AoN: Vega (c) vs. Krypto - Mayhem Title (Flying Saucer Match)

[Kermit]

For weeks Krypto had the WZCW Universe on the edge of their seats. Ever since winning the Mentor Program, he had the ability to choose one match, any match that he wants. He decided to invoke his winnings on the unchallenged WZCW Mayhem Champion, Vega, in a Flying Saucer Match! This is uncharted territory for WZCW, but one can only imagine that this match will get extremeterrestrial. Can Vega continue his trek as the new King of Mayhem, or will the lovable Krypto be able to capitalize on a match that suits him best?

Deadline is Tuesday February 19, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Central). Extensions as per thread.​

 

[FlexAmerican Dynamite]

The Khronicles of Krypto

My Spaceship, My Rules

Statistical Timeline Courtesy of WZCW.com

Apocalypse 2012
Vega wins fatal fourway to gain a shot at the Mayhem title

Krypto unexpectedly wins Relay match beating out all other rookies in mentor program.

Unscripted 2012
Vega surprisingly is able to retain his Mayhem title against the very skilled Connor Reese and seasoned former tag champion Ricky Runn

Krypto is able to pull out an underdog victory to win the Mentor program beating Isabel Stone who to most was the clear favorite.

Meltdown 83
Krypto and Vega have a brief encounter backstage.

Meltdown 84
Krypto challenges Vega to a Flying Saucer Match at All or Nothing.​

Krypto can be seen sitting on a stool holding RJX9 next to Stacey Madison who looks a little irritated at the fact she must be within a close proximity to interview the resident “alien” for this WZCW.com exclusive.

Stacy: How is it going WZCW universe, I’m Stacy Madison and I’m here with number one contender to the Mayhem Championship, Krypto and we’re here in the All or Nothing arena just four hours before the event begins. Now on this past Meltdown Krypto here decided the stipulation for his championship contest would be a Flying Saucer match. Since then fans and competitors alike have been wondering what the rules can even possibly be in something like that. Here to explain is the man from another planet himself.

Krypto: Well Ms. Madison, the rules are actually pretty simple contrary to your complicated human insinuations. For me to be victorious in this match I have to stuff the human con artist known as Vega inside my futuristic contraption and for him it’s vice versa.

Stacy: Well if it’s so simple then why would you pick it? It seems as though Vega can have just as much probably even more chance of winning then you do.

Krypto: Because I’m an alien duh! As good of a thief as Vega may be I highly doubt he’s ever stolen GTK Star Cruiser 3000. This type of machine isn’t your normal human transportation vehicle it’s a hi-tech piece of interstellar technology. This isn’t a normal match; this isn’t even the Mayhem rules match that Mr. Vega is used to. There may be futile human weapons involved but the Flying Saucer is the greatest weapon of them all! And after this match I shall rule the world…..I mean Mayhem division!

Stacy: Well if it’s so great let’s see this “Flying Saucer” of yours tough guy.

Krypto: Why yes you can attractive human female, RJ call the Star Cruiser at once!

RJ: Yeah…about that.

Krypto: What is it?

RJ: I don’t know how to tell you this, but I kind of lost it.

Krypto: What do you mean you lost it?!?!

Stacy: Who are you talking to?

RJ: Well since we landed on this planet you refused to use it because you wanted to become more familiar with human means of transportation.

Krypto: Just use to subsonic GPS.

RJ: I’ve tried but my sensors are telling me whatever life form took the Cruiser has disabled that function.

Krypto: You mean someone stole it?

RJ: According to my calculations yes.

Krypto: Dude…..where’s my Flying Saucer!

Stacy: Are you….yelling at that action figure?

Krypto: You’re going to have to excuse me Ms. Madison; it seems my robot companion has misplaced my Flying Saucer.

Stacy: Yeah sure he did.

Stacy rolls her eyes and looks to the director for the signal to stop the interview but he mouths “keep going”.

