Ladies and Gentleman we are back on the scene! With RIOT 608!
We are LIVE!
We turn to the COO’s office where Drago Cesar is seen writing up a document. He mutters to himself while circling something on the page.
Drago: Should cover for Jim Black hospital bill….Is BASH last name? John BASH?
He thinks for a moment and shrugs. His lion companion Bubba is sprawled out on the couch, comfortably reclining on his back.
Drago takes a picture of the document on his phone and sends an email out with the photo attached.
Drago: I’m figure something out. Anyways….back to real work!
Drago picks up his NES controller and resumes his playthrough of Amagon, a strange and obscure platformer. His avatar makes his way over to a ship. Drago takes a deep breath.
Drago: After so many years….is time to end this.
The camera closes in on the hunter's face as he starts sweating, his face contorting in reaction to this epic final battle. He comes face to face, or perhaps pixel to pixel, with a boss that resembles the Flatwoods Monster.
Drago: Come on….
He hits the buttons like a madman, and looks as though he's about to end his decades long feud with the game. However, tragedy strikes.
The CRT monitor starts to lose signal, eventually the screen turns to static.
Drago: No, no! HEY!
He tries to change the channel back and forth, but nothing happens. The screen suddenly turns into a green pound symbol with an exclamation point.
A series of loud static noises come out of the TV before and echo in the room. The screen now shows BASH sitting in a chair behind a desk. BASH rubs his left hand on his beard before he begins to speak in his trademark distorted voice.
BASH: Let me introduce myself if you don’t already know who I am. I am BASH, the leader of the DarkNET Society. I am well aware of your decorated career and accomplishments. The latest being winning the title of C.O.O. from Nate Ortiz at Wreslution 17.
Drago pushes the buttons on his controller to no avail before putting it away. He leans in closer to the screen.
BASH nods his head and shoots the camera a quick smile. He then takes a deep breath before exhaling, now folding his fingers together while his hands and arms sit on the desk.
BASH: My sources indicate you wish to fine me for what happened to Jim Black. I must say it was rather unfortunate he was peeking inside of my fence. Although we happen to all work here none of us were at work during this incident. OCW Management has failed to protect the DarkNET Society and is now coming after us for a private incident.
BASH suddenly has a serious turn in his demeanor. BASH begins to breathe fast and his pale face begins to glow a bright red. Sweat begins to drop down his brow before he begins to speak extremely slowly.
BASH: The system clock ticks on Jim Black demise. I will not pay his hospital bills. He should be fired for showing up to another OCW employee's property. If you do not take action, the DarkNET Society will have to.
BASH leans back in his chair, he kicks his feet up on the desk. He then searches his pants pockets before taking out a pack of cigarettes.
BASH removes one of the cigarettes from the pack and throws the rest of them on the desk. He slides open a drawer which contains a lighter, he picks up the lighter before slamming the drawer shut and quickly lighting the cigarette.
He takes a couple of drags before turning his chair slightly to the side so his face now pointed towards the camera.
BASH: We can forget about all of this and you can keep DNS safe as OCW employees, how does that sound Drago? We could even possibly be friends.
Drago’s face lights up with a smile. He nods and lets out a laugh. BASH reciprocates with a twisted grin of his own.
Drago: Of course I’m want to be friends!
Drago keeps laughing. BASH cackles maniacally, taking another drag of his cigarette.
Drago: But rules still rules. Jim Black was seriously hurt. You need to take responsibility for your action. If not you, then maybe your Invaders From Mars friend can help pay bill.
BASH’s smile immediately fades and his face again becomes beet red. He sits back up in his seat and his feet are once again firmly planted on the ground.
He takes a couple of drags from his cigarette, and then again opens the drawer but this time he procures an ashtray and puts it on the desk before slamming the drawer shut again.
He sets the cigarette down in the ashtray as the smoke continues to fill the room. BASH now begins staring intently at the camera. BASH scoffs before speaking.
BASH: Nintendo is about as far as your technical skills would seem to extend. It is a wonder how you are as successful as you are, being as antiquated as you are. The sheer low level programming of those in charge here never ceases to amaze me.
