Post by jackdiamond on Jul 13, 2016 19:37:28 GMT -5
ON CAMERA:
Encompassing our first scene seemingly is a field of green. Zooming out the texture becomes more defined - the green field is comprised of felt. Entering our vision in the top left hand corner is a square of white with a red ‘J’ and a diamond above it; simultaneously in the right upper corner a white square with a black ‘J’ appears, an upside black club above. Continuing to zoom out we see the cards belongs to none other than Jack Diamond, donning a solid black three-piece suit. He sits across the blackjack table from a dealer in a tacky vest and forest green button down. Diamond twirls four blue chips between his fingers as he begins
Jack: Blackjack. For those who do not know, the game involves drawing cards into your hand in order to obtain a sum close twenty-one, but without going over. Now I wager most of you cannot count past your fingers and toes, which makes blackjack especially difficult to explain. Bear with me though - or if you cannot stomach the idea of learning from a NGW promo tune into any Dean Judas vignette instead.
Using his free hand he places a finger on each card in front of them and taps them twice.
Jack: Now, why am I here playing cards? Well any sap out there who watched me before NGW can tell you that casinos are my favorite joints to shoot the breeze about matches. Forces my opponent’s hand: makes them realize they are playing my game.
With a flick of his wrist he grasps the chips he had been twirling between his knuckles and places them on the felt. Right next to them and now in our view are four identical chips stacked on top of each other.
Jack: Today though my focus is not on my rivals - time is ticking and Judas seemingly decided to stand pat and remain silent. Meanwhile Corey Bull hit the ground running; and busted the moment he opened his mouth. No, today I want to focus on somebody worth my time - Dirk Bentley, and why we decided against doubling down on a Drifters reunion.
Diamond taps his fingers again, bringing attention to the cards
Jack: In blackjack occasionally you get dealt a pair. The house gives you an option in these cases. One: stick with what you already got. Play it safe. Option Two: Split the pair. It requires putting a little more skin in the game, but now each card has a new chance at a jackpot.
He continues speaking as the camera focuses on the two stacks of chips
Jack: That is the conundrum facing Dirk and myself. The hand in front of us, the Drifters, it is great draw. Almost unbeatable. But almost ain’t the best we can do. Devlin Scott, he wanted to force our hand and make the choice for me and Bentley. Dealing us a tag match for my televised debut. See NGW wants the Drifters to play out - it makes the tag division in this joint more than a bathroom break in his programming. Plus it buys insurance for Gavin and Ashleigh Grimes; they wouldn’t need to fret about two natural champions coming after their titles.
His fingers separate, dividing the pair of jacks so that the cards align with the two stacks of chips.
Jack: But Devlin, sorry to bust your bubble. We see what you, the dealer, is showing in this joint. Jokers like Dean Judas, McCollum, Bull, the two dames that comprise the Power Couple. None of those give us pause in raising the stakes. So we will not stand pat, wasting time with the Angelz of Destruction - whether Corey Bull this week or the inevitable shot you would hand us at the chump championship belts Knight and Graves have around their waists.
The dealer issues a second card to both of Diamond’s hands - the Jack of Diamonds matching up with an Ace of Clubs, while the Jack of Clubs matches with the Ace of Diamonds. Other casino patrons watching Jack applaud him for his bold move - splitting an already strong hand - pays off in a big way. After they settle down and the small mound of chips is moved into Jack’s coffers he continues.
Jack: Dean, Corey, you suckers got dealt a hard hand. Dirk and I, Drifters are not, are going to hit you in the middle of that ring until your faces bust wide open. See I bet you two will call upon your history against Dirk recently as to why the odds are on your side. But chumps, this ain’t actually blackjack. There is no relying on history, no counting cards. The only thing you suckers can count on is that Jack Diamond will take the pot and steal the show. When the final bell rings, my opponents will be double downed and THEIR LUCK RUN OU…
Right as Jack is about to deliver his catchphrase a group of men in all black suits walk up to the table, drawing the attention of those around. The man in front of the formation is a bit older, with less hair to grease back than his subordinates.
Jack: Do you jokers mind? This is a live stream.
Unphased by Jack’s status the older man speaks for his posse
Pit Boss: Mr. Diamond there is absolutely no photography or video recordings within the casino property.
Trying to pay the security team no mind, Jack’s eye stay focused on the cards in front of him.
Jack: Relax slick, I got a deal with management. I cut all my gambling promos here - my man with the camera ain’t trying to cheat or any jazz like that.
Pit Boss: Mr. Diamond perhaps when you had a working relationship with Zenith Entertainment, proprietors of this establishment, you were an exception. But that is no longer the case. We will need your friend here with the camera to leave immediately. As a courtesy I will let you cash out from the table now, but if you do not do so hastily then the process will be done for you as security escorts you off the premises.
Now Diamond turns to the pit boss with an icy stare.
Jack: Redher better line your pockets with a little something extra joker for embarrassing me like this, because you can bet you’ll never find a gig at any other joint in this city.
Now it the pit boss takes his turn to act emboldened.
Pit Boss: Then I’m glad the benefits are good here Mr. Diamond.
He nods to the muscle behind him
Pit Boss: Rufus please take our friend with the camera outside. Reggie, Rex, Ronald you ensure Mr. Diamond complies and does the same.
