Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2015 10:34:49 GMT -6
Valora sat in her penthouse apartment in Chicago, Looking over the skyline and taking in the view as she thought about things and drank her coffee. To those who knew or thought they knew Valora, the scene would be enough for them to seriously consider the possibility that someone had replaced Valora with some type of pod person or something. Gone was the grunge look. No alcohol was visible in the apartment, save for a small bar stocked with high priced alcohol. The blue in her hair? Gone for the moment. Valora wore a pair of glasses on her face and was dressed in a very professional business suit. Every single part of it a piece of a puzzle, a small fraction of an elaborate illusion. Valora took another sip of her coffee as she looked over her credentials lying on the table and smirked.
{Fools. All of them. Even someone as smart as Jeremiah Vastrix claims he is fell for the act.They see only the one side of me I want them to see. That’s the way I like it. The way things work in my world. See, some people stay in the shadows. You don’t see them unless they want you to, usually seconds before they end your life or if they want to play cat and mouse. That takes a certain degree of skill. It’s a tactic that I’ve learned to use before, I’m good at it, but not the best. The true master at it is someone whose skill is at least at, perhaps even better than my own. I’ve always believed the true test was hiding in plain sight. I have many names. Many faces. I have the intelligence to pose as almost any job Jesse Styles thinks I don’t know he has a plan? He’s cute, thinking he’s smarter than me. I have my own plans. But for now, let him think he’s outplayed me. Let him think I demanded LeBron type money out of greed. The truth is, I’ve put that money to very, very good use…
Building my own team of specialists.}
Valora runs her hand over the credentials. She gives them a cursory examination. Not so much to get the details memorized, she’s already done that. No, she’s looking for flaws in the work. Everything must be perfect. And it is. If Valora hadn’t ordered this identity crafted for her, she’d have a hard time telling they were fake.
{See, people never get the art of lying down. The best lie contains bits of truth. It’s the same with false flags, known to people outside the trade as false identities. See if you mix in some true history, it’s easier to build the fake parts.. it’s also easier to remember the lie, since some parts of it are already true. This identity for example. She graduated from USC, same as I did. Went to Med School, same as I did. Holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Psychology and Psychological profiling, just like I do. Technically a medical doctor and board certified doctor and psychologist. That’s where the differences come in. I’m certified in California. This identity is attached to Jesse’s favorite organization. The F.B.I. Also licensed to practice medicine and psychology in Illinois. Both of which are useful since one of my opponents this week and the special guest referee are locked in a mental ward and are thus inaccessible. Tempting as it is to sabotage Hunter, the downside to play with legitimate jobs is I have to work to stay within the parameters of those jobs. It’d be a shame to have wasted good money carefully building an identity and personality to go with it only for said person to have their medical license revoked.}
Valora smirks as she finishes her coffee and picks up her F.B.I. Credentials and a folder lying on the table and she walks over to the mirror and studies her reflection, putting in the U.S. flag lapel pin that all Federal agents wear. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath in, holding her breath as her mind changes to the identity she needs right now, tapping in to old memories and experiences long locked away, behaviours posture, mannerisms, the little things, small but undeniably important. No detail can be overlooked. Finally, Valora lets out a controlled breath, opens her eyes and with the skill of veteran, flips open the leather wallet containing her F.B.I. credentials. When she speaks, even her voice sounds different. “Special Agent Navarro. F.B.I. Profiler.” She says and nods to herself, confident she is fully ready to go and in the proper mindset, closing the wallet holding her credentials and tucking them into her pocket and grabbing her cell phone as she left the apartment.
A short time later, a Black SUV pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and Valora, paused a second to adjust her earpiece before she walks into the hospital. The earpiece wasn’t tuned to the F.B.I. or anything, but rather to one Samantha Topher, master hacker and ‘security consultant’. Information and intelligence was one of her main jobs as a member of Valora’s team. It was her job to help make sure Valora passed security checks, keep Valora informed of changing circumstances and run counter intelligence and help ensure the false flags registered as true when they were checked. Even now, Samantha was at her computer in a safe location near the hospital as she was monitoring screens noticing something odd as she chimes in to Valora. “You sure you’re up for this? I mean.. this is going to be kinda hard on you, won’t it?”
Valora raises her arm to match what’s expected of a Federal agent and nods. “Just business. Now, the site looks secure enough. Any pertinent information I need?”
Samantha nods. “I’m looking at doctor Natasha P. Charles’ report now, Apparently, Hunter made reference to you being a cop or F.B.I. member before.”
