Track Seven: Hunted

(Barron household. 10:56 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. A somewhat tired-looking REX is walking from room to room with his European History textbook in front of his face, and his mother, Angelika, notices where he's going.)

Mrs. Barron: REX! Pass auf wo du hingehst!

(REX looks up from the book and realized he's about to walk into a wall. He then stops.)

REX: Er... (Looks over at his mother) Vielen Dank, Mutter.

Mrs. Barron: REX, geht's dir gut?

REX: Ja... Warum fragst du? Are you concerned?

Mrs. Barron (In English with a heavy accent): Ess any mozzer shoult be, REX. You look stressed ent you'fe been ecting ott. Iss somesing wrong?

REX: Not really. If I seem stressed to you, it is merely because the amount of schoolwork I must do has increased somewhat while application deadlines approach.

Mrs. Barron: So zet is why you'fe been kerrying zet book all sroughout ze house?

REX: Yes. Have you been worried by this?

Mrs. Barron: Yes... Em I getting too worriet?

REX: Perchance.

Mrs. Barron: I see.

(REX walks into the next room with the book at his side, his index finger marking the page he was on.)

Mrs. Barron (To herself): I ken't help but feel like he's hiding somesing... REX isn't one to overreect, ent it seemt like more zen chust a little stress.

(REX returns to his room, and his father, Robert, appears in the open doorway.)

Mr. Barron: Remington, you okay, son? Why all the wandering around?

REX (Looking up from the book): To be perfectly honest, nothing major is troubling me.

(Up at Lavender Castle, everyone is in Tracii's lab, watching on as Tracii streams live footage of what's going on in REX's room through a microscopic surveillance camera.)

Tracii: I knew that camera would come in handy; if only REX did. (Lays back in her chair) Sit back and enjoy the show, ladies and germs.

Nine: So, REX's real name is Remington? Didn't know.

Shadow: That'd explain the razor-sharp tongue

Vincent: Not funny, Shadow. Not funny.

Indy: Ah lahke that name. It's lahke the gun company.

Mr. Barron (To REX): So, there IS something bothering you.

REX: I see why I've been told that I could be great as a lawyer. Clearly I inherited my listening skills and eloquence from you.

Mr. Barron (Chuckles): Well, thanks, son. But still, what's wrong?

REX: Nothing of great import. As I told Mother already, if I seem stressed to you, it is merely because the amount of schoolwork I must do has increased as the application deadlines approach.

Mr. Barron: Well, you do seem a bit stressed out, but I don't think you should be stressing at all, Remington. You're doing great, son, and I can see you're trying very hard. You're really smart, and I don't think I need to tell you that. You're doing a good job; you shouldn't let anything get you down.

REX: Thank you. If it's all right, I'd like to rest awhile now.

Mr. Barron: Sure. (Heads for the door and then turns around) Good night, son.

REX: Good night.

(Mr. Barron then walks down the hall. As soon as his father is out of sight, REX closes the door to his room, turns off the lights and reveals the teleportation watch on his wrist. He presses the button that causes him to teleport to Lavender Castle, which is currently right above REX's home.)

Shadow (Appearing in REX's face suddenly): Yo, Remington Steele! How's it goin'?

REX (Glaring): GET. AWAY. FROM. ME.

Shadow: Make me, Remmeh! xD

REX: AS YOU WISH! (Transforms into Mattrex, grabs Axle the Red by the head and, with a big swinging motion, throws him into a wall) I hold nothing against anyone who chooses to address me by my full first name, but do not stand so close to me.

Shadow (Stuck to the wall): @.@ G-got it... Sir...

(Axle the Red gradually peels off the wall and falls to the floor with a crash.)

REX: Very good. (Turns to Tracii) Tracii, I received your signal earlier; I would have come sooner had I not had to go with my parents to a financial aid meeting. Leading this double life is quite stressful...

Santo-bot: Jefe... no es porque you're here.

REX: Very well; my apologies for the digression. Tracii, what have we on our hands?

Tracii: Well, it's not all that clear, actually. We've gotten an offer from this guy who's really not too keen on giving away who he is... or even the full mission, it looks like. There is a bit of an ultimatum, though. He says you all should meet him tomorrow at 11:00 PM local time for more details, but he also says he's an official and if you don't meet him we're apparently gonna be labeled Mavericks with prices on our heads.

Shadow: Does that mean I'm gonna be rich and spend the rest of my days as the Headless House Plant?

Vincent: It's a figure of speech, you dunce.

Shadow: No need to be hurtful ;_;

Vincent: I must admit, though... You did raise a point. This could be a great get-rich-quick method...

Santo-bot: ĄCalamar! I'm ashamed of you! We're all a part del mismo equipo!

REX: Precisely. No one will turn in any among us. Everyone here is an essential component of Critical Mass; faced with this dilemma, we must stop this adversary together before he or she has the opportunity to label us as Mavericks or inflict worse upon us.

Dr. Zap (Sniffling): That was... beautiful...

(Automatic lens-wipers take care of any leaks that escape through Shining Firefly's ocular panels.)

REX: Tear-jerking moments aside, Tracii, read to us the meeting grounds.

Tracii (Looking straight forward into her visor): Looks like it hits pretty close to home for you, Mattrex. It's the Cygnus Center.

Elvont (Appearing with Shelly by his side): That's where we went for the concert, correct?

REX: It is.

Shelly: You went to a concert, Elvont? Why didn't you invite me along?

Elvont: Shadow only got us eight tickets, so it was just the guys. (Glares at Axle the Red)

Shadow: ...What? Nothing wrong... (Forms a bouquet out of his right hand and comes in closer to Shelly) That is, as long as I can make it up to you.

Shelly: Aww

That's sweet, but Elvont's the only guy I like. Sorry

(Axle the Red's face falls; the bouquet disappears.)

REX: May we discuss the topic at hand again?

Dr. Zap: Er... It was about meeting this guy at where we went to the concert, right?

Indy: Ah always got the feeling ah was bein' watched...

Santo-bot: No, I don't think alguien nos miraba. Could be a coincidence.

REX: At any rate, we must attend. Until then, we do have twenty-four hours. (Begins to walk toward the door out of the room, but turns while standing in the doorway) I think to have studied enough for today, so I must rest now. I care not what you do so long as it is within reason.

(Mattrex walks out, but only five seconds later he pokes his head back into the room.)