Three of the burly men approach Jack, and as two go to grab his arms he slides out of their grasp. Standing up he brushes off his shoulders and grabs a metal briefcase that had been sitting next to his him. As he storms out of the casino he turns to the pit boss and threatens him in a low growl
Jack: Today’s your lucky day slick - just remember everyone’s luck runs out.
As Diamond disappears one member of the security team, apparently Rufus, forcibly pushes the camera down tilting our view toward the ground. Our last shot is a glimpse of plush carpet underfoot as the cameraman is escorted out. Then an abrupt cut to black.
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(OOC: Trying a new style here, one that intertwines my character development and shoot. The scene is off camera where Jack is having a phone conversation [red text]; it also includes Jack reading a publicly released press statement. THAT Document [White Times New Roman Text] should be thought of as publicly available and treated as shoot/fair game. Anyway hope you enjoy!)
The back of the Town Car is private and cozy, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle visibly whizzing by through the window. Diamond sits in the back by himself in a dark black three piece suit. Resting on top of his slacks is a metal gray briefcase, on top of which we see a legal document. Jack’s face is obscured by aviators, along with his hand holding up a phone against his ear.
The following transcript is for public dissemination and provides supplemental information from a previous meeting (5-July-2016; minutes released 8-July-2016). This information provides complete transparency to the stakeholders of Venture Holdings Inc., in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Using his free hand he taps a finger on the top of the legal document
Jack: Yes I have the transcript in front of me right now…skip ahead to page nine.
Illya Punansky (COO Diamond Club): Mr. Diamond when you first approached us about becoming involved with a Venture Holdings Inc. asset there was a great deal of trepidation on our part. Your history in professional wrestling brought increased public attention and scrutiny. That compounded with your reputation amongst rival casinos was...less than stellar.
Gunther Chekov (Representing Venture Holdings Inc.): Less than stellar? They all warned us Jack is a no-good cheat.
Diamond (Representing Self): And yet they didn’t have a scrap of evidence to back up that bluff did they? No, those jokers were just steamed I always walked away from their tables in the black.
Ringo Redher (Representing Zenith Entertainment): Mr. Diamond in this meeting I insist you drop the slang use a proper vernacular
Diamond: Whatever chump
Jack: I still can’t believe that stunt at the casino, blackballing me in public.
Punansky: As I was saying Mr. Diamond, we entered our arrangement with trepidation. But you far exceeded expectations. Professional wrestling honed an acumen suited for promoting an entertainment-based business. Your reputation as a professional gambler loaned The Diamond Club immediate credibility, accelerating its growth. Additionally Ms. Maijong lauded your efforts in laying the groundwork in Southeast Asia for expansion of our membership-based gambling establishments.
Diamond: Thanks doll.
Maijong (Through a Translator): Don’t get cute Mr. Diamond.
Jack: Relax, everything went off without a hitch; everyone bought it.
Punansky: Your future with Venture Holdings Inc., notably the Diamond Club, would have been bright. That makes our decision to sever our affiliation with you difficult; yet you give us little latitude in terms of options.
Jack: No, none of them were wise to the ruse. Except maybe Lin, but I will deal with her if she presses.
Diamond: How are you suckers, I apologize stakeholders, going to discard me from the Diamond Club? My name is on the sign.
Redher: Oh drop it Jack, you know full well that Zenith Entertainment chose the name because it represents two suits in a playing deck. Diamond. And Club.
Chekov: The only reason we picked Diamond is because Heart Club sounded like a gentlemen’s establishment. And the other one.
Punansky: Obviously we could not go with the other option. Mr. Diamond you must realize why we cannot affiliate our assets with anyone partaking in an organization such as New Generation Wrestling.
Diamond: How does diversifying my interests create such a conflict for you cats?
Jack: I told you I needed to cash out quick; liquify assets.
Chekov: Seriously Jack? The Diamond Club runs a sports book; we cannot have it look like a managing member can take bets on himself.
Diamond: Why not? I am the safest bet in town.
Redher: Show some professionalism Jack and cut the bravado. You must have seen this coming - have you never heard of Insider Trading? It is when
Diamond: Trust me slick, I am familiar with the term. A Mr. Judas over at NGW was kind enough to actually read the definition to everyone recently.
Punansky: Speaking of Mr. Judas and NGW that brings us to our second conflict. See if you elected a more reputable organization to resume your athletic career, such as UFC or the WWE, perhaps a compromise could be made - moving you from a managerial role within the Diamond Club to more of a spokesperson. But New Generation Wrestling, because of individuals such as Mr. Judas you just referenced, is an unacceptable affiliation for Venture Holdings Inc. and its interests.
Chekov: I think you are scum Jack, but even you look like a saint compared to your new coworkers.
Diamond: You ain’t a saint yourself slick
Punansky: Mr. Redher and Mr. Chekov researched the organization, and find it particularly toxic.
Diamond: Can someone fill me in on these allegations then
Jack: Yes, yes it had to be New Generation Wrestling. It’s out of state. Plus with that roster, it was the safest bet for drawing a quick reaction from the board.
Redher: Of particular concern we found the following : employment of mentally unstable and convicted criminals. Notably Dean Judas who was imprisoned at age thirteen - the exact charges unknown. Likely sealed as he was a juevenile at the time. But let us say they don’t send teenagers to San Quentin for truancy. From the sounds of it, and subsequent behavior he displayed, it was probably macabre wanton violence.
Diamond: The only crimes I am aware of Dean Judas actually committing is first degree hypcrosiy, and robbing precious time from any sucker stuck watching his promotional videos.
