Operation Lazarus: Back from the Dead & Angry as HELL!!!

[Deleted]

Shots Fired Across the Bow… 

Somewhere in the Middle of the Pacific Ocean 

A silver Zippo with a Senior Chief Petty Officer’s anchor on the front of it pops open, and the flame pops up and lights the end of a Marlboro brand cigarette, before its snapped shut and tucked away inside of the pocket of what we can assume is Senior Chief Murdock, as the hand moves out of the way to see the name tag on the uniform. Then the view moves upward and out to reveal it to be Hollywood’s Favorite Counter-Terrorist agent, George Spencer “Gonzo” Murdock II, as he watches the screen intently in front of what looks to be a screening room. Several others around him cheer and jeer loudly according to their viewpoints and favorites in the match, but Gonzo already knew the outcome, and he’d already let that part of him die, already. Nothing he could do about it, but at least he, and the rest of the team on that screen did something that nobody else could lay claim to.

The rest of the Chief’s Mess is still going ape-shit, but the end was near. Then there it was; Gemini was knocked flat, Doug got clobbered from behind with that “Rubber Chicken”, before Bates was finished off by Jeff Purse with a Frog Splash. Gonzo shook his head, as the rest of the Chief’s Mess yells out in protest at the finish. A few of them even looked back my way, as I continued to smoke his cigarette, taking a pull from his flask, his own little toast to the reign he was unable to complete, but at least they went down with a huge fight. That, and PANTHEON looks like weak sauce as they steal the titles from the Defilers. Of course, losing is still losing, and it sucks major ass. Especially losing to these clowns, and Gonzo had a pretty strong opinion about all three of them…

When it came to Jeff Purse, well he was a former World Champion, but the guy was a total twat. He was just a totally disagreeable person all the way around. Real anal fucker, and for what? For HIS benefit, like he’s someone fucking special or some shit like that. ALL these guys from PANTHEON walk around like their shit don’t stink, but the fact is that they couldn’t get the job done tonight in a fashion that REAL CHAMPIONS generally do. Which is through skill, talent, and hard work inside of that ring, and that didn’t happen on this particular night. And this was their so-called “leader” of these so-called “champions”.

In the case of Alex Richards, Gonzo feels that he’s already hit his peak. Okay, so he’s coming off of a ridiculous reign as the Internet Champion, but every other reign as a champion had been rather short-lived and transitional. And for him to get this title the way that he did only proves to him that he really doesn’t have what it takes to truly become anything higher than just that. Transitional champion with some fringe appeal to the fans, and nothing more. And yet another way that proves he can’t truly stand toe to toe with anyone with the surname of “Murdock”, as well. Big, bald pussy!

And what conversation would not be complete without the mention of Jay Omega? Truth be told, Gonzo felt he was probably the most talented of the three. Alas, he seemed to have more personal issues than Gonzo could ever think of, and Gonzo has had a colorful life, as it was. There was still a level of respect there, but Jay Omega was still a scumbag rich-bitch who thinks the rules don’t apply to him. Yeah, he fits in with PANTHEON quite well. Another self-serving ass-jockey, like the WCF needs more of THOSE GUYS. #BeachKrew? What in the blue fuck?

And where did this “racist” shit about Bates come from? Did he go on a drunken backstage tirade about Jews or blacks or gays or some shit? Did he go the route of Mel Gibson at a traffic stop, or pulled a Michael Richards in the middle of the ring and Gonzo not hear about this? Gonzo was out of the world for a bit, but damn!!! Either way, that guy totally needs to get his head out of his ass and just do what he does. Fuck what these other asshats have to say about you! And if you did that, you wouldn’t have been put down by these assholes who deserve the bottom of OUR shoes, and not the other way around!

Gemini, or was it his old friend Livewire? Well, they weren’t super-close by any means, but he was probably one of the guys Gonzo paid attention to the most when he got here. Not like he or many other people here could ever keep that secret from Gonzo. Grayson never quite looked right, and refused to look at him, so Gonzo knew the truth. It was what it was. Felt that pain when Gonzo himself couldn’t even mug a guy for a shot at anything. Of course Gonzo hadn’t had the best of luck with ascending in the WCF, and it seems that Grayson, or Gemini, or whatever it is he calls himself these days, also seems to suffer that very same plight, as well.

Of course, Gonzo had felt bad for Doug. Perhaps this responsibility was too big for him, but he shouldered it much better than anticipated, and his streak of remaining without pinfall or submission loss is the measure of that talent, in Gonzo’s eyes. Gonzo found it really funny when he found out that Doug tried in vain to get a shot at Jonny Fly, only for Fly and everyone else to ignore him. I guess that FEAR of the younger Murdock is prevalent, as well. Gonzo smirks at the thought, as he takes one more drag off of the cigarette, before stubbing it out in an old tuna can.

