Work Text:
The Neon Barbarian Part 5
By Escaped Audios
[RECAP]
[EASTSIDE SAN SEQUESTRO
DATE 1987]
Crow: I will kill him. I WILL KILL HIM!
Crow: (shouting in rage, smashing TV)
Crow: (breathing hard, furious)
Crow: (breathing calms)
Crow: (shaky, emotional) Why… why does everything I love always get taken away from me? My best friend is dead. The only person from my childhood who understood me is gone. (furious) My whole way of life has been destroyed! My tribe, my home, everything!
Crow: (whimpery) ...everything. Except for you.
Crow: (breathing softly)
Crow: (vulnerable) Hold me, please…
Crow: (shaky, deep breath, gathering his wits)
Crow: We have to do something. To fight back.
[beat]
Crow: We need to destroy Para M. By force if we have to, and we have to do it fast. We can not wait a single moment.
[beat]
Crow: Because you are in danger. They have already confirmed that I am implicated, but they do not know that you know the truth yet, but if they are on to me you will certainly be the next person they come after.
[beat]
Crow: We will sleep tonight and make our preparations in the morning.
[beat]
Crow: If they intercepted Dannie’s copy of the evidence, they will certainly be wiping all their records. As far as we know, they copy that’s being shipped to my house may be the only evidence left that can bring them down, and possibly even clear our names for what we are going to do tomorrow.
[beat]
Crow: (hatefully) Tomorrow we assassinate Lewis Berglund.
[fade to crickets]
[silence]
[NEXT DAY 1987]
[morning dove sound effect idk]
Crow: (groaning awake)
Crow: It is 5 AM. Time to prepare.
Crow: I have a plan. We need to do everything we can to keep suspicion off of you. At 9AM you will walk into the building and behave as though it were an ordinary day. Clock in, head up the elevator, and act as if you know nothing.
[click]
Crow: Take the silenced pistol I brought from the armory. It’s small enough to pass the weapons check at the front office. Once you’re past the office, wait for me to arrive and find a private space, then put on a mask. I will join you after.
[beat]
Crow: Oh, trust me, you will know when I have arrived.
[beat]
Crow: Let us go now.
[door opening]
Crow: Actually… give me a few minutes to prepare. I will join you in the car.
[door closes]
[footsteps]
[car door]
[clicking radio on]
[upbeat 80s music]
[static]
[other 80s music]
[static]
Female News Anchor: In other news, today is the day that the landmark decision to expand the legal operation of mercenary public security services goes into effect.
Female News Anchor: Recently Mayor Rita Garcia signed into effect the Expanded Urban Security Act, which effectively replaces over 50% of the San Sequestro Police Department with lethal operators from the Para M Corporation.
Male News Anchor: This decision has been met with some controversy, as questions about putting public security into the hands of a private corporation have brought up many concerns. Our sources say word is spreading that protests may be organized in opposition to the new law.
Female News Anchor: (dry, fake laugh) Well, as long as those “Para M” guys don’t give me any more parking tickets, I’m ok with it!
Male New Anchor: (dry, fake laugh) Well, you’ve got me there! Those Para M lethal operators sure are tough, hopefully we’ll see a future in San Sequestro free of violent crime.
Male News Anchor: That’s it for your morning Newsflash! Coming up next is 30 minutes of commercial free music, thanks to our sponsor, MindSpike! (ad read voice) MindSpike, the injectable productivity enhancer! Just one injection every 24 hours will keep your employees alert, happy, and productive for up to sixteen hours. Side effects may include paranoia, insomnia, nausea, and sudden death! You're listening to KGWA. Enjoy the music.
[dark synthwave plays]
[car door]
Crow: I’m ready.
[driving]
Crow: What was I doing?
[beat]
Crow: Oh, nothing. I was just recording one of my diaries on tape. It is a habit now.
[beat]
Crow: Maybe I’ll let you listen to them one day. They are private for now. Besides, half of them are about you. I would be embarrassed if you listened.
[beat]
Crow: We are getting close. Find a place a couple of blocks away from the office and park there. Do not let anyone from Para M see me with you.
