Behind the Curtain - Episode 016: Unspoken Agenda

 

NPCW: Behind the Curtain — Episode 016: “Unspoken Agenda”

Airing September 26, 2026

NPCW Headquarters – North Pole, Canada

With Convergence approaching, the business of NPCW continues behind closed doors.

An unexpected visit forces Goldie Locks to confront an unpleasant chapter of her wrestling career. Johnny Michaels introduces a new voice to the Northern Belles. Alton Bell prepares to bring an ambitious proposal before the Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, Santa Claus faces an important decision about his future.

And in the office of Elias Coldmere, a message from an old ally threatens to complicate an already delicate situation.

Five conversations. Five decisions.

And a future that is becoming increasingly difficult to predict.

---

SCENE 1 – UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Earlier in the Day – Before Polar Power Episode 074
NPCW Headquarters – Goldie Locks' Office

The camera opens inside the office of Goldie Locks, General Manager of the Northern Belles Division.

Goldie is seated behind her desk, reviewing the latest preparations for Convergence.

Several folders are spread across the polished wooden surface. Among them are the updated standings from the Women's Convergent Battle Royal qualifiers and a preliminary list of eligible participants for the final qualifying event on October 4.

The first three Battle Royals have already produced their share of surprises.

Now, with the final qualifier approaching, Goldie is determined to ensure that every remaining opportunity is properly accounted for.

She reviews a document, makes a small adjustment to the participant list, and takes a sip of coffee.

A knock interrupts her concentration.

Goldie Locks: "Come in!"

The door opens.

Standing in the doorway is Count Vlad.

Goldie's welcoming expression disappears almost immediately.

Vlad offers a small, courteous bow.

Count Vlad: "Commissioner Locks. I trust I'm not interrupting anything terribly important."

Goldie slowly places her coffee cup on the desk.

Goldie Locks: "Count Vlad. This is an unexpected visit."

Count Vlad: "I find the unexpected often makes life considerably more interesting."

Goldie Locks: "That depends entirely on who's doing the surprising."

Vlad smiles.

Count Vlad: "May I?"

He gestures toward the empty chair across from her desk.

Goldie considers him for a moment before motioning toward it.

Goldie Locks: "Please. Have a seat."

Vlad settles into the chair, crossing one leg over the other with characteristic composure.

Goldie Locks: "What can I do for you, Count?"

Count Vlad: "I understand that your final Women's Convergent Battle Royal qualifier takes place on October fourth."

Goldie nods.

Goldie Locks: "That's correct."

Count Vlad: "And I understand that there are still opportunities available for eligible competitors to enter."

Goldie Locks: "There are."

She studies his expression.

Goldie Locks: "Why do you ask?"

Vlad's smile broadens.

Count Vlad: "Because I have two rather exceptional competitors who would like to participate."

Goldie leans back in her chair.

Goldie Locks: "You have two entrants?"

Count Vlad: "Indeed."

Goldie Locks: "Well, now you've got my attention."

She chuckles.

Goldie Locks: "And who exactly are these exceptional competitors?"

Vlad allows a brief silence to settle between them.

Then he answers.

Count Vlad: "Talia Nocturne and Selena Blackfang."

Goldie's smile vanishes.

For several seconds, she simply stares at him.

Goldie Locks: "You're joking."

Count Vlad: "I assure you, Madam GM, I am entirely serious."

Goldie sits forward.

Goldie Locks: "Talia Nocturne? And Selena Blackfang?"

Count Vlad: "The very same."

Goldie Locks: "Former Dark Dominion members?"

Count Vlad: "Their accomplishments speak for themselves."

Goldie shakes her head.

Goldie Locks: "Oh, I remember their accomplishments."

Her expression hardens.

Goldie Locks: "Especially Selena's."

Vlad observes her reaction with quiet amusement.

Count Vlad: "Ah, yes. Your final match."

Goldie looks directly at him.

Goldie Locks: "Selena Blackfang defeated me in the last match of my wrestling career."

Count Vlad: "A memorable contest."

Goldie Locks: "For some of us more than others."

Vlad raises his hands slightly.

Count Vlad: "I assure you, Goldie, this is not intended as a personal slight."

