Orochi-O's Holiday Banquet '09 - Epilogue

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 1

*The scene defines a mixed vibe - a grand cathedral-like dining room, the unzipped fly in the lap of luxury, and yet utterly crawling with security guards. This is the scene of the Orochi-O's Holiday Banquet held on December 26th. There are no official cameras anywhere to be found and anyone, besides a select few, caught using a private camera will be removed and likely beaten. The private and guarded guest list consists of top Orochi-O's Inc. board member brass and some trusted employees.

People file in around 8pm and look a little nervous. There is some small talk but the level of unease at the security guards and general rigid atmosphere of the evening is palpable. The fact that no one even knows where this building is located is even worse, as members were carted in from double-tinted windowed limousines from New York and blindfolded til they entered the banquet hall The sense of tension is furthered when a set of gold double doors open and in walks Orochi Geese and Holly Walker. Geese is wearing a gold tuxedo with a black shirt and Holly looking stunning but surprisingly appropriate in a long black gown.*

[Geese:] "Please spend the next hour enjoying hors d'oerves and conversation. Or at least the former. Relax - You wouldn't be here if I did not trust you. The security is for you not against you."

*Everyone applauds, not knowing what else to do at such "scaring with faint assurance". Geese begin to walk around. Holly goes to her brother Kyle, looking awkward in a tuxedo (likely his first), and takes him to mingle with people. Geese has a look of unease on his face as he speaks with Agent 0. Finally, the doors to the entrance open and in walks Mr. Clyde, Mr. Figaro and General Celes. Clyde and Figaro are wearing tuxes and Celes is wearing a gold, purple, and white gown that actually has many in the audience quite shocked at her femininity (read: hotness). Geese goes over to welcome them.*

[Geese:] "The honored guests, I am glad you could make it."

[Clyde:] "No metal detector?"

[Geese:] "Is there one capable of detecting that which you would prefer hidden? I accept your presence here with any 'insurance' you feel necessary. However, it will not be needed."

[Celes:] "You know the conditions. You try anything and we alert the world to the location of this military base: rendering it incapable of holding the next Battalion. Yes it IS that clear."

*Geese smirks*

[Geese:] "My dear, General. This is a celebration...of my friends. That is why you three are the guests of honor. Especially Mr. Figaro who is being celebrated for his recent in ring success."

*Geese pats Figaro on the shoulder but Figaro looks at Geese dismissively.*

[Figaro:] "Yeah, right."

[Geese:] "I understand your reservations but I assure you that there will be ample time for my words to ring true later. For now, enjoy yourselves. Eat, drink, be merry."

*Geese smiles and gives a light bow before walking off, a smirk not seen on his face from their angle. They begin walking around as Figaro starts gorging himself with food to Clyde's embarrassment. Celes begins looking around, planning routes for exit. Most importantly, everyone is assembled and beginning to mingle. And thus begins our assortment of "Scenes from an Orochi Banquet: December Moon Fire Remix 2.0"*

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 2

*Luke Kisiera is nervously fixing his hair in the men's rest room. The outside door opens and in walks Kyle Walker. He goes to the sink as well to splash some water on his face, looking a bit exasperated.*

[Luke:] "Tough audience out there, huh?"

*Kyle looks at Luke quizzically.*

[Luke:] "Just that uh...everyone's kinda stressed."

*Kyle laughs, a little too enthusiastically*

[Kyle:] "Stressed!? Oh, stress is relative my new friend. And what exactly is your name?"

*Luke freezes at Kyle's words.*

[Kyle:] "That's all right, something tells me I already know it. Enjoy the party, try not to get too stressed."

*Kyle walks out as Luke just stares into space. He walks out of the bathroom a few seconds later. One of the stall doors open and out walks Mr. Figaro who is nodding his head with a disquieting expression.*

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 3

*Mr. Clyde is in the kitchen looking around. After a few minutes, Agent 1 comes in from the opposite side.*

[Agent 1:] "You shouldn't be here."

[Clyde:] "For my safety?"

[Agent 1:] "Yes, but it's up to you how to interpret that."

*Agent 1 takes out a pair of brass knuckles*

[Clyde:] "It is illuminating how those never make anyone feel safer."

[Agent 1:] "Speak for yourself."