The show went off the air, and several of his fellow Chief Petty Officers stood up, and turned to look at Gonzo, who was standing up, putting the tuna can ashtray on the table before getting several sympathetic pats on the back from the crew of the U.S.S. John Warner on its Maiden Voyage under the sea. Yeah, Gonzo lives, alright. Why he hasn’t resurfaced should be obvious as to why, by now.

At least in a few hours, he’ll be back to the surface, where he doesn’t have to breathe the recycled farts of every goddamned sailor on this sinking tin can. Maybe put everyone’s minds to rest, as he’s certain there are going to be a load of furious souls awaiting him once he resurfaces. But he had a job to do, got compromised, and had to act accordingly until all of this shit blew over with the mission.

---

Mama, I’m Coming Home 

Doug Goes Marching Off to a Different War… 

Gonzo hadn’t even set foot out of the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon before his vehicle had been assaulted by a gaggle of his family members, with his almost six year-old daughter leading the way. Once Gonzo was able to open the door, he stepped out and picked up his daughter with both hands, planting a kiss on her cheek, as she says…

Taylor: Where have you been, Daddy? You see all the teeth I’ve lost?

Gonzo: I know! You been fighting with the boys, again?

Taylor: No…

Gonzo gives her a questioning look, to which she shies away from, before she says…

Taylor: Yes…

Gonzo: Are you at least winning these fights besides profiting off of the Tooth Fairy?

Taylor: Yes!

Gonzo: That’s my girl!!! Alright, Daddy’s tired and got a lot of stuff to bring into the house. Go play for a bit, and I’ll come find you.

Gonzo puts his daughter down, as she runs off towards the noise of his mother’s other grandchildren on The Farm. Gonzo then opens the back driver side door, and pulls out two large duffel bags full of what could assumed to be clothes, as his mother addresses him…

Lori: You had us all worried…

Gonzo: It was a Classified Mission, and they held off informing anybody of anything in case my death brought some people out of the woodwork.

Lori: How would your death bring people out of the woodwork?

Gonzo: I’ve made lots of enemies, Ma. Some want me to suffer posthumously, for that matter…

Lori: You made that little girl cry for days thinking that you were dead! What is the matter with you?

Gonzo: Do I have to explain every goddamn time I come home what exactly it is that I do? I KILL BAD PEOPLE! BY ANY MEANS AT MY DISPOSAL! BY HOOK OR FUCKING CROOK, I GET THE JOB DONE! A JOB THAT MOST OF THE WORLD DOESN’T HAVE THE BALLS TO DO! WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE FOR ANYBODY BUT YOURSELF, LATELY? OH, I PROTECTED MILLIONS OF AMERICANS FROM ANOTHER POTENTIAL ATTACK ON AMERICAN SOIL!!!

Lori: You could have given us some warning…

He just shook his head, as talking to his Mother was about as similar as to talking to a wall. The wall has given Gonzo more answers and insights than his Mother ever has, so maybe there’s something to this…

Gonzo then asks…

Gonzo: How’s Doug doing?

Lori: Oh God… After the match, Seth fired him, so he’s been…

Gonzo: Wait, what? Why? Doug was undefeated going into that match, and came out of it without taking the fall! How the fuck does Seth justify firing my brother?

Lori: Doug said something about all the trouble he had been getting into outside of the ring, and Seth contributed that to firing him…

Gonzo: HORSESHIT!!! I’VE DONE WORSE THAN DOUG OR VINNIE COMBINED COULD EVER COME UP WITH!

Lori: QUIT YELLING AT ME! I’m just telling you what Doug told me…

Gonzo: Where is he?

Lori: At his trailer down the road. Tell him to come pick up his laundry. It’s been here a few days now, and I’d like it to get out of my way, already!

Gonzo goes to toss his bags back into the truck, before his mother grabs the other one, and motions for him to drop the other bag. He complies, before shutting the back door and reentering his driver’s seat. He turns the key and waits for the glow plugs to heat up. Once the light went out, he fired up the large pick-up truck, and lurched out into the road, before turning onto it en route to his brother’s humble abode.

Gonzo was having difficulties comprehending exactly how Seth could justify this. Was it the threat of another Murdock making a hard burn at the World Title? As much as Seth was doing his best to bury the fuck out of Doug, it was undeniable his talent inside of that ring. He’d taken strange and unthinkable partners and did wonderful stuff inside of that ring! Why couldn’t he pair him up with a veteran wrestler if he wasn’t developing properly?

