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Peter Vaughn · (06-01-2022)

The Road So Far:

Journeying Through The Force, P1

Journeying Through The Force, P2

Journeying Through The Force, P3

Dealing With Our Reality, P1

Dealing With Our Reality, P2

[Image: executive-summary.jpg]

The saga of the multiple Vaughns appears to have reached a critical juncture.

In the Virtual Reality, Peter Vaughn has been fighting just to stay alive. Since being defeated due to trickery from a doppelganger, Vaughn has been 'living' as a Force Ghost in the Star Wars universe, trapped without a body to return to. The computerized system, seeing Vaughn's consciousness as an unknown program and potential threat, threw greater and greater challenges against him, ending with bringing in the Death Star to wipe him out, along with the planet Hoth. Fortunately for Vaughn, it was at this point that the Master Cleaner finally intervened, rescuing Vaughn from being blown to pieces. With the Master Cleaner on his side, Vaughn finally seems to have a fighting chance... although he's also learned of how much time has actually passed since he 'fell'.

In the real world, Peter Vaughn has been living the life of a wrestling superstar. He's taken down competitors like Vita Valenteen and seems set to be in the best shape possible for his match against Mac Bane for the XWF Supercontinental Title. But we've since learned that this isn't the real Vaughn, more like a 'copy' of him. A computer specialist has found a way to duplicate a person's thoughts and style, transferring them into the person's body and gaining control over them due to the programming. This Vaughn has sat quietly, listening as the Specialist explained his scientific advancements to a captured Head Custodian, who is now in danger of being copied and erased himself. In the meantime, calling Vaughn a failed first attempt, the Specialist has instructed Vaughn to terminate himself. This would leave the real Vaughn's consciousness nowhere to return to, even if the Master Cleaner can find a way to bring him back.

Everything now hangs in the balance... and on the single pull of a trigger.

Master Cleaner: I think I've got it.

~The Master Cleaner finishes whatever he's typing, sending off the command. Vaughn waits anxiously, still glowing, but after a few moments, he notices a change. The ghostly after-effect seems to be fading. He watches, amazed, as his hands and feet start to solidify, followed by the rest of him. Vaughn grins, rubbing his arms together... then doing it more heavily, as the chill sets in.~

Peter Vaughn: It's g-g-great to h-have my b-b-body back, M-M-Master. C-could you r-r-rustle up s-some cold weather c-clothes too?

~Confused, the Master Cleaner glances over at Vaughn, who is still wearing only a light-colored Jedi robe. That's just not enough protection on Hoth. The Master Cleaner nods and turns back to his keyboard, typing away, as Vaughn braces himself for a jacket to appear, and hopefully some winter boots as well. Instead, though, the entire planet seems to contort, shifting under Vaughn's feet.~

Peter Vaughn: WHOA, whoa, what the hell??

Master Cleaner: No point in staying on Hoth. It's way too damn cold there. I prefer warmer climates.

~The landscape changes around them, suddenly becoming a desert planet. It's most likely Tatooine, although it could be Geonosis, or any other desert planets in the Star Wars universe. Vaughn looks around, feeling the waves of heat, and looks down at the ground. He lifts his left foot, then his right, looking disgusted.~

Peter Vaughn: Sand. I hate sand.

Master Cleaner: Huh. Like Vaughn, like Vader, I suppose...

Peter Vaughn: What was that?

Master Cleaner: Nothing, don't worry about it. How about... this?

~The world shifts again, which has to be disorienting for someone standing in it. After a moment, we find ourselves on Imperial Center, otherwise known as Coruscant. Both men are standing inside a park, with a statue next to them in honor of all the lives lost in the war against the Empire. Vaughn looks around and nods.~

Peter Vaughn: This will work. So back to what we were talking about. You're seriously telling me that someone's been out there wrestling... as me?

Master Cleaner: Apparently so. I'm still unclear on some of the details, but as far as the Coalition has been concerned, you left the VR studio weeks ago.

Peter Vaughn: Damn it. I hope this loser hasn't been just drinking tons of soda and eating junk food. I don't want to be bloated when I get out.

Master Cleaner: Actually, from our reports, you, well, the other you has been training harder than ever.

Peter Vaughn: Oh. Well, good for me, then.

Master Cleaner: The goal now is to figure out a way to get your imposter back here in Virtual Reality. Something tells me that's not going to be easy.

