Sanctuary (2008–2011): Season 1, Episode 6 - Nubbins - full transcript
The sanctuary team respond to a call for help from a cargo ship and arrive by helicopter only to find that everyone on board has died a violent death. There are several now empty animal cages in the cargo hold but a few are occupied - by creatures they have never before seen. Two of the creatures are cute little things that Ashley calls nubbins. They soon reproduce a litter of 14 little ones and in general, the nubbins have an interesting effect on those around them. When they escape from their cages, they have a major problem on their hands. Dr. Magnus meanwhile that she has been asked in a will to perform an autopsy on Maurice MacRae who was convinced he was an abnormal. His granddaughter Sophie stays at the sanctuary until the autopsy is finalized but senses something strange about the the place. This proves essential to bringing the nubbins under control.
Sanctuary One
to Lophelia, do you copy?
Still no answer, mom.
Take us down.
You see anybody?
Let's hope they're below.
What did the message
say exactly?
Just that Eric was bringing back
something we'd never seen before,
and we were to meet him
in the harbor.
Only they never made it to the dock.
It's Eric.
Yeah.
Make sure Will is covered.
Come on.
Ugh.
Six dead.
They weren't just killed,
they were half devoured.
Whatever it was,
it was powerful.
Whatever specimens
were in these are long gone.
Makes you wonder
what was in these cages.
You think they could've
broken their way out?
Looks more like something
clawed or chewed its way in.
Mom, come check this out.
- Tranquilizer rounds only.
- Are you sure?
Eric paid with his life
to bring this creature back.
- We owe it to him to preserve it.
- We owe it to him to kill it.
Now I know why Eric was so excited
about these creatures.
Their hyper camouflage
makes them all but invisible.
Plus the fact that it's present
in both the predator
and the smaller abnormal.
The Nubbins.
You going to make me ask?
Ashley's name for them.
Scientific name Nubina Atelerix,
according to Eric's log.
Do we know what triggers
this camouflage?
It seems to be a function
of both fear and aggression.
That makes sense.
Hide to avoid being stalked,
and as an aid to the hunt.
So obviously
it was the predator
who was responsible
for killing Eric and his crew.
Actually, track wounds
of each of the victims
show biological evidence
of both species.
Come on, there's no way
those adorable little things
could have attacked anybody.
I'm not saying that they did.
So how could they have left trace
on the bodies?
I'm theorizing that some
of the Nubbins might have escaped
and survived by feeding
on the dead crew members,
hence the mingling of the DNA.
Well, that's creepy.
What's creepy
is that a bunch of them
were eaten
by that nasty-ass monster.
All but our two little survivors,
probably on their way
to becoming the carnivore's
next meal.
I'm going to go see
how they're doing.
You okay?
Eric was one of the world's
great hunters of abnormals.
He called them
"Evolution's experiments. "
Am I reading
a personal relationship?
I don't want to see
his sacrifice go to waste.
Henry...
Have you had a chance
to check out my Nubbins?
Oh, you mean the...
No, but I would like to.
Hey...
Oh, guys, come on,
there's nothing to be afraid of.
Oh, man, I think I'm allergic.
Well, you better get used to them.
They're the coolest thing
we ever brought back.
Hey...
Huh, well, I got to admit,
your Nubbins are pretty amazing.
Don't you just
want to squeeze them?
Hey...
You find anything out
about our predator?
I'm still running the DNA.
It'll take a few days before
we can complete the analysis.
So what's going on?
We have a rather odd situation
on our hands.
Isn't "rather odd"
sort of your stock in trade?
A gentleman by the name
of Maurice Macrae,
recently deceased,
stipulated in his will
that I perform the autopsy
on his remains.
Why?
He spent the last years of his life
in a psychiatric institution,
convinced he was an abnormal.
And how did he know about you?
That's a question I have,
as well.
Well, I guess
it's too late to ask him.
True, but his granddaughter, Sophie,
has accompanied his body.
I was hoping you could talk to her,
put her at ease,
while I examine
her grandfather.
What does she know
about the Sanctuary?
Only the rumors
that her grandfather passed along.
Everyone was convinced that he was
a few cups shy of a tea service.
Everyone but Sophie.
So you're going to go through
with the postmortem?
Of course.
If his claims
are unfounded, well...
There's no harm in fulfilling
the man's final request.
Hi.
You must be Sophie.
I'm Dr. Zimmerman.
Will.
You work with Dr. Magnus?
I do.
- My condolences.
- Thank you, Doctor.
Do you mind if I ask you
a couple questions?
I already know
what you're going to say,
that my grandfather
was an eccentric old man.
Actually, no, I don't know
anything about him.
Sorry.
It's just, all the doctors said
he was suffering
from advanced dementia,
and my parents, all my relatives
think he was crazy.
But you didn't.
He just felt so strongly.
I loved him very much.
How did he come to this...
Decision?
Well, he always talked
about a private research facility.
He called it "The Sanctuary,"
a place where
what he called "abnormals"
were given refuge.
Of course, no one
took him seriously.
Is that what goes on here?
Well, we are
a private research facility.
Research into what, exactly?
A range of things.
A "range. "
Why don't you tell me
more about your grandfather?
My grandfather could see things
that other people didn't,
that other people couldn't.
When we spent time together,
it was...
...it was like the world
would open up.
Sounds like an inspiring man.
I mean, he showed me
what people were thinking,
what they were feeling.
So he actually imparted
these thoughts or sensations?
Eh, you're humoring me.
No, I'm not.
I'm just asking questions.
It's fine. I'm used to it.
Dr. Zimmerman, look, I'm sorry,
if you're going to be so evasive,
I really don't see any reason
to tell you more than I have.
Okay.
Dr. Magnus has made arrangements
for you to stay here,
as long as you're comfortable
with that,
until the autopsy results come in.
Thank you.