REX: And, Axle, in the event that I was not explicit enough... No, you may not invite bankrupt rock musicians to swim with you.

Shadow: Aww... I mean, got it, Mr. Remington Shaver, Sir...

(Mattrex's head once again disappears around the corner.)

Elvont (Noticing Shelly leaning on him without wrapping her arms around him): I take it you want to rest for a bit too?

Shelly: ...Yeah...

Elvont: Come on, then. I'll take you to our room. (They leave.)

Santo-bot (Making a yawn-like sound): Necesito dormirme también. (Also leaves)

Indy: Damn... Now ah got no fahghtin' partner...

Shadow: I might as well go dormant for a bit. I mean, what else am I gonna do if I can't invite Overpower and Trent Reznor up for a swim?

(Eventually everyone in Lavender Castle is dormant. Later on, a few figures sneak in...)

??? #2 (After making his way into the entertainment room): I'm in. C'mon, peoples...

(Another seven figures appear.)

??? #1 (To all the others): Okay, you know what to do. Let's go.

(They head down the halls and then split up. Each one of them heads to a different Critical Master's room, walks up to the dormant Reploid, and begins to look for a certain part of the armor. They all find it and glow for a second as they come into contact with it, then leave silently.)

??? #1 (Leaving Critical Mass's base, talking to the others): You all got it?

(The other figures all nod.)

??? #1: Good.

(New Boston. 10:54 P.M. Critical Mass are going towards the Cygnus Center.)

Shadow: I betcha these guys are Roses and Guns.

Nine: The guys that did that fake concert?

Shadow: Yaya, that's the ones.

Nine: I dunno, I think it's Chopper.

Indy: This ain't mah brother's style. Ah'm thinkin' it's Princess Dahnamo.

Elvont: You think Dynamo could trick us like that? I'm willing to bet my left fang it's Spade.

Vincent: Well, sure he's pretty clever, but something tells me he'd make a bigger performance out of it.

Dr. Zap: Er... What makes you think so?

Vincent: Family stories.

Santo-bot: Whatever that significó... I think it's Agave Bison.

(The others stare at Tidal Whale for a second.)

Nine: ...Who?

REX: If you'd all be quiet for a moment... (Opening a link to Tracii) Tracii, are there a more details in regards to location?

Tracii: Yeah. He wants you guys inside the Cygnus Center, not just in front of it.

REX: Duly noted. (Closes the link) We must enter the building now.

(They do so, and find one figure on the other side of the building.)

??? (Taking some steps forward): Nine... It's good to see you again.

Nine (Stepping ahead of the rest of the team): Um... Who are you again?

??? (Extending his arm out for a handshake): Your older brother. My name is One.

Shadow: You never told us you had a brother, Nine!

Nine: Hey, give me a break! I didn't even know!

Santo-bot: How can you not know a tu hermano?

REX: I'd also like to know, but I'm equally curious as to why Reploids think themselves able to consider one another family.

Nine: I don't know, I just never remembered anything about where I came from, just what I am and what made me... Well, I thought I was one of a kind.

One (Left hanging): On the contrary; there's several of us. You're only the youngest of the Mimicroids, Nine.

Nine (Shaking One's hand): Um... Nice to meet you...? You were the one who sent the message, right?

One: Yes, that was me. Here's why I called: Do you want to come back with me and the other Mimicroids? We can show you what you really are and everything about where you came from.

(The Skiver looks over at the other Critical Masters behind him.)

Elvont: Well, I have to say this isn't what I was expecting we'd run into.

Santo-bot: Can't stop you if you want to see a tu familia, kid.

Dr. Zap: Er... Just do what you think is right, Nine.

REX: Blood IS thicker than water.

Vincent: Whatever floats your boat, Nine.

Indy: Ah liked ya, Nine. Gonna miss ya.

Shadow: I second that emotion.

(The Skiver then turns back to face One.)

Nine: Listen... I don't think I could really leave my friends. These guys all care about me in their own little way, and I think I'm okay with what I know I am.

One: I really wish you weren't going to say that. As I think I mentioned in the bulletin, I'm also known as "the Hunter"...

(One suddenly transforms into a copy of Dark Necrobat.)

One: ... Or "the one that holds your weakness."

(That said, seven more Reploids appear from the shadows of the Cygnus Center's interior.)

One: Nine, allow me to introduce you and your friends to your other brothers: Two through Eight...

(The mimicroids Two through Eight then transform into copies of the other Critical Masters.)

One: ...Otherwise known as "the last Reploids your friends will ever see."

REX: Wh...WHAT THE FUCK?! HOW DID YOU

Nine: Woah, woah, woah! Listen, can't we talk this out?

One: No, I'm afraid we can't. You made your choice, Nine, and that was to stay with your friends and shun your family.

Nine: No, no, you totally got me all wrong! That doesn't mean I don't want anything to do with you.

One: Maybe not, but it means WE don't want anything to do with YOU, Nine. (To the other Mimicroids) C'mon, boys. Let's get 'em!

REX: Very well! Critical Mass, GO!

(The Mimicroids each go for the Critical Master weak to them One, as Dark Necrobat, goes after the Skiver; Two, as the Skiver, attacks Mattrex; Three, as Mattrex, targets Axle the Red; Four, as Axle the Red, fights against Grizzly Slash; Five, as Grizzly Slash, does battle with Tidal Whale; Six, as Tidal Whale, aims to do Volt Kraken in; Seven, as Volt Kraken, squares off against Shining Firefly; and Eight, as Shining Firefly, chooses Dark Necrobat.)

Shadow (Struggling against Three): Oh, dude! This is so unfair! Why do I always have to be burn

(Three hits a lost-in-thought Axle the Red with Ground Fire.)

Shadow:

YEEOOOOWW!!

Elvont (Covering his eyes): It's gonna be a long night... (Uses Bat Summons to sent a flock of Bat Bones at Eight)

Eight (Sends Light Collection orbs after the Bat Bones): It's useless! Just give up now!

Elvont: The least your creator could have done is give you some personality...

(Dark Necrobat's moves resemble a flamenco dance as he tries to dodge Eight's various light-based attacks.)

Eight: You can't escape me forever.

(Eight shoots a Tail Beam, which happens to strike Dark Necrobat. Blinded and stunned temporarily, Dark Necrobat falls directly down to the ground. Meanwhile...)

