Episode 20: "A New Dawn" (D.O.N)
TEASER
INT. CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ROOM – DAY
A hush falls over the chamber. Maeve Donovan stands at the witness table, flanked by survivors and advocates. Cameras flash, lawmakers lean forward.
MAEVE (firm, clear):
They tried to erase us. They tried to make us feel invisible, but we are here—unbroken, and determined to be heard.
The survivors behind her nod, some with tears in their eyes. The gallery, including the BAU team, watches with pride and hope.
ACT ONE
INT. SAFE HOUSE – DAY
Lisa, now more confident, leads a group of survivors in a support circle. Maeve sits beside her, offering encouragement.
LISA (smiling):
I never thought I'd feel safe again.
MAEVE:
You are safe. And your story matters.
LISA:
Thank you for believing I could have a future.
Reid stands in the doorway, quietly moved. He exchanges a look with Maeve, full of gratitude and admiration.
INT. BAU BULLPEN – DAY
The team returns from the hearing, spirits high. Garcia is at her desk, Sylvester beside her, both glowing with post-victory energy.
MORGAN (grinning):
Look at you two—like tech royalty.
ROSSI (teasing):
Rumor has it there's more than code being written in that office.
JJ (smiling):
You two are basically inseparable now.
Garcia blushes, glancing at Sylvester. He just grins, unbothered.
GARCIA:
We're just…a really good team.
SYLVESTER:
The best team.
PRENTISS (playful):
So, when's the wedding?
The bullpen erupts in laughter. Garcia waves her hands, flustered but laughing.
GARCIA:
Whoa, slow down! Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
ACT TWO
INT. BAU BREAK ROOM – LATER
Garcia pours coffee. JJ enters, giving her a knowing look.
JJ:
You know, it's not just office gossip. You and Sylvester have something special.
GARCIA (softly):
I know. It's just…after everything with Kevin, and everything we've all been through, it's scary to think about forever.
JJ:
That's what makes it real. You're allowed to be scared, Penelope. But you're also allowed to be happy.
GARCIA (smiling):
Thank you. I needed to hear that.
INT. BAU TECH ROOM – LATER
Sylvester is at his desk, coding. Morgan leans against the doorframe.
MORGAN:
You got it bad, man.
SYLVESTER:
Is it that obvious?
MORGAN (laughing):
To everyone but Garcia, maybe. You thinking about making it official?
SYLVESTER (nervous):
I want to. But only if she's ready. She's been through a lot.
MORGAN:
Just be honest. That's all she needs.
Sylvester nods, thoughtful.
ACT THREE
INT. BAU BULLPEN – EVENING
The team is wrapping up for the day. Garcia and Sylvester pack up their things.
SYLVESTER (quietly):
Want to grab dinner? Just us?
GARCIA:
I'd love that.
As they leave together, Rossi winks at Prentiss.
ROSSI:
Give it a week. I bet he proposes.
PRENTISS:
I think she'd say yes—eventually.
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Garcia and Sylvester walk together under the city lights.
GARCIA:
Did you ever imagine this? Us, here, after everything?
SYLVESTER:
Not in a million years. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.
They stop at a small park, sitting on a bench. Garcia looks up at the stars.
GARCIA:
Sometimes I feel like happiness is just…waiting for the other shoe to drop.
SYLVESTER:
I know that feeling. But maybe, just this once, it's real.
He takes her hand. She squeezes back, comforted.
ACT FOUR
INT. BAU TECH ROOM – NEXT DAY
Garcia and Sylvester are working late. The office is quiet, most of the team gone.
GARCIA:
Do you ever think about the future?
SYLVESTER:
All the time. Especially with you.
She looks at him, surprised.
GARCIA:
What if I'm not ready for…big things? Like marriage? I wasn't before.
SYLVESTER:
Then we take our time. I'm not going anywhere.
He smiles, reassuring. She relaxes, her fears eased.
GARCIA:
You're good for me, Sylvester.
SYLVESTER:
You're everything for me, Penelope.
INT. BAU BULLPEN – NIGHT
The team gathers for a small celebration—takeout, laughter, and toasts.
ROSSI (raising a glass):
To new beginnings.
PRENTISS:
To family, by blood or by choice.
BENSON:
And to hope—may it always outlast the darkness.
The team cheers. Garcia and Sylvester share a private smile, the world fading away for a moment.
ACT FIVE
INT. BAU TECH ROOM – LATER THAT NIGHT
Garcia and Sylvester finish up the last of their work. The bullpen is empty, the city lights glowing through the windows.
SYLVESTER:
There's something I've been wanting to say.
He stands, nervous but resolute.
SYLVESTER (CONT'D):
Penelope, you've changed my life. You've shown me what it means to really care, to really love. I don't want to just be your partner at work. I want to be your partner in everything.
He kneels, pulling out a small ring box.
SYLVESTER (softly):
Will you marry me?
Garcia's breath catches. She looks at him, at the ring, at her own trembling hands.
GARCIA:
Sylvester… I didn't expect this. I care about you so much. More than I can say.
She glances away, gathering her thoughts, then meets his eyes.
GARCIA (CONT'D):
I wasn't ready before. I'm not sure I'm ready now—not yet. But I want to keep building this with you. Can we… take our time?
Sylvester's eyes shine with understanding.
SYLVESTER:
Of course. I want you—however and whenever you're ready.
She hugs him tightly, the ring glinting between them. The bullpen is silent, but a few late-working teammates appear, witnessing the moment.
MORGAN (from the doorway, smiling):
Take all the time you need, baby girl.
The team gathers, offering hugs and congratulations.
EPILOGUE
EXT. CITY SKYLINE – DAWN
The sun rises over the city, golden and new. The team stands together, silhouetted against the light—united, hopeful, and ready for whatever comes next.
BENSON (voiceover):
Justice is a journey, not a destination.
REID (voiceover):
And as long as we stand together, hope will never fade.
The camera lingers on Garcia and Sylvester, arms around each other, as the dawn breaks.
FADE OUT.
END OF EPISODE 20
END OF VOLUME ONE