Chapter 10/transcript

***At the nuclear plant, Joe (Mama) is looking out of an office window. He grins devilishly at the sight of smoke rising from within the neighbourhood.***

 “look at them… they are destroying themselves... with no clear direction to go in they are lost souls. hopefully they don’t destroy too much of the town before they find rogelio”

 Baghead bursts through the doors, having opened a bottle of champagne.

 “i think celebration is in order everyone, who would like a glass?”

 Carson looks over at his leader with a frown.

 “with all due respect boss, why should we celebrate? all of our men are dead”

 “they are indeed, but we have new allies now, and credit to them, they have already proven to be far more powerful than those old goons”

 “...they were loyal men--”

 “oh can it carson… where we’re going we don’t need an escort of useless henchmen... we need skilled masterminds... and thanks to joe here, we’ve found them”

 “and who’s to say we’re actually going to join up with you? i put myself in jail for a reason”

 “oh trust me, you’re far safer with me from that alligator rapist you’ve been rambling on about than you were behind those bars. who's to say you’re actually going to join up with me? oh when you hear what i have planned you’ll declare your loyalty on your own accord”

 “and what is dat?”

 “gentlemen... over the years the world has given you nothing... but what if i was to promise you the world?”

 “i am not sure dat i follow you”

 “i am on a mission. years in prison has given me plenty of time to reflect. it has also given the world time to move on without me, the threat that i once posed has been snuffed out. while tonight has surely rattled some brains, it’s not enough. i am not merely a petty criminal who starts riots, i am a ruler to be”

 Baghead begins to pour champagne into each glass set on the table.

 “i was made a mockery of when my first conquest failed... my greatest ally left me in the dust when i needed him most, and for that, the shujinko clan and vigilantes of the citadel were able to stop me. you all know the story unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade. people don’t fear me like they used to... but they will”

 “so what is your plan this time around?”

 “to usher in a new era of course, to rule over the known world with an iron fist. join me in achieving this goal and i will make you my lieutenants, and ensure you live a good life under my reign”

 “and how exactly do you plan to go about this? you don’t have an army, only us”

 “i only need an escort to get to where i’m going to go... beyond the bedrock border”

 “are you mad? the shujinko clan were wiped out beyond the border, it exists for a reason, not even lord commixtio dares crossing--”

 “in truth it is a gamble... but the life that lies beyond that wall may share similar interests to what we have in mind. any intelligent life in the lands beyond the border may just have an interest in joining up with us and crossing through... really... what have either of you got to lose?”

 “exactly… and look at what we have been able to achieve even without an army. the neighbourhood has descended into madness. you will join me, i am fairly certain of it, so please... indulge yourself with the taste of a new beginning”

 Baghead fills two glasses to the top with champagne. He offers a glass each to Gatorg and Deception.

 “we have a long journey ahead of us... so for tonight... get some rest and enjoy the show”

 The two villains each take a glass. Baghead approaches Joe, joining him at the window. The two look out at the town in the distance.

 “and what of you? what is your next move?”

 “when the storm passes, my time will come. i will pick up the pieces left behind and promise the people that i will lead them down a path to stability. rogelio lacks confidence, he will not be able to recover from this, i’ve seen the people’s bloodlust for him myself. they need a mayor who can make tough decisions, and it will be me who takes over office at the end of this”

 ***In the main lobby inside the Midnight Club, Mister Big claps his hands, facing a large group of his men.***

 “well done braces... this astounding accomplishment tells me a promotion is due. you’ll be our newest enforcer”

 “it is an honour boss. thank you”

 Mister Big nods, swirling his martini glass.

 “with the candy cane now in my grasp, the largest thorn in our sides has now been plucked out. doctor splitter, i leave him in your care. as soon as he wakes up, alert me so that i can speak with him”

 “of course”

 “will that be all gentlemen?”

 “not quite... i do have one more thing to show you”

 An intrigued Mister Big turns to face Doctor Splitter.

 “you can come out now, my friend”

 Doctor Splitter opens a door to the side of the lobby. A stomp is heard as a hulking character steps out.

 “may i present to you... the newly recovered and improved head enforcer of the big family”

 Mister Socky steps forward. Stitched together by different pieces of metal plating that formed armour, his joints were now near indistructictable. The sock puppet steps forward, his button eyes locking onto the crowd, who are in shock of his new appearance and the fact he is even alive. Mister Socky was now twice as tall, and towered over everyone in the room.

