Post by The Submission Technician on Jun 27, 2008 14:21:35 GMT -4
06/17/2008 0600 EST
The scene opens as the familiar tone of Vin’s alarm clock blares Vin awake from his dreamlike slumber. Opening his eyes on this gloomy morning seems as difficult as ripping apart a freshly made grilled cheese, and he shakes the sleepiness from his eyes. Vin sits up in a manner reminiscent of the great Undertaker coming back to life after taking an insane bump. The urgency of his rising coming from an insatiable urge to answer the most necessary the call that Mother Nature has dispatched for him for yet another morning. Hurriedly he makes his way to the bathroom not even bothering to close the door behind him. A sigh of relief is released from his lungs as last night case of beer leaves his body. He stumbles from the bathroom toward the refrigerator after disposing of the reminisce in the Porcelain Goddess. As he opens the refrigerator the one and only lesson, other than the pain of abandonment, was the “secret of the hair of the dog that bit you.” He cracks the one can of beer left over from the night before and swallows it down straight. Belching away his hangover, he crushes the can and shoots a two pointer into the waste basket.
After a refreshing shower, Vin throws on his newly acquired “Fuck the World” jogging suit and makes his way to the front door of his cold water front in Brooklyn. He takes a two mile jog down Utica Ave to Brooklyn Marine Park, the whole time contemplating his up and coming contest at Test for the Best.
Vin: “Okay so… I know I defiantly have a match with Dr. Phate. He’s the first person I need to get out of my way so I can get one step closer to saving the soul of my brother. After him it’s going to be "THE ACE" AUSTIN DANIELS VS "THE LONE WOLF" VICTOR BRANDER. I think I sent all three of them a clear enough message on just how serious I am taking this mission. I know most people think that his is just me being pissy at my brother for him kicking me out of the church. I know some people say that I’m just jealous over his success but they too are wrong. The fact of the matter is my brother is the only family that I’ve ever had that ever gave two shits about me. He is just sadly misguided at this point in his life. And as a good brother it’s my duty to save him. Even if it’s from himself. So first things first…. Dr. Phate. I gotta find out everything about this guy and how he wrestles.”
Vin reaches into his hoodie and produces his cell phone. He hits speed dial three and makes a phone call.
Vin: “Hey Pete… what’s up? Listen need you to do me a favor. I don’t have the time to research right now. I’ve got training so I’m gunna give you three names, and I need you to do a complete workup on their wrestling careers. Complete video breakdown… please… Dr. Phate "THE ACE" AUSTIN DANIELS VS "THE LONE WOLF" VICTOR BRANDER. Thanks. I really appreciate this… So I’ll pick it up from you tonight when I get back from seeing Fr. Vitorio… Sure I’d love to stay for dinner. What’s Cheryl making…? Defiantly! I love her meatloaf… Talk to ya soon bro. Later.”
Vin closes his cell phone and stops at a nearby water fountain for a quick drink. He draws the water in hard and lets it dribble down the side of his mouth. A sigh of relief purges the breath from his lungs, as he feels the cool water hit his stomach. Feeling somewhat from refreshed from his drink, he begins his two and half mile hard run to the church, the intensity of his concentration griping his face. He slows two blocks before the church to catch his breath not wanting to be completely winded when he sees the Father.
As Vin climbs the front steps of the church toward the great mahogany door of the church, his mind flashes for a quick second to childhood memories of the safety and sanctuary that this place provided for him. He takes a brief second to reminisce before entering the century old church. The door creeks loud, begging to be greased as he swings it slowly open. Upon entering he takes notice of Fr. Vitorio across the church standing by the alter. He is accompanied by an extremely tall gentleman donned with a traditional burlap tunic tied around the waist with a rope. Fr. Vitorio takes notice of the young man and beckons him forth while dismissing the tall stranger.
Fr. Vitorio: “Filomio, bonjiorno my son. What can I do for you today?”
Vin: “Father I have exciting news. I have gone one step further down the path of rightness that God has sent me on. Last night I sent a clear message to those who stand in the way of me saving the soul of my brother.”
Fr. Vitorio: “That’s great my son. How exactly have you done this?”
Vin: “Well the 50 cent version of the 5 dollar story… is I beat the daylights out of them from behind with a steel chair.”
Fr. V: “Why was this necessary my son? Did they attack you first?”
Vin: “No Father… this is what you call a preemptive strike.”
Fr. V: “Were these men allies of your brother’s church?”
Vin: “Umm... no Father.”
