Taskforce: Shadows United
Episode 7: "Lines in the Sand"
TEASER
INT. TASKFORCE COMMAND CENTER – NIGHT
The room is dimly lit, filled with the hum of computers and soft murmurs of agents working late. Olivia Benson stands near the case board, tracing the pattern of recent cult-related attacks. Her hand instinctively moves to her belly, where the baby kicks softly.
William Lewis sits nearby, watching her with a mixture of curiosity and something unreadable.
LEWIS:
"You're pushing yourself, Olivia. You know that, don't you?"
She doesn't look at him.
OLIVIA:
"There's no time to slow down. Not with what's coming."
Lewis leans forward, voice low.
LEWIS:
"Sometimes the line between strength and stubbornness is thinner than you think."
Olivia's eyes meet his, steady and unyielding.
OLIVIA:
"I'm not crossing any lines. I'm protecting what matters."
ACT 1: A FRAGILE TRUST
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY
Olivia sits across from Lewis, who's handcuffed but calm. The tension between them is palpable.
OLIVIA:
"We need to understand the cult's next move. You've studied their rituals, their psychology. What are they after?"
Lewis smirks.
LEWIS:
"Power, control… and a message. They want to rewrite the rules. To make you question everything."
Olivia leans in.
OLIVIA:
"I don't have time for games."
Lewis's eyes flicker with something like respect.
LEWIS:
"Neither do I. But sometimes, the game is all we have."
INT. TASKFORCE BRIEFING ROOM – LATER
Olivia shares Lewis's insights with the team. Sylvester and Penelope listen intently.
SYLVESTER:
"If they want to rewrite the rules, what's stopping them?"
PENELOPE:
"We are. And we have the best minds on this."
Olivia smiles faintly, grateful for their support.
ACT 2: PREGNANCY PROGRESS & TEAM DYNAMICS
INT. SVU SQUAD ROOM – DAY
Olivia sits at her desk, rubbing her belly. Penelope approaches, carrying a box of herbal teas.
PENELOPE:
"Thought you might like something calming."
Olivia accepts the tea, her smile warm but tired.
OLIVIA:
"Thanks, Pen. It's getting harder to focus."
Sylvester joins, holding a prenatal exercise guide.
SYLVESTER:
"I found some stretches that might help with the back pain."
Olivia laughs softly.
OLIVIA:
"You're full of surprises."
INT. BREAK ROOM – DAY
Penelope and Sylvester share a quiet moment, sipping coffee.
PENELOPE:
"You ever think about what comes next? After all this?"
Sylvester shrugs.
SYLVESTER:
"I'm starting to. Especially with Olivia's baby coming."
Penelope smiles, her eyes bright.
PENELOPE:
"Me too. I want to be there when it happens."
ACT 3: LEWIS'S INSIGHT
INT. TASKFORCE WAR ROOM – NIGHT
Lewis studies a map of recent cult activity. Olivia stands beside him, watching.
LEWIS:
"They're planning something big. Something that will shake the city."
OLIVIA:
"Where?"
Lewis points to an old church on the outskirts of town.
LEWIS:
"There. It's their sanctuary. Their altar."
Olivia nods, determination hardening her features.
INT. TECH BAY – NIGHT
Penelope and Sylvester analyze satellite images of the church.
GARCIA:
"This place is a fortress. But there's a hidden basement."
SYLVESTER:
"Perfect for what they're planning."
They exchange a look, the stakes clear.
ACT 4: THE RAID
EXT. OLD CHURCH – NIGHT
The taskforce assembles outside the church. Olivia, heavily pregnant but resolute, leads the briefing.
OLIVIA:
"We go in fast and quiet. No mistakes."
Lewis watches from a secure observation room, his expression unreadable.
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT – NIGHT
The team breaches the basement, finding cult members preparing ritualistic materials. A tense standoff ensues.
Lewis's voice crackles over comms.
LEWIS:
"They're desperate. Expect traps."
Penelope hacks the security system, disabling alarms.
Sylvester guides Olivia and the team through the maze-like basement.
ACT 5: CONFRONTATION AND REVELATION
INT. CHURCH ALTAR ROOM – NIGHT
Olivia confronts the cult leader, a charismatic but dangerous figure.
CULT LEADER:
"You think you can stop the inevitable?"
Olivia stands firm.
OLIVIA:
"We stop it because we have to. For the innocent."
The leader lunges, but Olivia's team intervenes just in time.
INT. SAFE ROOM – NIGHT
After the raid, Olivia leans against a wall, breathing heavily. Penelope and Sylvester rush to her side.
PENELOPE:
"You okay?"
Olivia smiles, exhausted but triumphant.
OLIVIA:
"Yeah. Thanks to you."
Sylvester looks at Penelope, then Olivia.
SYLVESTER:
"We're in this together."
ACT 6: REFLECTION AND HOPE
INT. OLIVIA'S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Olivia sits by the window, the city lights twinkling. She texts Penelope and Sylvester:
"One step closer. Thanks for being my family."
Penelope replies with heart emojis; Sylvester sends a quote:
"Strength grows in the moments when you think you can't go on but you keep going anyway."
Olivia smiles, her hand on her belly.
EPILOGUE
INT. TASKFORCE COMMAND CENTER – NEXT DAY
Lewis watches the team from his cell via video link. Olivia's voice comes through the speaker.
OLIVIA:
"We're not done yet. But we're ready."
Lewis nods, a faint smile.
End of Episode 7