 “socky…”

 “sexy new look.. am i right?”

***The riots rage on downtown. Police forces clash with local criminals, looters, and residents.***

 Equipped with a pump action shotgun, Bri’ish G-Man is stood outside of his corporation building. He fires a shot, hitting a lady in the shoulder and blowing it off. She falls to the ground, bleeding out.

 “HAHAHAHAHA stay tha fock back ya wankers”

 He turns his attention to a rioter trying to break into his building. They are armed with a brick, and throw it at one of the windows, shattering it. He begins to climb in.

 “OI CUNT; 80% GLASS THIS BUILDING IS SO JUS’ YOU WATCH IT. I’M DEFENDING MOI PROPAHTY AREN’T I?”

 He fires his shotgun directly at the man, who’s brains splatter out the back of his skull. G-Man cackles as his lifeless corpse drops to the ground.

 A robot executive of his company comes running out of the lobby toward him.

 “mr g-man, there is a 97.6% chance that you will be attacked out here, it is advised you get inside to safety”

 “an miss out on all tha fun? you must be bonkers mate, yor off yor rocker you, i want you to deploy the s’curity task force at once, enshore the building is protected”

 “understood sir”

 Within seconds, a group of Bri’ish G-Man’s SecuriBots are deployed from the building, each of them equipped with a rifle. They begin to ruthlessly gun down rioters attacking the building.

 ***Hiding in a nearby laundromat just across the street, a deeply disturbed Rogelio pokes his head over the counter, hearing the screams of people being shot down.***

 “get back down idiot, if one of the morons outside spots you they are going to make mincemeat out of you”

 Rogelio frowns, ducking back down behind the counter.

 “even with me and brock protecting you we want to avoid any confrontation on the way to the broadcast station, that’s why we’re sticking to the shadows, moving building to building, it’s the only way we can ensure that we get you there safe”

 “i just can’t bear to see all of this going on”

 “that’s why we’re getting you to the broadcast station; so you can bring a stop to it, dummy”

 “i just hope that is still an option…”

 “it would help if you found some confidence in yourself first”

 “young man, why aren’t you at home with your family?”

 “i have better things to be doing. my loving father is more than capable of holding down the fort back home. in fact, i’m willing to bet he’s having a wonderful night”

 Brock steps into the room.

 “the next building is all clear, we can keep moving, we’re just a few blocks out from the broadcast station”

 “okay then let’s get a move on”

 “excellent! at this rate we’ll be there in no time!”

 ***Vibe Shark punches a looter into the wall at the local dentist, knocking his teeth out. He turns to a frail old man and his grandson.***

 “don’t worry i ain’t gon hurt ya, i’m just tryna help out where i can, you know? get home safe folks”

 He leaps up onto the roof and begins to rush across rooftops, searching for people in need of help. He comes to a stop, hearing some voices by the plastic surgery centre. He gets closer, seeing two mafia henchmen cornering a woman.

 The first is nearing her with a knife.

 “go on then darling, scream for help, we were just asking if you’ve seen the little fella, don’t you know what a candy cane looks like?”

 Vibe Shark listens in, staying in cover on the roof. He looks down on the altercation.

 The other henchman gets a phone call. He answers it quickly.

 “yeah?”

 He listens.

 “understood boss we’ll be right there”

 He lowers his phone.

 “the boss has got the candy cane in his grip, he wants everyone back at the club pronto”

 Vibe Shark frowns.

 “oh hell nah”

 He drops down from the roof, crushing the first henchman against the pavement. He towers over the other ferociously.

 “sorry buddy, looks like this wasn’t the right career path for ya”

 He effortlessly grabs the henchman and throws him into a dumpster, knocking him out. He turns to the cowering lady, nodding to her respectfully.

 “ma’am”

 And then leaps back up onto the roof, disappearing into the night.

 ***In the mayor’s office at town hall, Quenton is holding out in the room alongside Richard and Principal Sy Cotic. He raises his radio.***

 “what’s the situation on the street looking like bruce?”

 Out in the middle of the street war, Bruce smacks a passing looter with his baton.

 A line of riot officers smash their shields into a mob of people, trying to push them back, but they are met with resistance.

 “not so great chief, there’s a lot of lives being lost out here and we’ve lost count of the wounded”

 Quenton sighs to himself from within the office. He looks over at the door, which has been loosely barricaded with a desk and a few chairs.

 “what about you chief?”

 “things aren’t looking good”

 Principal Sy Cotic aims his double barrel shotgun through the barricade, keeping the rioters at bay.