Stacy: How is there even supposed to be a Flying Saucer match without the flying saucer? I’m starting to think there is nothing special about this match and you’re just wasting our time.

Krypto: While your observation is correct your inference is wrong Ms. Madison. While me and RJ here need to go find my cruiser this match is indeed special, this is uncharted territory for not only Vega but for WZCW itself. Vega might be currently dominating the division right now but he’s never faced anything like me, he’s never been in a situation like this. I will stuff his cold, calculated, thieving carcass inside that saucer, and who knows I might even send him back to my home planet. Until then goodbye Ms. Madison!

Krypto leaps off his stool and clutches himself around Stacey’s body but mostly her chest. The hug lasts what seems to be forever as Madison is somewhat frozen in disgust as Krypto’s extra-terrestrial hospitality can be at times very inappropriate.

Stacy: Get….OFF ME!

Stacy claws the alien off of her and runs to the nearest locker room to do what we can only assume is take a long hot shower.

Krypto: Huh…is this that time of the month things human females have that we were researching earlier RJ?

RJ: I think we have bigger concerns Krypto….

Krypto: Right we need to find the cruiser, is there any way we could track who did this?

RJ: Well I’ve used my resources to wire through an old security tape from months ago onto this human device known as the iPhone for viewing pleasure; it was near the Aftershock arena you first debuted in where we originally parked it.

The scene transitions to the video showing Krypto and RJ getting out of what they think is their flying saucer but is really a giant cardboard box. Moments later after their departure a menacing figure appears standing over the box, the figure seems to be wearing some cardboard boxes itself. It’s…..S.H.I.T! The “robot” takes the huge box and wonders off somewhere out of view of the camera.

Krypto: Who is that?!

RJ: According to my database that is the Scale Humanoid Industrial Technology, also known as S.H.I.T.

Krypto: I…I thought you were the only robot on this planet?

RJ: I did too Krypto, I did too. We however must find him if we plan to use the saucer again. He’s got to be in the building, he has a match tonight.

Krypto and RJ wonder around the arena till they come across Saboteur and Saxton standing up against a hallway wall wearing very snazzy suits.

Saxton: What’s going on little green sucka?

Krypto: Well I’m looking for the robot known as S.H.I.T, any idea where I can find him?

Saboteur: He’s usually at the most secluded, dark, and lonely part of the arena. Try that scary and creepily lit hallway down there.

Saxton: Oh and I heard you’ve got a Mayhem title match tonight, be careful sucka, I’ve been in those matches. You don’t come out the same, and in your case….just be careful fool.

Krypto: Come on, what’s the worst that can happen?

Krypto leaves his former mentors to their business and he and RJ begin to forge their way down the long narrow hallway. The more Krypto wanders on the colder the hallway begins to feel. The walls are barely painted, battered walls that are full of holes become more common as he walks on. His spine even begins to chill; it’s almost as if the closer he gets to S.H.I.T the more emotionless and depressing his surroundings become. Farther and farther down he begins to notice how much more dirty this part of the arena is, barely anybody in sight until he gets to a locker room occupied by Alex Bowen and Justin Cooper of the Empire. Krypto doesn’t approach them as he knows how dangerous they are but he’s almost paralyzed in fear as the mayhem veterans stare him down. Cooper develops a sick smirk on his face while Bowen begins to speak.

Bowen: Clown thinks he can make it in the Mayhem division, please; I can’t wait to see Vega rip him apart.

Bowen gets up and slams the door leaving Krypto once again alone in the dark pathway on his small robotic ally. He continues down and down noticing broken glass, crooked and bent chairs, scattered thumbtacks and he begins to have flashbacks to various Mayhem matches he’s previously watched in the back. He begins to wonder if challenging Vega for the championship was such a good idea. Walking down what seems to be the abandon part of the hallway begins to be a struggle for Krypto, he starts hearing random voices, they seem to be screams of pain of various men who have been in Mayhem matches, and he starts to feel like he’s walking against an irresistible force trying to hold him back at all costs. Not to hurt him per say, but to warn him not to go any further. The screams get louder; soon Krypto is not even able to hear the encouraging and monotone voice of RJ. He collapses, but is soon frightened up straight by the sudden appearance of former world champion Barbosa.