Drago clears his throat and opens a drawer from his desk, retrieving his aviator shades. He wipes them clean with a cloth before putting them on.
Drago: I’m didn’t get this far in life hiding behind curtain like some wizard. What I’m lack in book or technology smart, I’m make up for in hard work. That is how this place is run. You put in the work in the ring, and you see results. I not let other people do work for me, and I’m don’t have to mind control vulnerable people to see success.
Drago: Here is what you not realize. I’m not doormat everyone can walk on. I’m not like other people with power. Jim was doing his job and trying to get interview with you. I’m suggest you boys do your jobs and pay the fine. Or risk suspension. Enjoy the rest of your day, Mr. BASH.
The COO stands up and gently pushes his seat to the side.
Drago: Hey Bubba! Gonna be some loud noises, don’t want to scare you.
The lion yawns and awakens from his slumber, tilting his head in confusion. Drago stretches his arms out and with a flick of his nose, spins and delivers a roundhouse kick to his CRT, launching it off his desk.
It collides into the wall, the glass shattering into hundreds of pieces. He takes a moment to realize what he’s just done and scratches his head.
Drago: Ah man, now I’m need new TV.
Bubba covers his eyes with his paws. Drago takes the cartridge out of his NES and points at it.
Drago: I not through with you yet…
NO HOLDS BARRED JOE DEAVER vs. IJITU QUARTZ
Jim Black welcomes everyone in to a dimly lit set. A long, maroon carpet rests underneath two thin, hollywood-style chairs.
The camera focuses on Jim, who calmly introduces his guest for the evening.
Jim Black: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to RIOT 608. We are just 8 days away from the biggest show of the summer, live from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Jim Black: However, tensions are still high here in New York. Joining me at this time is the man who has found tension of his own, the man who called out the new North American Champion Paul Boulet two weeks ago on RIOT.
Jim Black: He is "The Who", Viktor Karmine.
The camera pans slowly over to Viktor Karmine, sporting his white pullover and a pair of blue jeans.
Karmine: Thank you, Jim.
Jim Black: Now Viktor, things have certainly changed since this time last year, where we saw you - or a version of you - turn your back on Chris Baxter ahead of Summercide.
Jim Black: Tell me, how did we go from that shocking moment to this one just one year later?
Karmine: Yeah, geez. Last year feels like a lifetime ago, at this point. I know some of the legends and old guard say it from time to time, a year in OCW is worth two in the real world, right?
Karmine: Right now, heck, even at Wrestlution last month - I really did feel that.
Viktor leans forward, clearing his throat and taking a moment to gather his thoughts.
Karmine: Yeah. I had lost myself heading into Summercide last year. Bax and I, Cutlass, we were so committed to winning those tag team championships.
Karmine: We lost in the first tag chamber at Chaos Theory, but we kept pushing... I mean, you saw it, Jim. I resisted Baxter's way of doing things at first, despite every hurdle he just kept standing back up with a smile. Just keep telling me to push forward.
Karmine: I don't really know. I guess I just felt I needed to be taken more seriously, which as you saw made me even more outlandish and unhinged than I had ever been before.
Karmine: I don't regret the journey I went on, I needed it. I just wish I could have found a better way to start that journey.
Jim Black: I completely understand... And that brings us to this moment. Team KX, Wrestlution, Cutlass... and now the North American Champion Paul Boulet.
Karmine: Right. Paul actually debuted against me on RIOT, some people may not remember that. He walked out just like I did three years ago with confidence and aggression that you need to survive in this business. The same things that Aisu taught me and so many others in the OCW Combat Center, right?
Karmine: But here's the difference... Paul Boulet opened my eyes. I spent the last year desperately searching for that connection, that support system that I had in Chris Baxter. I thought I had found it in Scotty X, but clearly I was wrong about that.
Karmine: ...So that desperate search coming up short, leading me to this new guy Paul Boulet who openly spit in the face of that mindset... That opportunity? This guy wasn't just aggressive to make a statement on TV. He's just not a good guy, plain and simple.
