Episode 1

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Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first ever episode of "Gladiators." Sixteen convicted criminals will be fighting to the death. But first, a brief rundown of the rules. This will consist of 15 rounds, divided into three main stages. For the first five rounds, if you kill an opponent, you get immunity for the next round. This means you cannot be killed, and you cannot kill. The round last however long it takes for one of our gladiators to be killed. However, if noone is killed for 24 hours, the second stage begins. In this second stage, our trained soldiers will begin hunting down the gladiators one by one. No immunity can be earned in this stage. And while alliances are allowed, in the end there can be only one. This second stage begins with round seven, or if no gladiator dies for 24 hours. They will hunt them down, until only four gladiators remain, whoever they might be. Once there are only four gladiators remaining, we go into the final stage, but we're saving the details as a surprise. Whoever is the final gladiator, they will earn ten million dollars, and a complete pardon. The rest, will be dead and should pray that God is in a forgiving mood. It is our hope that this show will be a deterent against future crimes. Let potential criminals see the true penalty for murder, rape, and theft. Before we begin, let us meet our 16 gladiators.

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John Abruzzi: Abruzzi is a notorious gangster, started as a bully in school before being expelled. He has been in and out of prison ever since, known for at least six murders, and ordering many others.

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Tyler: Neo-nazi. Tyler is suspected of commiting arson against a black church, a jewish temple, and murdering a homosexual couple, all this in less than 19 years of life.

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Jeffrey: Child molestor, believed to have molested at least six children, and murdered one.

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Jamal: Member of the Blood's street gang. Jamal is a known drug dealer and commited at least one armed robbery.

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Ira Gaines: Gaines is a former soldier, currently a mercenary and suspected of helping terrorists commit at least two attacks against this country, including a plane bombing.

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Miranda Stapleton: Known as Mandy, former soldier turned mercenary. Believed to be involved in the assasination of a federal judge and a plane bombing.

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Mcnamara: Mcnamara was a colonel, until he ordered the bombing of a civilian hospital. Accused of war crimes, he is now a gladiator.

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Alan York: Former police officer,involved in several cases of police brutality, including multiple cases of shooting unarmed suspects.

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Kalil: Drug addict. Kalil has been a drain on society, and contributing nothing in return.

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Reese: Prostitute, suspected of multiple abortions. Reese was recently arrested for assaulting a customer, threatening him with a gun.

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Bobby: Three years ago Bobby, 18 at the time, murdered the man who tried to rape his girlfriend Julia. Now Julia is also a gladiator.

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Julia: Bobby's former girlfriend. Julia has not seen her beloved Bobby since he went to prison for her. What will happen to these two star crossed lovers?

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Teri: Teri claims to be fighting for human rights, but she has defended numerous known terrorists and other violent criminals. Will she still love these criminals so much when they're gunning for her, or her child.

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Sarah: Teri's 17 year old daughter. Sarah is suspected of helping her mother break the law to help violent criminals escape justice. Sarah is the youngest gladiator. Does she have a chance, even with her mother's help?

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Lindsay: Lindsay is a 20 year old single mother. She is a drain with Welfare, Food Stamps. Although she has no experience with guns, she is determined to do whatever it takes to get back to her baby alive.

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Clarence: Pacifist preacher, has led rallies to free known terrorists. How will his principles hold up when his own life is on the line? Only time will tell.

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Shortly before midnight, these 16 "criminals" were approached by agents of the state and explained the rules. The basics were simple, they had to keep killing each other until only one remained standing. The cameras were everywhere, and the episodes would air in approximately one month. They were each allowed to record brief statements to their loved ones, or their potential fans, in case they didn't make it. They were also each given a gun, and a very brief description on how to use it. They were each given a cellphone, and the numbers of every other gladiator. This also gave them updates on when another gladiator fell, and which one had immunity. They could call each other to set up a confrontation, or possibly make a temporary alliance. All 16 were in the same city. They were each given an injection of something, a way for the state to monitor their progress, and discourage escape attempts. Some still didn't know exactly what was going on. Kalil went back to sleep. Teri made a vow to her daughter, she would do whatever she had to do to protect both of them. As much as mother and daughter loved each other, each couldn't help but wonder what she might do if it came down to it. Reverend Clarence made a vow to God. As much as he valued his own life and feared death, he would not take another life. He would stand firm in his devotion to Allah, and not let the fear and hatred guide him towards wickedness. At exactly midnight, round one officially began.

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12:00

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Sarah: What now mom?

Teri: I don't know baby.

Sarah: Is this even legal?

Teri: It did pass on the ballot. I would have thought it was unconstitutional. I'll call my colleagues, maybe there's something we can do in the courts.

Sarah: I thought it was just criminals, murderers and child molestors, that it was suppossed to be done with.

