VS - Act 1: The Setup – “Welcome to the Killing Floor”

Summary

Table Read Podcast: "VS - Act 1: The Setup – Welcome to the Killing Floor"

Episode Overview

In the gripping first act of "VS," titled "The Setup – Welcome to the Killing Floor," listeners are plunged into a tense narrative that intertwines high-stakes technology with underground criminal operations. This episode meticulously sets the stage for a thriller where personal ambitions collide with dangerous alliances, all within the shadowy confines of a clandestine organization named VERSUS Incorporated.

Main Characters

• Randall Parker (31): A skilled programmer with a troubled past involving bank hacking. Randall is striving to rebuild his life despite his criminal history.

• Dana Johnson: Randall's close associate, characterized by her assertive and resourceful nature. She seeks better opportunities to support her family.

• Mr. Jones: An authoritative figure at VERSUS Incorporated, overseeing operations with a stern demeanor.

• Joseph Camarenelli: Randall's superior at VERSUS, whose haggard appearance hints at the organization's intense environment.

• Enforcer and Executioner: Members of VERSUS's enforcement team, dressed uniformly in suits and masks, representing the organization's ruthless enforcement arm.

• Promoter: The face of VERSUS's fight events, masking his identity while orchestrating the spectacles.

Plot Summary

1. The Struggle for a Better Life

The episode opens with Randall grappling with his restless search for stability. Despite securing a legitimate job in banking software, his past as a hacker looms over him, complicating his efforts to move forward. Dana enters the scene urgently, compelling Randall to assist her in obtaining a coveted programming position at VERSUS Incorporated. Her persistence is clear when she implores, “I need you to work for me today” [05:58], highlighting the desperation and high stakes involved.

2. Entering VERSUS Incorporated

Randall arrives at the ominous headquarters of VERSUS Incorporated, a nondescript building that belies the organization's true nature. The atmosphere is thick with tension as he navigates a room filled with eclectic candidates, including a bodybuilder and a gangsta, each vying for roles that seem unconventional for a corporate setting. The interactions among candidates are fraught with underlying aggression, culminating in a confrontation where Randall observes, “If you two get into it, maybe the company clears the lobby” [15:01]. This moment underscores the volatile environment within VERSUS.

3. The Disturbing Interview Process

Randall’s interview is conducted by Mr. Jones and Joseph Camarenelli, revealing the sinister side of VERSUS. The interview takes a dark turn when Randall notices discrepancies in the company’s operations, particularly the illicit financial transactions he uncovers. As Randall explains, “It's a credit card thing” [16:41], hinting at deeper financial malpractices. His attempt to rectify the system leads him to unauthorized transactions totaling $58 million, pushing him to act against the organization's corrupt practices.

4. The Theft and Immediate Fallout

Faced with the enormity of the fraud, Randall decides to take matters into his own hands by copying the incriminating data onto a USB flash drive, "Keymaster" [25:02]. This pivotal moment signifies Randall's break from compliance to rebellion. However, his efforts are short-lived as Mr. Smith confronts him, leading to Randall's forced exit and eventual capture. The ensuing chase through the garage amplifies the suspense, with Randall narrowly escaping initial detection only to be ultimately subdued and incapacitated by VERSUS's ruthless enforcers.

5. Transition to the Underground Fight Setup

The narrative shifts focus to the underground fight events organized by VERSUS. Randall, now unconscious and restrained, is part of a larger spectacle designed for high-paying clientele. The introduction of masked figures like the Promoter and Executioner reveals the organization's intricate control over its illicit operations. As the countdown for a fight begins, the Promoter announces, “Hello fight fans and welcome to Versus” [30:26], blending the façade of legitimate entertainment with underlying criminal motives.

Key Themes and Insights

• Redemption and Temptation: Randall's journey illustrates the tug-of-war between seeking redemption and the temptation to revert to old habits for survival.

• Corporate Corruption: VERSUS Incorporated serves as a metaphor for corrupt organizations that disguise their malevolent intentions under the guise of legitimate business.

• Power Dynamics: The interactions among characters highlight the power struggles within VERSUS, emphasizing themes of control, intimidation, and manipulation.

• Surveillance and Privacy: The use of technology and surveillance within VERSUS raises questions about privacy and the extent of monitoring within corporate and criminal enterprises.

Notable Quotes

• Dana Johnson [05:58]: “I need you to work for me today.”

• Randall Parker [16:41]: “It's a credit card thing.”

• Promoter [30:26]: “Hello fight fans and welcome to Versus.”

• Executioner [32:10]: “Are you here to kill us?”

• Enforcer [28:33]: “We're shutting down for the day. No one gets in, man.”

