Jobbers in Paradise.

[throwingtoasters]

Man, your writing is so good. I want to produce this as an audio drama.

[Shane Sullivan]

Chapter 4:Chronometric Defibrillation

Carson P. Century sits at his desk inside his private office in the Cetus Arena. He is looking over stacks of pictures, each one representing a wrestler wanting entry into the Impossible Tournament.

“Hummm. Who to give the best chance to become my successor. “ He says intensly.

Ms. Liberty comes over wearing an old American flag styled one piece singlet with matching headband and leg warmers. She starts rubbing CPC shoulders trying to get a good look at the pictures strewn out on the desk. Her eyes go wide as she sees a picture of a good looking, well-built man wearing an American flag style trunk and jacket combo.

"Oh. Who’s that guy?" She points with one hand at the picture.

CPC looks at a picture of Adam Blast and grits his teeth in annoyance. He quickly puts the picture under the stack of pictures.

"He’s a nobody, a hack from earth. Pay no mind to him my love."

"He looks strong and kinda cute."

CPC sighs at this and takes a breath.

"Love could you get me a glass of seltzer water for me please?" CPC says trying to take her off the subject of Adam Blast.

"Sure." She says quickly then pauses. "What's seltzer water?"

CPC looks straight ahead in surprise at her ignorance for a moment then points at a glass bottle with a handle on it.

"Right there love, just pour me a glass of what is in the pitcher, add some ice please."

Ms. Liberty saunters off to fill the glass. CPC looks at a picture of an overweight disheveled wrestler in his stack.

"Well what do we have here?" He says to himself.

He then laughs as he recognizes the wrestler in the photo.

“Oh how the mighty have fallen. What have you done to yourself Thantos?" He ponders for a moment, stroking his mustache.

"Could be worth a laugh to see the mighty Thantos hobble in here and get his butt kicked by Pollux or Ursa Major. “

With a small laugh he puts the picture of Cosmos into the pile marked for the qualifiers.

Taking the pile of his current roster, he looks at each picture, seeing many he has tricked, manipulated and straight up kidnapped to this time period. Many have blossomed under his guidance. In another time and place, most of these men were ridiculed or laughed at for their ability, or lack thereof. Here, in CPC wrestling, they were respected, feared even. He smiled with some pride as placed Tyranny, Plethador, Gila and many others directly into the field of thirty two for the impossible tournament. Finally having twenty eight wrestlers he felt would bring about the best possible outcome, he looked at the fifteen or so pictures he had left in the other stack of pictures and twirled his mustache. Who to give the other qualifier spots too? Of course Cosmos was in; he wanted to have that guy beat down one more time. Too bad he had to send that monster Monolith to the beginning of time; he could have used him again to finally end Thantos for good. He shuffled the stack of pictures once more, finally settling on Karah, Montrol, Soul Watcher, Blizzard and some guy named Cheetoh Montalban Sr. Cheetoh wore a mask and was making some noise in the indies on Cetus. It would probably be good to have a hometown boy in the tournament. The last two names Ram and Mantis would round out the qualifiers. Those last two were Animen who were fixated on getting revenge on Commander Ender for his atrocities. Wonder what they would think if they knew he controlled Ender and Andromeda was his idea. Anyway, it would make for good HoloVid to have those two go at it for the right to face Ender in the first round. Who knew that Ender would be such a destroyer with the proper guidance?

CPC looks at the last pile of pictures, the reject pile. Exo-King, Bishop Hell, Raven, Adam Blast and Mesmer’s pictures, there was no chance he would let those guys in his CPC. They had the potential to beat him and that could not happen. Not when he was so close, to finally achieving what he was brought here for. Folding his hands in satisfaction, he looks at Ms. Liberty who, having filled the glass and walked back over, holds out the glass of seltzer to here husband. CPC takes the glass, winks at her and takes a big drink.

Ms. Liberty, looks down at the reject pile and is fixated on the picture of Adam Blast and her mind is searching for why he seems so familiar.

We leave the duo and head back to Massif’s gym, where we see Cosmos pushing 600 pounds on the leg press.

“Not bad little buddy. You’re strength is increasing every day.

“I am not your li....ttle. Buddy big goo...fy. Looking mor....on!" With last syllable he pushes the weight up.

Massif laughs and presses the button on the system to increase weight by 20 lbs.

Cosmos blows air through his nose. "I hate you, wanna punch you in your fat face."

Massif’s finger hovers over the button and he smiles. "Good. Builds character all that rage, or so I'm told, side note; not fat, clocking in at 5% body fat."

Cosmos grits his teeth and continues to push the weight staring daggers at Massif.