Goldie Locks: "Then you'll forgive me for wondering why you've chosen to walk into my office and bring those two names up."

Count Vlad: "Because they are interested in competing. And because I believe they would make excellent additions to your qualifying event."

Goldie exhales, regaining her professional composure.

Goldie Locks: "Well, whatever I think about them personally, it doesn't really matter."

Vlad raises an eyebrow.

Goldie Locks: "They're not affiliated with NPCW. They can't just walk into a qualifying Battle Royal because you want them there."

Vlad's smile returns.

Count Vlad: "Ah. But that is where you are mistaken."

Goldie narrows her eyes.

Goldie Locks: "Excuse me?"

Count Vlad: "Both women still possess active NPCW wrestling licenses."

Goldie looks at him skeptically.

Goldie Locks: "No, they don't."

Count Vlad: "I checked with Talent Relations before coming here."

He reaches into his coat and removes a small document.

Count Vlad: "Tilda Thimblewhistle was most helpful in confirming their status."

He places the document on Goldie's desk.

Goldie reluctantly picks it up.

She scans the contents.

Her expression changes.

Goldie Locks: "You've got to be kidding me."

Count Vlad: "I rarely joke about contractual matters."

Goldie reads the document again.

Both names are listed.

Both licenses are active.

Goldie closes the document and places it on the desk.

Goldie Locks: "So you checked their eligibility before coming here."

Count Vlad: "Naturally."

Goldie Locks: "And you knew exactly what I was going to say."

Count Vlad: "I suspected you might have some reservations."

Goldie gives him a pointed look.

Goldie Locks: "Reservations?"

She laughs once, without much amusement.

Goldie Locks: "That's one way of putting it."

Vlad inclines his head.

Count Vlad: "Nevertheless, their licenses remain valid. Their interest in participating is genuine. And the qualifying event is open to eligible competitors."

He pauses.

Count Vlad: "I believe that settles the matter."

Goldie looks down at the document again.

She knows he is right about their eligibility.

After a moment, she opens the participant list on her computer.

Goldie Locks: "Fine."

Vlad smiles.

Goldie Locks: "Talia Nocturne and Selena Blackfang will be entered into the October fourth Battle Royal."

She types both names into the list.

Then she looks up.

Goldie Locks: "But understand something, Count."

Vlad waits.

Goldie Locks: "They will be treated exactly like every other competitor in that match."

Count Vlad: "I would expect nothing less."

Goldie Locks: "No special treatment. No preferential consideration. And no interference from anyone who isn't participating."

Count Vlad: "Of course."

Goldie studies him for a moment.

Goldie Locks: "And if either of them causes problems, I won't hesitate to deal with it."

Vlad rises from his chair.

Count Vlad: "I would never presume to tell you how to run your division, Madam GM."

Goldie folds her arms.

Goldie Locks: "Somehow, I find that difficult to believe."

Vlad offers another courteous bow.

Count Vlad: "A pleasure, as always."

He turns toward the door.

Before leaving, he pauses.

Count Vlad: "Oh, and Goldie?"

She looks up.

Goldie Locks: "What?"

Count Vlad: "Selena asked me to pass along her regards."

Goldie stares at him.

Vlad smiles.

Count Vlad: "She remembers your match quite fondly."

He exits before Goldie can respond.

The door closes.

Goldie remains seated, looking at the two newly added names on her computer screen.

She shakes her head.

Goldie Locks: "Wonderful."

She reaches for her coffee.

Goldie Locks: "Just wonderful."

The camera lingers on the updated participant list.

TALIA NOCTURNE

SELENA BLACKFANG

Two familiar names have returned to NPCW.

And Goldie Locks has a feeling that October 4 just became considerably more complicated.

The scene fades.

---

SCENE 2 – INTRODUCING AMARA BELL

Earlier in the Day – Before Polar Power Episode 074
NPCW Headquarters – Johnny Michaels' Office

The camera opens inside the office of Johnny Michaels, NPCW's Vice President of Broadcast and Media.

Several television monitors display footage from recent NPCW programming.

On his desk sits a collection of printed articles, broadcast proposals, and promotional materials for the upcoming Belles Showcase.