Conclusion

"The Setup – Welcome to the Killing Floor" masterfully blends elements of suspense, technology, and underground operations to craft a compelling narrative. Through Randall's experiences, listeners are introduced to a world where personal demons and external threats converge, setting the foundation for intense developments in subsequent episodes. The meticulous attention to dialogue, character development, and thematic depth ensures that this podcast stands out as a riveting portrayal of struggle, corruption, and the quest for redemption.

Transcript

[Host]

Marketing is hard, but I'll tell you a little secret.

[Advertiser]

It doesn't have to be.

[Host]

Let me point something out. You're listening to a podcast right now and it's great. You love the host. You seek it out and download it. You listen to it while driving, working out, cooking, even going to the bathroom. Podcasts are a pretty close companion. And this is a podcast ad.

[Advertiser]

Did I get your attention?

[Host]

You can reach great listeners like yourself with podcast advertising from Libsyn Ads. Choose from hundreds of top podcasts offering host endorsements or run a pre produced ad like this one across thousands of shows to reach your target audience audience in their favorite podcasts with Libsyn Ads go to libsyn ads.com that's L I B S Y-N ads.com today.

[Advertiser]

Table read.

[Randall]

Versus.

[Advertiser]

Black screen silence Extreme close up of a slow motion black baseball bat swinging through the darkness arcing toward the camera. We can see the Louisville Slugger logo burned into the wood. As it swings closer, filling the screen, we see it is smeared with flecks of BL and what might be a tooth. The sound of a bat hitting a face brings us out of silence and into full speed. Fighter 1 falls onto a blood streaked white canvas that is illuminated by a large overhead spotlight. All around the canvas is darkness. Fighter 1 is wearing surgical scrubs and bleeding badly from the head and mouth. When he falls, he scrambles clumsily to one knee, lifting a baseball bat of his own. His is natural wood color, clearly different from the black bat we saw in the open. Fighter 1 stumbles to his feet and swings wildly. Fighter 2 steps back, avoids the clumsy swing. Fighter 2 is bleeding from a broken nose. He limps badly on his right leg. He's dressed in blood streaked button down shirt and tie.

[Host]

Stay away from me. I'm ending this.

[Advertiser]

Fighter 1 tries to rush in and swings, but he's groggy from the blow to the head. Fighter 2 flinches and ducks away. He is clearly not a professional combatant. Fighter one swings again, but Fighter two ducks away, then swings back at just the right moment, knocking the bat from Fighter 1's hands. Fighter 2 steps forward and jabs the end of the bat into Fighter 1's mouth. Fighter 1 hits the canvas, spitting blood and teeth. His limbs fail him. He rolls to his back. Fighter 2 steps forward, hands tightly clutching the handle of this bat. He raises the bat, then pauses. Please no.

[Host]

I have K so did I.

[Advertiser]

Shot from the ground. Fighter 1's hand is extended into the frame, palm up, fingers out. The defensive posture of a man pleading for his life. Fighter 2 is looking down. He seems so tall from down here. Slow Motion Fighter 2 swings high as the bat descends. The shot reaches normal speed just as it fills the screen giving us a split second view of the Louisville Slugger logo once again just before a squelching sound CUT to black in social media pages music plays over a series of images, Facebook status updates, tweets and texted pictures of two young people, Randall Murphy and Dana Johnson, partying with friends. Randall is 31, dressed in nerd chic clothes, button down white shirt, slacks, a computer bag usually over his shoulder. Dana is short and stocky with close cropped hair. Her style is butch lesbian with a touch of goth. The pictures show them getting progressively drunker as the night continues. FADE TO black FADE in Interior bedroom of small apartment Morning A dark room. A cell phone lights up as it rings, providing the only illumination. 1, 2, 3 rings before a hand reaches out and picks it up. Randall looks at the caller id. Insert Cell phone reads apartment front door.

[Randall]

Oh my God my head.

[Advertiser]

He answers yeah. A series of angles between Randall's bedroom and Dana who is at the apartment building's front door.

[Dana]

Yo playa, buzz me in.

[Randall]

DANA Are you kidding me? I just got back three hours ago.

[Dana]

I brought coffee and Duncan's how can.

[Randall]

You even be awake? You dropped me off at three in the morning.

[Dana]

Not on the jeans baby. DUNCANS Come on, bust me in.

[Randall]

I think I'm dead. Go away.

[Dana]

No no, no can do. I need your help.

[Randall]

Dana I love you but fuck off.

[Dana]

Seriously buzz me in.

[Advertiser]

Randall hangs up, falls back into bed. RANDALL Dana starts to dial again but Woman one exits the apartment building. Dana smiles, holds the door for her, then enters Hangalon Randall in bed several beats then Randall jumps as Dana pounds on the apartment door.