Valora rolled her eyes. “Hunter never was one to pay attention to details. What is he in for?”
Samantha pulls up the relevant files and smirks. “Ummm Explosive Anger Disorder? Is that even a real thing?”
{Oh, this is almost too easy. I could have so much fuckin’ fun with this.}
Valora replies back to Samantha still speaking in voice of her character, taking this chance to ensure she has everything down pat. “It is, actually. It’s usually paired with other behavioral disorders, bipolar being the most common, which I’d also bet money Hunter has.”
“So.. want me to add anything to Hunter’s file? Mess with him a bit?” Samantha asks, her voice almost eager and Valora feels bad about denying the hacker her fun. “No. The doctor will have a written file and if the written chart and the computer file don’t match, flags go up. No, if she’s right about Hunter, and she probably is, he’ll do a great job of staying here himself. Hunter isn’t our main target here anyways. Is everything a go with Riot?”
Samantha clicked a few buttons and looked over her work. “Yes. Druscilla held up her end of the bargain and raised holy hell with the State Department about a British Citizen being unlawfully detained. The State department instructed the Department of Homeland security to look into it, they kicked it to the F.B.I. and I intercepted the order and assigned your identity to the case, so everything will check out . “
Valora nodded. “Great, you’re the best there is. Keep an eye on things and let me know if anything comes up.” With that, Valora steps out of the SUV, walks towards the hospital as she raises her keychain and locks and secure her vehicle. Every step she takes towards the nurse’s desk with a security guard next to it has a purpose. She has no nervousness. Walking like a seasoned pro who has done this a million times before. When she reaches the counter, she takes out her credentials and shows them to the security guard as she turns to the nurse. “Special Agent, Veronica Navarro, F.B.I. I need to see one of your patients. A Mr. Rob Riot.”
The nurse punches up the name and nods. “And may I ask why the F.B.I. needs to see him?” Valora adjusts her glasses. “Actually thanks to a little thing called the Patriot Act, no you may not. You can let me see him and conduct my own interview, evaul and build a profile on him, or I can arrest you for obstruction of Justice. Your call, really.”
The nurse looks at the security guard who nods and then turns to Valora. “Sorry, ma’am. No firearms allowed. You’ll need to leave your sidearm here with me.”
Valora pauses for a moment and then shrugs. “I assume you have a place to secure it?” The guard nods and leads Valora to the security office. Valora removes her handgun, puts the safety on and hands it to the security officer, watching him lock it in a locker and then hand her the key. “That’s the only key to the locker, when you’re done, let me know and I’ll watch you take the sidearm back and you return the key to me.”
Valora nods and heads out. The nurses is standing now, another one having replaced her at the desk. “Mr. Riot is being moved to an interview and evaluation room.. He’s been...less than cooperative with us so far.”
As they began their trek, Valora noticed the security guard on the phone, no doubt verifying her identity. That was fine, she was sure now it would check out. As she got near the room, a doctor stepped out and nodded to her, shaking her hand. He introduced himself and smiled, about to speak when one of the security guards on this level walks over to him. “Confirmed, doctor. Her credentials check out. The doctor smiled and turned to Valora. “Forgive me, Special Agent, but I’m sure you’re aware of protocol and such. Valora nods, inspecting the security layout while seemingly looking around the room. “Indeed. Am I mistaken or have you upgraded recently?”
The security guard fielded that question. Yes ma’am. Our two latest clients are umm not thrilled to be here. Repeated escape attempts, threats towards staff, attempted assault. We thought upgraded security would be helpful.” The doctor nodded and continued on. “Indeed, both men have been put in straight jackets and restraints. Mr. Valentyne seems to have a lot of anger towards a Jesse Styles, a Valora Salinas, and Mr. Riot. Mr. Riot well, he’s not said much since being brought here. I certainly respect classified and Patriot Act concerns, but as the attending physician here, I’m afraid I must insist on knowledge of what’s going on here.”
{Can’t blame him. In his shoes, I’d be pissed too. My turn to give a little, I suppose.}
Valora nods and looks around. “Your office? Anywhere private is fine and if you tell anyone about what I tell you… “ The doctor nods. “I understand, I’ve worked with the police before.” With that, he leads Valora to his office and, as he closes the door and takes a seat in his chair. Valora takes a deep breath. “Mr. Riot is not an American Citizen. He’s a British citizen, has he made any phone calls since being here?”