Teri: That's what a lot of people thought. In our case I think the state wants to discourage any dissent.

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12:03

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Reverend Clarence asked God for strength for what he was going to do. Most, if not all of them, were going to die, no question about that. But maybe, just maybe, he could convince a few of them to join him in refusing to fight. By refusing to fight, they would not give in to sin, and perhaps earn Allah's mercy.

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12:12

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Alan York woke up his wife and children. He explained what was going on, and told his wife to take the kids to her mother, and stay there until this was all over. Alan's wife had mixed emotions at the moment. A part of her very much wanted her husband to come back, for their children to know their father. But, if Alan were to die, she would be free. No more living in fear of his temper, no more constant anxiety about when he came home. She didn't say this outloud, even kissed him goodbye. But a part of her was hoping that Alan would get killed.

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12:34

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Lindsay looked at her cellphone, it was 12:34 am and 56 seconds. No other gladiators had been killed yet. This made sense, most of them weren't trained killers or sociopaths. Lindsay wasn't, but she was willing to do what it took to protect her baby. Was her best bet to stay out of it as long as possible, let the others kill each other? Or would the experienced killers go after her first, since she was arguably the weakest? Only one thing was certain, she had to get her baby boy out of the line of fire. Although Lindsay and her mother were somewhat estranged, she called her, and asked her to take her son for a few days, or longer.

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12:48

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Julia's parents were horrified that their daughter was being forced to be a gladiator. She admitted that she had entered her name into the "lottery." It was her way of trying to help Bobby's chances of making parole. Julia's parents had liked Bobby once, until the "incident." Suppossedly this other man had tried to rape Julia, but looking back, maybe he already had a bad temper. And now, he had to kill her to survive. But then Bobby did something unexpected, he called Julia, asked to see her. Julia snuck out and went to see Bobby, just like when they were teenagers. This time however, Julia brought a gun.

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1:11

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Julia met Bobby in the park, where they used to play as kids, the first place they ever made love. Now, they were seeing each other under very different circumstances. Julia wasn't sure what she'd do when she saw her beloved again. But when they looked into each other's eyes, they kissed.

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Julia: It's good to see you again.

Bobby: Good to see you too.

Julia: I entered my name in the lottery because they said it would help you make parole. And because we needed the money.

Bobby: So did I, I just didn't think I'd actually be chosen.

Julia: Me neither, and we were both chosen.

Bobby: I doubt that's a coincidence.

Julia: So what now?

Bobby: If you want to shoot me, and get immunity for a little while, I'll understand.

Julia: I could never kill you.

Bobby: I couldn't kill you either, and I couldn't live without you.

Julia: One of us would have to eventually, but that assumes we'd make it to the final two.

Bobby: I did get a refresher course on survival when I was incarcerated, and I could protect you for awhile. But it's unlikely that we'd both make it. If we did, I'd kill myself before I'd kill you.

Julia: I'll kill myself before I let you.

Bobby: So we'd both die, like Romeo and Juliet.

Julia: When you went away, I didn't want to live. I tried to visit you, but they wouldn't let me.

Bobby: I didn't want you to see me like that, then I would have killed myself.

Julia: Now it looks like we'll both die.

Bobby: This might be futile, but I'd rather spend my last few hours protecting you.

Julia: If we're going to die anyway, might as well spend this time together.

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2:43

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Colonel Mcnamara looked at the other gladiators. He knew that all 15 would have to die in order for him to live. Mcnamara had been to war, he knew how to do what he had to do in order to survive. He also knew how to make temporary alliances, the enemy of his enemy could be his friend, for awhile anyway. Mcnamara decided that Alan York might be his best ally. A soldier and a cop, both unfairly labled a criminal by the liberal media. And both men could handle themselves in a tight spot. He called Alan York.

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Mcnamara: This Alan York?

Alan: It is, are you colonel Mcnamara?

Mcnamara: I am. I know we're both gladiators, eventually there can be only one. But I figure if we work together, we'll both live longer. Maybe one of us could even be the winner.

Alan: Yeah, that makes sense. Okay, come over to my house and we can discuss strategy.

Mcnamara: Okay, I'll be right over.

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3:24

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Abruzzi called his subordinate, Philly Falzone. Gladiators weren't suppossed to have outside help, but he hadn't survived this long and risen to his power playing by the rules.

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Abruzzi: I was chosen as a gladiator. I have the names of all the others. I want you and the boys to take them out.

Falzone: Is that legal?

Abruzzi: You think I give a damn about the law?

Falzone: I just mean that the state might not like it.

Abruzzi: They come after me today, who do you think will be next?

Falzone: I see your point, give me their names and I'll send some good men after them.