Fr. V: “Then why was it necessary to strike them from behind like that? God does not honor those who fight without honor. Violence should always be a last resort. The problem lies not so much in what you did, as in how and why you did it. Let us take for example the current war on terror. Where as we all agree that ousting Sadam was the right thing to do, the reasoning behind it was what caused the current problems with the international community. Heavy emphasis must always be placed on the how and the why. It sounds to me like you need to make reconciliation.”
Vin: “I understand, Father.”
Vin stands and walks penitently to the confessional followed by Father V.
Vin: “Bless me Father for I have sinned, this is my first confession in five years.”
Fr. V: “What are your sins, my Son?”
Vin: “I allowed the sin of pride to cloud my judgment; I attacked three men that did not deserve it.”
Father V: “Well my son you seem to have genuine sorrow in your heart for your sin. Say three “Hail Mary’s” and then go make direct amends to those that you sinned against.”
Vin: “Yes, Father.”
Vin stands and exits the confessional with Father Vitorio following shortly after his exit. The tall stranger is once again standing by the altar. The elderly priest motions for Vin to follow him as he walks up to the altar.
Father V: “Vin, I would like to introduce you to someone. His name is Gideon and he is here from the Vatican. He brings with him a very special, while all be it an unusual offer. But I will allow him to tell you about it.”
Gideon: “Hello friend, I come with an offering from the Pope himself. Father Vitorio told us of your returning to the church. You see, you are making quiet a name for yourself, and His Holiness believes that you could be instrumental in bringing the younger generation back to the church. We would like to ask you to endorse the Roman Catholic Church. Your compensation would be fair, but think of all the rewards you could bring to God’s people. So, what do you say?”
Vin: “I am truly honored for this, but I am not really the one who you want as the new face of the church. I am not exactly what you would call… devout.”
Gideon: “This is already understood. Which is why, with your permission, I have been sent to help you on the path God has set before you. The Pontiff has already submitted my application to APW management.”
Vin: “Wow… Well I… Ummm… humbly accept your offer.”
Gideon: “Splendid. Arrangements have already been made for me to meet you at the event center a week from today. We will start our journey together then. Until next we meet, my friend.”
Gideon turns slowly and takes his leave from the Father and Vin. A patch sewn into the back of his tunic catches Vin eye. A simple red circle encompassing a cross. Now Vin grew up around nuns and brothers, but never before had he seen this particular crest.
Vin: “Father I don’t recognize that crest on his back. Where is it from?”
Father V: “That is the seal of Opus Dei, a very select order in the church. They are considered some of the most devout in their faith. You are very lucky to have him guiding you on your path.”
Vin bids the father a good day and leaves the church feeling a little wiser and somehow more focused on the task before him. He starts his jog to the subway, to go see Pete.
06/17/2008 15:45est
Vin arrives at the home of his long time friend and compatriot Pete. A hundred year old brown stone still in pristine condition. He walks gingerly up the front steps, grabbing the wrought iron hand rail, and rings the bell. The familiar chimes of “Big Ben” are heard throughout the house. Pete greets him at the door in the traditional Italian fashion, a kiss on each cheek followed by a masculine hug. The slightly older Pete escorts his young friend in, and shows him to his seat at the dinner table. A loaf of Italian bread and a bottle of Chianti lay awaiting enjoyment. The engage each other in the typical conversation over dinner, what’s new? seen the new Angelina Jolie flick yet? (you know the conversations that you CAN have in front of the wife.) and so on and so forth.
As the dinner draws to a close, both men lean back in their chairs in a lethargic manner, and Cheryl begins to clear the table. Pete looks over at his wife, stares until he makes eye contact, and she walks out of the dining room closing the door behind her. Pete reaches into his lapel, pulls from it a compact disc, and hands it to Vin.
Pete: “Here is what you asked for; if you ask me you got your work cut out for you with Dr. Phate, the other two, not so much, .but Phate….you need to watch him in the ring. Don’t let your guard down on the other two either, but pay attention to him especially. Oh... and by the way, the boys found out a little something that you should know about. Now we don’t know who but somebody is trying to make it so you don’t walk out of that ring. So keep your heads up. We are going to keep looking into it, but just be on your toes anyway.”
Vin: “Thanks bro, I really appreciate that. I hope one day I can repay you for all that you have done for me over the years. I won’t ever forget where I came from or who helped get me there. I won’t ever forget those who mean most to me. Listen… I have to go to bed. I have an early flight tomorrow morning, and I am going to spend the next week training at the LAPD academy. I will talk to you soon though.”
06/18/2008 09:00wst
Vin’s plane lands at LAX. The stewardess taps Vin gently on the shoulder to wake him. He rouses slowly, and upon realizing his surroundings, quickly apologizes to the nice woman and deplanes.