Peter Vaughn: Hey, yeah, try not to damage me when you do that, okay? When all this is over, I still want my shot against Mac. So he beat Marf? Was it a good match?

Master Cleaner: I don't know, I don't watch wrestling, Peter.

Peter Vaughn: You don't... you don't watch...

~Vaughn looks unsteady after such a proclamation. He has to sit down, going to the nearby bench. The Master Cleaner follows him, dialing up something on a phone he just made materialize in his hand.~

Master Cleaner: The good news is, I've received word that a rescue operation is underway. In fact, it may have already included.

~The 'call' appears to pick up, as the Master Cleaner turns away for a moment.~

Master Cleaner: Hello? Bill? Do you have them? ... Bill? Is everything... what do you mean? I... oh...

~The Master Cleaner slowly lowers his head, listening for a few moments more before thanking Bill and hanging up. Vaughn, sensing that things aren't exactly sensational, sits forward on the bench.~

Peter Vaughn: Well? What happened? Did you find me?

Master Cleaner: There's, uh... there's been a... a complication... it's... it's not good...

~Vaughn waits, as the Master Cleaner takes a moment, looking like his emotions are coming to the surface. It's not a sight seen too often for this man, if he is really a man and not some computer program. He rarely reveals anything, but his shock and sadness are evident.~

Peter Vaughn: Take a seat, Master... and tell me what happened...

~Slowly, the Master Cleaner shakes his head and composes himself.~

Master Cleaner: There's no time. We need to get prepared... for the end...

~The Master Cleaner begins designing a new program, as Vaughn watches, puzzled and wondering what actually happened...~

Twenty Minutes Earlier

~As the Specialist looks on, his usual crooked grin on his face, Peter Vaughn slowly raises the revolver towards his temple. He places it there, aimed directly at himself, ready to follow the Specialist's orders and 'terminate' himself. In horror, the Head Custodian begins to yell.~

Head Custodian: No! NO!! Peter, you don't have to do this!! Don't listen to him!!

Specialist: Ahhh, but he has no choice in the matter, my friend. This Peter is specifically trained to follow all of my commands. It's a shame to throw him away, I will admit, but I only see problems with keeping him around. It's time to move on to my next test subject... you. So Peter, please do as I've told you. Follow your orders.

Head Custodian: No! He's not a program now, he's a living, breathing individual! You can't take him away from us! He's too important!

~Vaughn's hand falters slightly, as he listens to the Head Custodian's pleas. The Specialist shakes his head, then turns to the incapacitated Head Custodian, confused.~

Specialist: I wonder, why have you and the Coalition taken such an interest in this man? I've never understood it. Ah well. It doesn't matter now, does it?

~The Specialist laughs merrily, then turns and looks back at Vaughn, whose hand is still shaking while pointed at his own head.~

Specialist: Oh, are you still here? Why, exactly?

Peter Vaughn: I... I don't think I can do it, sir.

~Far from being upset, the Specialist moves forward, fascinated at this change in behavior. As the Specialist stays focused on Vaughn, the Head Custodian continues to work away at the straps holding him down, now more frantic than before, as the process to copy his brainwaves must be almost complete at this point.~

Specialist: Please explain to me your logic on this, Mr. Vaughn. Is it a will to live? Is it a programming glitch? I'm very interested in find out, yes I am...

Peter Vaughn: I... I like being alive, but that's not the reason. I... I believe because you programmed me to try to respect all life... including my own... I cannot do what you ask.

Specialist: Ahhh, I understand now. This is what I get for deciding to use Azimov's Three Laws of Robotics as my basepoint. Still, you DID hurt your friend here by bringing him to me, didn't you?

Peter Vaughn: I took every precaution not to seriously injure him... but I failed in my mission there. I went with... what felt like what Peter Vaughn would do.... but... it was wrong... wrong...

Specialist: Oooo, a conflict between your programming and the cloned personality! I love it! You never know where these scientific endeavors are going to go, do you? It makes for an entertaining problem to resolve in the next iteration. Still, we shouldn't prolong this too long, should we? Please hand over the gun to me.

~With a slightly relieved expression, Vaughn lowers his arm and delivers the weapon to the Specialist. He immediately checks the safety, then lifts up the gun, pointing it straight at Vaughn.~

Specialist: If we have to utilize the alternate "murder scenario", so be it.

