Previously
Richard said he had a problem to tend to. That right?
Since we met, it's been one problem after another.
That's why daddy hid me away. I bring bad luck.
No, dear. Your father wanted to protect you.
Wha— Are you crazy?!
You didn't think maybe I was going somewhere dangerous?
You're breaking my balls, you demented little girl!
Well so are you! You're breaking, uh, my... um...
Thanks for coming. I was at a total loss.
What's her deal?
It's complicated.
I'm, uh... like really transforming. It's the worst.
Hey, what the hell?!
Okay, baby. You take her, I'll take the crybaby.
In your dreams, dude.
You okay?
Yup. Five outta five.
And you? Nothing broken?
Each of you sitting before me... I consider my children.
Martial. Roberto.
Milo. Serfatti.
Periño.
With children, there are moments of joy.
But also those of profound sadness.
Say, the day you have to kill one of your own children, no?
I'm aware... that one of you has been dealing a new drug behind my back.
So I would like for whoever made that huge blunder...
to denounce himself.
Bene. We'll take a different approach.
I'm expecting a call on this phone. The chief of police's going to call me
to reveal the name of our traitor in about...
ten minutes.
Ecco. Alora.
And so we wait.
Ah, ten minutes is longer than I thought.
While we wait, we're going to watch some TV.
Stay tuned to Pax News
You! Lower the gate!
These are images from the hostage crisis taking place right now at the PaxMall Center.
For almost three hours now, gunmen have been seeking refuge in the Hyper Arcade,
holding five people hostage.
Annabelle Chang, you are on the scene, and there's new intel about the hostages.
One of them happens to be a celebrity, is that right?
Indeed, Dylan.
But that's not all. Not just one,
but rather two celebrities are among the Hyper Arcade hostages.
The name of artist Tomie Katana has been circulating for a few minutes.
Can you confirm the reports?
We do have confirmation.
Not only singer Tomie Katana, but also her partner,
Richard Aldana, well known among fans of combat sports.
Tensions are running high among police officers here
as they await the imminent order for the assault to start.
Thank you, Annabelle.
And in breaking news, we've just learned of a second major police operation
taking place right now on the east side of town.
We will of course keep you posted as details come in.
Back to the Hyper Arcade.
It has been confirmed that artist Tomie Katana and boxer Richard Aldana are hostages.
Let's take a look into them.
Six million albums sold by this pop star who came from nowhere.
It's hard work, but...
a bit of luck too.
And this lucky charm goes by Richard Aldana.
A kiss caught on camera, a false murder accusation,
and a string of victories in and out of the ring.
Through it all, Richard Aldana has managed to remain a simple man.
Uh... What was the question?
So, couple of the year? Or brilliant publicity stunt?
Whatever it is, these two have us mesmerized.
The chief of police just gave a press conference
regarding that second operation across town unrelated to the hostage crisis,
which involves the dismantling of a large-scale drug laboratory.
Eleven minutes ago, police in conjunction with special forces
surrounded a warehouse in the east docks.
Shots were exchanged, but no casualties were reported.
This warehouse is the distribution hub for sector in our beautiful city.
Needless to say, no one poisons our youth without facing the consequences.
By this evening, I promise you the names all of those behind this deadly market.
And to those criminals, I promise tears and blood. Thank you.
One more question!
One more, please!
Harvey Devaine, you just arrived at the warehouse area. What's going on at the scene?
Yes, Dylan, everyone here is poised and ready for battle. It's intense.
We have, as you can see, front row seats
as we lie in wait with a sniper on the roof
directly across from the main exit of the warehouse.
I can't provide any more details on our position at the mo—
Oh my god! Oh my god!
Harvey?
Harvey, can you hear us?
All right, our technical teams will try to reestablish the connection.
We hope Harvey Devaine and his cameraman are okay.
Well, stay tuned to Pax News. We'll be right back after this message from our sponsor.
