Post by photographerbob on Jul 9, 2014 22:58:34 GMT -6
Only a almost two weeks have passed since Searing Agony, where Bob Brooks barely managed to defeat Jay Shields. Bob also bumped into UWA newcomer Katarina O'Hara on that night, and misunderstood her similar interests as a direct challenge for his spot on the roster. In almost two weeks Bob is still convinced Katarina's out to replace him. Right now Bob is pacing back and forth inside his studio apartment having a conversation with someone through his phone via speakerphone. It appears Samuel Johnson, head of talent for UWA, is the person on the other side of this phone call, doing his best to convince Bob just how paranoid he is.
Samuel Johnson: Listen I hear what you're saying, but I just think you've got the wrong idea. Haven't you listened to a word she had to say, she isn't here to take your spot.
Bob Brooks: Ofcourse she isn't going to admit she is here to take my spot Sammy. She wants me to lower my guard, so she can take me by surprise. I mean what are the odds that a fellow photographer, would end up in the same wrestling company I work for? It can't be a coincidence Sammy, she must have seen my success and figured she could take it for herself.
Samuel Johnson: I think you are over analyzing the situation Bob. I mean her wrestling style isn't anything similar to yours, neither his her photography either. She only takes pictures of like, old buildings and stuff. She isn't here to poach any of your clients, and she isn't going to replace you in the ring. I mean seriously you've won your last two matches, show a little faith in the company.
Bob Brooks: If only winning were all that mattered Sammy. That Mancunian fella beat me fair and square in our first match and I haven't seen the guy since. Haven't heard a word about him, don't know if the guy walked away or if he was given his pink slip or whatever. My first big match at Searing Agony wasn't exactly the greatest performance ever put on Sammy. Jay had me all but beat and by some dumb luck my instinct kicked in and I stole a victory from him. Does that sound like somebody who shouldn't be concerned about having his job taken to you Sammy?
It appears that Bob is genuinely spooked about Katarina not only taking away his opportunities for photo ops, but outshining him inside the ring as well, leaving Bob completely jobless.
Samuel Johnson: Man this girl is really inside your head isn't she Bob? You're usually much more confident in yourself. That match you had with Jay wasn't some sort of crime where you stole a win from the better man. You persevered like a warrior and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. You talk all the time about moments worth capturing, well how about seeing a guy overcome getting hit with the Jayplex and proving to the world he is more than just some goof with a camera.
Photographer Bob stops in his tracks, and seems to be considering what Sam has to say.
Bob Brooks: You know Sammy, you might be on to something there. Before Searing Agony I asked Jay Shields to bring his A game and he did. The guy had me right where he wanted me, hit me with his go to move that has worked so well in the past, and I still found a way to end up on top.
Samuel Johnson: Glad to hear you think so highly of Jay, because Monday you and him won't be opponents, you'll be partners.
Bob Brooks: Yeah I know Sammy, I read the cards for the show as soon as they were posted. Haven't been able to get a hold of Jay though, just gonna have to trust he's taking care of business on his side of things and meet up with him Monday night. He seemed pretty motivated to avenge his loss to me when we squared off a second time, maybe he'll be equally excited at the prospect of getting a win over Skylar considering she handed him his first loss.
Samuel Johnson: Good to know you're doing your homework Bob. You spend alot of time studying your opponents?
Bob Brooks: I mean, it all depends really. I mean like my first match, Darren or whatever, I looked him up, knew his style, but clearly didn't spend as much time as I should have on him ya know.
Bob walks over towards his couch, and takes a seat grabbing his laptop that was sitting nearby. He opens up the laptop and begins to type away.
Bob Brooks: I sort of knew a little bit about Skylar when I was looking up Jay, knew she beat him, but didn't look too much further into it. But then I dug a little deeper, gotta say Sammy, I liked what I found.
It would appear Bob might be looking up information on Skylar again, as he stares into his computer screen with a perverse smile on his face.
Samuel Johnson: Yeah, she's a pretty entertaining star. Honestly all of the Sin City Knights are capable of taking care of business in the ring.
Bob Brooks: Huh? Oh yeah, great in ring competitor and all that jazz. I was talking more about her work outside of the ring, seriously Sammy you and me oughtta go take a trip to Vegas and give the pleasure dome a visit.
There's an odd sound that comes from Samual on the other side of the phone. Possibly him spitting his drink out because he spends a little time coughing and clearing his throat afterwards.