Santo-bot (Dodging series of Crescent Shots): ĄAy! Why can't ustedes take "No" as an answer rather than attack us? (Spouts out a series of Goo Shaver projectiles at Five)

Five (Jumping up into the air to dodge the Goo Shaver blasts): Why can't "tú" take the hits and not attack back, hm?

(Five fires another volley of Crescent Shots; a couple of the shots get Tidal Whale in the leg as he tries to dodge.)

Santo-bot (Injured leg giving way): Carajo...

(So many "meanwhile"s... Meh, whatever...)

Indy: Shadow, whah y'all trynna beat me up?

Four: "Shadow"...? (Laughs) You must have me mistaken for another, silly bear~

(Four then creates a Spike Ball and whacks Grizzly Slash across the face with it.)

Four: My name is Four, you silly~

Six (Creating a Frozen Earth puzzle for Volt Kraken): Let's see you get through this.

Vincent: ...You're kidding, right?

(Volt Kraken flies through the puzzle easily and starts to extend his electrically-charged tentacles, but Six simply shoots a Goo Shaver at him, temporarily freezing him.)

Vincent:

Six: Hey, I TOLD you you'd be in for a fight, didn't I?

Vincent (Thawing out): Hahahaha, not bad for such a waste of space!

Six: I could say the same of you!

(He begins to shoot Frozen Earth blocks at a rapid pace, but Volt Kraken easily evades and a Volt Barrage aimed at Six connects successfully. On the other side of the Cygnus Center...)

Two (Coming at Mattrex with a Rapid Dive): Wherefore won't you move?

REX (After jumping over Two): Even I don't use such outdated words!

(As Two comes back, Mattrex sends a Screen Fire at him. The attack does send Two reeling, but Two quickly recovers and sweeps up Mattrex with a Wing Spiral, temporarily shutting Mattrex down.)

REX (After recovering):

You won't win against me!

(Mattrex spits a number of Ground Fire projectiles on the ground, almost like traps. However, several of the flares also hit Shining Firefly.)

Dr. Zap:

Zounds! Be careful, please!

REX (To Two): Come now; come at me. Do you fear me?

Two: I have no fear in front of you! (Flies towards Mattrex, but is hit by a reeling Five and knocked over)

REX: Perfect.

One (Using Bat Summons against the Skiver): Let me know when you give up, brother.

Nine (Trying to shield himself in the midst of the swarm): I'll never give up!

(After beating up the Bat Bones with his fists, the Skiver then uses a Rapid Dive to ram into One, knocking him back.)

Seven (Shooting a Tri-Thunder at Shining Firefly): DUDE I TOT4LLY HAXXORED U!

Dr. Zap (Dodging):

Er... What was that...?

(He fires a Tail Beam at Seven. However, the fight between One and the Skiver keeps it from hitting the proper target... Because of a Rapid Dive, One is backed into where Seven was, thus pushing Seven out of the way and taking the super-effective hit for himself.)

One (Blinded and falling to the ground): ARGH!! Why do we have to take on their weaknesses as well?!

Seven (Looking at the fallen One and then back at Shining Firefly): Eye haz 1337 sk1llz.

Dr. Zap (Unleashing a swarm of Light Collection spheres): What are you saying?! What does the year 1337 have to do with now?

REX (Overhearing): The start of the Hundred Years' War may have enough to do with this to help us!

Two (Hit by the Ground Fire flares while coming at Mattrex with another Rapid Dive): About what ARE you babbling?

(Mattrex responds with another Screen Fire.)

REX: The Hundred Years' War introduced new weapons and techniques that ended the Middle Ages. We ought to use new techniques in order to defeat the Mimicroids!

Nine: Like what?

REX: Improvise! (Is struck by another Wing Spiral while distracted by his orders)

Two: One ought to focus on the battle and think before one attacks.

One: Yes, I should, shouldn't I?

(The Skiver prepares to hit One with a Wing Spiral, but One simply activates a Dark Hold. However, the only ones frozen by the Dark Energy are the Skiver and Two.)

REX: Indeed. Thank you.

(Mattrex proceeds to hammer Two in any way possible; the Mimicroid is destroyed by the time the Dark Hold wears off. While it's still running, however...)

One: We shouldn't have to end it this way, brother...

(He unleashes a Sonic Screech on the Skiver, while the real Dark Necrobat does the same to Eight.)

Eight: (Blinding Necrobat with a direct hit from his Tail Beam) You can't resist us for long.

Elvont: (Struggling to pull himself up from the force of the last blow) Then... you obviously don't know me very well.

Eight: I know you're going to lose this match... permanently.

Elvont: I don't fight fair.

(Elvont stands up straight and holds his right hand over his head. He appears to concentrate hard for a few seconds before a dagger fades into existence and drops into his outstretched palm.)

Elvont: Unlike the previous Dark Necrobat, I've tinkered with my abilities and found new ways to exploit them. I can condense my Dark Energy at any time and make any item I wish from it. You play by the book and that's why you're going to lose.

Eight: That weapon won't save you.

Elvont: You're right. I could kill you without this. I simply wanted to show you your tragic inferiority before I retired you.

(Elvont dashes at Eight, flying low to the ground.)

Eight: Now you die. (Fires a Tail Beam at Elvont.)

(The Tail Beam reaches just inches from hitting Elvont before he suddenly explodes into a swarm of Bat Bones, allowing the beam to pass through the swarm harmlessly. Eight is caught off-guard by the sudden change in target and gets caught up in the swarm.)

Eight: Get away. Stop trying to resist.

(The clawing and biting from the swarm stops abruptly and Eight looks around frantically trying to spot his attacker. He turns around and finds Elvont, but it is too late. The Winged Fiend stabs him in the chest with his Dark Energy Dagger and clutches the small Reploid to his chest.)

Eight: You don't understand who you're dealing with.

Elvont: That could be said of you, but it's not necessary for you to understand, not where you're going...

Eight: This isn't-

Eight is cut off by his own shrieks of pain as Elvont sinks his fangs into the Reploid's neck, sucking the life from his power core. Eight struggles, but Elvont only tightens his grip on Eight's shoulder and wrenches the knife deeper into his chest. Eventually Elvont lets go and drops his lifeless victim to the ground, its limp body dropping with an unceremonious thud.)

Elvont: Over?

(Elvont wipes liquid energy from his mouth and walks away from Eight's scrapped body.)

Elvont: Yes, it is...

