Before the Storm
The following takes place following: Waverly Hills Witch Trial
The next morning, the Master gathers those who went AWOL and incited madness the previous night, bringing them into the training field with the rest of the loyal troops. The Master is absolutely furious.
Master Devlin: Well… it looks like you lot have had a fun little day off. How fucking dare you! This madness—inciting religious panic amongst the ranks—will not stand. I ought to have you all shot! This is nothing less than an act of mutiny right before the goddamn invasion of Van Der Beak territory. We are about to prepare for one of the largest invasions these lands have seen in a millennium. This leaves me with no choice… but to spare your lives. PT and half rations for the whole lot of you. Now get out of my fucking sight!
The loyal troops begin ushering the offenders toward physical training. The Master turns to Widdle Frunkut and lifts him up by his scruff.
Master Devlin: Now. What should I do about you?
wF: Cuddle! 🙂
Master Devlin: Cuddle, eh?
wF: Yes!
The Master hugs Waldo with overwhelming strength, squeezing him so tightly that Waldo stretches into the shape of a sausage. Then, he drops Waldo onto the ground.
The Master proceeds toward a garage away from the main house, where Dr. Emmerich has set up shop. Kaz is inside, overseeing the construction of the battle tank.
Master Devlin: Is it ready?
Otacon: [Switches on the tank, and it lifts off the ground.]
Master Devlin: Excellent.
Suddenly, sirens blare across the base.
The Master and Kaz rush outside—they are under attack by Van Der Beak forces. Without warning, a rocket or projectile streaks toward the mansion and detonates in a massive explosion. The shockwave hurls the Master and Kaz backward.
The Master sits up, ears ringing, shellshocked. Around him, bodies lie motionless. He looks over and sees Travers in a panic, cradling an unconscious Mayuri in his lap—her face bloodied and covered in dirt. Scanning the battlefield, he spots Goblin Slayer, Revy, and others locked in combat, fending off Reg’s forces who have stormed the compound.
Wesley stands above the Master, shouting through the overwhelming ringing.
Wesley: Devlin, you need to get up, sir!
The Master pushes himself upright and charges forward with Wesley and Kaz toward the battle. They seize weapons and throw themselves into the fight against the militia. Eventually, Van Der Beak’s forces are either killed or forced into retreat.
After the battle, they rush the wounded to the infirmary. The Master finds Travers still cradling Mayuri, who appears gravely injured from the blast.
Travers holds Mayuri’s head in his lap as the Master approaches.
Travers: She’s dead, Master Devlin. Who the hell is going to cook my chicken tenders and do my oil changes now?
The Master cringes, then kneels down to check her pulse.
Master Devlin: She’s not dead, Travers. Come on, let’s get her to Dr. Crusher.
The Master attempts to lift Mayuri, but Travers quickly intervenes.
Travers: Master Devlin, you are lifting out of turn. I can lift my own wife, goddammit!
The Master steps back.
Travers tries to lift Mayuri, but quickly realizes he cannot.
Travers: Umm… Master Devlin… can you help?
The Master lifts Mayuri, with Travers closely following as they hurry to the infirmary.
Sometime later, Mayuri is hooked up to a ventilator, with Travers sitting solemnly by her side.
Master Devlin: Travers, I know this isn’t the best time, but I need you to reach out to the other warlords. We’re taking down Van Der Beak—today. If they want to join us, we could use their help. If not, we strike regardless.
Travers: Yes… yes… fine.
****
Later, the Master, Kaz, Wesley, Travers, Revy, Mr. Konrad, Goblin Slayer, and Otacon convene at the newly established war tent. Frakes was invited, but he has lost capability due to his most recent stroke.
Master Devlin: We strike Van Der Beak territory today. Travers, have you heard anything from the other factions?
Travers: Well, let’s see... Umm...
Guthrie Govan has agreed to supply troops and artillery, provided he receives a steady supply of sandwiches for the foreseeable future.
Mr. Teeth has agreed to provide a platoon of Uruk-hai.
Dr. Larry Fraser has agreed to supply witch doctor medication, though he does not have an army to contribute.
Humungus has agreed to provide a fleet of vehicles and some bandits. However, he requires a steady supply of gasoline going forward.
Hildendorf’s skunkbreed army is currently locked in battle with Van Der Beak’s forces on the frontline. They’ve been under siege for some time, stuck in a stalemate, unable to breach the walls into Reg’s palace city. She has agreed not to attack our militia when we decide to strike.
Master Devlin: Good.
Travers: ...Sing Kang has no interest in assisting. She wishes for you to burn in hell, Master Devlin. Goldenstein and his Mossad group have no interest in helping us either. He still claims we murdered his parents.
Goblin Slayer: Nobody touches Thelonious. He’s mine…
Master Devlin: Very well.
Season 5 continues in Reg's Reckoning