~The Specialist pulls back on the trigger, as Vaughn takes a deep breath...~

We all know it's going to end someday.

Sure, we assume it's going to be decades in the future. Maybe with technological advances, we'll all be living to 120-130 in the future. Or maybe it all ends tomorrow. But regardless, we still know that, someday, it's going to happen. Our run is going to be over. Our time will be done.

We'll be fertilizer in the ground.

I suppose, for me, that's why I've been working so hard throughout 2022. I've had a few close calls over the last couple of years, including, of course, the pandemic that took over the nation. Also, the brainwashing and torture, I'd definitely throw that in there. It helped me realize that it could end at any time, Mac. It could fade out over time, or it could crash as quickly as I can snap my fingers. Maybe that's why I've been working so hard to build up my legacy, to defeat the best of the best and win as many championships as possible.

As they said on The Sandlot: Heroes Get Remembered, but Legends Never Die.

I'll never be a hero in anyone's eyes. The fans will always see me as they always have: with contempt, because of how I was raised. But if I can continue to gain victory after victory, knocking out men like you, and carving my bloody history into the wrestling books, I still have a chance at becoming a legend. And then, Mac? I'll be immortal. I'll never be forgotten.

Isn't that worth breaking a few bones along the way?

I should apologize, Mac, in getting a little too deep and philosophical here. It's probably not what you want to see. You're just concerned with the competition inside the ring as we both risk our necks climbing for the gold. But the motivation matters, Mac. Are you motivated like me? To be blunt, I don't think you are. I don't know much about your life growing up, it's true. But I do know that there's no way you had it worse off than I did. Growing up without a mother. Having a father who was about as disrespected as they come, but taking it without fighting back at all. Living with the fact that you were never going to have a chance of making something of yourself, and eventually finding a way to force it to happen for you.

My motivation to win is still burning as bright as a super nova, Mac. I'll do whatever it takes to secure my legacy for all to see. Because I know that someday, my efforts will come to an end.

But that's not going to be today.

~Everything appears to be running in slow motion. The Specialist takes aim, his tongue slightly sticking out to the side as he prepares to fire the revolver. Peter Vaughn's head begins to move, as if finally showing the urge to stay alive. Behind them both, the Head Custodian finally, desperately pulls himself free of the chair. He tosses the gear on his head aside, leaping towards the Specialist with a strangled yell, which echoes in the slow-motion reality we now find ourselves in. He tackles the surprised Specialist, knocking him off-balance, as the gun finally goes off. A bullet flies out, its trajectory abruptly changed, as it flies past Vaughn's head, barely missing him and hitting the equipment behind him.~

~A shower of sparks brings everything to full speed again, as an alarm begins to sound. A countdown has begun. Vaughn turns, looking at where the bullet hit, before turning back to where the Specialist and the Head Custodian are fighting. Despite his early advantage, the Head Custodian has been drugged and secured for too long, as he struggles mightily to stay in the fight. He socks the Specialist in the jaw, knocking him backwards into another server cabinet. But the Specialist still manages to hold onto the gun, bringing it up... and firing two shots straight into the Head Custodian's chest.~

Peter Vaughn: No...

~The Head Custodian slumps to the side, leaning his weight onto the nearby desk, gasping for air. The Specialist, no longer smiling, wipes a hand across his bloody lips. He looks at the redness on the back of his hand, considering it clinically before turning back to the Head Custodian.~

Specialist: What a mess you have made. I can't tolerate it. It's too disordered... too messy... it must end, yes, it must end!

~The Specialist prepares to fire again, as the Head Custodian struggles to get up, refusing to stop despite his grave wounds.~

Peter Vaughn: NO!!!!

~Vaughn suddenly leaps forward, knocking the gun out of the startled Specialist's hands. He looks back at Vaughn, his eyes finally displaying something other than creepy joy. They're now full of frustration.~

Specialist: What... is... WRONG with you?!?! Did I truly make such a major mistake with your programming? Or did I just use too insane a template?? YOU'RE DISOBEYING ME, PETER!!

~Vaughn appears to be dealing with almost a mental breakdown, which is rather ironic, considering all that's happened in Vaughn's past. But he still manages to speak the words lodged in his mind, running over and over.~

Peter Vaughn: I cannot injure a human being... or, through inaction... allow a human being to come to harm... I have failed... Failed... FAILED!!!