[Randall]

DUNCANS Damn it.

[Advertiser]

A pause then a monotone pounding on his apartment door. Randall puts the pillow over his head, trying to ignore the noise, hoping Dana will just go away. Rhythmic pounding continues through Fade TO BLACK FADE IN Interior apartment LIVING ROOM Morning empty living room Dana's pounding continues a non stop steady bam bam bam. Dressed in sweatpants and a T shirt, Randall enters, shuffling across the living room. He opens the door a smiling Dana is there with coffee and donuts.

[Dana]

Good morning sunshine.

[Advertiser]

Dana pushes a coffee into Randall's hand then walks in. Randall stares at her as he shuts the door.

[Randall]

I don't want coffee. DANA no I don't want coffee because it will keep me awake and I'm going to go to bed as soon as I Say no to whatever you want.

[Dana]

Oh, come on, bro. You're a pushover. I'll ask, you'll say no. I'll say please, and you'll cave.

[Randall]

Just tell me what you want.

[Dana]

Okay. I've got a line on a new job. I need you to work for me today.

[Randall]

No way. It's Sunday. This is my one day off.

[Dana]

Come on. This job is a perfect culmination of my life's goals.

[Randall]

Which means it pays more than we're making now, right?

[Dana]

Exactly. It pays 120k.

[Randall]

120. Wow. That's 37% more than we make now.

[Dana]

Nice math, Rain Man.

[Randall]

Why are you springing this on me now? When did you find out?

[Advertiser]

Dana walks to Randall's laptop, which is on his small kitchen table. He is annoyed she would touch his computer, but she ignores him. They've clearly been through this before. Dana Sitz calls up a website about an hour ago.

[Dana]

I was prepping for work. Mr. Cameron Elliott has me installing a little server farm in a warehouse. Right. I googled the app of where I'm supposed to go and it brings up a shitload of job listings. Security, marketing, receptionist. Don't wait for it. Wait. Wait for it?

[Randall]

A programmer.

[Dana]

You didn't wait for it? Yeah, a programmer. Dude, I called and talked to them.

[Randall]

You called? When?

[Dana]

About an hour ago.

[Randall]

On Sunday at five in the morning.

[Dana]

I have to interview this morning or fill the job with someone else.

[Randall]

A company wants to pay you 120. And you called at 5am they answered and want you to interview on a Sunday.

[Dana]

Good to know you're getting all of this. So I need you to work for me today so I can do the interview.

[Advertiser]

Randall reaches for the mousetrack pad.

[Randall]

Just let me see the job posting.

[Advertiser]

Dana slaps his hand.

[Dana]

No way, Dude. You and I both know they'd hire you for a programming job over me, no question.

[Randall]

Yeah, right. With my record, no one wants to hire a convict.

[Dana]

Whatever. It's not like you did armed robbery or anything. Just a little bank hacking.

[Randall]

Hmm. Taking money electronically is, oddly enough, something many companies frown upon.

[Dana]

Mr. Camarinelli hired you?

[Randall]

Yeah, and he made it clear that no one else would. I only got this job because I'm the bomb with banking software. I'm not going to screw it up looking for another gig.

[Dana]

So why do you want to see the job posting then?

[Randall]

You said they want marketing people.

[Dana]

Dana rolls her eyes for Samantha Siri. Randall, come on. She dumped you, man.

[Randall]

She didn't dump me. We're trying to work Things out.

[Dana]

You're trying to work things out. She's riding the disco stick of anything that moves.

[Randall]

Dana, you okay?

[Dana]

I'll show you. If you promised a cover for me today.

[Advertiser]

Randall sighs and nods.

[Dana]

Told you you were a pushover. Let me call them and tell them I'm coming.

[Randall]

But what if Camarenelli is at the job site? They'll see you.

[Dana]

The company has 200 employees. I've never even met Camarenelli in person. And I used a different name in.

[Advertiser]

Case Dana dials on her cell phone.

[Dana]

Yeah, yeah, Mr. Smith, this is Danielle Johnson. Is that 8:00am Interview slot open? Great. I'll be there. Bright and shiny, sir.

[Advertiser]

Dana hangs up Danielle instead of Dana.

[Randall]

Wow. You're like a freaking super spy.

[Dana]

Well, that's me. Let me show you those job postings. Then you go shower. You smell like twice baked tequila.

[Advertiser]

Ugh. Fade out. Interior Randall's apartment. Morning. Randall is now dressed and cleaned up. He's wearing a button down white shirt and a tie and actually has a pocket protector. He's at the kitchen table typing on his laptop. Angle ON his screen showing several craigslist.com ads for various jobs. He clicks one that says Marketing Director. Angle ON Randall. He looks at his cell phone, wondering if he should call. He checks his wristwatch, which has a picture of Megatron from the Transformers on the face. It's 7:45am he rubs his eyes. It hurts to even think about her. He dials. Hello?