[car pulling over]
Crow: Remember, whatever you do, remain calm. Let them think you’re not involved or aware at all.
[beat]
Crow: Look at me. Breathe in. (inhale) And breathe out. (exhale)
Crow: There. Oh, and one for good luck.
(quick kiss)
Crow: Now go, I will see you soon.
[car door closing]
[street ambiance]
[footsteps]
[automatic sliding door opens]
Dannie’s Replacement: Hey! Welcome back to Para M.
Dannie’s Replacement: (yawns)
Dannie’s Replacement: Ooh, sorry! I barely got any sleep today, I thought it would be my day off. Do you have any idea where Dannie is? Management called me in to cover her shift super last minute.
[beat]
Dannie’s Replacement: Oh, you don’t know? Alright. I hope Dannie is ok. Have a good day at work!
[elevator beeps]
[offensive MRRRP buzz]
Dannie’s Replacement: Sorry, I forgot to mention. Management said I need to keep the elevators locked today, probably maintenance or something I guess. You’ll have to take the stairs. Sorry!
[door opening]
[footsteps]
[muffled glass shattering]
[muffled shotgun blasts, rubble falling from ceiling]
Dannie’s Replacment: (panicking) (muffled) Oh my God, oh my god (hyperventilating) ohmygodohmygod.
Crow: (muffled) Unlock the elevator. I have a meeting with the CEO.
Dannie’s Replacement: (panicking) Oh, shit, please don’t shoot me.
Crow: Unlock the elevator.
Dannie’s Replacement: Ok… (deep breath) Ok, just let me hit this button.
[click]
[alarm blares]
Dannie’s Replacement: Alert! Alert! Crow has gone rogue! I repeat, the Supergenate has gone rogue!
Crow: (muffled shouting)
[stomping footsteps]
[door crashing open]
Crow: Mask up, we need to move. Up the stairwell, fast.
[footsteps, running]
Radio Chatter: Operator Crow is moving on the southern stairwell. Dispatch immediately.
Radio Chatter 2: Copy.
Crow: Do not look down, just run.
Elite Lethal Vern: (muffled) MacKinnon! I hear them on the third floor of the stairwell!
[Door Crashing Open]
[AR 15 racking]
Elite Lethal MacKinnon: Up here! Smile!
Crow: Take cover!
[rain of gunfire]
[rubble spraying]
Elite Lethal Vern: Did you hit him?
MacKinnon: No, but watch out, he has an accomplice.
Crow: That advanced body armor… those are Elite Lethals. We need to focus, they are dangerous. Return fire.
[silenced pistol blasting]
[ricochet]
Vern: (wincing in pain)
Vern: Nice try bitch! I’m bullet proof.
[return rifle fire]
[rubble spilling]
Crow: We can not just stay pinned down here. If more come from the lower level we’re dead. I need to rush to the next level of the stairwell.
Crow: Take this grenade. I have been saving it for a special occasion. When I say go, throw it.
[heavy footsteps]
Crow: Face me cowards!
Vern: (sinister) Well well, look who came out to play. (smug, sarcastic) Should I tell HR this is your two week notice?
MacKinnon: (evil chuckle) I’ve always wanted to see if I could take down the big guy.
Vern: Shoot for his head.
[gun reloading]
Crow: Throw it, now!
[grenade pin]
[grenade clink]
MacKinnon: Grenade!
[massive, echoing explosion]
Vern and MacKinnon: (groaning)
Crow: (shouting, stomping)
Vern: MacKinnon, help! He’s got me! Don't let him throw me down the-
Crow: (shouting, throwing Vern down stair well)
Vern: (screaming, falling to his death)
[splat, crunch]
Crow: (heavy breathing)
MacKinnon: Shit…
[cocking shotgun]
[shotgun blast]
[gore, blood dripping]
Crow: (groaning, in pain)
[shotgun cocking]
MacKinnon: The next one goes in your FUCKING HEA-
Crow: (shouting, tackling MacKinnon)
[bodies impact]
[door shattering as Crow tackles him through the door]
[sirens fade out]
[fade in hospital life support beep]
Dr. Greene: (panicked) Oh, God, what is happening!