Punansky: Excuse me?
Diamond: His efforts going into the last NGW pay-per-view murdered any interest in his match; I do not know which involved a longer sentence - his rants or his stint in San Quentin. He had the pair with his rap sheet to accuse a Mr. Dirk Bentley of insider trading; guess he never learned irony while in irons.
Redher: Seriously Jack?
Diamond: Hey, I am just trying to say I see your point regarding Mr. Judas.
Punansky: Mr. Diamond this is an important matter we are speaking about, your sarcasm and disparaging remarks are uncalled for here.
Diamond: My apologies, if I knew it was important I would not have brought up Dean Judas. Does Mr. Judas comprise your whole list of grievances involving NGW and its hiring practices?
Chekov: Not by a long shot Jack. A Mr. Bull, while never imprisoned has been linked to multiple violent crimes including patricide and arson. We also believe that due to recent recorded activities that Mr. Bull may face criminal proceedings in the near future - depending on if a Summer O’Reilley presses charges.
Diamond: You don’t say?
Chekov: Yes on 1-June-2016 he broadcasted medical records regarding Summer O’Reilley; medical records he obtained illegally under the flimsy pretext of a background investigation. Clear case of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. This is a direct violation of United States Code forty-two, one-three-two-zero
Diamond: Slick you sound just like Judas - just tell me what it could cost Bull.
Chekov: If she could get even a halfway decent prosecutor then Mr. Bull would face up to ten years in prison and two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars in fines.
Redher: But even if she doesn’t bring him to justice, his multiple prolonged stays in mental institutions is concerning on its own from the perspective of the board. Especially because it is unclear if he requires more therapy
Diamond: Of course he does joker, he is obviously insane.
Chekov: Is that right Jack, you got a PhD you left off your resume?
Jack: My reputation? No, the jokers at NGW are no skin off my nose.
Diamond: No, but the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. And that sucker Corey Bull, he prepares for each match the same exact way. He releases promotional videos before every match
Jack: More like Manifestos
Diamond: Each and every vignette follows the same formula - a convoluted diatribe, a new story about his family and upbringing, and then a series of death threats in which he guarantees victory. Yet he loses week in and week out. So not only does it show Corey Bull suffers from diminished mental faculties, but he insane for thinking that preparing the exact same way before every match will result in anything but his defeat.
Punansky: While I am inclined to agree with your assessment Mr. Diamond, that hardly constitutes medical evidence.
Jack: Odds are they will actually help my standing - most of them are so perverse that when I leave them broke and broken even I stand a chance of getting cheered.
Diamond: That serves my point - neither of these dolts is still in the looney bin, even if I would bet top dollar they belong there. Per the judicial system they are rehabilitated; and while they are unqualified to compete with the likes of me, NGW did not break any laws employing them.
Punansky: I am glad you bring that up Mr. Diamond. You are correct, their history is utterly irrelevant.
Diamond: No matter how many times they bring it up.
Punansky: Please let me finish Mr. Diamond. There history is not as concerning as the current content of products that Mr. Judas and Mr. Bull disseminate. In fact is is beyond concerning - it is alarming. Per our research it is full of misogynistic, homophobic, and racially insensitive language and actions. Mr. Chekov can you please provide some examples.
Chekov: In reference to his last opponent, a Ms. Shelley Silver, Dean made the following public comments. After making a hand motion representing fellatio he referenced her promotional activities for the match with I quote “I’m willing to bet her entire promo will come off like a giant PMS fueled rant” before citing unsubstantiated science about a difference between the mental and emotional faculties of men and women. Further along he reiterates that he believes, and I apologize for the crass language to the women in the room, that Ms. Silver is and I quote “a fucking twat”
Redher: That is from your new coworker Mr. Diamond.
Diamond: First, he may get his paycheck signed by the same cats as me but that doesn’t mean Dean Judas can stack up with yours truly. Also while Dean seems like he is still dealing in gender comments that society discarded over a decade ago, he is a product of his environment.
Jack: Listen I did my part, and it was a huge gamble to boot. How are you doing on your end?
Redher: What?
Diamond: I would bet that match was the closest the joker has been to a woman in years. That sap would not say that type of jazz on the off chance he actually met and spoke with a female face to face. Loneliness, chances are while in prison and mental institutions, stunted him - Corey Bull to boot.
Chekov: What is your point Jack, that we should pity them?
Diamond: Yes, they deserve some sympathy - and not just for drawing me as their next opponent. But check out Corey Bull’s latest vignette. He rolls on about how when getting lucky he would fight so hard against it, that whenever he engaged in such sexual activity he always wanted to be done with it. Put all this on his father to boot. Corey is the type of cat who should stick to solitaire. If you catch my drift.
Punansky: Whatever the reason why Mr. Bull and Mr. Judas share perverse sentiments on women and promote gender inequality is irrelevant. We the board cannot even transitively affiliate Venture Holdings Inc. with such language or behavior. We live in a world where Donald Sterling lost billions being forced to sell ownership of the Golden State Warriors - all over an illegally recorded comment on race. If anyone actually paid attention to Dean Judas or Corey Bull and made a casual association to Venture Holdings through you - it could cost us in lawsuits, public relations, and sizable portion of the female demographic.
Chekov: Not to mention the LGBT-Q portion of society when they find out those two make derogatory homophobic remarks.
Diamond: You pay these jokers more heed than me, to what are you referring?
