Post by Nick Watson on Jan 6, 2010 20:42:36 GMT -4
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*Couple Days Ago, Unknown Location*
For the first time in my life I was afraid. The virtual map in front of me showed hundreds of red dots, these dots represented the down fall of man kind, and the very essence of chaos. The dots represented the spots where people had been found in possession of Strange Tech, and as my gut wrenched in terror I knew not what to do. The room! Even the room gave me a feeling of dread that I could not over come, pictures of the most wanted offenders staring out at me, cold, sinister, and lifeless eyes that I felt wanted to destroy my very essence. I composed myself, knowing all too well that panic was not going to stop the fear I felt, the dread I felt, and the utter sense of evil that emanated from around me. It had been a week, one week of planning while whoever was stealing and selling Strange Tech galloped around the world doing whatever he deemed fit to do, and all we did was sit here!
Needless to say I wanted to be on the front lines, fighting a war to protect all of mankind once again, but the fact of the matter was that we were still in the process of okaying a mission. In the process! We had made no ground in getting the general to stamp his God damn approval on our sheet of paper giving us the go ahead to use lethal force to stop the cartel from using the Strange Tech they may or may not have had. With such, Crash was not allowed to fly, Madok was not allowed to plot, Lion Heart was not allowed to make a move, and I was not allowed to fight a war that every day was getting closer to overtaking the whole fucking world. The lack of urgency from the general was a cold hard slap in the face and at the time I did not know what to do. None of us in the room had the authority to force the general to do anything, we had no high end hook ups, and with that we had nothing to force action.
I could tell that my feelings were shared as I looked around the room at my team mates. Stitches and Switchboard both looked at the screen for the team mission boards. The screen had been designed to show what missions were in the process of approval and which ones were approved. They looked at it with such intensity, waiting for the red light, the light which if red meant that it was in processing, to turn green, which meant it had been approved, next to the mission we had named: Operation Savior. I know it was a silly name, but at the time we felt like we were saviors, now we felt like we were procrastinators, and fools. I looked over to Madok who was ignoring the room entirely while spinning in an office chair. I could tell he was pissed, even if he wouldn't say it out loud. He was the captain of a team and as such he was showing the demeanor of a captain by remaining calm. It was admirable, but I could tell because I had known him for so long that he was quite upset, and was most likely about to explode in rage.
Lion Heart was the weirdest one of the group. He didn't show any emotion, he didn't give on that he was upset, rather he waited patiently, and silently for news of the acceptance of the mission. He stood not far from me, his eyes drifting around the room watching the workers who maintained up to date information on the people on the walls. I remembered Madok had said something about us being like America's most wanted, except instead of common criminals we deal with super criminals. It had been funny at the time and I remember it getting a laugh out of switch and stitches, hell even Lion Heart had gave a slight laugh, but besides that I had never seen Lion Heart smile. The guy was as cold as ice. Don't get me wrong though, that is what we needed. We needed someone who would not get jested in to doing something stupid and if it had to be someone I would rather like it to be Lion Heart and not myself.
I kicked my feet up on the desk in front of me, quietly closing my eyes, knowing all too well sleep was not going to come to me at a time like this, but I hoped it would. Truth be told I had not slept in a day now, the nightmares of a burning New York City, and a dark cloud filled sky that were almost too real filled my mind every time I closed my eyes. Sometimes I was able to over come it and sleep, but lately it had become so vivid, down to the cries of human beings trapped under the remains of collapsing buildings, and the sound of vultures as they circled around the dead bodies of those who had not got to cover. I feared that it would all come to pass, whoever was doing this had managed to stay below radar, and had more than managed to infiltrate Vesper and steal Strange Tech to sell to the highest bidder. Whoever it was, he was still out there, and lurking in the shadows waiting for the next time to strike a critical blow. I opened one of my eyes to see that Madok had rolled over to me in his office chair. He spoke quietly even though he knew I was awake.
Madok: You are having the nightmares too, I assume.
I nodded my head silently. I didn't want to talk about the nightmares that were circling in my head when I tried to sleep. He continued on.
Madok: I don't know what it is, but it is just grotesque, and sitting here is really getting to me, Pence. I would rather be stopping this. You know, nipping it at the bud before it can grow out of control.
Pence: There is nothing we can do. Our hands are tied on this matter. I wish we could speed things up though, I hate to sit around while a monster roams our planet ready to destroy everything we hold dear.
Madok: I hear you, but what can we do? We can't force the general to see reason and accept the mission ahead of time, so the hopes of us catching the seller decrease with every passing minute.
Pence: What if the seller is Mr. Strange?
Madok: I know what you mean, the fact that Strange Tech is being trafficked around the world could attest to that, but so many other things say otherwise.
Pence: Like the fact we caught that convoy.
Madok: Exactly, Mr. Strange would never fake us out like that either. I think that something much bigger than even Strange fought possible is going on.
Pence: I would not be surprised one damn bit by that. A matter of fact I would embrace that as fact, not fiction.
I could see that Madok was thinking the same things as me. Just who was this mysterious seller of Strange Tech? And was there some kind of major plot behind it all? Or was this all just for wealth. I didn't know the answer, I don't think anyone in the room knew the answer, but I could tell that it was on the majority of Vesper's staff's minds. I could see now that Lion Heart had turned to look at me and Madok and was walking over, I quickly told Madok, who had began dissing Vesper for their inaction, to silence himself, and he obliged. Lion Heart joined us and sat down in a vacant office chair if only for a second.
Lionheart: I need to speak to you Reaper.
Pence: How come?
Lionheart: I would rather discuss it in private without all these eyes and ears observing us. I hope you don't mind that?
I glanced at Madok, who shrugged, and mouthed the words 'who knows?'. I nodded my head and stood up.
Pence: Lead the way.
Lionheart: Very well.
He stood up and began to walk for the door, I followed swiftly. Over the past week I had come to learn a lot about the lay out of the headquarters, at first I got lost easily, but now I knew almost every floor of base. We passed by the armory on the third floor when Lionheart began to speak to me. At first I couldn't hear him, but he spoke up louder and that was when I heard what he was talking about.
Lionheart: You know this is your fault right? All of this. The mission is taking so long to confirm because of you.
This was the first time I had heard anything close to agitation from the mouth of Lionheart, but after hearing it I didn't quite like what he had to say. We passed by the mess hall and arrived at the private quarters that belonged to Lionheart when he was working there and not having some time off. He ushered me in without a glance at me and I obliged him by entering into the small clustered room he called his own. I looked around at all of the training dummies and broken punching bags, knowing that Lionheart trained here on his off time, and even noted that there were books filled with different martial arts positions just laying on his bed. The room had one table and two chairs, a lone lamp stood on top of what looked like a night stand, and an image of three kids and what I could only describe as a younger Lionheart sat on top of a book case filled with history and mythology books. He pointed towards one of the chairs at the table and I took my seat, not wanting to anger the martial artist with my words of disapproval. Lionheart went over to his night stand and opened one of the two drawers on it and grabbed a small bottle of hard liquor and two glasses before joining me at the table, taking a seat in chair opposite of where I was sitting. He poured two glasses full of the mysterious liquor and commenced to offer me one. I shook my head, not wanting any because of my distaste for alcohol.
He shrugged as if to say 'Suit yourself' and took a swig of his glass full of liquor before speaking.
Lionheart: As I was saying...you know this is all your fault right?
I quirked a brow. Was this truly my fault or was Lionheart looking for a fall guy? Who knew?
Pence: How is this my fault? I don't see how I can cost us the much needed time to hunt down the seller when clearly the general is afraid to okay a mission that we applied for a week ago!
Lionheart: As you may not know, since you have never met the general, the general is not a trusting man, and the only reason Madok is leading this team is because the board viewed him as a worthy candidate. As for you, you are a wild card. You are a great marksman there is no doubt in my mind about that, but the general does not trust outside help. It is why he is afraid of accepting the mission and giving it his approval.
Pence: His fear is not important. What is important is that we find this seller and put an end to it. Wild card or not, I am the most capable man for this team as a weapons expert, and if the general does not think so highly of me. Then he can go fuck himself.
Lionheart's eyes narrowed, most likely because he didn't like the fact that I had just said that the general could go fuck himself. Lionheart's eyes returned to normal as swiftly as they had narrowed and then he replied.
Lionheart: Qualification is not everything, Reaper. Personally I don't know if you can work in a team situation with other Vesper agents. Vesper's main goal is to hunt down Strange Tech...
Pence: I've dealt with Strange before and I know Vesper's goals.
Lionheart: I know you have dealt with Strange and that is my main problem. I don't know if I can trust you if we ever find Strange, you could go on a rampage, and completely trash the mission just to kill Strange.
Pence: So you brought me in here to blame everything that is going on to me and then you decide to throw in a low blow while you are at it? Real suave. Listen, I can handle my emotions, yes I have a bone to pick with Strange, but if it jeopardizes the mission then I will be sure to put the mission above Strange. You have my word on that.
Lionheart: Your word will not be good enough, Reaper. In all honesty, I tried to worn Mr. Mortalis that this could be a bad thing to do, but he ignored me, and now we must wait on the general to okay everything. To nod his head at a mission that could have been easily accepted if you were not around.
Pence: Not my fault the general is stingy, but I guess you are right in a way...and as such I apologize. Now lets just get over it and focus on the now.
Lionheart stiffened and then smiled, cross that I had now seen him smile once, and then he nodded his head.
Lionheart: I'm so sorry for my actions. I don't know what came over me.
Pence: You are frustrated too. It is understandable, just don't worry...I'm sure the mission will be accepted soon, and then we can get the briefing over with.
Lionheart: I hope you are right, I would hate to see the world around us crumble into nothing.
That is when we both heard the knock on the door, Lionheart looked at me confused, as if he hadn't expected anyone to visit him at this hour. True it was early in the morning, 3 A.M. to be exact, and mostly everyone was asleep, but something was happening. I heard the knock again, this time it was urgent, and I knew something was going on. Lionheart got up from his chair and went to the door, still holding his glass of alcohol. He took a quick sip of his alcohol downing the rest of the content and then opened the door. On the other side was a soldier, from what I could see, and he looked out of breath. I noticed the patch on the side of his arm which labeled him as a member of Zeta Team, a team that had been assigned to escort the prisoner who worked for the Cartel to Mexico City. I quirked a brow and listened in closely to the conversation that seemed to be occurring before my very eyes.
