing with long,

(01:01:25):
slender fingers and lengthytalons.
What was once a viscous fluidhas transformed into a hulking
humanoid dark creature.
The organism lunges at the twomen and tears them apart.
Initiate protocol 15! Theceiling in the mortuary opens.

(01:01:47):
The substance swings its headupwards as it is pummeled with a
deluge of chemical liquid.
It shrieks and growls until achemical reaction freezes the
substance solid.
It's...
frozen.

SPEAKER_00 (01:02:02):
Our best chance to destroy it!

SPEAKER_01 (01:02:05):
No...
No! Evacuate everyone! Sir?
You too! Get everyone out ofhere! What are you going to do?
We've just created a newspecies.

(01:02:26):
I'm going to say hello.

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Leo Brawn - Episode 13: Surface Tension (Part 1 of 2)

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Leo Brawn - Episode 13: Surface Tension (Part 1 of 2)