We leave these two and head to Scotland where Solaris in a burst of light arrives promptly at nine am, outside the ECCO gas station on 5th and Main st. He watches the door of the service station for any sign of Magnus Colby. At nine o’clock, an overweight bald man walks out carrying a full trash can to the trash bin outside.
Magnus Colby the quattuordecillionaire in over 99% of the known realities was tossing debris into the outside trash bin, like a commoner. Solaris could not believe what his eyes were telling him. Magnus pulls out a worn truckers hat from his back pocket and pops it on his head. He giggles at nothing then starts walking back towards the service station door.

“Don’t be too disappointed.... in deed.” Solaris sighs as he steps into the path of Magnus Colby.

"Hello Magnus."

Startled Magnus puts up his hands in a karate pose that he saw on the holovid. His eyes are wide as he takes in the old man in white robes standing in front of him.

" Awright! whit dae yi'll waant??"

"Are you Magnus Colby the Quattuordecillionaire?"

" Ah git oot o' mah wey auldjin."

Colby now just annoyed tries to get by Solaris, who doesn't let Colby pass.

"You shall not pass."

Colby's eyebrow goes up at that. "Gandalf?"

Solaris looks a little annoyed at that remark.

"No. Are you Magnus Colby? Please say no." He says the last part under his breath, still holding out hope that somehow he found Magnus's larger, dumber brother.

" Na yin calls me that name, bit me ma. Ca' me maggie."

Solaris swallows his disappointment.

"Well Maggie. I'm hoping you can help me find someone."

" Wha urr ye keekin fur?"

"Star Warrior."

Maggie looks startled at the name and takes a small step back.

“i didnae dae hee haw, it wasn't me!"

Magnus turns to run when the door of the service station opens. A big man wearing a Ecco Gas station uniform steps out and grabs Solaris and spins him around.

"Ain't nobody here by that name sir! I'll kindly ask you to leave...NOW!"

Solaris looks into the face, the horribly burned, scarred face of Star Warrior.

End Chapter 4

[TTX]

Nice stuff still.

[cman]

Star Warrior working at a gas station? Magnus is a poor bumbling idiot? Who knew that Solaris was a comedic genius, wow CPC has done horrible things to this timeline.

[Shane Sullivan]

Chapter 5: Seeing is not always believing.

Solaris takes a step back from the huge man, putting his hands up in a defensive position.

“I mean you no harm Star Warrior.”

Star Warrior advances on the old man.

“If you don’t leave that is what is going to happen to you, harm. “

“Please Star Warrior, I knew your father Omega. I just need your hel.....!”

Star warrior grabs Solaris by the front of his robe and lifts him off his feet. His scarred face an inch away from the older man’s face.

“Please say his name again, I dare you.”

Seeing he has greatly miscalculated some anger that resides deep inside Star Warrior, Solaris does something he hasn’t done to someone in a long time. He reaches his left hand up and touches the forehead of the giant lifting him from the ground. A glow overtakes the two men, erupting in a huge bright light. Star warrior roars in rage and a little in fear.

The light dims.

Star warrior is on one knee holding his fingers in his eye sockets. He is trying to see, his other hand whips back and forth trying to grab Solaris.

Magnus about fifty feet away, applauds in appreciation of the light show. Solaris stands a few feet away from the outstretched hand of the blinded Star Warrior.

“I just want to talk. I need your help Star Warrior. Time needs your help. We together can put some of the wrongs done to all of us right. Will you please just give me a few minutes of your time?”

Star warrior still mostly blind, stands up rubbing his eyes.

“Fine, you have five minutes old man. Then, light show or no light show, I’m pounding into peanut butter."

“Sounds reasonable.”

Maggie runs up all smiles.

“Ye git tae tell me howfur ye dane that pal. That wis amazin’! ain't na yin dropped muckle Southwest afore, especially an auld man.”

Solaris slightly smiles.

Star Warrior sighs. "Maggie, go inside buddy, wrestling is on."

" Whaaat? how come didnae ye tell me?!"

Magnus runs into the service station excited.

"He is not what I expected." Solaris says watching Maggie run inside.

"This planet is backwards, nothing here makes sense. It is a good place for me to hide. The infirm and different are ignored here."

"I see. Shall we go inside?"

"No. Say what you got to say right here."

"I need you to enter the Impossible Tournament, I need you to best all the competitor’s and win the tournament."

"You have no idea what you ask of me. I haven't wrestled since I was eighteen. I put all of that behind me when my father left us and my sister died in the fire."

"Your father did not leave you. He was taken somewhere. I'm pretty sure the fire that hurt you and your sister was deliberate and I think I know who started it."

Star Warrior looks at Solaris, his eyes are sad and tired.

