eclipse of the knight : reborn - commentary edition <style>  </style>  </head> <body bgcolor=black lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> <h2>K N I G H T<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>R I D E R<br> <span style='font-size:20.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>eclipse of the knight</span><br> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>written by Scott Kirkessner<br> <br> </span><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:red'>Well folks, here we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In spirit of DVD commentaries, hi there, this is Scott Kirkessner, author of the new Knight Rider fan fiction series Eclipse of the Knight, and former author of the Knight Rider 2000 fan fiction series.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h2> <h2><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h2> <h2><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: Arial;color:red'>No, I do not use a pen name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t really have a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have nothing against online handles or pen names, I just didn’t feel like using one when I first started writing fiction, and it stuck with me.<br> <br> I’ve been in this fan fiction game since 1998 (eight freakin’ years, can you believe it’s been that long).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A few of you long timers remember my journey onto the web (Janeway, Tomy and Knightshade for sure) and some of you might have read my KR2K series that I finally retired.<br> <br> Eight years ago, I was an abysmal writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If anyone remembers the “lost” (aka deleted and forgotten) first original KR2K fic “Into the Storm” it was a horrible 14-page nightmare of a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A few of the others that followed weren’t that much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, I am my own worst critic.<br> <br> But as we all learn in this world, we pick up new things, and one thing I picked up in high school was some creative writing classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I also picked up a creative writing minor in college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So as I continued writing, things got a little bit better, a little easier to read, and even won some of those Edwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of course the KR2K stories I was most proud of came near the end of the series.<br> <br> The last KR2K canon story was published in 2003 and in plans since almost 2000, if not earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn’t have time or motivation to write following that story (busy college man was I).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“From the Stars” was written for my creative writing class, and I just happened to throw in Bonnie while I was at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After that, silence for almost two years.<br> <br> I graduated college and during the massive job hunt, I found myself with some free time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was in July, when Stu Phillips released his Knight Rider soundtrack CD that I got the inspiration to write this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I listened to the music for the pilot that he wonderfully scored, I caught myself imagining, on more than one occasion, different scenarios to match the music from the pilot.<br> <br> One night, I sat down at my computer and started writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The ideas and inspiration poured out from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I treated this as a secret project up until two weeks before the publish date.<br> <br> I realized that I had a good momentum going when I was doing KR2K and to my surprise, a fair fan following.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted to see if I could recapture the essence I had when I was a writer, and also do something original.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Something that the fiction community hasn’t seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So how do I do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By rewriting the damn pilot.<br> <br> Ha!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In essence, that’s what it kinda boils down to (although this isn’t a rewrite).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After seeing Batman Begins earlier in the summer, it had such a bold new approach to the franchise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It wasn’t a prequel, it restarted the Batman franchise, and even that movie used Batman Year One for it’s inspiration.<br> <br> A little bit below, I explain why I chose the original KR pilot for my inspiration.<br> <br> Instead of backpedaling and trying to recapture what I had with KR2K by either continuing that series, or even starting it over (I realized that I had a bold opportunity to really establish some history for the new characters, and while I think I did a little bit, it wasn’t enough, and KR2K just didn’t seem worth redoing for another try), instead I went wayyyyy back to the original Knight Rider with a vision of a darker Knight (you’ll see me talking about the darker tones of the story in this commentary) and a unique approach to an established franchise, story, and a cast of characters.<br> <br> I realized that as I am going along, I am creating history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am making something truly mine, and starting over with the ultimate in fresh slates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That adrenaline kept me going (much like it kept Michael going at the end of this story) and the words just flowed from there).<br> <br> Enough intro, and enough explanations, it’s time to get on with the show!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></h2> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ rated PG-13 for some violent content, sensuality and adult language ]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ based upon “Knight Rider” aka “Knight of the Phoenix” by Glen A. Larson ]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ project start date: July 25, 2005 ]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ project complete date: October 17, 2005 ]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ proof read by Michelle Gardner ] <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ final word count: 32,770 ]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ Knight Rider and characters are © 1982, Glen A. Larson and NBC/Universal ]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt; margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>[ Las Vegas and characters are © 2003, Gary Scott Thompson and NBC/Universal ]</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:#FFCC00'>r e b o r n<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Big Ed” Deline tried his best to navigate the casino floor without his hosts or Miss Mancuso seeing and stopping him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was way too much on his mind to deal with comps or the new owner’s bullshit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Not only was the Montecito playing host to the United States Defense Contractors Conference, an absolute security nightmare that spelled out many long shifts for Ed and his staff, but the FBI, not the most favorite people of his and the feeling was definitely mutual, came to him a week ago and informed him they were planning a sting in plain sight in the middle of this damned conference.