NPCW: Behind the Curtain – Episode 007: “Bah Humbug”
Scene 1 - INT. MARLEY & SCROOGE COUNTING HOUSE – MORNING
From the outside, the building is pure Victorian austerity—brick, iron trim, frosted windows, a bell over the door that hasn’t changed in a century.
Inside, the contrast is jarring.
Glass partitions. Subtle LED lighting. Digital displays scrolling financial data. Tablets resting beside antique ledgers.
At the far end sits EBENEEZER SCROOGE’S OFFICE—untouched by time.
Slanted oak desks. Quills in ink wells. Stacks of yellowed parchment.
And incongruously—a tablet and a smartphone, placed beside the ledgers like tolerated intruders.
Scrooge sits hunched at his desk, spectacles low on his nose, reading furiously.
SCROOGE
(grumbling, venomous)
They are trying to ruin me. Ruin me. After everything I’ve built… the audacity. The absolute audacity.
He flips a page hard.
SCROOGE
They can’t do this. They will not do this.
He slams the papers down.
SCROOGE
(shouting)
CRATCHIT! Get in here. Now!
A beat.
The door opens carefully.
NIGEL FROSTWICK steps in, clutching a leather ledger and clipboard like a life raft. He freezes, already apologetic.
NIGEL
Softly, carefully.
S–sir? I—ah—if I may—
Scrooge looks up, irritation instantly sharpening.
SCROOGE
…Right.
(squints)
You’re… Filbert. No. Wilkins.
Nigel nods immediately.
NIGEL
Yes, sir. Entirely understandable, sir.
Scrooge waves a dismissive hand.
SCROOGE
Cratchit’s late.
NIGEL
Yes—well—ah—Mr. Cratchit no longer works here, sir. He is now NPCW’s Chief Financial Officer.
(quickly)
But I would be more than happy to assist in any way I can.
Scrooge stares at him for a long moment.
SCROOGE
…Ah. Right.
(grumbles)
Yes. You’ll do.
Nigel exhales in relief—then immediately straightens.
SCROOGE
They’re cancelling contracts. All of them. Tearing them up like I’m some… seasonal novelty.
NIGEL
Oh—oh dear. That does sound unfair, sir.
SCROOGE
Unfair? It’s an attack. Coordinated. Malicious.
Nigel flips his ledger open, already flipping pages.
NIGEL
If—if I may, sir, some of the key agreements do remain in force.
Scrooge scowls.
SCROOGE
Enlighten me, Higgins.
Nigel nods, encouraged.
NIGEL
Yes, sir.
(reading)
The Scrooge Toys action figure contract remains intact—exclusive manufacturing rights with NPCW, HCW, and now GCW as well.
Scrooge pauses. Grunts.
NIGEL
Additionally, Scrooge’s Glacier Plex is still the exclusive venue for all Polar Division pay-per-views. And—ah—
(leans in)
The naming rights for Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum remain yours indefinitely.
Scrooge’s posture eases… slightly.
NIGEL
And, of course, sir, you remain Vice Chairman of the NPCW Board and a fifteen percent owner.
A thin smile creeps across Scrooge’s face.
SCROOGE
Hmph.
So they haven’t stripped everything.
He leans back, then scowls again.
SCROOGE
Still. I can’t even do my commercials anymore. “Brand alignment,” they say. Disgraceful.
He jabs a finger toward Nigel.
SCROOGE
Have the lawyers look this over. Immediately.
NIGEL
Of course, sir. I’ll contact—
(checks notes)
—Dewey, Cheatham, & Glaze. And our secondary firm, Billable Hour & Sons.
Scrooge nods approvingly.
SCROOGE
Good. Bleed them slowly.
Before Nigel can respond—
DING.
The bell over the office door rings.
Nigel instinctively steps back.
A well-groomed man enters—silver hair, trimmed beard, impeccably dressed. His presence seems to dim the room’s light. Behind him stands a silent, imposing bodyguard.
Scrooge looks up.
His eyes narrow.
SCROOGE
…Ardan Vantrell.
What brings you to my counting house?
Nigel remains frozen in the background.
A subtle hush falls over the room.
ARDAN VANTRELL
(soft, deliberate)
You sound surprised, Ebeneezer.
Yet surprise is merely expectation failing to prepare itself.
He steps forward slowly, each movement measured.
ARDAN VANTRELL
I come because you are… unsettled.
And unsettled men are honest, even with themselves.
Scrooge snorts.
SCROOGE
If you’re here to buy my shares, save your breath. My ownership is not for sale.
Ardan smiles faintly.
ARDAN VANTRELL
I would never insult you by asking for what you would not give willingly.
He tilts his head.
ARDAN VANTRELL
But ownership… is a fluid thing. It flows. It seeps. It collects.
Scrooge leans forward.
SCROOGE
Even if it were for sale, you’re capped at thirty percent. The rules are quite clear.
ARDAN VANTRELL
Rules are scaffolding. Useful… until the building stands on its own.