[Clyde:] "It is your insecurity and not your ability that is your motivation. You will never amount to anything. But if you stand in my way, your ineptitude will painfully land you as a trophy on my wall."

[Agent 1:] "Big words for a man in pajamas."

[Clyde:] "Big words from a man who needs brass knuckles to feel secure in a dinner party conversation."

[Agent 1:] "We're done here - leave the premises."

[Clyde:] "Only cause I have satisfied my curiosity."

[Agent 1:] "You know what they say about curiosity, perhaps I should tell your cat-loving friend Jean-"

*In half the blink of an eye Clyde jumps through the air with a high kick to the face of Agent 1, who didn't even have time to register a look of shock until it was too late. Clyde twists his arms behind him, grabs his head, and puts it dangerously close to a boiling pot of water.*

[Clyde:] "Perhaps you could tell me and I'll decide if the message is appropriate."

[Agent 1:] "..."

[Clyde:] "Or did you forget it?"

*Agent 1 seethes while Clyde places his face closer to the boiling water.*

[Clyde:] "You should really take something for your memory. Wouldn't want to lose your sense of self."

*Clyde pulls the Agent's head out of the pot and slams it against the wall, knocking him out. He pushes Agent's body under a table out of sight and himself leaves the area.*

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 4

*At a back corner of the hall, looking intimidated and wide-eyed is Jean Carter and Luke Kisiera. Jean is wearing the equivalent of a prom dress which Luke is matching with his powder blue colored tuxedo.*

[Luke:] "Wow - so you really went to the prom in that? Your date was a lucky guy!"

[Jean:] "Well now you are! Uh I mean, not that you're gonna get, uh, want some punch?"

[Luke:] "Definitely!"

*The two are fidgeting and blushing considerably when, to make matters worse, Holly walks over with a smirk. She looks the two up and down and almost bursts out laughing. A sly grin comes onto her face.*

[Holly:] "Look what the cat dragged in! Everyone's favorite secretary slash litter box, Jean Carter. And does she have an itty bitty date with her? Yes she does! How cute!"

*Jean bites her lip and delivers a strained, fake smile.*

[Holly:] "Don't clam up kid, you're actually allowed to talk to the adults tonight! So what's your paid escort's name?"

[Luke:] "Uh...I'm not an escort."

[Holly:] "Riveting answer. *yawns* So who are you and why should I care?"

[Jean:] "He's my date, THAT's why you should care!"

*Holly looks surprised at first, then holds her head high and laughs.*

[Holly:] "Well look who just grew a pair! They look bigger then your dates too, though not bigger then the General's. I hope her testosterone isn't rubbing off on you. That's not lady-like. Yanno - like how Dizzy used to be. Cordial and respectful like a lady. Good posture too until..."

*Geese, who was in earshot, quickly walks over. He puts his hand on Holly's back and looks at her with a sly smile as if to say 'cut it out'. Then he smiles at Jean.*

[Geese:] "Hello Miss Carter, you look lovely this evening. Thank you for coming."

*Jean takes a deep breath and looks at Geese and smiles*

[Jean:] "Hi Mr. Geese! Thank you for the invitation! This is a real honor!"

[Geese:] "You have done an excellent job these last few years. Your work on Amplitude, on the Battalions, and in the front office is appreciated and held in high regard. And who is your friend?"

*Geese offers his hand which Luke nervously shakes*

[Luke:] "Uh...hi, Mr. Geese. I'm...I'm *thinks to himself* Luke Kisiera!"

[Geese:] "A man who fully considers his words before he speaks - that is a rare but admirable trait."

[Luke:] "...thanks!"

[Geese:] "And what is your line of work?"

[Jean:] "Sergeant Yoshida hired Luke as his new office assistant."

[Geese:] "He works for the UBL? I was not aware. My apologies, Mr. Kisiera. While I tell Drake to handle the administrative duties, I do like knowing who is employed by me. But if you are working with Drake, then no doubt Jean must be keeping a close, watchful eye on you in the office."

*Luke smiles widely*

[Jean:] "Ha ha yeah I'm YUP! What he said!"

[Luke:] "I sure hope so."

*Jean blushes*

[Holly:] "Wow, you guys are like 'junior high' levels of awkward. But I can't tell which one is the boy and which is the girl. Either way you should be on opposite sides of the room until Spin the Bottle starts."