Samuel Johnson: Um, yeah I don't know man I'm pretty busy keeping tabs on the rest of the roster and looking out for potential future stars for the company. But uh, Bob, try to stay focused about this match man. Skylar isn't the only one you have to battle, Katarina O'Hara is also in the match don't forget.
Brooks looks away from his computer towards his phone's speaker, not that Sam can see him anyway.
Bob Brooks: Don't think I could forget about Katarina if I could Sammy. I can almost feel her staring at me right now Sammy, waiting, stalking me for the moment where I slip up and she takes everything away from me. She's in my head Sammy, all the time man I can't quit thinking about her, I even dream about her sometimes Sammy.
The perverted smile of Bob's returns.
Bob Brooks: Granted sometimes those dreams are kind of awesome.
Samuel Johnson: Yeah well, I gotta get off of here Bob. Just try to remember what you're here for man, and if you really think this Katarina chick is out for your spot, then the best way to put an end to it is to show her just who it is she's dealing with on Monday. Catch ya later Bob.
Bob Brooks: See ya later Sammy, don't work too hard.
We can hear the sound of Sam hanging up on Bob, as Bob sits in his chair stroking his chin and talking to himself.
Bob Brooks: Show her who she is dealing with, yeah, that's what I'm gonna do.
He pauses for a moment, before looking back at his computer's screen which may or may not have an image of Skylar still brought up on it.
Bob Brooks: After a little more studying of Miss Skylar if you know what I mean.
The screen starts to fade to black as Bob takes his laptop away to his bedroom for a little private time. Not long after Bob fires up his video camera and begins recording a message to the fans of UWA, his partner, and his two opponents for Monday Night Mayhem.
Bob Brooks:Well going into our first match Jay, I told you and the world exactly what I was looking to do. The plan was to follow in your footsteps big guy, start off with a loss, then turn the thing around and put together a few wins. Well here I am, two wins in a row, both of which have come at the cost of you losing, hope ya don't take it personally man. I might not of appreciated our first encounter Jay, but you definitely brought the fire at Searing Agony. Like the old saying goes better late than never right Jay? I'd try to give you some sort of pep talk going into this match, but you've already proven you are capable of bouncing back from tough losses. In fact you get another shot to avenge a loss if you play your cards right. Just bring that same oomph you brought at Searing Agony and whether we win or lose you'll be able to walk out with your head held high buddy.
Brooks flashes a toothy grin, as if someone told him to smile and say cheese.
Bob Brooks: That said, just because Jay might have a certain message he wants to deliver to Miss Skylar himself doesn't mean I don't plan on sending a little message of my own. You have made a pretty good name for yourself since arriving in UWA Skylar, you and your Sin City Knights get alot of attention from the fans, and I'm hoping that a good showing against you will earn me a similar following. I think you and I have a similar style inside that ring, never hesitating to take a risk or to hurt ourselves to hurt our opponents. We bring those spots the fans come to see, the astounding agility to spin land offense from any position, the death defying leaps of faith off the top ropes. Some people might not have the proper respect for the high flyers of wrestling, considering them reckless or undisciplined, but nobody can say with a straight face that they don't enjoy watching them.
Bob breaks eye contact with the camera for a moment, and scratches his head. When he looks back up he's blushing a little bit and seems a bit nervous.
Bob Brooks: I hope I don't sound too crass Miss Sky, but I hope Monday isn't the only time we get to work with one another. You see right now the whole dark rebellious girl attitude is totally in right now. I think with your black hair and pale complexion, along with the rest of your attributes that make you a absolute beauty, ew might be able to make a good amount of money in the modeling department. I'm not just talking nickels and dimes and other small change you might be making up at the Pleasure Dome, I'm talking about an opportunity to strike the jackpot. I mean I'm not making promises I can make you into America's next top model or whatever, but I really do think a photo shoot would be mutually beneficial to us on a financial level. I don't need an answer by Monday Sky, concentrate on our match first, then when it's over, think about my offer. If you ever decide you wanna give it a shot, well I'm not a hard guy to find.
For a guy who takes photos for a living, and has probably worked with drop dead gorgeous women before, Bob seems incredibly awkward in this proposal. Maybe the guy isn't as big of a hot shot as he pretends to be. Either way the smile, shyness, all flies out the window as he starts to think about his other opponent. Katarina O'hara, the woman who wants everything he has, everything he's fought for. His hand balls up into a fist as his eyes glare back at the camera.
