Teknophage: Demon's Reign 9B

(Act 2)

With the serpent, at the control room, he frowned at the image on screen.

Phage: (frowns) Please remind me to replay this section of teletape to the good admiral when we have him in custody, Porrige. I would like him to readdress the question of the futility of his existence before we add his vitals to the furnace.

Porrige: (nods) By all means, Mister Phage.

He looked at the giant screen with the same scene.

Porrige: Though I must confess, sir, this, uh...industrial espionage center of yours has got me in a right terrible tizzy.

Phage: Do try to keep up, Porrige. There's a good man. You know, I detest inattention in any member of my entourage.

Porrige: Right you are, sir. Though it IS a mite confusin'-

Phage: (glances) Confusing only to an ignoramus, Porrige! It is the essence of simplicity itself. While it's true there are some areas off-limits even to me, do you think I would have survived all these years without taking my own weaknesses into consideration?

He gulped a bit while looking at the viewing screen with a blimp.

Phage: A gentleman of my resources can surely afford a little extra protection, Porrige. Thus, my operatives are everywhere, watching every square inch of the building.

He pointed to one writing notes.

Phage: Every one of my spies is under close scrutiny by others of their kind. All I have to do is keep a mental eye on one or two of them, and my security is assured.

Max, watching the scene, looked at his two friends.

Max: Ah, he's just probably chicken because of what you and the others tried doing the last time he wasn't as careful as he was. If I was a spy, I'd act as a double agent against him and when he least expects it, bam! I hit him under the nose!

Sam: It's times like this that makes us wish we were the ones fully involved in all of this.

The serpent, meanwhile, looked at the still image of the same scene.

Phage: So as you can see, whereas our uninvited guests might THINK they have some semblance of protection, they in fact have none whatsoever.

The butler began sweating a bit.

Porrige: (pulls his tie) Well, Mister Phage, I must confess, I'm surprised that you put so much, uh...faith in yer old manservant. I can't tell you what an honor it is to be shown all this, sir-

Phage: (scoffs) Please...don't even TRY, Porrige. On occasion, I enjoy the opportunity to display my intellect to an appreciative audience. Since you are the most conveniently dispensible idiot in my employ, I can be doubly certain you will not breathe a word of what you've seen...

He pointed to what appeared to be a familiar one armed headless skeleton hanging above, making Porrige look fearful.

Phage: Not unless you'd care to end up like your brother?

Max: What the crap is with that one arm headless skeleton? That's not scary.

Jason: It is to some people...

At that moment, the Phage sensed something, looking seriously.

Phage: Ah, the piece de resistance arrives...

Porrige: Bloomin' heck-

At that moment, a familiar old man was dragged by the Bootmen, looking seriously.

Old Man: Uhh...greetings Henry Phage...I-I had thought...you had lost interest in a...useless old man...

He turned, looking at the Buddist.

Phage: Well, it's true...I can't deny it, old boy. I simply thought you might welcome the opportunity to stretch your legs one last time. (pointing) Besides, I have something to show you that might lift your spirits a little.

He turned, noticing someone praying to the cross.

Phage: You see, I have discovered, quite to my surprise, that your lies and distortions have affected an alarming number of my employees...

Then, the big screen showed many people and Bootmen as he continued.

Phage: My operatives have so far discovered 306 instances of illegal religious activities within the confines of these walls. As I'm sure you understand, my business and your religion are entirely incompatible.

Jason hit the screen slightly.

Jason: 306!? Try like over 9000, bub!! He can't keep track of EVERYONE on Kalighoul!

Max: I can't keep track of where I usually put my things.

Jason: What things? You don't carry anything.

Max: Where I tell you I carry them is none of your damn business.

The Phage turned back, looking at the old man.

Phage: I have decided, therefore, that every offender will be put to a very slow and painful death. I thought it would be fitting for you to see the consequences of your attempted interference.

Old Man: (smirks) Please...revered Phage...do not harm these innocents...I will help you in any way I can...

Phage: (grins) As I thought you would, old man.

With that, the Phage with Porrige began leaving.

Phage: Take him to the vats. And bring all offenders there for questioning.

The old man only smiled a bit sadly. As soon as the Phage with Porrige were away from the room, the butler realized something.

Porrige: Sir?

Phage: Yes?

Porrige: Um, remember when you said there were over 306 illegal activities?

Phage: Hmmm?

He bowed, looking nervous.

Porrige: Well, one of the offenders was the one you have personally kept your eye on...Miss Ayami was it? What of her fate? Would she suffer like all the others? Do you intend to do something about it?