Lionheart: Is that you Skirmisher?
The soldier nodded his head, I could tell he was bandaged up, his forehead was wrapped in medical tissue and his right arm was in a sling. Lionheart invited the soldier named Skirmisher into his room and Skirmisher obliged.
Skirmisher: I was not suppose to leave the medical ward, but I wanted to come here before news broke out.
Pence: What news?
Skirmisher looked at me confused and Lionheart put his hand on the man's shoulder that was not holding the sling.
Lionheart: It is alright, he is the weapon's expert for Delta team. What has happened?
Skirmisher: It was horrible, Lionheart. We had convoyed our way down to near the Mexican border when we were attacked...
A surprised look crosses over Pence's and Lionheart's faces as the scene fades to black.
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*One Hour Later, Unknown Location*
I never thought for a second that the Drug Cartel would make a move such as it had then and there. Attacking Zeta team and in the process starting a war between Vesper and the Cartel was a mistake, a crucial mistake that would cost them dearly. Skirmisher had told us of the attack and how he had escaped just barely with his life, the prisoner dead, and everyone except himself dead on Zeta team. The story was horrific and as me and Lionheart walked down the long hall to the general's quarters after escorting Skirmisher back to the medical ward we knew that the shit had just hit the fan. We didn't speak and remained silent the whole walk to the fifteenth level of the building, the highest floor, and the most protected floor. Upon entering the floor we were badgered by guards, but none dare stopped us, knowing all too well what Lionheart could do to guards who even had weapons, and not wanting to end up in the medical ward themselves. As we neared the general's room the secretary tried to tell us not to disturb him due to him being in a meeting, but we ignored her, and made our way in anyway. Inside were three of the captains. Bravo's Captain, Charlie's Captain, and Gamma's captain were all in attendance. They were quite surprised to see us crashing the meeting and the general looked furious that we were there too.
General: What are you two doing here? Can't you see I'm in a middle of an important meeting?
Lionheart: What about the importance of telling your teams about the attack on Zeta team, sir.
He stiffened up with surprise. He had not expected that we knew about the attack and that played on his face quite well. He looked at the three captains and nodded his head, they returned the nod, and gave the general a salute before exiting the room. The general after making sure they were gone, turned to look back at us, and with a slight sigh began to speak.
General: I'm guessing Skirmisher told you about the attack.
Pence: He sure did. Why were you trying to cover up the attack?
General: I really didn't know how to approach the situation. I don't want to lower morale by telling them that a major break in the case involving the missing Strange Tech has cost some of our men their lives.
Lionheart: No offense sir, but I'm pretty sure the men would take this just fine...is there something you are not telling us?
The general's face became distant and I could tell for a fact that there was more to the story. Me and Lionheart sat down in two of the three chairs in front of the general's desk, awaiting an explanation, and he would give us one.
General: There are things occurring that I never thought possible...you see Zeta team was not attacked by men or women, but by a machine.
I could feel myself stiffen up too and beside me Lionheart looked at the general, confusion filling his eyes.
Lionheart: What do you mean a machine?
General: Well as you may know, someone has been stealing Strange Tech and selling it to the highest bidders world wide, but what you don't know is that earlier this week a deal was made between a scientist in Switzerland and an apparent seller. This scientist has created a machine that... attacked everyone a few nights ago.
Pence: Don't you think this is information that is important to show to everyone?
General: You don't understand, Reaper. This machine is a walking weapon, it has the power to destroy a city. How do you tell your troops that a walking machine of doom is being used by an enemy over seas.
I could see the worry and fear in his eyes, I could respect that he wanted to keep morale high, but this was not the way to do that. This was blinding the men to the truth and that was something that could potentially cost the men their lives.
General: The machine is no longer in America, thank God. It was moved back to Switzerland earlier last night, at least that is what my informants have told me. Skirmisher told me all about it and I am happy that I got to tell you instead of him. I know that it may seem childish to simply not tell you all the truth from the get go, but...I did not want to worry you all.
Pence: Is that why you brought the three captains in here?
The general averted his eyes from me and stood up from his desk, walking to a painting in the corner of the room of the rocky mountains, and as I stood up from my chair to join him by his side he began to speak.
General: We must take action before it is too late. I fear that I may have been foolish enough to believe that the seller would not move as quickly as he did. I brought those three men in here to prepare a strike force to attack the scientists compound in Switzerland. I had hoped to keep Delta team here in the states just in case of a repeat incident, but now that you know...I know you will not settle to be left here.
Lionheart: Damn right we won't!
I turned back in surprise to see that Lionheart's eyes were aflame with rage, he was angry at the scientist, and I was a bit angry myself. How could someone kill so senselessly?
General: I can't send you to Switzerland, I'm sorry, but maybe there is still some info that gain from going to Colombia.
I could tell Lionheart wanted to argue with the general's verdict, but he held his tongue and nodded his head. The general looked relieved that he would not have to argue with Lionheart. I was skeptical, but none the less happy with the verdict.
General: Very well, then consider your mission accepted.
We saluted the general and then bowed before leaving, but before leaving I turned back to look at the general. I had a single question that seemed to be digging at the back of my mind.
Pence: General, I have a question if you don't mind.
General: And that is?
Pence: How did the scientist know that we were transporting a criminal to Mexico City, better yet...how did he know the exact location to attack the convoy at?
General: Even I don't know the answer to that question, Reaper. I am trying my best to find out, but I think we will find those answers in Colombia. I just hope that my thinking doesn't end up killing you all.
I could see that the general cared a lot for his troops and I smiled nodding my head.
Pence: Don't worry, I guarantee our men will make it home in one piece. Hopefully we will find the answers we seek.
The general smiled and replied.
General: My assumptions of you Reaper, have been proven wrong today. You are a better man than I thought you were.
With that I smiled and nodded my head. Exiting with Lionheart out into the hallway again and making our way down to where Madok and the other's were most likely waiting for our return. We had been gone for some time and I wondered if they were a bit worried about us. As we reached the tracking room we got our answer.
Madok: Where the fuck have you two been!? Our mission is accepted, we are free to leave the country, and go to Colombia.
Lionheart: There is much we have to do and little time to do it in. What time are we scheduled to leave, Mr. Mortalis?
Madok: I think Switchboard said two days from now.
Lionheart: Good, we have some preparations to do. We need to head to the armory and grab ammo, weapons, and need to signs documents that we are checking them out.
Madok: I know the drill, alright. Well Reaper, want to come with us?
Pence: Sure why not? There is something we need to talk about anyway.
Madok: And what is that?
Pence: We will discuss it on the way.
As all three members of delta team are seen walking off to the armory the scene fades to black.
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*Switzerland*
I went all out with it, I poked the sleeping bear, and didn't get bit. Vesper played into my hands and now I knew what they were doing, they would come, and Dr. Samuels would handle everything with his new toy. I didn't care about the loss of life, it was all to get what I wanted. The boss would be pissed at me for moving ahead of schedule, but the boss is nothing more than a pawn to the coming darkness, and I was nothing more than a pawn myself. An enlightened pawn, but a pawn none the less. He would get what he wanted, the true master mind behind the plan, and if that cost me my life. So be it.
Dr. Samuels: You seem rather distant, Mr. Trials.
Vincent Trials: I'm not trying to be, Samuels. I'm just thinking to myself. Has the Titan been working to your expectations?
I could see that shit eating grin spread across his face, if he knew that he was pawn in the plan too, I knew he would not be smiling right now, but wishing for the sweet relief of death. The Titan was part of the plan, a key to the plan would better describe it, and if Dr. Samuels was incapable of producing results with the Titan then I would kill him and find someone else who could.
Dr. Samuels: Of course, it is working better than expected. It may only be a prototype but it easily killed those Vesper soldiers you alerted me to.
Vincent Trials: Did you kill the prisoner and also did you ensure that only one member of the Vesper team survived to tell the tale?
Dr. Samuels: Yes, of course I did. I do whatever the boss says is the right thing to do.
Dr. Samuels was foolish, he was so gullible, all he needed was a check, and the parts to make the titan and he fell right in line. It was almost too easy. Yet, if he found out he was expendable, he may have been brilliant, but the master said that at all costs I was to ensure that the mission was followed to a T. I saw that Dr. Samuels was looking out across the warehouse, a single Titan standing at the far end of the warehouse that had been brought back from America without being detected. Or at least that was what Samuel thought, I mused. Soon Vesper would be here, days in fact, and I was counting down to the showdown between Vesper and the Titan. I looked at the Titan myself. A twenty foot tall machine with duel rocket packs, machine guns placed conveniently at where arms should have been, and powerful tank treads able to move the titan around at speeds of twenty miles per hour. Not to mention the thick steel carapace that protected the wiring of the machine, all of this was made possible by Strange Tech, and now the ultimate weapon had been born. And this was only the beginning. This was only a prototype and I smiled as I knew what the real machine would be able to do. This machine was nothing compared to the blue prints for the real Titan which was being created in a factory in Africa. Vesper was clueless and had no idea what I had planned for them, they were nothing more than test subjects for me, but soon even that would pass.
Once there usefulness had been fulfilled then the master would use the Titan to destroy them. That was all there was to it.
Dr. Samuels: Do you know how long you will be staying?
I looked over to Samuels, a curious bastard he was, and gave him a smile.
Vincent Trials: I will leave later tonight.
If he knew why I was truly leaving then he would wish to leave to. I didn't want to be caught here with him when Vesper arrived. Not to say that the good doctor would be caught, but I meant that I didn't want to be seen here, and ID'd, that would cost me dearly if I was and would not impress the master at all.
Dr. Samuels: I will arrange for a private plane to take you out of here if you wish?
Vincent Trials: No thanks, I can handle it. You just make sure that the Titan is up and running in Africa in two months and we will be straight.
Dr. Samuels: As the boss commands.
Dr. Samuels was a busy man, so I left him to his work. I didn't want to distract him from perfecting the designs and sending them to Africa and as I exited I heard the sound of feet clattering behind me. I had walked back to the limo which I had arrived in when I had landed a few days ago and turned around to see Sten. I had not seen Sten for a few weeks, but it seemed like withdrawals were taking hold of him, he was weaker, and I could see it in the way he stood. He was slumped over, his coat rather dirty, and his hair all but gone, one eye bulged a little more out of its socket and his scarf covered his mouth as usual. I gave him a weak smile as he began speaking.