 “come now gentlemen, let us at least attempt to remain civil, things don’t need to get messy”

 “you teach my son at school!”

 “yes and i will continue to teach him even if i’m forced to blow your head off”

 “do your best to push them back with minimal casualties bruce”

 Quenton lowers his radio, looking over at the barricades. He approaches them slowly, pistol in hand. Principal Sy Cotic stands aside.

 Jeremy leads the crowd, he raises his bat, preparing to swing it into the furniture barricade.

 “what are you aiming to achieve? what are ANY of you aiming to achieve? stop and think about it for just a moment.”

 “we don’t have to, the mayor made us a prom--”

 “do you really think mayor rogelio wanted any of this? he told people if baghead came back he’d deal with it, to ASSURE them and make them feel safe! but what happens, baghead comes back and within the hour you all grab your pitchforks and torches and go looking for the mayor’s head? people are dying out on the streets, innocent blood is being spilled because criminals are running free, and the townspeople have JOINED them in becoming looters and murderers”

 “we need to bring about a change!”

 “that’s right, we do. but is this how you plan to bring about a change? by destroying the neighbourhood? daniel you have a SON... have you stopped to consider him for one moment? is he safe back at home with your wife? the town is in chaos, and the police do have the ability to clean it up with force if we have to, but we do not want to see this become a slaughter of our own people! you can keep rioting but it is a losing battle either way... if it comes to it, the police force will win, but it shouldn’t have to come to that. we’re facing resistance from our own townspeople, and you should all be ashamed”

 Daniel looks down at the floor. Some of the other rioters look at each other sorrowfully.

 “mayor rogelio didn’t even get a chance to take action, and when he did address you all, you started to push in like an angry mob. what was your plan, seriously? push in through these barriers and string up the city council, right? then what?”

 “SHUT YOUR TRAP PIG, WE’LL FIGURE IT OUT”

 Jeremy swings his bat into the barricade once, trying to break through.

 Daniel knocks Jeremy to the ground.

 “all those in favour of ceasing this madness and helping the police force restore order?”

 A local farmer by the name of Farmy G steps forward.

 “i’m not even a rioter... but a’ve lived in this town my whole life... i came out into town tonight to try and stop the violence. i’m sure if we all form up and go into town, we can target the real threat, the criminals who have been allowed to roam our streets while we’ve been fighting among ourselves!”

 The mob in town hall let out a cheer, raising their weapons.

 Quenton nods to the crowd in front of him.

 “alright, it’s good to know that not everyone has lost their marbles. form up on me. we’re going out there to reinforce the police

 Richard hangs back as he gets a phone call. He steps off to the side, answering it.

 “ayo doc... our G candy callum’s been taken in by the mafia... what’s our plan?”

 “i’ll ring up the team... you all need to go and get him back. group up at my laboratory. we cannot afford to lose callum”

 ***In Abysmal’s apartment, Terry gets off a call, lowering his phone. He glances over at Jerard.***

 “jerard are you all good to hold the fort here, i’ve got something urgent to attend to”

 “isn’t your taxi all smashed up?”

 “i have a few tricks up my non-existent sleeve”

 Terry approaches the apartment window, opening it.

 “uh... we’re on the third floor”

 Terry climbs out onto the ledge, looking down onto the street and then back through the window at Jerard.

 “that’s right... we are. you’ll be fine here?”

 Jerard nods slowly, confused.

 “okay great. be back soon”

 Terry steps off the ledge and begins to seamlessly float through the air. He crosses the street and lands on another rooftop.

 ***Bob is still fighting in the middle of the riots alongside Bruh Bot.***

 “gangster trying to murder someone at 6 o’clock”

 A preoccupied Bruh Bot kicks a man’s leg so hard it breaks while he holds off another looter.

 Bob rushes over to the aforementioned location and pikes the inmate through the chest, saving a scared man, who runs off. Two more gangsters rush over to engage Bob in battle. Bob notices a woman being chased down an alley nearby by three hooded men.

 “possible rape. 12 o’clock”

 Bruh Bot immediately snaps the neck of the man he was fighting and turns to the alley. He rushes after the men. Effortlessly, the robot steps in and grabs the first man by the head. He then proceeds to rip the man’s jaw open. One of the hooded men angrily whacks his crowbar off of Bruh Bot, but it is useless. Bruh Bot yanks the crowbar from the attacker and jams it into the man’s eye before kicking him in the shin. He uses the crowbar to bash the man’s head multiple times. The last hooded man pleads for mercy and begins to back away, but it is no use. Bruh Bot grabs him by the neck and squeezes, dropping him to the floor.