Gonzo didn’t have to ponder on all of these questions long, as he pulls into the driveway to the dilapidated trailer that Doug and Vinnie call “home”. Gonzo parked the truck in the unpaved and muddy driveway, before trekking through the sidewalk area, also unfinished, before climbing a rickety set of steps to the front door. Gonzo pounded on the front door, before he could hear a stirring and then a stumbling to the door, as it pops open and Vinnie peers out of the door, saying…

Vinnie: GONZO!!! HOLY FUCKIN’ SHIT!!! YOU’RE FUCKIN’ ALIVE!!!

Gonzo: No shit. Where’s Doug? How the fuck did you get yourselves fired?

Vinnie: Gonzo, I love you, but those are fighting words, right now. Doug is super pissed, super depressed, and I’m afraid he’s going to do something stupid. You know he called a Marine Corps recruiter when we got home?

Gonzo: Marines? Really? That upset, huh?

Vinnie: Yeah, and the only time he’s left was to go talk to the recruiter…

Gonzo: Speaking of which, can you take my truck and go pick up his laundry from our Mom? Then after that, go pick up a few packs of smokes…

Gonzo pulls out a $100 bill, and hands it to Vinnie, as he continues…

Gonzo: Two packs of Marlboro Smooths. Grab me two cans of Grizzly Mint, too. NOT the pouches! Then go to Dunkin’ Donuts and get us something for breakfast. Get some coffee, too. Put some diesel in the truck before you come back. Keep whatever change is left when you top it off. It should already have a decent amount of fuel in it.

Vinnie: Really? Busy work? I should be here for this…

Gonzo: This is a family talk. Especially if he’s thinking of the military option. But I need you to disappear for a little bit. Will this help?

Gonzo pulls another $100 from his wallet and hands it to Vinnie. Vinnie grabs it, but looks at Gonzo with some trepidation in his eyes. He silently, however, complies to Gonzo’s request, as he pulls on a pair of boots before doing Gonzo’s bidding.

Gonzo, in the meantime, walks to the back where Doug’s room is. He opens the door to see Doug sprawled out on his water bed in nothing but a pair of Calvin’s face down into a pillow. Doug can audibly be heard snoring, as Gonzo looks around inside of the room to find something to wake Doug up with. Gonzo smiles as he sees an air horn on Doug’s dresser, and quickly snatches it up, before he depresses the button on top of the can…



Doug jumps from the water bed, as Gonzo could hear the water sloshing inside of the mattress bag. Doug looks up, about to attack the interloper that had just disturbed his drunken slumber, to see his “dead” brother George standing in front of him, holding his own air horn. Doug gets up and begins to scream at Gonzo…

Doug: I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD, YOU ASSHOLE!!! SON OF A BITCH!!!

Gonzo: That is a conversation for another day. Both my death and our Mom being a bitch. DUDE! What the hell happened?

Doug: I got shit-canned! Was told that I couldn’t hack it at this level.

Gonzo: But you’ve been on a TEAR! Undefeated, save for this last one…

Doug: I KNOW!!! But Seth said something about analysts, and that I’ve already hit a ceiling in talent, or something like that. Told me I might have a better shot at MMA. At least I won’t have to pretend to be something I’m not, so there’s that…

Gonzo: So where is the Marines coming into play? You’re already kind of a jughead, but jarhead?

Doug: I just got this INCREDIBLE URGE TO KILL after that match. I wanted to kill ANYBODY! Bates, Battle, Purse, Richards, Omega, they were just easy and convenient targets of opportunity was the feeling I got. That got me so angry, I felt I had to do something about it. I called the Marines. They kill people, right?

Gonzo: Yeah, but with the Marines, I’m not sure if they are truly trained crack troops, or if they’re a bunch of drunks with high-grade military hardware.

Doug: But I don’t have a very high ASVAB score, so I tried the Marines cause I heard they don’t require really high scores.

Gonzo: And people call you dumb. But seriously, the Marines?

Doug: You were in the Navy! Do we want to call you on your Village People attire?

Gonzo: Yeah, I can still kick your ass regardless of whether you become a Jarhead, Squid, Grunt, or Chair Force. Still your older brother…

Doug: Still too hung over for that fight, right now anyways… Maybe I can do it as a Reservist?

Gonzo: That’s right, Part-Time Killer! I’ve done it before. Technically still doing it now.

Doug: I thought you were retired? Is that what all that fake death shit was about?

Gonzo: Classified mission, and I offered my help because it was needed. Maybe three or four more guys in the world could’ve done what I did, and walked out alive.