Specialist: You have disappointed me, Peter! You are SO DISAPPOINTING!! Where did that gun go??

~The Specialist turns, angrily walking deeper into the room, as the alarms suddenly become louder. On the adjourning wall, we can see that a fire has started in one of the server racks, due to the bullet hits taken earlier. The smoke has drifted to the ceiling, causing the halon system to begin activating. A warning sounds.~

Automated System: Alert! Vacate the primary server room! Lockdown in 10 seconds for Halon deployment!

~The Specialist, startled, turns, realizing what's about to happen. Suddenly, a right hand slams into him, sending him spiraling to the ground. The Head Custodian stumbles, leaning against the wall. The front of his uniform is soaked in blood. He stumbles towards Vaughn, who is still going through a major mental crisis. He's grabbing at his head, as if to yank the thoughts that are plaguing him out of his brain. The Head Custodian grabs him, staring at him for a moment.~

Head Custodian: Peter... you're too important... run... go... you MUST survive!!

~Vaughn reaches for him, but suddenly the Head Custodian shoves Vaughn backwards, sending him tumbling out of control out of the doorway. The Head Custodian uses the momentum to fly backwards into the Specialist, who had come up with the revolver in hand. The Head Custodian grabs his arm, hanging on, as another shot rings out.~

Specialist: No, no, this can't be! This is inconceivable! INCONCEIVABLE!!

~Vaughn struggles to get up from where he fell, his eyes opening wide as the automatic doors to the room suddenly begin to swing shut.~

Peter Vaughn: No, WAIT!! STOP!!!

~Vaughn leaps forward, scratching at the side of the closing doors, but he can't stop them from closing. He yanks at them anyway, threatening to lose fingers as he fights against an unstoppable object. Inside, the Head Custodian, still holding the Specialist at bay, smiles at him.~

Head Custodian: Fulfill your destiny, Peter... I'll be watching...

~Despite putting everything he has into it, Vaughn can't stop the inevitable. The doors shut and lock tightly closed. Through the unbreakable window, Vaughn can see the Halon gas spilling out, covering both men... and absorbing all of the oxygen from the server room to put out the danger of the fire. Within seconds, neither of the individuals can be seen, due to the thick gas covering them. Vaughn starts hammering away at the door with his fists, as if trying to break it down with sheer force.~

Peter Vaughn: No, NO, NYYAAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!

~Like a rabid animal, Vaughn claws at the doors, struggling to find even the slightest edge to pry open. But he cannot. There are no more sounds coming from within the room. Vaughn slowly slumps forward, sliding partially down the left door.~

Peter Vaughn: No... HC... no... father....

~Suddenly, a tranquilizer dart lands in the back of Peter Vaughn's neck. He barely seems to feel it, ignoring it like you would the bite of a mosquito. But it soon takes effect, with the broken man dropping the rest of the way to the floor, landing on his side. He has a couple more shuddering sobs before growing silent. Behind him, we see one of the custodians, Bill, making his way in, along with a support staff. There's a tracker in Bill's hand, which led them to the Head Custodian's location, having received his earlier SOS.~

Bill: Vaughn is down! Repeat, Vaughn is down! Looking for the Head Custodian now! You two, secure this man before he wakes up! Everyone else, spread out and secure the area!

~The troops nod and move out, taking their orders in stride. Bill himself moves to where Vaughn had been frantically trying to get in. He hears the exhaust fans going off, working to clear the white gas from the room. He peers through the window, blinking... and then he drops the tracking device, barely hearing it as it cracks on the warehouse floor.~

Bill: No... oh God, no... we were too late...

~Bill begins to tear up, knowing from what he's seen that nothing will ever be the same again. The camera zooms down, focusing on the unconscious face of Peter Vaughn, who appears to have had a nosebleed. We zoom in...~

~Vaughn suddenly wakes up, his face no longer bloody. He sits up, confused, as he looks around the strange chamber he finds himself in.~

Peter Vaughn: HC... father... wait... where am I?? What...

~The machine suddenly begins to power up, and Vaughn's quick reflexes suddenly kick in. He doesn't know what's going on, but he knows it's time to leave. He leaps, surprisingly soaring upwards, as only a Force Leap could do, sending him flying up and out of the Cryo Freeze Chamber just as it comes on. If he had stayed even a few moments more, he would have been sealed in carbonite. Vaughn lands on his feet up top, running his hands over the Jedi clothes he's now once again wearing. He looks completely lost.~

Voice: That was a magnificent leap there, kid. I should have known that wouldn't work... since I would have avoided it, too.