Crow: (repeatedly shouting)
(repeated fist impacts on MacKinnon)
(One last shout, then a sickening gore crunch as Crow beats MacKinnon to death through his body armor)
Crow: (hard, strained breathing)
[Beep… beep… beep]
[footsteps]
Crow: Thank you for your help. We are safe, but not for long.
Crow: (exhaling, dusting himself off)
Crow: What… is this place.
Dr. Greene: (nervous) I am Doctor Greene. This… um… this is the Supergenate research lab.
Crow: Why was I never told about this.
Dr. Greene: This lab houses, um, well, your genetic samples. You agreed to provide them in your on-boarding contract, don’t you remember?
Crow: (grim) Is this where you dissected Acid Rain?
Dr. Greene: Actually… um… that’s classified.
[cocking shotgun]
Crow: (angry) Answer me!
Dr. Greene: (terrified) Oh, god, please don’t hurt me… um, Specimen 2, uh, Acid Rain, she, um… she isn’t scheduled for dissection yet.
Crow: Take me to her.
Dr. Greene: (nervous) I can’t…
Crow: TAKE ME TO HER NOW
Dr. Green: (nervous) Fine! Fine! Her, uh, room is over there. The pass code is 95524.
[footsteps]
Crow: I am sorry. I will not leave until I let Acid free.
[BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP]
[sliding door opens]
Acid: (breathing faintly)
Acid: ...Crow?
Crow: (charming) Good morning Miss Rain.
Acid: (confused) What… what are you doing here? (speaking quickly) I thought you were going to…
Crow: Let one of the last of my tribe die? Never.
[belts unfastening]
Acid: Is that who I think it is under that mask?
Crow: Yes, but keep quiet.
Acid: Hey, you. This wont mean much, but I’m sorry I was going to have you killed. I hope things are different now. If Crow trusts you, then I trust you. And…
[cut off by faint sound of baby crying]
Acid: Do you hear that?
[footsteps]
Acid: It’s… a baby.
[beep]
[electric incubator opens]
Acid: What is a baby doing here?
Dr. Greene: That is Supergenate Specimen three.
Crow: What is his name?
Dr. Greene: Project Vengeance, Specimen Three.
Crow: Hmmmm…
Crow: Acid. Take the baby. You can use your shields to protect him right?
Dr. Greene: Please, no! Specimen Three is very delicate, and we need it for further research. He has rare compatible DNA and carries your Supergenate factor, we, uh, we spliced it in to him at birth.
Crow: This child has my powers?
Dr. Greene: Not yet, but he will when he’s older.
Crow: We’re taking the baby.
Dr. Greene: You can’t!
Crow and Acid: Shut up!
Dr. Greene: Ok, ok…
Crow: Acid, I made a lot of noise getting up here. In just a few minutes the whole building will be crawling with lethal operators. I’ll go up, and you go down, then run and don’t look back. Raise that child, teach him to control his powers. Don’t let him be like me. Raise him to be a hero.
Acid: I’m a criminal. I don’t know the first thing about raising a hero. He might grow up to be a psychopath.
Crow: I trust you.
Acid: So… his name was project vengeance? I like that. Vengeance. (chuckles) Captain Vengeance, a super hero.
[tons of footsteps]
Crow: They are coming. This is where we part ways.
[footsteps]
Crow: Are you ready?
Crow: Let’s go.
[cacophony of gun fire]
[Acid’s Shield’s Sparking]
Acid: I’ll draw their fire, those puny guns can’t break my shields. You two, go!
[gunfire]
Acid: Come on! Get some! (battle cry)
[footsteps running]
[gun fire fades]
Crow: We are almost at the top floor. Be ready to face Berglund. He won’t go down without a fight, I’m sure.
Crow: (hard breathing)
Crow: This is it.
[door crashing open]
Louie: (calmly) Good morning Crow. I see you made it to your appointment in time.
Crow: Hmmm…
Louie: What are you going to do with that shotgun? Kill me? You won’t.
Crow: Famous last words.
Louie: (laughs sincerely) You’re a funny guy you know that? Listen, put that shotgun down. We can talk. I already called off the lethal operators that we sent.