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>By all rules and definitions, this story is considered a crossover with Las Vegas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But for real intentions, the characters and the lovely Montecito were used mainly as a jumping off point for the action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>More on this below…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>He had to run that through his mind once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the midst of the Defense Contractors Conference, a national security event at his casino where he had to work with the Secret Service to ensure complete security, the FBI was planning a sting to bust a group of people with their minds set on industrial espionage.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>The new Montecito had been stretching her wings and getting back on her feet since her rebirth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks to new owner Monica Mancuso, this hellish event was thrown onto Ed’s plate as she decided such a conference would breathe new life into the Montecito.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Yeah, great event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The casino had virtually been taken over by the Secret Service to prepare for the conference, and during the conference, all attendees had to wear computerized badges, and any public patrons of his casino had to pass through metal detectors and were subject to random searches.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Ten floors of the resort were closed and reserved for conference attendees.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Worst of all, the topless pool was going to be closed down during the conference.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Ed dealt with people scrutinizing the security of his casino, despite millions of dollars worth of security, surveillance, anti-theft and other pieces of equipment that made the Montecito the most secure casino on The Strip. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>That wasn’t good enough for the Secret Service.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>This line was originally referring to some plans I had to write the complete story as to how Ed and the rest of the Montecito staff had to prepare the casino for the Defense Contractors Conference, and dealing with the Secret Service and other agencies to make the casino the most secure spot in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had some pieces of this part written, but realized that this story would be almost twice as long, half Las Vegas and half Knight Rider… I decided that it might be more pleasing to the KR fans to get right into the action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The above lines and some pieces below were modified with the cutting of the prelude story.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>And now… the FBI was here to conduct a covert mission in the middle of it all to prevent the leak of sensitive information.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>How could this day get any more hectic?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Ed!” yelled a voice he was trying his best to avoid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He looked to his left and Monica was hurrying to catch up to him, “I got wind of something big going down in the middle of the conference,” she said, “do you know anything about that?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I am on my way to find out now,” Ed lied, “An agent from the FBI is waiting for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“That’s where I’m going too,” Monica said as they walked, “where’s Danny and Mike?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Dealing with something, they’ll meet us there,” Ed said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Monica stopped Ed, “Dealing with what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I thought we agreed I would</span><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>be kept in the loop when I took ownership.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Ed turned to Monica trying his best to keep an annoyed look off of his face, “I’ll keep you in the loop, Monica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will forward every incident report to you my staff deals with, from purse thieves to old ladies falling down the brand new stairs that are claimed to be up to code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Shit, I’ll even give you the reports that come out of the new parking garage you built that is supposed to be safer with wider spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You know we’re holding bets to see if dings or bums rank higher in the garage?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Ever since rich-bitch Monica Mancuso took over, the Montecito wasn’t the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Monica looked at Ed straight-faced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With that face, he knew Danny would want her on his poker team, “Well it looks like we have everything under control,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Yes, <b>we</b> do,” Ed replied beginning to walk again, “although it seems the Secret Service has all but fired us and taken over my facilities.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Oh relax, Ed, I gave up ten floors of rooms, the topless pool, most of the casino and our new conference center, you can stand to share your surveillance office,” Monica said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“That reminds me,” Ed said before going into the conference room, “I’ll be sure to give you a report of any illegal activities my team might have missed because we are baby sitting the nation’s secrets.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Ed and Monica pretty much hated each other, and this hate comes to a point in an episode of Las Vegas shortly after this story was published.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>The two were at a standstill for a few moments before they walked into the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Two of Ed’s staff, Danny McCoy and Mike Cannon were already sitting in the room watching the FBI agent begin his presentation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Danny and Mike would have had a much bigger role in the extended version had it been written.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:17.25pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Ed eyed the FBI agent suspiciously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One would think an FBI agent in charge of a security sensitive mission in the middle of one of the nation’s most public places would be in a suit with his badge proudly hanging from some piece of cloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, the man was in business casual attire with a hairstyle that might be reserved for someone ten years younger.