Dr. Zap (To Mattrex): Improvise? But I can't just (Is interrupted by a Tri-Thunder attack)

Seven: some1 wuznt ready xd (Stays where he is and laughs while Shining Firefly recovers)

Dr. Zap (Firing another Tail Beam and finally connecting): Oh, stop already!

Seven: i die o:

(Seven is actually barely damaged, however. He gets up not too long after and sends another Tri-Thunder at Shining Firefly.)

Dr. Zap (Dodging): Criminy! Can you at least speak English?

REX (To Dark Necrobat): Find someone to help, Necrobat. I'll try to help Axle... (Rushes over to where Axle the Red and Three are fighting)

Elvont: Very well... (Goes over to help Grizzly Slash against Four)

Six (Trying to trap Volt Kraken again): Just let me know when you're too tired out, okay?

Vincent (Sending another Volt Barrage at Six): Really, if you thought you could tire me out with a fight, you've already dug your own grave. (Follows up with a powerful hook)

Six (Getting up after that attack): Okay, look. You're still gonna lose even after all that. (Fires a volley of Goo Shaver blasts)

Vincent (Dodging effortlessly): Really now...

(With one last Volt Barrage, Volt Kraken delivers the final blow against Six, destroying the third Mimicroid. He then heads off to help Tidal Whale against Five.)

Nine (Rubbing his head, right after Dark Hold wears off): Blargh... What happened?

One: Oh, my. You're still moving. Well, that won't last long.

(One had been chipping away at the Skiver's life energy, but when he swoops in for one last Death Grip, he delivers the final blow while healing himself. The Skiver drops to the ground with a thud.)

One: There. That wasn't a hard lesson to teach.

(Mattrex's head turns as soon as he hears the thud, but when he turns to see what happened, Three tackles him with a Body Crush.)

REX: We WILL defeat you cheap imitations and avenge the Skiver! Axle, go to fight One!

Shadow: Better than being here, I guess...

(Mattrex covers Axle the Red, taking minor damage from Three to let Axle slip away and take on One.)

Shadow: Yo, ugly!

Elvont (Overhearing): You're gonna regret that, Shadow!

One: Oh, the house plant. YOU think you can take me?

Shadow: Dude, I KNOW I can take you. Bring it!

One: You got it, punk! (Swoops in hoping for a Death Grip to connect)

Shadow: I knew you'd do that~

(He activates Twin Dream; the two go in separate directions, completely avoiding the attack. One, however, immediately turns around and follows a Bat Summons swarm in towards the two Reploids.)

Shadow: He thinks that'll stop us?

Axle: Quit spacing out, punk! Spike Rope now!

Shadow: Geez, you're worse than 'Rex~

(The two catch One in the Spike Rope, draining some energy before he breaks free.)

Indy: Ah ain't gonna put up wi' this much longa! (Launches a Crescent Claw at Four, which Four dodges)

Elvont: 'Rex expects us to come up with new attacks on the spot, huh? (Launches a Sonic Screech blast at Four) So glad he's practicing what he preaches. (Gestures to Mattrex and Three, who are basically just wrestling at this point)

Dr. Zap (In place): Er... Let's see... If I combined the Tail Beam with Light Collection... Could I...? No...

Seven: dude wut ur problem????

Dr. Zap: I'm thinking over here! Young'uns these days...

Seven: wut evr i attack nao

(Seven launches Tri-Thunder, but is rammed by the real Axle the Red being sent backwards. Sent spinning, Seven strikes Axle the Red with one bolt and One with the other two.)

One: Why did I EVER end up working with you?!

Vincent: I don't care if that's not really me, he shouldn't act like that and look like me!

(Both One and Volt Kraken rush out towards Seven, but One gets there first and uses a Sonic Screech on the surprised Seven. Volt lands a couple of powerful punches before One uses a Death Grip again and Volt throws an Electric Trap at the two. Eventually, Seven is overpowered and defeated, but Shining Firefly simply hovers and stares.)

Santo-bot: ĄAy! Calamar, Ąayúdame! (Is hit with a Crescent Claw he wasn't fast enough to avoid)

Dr. Zap: That was...

(A chorus of police sirens goes off in the distance. Everyone's heads turn.)

Polizeiroid (From outside the Cygnus Center): Critical Mass! Come out here with your hands up! You're wanted for obstructing the Mimicroid Recall Act!

Shadow (No copy Axle in sight): It's the fuzz, man! OSHI

(Axle the Red's mouth is covered by Mattrex, who is then promptly tackled by Three.)

REX (As he gets up): Do you WANT them to find us?

Santo-bot (After tossing Five over his shoulder): But... How DID they find us?

One: Oops, did I do that? (Swoops in to attack Axle the Red) I told you I'm an official.

Dr. Zap: Get away from him! (Shoots a Tail Beam at One, injuring him)

Shadow: Nice job for an old geezer.

Dr. Zap: You've been doing well for a young whippersnapper. (Winks back)

Indy: Ah've HAD it with this faker! (Runs forward and lunges with a Drill Arm at Four)

Four: C'mon and get me~

(Four whips up a Spike Ball and then hurls it. However, a well-aimed Sonic Screech by Dark Necrobat knocks it off-course, saving Grizzly Slash from a hit from his weakness. The result is that Grizzly Slash's Drill Arm connects, damaging the relatively small Four quite a bit.)

Indy: Thanks fer tha save there.

Elvont: You're welcome. (Launches a Bat Summons, sending more Bat Bones to peck away at Four)

Dr. Zap (Hit by the stray Spike Ball): ZOUNDS!

(Shining Firefly is crushed under the Spike Ball; Axle the Red runs over and gets it out of the way.)

Shadow: Doc, you okay?

Dr. Zap (Struggling to get up): I think so...

One: But you won't be for long.

(One swoops in and lands a final Sonic Screech on Shining Firefly, damaging the body heavily and affecting the CPU inside. In effect, Dr. Zap is dead.)

REX (Slugged in the face by Three):

ENOUGH OF THIS MADNESS!

(BOOT er... clawed foot TO THREE'S HEAD.)

Five (Getting up): C'mon, is that the best you can do put together?

Vincent: Hardly.

(Volt Kraken tries to rush at Five with bared fists, but Tidal Whale pulls him back.)

Santo-bot: Tengo una idea. ĄCalamar Fugaz!

(He picks up and then holds Volt Kraken over his head, jumps up and then sends Volt in a rapid rolling toss at Five from a bit of a distance. At the rate of momentum, it's enough to knock Five over and cause some more damage.)