Chekov: He calls Shelley Silver, apparently an open bisexual, a sexually confused twat. He then refers to the current NGW champion, a Mr. Grimes, a Queen. Another individual named Dillinger is called a fruitcake, and Mr. Judas degradingly alludes to Mr. Grimest providing sexual favors to another man.
Diamond: You bring up a few good points - this cat does not belong on television. Even in a backward state like Ohio where NGW is located. But what if Dean Judas hightailed it from NGW?
Jack: Yes, yes I know the stakes are high for you too. Don’t go getting cold feet now though. Like or not the chips are down. How are things on your end?
Redher: What do you mean?
Diamond: Lucky for us it seems that Dean Judas lost his voice even before he loses this match with me; not a peep since the pay-per-view. Sure it is only a few days out, but I would bet he does not speak up until the last moment - if at all. Odds are he saw I was someone he would deal with at NGW and cashed out. See jokers like Corey Bull that Dean only prefer to rant and rave when nobody can call them on it.
Jack: No excuses just get me the short list and I will take care of it from there.
Chekov: Speaking of, Mr. Bull also partakes in this type of homophobic behavior - directing comments at you and a Mr. Bentley. Specifically using unacceptable language to infer that the latter is subservient to you.
Redher: Says you only returned to wrestling at the beck and call of your favorite bitch
Diamond: That sucker had the pair to say that?
Pulansky: Mr. Diamond, such an allusion is most inappropriate.
Diamond: Chump, can it.
Redher: Poor choice in words aside, any truth to that Jack? Are you throwing all this away just to bail out an old friend?
Diamond: Not a chance, for starters Dirk and I are not shooting to collude - both of us are focused on much bigger pots. As for Corey, that joker drew together any other NGW employee with a pulse to make his own little protection racket. He’s the one that cannot cut it in a wrestling joint without a few backers. Guess he realized with a headful of personalities and no talent between them, that he needed a handful of allies instead. Not that the suckers he paired with are more useful; you suits on this board would have a punchers chance at taking down Angelz of Destruction.
Jack: Yes, I need it as soon as possible. As you can see our timeline can be accelerated considerably.
The city as seen through the tinted window has disappeared, instead only desert is visible. Diamond taps on the divider, giving a signal to the driver to pull over. The details of the world outside the car becomes clearer as the car seemingly slows down.
Pulansky: Enough Mr. Diamond, you are making a mockery of this meeting and using it to further some other agenda.
Jack: Glad one of you suckers caught on.
Pulansky: The offer we are proposing is a more than generous severance package considering the circumstances. Additionally we will purchase back all stock you have in any Venture Holdings subsidiary at market value. In exchange you surrender the right to any legal recourse, and renounce any affiliation with Venture Holdings Inc., Zenith Entertainment, the Diamond Club, and any related assets.
Diamond: No dice
Chekov: Excuse me Jack, you are the one that misstepped here. Not us. What leverage do you think you have here?
Jack: Considerably accelerated - slick they signed off on the highball offer. Didn’t even bat an eye.
Diamond: You need me out by Saturday - see my first match was under the table. A dark match, none of your stakeholders, investors, or other chumps with interest caught it. Saturday though, I take on the two jokers we been dealing with in this meeting - the ones that give you far more grief than they will ever give me. All eyes will be on me during that match, but if catch a sideways glance at Corey or Dean.... Bad business for you jokers.
Redher: Shit
Diamond: Exactly - but I will let you all off easy. I want one and a half times market value; give me that and I will cash out here and now.
Pulansky: That is unacceptable Mr. Diamond
Diamond: That is the price of doing business Illya. Do we have a deal?
Chekov: I will sign off on it on behalf of Venture Holdings Inc. Anything to end this affiliation before it creates a public relations nightmare.
Diamond: Fantastic, then draw up the papers - I got better places to be than this joint.
His phone beeps and he pulls it away from his ear to look at the screen for a moment. Bringing the phone back to his ear, his expression remains serious and unchanged.
Jack: Okay I just got your email with the list - it is a start but you need to step it up. A pot this big is going to require us playing the game of our lives. Start talking to the people you need to, grease the wheels. I will take care of things on my end. Expect a call next week, new number.
With a slight hiccup the Town Car comes to a rest, the reddish terrain outside the window looking more Martian than rural Nevada. Turning toward the door Diamond opens it up and steps out into the desert. It is expansive, the Sunset Strip still visible toward the horizon. Responding to the sweltering heat Jack takes off his jacket and tosses it into the car, revealing his crisp white button down and vest. He strides to the front of the car and leans back on the hood, staring at the open desert in front of him. Shades still cover part of his face but his brows dip underneath the lens - a sign he has closed his eyes. Everything around him remains very still, as does Jack. For several moments he leans there in silence, but in his head is the roar of thousands upon thousands; cheering and jeering in one cohesive, focused rush of excitement. They chant in his mind, though the words at this point remain indeterminable - the idea he is imagining is still too far into its infancy for such details. Jack opens his eyes again and for the first time in a long time, his expression has a trace of worry. Speaking reassuredly to nobody in particular
Jack: This game; the stakes have never been higher. All or nothing. I cannot afford to lose...
After a deep breath his tone becomes more resolute
Jack: I will not lose - this pot, this world….it is mine for the taking.
Pushing off the hood he circles to the door and slides into the back of the town car. He shouts to the driver
Jack: McCarron, and step on it
The last noise we hear is two knocks on the divider and crunching sand under tires as the car merges back onto the road ahead.