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Next to the man, on the massive screen on the front wall of the room was the face of a middle-aged man with a rough-and-tumbled look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No smile, if there were any muscles in such a hardened face to produce the expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“This man,” said Agent Paul Taylor speaking with a slight Southern drawl, “is Fred Wilson, the chief of security for Northrop-Grumman, which just happens to be one of the Armed Forces defense contractors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Wilson and his staff will be accompanying Grumman’s CEO, Mr. Charles Acton to the conference to provide security.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Taylor pressed a button and a picture of a man and woman came on the screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“The man here is Acton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The girl in the picture is his new girlfriend; a girl named Tanya, we believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>But we all know who Tanya REALLY is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is setting up the fact that the FBI has got it all wrong and should have been concentrating their efforts on Tanya.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Unfortunately, Wilson isn’t interested in any kind of security at all, instead he is infiltrating the company from the inside out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s hired his own staff and after tomorrow night’s opening ceremonies for the Defense Contractors Conference, him and his staff will rip designs for the Tomcat-X, Grumman’s newest jet-fighter to replace the Navy’s Tomcat fleet.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Northrop-Grumman is the company that produces the F-14 Tomcats for the US Navy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are also the same company that built the Apollo Lunar Landers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted to show that Tanya and her staff weren’t afraid to go after anyone, and especially in the midst of such a “secure” event.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“What the hell is going on, Ed?” Danny whispered, “don’t we already have enough going on?”<br style='mso-special-character:line-break'> <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“We have too much going on,” Ed replied, “This is going to be a nightmare.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“A small team of agents from the Bureau will be conducting the takedown tomorrow night,” Taylor said, “We plan to allow Wilson’s staff to carry out the theft and we will conduct the take down before they leave the resort.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Where will you be taking them down?” Ed asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Two of our agents have been able to infiltrate the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>According to their intelligence, Wilson and his staff will have a limousine waiting for them at the main entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will take them down before they get to the limo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Six agents from the Vegas field office will be waiting in taxicabs for one of our agent’s signal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their fare lights will only be half lit, so warn the bellmen not to hail these cabs. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“You can’t miss Wilson’s staff, he will be giving them orders the entire night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Warn your teams <b>not</b> to approach Wilson or his staff.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“If all of you understand tomorrow night’s operation, I expect you to field out the necessary information to your teams,” Taylor said, “Do <b>not</b> tell the bellmen who is in those taxicabs, just make sure they don’t hail them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do <b>not </b>approach Wilson and his staff, and for the love of God, do <b>not</b> get in the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Ed shifted in his seat and was about to say something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Monica placed a hand on his shoulder and looked it him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was obvious she hated that comment as much as Ed did.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Fans of the TV show will note how protective Ed is of his casino.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is also a throw-back to the cut prelude where the Secret Service said the same thing to Ed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Taylor continued, “In addition to the two undercover agent’s on Wilson’s staff, there will be one more agent in the resort in the guise of a support staff member, and I will be going back and forth between the casino floor and the surveillance office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Are we all clear?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Everyone nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ed was fuming.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“My team and the agents have already been briefed, and consider yourselves briefed on the information you need to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dismissed.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Dismissed,” Ed whispered to Danny and Mike, “it’s like we’re in the friggin’ military.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“That briefing makes me feel a hell of a lot better,” Mike said, sarcastically. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Are they crazy to be doing this now?” Danny asked, “Why does it have to be during the conference?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Ed watched Monica leave the room, “I think Miss Mancuso is having second thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Look, we’ve had our share of attempted scams during conferences before—”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Danny interrupted Ed, “But we were the ones that stopped them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Working with the Secret Service to provide security for the conference is one thing, but now the FBI is here and they are ordering us to <b>allow</b> a scam to take place?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Any other day and any other conference, Danny, I’d tell that bastard up there to go screw himself, but I don’t want to think what would go wrong if we took control.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Nothing would,” Mike said, “that’s the whole damn point.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Ed looked out at the busy casino floor and let the noise fill his mind for a bit, “I hate the government.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Ed has a distaste and problem for government security agencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This goes back to his sordid and enigmatic past before he ended up in Las Vegas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Also, Danny, Mike and Ed might have had bigger roles as the sting was taking place, but this idea was dropped as I wanted to focus more on Michael and not shift the action back and forth to too many places.