Karmine: Jim, I'm no angel, but I admit my mistakes. I recognize them and honestly even through those mistakes, I have ALWAYS believed togetherness and altruism was the way humanity moves forward.
Karmine: Paul Boulet believes he's the only one that matters. He spit in my face, he attacked me at Wrestlution, he tried to attack Baxter, he abandoned Anthony Martin, and he completely disrespected the man who trained me in Aisu.
Karmine: All that in what - 3 months since getting the call up?
Karmine: That's not what a champion does. That's not what a champion looks like. The people deserve better and I want to give them better.
Jim Black: Well Viktor, your intentions are clear at this point... But no date has been set for the North American Championship match... If Paul accepts your challenge at all.
Karmine: It's true. Being on Summercide would be an honor on par with wrestling at Wrestlution last year, but right now my goal is Paul Boulet and bringing pride back to the North American title. I don't care when that happens.
Jim Black: Thank you for your time, Viktor. Guys? Back to you.
We slowly zoom out and fade back to ringside.
The scene opens in a dimly lit room in the Server Farm, the glow of computer screens creating an ambiance. JynX stands beside BASH who sits in a chair in front of the sea of digitally produced lights.
The figures of both men are illuminated by the digital glow and a low buzzing sound fills the room from all of the equipment. JynX places his hand on Bash’s shoulder, he smiles and lets out his signature laugh before speaking to his comrade.
JynX: Bash, here we stand at the crossroads of reality and the virtual abyss. Our paths have intertwined, and trust me, it's not easily earned. A blood bond has been formed, a mutual respect so synergistic we test the bonds of traditional life form.
Bash's eyes flicker with a mix of intrigue and skepticism, he stops and turns his chair towards JynX. Bash takes a deep breath before looking up at JynX, he then smiles before saying.
Bash: Trust is a fragile commodity, JynX. In the world of codes and secrets, it's the foundation upon which alliances rise or crumble. Continuing to advance the cause of The Worm is our cause. Infecting OCW and eventually all of the world is our endgame.
JynX grins slightly as his gaze is transfixed is on Bash.
JynX: True Indeed, but trust can be a weapon, a tool we wield to carve our mark into the annals of the digital realm. Much like we wield The Worm in the name of the DarkNET Society. You and I, Bash, we share a vision of chaos and revelation to take DNS soaring to heights never imagined.
Bash's gaze narrows, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. BASH stands up out of his seat and begins to nod his head. He walks over to JynX and raises his arm in the air as if he had just won a wrestling match. JynX turns and looks at him with a sinister smile and another maniacal laugh.
Bash: I've seen your prowess, JynX. Your artistry in the ring and your mastery of words. Which is why I labeled you "The Liberator" of DNS but, can your enigma truly align with my calculated technicality? Our shared history says yes.
JynX: My enigma and your precision, Bash, they are but two sides of the same bitcoin. We blend darkness and data, weaving a tapestry of uncertainty that leaves our adversaries questioning their very existence from the physical to the logical.
Bash lets JynX arm down and takes a slight step back. He holds his right hand out in the direction of JynX. JynX looks over and reaches his right hand out as well. The two men continue to engage in a firm handshake. Bash stares into the dark eyes of JynX and tells him.
Bash: If trust is to be exchanged, it must be earned in kind. There is now doubt that you've absolutely shown me that you can be trusted but show me that your enigma is not just a mask, but a force that can match my calculated chaos. A part of the systematic destruction in my skill set and all of the DarkNET Societies members will contribute to the end of days.
JynX: Very well, Bash. Let us embark on a digital dance, a dance of deception and revelation. Prove yourself to me as I prove myself to you, and in this intricate ballet of minds, our trust shall be forged.
Bash puts his arm around Jynx and nods his head in approval.
Bash: Agreed, JynX. Our paths shall entwine in this realm of data and intrigue. Let the dance begin.
JynX and Bash exchange a nod, a subtle pact sealed in the glow of screens and the hum of technology. The camera pans out as they stand side by side continuing to speak to one another.