Johnny is seated across from a woman with a composed expression, sharp eyes, and the relaxed confidence of someone accustomed to asking difficult questions.

Amara Bell.

The 34-year-old Canadian wrestling journalist has spent years developing a reputation for intelligent, occasionally provocative analysis of professional wrestling.

Her recurring column, The Grave Report, has made her a familiar name to readers who appreciate an examination of wrestling that goes beyond winners, losers, and championship statistics.

Johnny picks up one of her articles.

Johnny Michaels: "I have to tell you, Amara, I've been reading your work for quite some time."

Amara smiles politely.

Amara Bell: "Hopefully, that means you've enjoyed it."

Johnny Michaels: "Most of it."

Amara raises an eyebrow.

Amara Bell: "Most?"

Johnny chuckles.

Johnny Michaels: "You can be pretty hard on people."

Amara Bell: "Only when they give me a reason."

She gestures toward the article.

Amara Bell: "And sometimes when they give everyone else a reason to praise them."

Johnny laughs.

Johnny Michaels: "That's actually one of the reasons I wanted to speak with you."

He places the article on the desk.

Johnny Michaels: "NPCW has grown significantly this year. We're expanding our programming, developing our roster, and trying to give audiences different ways to engage with the product."

Amara nods.

Amara Bell: "I've noticed."

Johnny Michaels: "Northern Belles, in particular, has developed into something quite special."

Amara Bell: "It's certainly become more interesting."

Johnny tilts his head.

Johnny Michaels: "Interesting?"

Amara Bell: "You have established competitors, developing prospects, championship contenders, faction rivalries, and a growing emphasis on individual performance."

She leans forward slightly.

Amara Bell: "But what interests me most is the difference between how the audience perceives certain wrestlers and what their actual performances suggest."

Johnny smiles.

Johnny Michaels: "And that's exactly what I'm looking for."

He slides a proposal across the desk.

Johnny Michaels: "I want to bring you into NPCW as a print correspondent, with the opportunity to develop into a television commentator."

Amara picks up the proposal.

Amara Bell: "Print and television?"

Johnny Michaels: "That's the long-term idea."

He gestures toward the television monitors.

Johnny Michaels: "We already have excellent broadcast teams. I'm not looking to replace anyone or disrupt what they've built."

Johnny Michaels: "But I want to expand our analytical coverage. Someone who can look at a match and explain what the result actually means."

Amara glances down at the proposal.

Amara Bell: "That's a refreshing description of sports journalism."

Johnny Michaels: "I thought you might appreciate it."

Amara Bell: "Usually, when someone approaches me about wrestling television, they want me to tell the audience who to cheer for and who to hate."

She looks up.

Amara Bell: "I have no interest in doing either."

Johnny Michaels: "Good. Because that's not what I'm asking."

Amara settles back into her chair.

Amara Bell: "Then tell me what you have in mind."

Johnny opens another folder.

Johnny Michaels: "We're introducing a new Northern Belles house show series called Belles Showcase."

He hands her a copy of the format.

Johnny Michaels: "It's a more compact program. Match recaps, results, ratings, and a feature called Ring the Bell."

Amara reads through the document.

Amara Bell: "And you want me to write it?"

Johnny Michaels: "Exactly."

Amara Bell: "Interesting."

She continues reading.

Amara Bell: "So, rather than trying to recreate an entire live broadcast, the idea is to provide a concise account of the matches and identify a performance that deserves closer examination."

Johnny Michaels: "That's the concept."

Amara Bell: "I like it."

Johnny smiles.

Amara Bell: "Particularly the final feature."

She taps the page.

Amara Bell: "There's a difference between having the best match on a card and delivering the most revealing performance."

Johnny Michaels: "How so?"

Amara Bell: "A wrestler could win a spectacular match and demonstrate absolutely nothing we didn't already know."

She pauses.

Amara Bell: "Another could lose a relatively ordinary contest but show that she's corrected a weakness that's been holding her back for months."

Johnny considers the observation.

Amara Bell: "If I'm choosing one performance to highlight, I'm interested in what that performance tells us about the competitor's development."