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael Long walked into his bedroom and dropped his empty duffel bag on his bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Quickly on his heels was his live-in girlfriend Stefanie Mason.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>The choice to include Stevie in this was an easy one to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the original pilot, and most of the series for that matter, we never really get to see what Michael is leaving behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He acclimates to his life as Michael Knight pretty easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the next story that I am writing, you will see what happens to Michael when the adrenaline from this story wears off and he faces the fact of his erased past.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Stevie was a very intriguing character with almost no back-story except the fact that she was once Michael Long’s fiancé.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Until White Bird, we never heard of her, we never saw the side of Michael who realized what he was torn away from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This way, you (the reader) get to experience it too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>On screen, Michael Long literally had his 15 minutes of fame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here, we get to see him a little bit more.</span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Stefanie, whom Michael liked to call Stevie, sat down on the bed and looked up at Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If Michael did not have his back to her, he would have quickly noticed a definite sparkle of fear emanating from her striking blue eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael was filling his dopp-kit and did not look at Stevie once as he turned to place it in his duffel bag and moved over to his closet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>He was in his early 30s, and standing at 6’2” moved gracefully with long strides of legs Stevie playfully said never ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He kept his light-brown hair well-trimmed and spiked, never once letting go of the military hair regulations that seemingly followed him since his discharge from the Army four years after the first Gulf War ended.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Michael, of course, had to be modernized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If we had a Vietnam vet, we’d have a crimefighter ready to collect pension in a few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Naturally, things were modified for the new 2005 timeframe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Around this time in the story (early September, 2005), Michael was 33.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He joined the Army in 1990 as soon as he turned 18 and was shipped directly to Iraq.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>He had a chiseled face, as if Michelangelo sat down and spent three decades crafting it himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His facial features were imposing, giving a natural glow of leadership and authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He had piercing green eyes that would often change to grey when he was either angry or concentrating…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Concentrating on <i>anything</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Which is why Stevie would often request illumination during their love-making.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h4><span style='color:red'>Here, you also get to see the love that was between these two.<o:p></o:p></span></h4> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Her eyes followed Michael as he darted around the room in preparation for his red-eye flight to Las Vegas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a full five minutes before he noticed her sitting there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the time he did, he could see the look in her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Stevie?” he asked with a touch of concern in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Michael loved her – it was obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In his heart, he knew he would do anything for Stevie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Almost anything…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I don’t want you to go to Las Vegas,” Stevie said, looking at him while slowly spinning the diamond-ring Michael placed on her finger two weeks ago. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I can’t do that Stevie,” Michael said as he packed his bag, “we’ve been working too hard on this case,” he stopped and turned to her, “We’re going to break it wide open tomorrow night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are going to catch them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Besides, I don’t have a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve been in communication with the criminals for a few weeks now, and I am supposed to meet them in Vegas to be one of their new musclemen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He flexed and Stevie laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael grabbed his wallet and dropped it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The outer flap flipped open to reveal his FBI identification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Stevie picked it up and looked at it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <h4><span style='color:red'>I decided to switch Michael’s full time job as a cop to the FBI because, again, it seemed to be a modern thing to do. <o:p></o:p></span></h4> <h4><span style='color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></h4> <h4><span style='color:red'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>History lesson: Michael came home from Iraq shortly after the first Gulf War ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Because of his wounding (details later) he assigned to the Army reserves and was able to go to college and obtain a degree in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In 1995, he was discharged and he joined the FBI.<br> <br> You’ll learn more about his experiences in the FBI as the series continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br> <br> The above scene shows Michael getting ready to leave for his fatal mission and establishes the fact that he was able to infiltrate the criminal outfit and get hired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This also shows us (a little) as to how Michael got into the group in the first place (as in the pilot, he’s already there).</span></h4> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“When we first met I had you pegged as a loser… a career Army man with nothing left after the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No good ole war for you to serve in, the glory days spent in the desert over… I couldn’t have been more wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I never would have thought that you were a G-Man,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“You never were good on first impressions,” Michael teased, “you thought my brother was my father.