Doug: Surviving that explosion? I saw it on television. We saw the blood cooked into the vehicle when they pulled it out of the Bay…

Gonzo: Everyone saw what they were supposed to see. And now I’m supposed to keep my head down until we can flush some more assholes out and put their asses away, but this shit with Seth? RIGHT BEFORE WAR?!?!?!

Doug: I know… That’s what makes me so upset, because I KNOW I can win it! I could take on ANYBODY IN THE WCF RIGHT NOW, AND WALK AWAY ON TOP! FUCKING HATERS!!!

Gonzo: Well, you did go chasing after Seth’s favorite pet, after all. Sorry I wasn’t around to tell you how to get shit done. Did you ever read what I gave you?

Doug: I lost it either in Australia or Japan, I forget which. But shit has been WILD since I got hooked up with the DRG. Got shit going on with Oblivion, Denise D’Evil, and that Night Rider guy. And he’s NOT David Hasselhoff, either.

Gonzo: Yeah, I know it isn’t David Hasselhoff! But never mind about the AoD, but rather what about PANTHEON?

Doug: We sent those pack of cheaters running after the match! Damn cowards, every one of them! Especially Richards, hitting me in the back of the head with whatever the hell that was…

Gonzo had known of the Rubber Chicken, and had avoided it like the plague when they had their previous encounter almost a year ago for the honor of becoming the United States Champion, though that felt ages ago. Doug continues…

Doug: Then had to see Bates get pinned, and that was hard to swallow. Felt like I let you down when the bell sounded…

Gonzo: Eh, surprised the team held together for as long as it did, to be honest. With all the heat that the DRG has been getting? Did Bates pull a Mel Gibson or a Michael Richards and I not hear about it? I was off the face of the Earth for a little while, but damn!

Doug: No, just a bunch of ignorant assholes. Isaiah Chavis really tore into Bates a lot. Something about Bates being Southern and believing in Jesus means that he’s an enemy of gay people. That sounded pretty stupid to me, but it seems a lot of people are buying into that shit…

Gonzo: Well Bates is from a weird place in the world. What they think is normal, or at least progress, a lot of other people still see as backwards. And being as I’ve spent more than my fair share of life down in the South, I can say that the black folks tend to segregate themselves from white people more so than the other way around. Though I don’t blame them. They live with a group of people who’s ancestors enslaved, beat and tortured their ancestors. And only time can heal those wounds. The media is making shit worse, and letting this asshole Chavis run the circus on that subject, rather than let time do what it does best in situations like these.

Doug: Because he’s gay, and doesn’t believe in Jesus gives him the right to be hateful to someone who’s straight and does believe in Jesus? Bates is no saint, but WOW…

Gonzo: Chavis being gay is the BEST TRAIT ABOUT HIM. It means he’s not going to reproduce and bring about a bunch of ignorant assholes onto the world. I hope he sticks to kissing the pole rather than watering the hole just so he doesn’t bring forth a shitbag baby Hitler hatemonger to fuck the world over with as the parent to this potential Antichrist that supposedly exists! I cannot get that point across enough! Other than to insert Hitler with someone even more horrible, like the Ted Bundy, or perhaps Timothy McVeigh?

Doug: Wow, that so… WOW! Cold…

Gonzo: Fuck the temperature of that statement. Truth hurts, and I’m about to sling a lot of TRUTH around and hit some motherfuckers in the mouth with it! Starting with this shit about your job…

Doug: Seth was right. The whole being in front of a camera, listening to Vinnie spout off about whoever, when I just want to do my talking in the ring with my fists? Seth didn’t kick me out empty-handed. I got a REALLY NICE SEVERANCE PACKAGE. Check this out…

Doug takes Gonzo over to his computer in the corner of his room, and pulls up an e-mail from the WCF Corporate Offices, detailing the severance package within. Gonzo whistles, and says…

Gonzo: Take advantage of that education package! Do that while you serve part time or full time, and make BANK while going to college. Don’t be like the rest of those kids who struggle! You’ll be eating. Just don’t turn your diet into nothing but pizza and ramen noodles.

Doug: Dude, I know how to eat. But I still don’t know what to do next. MMA? Marines? College?

Gonzo: Do all three! Marines have the MCMAP program, which incorporates a lot of MMA. They compete within the Corps, and winning events is a big deal. I’ve competed in a few Marine Corps tournaments. Most recent one was in ’06, but I still am a Black Belt and certified as an instructor. And a lot of military guys are now getting college done in the service. Though I ain’t gonna lie and tell you it’s going to be easy. You need discipline to pull all three off, and you can pretty much forget about having a personal life if you do all three at once…

Doug: Eh, I’m cursed with women, as it is. Maybe all three will get my mind off of them. Hell, with college, I can be introduced to a whole new breed of lady, as it is…

Gonzo: True. Hence why I don’t even waste my time with these skanky backwoods hoe-bags with Summer teeth when I’m here.