The doctor thinks about this and nods. “I allowed him one phone call. His calling privileges were revoked when we learned he called London. I guess now I know why he called internationally. Is this important?” Valora nods. “Yes, apparently Mr. Riot is a well connected man. The State Department has been flooded with complaints from a very high ranking noblewoman that happens to be a key American ally. She is claiming that Mr. Riot is being unlawfully detained. State ordered Homeland Security to investigate, they tasked the F.B.I. and… it all dropped on my desk at about 0330 this morning. Not the way I prefer to wake up, let me tell you. I’m not here to second guess you. My task is simple. Eval. Profile. Determine if he is, in fact, being held here unlawfully and if so, either release him or arrange to transport him back to the U.K. and let them handle the situation.”
The doctor thinks about this and nods. “Well, I believe you’ll come to the same conclusion I have. Both Mr. Riot and Mr. Valentyne are dangers to themselves, each other, and pretty much anyone they feel is getting in their way. Now, one thing Mr. Riot has said is a demand to speak to a Valora Salinas? I’m guessing she works for New Edge as well?”
{If he only knew…}
Valora nodded. “Among other things. Her and Jesse Styles are the main reasons we were trying to shut that damned place down. I would recommend that he be denied visitations with her. She’s unstable to say the least and it would likely cause more problems. So, may I speak to Mr. Riot now?”
The doctor nodded. “Yes, I’ve had the cameras and mics turned off You’ve got him alone….” Valora smirked and adjusted her glasses. “Perfect. Thank you.” With that, she and the doctor left his office and began the trek to the interview room. As they walked, Valora’s mind was spinning analyzing things. For the moment, how to deal with the surprise that would be on Rob Riot’s face. There was a chance he wouldn’t recognize her, but a slim one. Rob Riot’s paranoia made sure that he was an expert at names and faces. He always expected the conspiracy which meant someone changing their look and their name to get close to him was something he was ready for.
Finally, they reached their destination and the door opened and Valora smiled, walking in, turning and facing the door as watched it closed and waited until she heard the door lock. She wanted to prolong things for as long as possible before she… turned around and faced him. Rob Riot had been in the middle of making a rude remark but he stopped himself abruptly as he noticed who was standing before him. “Va-”
Valora cut him off, once again when she spoke, it was the same voice she had practiced time and again for this ID. Educated. American, no hint of Mexican accent. She sounded nothing like the Valora Riot and New Edge wrestlers and fans were used to. “My name is Special Agent Veronica Navarro. I’m from the F.B.I.Your government has contacted ours and claimed that you are being unlawfully detained. I’m here as a profiler. My job is to do another evaluation and determine how to proceed from there.. Now, your government has agreed to this but they’ve insisted that as allies we do our utmost to protect your rights. Are you aware of your rights now or would you like me to inform you of them?” At the end of her remark, she gave Riot a wink to let him know his first assumption was, indeed, correct. This seemed to relax Riot a bit and he sighed in annoyance. “Considering you Americans got most of the rights you use from the British Magna Charta and given how long I’ve spent working in the U.S., yes. I’m quite well informed of my rights. Under those rights, I respectfully demand to hear the charges against me.”
Valora opens the folder and looks over his file. “Well let’s see… currently one charge of assault and battery for every fan you hit or you and Hunter Valentyne put in danger. This is why the British government agreed to our little compromise. If you walk out of here, you will be arrested and taken into custody. Jesse Styles won’t do a damn thing because he’s afraid of the FBI shutting him down again. Now, I understand you likely don’t care much if New Edge is shut down. Hell, you might even celebrate. But we’ve investigated them once before and more than a few members of theirs have...questionable backgrounds at best. We shut them down for a year and banned all of their talent from competing in the U.S. We can do that again. Nathan O’Connell, who even your own government believe might have been involved with the IRA? Banned. Valora Salinas? You don’t even want to know all the things she’s suspected of doing. Banned. Nocturnal? Banned. There’s three of your top talent, banned from competing in the U.S. and probably Europe too.. if we push hard enough. I understand you’re probably not used to being told what to do, so let’s just… cooperate and see what we can find out.”
Riot gestures to the camera. “They watching us?”
Valora smirks and shakes her head. “Nope. Just us.”
Riot nods. “Then this is unfair. You get to question me and I don’t get to ask back and how the hell?”