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Stevie laughed again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She stood up to face Michael, despite her forehead just reaching his nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“I have a bad feeling about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You know I have these sixth sense feelings about things.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“One visit to a soothsayer at the Delaware State Fair and you are convinced you are one,” Michael said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This time, Stevie wasn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>This sets Michael’s current location to be Washington DC, instead of the West Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was done to also show more of Michael’s history, and the life and climate he is losing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Because we all know that East Coast residents can’t survive on the West, haha!)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>She put her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“I still don’t want you to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I know,” he said with a voice that melted her heart, “but we can’t afford to lose this case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is too much riding on it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>He kissed her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“What am I supposed to do while you are gone?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael picked up his full duffel bag and stood in his bedroom doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Well when you go into work at the Pentagon on Monday, tell those generals not to let the defense contractors have conferences in Las Vegas.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Just barge right into the general’s office?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“This isn’t the 80s, babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Send an email,” Michael said with a wide smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>This was a subtle jab illustrating that this is not your old Knight Rider.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Stevie grabbed Michael’s backpack and walked with him through their Victorian-style townhouse and out to the street.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Once his car was packed, he went to her for the dreaded traveling-goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I love you, Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Please be careful,” she said while hugging him tightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She could feel Michael’s head pull back in a way she knew he would exactly tell her that he would be fine and for her to not worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Before he could, she stopped him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Please Michael… please be careful.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael kissed her on the forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“If I got out of Desert Storm alive, I am sure I will get out of an FBI sting in Las Vegas.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>A foreshadow, perhaps?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’ll read later about Michael’s wounding in Desert Storm… this kinda sets the two stories side by side and illustrates to us the fact that Michael IS a survivor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>He got into his car and started the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Stevie quickly kneeled beside the driver-side window with a look of concern still in her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I left something for you in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ll be back in a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love you, Stevie,” Michael said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Stevie put her hand on the door in a last ditch attempt to somehow stop Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Or at least slow him down.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I’ll be back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I promise,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He kissed her again, a few seconds longer, and put the car in gear and drove away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Stevie let a single tear escape her eye before she walked up the stairs to their Georgetown home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Sitting on the kitchen counter was a bouquet of fresh roses of all different varieties and vibrant colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On their third date, Stevie told Michael she never could pick a single rose to enjoy and loved them all.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Also on the counter was a slim white box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Stevie opened it and gasped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Inside was a gold heart-shaped necklace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the inside of the lid, Michael left a note for her:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Something to remember me by.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>The scent of roses lingers... always.</span></i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>This of course is the necklace that we Stevie wearing in the original series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once again, this is more sappy stuff foreshadowing and illustrating Michael Long’s departure, and Stevie’s apprehensive feelings, knowing that something is wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Four hours later Michael was in one of the Montecitos’s standard hotel rooms overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was the last agent to arrive to the sting as Lonnie was already in place with their target, Muntzy was undercover with the resort staff, and Taylor was the agent-in-charge, coordinating their operations with hotel security.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Agent Lonnie Sullivan was the first to know the main details of the operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was the first to infiltrate Wilson’s team once the FBI heard of the planned coup from a Grumman insider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Bureau hadn’t heard from Lonnie in a month before she sent a quick text message to Taylor, warning him to get ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was going to be the one responsible to steal the designs for the Tomcat-X.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>In the original script of the Pilot, Lonnie was Michael’s partner, instead of Muntzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was also implied that her and Michael were lovers too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted to explore the original partner premise that was changed in the final version of the 1982 Pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here, we get to see how the agents infiltrated Tanya’s outfit (or as they think, Wilson’s) and how the operation was supposed to go down.