Bob Brooks: I am however, a hard man to replace. Sorry Kat, but I'm not just gonna lay down and let you steal my spotlight. I heard what ya had to say after our encounter last show. I think it's fair to say your opinion of me ain't real high. Guess it shouldn't surprise me, ya wouldn't be trying to take what is mine if you thought you couldn't do the job. I look forward to showing you just how poor of a job you've done measuring my potential. I've been looked down at for most my life sweetheart, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised to get more the same now. Always been the runt of the litter, the outcast kid who spent his childhood watching the world turn through the lens of a camera. When I was younger I was only allowed to work with those cheap throwaways, when I was a teenager working my first job I spent my first paycheck buying myself something a little more reliable. I might never make the kind of money to buy something truly outrageous like the Hasselblad H4D 200MS but I've always believed it isn't about the quality of the camera it's about the quality of the person behind it.
For a guy who seemed convinced he was all but replaced already just a few moments ago while talking to Sam, Bob seems to be pretty confident in his ability to contend with Katarina right now. Perhaps it was the moment of alone time he spent with his laptop and an image of Skylar that helped him release his.... insecurities.
Bob Brooks: I was always bullied as a child, and I let it bottle up inside me, for years and years until one day I found myself in a ring similar to the one we'll be competing with on Monday. This guy, total jerk of a man, had no respect for this business, didn't appreciate the fact that he had one of the best jobs in the world being a professional wrestler. He looked down at me, and I finally snapped. That's how I ended up in this business Miss O'Hara. I might not have any fancy formal training like you and whatever gym you come from, have a fancy belt in martial arts to show the world, but I've been watching this sport since I was a little kid. A man who has learned everything he knows in photography, wrestling, and life in general by life experiences. Now maybe you aren't impressed by these, and god knows you aren't going to think anything of any of the obstacles I've had to overcome, considering all you've been through.
There is a moment where Bob actually looks a bit sad for Katarina, but it doesn't last long.
Bob Brooks: It was unfortunate what happened to you, things like that just don't belong in the world. That said I'm not just gonna lay down for you out of pity. Just because some men took everything from you doesn't mean I'm gonna let you take everything from me. I get it Kat, even if you don't. You aren't fine, you aren't some strong woman who overcame a tragedy. Truth be told Kat, you are still very much broken, you are a miserable woman and as the saying goes misery loves company. Maybe that's why you showed up, you saw something in me that was similar in you, what you could have been if those guys hadn't done what they did maybe. Doesn't matter, you came into this company with the intent of ruining me, and Monday Night, I'm gonna show you that I don't break easy.
Samuel Johnson: Listen I hear what you're saying, but I just think you've got the wrong idea. Haven't you listened to a word she had to say, she isn't here to take your spot.
Bob Brooks: Ofcourse she isn't going to admit she is here to take my spot Sammy. She wants me to lower my guard, so she can take me by surprise. I mean what are the odds that a fellow photographer, would end up in the same wrestling company I work for? It can't be a coincidence Sammy, she must have seen my success and figured she could take it for herself.
Samuel Johnson: I think you are over analyzing the situation Bob. I mean her wrestling style isn't anything similar to yours, neither his her photography either. She only takes pictures of like, old buildings and stuff. She isn't here to poach any of your clients, and she isn't going to replace you in the ring. I mean seriously you've won your last two matches, show a little faith in the company.
Bob Brooks: If only winning were all that mattered Sammy. That Mancunian fella beat me fair and square in our first match and I haven't seen the guy since. Haven't heard a word about him, don't know if the guy walked away or if he was given his pink slip or whatever. My first big match at Searing Agony wasn't exactly the greatest performance ever put on Sammy. Jay had me all but beat and by some dumb luck my instinct kicked in and I stole a victory from him. Does that sound like somebody who shouldn't be concerned about having his job taken to you Sammy?
It appears that Bob is genuinely spooked about Katarina not only taking away his opportunities for photo ops, but outshining him inside the ring as well, leaving Bob completely jobless.
Samuel Johnson: Man this girl is really inside your head isn't she Bob? You're usually much more confident in yourself. That match you had with Jay wasn't some sort of crime where you stole a win from the better man. You persevered like a warrior and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. You talk all the time about moments worth capturing, well how about seeing a guy overcome getting hit with the Jayplex and proving to the world he is more than just some goof with a camera.
Photographer Bob stops in his tracks, and seems to be considering what Sam has to say.