Valora smirks. “Like you won’t find a way to get questions asked and answered.. also you know my background, you’re surprised? Now just to be sure they aren’t pulling anything, I’ve got a friend that will be scrambling the signals in this room, but even so, we won’t have much time. Explanations later. First, you’ll have to play ball a bit.”
Riot held up a hand. “One question. The match. As you know, I’m the ref and, well…”
He didn’t say anything more. Didn’t have to. Valora knew exactly what he was getting at. Both Hunter and Blair had outright came out and said that winning is all that matters, not how you win, but getting it. Valora had sold her soul before. Right now, something bigger and better was at stake and Valora had never been a true heroine. She was the anti-heroine. She was the Comedian or the Punisher, Hell she’d even been compared to Domino by the true comic book fans that had to match every real life hero of theirs to a comic book figure. Bottom line was that she was not afraid to bend or break the rules and she never had been. People had forgotten about that, perhaps it was time to remind them. After all, Nathan, Hunter, Blair. All had one thing in common. They would stop at nothing to be World Champ. Valora could handle Nathan as World Champ. He had deserved to have his moment in the spotlight. Valora wanted to be a 2 time World Champ and cement her legacy. Therein lie the conundrum. Finally, Valora sighed and nodded. “People seem to think I’m a good person. They forgot I’m just as willing to fight by any means necessary. Don’t make it obvious but… if you should decide to help me out a bit… I won’t say no. Nathan is a viable contender, but Hunter Valentyne and his bitch of a wife Blair are an embarrassment to this company.”
Rob Riot blinked a bit. “Wait, what? Hunter has a wife AND a girlfriend?” Valora smirks. “Well since he likes to make false assumptions about people and act like it’s true, let’s say he’s a Mormon and a polygamist. Hey, I can have him investigated for that. Might have to do that.. but yes, Blair and Hunter married each other in a power play and now they remembered they hate each other. Blair is like… well, she’s the McDonalds of New Edge wrestling, on a quest to make sure every man is served and will charge you out the ass for her cheap ass, second rate product. Now, back to the act before someone decides to check on us.”
Riot nods and Valora looks over his file. “So tell me, Mr. Riot. Why exactly were you willing to put innocent fans in danger. I assume you wouldn’t permit your RSW talent to harm fans?”
Rob sighed. “Of course not and… it’s not like I meant to. I just got.. caught up in the heat of battle.”
Valora nods. “Mmhmm.. Mr. Riot, might I suggest you being honest with me? I spent all night since my wake up call studying your files in the other feds you’ve been in. I know exactly what kind of a man you can be when you want to be. Do you really expect me to believe that someone with the mentality of a high school kid managed to get you so enraged that you simply couldn’t control yourself? If so, then perhaps it’s best you stay right where you are.”
Valora and Rob Riot continued their banter, both playing a very intricate game of chess, making it seem like Valora was doing her job and prying info from Rob without her hitting any of the major points she knew went through Rob’s head and he in turn, walked the line between resistant and grudgingly helpful. At the end, with the last bit of free time, he leaned in close. “If I’m going to help you, you need to help me. I need out of here.” Valora nodded and mouthed ‘working on it’ As she stood up. “I think that’s enough for now, Mr. Riot. I’ll be back if I have any more questions or to update you on your situation.” She said, making her way over to the door and knocking on it. A few seconds later, it opened and Valora left the room and met with the doctor who looked at her. “Well?”
“Well.. he definitely does have some problems.. I might need a couple more visits to get down a full profile, he’s definitely going to be an interesting case study. If I can make a suggestion, just stick to treatment and therapy for now.. if he’s on medication while I’m evaluating him, it will obviously skew things.” The doctor nodded. “I’ve been doing this awhile now, Special Agent. Both he and Mr. Valentyne aren’t on medication yet until we finish our assessment and the like on them.” Valora nods. “Just making sure.. I’m you’ve seen doctors willing to just throw medicine at a problem.” The doctor scoffs. “Far too many. Don’t worry, my staff and I are professionals.”
Valora nods and heads out of the hospital, pausing to collect her gun as she does so before leaving the hospital and getting into her SUV. As soon as the door shuts, she hears Samantha. “Did I just hear you conspire to rig a match?”