[Randall]

Uh, hi, it's me.

[Advertiser]

Beat Randall I thought we agreed we.

[Dana]

Weren'T going to talk for a while.

[Randall]

I, I It's 7:45 in the morning. I know and I'm sorry to bother you, but I, I found a job that I think you might like. A job?

[Advertiser]

It couldn't wait until later today?

[Randall]

No, actually, or I wouldn't have called. They're interviewing this morning and it's a marketing Director job. Pays 120A B120.

[Dana]

Really?

[Randall]

Where is it? Right here in the city. I read the posting for it. It sounds perfect for you, but I think you need to contact them right away.

[Advertiser]

Oh well, thanks.

[Dana]

That's it?

[Randall]

It's sweet of you to think of me after.

[Dana]

After we.

[Advertiser]

Randall smiles. This went better than he thought it might.

[Randall]

Don't worry about it.

[Advertiser]

A thin, tired voice comes over the phone.

[Host]

Babe, hang the fuck up already.

[Randall]

Just a minute.

[Advertiser]

Randall is crushed.

[Randall]

Oh, sorry. I didn't know you had company. A beat Randall Look, I already emailed you the job posting. I gotta go.

[Advertiser]

Randall hangs up, stares at the phone. He knew she was seeing other people, but didn't think it would hurt this much. He closes his laptop and puts it in his computer bag. He reaches for his keychain. INSERT keychain. Four or five keys with a silver USB flash memory drive attached to the ring. Randall leaves the apartment. FADE OUT Randall in car. Day traveling. He's got one hand on the wheel, another on a sheet of paper with an address. He pulls up to the closed loading dock garage of an old building. People are walking by on the sidewalk. The neighborhood isn't great, but isn't all that bad either. The garage door is dented, scratched. A sign on it says VERSUS Incorporated. Job interview today. Hunked for access.

[Randall]

I guess this is it.

[Advertiser]

He hunks. A few seconds later, the garage door rolls up. Mr. Jones comes out holding a clipboard.

[Host]

You here for a job interview?

[Randall]

No. I'm Randall Parker from IDG Computing. I'm here to fix the banking software beat.

[Host]

I was told to expect a woman. A Dana Johnson.

[Randall]

Yeah. She's sick. I'm covering.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Jones looks from the clipboard out to the street, then at Randall. He points into the concrete parking area at an open slot.

[Host]

Pull up there. Follow me in. I have to talk to Mr. Cameron. Ellie.

[Randall]

He's here.

[Host]

He's been here all morning. Drive.

[Advertiser]

Randall nods, pulls ahead. Mr. Jones rolls the garage door shut behind him. The place is poorly lit, looks mostly vacant. Not uncommon for a company taking over an unoccupied building. But it's still a little spooky.

[Randall]

Keep your head down, Dana. I hope you know what you're doing.

[Advertiser]

Randall notices two medium cargo trucks. No markings, no plates, some graffiti on them. They look very used and nondescript. Kind of out of place for a corporate setting. CUT to Interior lobby. Mr. Jones enters, followed by Randall. Randall looks around. The lobby is full of job candidates. Old lady, gangsta, bodybuilder, single mom and actor are all sitting, waiting their turn, resumes in hand. Dana is also there. She and Randall try not to look like they see each other.

[Host]

Have a seat, dude.

[Randall]

My name is Randall.

[Host]

Whatever.

[Randall]

Park it.

[Advertiser]

From another door, interviewee number one enters, followed by Mr. Smith, who holds an iPad. Thanks for coming in.

[Host]

I still don't get it. The interview was going fine until I said my wife was coming to pick me up. Why is that a problem? Life is a mysterious thing, Sir. Let's go.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Jones heads back to the garage. Interviewee number one size, then follows. Mr. Smith looks at his iPad. Danielle Johnson. Dana raises her hand.

[Dana]

That's me.

[Host]

You're up. Let's go.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Jones walks to another door. Dana follows. She stops, turns and winks at Randall. Then she's gone. Randall looks around, finds an open seat next to the actor across from the old lady. Randall sits.

[Host]

I hope you understand that I'm next, dear.

[Advertiser]

Hell no.

[Host]

I was here before you. Well, I never Watch how you talk to the lady.

[Advertiser]

I didn't say nothing.

[Host]

I have to let her go first because she's white. Don't play the race card, asshole.

[Advertiser]

Mind your own business, meathead.

[Host]

Maybe I'm making it my business. Well, you better step the fuck off and leave me be. I'm not gonna tell you a second time.