Bob Brooks: You know Sammy, you might be on to something there. Before Searing Agony I asked Jay Shields to bring his A game and he did. The guy had me right where he wanted me, hit me with his go to move that has worked so well in the past, and I still found a way to end up on top.
Samuel Johnson: Glad to hear you think so highly of Jay, because Monday you and him won't be opponents, you'll be partners.
Bob Brooks: Yeah I know Sammy, I read the cards for the show as soon as they were posted. Haven't been able to get a hold of Jay though, just gonna have to trust he's taking care of business on his side of things and meet up with him Monday night. He seemed pretty motivated to avenge his loss to me when we squared off a second time, maybe he'll be equally excited at the prospect of getting a win over Skylar considering she handed him his first loss.
Samuel Johnson: Good to know you're doing your homework Bob. You spend alot of time studying your opponents?
Bob Brooks: I mean, it all depends really. I mean like my first match, Darren or whatever, I looked him up, knew his style, but clearly didn't spend as much time as I should have on him ya know.
Bob walks over towards his couch, and takes a seat grabbing his laptop that was sitting nearby. He opens up the laptop and begins to type away.
Bob Brooks: I sort of knew a little bit about Skylar when I was looking up Jay, knew she beat him, but didn't look too much further into it. But then I dug a little deeper, gotta say Sammy, I liked what I found.
It would appear Bob might be looking up information on Skylar again, as he stares into his computer screen with a perverse smile on his face.
Samuel Johnson: Yeah, she's a pretty entertaining star. Honestly all of the Sin City Knights are capable of taking care of business in the ring.
Bob Brooks: Huh? Oh yeah, great in ring competitor and all that jazz. I was talking more about her work outside of the ring, seriously Sammy you and me oughtta go take a trip to Vegas and give the pleasure dome a visit.
There's an odd sound that comes from Samual on the other side of the phone. Possibly him spitting his drink out because he spends a little time coughing and clearing his throat afterwards.
Samuel Johnson: Um, yeah I don't know man I'm pretty busy keeping tabs on the rest of the roster and looking out for potential future stars for the company. But uh, Bob, try to stay focused about this match man. Skylar isn't the only one you have to battle, Katarina O'Hara is also in the match don't forget.
Brooks looks away from his computer towards his phone's speaker, not that Sam can see him anyway.
Bob Brooks: Don't think I could forget about Katarina if I could Sammy. I can almost feel her staring at me right now Sammy, waiting, stalking me for the moment where I slip up and she takes everything away from me. She's in my head Sammy, all the time man I can't quit thinking about her, I even dream about her sometimes Sammy.
The perverted smile of Bob's returns.
Bob Brooks: Granted sometimes those dreams are kind of awesome.
Samuel Johnson: Yeah well, I gotta get off of here Bob. Just try to remember what you're here for man, and if you really think this Katarina chick is out for your spot, then the best way to put an end to it is to show her just who it is she's dealing with on Monday. Catch ya later Bob.
Bob Brooks: See ya later Sammy, don't work too hard.
We can hear the sound of Sam hanging up on Bob, as Bob sits in his chair stroking his chin and talking to himself.
Bob Brooks: Show her who she is dealing with, yeah, that's what I'm gonna do.
He pauses for a moment, before looking back at his computer's screen which may or may not have an image of Skylar still brought up on it.
Bob Brooks: After a little more studying of Miss Skylar if you know what I mean.
The screen starts to fade to black as Bob takes his laptop away to his bedroom for a little private time. Not long after Bob fires up his video camera and begins recording a message to the fans of UWA, his partner, and his two opponents for Monday Night Mayhem.
Bob Brooks:Well going into our first match Jay, I told you and the world exactly what I was looking to do. The plan was to follow in your footsteps big guy, start off with a loss, then turn the thing around and put together a few wins. Well here I am, two wins in a row, both of which have come at the cost of you losing, hope ya don't take it personally man. I might not of appreciated our first encounter Jay, but you definitely brought the fire at Searing Agony. Like the old saying goes better late than never right Jay? I'd try to give you some sort of pep talk going into this match, but you've already proven you are capable of bouncing back from tough losses. In fact you get another shot to avenge a loss if you play your cards right. Just bring that same oomph you brought at Searing Agony and whether we win or lose you'll be able to walk out with your head held high buddy.
Brooks flashes a toothy grin, as if someone told him to smile and say cheese.
