Post by Leo on Jan 13, 2024 19:34:14 GMT -5
Riding high. Literally.
Leo stands about ten feet tall. VR goggles strapped tightly to his head. A silk, gold jacket around his body. Bare chest flaunted underneath. Some hair drawn on with a very realistic pencil. A can of ‘Radbod’ beer in one hand and drama in the other.
Look at this place! Look at it! An abode fit for a big ticket!
Leo points at all the colorful suits lining the walls of this giant room.
And…possibly…a king?
Leo takes his hand and runs the back of it down his chest. He snickers and shimmies his upper body.
Ahem.
A low, commanding voice breaks the flippant air. Leo turns around and looks down into the eyes of Harvey Marx.
Leo towering OVER Harvey?
Our view pans down…Leo’s head, his upper torso and, finally, his legs seated atop the shoulders of a near seven foot bodyguard. Marx laughs
Miss Albright said she’d be meeting with “a representative of TRIAD” today. I thought it might be Marcus or PIC. To be honest I was hoping for the rarest thing of all…A TLS sighting. Instead, I just get you. No security risk on this one. I’m going to grab a Cuban sandwich.
Marx takes one final look at Leo and snorts with derision. He straightens his royal blue suit coat and pivots on his heel, making an exit.
Yea, yea, see ya later ‘Big Tick -’
Leo’s pompous, derision laced goodbye comes to a screeching halt as he sees Miss Albright staring up at him.
Holy smokes!
He nearly falls off the shoulders of his bodyguard, barely able to keep his balance. Miss Albright looks at the body guard.
Is this what you thought life after the Army would look like? I can’t imagine what he must be paying you to put up with him. I only talk business with people who are dressed for business. Only one of us is getting paid by the hour, so how about you put him down and lend him your jacket?
She looks up at “The Leo”
Your man can’t do his job if you tie his hands like this…
Fine…
With a petulant sigh he acquiesces and snaps his fingers. The bodyguard drops to one knee. The Leo sloppily climbs off, nearly face planting on the hard floor. He shoots back up, acting like nothing happened. The bodyguard removes his coat, handing it to The Leo. The Leo slides into it…his hands vanish in the massive sleeves. The bottom of the coat drapes down, nearly touching his ankles. He looks like a 5 year old playing ‘adult’.
Good call. I already feel more professional.
The Leo snaps his fingers again. The bodyguard, now sporting a black bullet proof vest over a similarly colored t-shirt, guns strapped and holstered at each side, extends his arms. The Leo jumps up and the bodyguard catches him in his arms. Leo turns, laying out, tossing one leg over the other, propping his head up via his elbow in the giant bodyguard’s hand. He slowly lowers his VR goggles and eyes Miss Albright.
Alright, let’s talk shop, babe.
Miss Albright plasters on her best producer’s smile, the one crafted through years of dealing with divas, actors, politicians, children, and Boris.
You’re here because Mr Welsh is trusting you to scout for the next season. I don’t know why, and I don’t care. Big Ticket Entertainment’s consulting fees cover a wide range of…custom services. How can BTE help you, Mr…?
Alright well for starters…
The Leo dips his hand into the pocket of the bodyguard and removes a tiny bag of Welch’s fruit snacks, pre torn. He rips the rest of the bag open and eats one.
There is no Mr. Welsh. I ran his ass out of town for being too weak. He let Triumvirate in. He risked everything. As far as I’m concerned, he can go join the rest of the jokes that make up the majority of his profession in the minor leagues.
The Leo reaches in and finds a strawberry fruit snack. His eyes light up.
Oh! Strawberry.
He throws it in his mouth and continues.
I’m not gonna come in here and beg or plead or act afraid of my or anyone else’s shadow like my preprofessor. I’m here with a purpose. Word around the pro wrestling juice box is that you guys here do your homework.
The Leo looks and notices several ‘eyes in the sky’.
You clearly keep tabs on all the comings and goings. So, since I’m paying you good money. How’s about you dish on a few names I’m very interested in. Started with (unscripted).
The Leo finds another Strawberry fruit snack and says ‘score!’
The Wit Trials are about creativity. That might be hard to package for the average wrestling fan. Bravery and Strength are moving the tickets in this industry, but it’s the more subtle things that make the story work. The season starts in Paris with a piece of art on display who should help our audience understand why the final piece matters. My people and I are all performers. Harvey Marx stands under the spotlight with a very simple goal. He’s here to get people to open their eyes and their wallets and help TRIAD’s bottom line. He’s a showman, but not an artist. The competitor known as Untitled is very different. For them, art is a goal in itself. They’re a living canvas with an appreciation for the finer things the world has to offer. No surprise the TRIAD has their attention. It represents the different elements of human struggle and potential. It’s both an idea we can understand at an instinctive level and a mystery our minds can’t quite grasp.