Valora frowns. “Sam… you can’t play nice in New Edge. Blair and Hunter want a war. I say they should be careful what they wish for. It’s time to start showing people why I’m a Hall of Famer. Jeremiah was right about one thing. Listing off the legends I’ve beaten… I’ve outgrown that. I AM a legend now. Hunter and Blair want to try and tarnish my legacy. They want to be the ones to claim to kill the legend that is Valora Salinas. It’s time I start defending and expanding my legacy…
It’s time for war… you think I’ve been building all this for amusement? Nope. I’ve got a plan. Get back to our place, make sure you’re not followed and meet me in my apartment later. We’ll talk then.”
{Fools. All of them. Even someone as smart as Jeremiah Vastrix claims he is fell for the act.They see only the one side of me I want them to see. That’s the way I like it. The way things work in my world. See, some people stay in the shadows. You don’t see them unless they want you to, usually seconds before they end your life or if they want to play cat and mouse. That takes a certain degree of skill. It’s a tactic that I’ve learned to use before, I’m good at it, but not the best. The true master at it is someone whose skill is at least at, perhaps even better than my own. I’ve always believed the true test was hiding in plain sight. I have many names. Many faces. I have the intelligence to pose as almost any job Jesse Styles thinks I don’t know he has a plan? He’s cute, thinking he’s smarter than me. I have my own plans. But for now, let him think he’s outplayed me. Let him think I demanded LeBron type money out of greed. The truth is, I’ve put that money to very, very good use…
Building my own team of specialists.}
Valora runs her hand over the credentials. She gives them a cursory examination. Not so much to get the details memorized, she’s already done that. No, she’s looking for flaws in the work. Everything must be perfect. And it is. If Valora hadn’t ordered this identity crafted for her, she’d have a hard time telling they were fake.
{See, people never get the art of lying down. The best lie contains bits of truth. It’s the same with false flags, known to people outside the trade as false identities. See if you mix in some true history, it’s easier to build the fake parts.. it’s also easier to remember the lie, since some parts of it are already true. This identity for example. She graduated from USC, same as I did. Went to Med School, same as I did. Holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Psychology and Psychological profiling, just like I do. Technically a medical doctor and board certified doctor and psychologist. That’s where the differences come in. I’m certified in California. This identity is attached to Jesse’s favorite organization. The F.B.I. Also licensed to practice medicine and psychology in Illinois. Both of which are useful since one of my opponents this week and the special guest referee are locked in a mental ward and are thus inaccessible. Tempting as it is to sabotage Hunter, the downside to play with legitimate jobs is I have to work to stay within the parameters of those jobs. It’d be a shame to have wasted good money carefully building an identity and personality to go with it only for said person to have their medical license revoked.}
Valora smirks as she finishes her coffee and picks up her F.B.I. Credentials and a folder lying on the table and she walks over to the mirror and studies her reflection, putting in the U.S. flag lapel pin that all Federal agents wear. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath in, holding her breath as her mind changes to the identity she needs right now, tapping in to old memories and experiences long locked away, behaviours posture, mannerisms, the little things, small but undeniably important. No detail can be overlooked. Finally, Valora lets out a controlled breath, opens her eyes and with the skill of veteran, flips open the leather wallet containing her F.B.I. credentials. When she speaks, even her voice sounds different. “Special Agent Navarro. F.B.I. Profiler.” She says and nods to herself, confident she is fully ready to go and in the proper mindset, closing the wallet holding her credentials and tucking them into her pocket and grabbing her cell phone as she left the apartment.
A short time later, a Black SUV pulled into the parking lot of the hospital and Valora, paused a second to adjust her earpiece before she walks into the hospital. The earpiece wasn’t tuned to the F.B.I. or anything, but rather to one Samantha Topher, master hacker and ‘security consultant’. Information and intelligence was one of her main jobs as a member of Valora’s team. It was her job to help make sure Valora passed security checks, keep Valora informed of changing circumstances and run counter intelligence and help ensure the false flags registered as true when they were checked. Even now, Samantha was at her computer in a safe location near the hospital as she was monitoring screens noticing something odd as she chimes in to Valora. “You sure you’re up for this? I mean.. this is going to be kinda hard on you, won’t it?”
Valora raises her arm to match what’s expected of a Federal agent and nods. “Just business. Now, the site looks secure enough. Any pertinent information I need?”
Samantha nods. “I’m looking at doctor Natasha P. Charles’ report now, Apparently, Hunter made reference to you being a cop or F.B.I. member before.”
Valora rolled her eyes. “Hunter never was one to pay attention to details. What is he in for?”
Samantha pulls up the relevant files and smirks. “Ummm Explosive Anger Disorder? Is that even a real thing?”