Barbosa: What….are you doing here…..

Krypto: I’m…..I’m looking for S.H.I.T. He has my spaceship and I need it.

Barbosa: You…you’re in the Mayhem title match tonight.

Barbosa shakes his head in a manner that seems to be disgust and pity as Krypto is still struggling to collect himself and understand his surroundings.

Barbosa: You don’t know what mayhem is, you haven’t endured real pain, and you have no idea what you are getting yourself into.

Krypto: But it’s just not a Mayhem match, it’s a flying saucer match, it’s my rules, plus what would you know about Mayhem? You’ve never held the championship.

Barbosa: You hide behind your hand picked stipulation like it’s going to protect you, your match type only changes how Vega must beat you, it doesn’t stop him from using weapons, doesn’t stop him from bashing your skull in with chairs, cans, sticks, stones and whatever else he can find. And I may not have held the championship before but I know more about pain and suffering than you and Vega combined. I’ve defeated Ty Burna in the Hell in a Cell, the war I had with S.H.I.T……it was pure fun. You’re not at the juncture nor do you have the experience to “enjoy” such a brutal act as a match involving weapons and god knows what else. It was a big mistake making that match, almost as big of a mistake as walking down this hallway.

Krypto: So what do you suggest?

Barbosa: I suggest you turn around and leave the way you came as a confrontation with S.H.I.T isn’t a very good idea at this point and time. But if you have any intention of still going through with your match I suggest you go find your “flying saucer”. But don’t use as a shield to hide behind, and don’t use it as a crutch to fall back on. The stipulation can't beat Vega, it's going to have to be you.

Barbosa then wanders away disappearing into the darkness that has seemingly surrounded Krypto in the disturbing hallway.

RJ: Come on Krypto, we have to keep going.

Eventually after an hour or two of just being lost and frightened Krypto and RJ eventually make it to a door leading them outside to the abandoned backside of the arena, where most garbage is disposed of. They rejoice in the privilege of seeing sunlight again but the celebration is short lived when S.H.I.T appears over a stack of boxes arranged in a neat pyramid, with Krypto’s “flying saucer” at the base of it.

Krypto: RJ there’s the saucer!

S.H.I.T: Identify yourself!

Krypto: I just want my cruiser back.

S.H.I.T: Identify yourself!

RJ: Let me handle this Krypto.

Krypto kneels to put RJ down and the small robot slowly glides his way over to S.H.I.T. The two robots glare at one another, examining each other’s hardware.

S.H.I.T: Identify yourself!

RJ: I’m RJX9, mechanical mechanism manufactured from approximately 7,829 miles from the Sun, serial code 659.

S.H.I.T: Database not familiar with hardware.

RJ: I wouldn’t expect you to be, you were made from human hands, I serve life forms with a higher purpose.

S.H.I.T: Superiority Complex Detected! Superiority Complex Detected! Same on the outside, different hard wiring inside! More analysis is needed!

The mechanical man proceeds to pick up RJ, he seems to be more interested in him than he has anything in a while, seemingly slightly jealous of RJ’s human vocabulary.

Krypto: Do something RJ!

RJ: S.H.I.T, we must request that we take the spaceship lying under all of your boxes.

S.H.I.T: Negative! No ship detected, just valuable items belonging to S.H.I.T!

RJ: We ask that you please reconsider; my companion over there Krypto needs it for his match tonight.

S.H.I.T. stops examining RJ to a take a quick peak at the alien and then proceeds to once again analyze his robot counterpart.

S.H.I.T: Negative! Small green companion has been classified by database as insignificant creature; none of S.H.I.T’s property can do anyone of his power level any good.