 Bob finishes beating down the gangsters before feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket. He picks it up, answering it.

 While Bob is on the phone in the background, Bruh Bot turns to the woman.

 “get out of here WOMAN it is not safe”

 Bob pockets his phone again.

 “bruh bot i have urgent business to attend to, you okay to clean up here alone?”

 The man who Bruh Bot dropped to the ground groans weakly. His hand twitches. Bruh Bot swiftly stomps on his head, splattering his brains all over the ground.

 “ez”

 ***At his comedy club, Abysmal is standing behind his bar on the phone to Terry.***

 “yeah i’m alright. the streets are littered with crazies, people are going bonkers out there”

 “abysmal listen, you need to forget ronald now and get to reeves’ laboratory”

 “why?”

 “i got a call from the doc, he was informed by vibe shark that the mafia have got callum”

 “well shit i’ll be right there”

 Abysmal hangs up, heading straight for the door.

 Ronald kicks the door open. He enters, holding a bottle of whiskey.

 “ahole! leaving so soon? i’m back with the drink ya moron!”

 He takes a chug of the bottle, wiping his mouth and coughing.

 “yeah i think you took my wallet can you maybe--”

 “oh quit it with the same old whining ahole, we’re meant to be having fun”

 “yeah no i’m really gonna kick your ass to get my wallet back but look something came up”

 “something more important than our friendship? oh ahole you wound me. tonight was gonna be special!”

 “hey there’s riots outside our plans were cancelled either way, and to be fair, you kinda threw them on me”

 Ronald is stunned. He stares at Abysmal with a look of disbelief.

 “yeah no offence i never wanted to have drinks tonight. i have to get going so…”

 Abysmal goes to walk past Ronald.

 But Ronald draws a bloody knife, pointing it at him.

 “YOU STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU FUCKING ARE”

 Abysmal steps back, startled.

 Ronald takes a wobbly step forward, waving the knife around in Abysmal’s face.

 “do you think i actually give a shit about you? that i actually want to be friends? i wanted to take my ultimate revenge on you, i wanted to trick you, raise you like a lamb for slaughter and get you to lower your guard”

 “fuck you haven’t changed a bit”

 “you have no idea what my life as been like since you HUMILIATED me all those years ago. you betrayed me and never said a word to me again!”

 “hey screw you! i tried to be nice, all i ever want is to be a good friend that’s why i felt bad for you in the first place!”

 “you’re truly vile, abysmal... you ruined me... i travelled the known world alone with just a trusty whiskey bottle to confide in! i learned to ride a fucking unicycle, became an expert with juggling clubs, lived my life as a fucking circus clown!”

 “you’re delusional, listen to yourself ronald, i never wanted things to be that way--”

 “easy for you to say... your career kicked off, you have your own fancy little comedy club! i became a laughing stock... people were laughing at me all the time, it’s true, but for all the wrong reasons... i wanted people to be laughing with me, not at me”

 “none of this is my fault, you got jealous of me and challenged me”

 “hard times became harder times... i was out of work… some fuckin’ bitchy little eight year old called me ‘pee stain’ at her birthday party and there was no coming back from that… so do you know what i did?”

 “i want you to leave now ronald, or i’m gonna kick the shit out of you and take my wallet back”

 “i killed her... and her family... house fire... but that was just to cover the evidence… i drove my knife into all three of them beforehand... woke her up in her sleep just so i could have the satisfaction of hearing her scream”

 “oh you piece of shit”

 “and thus began my career of killing…comedy was thrown out the window... i was recruited by baghead, helped take part in his first conquest of the known world... we all know how that went... he was imprisoned for years... and me? taken in as a slave by the mafia and worked like a bitch everyday in their bullet factory… until you, abysmal... you saved me”

 “yeah well i didn’t mean to do that you sick freak, why would you tell me all of this if you put all that crappy effort into trying to get on my good side? it failed by the way”

 “oh… because this is our final encounter, abysmal. my plans have changed... i was going to take my time with it so that i could feel the satisfaction of betraying you, but baghead is back, and i need to return to my leader... so tonight is as good a time as any. i can finally close this chapter in my life and forget you, knowing that in the end, i won... and then i’ll celebrate to a new beginning with baghead”

 “you know what the saddest part of all of this is? i truly considered you my friend back before you became a jealous, delusional, psychotic asshole... i would’ve went as far to call you my best. looking at you now, even holding me at knifepoint... you’re just pathetic. you’re desperate and vengeful…”

 “...enough”

 “and all you can do is blame other people for your own liabilities and problems, when in reality...”