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Falzone and his men attacked their targets just after sunrise on this first day. They attacked Lindsay, Kalil, Bobby and Julia, Teri and Sarah. Kalil just panicked and ran, shooting wildly and escaping. Bobby proved that he was willing to kill to protect Julia, or at least kill one mafia guy. Lindsay had never fired a gun before, but she proved capable when her own life was threatened. Even Teri, who was very much opposed to guns and killing, killed this mafia guy to protect her child. Abruzzi was not happy about this, and demanded that Falzone join him for lunch.

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Abruzzi: Why is it that all four of our guys failed?

Falzone: People can be surprisingly resourceful when their lives are threatened. You know that as well as I do. Even pacifists kill to protect their kids.

Abruzzi: So it's just a coincidence that all four of our boys were all out on bail, all on the verge of going back to prison for life?

Falzone: What exactly are you saying John?

Abruzzi: If I die, you'd probably be in charge. So maybe you don't want to waste resources that you think you'll be using soon.

Clarence: Maybe you're right.

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Both Falzone and Abruzzi were surprised when reverend Clarence, another gladiator, just walked into this restaurant and sat next to him. But for now, he didn't appear to be a threat, so Abruzzi let him sit, and gestured for Falzone to leave.

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Abruzzi: I'll say this reverend, you got guts. What do you want?

Clarence: To talk about peace.

Abruzzi: There can't be peace, only temporary alliances.

Clarence: The same can be said about you and your friend who just left.

Abruzzi: What's your point?

Clarence: Aren't you tired of the constant fighting and killing?

Abruzzi: The only other choice is death.

Clarence: Every one of us will die no matter what we do. And what then?

Abruzzi: You talking about God?

Clarence: Yes, what will he say about all the killing?

Abruzzi: Yeah, I know I'm going to Hell. All I can do is try and delay it as long as possible. It's too late for me to change. It's never too late my friend. Come to this meeting tonight, and maybe we can all ask the good lord for forgiveness.

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After speaking with Abruzzi, Clarence went to see the other gladiators. He wasn't particularly optimistic about saving any of their souls, but he had to try. He went next to see Jeffrey. Abruzzi couldn't bring himself to shoot a man of God, maybe Jeffrey couldn't either. Jeffrey was also surprised, but he let Clarence into his house.

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Jeffrey: What do you want reverend? A temporary alliance maybe?

Clarence: No, I will not participate in the killing.

Jeffrey: Then maybe I should shoot you now, and get immunity for round two.

Clarence: If that is your choice, I cannot stop you. But how will God judge you for your sins?

Jeffrey: Me and God are square, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ. That means that all of my sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven.

Clarence: Doesn't work that way. You cannot use that as an excuse and then sin whenever you want. You and I will each be judged for our sins.

Jeffrey: Even if that's true, then why shouldn't I kill to survive?

Clarence: Because it's not too late to turn from evil, and refuse to kill.

Jeffrey: You know reverend, I think you just want to get us to leave you alone, make it to the top 2, then kill the last man standing.

Clarence: I don't know what I can say to make you believe I am sincere.

Jeffrey: Probably nothing you could say that I'd believe, so just get the hell out of my house.

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Clarence left Jeffrey's house feeling dejected. He went to the next gladiator, Reese. Reese was a prostitute, and still working today. Clarence walked right up to her.

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Reese: Hello reverend. Want a quickie before we fight?

Clarence: You know who I am, good. I don't want to hurt you, and I hope you don't want to kill me.

Reese: Not particularly. But if you or any other gladiator come after me, I'll do what I have to do to survive. Because ten million dollars and a full pardon sounds pretty good.

Clarence: So you'd kill 15 people, and let others kill each other in some future season of this show?

Reese: That's their problem.

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Reese and Clarence debated for a few more minutes, then he left in despair. This was not going well. Neither of them realized that Jeffrey was watching Reese from a distance. He stalked her, just as he stalked other prey. Reese was young, although not as young as he usually preferred. Still, he planned to have a little fun with her before he earned immunity.

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Few of the gladiators tried to confront others on this first day. Only reverend Clarence went out of his way to approach other gladiators. Kalil was perhaps the least rational, he was just hiding, and needing a fix. But he had his gun, and it still had a few bullets. Jamal was a gang banger, Tyler was a neo-nazi. They both acted tough, full of bluster and false bravado. But when they actually had the chance to kill others, they hesitated. They claimed they were training, lifting weights, shooting at the range, why go into battle completely unprepared? But they were also afraid, hoping others would kill each other and thin the herd. Alan York and colonel Mcnamara also waited, strategized. Teri tried to get the courts to hear her case, but no luck. It was becoming clear that the courts no longer cared about the law, or justice. Gaines tried to call Mandy. They had worked together, first in the service, then as mercenaries. They were somewhat friends, Gaines suspected that he even had a little crush on Mandy. But each one knew that they would betray the other if it was neccessary. Still, Gaines and Mandy trusted each other as much as two mercenaries were capable of trust, might as well work together for the moment.