Krypto: Hey I may not be the strongest but I can definitely hold my own! I need my saucer or I won’t be able to beat Vega and win the championship.

S.H.I.T: False statement Detected! False Statement Detected! Calculations have concluded your match stipulation is meaningless and relying on it is idiotic. Calculations have also included your opponent is much more experience leading the database to believe going through with your match will lead to Self Destruction.

S.H.I.T pauses for a second.

S.H.I.T: New calculations found, database concludes Krypto is a Self Destructive Idiotic Insignificant Creature!

Krypto: Yeah well your calculations are wrong, just like everyone else’s calculations of what I can’t accomplish are wrong. Yes Vega has been on quite a roll as champion and he’s very comfortable hitting someone over the head with a chair or slamming someone through a table but I’m not the same as any of the other people he’s faced. I’m not Connor Reese, I don’t believe I’m above the title or it’s brutal nature, in fact I picked the match up because the Mayhem division might just end up being the place I feel most at home with here on Earth. I’m also not Ricky Runn. I don’t believe jumping around, putting a smile on my face for the fans, and always doing the right thing is going to get me the gratification I need. I’m willing to go blow for blow in any dirty tricks Vega thinks he can pull. I’m not Jimmy Flynn, I haven’t convinced myself into thinking using weapons in a wrestling ring is barbaric, truth be told I’ve been wanting to unleash the anger I’ve been feeling and this match is just the perfect place to do so. So I’m sick of everyone telling me I don’t have what it takes, or I may have improved but still just not good enough to beat Vega. And maybe I picked a stipulation that I liked because I'm not familiar with Mayhem Rules. Truth is, it eats away at me that he’s been in the company a shorter time than me and has accomplished more; it eats away at me when people think a person like me can’t accomplish a task such as this against a man like Vega. But tonight, I’m going to hit Vega with a steel chair and it’s going to eat away at his face, I’m going to come crashing down on him through a table and it’s going to eat away at his body, and when I stuff him in the flying saucer and win the Mayhem title it’s going to eat away at his selfish ego! Because proving people wrong is what I do best and Vega is no different!

S.H.I.T: Sound monitors have been deactivated for approximately five minutes Self Destructive Idiotic Insignificant Creature.

Krypto: I’m sick of this garbage!

Krypto attempts to pull his “flying saucer” from under the stack of boxes but is immediately stopped by the sound of S.H.I.T’s warning.

S.H.I.T: Touching S.H.I.T’s property leads to immediate termination! Final Warning!

RJ: Look S.H.I.T, how about this, you seem to be highly interested in observing me and how I function, correct?

S.H.I.T: Affirmative!

RJ: Well I propose you lend Krypto the saucer and in turn you may examine my hardware a little closer.

Krypto: RJ no!

S.H.I.T: Database has confirmed agreement, no take backs allowed!

Krypto: What have you done?!

RJ: It’s okay Krypto, I’m just going to be doing a little robot to robot bonding time, take the saucer and go win your match.

Krypto: He doesn’t own you does he?

RJ: No, it’s just a friendly sharing of information, I’ll see you soon enough, just don’t lose.

S.H.I.T: Database recommends “laying down the Kryptonite” if one wishes to be successful.

Krypto pulls out the “saucer” from under the stack of boxes causing the tower to collapse much to S.H.I.T’s dismay.

Krypto: Don’t worry RJ, I’m dedicating this match to you, I will be successful. I will defeat Vega, I will become champion, and just like you said: I'm going straight to the top and I'll never stop.

 

[Infinity]

Where We Last Left Off...

Spoiler

--------------------------------
Lyon, France
Interpol Headquarters
1994
--------------------------------


We cut back to a clean shaven Vega, now walking down a hallway with his briefcase still in hand. He passes by many other Interpol Agents, most whom pay Vega no attention as he blends in seamlessly amongst the bustle. He turns a corner and approaches a mahogany door. There is a name plate right in the center:


Alexis Escobar


Vega reaches for the door knob and turns it. The door is unlocked. He opens it, and walks right in.


