105 — THE MOTHER

OPERATOR

Echo 1, you are cleared for landing.

PILOT

Copy that, Control. Please have Dr. Stevens join the team on the east side of the hangar.

OPERATOR

Copy that, Echo 1.

DR. STEVENS

You found it. What happened?

RAMIREZ

Relax, Doctor. It's still alive.

LARSON

(whimpers)

RAMIREZ

It's just sedated.

DR. STEVENS

Well, it doesn't need to be covered like a corpse. I'll take it from here.

BRADY

Sir, Phillips and Peterson are still not cooperating.

RAMIREZ

Appreciate the update, Brady. Escort the Doctor

DR. STEVENS

I'll be fine.

RAMIREZ

I wasn't asking. Willis and I need to brief the Commander and then we'll reconvene back in the lab.

BRADY

Yes, sir. After you Doc.

DR. STEVENS

Let's go.

RAMIREZ

Eyes on the asset. If it moves you hit it with that Tran. Understood?

BRADY

Yes sir.

DR. STEVENS

That won't be necessary.

DR. STEVENS

Okay. Let's have a look at you.

LARSON

What, what's happening? Who are you? Where are

DR. STEVENS

Geezus!

BRADY

Looks like you needed me after all, doc.

DANIEL

Mom, I found my Area 51 shirt. I'm getting dressed now.

ALPHA 8

Larson, I am. I am Larson. I am Larson. Time to get dressed. Pants, we put them on like this. I am Larson.

DANIEL

So this neuroscientist, or genetics guy, found out he had two strands of DNA in his body. Two! That's like, that's, that's impossible.

JACKSON

You don't say.

TARYN

Alright, who ate the last frozen waffle?

JACKSON

Daniel.

DANIEL

No, Jackson. You literally have proof on your plate.

TARYN

Ugh, fine. Pop Tart it is. Wait, who ate, are you kidding me?

ALPHA 8

Hello.

TARYN

Hey, Larson. Um, wow.

DANIEL

Mom, what are you wearing?

ALPHA 8

Clothes. I got dressed.

DANIEL

Yeah, but yellow?

ALPHA 8

Yes.

TARYN

Well, I'm here for it. It's a nice change from that men in black agent vibe you typically rock.

LEXI

Good morning, Peterson family. It's 7. 45 AM. Good morning. Today's weather is partly cloudy with a high of 63 degrees and low of 45 degrees. Would you like to hear the morning news brief?

ALPHA 8

Would we like to hear the news brief?

JACKSON

What's happening right now? Mom?

ALPHA 8

Yes. Hear the news brief.

DANIEL

Mom? Lexi, stop.

LEXI

Thank you, Peterson family. Have a great day.

ALPHA 8

Have a great day.

JACKSON

Time to go.

DANIEL

Mom, I made your coffee. It's on the counter by the microwave.

DANIEL

So, anyway, like I was saying, it could be alien DNA, or whatever the extra Ts call it. Probably swapped out his blood when they abducted him.

JACKSON

Mm hmm.

DANIEL

What if alien DNA, like, takes over his body, and he transforms like

ALPHA 8

Are we ready to go?

TARYN

Yes, we have everything.

ALPHA 8

What? What? I do not understand.

TARYN

Just being proactive. So you don't need to do that run down thing you always do. We're good.

DANIEL

Mom? You gonna start the car?

ALPHA 8

Start. Okay. Yes. Okay. Drive to school.

JACKSON

You, uh, You alright there, Larson?

DANIEL

No. She's not okay. Look at the cup holder. She forgot

JACKSON

Her coffee! Okay.

TARYN

Well, we don't have time to go back and get it, so

DANIEL

I got it. I'll put it into the GPS.

LEXI

Route to Einstein Middle School starting now. You are on the fastest route. You will arrive at 8. 05 AM.

TARYN

No, wait. Can you drop me off first? I need to go to the library before class.

DANIEL

The library? Yeah, right. No, drop me and Jackson off first. It'll save at least five minutes off your commute, and you'll have time to stop for some coffee.

TARYN

No, she won't.

DANIEL

Yes, it will. Teenagers are bad drivers. They always slow down at traffic, and they can't parallel park. They jaywalk.