~Vaughn looks up, still shaky, as he sees another man standing there... himself. The Peter Vaughn who's been trapped in Virtual Reality for weeks, the TRUE Peter Vaughn, if you're one to believe in souls and the afterlife. He gives his clone a grim smile and triggers his purple lightsaber, bringing it upwards in almost a salute.~

Peter Vaughn: Looks like it's time for Round two, boyo. And no more cheats allowed.

~Finally realizing what's happening, and where he is now, the programmed Vaughn stands up, considering things. He then reaches down, pulling off his own lightsaber and igniting it. The two Vaughns face off, as the camera pans around them, showing both of their determined faces as dramatic music begins to play.~

Sometimes you have to fight through your inner demons... even when they're on the outside, too.

I know that I get obsessed about my legacy. But saying that winning a title doesn't define you is completely wrong, Mac. Just ask all the wrestlers who never made it to the top of their federations. They'll tell you that winning that belt would have changed their lives, for both good and bad. I know, for me, it went both directions, but it certainly did change me. It definitely defined me... as a winner, someone to watch. A man with a future.

You may think that I should do all my battles 'honorably' and straight up, and y'know, maybe that would make the fans have a better impression of me. But looking back, what if I had been like you and not taken advantage of the situation against Mike Knox? What if I didn't keep him off-balance with the masked attacker, didn't arrange for the referee to fall, and didn't have my back-up plan in place to win the match? Why, I guess I'd be just like you, wouldn't I? Feeling the rage and impotency of having lost to the Raven.

And believe me, I understand that feeling. Because I've been down this path too. I didn't make the same arrangements when facing a great wrestler like ALIAS, and look what happened? So much for letting my pride drive me. But I've learned from that day, Mac. I won't let any advantage slip out of my hands again. If that means, in your mind, I'm taking a "short cut", then so be it. Hey, it'll get me there faster, won't it? And it's a price I'm certainly willing to pay in order to continue to be successful.

That's not saying that I'm going to have a rogue's gallery of foes attack you, Mac. I mean, I don't have those kinds of resources anymore, anyway. I need to put some more work into building that back up, quite frankly. But, also, as I've already said, I would rather beat you one-on-one, just so I don't hear the same type of whining I've heard from Supreme Machine, Knox, Archyle, and others that have crossed my path.

It's much more enjoyable when your opponent has no evidence to throw out suggesting the match was rigged, and that they just have to swallow their humiliation and know that they got beat by a former janitor and mechanic who was... simply... better than them.

On that night, and maybe on many more.

You know I'm looking forward to this one, Mac, but rest assured, aside from having a bunch of thugs beat you up pre-match, I'm willing to do anything and everything to ensure I leave Dubai as the XWF Supercontinental Champion. You're going to learn the truth of that statement as soon as you step into the ring with me. Whatever it takes, Mac. Even if it takes embracing my inner demon once again.

Let the flames burn hot, let the ladders crack skulls, and let the whole world watch as history unfolds yet again.

The Plunge is coming... and the Purge may not be too far behind...

~The two Vaughns collide, their lightsabers sparking as the swings continue between them. It seems that the original Vaughn is the more aggressive one, as the 'new' Vaughn (let's call him PV from now on) is still trying to pull himself together from the shocks he's been through recently.~

Peter Vaughn: I was expecting a lot more from you, imposter! Where's that fighting spirit you had the last time we faced, huh?

PV: You... you don't know what's happened. You don't know... what I've been through...

Peter Vaughn: Oh, really? I was nearly killed by Robbie the Robot's evil buddies, some AT-AT's, and the Emperor's favorite ride. Think I've had it worse, you son of a...

~Vaughn brings his blade around in a clockwise swing, knocking PV backwards. He's mostly defensive at the moment, his emotions fighting him just as much as Vaughn. In desperation, he uses the Force, shoving Vaughn backwards in a slide across the metallic surface. Vaughn grins, raising up his own hand.~

Peter Vaughn: Nice, but you wouldn't believe the amount of practice I've had lately. I'd say I'm more than a match for you!