Still getting his wits back about himself, he plods down the ramp, head down toward the floor. A sharp whistle rings out through the crowd leaving the plane. Vin looks up and there stand his four friends from the LAPD, Laurence Powell, Timothy Wind, Theodore Briseno and Sergeant Stacey Koon. He walks up to them and is greeted with smiles and hand shakes. There was a bit of a buzz in the air, and Vin just could not help but feel like he was being followed. The feeling was pervasive to say the least, but for some odd reason it was not like the last four thousand times that he was being watched. This time he almost didn’t seem to mind.
Just then, out of nowhere, three small boy’s around the age of nine come running up to Vin dragging a much worn out looking woman with them.
Little boy1: “See, see….I tooold ya it was him. See Billy I was right….TOOOOLD YA!”
Billy: “Wow…..it really is him ma.”
Little boy 1: “Hey mister….your….your….your…Vin E Lambardo right? Well my name is Timmy and I’m nine,and this is my brother Billy, and he’s nine too, and that’s little Mikey,and….”
Vin: “Whoa…slow down little man, .Yes I am Vin E Lambardo, and it’s very nice to meet you all.”
Little Billy pulls out a piece of paper and a pen.
Billy: “Can we have your autograph please Vin?”
Vin scans the faces of the excited little boys.
Vin: “Of course Vin E Lambardo always has time for a fan.”
Vin looks up and a photo machine catches his eye.
Vin: “Hey guys…how about I do one better for ya?”
Vin takes the little boys and their mother over to the photo booth and clicks off six or so pictures with the boys, and signs each one to a different boy.
Mother: “Ok boys say thanks to Mister Lambardo and let’s get going.”
Boys: “Thanks…Mister….Lambardo….BYE!”
The boys run off with glee in their hearts and joy on their faces. Vin himself even started to blush just a little. When however he realized that his new buddies were taking notice, he cleared his throat and began to walk for his bags.
They grab his bags and load them into Sgt. Koon’s Escalade. A tedious two hour drive at fifteen miles per hour later and they have arrived at the LAPD training facility.
Sgt. Koon: “Ok Vin here we are, and here is your I.D. card. You have free use of all the facilities, there is a list of training classes on the bulletin board, feel free to just go right in, all the instructors have been made aware of your being here. We have to go and teach an ethics class but we will see you at the end of the day. Later Bro.”
Vin begins wondering around the massive facility to familiarize himself with his surroundings. He is awe struck when he stops by the map of the compound. Eight floors, three buildings with four wings each. He looks over the bulletin board next to the map.
Basic Patrol Yakaboski Rm.203
Traffic Violations Sutter Rm.751
Advanced Driving Grove Track
Basic Miranda Tedesco Rm.552
Advanced Suspect Subdual
Anzalone
Gym 2
That’s the one right there. Vin wastes no time getting to the gym. Loud thuds and grunts of pain are heard throughout the halls around the gym. Peeking in he can see the instructor standing in the middle of the class, who have encircled him. In the middle with him is a student. The student locks a choke hold onto the instructor, and rears back to cinch it in tight. The instructor grabs the elbow of the aspiring cop, and digging his thumb into the joint, pries the students arm up over his head. Simultaneously grabbing his wrist with his other hand and transitioning into a Fujiwara arm bar. He bends the arm at the elbow and hand cuffs the student.
Instructor: “Ok class that’s enough for today, class dismissed.”
Vin wades through the sea of people making an exodus for the door.
Vin: “Excuse me but are you Instructor Anzalone?”
Instructor: “Yes, I am and you are?”
Vin: “My name is Vin E Lambardo and I am..”
Anzalone interrupts…
Anzalone: “Oh yeah we heard you were coming, what can I do for you?”
Vin: “I was wondering, if I show you some moves…can you show me how to best counter them?”
Anzalone: “Sure,…what have you got?”
Vin pulls the cd from his bag.
Vin: “Everything that I need to counter is on this disc….Do you have a place we can watch it?”
The instructor takes him into the office and pops the cd into his Lap Top. The first to pop up is Dr. Phate’s whole move list, and vid clips to go with it. Anzalone watches intently every movement formulating the perfect counter transition. After a thorough study of Dr. Phate’s moves Anzalone takes Vin to the mat.
Anzalone: “Ok these might not look it but they are really simple to transition out of. Take for example the first one, the key here is speed. You must first realize what he is doing. The Tell is when you see his back and his arms in the air at the same time. All you have to do is grab his right elbow with your right hand and his right wrist with your left hand. When he drops, stay standing for two seconds before you start to drop with him. This will pop your head out of position and put you in the perfect spot to slide your half nelson with your right, then let go of the wrist and slide your left arm down for the chicken wing. Lock it and you have your Crucible.”
