East Wing
Episode Title: "No Comment"
TEASER
INT. WHITE HOUSE – EAST WING – SECURE SITUATION ROOM – NIGHT
Director Ellen Hart (CIA), General Ricci (NATO), and Deputy Director Mason (CIA, clandestine ops) sit in a circle of tension. On the screens:
"SCORPION TEAM EXPOSES CIA IN RIHA CASE"
"DECADES OF EVASION, INTERAGENCY FEUD REVEALED"
RICCI:
They've done it. Scorpion's put the Riha case—and our handling of it—on every screen in America.
MASON:
The memos are out. Mail intercepts, surveillance, the feud with the FBI. We can't spin this as a simple missing person anymore.
HART:
We stick to the script: "No comment on ongoing investigations. All historical programs were terminated. National security remains our top priority." But we need to be ready for fallout.
ACT 1: THE PRESIDENT'S DEMAND
INT. WHITE HOUSE – OVAL OFFICE – DAY
The President sits with Hart and the National Security Advisor. A stack of press clippings and FOIA memos is on the desk.
PRESIDENT:
I want a briefing on the Riha case—unredacted. Why are we still getting calls from every major law enforcement agency?
HART:
Sir, the facts are complicated. Riha's disappearance was never officially linked to Agency operations. We monitored his case due to his Soviet contacts, but no direct action was taken.
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR:
The memos show we intercepted his mail, tracked his movements, and coordinated—badly—with the FBI. There's no denying involvement.
PRESIDENT:
If we don't get ahead of this, Congress will. Draft a statement: express regret for past confusion, reaffirm our commitment to transparency, and promise a full review.
ACT 2: INTERNAL DAMAGE CONTROL
INT. CIA – DIRECTOR HART'S OFFICE – NIGHT
Hart reviews a stack of internal memos, some stamped "EYES ONLY." She dials Mason and Ricci on a secure line.
HART:
Sweep the archives again. If there's anything that contradicts our public position, it gets locked down. Only Omega Black clearance.
MASON:
We're already getting requests from the House and Senate intelligence committees. If they subpoena us, we'll have to hand over something.
RICCI:
Give them what's already public. Redact the rest. We can't risk exposing operational details or sources.
HART:
And keep the President insulated. If this story grows, we'll need plausible deniability at every level.
ACT 3: THE PHONE CALLS
INT. CIA HEADQUARTERS – DIRECTOR HART'S OFFICE – DAY
Hart's direct line rings repeatedly. She fields calls from each agency leader.
OLIVIA BENSON (SVU):
Director Hart, families deserve answers. Don't hide behind "no comment."
HART:
Captain Benson, we're reviewing all historical files. We'll cooperate as national security allows.
EMILY PRENTISS (CRIMINAL MINDS):
Director Hart, the Bureau wants full access to the Riha files. We're not going away.
HART:
Agent Prentiss, we're working within strict protocols. I appreciate your patience.
HANK VOIGHT (CHICAGO PD):
Hart, start cooperating or we go public.
HART:
Sergeant Voight, your concerns are noted. We'll share what we can.
WALTER O'BRIEN (SCORPION):
We're not just looking for Riha. We're looking for everyone who vanished because of secrets.
HART:
Your team's actions are disruptive, Mr. O'Brien. I urge you to stand down.
ACT 4: THE MEDIA STRATEGY
INT. EAST WING – MEDIA MONITORING ROOM – NIGHT
Hart, Ricci, and Mason review headlines and social media. The story is everywhere:
"CIA Stonewalls on Riha Disappearance"
"Interagency Feud Over Missing Professor"
RICCI:
We need to manage the narrative. Leak a few redacted files, admit to "past confusion," and highlight reforms since the 1970s.
MASON:
And if the press asks about ongoing surveillance or mail intercepts?
HART:
Deny. Emphasize that all such programs ended decades ago. If pressed, say we're cooperating with the inquiry.
ACT 5: THE SHADOWS MOVE
INT. CIA – SECURE VAULT – NIGHT
Mason and Hart review the last of the Riha-related files. Hart hesitates, then locks them away.
MASON:
If these come out, it's not just the Agency on trial—it's the whole government.
HART:
We hold the line. No more leaks. No more heroes.
ACT 6: THE WORLD WATCHES
INT. TV STUDIO – NIGHT
A news anchor summarizes:
ANCHOR (TV):
With mounting pressure from Scorpion, SVU, Criminal Minds, and Chicago PD, the CIA faces unprecedented scrutiny over the Riha case and decades of evasion. As new evidence emerges, the world waits for answers—and accountability.
END OF EPISODE