Leo stares at Miss Albright blankly as he contemplates the mysteries of fruit snacks.
Untitled is highly adaptable in the ring. They study opponents and adjust. Art changes depending on who is looking at it the same way wrestlers react differently to different opponents. This draft is the least predictable of all three since some of the best known talent will opt for the Tribulations, as Matt Knox already has. Untitled seems like a strong choice in a situation where you’ll have no idea what your team will be up against.
Leo looks completely lost However, once Miss Albright finishes he narrows his eyes and leans forward.
Very, very interesting. Yes, I agree with everything you just said. Very helpful.
Leo pauses. He stares at Miss Albright. She looks back up at him. He scrambles, digging into a pocket. He removes a polaroid.
Okay, now do this guy. Sorry about the quality of the photo but this guy is apparently really old school. Sent us his info via snail mail. I’m thinking he’s useless, right?
Miss Albright takes the polaroid and immediately recognizes Dr. Louis D’Ville.
This season we trace some important steps in the life of Nikola Tesla. Genius is a powerful thing. The next name on your list is worthy of the word, and a lot of other words I’ll need to edit out of the non-suspicion cut of this interview. In the ring, Dr. Louis D'ville reminds me most of Mr. Marx. Both men are brutally efficient brawlers. The good doctor doesn’t have The Big Ticket’s physical gifts, but he’ll make up for that with sheer violence and force of will. He’ll pursue the TRIAD unrestrained by morality. Mr. Welsh has proven he’ll do whatever it takes to bring winners to this competition. As much as I loathe to say so on record, I’m impressed by your willingness to consider drafting this one. Men like him can be useful tools as long as you don’t become their tool. I’ll be blunt. This son of a bitch will probably eat you alive. The fans are curious about him though. He’ll sell tickets. All you have to sell is your soul.
Welsh…
Leo’s voice trails as he takes his index finger and puts it into his mouth doing the ‘puke’ gesture.
He’s been purged. Forget about him. Yesterday’s news. Kinda like using snail mail or handing over a polaroid photo for your head shot. You’d think people would at least do email these days…I get it’s tough remember email addresses and getting that mailer daemon kickback but sometimes…
Miss Albright perks up.
Daemon…Max Daemon?
Leo looks around like a deer in the headlights.
Uh, um…is he draft-eligible?
Miss Albright nods.
Oh yea, absolutely. Do him next. He’s on my radar for sure. Very interested.
You’d get along famously with Max Daemon. He’s impulsive, only has one speed, and never met a party he didn’t like. There isn’t much difference inside the ring either. He’s a hell of a fighter and he’s never had a problem putting his body on the line to get it done. Death match, battle royal, triple threat, he’ll do it all. There’s some risk with the pick, of course, but I don’t expect either of you to start thinking about consequences now. Does he have demons? We all do. What matters is that Max has used that fire to win everywhere he’s been. Sometimes he turns it on hotel rooms. Big Ticket Entertainment will assume full responsibility for any property damages if he’s drafted by anyone. Our industry has its share of eccentric personalities. The fans don’t see what it takes to keep some of these competitors upright and in the right city. That doesn’t matter. Results in the ring cure a lot of PR problems, and my company will take care of the rest. The fight he had with Marx behind the waffle house in Phoenix last year wasn’t a big deal. Everyone know’s Max is Harvey’s BFF.
Leo perks up at the mention of Waffle House.
Trust me, your boy is no stranger to what goes down behind a Waffle House. If Max has braved the elements behind America’s fightiest restaurant then he’s no doubt…team leo material.
Miss Albright barrels right along as though she’s merely entertaining the random outbursts of a toddler.
The first two seasons have been built on big names and established veterans. Recognition is good marketing and return on investment. Things might be changing ahead of the third season. With standouts like Vhodka Black sitting out this round, we’re seeing younger talent reach for the prize. Serenity Holmes has voted in fewer elections than she’s had world titles. People like what they know. They also like an underdog.
Nodding along, the word ‘election’ hits Leo a certain way. He looks up at his stoic bodyguard, continuing to act as his couch.