A pause.
ARDAN VANTRELL
What if another chose to sell?
Scrooge laughs.
SCROOGE
The others? Kringle? Valor? They’d sooner burn their fortunes.
ARDAN VANTRELL
Ah… Aurelius Valor.
Old money is stubborn. It believes itself eternal.
Scrooge waves him off.
SCROOGE
And Kringle has resources enough to shame nations.
Ardan’s eyes darken—just slightly.
ARDAN VANTRELL
But Bernard…
Bernard is tired.
And tired men sell pieces of themselves to feel whole again.
Scrooge stops smiling.
SCROOGE
Six percent.
ARDAN VANTRELL
Exactly.
A long silence.
Nigel clutches his ledger tighter.
SCROOGE
…Interesting.
ARDAN VANTRELL
At next month’s board meeting, I will ask for your support.
Scrooge raises a brow.
SCROOGE
For whom?
Ardan produces a folded note and slides it across the desk.
Scrooge opens it.
He smiles.
A rare, genuine thing.
SCROOGE
(chuckles)
Oh… yes.
That will upset them.
Ardan inclines his head.
ARDAN VANTRELL
Then we are agreed.
They exchange a look—no handshake required.
Ardan turns and exits, bodyguard following.
The bell rings again.
Silence.
Nigel swallows.
NIGEL
…Should I—ah—log this meeting, sir?
Scrooge doesn’t look up.
SCROOGE
No.
Beat.
SCROOGE
But keep very careful notes anyway.
Nigel nods.
Already writing.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2 — “The Quiet Weight of Ownership”
INT. OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN – NPCW HEADQUARTERS – DAY
The office is modest.
Not sparse—intentional.
Simple wooden desk. Clean shelves. Framed photographs instead of awards:
Santa’s Workshop in its earliest days
A younger Bernard in wrestling gear
A candid shot of the NPCW roster, unposed, laughing
No luxury.
Just stewardship.
BERNARD sits at his desk, glasses perched low as he reviews paperwork. He marks notes, adjusts figures, and types calmly into a tablet.
On his screen:
“NPCW BOARD MEETING – MARCH AGENDA (DRAFT)”
He pauses, exhales, and rubs his temples.
A knock.
BERNARD
Come in.
The door opens.
AURELIUS VALOR enters.
He is immaculate—white-and-gold suit, understated, radiant without arrogance. His presence feels… measured. As if he does not rush because time itself accommodates him.
Bernard looks up and smiles.
BERNARD
Mr. Valor. Good to see you.
Aurelius inclines his head.
AURELIUS VALOR
Please. Call me Aurelius.
Bernard nods, gestures to the chair.
BERNARD
Of course.
Have a seat.
Aurelius sits, folding his hands loosely in his lap. He takes in the office—not judging, merely observing.
AURELIUS VALOR
You keep this place modest.
BERNARD
Someone has to remember what the work is for.
Aurelius smiles faintly.
AURELIUS VALOR
That is… increasingly rare.
A brief silence—comfortable, but purposeful.
AURELIUS VALOR
I won’t take much of your time. I know you’re preparing the March agenda.
Bernard stiffens slightly. Just enough.
BERNARD
If this is about my ownership stake—
Aurelius raises a hand gently.
AURELIUS VALOR
It is not.
Bernard relaxes—but not entirely.
AURELIUS VALOR
I have no interest in acquiring your shares.
Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.
Bernard studies him, searching for the angle.
BERNARD
You’ll forgive me if I’m cautious. People don’t usually knock on this door without wanting something.
Aurelius nods.
AURELIUS VALOR
Caution has kept this organization alive longer than power ever could.
Bernard leans back, folds his arms.
BERNARD
Then what do you want?
Aurelius meets his eyes—steady, honest.
AURELIUS VALOR
To make sure you are not alone if pressure comes.
Bernard frowns.
BERNARD
Pressure?
Aurelius chooses his words carefully.
AURELIUS VALOR
There are forces within NPCW who believe ownership is a lever.
And men who believe levers exist to be pulled until something breaks.
Bernard exhales slowly.
BERNARD
If you’re referring to Vantrell—
AURELIUS VALOR
I am.
No venom. No accusation. Just certainty.
AURELIUS VALOR
I do not trust him.
And I suspect—quietly—that he is already testing the limits of others.
Bernard shakes his head.
BERNARD
I have no intention of selling my shares. To him, or anyone else.
AURELIUS VALOR
I would expect nothing less.
A beat.
AURELIUS VALOR
But intentions do not always shield us from circumstance.
Bernard straightens.
BERNARD
I’ve worn many hats in this business. Wrestler. Commissioner. Manager.
I learned early that if you compromise once, you’re asked to do it again… and again… until there’s nothing left.
Aurelius smiles—warm, approving.
AURELIUS VALOR
Then NPCW is fortunate to have you where you are.
Bernard softens.
BERNARD
I appreciate the offer. Truly.