Five (As he sits up): Squidballs, huh? Smooth move, Luchadork, you just hurt your own buddy there. (Gestures to Volt Kraken, sprawled on the ground after that last assault)

Vincent (Picking his head up and clawing the ground): Remind me to get back at you for that one later...

Santo-bot: I'll have to take a rain check. (Pointing to a rising Five) Here he comes!

(Five tries to run but does so very oddly and launch some more Crescent Shots, but Volt Kraken uses and electrically-charged punch to take him out. The attack is enough to destroy Five; the relatively smaller Volt is blown back by the explosion, but stops in midair using his jet system.)

Vincent (Lowering himself to the ground): Well, five down, three more to go... I'm still gonna get you for that, Santo-bot. (Goes off to take on One)

(Tidal Whale doesn't respond, but simply goes off to help out against Three, who has just swiped at Mattrex with his tail, knocking the real Critical Master down.)

Santo-bot: Jefe, let me help out!

REX (Getting up): Go ahead.

(Three tries to grab Tidal Whale, but Tidal Whale wraps his legs around Three's neck before that can happen.)

Santo-bot: ĄHurracanrana!

(Tidal Whale launches Three over his head and into the ground; Mattrex follows up by impaling the head with his claws. Three's arms flail for a while as the claws dig deeper into the head, but eventually they stop; the armor reverts to Three's original form.)

REX: That ends Axle's adversary. Apparently I destroyed the CPU.

Santo-bot: Jefe, do you think that's what happened to Nueve and el Doctor?

REX: Quite possibly, and if it did... it is impossible to retrieve him. The armor may be restored, yet who is within it can never be the same.

(He heads in Four's direction, with Tidal Whale following.)

Four (To One, while looking at the Skiver's fallen body): Silly brother, you didn't finish the job. (Drives a Spike Rope into the Skiver's head, ropes up the CPU chip, takes it out and crushes it) There we go~

REX: Shit... Too late...

Santo-bot: Ay, if only I could've been (Looks over) żCalamar?

Vincent (Walking up to the Skiver's CPU-less body and kicking it once): That's for the PS9.

Elvont (Muttering to himself): Gotta love a good grudge... (Flies closer to where Four is)

Four (Making as if he's blowing the pieces of the CPU chip to the wind): Yep, sorry for yer friend there, but if only he hadn't said no to One.

REX (Clenching fists): I shouldn't have let this go on so long...

Four: Oh, but whose fault is that? If you could've stopped us, why didn't you~

REX:

FUCK OFF AND DIE!!

(Mattrex gets up and runs straight for Four; Four tries to jump out of the way, but Mattrex changes from a run into a Burner Drive attack headed in the new direction. Four is hit by the attack, sent flying luckily into One and burned heavily in the process.)

Four: Why did I have to go as the house plant? AAAARGH!

(After colliding with One, Four falls to the floor, destroying a cluster of seats close to the arena wall One goes back to flying after losing his concentration briefly.)

Shadow: Welcome to my world. (To Grizzly Slash) Shall we wrap things up?

Indy: Ah thought you'd never ask.

(Axle the Red steps into Grizzly Slash's cupped hands and is thrown upwards toward One. He activates Spike Rope, wraps it around One and throws One over his head before slamming the Mimicroid into another cluster of seats.)

Four (Getting up slowly): Not finished... yet...

Santo-bot (To Four): Adiós, enemigo.

(He creates a fast-moving chain of Frozen Earth blocks, which ram Four and send him into the wall, first smashing Four's head and neck and the CPU into oblivion, but a large dent is left behind before the blocks themselves give and dematerialize. The remains of Four's body transform back into the original form: a Reploid clad in black armor with blue accents.)

REX (Walking over to One, but looking at Tidal Whale): Well done.

Santo-bot: Bien hecho yourself, Jefe.

Shadow: So that's what that means. FINALLY he comes with subtitles! XD

Vincent: When we get back to the base, we're ordering a new PS9, you hear?

One: No... This isn't over...

(He struggles to get up, but he can't, because Mattrex's clawed foot has him pinned down.)

Indy: Ah beg ta differ.

(Grizzly Slash jumps up into the air; his big claw transforms into a drill, and he dives down with the Drill Arm carefully pointed at One's head. Mattrex gets out of the way just a second before Grizzly Slash bores into the stadium floor and destroys One's upper body and CPU in the process. What's left reverts to One's actual form.)

Shadow: Extreme.

Indy (Resurfacing a few yards away, shredding some more seats in the progress): Thank ya kindly.

Polizeiroid (Voice coming from just outside the hole in the wall): Critical Mass! Come out of the Cygnus Center with your hands up!

Shadow: OSHI

(Grizzly Slash puts his normal hand over Axle the Red's mouth as the drill arm transforms back into claw mode.)

Elvont: Mattrex, hurry up. You can see them through the hole in the wall Tidal Whale made.

REX (Quietly, into a communicator): Tracii, get us out of here.

Tracii: Can't do that if you're inside a building. Get out of there and I can beam you up.

REX (To Tracii): Got it. (To everyone else) Let's get out of here.

Vincent: "Out of here" as in "outside where we'll be swarmed by 174 Polizeiroids"?

REX: More or less.

(Mattrex runs towards the exit; the others run or fly after him.)

Polizeiroid (Running over with a crowd of accomplices behind him): FREEZE! You're under arrest!

(At the word "under," however, the six remaining Critical Masters are teleported out of the area.)

Polizeiroid: Too late... Let's go home, boys. We can catch them another day.

(They turn around walk away, grumbling to one another. Meanwhile, up at Lavender Castle...)

Vincent (Clicking "Send" for a PS9 offer): Well, I should have that come in two days from now at your house, REX. Thanks for signing it.

REX: Of course. After that mission, we deserve some rest.

Shadow: But what about Nine and the doc?

REX: Well, if I must remind you, the CPUs were destroyed, meaning that Nine and Dr. Zap cease to exist. The armors of Izzy Glow and the Skiver, however, can be repaired and energized to full once again.

Elvont: Do you think it is wise to have left the armors out in the Cygnus Center?

REX: In due time, I'm sure that we will be met by new members donning those armors. Of course, only time will tell, but I'm quite confident.

Tracii (Entering the room): Well, it's official.

Indy: Huh? What's official?

Tracii: You guys have bounties on your heads... Even Dr. Zap and Nine did.