[Geese:] "If you want to stir something up, this isn't the pot to do it in tonight, my love."

[Holly:] "I'm getting bored anyway. The pleasure was yours, Jean. And Luke, whatever those filthy, filthy things you were thinking that caused you to be so tongue tied in my presence, *Holly sticks her tongue out and swivels it around suggestively. Jean's face turns red* it was better for you then it was for me. Later kids. Oh and Geese - put them to bed early so they don't have nightmares or wet their beds."

*Geese pats her on the backside as she walks away and he redirects his attention.*

[Geese:] "It was nice meeting you, Mr. Kisiera. I must say, you should inquire with Drake about your potential as a wrestler. You have the build for it."

[Jean:] "You really think so!? We were telling Drake that Luke could do it but he didn't believe us!"

[Geese:] "Show him. Drake's ears are stubborn but his eyes are sharp. Now, I have some business to discuss with other guests, please excuse me. And don't let Holly get to you two."

*Geese nods and walks away.*

[Jean:] "So...you think he'll give us a raise?"

[Luke:] "You know...Holly shouldn't talk to you like that, Jean."

[Jean:] "Hey let's go and get something to drink already, I'm done with being 'awkward' here. Let's party!"

*Jean takes Luke by the hand (Luke manages to stay conscious) and goes over to the bar area*

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 5

*Clyde passes by Figaro who is talking to Celes. He furtively flips a tiny white capsule onto Figaro's plate of just about all the food available. A small flash of anger appears on Figaro's face but then Celes pats him on the arm and his face returns to a jovial and hungry expression as he wolfs down the food.*

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 6


*Drake Yoshida is talking to John Randolph near the mini hot dog station.*

[John:] "Sergeant, I'm a little nervous."

[Drake:] "I know, I know - everyone is tonight. Nothing bad will happen. It's under control."

[John:] "No, it's not that. It's Jean DuBreil, and -

*Drake smirks*

[Drake:] "Athrin's men will not harm you if you do not insult them."

[John:] "But how do you-"

[Drake:] "What I allow and disallow in UBL is measured by my reaction afterward. It is under control."

[John:] "Ok, so uh, about the rest of the Battalion shows, can Jean and I do commentary together?"

[Drake:] "No, she has enough distractions these days. Don't make it harder on her. If you need a date-"

*Drake nods over to Holly who then looks to her side and brings a trashily under dressed and mostly inebriated Sandy Morton over to the conversation.*

[Holly:] "Hey Rudolph-"

[John:] "That's Randolph."

[Sandy:] "Ey whatevah you wanna call yerself or me is cool...I can'even put on reindeer antlers."

[Holly:] "Oh Sandy at least introduce yourself first before you mention the antler strap-on."

[Sandy:] "Srry! I'm yer fantasy and guilt rolled into one - Sandy Morton! Wanna get lucky?"

*A wave of nausea passes over John as Sandy grabs his arm and puts it on her butt.*

[Drake:] "I'll let you two get acquainted."

[Holly:] "Good idea. Drake, bring Geese and I some champagne."

[Drake:] "...ok."

*Holly and Drake go in two different directions.*

[John:] "I uh-"

[Sandy:] "Oooh lil hot dogs, I LOVE these. O'course - tha bigguns are fun too. Last week, I won the Hot Dog eating champeenship in New York."

[John:] "I thought that was only held in the summer."

[Sandy:] "Not the one I went to."

[John:] "Help."

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 7

*The orchestra begins to play. Geese walks over to General Celes who is still scoping things out.*

[Geese:] "Enjoying the sights?"

[Celes:] "I know you have something up your sleeve. You always do."

[Geese:] "And that is one of the reasons you were all so drawn to me, at first."

[Celes:] "Having a plan for your life is quite different then a plot to destroy others."

[Geese:] "At times I have thought that life is a zero sum game, my General."

[Celes:] "But you've already lost so much. And no one has benefited by that."

[Geese:] "There is plenty of time for 'shop talk' in the future. Why not enjoy this wondrous evening. Do you enjoy the orchestra? I had them play your favorite style of music. How about a dance, for old time sake?"

*Geese smirks.*

[Celes:] "Cute. The audience wasn't so keen on that little diversion of ours, were they? I think they knew something I hadn't yet found out. Besides, I don't think your tart would like it."

