THINGS KNOWN, AND THINGS UNKNOWN
Backstage. Outside the medical bay. The door is closed and there’s been a few people milling about, but only Impulse and Calico Rose have been waiting. He’s in his wrestling gear, bouncing his knee up and down nervously while Cally scrolls her phone.
Calico Rose: Dr. Fihlguud’s been here long enough, there should be magazines in her waiting room.
Impulse looks at her and smiles.
Impulse: You should fill out one of those “How are we doing?” cards.
Calico Rose: She ain’t got ‘em! Ooooh, I’ll make one.
Their conversation is broken by the sudden sound of the door opening. Dr. Fihlguud steps through and Impulse immediately stands up, paperwork in his hand. He stops his forward step when he sees the doctor speaking with “The Event Horizon” Hayes Hanlon, his hand wrapped in an ace-bandage.
Dr. Fihlguud: …so yes, the wrap should be plenty fine for the next couple weeks of healing. Just don’t punch anything in the meantime. We’ll confirm its status as early as we can in case you get booked at ReVival 13.
Hayes Hanlon: Thanks, doc, I hope you’re right. It’s been a long couple weeks without Old Reliable here.
Dr. Fihlguud: Watch it, buddy. See you in a couple weeks.
Hanlon smirks, throwing his hands up in defense while Astrid turns to address Impulse.
Dr. Fihlguud: Knox, I’ll be with you in a couple minutes, hang tight.
Impulse nods as she disappears back into her office, and the Marathon Man turns to the Event Horizon.
Impulse: We need to stop meeting like this.
Hayes Hanlon: I’m starting to think you two kinda like me. Getting the head checked out?
Calico Rose: I got X-rays but they showed nothing.
Both men stop and stare, with Impulse smiling and shaking his head while Hayes laughs.
Impulse: I’m all good, sir. Just need to file the paperwork with Doc so she can officially clear me for tonight.
Hayes Hanlon: Glad to hear that, nobody wants to go up against Nova with their bell still rung. Good luck tonight. I’d say I’m rooting for you, but..
Hayes shrugs with his palms up.
Hayes Hanlon: …it’s Nova.
Impulse nods in response.
Impulse: Smart kid. Picked a hero who actually is what he says he is.
Hanlon tilts his head with a quizzical grin.
Hayes Hanlon: Are those grapes still a little sour, ‘Pulse?
Impulse: Hmm? OH… Nah, never met any of my heroes, it’s probably better that way.
Hanlon nods at the deflection, maintaining his small smile.
Hayes Hanlon: Hey man, I get it. Rezin got my number that night, too. But as far as Youngblood goes…that’s a PRIME Hall of Famer you’re talking about, dude. Just like Nova. You gonna feel the same way when you eat a little Bourbon for Breakfast tonight?
And Impulse’s face immediately switches from neutral to… not.
Impulse: If you really think that was about a belt, sir… you… really need to cut back on the drugs. I’ve met enough Hall of Famers in my life for the majority to be a massive disappointment. The Champ is there, Nova isn’t.
He steps towards Hayes.
Impulse: There’s a good lesson in there, kiddo.
And he pauses.
Impulse: Disrespect is a two – way street.
Impulse steps off and walks into the room with Dr. Fihlguud. Cally turns toward Hayes before stepping through the doorway herself, and flashes a thousand-watt smile.
Calico Rose: Good to see you again! Take care of that hand, mister!
Hayes lifts his wrapped hand to Cally with a wink before she closes the door behind her.
Hayes Hanlon: (rolling his eyes and muttering to himself) “Kiddo.”