The Phage looked seriously, looking a bit worried.

Phage: (sighs) Porrige...we will discuss this later...I have personal business to attend to.

He opened the door to the room, shouting to the workers.

Phage: By the way, if Miss Hiroshige is found out to be one of them, leave her be for I will question these motives on her myself when I see her!!

Workers: Yes, sir!!

With Ayami, the girl looked seriously.

Ayami: Jason...everyone...

She looked at the controls, looking seriously.

Man: Miss Hiroshige? Is something the matter?

Ayami: I want to see my friend again, but...but I'm afraid because if I do...

She looked back for a moment.

Ayami: (worried) I just can't decide at all.

He patted her shoulder while she looked seriously. Back with Timms, he grinned, looking at the members now donning the same devices Timms had.

Timms: Word came down this afternoon that they're bringing the old man here for dissemination. The vatrooms are further down here, but this is as far as I can take you.

He and Steven hugged a bit.

Steven: I understand, Albert. Your courage is an example to ous all. (smiles) We have to go now. If possible, we'll return to take you back to the surface with us.

The others began leaving while Timms gave the monk one as well.

Timms: Trust the heart of the furnace to protect you, Steven. Have faith.

Finally, the religiousmembers left.

Rabbi: I hope your friend's right about these necklaces, Steven.

Steven: He's a good man, Rabbi. I believe him.

As they continued marching, unknown to them, a hidden small camera panned at the group.

Rabbi: Perhaps, but I still can't shake the feeling that that old lizard's watching us somehow.

Timms, watching them leave, sighed, holding his hat.

Timms: (grins) Godspeed, old friend.

At that moment, a gloved hand hit Timms at the back of his head, knocking him out. After that, he was dragged away with the trio watchers gasping.

Max: Oh geez, in the back of the head? Really? I would've gone frontal.

Sam: Max!

Max: What? I could have.

With Ayami, she looked more worried as she came close to the gate.

Ayami: Mr. Scientist, sir...um, would these gates take me anywhere?

Man: (nods) Yes, but some of them lead directly into space. If you were to go in the gate unprotected...well...

Ayami: Yeah, I understand...

Man: But why are you here instead of with Mister Phage?

Ayami: I was told to stay safe...and I figured the Wheel of Worlds was as safe as any place as I could be at.

Man: (concerned) But still, should you not be attending with the other ladies around here?

Ayami: (looks down) They don't know me nor do they like me. They think I'm too weird.

Man: Ah...that is understandable...

Ayami: Yeah...

At the vats, the religious group, hiding behind the vat barrels, looked at two men finishing tying up the familiar old man.

Man 1: Who's this old geezer, then?

Man 2: I dunno. Mister Phage wants 'im done special tonight: Says t' leave 'im here for th' time bein'...

As they were leaving, Claire looked concerned.

Claire: (frowns/quietly) I don't like it, Steven. Can it be this easy?

Steven: (quietly) Inside the depths of the Phage's building? I wonder, Claire. I know that God is with us, even here, but somehow, I doubt he has decided to present us with such a clear path.

The old man began to open his eyes, not looking back.

Steven: (quietly) This is too convenient, almost to the point of being obvious. Perhaps we should reconsider our options-?

Roman: (quietly) NO, Steven. Not when we are so close. I...I have been less than resolute in our journey here. But now I am determined. We must continue onwards...

The old man, looking back, shouted to the hidden ones.

Old Man: No! Enough of the pretense, Henry Phage. I agreed to help you, and help you I will. But I will not be a party to your pointless charade.

At that moment, the familiar serpent came out of hiding while chuckling as many of his soldiers began emerging out with the group, gasping in fear, noticing one holding a baton arriving to the group.

Old Man: Please, my friends, come forward. There is no place else for you to go.

Phage: Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

All while as Jason looked stunned with Sam looking angrily at the scene, Max only scoffed.

Max: Meh, saw it coming.

(ED: Zetsubou Billy by Maximum the Hormone)

Phage's Voice: Greetings, this is the Teknophage. On the next Teknophage: Demon's Reign, as Ayami stays hidden, I confront the group of those believers. As I plan to have them all eliminated, the Buddiest I held captive so long makes his strangest move I have ever seen. And if that weren't enough, what I would find out next after the whole mess may be consequential. Will I win this battle? And what becomes of my Ayami? Next Teknophage: Demon's Reign: The Day God Came from the Machine. Watch if you dare...