TRANSCRIPT 2: The Arrest

[Took place on 2/28/2026]

[Viktor is seated in the interrogation room, looking a bit uncomfortable. His feet are bare and pale on the cold concrete]

[Jayce is outside with Gerard, both arguing with the NYV agents]

JAYCE: What the fuck was that! I will have your entire goddamn career burned to the ground, there is no authorization for those kinds of searches!

??? 1: Take it easy, pretty boy! He admitted to rolling into town at the same time as a corpse! Our "act of peace" is not throwing her in there, too-

GERARD: Do it then! You stupid bastards flinch when I smile, put me in there instead of poor Viktor, you piss sodden, liverless, bloody fucking coward!

[A second unnamed man interrupts the argument with a harsh whistle]

??? 2: Gentlemen, gentlemen, we're not beat cops, alright? These halls weren't made to keep in arguing. Let's take a step back.

??? 2: Agent Talis isn't wrong. What happened here was against protocol. Everyone's getting excited and forgetting there's no Marshall Law.

??? 1: Yet.

??? 2: You and me are gonna have a chitchat about that. Stop embarrassing us in front of Agent Talis, unless you forgot PILT is in [REDACTED]

??? 2: Being from sister agencies doesn't mean we have to fight like girls.

??? 2: Talis, since you're the last one with sense tonight, it's for everyone's benefit if you're the one that goes in there and asks legs some questions.

JAYCE: ...

JAYCE: Gerard-

GERARD: Don't tell me anything by the way of protecting me or that nonsense, you being here's for them, not me.

JAYCE: I was going to say, try not to maim them. Call Imani.

GERARD: You bloody think I don' know how to use a cellphone? Get going!

[Jayce takes a deep breath and opens the door to the interrogation room. He steps in then closes it behind himself. The others corral to watch in the viewing room.]

[Viktor lifts his head, eyes going wide when he sees Jayce]

VIKTOR: …good evening, officer.

[Jayce takes a careful, measured breath.]

JAYCE: Good evening Viktor.

[He carefully approaches the table and slides into the seat across from him.]

JAYCE: This is going to start with my deepest apologies on behalf of the agency and all others associated with it. The conduct displayed was extremely inappropriate, and reprimands will be given out.

JAYCE: Are you... okay?

VIKTOR: [Hums] I would certainly be a bit more comfortable with shoes, but I am unharmed.

[Jayce takes another deep breath. His hand twitches, and casts a vicious look off to the side.]

JAYCE: My... deepest apologies for that. Would it be alright if I asked you a few questions before you go? Your friend has been given your things.

VIKTOR: Well, I suppose I may entertain a few questions, since you have been so much more polite than your colleagues.

[He glances up at the glass]

VIKTOR: Is my… friend, unharmed?

JAYCE: She's alright- I have been assured your experience is not the standard experience for vampires here, and I have been keeping a close eye to ensure that is true.

JAYCE: You're in my care now, Viktor.

VIKTOR: Well, I do find that comforting.

JAYCE: Good. Then if you're nice and comfortable, can I ask you a few questions? Not that many, I promise.

VIKTOR: Very well. Ask away.

JAYCE: Alright... When did you arrive in the city?

VIKTOR: Yesterday. I was recently, eh… turned. It has been quite a… discombobulating experience, as you can imagine.

JAYCE: I can only imagine. I'm very sorry to hear that.

JAYCE: What is your relationship to Gerard?

VIKTOR: She found me and guided me through the early stages of transformation. Although I have not known her long, I owe her a great deal.

JAYCE: Do you know who turned you?

VIKTOR: I… am not certain. It was dark, and I was on a walk in the park… everything happened so suddenly, and they were gone by the time I… eh, “woke up.”

JAYCE: Where did this occur? Was anyone there with you when you woke up?

VIKTOR: My hometown in [REDACTED]. I… thought I felt eyes on me at the time, but… no, it was some time before I encountered anyone. I was in a rather disoriented state when Gerard found me.

JAYCE: Why New York as your next choice home?

VIKTOR: Gerard said she belonged to a group that took in new vampires. She assured me it was a good place to get my bearings.

JAYCE: Again, I cannot overstate how wrong you were done, and I hope this doesn't turn you away from the city entirely. I assure you, this will not happen again.

JAYCE: I have no more questions for you. Thank you for being so cooperative.

[Subconsciously, Jayce’s hand moves over Viktor’s, and his thumb runs over his knuckles]

[Viktor tries not to glance down and bring attention to the action, staying rigid, though his eyes are soft]

VIKTOR: I… appreciate that, sir. I will be grateful to head back to my, eh… new home, before the sun rises.

JAYCE: Absolutely. Let me return your things to you.

[Jayce stands, comes around to him, and puts Viktor’s cane in his hand]

JAYCE: I still don't understand why they felt it necessary to take your shoes off, it's ridiculous...

[Jayce gets to one knee in front of Viktor, fingers working to loosen the laces up and make it easier to put on]

VIKTOR: Oh! I—t-that is kind of you to help, sir.

JAYCE: It’s the least I can do.

[He lifts his ankle and slides his foot it into the boot, then carefully secures the laces]

VIKTOR: Do you, ah, treat all of your detainees with such care, sir?

JAYCE: I'm making a point.

[He ties the laces into a bow, then takes Viktor’s other ankle and carefully slides the boot on]

VIKTOR: Hm, well, it is not quite foot-washing, but I imagine your point is quite made.

JAYCE: You're familiar with that part of the Bible?

VIKTOR: Of course. And the image is not lost on me here, sir.

[Jayce tightens the laces then rises. He holds out a hand to Viktor]

JAYCE: Know that I mean it. If no one else does, they will soon.

[Viktor takes his hand, subtly squeezing it in a gesture more intimate than simple aid, and allows him to leverage him to his feet, tucking his cane under him]

VIKTOR: Somehow, I believe you. I… wish you luck, sir. I may not have been here long, but it seems to me like tensions are rising. You have your work cut out for you.

JAYCE: It’s a good thing I'm very good at my job.

[Jayce escorts Viktor out of the room. Gerard is waiting in the hall for him. She grabs Viktor’s arm, putting distance between Viktor and Jayce, and gives Jayce a weary look]

[Viktor casts one last glance over his shoulder as he allows Gerard to lead him, eyes a little sad]

VIKTOR: Farewell, agent… sir. I suppose I should hope not to see you again any time soon.

JAYCE: Mm. I'm sure you won't. Take care, Viktor. Gerard.

GERARD: That guy's a weirdo. Come on.

[Viktor snorts]

[As they leave, the agents approach again]

??? 1: Why'd you put his shoes back on for him, Talis?

JAYCE: As a sign of peace. You humiliated him- ever read the Bible, agent?

??? 1: Then what was this doing in your wallet?

JAYCE: How did you get that, you- you fucking took my wallet-

??? 1: Don't leave identifiable in your wallet, and don't bring the Bible into your freak shit, Talis, unless you want me to call that pretty vampire back in and make you explain to him why you have a picture of his feet in your wallet, you goddamn degenerate.