Hey, you think, after I lead Team Leo to victory and unite the TRIAD on my own that I can run for president? It is an election year…yea, think about it…President The Leo…
Leo gets nothing from his bodyguard.
That’s a yes, by the way. Whenever his nostrils look like that, it’s a yes. President The Leo is going to let Freedom ring!
Miss Albright hears ‘Freedom’ and points out Paul Freedom to Leo.
Paul Freedom has been making a lot of noise on the fringes of the industry these last few months. He doesn’t have enough experience to know people like him don’t usually get booked with the likes of Corey Black, and I don’t think he cares. You can decide for yourself if his confidence is from naivete or if he’s delusional. What I care about is fans on their feet watching him run all over the ring and hang with big names. This kid has serious ambitions and serious heat going into the draft. He’s a viable pick as long as you don’t move any shows into the Lone Star State. I hope Nikola Tesla was never in Texas. I have plenty of reach and resources, but I don’t think anyone can guarantee Mr. Freedom’s safety down there.
Leo nods and reaches for another fruit snack.
Answer me this, Miss Albright…you keep bringing up this Nikola Tesla guy. What’s his draft stock look like to you? He sounds like a heavy hitter.
For the first time, Leo shows an uncanny amount of interest in one of the ‘draft-eligible’ names. A long silence is broken by an elevator chime.
He’s the whole reason there’s a third TRIAD piece to look for.
The Big Ticket struts off the elevator and continues through a mouthful of ham and pickles
I’m not surprised you don’t know that. You know, all the important stuff you’re obviously in charge of these days.
Marx walks up to the bodyguard and offers half of the massive Cubano. The man’s eyes flicker. For an instant he considers dropping Leo to grab it. The big man continues.
The Wit Trails go where he went. First to Paris where he worked with the Edison co. After that he went to New York and licensed some of his systems for the money to build labs. He did a bunch of stuff with ludicrous amounts of electricity and payed SHOCKINGLY few bills. He was right here in Chicago in 1893 for the world’s fair. Want to experiment with the conductive properties of low pressure air? Follow him to Colorado Springs! We’re going to end with more than a few sparks at Niagara Falls!
He died in 1943. But there’s plenty of electrifying talent in this draft! Abby Walker is a huge star! I’ve watched her win American hearts and Primetime Emmys for years in my home universe. The Walkers is the highest-rated sitcom in the Black Pyramid Universe and they’ve brought laughs and life lessons to millions!
Time for the Trials to add values to violence.
I couldn’t agree more! Abby’s transition from acting to signing with CULT and Casanova English has always seemed absolutely sane and logical to me! BTE will be glad to hire a few personal assistants and provide a trailer for Ms Walker. Four people should do it. She gets a little…moody… when she doesn’t get what she wants. If she can unite generations of audiences across two universes with her wholesome charm, Abby Walker can certainly unite the TRIAD!
Leo’s mind jumps to the closest thing he can associate with Abby.
Walker Texas Ranger was a popular show and it starred Chuck…something or other, the guy who killed Bruce Lee. Yea, Walker is a good name.
Again, Miss Albright just ignores Leo’s verbal meandering.
If you really want to pay tribute to Nikola Tesla and put a charge into your team, draft CYPH3R! Both are volatile, effortlessly brilliant and totally useless without electricity!
I’ll be honest…I don’t like that scrawny stack of squirrels in a hoodie or his methods. I’m a little more direct, but we’re not talking about the Strength Draft here. He’s got a mouth on him but he’s got a mind too.
We have a bit of history with Mr. Norrie. He obtained a few documents making troubling accusations about myself, Mr Marx, and Big Ticket Entertainment. We survived because the people were smart enough to consider the source of the information. He’s already made his presence felt by hacking the fan voting on Night 7.
Leo nearly spits some of his RadBeer out as he snaps and points.
I remember that! The glitchy stuff like it was Max Headroom all over again! The skinny guy that put THE CHAMP over those other two…
He pauses, realizing Harvey was in that match. He clears his throat and clutches, tightly to the arm of his bodyguard.
Hacking is terrible. Very terrible. He should be ashamed.
Very effective. Uniting the TRIAD is about more than wrestling. We’ve seen a piece of it pass judgment before. Booking doesn’t matter as much as being able to impress whatever power is behind this thing. Mind games on the microphone aren’t going to be enough for this last piece. Cypher has taken things into cyberspace already once in this competition, and he could give you an edge in the game being played outside the ropes.
Leo leans forward, nearly falling out of his bodyguard’s arms.