Sten: I knew I would find you...Vincent. I knew that you would be here fulfilling that dark prophecy.
Vincent Trials: It is good to see you again Sten. I thought our little fight not too long ago would have ended you, but it seems as though the virus still gives you enough strength to live.
Sten: Do not get cocky with me, Vincent. There is still time to stop the plans you have set into motion.
Vincent Trials: Stop them!? STOP THEM!
I laughed and Sten gave me one of his cold glares, he was such a buzz kill. Sten spoke again, this time I could sense his weariness, oh how I wanted to end him then and there, but I knew the master had plans for Sten's life, even if he was a traitor.
Sten: If you do not stop it, things will get out of control, and mankind as we know it will cease to exist. You know that the master's plan is sinister. You know the plan will kill millions of innocent people and for what? Power and money.
Vincent Trials: You seem to think I give a damn about mankind. I am above it now, I am above mortality. I am a God.
Sten: No one can be a God, Vincent. Look at what can happen to you when you quit using the injections. You begin to rot, to fade into the darkness of death. Please heed my warning.
Vincent Trials: Luckily I'm not a traitor. I will serve the master to the best of my ability. As for you...you are nothing more than an artifact from a long lost time. As for your warning, it means nothing to me, Sten. I am a servant of the master and nothing you say will ever change that.
I could see he was saddened by that statement, like I cared. He began to walk away, I could see that he had wasted precious energy to get here, and talk to me. Energy that he had little left of. I got into the limo, knowing all too well what fate awaited Sten Gilberts. He would die maybe a few weeks from now, there was no possible way to stop it since the only thing that could save him he was unwilling to accept.
Vincent Trials: Driver, take me to the hotel, I need a shower, and something to eat.
Voice: I've already made reservations for a nice diner where they let you watch the food be cooked.
I was surprised by the fact that the man in the front seat was no longer the man who had drove me here. He joined me in the back whoever he was and as I looked at him, I could sense a sinister air about him.
Man: I see that you are surprised.
Vincent Trials: Who are you? And where is my driver?
Man: Dead, I believe. As for who I am, I am a messenger of the Los Numeros.
My eyes widened, the Los Numeros was the organization of alleged Atlantians who had tried to make a new Atlantis. They had failed because of Pence Weatherlight, the files had said, at least to my knowledge, that the Los Numeros had been disbanded, but now it seemed like that was a lie.
Man: It has been a while since I killed a man with my knives.
He pulled out a knife right in front of me, it was covered in blood, and he looked at it with a smile. That is when he wiped the blade on the leather seats of the limo and then put it back in its scabbard.
Vincent Trials: So, what do you want?
Man: Quite the legitimate question if you ask me, I suppose I will answer with a question of my own. What don't I want?
I was quite upset at the man in front of me and was half tempted to pull my gun out of its' holster and blow him away, but I knew better than to do so. The man looked like a fighter and since I didn't know his potential I would hold out on killing him.
Man: I can see you are thinking about killing me, but you see you couldn't if you wanted to. Even hyper security prison could not keep me out of play and as for that little revolver you are packing, my knife would cut your throat before you could pull the trigger. I know about your toy, the Los Numeros know about the plan, and they are going to issue you a warning.
Vincent Trials: The Los Numeros is warning me? You must really think that you all are something.
Man: Listen, fucker don't get bold with me or I may cut off both your triggers fingers, and cram them down your mother fucking throat. The warning is simple, if you release your titan, expect resistance from our little weapon that we have been building for two years.
The Los Numeros had a weapon! What kind of weapon, I found myself wondering as I began to worry about something I never had thought possible, that the master had never thought about.
Man: You have been warned, have a wonderful night.
The man got out of my limo without even turning to look back while whistling a tune, I could have blown him away, but with the threat of an unknown weapon lurking over my head I didn't know what to do. I would have to contact the master and tell him what the hell was coming. I didn't know what to expect or where to turn, but I knew that the ante had just been increased and I would need to shuffle the deck one more time. The man had gotten out of sight and I wondered who he was, I could think about that later. I got out of the car and made my way to the hotel on foot, it wouldn't take too long to get there from here, I would have rather liked to drive there, but because of the mysterious Los Numeros warrior, I was without a driver, and I had no intention of driving there myself in a limo. On the way there, I would make a call, a call to the master at his private number. He had to be warned about the warning given to me.
The scene fades to black with Vincent Trials putting the phone to his ear and as he does the sound of ringing fills the speakers.
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*Unknown Location, Pence's Quarters*
I had been here, alone for hours now. Madok had said that he would come by after he had finished with all the acquisitions forms for the weapons we were bringing. We had told him the story of the machine that had attacked Zeta team, he had taken it well, and had told me not to worry, but I could see that clearly he was pretty worried himself. A machine with enough fighting power to destroy a Vesper Convoy was a frightening thing to talk about. I had remained silent for hours, staring at the roof of my quarters which had been given to me by the general to use earlier that week, and all I could think about was my match on Overdrive that week. I know that it was wrong to think of something like that during a time like this, but I guess it was how I was coping with the current situation.
I assume it was better than thinking about the members of Zeta team who had lost their lives. I had my work cut out for me this week and I knew that Level and Michael would come guns blazing and that I would have to step up my game just like I had against Biggs. I would do it and the fans would be with me, there was no doubt. Just as I began to think of a battle plan there was knock on my door and I turned to look at the door. I got up quickly, moving with haste, and opened it to find Madok holding a crate full of ammo.
Madok: Mind helping me out?
He said this with a grin and I invited him in, he walked over to the lone table in the room, and put the crate on it. He sat down taking a large breath that could be heard around the room and I took a seat opposite of him.
Madok: This is the ammo we are taking to the battlefield in a few days.
Pence: So why did you bring it here?
Madok: Because Lionheart said that as the weapon's expert you are to ensure that the ammo is in top condition and to organize it by gun.
I silently nodded. I wasn't about to argue about something as trivial as organizing ammunition. I opened the crate and took a look inside and began to rifle through all the ammo to decide what went to what gun.
Madok: So...you worried about your match?
I picked up some ammunition for a nine millimeter beretta and put it in a pile by itself and then I spoke up.
Pence: A little bit. This is going to be a real challenge.
Madok: At least you have something to prove.
That was true, I did have something major to prove. I picked up another clip for a beretta and put it with the other. I began to look through the ammo for other clips for a beretta.
Madok: Do you think you can do it? I mean you have a lot on your plate as is, but now you have this to add. Things just seem to be stacking up.
Pence: Yeah, I guess you are right, but I will manage. I think I can do this, I am great at multiple opponent matches.
Madok: Plus you beat Biggs, who out of the three competitors at the last pay per view for titles was the hardest one to squash.
Pence: Sure was.
Madok: You do realize their still going to brag, right?
Pence: That is to be expected, both of them are the biggest blow hards in APW history.
Madok: Without a doubt, amigo. Hand me those AA-12 rounds?
I reached into the crate and pulled out a few clips for the AA-12 which Madok began to promptly check to ensure they were in top condition.
Madok: By the way, what do you intend to say to those fuckers anyway? I mean they are just going to ignore you, so why say anything at all, right?
Pence: They never do pay attention and that is why they are inconsiderate pricks and the fans hate them. Mind you they both have talent, but that just makes their egos inflate even more. I really don't know what I will say yet.
Madok: Better think of something quick, because who knows if you ever will get a chance to say anything again after we start the mission on Friday.
Pence: I'm pretty sure I will find something to say, trust me on that.
Madok nodded his head and I pulled out a clip for an AA-12 and handed it to Madok, I pulled out a few clips for a FAL, and began to check them out too. For a few minutes we did nothing, but checked ammo until finally Madok spoke.
Madok: Michael Lively is gay isn't he?
Pence: I think that is just a rumor.
Madok: It would explain a lot, especially that last promotion of his about the gay porno video. I laughed my ass off at that. But it looked like he was completely in his element.
Pence: You mean you actually watched that shit?
Madok: Better than watching a Biggs or Chris Cyrus promotion.
Pence: Got me there.
Madok: What about Slade Craven vs. Level One? Did you find it to be stale and quite a bit boring? Or was I the only one.
Pence: I thought that it was pretty boring, then again that is not saying much Level One doesn't know what the fuck entertainment is and Slade is just fucking full of himself. It was a recipe for disaster and that is why the Overdrive title match stole the show.
Madok: Couldn't agree more. Oh and by the way, good luck on Overdrive this week. Not that you need it.
Pence: Thanks, bro.
The scene fades to black with Pence and Madok still talking about stuff.
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**PRE-RECORDED TRANSMISSION**
The scene opens up on the hangar to the Vesper Head Quarters and as the image pans out Madok can be seen sitting in the carriage of the helicopter that they would be taking to Colombia. Pence is dressed for war, the Martyr X-2 strapped to his waist, a bulletproof vest under his trench coat, and an AA-12 strapped to his back. He gives the camera a smile before speaking up.
Pence: Happy new year, ladies and gentlemen, and I hope you have enjoyed this promotion. On Friday I go to war and I know that some of you are worried, but don't be. I will be back to entertain you as soon as I can get back, but as you all know everything that can go wrong is going wrong. Jeff has been kidnapped, Max Carter has betrayed us, and above all else I have to sit through another Level One and Michael Lively cluster fuck promotion. Seriously who ever made this card really likes to bore the shit out of me. I could have done without this, not that I have a problem of proving that the Overdrive Championship is truly the greatest championship here on Overdrive, and not that I have a problem beating the shit out of Michael Lively for costing me a tag match not too long ago. Hell those are things that I can deal with, but for fuck's sake, now I have to listen to Michael Lively brag and Level One throw out "I am the best" comments just because he beat a fucking shade wearing nancy boy. I guess I should congratulate them, I suppose, not that they will give me any credit for winning my match, I can already predict the second tier champion remarks from Level One and the I am Extreme remarks from Michael Lively.