~Vaughn waves his hand, and numerous pieces of metal from all over the room are suddenly in flight, launching in all directions at PV. He knocks a few of them away with a couple of lightsaber swings, but he can't get them all, with several of them making contact. He staggers backwards, feeling the pain from his wounds, as the safety protocols once again appear to be turned off. Either that, or a Virtual Reality persona always feels it. Vaughn smirks, enjoying himself, as he's been wanting revenge for some time.~

Peter Vaughn: So how'd it feel, walking in my skin? Did you like the feel of your blood pumping when you smacked Vita in the face? I bet you enjoyed my body a lot!!

~Both men stop for a second, as they each consider what was just said.~

Peter Vaughn: Okay, yeah, that came out all sorts of wrong. Let's just forget that one, shall we?

PV: You just don't understand...

Peter Vaughn: Then explain it to me, before I cut your damn head off. Why should I feel the slightest amount of regret in killing your virtual ass?

~A light flashes in PV's eyes, a glint that Vaughn has heard about, but never seen before himself. The doppelganger straightens up and suddenly raises his blade, taking a stronger stance.~

PV: I may not have been given a choice... I might have been just a lab experiment... but I'm still me! I'm STILL PETER!!

Peter Vaughn: Like HELL you are!!

~Vaughn darts forward, but hits a Force wall, stunning him. PV suddenly has more power behind him, using his indominable will... the will he gained from being duplicated from Vaughn. He comes in, swinging hard, with Vaughn barely able to block the shot and knock it back. But it was more of a distraction, as PV was bringing a large barrel from behind, catching Vaughn in the back of the legs! He topples over, but does a complete Force flip, avoiding PV's second swing that cuts the barrel in two. Vaughn hops up, no longer with a smile on his face. This is now a deadly serious confrontation.~

Peter Vaughn: What drives you? What is pushing you forward? It's over. I've survived. You've already LOST! Why are you fighting so hard??

PV: Because... I WANT TO LIVE!!!

Peter Vaughn: AND I WANT MY BODY BACK!!

~With similar infuriated expressions, the two Vaughns leap forward at each other... and then both go flying backwards by the blast that lands between them. They slide backwards, stunned, as the Master Cleaner suddenly appears between them.~

Master Cleaner: That... is... ENOUGH!!

~Neither Vaughn looks very satisfied, but the power that's radiating off of the Master Cleaner right now is enough to keep either man from arguing. They both stand down, their lightsabers shutting off, even as they continue to glare at the other. The Master Cleaner turns to PV, studying him for a few seconds before approaching him.~

Master Cleaner: You should know, we've already reversed what the Specialist did. The system now recognizes the real Vaughn as the person who is logged into this system. You... are now on your own.

~PV shudders, but holds his ground. You can almost read in his expression how alone he truly feels at the moment, with so many items lost in the past few hours. The Master Cleaner, though, gives him a sad smile, putting an arm on him.~

Master Cleaner: But that's not the end for you, my friend. I have set up the program to keep your profile running indefinitely here in Virtual Reality. I have created a realm for you, complete with all the knowledge you'll need to become a stronger individual. In my eyes, son, you are a living creation that must be protected.

~Vaughn doesn't look exactly thrilled with this arrangement, but even he can see that PV is fighting a break-down at the moment. He leans into the Master Cleaner, who comforts him, before turning towards Vaughn.~

Master Cleaner: You can log out at any time now, Peter. I'll handle things from here.

Peter Vaughn: You sure?

Master Cleaner: You worry about your reality. I've got this under control.

~Vaughn puzzles for a moment over the Master Cleaner's statement, then shrugs.~

Peter Vaughn: Okay then. Hey, having one more of me can't really be a bad thing, I suppose...

~He turns away, punching up his connection to the outside. He can now access the log-out button, pressing it... ~

~And what feels like only a second later, Peter Vaughn awakens in the VR Station in the Custodial Coalition headquarters. He gets to a seated position, pulling off the helmet on his head as quickly as possible. Bill and another technician come over to help him, getting him unplugged.~

Bill: So... are you... you?

Peter Vaughn: As far as I can tell, yep. Not like you guys would know, though, would you? How many weeks did you let this guy control my body again?

Bill: We... nobody could've figured out what the Specialist had been doing. Not even the Head Custodian.

Peter Vaughn: Yeah, where is the old man? He's usually here to greet me after one of these disasters. Is he finally losing faith in me?