Bob Brooks: That said, just because Jay might have a certain message he wants to deliver to Miss Skylar himself doesn't mean I don't plan on sending a little message of my own. You have made a pretty good name for yourself since arriving in UWA Skylar, you and your Sin City Knights get alot of attention from the fans, and I'm hoping that a good showing against you will earn me a similar following. I think you and I have a similar style inside that ring, never hesitating to take a risk or to hurt ourselves to hurt our opponents. We bring those spots the fans come to see, the astounding agility to spin land offense from any position, the death defying leaps of faith off the top ropes. Some people might not have the proper respect for the high flyers of wrestling, considering them reckless or undisciplined, but nobody can say with a straight face that they don't enjoy watching them.
Bob breaks eye contact with the camera for a moment, and scratches his head. When he looks back up he's blushing a little bit and seems a bit nervous.
Bob Brooks: I hope I don't sound too crass Miss Sky, but I hope Monday isn't the only time we get to work with one another. You see right now the whole dark rebellious girl attitude is totally in right now. I think with your black hair and pale complexion, along with the rest of your attributes that make you a absolute beauty, ew might be able to make a good amount of money in the modeling department. I'm not just talking nickels and dimes and other small change you might be making up at the Pleasure Dome, I'm talking about an opportunity to strike the jackpot. I mean I'm not making promises I can make you into America's next top model or whatever, but I really do think a photo shoot would be mutually beneficial to us on a financial level. I don't need an answer by Monday Sky, concentrate on our match first, then when it's over, think about my offer. If you ever decide you wanna give it a shot, well I'm not a hard guy to find.
For a guy who takes photos for a living, and has probably worked with drop dead gorgeous women before, Bob seems incredibly awkward in this proposal. Maybe the guy isn't as big of a hot shot as he pretends to be. Either way the smile, shyness, all flies out the window as he starts to think about his other opponent. Katarina O'hara, the woman who wants everything he has, everything he's fought for. His hand balls up into a fist as his eyes glare back at the camera.
Bob Brooks: I am however, a hard man to replace. Sorry Kat, but I'm not just gonna lay down and let you steal my spotlight. I heard what ya had to say after our encounter last show. I think it's fair to say your opinion of me ain't real high. Guess it shouldn't surprise me, ya wouldn't be trying to take what is mine if you thought you couldn't do the job. I look forward to showing you just how poor of a job you've done measuring my potential. I've been looked down at for most my life sweetheart, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised to get more the same now. Always been the runt of the litter, the outcast kid who spent his childhood watching the world turn through the lens of a camera. When I was younger I was only allowed to work with those cheap throwaways, when I was a teenager working my first job I spent my first paycheck buying myself something a little more reliable. I might never make the kind of money to buy something truly outrageous like the Hasselblad H4D 200MS but I've always believed it isn't about the quality of the camera it's about the quality of the person behind it.
For a guy who seemed convinced he was all but replaced already just a few moments ago while talking to Sam, Bob seems to be pretty confident in his ability to contend with Katarina right now. Perhaps it was the moment of alone time he spent with his laptop and an image of Skylar that helped him release his.... insecurities.
Bob Brooks: I was always bullied as a child, and I let it bottle up inside me, for years and years until one day I found myself in a ring similar to the one we'll be competing with on Monday. This guy, total jerk of a man, had no respect for this business, didn't appreciate the fact that he had one of the best jobs in the world being a professional wrestler. He looked down at me, and I finally snapped. That's how I ended up in this business Miss O'Hara. I might not have any fancy formal training like you and whatever gym you come from, have a fancy belt in martial arts to show the world, but I've been watching this sport since I was a little kid. A man who has learned everything he knows in photography, wrestling, and life in general by life experiences. Now maybe you aren't impressed by these, and god knows you aren't going to think anything of any of the obstacles I've had to overcome, considering all you've been through.
There is a moment where Bob actually looks a bit sad for Katarina, but it doesn't last long.
Bob Brooks: It was unfortunate what happened to you, things like that just don't belong in the world. That said I'm not just gonna lay down for you out of pity. Just because some men took everything from you doesn't mean I'm gonna let you take everything from me. I get it Kat, even if you don't. You aren't fine, you aren't some strong woman who overcame a tragedy. Truth be told Kat, you are still very much broken, you are a miserable woman and as the saying goes misery loves company. Maybe that's why you showed up, you saw something in me that was similar in you, what you could have been if those guys hadn't done what they did maybe. Doesn't matter, you came into this company with the intent of ruining me, and Monday Night, I'm gonna show you that I don't break easy.