So congratulations Michael for beating the master of pathetic, Chris Cyrus, and congratulations Level One for retaining a title that is complete and utter shit against an even shittier wrestler. For some time now ladies and gentlemen, I didn't know what to say to these two fuckers, because unlike Michael Lively I don't pull stuff out of my ass every Wednesday, and unlike Level One I don't want to whine and bitch. But now I think I understand what I have to say and what I have to do to win this match on Wednesday. You see all I have to do is recapture what I did to Biggs at Christmas Chaos, which is not so hard, I know how to wrestle gents, and where you two dick swallower's think you are innovative you have not seen nothing yet. You think you know what I am capable of, hell Level One most likely thinks he has got this in the bag, hell he has beaten me, and you Lively, but the fact is things change, people change. There is no constant, people grow stronger, faster, and wiser every fucking day, and that is without even attempting to get better. Hell if you are attempting to improve, then it will happen quicker than if you had been sitting on your ass the whole time. I have been attempting to get better every day since I lost at One Night in Hell and it just so happened that Biggs was the first to taste the improvement over the old Pence, even now he is bitching, watch his promo.
That is what is going to happen Wednesday night, fellas. After I'm done I guarantee that you all will be bitching for months to come or hell maybe even coming up with excuses about why you lost like "Michael Lively softened me up" or "Level One beat me up and then you capitalized". All excuses and bitching aside though, I know I can win against you all, but I know that is not enough. I am going to admit that you beat me Level, hell you smacked me around the ring, and I'm going to admit that the tag team loss was partially my fault Lively, but that does not change the fact that I will not fail against you two, not again. I am more determined than ever to win this match, more determined to become greater than I have ever been, and have more to prove to myself and to the fans than you guys have put together. I am determined and that is a step in the right direction, but that is not enough, I will need to be strong, I will need to endure, and I will need to be smart. But I will be all of those things and more if it means I get to squash you two in the ring at the same time and bring the Overdrive Championship the spotlight that it deserves. So where to begin, do I start with Michael Lively, the man who calls himself the 'Jesus', or Level One, the man who is always making excuses, always lieing, and always bragging. Hell I will start with Level One, because it makes more sense to begin with the man who started it all, the guy who at the very beginning manipulated the hearts and feelings of the fans only to let them down in the end and become a corrupt monster.
Pence takes a moment to look around the hangar, after he thought he heard the door to the hangar open, but after a few seconds of silence he continues.
Pence: This is how it all began, it started with me and you, you thought I was unworthy, hell you probably still do, but I proved you wrong. I slapped you in the face, I came out like a man possessed, and within a month I had destroyed the dynasty of Lester and built up the republic of Pence. But that made you angry, hell it provided the catalyst for your victory over me at Test for the Best, hell it gave you the fury to, no the nerve, to torture my mentor at the time Nick Maelstrom. After Test for the Best the catalyst for your rage the second time was my assistance in the defeat of Jesse Nunez, because without me, lets face it...this would be a different ball field right now, and that rage lead you to One Night in Hell where once again...you defeated me. I can accept these things, acceptance is after all the first step to recovery, but now as we stand on the thresh-hold of a PPV quality match on a regular showing of Overdrive...it is my turn. You've had your fun at my expense, you've bull shitted your way through match after match, hell you even got a free title reign into the new year by beating that queer Slade Craven, but now it all changes.
I've waited and waited and waited for the opportunity to put things right, to show the fans that their cheers do not fall on deaf ears. For the chance to crush you in a match again and now so kindly I have been given that chance, just one more chance. Mind you it is not in the venue that I may have hoped for, but it is still a match that I hope I can win. No, hope is not the right word. Know is the right word, I know I will win. Because you have nothing left to be angry about, there are no pulling rabbits out of hats in this situation, there is no more catalysts to burn your blood and bring the old fire up because you have nothing to be angry about. The same factors as your past two wins over me are not there and as such there is no way you will win this match against me. Rage was your greatest tool, but once you take that out...there is nothing left, but a weak man who holds a grudge against the fans for cheering for who they want to cheer for. That is why you are spitting on people, mocking them for their choices, and being rude to them for enacting their freedom of speech.
You see the people respect you, but your actions have forced them to hate you, why deny them the man that was once a good person, why turn into this monster every night instead of a human being. Hell is it so hard to believe that at one time the reason people wanted to beat you was to prove their worth instead of to just shut you the fuck up. I don't know if you realize this, but once upon a time...I respected you. Once upon a time, I wanted to wrestle you and for one moment have you look me in the eye and tell me that we were equals, but you have dashed all that, you have spit on all that, and you have destroyed every single bit of honor you had left...but for what? A belt around your waist and a little extra pocket change? In exchange for what made Level One into Level One here in APW you have managed to gain a title and a little bit of money. I know you are content with these things, but was it truly worth it. I hope that I never have to find out what it is like. I truly never want to make the decision of being the villain in exchange for a flimsy belt around my waist. Honor is one thing, but the respect and admiration of millions of fans is far more grand in my eyes.
I guess all that doesn't matter now, it is all about you, and nothing else, am I right? This is why I have to win, to show you, to make you understand. I am not a simple creation, I was made from a need Level, a need for a true champion, and here I am now. A true champion of the people, a man that you believe is not worth more than a grain of salt, but I can deal with that because I am above the petty remarks and I am above the low blows when it comes to you. I don't need any lists and I don't need to make any excuses, hell I don't even need to brag all I need are the fans and my in-ring talent to crush you. Now you go ahead and make your statements, you go ahead and say I'm not worth a damn penny, say I'm not worthy of being a champion, but in truth Level I don't need your approval anymore because I no longer care for what you say anymore. You have burned that bridge, but there is still time to repent with these fans, they want their world heavyweight champion back, so if there is even a shred of decency left inside that dieing husk that you have become I would start thinking real hard about how to make it up to them for what you have done. So no more excuses, no more bull shit, lets rumble, and give the fans an impressive showing.
Pence pauses, a smile on his face, a small glimmer of hope that he reached him passing through his eyes. He then frowns and his eyes fill with anger.
Pence: There is one more person to discuss, but this guy is as corrupt as they come, he cost me a match on Overdrive because he couldn't cut it, and was caught by surprise by Chris Cyrus, Chris mother fucking Cyrus. You know who you are Lively, you know what you have done, and I'm not going to go over this little feud that has been building between us two because you are not worth the breath or the time of day. Personally if I had the choice right now...your ass would be out in the cold right now, but because of BDC flopping, instead we see the second coming of Michael Lively. Unlike me and Level One at Christmas Chaos, well more unlike myself at Christmas Chaos you had the least threatening opponent in Chris Cyrus and in the end you beat him. In the end you managed to prove that Michael Lively, can go extreme, but you see I was extreme before you even wanted to be xtreme champion. I was wrestling in churches, basketball courts, and was around during the time of the X-Division in HcW, but what does the Xtreme championship mean here? Nothing apparently if you are the champion.
There is nothing hardcore about what your championship is, the true hardcore was back in HcW, this championship, this Xtreme championship is nothing in comparison to what the X-Division was and is. If you think that for some odd reason just because you have managed to defeat Chris Cyrus for a championship that has meant nothing from day one that you stand a chance here is a lie in itself. You are nothing Michael, you let me down in a tag match, and tonight I will let you down, straight into the ground six feet under. I have to win and as such I have to defeat you or Level One, there is no 'if' I win there is only a 'when' I win, and there is nothing that a little ball juggler like yourself can do about that. It would be best if you didn't reply, but I know that a loud mouth like yourself will always be there to get the last say, and comment on every little detail. So I guess there is no point in hoping that you will shut the fuck up or that I will teach you a lesson in humility since you have no humility at all. After all, you call yourself the Jesus which is quite untrue because you are not the savior of anything and you are not guiding us to a brighter tomorrow.
I don't know truly what to say to you beside that you are a true asshole and an asshole of bragging variety at that. You have managed to hold every belt in this business here in APW which in turn has given you quite the hot head. No not a dick Michael, a hot head as in a large ego. But it doesn't matter how many belts you have had, all that matters is if you are truly worth the hype or not and in my opinion you are not deserving of the hype you give yourself, but that does not mean I underestimate you. Oh hell no, don't even think for a second I have shrugged you off because you are a horrible wrestler, oh no, the only wrestler I have ever done that to is Jason Royce and that was because he was God awful. You on the other hand can become streaky and win match after match continuously unless if someone steps up and puts his foot down, Wednesday is going to be one of those nights where I am going to put my foot down hard...on your fucking throat. Tonight I have no intention of just letting you pussy foot around the ring like you are known to do, oh hell know...I have every intention of beating your ass, and showing you why I am a champion and am fighting here in the Main Event. I find it ridiculous that you believe you can send out this bullshit though, calling the Overdrive title the bottom of the barrel! Wow!
I expected it from Level One but from Michael Lively, wow. Bravo, oh and by the way, as far as me having a dick...well I have given a fair share of women a good old time, you feel me. As far as you bowing to me, sure why the fuck not, after all you are used to bending over for guys anyway so it must not be much of a difference to you. In all honesty out of the three of us you are in the one in need of a muzzle, throwing words like fuck, snatch, cunt, and other derogatory words around almost every sentence, mind you that is your gimmick, is the only way you can rant. You can't make a legitimate argument without some sort of crude statement, but I guess that is just you. Neanderthal tactics for an over the hill wrestler, oh and also, I did come down here of my own free will, but not for the reasons you think. I can cut it in any division, hell if I dropped the title right now, and came after you, I can fucking guarantee I would take your damn championship. Also me being weak doesn't say a lot for yourself, since you have never been able to defeat Level One, but I did...not once, but twice. So who is weaker? The man who can't beat Level One or the one who can? I will wait for your response.
Pence stops and taps his foot, he waits a good three minutes, and then begins to speak again.
Pence: Whatever dude, you are a braggart, anyways the time is steadily coming forward, the time for three wrestlers to step into the same ring, and fight their God damn hearts out. Fake champion or not this match is going to be fun to watch and whoever says other wise namely a certain Michael Lively who had too much of his magic juice which is whiskey mixed with Chris Cyrus' semen, is going to be mocked for the remainder of career. So are you two ready? Are you two ready to usher in the new era of APW by being defeated by the Reaper tonight in front of millions of Pence Weatherlight fans because that is your future and neither of you can stop that...from coming to pass. So you better be counting the seconds and you better be counting the minutes because after tonight the world will know just what this champion is truly capable of. This is Mr. Main Event, Pence Weatherlight wishing you all one more time a happy new year, and a good night. Also I wish my competitors good luck, because on Wendesday....they are going to need it.
*Scene Bursts to Static*
===================================================================
The scene reopens in a dark room with shady figures sitting around a table. The man that broke into Vincent's car walks up to the table, he has a smile on his face, and begins to speak.
Man: The warning has been given.
One of the men laughs and then replies.
Man: And so it begins!