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Sounds like you need a gun.
The Silversmith revolver.
The best way to be cool!
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Silversmith. A gun. And then some.
Welcome. If you're just joining us on Pax News,
two major police operations are underway in our city at this precise moment.
We're trying to reestablish contact with our reporter at the docks,
where another round of gunfire was just exchanged.
Annabelle Chang? Any new developments at Hyper Arcade?
Annabelle Chang, are you with us?
Annabelle Chang?
It appears we're having a technical issue.
Among the hostages are singer Tomie Katana and her partner, Richard Aldana.
Richard Aldana is still competing for the FFFC cup, isn't that right, Karl?
Indeed, and with what's waiting for him in two days,
he might be safer where he is right now than in the ring.
He'll be facing off against the notorious Gravediggers!
Didn't those two get eliminated?
Sure did! For having killed an opponent.
An image I'm sure our viewers haven't forgotten.
He gives up! Another victory for—
What?! Oh no!
He did not just do that!
It was gruesome indeed. Didn't that get them banned?
Yes, yes, it did! But that was last year,
and with the Federation's new rules... they could re-register.
I see. Thank you, Karl.
The connection with Annabelle Chang has been reestablished.
Listen closely as she makes contact with the hostage-takers.
So what are your demands?
We're not bad guys, right, baby?
It's because of that drug. It's too expensive.
Are you talking about sector?
Sector!
Shh! Hang on, baby.
Yeah, they started by giving it away for free to everyone.
And that was really chill, right?
But then suddenly, I dunno why, they jacked up the price.
Yeah, frickin' assholes!
Ah, hold on a second.
Dylan, did you get that?
We're all with you, Annabelle. Hanging on your every word.
Well, it appears as though the police are now moving into formation all around us.
Uh... Hello?
Yes, they're launching the attack now.
Do you hear that, baby?
They're launching an attack!
That's what the chick said on the phone!
We're now learning an attack has also been launched at the east docks warehouse
that's being used as a sector lab.
Harvey? You with us?
Yes, Dylan.
All right, stay on the line, Harvey.
We'll come back to you right after this message.
Ear odor problem?
Luckily, there's Audibon.
Audibon cleans and disinfects that pesky ear blockage.
Audibon comes in mint, and the new wild strawberry!
Oh crap! Duck! Duck, damn it!
I'd like to remind you that these images are live from the scene,
where it appears the attack at the docks has just ended.
The police chief is going to make a statement any moment now.
Annabelle Chang, what's the latest down there?
The first attack was interrupted.
One police officer was killed and three were seriously injured.
There's been talk of a possible informant the police are looking for right now.
As we speak, a second attack is about to be launched via the roof of the building.
The plan is to catch the hostage-takers off guard
by coming through the false ceiling in the Hyper Arcade.
Annabelle, we have to interrupt you for a moment.
The chief of police is currently making his statement
about the operation that just ended at the docks.
The lab is now out of commission.
This is a landmark seizure of narcotics for Paxtown.
Two of the criminals are currently being questioned,
and we've already obtained the name of their main supplier.
Please, please!
One more, please!
Here, please!
That's all for now. Thank you.
Annabelle, back to you. A happy ending on your end as well.
It seems all the hostages are safe.
That's correct, Dylan! All hostages are safe.
They're coming out right now,
no doubt exhausted and extremely traumatized—
Oh, there they are!
We'll try to catch them while the experience is still fresh!
Tomie! Richard!
Annabelle Chang for Pax News!
Did you fear for your life? Talk about amazing publicity, right?
Thank you for that, Annabelle.
How do you mute this thing?
There are flies glued to your head...
Ecco.
Bene.
Now I know which of my fucking children is responsible for—
You can't do that to Holy Father!
Sorry bout that, pork chop. But could you speak up a little?
Who's the traitor, exactly?
Look.
Now that's what you call DIY.
To be continued
Next time
Could you pass me the mustard?