Collections calling for Cameron Cruise.
* Fanatic RP for C05.
FADE IN.
A suite in the Sheraton Boston is the scene. The shot pans by the two King-size beds with white covers; a wall-mounted HDTV; two well-sized tables; a counter for preparing coffee and tea, with drink maker, a phone, menu for room service and restaurant binder; a separate room that we cannot see through the cracked doorway; full amenities bathroom, also out of view; and one Larry Tact. He looks out the windows on the far side of the room, the popular Boylston Street just outside. On this day, he wears a grey suit and slacks, with a white button-down shirt-- sans tie, one-button undone. His chin-length golden blonde hair is tied back, at present. He does not yet turn to address us directly, but with a raise of a hand, acknowledges the presence, stopping the cameraman from approaching any closer.
LARRY TACT: “I’ve been having such a good time, these past few weeks, that I almost forgot tax season is upon us. Well, not really, since unlike the rest of the roster, I can actually appreciate tax season for what it is: giving back. It’s a time when we, as citizens of the greatest country in the world, make a contribution that matters.”
“Of course, it’s not really fair to count me amongst people who don’t make year-round contributions to the country, seeing as I spend my wealth wisely. I also understand that it does pay to give back, because you can create something even greater by pitching in your share. I have done so in business, and in the business of wrestling, as well. I have given my time and effort, and been rewarded for it over time. For the losses endured, I have many more victories, Championships, and accolades to my credit.”
He chuckles.
“Do you want to say something about that, Cameron? Have any witty words to come back with? Maybe about how this isn’t about the past… isn’t even about me… but rather, about the present and future? How you are going to go to Cyberstrike and throw down with my appentice, then head into BattleBrawl 3?”
He lifts a finger up, momentarily, waving in the negative.
“No, in this case, Cam, let‘s indulge ourselves and appreciate what has been. And before we look to BattleBRAWL, first, let‘s reminisce.”
He turns around, a hand in the pocket of his slacks, lopsided grin on his face.
“This is one I’ve marked on the calendar, Cameron. I remember the last time we were around each other, you had delusions of breaking the hottest group going in wrestling. But certain unsavory authority figures decided to remove me from the equation before I could properly respond to you. That was unfortunate... but I figured there may come a day when we would meet again.”
“Really, though, our history isn’t much different than the relationship between most people and the IRS. I, of course, represent the IRS, who come to collect from those who need to pay their dues to me. And you represent the People, reaching into your pocket…”
He removes his own hand from his pocket, opening it to reveal it is empty.
“And then complain that you really haven’t earned enough that you should have to pay up. You claim that you don’t owe me anything. I guess it’s typical that people would be greedy and selfish, only thinking about what they want. They’d rather spend their money on getting something they think they deserve. But the truth is, they don‘t deserve it. That amount they owe the IRS? It isn‘t really theirs, never was meant to be theirs, and there‘s no reason for them to think they should be able to keep it. It‘s just a delusion.”
“Very much a representation of your views on wrestling, Cameron. You believe the years you have put into this business should earn you some sort of respect. You think that the experience you’ve gained should have gained you what it takes to defeat opponents. And you believe that the time you’ve spent in the ring has taught you what it takes to be a Champion. The New ERA Champion.”
He shakes his head.
“Cameron Cruise, it hasn‘t. The years you have dedicated to wrestling have mostly affirmed you as a mockery, due to the way you’ve handled yourself. I mean, for someone who thinks having tagged with a guy who was cool a decade and a half ago… two decades ago, now… I’m surprised you weren’t laughed right out the door once you lost the belts you had. And even recently, when you finally gained a modicum of respect, it’s only been by leapfrogging off the help of others. There’s a whole Anthology of evidence to show that, Cam… (winks)… or someone could simply go to Highland Park and ask around. Although, now that you‘ve been around their block, I hear there just isn‘t much left of it...”
He laughs.
