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MARK CROW
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DELIVERY FOR THE DIAMONDS "I AM whatever you say I am... if I wasn't then why would I say I am!" Mark recites over Eminem's edited CD as he drives down a street that he's never driven down before. The GPS has gotten him here, and his skills of driving limousine has only matured his vehicular instincts over the last 20 years... and to think, he once was a street racing speed demon responsible for tons of hit-and-run fender benders. "And I never got caught either!" Mark turns to us, breaking the fourth wall to give a wink. He whistles the rest of the verse because despite listening to it on repeat for years, he still doesn't know the lyrics... he just knows that when he changed his lifestyle to a more positive one, he swore off cursing. Something he personally wanted to stop doing, which meant, he would no longer blurt out obscenities in road rage, or even be a willing audience to it in media either. And so, his Eminem CD was the edited version, as well as his other 90's classics stored alphabetically in the sleeve above his head in the sun visor. As he glances down at the GPS he sees that his destination is approaching, and out of the corner of his eyes on the leather passenger seat, a dark blue duffle bag haunting his checklist. "Can't wait to get this off my hands, FINALLY," Mark says out loud, unclear if it's to us or to himself. Neither truly made sense. His heart starts beating and his mouth goes dry as he pulls up to the HUMUNGOUS house on his right. He gulps dramatically, hearing "You have arrived at your destination." from his GPS, and looks back down at the duffle bag. He lets out a sigh and shifts the console into the park position. He takes another glance at the house through the passenger window, taking note of the large fence and security system he would have to interact with to get into their front yard, and wondered if he should even bother. He puts his hand on the console, about to shift it back to drive and pull off, keeping the duffle bag and all of its contents for himself. "Nobody would know..." Mark tries to convince himself, but he knows it's not what Danny wanted. In fact, after seeing how Starr lived his life the last decade, for all he knew, his failure to comply with these wishes might provoke a consequence. Starr seemed to always have those kinds of things in order as back-ups, and quite frankly, there wasn't much left to do before the list was complete... he just had to man up. Get it over with. Mark takes his hand back off of the knob of the console and grabs the duffle bag's black strap, yanking it towards him as he opens the driver's side door and pulls it out with him. "I'll do it, but I ain't knockin'" Mark compromises with his own conscience as he struggles to keep the weight of the duffle bag from brushing the asphalt as he rushes to the property's black steel fencing. "They'll see the note." Mark reassures himself, "They won't even know I was here..." he believes as his very image appears on the security camera directly in front of his face. He grabs the duffle bag with each glove and hoists it up and over the fence. It lands with a heavy thud on the other side, ready to be found by Michael Diamond and or Cassandra Starr-Diamond. Hopefully, before it rains. He wipes his gloves clean of the uncomfortable task and makes his way back to the vehicle. He is ready to drive off when out of the corner of his eye he sees the note he forgot to put into the duffle bag. "FU-" his hands go over his mouth to prevent the first curse word in three years from ruining his record. "Grr!" He says instead, grabbing the note and opening it to read it again, wondering if it's even necessary, "Great!" "Dear Michael. Dearest Cassandra. My dear Shawn, and my dearest Scarlett... In the event I meet my untimely end, I have ordered Mark Crow to deliver what I believe deserves to go to my family and my family only. You may not consider me family at this point, and there's no telling what the future holds, therefore, I have decided that to prevent this fortune from falling into the wrong hands, it must be allocated to those who will use it properly. I know, Cassandra, you don't need my money or probably want it for that matter, but this money is for my niece and nephew for their future. If you choose to accept the money that is in this bag, I will rest easy knowing it went where it should have, but if you choose to donate it or turn it into the state- I will be greatly disappointed. Much love, Danny. P.S. Please consider Mark as a personal driver, he has served me loyally." "Darnit, Danny." Mark faulters, folding up the paper again and gets back out of the vehicle to deliver it. He gets to the gate and tries to reach where the duffle bag fell but can't. He considers tossing the folded note through the holes and close to the duffle bag but what if it rains and ruins the message anyway. If he leaves it in the mailbox, perhaps a disgruntled mailman unwittingly opens it and reads it, spoiling the treasure awaiting them beyond these bars. "Ugh!" Mark is frustrated. He looks at the paper and looks at how far the porch is. Is he feeling lucky? He opens the letter and folds it a different way, this time, into a paper airplane. "Jesus, take the wheel!" He closes one eye, lifts the plane up, and launches it hard and true towards the under-roof of the porch. It is off! He can barely watch, but as he peeks, the plane tips up into the air and returns over the fence back into Mark's chest. "DAM-" Mark covers his mouth again, remembering to practice what he read online. "Damascus!" instead of the curse itself. "Okay, it can be done." Mark aims the plane again, this time harder and more true! The plane flies straight and right to where Mark wants it but pokes directly into the edge of a poorly leaning broom just enough to make it jerk away from its place and fall against the glass window next to it, shattering it. "FUCK!" Mark runs from the fence line of the property and jumps into his car, taking off with an obnoxious squeal as he peels off from the Diamond property.
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A LETTER FOR ROMEO
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Spring Break by Michael Diamond and Cassandra Starr-Diamond Today seemed like any other day; Michael Diamond woke up at the crack of dawn, kissed his slumbering wife good morning, and headed downstairs to begin his work-out routine. The homemade gym wasn’t as elaborate as the previous one he was accustomed to, but that was by design. They were trying to live a life of transparency, nothing to hide from the prying eyes that had been set upon them following HWA’s One Night Stand. Midway through his work-out, Scarlett woke up and put on her shows. Unable to fully commit to his regiment while cartoon characters bashed each other with mallets, he decided to take a “breather” and fix the family some breakfast. Always impeccable timing, Cassandra roused at the time Michael had just completed the meal, the three enjoying their food together as a family. As Diamond gathered the dishes into the sink, his wife hurried their daughter to get dressed as the two had plans to spend the day together. Michael had seen a change in Scarlett and Cassandra’s relationship following the aftermath of the now infamous “World Wrestling Warfare”. Danny’s death weighed on all of them, none more than Cassandra… who always seemed to blame herself, as if there was something else she could’ve done. Their daughter gravitated towards her Mom more these days, as if keeping a watchful eye on her, afraid she might break into a million pieces before her very eyes. The two departed for their “Mommy/Daughter” day-date as Michael groaned at the thought of having to clean the dishes. Instead, he decided to finish off his morning workout and go for a run. The fresh air did wonders for him as he did the neighborly thing and waved to a few of those he saw out and about on this beautiful Spring day. Most of his friendly gestures were not returned or, instead, met with a degree of skepticism. He stopped to admire a little girl’s milk-and-cookies stand that she had put together herself, using two cut logs to hold up the over-sized cardboard cut-out that acted as her table. She had plastic cups for her milk, which she kept the tiny bottles cold in a cooler filled with ice, and an assortment of Girl Scout cookies on display. The girl was most proud of her sign, which she had hand-crafted and hung on the tree next to her stand, an assortment of colors and glitter adorning every inch of it. Diamond was enjoying his time conversing with the youth, even bought a box of cookies from her, before her Mother was quick to pounce on her and admonish her daughter for “talking with strangers”. Michael attempted to explain the situation, protect the youth from any further reprimand, but only got a disapproving look for his troubles. He made his way home, entering through the front entry way and heaving a sigh as he did so. The world was constantly changing and evolving, so much so that Diamond’s head seemed to always be spinning. He had given up the mantle of the “Primordial” following Danny’s untimely demise. It had been a constant consternation between him and his wife for many years, but the death of her brother was the final blow. Apart of Diamond believed that, had anything happened to him, his wife and children would be cared for, either by friends or family… but there appeared to be very few of those in short supply these days. Michael made his way into the kitchen, plopped the cookies on the counter, took one last look at the dishes still soaking, and retrieved a water bottle from the fridge. He began to make his way up to the second floor steps, intent on taking a shower, when he realized a figure was standing behind him in the doorframe. Diamond turned to see the front door ajar, his gaze falling on his nineteen-year-old son. "Hey Dad..." Shawn seems tired to Michael. A certain tone in his voice indicates the subtle hint of disinterest. “Shawn?” Diamond practically sputters out, doing his best to not let the water spill out of his mouth and onto the steps. “What are you doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you, I just thought… don’t you have spring break this week? Weren’t you and your friends going somewhere?” "Nah..." Shawn drops his duffle bag with a heavy thud before approaching his father with open arms. "Thought I'd just hang out here." Diamond embraced his son with a hug, having had very few moments with Shawn these past few months since he started his studies at Boston College. “Well, we’re always happy to have you,” Michael explained, his eyes going to the duffel bag at the landing. “Your mother and sister are out right now, but should be back in a few hours… you planning on staying for a bit?” "Ugh." Shawn reaches down to pick up his bag again, "Well... I mean... where did they go?" Shawn is clearly frustrated with their absence, and moves towards the stairs, heading for his bedroom, climbing up without waiting for the answer from his father. “I believe they went to the zoo,” Diamond tried recollecting. “You know how Scarlett likes to look at the big cats. And then I’m sure they’ll go shopping after. I could call your Mom, maybe we could meet up with them this afternoon?” Michael watched Shawn pass by him on the steps as he could tell something seemed to troubling his son. “Shawn, are you doing okay?” Michael tried probing. “You seem troubled; is there something bothering you?” Shawn continues up to his room, "Nothing at all. Tell me when they