Elvont: Tracii, let's have a look.

(In Tracii's lab...)

Tracii (Bringing up the page and pointing at the screen): Like I said, there you are. Even Shining Firefly and the Skiver.

Indy: Damn...

Shadow: Hey! Why's REX have a bigger bounty than me? I'm powerful and dangerous too!

REX: Never look a gift horse in the mouth, Axle.

Santo-bot: This is too much... Nosotros, the hunters, are now the hunted... Ay...

REX: Tracii, I want you to check this page every day at 6:00 AM, noon, 6:00 PM and midnight. For each Critical Master, I want the average of the prices you see at those times on a certain day charted as the price on that Master's head that day. I want the average prices documented for reference, so that at any time the price on a certain member for a certain date may be projected rather accurately.

Tracii: Understood.

Elvont: Do you have a plan to get those numbers down?

REX: We won't change our modus operandi simply to remove the bounties, Necrobat. That's not my style.

Elvont: Clearly...

REX: Are you insinuating something, Necrobat?

Elvont: Just that you have to have it your way all the time and you think you're always right.

REX: YOU UNGRATEFUL, OBSTINATE

Indy (Getting in the way with arms spread): Stop it, y'all! Ah say we just wait n' see what happens in tha next few days, ya know?

(Six weeks later, back down at the partially-wrecked Cygnus Center, a small cleanup crew arrives.)

Gothenburg: Surprising they didn't clean this place up by now... Says something about the government.

Glam: Well, let's get to it! C'mon, Rave!

Rave: This is the place?

Glam: Yup! We're here, Rave. (Shakes the Reploid's shoulder playfully) You still a little drained from that last job?

Rave (Shaking her head): Not really. Just thinking. Sorry for spacing out like that, but what happened here?

Gothenburg: I heard it was Critical Mass's work. They came here three weeks ago and tried to demolish the place, but when some Polizeiroids showed up they fled the scene.

Rave: Critical Mass?

Glam: Yeah, haven't you heard of them on the news? They broke into Maverick Hunter HQ a couple months ago. But the weirdest thing is they're also trying to lock up bad guys like Chopper. It's like they're trying to not look like the bad guy.

Gothenburg: You really should start watching the news, Rave.

Rave (Looking at a glowstick in her hand from up close): ...I'm sorry, you say something? ^.^;

Gothenburg: Never mind...

(He goes ahead into the arena; the girls follow him.)

Rave: Hey, I remember this place now! I did a few shows here back when it was new and it was called the McKagan Arena. Looked a lot different back then, though.

Gothenburg: Maybe if you clean the place up, they'll name it "DeMille Stadium" after you, Rave. (Chuckles)

Rave: Very funny. I'm about ready to get to work here, Glam, so how are we doing this?

Glam: I was thinking I'd work on the upper level above us, Gothenburg does the stage and outside as far as he can and Rave, you handle here on the floor. That sound cool with you guys?

Rave: It's fine by me. Gothenburg, I'll try to help out where I can.

Gothenburg: It works.

(The three get to work on their respective sections. Meanwhile, up at Lavender Castle, Tracii is checking out the status on the armors.)

Tracii (Speaking over a communicator with REX): You know, it was a good thing I had Axle go down and install tracking chips in the armors the day after that fight.

REX (In his room on Earth, turning a page in King Lear): I see. And you'll tell me to where the armors have been moved, correct?

Tracii: I was getting to that... well... Izzy Glow's still in the Cygnus Center surprising they haven't moved him yet, huh? but the Skiver's been going everywhere lately.

REX: Oh?

Tracii: Yeah. The armor was taken by what looked some dealer's place in Neo-York a couple weeks ago I don't know why they left Izzy Glow, though. Weird.

REX: It's possible that the Skiver looked to the dealer to serve as a much better profit.

Tracii: Probably. Anyway, now it looks like some guy in Great Britain bought it a few days ago and it's being shipped there taking so long because shipping's been making those freakin' "Safe Stops" everywhere Neo-Scotia, Nova Scotia, Villanova, you name it. It's en route to Manchester from Blackpool tonight, though, and I assume that's the destination since it's such a short trip.

REX: Well, at the very least, we shall have a new Skiver on our hands.

(Mattrex leaves his room and goes down to the entertainment room.)

Reporter on TV: In all the confusion of the past few weeks, a Mr. M. Hunter, the British-born CEO of Hunter National Bank, has moved from Dallas to New Boston. Knowing the recent sightings of Critical Mass, could he be looking to oversee the bank there and protect it? Or could he even be uninformed?

Shadow (To Tidal Whale): We made it big, man! We're celebrities!

Santo-bot: Sorry, I beat you guys to it! I've been a movie star for a while.

Vincent: Shadow... We're not celebrities, we've been branded as outlaws!

Shadow: So... No autograph signings? ;~;

Elvont: At least I can say it's peaceful without Dr. Zap panicking about women in the base... (Wraps his arm around the young woman next to him)

Woman: You had a friend named "Dr. Zap"?

Elvont: He was more of an "accomplice" than a "friend," Raquel, but yes. (To the other Critical Masters) All those in favor of staying a six-member unit?

REX (Entering the room before anyone can raise their hands or say "Aye"): Good news. The armor for the Skiver is expected to appear at a home in Manchester, England tomorrow.

Elvont (To himself): So much for peace and quiet...

Santo-bot: Jefe, what about the armor del Doctor?

(Back down at the Cygnus Center...)

Rave (To herself): Oh, how'd this get here? (To Glam and Gothenburg): Hey, guys! Come over here and check this out!

(They run over to meet her in the corner of the first-floor seating area.)

Gothenburg: What's this doing here still? Rave, that's one of the Critical Masters!

Rave: Really? Geez, he looks a little creepy... (Waves her hand in front of Izzy Glow's lifeless face) Hello? Hello...?

Glam: He's a total wreck, too. I think he's out of energy deep down.

Rave: What do you think happened to him?

Glam: Probably the members were fighting or something. I dunno.

Gothenburg: I'm thinking more along the lines of him not being able to get away before the Polizeiroids shot him down. They do try to kill targets that clearly intend to kill them, after all.

Rave: I think we should take him home with us and see if maybe we can repair him and reprogram him. Can you guys help me get him in the van?

Glam: Sure! ^^

Gothenburg: All right...

(The three carry the armor off and get it in the cleaning crew's van.)

Glam: Hey, Rave?