TARYN

I got a perfect score on my permit test. So what? I can drive. What are you talking about?

DANIEL

I'm still not riding the car with you, ever.

TARYN

Okay

JACKSON

Later, Larson.

ALPHA 8

Goodbye, Jackson.

DANIEL

See you later, Mom.

ALPHA 8

Goodbye, Dan.

DANIEL

Dan? Seriously, get some coffee quick.

ALPHA 8

Lexi, what is this notification?

LEXI

Larson, today is the last day of your wellness week. This is a reminder to do something fun.

ALPHA 8

Something fun?

WILLIS

So, is it like, human?

DR. STEVENS

It definitely looks that way. I mean, the data from the vitals are within human range. But without Michael's data, I have no idea what's normal for Alpha 8.

WILLIS

Huh. You don't have his research?

DR. STEVENS

The computers were wiped clean. We have the tech team working on it. Until then, I'm gonna have to start over with my own tests.

WILLIS

Water helped us capture it the first time.

DR. STEVENS

Right. Maybe we can reverse engineer Get it back to its original form.

WILLIS

Do we have time for that?

DR. STEVENS

Well, bringing Michael back into the fold would make things easier.

WILLIS

That's a hard no. Commander's words, not mine.

DR. STEVENS

Be ready with the tranq. Alpha Eight. Alpha Eight, do you hear me?

LARSON

Oh. Oh? I, I am not Cold. Stop. I need Family.

DR. STEVENS

What are you doing?! I needed more time than that.

DANIEL

(SINGS)

I need to flip this back to work strictly. I so my teeth shut. I got the motion, I got ion kill some roaches. Everywhere I go, honey, wanna compete. I dunno how I'm standing, but I stand on my feet doing my thing. I gotta cuff the brain for Mr. Whip. I'm like, Hays. Game plan. You gotta do what? I be, be underground King. Go see when you there. There. Oh no seatbelt, bat hanging with the click.

DANIEL

Mom? Mom? Mom? Okay, uh, hot cheese and ketchup sandwich, here we go. Whoops, that exploded. Ah, hot, hot, hot. Still gooey perfection.

WOMAN ONE

(V.O.)

I have so many cookbooks.

ALPHA 8

Lexi, home.

LEXI

Navigating the route home. Proceed on the highlighted route. You will arrive at 5. 45pm. If

WOMAN ONE

(V.O.)

If mastered all of those recipes, Thank you. I would be mother of the year.

WOMAN TWO

(V.O.)

Oh, I know what you mean. There's nothing my kids love more than a home cooked meal.

WOMAN ONE

(V.O.)

Right, on grill plates and not take out containers. My kids would love me.

WOMAN TWO

(V.O.)

If I ever do take out, it's only healthy food. Mother of the year.

ALPHA 8

Coffee. I forgot the coffee.

DANIEL

(Singing)

Hey, baby girl, where's the money? Little shawty gon stick with the G's. with diamonds that really look better than me. Big hundred sacks full of money on my jeans. New Cadillac with the beat in the back. Shawty gon come home and order clean. I just know what she can do with that sack.

DANIEL

Oh, um, hi mom. I didn't hear you come in.I was just coming here to do it. I swear.

ALPHA 8

Do what?

DANIEL

Um, clean the microwave. And put the stuff back in the fridge.

ALPHA 8

Oh. It is no problem. I can take care of it.

DANIEL

What? Really?

ALPHA 8

Yes.

DANIEL

And you're not mad at me?

ALPHA 8

Everything is fine.

DANIEL

Okay, uh, anything in those shopping bags for me? Okay, well, I've got homework.

ALPHA 8

Good, yes. Homework is important.

DANIEL

Okay, I'm gonna go then. That was weird.

ALPHA 8

Cookbooks. Mother of the year! “Easy dinners for busy families”, “How to be a gourmet chef on a budget”, Balsamic vinegar. Brussel sprouts. A home-cooked dinner. My family will love me.

SAMANTHA

You take one down, pass it around, Seventy-seven bottles of beer on the wall, Seventy-six bottles of beer

WILLIS

Alright, alright, enough! Can you try and be a little helpful?