[Advertiser]

The bodybuilder stands. He is a thickly built man, dressed in slacks and a sweater.

[Host]

I've had enough of your mouth.

[Advertiser]

Gangsta also stands. He is medium height, mid-40s, but in excellent shape. Wearing hip hop clothes covered with 49ers logos. Randall is shocked. He has no idea what's going on. Mr. Jones is still nowhere to be seen. Actor jumps up and stands between the gangsta and the bodybuilder. Actor is a classic leading man type. Tall and handsome, with a disarming smile.

[Randall]

Hey, hey, hey.

[Host]

Now let's take it easy. Who fucking asked you?

[Advertiser]

Clooney?

[Host]

What the fuck, man? All I know is I don't get calls for six figure jobs every day. And I'm guessing you guys don't either.

[Advertiser]

Bodybuilder and gangster start staring each other down, but they both shake their heads.

[Host]

If you two get into it, maybe the company clears the lobby. And maybe no one gets a job. Right?

[Advertiser]

Right?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Advertiser]

Yeah. Okay.

[Host]

All right. So just call it even and relax.

[Advertiser]

The bodybuilder and gangsta look at each other, nod and sit down. The mention of the money and the job seems to have calmed them down. Actor sits, then turns to Randall.

[Host]

Name's Harvey Hartley.

[Randall]

Yeah. Randall Parker.

[Host]

Nice to meet you, Randall. What are you here to interview for?

[Randall]

Oh, no, I'm here to work on the computer system.

[Host]

Nice. I'm interviewing as a company spokesman. So what do these guys make or do anyway?

[Randall]

I don't really know. Some kind of gambling website, I think.

[Host]

Is that legal?

[Randall]

It beats me. I probably won't even find out. I just fixed the software code, test it, that's it.

[Host]

Well, whatever they do, they need a good looking lead man to be the face of the company. At least that's what they said when they called me.

[Randall]

They called you?

[Host]

Yeah, they found my resume on Craigslist.

[Advertiser]

Something about this bothers Randall. He looks around the room again. These people don't look like corporate material.

[Randall]

What does this spokesmodel gig pay?

[Host]

Spokesperson. I don't do swimwear.

[Randall]

Spokesperson.

[Advertiser]

Right.

[Randall]

Did they say?

[Advertiser]

Actor leans in to whisper. He and Randall's exchange is quiet, as private as it can be in the crowded room. 120 a beat. That's the same amount they offered to Dana.

[Randall]

What are the others here to interview for?

[Advertiser]

Actor sits up straight again. His volume returns to normal.

[Host]

Well, so far everyone is here for something different. Those two are here for security gigs. She's here for a secretary position. And she is here for some work from home thing.

[Dana]

I'm a bookkeeper. They said I can do their accounting for my house.

[Host]

Just be in the office one day a week.

[Dana]

Got three kids. Five days a week in the office is hard. This would be a dream job.

[Randall]

Isn't 120 a lot for a work from home bookkeeper?

[Advertiser]

It is.

[Dana]

But it would be a life changer.

[Advertiser]

For my kids and I. Joseph Camarenelli enters. He looks haggard and hurried. He is carrying some rumpled printouts.

[Host]

Which one of you is the programmer?

[Randall]

That's me, sir.

[Advertiser]

Joseph checks the printouts.

[Host]

Your name is Dana.

[Randall]

Dana is sick. Asked me to fill in.

[Host]

Why didn't anyone call me?

[Randall]

Uh, I guess she didn't expect you'd be on site, Sir. I. I've never seen you on site.

[Advertiser]

Joseph stares at Randall, a faint glimmer of recognition.

[Host]

Wait a minute. Do I know you?

[Randall]

You interviewed me, sir.

[Host]

I don't do interviews. Except for the. You said your name was Randall?

[Randall]

Randall Parker, sir.

[Host]

You're the hacker guy.

[Randall]

Former, sir. I'm still very grateful you gave me a chance.

[Host]

Whatever. Fuck.

[Advertiser]

Joseph checks his watch. He's starting to sweat.

[Randall]

If it's banking software, I assure you I'm your best employee.

[Host]

You're also the best at looking at you're not supposed to see.

[Randall]

Sir. I assure you.

[Advertiser]

Joseph checks his watch again.

[Host]

I don't have time to get anyone else. This client is.

[Advertiser]

Joseph looks around the lobby, sees the other candidates are looking.

[Host]

The client is not someone you want to screw with. I need you to get the software issue fixed and not around. You got me?

[Randall]

Yes, sir.

[Host]

Good. Leave your computer here. You can't bring it into the server room.

[Randall]

How come?

[Host]

Because you're a convict and I don't trust you.

