GIVE ME BATHORY

The camera is fixed on a wooden door as Jonathan Rhine stands in front of it, knocking twice. 

“Come in.”

Jonathan Rhine enters the office, which we see belongs to President and CEO of PRIME, Lindsay Troy. 

Jonathan Rhine: Hello, Ms. Troy. Hope this isn’t a bad time. 

The Queen is sitting behind her desk and scribbling something onto a legal pad. She looks up at Rhine walking toward her and chuckles.

Lindsay Troy: What’ve I told you about the formalities, Jon?

Rhine laughs as he sits down in the chair in front of her desk.

Jonathan Rhine: Impossible habit to break. Southern hospitality. 

Then, he sighs.

Jonathan Rhine: Speaking of that, I want to express my apologies that the dinner ended up the way it did. I promise you that I had nothing to do with Julian Bathory, and if I had known he was involved we never would’ve taken his money…

Lindsay Troy: I believe you.

Jonathan Rhine: …and my reputation is important so I would never…wait, what?

Lindsay smirks and settles back in her chair.

Lindsay Troy: I know Shweta told Julian she wasn’t interested in his assistance. I knew that before our conversation over brunch. You can’t feign the kind of surprise and dread that I saw on her face once Bathory was announced; like everything was crashing around her. But you and her and Paxton don’t have to worry about your reputations with me. They are fine.

Jonathan Rhine: That’s good to hear. I was a little worried about it because I know that Shweta might not have the best reputation because of D…because of her past employer. But I can vouch for her now. She has done right by me for the past few years, and I know she had nothing to do with it.

Lindsay Troy: Her past employer was a topic of discussion as well, and I believe Shweta and I have come to an understanding on that matter. 

Jonathan Rhine: Well, thank you for understanding.

Lindsay Troy: Was there anything else you needed?

Rhine sits up straight, gripping the arms of the chair.

Jonathan Rhine: Yes, actually. I want Bathory in the ring. Tonight if possible. Or next ReVival. But I need to get my hands on him and show him what happens when you mess with my foundation and the people I care about. 

The Queen lifts an eyebrow at the phrase “my foundation,” but elects to let it go and take a more practical approach.

Lindsay Troy: You and Paxton are still in Survivor.

Jonathan Rhine: But…Jonathan Christopher-Hall pulled double duty at Culture Shock. Survivor and a title match. 

Lindsay Troy: Jonathan-Christopher Hall earned the opportunity to compete for the 5 Star Title, and found himself a tag partner and opted in to Survivor. There’s no opt-in option for you here. And I’m allowed to change my mind.

She leans forward a little and folds her hands in front of her on the desk.

Lindsay Troy: Nobody knows better than me what you’re feeling right now. But you need to focus on what you’ve got in front of you. I’ll give you Julian, but not tonight, or next week. 

Rhine sits back in the chair and looks down at his feet. 

Jonathan Rhine: That’s…good enough, I guess. 

Lindsay Troy: Are you pouting?

Jonathan Rhine: N-no. 

He stands suddenly. 

Jonathan Rhine: Thanks for listening, and thanks for giving me Bathory whenever it is. 

He walks to the door and puts his hands on the doorframe. 

Jonathan Rhine: I wasn’t pouting. 

And with that, he leaves Lindsay’s office and ReVival continues on.