are home." His bedroom door slams before Michael can respond. “How was the zoo?” Diamond asked them, mimicking a cat and growling at Scarlett. “Did you get to see the tigers this time?” Scarlett smiled playfully, growling back at her father... “Daddy, they had an ocol.. oka... mom what was it called?” Scarlett asked, having difficulty pronouncing the name of the animal. Cassandra smiled as she put her purse on the counter, leaning in to give Diamond a kiss on the cheek. “An Ocelot... my love,” Cassandra responded, smiling at Scarlet, before turning back to her husband. “He come out of his room, yet?” “Wow, that must’ve been very cool! Can’t say I’ve ever seen one of those before…” Diamond retorted, putting Scarlett down and turning to face Cassandra. “And no, still nothing. Scarlett, maybe you want to run upstairs and see what your big brother is doing?” “Michael, what are we going to do about this? His attitude is less than desirable; he doesn’t want to leave his room?” Cassandra questioned, concerned. “Should we ask him to come down and discuss this? This isn’t normal behavior for a teenager, never mind our happy-go-lucky little boy” “He’s been through a lot this last year, we all have,” Michael reassured her, watching their daughter ascend the steps and disappear out of sight and, presumably, earshot range. “It’s his first time out on his own and I’m sure he’s not that thrilled to have his parents in such close proximity to him as he tries to spread his wings. Besides, he’s probably just tired from all his academic studies and athletic programs that he’s a part of. He did take on quite the workload for his first year but that’s just who he is Cass, he likes to dive into things headfirst… remind you of anyone you know?” Cassandra allowed herself to laugh at Michael’s quip, her expression relaxing, if only a little. “True, there’s no denying he’s your mini-me Michael,” Cassandra responded, taking a tentative step back, realizing that she may had more she needed to share regarding their son. “So… speaking of his academics... we need to discuss those. I told him that I wouldn’t tell you so long as he could raise them, but as of right now, he’s flunking two classes.” Cassandra heaved a heavy sigh, as if a weight had been lifted off her chest, while she fretfully looked to her husband, bracing herself for his reaction. Before Michael could respond to this new information, however, Shawn appeared at the top of the steps. "Hey mom, I thought you weren't going to tell Dad... thanks,” Shawn remarked, rolling his eyes. Cassandra instinctively covered her face, realizing she had just been busted. “Buddy, we are just trying to figure out what is going on with you,” Cassandra tried to reason. “You are not yourself. Not to mention, you were supposed to raise the grades and you didn’t. What’s going on with you?” Shawn begins descending down the steps, his sister close behind. "He's in a mood, better watch out," Scarlett warns. "Shut up!" Shawn says as he jumps down from the third step, practically knocking his younger sibling down in the process. "What's going on with what!? My grades!?” Shawn groaned. “I don't know... maybe my uncle killed himself and I'm the only one who gives a damn!" “Excuse me one minute Shawn, but I think you have forgotten that he was MY brother!” Cassandra snapped, matching her son’s outburst with one of her own. “Your father and I do give a damn... but we needed to keep going, for the sake of you kids.” "I know... I know... I’m sorry…” Shawn began to apologize, rubbing his temple. “It's just... I found out when everyone else did and everyone kept coming up to me, asking me all these questions. I just had nobody to talk to about… things." Cassandra fought back the tears as she moved closer to Shawn, attempting to comfort him. “Well, we are here now…” Cassandra assured him, motioning to her Diamond. “So let’s talk about it” “It's okay... I'm good..." Shawn closed himself off again, trying to deflect. "How are things here?" “Shawn, what’s going on… talk to me,” Cassandra pleads, believing this is something more he needed to get off his chest. Cassandra glances back at her husband, giving him “the look” so as to help her try and coerce their son into opening up. The expression does not go unnoticed by Shawn as he quickly attempts to avoid any further involvement. “It’s fine, actually…” Shawn did his best to reassure them. “I think I’m just going to head to bed, been pretty tired lately. Goodnight Mom, Goodnight Dad…” Shawn begins to backs away from his parents, ascending as quickly up the stairs as he can. “No, Shawn,” Cassandra commands, taking a step forward, as if to follow him. “We are going to talk about this… now!” "About WHAT!?" Shawn whirls around from the second step with an eruption of frustration. “First of all, how dare you talk to your Mother like that?” Cassandra raises her voice to match his, before regaining control and tempering herself. “And secondly, Uncle Danny’s death… you’re right, we should have addressed it better with you kids. But that doesn’t give you the right to flunk your classes, or be rude to your father and I.” "Address it!?” Shawn scoffed. “I had to find out from my classmates, Mom! Don't act like you gave a damn now… neither of you gave a damn for my entire life and now because he's dead, you want to pretend it’s some big loss for you... I’m the only one who ever asked about Uncle Danny and you always just spent my whole life blowing it off." Cassandra turned to Michael, tears beginning to stream from her eyes. It was bad enough to have to be reminded of her beloved brother’s death, but to have her son so visibly affected by it was almost too much to bear. “Shawn, we didn’t blow anything off,” Cassandra tried to reason, choking back the tears of sadness and frustration. “There was nothing your Father and I could have done. We simply wanted to protect you and Scarlett. Your Uncle… he had made many enemies. And because of him, our name – our Legacy – was dragged through the mud.” "Nothing you could have done!?" Shawn laughs. "That's rich!" Michael felt like he had been a specter amidst the confrontation between Mother and Son. His first indication that Shawn wasn’t the “same” was when he openly insulted members of his family in the manner that he did. Diamond did his best to protect their daughter from her brother’s uncharacteristic outburst, gently directing Scarlett to take Tanil and Scandrix into the backyard. From there, he could only watch as things continued to break down. The mention of Danny still cut away at him, a scab that would never fully heal it seems. They had done everything they could think of to protect the children from the stain on their name but there was no where they could go to fully shield them from the truth, it would seem. “You want to know about your uncle,” Michael slowly began, his words laced with his own feelings of anger, resentment, and betrayal. “You want to know what kind of man he was, Shawn!? Then look no further than One Night Stand; look no further than the body counts your uncle racked up, all in the name of some misguided attempt to assert his dominance over a long forgotten wrestling federation. How many times did I go out pulling on threads to find him? To follow leads that led to nothing but dead ends? Your uncle didn’t want anything to do with us, Shawn! He had every opportunity to come forward, to reveal himself to us, to turn himself in, to do the right thing. And instead… he betrayed us and then killed himself, leaving us to pick up the pieces. Your Mother and I left Hartford; left it all behind, in hopes you and Scarlett would be spared the pain that he caused. We hoped you would be able to start fresh, without carrying around the sins of the Uncle. Maybe we should have told you about his death and if that’s what this is all about, then I own that… but I’m not going to apologize for it. It is a father’s job to protect his family and when you have a family of your own one day, than maybe you’ll understand.” Diamond looked from Shawn to Cassandra, the feelings overwhelming him. He wanted nothing more than to hold them both in his arms, but emotions were high, and his words had probably done nothing more than escalate the situation. “Listen,” Diamond breathed out. “We lost everything, Shawn. We lost our home; our friends, our businesses, our charities, all of it. We are but an albatross now and everyone wants a wide berth from us. I’m sorry that you’re struggling with this and I wish you would’ve come to us sooner; wish we all would’ve handled this differently. But the only way we get through this is as a family and as a family; we cannot have secrets from each other. When one of us struggles, we all struggle. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. Your Mother and I will do whatever you need us to do to help you and your sister get through this, but don’t you dare think for one second that we don’t love you or that we don’t put you first.” Michael let his gaze wander to a forlorn picture of Danny Starr, gathering dust on the table where it lay face down; a common practice by Cassandra when his very image was too painful to even look at. “One thing your Uncle did right was teach us the meaning of family,” Michael softened, trying to give Shawn something “good” to come out of this. “In the FoS, we were family. In the FoS, we had each other’s backs, always. We were stronger together than we were apart. And if we had stayed together, maybe things would be different; maybe he’d still be alive. I can’t go back and change the past, Shawn but I’ll be damned if I’m going to sit back and let him take us down with him. You need to let him go, we all do.” "Wow..." Shawn mocks. "Impressive speech, Dad. You harp on “family this, family that”...but I saw him beg you to stand by him at One Night Stand and what did you do? You hit him! You, Dad, of all people, have the nerve to lecture me about family? Some” brother” you were... it's no wonder he killed himself." “You don’t think I didn’t want to!?” Diamond practically screamed. “After all this time, all these years of looking for him… there he was, right in front of me, in front of us! And do you want to know what I saw when I looked into his eyes, Shawn? I didn’t see the eyes of my “brother” looking back at me, no… I saw the eyes of all of those men he had killed in cold blood. Morgoth, Fudge, Kevin Conner… who knows how many more skeletons he has buried in his closet, just waiting to be unearthed. So yeah, you’re damn right I hit him, and I’d do it again. If my actions at One Night Stand were the final nail in HIS coffin, then I’ll live with that… that is MY cross to bear! But you don’t get to lecture me about this Shawn, not about this.” "Whatever." Shawn retorted, turning from his father with tears in his eyes and bounding up the steps. The sound of a door slamming shut can be heard from the second floor as Michael turns and faces Cassandra. She looked back at Diamond, one hand on her hip while the other covered her mouth, hiding the hurt expression beneath. Frantically, she starts pacing around the room… finding herself by the deck window as she peers outside, possessively ensuring Scarlett was still occupied with her pet companions. “What are we going to do with him?” Cassandra asked, turning her gaze back to her husband. “Did we really screw our kids up, Michael? I thought we were doing the right thing…” Michael stood in silence for a moment, letting her words wash over him. Despite EVERYTHING they had endured as a family the past few years, of course Danny Starr would be their undoing… again. Even in death, he ruled over their lives. Diamond clenched his fist together as he walked over to his wife, placing a reassuring hand on Cassandra’s shoulder, doing it more-so for her benefit then his own. He looked out to see Scarlett playfully chasing the two Yaize’s around in their fenced-in backyard. At least one of them seemed to have escaped this unscathed… “Shawn will be fine,” Diamond comforted her. “I didn’t expect him to have this type of reaction, he barely knew his Uncle. But this is clearly weighing on him and so we’ll handle it, just like we always do. We’ll give him the night to cool off and, in the morning, discuss what we do next as a family. If need be, he can stay here with us until we work through all of this, I’m sure the school will understand. That being said…” Diamond turned his gaze down to Cassandra, waiting until her eyes met his. “No more secrets,” Diamond instructed her, doing his best to hide the hurt behind his eyes. Nervously biting her lip and scrunching her nose, she had hoped he would gloss over the details left out about Shawn’s academics. “In fairness, you had quite of few of your own when we reconnected,” Cassandra responded, raising an eyebrow and trying to make light of the situation. “And I was wrong,” Diamond countered, his hand dropping away from her shoulder and moving to the nearby table, turning the portrait over and forcing himself to look into the eyes of his fallen “brother”. “Don’t make the same mistakes we did, Cass.” |