Encompassing our first scene seemingly is a field of green. Zooming out the texture becomes more defined - the green field is comprised of felt. Entering our vision in the top left hand corner is a square of white with a red ‘J’ and a diamond above it; simultaneously in the right upper corner a white square with a black ‘J’ appears, an upside black club above. Continuing to zoom out we see the cards belongs to none other than Jack Diamond, donning a solid black three-piece suit. He sits across the blackjack table from a dealer in a tacky vest and forest green button down. Diamond twirls four blue chips between his fingers as he begins
Jack: Blackjack. For those who do not know, the game involves drawing cards into your hand in order to obtain a sum close twenty-one, but without going over. Now I wager most of you cannot count past your fingers and toes, which makes blackjack especially difficult to explain. Bear with me though - or if you cannot stomach the idea of learning from a NGW promo tune into any Dean Judas vignette instead.
Using his free hand he places a finger on each card in front of them and taps them twice.
Jack: Now, why am I here playing cards? Well any sap out there who watched me before NGW can tell you that casinos are my favorite joints to shoot the breeze about matches. Forces my opponent’s hand: makes them realize they are playing my game.
With a flick of his wrist he grasps the chips he had been twirling between his knuckles and places them on the felt. Right next to them and now in our view are four identical chips stacked on top of each other.
Jack: Today though my focus is not on my rivals - time is ticking and Judas seemingly decided to stand pat and remain silent. Meanwhile Corey Bull hit the ground running; and busted the moment he opened his mouth. No, today I want to focus on somebody worth my time - Dirk Bentley, and why we decided against doubling down on a Drifters reunion.
Diamond taps his fingers again, bringing attention to the cards
Jack: In blackjack occasionally you get dealt a pair. The house gives you an option in these cases. One: stick with what you already got. Play it safe. Option Two: Split the pair. It requires putting a little more skin in the game, but now each card has a new chance at a jackpot.
He continues speaking as the camera focuses on the two stacks of chips
Jack: That is the conundrum facing Dirk and myself. The hand in front of us, the Drifters, it is great draw. Almost unbeatable. But almost ain’t the best we can do. Devlin Scott, he wanted to force our hand and make the choice for me and Bentley. Dealing us a tag match for my televised debut. See NGW wants the Drifters to play out - it makes the tag division in this joint more than a bathroom break in his programming. Plus it buys insurance for Gavin and Ashleigh Grimes; they wouldn’t need to fret about two natural champions coming after their titles.
His fingers separate, dividing the pair of jacks so that the cards align with the two stacks of chips.
Jack: But Devlin, sorry to bust your bubble. We see what you, the dealer, is showing in this joint. Jokers like Dean Judas, McCollum, Bull, the two dames that comprise the Power Couple. None of those give us pause in raising the stakes. So we will not stand pat, wasting time with the Angelz of Destruction - whether Corey Bull this week or the inevitable shot you would hand us at the chump championship belts Knight and Graves have around their waists.
The dealer issues a second card to both of Diamond’s hands - the Jack of Diamonds matching up with an Ace of Clubs, while the Jack of Clubs matches with the Ace of Diamonds. Other casino patrons watching Jack applaud him for his bold move - splitting an already strong hand - pays off in a big way. After they settle down and the small mound of chips is moved into Jack’s coffers he continues.
Jack: Dean, Corey, you suckers got dealt a hard hand. Dirk and I, Drifters are not, are going to hit you in the middle of that ring until your faces bust wide open. See I bet you two will call upon your history against Dirk recently as to why the odds are on your side. But chumps, this ain’t actually blackjack. There is no relying on history, no counting cards. The only thing you suckers can count on is that Jack Diamond will take the pot and steal the show. When the final bell rings, my opponents will be double downed and THEIR LUCK RUN OU…
Right as Jack is about to deliver his catchphrase a group of men in all black suits walk up to the table, drawing the attention of those around. The man in front of the formation is a bit older, with less hair to grease back than his subordinates.
Jack: Do you jokers mind? This is a live stream.
Unphased by Jack’s status the older man speaks for his posse
Pit Boss: Mr. Diamond there is absolutely no photography or video recordings within the casino property.
Trying to pay the security team no mind, Jack’s eye stay focused on the cards in front of him.
Jack: Relax slick, I got a deal with management. I cut all my gambling promos here - my man with the camera ain’t trying to cheat or any jazz like that.
Pit Boss: Mr. Diamond perhaps when you had a working relationship with Zenith Entertainment, proprietors of this establishment, you were an exception. But that is no longer the case. We will need your friend here with the camera to leave immediately. As a courtesy I will let you cash out from the table now, but if you do not do so hastily then the process will be done for you as security escorts you off the premises.
Now Diamond turns to the pit boss with an icy stare.
Jack: Redher better line your pockets with a little something extra joker for embarrassing me like this, because you can bet you’ll never find a gig at any other joint in this city.
Now it the pit boss takes his turn to act emboldened.
Pit Boss: Then I’m glad the benefits are good here Mr. Diamond.
He nods to the muscle behind him
Pit Boss: Rufus please take our friend with the camera outside. Reggie, Rex, Ronald you ensure Mr. Diamond complies and does the same.
Three of the burly men approach Jack, and as two go to grab his arms he slides out of their grasp. Standing up he brushes off his shoulders and grabs a metal briefcase that had been sitting next to his him. As he storms out of the casino he turns to the pit boss and threatens him in a low growl
Jack: Today’s your lucky day slick - just remember everyone’s luck runs out.