*scene bursts to static again*
One by One
===================================================================*Couple Days Ago, Unknown Location*
For the first time in my life I was afraid. The virtual map in front of me showed hundreds of red dots, these dots represented the down fall of man kind, and the very essence of chaos. The dots represented the spots where people had been found in possession of Strange Tech, and as my gut wrenched in terror I knew not what to do. The room! Even the room gave me a feeling of dread that I could not over come, pictures of the most wanted offenders staring out at me, cold, sinister, and lifeless eyes that I felt wanted to destroy my very essence. I composed myself, knowing all too well that panic was not going to stop the fear I felt, the dread I felt, and the utter sense of evil that emanated from around me. It had been a week, one week of planning while whoever was stealing and selling Strange Tech galloped around the world doing whatever he deemed fit to do, and all we did was sit here!
Needless to say I wanted to be on the front lines, fighting a war to protect all of mankind once again, but the fact of the matter was that we were still in the process of okaying a mission. In the process! We had made no ground in getting the general to stamp his God damn approval on our sheet of paper giving us the go ahead to use lethal force to stop the cartel from using the Strange Tech they may or may not have had. With such, Crash was not allowed to fly, Madok was not allowed to plot, Lion Heart was not allowed to make a move, and I was not allowed to fight a war that every day was getting closer to overtaking the whole fucking world. The lack of urgency from the general was a cold hard slap in the face and at the time I did not know what to do. None of us in the room had the authority to force the general to do anything, we had no high end hook ups, and with that we had nothing to force action.
I could tell that my feelings were shared as I looked around the room at my team mates. Stitches and Switchboard both looked at the screen for the team mission boards. The screen had been designed to show what missions were in the process of approval and which ones were approved. They looked at it with such intensity, waiting for the red light, the light which if red meant that it was in processing, to turn green, which meant it had been approved, next to the mission we had named: Operation Savior. I know it was a silly name, but at the time we felt like we were saviors, now we felt like we were procrastinators, and fools. I looked over to Madok who was ignoring the room entirely while spinning in an office chair. I could tell he was pissed, even if he wouldn't say it out loud. He was the captain of a team and as such he was showing the demeanor of a captain by remaining calm. It was admirable, but I could tell because I had known him for so long that he was quite upset, and was most likely about to explode in rage.
Lion Heart was the weirdest one of the group. He didn't show any emotion, he didn't give on that he was upset, rather he waited patiently, and silently for news of the acceptance of the mission. He stood not far from me, his eyes drifting around the room watching the workers who maintained up to date information on the people on the walls. I remembered Madok had said something about us being like America's most wanted, except instead of common criminals we deal with super criminals. It had been funny at the time and I remember it getting a laugh out of switch and stitches, hell even Lion Heart had gave a slight laugh, but besides that I had never seen Lion Heart smile. The guy was as cold as ice. Don't get me wrong though, that is what we needed. We needed someone who would not get jested in to doing something stupid and if it had to be someone I would rather like it to be Lion Heart and not myself.
I kicked my feet up on the desk in front of me, quietly closing my eyes, knowing all too well sleep was not going to come to me at a time like this, but I hoped it would. Truth be told I had not slept in a day now, the nightmares of a burning New York City, and a dark cloud filled sky that were almost too real filled my mind every time I closed my eyes. Sometimes I was able to over come it and sleep, but lately it had become so vivid, down to the cries of human beings trapped under the remains of collapsing buildings, and the sound of vultures as they circled around the dead bodies of those who had not got to cover. I feared that it would all come to pass, whoever was doing this had managed to stay below radar, and had more than managed to infiltrate Vesper and steal Strange Tech to sell to the highest bidder. Whoever it was, he was still out there, and lurking in the shadows waiting for the next time to strike a critical blow. I opened one of my eyes to see that Madok had rolled over to me in his office chair. He spoke quietly even though he knew I was awake.
Madok: You are having the nightmares too, I assume.
I nodded my head silently. I didn't want to talk about the nightmares that were circling in my head when I tried to sleep. He continued on.
Madok: I don't know what it is, but it is just grotesque, and sitting here is really getting to me, Pence. I would rather be stopping this. You know, nipping it at the bud before it can grow out of control.
Pence: There is nothing we can do. Our hands are tied on this matter. I wish we could speed things up though, I hate to sit around while a monster roams our planet ready to destroy everything we hold dear.
Madok: I hear you, but what can we do? We can't force the general to see reason and accept the mission ahead of time, so the hopes of us catching the seller decrease with every passing minute.
Pence: What if the seller is Mr. Strange?
Madok: I know what you mean, the fact that Strange Tech is being trafficked around the world could attest to that, but so many other things say otherwise.
Pence: Like the fact we caught that convoy.
Madok: Exactly, Mr. Strange would never fake us out like that either. I think that something much bigger than even Strange fought possible is going on.
Pence: I would not be surprised one damn bit by that. A matter of fact I would embrace that as fact, not fiction.
I could see that Madok was thinking the same things as me. Just who was this mysterious seller of Strange Tech? And was there some kind of major plot behind it all? Or was this all just for wealth. I didn't know the answer, I don't think anyone in the room knew the answer, but I could tell that it was on the majority of Vesper's staff's minds. I could see now that Lion Heart had turned to look at me and Madok and was walking over, I quickly told Madok, who had began dissing Vesper for their inaction, to silence himself, and he obliged. Lion Heart joined us and sat down in a vacant office chair if only for a second.
Lionheart: I need to speak to you Reaper.
Pence: How come?
Lionheart: I would rather discuss it in private without all these eyes and ears observing us. I hope you don't mind that?
I glanced at Madok, who shrugged, and mouthed the words 'who knows?'. I nodded my head and stood up.
Pence: Lead the way.
Lionheart: Very well.
He stood up and began to walk for the door, I followed swiftly. Over the past week I had come to learn a lot about the lay out of the headquarters, at first I got lost easily, but now I knew almost every floor of base. We passed by the armory on the third floor when Lionheart began to speak to me. At first I couldn't hear him, but he spoke up louder and that was when I heard what he was talking about.
Lionheart: You know this is your fault right? All of this. The mission is taking so long to confirm because of you.
This was the first time I had heard anything close to agitation from the mouth of Lionheart, but after hearing it I didn't quite like what he had to say. We passed by the mess hall and arrived at the private quarters that belonged to Lionheart when he was working there and not having some time off. He ushered me in without a glance at me and I obliged him by entering into the small clustered room he called his own. I looked around at all of the training dummies and broken punching bags, knowing that Lionheart trained here on his off time, and even noted that there were books filled with different martial arts positions just laying on his bed. The room had one table and two chairs, a lone lamp stood on top of what looked like a night stand, and an image of three kids and what I could only describe as a younger Lionheart sat on top of a book case filled with history and mythology books. He pointed towards one of the chairs at the table and I took my seat, not wanting to anger the martial artist with my words of disapproval. Lionheart went over to his night stand and opened one of the two drawers on it and grabbed a small bottle of hard liquor and two glasses before joining me at the table, taking a seat in chair opposite of where I was sitting. He poured two glasses full of the mysterious liquor and commenced to offer me one. I shook my head, not wanting any because of my distaste for alcohol.
He shrugged as if to say 'Suit yourself' and took a swig of his glass full of liquor before speaking.
Lionheart: As I was saying...you know this is all your fault right?
I quirked a brow. Was this truly my fault or was Lionheart looking for a fall guy? Who knew?
Pence: How is this my fault? I don't see how I can cost us the much needed time to hunt down the seller when clearly the general is afraid to okay a mission that we applied for a week ago!
Lionheart: As you may not know, since you have never met the general, the general is not a trusting man, and the only reason Madok is leading this team is because the board viewed him as a worthy candidate. As for you, you are a wild card. You are a great marksman there is no doubt in my mind about that, but the general does not trust outside help. It is why he is afraid of accepting the mission and giving it his approval.
Pence: His fear is not important. What is important is that we find this seller and put an end to it. Wild card or not, I am the most capable man for this team as a weapons expert, and if the general does not think so highly of me. Then he can go fuck himself.
Lionheart's eyes narrowed, most likely because he didn't like the fact that I had just said that the general could go fuck himself. Lionheart's eyes returned to normal as swiftly as they had narrowed and then he replied.
Lionheart: Qualification is not everything, Reaper. Personally I don't know if you can work in a team situation with other Vesper agents. Vesper's main goal is to hunt down Strange Tech...
Pence: I've dealt with Strange before and I know Vesper's goals.
Lionheart: I know you have dealt with Strange and that is my main problem. I don't know if I can trust you if we ever find Strange, you could go on a rampage, and completely trash the mission just to kill Strange.
Pence: So you brought me in here to blame everything that is going on to me and then you decide to throw in a low blow while you are at it? Real suave. Listen, I can handle my emotions, yes I have a bone to pick with Strange, but if it jeopardizes the mission then I will be sure to put the mission above Strange. You have my word on that.
Lionheart: Your word will not be good enough, Reaper. In all honesty, I tried to worn Mr. Mortalis that this could be a bad thing to do, but he ignored me, and now we must wait on the general to okay everything. To nod his head at a mission that could have been easily accepted if you were not around.
Pence: Not my fault the general is stingy, but I guess you are right in a way...and as such I apologize. Now lets just get over it and focus on the now.
Lionheart stiffened and then smiled, cross that I had now seen him smile once, and then he nodded his head.
Lionheart: I'm so sorry for my actions. I don't know what came over me.
Pence: You are frustrated too. It is understandable, just don't worry...I'm sure the mission will be accepted soon, and then we can get the briefing over with.
Lionheart: I hope you are right, I would hate to see the world around us crumble into nothing.
That is when we both heard the knock on the door, Lionheart looked at me confused, as if he hadn't expected anyone to visit him at this hour. True it was early in the morning, 3 A.M. to be exact, and mostly everyone was asleep, but something was happening. I heard the knock again, this time it was urgent, and I knew something was going on. Lionheart got up from his chair and went to the door, still holding his glass of alcohol. He took a quick sip of his alcohol downing the rest of the content and then opened the door. On the other side was a soldier, from what I could see, and he looked out of breath. I noticed the patch on the side of his arm which labeled him as a member of Zeta Team, a team that had been assigned to escort the prisoner who worked for the Cartel to Mexico City. I quirked a brow and listened in closely to the conversation that seemed to be occurring before my very eyes.