You have something
against sleep, don't you?
Just doing some reading.
There's a recurring legend amongst
equatorial rainforest cultures
about Nubbins.
Nubbins? I thought
Ashley made that name up.
She did. They're most often
called "Amoratas. "
Apparently the species
is highly prized
as harbingers of fertility
and a bountiful harvest.
In some societies,
they were a common wedding gift,
to promote connubial bliss.
Before the age of self-help books.
When they vanish, it's considered
a portent of discord.
How did the, uh...
...the autopsy go
on Sophie's grandfather?
Sorry?
Um...
The autopsy?
Oh.
There was a significant anomaly
to the frontal lobe.
I'll need to do more tests
to determine if it's a tumor or...
...something else.
So it's...
It's possible that he's an abnormal?
Too early to tell, really.
I'm, uh...
I'm going to go to bed.
Sweet dreams.
Don't forget to put out the fire.
I never do.
Alright. Okay.
Are the Nubbins okay?
Henry said the female kept
going in and out of camo mode,
and then swelled up
like a blimp.
She gave birth just after dawn.
They're all fine, all 14 of them.
It took them only minutes
to adapt their camouflage.
The juveniles are putting
on weight so fast
I'm projecting they'll reach
maturation within a day.
That rate of metabolic growth
is scary.
We should find a way
to discourage their mating.
Not yet. I want to document
a full reproductive cycle first.
I'm keeping this one as a pet,
just so you know.
You know, in the throes
of a breeding cycle,
they may not be as docile
as they look.
Oh, come on, I can handle
a baby Nubbin, mom.
Right, wittle guy?
You're so cute.
What about the predator?
He showed marked signs of agitation
throughout the night.
Only came out of camouflage
for all but a few moments.
I don't think he likes the Nubbins.
- But you can't say for sure?
- No, not yet.
But I can say that I've never seen
brain structures
quite like your grandfather's.
Sophie, the blood I took from you
as a control sample, I should tell you,
I found similar biochemical
anomalies to your grandfather's.
Oh, my god.
It would be premature
to read anything into it.
Yeah, but if he was an abnormal-
In 24 hours,
all this will be much clearer.
Okay, well, look, since I've gotten
here, no one has told me squat
about what this place actually does,
and now you're telling me I'm
some kind of freak of nature, too?
You guys are hiding something
from me, both of you!
Why should I believe
a single thing you tell me?
Sophie, we find ourselves
in a very rare situation.
I'm about to do something that
I normally wouldn't even consider.
I don't understand.
What?
You will shortly.
Will, would you be so kind
as to show our guest around?
Uh...
Yeah, sure.
Watch yourself there, big guy.
You don't want to get between
them and their breakfast.
You could lose a hairy digit.
I've never seen an animal
with such a...
...big appetite.
It's not just food.
They're not pairing up
for square-dancing.
Oh, man.
Maybe you shouldn't be
exposing yourself unnecessarily.
Yeah, the allergy pills
aren't working.
I just hope these little dudes
aren't permanent guests.
You look as queasy as I did
when I first walked this floor.
Actually, you're taking it
better than I did.
I sensed all of this
before I got here.
I mean, not the specifics, but...
Even though
your granddad was gone.
Maybe...
...he passed on his gift.
Or maybe the feelings that you
always saw as coming from him
were coming from you.
Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa...
You okay?
Yeah, just lightheaded is all.
I tend to get these dizzy spells.
- Why don't you sit down?
- I'm alright.
You might be having
a mild panic attack or something.
I just get like this.
Well, we'll be sure to have
Dr. Magnus check it out.
What is it?
The new creatures...
They're upset.
I know it may be hard to believe,
but those aren't tricks of the eye.
Those are flesh
and blood creatures.
Of course they are.
It's okay.
Wow...
They seem to be drawn to you.
Whoa.
You okay? Is it coming back?
I think I should lie down for a while.
Okay.
Uh, come in.
- Hey...
- Hey.
The Nubbins came out
of camo mode,
and we did a head count,
and one of them was missing.
Yeah, I just couldn't stop myself.
What time is it?
- Uh, it's almost 2:00.
- Weird.
I must have fallen asleep
or something.
Whoa.
Hey! That is not very nice.
Will is a friend. Co-worker...
Slash... Friend. That's all.
Maybe you should, uh...
Maybe you should put him back,
- just to be on the safe side.
- Okay, little buddy, let's go.
- Oh! Oh, man!
- Oh, I'm so sorry.
Get back in here...
- Aw...
- Oh, let me, uh.
Let me get that for you.
Uh...
This, uh... Here.
Just... Toss it in here.
Let me, um...
Uh, do that.
Uh, y-you wouldn't have a...
A man's shirt lying around,
would you?
Medium, right?
- Yeah. Yeah.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
Have you been feeling, um...
- I don't know, uh, odd?
- How do you mean?
Well, I'm not sure,
but ever since we got back
from the ship, I've felt, uh...
- Woozy?
- Is that how you're feeling?
Uh... Yeah, kinda.
I think sometimes I can...
Be a little stand-offish.
I mean, I know I can be snippy.
No. No, not at all.
I don't want you to think
that I'm, um...
unappreciative,
or unapproachable.
I've been accused
of that by guys.
Yeah, me too.
Not by guys, but...
you know what I mean.
Are you okay?
Yeah, it's just these new contacts.
I'm just getting used to them.
I really like you.
- Really?
- Without glasses.
Yeah?
- Will?
- Yeah?
Where's my Nubbin?
Uh... Oh no.
At first I thought they
were just camouflaging,
but I swept the entire cell
feeling for them.
Don't tell me
they've escaped?
Something gnawed through
the ventilation grate from the outside.
Mayday.
I'm going to err
on the side of caution.
I want the building sealed.
Nobody goes in or out.
Threat level "holy crap. " Check.