Haven't you ever heard of knocking?


Alexis is there, sitting at her desk. Her hair is black and tied back into a pony tail, a conservative look to match her plain grey pants suit and black shoes she's wearing. Vega closes the door behind him.


Who are you?


He doesn't respond. Vega's back is still turned as he locks the door. Alexis stands up, speaking with authority in her voice.


Why are you here?


Vega suddenly turns around while whipping his 9mm pistol out of his holster underneath his blazer. He walks right up to the desk while pointing the gun directly at Alexis' face. Only the desk is between them. Alexis stands there, motionless.


My name is Vega...

and I'm here to kill you.


-To Be Continued...-

-Open-


--------------------------------
New York City
Union Square Park
Present Day
--------------------------------


We're greeted here downtown by a bright sunny day at the steps of Union Square park, a haven for the homeless, hipsters, and more of the unique dwellers of the Big Apple. Near the center of it all is a man wearing the mask from "V for Vendetta" while standing next to a giant chess set. He taunts people as they pass him by, challenging anyone to a game of chess. He stands by the king piece, which is about half his size, and taps it arrogantly.


I don't know how to play chess.

Really?

Yeah.

I find that very surprising.

Why?

Because... I thought you were smart.


We cut to Vega and Alexis sitting on a bench just off in the distance, within eyesight of the man and his giant sized chess set. She hits Vega playfully across the arm, but hard enough to get his attention.


I am smart.

Yeah, yeah... I know.

I bet I could learn.

Well, duh. Anyone can learn. But, can you be any good at it?

Are you any good at it?

You know I don't half ass anything.


He flashes an arrogant smile. She laughs it off, not taking him too seriously.


Alright then, teach me.

You want me to teach you how to play chess?

Not just how to play. Teach me how to be great at it.


Vega muffles a laugh to himself as he shakes his head.


That's the thing. Haven't you ever heard the saying "You can't teach greatness?" It's true. The funny thing is, I can teach you the rules and how each piece can move, and I'm willing to bet that you would be great at it.

Why do you say that?


Vega doesn't respond immediately. He's distracted by the man in the "V" mask. He finally got somebody to accept his challenge, and is in the middle of a chess match. A group has gathered around the giant board to watch the match. Vega seems amused as he observes from a distance. He responds to Alexis as he continues to look off into the distance.


Because you and me, kiddo... we're made of different DNA. We're not like them.


Vega motions with his head towards everyone else in the park.


This world is full of stupid people, Alexis. A lot of really, really, stupid, stupid people. Then there are a good amount of people with average amounts of intelligence who can take advantage of the stupid people. Then of course, there are the smart people who prey upon the rest. You and me, kiddo? We're looking down on all of them. A game of chess? That's nothing compared to what you're capable of. Child's play.

In fact, that's what I've been doing myself, in a way. I've been playing a little game of chess within WZCW. I came in as just another pawn in their system. Just another rookie to put at the bottom feeding dweller of the roster. God forbid they take one real look at me and realize the greatness I'm capable of. This match I've got coming up? It means so much more to me than anyone has even realized.

People don't even realize the impact I've had on this place. Soon after I debuted in WZCW they began the Mentor Program. They chose 8 rising stars and paired them with veterans. EIGHT! And I wasn't one of them. They saw more potential in eight other people besides me? Are you freaking kidding me? I can't name 8 people in this entire company better than me.

So I just kept my mouth shut. I never complained. Never said a damn word about it. I just did what I did best. I forced the same people that overlooked me at first to look in my direction. While Vega was rising up the WZCW ranks all by himself, WZCW's pathetic little project was failing... miserably. One by one their "rising stars" began falling to the wayside. Sad stories of careers that could have been, but never were. Not even the savviest of veterans were able to mold them into future stats. They all failed, and I loved it. Well, all failed... except one.