Johnny Michaels: "Which is precisely the kind of perspective I want you bringing to the program."

Amara smiles.

Amara Bell: "Then I think we're going to get along."

Johnny turns his attention to another document.

Johnny Michaels: "Now, about your television work."

Amara looks up.

Johnny Michaels: "I'd like you to begin with print coverage. Belles Showcase, selected match recaps, and your own analytical features."

Johnny Michaels: "As you become more familiar with our roster and our broadcast operation, we'll start exploring opportunities for you to contribute on television."

Amara Bell: "Eventually joining the Northern Belles commentary team?"

Johnny Michaels: "That's one possibility."

Amara nods thoughtfully.

Amara Bell: "I can work with that."

She glances toward a monitor displaying footage of a recent Northern Belles match.

Amara Bell: "I do have one condition."

Johnny raises an eyebrow.

Johnny Michaels: "Let's hear it."

Amara Bell: "Editorial independence."

Johnny listens.

Amara Bell: "If someone has a poor performance, I'm going to say so. If a champion is making mistakes, I'm going to point them out. And if a popular wrestler is receiving more credit than her performances warrant, I'm not going to pretend otherwise."

Johnny Michaels: "Fair enough."

Amara Bell: "I'm not interested in manufacturing controversy. But I'm also not interested in writing promotional material disguised as journalism."

Johnny nods.

Johnny Michaels: "I understand."

Amara Bell: "Good."

She closes the proposal.

Amara Bell: "Because my philosophy is fairly simple."

Johnny waits.

Amara Bell: "Don't tell me what happened. Tell me what it means."

Johnny smiles.

Johnny Michaels: "I think our audience is going to enjoy that."

Amara Bell: "Some of them will."

She gives him a knowing smile.

Amara Bell: "I'm less certain about the wrestlers."

Johnny laughs.

Johnny Michaels: "Well, they don't have to agree with you."

Amara Bell: "I'd be disappointed if they always did."

Johnny stands and extends his hand.

Johnny Michaels: "Welcome to NPCW, Amara."

Amara rises and shakes his hand.

Amara Bell: "Thank you, Johnny. I'm looking forward to it."

She glances once more toward the Belles Showcase proposal.

Amara Bell: "Now, tell me when I can start watching matches."

Johnny grins.

Johnny Michaels: "Something tells me you've already started."

Amara Bell: "Naturally."

The two share a laugh as the camera slowly pulls back.

NPCW has found a new voice.

And the Northern Belles may soon discover that winning a match and impressing Amara Bell are two very different things.

The scene fades.

---

SCENE 3 – A NEW DIRECTION

Earlier in the Day – Before Polar Power Episode 074
NPCW Headquarters – Office of the Executive Vice President

The camera opens inside the office of Alton Bell, NPCW's Executive Vice President.

Alton is seated behind his desk, reviewing a confidential proposal.

Across from him sits Victoria Deschamps, Vice President of Talent Relations.

A folder rests between them.

Its contents are carefully positioned away from the camera.

Victoria has been reviewing the proposal for several minutes.

She turns the final page, studies it for a moment, and closes the folder.

Alton watches her expectantly.

Alton Bell: "Well?"

Victoria looks up.

Victoria Deschamps: "I must say, Alton. I'm intrigued."

Alton smiles.

Alton Bell: "I thought you might be."

Victoria gestures toward the folder.

Victoria Deschamps: "This is considerably more ambitious than I expected."

Alton Bell: "We've reached a point where we need to start thinking beyond what Northern Belles is today."

Victoria Deschamps: "And you're certainly doing that."

She opens the folder again, examining one of the pages.

Victoria Deschamps: "How long have you been working on this?"

Alton Bell: "Long enough to be confident that the concept is viable."

Victoria Deschamps: "And you've considered the practical implications?"

Alton Bell: "Every one I could identify."

Victoria gives him a small smile.

Victoria Deschamps: "That's a very executive answer."

Alton chuckles.

Alton Bell: "Would you prefer a less executive one?"

Victoria Deschamps: "I'd prefer to know whether you genuinely believe we can deliver what you're proposing."

Alton leans forward.

Alton Bell: "I do."