Cyberspace? Where’s that at? Is that like beyond the black hole? Outside the Murky Way?
Miss Albright blinks incredulously and adjusts the angle of her seating system back a few degrees. The sound of the tilt motor is like nails on a chalkboard in the silence.
That’s where you play Call of Duty and check Atara Raven and Adi Goldblum’s Twitter feed.
That reminds me!
Leo snaps his fingers and places the VR Goggles back over his eyes. He flips over in the bodyguard’s arms. The bodyguard stands, carrying Leo like a groom carries his bride into a wedding suite. The bodyguard looks at Marx and Miss Albright with a great deal of shame in his eyes. Leo snaps his fingers.
Time to see what those lovely ladies are up to…hold on…wait…what the…
Leo scrambles, ripping the VR Goggles off and throwing them on the ground. He scrambles, wrapping his arms around his bodyguard’s neck. The bodyguard rolls his eyes.
Look! In the Goggles! It’s the spaceman, cyber!
The bodyguard steps forward and crushes the VR Goggles with his foot. Leo has his face turned away, shielding his eyes.
Is he gone?
The bodyguard nods, peeling Leo’s arm off his neck with disgust. Leo takes the back of his hand and wipes some imaginary sweat from his forehead.
Whew, well…THAT was a close one. This place is pretty secure, right?
Miss Albright and Marx nod as if to say “Uh, yea.”
I thought so. See? The Leo can pick up on things most people can’t.
He says with cameras all over the place, security on every floor, and Harvey freakin Marx right in front of him.
Tell ya what…to ensure everything goes…
He leans in, wiggling his eyebrows at Miss Albright.
According to plan.
He tries to wink but just blinks. She shakes her head with a slight frown of disgust.
Why don’t we have you two host Night 11 right here in Chicago at…The Big Ticket Tower or whatever it’s called!
Miss Albright looks to Marx. He looks back. They do so without giving anything away.
I think we could accommodate such an event.
Miss Albright accepts. Leo claps his hands together, rapidly.
Terrific! And people thought I wasn’t ready for this gig. HA!
He finishes off the can of Radbeer, nearly choking on what’s left. He composes and tosses the can over his shoulder. A security member for Harvey and Miss Albright catches it. Leo reaches up, patting his bodyguard on the face.
Onward, my good man! Harvey and my second favorite Leo, it’s been a pleasure! Now, I’m off to continue my awesome existence.
Dramatically, Leo throws his head back and relaxes his arms as the bodyguard carries him away while he’s thinking about god-knows-what with his eyes shut.
As soon as the elevator doors close on The Leo and his bodyguard, Marx turns to Miss Albright.
Did you have Oz fake that cypher hack?
I had nothing to do with that. That was just karma.
I almost wish Leo was as in charge of the draft as he thinks. Him and the hoodie deserve each other.
We both know the only orders Leo is giving are for pizza.
Did we really have to give Marcus the majestic Hoff Idol?
You can’t put a price on the kind of momentum TRIAD has given The Big Ticket, Harlan..
Speaking of price…
I’m not charging for today’s meeting. PIC asked nicely that we should give Leo some draft advice. Better to be owed a favor than a check.
We did our job anyway. Max really is some Team Leo material. I’m really hoping the good doctor gets drafted. The henhouse needs a good fox with Stratford out. And a talented longshot with a name like Paul Freedom? He’ll sell a lot of t-shirts to an American audience. Do you think Abby Walker is really the one we knew?
She could be. It would be nice to have a touch of home in the competition. Even if she did try to kill me 2 years ago. It might just be a constant in the multiverse that The Walkers are insane. Would make for a good show either way.
And the Chicago show?
I’ll hold TRIAD to the agreement with Leo. Welsh should have chosen his proxy more carefully. He deserves what he gets if the little shit went rouge. We’re ready to host a show. I’ll be glad to have a few hundred eyes on the intrigue in this group. The living masterpiece isn’t the only mystery here. It’s almost a shame you’re not in the field this time.
I’m out of the competition. I’m not out of the game.
Miss Albright smiles up into one of the many cameras in the room, the spider web pendant around her neck catching the light.
We have work to do.
We zoom out as Miss Albright and Harvey get to work. As we zoom out and away we go through the ceiling, a few walls, and into a control room where we see several monitors providing footage of every room, every crevice, every nook this building has to offer. Our view continues to rise through the ceiling, additional floors until we finally get to the roof of BTE. Our shot lingers on the roof of the building for a moment before it turns, giving us an impressive view of the nighttime Chicago skyline. The following words display on screen.