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Hard Talk News: With Ethan Ray Schiffler “What’s up guys, it’s Ethan Ray Schiffler here, bringing you another impromptu episode of Hard Talk News!” The Hard Talk News animated logo plays across the screen, fading into an image of a man sat at a desk with a backdrop of a loosely-drawn map of the United States. The man is wearing a sport coat and a silk shirt, but the shirt is more open than buttoned, revealing a bit of both muscle definition and chest hair alike. His blue eyes shine with a glint of humor and an air of understanding, out from underneath a pair of expensive-looking sunglasses pushed up onto his forehead, keeping his long dark brown tresses back from his face. Ethan’s personal presentation, including the set and backdrop, exude an intentional mashup of business and casual, someone who can absorb the hard news and regurgitate it back to the masses in a method they both understand and enjoy. He just passed two million subscribers as of Wednesday. He leans back in his chair and faces the camera, eyebrows lifting inquisitively. “You know me, I usually open up with some jokes or some kind of skit, you know, something hilarious from the News Dude to get you into a News Mood, but there’s some real waves out there in the Information Supersurfway that I just had to get in front of, you feel me? So this is gonna be a bit more of an off the cuff, Ethan-Unplugged sort of video so just bear with me.” Ethan grins apologetically and leans forward, his arms resting on the desk in front of him. “So there’s this new… thing going around on social media. Red star emojis in Twitter names, red star icons on Insta pics, hashtags like #TheStarsWatchOn and #TruthShinesRed trending across the country. I did some digging, and get this – you guys remember that whole thing with the HWA wrestling federation? If you weren’t aware, a live show at Madison Square occurred and went so completely off the rails, both fans and critics of the sport still argue over exactly how much was part of the spectacle and how much was a look into something much more real.” He nods and gestures, presumably to a tech on hand. A video feed layover appears next to his head, displaying some footage of HWA’s One Night Stand event, focusing particularly on the havoc during the main event. “One of the biggest known factors to have come out of the One Night Stand debacle, however, was the story of one Danny Starr, multi-millionaire and former pro-wrestler who was prominent in organizing the events that lead up to the show, including, maybe, the less-staged ones. All that we know are two things: Danny Starr was sent to prison, and in prison, Starr committed suicide rather than face his crimes, leaving us to forever speculate on what really went down that night.” The screen-like display next to him swaps to a video of Danny Starr in an orange jumpsuit being led into a holding facility, followed by an image of a Hartford Courant headline “Prison Investigation States Disgraced Pro Wrestler’s Death Ruled Suicide.” “Yeah, I know, it sounds pretty fishy to me too, and it’s not like these sort of things don’t happen all the time. Somebody a little too powerful gets locked up and next thing you know, oops. Somehow this person can’t come clean to the world anymore, how sad.” Ethan rolls his eyes and sits up a little straighter in his chair. “But according to these Red Stars, there’s more to this than the big government seems willing to divulge.” The display shows a twitter post from @eyesonstarrs, cryptically reading “Scarrs on Starrs #TruthShinesRed” with red star emojis on either side of the text. “There exists some footage that, supposedly, is taken from the security cameras the night of Starr’s attested suicide. We’ve obtained this footage, and we’ve decided to say, screw it, we’re getting demonetized for this anyway, let’s put it up. Before I do though, just to warn you, this is, potentially, actual footage of the guards removing the dead Danny Starr from his jail cell. If that disturbs you, look away until you hear my voice again.” The display switches to semi-grainy, washed out footage of a prison security camera viewing an open cell door. There are some shadows within the cell before two guards exit the cell slowly, dragging the lifeless body of a man that appears by all rights to be Danny Starr. Once he has been dragged out of the cell, one man props him up while the other goes to fetch something to take him out with. This goes on for about a minute until the other guard returns with a wheeled table, and they set the body upon it, cover it, and wheel him out of view of the camera. “Seems normal enough, right? Apparently, though, the angle shows a particular scar on the back of Starr’s neck.” The display scans back to the first sight of the scar and plays it back, pausing and zooming on the scar. It is a relatively small scar, about 4 inches long, angled from left to right downwards. “According to some Red Star rumors, that doesn’t jive with the last known footage of Danny Starr, from that very same One Night Stand that set all of this in motion. Do we- do we have it? We do? Okay, yeah guys, thanks, we’re trying to pull it- oh we got it? Great, I guess let’s see what we’ve got!” The chaos of One Night Stand erupts onto the display again, until a shot from behind Danny Starr is displayed. The footage pauses and zooms, displaying a scar on the back of his neck, visible thanks to a tear in his shirt collar. It is harder to see, thanks to the extra fabric covering most of his neck, but the scar in the image appears to be angled right to left, downwards. Keith looks down at a monitor on his desk, presumably watching the same footage in real time. His eyes widen and he blinks a few times before looking back up at the camera, the expression at least a little put on for the audience’s sake. “Wild, huh? Apparently, the Red Stars believe that Starr’s suicide was faked, that his wealth, or his connections, or even possibly a Satanic Doomsday Cult’s interference saw fit to keep him from his jail sentence, protecting him for the sake of more dangerous things to come.” A large smile spreads across his face. “And I don’t know, guys, if this is all the evidence they’ve got to go on, I’d be the first to say it’s probably a load of hooey. But…” His smile turns into a performative thousand-yard stare. “The man’s millions have also seemingly disappeared.” Another news report headline is displayed near his face, this one reading “Assets Seized in Starr Indictment Much Lower Than Projected.” “A death ruled a suicide, a body no longer in a jail cell, and over twenty million dollars simply disappearing overnight?” Ethan cringes and shrugs in a show of acquiescence. “Something isn’t adding up, and not just at the IRS when it’s time to give us our returns! I can’t say I know one way or the other what’s going on here, guys, but I know we need to be keeping an eye on how it develops, for sure. Once we have a solid view of the whole thing, though, you can bet there’ll be some Hard Talk involved!” His left hand takes the shape of a gun, his index finger barrel ‘firing’ his zinger home in an almost subconscious addition to the phrase. “Be sure to like, comment, subscribe, you know the spiel. Our regularly scheduled Hard Talk is still airing this week, so check back in two weeks for that, too!” |
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RON ROYALTY, Owner of the HWA
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The still lovely but not getting any smaller Erin Wallace rubs her five-month pregnant belly before carefully sitting in her office chair. That was trip three to the bathroom and it wasn’t even 10 yet. Her bladder was prepared to make this a long day. She looks up to the sound of the front door opening. A tall, beautiful brunette woman strides in confidently as the door closes behind her. Erin can’t help but feel a little jealousy towards the women’s trim, muscular figure. She approaches the desk and flashes a perfect smile Erin’s way. Erin: Can I help you? Tall woman: Yes hi there, I’m here to fill out an application my name is Sasha. Sasha Elyse, lovely to meet you, dear. Erin: Oh yes, ms Elyse I was told you were coming in today. Sasha: Please girl, call me Sasha! Actually, maybe you can fill me in, what position is it I’m applying for? The website was vague... Erin rolls back in her chair and reveals her pregnant bump to Sasha. She pats it lightly and rolls back to the desk while Sasha looks at her with sweetness in her green eyes. Erin: You’re going to be filling my position while I’m gone. The sooner we get the paperwork done the sooner we get you in training with me. Sasha: I would love to start off working with someone as lovely as you miss...? Erin: I’m Erin Wallace but please just call me Erin. Sasha: Well, Erin, I can tell we would get along just fine. I would love to work by your side and make the next few months as easy as possible for you as you transition from work to delivering a beautiful baby into this world! What a wonderful mother you’re going to make I’m sure! Erin blushes, caught off guard by the onslaught of compliments for a moment. A nice distraction for the day. She smiles and nods finally. Erin: Well then let’s get to it! Sasha: Are there many others applying for this? Erin: Not really to be honest. Romeo and the other upper management have been exceptionally busy so we have to screen for only the absolute best. You’re resume already impressed so between you and me, you’re a shoo-in. Sasha flashes another perfect smile and giggles while leaning over and placing a hand on Erin’s shoulder for a moment. She leans back to the desk and begins filling out the application form. Sasha: Well I look forward to working with you more closely! The two women share a few more affectionate laughs before Sasha insists on giving Erin a hug before taking her to leave. |
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Decorated C.I.A. agent found dead in D.C. home. WASHINGTON D.C. - A prominent CIA agent was found dead in his Washington D.C. home this past week. Oliver Danielson, 29, originally of Omaha, Nebraska, was found by a former colleague who was reported to have been conducting a well-being check after Danielson failed to respond to several phone calls. No cause of death has currently been revealed though sources report that the death is being viewed as “suspicious”.
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Cason Fischer sat at the edge of the bar, an empty beer bottle before him as he impatiently waited for a refill. It was peak-time and the bar was packed, patrons falling over themselves to “get their drink” on. Countless times, they would bump into him, drawing an icy-stare from the detective, one that was usually ignored. Cason rested his head in his hands as he pulled out his phone and scrolled through the messages, past all those filled with empty condolences and the socially expected “let me know if you need anythings”, stopping as he found her name again. Had it already been a month? He went to take a drink again, momentarily forgetting the beverage empty. Cason slammed the beer onto the counter, shattering the bottle into a dozen pieces, drawing a few looks from the bartenders and security. He shrugged his shoulders, slumped off the stool, and made his way towards the exit. Breathing the nighttime air did much for his frame of mind as he staggered towards his car. Fumbling around for his keys, Cason managed to drop them under his car. Sighing, he dropped down to the dirty concrete and began reaching for them. Just as his fingers brushed against them, he felt the vibration of his phone, causing him to jolt up and slam his head into the driver’s-side mirror. Cursing, he pulled the cellular device to his ear, his eyes widening as he began to sober up. He had a case… Hours later, Cason was stepping under the “Caution” tape into the D.C. residence, his feet covered and his hands gloved. Other officers went about doing their duties, ignoring the detective as he made his way towards what would be best described as the “living room”. The body remained reclined in the chair, his head hung to one side, the blood loss from his head long since coagulated; creating what looked like a syrupy-mess on the carpet below. “Detective!?” came the voice of the young female officer. Courtney Brooks stood before him, shocked that Cason was standing in the crime scene, to which he wasn’t all that surprised. Courtney was a few years removed from the academy, still bright-eyed and thinking she could make an actual difference in the system. Being a female officer was no easy feat, especially in this day and age. And the fact that she wasn’t half-bad to look upon didn’t make it any easier for her, with cops and felons alike. She was tough though; she’d make a good detective one day, assuming the bureaucratic system didn’t chew her up and spit her out first, that is. “What do we have?” Cason asked, choosing to ignore her initial reaction to his presence. “Looks like suicide…” Courtney responded, continuing to talk but her words falling on deaf ears. Cason surveyed the scene. The pistol had been in his right hand, but must’ve dropped after the gun shot. One bullet, to the temple, all it took. His head hung low, his eyes open. Curious, don’t people typically close their eyes beforehand? Almost as if they were afraid to face the reality of what they were about to do? His mouth was slightly open as well, almost frozen, like he had been trying to plead one last time before the end. His left hand lay on the armrest, his fingers gripping tightly into the fabric, as if trying to prepare himself for what came next. Before the victim, spread out across the table, was a smorgasbord of various drugs and alcoholic beverages. Quite the party for just one man… “Any witnesses?” Cason asked, kneeling next to the victim. “None that have come forward,” Courtney frowned, realizing he had disregarded most of what she had just informed him. “This is of top priority,” came the deep voice of Cason’s superior, walking into the room. Captain Justus Murray was large heavyset African-American man, a big burly beard covering up the double-chins he had grown into from eating dozens of donuts every day. He had once been a truly physical specimen of a man; someone who could make you shit yourself by simply walking into that interrogation room. The years behind the desk, however, had not been kind to him, or his belly. “That’s why I called you in,” Justus declared, “We need all hands on deck. Don’t make me regret this.” “Why is this one so important?” Cason questioned, rising to his feet, his eyes narrowing, inquisitively. “Because he’s one of ours,” Justus professed, tossing the detective a wallet-like object. Cason caught the leather badge with ease, flipping it open to reveal the identity of the deceased. His eyes first scanned over the large set of initials within. CIA. He almost regretted answering his phone, until he read the name inscribed within. The name was foreign to him, it wasn’t someone he’d call “friend”, yet he knew it all the same, but from where? He racked his brain for answers as he looked to his Captain once more. “That’s Oliver Danielson,” Justus huffed. “The man
that caught the Baphomet.”