[Advertiser]

Randall hands Mr. Jones the computer. Mr. Jones puts it behind the desk. Randall follows Joseph through the door, which leads to a stairwell. The stairwell looks dirty, dusty, abandoned.

[Host]

It's in the second basement.

[Randall]

This place has more than One basement has three actually. What's in the bottom one?

[Host]

None of your fucking business. Now let's go.

[Advertiser]

Joseph heads down the steps. Randall follows. Cut to INTERIOR OFFICE DAY Dana INTERVIEW scene Sparsely decorated office. A table with two chairs. A laptop on the table. Dana sits with the Enforcer. He holds her resume. He is a burly man dressed in a button down shirt, slacks and a poorly fitting tie. The back of the laptop is to Dana. She can't see the screen. A camera is mounted on the laptop, pointed at Dana.

[Host]

Well, it looks like you're the perfect candidate for the position. We want you.

[Advertiser]

Dana breaks into a huge surprised smile.

[Dana]

That's it. That's the shortest interview I've ever had.

[Host]

Well, you got here fast. It's kind of a pre screening policy you might say, to find real go getters. Are you due back at your current job?

[Dana]

No, I called in sick.

[Host]

Awesome. That's just perfect. And you drove here?

[Dana]

I took the muni.

[Host]

Someone coming to pick you up?

[Dana]

Nope. Taking the muni right back, huh?

[Host]

You didn't tell anyone at work?

[Dana]

Hell no. Think I want people knowing I'm job hunting.

[Host]

Sweet. I have to start your HR file.

[Advertiser]

Smile for the camera angle on Enforcer's laptop. The screen shows a file with some information from the interview. It is titled the Dike. Enforcer adjusts the angle on his computer cam, centering it on Dana's face. Dana smiles. Enforcer clicks the keyboard. A snapshot sound is heard. Then Dana's smiling face appears on the screen in the computer file.

[Host]

Fantastic. Just one more question. Can you fight?

[Dana]

What?

[Host]

Karate, taekwondo, bar brawls.

[Dana]

What is that supposed to mean?

[Host]

Can you fight or not? It's a simple question. You stupid bitch.

[Dana]

Hey. Hey.

[Host]

What?

[Dana]

What the hell is this?

[Host]

I'm going to slap you now.

[Dana]

What?

[Host]

Here it comes. 3, 2, 1.

[Advertiser]

Enforcer slaps Dana hard across the face. She is shocked, doesn't know what to say.

[Host]

Come on, hit me back. Here comes another one. Ready? Three, two.

[Dana]

Don't hit me again.

[Advertiser]

Enforcer slaps her again, even harder. Dana covers up, but makes no offensive move.

[Host]

Yes. You're perfect.

[Advertiser]

Dana grabs her portfolio, stuffs her resume back inside.

[Dana]

I'm getting the hell out of here.

[Host]

You can leave in four hours if you got what it takes.

[Advertiser]

Enforcer pulls out a taser and shocks Dana. She falls in a lump on the floor, groggy and stunned. Her portfolio falls. Her resume scatters onto the floor. Enforcer pulls out chloroform, pours some into a handkerchief and puts it over Dana's mouth. And nose. Her eyes go wide with fear. She kicks and struggles, but she is too weak. She passes out. Enforcer pulls out a cell phone and hits the two way button. She's bagged a beat. Mr. Jones walks in. Awesome.

[Host]

We're almost back on schedule. Let's get her in place.

[Advertiser]

Enforcer effortlessly throws Dana over his shoulder. Cut to interior server room. Several racks of blade servers, messy cables. The install looks hasty and sloppy. Just enough to get the job done. Joseph and Randall enter. Already talking.

[Randall]

So the international transactions are gumming up the works.

[Host]

Yeah, it seems like it. Bets are coming in, but not hitting clients accounts.

[Randall]

This is a credit card thing.

[Host]

No credit cards. Direct transfers into a Cayman Islands account.

[Randall]

Wow. You doing some work for the mob, Mr. Cambrinelli?

[Advertiser]

Joseph stares. Stares hard.

[Randall]

Uh, sorry sir.

[Host]

Less talky talky. More fixy fixie. Got it.

[Advertiser]

Randall nods. Joseph points to a small beat up desk with a computer on it. Like the server setup, everything seems sloppy. Temporary.

[Host]

Fix the problem in the next 30 minutes and there's a big bonus in it for you.

[Randall]

I'll see what I can do.

[Host]

No, you will fix it and fix it in the next 30 minutes. You got that? Programmer Y?

[Randall]

Yes, I got it.

[Advertiser]

Joseph checks his watch. He looks nervous.

[Host]

Listen, I have a plane to catch and I have to get out of here. Tell me that you understand what I'm saying when I say fix it. And do not fuck around.