SAMANTHA

You take one down, pass it around, And then you let me call a lawyer, Seventy-five bottles of beer on the wall, Seventy-five bottles of beer

WILLIS

Samantha! Please, just cooperate, okay?

SAMANTHA

Why are you doing this, Willis? Come on, you know this is wrong. Keeping me here against my will for no reason, that's, that's gotta be an orange jumpsuit kind of crime.

WILLIS

I have my orders.

SAMANTHA

Oh, I have my orders. So you're just gonna go with whatever they tell you? Do you even know what's going on? You're on the wrong side of this discovery. Why don't you just let Michael and I go, and we can help find your asset.

WILLIS

You don't know, do you?

SAMANTHA

Know what?

DR. STEVENS

We recovered the asset about an hour ago.

SAMANTHA

Now you're calling it an asset?

DR. STEVENS

It's heavily sedated. I'm running tests, but things would move faster if I had your data.

RAMIREZ

Where are the videos and recordings Michael archived?

SAMANTHA

I don't know what you are talking about.

RAMIREZ

We know one of you wiped the computers.

SAMANTHA

How could I have done that? I've been trapped in here all day.

RAMIREZ

You want to go home? Tell me where the files are.

SAMANTHA

74 bottles of beer on the wall, 74 bottles of beer.

ALPHA 8

Kids, dinner is ready.

JACKSON

Whoa, look at this. Where did you order from?

ALPHA 8

I cooked.

DANIEL

You cooked?

JACKSON

No way.

ALPHA 8

Yes. Sit down. Taryn?

TARYN

I'm right here, geez. Oh, wow. Where is this from? Wait, did someone die? Cause they always bring amazing food when someone dies. Wait, is Dad okay?

JACKSON

Why would you even ask that? That's messed up.

DANIEL

Kinda dark, Taryn.

JACKSON

He's fine. Right, Larsen?

ALPHA 8

Michael is good. He is at work.

TARYN

So, spill the tea. Where'd you order from? Um, this is Amazing.

DANIEL

It's homemade.

JACKSON

That's what I said. She cooked.

TARYN

Interesting.

ALPHA 8

Yes. We cook for the ones we love. Eat. I will get beverages.

JACKSON

Oh my god. These are the best breakfast spots I've ever tasted.

DANIEL

You don't really buy this whole cooking thing, do you?

TARYN

The sink is filled with pots, so sure.

JACKSON

Otherwise we would be dealing with no dishes in the sink, Larson.

DANIEL

So you don't see anything weird here?

TARYN

I'll take weird Larson over regular Larson any day.

JACKSON

Hundred percent.

DANIEL

Seriously?

JACKSON

Wait, come on, dude. I didn't mean it like that, bro. She's just, uh, cool now.

DANIEL

Exactly! Wait, that's, that's not what I meant.

TARYN

Maybe she's on a self-improvement journey.

JACKSON

If that means getting to eat food like this every day, I am here for it.

TARYN

Or she could be going through a mid-life crisis.

DANIEL

It's a crisis, alright.

ALPHA 8

Here are your beverages. How is the home-cooked meal? Does it make you happy?

DANIEL

Um, yeah, it's uh, it's really delicious. You did a great job.

ALPHA 8

Oh, thank you, Dan.

DANIEL

Again with the Dan.

ALPHA 8

Back to school?

JACKSON

Nah, the basketball game's at another team's school.

ALPHA 8

Basketball. You should get ready.

JACKSON

Yeah, come on, Dan.

TARYN

Oh, nice guys. Just leave me to clean up your mess. Jerks.

JACKSON

Whatever.

TARYN

Larson, aren't you gonna get ready?

ALPHA 8

Ready?

TARYN

For the game? You know, family time? Yeah.

ALPHA 8

Okay, yes. Family is most important. Dishes can wait.

COACH

Alright team, bring it in. This is our one and only shot, guys. Our one and only shot to make the playoffs. We're down by ten. It's only halftime. There's time to catch up. Now, I know, I know I always tell you guys to just go out there and have fun. And that winning's not the most important thing.

JACKSON

Cause you're trying to make us feel better about losing.