Leo stands about ten feet tall. VR goggles strapped tightly to his head. A silk, gold jacket around his body. Bare chest flaunted underneath. Some hair drawn on with a very realistic pencil. A can of ‘Radbod’ beer in one hand and drama in the other.
Look at this place! Look at it! An abode fit for a big ticket!
Leo points at all the colorful suits lining the walls of this giant room.
And…possibly…a king?
Leo takes his hand and runs the back of it down his chest. He snickers and shimmies his upper body.
Ahem.
A low, commanding voice breaks the flippant air. Leo turns around and looks down into the eyes of Harvey Marx.
Leo towering OVER Harvey?
Our view pans down…Leo’s head, his upper torso and, finally, his legs seated atop the shoulders of a near seven foot bodyguard. Marx laughs
Miss Albright said she’d be meeting with “a representative of TRIAD” today. I thought it might be Marcus or PIC. To be honest I was hoping for the rarest thing of all…A TLS sighting. Instead, I just get you. No security risk on this one. I’m going to grab a Cuban sandwich.
Marx takes one final look at Leo and snorts with derision. He straightens his royal blue suit coat and pivots on his heel, making an exit.
Yea, yea, see ya later ‘Big Tick -’
Leo’s pompous, derision laced goodbye comes to a screeching halt as he sees Miss Albright staring up at him.
Holy smokes!
He nearly falls off the shoulders of his bodyguard, barely able to keep his balance. Miss Albright looks at the body guard.
Is this what you thought life after the Army would look like? I can’t imagine what he must be paying you to put up with him. I only talk business with people who are dressed for business. Only one of us is getting paid by the hour, so how about you put him down and lend him your jacket?
She looks up at “The Leo”
Your man can’t do his job if you tie his hands like this…
Fine…
With a petulant sigh he acquiesces and snaps his fingers. The bodyguard drops to one knee. The Leo sloppily climbs off, nearly face planting on the hard floor. He shoots back up, acting like nothing happened. The bodyguard removes his coat, handing it to The Leo. The Leo slides into it…his hands vanish in the massive sleeves. The bottom of the coat drapes down, nearly touching his ankles. He looks like a 5 year old playing ‘adult’.
Good call. I already feel more professional.
The Leo snaps his fingers again. The bodyguard, now sporting a black bullet proof vest over a similarly colored t-shirt, guns strapped and holstered at each side, extends his arms. The Leo jumps up and the bodyguard catches him in his arms. Leo turns, laying out, tossing one leg over the other, propping his head up via his elbow in the giant bodyguard’s hand. He slowly lowers his VR goggles and eyes Miss Albright.
Alright, let’s talk shop, babe.
Miss Albright plasters on her best producer’s smile, the one crafted through years of dealing with divas, actors, politicians, children, and Boris.
You’re here because Mr Welsh is trusting you to scout for the next season. I don’t know why, and I don’t care. Big Ticket Entertainment’s consulting fees cover a wide range of…custom services. How can BTE help you, Mr…?
Alright well for starters…
The Leo dips his hand into the pocket of the bodyguard and removes a tiny bag of Welch’s fruit snacks, pre torn. He rips the rest of the bag open and eats one.
There is no Mr. Welsh. I ran his ass out of town for being too weak. He let Triumvirate in. He risked everything. As far as I’m concerned, he can go join the rest of the jokes that make up the majority of his profession in the minor leagues.
The Leo reaches in and finds a strawberry fruit snack. His eyes light up.
Oh! Strawberry.
He throws it in his mouth and continues.
I’m not gonna come in here and beg or plead or act afraid of my or anyone else’s shadow like my preprofessor. I’m here with a purpose. Word around the pro wrestling juice box is that you guys here do your homework.
The Leo looks and notices several ‘eyes in the sky’.
You clearly keep tabs on all the comings and goings. So, since I’m paying you good money. How’s about you dish on a few names I’m very interested in. Started with (unscripted).
The Leo finds another Strawberry fruit snack and says ‘score!’
The Wit Trials are about creativity. That might be hard to package for the average wrestling fan. Bravery and Strength are moving the tickets in this industry, but it’s the more subtle things that make the story work. The season starts in Paris with a piece of art on display who should help our audience understand why the final piece matters. My people and I are all performers. Harvey Marx stands under the spotlight with a very simple goal. He’s here to get people to open their eyes and their wallets and help TRIAD’s bottom line. He’s a showman, but not an artist. The competitor known as Untitled is very different. For them, art is a goal in itself. They’re a living canvas with an appreciation for the finer things the world has to offer. No surprise the TRIAD has their attention. It represents the different elements of human struggle and potential. It’s both an idea we can understand at an instinctive level and a mystery our minds can’t quite grasp.