Doug: Summer teeth?

Gonzo: You know? Some are here, some are there…

Doug: Ew!

Gonzo: Bad part is did it come from bad genes or the hillbilly drunkard in a domestic violence incident?

Doug: Dude, you’re from here, too!

Gonzo: I know! I can bag where I’m from! Not like I’m bagging on Chavis for being a cheese-eater! Is he even going to be in War?

Doug: No. He’s in a coma, though for how long…

Gonzo: Bates will not murder him in his sleep, though he may deserve it…

Doug: Yeah, between him and some others in the WCF, its REALLY gotten into the head of Bates. Ever since he lost the US Title, he hasn’t been the same…

Gonzo: I know. He’s not the same Bates I was in the Trios Tournament with. Grayson’s not the same, either.

Doug: Grayson, Gemini, whatever he wants to call himself now…

Gonzo: Be grateful. I could BE him. You know, REALLY INSANE?

Doug: The jury is still out on whether or not you’re sane or not. Its leaning “no”, by the way.

Gonzo: Good to know. But has the jury come back on my effectiveness to prevent tragedy to America the Beautiful?

Doug: Soundly in the “yes” column.

Gonzo: Then I give exactly no shits to what people think about my mental state or my methods. They can all eat a big bag of dicks, for all I care…

Doug: Bet that went over with Mom real well…

Gonzo: Always does. But I don’t have to stick around and hear her fallout, either.

Doug: That will be one thing that I’ll miss. The peace and quiet away from the family. Speaking of which, Uncle Teddy called me and wants me to go see him. Talk about something really important that happened before I was born. You have any idea what it was about?

Gonzo: I was 12 years old when you were born. My only concern was trying to evade the Old Man, stealing cigarettes, riding four-wheelers, and hustling for whatever scratch I could put together, and maybe fingerbang a chick or two, and not in that order of priority. I can’t tell you what Uncle Teddy was doing at that time. Didn’t care to know. But I don’t envy that talk. That may take awhile, if he said he wants to SPEAK to you. You know what THAT means…

Yeah, I guess this needs explaining. Back before Uncle Teddy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in ‘05, he was a local head-cracker and disposal expert for the Co-Op for whenever someone threatened the crop. Though he really didn’t suffer the ill-effects right away, the onset has been apparent for quite some time, as he now tends to write out his orders to the underlings he has at his disposal for The Farm. However, when he passes along the message that he wants to SPEAK to you, it means just that. And he RARELY passes that message along…

Doug: I shouldn’t be in any trouble around here that I know of. That’s about the only time he ever wants to talk to me, and I make it a point to NEVER talk to him, if possible.

Gonzo: I know what you mean. I grew up with him talking all the time, and you could never shut him the fuck up! He was always so LOUD…

Doug: Yeah, I remember. He started going more silent about four years ago. Still, he can get loud when he needs to…

Gonzo: Don’t put it off for too long, or he’ll send goons after you. Never a joyful experience when he does that!

Doug: Yeah… I’ll let you know how it goes afterwards. So what are you doing now that you’ve cheated death?

Gonzo: Go put a few things right. Start off with some one on one time with Taylor. I have to have a talk with her of my own, to let her know why all this shit went down.

Doug: And this is why I don’t envy whoever is dumb enough to have children. Don’t know if I can do it or not.

Gonzo: Well, when that day comes, I’ll remind you of what you said, then watch the dread set in when I say it. Or rage. You could be one of those “Papa Bears” out there…

Doug: Well, it’ll be my kid, so yeah… But kids? Eh…

Gonzo: As cliché as it is, they are our future. Don’t piss them off, because they’ll be the ones who pick our nursing home. Hence why I have to have this conversation with my daughter. Think maybe I’ll also have a talk with Seth, too. Let him know he can’t fuck with Murdock’s like this!