Lionheart: Is that you Skirmisher?
The soldier nodded his head, I could tell he was bandaged up, his forehead was wrapped in medical tissue and his right arm was in a sling. Lionheart invited the soldier named Skirmisher into his room and Skirmisher obliged.
Skirmisher: I was not suppose to leave the medical ward, but I wanted to come here before news broke out.
Pence: What news?
Skirmisher looked at me confused and Lionheart put his hand on the man's shoulder that was not holding the sling.
Lionheart: It is alright, he is the weapon's expert for Delta team. What has happened?
Skirmisher: It was horrible, Lionheart. We had convoyed our way down to near the Mexican border when we were attacked...
A surprised look crosses over Pence's and Lionheart's faces as the scene fades to black.
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*One Hour Later, Unknown Location*
I never thought for a second that the Drug Cartel would make a move such as it had then and there. Attacking Zeta team and in the process starting a war between Vesper and the Cartel was a mistake, a crucial mistake that would cost them dearly. Skirmisher had told us of the attack and how he had escaped just barely with his life, the prisoner dead, and everyone except himself dead on Zeta team. The story was horrific and as me and Lionheart walked down the long hall to the general's quarters after escorting Skirmisher back to the medical ward we knew that the shit had just hit the fan. We didn't speak and remained silent the whole walk to the fifteenth level of the building, the highest floor, and the most protected floor. Upon entering the floor we were badgered by guards, but none dare stopped us, knowing all too well what Lionheart could do to guards who even had weapons, and not wanting to end up in the medical ward themselves. As we neared the general's room the secretary tried to tell us not to disturb him due to him being in a meeting, but we ignored her, and made our way in anyway. Inside were three of the captains. Bravo's Captain, Charlie's Captain, and Gamma's captain were all in attendance. They were quite surprised to see us crashing the meeting and the general looked furious that we were there too.
General: What are you two doing here? Can't you see I'm in a middle of an important meeting?
Lionheart: What about the importance of telling your teams about the attack on Zeta team, sir.
He stiffened up with surprise. He had not expected that we knew about the attack and that played on his face quite well. He looked at the three captains and nodded his head, they returned the nod, and gave the general a salute before exiting the room. The general after making sure they were gone, turned to look back at us, and with a slight sigh began to speak.
General: I'm guessing Skirmisher told you about the attack.
Pence: He sure did. Why were you trying to cover up the attack?
General: I really didn't know how to approach the situation. I don't want to lower morale by telling them that a major break in the case involving the missing Strange Tech has cost some of our men their lives.
Lionheart: No offense sir, but I'm pretty sure the men would take this just fine...is there something you are not telling us?
The general's face became distant and I could tell for a fact that there was more to the story. Me and Lionheart sat down in two of the three chairs in front of the general's desk, awaiting an explanation, and he would give us one.
General: There are things occurring that I never thought possible...you see Zeta team was not attacked by men or women, but by a machine.
I could feel myself stiffen up too and beside me Lionheart looked at the general, confusion filling his eyes.
Lionheart: What do you mean a machine?
General: Well as you may know, someone has been stealing Strange Tech and selling it to the highest bidders world wide, but what you don't know is that earlier this week a deal was made between a scientist in Switzerland and an apparent seller. This scientist has created a machine that... attacked everyone a few nights ago.
Pence: Don't you think this is information that is important to show to everyone?
General: You don't understand, Reaper. This machine is a walking weapon, it has the power to destroy a city. How do you tell your troops that a walking machine of doom is being used by an enemy over seas.
I could see the worry and fear in his eyes, I could respect that he wanted to keep morale high, but this was not the way to do that. This was blinding the men to the truth and that was something that could potentially cost the men their lives.
General: The machine is no longer in America, thank God. It was moved back to Switzerland earlier last night, at least that is what my informants have told me. Skirmisher told me all about it and I am happy that I got to tell you instead of him. I know that it may seem childish to simply not tell you all the truth from the get go, but...I did not want to worry you all.
Pence: Is that why you brought the three captains in here?
The general averted his eyes from me and stood up from his desk, walking to a painting in the corner of the room of the rocky mountains, and as I stood up from my chair to join him by his side he began to speak.
General: We must take action before it is too late. I fear that I may have been foolish enough to believe that the seller would not move as quickly as he did. I brought those three men in here to prepare a strike force to attack the scientists compound in Switzerland. I had hoped to keep Delta team here in the states just in case of a repeat incident, but now that you know...I know you will not settle to be left here.
Lionheart: Damn right we won't!
I turned back in surprise to see that Lionheart's eyes were aflame with rage, he was angry at the scientist, and I was a bit angry myself. How could someone kill so senselessly?
General: I can't send you to Switzerland, I'm sorry, but maybe there is still some info that gain from going to Colombia.
I could tell Lionheart wanted to argue with the general's verdict, but he held his tongue and nodded his head. The general looked relieved that he would not have to argue with Lionheart. I was skeptical, but none the less happy with the verdict.
General: Very well, then consider your mission accepted.
We saluted the general and then bowed before leaving, but before leaving I turned back to look at the general. I had a single question that seemed to be digging at the back of my mind.
Pence: General, I have a question if you don't mind.
General: And that is?
Pence: How did the scientist know that we were transporting a criminal to Mexico City, better yet...how did he know the exact location to attack the convoy at?
General: Even I don't know the answer to that question, Reaper. I am trying my best to find out, but I think we will find those answers in Colombia. I just hope that my thinking doesn't end up killing you all.
I could see that the general cared a lot for his troops and I smiled nodding my head.
Pence: Don't worry, I guarantee our men will make it home in one piece. Hopefully we will find the answers we seek.
The general smiled and replied.
General: My assumptions of you Reaper, have been proven wrong today. You are a better man than I thought you were.
With that I smiled and nodded my head. Exiting with Lionheart out into the hallway again and making our way down to where Madok and the other's were most likely waiting for our return. We had been gone for some time and I wondered if they were a bit worried about us. As we reached the tracking room we got our answer.
Madok: Where the fuck have you two been!? Our mission is accepted, we are free to leave the country, and go to Colombia.
Lionheart: There is much we have to do and little time to do it in. What time are we scheduled to leave, Mr. Mortalis?
Madok: I think Switchboard said two days from now.
Lionheart: Good, we have some preparations to do. We need to head to the armory and grab ammo, weapons, and need to signs documents that we are checking them out.
Madok: I know the drill, alright. Well Reaper, want to come with us?
Pence: Sure why not? There is something we need to talk about anyway.
Madok: And what is that?
Pence: We will discuss it on the way.
As all three members of delta team are seen walking off to the armory the scene fades to black.
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*Switzerland*
I went all out with it, I poked the sleeping bear, and didn't get bit. Vesper played into my hands and now I knew what they were doing, they would come, and Dr. Samuels would handle everything with his new toy. I didn't care about the loss of life, it was all to get what I wanted. The boss would be pissed at me for moving ahead of schedule, but the boss is nothing more than a pawn to the coming darkness, and I was nothing more than a pawn myself. An enlightened pawn, but a pawn none the less. He would get what he wanted, the true master mind behind the plan, and if that cost me my life. So be it.
Dr. Samuels: You seem rather distant, Mr. Trials.
Vincent Trials: I'm not trying to be, Samuels. I'm just thinking to myself. Has the Titan been working to your expectations?
I could see that shit eating grin spread across his face, if he knew that he was pawn in the plan too, I knew he would not be smiling right now, but wishing for the sweet relief of death. The Titan was part of the plan, a key to the plan would better describe it, and if Dr. Samuels was incapable of producing results with the Titan then I would kill him and find someone else who could.
Dr. Samuels: Of course, it is working better than expected. It may only be a prototype but it easily killed those Vesper soldiers you alerted me to.
Vincent Trials: Did you kill the prisoner and also did you ensure that only one member of the Vesper team survived to tell the tale?
Dr. Samuels: Yes, of course I did. I do whatever the boss says is the right thing to do.
Dr. Samuels was foolish, he was so gullible, all he needed was a check, and the parts to make the titan and he fell right in line. It was almost too easy. Yet, if he found out he was expendable, he may have been brilliant, but the master said that at all costs I was to ensure that the mission was followed to a T. I saw that Dr. Samuels was looking out across the warehouse, a single Titan standing at the far end of the warehouse that had been brought back from America without being detected. Or at least that was what Samuel thought, I mused. Soon Vesper would be here, days in fact, and I was counting down to the showdown between Vesper and the Titan. I looked at the Titan myself. A twenty foot tall machine with duel rocket packs, machine guns placed conveniently at where arms should have been, and powerful tank treads able to move the titan around at speeds of twenty miles per hour. Not to mention the thick steel carapace that protected the wiring of the machine, all of this was made possible by Strange Tech, and now the ultimate weapon had been born. And this was only the beginning. This was only a prototype and I smiled as I knew what the real machine would be able to do. This machine was nothing compared to the blue prints for the real Titan which was being created in a factory in Africa. Vesper was clueless and had no idea what I had planned for them, they were nothing more than test subjects for me, but soon even that would pass.
Once there usefulness had been fulfilled then the master would use the Titan to destroy them. That was all there was to it.
Dr. Samuels: Do you know how long you will be staying?
I looked over to Samuels, a curious bastard he was, and gave him a smile.
Vincent Trials: I will leave later tonight.
If he knew why I was truly leaving then he would wish to leave to. I didn't want to be caught here with him when Vesper arrived. Not to say that the good doctor would be caught, but I meant that I didn't want to be seen here, and ID'd, that would cost me dearly if I was and would not impress the master at all.
Dr. Samuels: I will arrange for a private plane to take you out of here if you wish?
Vincent Trials: No thanks, I can handle it. You just make sure that the Titan is up and running in Africa in two months and we will be straight.
Dr. Samuels: As the boss commands.
Dr. Samuels was a busy man, so I left him to his work. I didn't want to distract him from perfecting the designs and sending them to Africa and as I exited I heard the sound of feet clattering behind me. I had walked back to the limo which I had arrived in when I had landed a few days ago and turned around to see Sten. I had not seen Sten for a few weeks, but it seemed like withdrawals were taking hold of him, he was weaker, and I could see it in the way he stood. He was slumped over, his coat rather dirty, and his hair all but gone, one eye bulged a little more out of its socket and his scarf covered his mouth as usual. I gave him a weak smile as he began speaking.