 “ENOUGH”

 “it’s all your fault. well, it’s not my problem. i have a new best friend who treats me way better than you ever did. you really are fucked in the head... and i want my wallet back”

 Ronald screams out angrily and lunges at Abysmal. In one hand, his knife, in the other, his whiskey bottle. He swings his knife multiple times rapidly at Abysmal.

 Abysmal dodges the swings directed at him with ease, and grabs Ronald’s left wrist, twisting it.

 Ronald yells out in pain, dropping the whiskey bottle to the ground. It shatters. He responds by slashing his knife across Abysmal’s right arm, slicing it open.

 Abysmal backs off, holding his bloody arm in pain. He charges forward and knocks Ronald to the floor.

 Ronald’s knife slides across the room as he hits the ground. He begins to crawl back from Abysmal desperately.

 Abysmal walks over to the bar and grabs a towel, using it on his arm. He catches up to Ronald, who is crawling toward the door pathetically. Abysmal steps on his hand and crouches down, reaching into Ronald’s pocket and retrieving his wallet.

 “now that this is done... i have something more important to deal with, you washed up freak”

 ***Callum wakes up in the midnight club. He is tied to a chair. A single spotlight is shining down on him from above in a dimly lit room.***

 “rise and shine, rogue vigilante”

 Mister Big is circling the chair. He stops in front of Callum, looking directly down at him.

 “we’re finally face to face so that we can have a proper chat”

 “i don’t know what information you’re hoping to get out of me”

 “in truth, there is little i need to get out of you. i wanted you brought to me alive so i could confront you myself. after all, you’ve caused me a tremendous amount of trouble little guy. still, there are some things i’m eager to learn... such as the identities of your your associates”

 “i have none-”

 “oh come now vigilante. impressive you may be, but you have not acted alone”

 “i’m not going to tell you anything. you’re going to kill me either way”

 “that is true, and i’d expect no less from a vigilante of that putrid citadel. you’ll remain stubborn and true to your pathetic little values until the very end. it is a shame you decided to get yourself involved, i’ve ruled this town for just shy of a decade, why should there suddenly be time for change now?”

 “you killed one too many innocent people. you overstepped your boundaries the moment you blew up the candy store”

 “did i now? tell me, candy callum, which of us is tied to the chair? people aren’t going to care about what my mafia has done, especially after the riots tonight. there are far more pressing matters such as baghead to be dealt with, and your disappearance is easily shrugged off, not that anyone would care for a hero who has betrayed his values in the eyes of the public. you will die here tonight, and come morning, will be swiftly forgotten by the world”

 “maybe... fortunately i can consider myself lucky that fame and glory has never mattered to me. i didn’t devote my life to becoming a vigilante for the publicity. if i have to work in the shadows without ever being recognised that means nothing to me, so long as i can serve and protect”

 Mister Big scoffs obnoxiously.

 “it is a shame that you will die in the darkness having achieved nothing then, isn’t it?”

 Callum frowns.

 “as it happens, you still have… plenty of time to dwell on your many failures. while i do plan to kill you, i mean more... your spirits. you see... i want you to be as good as dead to the rest of the world... but not to me, and i think you could make a stunning display piece on my mansion wall”

 Mister Big begins to walk over toward the door.

 “and thankfully... i talked it over with a professional, and he thinks that he can make something truly special out of you”

 He knocks on the door twice and then turns around to face Callum.

 Doctor Splitter opens the door, stepping into the room with a metal briefcase in hand. He bows respectfully.

 “there he is doctor, the candy cane i’ve been just dying to add to the collection”

 “the collection?”

 Doctor Splitter makes his way across the room and sets his briefcase down. He unlocks it, opening it up to reveal a collection of different tools. He takes out a miniature light and grabs Callum’s head so that he is facing him. Shining the light into the candy cane’s eyes, he is amused, and chuckles to himself.

 “fascinating…”

 “so my vision... you think you can see it through, doctor?”