His tone becomes more serious.

Alton Bell: "Northern Belles has grown substantially. We've developed new talent, expanded the competitive opportunities available to the roster, and established an audience that continues to respond to what we're doing."

Alton Bell: "But growth brings new expectations."

Victoria nods.

Victoria Deschamps: "And new challenges."

Alton Bell: "Exactly."

He gestures toward the folder.

Alton Bell: "I believe this addresses both."

Victoria considers his words.

Victoria Deschamps: "What about Goldie?"

Alton pauses.

Alton Bell: "What about her?"

Victoria Deschamps: "She's the General Manager. Whatever direction we take with Northern Belles, she'll have a role to play in making it work."

Alton nods.

Alton Bell: "Of course."

Victoria Deschamps: "Good."

She looks down at the proposal again.

Victoria Deschamps: "Because she's made considerable progress, and I want to see her continue building on that."

Alton Bell: "I have no objection to that."

Victoria closes the folder.

Victoria Deschamps: "Then let's discuss the timeline."

She leans forward.

Victoria Deschamps: "Can we realistically accomplish this before the end of October?"

Alton answers without hesitation.

Alton Bell: "Yes."

Victoria raises an eyebrow.

Victoria Deschamps: "You're certain?"

Alton Bell: "Provided we begin soon."

He taps the folder.

Alton Bell: "The groundwork is there. What we need now is authorization to move forward."

Victoria Deschamps: "And the Board?"

Alton Bell: "That's my next step."

He sits back.

Alton Bell: "I intend to present the proposal formally. But before doing so, I wanted your assessment."

Victoria looks at him.

Victoria Deschamps: "Because of the Talent Relations implications?"

Alton Bell: "Partly."

He smiles.

Alton Bell: "And because I value your judgment."

Victoria returns the smile.

Victoria Deschamps: "Well, I appreciate that."

She studies the folder one final time.

Victoria Deschamps: "I think this has considerable potential, Alton."

She pauses.

Victoria Deschamps: "There are details we'll need to work through, and I want to make sure the implementation is handled properly."

Alton Bell: "Naturally."

Victoria Deschamps: "But the overall concept?"

She nods.

Victoria Deschamps: "You have my support."

Alton's expression brightens.

Alton Bell: "Excellent."

Victoria Deschamps: "When you take this to the Board, I'll support the proposal."

Alton Bell: "That's precisely what I was hoping to hear."

Victoria rises from her chair.

Victoria Deschamps: "Just make sure you have everything ready. If you want this completed by the end of October, we can't afford unnecessary delays."

Alton stands as well.

Alton Bell: "Agreed."

He extends his hand.

Victoria shakes it.

Alton Bell: "Thank you, Victoria."

Victoria Deschamps: "You're welcome."

She glances toward the folder.

Victoria Deschamps: "I look forward to seeing how this develops."

Alton smiles.

Alton Bell: "So do I."

Victoria exits the office.

Alton returns to his desk.

He opens the folder and carefully reviews the proposal once more.

The camera moves closer, but the pages remain out of view.

Alton takes a pen and makes a small notation on the final page.

He closes the folder.

Then he reaches for his telephone.

Alton Bell: "Could you arrange some time for me with Chairman Bernard? I have a proposal I'd like to bring before the Board."

He listens briefly.

Alton Bell: "Thank you."

Alton ends the call.

He looks down at the confidential folder.

A satisfied smile crosses his face.

Whatever he has planned for Northern Belles, the first important step has been taken.

And with Victoria Deschamps supporting him, Alton Bell is ready to move forward.

The scene fades.

---

SCENE 4 – THE DECISION

Later That Evening – After Polar Power Episode 074
NPCW Arena – Santa Claus' Dressing Room

The camera opens in a quiet backstage corridor.

Polar Power Episode 074 has concluded.

The crowd is beginning to leave the arena, while production crews and arena personnel move equipment through the backstage area.

Inside his dressing room, Santa Claus has just returned from his match against the Master of the Night.

It was a difficult contest.

Santa gave everything he had, but the Master of the Night emerged victorious.

The physical toll is evident.

Santa moves slowly as he enters the room, carrying his wrestling bag over one shoulder.