These creatures
escape the Sanctuary,
and we'll have much more than a
pest control problem on our hands.
Can we not turn this
into a planetary crisis just yet?
- They're 14 little furballs.
- Invisible furballs.
We'll round them up, okay?
If they reach sexual maturity
as fast as they've reached full size...
Well, do the math.
But they haven't overrun
their native habitat, right?
Camouflaged or not,
they wouldn't be much of a secret,
and that's the one saving grace.
Something must
control their numbers.
What about the predator
Eric brought back?
That's one of a number
of theories I'm working on.
Though their shared trait
of camouflage
doesn't necessarily define
their relationship on the food chain.
Well, we could
try to draw them out,
if we could just figure out
what they crave.
You know,
besides other Nubbins.
Well, we know they're
hungry little suckers.
I'll make sure our food stores
are protected.
Too late for that.
They've already wiped out
the pantry and the walk-in.
What, there's nothing left?
Right, we go floor by floor.
Snares, tranquilizer,
whatever it takes.
Ow.
Okay.
Hey, little guy, it's okay.
Here you go. That's gouda.
Yeah, nobody's
going to hurt you, little fella.
Nobody's gonna...
I lied! I'm going to hurt you!
Oh... Ow...
Your mother was a sewer rat!
I'm going to schedule
a full rabies series,
unless we can confirm its absence
in every Nubbin out there.
Isn't that, like, super painful?
- I'm not going to lie to you, Henry.
- No, it's okay, please.
Lie to me.
Those poor things
must've been pushed to the limits.
Hey, listen, I know you're all about
saving the whales and everything,
but these guys just happen to be
a pack of vicious, over-sexed,
hyperthyroid, invisi-rodents.
Stop demonising them.
They were just afraid!
Ashley, we have no history
with this species.
We cannot take
this attack lightly.
Now, how many have we
re-captured so far?
- Three, or so.
- Three?
- Almost four.
- Out of 14?
Actually,
I'd go up about five... times.
What did you see?
I'm not sure "see" is the right word,
but by the way they rippled,
I'd say we're looking
at several litters of newborns,
but, hey, they won't be doing
the horizontal tango for, like, hours.
We need to corral them all
as quickly as possible.
Henry, I'm taking you
off the front lines.
I want you working
on a more technological solution.
I'm good with that.
Tell me you're not talking
about exterminating them.
I'd like nothing more
than to see them all safely
back in their cell unharmed.
- Yeah, but-
- We wouldn't even be having
this discussion
had you shown better judgment.
Come in.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Could you give us a moment?
- Yeah, sure.
Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Dr. Magnus...
Hello, Sophie.
Will said you might be able
to help me.
Please, have a seat.
He told you about the headaches,
and the spins and all that?
If it's alright with you, I'd like
to conduct a few simple tests.
Simple, like brain scans?
Probably prudent
under the circumstances.
I know you have more
important things to deal with.
You're in the middle of a crisis.
Actually, by Sanctuary standards,
this is just another day at the office.
What did my grandfather die of?
A brain aneurysm.
Oh. And you said that we have
similar anomalies.
Let's just see what's happens
before we anticipate, alright?
Okay.
It's going to be okay, Sophie.
Okay, here's my idea.
We capture a male Nubbin,
use it as bait
and wait for the females to swarm.
Or we use a female as bait
and watch the males swarm.
Well, want as many
of the child-bearers
back in captivity as possible.
As if the girls
are going to go all weak-kneed
over the right Nubbin.
I'm sorry, the "right Nubbin"?
You know, smart, handsome,
good sense of humor, go-getter,
dedicated to the same things
you are,
loves long walks on the beach...
Are you okay?
Yeah. Yeah, I-I'm fine.
Johnny nub in the crosshairs.
There's nothing that threatens
your health. You're fine, Sophie.
But you did find something.
It's completely benign,
similar to what we found
in your grandfather's brain,
a tissue structure that bridges
your frontal lobes.
- Like a tumor!
- No, no, nothing like that.
There's a nerve bundle that links
this unusual organ to the thalamus.
I think it may be used
in pre-verbal communication.
Oh, this is unbelievable.
I suspect it's some sort
of empathic ability.
In my world,
it's a genetic expression
that may well preview
an evolutionary advance.
I just always
attributed it to Maurice.
It only ever happened
when I was with him.
He wanted to bring out
your gifts, no doubt.
That's what the will was about.
This condition that I have,
assuming that you're right, what...
What does that mean I can do?
Well, that's for you to explore.
With our help, if you'll trust us.
Ha!
Maybe this isn't going to be
as tough as we thought.
Huh...
I'm not so sure about that.
Well, I'm telling you, we have
a Nubbins explosion on our hands.
I think I've found something
that may well explain
their popularity
as a wedding gift.
Wait, don't tell me.
They can be returned?
Actually, they have scent glands
that emit powerful pheromones.
Huh.
Well, that explains their
overactive mating instinct.
In fact, it may well extend
beyond their own species.
You're not saying
that they're affecting us?
Haven't you noticed it?
Are you asking me
if I've been feeling... randy?
I've made you uncomfortable.
No, as a matter of fact, you've, uh...
You've aroused my curiosity.
Oh. Well...
Turnabout is fair play.
Awkward.
Poor thing.
- What the hey?
- What's going on?
We've got problems.
You mean beyond the fact
these things are spilling out
like popcorn at a matinee?
Our systems are degrading.
We got surges, reboots...
Must be the step-down
transformer.
Whoa!
Well, clearly that wasn't good.
Alright, is it me, or does it smell
like fried Nubbin?
Dude, I haven't been able to smell
anything since they got here.
Oh, man...
We have Nubbins in four out
of five infrastructure systems-
Computer, cooling,
electrical, air purification.
They're not in the water. Yet.
I don't think it was an accident they
brought down the computer system.
Come on, they're smart,
but they're not that smart.