Leo stares at Miss Albright blankly as he contemplates the mysteries of fruit snacks.
Untitled is highly adaptable in the ring. They study opponents and adjust. Art changes depending on who is looking at it the same way wrestlers react differently to different opponents. This draft is the least predictable of all three since some of the best known talent will opt for the Tribulations, as Matt Knox already has. Untitled seems like a strong choice in a situation where you’ll have no idea what your team will be up against.
Leo looks completely lost However, once Miss Albright finishes he narrows his eyes and leans forward.
Very, very interesting. Yes, I agree with everything you just said. Very helpful.
Leo pauses. He stares at Miss Albright. She looks back up at him. He scrambles, digging into a pocket. He removes a polaroid.
Okay, now do this guy. Sorry about the quality of the photo but this guy is apparently really old school. Sent us his info via snail mail. I’m thinking he’s useless, right?
Miss Albright takes the polaroid and immediately recognizes Dr. Louis D’Ville.
This season we trace some important steps in the life of Nikola Tesla. Genius is a powerful thing. The next name on your list is worthy of the word, and a lot of other words I’ll need to edit out of the non-suspicion cut of this interview. In the ring, Dr. Louis D'ville reminds me most of Mr. Marx. Both men are brutally efficient brawlers. The good doctor doesn’t have The Big Ticket’s physical gifts, but he’ll make up for that with sheer violence and force of will. He’ll pursue the TRIAD unrestrained by morality. Mr. Welsh has proven he’ll do whatever it takes to bring winners to this competition. As much as I loathe to say so on record, I’m impressed by your willingness to consider drafting this one. Men like him can be useful tools as long as you don’t become their tool. I’ll be blunt. This son of a bitch will probably eat you alive. The fans are curious about him though. He’ll sell tickets. All you have to sell is your soul.
Welsh…
Leo’s voice trails as he takes his index finger and puts it into his mouth doing the ‘puke’ gesture.
He’s been purged. Forget about him. Yesterday’s news. Kinda like using snail mail or handing over a polaroid photo for your head shot. You’d think people would at least do email these days…I get it’s tough remember email addresses and getting that mailer daemon kickback but sometimes…
Miss Albright perks up.
Daemon…Max Daemon?
Leo looks around like a deer in the headlights.
Uh, um…is he draft-eligible?
Miss Albright nods.
Oh yea, absolutely. Do him next. He’s on my radar for sure. Very interested.
You’d get along famously with Max Daemon. He’s impulsive, only has one speed, and never met a party he didn’t like. There isn’t much difference inside the ring either. He’s a hell of a fighter and he’s never had a problem putting his body on the line to get it done. Death match, battle royal, triple threat, he’ll do it all. There’s some risk with the pick, of course, but I don’t expect either of you to start thinking about consequences now. Does he have demons? We all do. What matters is that Max has used that fire to win everywhere he’s been. Sometimes he turns it on hotel rooms. Big Ticket Entertainment will assume full responsibility for any property damages if he’s drafted by anyone. Our industry has its share of eccentric personalities. The fans don’t see what it takes to keep some of these competitors upright and in the right city. That doesn’t matter. Results in the ring cure a lot of PR problems, and my company will take care of the rest. The fight he had with Marx behind the waffle house in Phoenix last year wasn’t a big deal. Everyone know’s Max is Harvey’s BFF.
Leo perks up at the mention of Waffle House.
Trust me, your boy is no stranger to what goes down behind a Waffle House. If Max has braved the elements behind America’s fightiest restaurant then he’s no doubt…team leo material.
Miss Albright barrels right along as though she’s merely entertaining the random outbursts of a toddler.
The first two seasons have been built on big names and established veterans. Recognition is good marketing and return on investment. Things might be changing ahead of the third season. With standouts like Vhodka Black sitting out this round, we’re seeing younger talent reach for the prize. Serenity Holmes has voted in fewer elections than she’s had world titles. People like what they know. They also like an underdog.
Nodding along, the word ‘election’ hits Leo a certain way. He looks up at his stoic bodyguard, continuing to act as his couch.
Hey, you think, after I lead Team Leo to victory and unite the TRIAD on my own that I can run for president? It is an election year…yea, think about it…President The Leo…
Leo gets nothing from his bodyguard.