 “it will be especially easy being that he is a candy cane. i will encounter very few issues while performing surgery on this one. the work i do will be irreversible, there are no take backs. it is, in theory, going to kill him... but the special part is as you have requested... he will still feel the eternal pain of being torn open and tweaked for your own display purposes, the feeling of a thousand stab wounds will never leave his body again. in effect, the subject’s thoughts and ability to think will be retained, but his physical ability to move and speak will forever be forgotten”

 “your work never fails to impress, doctor splitter. i am most pleased with that pitch. what say you, candy callum?”

 “you are insane”

 “let me assure you that doctor splitter’s work is astonishing, i have seen it first-hand, the man is a miracle worker, and he’ll make you into a marvellous piece of art. you should be grateful for the fate you’re being given”

 “soon enough people are going to see right through your facade. the town will rise up against you. the cracks are beginning to show, people are going to be less willing to put up with your shit the more you throw at them, and eventually, nobody is going to have anything left to lose because you’ll have destroyed everything they have. like i said, you’ve overstepped--”

 “QUIET”

 Mister Big had quickly lost his cool. He glares at Callum with hatred in his eyes, speaking up after a moment of silence, talking through closed teeth.

 “look at you... second rate… meaningless... and you think you can tell me anything as if you know anything about anything yourself? that’s why i’m going to make sure that you’re  placed on my wall in the form of a decoration... so that i can show you over the years, that this town is mine... and nothing can change that now”

 Maintaining eye contact with Callum, he pats the side of the candy cane’s head.

 “the next time i see you, it’ll be a fresh start for us. pathetic little fucking stick. doctor splitter... i leave him with you”

 Doctor Splitter nods, and begins to prepare his tools for the operation.

 Mister Big walks out.

***At Reeves Laboratory, the rescue team has assembled.***

 Abysmal is standing in the centre of the room holding the lollipop hammer with glee. His wounded arm has a bandage around it.

 “man this thing is so cool”

 “y’all know why we’re here. candy callum has been taken by the mafia and it’s up to us to get him back”

 Terry crosses his arms.

 “so how are we going to go about this?”

 “well if anything, the timing here is ideal for us. just as it was opportune for the mafia to capture callum when they knew he’d be out during the riots, it’s also good for us, because we can infiltrate the midnight club without having to worry about police interference”

 “i should make it clear that the midnight club is prolly heavily guarded, mister big has called back every single one of his men”

 “he really doesn’t want to lose his prized prisoner then”

 “well we need to get him back at all costs, and even if we wanted to, we can’t go in their guns blazing while he’s a hostage, we’d simply be endangering his life further. mister big may want him alive but he no doubt plans to kill him eventually…if we turn up and attack it’ll just force him to do it sooner”

 “so we’ve gotta be sneaky then”

 “aight boys, gather round, here’s what i got”

 ***At The Midnight Club, Mister Big is walking down the hall with Slick Tommy at his side.***

 “tell me how things are looking out there”

 “still as chaotic as ever boss. we’ve barricaded the doors shut but we’re facing a rabble of homeless people who are convinced we have a meth lab in here”

 Over at the front door, Braces and a large group of mafia henchmen are overseeing security. Furniture has been used to barricade the doors and windows.

 “how the fuck did this happen?”

 “we suspect assbeater420 got them all riled up”

 “i’ve had it with that negro. i want him found. BRACES”

 Braces rushes over upon hearing his name called.

 “you managed to find me candy callum, now i want you to find me that pathetic rapper. dispatch half of our forces, track him down, wipe out his fangirls, and bring the dirty darkie to me alive”

 “right away sir”

 “half of our forces boss? are you sure that’s wise? we’re having a hard enough time holding here as it is--”

 “are you telling me that you and your boys are going to be overrun by some filthy garbage people who live in the gutters?”

 Slick Tommy falls silent. He looks down at the ground.

 “i thought not. go forth and ensure we’re well fortified”

 Mister Big continues to walk through the club. He turns the corner to see Mister Socky holding the bartender up in the air by the throat.

 “when i tell you to restock the bar, it means you do as you’re fucking told”

 The bartender, who is gasping for air, struggles to respond.

 “pl-- please--- i didn’t mean to offend--- it’s just that--- the vodka you want is in a warehouse ac-- across town--- it’s dange-- dangerous out there--”

 “socky that’s enough”

 Mister Socky drops the bartender to the ground, who begins to cough and spit onto the floor.

 “fucking ew stop that”

 “socky our bar staff have served us well, you need not demonstrate your new... abilities on the poor souls. the town has descended into chaos, have you forgotten? if you send him out there to retrieve a crate from the warehouse, he will not make it back”

 “fine, fine. i admit, i agree with you there”

 Mister Socky turns to the bartender.