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She slid her hands through her hair, pulling her drab brown locks up into a messy bun with a few quick flicks of her wrist and an elastic band. It was a far cry from the coiffed, perfectly highlighted appearance she was used to. She holds her hands out before her, inspecting her ragged nails, so different from her long stilettos and frequent manicures. She curls her lip in disgust. And to think... This was all because of that damned bastard... “Danny Starr.....” Abrianna’s head jerks around towards the television in the common room. It was if they had conjured her thoughts right out of her head and put it on the evening news. She rises from her seat and approaches, to get a better look. “.... the man who had fallen from grace in the wrestling business, and was serving time in prison for his actions such as....” CLICK “Hey! I was watching that! Put it back!” The heavyset woman sneers at her, letting her eyes roam from her toes to her head. “Oh? Or else what?” Abrianna leans in slow, her eyes narrowing in anger. “Or else I will slit your throat in your sleep, puta... eviscerate you and use your intestines to jump rope, you understand?” Grudgingly, under the heat of her stare, the other woman complies. Grumbling about the spanish twat. “.... found dead in his cell. It was officially classified as a suicide. There are no further investigations pending on this matter.” Abrianna cannot help the massive smile that crosses her face. It remains in place as they are all ushered to their cell for the night. As the doors are locked for the night. As she sits on her bed and the lights are dimmed. Danny Starr was dead. It almost made all this worth it. He had gotten his comeuppance and her only regret was that it had not come at her hands. Let him fucking rot was all she could say. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. She is about to settle in for the night when the soft clank of keys draws her attention. She isn't too concerned until they rattle in her door. “Ay, what's this? Girl can't even get her sleep now?” The guard doesn’t answer, opening the door and stepping back. A man steps through, and Abrianna slowly rises, recognition flashing across her face, although she doesn’t say a word. She keeps her gaze locked in place and waits. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you..." the man in the shadow laughs to himself, "I'm sorry, it's just... everyone always thinks I'm going to hurt em'" “A man with your reputation, I wonder why mijo.” sarcasm drips heavily off of her words, as she looks him over, her body not relaxing for an instant. Abrianna was not a fool. She had been bitten in the ass far too many times by better men than this one. "Aren't you at least a little curious as to how it is I am in your cell so freely, let alone in your prison?"(edited) “You think I’m fool enough to not know you have your ways? Nothing surprises me anymore.” she throws at him, taking a few steps to the side, so her back is closer to the wall. “Besides, I'm sure you are more than willing to tell me the story, eh?” "Actually, no." the man surprises her, "I'm here to take you with me. Get what you need, let's go." “You... what?” Abrianna gives a quick shake of her head, blinking, not thinking she heard him correctly. “What do you mean with you?” Her eyes narrow with suspicion, but she doesn’t move a muscle. Go with him? What did he take her for? “And why would I do that? Why would I be allowed to just walk from these walls?” The man figured she would be resistant. He smiles, walking around her, his hand over her trembling shoulder as she attempts to remain firm and seem unafraid. "My associate tells me you are still employed... even if you thought otherwise." Her muscles twitch and jump, her body growing cold even as the warmth of his hand permeates her jumpsuit. His fingers press in, and she resists the urge to flee, regretting her earlier bravado, but finding it too late to back down now. “Employed? I don’t see how that is possible given... events.” She dares turn her head, looking up into his chilling eyes. "I wouldn't obsess over the small details. I will say it's much easier to come with me... otherwise, I might have to satisfy your... initial expectations." An unfamiliar skitter of fear scrambles up her spine. She was tempting fate, dancing too close to that edge and she knew it. She inclines her head, pretending to concede with a grace and aplomb that she certainly did not feel. “Very well then.” She slowly walks forward, feeling his hand drop away. Her skin crawls as she slowly packs, feeling his eyes on her back, expecting a blade to descend at any moment. She doesn’t give him the satisfaction of looking over her shoulder, until she has gathered her meager belongings. “Lead the way.”
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ONE YEAR AGO A few days after One Night Stand Grimjack had met up with Tommy Romeo at his bar, Pleasant Jack’s. He mentioned what had happened to Tommy.
JANUARY 2021
Oliver Danielson starts writing down some notes on a notepad. Grimjack looks bewildered.
PRESENT DAY
A long post read:
-Red Starr
X. Serpens transmis en la cage de fer, A coffin is put into the vault of iron,
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The audience has begun chanting HWA, echoing from the the press room of Royalty Entertainment Center, and bringing a joyful sense of nostalgia to the entire group of HWA members awaiting the Reunion show's press event. Royalty: Right! Let's go out there and make the building shake! The HWA survivors, filled with comraderie, excitedly ready themselves to enter the electrifying environment awaiting them. Starting with the HWA Owner/President, the HWA survivors file into the room with an ovation so intense, the building literally shakes as predicted. They walk in a line to their designated seating arrangements at a large table in front of the roaring audience and press, camera's flash, camera's record for live television, and fans go wild for their favorite superstars. They wave and laugh at some signs being hoisted up in the crowd until Ron Royalty leans down to the microphone. When he begins to speak, the audience immedietely tampers down to listen. Ron Royalty: Thank you all for being here today. First and foremost we want to say congratulations to Erin Wallace and join in welcoming her new baby boy... Erin stands up and waves to everyone , baby Raine on her hip. Tommy remains seated an anxious smile on his face, this being his first time in public in months, his gaze fixed on Erin and the child. Ron Royalty: Many of you remember Erin as an interviewer from the old HWA days but now she is a freelance journalist and administrative assistant for our own Romeo Management Inc. And in that same vein, if any good has come from the tragedy and bloody horrorshow that was One Night Stand... it has brought all of us together to be less of a roster and more like a family. The HWA survivors and audience roar in ovation. Ron Royalty: And even though our event traumatized us, it seems to have sparked a revival of sorts for professional wrestling as a whole! Which is another positive thing. Once again, cheering and clapping shake the conference. Ron Royalty: With that said... I want to thank everyone for being here beside me... and most importantly, we want to thank YOU, the people who wanted the HWA Reunion, for making this all possible. Without the fans, we would just be some geriatric blokes running around in spandex so I thank you. "Speak for yourself, Ron!" a weathered Jack Metal cuffs his hands as he jokingly shouts from the audience over their clapping. Ron Royalty: Fair enough! Now, without any further ado, Let's introduce the HWA SURVIVORS!!!!!!! (Thunderous applause as Royalty turn his attention to the person sitting at the furthest position to his right.) Ron Royalty: Without this man, we might not have had the energy we needed to win back the HWA... Everyone, returning for this year's annual... "The Deadly One" Dan Sawyer!!! Dan Sawyer stands up and waves with a nervous smile before sitting back down. The audience loves Dan and most stand up to applaud him for his efforts at ONS. Ron Royalty: Next to Sawyer, we have "The Chos..." I'm sorry... "The Ultimate" Tommy Romeo!!! Tommy scowls at Ron and swallows hard, then stuffs some sort of wrapper in his pocket and stands up and waving to the audience a smile the size of Texas on his face. He then leans down into the table and softly speaks into the microphone set in front of him. “Thanks you all for your continued support. I’m Very glad to be here today with everyone after last year. Who knows maybe I’ll actually get to participate in a match this year.” Tommy nods at Ron and sits back down, sliding his hand into his pocket as he does and stealthily pulling out another single Reese’s cup then stuffing it into his mouth. He looks away from Ron and back over to Erin. She shakes her head and frowns at him as he begins to chew.(edited) Ron Royalty: Oh you best believe, Mr. Romeo. But we'll get to that in a few minutes. Next to Romeo here is members of his management agency starting with "the real FN deal... Evan Blane!!!" Evan stands and smiles and waves a hand at the fans, then reaches down and grabs a microphone off the table Evan Blane: Hello Ron. Good to see everyone again, oh and Ron, its "The Revenant" now. The Real Deal died that night when the event ended. And to the fans...... Thanks for the love! Blane raises his hand and waves again and places the mic down on the table and sits. Ron Royalty: Very good! The Revenant. I like it. Alright, thanks for making it Mr. Blane... And the other member of R.M.I. next to the revenant... HWA legend... GRIMJACK!!! Grimjack reaches across the table and grabs the mic that Evan Blane had set down. He taps it a few times making sure it’s still on. The fans start cheering and chanting “GRIMJACK”. Grimjack: Thanks, thanks. You know, I’d like to thank you fans first of all. This is great. It’s been too long hasn’t it? The fans start chanting “YOU STILL GOT IT” clearly as a joke. Grimjack starts cracking up. Grimjack: I’m feeling the love. It’s great that you all still support us. What was it, 2005? I got fired by HWA for losing a loser leaves town match to Peter Octavian. Probably my lowest moment. Then last year we got back together and it wasn’t under the best of circumstances. My good friends were getting killed and I’m glad I helped put a stop to it. Well I won’t mention who was at fault there, this is supposed to be a positive day. But suffice to say I’m glad to be back here and commiserating with the fans! Thank you, thank you. It’s also been a tough year but when Ron Royalty reached out to me about getting back together for this event I didn’t even have to think about it. Instant yes. Maybe it’s just nostalgia. We’re back in style 15 years later. It’s going on a lot lately. We got Cobra Kai. We got Mighty Ducks Gamechangers. The Friends Reunion. What’s old is new again. Last year we had One Night Stand but it’s not just one night. We’re back baby! I have unfinished business. You may have heard, I’m fighting robots these days. Yeah it’s wild. And weed is legal now! So despite it all it’s a great time to be alive. I’m proud to be working with my colleagues Evan and Tommy here. Tommy, yeah I hope you do compete this year! If you’re feeling up to it. But I know you’re a great manager now, thanks for the help getting back into wrestling. Alright, I’ve been droning on long enough. I’ll shut up now. The crowd cheers at Grimjack’s self deprecating humor. Grimjack rolls the mic back down across the table toward Ron. Ron Royalty: Did he say fighting robots? Anyway, before we move on... I want to say that Tristan Wolfe should be up here with the rest of our HWA family but will not be returning this year. But he's healing up and back on his feet... And will certainly be supporting his significant other who is our next to introduce... SYREN!!! Syren rises to her feet, flashing a smile towards Tristan, who was in the crowd watching with their newest addition, another daughter, cradled in his arms. Niahm, by his side, waved excitedly. “Last year, tragedy brought us all back together in the most unexpected ways. This year, we join once more, but under much better circumstances. There have been a lot of ups and downs between now and then, but the moment I heard Ron’s voice on the phone, there was no doubt in my mind what I was going to say. I for one, cannot wait to step foot in the ring once more. I think we have all proven, without a shadow of a doubt, that no matter what happens, the bonds of HWA will live on forever.” She slips back into her seat, tossing her hair over her shoulder. The crowd nearly explodes in ovation, even with hoots and hollers as Ron Royalty swells with