Vin: “Fucking sweet.”
Anzalone: “Next is his “Schools out for Summer”, this one is even easier. When he leaves the ropes, and you feel the majority of his weight flip over you, turn it into a slam. Drop the silly bastard right on his back with a sit out, post up and pancake his ass right into a pin.”
Vin: “Wow, that’s fuckin’ simple”
Anzalone: “Which brings us to his next one….uhh...what the fuck does he call it again...oh yeah the “Schools out Forever”. I must admit I like Alice Cooper As much as the next guy…but…oh well this one is actually the easiest of all. You see how he is going to put you on his back right before he hit the move. Look you already have your legs hooked in a mount, just grab a rear naked choke and its over.”
The two of them drill these move breaks for several hours.
Vin: “I seem that the more elaborate the move of his the easier it is to counter.”
Anzalone: “Exactly, they have to do so much set up that anyone with a little speed can take it apart….So his other moves are pretty self-explanatory how to counter those. So who’s next on the disc?”
They go back into the office and pull up the next file, Austin Daniels.
Anzalone: “Ok now these moves take a little more though but no more skill to counter. In other words they just look scary. Take his first move the “Psyco Driver” Do you wanna know how easy it is to reverse this one? Hmmmm…Do you?...ok when he lifts you up keep the momentum and flip out the back. Drop down and take his legs.
Vin: “Damn that was simple.”
Anzalone: “So is the next one his “C-4”. Yo when he goes to flip, just don’t fucking go. Do you honestly think that he can lift your whole body weight from that standing side position without your help?...... And hell he gives you his shoulder for a shoulder lock submission. Shit and this guy is a professional…..And the “Anaconda vice” when he first hooks your arms roll over, …then he cant flip. AND FOR CRYING OUT TEARS, the “lightning spiral” he’s begging for a knee to the face….he said please Mr. Lambardo, please knee me in the skull…So knee him in the fucking skull, then “paint mixer”. Are you getting all this?”
Vin: “Yeah you have no idea how much help you are being.”
Anzalone: “And as for Victor Brander I’ve seen the video, don’t even worry.”
Vin: “Hey would you be able to drill these with me for like the rest of the week. You know for a few hours a day?”
Anzalone: “Sure, same time tomorrow right after class, I’ll see you then.”
Vin: “Ok man thanks, see you then.”
Vin spent almost every waking minute for the rest of the week either in the gym, running tape of his opponents, or training with instructor Anzalone. He like a man possessed did not tire, did not slack for even a second. He trained till he bled and then trained some more. He even blew off Sgt. Koon and the gang most of the nights to train.
By the end of his week long trip, he was feeling pretty good about his chances at “Test for the Best” Vin decided to take the last day and spend it with his friends.
06/25/2008 16:00wst
Vin was just out front of the LAPD Academy steps smoking a cigarette, waiting on his friends. With out warning he gets blasted from behind and falls to the floor. He jumps to his feet hands ready to fly, when he realized that it’s a girl, and she looked pissed.
Girl: “Why don’t you watch where the fuck you are going, ass hole.”
Vin: “Yo bitch, fuckin chill, I wasn’t going anywhere…I was just minding my own fucking business, smoking a fucking butt, when your dizzy ass fuckin plowed into me.”
Girl: “I’m sorry, I just have a lot of shit on my mind.”
Vin: “It’s cool, shit happens….I’m Vin”
Girl: “Artemis”
Vin: “So what has got you all fired up like that anyway?”
Artemis: “My dickhead instructor, that’s what. He asked me out to dinner, I said not, he persisted, I told him to fuck off, he said that if I didn’t I wouldn’t pass the academy on friday. So I broke his fucking nose.”
With that Sgt. Koon, and the guys show up. She and Vin recount the tale of woe, and with a few quick phone calls to the governor and the police chief, Artemis found herself reinstated and graduating with her class on Friday.
Artemis: “Thank you guys so much, how can I thank you.”
Vin: “Well dinner would be nice, Just kidding.”
They all share in a good laugh.
Artemis: “Well ok guys, you know where to find me if you want to grab a beer some time. I’ll talk to you all later.”
They all bid her a fond goodbye.
Vin: “Hey Stacey let me grab your ear a minute. My buddy Pete told me that he heard through the grape vine that Someone wanted to make sure that I didn’t walk out of the ring this week. Any help would be most appreciated.”
Sgt Koon: “Sure I will see what I can do I will call you in a few hours and let you know what’s going on ok….I know we were supposed to hang but after helping Artemis you have a flight to catch, come on Ill take you to the air port.”