Crow: Do not lie to me Louie.
Louie: No, I mean it. Check the security camera feed if you dont believe me. I mean yeah, you caused a mess down there, but it’s nothing we can’t clean up. I can make the cops look the other way. You must have heard, I now control over half of the San Sequestro police force.
Crow: And the organized crime too.
Louie: (laughing, smug) Oh, that? (chuckling) You know Crow, I came to this city with a dream. I’m a little older than you. I remember what the world was like before the bombs.
Louie: (impassioned) I wanted to bring that world back to life. I wanted to take the ruin of this world and help to build a beautiful, shining city of hope on it. San Sequestro, the city of dreams. But you know what happened?
Crow: I will humor you.
Louie: (impassioned) This city has barely existed for ten years, and in that short time I saw it filled with filth. Crime, drugs, pollution, degeneracy. And I realized something. There’s no point in trying to make a perfect world. There will always be filth in it, so I might as well profit from it, right? Why not?
Crow: So this is all for money?
Louie: No, Crow, it’s for CONTROL. If I control the biggest criminal organization, I can keep them from causing too much damage. To keep progress moving forward, and yes, to amass enough capital to keep it going.
Crow: Not if I kill you first.
Louie: (laughing at Crow, you think he’s an idiot) Killing me won’t make a bit of difference. Para M already operates nationwide. I’ve set everything into motion. Killing me would only ruin things for you. I can put you at the very top of Lethal Operations.
Louie: (calm, collected) I just need you to put that gun down, go home, and burn any evidence you have against us. If we let that secret slip out, it would ruin everything. So what do you say? I can make you a millionaire, I can make you a BILLIONAIRE. You can have anything you want with that kind of money!
Crow: It won’t bring Dannie back.
Louie: Oh, so this is about that?
Louie: (snarling, evil) Listen, this is bigger than you, me, all of us. (angry) Are you gonna let that stand in the way of the future?!
Crow: (through grit teeth) You killed Dannie...
Louie: (furious, condescending) Listen Crow, I understand that your little caveman brain is too small to see the big picture, but if you think for one second that the death of one little FUCKING SECRETARY that couldn’t keep their mouth shut is going to make a bit of difference then-
[cut off by gunshot]
Louie: (grunting in pain, choking on blood)
[shotgun cocking]
Louie: (breathing hard, straining to breathe as lungs fill with blood)
Louie: ...you… you fucked up big time Crow. I’ll make you regret this. Every cop and Lethal Operator in the country is going to be after you. You’ll never make it out of this alive.
[alarm starts again, more offensive sounding this time]
Crow: Who said that was ever the plan.
[shotgun blast]
[body collapsing to the ground]
Crow: (breathing hard)
[beat]
Crow: No, it’s not over yet. They’ll still be after us.
[beat]
Crow: It’s going to be impossible to go back down the stairs, there will be too many of them.
[beat]
Crow: We have two options. You can take your mask off and play innocent while I surrender. It is, however, likely they won’t take me alive and kill me even if I surrender.
[beat]
Crow: The other option is to jump. We are five stories up.
[beat]
Crow: (laughing) It will break my legs but they will regenerate in about thirty seconds. As long as I don’t land on my head I should survive. Just grab on to my shoulders and brace yourself.
[muffled footsteps]
Crow: They are coming. Are you ready?
[gun cocking]
Lethal Operator: Put your hands up!
Crow: Now!
[running]
[crashing through glass window]
[falling wHHOOOOOSH]
[Impact]
[Legs breaking]
Crow: (groaning)
Lethal Operator: (in the distance) They jumped! They’re in the alleyway outside, send someone! Get the cops out there!
Crow: (strained breathing) I cannot stand yet.
Crow: (struggling)
[footsteps approaching]
Crow: I know… (strained) I can’t move my arms either.
Police Officer: Stop! You’re under arrest! Both of you, hands up!
Crow: (breathing hard, trying to stand) Ok, I surrender.
Police Officer: Don’t move! (into radio) Calling for backup, suspect is apprehended at the Para M HQ, he’s with-
Crow: (groaning, standing up)
Police Officer: Hold still!