Doug: Well, thanks, but no thanks. I’m taking the severance package…

Gonzo: Okay, you don’t want the job back, but this is a matter of PRINCIPLE! Fucking Seth thinks he can just fire people at a whim? Maybe, but he’s going to find it to be a very PAINFUL experience when I’m done…

Doug: Dude, I was one of the lucky ones. Some people didn’t get a package AT ALL…

Gonzo: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!!! YOU THINK THIS IS JUST ABOUT YOU??? SINCE TRIOS, ALL OF US IN THE DRG HAVE BEEN GETTING DOGGED AND ABUSED BECAUSE A BUNCH OF SHEEP FOLLOWED THE BLACK SHEPHERD OF HATRED! TIME TO TURN THAT SHIT AROUND!!! PUT THE FUCKING WORLD RIGHT! WHAT BETTER FUCKING PLACE TO DO IT THAN THE WC-FUCKING-F!
Hell, people should REJOICE that I’m alive!!! LET THEIR HEROES LIVE TO STAVE OFF EVIL YET AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN!!! AND HERE I AM!!! FUCK THOSE HIGH SCHOOL LOSERS!!!

Doug: What? What’s high school got to do with this?

Gonzo: Oh, it goes back to some of my fellow students and some teachers. Even then, I had a lot of haters. People telling me I can’t do this, or that, or whatever. I showed those assholes! I FUCKING CHEATED DEATH ON NATIONAL TELEVISION, BITCH!

Doug: Speaking of which, Scarecrow’s dead…

The joyous look on Gonzo’s face disappeared, as Gonzo says all of a sudden…

Gonzo: AH!!! YOU GOT ME, YOU BASTARD!!! DON’T BE PLAYING LIKE THAT!!!

Doug: He’s dead. Like grease spot in the middle of the ring dead. You didn’t hear about that?

Gonzo could only shake his head, as that brought him some sadness. When he first got to the WCF, Gonzo thought he was a new stalker, after he’d go and attack everyone on Twitter. Not like he ever used it much, except to announce signings at each stop on tour. Fortunately though, he never came to crash them, and he kept a respectable distance. He then immediately had regrets that he didn’t get to work with him, but then set it aside, saying…

Gonzo: Thanks for making me feel bad, ASSHOLE!

Doug: YOU DID IT TO YOURSELF!

Gonzo: True… Whatever, though. If he was still alive, he’d just be another victim lined up for me to beat the fuck down at the expense of Seth Lerch…

Doug: What do you mean? You’re not thinking of entering the War match, are you?

Gonzo just looks at Doug, as the scene ends… 

---

Road Trippin’ 

Thoughts on a Hard Long Road… 

It had been several hours since he had departed The Farm outside of Rome, New York for Reading, Pennsylvania to give Lerch a piece of his mind, heart, fist, foot, or whatever he deemed fit to give Lerch inside the comforts of his own office. Normally, dealing with Seth Lerch were handled by his lawyer, Zeehsan Lazlo, Esq., but this was a matter of PERSONAL FAMILY PRIDE!!! Lazlo was going to sit this one out…

This had also given him enough time to really talk to Taylor about the nature of his life, and why it was deemed necessary that people had to think he had died, and very publically. He also got to explain that after this stunt, his next time would probably be for real. This had helped her understand that Life, despite how I had manipulated and played with it, with the help of some journalists, is still a fragile thing. Now she thinks her father is a magician, though to be fair, it was an illusion that had turned out to be a rather effective one to all the people that mattered at that time…

Now she slept soundly in the passenger seat, as her headphones are still stuffed inside of her ears even though her phone screen had long gone out. He feels grateful to see that once again. Hell, he felt grateful to see his MOM, so EVERYTHING was feeling pretty excellent. Except for this insult to his brother and thus, the family name…

However, he did question if this was a wise decision to get right back into the ring after an arduous mission such as this. He was starting to become the Old Man he never figured he would ever be. Hell, lots of professional wrestlers die young. Solders even younger than that also died often, as well. Though sadly, not all of those deaths are attributed to the battlefield. And there was Gonzo, early in his career as a Corpsman who later on became SEAL qualified. Talk about short life expectancy going into combat! Traditionally unarmed, or lightly armed, medics and corpsman suffer the same losses early in battle, right up there along with communications and radio operators.

Yet he survived and even thrived in combat. So much that it had become a part of him, as sick as it was. Without a mortal enemy to face, it was almost like his life was not worth living. Things grew tiresome, boring, having to face the same old enemies over and over again, with the same result expecting a change. Therein lies the boring aspect of being the so-called “good guy”. Allowing the “bad guy” to live, nay, ESCAPE to fight yet another day. That’s just shit work, as far as Gonzo was concerned. Superman? Couldn’t put down Luthor once and for all? That’s because he sucks at what he does!