[/color]The scene opens as the familiar tone of Vin’s alarm clock blares Vin awake from his dreamlike slumber. Opening his eyes on this gloomy morning seems as difficult as ripping apart a freshly made grilled cheese, and he shakes the sleepiness from his eyes. Vin sits up in a manner reminiscent of the great Undertaker coming back to life after taking an insane bump. The urgency of his rising coming from an insatiable urge to answer the most necessary the call that Mother Nature has dispatched for him for yet another morning. Hurriedly he makes his way to the bathroom not even bothering to close the door behind him. A sigh of relief is released from his lungs as last night case of beer leaves his body. He stumbles from the bathroom toward the refrigerator after disposing of the reminisce in the Porcelain Goddess. As he opens the refrigerator the one and only lesson, other than the pain of abandonment, was the “secret of the hair of the dog that bit you.” He cracks the one can of beer left over from the night before and swallows it down straight. Belching away his hangover, he crushes the can and shoots a two pointer into the waste basket.
After a refreshing shower, Vin throws on his newly acquired “Fuck the World” jogging suit and makes his way to the front door of his cold water front in Brooklyn. He takes a two mile jog down Utica Ave to Brooklyn Marine Park, the whole time contemplating his up and coming contest at Test for the Best.
Vin: “Okay so… I know I defiantly have a match with Dr. Phate. He’s the first person I need to get out of my way so I can get one step closer to saving the soul of my brother. After him it’s going to be "THE ACE" AUSTIN DANIELS VS "THE LONE WOLF" VICTOR BRANDER. I think I sent all three of them a clear enough message on just how serious I am taking this mission. I know most people think that his is just me being pissy at my brother for him kicking me out of the church. I know some people say that I’m just jealous over his success but they too are wrong. The fact of the matter is my brother is the only family that I’ve ever had that ever gave two shits about me. He is just sadly misguided at this point in his life. And as a good brother it’s my duty to save him. Even if it’s from himself. So first things first…. Dr. Phate. I gotta find out everything about this guy and how he wrestles.”
Vin reaches into his hoodie and produces his cell phone. He hits speed dial three and makes a phone call.
Vin: “Hey Pete… what’s up? Listen need you to do me a favor. I don’t have the time to research right now. I’ve got training so I’m gunna give you three names, and I need you to do a complete workup on their wrestling careers. Complete video breakdown… please… Dr. Phate "THE ACE" AUSTIN DANIELS VS "THE LONE WOLF" VICTOR BRANDER. Thanks. I really appreciate this… So I’ll pick it up from you tonight when I get back from seeing Fr. Vitorio… Sure I’d love to stay for dinner. What’s Cheryl making…? Defiantly! I love her meatloaf… Talk to ya soon bro. Later.”
Vin closes his cell phone and stops at a nearby water fountain for a quick drink. He draws the water in hard and lets it dribble down the side of his mouth. A sigh of relief purges the breath from his lungs, as he feels the cool water hit his stomach. Feeling somewhat from refreshed from his drink, he begins his two and half mile hard run to the church, the intensity of his concentration griping his face. He slows two blocks before the church to catch his breath not wanting to be completely winded when he sees the Father.
As Vin climbs the front steps of the church toward the great mahogany door of the church, his mind flashes for a quick second to childhood memories of the safety and sanctuary that this place provided for him. He takes a brief second to reminisce before entering the century old church. The door creeks loud, begging to be greased as he swings it slowly open. Upon entering he takes notice of Fr. Vitorio across the church standing by the alter. He is accompanied by an extremely tall gentleman donned with a traditional burlap tunic tied around the waist with a rope. Fr. Vitorio takes notice of the young man and beckons him forth while dismissing the tall stranger.
Fr. Vitorio: “Filomio, bonjiorno my son. What can I do for you today?”
Vin: “Father I have exciting news. I have gone one step further down the path of rightness that God has sent me on. Last night I sent a clear message to those who stand in the way of me saving the soul of my brother.”
Fr. Vitorio: “That’s great my son. How exactly have you done this?”
Vin: “Well the 50 cent version of the 5 dollar story… is I beat the daylights out of them from behind with a steel chair.”
Fr. V: “Why was this necessary my son? Did they attack you first?”
Vin: “No Father… this is what you call a preemptive strike.”
Fr. V: “Were these men allies of your brother’s church?”
Vin: “Umm... no Father.”