 “run along then... scram”

 The bartender rushes out of the room.

 “on the topic of danger... i’ve concluded it’s far too dangerous for you to be on site any longer”

 “what do you mean?”

 “i’ve contacted rajeesh. we’re going to arrange an escort to get you out of town to your mansion. you’ll be safer there while all of this plays out”

 “i have things i need to attend to--”

 Mister Socky places his hand gently on Mister Big’s neck. He looks down at him.

 “shhhhhhh... you leave all of that to me, mm?”

 A shiver is sent down Mister Big’s spine. He looks up at his companion.

 “you’re the thinker, not the fighter... remember? take refuge in your mansion… without you, the organization falls apart”

 Mister Big nods slowly.

 ***Pugnator exits out of an alleyway with Brock. Together, the two of them continue to escort Rogelio through town. Across the street sits the broadcast station atop a hill. Pugnator motions for his two companions to follow him. They quickly cross the street and come to a fence.***

 “okay come on over the fence... are you sure this is all going to work?”

 “no but it’s the only hope we’ve got of resolving this. i will do my best to talk some sense into the town through an emergency broadcast. we’ve had the system in place for years in case we ever had to put out an urgent announcement”

 “very well then! go in there with your head held high mr mayor! hooray!”

 “alright come on, up and over, if we’re out here too long we’ll get spotted”

 “up and over… the fence?”

 “up and over the fence yes, we’re going to the broadcast station aren’t we?”

 “there’s a path that leads right in further down the street-”

 “we don’t have time wimp just climb the fence”

 “i don’t… i don’t think i can”

 “no problem mr mayor! pugnator will be your stool!”

 “WHAT”

 Brock forces Pugnator into a crouch and then helps Rogelio step onto him. With Pugnator’s help, Rogelio is able to slowly climb and ease himself over the fence.

 Nearby, a rioter spots Rogelio. He runs over with a fireaxe in hand.

 “YOU SUCK BALLS MR MAYOR”

 Rogelio frowns.

 “you’ve LED US RIGHT INTO THE GROUND”

 Brock kicks the rioter in the face with ease, defending Rogelio while he climbs over the fence.

 Rogelio drops down onto the other side. Pugnator and Brock begin to climb the fence after him. He sits on the ground for a moment, the rioter’s words rattling in his brain.

 Brock drops down next to the mayor and offers him a hand up.

 “come on sir, we’ve come this far, don’t let the words of one insane man get you down”

 “but... but… they all hate me… how can i... how can i fix anything?”

 “you’re going to need to have a damn good speech in store for them”

 “people are riled up, mayor rogelio, it is true, but it's the criminals and terrorists who were locked up prior to these riots that have banked on the mayhem and made things worse. people are just too busy fighting each other to notice that, it doesn’t mean that everyone partaking in these riots utterly hates you. i believe they are simply misguided citizens that can be led back in the right direction!”

 Rogelio nods slowly.

 “and that’s not gonna if you just sit in the dirt all night so come on, we haven’t taken you this far for nothing”

 Rogelio takes Brock’s hand, standing back up.

 “thank you boys”

 ***On a roof across the street from the Midnight Club, the rescue team is scoping out the area. Abysmal is still wielding the lollipop hammer.***

 “you really had to bring that thing with you?”

 “hey it feels cool to hold ok? besides, i’m returning it to callum. that means i get to have it for safekeeping until i get the chance to give it to him”

 “we’re in luck. it looks like the mafia are already occupied”

 Bob signals down to the club’s front door, where the horde of homeless people are situated like a crowd of zombies trying to breach the building.

 “hah! night of the living heroin addicts am i right guys”

 “we can use this to our advantage”

 “guys am i right”

 “so we just need to find a way to get them inside”

 “ok guys i’ll write it down”

 “so once we’ve found our own way in, we can split off. while terry hijacks a car to use as a getaway vehicle, the rest of us can work on finding callum and opening the front door to the club from the inside”

 “i can get us onto the club’s roof no problem”

 ***Downtown, the street war relentlessly continues. Bruce is out commanding behind a line of riot officers, who form a shield wall and begin to march down the street, beating and knocking down rioters in their path. The streets are filled with smoke as empty canisters from multiple thrown projectiles litter the road.***

 Officer Taits is behind him, talking into a radio.