Crow: I do not want to.
Crow: (grunting, punching)
[impact]
Cop: (grunting, knocked out)
Crow: He is unconscious. Take his radio, we may need it.
[plastic fidgeting]
Crow: Now run.
[running]
Crow: We need a vehicle. I will hijack the first one I can. You drive.
Crow: (long sigh)
[shotgun cocking]
Crow: Get out of your car. It is mine now.
Civilian: What? This again?
Crow: I am sorry.
[car door opening]
[car speeding off]
[driving]
Crow: Play it safe. Drive like a normal person and don’t draw suspicion. We need to get back to my house, the package with the evidence we need should have arrived by now.
[beat]
Crow: Use the police radio. It will give us the information we need.
[static]
Police Radio 1: Suspect was last seen fleeing Para M headquarters, heading eastward. Confirmed suspect is Crow, uh, no last name on record. We also have unconfirmed reports of a possible masked female accomplice of unknown identity. No sign of their 20.
[beat]
Crow: We are evading them, for now.
[beat]
Police Radio 1: Dispatch update, do you copy? Reports say suspect was seen hijacking a white 1987 Jeep Cherokee.
[beat]
Crow: Play it cool. Do something a normal person would do. Turn on the radio, anything.
[Maniac – Carpenter Brut plays]
Police Radio 2: 10-4. I have eyes on a white Jeep Cherokee, possible suspect vehicle. Do I have permission to pursue?
Police Radio 1: Copy. You have permission to engage.
Crow: Drive!
[POLICE SIRENS BLARE]
[CAR SPEEDS THE FUCK UP]
Crow: We need to out maneuver them, get us to the nearest open road.
[SKRRRT]
Police Radio 2: (megaphone) This is the San Sequestro PD! You are under arrest!
Crow: Keep driving. Give me the radio.
[beat]
Crow: And take your mask off. Just trust me.
[fabric]
[radio static]
Crow: (into radio) This is Crow, of the Bright Sands! I have a hostage! I am forcing her to drive me at gunpoint! If you attempt to stop me I WILL shoot her!
[beat]
Crow: (curt) What do you mean what am I doing? I am protecting you! If they believe you are my hostage, your name is clear. You can still take the evidence, even if they take me.
[SKRRT]
Police Radio 2: Pull over immediately! Pull over or we will open fire!
Crow: Keep driving!
[gunshots ricochet]
Crow: (groaning) I am hit. At least they are only aiming for me.
[police car gets closer, louder]
Crow: This car is too heavy and slow to out run them.
Police Radio 2: Pull over immediately!
Crow: There is a pole up ahead. On my mark, ram them from the side into the pole.
Police Radio 2: This is your final warning!
Crow: Now!
[skrt]
[crash]
[second, bigger crash]
[police sirens fade]
[more sirens fade in]
Crow: There are two more vehicles in pursuit. Drive fast.
Police Radio 3: Let the hostage go! Surrender immediately!
[gun fire, ricochet]
[returning shotgun fire]
Crow: My shot gun has limited range. Drive me closer.
[skrrt]
Crow: I am sorry.
[two shotgun blasts]
[police sirens die]
Crow: One last vehicle.
[gunshots, ricohet, glass shattering]
Crow: That road, right before the overpass. It leads to a shortcut home.
[beat]
Crow: I know. You’ll have to crash through the barrier. Do it.
[car accelerates]
[cRASH]
[car continues driving]
Police Radio 3: We have lost contact with suspect. Requesting police helicopter.
Crow: (exhales)
Crow: We will only be safe for a little while. Let’s use our time well.
[beat]
Crow: There’s my house.
[car stops]
[car doors]
[footsteps]
Crow: (relieved exhale) The package is here. Take it. Protect it with your life. Do it for Dannie.
Crow: [door opening]
Crow: (sigh)
Crow: I am sorry for dragging you into this.
[beat]
Crow: No, you are right. I have nothing to be sorry for.
Crow: I shouldn’t be thinking about this right now but…
Crow: Kiss me.