Fr. V: “Then why was it necessary to strike them from behind like that? God does not honor those who fight without honor. Violence should always be a last resort. The problem lies not so much in what you did, as in how and why you did it. Let us take for example the current war on terror. Where as we all agree that ousting Sadam was the right thing to do, the reasoning behind it was what caused the current problems with the international community. Heavy emphasis must always be placed on the how and the why. It sounds to me like you need to make reconciliation.”
Vin: “I understand, Father.”
Vin stands and walks penitently to the confessional followed by Father V.
Vin: “Bless me Father for I have sinned, this is my first confession in five years.”
Fr. V: “What are your sins, my Son?”
Vin: “I allowed the sin of pride to cloud my judgment; I attacked three men that did not deserve it.”
Father V: “Well my son you seem to have genuine sorrow in your heart for your sin. Say three “Hail Mary’s” and then go make direct amends to those that you sinned against.”
Vin: “Yes, Father.”
Vin stands and exits the confessional with Father Vitorio following shortly after his exit. The tall stranger is once again standing by the altar. The elderly priest motions for Vin to follow him as he walks up to the altar.
Father V: “Vin, I would like to introduce you to someone. His name is Gideon and he is here from the Vatican. He brings with him a very special, while all be it an unusual offer. But I will allow him to tell you about it.”
Gideon: “Hello friend, I come with an offering from the Pope himself. Father Vitorio told us of your returning to the church. You see, you are making quiet a name for yourself, and His Holiness believes that you could be instrumental in bringing the younger generation back to the church. We would like to ask you to endorse the Roman Catholic Church. Your compensation would be fair, but think of all the rewards you could bring to God’s people. So, what do you say?”
Vin: “I am truly honored for this, but I am not really the one who you want as the new face of the church. I am not exactly what you would call… devout.”
Gideon: “This is already understood. Which is why, with your permission, I have been sent to help you on the path God has set before you. The Pontiff has already submitted my application to APW management.”
Vin: “Wow… Well I… Ummm… humbly accept your offer.”
Gideon: “Splendid. Arrangements have already been made for me to meet you at the event center a week from today. We will start our journey together then. Until next we meet, my friend.”
Gideon turns slowly and takes his leave from the Father and Vin. A patch sewn into the back of his tunic catches Vin eye. A simple red circle encompassing a cross. Now Vin grew up around nuns and brothers, but never before had he seen this particular crest.
Vin: “Father I don’t recognize that crest on his back. Where is it from?”
Father V: “That is the seal of Opus Dei, a very select order in the church. They are considered some of the most devout in their faith. You are very lucky to have him guiding you on your path.”
Vin bids the father a good day and leaves the church feeling a little wiser and somehow more focused on the task before him. He starts his jog to the subway, to go see Pete.
06/17/2008 15:45est
Vin arrives at the home of his long time friend and compatriot Pete. A hundred year old brown stone still in pristine condition. He walks gingerly up the front steps, grabbing the wrought iron hand rail, and rings the bell. The familiar chimes of “Big Ben” are heard throughout the house. Pete greets him at the door in the traditional Italian fashion, a kiss on each cheek followed by a masculine hug. The slightly older Pete escorts his young friend in, and shows him to his seat at the dinner table. A loaf of Italian bread and a bottle of Chianti lay awaiting enjoyment. The engage each other in the typical conversation over dinner, what’s new? seen the new Angelina Jolie flick yet? (you know the conversations that you CAN have in front of the wife.) and so on and so forth.
As the dinner draws to a close, both men lean back in their chairs in a lethargic manner, and Cheryl begins to clear the table. Pete looks over at his wife, stares until he makes eye contact, and she walks out of the dining room closing the door behind her. Pete reaches into his lapel, pulls from it a compact disc, and hands it to Vin.
Pete: “Here is what you asked for; if you ask me you got your work cut out for you with Dr. Phate, the other two, not so much, .but Phate….you need to watch him in the ring. Don’t let your guard down on the other two either, but pay attention to him especially. Oh... and by the way, the boys found out a little something that you should know about. Now we don’t know who but somebody is trying to make it so you don’t walk out of that ring. So keep your heads up. We are going to keep looking into it, but just be on your toes anyway.”
Vin: “Thanks bro, I really appreciate that. I hope one day I can repay you for all that you have done for me over the years. I won’t ever forget where I came from or who helped get me there. I won’t ever forget those who mean most to me. Listen… I have to go to bed. I have an early flight tomorrow morning, and I am going to spend the next week training at the LAPD academy. I will talk to you soon though.”
06/18/2008 09:00wst
Vin’s plane lands at LAX. The stewardess taps Vin gently on the shoulder to wake him. He rouses slowly, and upon realizing his surroundings, quickly apologizes to the nice woman and deplanes.