Superman, ugh… Gonzo could not think of one positive thing to take away from Superman, because he was no different than the oppressive assholes such as Hitler and Stalin, maintaining order over us like sheep. Who the fuck asked for that guy’s help? Who is he to “save us”? Maybe we all deserve to get our asses kicked by each other, lest we become soft and weak. Maybe this was Seth kicking Gonzo in the ass, reminding Gonzo that there is no rest for the wicked. It could have been done without the blatant disrespect, however…

The Pennsylvania Turnpike managed to stay clear in the night, as Gonzo neared the exit to get off, spotting a Comfort Inn sign in the distance. Hell, he had wished he was able to get a night’s sleep at his own home after God knows how long it’s been. Alas, he wasn’t taking the Rolling Fortress on this venture. This required a lighter touch, so Seth can shit himself accordingly when I march into his office and grab him up from his chair. That should be fun…

He takes the exit, and after a quarter mile or so, he pulls into the Comfort Inn Lancaster County North after crossing the North Reading Rd. Intersection. He parked the truck in a parking space, before unbuckling and carrying in Taylor. She had started to gain weight since his last time around her, to the point where she should start walking on her own, rather than be carried. Or maybe that was the Father in him that he’d missed out on in her first few years. Either way, he makes a note of this, as this could be over before it even starts…

Getting a room was a breeze with her on my shoulder, as the receptionist was quick to help out a single dad. Glad I haven’t lost the ability to pull tail when needed. Either Taylor was REALLY starting to get heavy, or I was just that out of shape. This started to annoy Gonzo, before he says to himself to go to the gym and check out just how much you’ve lost. But later, because you still have tomorrow to contend with.

After getting the door open, and Taylor safely locked inside of the room, he went down to the car to get their luggage. He takes this time to have a cigarette, after going HOURS without one, instead relying on a wonderful combination of nicotine gum and chewing tobacco. Yeah, try telling me if your nerves would hold up after escaping almost certain death. He does spit out the wad of gum and tobacco, as he takes a few puffs to get the knot forming in front of his forehead to loosen up. One thing about having little kids along for long road trips…

Gonzo did remind himself that the position he was in did have some advantages, in that nobody will see this coming. Especially if Doug was publically let go. Hell, this could be the BEST OPPORTUNITY SINCE TRIOS for Gonzo to take a run at whomever walked away from War the World Champion, and Gonzo had no love for either man.

Alas, Gonzo held no love for ANY man inside of that ring, as it stood right now. Not even the DRG, to which he still held a position within the group. Though there was not much pride when it came to the biker club, as of late. Many had fallen to the wayside with injuries or issues that kept us from the ring, while others are just not what we were back in May. Yet ANOTHER reason why releasing Doug was stupid! He was the much needed shot in the arm they needed for their first defense, when Gonzo left for the mission. Shit, Doug made that match worth watching, as once again, Gemini and Bates were not at their best at that time, either.
Had the group hit its peak? Was it all just a dream? Some Cinderella shit we could only carry so far before the thieves of the night, PANTHEON, grabbed those titles? It was no surprise for Gonzo, considering who was on that team, these days. Basically holdovers from The Pack days. Well, they still suck, just under a more established name that has a foundation in bullshit. Of course, that was just the opinion of one counterintelligence agent…

Gonzo quit thinking about it, as he thought about his daughter sleeping in the room inside. He tosses his cigarette and grabs their luggage, taking care to step on his cigarette on the way into the Comfort Inn. He knew he had a busy day ahead, and thinking about this shit was only going to cloud his bottom line, which was to restore honor to his family name…

---

A Professional Entry

Operation Lazarus I: Invasion of the WCF Corporate Offices

He had hired a babysitter from an agency in town, before he dressed himself in a suit and drove himself down to the WCF Corporate Offices. Gonzo knew that Seth Lerch was there, because a bug he had placed inside of the office, and had yet to be discovered within his office had let him know that Seth was there. Too bad he couldn't bug the office that he fired Doug in. What a read that would've been...

Gonzo entered the building and was met with vacant expressions and lost looks as they saw him. It must've been a shock to see a dead man go through the metal detectors, but with astute professionalism, I was let through. I then got to the elevator and pressed the button for EXECUTIVE ACCESS, and holding it for five seconds, before releasing the button and the elevator speeds up. Gonzo had accessed the Fire Emergency Override, and was now about to go to a part of the building normally left to executives within the organization.

No sooner had he accessed the level Seth was on, he was met with two bodyguards that was guarding a sole door to his office. This did not deter Gonzo, as he easily twisted the arm of the first man who grabbed him, while he used his feet to strike the second guard behind the knees, sending him backwards hobbling. Gonzo continued to twist the man over, before stomping the arm, as a resounding "CRACK" could be heard before the guard screams in pain.