[Geese:] "Nor was I seriously proposing it. Holly is my only love and it would sicken her to the point of hospitalization to see me even holding your hand. But I brought up that old moment we had, in a banquet not so unlike tonight's, so we could try to mend our differences. It's the thought that counts, after all."

[Celes:] "I used to think that too, Geese. But it's more then that. When we arrived to assist you, we all had the right frame of mind. But over time, your mind twisted. Then you twisted us as a result, and eventually as a means to achieving even greater victory at the cost of what initially drew us to you. It took time to see that but when we finally did, it was too late to turn you back to the right path. The only question is will you go further or stop here. So whatever you have planned for tonight...

*Celes looks at Geese with an icy stare*

[Celes:] "It will fail. But this time, it just may be the final failure."

[Geese:] "You each misunderstand me. But tonight, I will do my part to change that, one mind at a time."

*Geese formally bows and walks away. Celes goes to find Figaro and Clyde.*

[OrochiGeese]

Scene 8

*The music softens and ushers begin to show people to their seats in another room. Here there are a number of smaller tables and one long table in front with a microphone. Everyone checks their little name cards and shuffles off to their tables. At the long table we see Geese in the middle with Holly, Kyle Walker, and Drake Yoshida to his left and Mr. Figaro, General Celes, and Mr. Clyde to his right. After everyone gets settled down, Geese stands up and grabs the microphone.*

[Geese:] "I'd like to propose a toast."

*Everyone stands. Somewhere there is a thud which turns out to be Sandy Morton passing out.*

[Geese:] "To the continued success of Orochi-O's and to...*looks at everyone at his table* those who make that success possible and meaningful. To the few but trusty friends I have and what we share.*

*Everyone takes a drink from their glass of champagne. After a few seconds, a previously stone sober Mr. Figaro starts grinning as his face flushes.*

[Figaro:] "Woo, tasty! Real kick to it!!

*Geese smiles widely and raises his glass in a small gesture to Figaro*

[Geese:] "I call attention to our guests of honor tonight - my long time confidantes of over 6 years: those who were with me at my lowest point *Holly lightly kicks him under the table, causing him to put his hand on her shoulder* and helped me reach my highest: Mr. Clyde, General Celes, and Mr. Figaro."

*The three receive applause from the crowd and attempt to stand up: Figaro doing so with difficulty due to the inebriated state he finds himself in.*

[Geese:] "Mr. Figaro - you have been singled out tonight for a special honor as you have done what few others have ever accomplished. Even in a tag match, it is a monumental career-making achievement to pin Jack Dod. You were a force of nature in our match and while I wish that it did not take the prior injury to Mr. Clyde to stir you to your level of ACTION, it is now clear to everyone that if you attack a member of our Orochi.A...Family, that the price you will pay is steep...but fair."

[Figaro:] "Yeah...we'll...we'll do what is right. That's what we always do, Geese.""

[Geese:] "YES. As you made clear at Renaissance *Holly kicks him again, then fakes a smile*...through your heroics in helping a victim of Dramesi *again, Holly fake smiles and kicks him* and even reiterated in a dream I had, of all things, anyone who continues to HURT people will be cut down to size. We will not stand for this, especially as the Battalion comes to a close. Competition must be at a premium, not cheap tricks or excessive violence. You are now the guardian and symbol of that principle. A principle that I realize I have not fully upheld in the past, but have now been stirred to action by your heroism!"

[Figaro:] " If anyone tries to disrupt these shows or hurt anyone, they gonna answer to ME!"

*The crowd appears a bit surprised at Figaro's flushed-faced passion but Geese smiles.*

[Geese:] "That is the Mr. Figaro who beat Jack Dod. That is the Mr. Figaro who has defeated so many-"

[Figaro:] "And we're gonna win those Battalion Titles! For our family!!"

[Geese:] "They are as good as ours."

[Clyde:] "I think this family's 'rowdy uncle; may want to sit down, he has had a bit to drink."

[Geese:] "He has the heart of a Champion, Clyde. He is inflamed by his passion to do what is right."

[Figaro:] "Where's Kim Cross! I'll show you all passion!"

[Geese:] "Perhaps it is best that he sits down and relaxes."

*Holly chuckles*

[Geese:] "But Mr. Figaro has shown where his heart and head is - he is fully ready, at his highest state of desire, to -"

[Holly:] "To totally bone Kim Cross."