pride. Ron Royalty: Syren, I believe everyone in attendance as well as those sitting on either side of myself shares the exact same sentiment. Now, the last HWA superstar to introduce from this side of the table being Syren, I now switch to the opposite side to introduce a man who needs no introduction... Mr. Damien Michaels... The CHOSEN ONEEEE!!!!!! Damien Michaels stands up from his chair and takes in the crowd. A “tee-see-OHHH” chant starts, and Damien responds with a smile and a wave back to the crowd. Buttoning his suit jacket, he takes a moment to shake his tablemates’ hands and slaps Ron Royalty on the back as he walks to the podium. Stopping for a moment again, he shakes his head and laughs. TCO: You know, standing in front of this crowd here today makes me feel about 20 years younger! The HWA has always had the best fans in the wrestling business, second to NONE. The crowd roars it approval back to Damien, who knows he’s feeding them exactly what they want to hear! TCO: The last 18 months of our lives have been one hell of a roller coaster. You’ve got a global pandemic, political infighting, social justice movements, a wrestling event featuring paramilitary operators…but at the end of it, what did we wind up with? TCO gestures to his panel mates and the crowd. TCO: Community. THIS community. Friendships made, relationships once broken put back together, friendships maybe forgotten - remembered. In a time of struggle ranging from global to personal, the survivors of the HWA and every one of you have banded together to move past the nonsense holding all of us back to build something we can all be proud of. We’ve all lost something and maybe someone, and this is our place and time to celebrate…life. Competition and performance at the highest levels to honor those we hold dear. TCO reaches under the table and pulls out a bottle of whiskey and a glass. He pours a generous helping, and holds the glass high. TCO: To my friends, to my family, to our FANS, and to those we have loved and lost…here’s to you. Long live the HWA! Ron Royalty: I'll toast to that! Ron grabs his bottle of water and holds it up, first to the left, then to his right, lingering on TCOs gaze a bit longer... Ron Royalty: but it'll have to be a H20 for me. He turns his bottle and attention to the crowd... Ron Royalty: To the HWA! ...and to 14 months sober! Ron Royalty swigs the bottle of water as the entire rooms applauds the HWA and his being back on the wagon. Ron Royalty: Many memories with that man- with all of you, actually... And here's to many more. Now, I am very pleased to now introduce... HWA legend... And a long time personal friend as well... Please welcome SETT!!!! Sett remains seated, grinning and looking out to the crowd. He begins to lift a single fist into the sky, reminiscent of his old in-ring taunt, but cancels halfway into a gratuitous wave as his grin widens into a full-blown smile. His other arm reaches for the microphone in front of him, pulling it from its stand and speaking into it. Sett: He pauses, screwing up his face and looking at the mic. He frowns and taps it a few times, speaking into it again with no luck. He checks the stem of the device again, presumably looking for an 'on' switch. Finally, with a shrug, he gestures over to the person next to him before reaching out and grabbing and testing their mic instead. Finding it online, he nods, pumping his fist in a pantomime of victory. It gets him a cheap pop as he gives his words another shot. Sett: You know, I think somebody might've done that to me on purpose. He laughs, pulling the mic away as he does so to keep the levels steady. Sett: I feel like most everything worth saying has been said by people much more eloquent then I'll ever be. That being said, I'd be lying if it didn't sound like a great time to get back into the ring with the rest of these old heads, and for a good cause, too. We've all been busy adjusting to new lives recently, so I think a little bit of the good ol' days will be just what everyone needs. Don't y'all? The gathered crowd cheers at the prospect. Sett: We couldn't do any of it without support from all of you, either. Thanks for being there for us through it all! He hands the microphone back and offers another wave before leaning back in his chair once more.(edited) Ron Royalty: and last but certainly not least... Another one of our HWA power couples... "Your Heroes" Michael And Cassandra Diamond!!! Michael Diamond took an exasperated sigh as he rose to his feet, looking out at the crowd gathered before him. The cheers were overwhelming for “Your Hero” as he seemed a bit off-put by it all, almost nervous even, as he answered them with a slight wave at the crowd and a forced smile. Michael took the microphone in hand and waited for the fans to quiet down before he finally spoke to the masses. “Thank you Ron,” Diamond began, looking over to the HWA Owner. “And – of course – thank you to all of our loyal and amazing fans. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be here today…” Again, another deep breath as his smile seemed to fade. “For many of us, “Michael dared a look around at the fellow competitors seated up on stage with him. “The HWA was a place that we called ‘home’. Some of us found ourselves in different organizations at one time or another, but it seemed like no matter where we went… or how long we were gone for… we always came back here.” Michael searched for the words to say as he tried to keep his emotions in check. “Last year, at One Night Stand,” Diamond began, feeling the uneasiness shift within the auditorium. “I don’t think any of us knew just what, exactly, we were walking into. Regardless, with the existence of the HWA facing extinction, the men and women that you see up here today put it all on the line to preserve the legacy – OUR legacy. Now I know that our victory did not come without great cost; to ourselves, to our brothers-in-arms no longer with us, to even those caught in the crossfire. That is why this ReUnion show is of personal importance to me; for the money that we raise through it will go to help those afflicted by the aftermath of One Night Stand.” Michael handed the microphone to his wife as he sat back down. Cassandra smiled at her husband, as she took the mic. “Thank you Michael” she said looking out at the crowd. “As Michael said, we are grateful to be sitting here with our fellow HWA teammates as the events of One Night stand, caused so much heartache and uncertainty in our community. We certainly owe gratitude to to our fans, as your continued support is what keeps us coming back. Michael, And our two children and myself want to give back as much as we can to those so tragically taken from us. “ The crowds silence, changed to to booing of Cassandra, yelling “Danny Starr is a traitor” Cassandra looking nervously at her husband as the voices increased. She looked back at the crowd, irritated by the interruption She looked back at Ron, with a half smile “Thank you Ron, and for the record it’s Cassandra Starr-Diamond”(edited) Ron Royalty: Right! Now, let's get on with what we're all gathered here for... THE BLOODY CARD FOR THE 2021 HWA REUNION SHOW!!! The audience erupts with excitement! Ron Royalty: Our first friendly wrestling match will be... "The Revenant" Evan Blane... vs. "The Deadly One" Dan Sawyer.... VS... Grimjack!!! In a THREE... WAY... DANCE!!!!! Evan Blane and Grimjack grab each other's shoulders in a playful struggle before Dan Sawyer meets both of them each, grabbing each of their heads and pretending to bang them together. The audience just loves it. Ron Royalty: Our second match... our lovely Syren... against Cassanda Sta..... Cassandra Starr-Diamond! Sorry about that... Another positive reaction from the audience as both women playfully point at each other, smiling as they jokingly threaten one another from a distance. Michael joins in pretending to struggle as he holds Casssandra back. Ron Royalty: Should be a fun one. Next up, The latter's husband, Michael Diamond... Vs. "The Ultimate" Tommy Romeo!(edited) Another excited reaction from the crowd prompts both men to react as well. Romeo flexing his arms and Michael running a finger across his own throat. Ron Royalty: And as for our main event, well.. this doesn't leave much to the imagination but, The Chosen One... Vs. Sett! Two great legends, a lot of great match-ups scheduled for this charity event, and an what an amazing show it will be on America's Independance Day!! The audience explodes as Ron struggles to be heard over their HWA chants. Ron Royalty: Now, we would hate to hold you up any longer, but... there is, I believe, a microphone stand set up... Royalty squints as he looks from side to side in search of the microphone in question before spotting it near the back of the room. Ron Royalty: Ah, there it is... yes, so anyone who has a question for our HWA about the show or just anything on their minds, please don't hesitate to jump on there and uhh, we'll do our best to give it a go. Everyone okay with that? The HWA superstars nod and smile in their own unique styles before the first person stands up to ask a question. A young woman comes to the microphone and nervously leans in before speaking. "Um, this question is for Ron Royalty. Long time fan." Ron Royalty: I'm sorry, your name? "Oh, um, Kerry..." the young girl responds. Kerry: I would like to ask you why not Tommy Romeo and Damian Michaels. "There can only be one Chosen One match!" You know... for the rights to the moniker! Whoo!!! The audience laughs and Royalty grinds his teeth as he peers side to side. Ron Royalty: Well, Kerry... I will say this. I love to give the fans what they want, but in this special case, the card is set as is! As far as the TCO moniker being on the line, well, I'll let TCO himself answer that one! TCO laughs and looks over at Romeo. TCO: Truth is…I had better lawyers! There’s a mixture of boos and laughs from the crowd. TCO: In all honesty, you learn a lot about someone when you hold them hostage in an interrogation room while trying to figure out the machinations of a madman who may want to kill you and your family. The crowd responds with muffled laughs and gasps. TCO: And while I’m just as excited about “The Ultimate” Tommy Romeo as much as you all are - after the events of the last year and the journey this man went through, there’s not a person on this stage I would rather have passed on or shared the “The Chosen One” mantle with than one Tommy Romeo. With that, TCO stands up and starts clapping for Tommy Romeo. Ron Royalty joins in as well as everyone else. Tommy nods, swelling with pride with a gaze to Erin Wallace, but her face remains indifferent as everyone claps around her. Ron Royalty: This is what I love... the 'community'. Very good! Oh... Hello... What's your name and who is your question for? A man with glasses stands up to replace Kerry. "My name is Jason and my question is for Sett..." Sett tapes his microphone to see if it has come alive and asks to borrow Thomas' when he realize it doesn't. "What's the question...?" Sett asks. Jason: Well, I am here on behalf of the CW network and we have been trying to get a hold of you for a long time regarding a potential reality based television show that would follow Sett around as he kicks ass around the border of Texas and finally we- Sett's head falls to hide his face in frustration. Sett: Look, man, I... Sett trails off, composing himself as his head remains cradled in one hand. The other hand still holds the microphone near his mouth until he figures out what he wants to say. Sett: It's true that I do a lot of, uh, humanitarian work at the border, and my status, and stature, does mean that I sort of stand out among some of my peers in that regard. He lifts his head up, finally, taking a breath and sitting up straight to address Jason with a bit more confidence. Sett: But that said, it's very delicate work. There are lots of moving parts, and more importantly, lots of moving people, many of whom won't or can't have their faces or voices or even likenesses displayed on television for a number of reasons. And look - I'm pretty sure there was a clause in the Q&A submission about no advertising disguised as a question, and this is cutting it close enough that I could have your ass kicked out for it if I wanted to. He pauses, leveling a cold gaze at Jason. Sett: But I know Turner wants a piece of that pie too, and none of his guys had the sack to come into a press conference Q&A to hound me for it, though, so let me just leave you with this - movie magic aside, the bulk of my work is pretty boring. The 'ass kicking' is only ever about five percent of what we're doing in any given month. I suggest finding a better avenue. I do hope you find one! Sett provides a big smile to Jason, and it looks only a little fake. Ron Royalty: Thank you, Jason... um, Hello miss. Who is your question for? "My name is Susan, my question is for Syren, actually... I was just wondering if you had the option... would you still be wrestling professionally full time or is the annual more your pace these days? Syren looks thoughtful for a long moment as she brings together her train of thought. “As much as I want to leap in and say that I’d love to be doing this full time, because I would, I think realistically, doing these annual events are best for me with everything going on. With the ranch, my newest daughter, and my wrestling school starting to thrive, I have my hands full. I would hate to sacrifice any one of those to go back to being a pro. Getting to do this, even on a smaller scale satisfies the urge, and is a win win since I don’t have to give up time for anything else I love to do. I am more than happy to leave the heavier ring work to my students.” Ron Royalty: believe me... After last year's event, there's a reason I'm not joining in the fun! I'm truly surprised any of you returned for more punishment! I would have said bullocks and hung up on myself so... Thanks again! Who's up next... Ah, yes sir.. you have a question? "Yeah... Tom. Hi. My question is for Blane... Um. Why "the revenant"? Evan Blane leans back in his chair, and looks down at the floor for a bit. Blane: There is a significance to the new moniker. Which a lot of the panel doesn't really know about. After the events of One Night Stand I have been "haunted" by the images of the paramilitary personnel that were in and around the ring. Blane slowly looks back up towards the crowd and there is a bit of fire in his eyes Blane: Along with the soldiers I have had nightmares of Mr. Starr, whom I had close relationship with. To have him be apart of these attacks on people who we worked with closely and to have him do them on loved ones and close friends, made me swear some form of retribution against him personally. Unfortunately, his personal guilt led him to taking his own life, so I won't be able to get my hands on him and delivering my personal vengeance. But that pain will haunt me for the rest of my life. Daniel Starr created me. "The Revenant" was born. Blane places the microphone back on the table and starts to look back down towards the floor. There's a long pause after Evan concludes his answer. A feeling of sadness enters the atmosphere for a lot of the HWA members. Some sad for the loss of life prior to the event... some sad for the circumstances surrounding the event... some close enough to Danny Starr, that the revelation of his involvement left a scar as it clearly did for Evan Blane. Royalty sighs. Ron Royalty: I suppose I was naive to assume the elephant in the room could be overlooked, but let me just say this... Danny Starr's actions were clearly horrendous beyond compare, and nothing will undo what was done by he and those involved with his decisions... but he is no longer with us, and so, we would like to move on... Evan... you answered the question, but going forward, I would politely request that we try to focus more on the present... and the future. Does anyone have any other questions? Oh, Hello there! A fellow friend from across the pond? I see the Argentina football jersey... "Yes, Mr. Royalty! Big fan. My name is Enrique and my question is for Mr. Romeo. First of all congratulations on your new baby boy and my question is... are you adjusting well to being a new father? Thank you!" Tommy stands up with his microphone. “Thanks for the question Enrique, In all honesty with everything that’s gone on in the last year I haven’t really settled in to the role quite yet. I’ve been on the road with the clients of the RMI. The management agency that Erin and I created. I’ve spent a lot of time in Europe recently with one of my clients Shawn Wylde and only quite recently returned home. I will tell you that I look foreword to spending time with Erin and Raine and falling into my role as a dad.” Tommy looks directly at Erin and smiles and waves. Erin however ignores Tommy her attention on the baby. Tommy returns to his seat his brows furrowed. He thumps down into his chair and rests his head on his fist as he slumps onto the table. Ron Royalty: A lot of babies! Next up? Hello there... "Hi, my name is Tina. My question is for Grimjack. What are some key differences between wrestling for the HWA and wrestling for the SWC?" Grimjack gets up and goes over to the podium. Grimjack: I guess I should stand and answer huh? Sorry guys, it’s been awhile. Uh, well it’s a little tough to say. I haven’t been in the SWC that long yet. I’ve had one match in the SWC so far and I had hundreds in the HWA. I’m a totally different person now than I was fifteen years ago as well. A little older and banged up but also a little more experienced. I was a young kid back then in HWA really, thrust into the championship spotlight, thrust into the president role. It was a lot of responsibility and I didn’t always rise to the occasion. Now, I’m taking things seriously and professionally. I’m not looking to pop in and pop out here. I’m looking to keep it real. And I’ll keep it real with you as fans. I’m going to keep it real with Cyrus Vogel, the owner of the SWC. At least, I think he’s the owner. It’s all a little nebulous. The pay is a lot less than what I was making in the HWA. That’s just keeping it real. I won my first match against a robot and it was a lot of fun. But I’m going to renegotiate this deal. I’m an independent contractor so they can let me go if they want any time and I can also request more money to stay longer. $15,000 a match is great but let’s be honest I’m worth more. They gave me a $1,000 bonus for winning but come on now. Let’s add some commas and some zeroes to these numbers. Remember us wrestlers put our bodies on the line and our lives as well. That’s something I’d like to talk to my manager here Tommy Romeo about as well. We’ll get to that in due time. Pretty soon I’ll - Grimjack stops talking for a moment. He pulls out his phone which is buzzing. He looks at who is calling and his eyebrows raise. Grimjack: I’m sorry but I’m going to have to excuse myself. I’ll . . . um yeah. Sorry I’d like to take some more questions but I need to take this call. Sorry! Grimjack walks off the stage as the room has gotten a little awkward and the fans are murmuring amongst themselves about it. Ron Royalty: Well, Okay then, and you know, for the record... if the SWC owner is watching, you're going to want to keep Grimjack around! He was an asset in the HWA back then and even until this day, so, make sure you give the man what he wants! Consider that a letter of recommendation, oh, he's gone? Okay well... moving on... yes... miss? "Hi, my question is... for you Ron." Ron Royalty: Right! Finally some action. Oh, what's your name? "Gabby" Ron Royalty: Gabby! Hello Gabby, what's your question? Gabby: Did you forget my number? Ron Royalty pauses. Ron Royalty: I'm sorry... um. What did you say your name was? Gabby: You forgot my name already? I mean, 20 years go by, but, I suppose you remembered all of these people. Ron Royalty chuckles in embarressment. Ron Royalty: I'm sorry it's just... Gabby. Gabby. Gabby: Why don't we try Gabriella instead. The audience is in disbelief just as the HWA members come to the same realization. Ron Royalty: Gabriella! My god... I do apologize! I actually had to take most of these people's numbers last year after the event but right! Everyone, please give it up for Gabriella! The audience begins to clap and her serious face can't help but weaken as a huge smile appears on it. Ron Royalty: You are here.. are you... are you still active in the ring? Gabriella: I want to be! Ron Royalty: If you want to join us it's not too late! Ron Royalty looks around, back and forth, as he scrambles to figure out where she is to be placed. Ron Royalty: You know what, um. How about this! Let's make Syren vs. Cass Starr-Diamond a 3-way dance as well! Well, does that sound okay to you both? Royalty looks to Cassandra first... awaiting for approval... Cassandra shrugs looking at Syren and smirks. Cassandra:” The more the merrier” Syren studies Gabriella with some curiosity in her expression. She cuts her eyes over to Cass, giving a delicate shrug of one shoulder to show her indifference. "Its alright with me, makes it more interesting for sure!" She flashes a grin. Ron Royalty: Gabby... welcome back to the HWA family. Come on up here! The HWA members stand up to clap for her return, some remember her, others pretend to, but Gabby herself is joyously skipping from the audience and onto the platform with her brothers and sisters. They each greet her in their own way as she quietly mingles with Syren and Cassandra equally. Ron Royalty: Amazing! Well, that just about covers it! I better get out of here before that first fan asks for the TCO vs. TCO match again! Anyway, thank you all for being here and we look forward to entertaining you once again come July 4th for HWA REUNION!!! "I have a question." a voice struggles to be heard over the audience's cheering. "I HAVE A QUESTION!!!" a man's voice now overpowers the entire audience from the microphone in the back of the room. Ron Royalty hears the fan and decides to accommodate him. Ron Royalty: Right! Sorry about that! We must have ended things prematurely, what is your name and who is your question for? "I have two questions..." the man begins, "and they are both for Michael and Cassandra Starr." Cassandra is taken aback as she regains her composure from laughing at a comment Gabby had made, turning to the fan, and then to Michael. "My first question is... How do you sleep at night?" The room falls silent as it contemplates the nature of the question. Ron Royalty: I'm sorry to interject, friend. What was your name? "How... do you both sleep at night?" the man repeats. Cassandra looks again at her husband with a puzzled expression before leaning towards her microphone. Cassandra: ”excuse me, I am not understanding the question” she laughed nervously Cassandra:”Can you please elaborate?” "It's simple... watching you sit there surrounded by the people who trust you... how can you both sit there? keeping your secrets... How can either of you sleep at night?" Cassandra looks again to Michael as Michael is puzzled as much as she is. Suddenly, starting with Erin Wallace's, each individual directly involved with the HWA's phones begin to ring or vibrate simultaneously. Cass doesn't seem to let the distraction stop her from speaking back to the man. "Excuse me..." Dan Sawyer interjects without regret, "Why are you being hostile to Thee Cassandra Starr-Diamond? And Michael Diamond... those guys were FOS... they're damn legends so who the fuck are you?" Ron Royalty: That's quite enough, Mr. Sawyer. That won't be necessary this fan is... clearly... uh, well, why don't we move on to your second question?" "Who's house is this?" Romeo lifts up his head to see if anyone has an answer. "That was my second question." The man admits, "It's Cassandra and Michael Diamond's house. That man on the video is throwing a duffle bag full of money into their yard. A man named Mark Crow, a former butler of Cassandra's brother, and in the bag was millions upon millions of Danny Starr's blood money." The room look straight at the Diamonds as an explanation is requested. "As Dan Sawyer said... 'these guys were FOS. Maybe they still are. Explain YOURSELF!" Before Michael or Cassandra could utter a word to say, Ron Royalty intercepts. Ron Royalty: Whoa, hold on... WAIT just a minute. That is bonkers. How dare you come into here and antagonize these people. These people have been through enough. Please escort him out of here... Two of Royalty's personal security approach the man, but without warning, the man roundhouse kicks one, and throws the back of his hand against the other one's head; knocking them both down. "If you didn't realize who I am, I am a master of subversion and deception... trying to kill someone who obviously wasn't me in a car accident in a river? Maybe I'm more Unknown than I thought." the man stands tall, a stance that startles the HWA members. "Impossible..." Royalty utters, "He's dead." "Impossible..." The man mocks, "He's standing in front of you... and has sent the evidence of Michael and Cassandra's conspiratorial secrets to every phone that has been betrayed." "We are not going to entertain this disrespectful show of nonsense." Royalty shuts down the press conference, asking the rest of the HWA members to take their leave. The audience starts filing out, and inside the nervous mutterings, a single audience member shouts "DANNY STARR TRUTH.COM" and then again as he exits. Unknown Ninja and Royalty are all that's left. Ron Royalty: Show me this video... Unknown Ninja: I suggest you sit while watching.