I don't know.
A couple get sacrificed
to bring down the entire server?
Air vents clogged?
Drones sent out to protect
the survival of the hive.
- Yeah.
These aren't bees.
They just reproduce as fast.
Hive mentality means tradeoffs
between individual survival
and that of the group.
We've seen it
in orders higher than insects.
Yeah, like every time
soldiers go into battle.
So, what does that tell us
about what they'll do?
Everything they can to ensure
inter-species domination.
You know, this catching them one
at a time is not working.
The more I watch our predator,
the more I'm beginning to think
that it is what controls the Nubbins
in their native habitat.
You're not talking about
turning that killer loose?
Not loose, Ashley.
We can implant it with a device
so we could track it and control it.
The vast majority of the Nubbins
would be stampeded into the open,
and we could herd them to safety.
It's just not fair.
I mean, Nubbins are only doing
what their instincts tell them.
All we'd be doing is replicating
the predator-prey dynamic
that already exists.
Of course. Yeah, like
the lions and the Christians.
We have them contained
right now, but if they get out
and this expands
beyond the Sanctuary,
we could be ground Zero
for a plague of furry locusts.
We have to act, and quickly.
Tracking device is active.
It's alright, Henry.
He's quite sedated.
Mm-hmm.
Would you rather I do it?
No. It's- it's okay, I just...
Much better with computer bytes
than animal bites.
- There.
- Huh? Huh? See?
What did I tell you? Easy peasy.
Sophie?
Hey...
Just wanted to see
how you were feeling.
Did Dr. Magnus tell you?
I... Told her it was okay
if she did.
Yeah. Yeah, she did.
She, uh...
Gave me this bio-feedback device
to use
so I know when these supposed
powers are working, and...
I guess you're pretty used
to dealing with freaks, huh?
That's not how I see you.
I guess I'm just feeling
sorry for myself.
Well, I'm sorry
that you're stuck here
in the middle
of a level-three bio-hazard.
The beast...
The one the Nubbins are afraid of.
It's waking up.
How did you know that?
I don't know, I just...
I- Uh, I don't know.
Listen, Sophie...
These feelings that you're having,
the connections with the creatures,
you should trust them.
It's a...
It's a very special thing.
Well, I wouldn't wish it on anybody.
I don't feel special. I...
I feel like I should be
in a sideshow.
This sense,
it doesn't happen to tell you
where the Nubbins are, does it?
No.
But...
I can... feel their hearts racing.
Their fear...
Their desire.
Nature abhors a vacuum.
That's because she's never
seen mine.
Okay...
Easy there, little Nubbin...
A- ha!
I've got suction,
and I'm not afraid to use it.
Releasing the predator...
Wow. Look at him go.
Team one, predator
moving from utility five,
herding Nubbins
toward residential corridor.
- Shut down air vents.
Copy that.
Predator three, Nubbins Zero.
Hey, where's he gone?
I'm not seeing him.
Track the device.
Level five, north corridor.
He's moving fast!
Checking level five, north corridor,
primary and secondary cameras.
Nothing on the primary corridor.
- Negative on "B" and "C".
- Whoa.
Nubbins on the move.
Oh, wait a second.
Predator's stopped.
- A dead stop.
- Where?
Just outside the library.
We're losing power
on the main grid.
Go to auxiliary.
And we have lost auxiliary.
Okay, women and geeks first.
Oh, no, wait, that's all of us.
See what you can do, Henry.
Will, let's go.
Okay.
They're tranquilizer rounds.
One shot won't do it.
Looks like our predator
just became prey.
Why do I have the feeling
that we're next?
Well, I guess we can
skip the midnight feeding.
So we were wrong
about our predator
keeping the Nubbins in check
in the rainforest?
Well, not necessarily.
I mean, sometimes
predator becomes prey.
Hyenas, for example,
have been known to kill lions.
Apparently we underestimated
the Nubbins' strength in numbers.
Can you imagine what ten times
the number of Nubbins will do?
Or a hundred times?
If they can rip a creature
the size and strength
of the predator to shreds,
I have no doubt
they'd give us no quarter.
We may have just sealed ourselves
in with our executioners.
Their hive behavior
isn't just intelligent, it's strategic.
Sooner or later,
they're going to find a way out.
And they're reproducing faster than
we can capture or eradicate them.
Doesn't anybody have
some good news?
I've got wood.
You know- For the fire.
Hey...
When we were aboard the Lophelia,
do you remember the hold
- where we found the Nubbins?
- The refrigerated dry hold.
Yeah.
Although it was either
turned off or malfunctioning.
Cryogenic transport is fairly common
for a bioresearch vessel.
Yeah, but the thing is, is...
The setting on the control panel...
It was for 50 degrees, which is cold,
but well above freezing.
So maybe it was their intention
to slow their metabolism,
moderate their growth
and mating cycles.
Ashley, you and Henry round up as
many fire extinguishers as you can.
On it.
Still, even if we
are right about the cold,
unless we can drive them
into the open,
I don't see how that by itself
will do the trick.
You are right about the cold, Will.
They don't like it.
Can you tell what
they're feeling now?
Crowded...
Afraid...
Threatened...
They're sending warnings.
They're sounding an alarm?
What are you thinking?
That we try and mimic the frequency
of their distress call.
If we're successful, we could
strategically place emitters
powerful enough to flush them out,
stampede them,
and funnel them towards capture.
What are you getting, Henry?
Just over 19 kilohertz.
Ultrasonic. Beyond the range
of human hearing.
19.5...
20...
21.5... And stabilizing.
There's your distress call,
21.5 kilohertz.
Time to chill, guys.
So what'll happen
to the Nubbins now?
Now that low temperature has slowed
their reproductive cycle to a crawl,
they can live out their days
in relative peace.
They're not too thrilled
about the cold.
