The OSIR launches an
investigation prompted by an apparent byonic possession of Starr Moressy, a young star
who has returned to acting following a difficult battle with drugs and alcohol. The search
begins at a Hollywood retreat called "The Temple" where Starr has returned
following her possession experience.
It is run by Griffin who channels an entity named Varik for seekers of the entity's
enlightenment, one of whom was Starr. Although Axon is skeptical, Donner and Stone
emphatically admit that they believe in Varik's existence.
In the guise of a spiritual seeker, Donner infiltrates the Temple where she discovers
that, following Starr's possession experience, Griffin refuses to channel Varik. Instead,
he and his colleague, Susan Ashworth try to divert the followers with meditation and
healing. But one follower in particular, Freddy Forsythe, persists in pressuring Griffin
to bring back Varik.
Tragically, Starr suffers a fatal attack while relaxing by the pool at the Mansion.
Curiously, the media reports that the young actress was found dead in her home, the victim
of a stroke. Horrified by the events, Griffin tells his followers to keep their minds
closed to Varik, but Freddy persists and channels the entity himself. As Varik's spirit
takes over Freddy, the young man experiences a phenomenon known as "automatic
writing." Realizing that these scribblings are the teachings and prophecies of Varik,
he races to Griffin with the papers. Suddenly, Freddy reels as if hit by an unseen force
and plummets from a two-story stairwell to his death. Griffin finally tells Donner that he
believes Varik is going to kill them all. He feels betrayed by the teacher whom he had
trusted completely.
At the lab, Stone finds an unauthorized Varik fan-site that reveals Varik's
anti-government teachings and conspiracy theories. Stone and Axon begin to question the
real cause of the two deaths and re-examine the autopsy photos of Starr and Freddy looking
for clues. This time they see evidence of tiny entrance wounds at the base of the victims'
skulls, which indicate that the strokes may have been mechanically induced.
It becomes apparent that someone who wants to ensure that Varik's message doesn't leak out
may have killed them. Since Starr and Freddy both died in the Temple, the killer is
probably someone working on the inside.
When Donner is warned of the imminent danger, she advises Griffin to let Varik guide him.
When Varik starts to speak through Donner, Griffin asks why he has forsaken them. But
Varik tells him he meant no harm and that he only wanted his teachings spread. The entity
tells Griffin he has been betrayed by someone close to him and Griffin must act fast to
save the rest of his followers.