That’s a yes, by the way. Whenever his nostrils look like that, it’s a yes. President The Leo is going to let Freedom ring!
Miss Albright hears ‘Freedom’ and points out Paul Freedom to Leo.
Paul Freedom has been making a lot of noise on the fringes of the industry these last few months. He doesn’t have enough experience to know people like him don’t usually get booked with the likes of Corey Black, and I don’t think he cares. You can decide for yourself if his confidence is from naivete or if he’s delusional. What I care about is fans on their feet watching him run all over the ring and hang with big names. This kid has serious ambitions and serious heat going into the draft. He’s a viable pick as long as you don’t move any shows into the Lone Star State. I hope Nikola Tesla was never in Texas. I have plenty of reach and resources, but I don’t think anyone can guarantee Mr. Freedom’s safety down there.
Leo nods and reaches for another fruit snack.
Answer me this, Miss Albright…you keep bringing up this Nikola Tesla guy. What’s his draft stock look like to you? He sounds like a heavy hitter.
For the first time, Leo shows an uncanny amount of interest in one of the ‘draft-eligible’ names. A long silence is broken by an elevator chime.
He’s the whole reason there’s a third TRIAD piece to look for.
The Big Ticket struts off the elevator and continues through a mouthful of ham and pickles
I’m not surprised you don’t know that. You know, all the important stuff you’re obviously in charge of these days.
Marx walks up to the bodyguard and offers half of the massive Cubano. The man’s eyes flicker. For an instant he considers dropping Leo to grab it. The big man continues.
The Wit Trails go where he went. First to Paris where he worked with the Edison co. After that he went to New York and licensed some of his systems for the money to build labs. He did a bunch of stuff with ludicrous amounts of electricity and payed SHOCKINGLY few bills. He was right here in Chicago in 1893 for the world’s fair. Want to experiment with the conductive properties of low pressure air? Follow him to Colorado Springs! We’re going to end with more than a few sparks at Niagara Falls!
He died in 1943. But there’s plenty of electrifying talent in this draft! Abby Walker is a huge star! I’ve watched her win American hearts and Primetime Emmys for years in my home universe. The Walkers is the highest-rated sitcom in the Black Pyramid Universe and they’ve brought laughs and life lessons to millions!
Time for the Trials to add values to violence.
I couldn’t agree more! Abby’s transition from acting to signing with CULT and Casanova English has always seemed absolutely sane and logical to me! BTE will be glad to hire a few personal assistants and provide a trailer for Ms Walker. Four people should do it. She gets a little…moody… when she doesn’t get what she wants. If she can unite generations of audiences across two universes with her wholesome charm, Abby Walker can certainly unite the TRIAD!
Leo’s mind jumps to the closest thing he can associate with Abby.
Walker Texas Ranger was a popular show and it starred Chuck…something or other, the guy who killed Bruce Lee. Yea, Walker is a good name.
Again, Miss Albright just ignores Leo’s verbal meandering.
If you really want to pay tribute to Nikola Tesla and put a charge into your team, draft CYPH3R! Both are volatile, effortlessly brilliant and totally useless without electricity!
I’ll be honest…I don’t like that scrawny stack of squirrels in a hoodie or his methods. I’m a little more direct, but we’re not talking about the Strength Draft here. He’s got a mouth on him but he’s got a mind too.
We have a bit of history with Mr. Norrie. He obtained a few documents making troubling accusations about myself, Mr Marx, and Big Ticket Entertainment. We survived because the people were smart enough to consider the source of the information. He’s already made his presence felt by hacking the fan voting on Night 7.
Leo nearly spits some of his RadBeer out as he snaps and points.
I remember that! The glitchy stuff like it was Max Headroom all over again! The skinny guy that put THE CHAMP over those other two…
He pauses, realizing Harvey was in that match. He clears his throat and clutches, tightly to the arm of his bodyguard.
Hacking is terrible. Very terrible. He should be ashamed.
Very effective. Uniting the TRIAD is about more than wrestling. We’ve seen a piece of it pass judgment before. Booking doesn’t matter as much as being able to impress whatever power is behind this thing. Mind games on the microphone aren’t going to be enough for this last piece. Cypher has taken things into cyberspace already once in this competition, and he could give you an edge in the game being played outside the ropes.
Leo leans forward, nearly falling out of his bodyguard’s arms.
Cyberspace? Where’s that at? Is that like beyond the black hole? Outside the Murky Way?