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As Gaines went to meet Mandy, he was attacked by Falzone. Falzone feared what the mafia would say if he seemed to be setting up Abruzzi for a hit. And he wanted a reputation for protecting his own, particularly is Abruzzi was killed and Falzone became a boss. But Gaines got the upper hand and shot Falzone in the chest. Falzone was lying on the streets, bleeding to death. He feared there was no chance the doctors could save him at this point. Gaines questioned him.

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Gaines: Who sent you?

Falzone: John Abruzzi.

Gaines: So he cheated. I want you to give him a message from me. Tell him I'm coming, and I will kill him. You know, on second thought, I'll give him the message myself.

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Gaines then shot Falzone in the head, killing him instantly. Gaines then took Falzone's cellphone, made the educated guess that the last number he called was his boss.

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Abruzzi: Is it done?

Gaines: Yeah, it's done.

Abruzzi: Gaines?

Gaines: Correct. You sent your buddy to kill me, he's dead now. Normally I'd figure you have a job opening, and ask how much you pay. But, there can be only one. So I just want you to know that I'm coming for you, and you have one fewer employee protecting you now. See you soon.

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Abruzzi was worried. It was 6:03 pm. No gladiator had died. In less than six hours, if none of them died, the trained soldiers would come after all of them. And it was clear he now had far fewer mafia friends watching his back. Maybe he should take up the good reverend's offer and go to this meeting.

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The meeting began just after 8 pm at Teri's house. He'd invited as many gladiators as he could find. Teri still had some hope that they could do something, anything, that would stop them all from killing each other. Bobby, Julia, and Lindsay all came. On the one hand, none of them were all that anxious to kill each other. On the other hand, Teri, Lindsay, and Bobby had all killed, that very day in fact. Admittedly they were all killers for the mafia, they might have had it coming. Clarence made his best case, that killing each other in this "game" would probably earn god's wrath in the next life. Refusing to participate in this barbaric activity might earn them Allah's forgiveness. It made sense to everyone in the room, but Clarence was asking them to give up their lives, never an easy thing to do. And as the hours passed, and midnight came closer, noone was entirely certain what they were going to do. Teri gave everyone snacks. Julia also shared her ciggarettes with everyone. Clarence had quit, as had Lindsay when she first got pregnant. Sarah had never smoked before, but given the tension and the circumstances, her mother didn't stop her. At 11:52 pm, John Abruzzi knocked on the door. Everyone was surprised to see this big time gangster, the man who had tried to have all of them killed earlier in the day. Reverend Clarence hoped he might be a repentant sinner, but he was also nervous.

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Clarence: Welcome my friend. Have you come to listen to God's word?

Abruzzi: Well I thought about what you said reverend. It made a lot of sense, God will judge me harshly if I keep choosing to kill. But I also worry, even if I reject this killing, I've killed too many to avoid Hell altogether. Not much of a world, if everyone thinks they can kill anyone else. Thing is, if I have to choose myself or the rest of the world, I choose myself every time.

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Before anyone could stop him Abruzzi shot Teri three times in the chest and quickly ran away. Clarence called 911 for an ambulance while Sarah went to tend to her mother. But Teri knew she had been mortally wounded, and she could only do one last thing for her child.

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Teri: Sarah, shoot me.

Sarah: No, the doctors can still save you.

Teri: Even if they could, it's less than ten minutes to midnight. Those soldiers will kill me, and you. At least this way you have immunity.

Sarah: For a day at most.

Teri: I know, but it's the best I can do. Please Sarah, let me protect you, one last time.

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Sarah grabbed her gun, and aimed it at her mother's head. She hesitated, only a sociopath could kill their own mother without hesitation. But then the alarms on everyone's cellphone went off. It warned them that they had less than one minute before midnight. If no gladiator died now, all of those heavily armed soldiers would come for all of them. Even reverend Clarence said nothing. Maybe he was also afraid for his own life, maybe he respected Teri's decision to die for her child, maybe he wasn't sure himself. In the end, Sarah shot and killed her own mother. The clocks reset at 24 hours, and Sarah had immunity for round 2.

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This is an except from Teri's last recorded statement.

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Teri: I am scared, obviously. For both myself and my child. I love Sarah more than anything. And as much as I believe in the law, in human rights, I believe that I could kill to protect Sarah. I do fear, what I could do to protect myself. Maybe, I could even kill my child to protect my own life. I hope I couldn't do that, but I might soon be forced to decide between her life and mine. I guess I'll find out what I'm capable of.