Hey, thrilled Nubbins
is what got us into this mess.
It was very brave of you
to share your gift.
Well, in the end, Henry's allergies
were a better detector
than any of my paranormal
abilities.
The difference is, is that you can
sense a lot more than Nubbins.
Yeah. I'm still not sure
how I feel about that.
I think we know what
your grandfather wanted for you.
Yeah. I guess, in a way,
he'll always be guiding me.
And so will we.
to Lophelia, do you copy?
Still no answer, mom.
Take us down.
You see anybody?
Let's hope they're below.
What did the message
say exactly?
Just that Eric was bringing back
something we'd never seen before,
and we were to meet him
in the harbor.
Only they never made it to the dock.
It's Eric.
Yeah.
Make sure Will is covered.
Come on.
Ugh.
Six dead.
They weren't just killed,
they were half devoured.
Whatever it was,
it was powerful.
Whatever specimens
were in these are long gone.
Makes you wonder
what was in these cages.
You think they could've
broken their way out?
Looks more like something
clawed or chewed its way in.
Mom, come check this out.
- Tranquilizer rounds only.
- Are you sure?
Eric paid with his life
to bring this creature back.
- We owe it to him to preserve it.
- We owe it to him to kill it.
Now I know why Eric was so excited
about these creatures.
Their hyper camouflage
makes them all but invisible.
Plus the fact that it's present
in both the predator
and the smaller abnormal.
The Nubbins.
You going to make me ask?
Ashley's name for them.
Scientific name Nubina Atelerix,
according to Eric's log.
Do we know what triggers
this camouflage?
It seems to be a function
of both fear and aggression.
That makes sense.
Hide to avoid being stalked,
and as an aid to the hunt.
So obviously
it was the predator
who was responsible
for killing Eric and his crew.
Actually, track wounds
of each of the victims
show biological evidence
of both species.
Come on, there's no way
those adorable little things
could have attacked anybody.
I'm not saying that they did.
So how could they have left trace
on the bodies?
I'm theorizing that some
of the Nubbins might have escaped
and survived by feeding
on the dead crew members,
hence the mingling of the DNA.
Well, that's creepy.
What's creepy
is that a bunch of them
were eaten
by that nasty-ass monster.
All but our two little survivors,
probably on their way
to becoming the carnivore's
next meal.
I'm going to go see
how they're doing.
You okay?
Eric was one of the world's
great hunters of abnormals.
He called them
"Evolution's experiments. "
Am I reading
a personal relationship?
I don't want to see
his sacrifice go to waste.
Henry...
Have you had a chance
to check out my Nubbins?
Oh, you mean the...
No, but I would like to.
Hey...
Oh, guys, come on,
there's nothing to be afraid of.
Oh, man, I think I'm allergic.
Well, you better get used to them.
They're the coolest thing
we ever brought back.
Hey...
Huh, well, I got to admit,
your Nubbins are pretty amazing.
Don't you just
want to squeeze them?
Hey...
You find anything out
about our predator?
I'm still running the DNA.
It'll take a few days before
we can complete the analysis.
So what's going on?
We have a rather odd situation
on our hands.
Isn't "rather odd"
sort of your stock in trade?
A gentleman by the name
of Maurice Macrae,
recently deceased,
stipulated in his will
that I perform the autopsy
on his remains.
Why?
He spent the last years of his life
in a psychiatric institution,
convinced he was an abnormal.
And how did he know about you?
That's a question I have,
as well.
Well, I guess
it's too late to ask him.
True, but his granddaughter, Sophie,
has accompanied his body.
I was hoping you could talk to her,
put her at ease,
while I examine
her grandfather.
What does she know
about the Sanctuary?
Only the rumors
that her grandfather passed along.
Everyone was convinced that he was
a few cups shy of a tea service.
Everyone but Sophie.
So you're going to go through
with the postmortem?
Of course.
If his claims
are unfounded, well...
There's no harm in fulfilling
the man's final request.
Hi.
You must be Sophie.
I'm Dr. Zimmerman.
Will.
You work with Dr. Magnus?
I do.
- My condolences.
- Thank you, Doctor.
Do you mind if I ask you
a couple questions?
I already know
what you're going to say,
that my grandfather
was an eccentric old man.
Actually, no, I don't know
anything about him.
Sorry.
It's just, all the doctors said
he was suffering
from advanced dementia,
and my parents, all my relatives
think he was crazy.
But you didn't.
He just felt so strongly.
I loved him very much.
How did he come to this...
Decision?
Well, he always talked
about a private research facility.
He called it "The Sanctuary,"
a place where
what he called "abnormals"
were given refuge.
Of course, no one
took him seriously.
Is that what goes on here?
Well, we are
a private research facility.
Research into what, exactly?
A range of things.
A "range. "
Why don't you tell me
more about your grandfather?
My grandfather could see things
that other people didn't,
that other people couldn't.
When we spent time together,
it was...
...it was like the world
would open up.
Sounds like an inspiring man.
I mean, he showed me
what people were thinking,
what they were feeling.
So he actually imparted
these thoughts or sensations?
Eh, you're humoring me.
No, I'm not.
I'm just asking questions.
It's fine. I'm used to it.
Dr. Zimmerman, look, I'm sorry,
if you're going to be so evasive,
I really don't see any reason
to tell you more than I have.
Okay.
Dr. Magnus has made arrangements
for you to stay here,
as long as you're comfortable
with that,
until the autopsy results come in.
Thank you.
You have something
against sleep, don't you?
Just doing some reading.
There's a recurring legend amongst
equatorial rainforest cultures
about Nubbins.
Nubbins? I thought
Ashley made that name up.
She did. They're most often
called "Amoratas. "
Apparently the species
is highly prized
as harbingers of fertility
and a bountiful harvest.
In some societies,
they were a common wedding gift,
to promote connubial bliss.
Before the age of self-help books.