He stops.

Seated in a chair near the lockers is Kris Kringle.

Kris looks up as Santa enters.

For a moment, neither man speaks.

Then Santa lets out a tired chuckle.

Santa Claus: "Ho, ho, ho. You saw that, eh?"

Kris gives him a sympathetic smile.

Kris Kringle: "I did."

Santa places his bag on the bench.

Santa Claus: "Not exactly the evening I was hoping for."

Kris Kringle: "It was a tough match, Augustus."

Santa nods.

Santa Claus: "That it was."

He lowers himself onto the bench, rubbing his shoulder.

Santa Claus: "The Master of the Night is every bit as dangerous as I expected."

Kris Kringle: "You gave him quite a fight."

Santa Claus: "Didn't give him enough of one."

Kris considers his friend for a moment.

Kris Kringle: "You can't win every battle."

Santa looks up.

Santa Claus: "No. I suppose you can't."

He reaches for a towel and wipes his face.

Santa Claus: "But I'll tell you something, Kris. I'm not finished with him."

Kris smiles faintly.

Kris Kringle: "I didn't imagine you would be."

A comfortable silence settles between the two old friends.

Santa begins removing the tape from his wrists.

Kris watches him for a moment before speaking again.

Kris Kringle: "Augustus, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Santa glances up.

Santa Claus: "Oh?"

Kris Kringle: "Have you given any more thought to our conversation?"

Santa stops removing the tape.

He looks at Kris.

Santa Claus: "About your proposal?"

Kris nods.

Kris Kringle: "Yes."

Santa leans back against the lockers.

For a moment, his expression becomes thoughtful.

Santa Claus: "I have."

Kris waits.

Santa looks toward the television monitor in the corner of the room.

The screen is replaying highlights from the evening's program.

He watches for a moment before turning back to Kris.

Santa Claus: "When you first brought it up, I wasn't sure."

Kris Kringle: "I know."

Santa Claus: "There's still plenty I want to accomplish in that ring."

He gestures toward the television.

Santa Claus: "And evenings like this don't make it any easier to imagine doing something different."

Kris nods.

Kris Kringle: "I understand."

Santa smiles.

Santa Claus: "But I've been thinking about what you said."

He pauses.

Santa Claus: "About the future of NPCW. About the people coming through here. About what we can accomplish if we put our experience to good use."

Kris leans forward slightly.

Santa Claus: "And I suppose there comes a time when a man has to consider where he can make the greatest difference."

Kris Kringle: "Indeed."

Santa studies his old friend.

Then a warm smile spreads across his face.

Santa Claus: "All right, Kris."

He extends his hand.

Santa Claus: "You have yourself a deal."

Kris looks at the offered hand.

Then he smiles broadly.

Kris Kringle: "You're accepting?"

Santa nods.

Santa Claus: "I am."

Kris rises and shakes Santa's hand.

Kris Kringle: "Wonderful!"

Santa laughs.

Santa Claus: "Ho, ho, ho! You seem rather pleased with yourself."

Kris Kringle: "I won't pretend otherwise."

He releases Santa's hand.

Kris Kringle: "I believe this is going to be good for everyone."

Santa stands, moving a little more carefully than usual.

Santa Claus: "Well, I suppose there's only one thing left to do."

Kris nods.

Kris Kringle: "Indeed."

He gestures toward the door.

Kris Kringle: "Let's tell the others."

Santa smiles.

Santa Claus: "After I get changed."

Kris laughs.

Kris Kringle: "Of course."

He turns toward the door.

Before leaving, Kris pauses and looks back at his friend.

Kris Kringle: "Augustus?"

Santa looks up.

Santa Claus: "Yes?"

Kris Kringle: "You made the right decision."

Santa smiles.

Santa Claus: "I certainly hope so."

Kris exits.

Santa turns toward his locker.

He looks at his wrestling gear for a moment before beginning to change.

Despite the disappointment of the evening's defeat, a small smile remains on his face.

The camera slowly pulls back.

Santa Claus has made his decision.

And while the details have yet to be shared with the others, an important new chapter in his life is about to begin.

The scene fades.

