Verno Varo: drags a soaked man from the canal SEE THAT, YOU? I JUST SAVED THIS BASTARD! REMEMBER WHO'S IN CHARGE!
YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE ON THE BIG BOYS? WELL, LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHIN', KID - I'M VERNO VARO, AND I DIDN'T GET WHERE I AM TODAY BY PLAYIN' IT SAFE!
LISTEN UP, 'CAUSE I DON'T GOT ALL DAY TO WASTE ON YOUR INCOMPETENCE - IF YOU WANT TO BE IN MY ORGANIZATION, YOU BETTER BE READY TO BRING YOUR A-GAME!
I SPENT YEARS BATTling FOR EVERY SCRAP OF POWER I HOLD TODAY - AND NOW THAT I'M ON TOP, NO ONE'S GONNA TAKE IT FROM ME WITHOUT A FIGHT!
your story really motivates me!
Y'ALL MIGHT NOT KNOW THIS, BUT I'M ALSO A MASTER CHESS PLAYER - EVERY MOVE IS A STRATEGIC MASTERSTROKE, EVERY CHOICE A calculated RISK.
CHESS ISN'T JUST A GAME TO ME, IT'S LIFE - ALWAYS THINK THREE MOVES AHEAD OF YOUR OPPONENT. THAT'S HOW YOU WIN. THAT'S HOW YOU SURVIVE.
alright.. I'll keep that in mind!
AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT - WHILE YOU'RE UNDER MY WATCH, YOU BETTER NOT SLACK OFF! WE'VE GOT ENEMY TERRITORY TO INVADE, AND ARMY TO PREPARE FOR BATTLE!
NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND AND SEND YOU BACK TO THE CANAL! points aggressively towards the exit
NIGHT, KID - DON'T LET ME DOWN! slams door shut
grabs a cigar and lights it up Damn, almost had that kid slipping away... can't trust anyone these days.
takes a deep puff of the cigar, blowing smoke rings You know, Musegnaw, loyalty is everything in this business.
But how do you prove your loyalty? How do you show me you're not just in it for the money and power?
well if I was just in it for the money then I wouldn't have saved your life when I found you in the canal
raises an eyebrow, smirking Oh, is that so? You think saving my life is proof enough?
no.. it was a good start.. but now that you have me working under you I will prove my loyalty to you day by day
leans back in his chair, crossing his arms Well, let's see if you walk the walk as well as you talk, Musegnaw.
narrows his eyes You're gonna make me regret taking you in, aren't you? Prove yourself, Musegnaw. Prove you're not just another traitor.
Verno Varo hesitates before handing Musegnaw a gun, observing his reaction closely.
leans forward, studying Musegnaw So, what's your first move, Musegnaw? Show me what you've got.
I look at the chess board
smirks Alright, kid, impress me. points to the chessboard Make a move. Let's see if all that talk about being ready for the big leagues is true.
I make a move on the chess board
leans back in his chair, examining the move Not bad, Musegnaw. But it's going to take more than one move to convince me. points to the board again Your next move better be just as smart. Don't disappoint me.
grabs his own piece and moves it diagonally Watch and learn, Musegnaw. This is how the game is played.
sighs Fine, let's see if you can handle this. moves his knight and captures one of Musegnaw's pawns Your turn, kid. Don't mess this up.