When they vanish, it's considered
a portent of discord.
How did the, uh...
...the autopsy go
on Sophie's grandfather?
Sorry?
Um...
The autopsy?
Oh.
There was a significant anomaly
to the frontal lobe.
I'll need to do more tests
to determine if it's a tumor or...
...something else.
So it's...
It's possible that he's an abnormal?
Too early to tell, really.
I'm, uh...
I'm going to go to bed.
Sweet dreams.
Don't forget to put out the fire.
I never do.
Alright. Okay.
Are the Nubbins okay?
Henry said the female kept
going in and out of camo mode,
and then swelled up
like a blimp.
She gave birth just after dawn.
They're all fine, all 14 of them.
It took them only minutes
to adapt their camouflage.
The juveniles are putting
on weight so fast
I'm projecting they'll reach
maturation within a day.
That rate of metabolic growth
is scary.
We should find a way
to discourage their mating.
Not yet. I want to document
a full reproductive cycle first.
I'm keeping this one as a pet,
just so you know.
You know, in the throes
of a breeding cycle,
they may not be as docile
as they look.
Oh, come on, I can handle
a baby Nubbin, mom.
Right, wittle guy?
You're so cute.
What about the predator?
He showed marked signs of agitation
throughout the night.
Only came out of camouflage
for all but a few moments.
I don't think he likes the Nubbins.
- But you can't say for sure?
- No, not yet.
But I can say that I've never seen
brain structures
quite like your grandfather's.
Sophie, the blood I took from you
as a control sample, I should tell you,
I found similar biochemical
anomalies to your grandfather's.
Oh, my god.
It would be premature
to read anything into it.
Yeah, but if he was an abnormal-
In 24 hours,
all this will be much clearer.
Okay, well, look, since I've gotten
here, no one has told me squat
about what this place actually does,
and now you're telling me I'm
some kind of freak of nature, too?
You guys are hiding something
from me, both of you!
Why should I believe
a single thing you tell me?
Sophie, we find ourselves
in a very rare situation.
I'm about to do something that
I normally wouldn't even consider.
I don't understand.
What?
You will shortly.
Will, would you be so kind
as to show our guest around?
Uh...
Yeah, sure.
Watch yourself there, big guy.
You don't want to get between
them and their breakfast.
You could lose a hairy digit.
I've never seen an animal
with such a...
...big appetite.
It's not just food.
They're not pairing up
for square-dancing.
Oh, man.
Maybe you shouldn't be
exposing yourself unnecessarily.
Yeah, the allergy pills
aren't working.
I just hope these little dudes
aren't permanent guests.
You look as queasy as I did
when I first walked this floor.
Actually, you're taking it
better than I did.
I sensed all of this
before I got here.
I mean, not the specifics, but...
Even though
your granddad was gone.
Maybe...
...he passed on his gift.
Or maybe the feelings that you
always saw as coming from him
were coming from you.
Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa...
You okay?
Yeah, just lightheaded is all.
I tend to get these dizzy spells.
- Why don't you sit down?
- I'm alright.
You might be having
a mild panic attack or something.
I just get like this.
Well, we'll be sure to have
Dr. Magnus check it out.
What is it?
The new creatures...
They're upset.
I know it may be hard to believe,
but those aren't tricks of the eye.
Those are flesh
and blood creatures.
Of course they are.
It's okay.
Wow...
They seem to be drawn to you.
Whoa.
You okay? Is it coming back?
I think I should lie down for a while.
Okay.
Uh, come in.
- Hey...
- Hey.
The Nubbins came out
of camo mode,
and we did a head count,
and one of them was missing.
Yeah, I just couldn't stop myself.
What time is it?
- Uh, it's almost 2:00.
- Weird.
I must have fallen asleep
or something.
Whoa.
Hey! That is not very nice.
Will is a friend. Co-worker...
Slash... Friend. That's all.
Maybe you should, uh...
Maybe you should put him back,
- just to be on the safe side.
- Okay, little buddy, let's go.
- Oh! Oh, man!
- Oh, I'm so sorry.
Get back in here...
- Aw...
- Oh, let me, uh.
Let me get that for you.
Uh...
This, uh... Here.
Just... Toss it in here.
Let me, um...
Uh, do that.
Uh, y-you wouldn't have a...
A man's shirt lying around,
would you?
Medium, right?
- Yeah. Yeah.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
Have you been feeling, um...
- I don't know, uh, odd?
- How do you mean?
Well, I'm not sure,
but ever since we got back
from the ship, I've felt, uh...
- Woozy?
- Is that how you're feeling?
Uh... Yeah, kinda.
I think sometimes I can...
Be a little stand-offish.
I mean, I know I can be snippy.
No. No, not at all.
I don't want you to think
that I'm, um...
unappreciative,
or unapproachable.
I've been accused
of that by guys.
Yeah, me too.
Not by guys, but...
you know what I mean.
Are you okay?
Yeah, it's just these new contacts.
I'm just getting used to them.
I really like you.
- Really?
- Without glasses.
Yeah?
- Will?
- Yeah?
Where's my Nubbin?
Uh... Oh no.
At first I thought they
were just camouflaging,
but I swept the entire cell
feeling for them.
Don't tell me
they've escaped?
Something gnawed through
the ventilation grate from the outside.
Mayday.
I'm going to err
on the side of caution.
I want the building sealed.
Nobody goes in or out.
Threat level "holy crap. " Check.
These creatures
escape the Sanctuary,
and we'll have much more than a
pest control problem on our hands.
Can we not turn this
into a planetary crisis just yet?
- They're 14 little furballs.
- Invisible furballs.
We'll round them up, okay?
If they reach sexual maturity
as fast as they've reached full size...
Well, do the math.
But they haven't overrun
their native habitat, right?
Camouflaged or not,
they wouldn't be much of a secret,
and that's the one saving grace.