Rave: Yeah?

Glam: When we get back home and get this guy repaired, I'll give you 500 zenny and do your housework for you for a week if you put your CPU into his body for two days.

Rave (After a pause): It's a deal, Glam!

Glam: Oh! And we have to see you put it on and off and see you for a while in it. Just to make sure you did it.

Rave: Okay ^^;

(They all go back inside the Cygnus Center.)

Rave (To herself): I still don't know how people forgot him there...

(The next day, back in Lavender Castle, in Tracii's room...)

Tracii (Mumbling with a magazine over her eyes): Oh... It's Marco Bolignani... Why, yes, I'd love to have dinner with you... Oh, and you brought me chocolate... How nice~

Computer: BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Tracii (Sitting up straight): HUH?

WHAT THE? (To herself as she looks at the screen) I can't believe that got me out of dormancy... Anyway...

(She opens a communications link with REX, who is writing a short story in his room back down on Earth.)

Tracii: Mattrex, Izzy Glow's on the move! The armor's active now.

REX: Location?

Tracii: There's a cleanup crew in New Boston, on the edge of town.

REX: Yes, I know. You're referring to New Boston Reconstruction Crew.

Tracii: He's there.

REX: Understood. I'll go there now.

(He closes the link and heads for the door, but meets his mother on the way out.)

Mrs. Barron: REX, mit wem hast du gesprochen?

REX: Mit mir, Mutter. I was writing and trying to hear how certain dialogue sounded. I'd like to go for a drive for some fresh air, if that's all right.

Mrs. Barron: Oh... Off course. Ze keyss are et ze ent off ze kitchen counter.

(She steps out of the way, but looks over her shoulder as REX goes downstairs and into the kitchen. He takes the keys to his mother's BMW and heads out.)

REX (Reopening the link with Tracii): This ought not to take long, Tracii. I'll find Izzy Glow and then have you teleport him and myself up to the base.

Tracii: Understood, but... shouldn't you focus on the road? You're driving, right?

REX: Yes, I'm

(He looks up, almost runs a red light and stops two inches short of a Volkswagen coming from the right.)

REX (Pleasantly): Tracii?

Tracii: ...Yeah...?

REX: Are you watching me with a camera right now, Tracii?

Tracii: No, just figured you were driving based on the speed.

REX: At least you're not watching me now... but I'll deal with you for installing that camera in my room later.

Tracii: Huh? How'd you find out?

REX: Axle calling me "Remington Steele" made me suspicious.

Tracii: Oh. (Through bared teeth, fist clenched) Damn that house plant...

(A few minutes later, at New Boston Reconstruction Crew's headquarters...)

Rave: I can't believe you guys talked me into this! I feel terrible and the body's so... not me... I take it back, Glam! I want out!

Glam: After another day, Rave. You did say you were in already, sorry~

Gothenburg (To Glam): Where'd you put her body?

Glam: It's in my room for now...

REX (In through the open door): Ah, there you are. Izzy Glow, I'd like you to come with me.

Rave:

Um... Glowstick-eyes, do I know you from somewhere?

Gothenburg: He doesn't look familiar.

Glam: 'Scuse us, who are you?

REX (To Gothenburg and Glam): Relax. I've simply come for... her. She's to become a new member.

Gothenburg: Let me guess. Are you with Critical Mass?

REX: WITH them...?

(In a burst of flames, he transforms into Mattrex. Glam and Gothenburg take a couple of steps back.)

REX: I lead them.

Rave:

HELP!

(He turns on the comm link again as he approaches the firefly Reploid.)

REX (To Tracii): I found Izzy Glow, Tracii. She'll arrive with me very shortly, so prepare the teleporter.

Rave: Um... Do I have to? I just want

REX: You'll fit in very well with us. Don't be afraid.

Gothenburg (Under his breath): Hard to take that seriously when a giant flaming T-rex is staring you down...

(Mattrex takes the firefly Reploid by the wrist and heads outside, where the two are teleported up to Lavender Castle. After they arrive, they head into the entertainment room, where the only ones present are Axle the Red and Grizzly Slash, playing a two-player game of Super Smash Brothers Blitzkrieg, and Dark Necrobat and Shelly, watching while enjoying a glass of wine.)

REX: Guten Abend, Critical Mass. Might I introduce to you Izzy Glow, perchance? (Gestures to her) She worked for

Shadow: That's a CHICK?

Indy: Ah think we gotta help 'er out with tha looks... erm, sorry, ma'am, no offense.

Rave: Hey... Um... Mr. Terrorable Rizard, sir?

REX: My name is Mattrex. And I don't believe to have learned yours.

Rave: It's Rave. Rave Glow in this body, I guess... But I wanna ask about ge

Tracii (Entering the room): I'm here. Just wanted to meet... HER...?

Shelly: Hey, Tracii, can you help me out? I think we should give her a makeover... Erm... No offense Rave

Rave: None taken. I know the armor's ugly. Maybe you guys are onto something, though; maybe a makeover'll help me feel comfy in this body. I get the feeling I'll be here for a while. (A single wing flaps) Haven't gotten used to flying yet, either.

Elvont: I suppose I can help out there, if you like.

REX: That'll be fine so long as you remember to find our other new member tomorrow, Necrobat.

Vincent (Coming in): I get the feeling we don't have to wait quite that long, 'Rex. I was down in my room and I heard Tracii's computer beeping. The armor's active already.

REX: That was perfectly timed, I must say. (Transforms back into human mode) Tracii, send me to Manchester. I need to do this quickly so I can bring back to my mother her car and reappear home at a reasonable time. (Leaves the entertainment room)

Tracii: Gotcha. Shelly, I'll help you out after he's back home, okay? (Leaves)

Shelly: Okay

Rave, let's go to the salon downstairs

Rave: Um... (Is led by the wrist out of the room)

(Manchester, England. 9:35 PM GMT. REX appears in one of the alleyways and makes his way through the town as directed by Tracii.)

REX (Stopping in front of a modest house that's wood-brown all over): This is the house, correct?

Tracii: Yeah, whoever's got the armor on is right inside.

REX: Hopefully this won't take that much time.

(He goes up to the door and hits the doorbell. Fifteen seconds pass.)

REX: ...He isn't hard of hearing, is he? (Rings the doorbell twice)

(After ten more seconds, the door is opened by the Skiver.)

???: Who in the blue blazes are you?