But I don’t plan on going anywhere.
Aurelius stands.
AURELIUS VALOR
Nor should you.
He moves toward the door, then pauses.
AURELIUS VALOR
Still… if you ever find yourself being encouraged to reconsider—
If conversations begin to feel less like dialogue and more like inevitability—
He turns back.
AURELIUS VALOR
You may come to me.
No conditions. No transactions.
Bernard meets his gaze.
BERNARD
Thank you, Aurelius.
Aurelius inclines his head once more.
AURELIUS VALOR
Good luck with the agenda.
March will be… revealing.
He exits.
The door closes softly.
Bernard remains seated, staring at the agenda on his screen.
His cursor blinks next to one item:
“BOARD APPOINTMENTS – DISCUSSION”
Bernard slowly scrolls.
He frowns.
FADE OUT.
Absolutely. This should feel like something Nigel never intends anyone to read, written with obsessive care, coded anxiety, and quiet dread. Think: hyper-professional minutes slowly collapsing into personal survival notes.
NIGEL FROSTWICK — SPECIAL LOG BOOK
PRIVATE / REDUNDANT / DO NOT MISPLACE (AGAIN)
Date: [Redacted by Nigel for “safety”]
Location: Marley & Scrooge Counting House — Mr. Scrooge’s Office
Meeting Type: Unscheduled / Raised Voices / Ominous Undertones
Attendees:
Mr. Ebeneezer Scrooge (Vice Chairman, NPCW)
Mr. Ardan Vantrell (Board Member, NPCW)
Silent Bodyguard (Name Unknown — did not blink)
Nigel Frostwick (Observer / Apology Provider)
SUMMARY (ATTEMPTED OBJECTIVE RECORD)
Mr. Scrooge expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding recent NPCW contract cancellations and restrictions on personal promotional activities (“commercials”). Tone: Aggrieved. Hostile. Familiar.
I was mistakenly identified as:
“Filbert”
“Wilkins”
(Neither correction attempted, per best practices.)
KEY POINTS DISCUSSED
1. CONTRACT STATUS (REASSURANCE PHASE)
I reminded Mr. Scrooge that the following agreements remain in effect:
Scrooge Toys
Exclusive action figure manufacturing rights with NPCW, HCW, and GCW
Mr. Scrooge appeared momentarily appeased (2.7 seconds)
Scrooge’s Glacier Plex
Exclusive home of all Polar Division PPVs
Mr. Scrooge grunted affirmatively
Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum
Exclusive naming rights retained
Mr. Scrooge smiled briefly (this was unsettling)
NPCW Ownership
Mr. Scrooge remains Vice Chairman
Holds 15% ownership stake
This fact seemed to stabilize his blood pressure
2. LEGAL RESPONSE (ACTION ITEM)
Mr. Scrooge instructed me to engage legal counsel.
Assigned firms:
Dewey, Cheatham & Glaze
Billable Hour & Sons
Action Taken:
Drafted emails (not yet sent; reviewed four times for tone)
Will send after another review to ensure no words imply optimism
UNSCHEDULED VISITOR
Mr. Ardan Vantrell arrived without prior notice.
Observations:
Entered calmly
Voice measured
Did not raise volume
Room temperature subjectively dropped
Mr. Vantrell discussed:
NPCW ownership structures
The concept of “fluid” control
The possibility of acquiring additional shares indirectly
SENSITIVE DISCUSSION (RECORDED CAREFULLY)
Maximum ownership cap acknowledged (30%)
Hypothetical strategy discussed:
Acquisition of 6% stake from another board member
Specific individual referenced:
Bernard (described as “tired”)
Mr. Scrooge appeared receptive
⚠️ Note to Self:
This section should be copied into Backup Ledger C and Backup Ledger D. Possibly E.
BOARD MEETING DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Vantrell requested Mr. Scrooge’s support for a new board appointment at the next meeting.
Name provided privately via handwritten note
Mr. Scrooge reacted with:
Laughter
Smiling
The phrase “That will upset them”
Assessment:
Agreement reached
No handshake
Mutual understanding achieved in silence (most alarming type)
POST-MEETING DIRECTIVE
Mr. Scrooge instructed:
“Do not log this meeting.”
Clarification:
I am logging it anyway.
Carefully.
Repeatedly.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS (STRICTLY UNOFFICIAL)
Mr. Vantrell exhibits:
Unusual composure
Excessive insight
An unsettling ability to finish thoughts not spoken aloud
Mr. Scrooge appears:
Cornered
Energized by conspiracy
Comforted by control
I remain:
Employed
For now
FOLLOW-UP TASKS
☐ Contact legal counsel
☐ Duplicate this entry into secure backups
☐ Review board bylaws regarding indirect ownership
☐ Avoid being alone with Mr. Vantrell
☐ Continue not correcting name
FINAL NOTE (PERSONAL)
If this log is ever discovered, please understand:
I was only trying to be helpful.
— N.F.
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