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>I wanted to convey the fact that Michael was uncomfortable that Lonnie was in so deep into the operation, but I don’t think that came through here as strongly as I hoped.</span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>That was two weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lonnie was easily able to pull Michael into the organization to be part of Wilson’s security staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No one on Wilson’s staff except for a man named Gray, Lonnie, and Wilson himself were to know about the operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Michael and the other security officers were supposed to be extra beef to give the illumination of a security officer caring about protecting the company.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Here it is explained how Michael was able to get into the organization.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael looked out the window at the Strip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He could make out the Luxor beam amid the neon glow of resort hotels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He took an assortment of cards out of</span><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: Arial;color:white'>his wallet and studied his new credentials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He checked into the hotel and was known among Wilson and his staff as Michael Roesler, an ex Green Beret turned mercenary of fortune.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael just settled in to fall asleep when a heavy knock sounded on his door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He quickly got up and grabbed his FBI issued Beretta 92FS and walked over towards the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He looked through the peephole and saw Lonnie standing outside with another man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was Wilson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He stuck the handgun behind his back through his belt and opened the door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Michael!” Lonnie said, bouncing in and giving him a big hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Play,” she quietly whispered in his hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She released him and looked at Wilson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Mr. Wilson, this is Michael Roesler, your new security guard.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael nodded and looked at Wilson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Good to see you in person, sir,” he squarely said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Wilson, to Michael’s surprise, extended his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Michael shook it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Shaking this hand, Mr. Roesler, you’ve just accepted a contract and agreed that the only orders you follow come from me, and just like the Army, you follow the orders without question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Understood?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Clearly, sir,” Michael said, tempted to salute.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Good,” Wilson said, “The conference’s opening ceremonies begin at 6 tomorrow night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>From there on, everyone will be mingling about in the casino.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Your job is to work with Gray and the rest of the security staff keeping a close eye on Acton and looking around for anything suspicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Also, Mr. Roesler, Acton hates to cash in his chips from gambling if the casino is crowded, so if he insists on taking them up to his suite, you stay on his heels until he does, understood?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“We begin tomorrow, report to me in room 3019 for a final briefing with the security staff,” Wilson said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He turned to leave and took Lonnie with him before Michael had a chance to speak with her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael hated the fact that Lonnie had been out of touch for so long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She must have been kept so close to the operation, or had the feeling she was being closely watched, she couldn’t have given them any more information than what they were working from.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>There’s some of Michael’s uncomfortable feelings toward Lonnie being so buried and out of touch.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>He had half a mind to go look for Muntzy, but decided against it to avoid blowing the agent’s cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Muntzy would be in place in front of Acton’s suite to keep an eye on Lonnie as she went in for the theft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He would give her a two-minute head start before he moved to the casino floor to assist in the bust.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Once Lonnie had the Tomcat-X designs, she would return to a specified meeting point with Wilson and Gray, and they would leave the casino, ditching Acton, his girl, and the oblivious security staff.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael, Muntzy, and Taylor would be in communication with each other on a coded frequency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once they found Lonnie, Muntzy would tail her while Taylor and Michael would wait at the front entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When they reached the limo, Michael would give the signal to the agents waiting in the cabs and the operation would be over.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael went to sleep that night thinking the operation would be absolutely fool proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He didn’t know he would be completely wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>That last line seems unnecessary and cliché now that I read it again.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>After the opening ceremonies of the conference, there was a mad dash to the casino floor, mainly poker tables, craps tables, and blackjack tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael walked around the casino and observed the action at the tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The essence of the conference was a poker game in itself as there were many players from either side trying to be dealt in, some begging to be dealt out, and others just simply watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Contractors from numerous companies mixed business and social talk with representatives from the Department of Defense as they played a few hands of the games.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Agent Jordan Muntzy was a short black man around the same age as Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He wore maintenance clothes and carried a toolbox in one hand, and a ladder in another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was walking down the hallway when he noticed a security guard standing in front of Acton’s suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unwavering, he kept walking until he reached a lighting fixture one door in front of the suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He flashed a smile to the guard and began to set up shop.