~The other technician suddenly sniffles and moves off, unable to cope. Vaughn isn't great at emotional cues, but that was a giant red flashing billboard that couldn't be missed.~

Peter Vaughn: Bill? Where's the Head Custodian?

~Bill gives a long, deep sigh. He leans in, beginning to tell Vaughn the truth about what happened, as the camera slowly zooms out, away from them.~

~We cut to a few days later, as a solemn ceremony has taken place. We see a large crowd of men and women gathered around a cemetery plot, as a coffin is slowly being lowered in.~

Minister: I pray that you will have the blessing of being consoled. May you know in your soul that there is no need to be afraid. When your time comes, may you be given every blessing and shelter that you need.

~The camera focuses on one man standing near the center of the crowd, listening to the minister's prayer, which is both for the deceased and those who miss him. Peter Vaughn has a single rose in his hand, holding onto it as he watches his friend lowered into the earth.~

Minister: May there be a beautiful welcome for you in the home that you are going to. You are not going somewhere strange. You are going back to the home that you never left. May you have a wonderful urgency to live your life to the full.

~Vaughn steps forward, holding the rose in his hand. He focuses on it, showing little outward emotion, but his hand trembles slightly as he tosses the rose into the grave.~

Minister: May you live compassionately and creatively and transfigure everything that is negative within you and about you. When you come to die may it be after a long life. May you be peaceful and happy and in the presence of those who really care for you. May your going be sheltered and your welcome assured. May your soul smile in the embrace of your anam cara.

~As the mourners watch the burial commence, Vaughn turns away, leaving behind the gravestone, which lists the Head Custodian's real name: Charles Kenneth MacCullagh. It also says "Here lies a brave man who always believed." Vaughn leaves the cemetery, not noticing that another man has broken off to follow him.~

Bill: Peter...

~Vaughn stops, looking back as Bill catches up to him. He reaches out and hold's Vaughn's hand, surprising him.~

Bill: I think you should know... he always thought the world of you. He told me that he believed you would be the greatest of all of us, once you realized your full potential.

Peter Vaughn: He... he was a good man. Much better than I'll ever be. Why, Bill? Why'd he sacrifice himself... for me?

Bill: You may not like it, Peter... but we do believe you have a destiny...

Peter Vaughn: My destiny right now is to get a cold beer and get back to training. At least that VR imposter got me in even better shape. So, hey, who do I report to next time? Did you get the position?

Bill: You... you haven't been told?

Peter Vaughn: Told what?

Bill: Peter... you're the new Head Custodian...

~As Vaughn does a double-take towards Bill, shocked, we slowly leave the cemetery behind.~

Is there really anything else to say?

I know you pretty well, Mac. I know this won't be an easy fight by any means. I expect you will give me a greater fight than almost any other wrestler I've faced in the XWF. But you have to know that I'm not going to let up. I've got too much to prove, and that includes becoming a champion once again. So you bring all your strikes and slaps, I'll bring all my kicks and tricks, and we're going to light up Dubai with the best match of the night, bar none.

And when it's all over, we'll see if either of us is able to walk out of there in one piece, or if we're both being carted out on stretchers. Hey, anything can happen, right? But even in that case... I'll be riding out in style, with the Supercontinental Title in my grasp. Because I'm not leaving there without the gold.

Say your prayers, drink your beer, and get jazzed up to spend some quality time on your ranch afterwards, Mac.

I'll see you on the battlefield.

~The video comes on briefly, showing us a shot through someone's slowly opening eyes. He blinks rapidly, showing his confusion, as a man hovers over him, making sure that he's waking up with no problems.~

PV: Can you hear me? Do you understand me?

~The person slowly sits up, still trying to figure out what's happening. Their gaze can't leave their friend, Peter Vaughn, who is standing in front of them with a white void behind him.~

PV: Take your time. It's quite an adjustment.

~PV seems concerned, but also with a bit of a smile cracking around the edges. The person seems to shake their head before speaking.~

Voice: Where... where am I? The last... thing I remember... is being tied... to that chair... Peter?

PV: Not quite... we've got a lot to talk about, my friend. Luckily, we have all the time in the virtual world... HC...

~The camera shifts to a side view, as we see a man who looks very similar to the former Head Custodian reaching out and taking PV's hand, getting pulled to his feet. He looks around, still confused, as we slowly fade out.~

Threaded Mode \| Linear Mode Dealing With Our Reality, P3
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