[kissing]
Crow: They’ll be here for me soon, and I’d rather spend the little time we have left doing this. I will at the very least arrested, if not… never mind. I do not want to think about that. Just kiss me.
[kissing]
Crow: Ok. Now we’ll make our preperations.
[box opening]
Crow: This? These are my heavy weapons. I finally have a real reason to use them.
[police sirens slowly fade in]
Crow: Sounds like they figured out where we went.
Crow: (sigh)
Police Radio: (crackling)
Detective Rose: (over radio) Crow. Crow! This is detective Rose! Do you hear me?
Crow: Good evening detective.
Rose: (exasperated) You don’t have to do this! Please, just let the hostage go and…
Crow: And what? And let you have a clear shot to burn my house down with me in it?
Rose: No, it’s not that. (insistent) Crow, why are you doing this?
Crow: You will understand soon. It’s not safe to say why on the radio.
Rose: What? Crow! Explain yourself!
[beat]
Rose: God damnit Crow! Answer me! Crow. Crow!
[radio turns off, burst of static]
Crow: There’s no sense in negotiating. I am in too deep.
[beat]
[sirens grow closer, helicopter is audible]
Crow: Hey… I just remembered. You know that Hall and Oates tape you gave me the first night we met? I never gave it back.
Crow: (chuckling)
Crow: Want to play it one last time?
[click]
[Out Of Touch Plays]
Crow: I have to do this.
[beat]
Crow: I know. I don’t think I’m coming out alive, but there it no other way. I… I am sorry. But there is no place for me in this world. It has left me behind. I thought I was going to spend my whole life doing nothing, making no difference, and then you came and gave me a chance. You reminded me that there is still something out there in the world worth fighting for.
Crow: (deep inhale)
Crow: Even if there is no future for me, there is one for you. I want you to live, I want you to go far, far away from here and live a full, rich life. I want you to have all the things the world would never let me have.
Crow: (whispering) Until the next sunrise.
Crow: (deep, passionate kiss)
Cop #4: San Sequestro PD! Come out with your hands up.
[beat drop]
[door getting kicked open]
[two minutes of gunfire, molotov cocktails, shattering glass and grenades]
Cop Lines:
- Officer down! Officer down!
- We’re taking heavy fire!
- Requesting more backup!
[gunfire ceases]
Cop #4: Suspect is down! I repeat suspect is DOWN!
[echo last line]
[fade out sirens]
[silence]
[FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
JULY 17th 1987]
[fade in day ambience]
[A crow faintly caws in the distance]
[knock on door]
Detective Rose: (muffled) It’s me, Detective Rose.
[door opening]
Detective Rose: Hey. I’m just here to check in on you, I know that living in witness protection can be harsh. The last few months must have been… a lot for you. At least you have this cat to keep you company. Egg Yolk was his name? And you picked a pretty good new name. "Raven". I like it.
[beat]
Detective Rose: (glum) I know. I miss him too. I never thought I would miss that lunk but… (long sigh)
[beat]
Detective Rose: I know this won’t mean much, but after the trial against Para M is over we might be able to posthumously clear Crow’s name. And… there’s something I need to give you.
[beat]
Detective Rose: We found this tape on his body. It was hell getting it out of the evidence locker, but it has your name written on it. I think you should have it.
[beat]
Detective Rose: Well… that’s about it. You take care miss.
[door closes]
[pause]
[tape inserting]
Crow’s voice (staticy): Hello, it’s me, Crow. I’m recording this because… I don’t know if I am going to live to see tomorrow. If you are listening to this, I am certainly dead. I just wanted you to know a few things.
I wanted you to know that the time we had together changed my whole life. Before you everything felt empty, meaningless. Life and death meant nothing, and then I saw you, and I came to life for the first time in years. I loved dancing with you, kissing you, hearing you sing. You made me feel things I did not even know I could feel any more. You made me happy, and my only wish is that I could still be there to make you happy too.
I may be leaving you today. I may die. For everything I have been through, making this decision has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. In case I don’t get the chance to tell you, and in case I don’t find the courage to put it into these words… I love you.
[Beat drop – Sentient by Pertubator]