Sten: I knew I would find you...Vincent. I knew that you would be here fulfilling that dark prophecy.
Vincent Trials: It is good to see you again Sten. I thought our little fight not too long ago would have ended you, but it seems as though the virus still gives you enough strength to live.
Sten: Do not get cocky with me, Vincent. There is still time to stop the plans you have set into motion.
Vincent Trials: Stop them!? STOP THEM!
I laughed and Sten gave me one of his cold glares, he was such a buzz kill. Sten spoke again, this time I could sense his weariness, oh how I wanted to end him then and there, but I knew the master had plans for Sten's life, even if he was a traitor.
Sten: If you do not stop it, things will get out of control, and mankind as we know it will cease to exist. You know that the master's plan is sinister. You know the plan will kill millions of innocent people and for what? Power and money.
Vincent Trials: You seem to think I give a damn about mankind. I am above it now, I am above mortality. I am a God.
Sten: No one can be a God, Vincent. Look at what can happen to you when you quit using the injections. You begin to rot, to fade into the darkness of death. Please heed my warning.
Vincent Trials: Luckily I'm not a traitor. I will serve the master to the best of my ability. As for you...you are nothing more than an artifact from a long lost time. As for your warning, it means nothing to me, Sten. I am a servant of the master and nothing you say will ever change that.
I could see he was saddened by that statement, like I cared. He began to walk away, I could see that he had wasted precious energy to get here, and talk to me. Energy that he had little left of. I got into the limo, knowing all too well what fate awaited Sten Gilberts. He would die maybe a few weeks from now, there was no possible way to stop it since the only thing that could save him he was unwilling to accept.
Vincent Trials: Driver, take me to the hotel, I need a shower, and something to eat.
Voice: I've already made reservations for a nice diner where they let you watch the food be cooked.
I was surprised by the fact that the man in the front seat was no longer the man who had drove me here. He joined me in the back whoever he was and as I looked at him, I could sense a sinister air about him.
Man: I see that you are surprised.
Vincent Trials: Who are you? And where is my driver?
Man: Dead, I believe. As for who I am, I am a messenger of the Los Numeros.
My eyes widened, the Los Numeros was the organization of alleged Atlantians who had tried to make a new Atlantis. They had failed because of Pence Weatherlight, the files had said, at least to my knowledge, that the Los Numeros had been disbanded, but now it seemed like that was a lie.
Man: It has been a while since I killed a man with my knives.
He pulled out a knife right in front of me, it was covered in blood, and he looked at it with a smile. That is when he wiped the blade on the leather seats of the limo and then put it back in its scabbard.
Vincent Trials: So, what do you want?
Man: Quite the legitimate question if you ask me, I suppose I will answer with a question of my own. What don't I want?
I was quite upset at the man in front of me and was half tempted to pull my gun out of its' holster and blow him away, but I knew better than to do so. The man looked like a fighter and since I didn't know his potential I would hold out on killing him.
Man: I can see you are thinking about killing me, but you see you couldn't if you wanted to. Even hyper security prison could not keep me out of play and as for that little revolver you are packing, my knife would cut your throat before you could pull the trigger. I know about your toy, the Los Numeros know about the plan, and they are going to issue you a warning.
Vincent Trials: The Los Numeros is warning me? You must really think that you all are something.
Man: Listen, fucker don't get bold with me or I may cut off both your triggers fingers, and cram them down your mother fucking throat. The warning is simple, if you release your titan, expect resistance from our little weapon that we have been building for two years.
The Los Numeros had a weapon! What kind of weapon, I found myself wondering as I began to worry about something I never had thought possible, that the master had never thought about.
Man: You have been warned, have a wonderful night.
The man got out of my limo without even turning to look back while whistling a tune, I could have blown him away, but with the threat of an unknown weapon lurking over my head I didn't know what to do. I would have to contact the master and tell him what the hell was coming. I didn't know what to expect or where to turn, but I knew that the ante had just been increased and I would need to shuffle the deck one more time. The man had gotten out of sight and I wondered who he was, I could think about that later. I got out of the car and made my way to the hotel on foot, it wouldn't take too long to get there from here, I would have rather liked to drive there, but because of the mysterious Los Numeros warrior, I was without a driver, and I had no intention of driving there myself in a limo. On the way there, I would make a call, a call to the master at his private number. He had to be warned about the warning given to me.
The scene fades to black with Vincent Trials putting the phone to his ear and as he does the sound of ringing fills the speakers.
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*Unknown Location, Pence's Quarters*
I had been here, alone for hours now. Madok had said that he would come by after he had finished with all the acquisitions forms for the weapons we were bringing. We had told him the story of the machine that had attacked Zeta team, he had taken it well, and had told me not to worry, but I could see that clearly he was pretty worried himself. A machine with enough fighting power to destroy a Vesper Convoy was a frightening thing to talk about. I had remained silent for hours, staring at the roof of my quarters which had been given to me by the general to use earlier that week, and all I could think about was my match on Overdrive that week. I know that it was wrong to think of something like that during a time like this, but I guess it was how I was coping with the current situation.
I assume it was better than thinking about the members of Zeta team who had lost their lives. I had my work cut out for me this week and I knew that Level and Michael would come guns blazing and that I would have to step up my game just like I had against Biggs. I would do it and the fans would be with me, there was no doubt. Just as I began to think of a battle plan there was knock on my door and I turned to look at the door. I got up quickly, moving with haste, and opened it to find Madok holding a crate full of ammo.
Madok: Mind helping me out?
He said this with a grin and I invited him in, he walked over to the lone table in the room, and put the crate on it. He sat down taking a large breath that could be heard around the room and I took a seat opposite of him.
Madok: This is the ammo we are taking to the battlefield in a few days.
Pence: So why did you bring it here?
Madok: Because Lionheart said that as the weapon's expert you are to ensure that the ammo is in top condition and to organize it by gun.
I silently nodded. I wasn't about to argue about something as trivial as organizing ammunition. I opened the crate and took a look inside and began to rifle through all the ammo to decide what went to what gun.
Madok: So...you worried about your match?
I picked up some ammunition for a nine millimeter beretta and put it in a pile by itself and then I spoke up.
Pence: A little bit. This is going to be a real challenge.
Madok: At least you have something to prove.
That was true, I did have something major to prove. I picked up another clip for a beretta and put it with the other. I began to look through the ammo for other clips for a beretta.
Madok: Do you think you can do it? I mean you have a lot on your plate as is, but now you have this to add. Things just seem to be stacking up.
Pence: Yeah, I guess you are right, but I will manage. I think I can do this, I am great at multiple opponent matches.
Madok: Plus you beat Biggs, who out of the three competitors at the last pay per view for titles was the hardest one to squash.
Pence: Sure was.
Madok: You do realize their still going to brag, right?
Pence: That is to be expected, both of them are the biggest blow hards in APW history.
Madok: Without a doubt, amigo. Hand me those AA-12 rounds?
I reached into the crate and pulled out a few clips for the AA-12 which Madok began to promptly check to ensure they were in top condition.
Madok: By the way, what do you intend to say to those fuckers anyway? I mean they are just going to ignore you, so why say anything at all, right?
Pence: They never do pay attention and that is why they are inconsiderate pricks and the fans hate them. Mind you they both have talent, but that just makes their egos inflate even more. I really don't know what I will say yet.
Madok: Better think of something quick, because who knows if you ever will get a chance to say anything again after we start the mission on Friday.
Pence: I'm pretty sure I will find something to say, trust me on that.
Madok nodded his head and I pulled out a clip for an AA-12 and handed it to Madok, I pulled out a few clips for a FAL, and began to check them out too. For a few minutes we did nothing, but checked ammo until finally Madok spoke.
Madok: Michael Lively is gay isn't he?
Pence: I think that is just a rumor.
Madok: It would explain a lot, especially that last promotion of his about the gay porno video. I laughed my ass off at that. But it looked like he was completely in his element.
Pence: You mean you actually watched that shit?
Madok: Better than watching a Biggs or Chris Cyrus promotion.
Pence: Got me there.
Madok: What about Slade Craven vs. Level One? Did you find it to be stale and quite a bit boring? Or was I the only one.
Pence: I thought that it was pretty boring, then again that is not saying much Level One doesn't know what the fuck entertainment is and Slade is just fucking full of himself. It was a recipe for disaster and that is why the Overdrive title match stole the show.
Madok: Couldn't agree more. Oh and by the way, good luck on Overdrive this week. Not that you need it.
Pence: Thanks, bro.
The scene fades to black with Pence and Madok still talking about stuff.
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**PRE-RECORDED TRANSMISSION**
The scene opens up on the hangar to the Vesper Head Quarters and as the image pans out Madok can be seen sitting in the carriage of the helicopter that they would be taking to Colombia. Pence is dressed for war, the Martyr X-2 strapped to his waist, a bulletproof vest under his trench coat, and an AA-12 strapped to his back. He gives the camera a smile before speaking up.
Pence: Happy new year, ladies and gentlemen, and I hope you have enjoyed this promotion. On Friday I go to war and I know that some of you are worried, but don't be. I will be back to entertain you as soon as I can get back, but as you all know everything that can go wrong is going wrong. Jeff has been kidnapped, Max Carter has betrayed us, and above all else I have to sit through another Level One and Michael Lively cluster fuck promotion. Seriously who ever made this card really likes to bore the shit out of me. I could have done without this, not that I have a problem of proving that the Overdrive Championship is truly the greatest championship here on Overdrive, and not that I have a problem beating the shit out of Michael Lively for costing me a tag match not too long ago. Hell those are things that I can deal with, but for fuck's sake, now I have to listen to Michael Lively brag and Level One throw out "I am the best" comments just because he beat a fucking shade wearing nancy boy. I guess I should congratulate them, I suppose, not that they will give me any credit for winning my match, I can already predict the second tier champion remarks from Level One and the I am Extreme remarks from Michael Lively.