As Diamond disappears one member of the security team, apparently Rufus, forcibly pushes the camera down tilting our view toward the ground. Our last shot is a glimpse of plush carpet underfoot as the cameraman is escorted out. Then an abrupt cut to black.
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(OOC: Trying a new style here, one that intertwines my character development and shoot. The scene is off camera where Jack is having a phone conversation [red text]; it also includes Jack reading a publicly released press statement. THAT Document [White Times New Roman Text] should be thought of as publicly available and treated as shoot/fair game. Anyway hope you enjoy!)
The back of the Town Car is private and cozy, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle visibly whizzing by through the window. Diamond sits in the back by himself in a dark black three piece suit. Resting on top of his slacks is a metal gray briefcase, on top of which we see a legal document. Jack’s face is obscured by aviators, along with his hand holding up a phone against his ear.
The following transcript is for public dissemination and provides supplemental information from a previous meeting (5-July-2016; minutes released 8-July-2016). This information provides complete transparency to the stakeholders of Venture Holdings Inc., in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Using his free hand he taps a finger on the top of the legal document
Jack: Yes I have the transcript in front of me right now…skip ahead to page nine.
Illya Punansky (COO Diamond Club): Mr. Diamond when you first approached us about becoming involved with a Venture Holdings Inc. asset there was a great deal of trepidation on our part. Your history in professional wrestling brought increased public attention and scrutiny. That compounded with your reputation amongst rival casinos was...less than stellar.
Gunther Chekov (Representing Venture Holdings Inc.): Less than stellar? They all warned us Jack is a no-good cheat.
Diamond (Representing Self): And yet they didn’t have a scrap of evidence to back up that bluff did they? No, those jokers were just steamed I always walked away from their tables in the black.
Ringo Redher (Representing Zenith Entertainment): Mr. Diamond in this meeting I insist you drop the slang use a proper vernacular
Diamond: Whatever chump
Jack: I still can’t believe that stunt at the casino, blackballing me in public.
Punansky: As I was saying Mr. Diamond, we entered our arrangement with trepidation. But you far exceeded expectations. Professional wrestling honed an acumen suited for promoting an entertainment-based business. Your reputation as a professional gambler loaned The Diamond Club immediate credibility, accelerating its growth. Additionally Ms. Maijong lauded your efforts in laying the groundwork in Southeast Asia for expansion of our membership-based gambling establishments.
Diamond: Thanks doll.
Maijong (Through a Translator): Don’t get cute Mr. Diamond.
Jack: Relax, everything went off without a hitch; everyone bought it.
Punansky: Your future with Venture Holdings Inc., notably the Diamond Club, would have been bright. That makes our decision to sever our affiliation with you difficult; yet you give us little latitude in terms of options.
Jack: No, none of them were wise to the ruse. Except maybe Lin, but I will deal with her if she presses.
Diamond: How are you suckers, I apologize stakeholders, going to discard me from the Diamond Club? My name is on the sign.
Redher: Oh drop it Jack, you know full well that Zenith Entertainment chose the name because it represents two suits in a playing deck. Diamond. And Club.
Chekov: The only reason we picked Diamond is because Heart Club sounded like a gentlemen’s establishment. And the other one.
Punansky: Obviously we could not go with the other option. Mr. Diamond you must realize why we cannot affiliate our assets with anyone partaking in an organization such as New Generation Wrestling.
Diamond: How does diversifying my interests create such a conflict for you cats?
Jack: I told you I needed to cash out quick; liquify assets.
Chekov: Seriously Jack? The Diamond Club runs a sports book; we cannot have it look like a managing member can take bets on himself.
Diamond: Why not? I am the safest bet in town.
Redher: Show some professionalism Jack and cut the bravado. You must have seen this coming - have you never heard of Insider Trading? It is when
Diamond: Trust me slick, I am familiar with the term. A Mr. Judas over at NGW was kind enough to actually read the definition to everyone recently.
Punansky: Speaking of Mr. Judas and NGW that brings us to our second conflict. See if you elected a more reputable organization to resume your athletic career, such as UFC or the WWE, perhaps a compromise could be made - moving you from a managerial role within the Diamond Club to more of a spokesperson. But New Generation Wrestling, because of individuals such as Mr. Judas you just referenced, is an unacceptable affiliation for Venture Holdings Inc. and its interests.
Chekov: I think you are scum Jack, but even you look like a saint compared to your new coworkers.
Diamond: You ain’t a saint yourself slick
Punansky: Mr. Redher and Mr. Chekov researched the organization, and find it particularly toxic.
Diamond: Can someone fill me in on these allegations then
Jack: Yes, yes it had to be New Generation Wrestling. It’s out of state. Plus with that roster, it was the safest bet for drawing a quick reaction from the board.
Redher: Of particular concern we found the following : employment of mentally unstable and convicted criminals. Notably Dean Judas who was imprisoned at age thirteen - the exact charges unknown. Likely sealed as he was a juevenile at the time. But let us say they don’t send teenagers to San Quentin for truancy. From the sounds of it, and subsequent behavior he displayed, it was probably macabre wanton violence.
Diamond: The only crimes I am aware of Dean Judas actually committing is first degree hypcrosiy, and robbing precious time from any sucker stuck watching his promotional videos.
Punansky: Excuse me?
