Partying & Plotting: The Next Scheme

"Relax Dr. Sic, it's not that bad."

"Not that bad?" Dr. Sic cried out incredulously. "Boss, that's a knife. It's sticking out of your shoulder!"

"Like I said doc, it really isn't a big deal. As you already know, my body hasn't been typical since I was turned into a silhouette. Pain doesn't hit me as hard anymore. Besides, all of this is a simulation anyway."

The silhouette known as Leftover pointed at the small electronic chip on the table and laughed. The pair were deep underground in the royal castle of Prosperity, but the chip was making their environment look like a spacious bar. A band of young kids were playing 80s metal covers, and a crowd was vibing on the floor near the stage.

"I can understand the appeal of a place like this Leftover, but why did you factor in having someone stab you? I figured you would want this to be a relaxing simulation."

"We've declared war on Hugh and his network, so we have to watch our backs, even in fake bars." Leftover replied calmly, pulling the knife out of his shoulder without flinching. "I set this simulation up to have a random patron attack me. Normally I can see it coming and counter, but I must have had too many shots this time."

"I can't believe I agreed to having a drink with you in here." Dr. Sic lamented, taking a swig of his Rum and Coke. "I know we sober up as soon as this simulation ends, but we should be spending time talking about how we are going to turn around our fortunes in this contest."

"Recreation has its place in war doc. Besides, I never said that we couldn't talk strategy. The knife attack sobered me up, so feel free to hit me with your thoughts."

"Very well." Dr. Sic conceded. "Do you remember the incident from roughly a year ago, where a man in an orange helmet attempted to attack a park crowd with a remote that could theoretically melt anything?"

"I do remember hearing that tale. It was Hugh's flunky Jirk that stopped him, right?"

"Precisely." Dr. Sic grinned. "Per CCC's tip, that same antagonist has apparently reformed, and has invited everyone from that day back to the park for a catered meal. This crowd of people, which would likely include Jirk, would be an ideal group to unleash my nightmare toxin on. You do remember testing that toxin out, yes?"

"As if I could forget." Leftover flinched, remembering the mutated version of Hugh he had fought in his own nightmare. "My request is to go easy on the innocents though, as our end game is to be better heroes than Hugh and his pawns. But by all means, unleash whatever you wish on Jirk, or anyone else that may be accompanying him. We do need a win, and this could be your moment doc."

"Thank you sir, I will prepare immediately. Do you have any more requests before I commence this operation?"

"I do." Leftover smiled. "Have a victory shot of whiskey with me. Should be less painful than a knife, yes?"