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Lonnie and Muntzy never had first and last names respectively in the TV pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here, I gave them some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted to flesh the characters out a little bit more here as well, so in the next couple scenes, we get to see some things from their points of view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Here you get to see Muntzy at his finest, presented with something he wasn’t expecting, and walking straight into it without flinching.</span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“That light looks fine to me,” the guard said with a suspicious tone in his voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“It looks just fine to me too,” Muntzy said, “but we’ve had reports on it flickering over the past few days.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I’ve never noticed anything,”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“I’ve been up here five times to fix it and it looked just like it does now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It must be an electrical problem, so I may as well look at it before it turns into something worse.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>The guard grunted.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael found Wilson and Lonnie, walking the casino arm in arm posing as a couple, and keeping a close eye on Acton and his girlfriend who Michael met earlier that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her name was Tanya Walker and there was an air about her Michael couldn’t place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He looked at them again and noticed Lonnie was watching Tanya more than Acton himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Here is some foreshadowing showing how much Lonnie knows and how desperate she is to try to convey the message to Michael without blowing her cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lonnie knows that Tanya is in control, and she is powerless to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>I tried to do a few of these where Lonnie tried to inconspicuously grab Michael’s attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think I ended up keeping two.</span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“What’s going on, Michael?”</span></i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:white'> Taylor asked over Michael’s virtually hidden earpiece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Paul Taylor, a new and original character, was supposed to be a behind-the-scenes man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Originally, I did not plan to have him more involved in the story later on, but as I was writing these initial pieces of the story, he came out stronger than I anticipated and deserved a bigger role.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>This works to my advantage as we see a changed man when he meets Michael later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead of calling the shots from behind the curtain… well you’ll see.</span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Wilson’s security guards did not have any kind of communication equipment, as they were all watching Acton in close or distant proximity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Michael had to turn a certain way and pretend he was examining a slot machine to reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He looked up and saw Wilson whisper to Lonnie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He handed her a card-key and a piece of paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Within seconds, Lonnie left his side.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Wilson just sent Lonnie somewhere,” Michael quietly said, “can you get her on camera?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Where is she going?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“She’s headed towards the elevators, I think she is headed your way, Muntzy.”</span></i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Michael looked up and saw Wilson put away a cell-phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“I think Wilson just called someone.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>There were a</span><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: Arial;color:white'>few seconds of silence before Muntzy’s voice came over the band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i>“He must have called the security guard in front of Acton’s door, because that dude just left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Said something about going to the casino floor.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“It’s happening,” Michael said, “Wilson just cleared the way for Lonnie to get the designs from Acton’s safe.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Be careful down there Michael, you’re in a bed of snakes,”</span></i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> Muntzy said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>You’ll see some throwbacks to the original pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In all actuality, I did not write this with the TV pilot playing in the background so I could keep grabbing quotes and story ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I used a very small bit of it for some reference points, and used the Fourth Draft and Ninth Draft scripts over at </span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><a href="http://www.knightriderarchive.com/">http://www.knightriderarchive.com</a></span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> for reference as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I picked up some scenes that we didn’t get to see on TV, modified others, and kept writing as much as I could.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>In essence, Knight of the Phoenix is a stable platform to really launch the series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted to pay homage, but also realized that it has a strong plot and virtually a timeless setting.</span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>“Not as much as Lonnie is, Muntzy, keep an eye on her.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>Lonnie felt overdressed for such an occasion, but nevertheless, looked stunning in her violet gown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She had long flowing brown hair that ended in curls and was accented against her white skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She saw Muntzy working on the light in the hallway but didn’t say anything–didn’t even look at him as she opened Acton’s suite and entered.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0in;margin-right:17.25pt;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.25in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white'>She quickly moved to the safe in the walk-in closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She took out the piece of paper Wilson handed to her and entered the combination.<span style="mso-spa