Diamond: His efforts going into the last NGW pay-per-view murdered any interest in his match; I do not know which involved a longer sentence - his rants or his stint in San Quentin. He had the pair with his rap sheet to accuse a Mr. Dirk Bentley of insider trading; guess he never learned irony while in irons.
Redher: Seriously Jack?
Diamond: Hey, I am just trying to say I see your point regarding Mr. Judas.
Punansky: Mr. Diamond this is an important matter we are speaking about, your sarcasm and disparaging remarks are uncalled for here.
Diamond: My apologies, if I knew it was important I would not have brought up Dean Judas. Does Mr. Judas comprise your whole list of grievances involving NGW and its hiring practices?
Chekov: Not by a long shot Jack. A Mr. Bull, while never imprisoned has been linked to multiple violent crimes including patricide and arson. We also believe that due to recent recorded activities that Mr. Bull may face criminal proceedings in the near future - depending on if a Summer O’Reilley presses charges.
Diamond: You don’t say?
Chekov: Yes on 1-June-2016 he broadcasted medical records regarding Summer O’Reilley; medical records he obtained illegally under the flimsy pretext of a background investigation. Clear case of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. This is a direct violation of United States Code forty-two, one-three-two-zero
Diamond: Slick you sound just like Judas - just tell me what it could cost Bull.
Chekov: If she could get even a halfway decent prosecutor then Mr. Bull would face up to ten years in prison and two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars in fines.
Redher: But even if she doesn’t bring him to justice, his multiple prolonged stays in mental institutions is concerning on its own from the perspective of the board. Especially because it is unclear if he requires more therapy
Diamond: Of course he does joker, he is obviously insane.
Chekov: Is that right Jack, you got a PhD you left off your resume?
Jack: My reputation? No, the jokers at NGW are no skin off my nose.
Diamond: No, but the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. And that sucker Corey Bull, he prepares for each match the same exact way. He releases promotional videos before every match
Jack: More like Manifestos
Diamond: Each and every vignette follows the same formula - a convoluted diatribe, a new story about his family and upbringing, and then a series of death threats in which he guarantees victory. Yet he loses week in and week out. So not only does it show Corey Bull suffers from diminished mental faculties, but he insane for thinking that preparing the exact same way before every match will result in anything but his defeat.
Punansky: While I am inclined to agree with your assessment Mr. Diamond, that hardly constitutes medical evidence.
Jack: Odds are they will actually help my standing - most of them are so perverse that when I leave them broke and broken even I stand a chance of getting cheered.
Diamond: That serves my point - neither of these dolts is still in the looney bin, even if I would bet top dollar they belong there. Per the judicial system they are rehabilitated; and while they are unqualified to compete with the likes of me, NGW did not break any laws employing them.
Punansky: I am glad you bring that up Mr. Diamond. You are correct, their history is utterly irrelevant.
Diamond: No matter how many times they bring it up.
Punansky: Please let me finish Mr. Diamond. There history is not as concerning as the current content of products that Mr. Judas and Mr. Bull disseminate. In fact is is beyond concerning - it is alarming. Per our research it is full of misogynistic, homophobic, and racially insensitive language and actions. Mr. Chekov can you please provide some examples.
Chekov: In reference to his last opponent, a Ms. Shelley Silver, Dean made the following public comments. After making a hand motion representing fellatio he referenced her promotional activities for the match with I quote “I’m willing to bet her entire promo will come off like a giant PMS fueled rant” before citing unsubstantiated science about a difference between the mental and emotional faculties of men and women. Further along he reiterates that he believes, and I apologize for the crass language to the women in the room, that Ms. Silver is and I quote “a fucking twat”
Redher: That is from your new coworker Mr. Diamond.
Diamond: First, he may get his paycheck signed by the same cats as me but that doesn’t mean Dean Judas can stack up with yours truly. Also while Dean seems like he is still dealing in gender comments that society discarded over a decade ago, he is a product of his environment.
Jack: Listen I did my part, and it was a huge gamble to boot. How are you doing on your end?
Redher: What?
Diamond: I would bet that match was the closest the joker has been to a woman in years. That sap would not say that type of jazz on the off chance he actually met and spoke with a female face to face. Loneliness, chances are while in prison and mental institutions, stunted him - Corey Bull to boot.
Chekov: What is your point Jack, that we should pity them?
Diamond: Yes, they deserve some sympathy - and not just for drawing me as their next opponent. But check out Corey Bull’s latest vignette. He rolls on about how when getting lucky he would fight so hard against it, that whenever he engaged in such sexual activity he always wanted to be done with it. Put all this on his father to boot. Corey is the type of cat who should stick to solitaire. If you catch my drift.
Punansky: Whatever the reason why Mr. Bull and Mr. Judas share perverse sentiments on women and promote gender inequality is irrelevant. We the board cannot even transitively affiliate Venture Holdings Inc. with such language or behavior. We live in a world where Donald Sterling lost billions being forced to sell ownership of the Golden State Warriors - all over an illegally recorded comment on race. If anyone actually paid attention to Dean Judas or Corey Bull and made a casual association to Venture Holdings through you - it could cost us in lawsuits, public relations, and sizable portion of the female demographic.
Chekov: Not to mention the LGBT-Q portion of society when they find out those two make derogatory homophobic remarks.
Diamond: You pay these jokers more heed than me, to what are you referring?