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Ron Royalty: My god. Ninja... is it really you? They said you were... we all thought you were dead. Your car... Ninja: A vicious cycle, isn't it? I had spent the last 20 years of my career figuring out who I really am. Things are hidden in plain sight. Dead? No. Very much alive. Ron Royalty: but the car in the river... They confirmed you were in the car... It was all over the news. Ninja: Did...anyone confirm it was me? DNA? Fingerprint? Biometrics? Ron Royalty: I mean... You weren't the only one. I can't say I saw an autopsy but I imagine it being confirmed made logical sense... Royalty tries to lighten the conversation by reaching for ninjas wrist in a friendly manner. Ron Royalty: maybe it was your clone! Royalty begins to chuckle and realizes the man once known as Unknown Ninja isnt laughing with him. Ninja: ... I appreciate that this is a joke to you. Ninja scowls. Ron Royalty: My apologies, it's just... we lost so many at the hands of that monster... I mean, how did you manage to escape what looked like certain death? Ninja: 20 years ago I had the unfortunate pleasure of running into a group of mobsters who thought it would be a good idea to clone me. He opens a folder containing information regarding DNA strands, cloning, and a project related to cloning HWA Wrestlers. Ninja: ... He pauses once more. Ninja: Obviously whoever did this wanted to replace us. Figuring them starting with me would easily replace the others....I was smarter than them. He flips through the pages. Ninja: These mobsters weren't behind this, not at all. Ron Royalty takes the folder and it's contents into his own hand as he looks it over, he looks back up to Ninja. Ron Royalty: If you showed me this back then, I would have thought you were crazy but... after last year, nothing surprises me.. but I'll tell you one thing, Ninja... that video that you sent everyone.... the video you showed me. Whatever it is... there is a reasonable explanation. There is no way Michael Diamond and Cassandra Diamond would betray us... not after One Night Stand... and what were you doing there to begin with? Ninja shakes his head. He takes his mask out from his back pocket and looks at it. Ninja: ... that is my business Ron. For now. I knew both of them, very well. I did not want to believe it either at first, but here we are. Ron Royalty: I don't know what to believe anymore. Everything I thought was true is being challenged. Not to mention these nutcases out there spreading conspiracy theories that Starr is still out there somewhere and if that wasn't enough, they are on his side! After all of the horrible actions, some crazies are out there wanting to continue his war. Strange times. And then here you are... back from the dead. Ninja smirks. Ninja: Being back from the dead implies I was dead to begin with. If Starr is actually out there..... Ninja sighs. He takes back the folder from Ron and flips through the pages. Various pictures of possible Starr sightings, work ups, and other things are in there. Ninja: Believe me, I tried. Ron Royalty: Hypothetically... If Starr were still alive... if I know Michael Diamond and Cassandra... there's absolutely no way they'd harbor him after what he had done to our fellow HWA family. They had to sell Starr Enterprises to escape the association! It just doesn't make sense... Ninja: And with that, I am as in the dark as you are... Ron Royalty: I will talk to Michael and Cass... but what will you do? Ninja looks at Ron and then walk away, leaving the folder on a table. He stops and turns back to Ron. Ninja: ... what I do best. Ron Royalty: Now, you listen closely. We go back... but we have this event coming up, I am begging you not to fan the flames... not with these fanatics running around... I can't risk another ONS... especially over a video that could be taken out of context... All right? Royalty turns to see Grimjack in the doorway, but when he turns back around, Ninja is gone.
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Tommy guides Erin
through the curtain holding it out of the way as she walks through it, then
following her through he lets it fall behind him. Tommy first sees Evan
and snaps his fingers at him, then points and signals him over. On the other
side of the room Grimjack is sitting still on the phone after his impromptu
exit from the press conference stage. Once Evan has made his way over Tommy
leads he and Erin who is clutching baby Raine tightly over to Grim.
"What do you guys make of this?" Romeo asks the group not considering the fact that Grim had missed the entire scene on stage. Blane looks at Tommy already visibly annoyed by everything that just transpired. Blane walks over while keeping his eyes locked on Romeo Blane: First. Don't snap your fingers at me. I'm not a dog. Second, I was there at the scene I saw them fish a body out of the swamp. I don't have a clue about this especially since he's claiming that Danny is still breathing air.(edited) Grimjack puts his phone back in his pocket. Grimjack: Hey what’d you say about Danny? Starr? I was meaning to speak to you about him. Tommy goes to snap at Evan again but Erin swats his hand. Erin: You think if Danny was actually still alive my sources wouldn’t have come to me with some sort of information? This is clearly the tabloids at work. How do we even know the man in the crowd is actually who he claims to be? Tommy: We don’t, but Rons still out there with him so clearly he’s convinced. Tommy sneers at Evan “They pulled a body out of the swamp so I just assumed it was the guy I was looking for and left. “He says mockingly Also where did he get this footage of the Diamond estate? Erin: You know you should really be nicer to the people you care about or they may all just end up leaving you. Blane starts to raise his hands in a striking manor, turns around and starts to breath slowly and tries to calm down. Blane turns back around to Tommy and looks him dead in the eye. Blane: Honestly, if you were anyone else you would be staring at the ceiling because I would have floored you. Consider that your warning. Evan turns back to Grimjack and calmly goes to speak to him in a nicer and calmer tone. Blane: Yeah Grim, you were on the phone with someone but Unknown Ninja showed up in the crowd spouting some conspiracy theory shit about Starr being alive and paying off Cass and Michael. I have no actual idea on whats going on. Grim jacks eyes get wide. Grimjack: Unknown Ninja? THE Unknown Ninja? You’re kidding right? Blane: Nope. It was Ninja. I went to Florida to go recruit him and Maxem off'ed him. I saw them drag his body out of a swamp. I don't understand it. Grimjack: How did they identify him? He always wore a ninja mask. I worked with him for years but I never who his real identity was. In fact I’d never have known if it was one guy if not for the fact that he always fought with the same unique style. Unpredictable, random. It’s what made him so dangerous. What was he saying? Did he say anything that proved what he was saying was true? Blane: He said he had video of Mark Crow dropping money off to Cass and Michael. That's all he had on video. Outside that he's got nothing substantial. It bothers me. Erin are you sure there was no information to this? I mean there had to be some form of chatter. Erin: There have been propaganda sites popping up on the internet like DSLives.com and a few others. But nothing I would call credible information. Tommy looks to Grim Tommy: He floored two security guards as quickly as they got to him. Kicked one of em right in the head.(edited) Grimjack nods his head knowingly. Grimjack: That checks out. A roundhouse kick is one of his patented moves. I saw the chatter online about Starr being alive too and there’s a lot of evidence. It makes sense. Rich add jokes always fake their deaths in prison. Epstein. Madoff. Kenny boy Lay. Is Ninja still there or did he leave? We need to know what else he knows. Maybe now he’s the Known Ninja. You said he had footage of the Diamond estate? That might be where Starr is hiding out. I have been wanting to question Diamond about what he knows about Conner but he’s impossible to get a hold of. That estate has armed guards. It’d make sense. A 3 dimensional star looked at from the side looks like a 2 dimensional diamond. Just like how a cube transposes a hexagon. This is finally starting to make sense. Blane just looks at Grimjack astonished. Blane: I have always been just amazed how your brain works sometimes. I know Cass and Michael, they aren't involved. In fact they would probably want nothing to do with Danny after the events of ONS. Michael would probably wants to get his hands on him, just as much as I do.(edited) Erins phone rings and she hands Raine off to Tommy who awkwardly takes the child holding him almost as you would carry a football. Erin picks up her phone and begins to walk away. Erin: Sasha? Hey, yeah everything is fine. I think if anywhere is safe it’s with the people on that stage hahaha. Tommy: Yeah you think that Evan but then again you’ve changed after last year. How do we know they don’t have their own thing going on. Yeah he was your friend but they were family. In addition to that if you two knew the half of what taking down the High Society let loose on the world you would both be shitting your pants. Ask Shawn he’s seen it all first hand. If Danny was alive I’d sure as hell like to speak to him and ask him what the fuck he woulda done about the Left Hand Grimjack: Tommy, a year ago you told me you and Erin set Danny up and tricked him into showing up and exposing himself at One Night Stand. How did you know he was behind all of the killings? Why was he killing Conner and the rest? You said you were an informant for the CIA and told them to show up to arrest Starr. It was Erin wasn't it? She wrote a report on Starr and she was the one that theorized he was still alive. Who called her just now? Why did she walk away after I said what I said? That was a dangerous game setting up One Night Stand. We all almost died. I'm not looking to let Starr finish the job here. I want the cards on the table. If I shuld be shitting my pants let me shit my pants. At least then I'll have the stink at my back. You informed the CIA, well speaking of the Left Hand they killed a CIA agent. They killed a bunch of Starr's old henchmen that we fought at One Night Stand. Yeah I know all about that. Tommy: Sasha is Erins assistant. Grim we didn’t know Danny was going to start having people killed when we decided to try and draw him out. Nor did we have proof it was him having the HWA superstars killed at the time. What we had was an encrypted flash drive that Kevin acquired.... Tommy stops mid sentence. Grim what do you know about the Left Hand?(edited) Grimjack thinks for a second. Grimjack: The CIA had come around asking questions. A guy named Oliver Danielson. He was clueless. I told him to talk to you, not sure if he ever did. He said someone was killing danny Starr's associates and he was investigating it. I told him I didn't know anything. This was a few months ago. Then just recently I googled his name and it turns out he's dead. Allegedly a suicide. But the news article said he had narrowed down the killer to be William Keen, also known as Baphomet, and he was active in the XWF, you were there right? Did you know the guy? He worked for the Left Hand right? Tommy: Yeah I worked with Oliver. He wasn’t as clueless as you may think. I was there the night he arrested the Baphomet. The Left Hand is old Grim we’re talking Knights Templar old. They are incredibly dangerous but as far is I can tell they’ve been wiped off the face of the earth. Tommy shudders thinking about the last two months of his life and looks down at the child in his arms. Tommy: You poor guy. If you only knew what kinda world you’ve been born into. Blane, who is leaning against a wall listening to everything being said just shakes his head. Blane: I just don't understand it. Knights Templar? Left Hand? I thought they were just a faction. Didn't think they were attached to anything big. Grimjack frowns. Grimjack: Well the article also said William Keen was released from prison. He’s still out there so how is that “wiped from the face of the earth”? And he obviously killed Danielson. Or maybe they were in on it together and he faked his suicide just like Starr. It’d make sense for the CIA to help cover shit up. They torture, the commit coups. If the Left Hand is a Knights Templar kind of thing it’d make sense that the CIA was involved with them. Just look at their logo. It’s a red star. Why were you trusting them anyway? What was on that flash drive that Conner had? Did you just give it to the CIA? Tommy: The flash drive was given to the FBI Grim and it contained the information that put the members of the high society in prison. William Keen was released from prison and then subsequently shot. Erin then reinserts herself into the conversation having hung up and heard the end of Grimjacks barrage of questions. Erin: “That red star theory is just ridiculous. Your taking things that have nothing to do with each other and trying to make associations that are completely illogical. “She says as she takes Raine back from Tommy. “I told you to stop holding him like this I’ve showed you several times how to hold a baby damnit.” Blane chuckles to himself, shaking his head. Blane: The one thing I can say about this is there is never a dull moment when Daniel Starr is involved. He maybe be "dead" but he will always find a way to fuck shit up. Metaphorically and physically. Grimjack: I need to go see what Ron thinks about this... excuse me...