“But I digress. My point, Cameron, is this: you say a lot of things, and you’ve even done a few things you can put on an application. But when it comes down to it, you’re just like most of the People. And the IRS hasn‘t collected from you, in New ERA, since…”
He picks up a remote off the table, and turns on the TV. There, we find the following playing…
“July 5, 2006...“
“DREDD presents RAUCOUS
From the Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY”
“Scheduled Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship
John Doe & Jonathan Marx v. Mystery Opponent & The Phantom Republican ©”
“Also featured… Leather Strap Match: Cameron Cruise Vs Larry Tact”
We see a clip from the show of Larry Tact grabbing Cruise by the head and with the strap in hand, slamming him into three turnbuckles. Heading to the fourth, former Vice President Juliet Marceau is on the apron, looking to stop Tact. As the crowd beckons him on, Tact appropriately rips her shirt off, causing her to cover up and flee, allowing Tact to smash Cruise into the fourth turnbuckle. Then the video goes black.
“See, Cam… that night, even the People knew it was time you paid up. You can’t escape forever. But we’re still recovering from bad economic times, now, so the People don’t want to pay. And you never want to give back anything without a fight. Unfortunately for you, I’m going to send my apprentice to hunt you down in the ring, and he is more than ready to take hold of what is there for him, afterwards. But you will be the priority, Cam, which means you’re in for a severe audit… one that will give to those who are truly deserving. The heir to the Tact Legacy.”
He chuckles.
“In fact, I believe you‘ve already been introduced…”
Panning back to the TV, we see at the top is the heading, “July 26, 2008.” Fanatic dons a blue mask/costume with erratic, orange designs all around. He has Cameron Cruise locked in a modified crab submission, the Bridge of Insanity, on the mat. Cruise tries to break free, or get to the ropes, but the attempts are futile and he taps out.
“Not in New ERA, but acquainted, nonetheless.”
“Now, I know what you must be DYING to tell me, Cruise. It’s been a long time, right? YEARS since these clips… which is why we must discount these mere ’one night’ slips on your part. It’s a new game, right? A new time, another place, and Cameron Cruise is ON A ROLL!”
“Well guess what, Cam?! Since he beat and battered and made you tap all around the ring… Fanatic has hardly been sitting around. In fact, this time, he’s going to secure his Championship shot at your expense.”
“So don’t speak of the past, Cam, because you’ve had nothing to show for it against my brother. Don’t say Fanatic lacks the drive to best you this week, because there’s plenty for the taking. And don’t look to BattleBRAWL just yet… because ignorance is not an excuse to escape.”
He picks up a menu from the counter.
“In fact, Cruise, beyond the banked shot, there are other opportunities for us to capitalize on. We’re so close to BattleBRAWL, and sure, you will be a threat to Fanatic, there. So it would be a double-win if you simply weren’t able to compete at New ERA’s premier event. You already have a shot banked, so if Fanatic happens to answer the call of the Craze a little… excessively, this week, it won‘t be much of a loss. And with all that ring experience you‘ve accumulated, that knee won’t be any better suited to crossing the Bridge of Insanity… just like last time.”
“Maybe you should be more concerned about simply surviving this week, Cameron, than boldly striving to enter BattleBRAWL 3 on a high note.”
“But I doubt you’ll heed that advice. After all, you want it all. You want your shot and BattleBRAWL, too, just like the greedy People. I can’t blame you there, I suppose. But it’s only going to be another dream of yours come crashing down upon you, Cruise. And when Fanatic comes collecting on you, go ahead and call it a… reality check…“
“Because you can’t keep something that was never yours to begin with. And that‘s a victory, this week, against someone you were a step behind to begin with. Now, you might as well be a league away from figuring out the Elite Enigma.”
He turns and picks up the phone, punching in an extension. After a few seconds…
“Yes, I’d like to place an order… the Surf and Turf… yes it will be taken out… in fifteen minutes?”
He glances back, giving a toothy grin.
“Sure, I don‘t think it should take longer than that to finish off…”
FADE OUT.