REX: Someone similar in burden who has come to find you and bring you home. It doesn't matter who you are as a human, in this case; as the Skiver, you belong with Critical Mass.

Marcus: For your information, my name is Marcus Norman, and I'm not interested in becoming one of those rapscallions. I've heard about them on the news. Tell me, how did they rope in a chap like you to work as their spokesman?

REX: You misunderstand, Mr. Norman. As I said, I am similar in burden.

(He backs away off the porch and once again transforms into Mattrex.)

REX (To Tracii): Get ready. (To Marcus) Come with me now or every last cubic inch in your house shall be burnt to ashes.

Marcus: I can't believe I'm being threatened by a teenager... I must admit, child, you do a great job composing yourself, even when you're mad. I could learn a thing or two from you.

REX: The first lesson, then, shall be my name. In human form: Remington Everard Xerxes Barron, or simply REX. In this form: Mattrex. If you choose to come with me, I can teach you how to use that armor and harness its power as you see fit. I can also prove to you that Critical Mass is not a band of villains.

Marcus: Intriguing...

Tracii: You ready, REX?

REX: Come here, Marcus. You can't be teleported to our base if there is a roof over your head.

Marcus: I'll be there momentarily.

(The Skiver grabs his house key, locks the door behind him, goes out onto the porch and then down to the stairs to meet Mattrex in the open air.)

REX: We're ready, Tracii. Bring us to Lavender Castle.

(The teleportation sequence occurs; Mattrex and the Skiver reappear in the base.)

REX: Meet the new Skiver, Tracii.

Marcus: Tracii... That's a lovely name. I am Marcus C. Norman. It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear. (Extends his arm for a handshake)

Tracii (Shaking the Skiver's hand): Oh... Why, thank you. And thank you, destiny, for giving us two nice new members.

REX (To the Skiver): I'll leave you with Grizzly Slash and ask him to finish the introductions. I need return home with my mother's car, but I expect to see you and Rave Glow again tomorrow.

Marcus: Very well. (Follows Mattrex out of Tracii's lab and to the entertainment room)

REX (Arriving at the entertainment room, where the five Critical Masters there are watching the music video for "Rosenrot"): Grizzly Slash, Axle the Red, Dark Necrobat, Tidal Whale and Volt Kraken: This is the new Skiver. Grizzly, I entrust you with the task of introductions to the rest of the team, as I must go back to Earth for the night.

(He leaves. A minute later, presumably after sending Mattrex to New Boston one last time for the night, Tracii can be seen going down the hall in the other direction to find Shelly.)

Marcus: Hello, good sirs. It's a pleasure to meet you five.

Indy (Standing up): Ah lahke ya already, sir. Indiana Starry, AKA Grizzly Slash.

Vincent: Vincent Barker, famous American businessman, hereafter known as Volt Kraken.

Santo-bot: Me llamo Santo-bot o Tidal Whale. ĄMucho gusto!

Shadow (Mumbling to Dark Necrobat): Oh, great. Another stuffed shirt.

Elvont: Will you be quiet? I'm trying to watch this.

Shadow: Why bother? REX is the only one here who could understand it.

Santo-bot: Bueno, we think it sounds pretty good.

Vincent: If you don't like it, just leave the room. (Charges electricity into his fist just in case)

Shadow: Tch, some people... (Gets up and prepares to leave) Looks like a night of some good music is in order.

Indy (To the Skiver): Lemme show ya around. Ah think tha girls are all

(Grizzly Slash stops in his tracks as the girls appear at the door.)

Shelly: We're done

(Reveals Rave Glow)

Tracii: She wanted rave goggles, so I gave her a pair I had lying around.

Vincent: You must have one very crazy secret life we don't know about, Tracii.

Tracii: ^.^; Anyway, this is everyone.

Elvont: You did a nice job, my dear.

Shelly: Thanks Elvont

But I can't take all the credit; I only laid down the designs.

Rave (Listening to the music video): Is that Rammstein? Do you have "Ich Will" by any chance?

Elvont: Yes, why?

Rave: I love that song. Awesome beat. I'll have to play you guys a remix at a party some time.

Shadow: You're a DJ?

Vincent: What gave that away? Surely it wasn't her name.

Shadow: Stop mocking me ;~;

Indy: Marcus, can ah show ya yer room?

Marcus: Certainly. (Leaves the entertainment room, following Grizzly Slash)

Tracii: I'll show Rave hers, but it's gonna need a lot of interior design... We didn't finish taking the lab equipment Dr. Zap set up out.

Rave: Thanks Tracii ^^ I'm loving the warm welcome I've gotten here. I think I'm staying.

Shadow: Awesome! Can we have a rave some time?

Rave: Why not tonight?

(After some setting up of equipment in the entertainment room...)

Rave (At the turntables): This is that song I was talking about, guys.

Shadow: I take it back about this music. She was right: it has a great beat!

Santo-bot: Now if only you saberas bailar...

Rave: Glowstick-eyes doesn't know what he's missing.

Shadow: You mean REX? He'd probably scold you and throw you in the Iron Fist Room for not playing Guns N' Roses.

Indy: Ah dun think he's THAT strict, Shadow.

Shadow: Well, how many times have YOU been thrown in the Iron Fist Room?

Indy: None.

Shadow (Throwing up his arms): I lost count! Bad times, man... baaad times. (Shudders)

Elvont: You certainly know your way around the turntables, Rave. Doesn't she, Alexis?

Alexis (Oblivious to the other women there): She's amazing!

Santo-bot (Counting eight young women around Dark Necrobat): The number of mujeres Seńor Elvont brings into the castle is impressive.

Shadow: He's so calm about it, too. But if he can get all these dates... (Turns around and taps one of the women on the shoulder) Excuse me, may I have this dance?

Maria: Drop dead. (Turns back to Dark Necrobat)

Shadow: I don't get it! How can they like a scary bat thing and not a walking, talking rose?

Vincent: You kind of learn not to question it, Shadow.

Indy: Ah just wish Marcus woulda joined us.

Vincent: I take it he's in his room?

(On the other side of the base, in Marcus's room...)

Marcus (To himself, while watching a classical concert on TV): Raves and glowsticks just aren't my cup of tea. (Sips some Earl Grey)

(The room jumps up into the air, presumably because of the party on the other side of the base. Marcus glares at the door as if seeing through it and watching the party down the hall, then turns to the TV, grabs the clicker and turns off the epilogue.)