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Tommy walks into
the Royalty Entertainment Cenete'rs staff break room grumbling under his
breath.
Tommy: You send someone to do a job you expect them to do it. Unknown Ninja… he’s someone we could have used last year. Tommy looks up surprised to find he’s not alone in the room. Sett holsters a duffel bag over his shoulder before reaching into his pocket to find his cigarettes. Opening the new pack, he pops a cig above its brethren, snags it deftly with his free hand, and offers the package to TCO if he so chooses. Accept or refuse, he'll put the death sticks back into his pocket before withdrawing a lighter and shaking his head, releasing a low whistle. Sett: So uh, what the fuck, right? He chuckles and lights the cigarette, offering the light to TCO as well if necessary. He relishes the first drag, glancing out the window towards the skyline of the city for a moment. Just as he seems about to say something, Tommy Romeo comes wandering in as well. Sett just raises his eyebrows at the man and his remarks. Sett: Hey buddy. TCO smiles and looks at one of his oldest friend offer him one of his old vices. Normally, he’d refuse…but given what the fuck just happened, well why not? TCO: What the fuck is right. What’s an HWA celebration without Danny Starr fucking it up somehow. Alive, dead, otherwise. TCO takes a long drag off the cigarette and studies the two men in front of him. Tommy: I don’t know if I should be nervous in a room alone with you two or not. Tommy opens the door and peeks out into the hallway to see a frustrated Erin searching for him. He quietly closes the door again and presses his back to it. Tommy: Definitely safer in here. Erins on a rampage. Been a bit gents. I should have asked one of you two to find the ninja last year. Blane saw a body pulled out of the river gave up and went home. He chuckles a bit breathing the second hand smoke in deeply as if trying to get a long needed nicotine fix. TCO quietly stares at Romeo. TCO: No, but perhaps we sidetrack the Starr conversation for a moment and ask you why on earth you’re scared of your wife and have an appointment with diabetes next week. Romeo goes to open his mouth for a response but TCO shakes his head. TCO: You remember that you went on one hell of a journey and we respect you as a warrior. Don’t open your mouth and shove a Reese’s cup in it and prove me wrong. Sett offers an almost meek shrug in response. Sett: But if you're offering instead, I'll take one! Romeo grind an drops his bag on the ground. Unzipping the front pocket revealing an assortment of candy and jerky. Romeo: Take your pick big guy. Also… im not scared of her I just need a breather. I’m sure you know how overwhelming it can be to spend months away from home and return to be thrust into family life. The snacks help me cope.. TCO nods his head. TCO: I do. And this is experience talking. That lady and child need you to do your part and be there for them. Running - be it this room or somewhere else with lots of snacks - is only going to make it worse for you. Pull your shit together. Be the saying on the coffee mug - “No one cares, work harder.” With that, TCO puts his hand on Romeo’s shoulder and looks to Sett and Tommy. TCO: So who had Ninja alive after all in the death pool? Sett: Do we even know it's him? The guy was "Unknown Ninja," for christ's sake, his whole schtick was that nobody ever saw underneath the mask. Sett instead reaches into his pocket for his cell phone, holding it up and shaking it towards the other two men, a reference to the video message they all received. Sett: This is what's been in my head since it all went down. Surely it won't be hard to verify any video editing, right? He swipes open the phone and plays the video again, just to watch one more time. Sett: I've got a guy who can but... Sett looks back up at TCO. Sett: I imagine you've got at least a couple and a bit better of a budget, to boot. TCO: I do, but sometimes my guys are playing catch up with “the real world”. And loyalty can be kind of funny sometimes. Let’s go both avenues and see what we come back with. We either corroborate a similar answer, or we start getting into some really, really interesting threads to pull if they’re different. TCO takes one last drag and puts the butt out under his dress shoe. TCO: But yeah, I agree with you. Kind of an interesting thought that Unknown Ninja maybe a mantle and not a person. TCO chuckles in advance of his next question. TCO: So seriously, the Danny Starr truth website. QAnon lite much? Tommy: Heh. I didn’t have Ninja being alive but I definitely had a Danny Starr conspiracy theory prop bet. If Starr was alive. Someone would know. Maybe someone should ask Cass and Michael about what they know… Just saying. Sett laughs and shakes his head. Sett: I wish I could say I was surprised. Now everybody's got the blueprint for paranoia and conspiracy laid out before them, these days. He pauses to consider. Not to say that all conspiracies were made up, after all... His thoughts are interrupted by Tommy's words, snapping him back to attention. Sett: I don't know, that seems a little... accusatory? I mean... Sett glances back and forth between the two. Sett: We don't... actually believe that's possible, do we? Tommy: If you had seen the things I’ve seen in the last year you might question it too. I had to go to Damien a few months ago because we had some craziness go on at the RMI office. Erin was assaulted in her office. DVR caught nothing. Damiens guys found nothing. A Ghost… Tommy runs his hands through his thinning hair till it reaches the back of his neck where he leaves it. Tommy: Makes you question your sanity. TCO stares to the sky and sighs. TCO: Does it really matter if we believe it’s possible? We get two choices. Either investigate it as if this is another Starr plan or we ignore it and he creates another persona that blind sides us AGAIN. TCO looks to Sett and Romeo. TCO: This situation needs True Detective Season 1. Sett and Romeo look incredulously at TCO. TCO: Well, or it’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It needs a whodunnit board! Sett purses his lips and rubs the skin above them thoughtfully. Sett: Suppose I could grow a shitty mustache... He snorts out a slight, breathy laugh and shakes his head. Sett: You're right though. Whatever the truth is, we can't just let it sit and fester. I'll get the gang together and see what we can rustle up. Keep in touch? Tommy: Seems like you gents have got this covered. Tommy chuckles. Tommy: I’ve got some stuff on my plate with RMI and being Rons bitch till the event is over. He made a large donation that made starting RMI possible. Kinda in his debt. TCO thinks for a moment and looks to Romeo. TCO: Go apologize to your wife and get your head back in the game. I think you as. Ron’s bitch puts you in a good spot to keep an eye on things around him. Like, where is the old man now? Letting that thought linger, TCO scuffs the cigarette butt from earlier under his heel. TCO: Guys - I hope the Diamonds aren’t a part of this. I really hope they’re not. But if they are…they need to be dealt with. With that, TCO offers his hand to each, and starts to walk away from the REC. |
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& DOCTOR CYRUS VOGEL |
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF GRIMJACK'S CALL "Hello Mr. Grimjack." Dr. Vogel's voice is easily recognizable. “Ah yes, Mr. Vogel? Just the man I wanted to talk to” "Oh?" Dr. Vogel's german voice is surprised, "Well, there is a reason I am calling you and everyone else. Are you able to talk at this exact moment?" "Well I am busy but I do make time to speak to people when I have business to discuss which we do have. But what reason did you have for calling me?" Grimjack says as he tries to compose himself. "Well, I just wanted to let you know that due to an undeniably rare opportunity I have pledged to offer Robin Vengeance a BYE in the Gauntlet match for the Apex championship... I do hope you understand. I am calling everyone on the roster to inform them in directly.(edited) Grimjack pauses for a moment. "Um ok but can I ask why? Because he got his leg ripped off? Can't it just be reattached?" "I'm very sorry but its an opportunity to enhance our company's mission, it shouldn't affect your own chances of victory. Which, in my opinion, are just as unrealistic as any of the other human competition against predator45.... I'm sorry, that was a poorly delivered joke. Now... What is it you'd like to ask me?" "Well now wait just a second here. It's already a bit unfair but I'm not too worried, I plan to win this. The only one I'm worried about is Evan Blane because I know he can fight. But you have me stepping threw a lot of hoops here. It's a gauntlet where I have to beat multiple people. Which is fine but yeah that brings me to what I wanted to talk about. My pay. It's going to need to go up a bit especially if you're giving other people a bye and not me. Because I'm helping bring in viewership. And Blane deserves a raise too by the way. We're the biggest names here and you got a bit lucky to get us bringing eyes to your product. You're making money ten times what you pay us for the TV deal. I know the numbers. Look, I respect you. Big time. But let's treat each other like men. And not bullshit each other. I'm making you money, you can make me money. We can make a long term deal here and it will ensure SWC stays popular for an entire year or more. What do you think? Can we talk turkey or not?" Grimjack decides to leave it at that and await a response. "I'm sorry, Mr. Grimjack, I hear you and I don't mean to dismiss you or your question but I have to go, quite abruptly I'm afraid. We will discuss these ideas at another time... Please forgive me." Dr. Vogel hangs up before Grimjack can respond, putting his phone in his pocket, and never looking back at the approaching visitor who just abruptly entered the lab. Dr. Vogel: I didn’t expect you so soon… especially with our employer, how should I say… unavailable. I would have guessed our dealings were paused. Visitor: You would be correct in that assumption, Doc. But… I have an alternative direction that begs for your assistance. Dr. Vogel never looks up, smiling to himself. Dr. Vogel: I’m sorry, but we both know that if I wasn’t give approval by you know who… that I will not be taking part in any of your… extra curricular activities. Visitor: I think maybe you should reconsider your decision! We wouldn’t want to have to find a new doctor when the time comes. Vogel finally turns to the visitor. Dr. Vogel: How dare you come into my Laboratory with no invitation, threatening me to do your bidding when we both know that when our employer IS available, you will certainly suffer the backlash, and rightfully so. I don’t work for YOU. Before Dr. Vogel can finish letting out the word, in a dash, gloved hands are already around his collar, hoisting him up in midair and pushes his back into a metal cabinet. He struggles to breathe as he grabs the man’s wrists. Dr. Vogel: Let… go… of… me… Visitor: You’re going to help my friend here… and you’re going to do it right this moment. I promised him you were the best… now, figure out what makes this leg work the way it works on that douche bag’s nub, and apply it to my friend here… Dr. Vogel sees a man in the shadows, lurking, but lurking from a wheel chair. Dr. Vogel: You want this gentleman to have robotic legs… so he can waste them as he sits in a chair with wheels…? The visitor laughs, his grin like a carnivorous animal baring it’s teeth, with jagged edges that are caught in the low lightning. Dr. Vogel feels a chill run up his spine at their sight. Visitor: I want you to make him homoerectus… and I want you to do make him as strong and unstoppable… just like your precious Sinbots. You don’t have long, so unless you want Dr. Shaw to become the primary physician in our… place of employment, I suggest you get on it… Got it? Dr. Vogel begrudgingly nods and the visitor drops him to the floor once again. He begins to cough as air is introduced back into his lungs without the visitor’s hands preventing it. Visitor: I’ll leave you two to it! Dr. Vogel: (Coughing) How… long… do I… but in a blink, the visitor is gone, and only the man in the chair remains. Dr. Vogel: Have. Man in the chair: You have until July 3rd. Not a single day later. Dr. Vogel: Well then… let’s get to work.
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