 “hehe i can’t do that silly (...) no you hang up first”

 “taits sweetheart that radio isn’t turned on”

 “oh? let me just... turn it on right now then…"

 A flashbang is thrown overhead towards police forces. Bruce grabs Taits and dives to the side to try and avoid it. They land on the pavement as the stun grenade goes off, disorientating a large group of police forces.

 “oh damn those rabble rousing insurgents, they are using our own tricks against us. we aren’t covering enough ground!”

 A riot officer captain is heard yelling in panic.

 “TAKE COVER”

 The shield wall immediately breaks and all of the police turn their attention to directly behind them.

 Bruce looks over, seeing that the police tank has been hijacked by a group of terrorists.

 “oh my god”

 A terrorist pokes his head out of the tank and waves his AK-47 in the air.

 “أنت لعنة الخنازير ”

 “OH MY GOD”

 The police tank fires a shell directly at a cluster of riot officers. A chunk of the road is obliterated as limbs and guts fly everywhere.

 Bruce watches on in shock as the angry rioters begin to cave in on the police force. The riot squad is slowly overwhelmed. He grabs Taits by the hand and begins to escort her away from the scene.

 ***Around the side of the Midnight Club, Terry lowers the ladder to the roof down to his companions from above, having floated up there himself.***

 Vibe Shark climbs the ladder first. He pulls himself up onto the roof.

 “the hatch over there will get you down into the club. i’m going down to the parking lot”

 “be safe brotha’”

 Terry leaps into the air, floating down into the parking lot quietly.

 Abysmal climbs up onto the roof.

 “so what’s our plan?”

 Bob climbs up after him, and raises the ladder so nobody can follow them.

 “abysmal, you’re going to search for callum. me and vibe shark are going to help the homeless horde breach the building so that they are distracted. if you haven’t found him by then, we’ll help you look, grab callum, and slip out as quickly as possible”

 “if we pull this thing off with the homeless people…”

 “it’ll be a major blow to the mafia, their own headquarters would be wrecked. so lets see it through”

 “hell yeah”

 ***At the nuclear plant, Carson is looking through a photo album at memories of him and his dead friends.***

 Joe appears behind him, seemingly out of nowhere.

 “there is no time to be spared mourning the weak”

 “they were my friends and without them we would not have gotten this far”

 “their sacrifice to the cause can be appreciated when baghead is ruler. i’m sure when he goes beyond the wall, he will find a far more impressive and reliable army to replace them. continue mourning your friends like that and you will only join them in the dust sooner. if you allow yourself to be tied down by another person then you are allowing yourself to be weak”

 “it is not weak to show respect to fallen brethren. they were the foundation of baghead’s entire organization. they made up the majority of his army in his first conquest of the known world all those years ago”

 “oh that was quite the successful conquest, wasn’t it? remind me how it ended, with baghead being locked up for over a decade? those men were pawns. those of us cursed to endure the misery that is life in this world are all merely pieces to be moved around a larger board. unless you lose a truly valuable piece, or a piece that lessens your position, why bother mourning it when it added nothing to the board?”

 “wow you’re a fucking weirdo dude”

 “and you are a fool”

 Joe walks out of the room.

 Carson looks back down at the photo album.

 “rest in peace boys”

 ***Gazing out of a window onlooking the chaotic neighbourhood from afar, Baghead smiles to himself, satisfied.***

 Joe enters.

 “you’re still here”

 “shouldn’t i be?”

 “i thought you’d be out there preparing for the imminent downfall of rogelio so that you can present yourself as the man the town needs”

 “all in good time”

 “what good time? believe it or not, the clock ticks with each passing second”

 “surely you of all people can understand my position, otherwise you’d have beyond the wall a week ago. when the time is right, we make our move”

 “i’m being careful because if i take one misstep then another decade gets knocked off of my life… still... we are almost ready to depart”

 “i’ve arranged a meeting i’d like you to attend before you leave”

 Baghead turns away from the window to face Joe.

 “with my clan, clan mama. i believe their backing and investment could be of benefit to you if you were to persuade them to be on your side”

 “very well, then i’ll grant them an audience with me”

 Joe nods.

 “are you enjoying the view?”

 “of course, but that is not why i am honouring the skyline with my gaze”

 “how peculiar, might i ask--”

 “you question me at a good time. as it happens, i’ve been waiting for an old friend, and he’s just arrived…”

 Joe approaches the window, looking out down onto the nuclear plant’s grounds below.

 Ronald is seen approaching the plant wearily.