COACH

Right, right. But not tonight. Tonight is all about winning. Whatever you have to do, you just go out there and win. By any means necessary. Alright? Winning is everything tonight.

ALPHA 8

Jackson must win.

DANIEL

I don't know. This team is just good.

TARYN

It will definitely take a miracle. A hundred percent.

ALPHA 8

Yes. A miracle.

DANIEL

Mom? Where are you going?

ALPHA 8

Do you want a treat?

DANIEL

Really? Yeah, chips if that's okay.

ANNOUNCER

Friends and family, we are back at it with the second half of this pre playoff game. Will the Bulldogs get their bite back? Or will the Tiger keep them at bay with their mighty roar? Who's going to the playoffs tonight?

TARYN

Where's Larson? They're about to start.

DANIEL

Probably just stuck in the snack line.

ANNOUNCER

And look at that team spirit! Love how pumped the crowd is. And just look at those moms high-fiving their players.

ALPHA 8

Good job

TARYN

Oh. My. God. What is Larson doing?

DANIEL

Where?

TARYN

She's literally high fiving the competition. You should get her before Jackson comes out.

DANIEL

I mean, the school colors are the same. It could happen to anyone.

ANNOUNCER

And here come the Bulldogs. We've barely seen the bark. Will they bring the bite? Will they take the lead in the high stakes game?

CROWD

Bulldogs! Bulldogs! Bulldogs! Let's go! Let's go

TARYN

Jackson's got the ball. Go, Jackson, go! Go, Jackson, go!

COACH

That's right! That's right. Keep it up. You're wearing them down, boys. Just keep it up.

ANNOUNCER

The Bulldogs score again! What a turnaround! The game is tied at 24 and 5 minutes left. It's anyone's game!

TARYN

Did you see that, Daniel? Jackson just scored!

DANIEL

Yeah. Go Jackson.

TARYN

Ooh! Steal! He stole the ball!

DANIEL

Because the other players just stopped dribbling and gave it to him.

TARYN

Who cares? My brother is killing it right now. Larson, did you see Jackson?

ALPHA 8

Yes! A miracle!

DANIEL

It's a miracle, alright. Tigers aren't even trying anymore.

ANNOUNCER

Is that whimpering I hear? We have three minutes left in the game, and the Bulldogs are running circles around the Tigers.

DANIEL

What happened to it's all about fun and how to play the game?

ALPHA 8

Winning is everything. Go Jackson!

DANIEL

What? Since when did winning become so important to you?

DANIEL

I'm not saying they don't deserve to win.

TARYN

Jackson's team just wore them out, just like the coach said.

DANIEL

It just looked like the Tigers weren't even trying. It was weird. You think Jackson saw Mom with the other players?

TARYN

Here they come, so shut up about it. You were so lit tonight.

DANIEL

Yeah, great game, Jackson.

ALPHA 8

What are you doing, Taryn?

TARYN

Oh, jeez, Larson, you scared me! Remember our knock-first rule?

ALPHA 8

I am sorry.

TARYN

Not funny.

ALPHA 8

What is that you are doing with your phone?

TARYN

A weekly tic chat dance challenge.

ALPHA 8

Tic chat dance challenge? Can I dance challenge?

TARYN

Seriously? You wanna do a dance?

ALPHA 8

Yes, I can do that.

TARYN

Okay, let me find one for two people.

ALPHA 8

Yes, dance for two.

TARYN

Okay, let's see. No, no way. Oh, here's an easy one. Um, but it's a mother-daughter dance.

ALPHA 8

I can do a mom and daughter dance.

TARYN

I guess it'll be okay this one time.

ALPHA 8

Perfect. Let us dance.

TARYN

Okay, go this way. Okay. Okay. This is fun. Okay, right foot. There you go. Get it, Larson!

JACKSON

Who knew your mom had dance moves?

DANIEL

It's not even half bad. Y you still think this is normal?

JACKSON

Nope. No, this is most definitely not normal. But totally funny.

DANIEL

What do you think is up with the whole Dan thing? It's so weird.

JACKSON

I'm just glad she's not on a jackkick.

DANIEL

And everything is a joke to you. Something might really be wrong with her.

JACKSON

Hey dude, sorry. Okay, chill.