Still getting his wits back about himself, he plods down the ramp, head down toward the floor. A sharp whistle rings out through the crowd leaving the plane. Vin looks up and there stand his four friends from the LAPD, Laurence Powell, Timothy Wind, Theodore Briseno and Sergeant Stacey Koon. He walks up to them and is greeted with smiles and hand shakes. There was a bit of a buzz in the air, and Vin just could not help but feel like he was being followed. The feeling was pervasive to say the least, but for some odd reason it was not like the last four thousand times that he was being watched. This time he almost didn’t seem to mind.
Just then, out of nowhere, three small boy’s around the age of nine come running up to Vin dragging a much worn out looking woman with them.
Little boy1: “See, see….I tooold ya it was him. See Billy I was right….TOOOOLD YA!”
Billy: “Wow…..it really is him ma.”
Little boy 1: “Hey mister….your….your….your…Vin E Lambardo right? Well my name is Timmy and I’m nine,and this is my brother Billy, and he’s nine too, and that’s little Mikey,and….”
Vin: “Whoa…slow down little man, .Yes I am Vin E Lambardo, and it’s very nice to meet you all.”
Little Billy pulls out a piece of paper and a pen.
Billy: “Can we have your autograph please Vin?”
Vin scans the faces of the excited little boys.
Vin: “Of course Vin E Lambardo always has time for a fan.”
Vin looks up and a photo machine catches his eye.
Vin: “Hey guys…how about I do one better for ya?”
Vin takes the little boys and their mother over to the photo booth and clicks off six or so pictures with the boys, and signs each one to a different boy.
Mother: “Ok boys say thanks to Mister Lambardo and let’s get going.”
Boys: “Thanks…Mister….Lambardo….BYE!”
The boys run off with glee in their hearts and joy on their faces. Vin himself even started to blush just a little. When however he realized that his new buddies were taking notice, he cleared his throat and began to walk for his bags.
They grab his bags and load them into Sgt. Koon’s Escalade. A tedious two hour drive at fifteen miles per hour later and they have arrived at the LAPD training facility.
Sgt. Koon: “Ok Vin here we are, and here is your I.D. card. You have free use of all the facilities, there is a list of training classes on the bulletin board, feel free to just go right in, all the instructors have been made aware of your being here. We have to go and teach an ethics class but we will see you at the end of the day. Later Bro.”
Vin begins wondering around the massive facility to familiarize himself with his surroundings. He is awe struck when he stops by the map of the compound. Eight floors, three buildings with four wings each. He looks over the bulletin board next to the map.
Basic Patrol Yakaboski Rm.203
Traffic Violations Sutter Rm.751
Advanced Driving Grove Track
Basic Miranda Tedesco Rm.552
Advanced Suspect Subdual
Anzalone
Gym 2
That’s the one right there. Vin wastes no time getting to the gym. Loud thuds and grunts of pain are heard throughout the halls around the gym. Peeking in he can see the instructor standing in the middle of the class, who have encircled him. In the middle with him is a student. The student locks a choke hold onto the instructor, and rears back to cinch it in tight. The instructor grabs the elbow of the aspiring cop, and digging his thumb into the joint, pries the students arm up over his head. Simultaneously grabbing his wrist with his other hand and transitioning into a Fujiwara arm bar. He bends the arm at the elbow and hand cuffs the student.
Instructor: “Ok class that’s enough for today, class dismissed.”
Vin wades through the sea of people making an exodus for the door.
Vin: “Excuse me but are you Instructor Anzalone?”
Instructor: “Yes, I am and you are?”
Vin: “My name is Vin E Lambardo and I am..”
Anzalone interrupts…
Anzalone: “Oh yeah we heard you were coming, what can I do for you?”
Vin: “I was wondering, if I show you some moves…can you show me how to best counter them?”
Anzalone: “Sure,…what have you got?”
Vin pulls the cd from his bag.
Vin: “Everything that I need to counter is on this disc….Do you have a place we can watch it?”
The instructor takes him into the office and pops the cd into his Lap Top. The first to pop up is Dr. Phate’s whole move list, and vid clips to go with it. Anzalone watches intently every movement formulating the perfect counter transition. After a thorough study of Dr. Phate’s moves Anzalone takes Vin to the mat.
Anzalone: “Ok these might not look it but they are really simple to transition out of. Take for example the first one, the key here is speed. You must first realize what he is doing. The Tell is when you see his back and his arms in the air at the same time. All you have to do is grab his right elbow with your right hand and his right wrist with your left hand. When he drops, stay standing for two seconds before you start to drop with him. This will pop your head out of position and put you in the perfect spot to slide your half nelson with your right, then let go of the wrist and slide your left arm down for the chicken wing. Lock it and you have your Crucible.”