Geese shoots Holly a rare look of actual irritation but quickly gets back on task*

[Geese:] "To win the Battalion and not tolerate any inappropriate action . Clyde, I know you are too. After we soundly defeat the Mad Gear Gang at the next show, we go onto the finale where you two will once again defeat Team SMN, as you did a few years ago at an Open show. We will win our Block and go onto claim the entire league. We will all taste Battalion gold thanks to our unstoppable teamwork!"

[Figaro:] "Let me at'em! I'll beat them single-handledly for you, Geese!"

*Celes looks a bit embarrassed and puts her hand on Figaro's shoulder to calm him down.*

[Geese:] "But now, let us enjoy this great feast. Thank you, friends, for sharing in this special occasion. And once we win the Battalion, I will hold another in celebration."

*The crowd applauds and turns to their meal. The rest of the night is largely uneventful, although on more then one occasion someone is warned about putting silverware in their pockets to 'build their inventory.'

[OrochiGeese]

EPILOGUE

After dinner, everyone starts to get ready to leave, the highlight of the exits being a simple exchange at the door: as Celes and Mr. Clyde help a drunk Mr. Figaro outside.*

[Geese:] "I hope you enjoyed tonight's event."

[Celes:] "It was...illuminating."

[Figaro:] "Good stuff, Geese! We gonna fight for what's right and gonna bring pride and gold back to the family! And morals! And safety! We'll be tha new BattleLion champions! ROAR!!"

[Clyde:] "He'll sleep well tonight."

[Geese:] "My gratitude that you came and I hope we can go back to doing what we do best: Working together for the RIGHT reasons. Good night and let this new year bring prosperity for us all."

*Clyde nods as he and Celes help Figaro outside. Holly comes up to Geese a few minutes later.*

[Holly:] "Well?"

[Geese:] "Mission complete. Gradual rate of absorption with no signs of resistance."

[Holly:] "Sorry for my intrusion before - I couldn't resist."

[Geese:] "My dear, all is forgiven as the night has been a success. And I too know the difficulty of temptation....for I have been fighting it all night. But no longer."

*Geese turns to her with a maniacal look in his eyes and they share an almost pornographic kiss. In the background we see Agent 0 approaching a silent Kyle Walker.*

[Agent 0:] "He told me not to interrupt his time with her tonight. But Agent 1 just told me that Mr. Clyde was in the kitchen earlier and may have seen something. This is an urgent message, please deliver it."

*Kyle looks up at Agent 0, cocks his head to the side and smiles widely*

[Kyle:] "First chance I get!"


*In their background we see Luke staring at the two of them talking. Jean notices his glance.*

[Jean:] "Luke...is everything ok? Why do you keep looking over there?"

[Luke:] "Can we maybe get out of here? Like now."

[Jean:] "Well, first I was wondering -

*Jean glances above at some mistletoe but Luke doesn't see it because his disturbed gaze is still fixed on Kyle and Agent 0.*

[Luke:] "I really think we should go. Something feels...very wrong about all this tonight."

*Jean looks surprised and a bit hurt*

[Jean:] "Oh, ok, yup... well...sorry if I-"

*Luke suddenly notices that Jean wasn't looking at what he was but, instead, at the mistletoe. He begins stammering and sweating*

[Luke:] "Oh no no - it wasn't that! Jean PLEASE, it wasn't cause of the mistle-"

[Jean:] "Yipes! We should get to the limos to take us back before they all leave! Or else we'd be stranded! That wouldn't be good, huh? Being stranded alone with crazy ole Jean Carter in her silly prom dress!"

*Jean begins walking fast so Luke doesn't see a tear rolling down her cheek. Luke curses to himself and tries futiley to "Re-load" (tech support's gonna be called tonight!) before following her.*


*In the final background scene, we see John Randolph sitting despondent at his table with Sandy Morton lipprints all over his face. She's totally passed out on the floor, people are stepping over and on her. After a few seconds, his eyes go wide and he begins doing his darndest to wash the lip prints off his face with ice water, repeatedly muttering to himself, almost in a hypnotic-like trance: *

[John:] "She didn't break the skin, so the virus didn't get in."


And thus ends our Orochi-O's holiday banquet adventure!! Feliz Goosidad to you all!