“The Villain Saga” – Episode 1, Part 3

(See previous)

INT. EREWHON LUNCH ROOM – SAME DAY

DIRECTOR D. and MOREAU are watching the prisoners from outside the lunchroom, through the window. Inside, the GUARDS are leading the three to their table.

MOREAU

What if we just told them who we actually are? Perhaps they would work better with a bit of fear pushing them.

DIRECTOR D.

Do you really think we can intimidate them? They may be desperate, but I doubt they’d all be willing to obey our every command if they felt they were being used.

MOREAU pinches her forehead.

MOREAU

If only one of them could keep them in line for us…

As if almost on cue, more (real) prison guards enter the hall, leading an older man dressed as a pirate, just as the AGENTS leave the lunch room.

EREWHON GUARD 1

Hey, is there any chance we can add him? He slept past lunch and we couldn’t do much about it.

One of the AGENTS shares a concerned glance with D. and MOREAU.

MOREAU

(Points at the window, towards the three)

…I don’t think it would be safe to put him in with them.

The PRISONER chuckles, leaning towards her, showing yellowed (and one real gold) teeth. MOREAU backs away.

CRAWFISH

I believe I can handle them m’dear!

DIRECTOR D. turns to the AGENT.

DIRECTOR D.

Let him in.

D. and MOREAU watch intently as the pirate is led into the room. Surprisingly, the other prisoners do not protest his seating at their table. One of the GUARDS hand CRAWFISH a tray of food before leaving. CRAWFISH practically starts drooling, and ties a cheap napkin to his shirt as though he were about to begin a 5 star feast.

DR. HARE picks at his food.

DR. HARE

I understand that this place has limited vegetarian options but…why are the mashed potatoes green?

BLACK WIDOW

If you think that’s bad, I think I chipped a tooth on the bread here once.

The COOK (Note: The same chef who served Myron Van Buren in Survival Island) enters from the kitchen, scowling.

COOK

Is that complaining about the food I hear?

DR. HARE

Unsurprisingly yes-

CRAWFISH

Ah, don’t listen to ‘em! This is delicious!

(He turns to the COOK, aware of who she is but just playing.)

Give my thanks to the cook.

The COOK chuckles, and gives him an extra serving before walking off. CRAWFISH starts to chow down, while the rest look at him in confusion.

DR. HARE

You actually like that stuff?

CRAWFISH

Compared to the months of maggot infested biscuits I had to endure, this is heaven!

MORDRED

I had to endure months—years—ages without anything. Without the brilliance of my cybernetics I most certainly would have perished of hunger!

(Somewhat to himself)

Per aspera…

BLACK WIDOW

Oh here we go again with the sob story.

MORDRED glares at her, but once again his grin hasn’t faded. WIDOW doesn’t back away but loses some of her boldness.

MORDRED

I don’t want your pity, I want the world’s punishment for what happened—

CRAWFISH stands, slamming both hands on the table.

CRAWFISH

Enough! I’m certain everyone here has a horrible tale to tell, but can I have a meal in peace?

MORDRED

Who are you to order me around?

CRAWFISH turns to him, his tone suddenly becoming more cautious.

CRAWFISH

I was simply making a suggestion for your own good, sir.

Pause. MORDRED nods, and the tension in the room settles a little as they all get back to eating. We look back at DIRECTOR D and MOREAU, who are so interested in the prisoner’s behavior that they don’t notice a shadowed DR. JUPITER lurking behind them.

DIRECTOR D.

He—he’s a leader.

MOREAU

Of course he is. Even evil pirates don’t want to face a mutiny.

DIRECTOR D.

Yes, but he knows how to work with them! Mademoiselle, I believe we’ve found the ones who can work for us.

The camera follows JUPITER leaving them, both “psychologists” still not even suspecting his presence. He turns down a corner, before mumbling to himself with a faint smile.

DR. JUPITER

As have I, friends. As have I.

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE 1.

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And here we are! I’m just as excited to see where this goes as some of you are, and I’m happy so many of you have expressed interest in this series!

Of course, I can’t have a Villain Saga post without mentioning the amazing recent additions to the comic GEAR made!

Castori honorem ~ Maryann/Smart Bubbles