Vin: “Fucking sweet.”
Anzalone: “Next is his “Schools out for Summer”, this one is even easier. When he leaves the ropes, and you feel the majority of his weight flip over you, turn it into a slam. Drop the silly bastard right on his back with a sit out, post up and pancake his ass right into a pin.”
Vin: “Wow, that’s fuckin’ simple”
Anzalone: “Which brings us to his next one….uhh...what the fuck does he call it again...oh yeah the “Schools out Forever”. I must admit I like Alice Cooper As much as the next guy…but…oh well this one is actually the easiest of all. You see how he is going to put you on his back right before he hit the move. Look you already have your legs hooked in a mount, just grab a rear naked choke and its over.”
The two of them drill these move breaks for several hours.
Vin: “I seem that the more elaborate the move of his the easier it is to counter.”
Anzalone: “Exactly, they have to do so much set up that anyone with a little speed can take it apart….So his other moves are pretty self-explanatory how to counter those. So who’s next on the disc?”
They go back into the office and pull up the next file, Austin Daniels.
Anzalone: “Ok now these moves take a little more though but no more skill to counter. In other words they just look scary. Take his first move the “Psyco Driver” Do you wanna know how easy it is to reverse this one? Hmmmm…Do you?...ok when he lifts you up keep the momentum and flip out the back. Drop down and take his legs.
Vin: “Damn that was simple.”
Anzalone: “So is the next one his “C-4”. Yo when he goes to flip, just don’t fucking go. Do you honestly think that he can lift your whole body weight from that standing side position without your help?...... And hell he gives you his shoulder for a shoulder lock submission. Shit and this guy is a professional…..And the “Anaconda vice” when he first hooks your arms roll over, …then he cant flip. AND FOR CRYING OUT TEARS, the “lightning spiral” he’s begging for a knee to the face….he said please Mr. Lambardo, please knee me in the skull…So knee him in the fucking skull, then “paint mixer”. Are you getting all this?”
Vin: “Yeah you have no idea how much help you are being.”
Anzalone: “And as for Victor Brander I’ve seen the video, don’t even worry.”
Vin: “Hey would you be able to drill these with me for like the rest of the week. You know for a few hours a day?”
Anzalone: “Sure, same time tomorrow right after class, I’ll see you then.”
Vin: “Ok man thanks, see you then.”
Vin spent almost every waking minute for the rest of the week either in the gym, running tape of his opponents, or training with instructor Anzalone. He like a man possessed did not tire, did not slack for even a second. He trained till he bled and then trained some more. He even blew off Sgt. Koon and the gang most of the nights to train.
By the end of his week long trip, he was feeling pretty good about his chances at “Test for the Best” Vin decided to take the last day and spend it with his friends.
06/25/2008 16:00wst
Vin was just out front of the LAPD Academy steps smoking a cigarette, waiting on his friends. With out warning he gets blasted from behind and falls to the floor. He jumps to his feet hands ready to fly, when he realized that it’s a girl, and she looked pissed.
Girl: “Why don’t you watch where the fuck you are going, ass hole.”
Vin: “Yo bitch, fuckin chill, I wasn’t going anywhere…I was just minding my own fucking business, smoking a fucking butt, when your dizzy ass fuckin plowed into me.”
Girl: “I’m sorry, I just have a lot of shit on my mind.”
Vin: “It’s cool, shit happens….I’m Vin”
Girl: “Artemis”
Vin: “So what has got you all fired up like that anyway?”
Artemis: “My dickhead instructor, that’s what. He asked me out to dinner, I said not, he persisted, I told him to fuck off, he said that if I didn’t I wouldn’t pass the academy on friday. So I broke his fucking nose.”
With that Sgt. Koon, and the guys show up. She and Vin recount the tale of woe, and with a few quick phone calls to the governor and the police chief, Artemis found herself reinstated and graduating with her class on Friday.
Artemis: “Thank you guys so much, how can I thank you.”
Vin: “Well dinner would be nice, Just kidding.”
They all share in a good laugh.
Artemis: “Well ok guys, you know where to find me if you want to grab a beer some time. I’ll talk to you all later.”
They all bid her a fond goodbye.
Vin: “Hey Stacey let me grab your ear a minute. My buddy Pete told me that he heard through the grape vine that Someone wanted to make sure that I didn’t walk out of the ring this week. Any help would be most appreciated.”
Sgt Koon: “Sure I will see what I can do I will call you in a few hours and let you know what’s going on ok….I know we were supposed to hang but after helping Artemis you have a flight to catch, come on Ill take you to the air port.”