The look on Vega's face grows from melancholy to maniacal instantly. His eyes look as if they're working relentlessly to hold back an eruption of emotion. His teeth begin to grind, his fists clinch. Vega closes his eyes as Alexis watches him with subdued caution.


Krypto.

YES! Krypto! That stupid alien. He's not even an alien! He thinks he's an-


He stops himself mid-sentence and slowly begins to regain his composure.


It doesn't matter what he is, or thinks he is... because the one thing he is not... is the Mayhem Champion. That's the thing. This company thought they had a pawn in me... but they didn't realize one thing. Vega is no pawn. He is the King. I don't care what anybody else says. As long as I hold the Mayhem Championship, it will be the hardest title in the company to win, because I refuse to let it go. The King stays King.

WZCW admits that the Mentor Program was a complete bust. It's a shame... because I'm going to go on to bigger and better things in this company. Mayhem is just the beginning. It's only a matter of time until I get a shot at the World Title. And what a feather in WZCW's cap it would have been if they were able to say the most dangerous force ever unleashed upon it's sorry little company was a product of their first ever Mentor Program. But instead?


Vega laughs to himself in a maniacal manner.


Instead, I get to put the final nail in the coffin of this company's precious little program. I'll make sure that this is the first and the last time anybody ever over looks Vega again. And to do that, I have to defeat Krypto. He won the stupid program so he gets to challenge me in a stupid match where I apparently have to stuff him into a cardboard box he thinks is a space chip. Great. Whatever. I'll do whatever it takes to walk out of All or Nothing as Mayhem Champion, even if it means defeating Krypto in his stupid match with his stupid rules.

It's going to be a sad moment in this company and throughout the locker room when I defeat Krytpo. Because, if anybody here thinks I'm only going to beat him... they're wrong. I'm going to make an example of this poor little alien. I will crucify him for the sins of this company. His blood is on WZCW's hands, not mine. I even hope Krypto's mentors Action Saxton & Sabatour come down and try to help. The key word being... "try." Because, nobody can stop the New King of Mayhem.


In the distance, Vega realizes the the masked man has his opponent in check. The opponent moves the Queen in front of his King as a sacrifice to protect him. At that moment, Vega looks over to Alexis, and holds her hand in his.


You're right.

What?


She looks around the park for a moment before diverting her attention back to Vega.


We're not like them.


Vega laughs, almost with pride.


That's why I like you.


Alexis smiles.


Ditto, kiddo.


--------------------------------
Lyon, France
Alexis Escobar's Office, Interpol Headquarters
1994
--------------------------------


Here we are, just where we left off. Vega and Alexis stand there staring at each other intensely with only her desk between them. He's aiming his 9 millimeter pistol directly at Alexis' forehead as his finger finds itself gently nestled against the trigger. She remains motionless. In fact, they both do. Stoic they stand, as if each one is daring the other to make the first move. Not even a blink breaks this stare down between these two individuals. Their breathing is calm and controlled. Neither is panicking, neither seems the least bit nervous.


Then, finally... somebody moves. It's Alexis, and it's only her face. Slowly, she cracks an almost submissive smile. Just as slowly as the smile crept up onto her face, Alexis begins to creep up onto her desk. She places her hands flat on the desk, and follows with one knee. Vega doesn't react. Without any sudden movement, Alexis lifts her other leg onto the desk and gracefully, and somewhat seductively, positions herself so that she is sitting cross legged onto of her desk... almost like a little school girl sitting on the floor awaiting direction from her teacher. She folds her hands and rests her forearms on her knees. The gun is now only a mere inch or two away from her face as she sits there, smiling. She stares down the barrel of Vega's 9mm as it's positioned right between her eyes. With a soft whisper, she breaks the eerie silence...


Okay, Vega...

Go ahead.

Kill me.


Vega's eyes squint and brows furrow just a bit. He stands there confused, and at the same time, intrigued.



Think you're calling my bluff?