Something must
control their numbers.
What about the predator
Eric brought back?
That's one of a number
of theories I'm working on.
Though their shared trait
of camouflage
doesn't necessarily define
their relationship on the food chain.
Well, we could
try to draw them out,
if we could just figure out
what they crave.
You know,
besides other Nubbins.
Well, we know they're
hungry little suckers.
I'll make sure our food stores
are protected.
Too late for that.
They've already wiped out
the pantry and the walk-in.
What, there's nothing left?
Right, we go floor by floor.
Snares, tranquilizer,
whatever it takes.
Ow.
Okay.
Hey, little guy, it's okay.
Here you go. That's gouda.
Yeah, nobody's
going to hurt you, little fella.
Nobody's gonna...
I lied! I'm going to hurt you!
Oh... Ow...
Your mother was a sewer rat!
I'm going to schedule
a full rabies series,
unless we can confirm its absence
in every Nubbin out there.
Isn't that, like, super painful?
- I'm not going to lie to you, Henry.
- No, it's okay, please.
Lie to me.
Those poor things
must've been pushed to the limits.
Hey, listen, I know you're all about
saving the whales and everything,
but these guys just happen to be
a pack of vicious, over-sexed,
hyperthyroid, invisi-rodents.
Stop demonising them.
They were just afraid!
Ashley, we have no history
with this species.
We cannot take
this attack lightly.
Now, how many have we
re-captured so far?
- Three, or so.
- Three?
- Almost four.
- Out of 14?
Actually,
I'd go up about five... times.
What did you see?
I'm not sure "see" is the right word,
but by the way they rippled,
I'd say we're looking
at several litters of newborns,
but, hey, they won't be doing
the horizontal tango for, like, hours.
We need to corral them all
as quickly as possible.
Henry, I'm taking you
off the front lines.
I want you working
on a more technological solution.
I'm good with that.
Tell me you're not talking
about exterminating them.
I'd like nothing more
than to see them all safely
back in their cell unharmed.
- Yeah, but-
- We wouldn't even be having
this discussion
had you shown better judgment.
Come in.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Could you give us a moment?
- Yeah, sure.
Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Dr. Magnus...
Hello, Sophie.
Will said you might be able
to help me.
Please, have a seat.
He told you about the headaches,
and the spins and all that?
If it's alright with you, I'd like
to conduct a few simple tests.
Simple, like brain scans?
Probably prudent
under the circumstances.
I know you have more
important things to deal with.
You're in the middle of a crisis.
Actually, by Sanctuary standards,
this is just another day at the office.
What did my grandfather die of?
A brain aneurysm.
Oh. And you said that we have
similar anomalies.
Let's just see what's happens
before we anticipate, alright?
Okay.
It's going to be okay, Sophie.
Okay, here's my idea.
We capture a male Nubbin,
use it as bait
and wait for the females to swarm.
Or we use a female as bait
and watch the males swarm.
Well, want as many
of the child-bearers
back in captivity as possible.
As if the girls
are going to go all weak-kneed
over the right Nubbin.
I'm sorry, the "right Nubbin"?
You know, smart, handsome,
good sense of humor, go-getter,
dedicated to the same things
you are,
loves long walks on the beach...
Are you okay?
Yeah. Yeah, I-I'm fine.
Johnny nub in the crosshairs.
There's nothing that threatens
your health. You're fine, Sophie.
But you did find something.
It's completely benign,
similar to what we found
in your grandfather's brain,
a tissue structure that bridges
your frontal lobes.
- Like a tumor!
- No, no, nothing like that.
There's a nerve bundle that links
this unusual organ to the thalamus.
I think it may be used
in pre-verbal communication.
Oh, this is unbelievable.
I suspect it's some sort
of empathic ability.
In my world,
it's a genetic expression
that may well preview
an evolutionary advance.
I just always
attributed it to Maurice.
It only ever happened
when I was with him.
He wanted to bring out
your gifts, no doubt.
That's what the will was about.
This condition that I have,
assuming that you're right, what...
What does that mean I can do?
Well, that's for you to explore.
With our help, if you'll trust us.
Ha!
Maybe this isn't going to be
as tough as we thought.
Huh...
I'm not so sure about that.
Well, I'm telling you, we have
a Nubbins explosion on our hands.
I think I've found something
that may well explain
their popularity
as a wedding gift.
Wait, don't tell me.
They can be returned?
Actually, they have scent glands
that emit powerful pheromones.
Huh.
Well, that explains their
overactive mating instinct.
In fact, it may well extend
beyond their own species.
You're not saying
that they're affecting us?
Haven't you noticed it?
Are you asking me
if I've been feeling... randy?
I've made you uncomfortable.
No, as a matter of fact, you've, uh...
You've aroused my curiosity.
Oh. Well...
Turnabout is fair play.
Awkward.
Poor thing.
- What the hey?
- What's going on?
We've got problems.
You mean beyond the fact
these things are spilling out
like popcorn at a matinee?
Our systems are degrading.
We got surges, reboots...
Must be the step-down
transformer.
Whoa!
Well, clearly that wasn't good.
Alright, is it me, or does it smell
like fried Nubbin?
Dude, I haven't been able to smell
anything since they got here.
Oh, man...
We have Nubbins in four out
of five infrastructure systems-
Computer, cooling,
electrical, air purification.
They're not in the water. Yet.
I don't think it was an accident they
brought down the computer system.
Come on, they're smart,
but they're not that smart.
I don't know.
A couple get sacrificed
to bring down the entire server?
Air vents clogged?
Drones sent out to protect
the survival of the hive.
- Yeah.
These aren't bees.
They just reproduce as fast.
Hive mentality means tradeoffs
between individual survival
and that of the group.
We've seen it
in orders higher than insects.
Yeah, like every time
soldiers go into battle.
So, what does that tell us
about what they'll do?