---

SCENE 5 – MORE MACHINATIONS

Later That Evening – After Polar Power Episode 074
NPCW Headquarters – Elias Coldmere's Office

The camera opens inside the office of Elias Coldmere.

The evening's Polar Power broadcast has concluded, but Elias remains at work.

His responsibilities as interim Commissioner of the Polar Division and Commissioner of the Mythic Division have kept him exceptionally busy.

Several folders are spread across his desk.

One contains preparations for the upcoming Age of Ruin event.

Another concerns the administrative transition within the Polar Division.

Elias is studying a document when a knock sounds at his door.

Elias Coldmere: "Enter."

The door opens.

Seraphine Viremont steps inside.

She is elegantly dressed, her usual composed expression accompanied by a faint, knowing smile.

Elias looks up.

Elias Coldmere: "Seraphine."

He rises from his chair.

Elias Coldmere: "This is a surprise."

Seraphine Viremont: "A pleasant one, I hope."

Elias Coldmere: "Naturally."

He gestures toward the chair opposite his desk.

Elias Coldmere: "Please, have a seat."

Seraphine settles into the chair while Elias returns to his own.

She looks around the office.

Seraphine Viremont: "You've certainly been keeping yourself busy."

Elias chuckles.

Elias Coldmere: "That's one way of putting it."

Seraphine Viremont: "Two divisions. Two very different rosters. And an increasingly demanding schedule."

She smiles.

Seraphine Viremont: "I must congratulate you, Elias. You've been doing an excellent job managing your dual responsibilities."

Elias inclines his head.

Elias Coldmere: "Thank you, Seraphine. I appreciate that."

Seraphine Viremont: "Not everyone could manage the demands of both divisions so effectively."

Elias Coldmere: "It has certainly been a challenge."

He gestures toward the paperwork on his desk.

Elias Coldmere: "And with Age of Ruin approaching, there is still plenty to do."

Seraphine Viremont: "I'm sure you'll manage."

Elias smiles politely.

Then his expression becomes more serious.

Elias Coldmere: "Speaking of management, have there been any developments regarding your situation?"

Seraphine raises an eyebrow.

Seraphine Viremont: "My situation?"

Elias Coldmere: "Your restrictions."

He leans forward slightly.

Elias Coldmere: "Has the Board removed them yet?"

Seraphine's smile fades.

Seraphine Viremont: "No."

Elias frowns.

Elias Coldmere: "Still?"

Seraphine Viremont: "Unfortunately."

She crosses one leg over the other.

Seraphine Viremont: "I remain a member of the Board, of course. But my access to certain confidential matters is still restricted."

Elias shakes his head.

Elias Coldmere: "I would have thought that issue would have been resolved by now."

Seraphine Viremont: "Apparently, some of our colleagues prefer to remain cautious."

She pauses.

Seraphine Viremont: "But it may not matter much longer."

Elias looks up.

Elias Coldmere: "What do you mean?"

Seraphine smiles.

Seraphine Viremont: "I'm considering resigning from the Board."

Elias is visibly surprised.

Elias Coldmere: "Resigning?"

Seraphine Viremont: "Yes."

Elias Coldmere: "Why?"

Seraphine considers her answer.

Seraphine Viremont: "I have other interests that require my attention."

She gestures lightly toward the office around them.

Seraphine Viremont: "And I see little benefit in remaining in a position where my ability to contribute is so limited."

Elias leans back in his chair.

Elias Coldmere: "Have you discussed this with Chairman Bernard?"

Seraphine Viremont: "Not yet."

Elias Coldmere: "When are you planning to leave?"

Seraphine Viremont: "Probably after Convergence."

Elias studies her expression.

Elias Coldmere: "That's rather soon."

Seraphine shrugs slightly.

Seraphine Viremont: "Perhaps."

She smiles.

Seraphine Viremont: "But there is little point in remaining somewhere after one's usefulness has been exhausted."

Elias gives her a thoughtful look.

Elias Coldmere: "Well, I certainly hope you'll reconsider."

Seraphine Viremont: "How kind of you."

A brief silence follows.

Then Seraphine reaches into her handbag.