{Oh, this is almost too easy. I could have so much fuckin’ fun with this.}
Valora replies back to Samantha still speaking in voice of her character, taking this chance to ensure she has everything down pat. “It is, actually. It’s usually paired with other behavioral disorders, bipolar being the most common, which I’d also bet money Hunter has.”
“So.. want me to add anything to Hunter’s file? Mess with him a bit?” Samantha asks, her voice almost eager and Valora feels bad about denying the hacker her fun. “No. The doctor will have a written file and if the written chart and the computer file don’t match, flags go up. No, if she’s right about Hunter, and she probably is, he’ll do a great job of staying here himself. Hunter isn’t our main target here anyways. Is everything a go with Riot?”
Samantha clicked a few buttons and looked over her work. “Yes. Druscilla held up her end of the bargain and raised holy hell with the State Department about a British Citizen being unlawfully detained. The State department instructed the Department of Homeland security to look into it, they kicked it to the F.B.I. and I intercepted the order and assigned your identity to the case, so everything will check out . “
Valora nodded. “Great, you’re the best there is. Keep an eye on things and let me know if anything comes up.” With that, Valora steps out of the SUV, walks towards the hospital as she raises her keychain and locks and secure her vehicle. Every step she takes towards the nurse’s desk with a security guard next to it has a purpose. She has no nervousness. Walking like a seasoned pro who has done this a million times before. When she reaches the counter, she takes out her credentials and shows them to the security guard as she turns to the nurse. “Special Agent, Veronica Navarro, F.B.I. I need to see one of your patients. A Mr. Rob Riot.”
The nurse punches up the name and nods. “And may I ask why the F.B.I. needs to see him?” Valora adjusts her glasses. “Actually thanks to a little thing called the Patriot Act, no you may not. You can let me see him and conduct my own interview, evaul and build a profile on him, or I can arrest you for obstruction of Justice. Your call, really.”
The nurse looks at the security guard who nods and then turns to Valora. “Sorry, ma’am. No firearms allowed. You’ll need to leave your sidearm here with me.”
Valora pauses for a moment and then shrugs. “I assume you have a place to secure it?” The guard nods and leads Valora to the security office. Valora removes her handgun, puts the safety on and hands it to the security officer, watching him lock it in a locker and then hand her the key. “That’s the only key to the locker, when you’re done, let me know and I’ll watch you take the sidearm back and you return the key to me.”
Valora nods and heads out. The nurses is standing now, another one having replaced her at the desk. “Mr. Riot is being moved to an interview and evaluation room.. He’s been...less than cooperative with us so far.”
As they began their trek, Valora noticed the security guard on the phone, no doubt verifying her identity. That was fine, she was sure now it would check out. As she got near the room, a doctor stepped out and nodded to her, shaking her hand. He introduced himself and smiled, about to speak when one of the security guards on this level walks over to him. “Confirmed, doctor. Her credentials check out. The doctor smiled and turned to Valora. “Forgive me, Special Agent, but I’m sure you’re aware of protocol and such. Valora nods, inspecting the security layout while seemingly looking around the room. “Indeed. Am I mistaken or have you upgraded recently?”
The security guard fielded that question. Yes ma’am. Our two latest clients are umm not thrilled to be here. Repeated escape attempts, threats towards staff, attempted assault. We thought upgraded security would be helpful.” The doctor nodded and continued on. “Indeed, both men have been put in straight jackets and restraints. Mr. Valentyne seems to have a lot of anger towards a Jesse Styles, a Valora Salinas, and Mr. Riot. Mr. Riot well, he’s not said much since being brought here. I certainly respect classified and Patriot Act concerns, but as the attending physician here, I’m afraid I must insist on knowledge of what’s going on here.”
{Can’t blame him. In his shoes, I’d be pissed too. My turn to give a little, I suppose.}
Valora nods and looks around. “Your office? Anywhere private is fine and if you tell anyone about what I tell you… “ The doctor nods. “I understand, I’ve worked with the police before.” With that, he leads Valora to his office and, as he closes the door and takes a seat in his chair. Valora takes a deep breath. “Mr. Riot is not an American Citizen. He’s a British citizen, has he made any phone calls since being here?”