With the gun in his right hand he keeps it pointed at Alexis, but with his left hand he grabs the gun's chamber and cocks it back, making the gun make a noise signifying it's loaded and ready to fire. Vega now holds the gun with two hands with a look of intent in his eyes... the intent to fire, and to kill. Alexis stares into his eyes... unimpressed.


The sound of a loaded gun is hardly intimidating to me, Vega. Trust me, I've heard much... much worse in my life. But, to answer your question- no, I'm not calling your bluff. I believe you, Vega. Truly, I do. I believe you're here to kill me, and I believe you're capable of doing it. Your eyes, they remind me of...


She looks away and laughs to herself while shaking her head, as if whatever she was about to say was irrelevant.


Well, it doesn't really matter now, does it?


Alexis turns her attention back to Vega, and his gun. With a disturbingly chipper attitude, she continues on.


Anyways! Back to the matter at hand. Go ahead, let's get it over with.


Vega doesn't shoot.


I know this isn't your first hit. Nobody would send a rookie to kill an Interpol Agent, so stop acting like one and get it over with.


He just stands there, unable to comprehend why she's so at ease.


Have you got some kind of death wish?


She laughs defiantly at the statement as she shakes her head once again.


A death wish? Yes, I suppose I do Vega. By the most direct and technical sense of the term I do indeed wish death upon myself. That, I do admit.

You want to die?

I welcome death.

You don't fear death? This doesn't scare you? In the least?


Alexis loses all expression from her face. She stares back at Vega, her face is a blank canvas, as if she's never experienced a true feeling or emotion in her entire life.


The things I've seen... Mr. Vega...


She scoffs at the obvious alias.


Have you ever heard the sound of a 6 year old girl screaming as she's being raped with a rusty machete? Have you ever smelled the scent of an infant's body burning in the oven? Have you ever felt the shock waves a car bomb sends as it explodes next to a daycare center? Have you ever seen the faces... have you ever looked into the eyes of the parents forced to watch these kinds of things?

Have you any idea what it feels like... to be responsible for these things?

Because I do, Vega.

I do.


Vega is speechless. He doesn't lower his gun, but his silence invites Alexis to continue.


6 years ago I was arrested by Interpol for hacking a couple of high level security systems, as well as for leaking a lot of Interpol's confidential files onto the internet. Seeing as my last name is Escobar, and my family is originally from Colombia, Interpol eventually saw fit that I went undercover there. Long story short, I eventually, I was able to infiltrate the terrorist organization known as FARC-EP; Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejército del Pueblo... or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-

The People's Army.


Vega finally lowers his gun. Alexis tilts her head, slightly taken back at the fact that Vega is familiar with what she is referencing.


Yes, exactly.

You infiltrated the Colombian Guerrilla? I don't think even I could do that.

Well got to into Interpol HQ, so you've got to be good. Probably better than me, because 2 years in... they discovered who I was.

They found out you were with Interpol?

Yup.

And you're still alive?

Barely.


Alexis slides forward on her desk so that now her feet hang off the front. Vega takes a step backwards to give her more space, and at the same time showing less aggressive body language as well.


They kept me in a small room with no lights for... I don't know how long. If I had to guess, it was somewhere between 1 to 6 months, but after a while you lose track of time. You begin to forget the existence of time, the fact that there's a world existing outside of you. Every day, every single day... they tortured me. They beat me with the butts of their rifles. My nose was broken within the first hour. By the end of the first day I know my jaw was broken because I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to scream anymore. It didn't matter... eventually you realize the screaming only makes it more enjoyable for them. I believe my ribs were broken, because I could barely breath. It hurt. Every single time I took a breath... it hurt. When they weren't busy beating me within an inch of my life, they took a break by having their way with me.

They raped you?


She just nods.


Every day. Every single day. It was horrible... at first. I don't know what was worse, the beginning, when it would send me into shock... or the end, when I became numb to it. They broke me. My will, my desire, my soul... it was all crushed. So, excuse me if the barrel of your gun doesn't faze me, Vega. This sight? It pales in comparison to what these eyes have seen. Your threat of death doesn't scare me, not in the least.