Miss Albright blinks incredulously and adjusts the angle of her seating system back a few degrees. The sound of the tilt motor is like nails on a chalkboard in the silence.
That’s where you play Call of Duty and check Atara Raven and Adi Goldblum’s Twitter feed.
That reminds me!
Leo snaps his fingers and places the VR Goggles back over his eyes. He flips over in the bodyguard’s arms. The bodyguard stands, carrying Leo like a groom carries his bride into a wedding suite. The bodyguard looks at Marx and Miss Albright with a great deal of shame in his eyes. Leo snaps his fingers.
Time to see what those lovely ladies are up to…hold on…wait…what the…
Leo scrambles, ripping the VR Goggles off and throwing them on the ground. He scrambles, wrapping his arms around his bodyguard’s neck. The bodyguard rolls his eyes.
Look! In the Goggles! It’s the spaceman, cyber!
The bodyguard steps forward and crushes the VR Goggles with his foot. Leo has his face turned away, shielding his eyes.
Is he gone?
The bodyguard nods, peeling Leo’s arm off his neck with disgust. Leo takes the back of his hand and wipes some imaginary sweat from his forehead.
Whew, well…THAT was a close one. This place is pretty secure, right?
Miss Albright and Marx nod as if to say “Uh, yea.”
I thought so. See? The Leo can pick up on things most people can’t.
He says with cameras all over the place, security on every floor, and Harvey freakin Marx right in front of him.
Tell ya what…to ensure everything goes…
He leans in, wiggling his eyebrows at Miss Albright.
According to plan.
He tries to wink but just blinks. She shakes her head with a slight frown of disgust.
Why don’t we have you two host Night 11 right here in Chicago at…The Big Ticket Tower or whatever it’s called!
Miss Albright looks to Marx. He looks back. They do so without giving anything away.
I think we could accommodate such an event.
Miss Albright accepts. Leo claps his hands together, rapidly.
Terrific! And people thought I wasn’t ready for this gig. HA!
He finishes off the can of Radbeer, nearly choking on what’s left. He composes and tosses the can over his shoulder. A security member for Harvey and Miss Albright catches it. Leo reaches up, patting his bodyguard on the face.
Onward, my good man! Harvey and my second favorite Leo, it’s been a pleasure! Now, I’m off to continue my awesome existence.
Dramatically, Leo throws his head back and relaxes his arms as the bodyguard carries him away while he’s thinking about god-knows-what with his eyes shut.
As soon as the elevator doors close on The Leo and his bodyguard, Marx turns to Miss Albright.
Did you have Oz fake that cypher hack?
I had nothing to do with that. That was just karma.
I almost wish Leo was as in charge of the draft as he thinks. Him and the hoodie deserve each other.
We both know the only orders Leo is giving are for pizza.
Did we really have to give Marcus the majestic Hoff Idol?
You can’t put a price on the kind of momentum TRIAD has given The Big Ticket, Harlan..
Speaking of price…
I’m not charging for today’s meeting. PIC asked nicely that we should give Leo some draft advice. Better to be owed a favor than a check.
We did our job anyway. Max really is some Team Leo material. I’m really hoping the good doctor gets drafted. The henhouse needs a good fox with Stratford out. And a talented longshot with a name like Paul Freedom? He’ll sell a lot of t-shirts to an American audience. Do you think Abby Walker is really the one we knew?
She could be. It would be nice to have a touch of home in the competition. Even if she did try to kill me 2 years ago. It might just be a constant in the multiverse that The Walkers are insane. Would make for a good show either way.
And the Chicago show?
I’ll hold TRIAD to the agreement with Leo. Welsh should have chosen his proxy more carefully. He deserves what he gets if the little shit went rouge. We’re ready to host a show. I’ll be glad to have a few hundred eyes on the intrigue in this group. The living masterpiece isn’t the only mystery here. It’s almost a shame you’re not in the field this time.
I’m out of the competition. I’m not out of the game.
Miss Albright smiles up into one of the many cameras in the room, the spider web pendant around her neck catching the light.
We have work to do.
We zoom out as Miss Albright and Harvey get to work. As we zoom out and away we go through the ceiling, a few walls, and into a control room where we see several monitors providing footage of every room, every crevice, every nook this building has to offer. Our view continues to rise through the ceiling, additional floors until we finally get to the roof of BTE. Our shot lingers on the roof of the building for a moment before it turns, giving us an impressive view of the nighttime Chicago skyline. The following words display on screen.
Night 11: A Big Ticket Event