Everything they can to ensure
inter-species domination.
You know, this catching them one
at a time is not working.
The more I watch our predator,
the more I'm beginning to think
that it is what controls the Nubbins
in their native habitat.
You're not talking about
turning that killer loose?
Not loose, Ashley.
We can implant it with a device
so we could track it and control it.
The vast majority of the Nubbins
would be stampeded into the open,
and we could herd them to safety.
It's just not fair.
I mean, Nubbins are only doing
what their instincts tell them.
All we'd be doing is replicating
the predator-prey dynamic
that already exists.
Of course. Yeah, like
the lions and the Christians.
We have them contained
right now, but if they get out
and this expands
beyond the Sanctuary,
we could be ground Zero
for a plague of furry locusts.
We have to act, and quickly.
Tracking device is active.
It's alright, Henry.
He's quite sedated.
Mm-hmm.
Would you rather I do it?
No. It's- it's okay, I just...
Much better with computer bytes
than animal bites.
- There.
- Huh? Huh? See?
What did I tell you? Easy peasy.
Sophie?
Hey...
Just wanted to see
how you were feeling.
Did Dr. Magnus tell you?
I... Told her it was okay
if she did.
Yeah. Yeah, she did.
She, uh...
Gave me this bio-feedback device
to use
so I know when these supposed
powers are working, and...
I guess you're pretty used
to dealing with freaks, huh?
That's not how I see you.
I guess I'm just feeling
sorry for myself.
Well, I'm sorry
that you're stuck here
in the middle
of a level-three bio-hazard.
The beast...
The one the Nubbins are afraid of.
It's waking up.
How did you know that?
I don't know, I just...
I- Uh, I don't know.
Listen, Sophie...
These feelings that you're having,
the connections with the creatures,
you should trust them.
It's a...
It's a very special thing.
Well, I wouldn't wish it on anybody.
I don't feel special. I...
I feel like I should be
in a sideshow.
This sense,
it doesn't happen to tell you
where the Nubbins are, does it?
No.
But...
I can... feel their hearts racing.
Their fear...
Their desire.
Nature abhors a vacuum.
That's because she's never
seen mine.
Okay...
Easy there, little Nubbin...
A- ha!
I've got suction,
and I'm not afraid to use it.
Releasing the predator...
Wow. Look at him go.
Team one, predator
moving from utility five,
herding Nubbins
toward residential corridor.
- Shut down air vents.
Copy that.
Predator three, Nubbins Zero.
Hey, where's he gone?
I'm not seeing him.
Track the device.
Level five, north corridor.
He's moving fast!
Checking level five, north corridor,
primary and secondary cameras.
Nothing on the primary corridor.
- Negative on "B" and "C".
- Whoa.
Nubbins on the move.
Oh, wait a second.
Predator's stopped.
- A dead stop.
- Where?
Just outside the library.
We're losing power
on the main grid.
Go to auxiliary.
And we have lost auxiliary.
Okay, women and geeks first.
Oh, no, wait, that's all of us.
See what you can do, Henry.
Will, let's go.
Okay.
They're tranquilizer rounds.
One shot won't do it.
Looks like our predator
just became prey.
Why do I have the feeling
that we're next?
Well, I guess we can
skip the midnight feeding.
So we were wrong
about our predator
keeping the Nubbins in check
in the rainforest?
Well, not necessarily.
I mean, sometimes
predator becomes prey.
Hyenas, for example,
have been known to kill lions.
Apparently we underestimated
the Nubbins' strength in numbers.
Can you imagine what ten times
the number of Nubbins will do?
Or a hundred times?
If they can rip a creature
the size and strength
of the predator to shreds,
I have no doubt
they'd give us no quarter.
We may have just sealed ourselves
in with our executioners.
Their hive behavior
isn't just intelligent, it's strategic.
Sooner or later,
they're going to find a way out.
And they're reproducing faster than
we can capture or eradicate them.
Doesn't anybody have
some good news?
I've got wood.
You know- For the fire.
Hey...
When we were aboard the Lophelia,
do you remember the hold
- where we found the Nubbins?
- The refrigerated dry hold.
Yeah.
Although it was either
turned off or malfunctioning.
Cryogenic transport is fairly common
for a bioresearch vessel.
Yeah, but the thing is, is...
The setting on the control panel...
It was for 50 degrees, which is cold,
but well above freezing.
So maybe it was their intention
to slow their metabolism,
moderate their growth
and mating cycles.
Ashley, you and Henry round up as
many fire extinguishers as you can.
On it.
Still, even if we
are right about the cold,
unless we can drive them
into the open,
I don't see how that by itself
will do the trick.
You are right about the cold, Will.
They don't like it.
Can you tell what
they're feeling now?
Crowded...
Afraid...
Threatened...
They're sending warnings.
They're sounding an alarm?
What are you thinking?
That we try and mimic the frequency
of their distress call.
If we're successful, we could
strategically place emitters
powerful enough to flush them out,
stampede them,
and funnel them towards capture.
What are you getting, Henry?
Just over 19 kilohertz.
Ultrasonic. Beyond the range
of human hearing.
19.5...
20...
21.5... And stabilizing.
There's your distress call,
21.5 kilohertz.
Time to chill, guys.
So what'll happen
to the Nubbins now?
Now that low temperature has slowed
their reproductive cycle to a crawl,
they can live out their days
in relative peace.
They're not too thrilled
about the cold.
Hey, thrilled Nubbins
is what got us into this mess.
It was very brave of you
to share your gift.
Well, in the end, Henry's allergies
were a better detector
than any of my paranormal
abilities.
The difference is, is that you can
sense a lot more than Nubbins.
Yeah. I'm still not sure
how I feel about that.
I think we know what
your grandfather wanted for you.
Yeah. I guess, in a way,
he'll always be guiding me.
And so will we.