Seraphine Viremont: "However, my possible departure isn't the reason I came to see you."

Elias raises an eyebrow.

Elias Coldmere: "Oh?"

Seraphine removes a small folded piece of paper.

Seraphine Viremont: "I have a message for you."

She places the note on his desk.

Elias looks at it.

Elias Coldmere: "From whom?"

Seraphine smiles.

Seraphine Viremont: "Our mutual friend."

Elias's expression changes.

He looks at the note again.

Then he picks it up.

Elias Coldmere: "I see."

He carefully unfolds the paper.

The camera remains focused on his face.

The contents of the note are not shown.

Elias reads it.

His expression shifts from curiosity to confusion.

He reads it again.

Then he looks up at Seraphine.

Elias Coldmere: "What?"

Seraphine says nothing.

Elias glances back at the note.

Elias Coldmere: "I don't understand."

Seraphine Viremont: "What is there to understand?"

Elias looks at her.

Elias Coldmere: "He wants me to do this?"

Seraphine Viremont: "Those are his instructions."

Elias shakes his head.

Elias Coldmere: "But..."

He looks at the note again.

Elias Coldmere: "I can't do this."

Seraphine's expression changes.

The warmth disappears from her smile.

Seraphine Viremont: "You can't?"

Elias looks up.

Elias Coldmere: "I mean..."

He struggles to find the right words.

Seraphine leans forward.

Seraphine Viremont: "Are you refusing him, Elias?"

The question hangs in the air.

Elias immediately shakes his head.

Elias Coldmere: "No!"

He catches himself.

Elias Coldmere: "No, of course not."

Seraphine watches him closely.

Seraphine Viremont: "Then what is the problem?"

Elias looks down at the note.

His fingers tighten around the paper.

Elias Coldmere: "It's just..."

He hesitates.

Elias Coldmere: "Why?"

Seraphine tilts her head.

Seraphine Viremont: "Why?"

Elias Coldmere: "Why does he want this?"

For several seconds, Seraphine simply stares at him.

Then she speaks.

Her voice is quiet.

Seraphine Viremont: "You question him?"

Elias freezes.

Elias Coldmere: "No."

Seraphine does not respond.

Elias shakes his head again.

Elias Coldmere: "No, Seraphine. I'm not questioning him."

He glances down at the note.

Elias Coldmere: "I simply wasn't expecting..."

He stops himself.

Seraphine leans back in her chair.

Seraphine Viremont: "Our friend has always been very clear about what he expects from those who work with him."

Elias nods slowly.

Elias Coldmere: "Yes."

Seraphine Viremont: "And I trust you haven't forgotten that."

Elias looks at her.

Elias Coldmere: "Of course not."

Seraphine studies his expression.

Then her smile returns.

Seraphine Viremont: "Good."

She rises from her chair.

Elias remains seated.

Seraphine Viremont: "I shall leave you to your work."

She turns toward the door.

Elias looks up.

Elias Coldmere: "Seraphine..."

She stops.

Seraphine Viremont: "Yes?"

Elias hesitates.

He looks down at the note.

Then back at her.

Elias Coldmere: "Does he expect an answer?"

Seraphine smiles.

Seraphine Viremont: "I believe he expects you to follow his instructions."

Elias says nothing.

Seraphine opens the door.

Seraphine Viremont: "Good evening, Elias."

She exits.

The door closes quietly behind her.

For several seconds, Elias remains motionless.

He looks down at the note.

Reads it once more.

His expression is troubled.

He leans back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

Whatever instructions he has received, they are clearly not what he expected.

He lowers his gaze to the paper again.

Elias Coldmere: "Why would he want me to do that?"

There is no answer.

Elias folds the note and places it on his desk.

He reaches for one of the administrative folders but stops before opening it.

His attention returns to the folded paper.

He picks it up again.

For a moment, he appears ready to tear it apart.

Instead, he carefully places it inside his desk drawer.

He closes the drawer.

Then he sits silently, contemplating the predicament in which he now finds himself.

The camera slowly pulls back.

The office lights cast long shadows across the desk.

Elias Coldmere has received his instructions.

Whether he understands them is another matter entirely.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF EPISODE 016