Episode 15: "Ghost Protocol"
TEASER
INT. BAU TECH ROOM – NIGHT
Penelope Garcia is hunched over her monitors, eyes rimmed with exhaustion. Sylvester, the new cyber analyst, sets a mug of tea beside her.
SYLVESTER:
You've been at this for hours, Penelope.
GARCIA (smiling softly):
You're sweet, but the Broker's hackers don't sleep.
He sits beside her, their shoulders touching.
SYLVESTER:
Neither do I, apparently. But I'm not letting you burn out.
She grins, warmth flickering in her eyes.
ACT ONE
INT. BAU BRIEFING ROOM – MORNING
The team reviews intel from the foiled Chicago attacks.
PRENTISS:
The Broker's next phase is called "Ghost Protocol."
GARCIA:
It's a digital erasure program—targeting law enforcement, journalists, anyone in our way.
ROSSI:
They're going to wipe people's identities?
SYLVESTER:
Not just digital. They're using deepfakes, forged warrants, even fake death certificates.
JJ:
Anyone could vanish overnight.
BENSON:
We need to find the source code and shut it down.
Garcia and Sylvester exchange a look—a mixture of fear and determination.
ACT TWO
INT. BAU TECH ROOM – DAY
Garcia and Sylvester work side by side, tracing the Ghost Protocol's architecture.
SYLVESTER:
You're brilliant, you know that?
GARCIA (blushing):
Flattery will get you everywhere, Syl.
He leans in, lowering his voice.
SYLVESTER:
I mean it. I've never met anyone who makes code… beautiful.
She laughs, then catches his gaze lingering.
GARCIA:
Careful. I might start believing you.
Their hands brush as they reach for the same keyboard.
SYLVESTER:
Maybe you should.
A beat—then Garcia's screen flashes.
GARCIA:
I found a backdoor.
SYLVESTER:
Let's crack it—together.
ACT THREE
INT. SAFE HOUSE – AFTERNOON
Maeve leads survivors in a support session, but the mood is tense.
MAEVE:
The network wants us scared and isolated. We're stronger together.
Lisa, the young survivor, nods.
LISA:
If they try to erase me, will you remember who I am?
MAEVE:
Always.
Meanwhile, Morgan checks in with Garcia by phone.
MORGAN:
You holding up, baby girl?
GARCIA (smiling at Sylvester):
I've got backup.
MORGAN:
He better treat you right.
SYLVESTER (overhearing, joking):
I'm trying, Morgan.
Garcia laughs, her cheeks pink.
ACT FOUR
INT. BAU TECH ROOM – NIGHT
Garcia and Sylvester break through the Ghost Protocol's firewall.
SYLVESTER:
We're in.
GARCIA:
But there's a kill switch. If we trip it, the Broker erases everything—including us.
SYLVESTER:
We'll bypass it. Trust me.
They work in perfect sync, finishing each other's code.
GARCIA:
How do you stay so calm?
SYLVESTER:
I'm not. But I trust you.
Garcia's hand trembles as she types the final command. Sylvester covers her hand with his.
SYLVESTER (softly):
We got this.
The screen flashes: "GHOST PROTOCOL DISABLED."
They breathe in relief, then realize they're still holding hands.
GARCIA (whisper):
Thank you, Sylvester.
He squeezes gently.
SYLVESTER:
Anytime.
ACT FIVE
INT. BAU BRIEFING ROOM – NIGHT
The team celebrates the victory, but knows the war isn't over.
PRENTISS:
We stopped Ghost Protocol, but the Broker is still out there.
ROSSI:
We'll be ready.
Garcia and Sylvester linger by the doorway.
SYLVESTER:
Dinner?
GARCIA (beaming):
I'd love that.
He offers his arm; she takes it, her usual sparkle brighter than ever.
TAG
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Garcia and Sylvester walk together under city lights, laughing and sharing stories.
SYLVESTER:
You know, I used to think love was just a glitch in the system.
GARCIA:
And now?
He stops, looking into her eyes.
SYLVESTER:
Now I think it's the code that keeps us running.
Garcia smiles, leaning in as they walk on, hand in hand.
END OF EPISODE 15