"CPC did it, or knew who did it. I've know this for a while. Nothing I could do. I couldn't reach Alpha, dad disappeared after losing his belt to CPC, and so I ran, thinking he would kill me next. I was eighteen, so I came to earth, knowing he would never think to look for me here. I came to Scotland because Maggie is the biggest wrestling fan in the world. Ever since I could remember he would write my family, put us up when we came to Earth, been like a long lost cousin or something. After the fire and funeral I asked if he would hide me, It was a no brainer for him, he said yes and I been here ever since. By the way, how did you find me?"

"Actagon told me where to find Magnus, you were a bonus. Star Warrior....."

"Southwest, I prefer Southwest and who is Actagon?"

"Southwest, he is one of your closest friends in another reality, this....all of this should never have happened. Time has been tampered with by Carson P. Century. Only you can set this timeline back on its rightful course. I know what must be done. Will you trust me?"

"Seems farfetched, like a bad dream this reality I live in. I think it is time I came back and Avenged what happened to me and my family. I....agree."

"This is very good. We must be off soon. I have many things to show you."

"What about Maggie?"

"He is not what I expected. He is broken here in this timeline. He is different, I don't see how he could be of help, and he may just slow us down."

"Well, that is where you're wrong. Maggie happens to know every stat, move and weakness of every wrestler in CPC. He is a savant. Numbers, he has a way with them, can't tie his shoes, but have him pick six lottery numbers, he gets four or five every time. How do you think we own a gas station with a scarred monster and old man who loves pro wrestling?"

Solaris ponders this for a moment.

"Understood. If you think you need him, so be it."

"Let's go tell Maggie that we are taking a road trip. By the way, what do I call you, I mean besides old man?"

"Solaris"

"Oh right Solaris, come on in."

We leave these three and head back to Massif’s gym.

Cosmos lifts a heavy bag in a bear hug and slams it down with aggression.

“Again.”

Cosmos scowls and picks up the heavy bag. Sweat is pouring out of his pores, soaking the bag and the ground. He pushes the bag up into a slam position and fires it hard to the ground.

“Again.”

Cosmos stares at Massif angrily.

“How many more times do have to do this?!”

“Till I’m tired.”

“What?!” You son of.."

“Look. If you’re going to wrestle in the Impossible Tournament you will have a minimum of seven matches if you win it all, eight if you do it the hard way and lose in the final best of three. In one night! So you have been at this for what, thirty minutes? How long do you think you will last if you can’t slam bodies for more than thirty minutes?“

“Maybe I’ll just punch them in the face. Ever think of that?”

“Hummm. Good idea, mount the bag and hit till I’m really tired.”

“Damn it.”

Cosmos takes a deep breath then falls forward in a fist drop and hits the bag. He then mounts the bag and begins punching it over and over. Sometimes looking at Massif and hitting it even harder.

We leave the two men and head to the Meridiani Planum arena on Mars.

CPC puts the finishing touches on the Impossible Tournament board's four qualifying matches. Pitting Soulwatcher (17) vs. Death Knight (18), Young Ram (17) vs. Mantis (18), Montrol (17)vs. Cheetoh Montelban (18) and Ursa Major (17) vs. Cosmos (18)

Ms. Liberty opens the door to his office and peaks her head in.

"Love, Ursa Major is here to see you."

"Show him in dear."

She closes the door, muffled words can be heard then the door opens to young Ursa Major. He walks in looking confident and a little cocky. His bold sequenced jacket sparkles in the rooms light.

"Carson."

"Ursa Major, good to see you. CPC thinks you look great!"

"I do. But thank you nonetheless. So, why am I here boss?"

"CPC has a job for you. CPC wants you to cripple Cosmos in the Impossible Tournament. Make an example of him, set the tone for CPC's tournament. Can you do that for CPC?"

"Of course boss, I will break him and then go on to win the tournament."

"That's good. That's real good."

Both men smile at each other for a moment, then Ursa Major turns and walks out.

"Ms. Liberty?" CPC yells.

The door opens and she peaks her head inside.

"Yes dear?"

"Will you find me Commander Ender and tell him to meet me at the secret location?"

"Yes dear. What is the secret location?"

"It's a secret love; just tell him what I asked."

"Yes dear."

The door closes.

End Chapter 5

[WTIC]

That's really good! I will have to go back and read it from the start (I think I missed something, LOL)!

Have fun writing this, it's a fresh idea that I wish I had thought of!

And thanks for replying on my WWF '85 fed thread!

[TTX]

keep it going for sure.

[Shane Sullivan]

Chapter 6: No flights of Fancy here.

CPC sits on a stump overlooking a landing strip of sorts. The date is December 17, 1903. The place is Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Down below a commotion is happening. Two men are in a primitive powered aircraft and about to take flight for the first time and begin a new era in earth's history.

"Pay attention love, the good bit is about to happen."

Ms. Liberty draped in a huge blue pea coat, her nose red in the chilly air, looks bored with the whole experience.

