neighborhood watch "the quota" i'm afraid the prognosis is
death! my dear doctor midnight....
we'll see about that fruitcake.
part three
the waiting room smells of raw chicken and rotted newsprint.
week old sweat and human decay covered over by industrial strength bleach and baking soda.
this is the house of the dead and dying.
okay ladies and gentlemen, our next contestant is....
and though i despise the thought of it....
a mister lazarus boilermaker.
mr. boilermaker? i am one of their number.
my name is doc midnight. i fight crime. i'm here.
but right now, i'm fighting for my life.
after another twenty minutes i finally see the attending physician, who assigns a series of tests for further evaluation. they do not know it, but i have come here for a very specific purpose. an hour and forty-five minutes later, after realizing that my condition is beyond his ability to assess, he refers me to the specialist.
i already know what ails me.
i flow with the bureaucracy, consenting to the paperwork, the waiting, the constant trekking from floor to floor.
these things are but formalities; i accept them.
because i know in the end they will lead me to the man i have come to see.
okay so let's see then, that leaves us with mister....
boilermaker? waitaminute this can't be accura-
midnight?
he knew the company would find him someday. sweat droplets start to form on his forehead and his hand nervously taps at one of the pockets of his jacket. no doubt he has a weapon there, and fears using it. but i am not here for violence this day.
hello, jeff. it's been a long time.
this is- you shouldn't be hereit's not-how did you know that i was-
fear not old enemy mine, i come in peace.
i wish i could believe that.
i have need of you.
you see...
i'm dying.
total domination of the transcranial artery.
multiple clusters on your upper and lower vertebrae.
it's already spread through your organs and to the....
how long?
you know... there was a time not long ago when i would rejoice at the news of your impending death.
by my count i tried to kill you myself what- at least a dozen times?
how long?
but thatthat was long ago....
another life.
i used to think that if i could control the world i could fix it.
of course- my idea about the way things ought to be was just as flawed as everyone else's.
i could make things the way they ought to be.
and look at you now-
but frankly, professor penitence, i'd prefer it if we skip all the convuluted history and come straight to the point.
a humanitarian. a savior.
how long do i have?
sixth months, maybe. at best.
do you remember that battle we had-
and that only if you allow me to admit you to the hospital... if we start chemo...
medically speaking lazarus, it's a miracle you're walking around today.
credit to your namesake i suppose.
at commander killgarie's cavernthat had to be what- '91 or '92?
it was our company versus yourwhat did you guys call yourselves then?
"the rogue collective."
ha. i hadn't thought of that in a long time.
that was the night the huntsman killed jack-of-nines-
and you brought him back from the dead.
oh i get it now- that's your game then isn't it?
you want me to use my powers what- to heal you?
hmmmph. why else would i have come to you? and what a hero i would be- if i saved the great doc midnight from the hands of bitter death...
the ultimate redemption for all my heinous acts....
well, i can tell you- my answer to that is quite simple.
no.
so that's it then.
guess it was worth the shot, huh? i understand of course-
why would you help me after everything that has gone on between us?
thank you for your time professor... .
yes, and do enjoy your death.
oh and professorjust one more thing-
i hope it is bitter and painful for you.
watch your back.
"watch my back." you snivering fool.
hello? trevor?
it's jeffrey. we'll see who's is first to pay the piper.
you'll never believe who just dropped in to see me.
i am dying. the worst news a superhero could ever hear: i know not why. there is no cure. -that he is dying of something he cannot punch. the doctor says my days are numbered. but although my time is short.... sixth months at best- and that if i waste away in some hospital bed,
i am not dead yet.
not yet.
there is still work for me to do in this world.
least of all to complete my apprentice's training.
but for tonight....
ahh...perfect.
what i really need....
...is to blow off some steam.
now- what is this i see before me?
you want to pass? submit your tribute.
a raggedy man trying to trimp tramp across my bridge?
out a little late aren't you boys and girls?
who are you man? my guidance counselor? and on a school nighttsk- for shame.
i'm passing through. wise guy huh?
you want to play games oldy?
cops don't come around here man....
hehehehe heheheh
they're too afraid.
come onlook at yourselflike you ought to be.
oh i don't think you know where you are man-
we got you surrounded....
make way.
mmmm.
i tell ya kid...
i'm quaking in my boots.
thing isyou're seeing this thing backwards.
you think i stepped into your trap.
but the truth is....
you've stepped into mine.
you slippery mother-
you children are pathetic-
unskilled, untrained....
you think that you're some kind of gang.
you are clowns.
this is a circus.
somebody shoot this guy-
i think it's time for you to learn.....
...a pretty costume doth not a supervillain make.
you fools clearly need guidance.
here is your first lesson:
when you are outnumbered the game is much simpler.
when the numbers are in your favor-
chop off the head...
i will tutor you in the ways of pain.
you must attack as one man.
you don't scatter like flies.
...and the body will quickly fall behind....
your leader is the head-
another the foot-
one man is a fist-
you work together to defeat your enemy.
heft your mighty hammer fool-
run!!!
strike me down- if you can-
run to the hills! run for your life!!!
whooooosh whooooosh
ahhh...tis a shame you've missed....
i'll not make the same mistake-
this is a guarantee.
now fall down,
fall down.
you all fall down. ashes to ashes....
hear me! here i standi can do no other-
let he who remains listen well and fear these words-
whilst this heart continues to beat; whilst the light remains....
whilst there is steel in these fists
i will not surrender- i will not retire-
i am not dead yet!!!