The doctor thinks about this and nods. “I allowed him one phone call. His calling privileges were revoked when we learned he called London. I guess now I know why he called internationally. Is this important?” Valora nods. “Yes, apparently Mr. Riot is a well connected man. The State Department has been flooded with complaints from a very high ranking noblewoman that happens to be a key American ally. She is claiming that Mr. Riot is being unlawfully detained. State ordered Homeland Security to investigate, they tasked the F.B.I. and… it all dropped on my desk at about 0330 this morning. Not the way I prefer to wake up, let me tell you. I’m not here to second guess you. My task is simple. Eval. Profile. Determine if he is, in fact, being held here unlawfully and if so, either release him or arrange to transport him back to the U.K. and let them handle the situation.”
The doctor thinks about this and nods. “Well, I believe you’ll come to the same conclusion I have. Both Mr. Riot and Mr. Valentyne are dangers to themselves, each other, and pretty much anyone they feel is getting in their way. Now, one thing Mr. Riot has said is a demand to speak to a Valora Salinas? I’m guessing she works for New Edge as well?”
{If he only knew…}
Valora nodded. “Among other things. Her and Jesse Styles are the main reasons we were trying to shut that damned place down. I would recommend that he be denied visitations with her. She’s unstable to say the least and it would likely cause more problems. So, may I speak to Mr. Riot now?”
The doctor nodded. “Yes, I’ve had the cameras and mics turned off You’ve got him alone….” Valora smirked and adjusted her glasses. “Perfect. Thank you.” With that, she and the doctor left his office and began the trek to the interview room. As they walked, Valora’s mind was spinning analyzing things. For the moment, how to deal with the surprise that would be on Rob Riot’s face. There was a chance he wouldn’t recognize her, but a slim one. Rob Riot’s paranoia made sure that he was an expert at names and faces. He always expected the conspiracy which meant someone changing their look and their name to get close to him was something he was ready for.
Finally, they reached their destination and the door opened and Valora smiled, walking in, turning and facing the door as watched it closed and waited until she heard the door lock. She wanted to prolong things for as long as possible before she… turned around and faced him. Rob Riot had been in the middle of making a rude remark but he stopped himself abruptly as he noticed who was standing before him. “Va-”
Valora cut him off, once again when she spoke, it was the same voice she had practiced time and again for this ID. Educated. American, no hint of Mexican accent. She sounded nothing like the Valora Riot and New Edge wrestlers and fans were used to. “My name is Special Agent Veronica Navarro. I’m from the F.B.I.Your government has contacted ours and claimed that you are being unlawfully detained. I’m here as a profiler. My job is to do another evaluation and determine how to proceed from there.. Now, your government has agreed to this but they’ve insisted that as allies we do our utmost to protect your rights. Are you aware of your rights now or would you like me to inform you of them?” At the end of her remark, she gave Riot a wink to let him know his first assumption was, indeed, correct. This seemed to relax Riot a bit and he sighed in annoyance. “Considering you Americans got most of the rights you use from the British Magna Charta and given how long I’ve spent working in the U.S., yes. I’m quite well informed of my rights. Under those rights, I respectfully demand to hear the charges against me.”
Valora opens the folder and looks over his file. “Well let’s see… currently one charge of assault and battery for every fan you hit or you and Hunter Valentyne put in danger. This is why the British government agreed to our little compromise. If you walk out of here, you will be arrested and taken into custody. Jesse Styles won’t do a damn thing because he’s afraid of the FBI shutting him down again. Now, I understand you likely don’t care much if New Edge is shut down. Hell, you might even celebrate. But we’ve investigated them once before and more than a few members of theirs have...questionable backgrounds at best. We shut them down for a year and banned all of their talent from competing in the U.S. We can do that again. Nathan O’Connell, who even your own government believe might have been involved with the IRA? Banned. Valora Salinas? You don’t even want to know all the things she’s suspected of doing. Banned. Nocturnal? Banned. There’s three of your top talent, banned from competing in the U.S. and probably Europe too.. if we push hard enough. I understand you’re probably not used to being told what to do, so let’s just… cooperate and see what we can find out.”
Riot gestures to the camera. “They watching us?”
Valora smirks and shakes her head. “Nope. Just us.”
Riot nods. “Then this is unfair. You get to question me and I don’t get to ask back and how the hell?”
Valora smirks. “Like you won’t find a way to get questions asked and answered.. also you know my background, you’re surprised? Now just to be sure they aren’t pulling anything, I’ve got a friend that will be scrambling the signals in this room, but even so, we won’t have much time. Explanations later. First, you’ll have to play ball a bit.”