"This is boring. Can't we go someplace fun?"

"This is fun."

"For you, I’m bored." She jumps up and down a little to warm up her bones.
“Of course you are, heaven forbid you would understand the gravitas of what is about to happen.” He says under his breath.
“What?”
“Nothing my love; just watch.”

The small primitive aircraft heads down the runway going with the wind. It takes off and flies about 120 feet before landing back on the ground. A small group of bystanders cheer the event. CPC does not. CPC still is looking intently not moving at the small hill just beyond the airstrip.

"Almost here."

"Wait. What are you looking at, the flying thing?"

He looks around at her for a second in disgust, then looks back at the field shaking his head slightly in annoyance.

"Don't be daft woman; I could care less about this backward planets first powered flight. I'm here for him." He points out to the field where a lone man is walking. He is disheveled and tired. The man’s hair is matted and grey, it hangs across his thin malnourished shoulders.

Ms. Liberty squints at the lone figure and shrugs. "I can barely see him, but it does look like he needs a sandwich. Who is it?"

"Why that my dear is Omega the former GWF champion and my last real nemesis."

Ms. Liberty stares harder at the man. Her heart tightens a bit at this knowledge. She looks down at her man and although she can't see his face, she knows he is smiling. Fear starts to well up in her.

"Why is he here? I thought he...." She realized what has happened to Omega and shakes a little as it dawns on her, what this man before her has done.

"He's here love, because no one will stop me from becoming the greatest man who ever lived." CPC looks around at her and smiles a smile of genuine warmth. "You will be the greatest woman who ever lived when I'm done. Won't that be grand my love?"

Ms. Liberty smiles, but the smile is forced. She nods, because she is afraid her voice will fail her.

CPC stands up and does a slow back bend stretch and waves at the man who is hundred yards away at this time. The man looks up and his eyes go wide. He starts to run towards CPC, he is yelling something the wind carries away.

"Time to go my love, time grows short and I still have much to prepare for."

"What about Omega?"

"He's right where I want him to be love. Take my hand, he is almost upon us."

Ms. Liberty takes the hand CPC puts out, mostly out of fear. He leads her down the hill away from the running man and out of sight.

"WAIT!!" The man known as Omega yells as he crests the hill the two just went down. As he reaches the crest of the hill he looks down and sees only rolling grassy plains. He falls to his knees and wails in despair and frustration.

"Don't leave me here!!"

We leave the broken former GWF champion to his present fate and head to Massif's Gym.

Cosmos looks over at Solaris with a smirk.

"Who's this chump?"

Southwest takes a step towards Cosmos, bad intentions written on his face. Solaris puts a hand on his shoulder stopping the scarred man.

"Please hold Southwest, don't do anything rash."

"Wasn't...was just going to punch his face in, all calm like."

Cosmos laughs at this statement, Southwest takes another step and Massif finally steps between the two men.

"Give it a rest you two. Listen to Solaris for just a minute will you please?"

Cosmos smirks again, "Since you asked so nicely an all."

Southwest just stares at Cosmos, his body tense and ready to go.

"I have brought you two here together, because I need you to train together. I need you Cosmos, to help me get Southwest, Star Warrior, ready for a match in two days."

Massif looks incredulous.

"Two days, does he even have any training?"

"My father was Omega. I've had training, just rusty, but I can still fight just fine." Southwest says, not taking his eyes off Cosmos.

"I only had the three months, seven years ago. Probably enough to give old Scarface a dance." Cosmos says not taking his eyes off Star Warrior.

Solaris looks at the two men staring and slightly smiles.

"I have asked a friend to come help us. His name is Torin Caelum. He was one of the greatest fighters of his generation. He arrives tomorrow. TIll then, please get some rest, try and get along. All of time needs you both. So please no breaking, killing anyone or anything that would jeopardize the mission."

Cosmos smiles at Star Warrior.

"Wouldn't dream of it."

"Yeah whatever." Southwest turns and heads over to a table where Maggie is sitting watching the latest CPC weekly program on a hand-held vid-terminal.

Cosmos looks at Massif and shrugs.

Massif points at the squat rack.

Cosmos gives him the finger and heads over.

Solaris looks after Cosmos and then looks over his shoulder at Southwest.

"So it begins."

End Chapter 6

[WTIC]

This stuff sure holds my attention!

I can picture this in comic book form, artwork by Chuck Carter himself! If not Chuck, I'd take a time machine to the mid-70's and get Jack "The King" Kirby to do it! Man, Kirby mid-70's art sure was classic!

Example:

[Shane Sullivan]

Wow heavy praise bud. Thank you very much. Hope you will like what is coming. The impossible tournament will actually be played out. That should be most interesting. Should begin in chapter nine I’m thinking. We’ll see, kind of flying by the seat of pants as I write this.