Chekov: He calls Shelley Silver, apparently an open bisexual, a sexually confused twat. He then refers to the current NGW champion, a Mr. Grimes, a Queen. Another individual named Dillinger is called a fruitcake, and Mr. Judas degradingly alludes to Mr. Grimest providing sexual favors to another man.
Diamond: You bring up a few good points - this cat does not belong on television. Even in a backward state like Ohio where NGW is located. But what if Dean Judas hightailed it from NGW?
Jack: Yes, yes I know the stakes are high for you too. Don’t go getting cold feet now though. Like or not the chips are down. How are things on your end?
Redher: What do you mean?
Diamond: Lucky for us it seems that Dean Judas lost his voice even before he loses this match with me; not a peep since the pay-per-view. Sure it is only a few days out, but I would bet he does not speak up until the last moment - if at all. Odds are he saw I was someone he would deal with at NGW and cashed out. See jokers like Corey Bull that Dean only prefer to rant and rave when nobody can call them on it.
Jack: No excuses just get me the short list and I will take care of it from there.
Chekov: Speaking of, Mr. Bull also partakes in this type of homophobic behavior - directing comments at you and a Mr. Bentley. Specifically using unacceptable language to infer that the latter is subservient to you.
Redher: Says you only returned to wrestling at the beck and call of your favorite bitch
Diamond: That sucker had the pair to say that?
Pulansky: Mr. Diamond, such an allusion is most inappropriate.
Diamond: Chump, can it.
Redher: Poor choice in words aside, any truth to that Jack? Are you throwing all this away just to bail out an old friend?
Diamond: Not a chance, for starters Dirk and I are not shooting to collude - both of us are focused on much bigger pots. As for Corey, that joker drew together any other NGW employee with a pulse to make his own little protection racket. He’s the one that cannot cut it in a wrestling joint without a few backers. Guess he realized with a headful of personalities and no talent between them, that he needed a handful of allies instead. Not that the suckers he paired with are more useful; you suits on this board would have a punchers chance at taking down Angelz of Destruction.
Jack: Yes, I need it as soon as possible. As you can see our timeline can be accelerated considerably.
The city as seen through the tinted window has disappeared, instead only desert is visible. Diamond taps on the divider, giving a signal to the driver to pull over. The details of the world outside the car becomes clearer as the car seemingly slows down.
Pulansky: Enough Mr. Diamond, you are making a mockery of this meeting and using it to further some other agenda.
Jack: Glad one of you suckers caught on.
Pulansky: The offer we are proposing is a more than generous severance package considering the circumstances. Additionally we will purchase back all stock you have in any Venture Holdings subsidiary at market value. In exchange you surrender the right to any legal recourse, and renounce any affiliation with Venture Holdings Inc., Zenith Entertainment, the Diamond Club, and any related assets.
Diamond: No dice
Chekov: Excuse me Jack, you are the one that misstepped here. Not us. What leverage do you think you have here?
Jack: Considerably accelerated - slick they signed off on the highball offer. Didn’t even bat an eye.
Diamond: You need me out by Saturday - see my first match was under the table. A dark match, none of your stakeholders, investors, or other chumps with interest caught it. Saturday though, I take on the two jokers we been dealing with in this meeting - the ones that give you far more grief than they will ever give me. All eyes will be on me during that match, but if catch a sideways glance at Corey or Dean.... Bad business for you jokers.
Redher: Shit
Diamond: Exactly - but I will let you all off easy. I want one and a half times market value; give me that and I will cash out here and now.
Pulansky: That is unacceptable Mr. Diamond
Diamond: That is the price of doing business Illya. Do we have a deal?
Chekov: I will sign off on it on behalf of Venture Holdings Inc. Anything to end this affiliation before it creates a public relations nightmare.
Diamond: Fantastic, then draw up the papers - I got better places to be than this joint.
His phone beeps and he pulls it away from his ear to look at the screen for a moment. Bringing the phone back to his ear, his expression remains serious and unchanged.
Jack: Okay I just got your email with the list - it is a start but you need to step it up. A pot this big is going to require us playing the game of our lives. Start talking to the people you need to, grease the wheels. I will take care of things on my end. Expect a call next week, new number.
With a slight hiccup the Town Car comes to a rest, the reddish terrain outside the window looking more Martian than rural Nevada. Turning toward the door Diamond opens it up and steps out into the desert. It is expansive, the Sunset Strip still visible toward the horizon. Responding to the sweltering heat Jack takes off his jacket and tosses it into the car, revealing his crisp white button down and vest. He strides to the front of the car and leans back on the hood, staring at the open desert in front of him. Shades still cover part of his face but his brows dip underneath the lens - a sign he has closed his eyes. Everything around him remains very still, as does Jack. For several moments he leans there in silence, but in his head is the roar of thousands upon thousands; cheering and jeering in one cohesive, focused rush of excitement. They chant in his mind, though the words at this point remain indeterminable - the idea he is imagining is still too far into its infancy for such details. Jack opens his eyes again and for the first time in a long time, his expression has a trace of worry. Speaking reassuredly to nobody in particular
Jack: This game; the stakes have never been higher. All or nothing. I cannot afford to lose...
After a deep breath his tone becomes more resolute
Jack: I will not lose - this pot, this world….it is mine for the taking.
Pushing off the hood he circles to the door and slides into the back of the town car. He shouts to the driver
Jack: McCarron, and step on it
The last noise we hear is two knocks on the divider and crunching sand under tires as the car merges back onto the road ahead.