[Randall]

I understand.

[Host]

These are serious people, buddy.

[Randall]

My name is Randall, sir, and I understand.

[Host]

Good. I'm headed to the airport. I'll check in with you when I landed. Topeka. You won't let me down?

[Advertiser]

No, sir.

[Randall]

All fixy fixie.

[Host]

I'll tell Mr. Smith to come get you in 30 minutes.

[Advertiser]

Then Joseph smacks Randall on the shoulder, then turns and leaves. Randall starts typing. His fingers fly. Screens appear and vanish on the screen almost faster than we can track. He's very good at what he does. Cut to interior server room. Randall is still at his desk.

[Randall]

I think I see it.

[Advertiser]

He types some more, corrects a line of code. A beat, then a loud beep from the computer.

[Randall]

Gotcha.

[Advertiser]

He starts packing up his stuff, trying to ignore the screen, but it keeps beeping. The beeps correspond with new line item transactions. Randall doesn't want to look, but he has to. Each line shows a name, a bank account number, the word transaction verified, and then a sum. $1 million.

[Randall]

Holy shit.

[Advertiser]

Beep after beep, line after line. The transactions come in. They finally stop showing a total of $58 million. Randall looks behind him. No one is there. He looks for a camera but sees none. The temptation is too strong. He pulls out his keychain and puts his flash drive into the computer. Randall types a few commands. A progress bar says saving to Keymaster. The bar fills up. Randall puts the keys and flash drive back in his pocket.

[Randall]

Are you finished?

[Advertiser]

Randall turns around suddenly. Mr. Smith is standing in the door. Did he see the copy process?

[Randall]

He scared the crap out of me.

[Advertiser]

I said are you finished?

[Randall]

Yes, sir. I'm all set.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Smith looks at the computer screen and seems to relax. Awesome. Let's get you out of here. Mr. Smith looks at Randall who has sweat on his forehead. You feeling all right, programmer? Randall wipes his forehead, sees the sweat.

[Randall]

Just a little warm down here.

[Advertiser]

It's 50 degrees.

[Randall]

Oh well, I don't know. Maybe I'm feeling a little under the weather.

[Advertiser]

Great. So bring your cold in here to share. Idiot. Seriously, we're on a schedule. Back up the stairs. Mr. Jones is waiting for you. Randall starts to leave. Mr. Smith looks at the screen. Insert screen still reads $58 million. Randall leaves. Mr. Smith sits, types in a few commands. Insert computer window that reads log line reporting running and a progress bar. Angle on Mr. Smith waiting. Cut to interior stairwell. Morning. Randall walks quickly. He knows he did something stupid and wants out fast. He climbs the stairs and re enters the lobby. Only Mr. Jones and the enforcer are there. Mr. Jones is by the exit door. The Enforcer is at his desk. Randall looks at them both. Do they know?

[Host]

Ready to go?

[Randall]

Yeah, all set.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Jones nods, walks toward the door to the garage. Randall follows. CUT to interior garage. Mr. Jones walks toward the outer garage door as Randall walks quickly to his car. Randall starts his car. In his rearview mirror he sees the Enforcer walk out of the interior door.

[Host]

Hey, wait.

[Advertiser]

Randall thinks he's been caught. He pretends not to hear and drives quickly toward the opening garage door. Wait. Enforcer runs after the car. Randall pulls up to the garage door. He's almost out, but has to stop and wait for the garage door to open wide enough. Mr. Jones cell phone rings. Randall watches him answer it. The garage door is opening. So slow.

[Host]

Hey.

[Advertiser]

Randall jumps. The Enforcer is right at his passenger window. Enforcer holds up Randall's computer bag.

[Host]

Forgot something.

[Advertiser]

Randall blinks. He hasn't been caught. It's okay.

[Randall]

Oh man. Thanks. Yeah, I'd probably remembered a block from here.

[Host]

Well, you'd have been shit out of luck. We're shutting down for the day. No one gets in, man.

[Advertiser]

Enforcer holds the bag inside the passenger window. Randall leans out, grabs it, sets it down. When he leans back, we see Mr. Jones standing right outside the driver's side window. Mr. Jones is holding a cell phone to his ear. In his other hand, a taser. He calmly zaps Randall. Randall is out.

[Host]

Knock this dumbass out. Yeah, I got him. What Key Master I'll check.

[Advertiser]

Enforcer chloroforms Randall, who struggles briefly.

[Host]

Search this guy for a flash drive or something like that. What? Just search him.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Jones looks into the car. ANGLE ON keychain hanging from ignition. Mr. Jones reaches in, takes keys. He finds the flash drive.