Riot held up a hand. “One question. The match. As you know, I’m the ref and, well…”
He didn’t say anything more. Didn’t have to. Valora knew exactly what he was getting at. Both Hunter and Blair had outright came out and said that winning is all that matters, not how you win, but getting it. Valora had sold her soul before. Right now, something bigger and better was at stake and Valora had never been a true heroine. She was the anti-heroine. She was the Comedian or the Punisher, Hell she’d even been compared to Domino by the true comic book fans that had to match every real life hero of theirs to a comic book figure. Bottom line was that she was not afraid to bend or break the rules and she never had been. People had forgotten about that, perhaps it was time to remind them. After all, Nathan, Hunter, Blair. All had one thing in common. They would stop at nothing to be World Champ. Valora could handle Nathan as World Champ. He had deserved to have his moment in the spotlight. Valora wanted to be a 2 time World Champ and cement her legacy. Therein lie the conundrum. Finally, Valora sighed and nodded. “People seem to think I’m a good person. They forgot I’m just as willing to fight by any means necessary. Don’t make it obvious but… if you should decide to help me out a bit… I won’t say no. Nathan is a viable contender, but Hunter Valentyne and his bitch of a wife Blair are an embarrassment to this company.”
Rob Riot blinked a bit. “Wait, what? Hunter has a wife AND a girlfriend?” Valora smirks. “Well since he likes to make false assumptions about people and act like it’s true, let’s say he’s a Mormon and a polygamist. Hey, I can have him investigated for that. Might have to do that.. but yes, Blair and Hunter married each other in a power play and now they remembered they hate each other. Blair is like… well, she’s the McDonalds of New Edge wrestling, on a quest to make sure every man is served and will charge you out the ass for her cheap ass, second rate product. Now, back to the act before someone decides to check on us.”
Riot nods and Valora looks over his file. “So tell me, Mr. Riot. Why exactly were you willing to put innocent fans in danger. I assume you wouldn’t permit your RSW talent to harm fans?”
Rob sighed. “Of course not and… it’s not like I meant to. I just got.. caught up in the heat of battle.”
Valora nods. “Mmhmm.. Mr. Riot, might I suggest you being honest with me? I spent all night since my wake up call studying your files in the other feds you’ve been in. I know exactly what kind of a man you can be when you want to be. Do you really expect me to believe that someone with the mentality of a high school kid managed to get you so enraged that you simply couldn’t control yourself? If so, then perhaps it’s best you stay right where you are.”
Valora and Rob Riot continued their banter, both playing a very intricate game of chess, making it seem like Valora was doing her job and prying info from Rob without her hitting any of the major points she knew went through Rob’s head and he in turn, walked the line between resistant and grudgingly helpful. At the end, with the last bit of free time, he leaned in close. “If I’m going to help you, you need to help me. I need out of here.” Valora nodded and mouthed ‘working on it’ As she stood up. “I think that’s enough for now, Mr. Riot. I’ll be back if I have any more questions or to update you on your situation.” She said, making her way over to the door and knocking on it. A few seconds later, it opened and Valora left the room and met with the doctor who looked at her. “Well?”
“Well.. he definitely does have some problems.. I might need a couple more visits to get down a full profile, he’s definitely going to be an interesting case study. If I can make a suggestion, just stick to treatment and therapy for now.. if he’s on medication while I’m evaluating him, it will obviously skew things.” The doctor nodded. “I’ve been doing this awhile now, Special Agent. Both he and Mr. Valentyne aren’t on medication yet until we finish our assessment and the like on them.” Valora nods. “Just making sure.. I’m you’ve seen doctors willing to just throw medicine at a problem.” The doctor scoffs. “Far too many. Don’t worry, my staff and I are professionals.”
Valora nods and heads out of the hospital, pausing to collect her gun as she does so before leaving the hospital and getting into her SUV. As soon as the door shuts, she hears Samantha. “Did I just hear you conspire to rig a match?”
Valora frowns. “Sam… you can’t play nice in New Edge. Blair and Hunter want a war. I say they should be careful what they wish for. It’s time to start showing people why I’m a Hall of Famer. Jeremiah was right about one thing. Listing off the legends I’ve beaten… I’ve outgrown that. I AM a legend now. Hunter and Blair want to try and tarnish my legacy. They want to be the ones to claim to kill the legend that is Valora Salinas. It’s time I start defending and expanding my legacy…
It’s time for war… you think I’ve been building all this for amusement? Nope. I’ve got a plan. Get back to our place, make sure you’re not followed and meet me in my apartment later. We’ll talk then.”