I'm a broken woman. When you're broken... it brings you to this, Vega. It brings you to submission. To acceptance. You want to kill me? I accept it. The sad glare of submission in a victim's eyes the moment you've broken them... it's a glare I'm sure you're familiar with. It's at that moment that you know. It's at that moment... that they knew.

Knew what?

That I was theirs.

Meaning?

I went rogue. For the next year and a half I cut off all communication with Interpol. They thought I was dead, and when an agent is killed while undercover... they cease to exist, period. I became a "revolutionary" myself. FARC never had a member with as advanced technological knowledge and capability as me, I was an asset. I became one of the most important and influential members of FARC. I was responsible for alerting the Revolutionary Army of local police activity, as well as keeping tabs on international police activity. I had access to information that kept FARC at the forefront of South American terrorism... and that's when I contacted Interpol.

Why?

I did what I did to get as high into the organization as quickly as possible, and if that meant going rogue temporarily then so be it. I gave Interpol more information then they could have ever imagined. Interpol staged an attack on FARC. The details were kept secret from me, but it was meant to fake my death in order to safely extract me without threat of retribution. At least, that's what I was told... but I knew that Interpol never completely trusted me again. They considered me a threat.

So how'd it go down?

We were in a random safe house deep in a jungle in the town of Medellín. I remember, I had just finished roasting a pot of coffee for us when a loud explosion blasted the door from it's hinges. A couple of guerillas were instantly killed by the blast. I remember gun shots, explosions, and a lot of yelling... I woke up in an American hospital with 6 gun shot wounds. 2 shots to the abdomen, 1 in the chest, 1 in my lower back an inch away from my spine, another on my upper back between my spine and shoulder blade. The the last one was a head shot.


She points to the tiniest of scars on her left cheek.


I guess my mouth was open, because doctors said the bullet entered my mouth at an angle and pierced right through my cheek, hitting nothing else. The doctor called me "lucky."

I remember thinking to myself... what a delusional and distorted idea of "luck" this man had. 4 years away from family, from friends, from home... tortured, beaten, broken, and raped until you are forced to do the same to thousands upon thousands of innocent men, women, and children... until one day you're saved by being shot 6 times. Oh yes... how lucky I am to be alive.


Alexis shakes her head in some kind of disgust at the memory of being in that hospital.


I was told that there were two kinds of bullets they found in me. The two bullets that entered through my back were fired by FARC revolutionaries... the four that got me from the front were fired by the team that was supposed to be saving me. That was no extraction mission. I was being shot at by both sides. I was not supposed to survive. That was the first time I survived an assassination attempt on me. So now I look at you, and I know that Interpol just wants to finish what it started.

But, I'm not one of you. I'm not with Interpol.

Of course you're not. They can't have Interpol Agents taking out other Interpol Agents. I'm betting they called the nation with the most to gain from taking over Colombia's drug trade... America. So I'm betting you've got some kind of ties to what... NSA? No, they wouldn't dare. This smells like the CIA. But they wouldn't use one of their own either... which means you're no agent, Vega. Which means, you've got your hands dirty, too.

Dirty... like mine.


Vega simply smiles, impressed with Alexis' skills in reading a situation.


Why aren't you pointing that gun at me anymore, Vega? Aren't you going to kill me?


He lets out a subdued laugh as he casually walks over to Alexis, and turns around to lean on the desk next to her.


Nope.


She subdues some laughter herself.


Well, you know what this means, don't you?


Vega nods his head while looking straight down to the ground.


It means now... we're both going rogue.


He laughs to himself as he continues to nod his head.


In that case...


Vega looks up towards Alexis and extends his hand.


...here's to the start of a very dangerous friendship, Alexis.


Alexis smiles, and accepts Vega's handshake.


I think I'm gonna like you, Vega.


He smiles back.


Ditto, kiddo.


-Close-

​