[Host]

Yeah, I think I got it. Yeah, sure. I'll give the keys to the promoter. Enjoy your trip, sir.

[Advertiser]

He hangs up, talks to Enforcer.

[Host]

That Camarenlli guy is a retard. You said it. I didn't call the CEO guy and tell him not to bother coming in after all. Looks like we have our 16th tight shot.

[Advertiser]

Randall's unconscious face. He slides out of the frame as the Enforcer pulls him out of the car. FADE to black. FADE in EXPENSIVE TV SET the TV set is in an elegant entertainment center, clearly a possession of a rich person. The VERSYS logo spins on the screen. A countdown Timer clicks from 1031 to 1030 to 1029. Countdown matches exactly with actual movie running time from now until the first fight. The screen flashes to the white masked face of the promoter. The mask has a speaker in the mouth which makes his voice sound mechanical, almost Darth Vaderish. Hello fight fans and welcome to Versus.

[Host]

We apologize for the delay in updating.

[Advertiser]

You on our final fighter. We will update information and give you time to place final first round bets. We'll let you monitor behind the scenes cameras but sound off for now. See you real soon. The screen shrinks to half size. Sound stops. Versys logo continues to spin on screen. Promoter turns to talk to the Enforcer, now clad in an all gray suit with a gray mask and the engineer dressed in an all green suit and a green mask. Cut to INTERIOR back room SAME scene from new angle Masks remain on. The Promoter is dressed in an all white suit. The Enforcer is sitting there very calm, playing with a handheld electronics panel with many buttons. He wears a pistol in a gray holster. The Engineer sits in front of an array of computer screens. There are several web cameras pointed at them. Promoter checks his watch. He looks at engineer. Sound off yes sir.

[Host]

Don't like this.

[Advertiser]

Paulie's late.

[Host]

Don't worry about it. We're behind schedule. I'm sure everything is coolio man, how are they?

[Advertiser]

Engineer works a keyboard, calls up images of people in chain link cells on the computer screens. Most of the cages show someone standing near the door. One shows a prone person in a white shirt. It's Randall. Programmer's still up.

[Host]

How long till he's up? Any second now. We didn't give him much.

[Advertiser]

Executioner enters the room. He is dressed in an all black suit, black mask and black gloves. The outfit matches Promoter and Enforcer. Executioner's chin is always slightly raised. He moves slowly and with perfect posture.

[Host]

Who are you?

[Advertiser]

Executioner looks at his own outfit as if to say. Are you kidding me with this question? I'll give you one guess.

[Host]

But Paulie's always our Executioner. Where's Paulie?

[Advertiser]

Paulie's services are no longer required by our common employer. Promoter and Enforcer exchange looks. They know that means Paulie is dead. But why? Enforcer's hand twitches, moves closer to his pistol. Executioner sees it, smiles at Enforcer. Almost as if he's saying, do you really think you're fast enough? How quaint. Enforcer hesitates, then moves his hand away. He is clearly intimidated.

[Host]

Are you here to kill us?

[Advertiser]

Are you still breathing?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Advertiser]

Then no. I'm not here to kill you.

[Host]

So what do we do now?

[Advertiser]

I would imagine that you do your job and get on with this show. Please don't let me bother you. Executioner finds a chair. He reaches into his jacket pocket. Promoter and Enforcer freeze up. But he just pulls out a large handkerchief. He sets it on the chair, positions it so no part of the chair will touch him. Then he sits. I'll just be a fly on the wall until my services are required. Promoter is still very nervous. He was not expecting anything like this.

[Host]

You know how we do things here.

[Advertiser]

There are parts of the show that require my particular skills. I think I can handle such demands. Our employers showed me the earlier tournaments. They said I should watch very carefully. I have to say I was very impressed. You are a clever man, Promoter. My favorite fighter by far was the Plumber. The flattery makes Promoter relax some. The Executioner does seem to know what's going on. Insert computer screen. Medium shot of Randall in a chain link cage. Just like the one we saw Dana in. He is in a fetal position, but slowly stirring. Back to scene.

[Host]

Hey. Looks like Nosy Noserson is waking up.

[Advertiser]

Nosy? Is there a problem? Promoter glares at the Enforcer. A clear message to shut the fuck up.

[Host]

No, no, no problem. We're not calling him nosy. We're calling him the Programmer.

[Advertiser]

A programmer? I wonder if he ever worked in a customer support call center. If so, I'd love to kill him. But then again, who wouldn't let Programmer.

[Host]

Get his wits about him? Then cue the announcers to get started. We're 12 minutes behind schedule.

[Advertiser]

Get Programmer's picture on the site fast.

[Host]

People want the 16th contestant so they can place their bets.

[Advertiser]

End of episode one.