The second guard recovers, and opts to run to the door, opening it and going inside, while Gonzo follows. Gonzo gets to the door, to find it locked. Gonzo slams his foot into the door, splintering it at the door handle. Gonzo kicks again, as both doors fling open, and the security guard is the first thing Gonzo sees, leveling a Beretta 92F in Gonzo's general direction. Gonzo pulls from his back, and levels his Glock Model 22 in retaliation, as Gonzo says...

Gonzo: If you shoot, you better not miss, or I'm going to make you eat that gun!

Seth: WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!!! NO SHOOTING IN MY OFFICE!!! PUT YOUR GUNS DOWN!!!

Seth then turns and looks at Gonzo, then his guard, as both men put down their weapons, as Gonzo tucks his behind his back, as Seth yells out...

Seth: AND YOU!!!

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Seth had pointed at Gonzo, as he held a look of shock on his face, and says...

Seth: SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! GODDAMMIT!!! Next time, make an appointment, like most other people... So where's Lazlo? Is this not about your contract?

Gonzo: This is about why the fuck did you fire Doug? HE WAS KICKING ASS OUT THERE!!!

Seth: He had talent, but he wasn't meant for this place. Damn miracle he did as well as he did. But he was trying to bite off WAY MORE than he could chew.

Gonzo: Looking at the history of some of these recent cards, though, I mean, Doug was undefeated! And he didn't eat the fall in his last match, as it was!!!

Seth: You and I know it takes more than just talent in the ring. Look at Adam Young! He's got talent for days, but he just doesn't connect very well, and he suffers as a result! Doug was bound to suffer that fate, and I saved him from that fate. You're welcome!

Gonzo: Don't talk at me like you're doing me or him a favor! My uncle is really unhappy about this, for some odd reason. Like he wants me to punch holes in you type of pissed.

Seth: You think he's the first person to threaten me? Or the first time a sibling has ever got upset about the firing of another? Hell, you're not even on the Semi-Active Roster!

Gonzo: I still have a contract that hasn't expired. And it carries me right up to One, and even another PPV appearance or two. Well, now that you've pissed on Doug, per my uncle, I'm NOT to beat the holy piss out of you, but rather, the rest of the WCF roster as a result. And what better time than here, and what better time than now...

Seth: You want in on War? Okay! HELL, I'LL BE YOUR PRESS ON THE MATTER! Especially after last year? Back to back eliminations? Running PANTHEON out of the ring? Yes, even Jonny Fly did not want anything to do with you. And then the burn you ran on The Pack after WAR? MONEY!!!

Gonzo: Be careful what you wish for, if that is how you want to take this. And if you think I'm screwing around with this, think again! This place has gone to Hell in a hand basket, and I'll run another burn on that ring like I did last year!

Seth: Don't threaten me with a good time or profits! Hell, maybe we get lucky and we have another good match between you and Dune! God knows neither of these two have done shit with the opportunities they have.

Gonzo: What do you expect? Joey has what he wants, and doesn't care about anything else. And Dune? Well, not my fault that you can't find guys up to the task. Only reason I didn't win was because he got lucky, pure and simple. Rest of the guys can talk shit, but that's all they can do. They're not on my level...

Seth: Luck or not, Dune still reigns. (sigh...) And yeah, this build hasn't been very exciting, at all... I figured Joey would've forced my hand or something, but he's not dumb. He wants his shot...

Gonzo: Hope he wins, so I can be the one who knocks that smug look of that bastard's face when I take the World Title from him. TWO FUCKING TIMES that asshole jumped me, and it would bring me great pleasure if he found himself retired to a chalk outline in the middle of that ring as I hold that title up over my head...

Seth: Any other time, maybe. But you've been out of the ring. You think you can still get that shot? You've lost a lot of weight!

Gonzo: Whatever! Still a bad motherfucker. See what I did to that other clown out there?

Seth: I see your point. Alright, I'll enter you into the match. Don't disappoint me...

Gonzo: Don't really give a fuck if I do or not. Either way, you might want to get your EMT's ready for multiple lacerations and lots of blunt force trauma when the night is over. They think I went to WAR last year? Just wait for this year!!!

Oh, and by the way? Your security sucks! If you want, I can send you better guys. But this one? I don't know if you spilled anything near him...

Seth: Really? You're fired! GODDAMMIT!!! MY CARPET IS ALWAYS GETTING FUCKED UP...

Seth dials on his phone for janitorial services to his office, as Gonzo takes this opportunity to disappear. Gonzo walks back through the doors he kicked in, down the hall, to the elevator where he presses the button, and the doors open up. Gonzo steps in, and looks out to see the security officer he'd broken the arm of, passed out on the floor. The doors close, as the scene ends...