| “Why the change of mood towards me, sir? Did you sleep badly because I pointed out how morally rotten you are?” |
Run, You Fools is the 3rd mission in Grand Theft Auto King of The Hill , given to Miklos Lipton by Sgt. Otto Matic.
Plot
Miklos arrives at Sergeant Otto Matic's office after parking, refueling, and cleaning the forklift. He's a little frustrated but tries his best to keep a composed demeanor. As he knocks, he enters with a salute.
Matic: At last, Jesus Christ himself.
Miklos: I had no idea you were expecting me, Sir.
Matic flicks cigarette ash and a butt on the floor right at Miklos' feet. He looks at the ash, then at Matic to see if he's serious.
Matic: Clean that up, Private.
Miklos: ...What?
Matic: I said clean that up!
Miklos reluctantly scoops up the cigarette ash in his hands and puts it in Matic's trash bin.
Miklos: Why the change of mood towards me, sir? Did you sleep badly because I pointed out how morally rotten you are?
Matic: No... I just realized I don't like you, Lipton. I see you as a threat to our company... You think too much.
Miklos: Or maybe because I'm the only person here with a little conscience left?
Matic: Look, we do this for a shitload of cash, boy. Nothing else. If some civvie gets hurt, boo-fucking-hoo.
Miklos: Oh, I get it! You see me as a threat because everyone else here are easily controllable losers whose only life purpose is to shoot things and blow them up. Why don't you just sack me... Sir?
Matic: I would fire you right now, smartass, if you didn't come with such glowing recommendations. We need people like you. Though, I think I'm gonna ask you to prove you're as good as I've heard. Are you even in shape?
Miklos: I think so.
Matic: Well, prove it! Lieutenant O'Neil is conducting the daily jog right now. Take part in it. Go. Oh, and Lipton! I'm setting you up with a battle buddy. Dennis Oak. Make sure you get along with him.
Miklos turns to leave, visibly annoyed but maintaining composure, and hears Natic curse under his breath.
Matic: ...This fella's gonna be a problem.
Miklos pauses at the door for a moment, then exits without a word, heading to join the other Merryweather mercenaries already stretching and warming up for a jog around Fort Zancudo. As they start jogging at a steady pace, Miklos tries to blend in, observing the group. His thoughts are interrupted when Lieutenant O'Neil shouts out:
O'Neil: Alright, ladies, let's make this interesting! First one back to the barracks gets the bragging rights for the day. Last one does another lap. MOVE IT!
The pace immediately picks up as the group transitions into an all out race. Some mercs purposely shoulder and trip each other. Miklos focuses, pushing himself to keep up. While running, he notices the young recruit from the gates, Dennis Oak, lagging slightly behind. Skinny, pale, and clearly green, Dennis looks barely 18. The kid notices Miklos too, his new battle buddy.
Dennis: (Huffing) Y-you're Private Lipton, r-right? The new guy? Glad to meet you, sir! I was the new guy, b-before you! How are you liking it here?
Miklos: (Keeping his pace steady) Let's just say I didn't sign up for this job to stack crates or pick up Matic's cigarette butts.
Dennis: Y-yeah, he's a real hard ass. But hey, it's a paycheck, right? Besides, where else are you gonna find a job where blowing stuff up gets you promoted?
Miklos: Dennis, you make it sound like a game. This isn't Righteous Slaughter, kid.
Dennis: Hey, don't knock it. That game teaches you strategy! I'm prestige 7, diamond camo! Plus, my dad pulled strings to get me in here, so... guess I'm stuck.
Miklos shakes his head, his skepticism growing as he sizes up the young recruit. He thinks about tripping him. The race continues as the group rounds the last corner, and Miklos picks up speed, determined to win.
Dennis: Man, you're fast for someone who looks like he doesn't sleep! What's your secret?
Miklos: Running for my life in Afghanistan. Keeps you in shape.
As the barracks come into view, Miklos surges ahead, leaving Dennis and the others behind. He crosses the finish line first, earning the victory and the respect and jealous stares of a few mercenaries. Miklos catches his breath, noticing Dennis collapse onto the grass in last place, exhausted but smiling.
Dennis: Okay... okay, you're the real deal. Just... don't tell Matic I said that, alright?
Miklos nods, still sizing up the young recruit, wondering if this kid would be more of a liability than a partner in the days to come.
O'Neil: Private Oak! Another lap, now!
At the barracks, Miklos arrives after showering and grabbing some chow. He kicks off his stiff new boots, feeling the soreness growing in his feet, and collapses onto his bunk, letting out a tired sigh. A merc saunters up and leans against his bed frame, smirking.
Merc: Nice run out there, New Guy. But hey, word of advice, take smaller sprints next time, or you might just keel over.
Miklos: Buzz off...
Merc: Whoa, whoa. Is that how you treat everyone who gives you friendly advice? Real charmer, aren't you?
Miklos: (Glaring) Thanks, but I know pretty damn well how to run.
Merc: Sure you do, champ. But, hey, no need to get touchy. I've got some other advice you might actually want to hear... Some real plans...
Miklos props himself up on one elbow, eyeing the mercenary suspiciously.
Miklos: Oh, yeah? And what might that be?
Merc: All in due time, friend. All in due time. Perry Harris, by the way. Remember me.
Miklos watches him leave, his curiosity piqued but his exhaustion winning out. He lays back down, wondering just what kind of place he's gotten himself into.
The next mission, Take Up Arms, is now unlocked.
Objectives
- Go to the meeting
- Keep up with the joggers
- Race the others to the barracks
Gold Medal Objectives
- Follow the Leader - Don't get behind
Trivia
- The mission is named after the iconic quote by Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring, "Fly you fools”, often misheard as "Run you fools".
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