So congratulations Michael for beating the master of pathetic, Chris Cyrus, and congratulations Level One for retaining a title that is complete and utter shit against an even shittier wrestler. For some time now ladies and gentlemen, I didn't know what to say to these two fuckers, because unlike Michael Lively I don't pull stuff out of my ass every Wednesday, and unlike Level One I don't want to whine and bitch. But now I think I understand what I have to say and what I have to do to win this match on Wednesday. You see all I have to do is recapture what I did to Biggs at Christmas Chaos, which is not so hard, I know how to wrestle gents, and where you two dick swallower's think you are innovative you have not seen nothing yet. You think you know what I am capable of, hell Level One most likely thinks he has got this in the bag, hell he has beaten me, and you Lively, but the fact is things change, people change. There is no constant, people grow stronger, faster, and wiser every fucking day, and that is without even attempting to get better. Hell if you are attempting to improve, then it will happen quicker than if you had been sitting on your ass the whole time. I have been attempting to get better every day since I lost at One Night in Hell and it just so happened that Biggs was the first to taste the improvement over the old Pence, even now he is bitching, watch his promo.
That is what is going to happen Wednesday night, fellas. After I'm done I guarantee that you all will be bitching for months to come or hell maybe even coming up with excuses about why you lost like "Michael Lively softened me up" or "Level One beat me up and then you capitalized". All excuses and bitching aside though, I know I can win against you all, but I know that is not enough. I am going to admit that you beat me Level, hell you smacked me around the ring, and I'm going to admit that the tag team loss was partially my fault Lively, but that does not change the fact that I will not fail against you two, not again. I am more determined than ever to win this match, more determined to become greater than I have ever been, and have more to prove to myself and to the fans than you guys have put together. I am determined and that is a step in the right direction, but that is not enough, I will need to be strong, I will need to endure, and I will need to be smart. But I will be all of those things and more if it means I get to squash you two in the ring at the same time and bring the Overdrive Championship the spotlight that it deserves. So where to begin, do I start with Michael Lively, the man who calls himself the 'Jesus', or Level One, the man who is always making excuses, always lieing, and always bragging. Hell I will start with Level One, because it makes more sense to begin with the man who started it all, the guy who at the very beginning manipulated the hearts and feelings of the fans only to let them down in the end and become a corrupt monster.
Pence takes a moment to look around the hangar, after he thought he heard the door to the hangar open, but after a few seconds of silence he continues.
Pence: This is how it all began, it started with me and you, you thought I was unworthy, hell you probably still do, but I proved you wrong. I slapped you in the face, I came out like a man possessed, and within a month I had destroyed the dynasty of Lester and built up the republic of Pence. But that made you angry, hell it provided the catalyst for your victory over me at Test for the Best, hell it gave you the fury to, no the nerve, to torture my mentor at the time Nick Maelstrom. After Test for the Best the catalyst for your rage the second time was my assistance in the defeat of Jesse Nunez, because without me, lets face it...this would be a different ball field right now, and that rage lead you to One Night in Hell where once again...you defeated me. I can accept these things, acceptance is after all the first step to recovery, but now as we stand on the thresh-hold of a PPV quality match on a regular showing of Overdrive...it is my turn. You've had your fun at my expense, you've bull shitted your way through match after match, hell you even got a free title reign into the new year by beating that queer Slade Craven, but now it all changes.
I've waited and waited and waited for the opportunity to put things right, to show the fans that their cheers do not fall on deaf ears. For the chance to crush you in a match again and now so kindly I have been given that chance, just one more chance. Mind you it is not in the venue that I may have hoped for, but it is still a match that I hope I can win. No, hope is not the right word. Know is the right word, I know I will win. Because you have nothing left to be angry about, there are no pulling rabbits out of hats in this situation, there is no more catalysts to burn your blood and bring the old fire up because you have nothing to be angry about. The same factors as your past two wins over me are not there and as such there is no way you will win this match against me. Rage was your greatest tool, but once you take that out...there is nothing left, but a weak man who holds a grudge against the fans for cheering for who they want to cheer for. That is why you are spitting on people, mocking them for their choices, and being rude to them for enacting their freedom of speech.
You see the people respect you, but your actions have forced them to hate you, why deny them the man that was once a good person, why turn into this monster every night instead of a human being. Hell is it so hard to believe that at one time the reason people wanted to beat you was to prove their worth instead of to just shut you the fuck up. I don't know if you realize this, but once upon a time...I respected you. Once upon a time, I wanted to wrestle you and for one moment have you look me in the eye and tell me that we were equals, but you have dashed all that, you have spit on all that, and you have destroyed every single bit of honor you had left...but for what? A belt around your waist and a little extra pocket change? In exchange for what made Level One into Level One here in APW you have managed to gain a title and a little bit of money. I know you are content with these things, but was it truly worth it. I hope that I never have to find out what it is like. I truly never want to make the decision of being the villain in exchange for a flimsy belt around my waist. Honor is one thing, but the respect and admiration of millions of fans is far more grand in my eyes.
I guess all that doesn't matter now, it is all about you, and nothing else, am I right? This is why I have to win, to show you, to make you understand. I am not a simple creation, I was made from a need Level, a need for a true champion, and here I am now. A true champion of the people, a man that you believe is not worth more than a grain of salt, but I can deal with that because I am above the petty remarks and I am above the low blows when it comes to you. I don't need any lists and I don't need to make any excuses, hell I don't even need to brag all I need are the fans and my in-ring talent to crush you. Now you go ahead and make your statements, you go ahead and say I'm not worth a damn penny, say I'm not worthy of being a champion, but in truth Level I don't need your approval anymore because I no longer care for what you say anymore. You have burned that bridge, but there is still time to repent with these fans, they want their world heavyweight champion back, so if there is even a shred of decency left inside that dieing husk that you have become I would start thinking real hard about how to make it up to them for what you have done. So no more excuses, no more bull shit, lets rumble, and give the fans an impressive showing.
Pence pauses, a smile on his face, a small glimmer of hope that he reached him passing through his eyes. He then frowns and his eyes fill with anger.
Pence: There is one more person to discuss, but this guy is as corrupt as they come, he cost me a match on Overdrive because he couldn't cut it, and was caught by surprise by Chris Cyrus, Chris mother fucking Cyrus. You know who you are Lively, you know what you have done, and I'm not going to go over this little feud that has been building between us two because you are not worth the breath or the time of day. Personally if I had the choice right now...your ass would be out in the cold right now, but because of BDC flopping, instead we see the second coming of Michael Lively. Unlike me and Level One at Christmas Chaos, well more unlike myself at Christmas Chaos you had the least threatening opponent in Chris Cyrus and in the end you beat him. In the end you managed to prove that Michael Lively, can go extreme, but you see I was extreme before you even wanted to be xtreme champion. I was wrestling in churches, basketball courts, and was around during the time of the X-Division in HcW, but what does the Xtreme championship mean here? Nothing apparently if you are the champion.
There is nothing hardcore about what your championship is, the true hardcore was back in HcW, this championship, this Xtreme championship is nothing in comparison to what the X-Division was and is. If you think that for some odd reason just because you have managed to defeat Chris Cyrus for a championship that has meant nothing from day one that you stand a chance here is a lie in itself. You are nothing Michael, you let me down in a tag match, and tonight I will let you down, straight into the ground six feet under. I have to win and as such I have to defeat you or Level One, there is no 'if' I win there is only a 'when' I win, and there is nothing that a little ball juggler like yourself can do about that. It would be best if you didn't reply, but I know that a loud mouth like yourself will always be there to get the last say, and comment on every little detail. So I guess there is no point in hoping that you will shut the fuck up or that I will teach you a lesson in humility since you have no humility at all. After all, you call yourself the Jesus which is quite untrue because you are not the savior of anything and you are not guiding us to a brighter tomorrow.
I don't know truly what to say to you beside that you are a true asshole and an asshole of bragging variety at that. You have managed to hold every belt in this business here in APW which in turn has given you quite the hot head. No not a dick Michael, a hot head as in a large ego. But it doesn't matter how many belts you have had, all that matters is if you are truly worth the hype or not and in my opinion you are not deserving of the hype you give yourself, but that does not mean I underestimate you. Oh hell no, don't even think for a second I have shrugged you off because you are a horrible wrestler, oh no, the only wrestler I have ever done that to is Jason Royce and that was because he was God awful. You on the other hand can become streaky and win match after match continuously unless if someone steps up and puts his foot down, Wednesday is going to be one of those nights where I am going to put my foot down hard...on your fucking throat. Tonight I have no intention of just letting you pussy foot around the ring like you are known to do, oh hell know...I have every intention of beating your ass, and showing you why I am a champion and am fighting here in the Main Event. I find it ridiculous that you believe you can send out this bullshit though, calling the Overdrive title the bottom of the barrel! Wow!
I expected it from Level One but from Michael Lively, wow. Bravo, oh and by the way, as far as me having a dick...well I have given a fair share of women a good old time, you feel me. As far as you bowing to me, sure why the fuck not, after all you are used to bending over for guys anyway so it must not be much of a difference to you. In all honesty out of the three of us you are in the one in need of a muzzle, throwing words like fuck, snatch, cunt, and other derogatory words around almost every sentence, mind you that is your gimmick, is the only way you can rant. You can't make a legitimate argument without some sort of crude statement, but I guess that is just you. Neanderthal tactics for an over the hill wrestler, oh and also, I did come down here of my own free will, but not for the reasons you think. I can cut it in any division, hell if I dropped the title right now, and came after you, I can fucking guarantee I would take your damn championship. Also me being weak doesn't say a lot for yourself, since you have never been able to defeat Level One, but I did...not once, but twice. So who is weaker? The man who can't beat Level One or the one who can? I will wait for your response.
Pence stops and taps his foot, he waits a good three minutes, and then begins to speak again.
Pence: Whatever dude, you are a braggart, anyways the time is steadily coming forward, the time for three wrestlers to step into the same ring, and fight their God damn hearts out. Fake champion or not this match is going to be fun to watch and whoever says other wise namely a certain Michael Lively who had too much of his magic juice which is whiskey mixed with Chris Cyrus' semen, is going to be mocked for the remainder of career. So are you two ready? Are you two ready to usher in the new era of APW by being defeated by the Reaper tonight in front of millions of Pence Weatherlight fans because that is your future and neither of you can stop that...from coming to pass. So you better be counting the seconds and you better be counting the minutes because after tonight the world will know just what this champion is truly capable of. This is Mr. Main Event, Pence Weatherlight wishing you all one more time a happy new year, and a good night. Also I wish my competitors good luck, because on Wendesday....they are going to need it.
*Scene Bursts to Static*
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The scene reopens in a dark room with shady figures sitting around a table. The man that broke into Vincent's car walks up to the table, he has a smile on his face, and begins to speak.
Man: The warning has been given.
One of the men laughs and then replies.
Man: And so it begins!
*scene bursts to static again*
