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[mcgill]

[The man seated uneasily in front of the camera probably looks familiar to anyone who knew or knew of Saul Goodman, ex-defense attorney and daytime TV judge extraordinaire. He has the same face, mostly, save for the abundance of hair on his head (which is sticking up just slightly, like he's been exposed to a stiff breeze or, in his case, static electricity) and fewer wrinkles around his eyes than anyone who got close enough to him might remember. And his smile, just like Saul's, is playfully crooked — though it's laced with a nervousness that doesn't really fit the image Saul projected whenever he had an audience. This man isn't as confident as his older lookalike, that much is clear, nor is he as brightly dressed. (A white dress shirt and a bland, striped tie are all that's currently visible.)

But he has that same ol' sparkle in his eye, and he straightens up a bit as soon as he's ready to speak, which is a habit anyone would recognize: that sudden shift from casual to professional Saul made any time he approached the bench or a business meeting.

And as for his voice — that's the same, too.

This is almost definitely Saul Goodman, but:]

Hiya. The name's Jimmy McGill. James, technically, but — I prefer Jimmy.

[He lifts his hands into view. Saul's trademark (fake) Rolex and gold pinky ring are missing, but that's because they're obscured by a pair of heavy-duty electrical gloves.]

I've got a little problem on my hands, pun only halfheartedly intended. [A laugh, one quick huff of air. Saul's laugh: Heh.] Seems the powers that be decided I should have the ability to manipulate power itself. Electricity, I mean. More specifically — [A brief pause, a swallow. He tries to play it off; there's no reason this word should bother him.] Electromagnetism. So, since I have no idea how to control an honest-to-God superpower because they're not really real where I come from, this is... uh, it's an issue. Anyone got any tips? Tricks? Ways to wake up, maybe?

[He smiles again, this time thin-lipped and a little desperate. It looks like he's on the verge of panic.]

Please?

Comments

[mcgill]

Sounds like someone I know back home. [That's said in a mutter, mostly to himself. Jimmy's next question is more audible:] Can't this guy be stopped?

[hostage]

[Jimmy... That's exactly the wrong kind of attitude.]

He was unstoppable before he had superpowers. Don't test him now.

[Jesse nudges the bag of cash with his shoe.]

I can handle things here, but you don't deserve any of this. Go out to California or something. If you run outta money, I can get more to you later.

[mcgill]

[It sure is.]

What makes him unstoppable?

[hostage]

[Because there is no explaining the force of nature that is Mr. White's temper, Jesse focuses on the more tangible things:]

He's not just a criminal, okay? He's not some gangster like Tuco. This guy's a genius. He could build a bomb outta the shit most people keep in their garage.

And his powers? He manipulates chemicals. That includes body chemistry. He could make it so your body starts eating itself away, like acid. Set all your nerves on fire. Trust me, because he's done it to me: You don't wanna know what that feels like.

And it gets worse, 'cause he can fuck with your head the same way drugs do. He's done things to me that I don't even remember the next day, that I only know about 'cause he told me about it later. He's gotten information outta me that way and I couldn't even tell you how. One of my powers is regeneration, so I wouldn't even know how bad it was. It wouldn't leave a mark.

You gotta stay away from him, Jimmy.

[mcgill]

[He listens carefully, eyes going wide as Jesse speaks.

The kid's made his point, but there's something that's left Jimmy confused. And concerned. And feeling... well, sick, to be honest.]

And I'm the one who should be running away? What about you?

[hostage]

[Jimmy, you are missing the point.]

This isn't about me.

[mcgill]

But you shouldn't have to live with... all that.

[That's insane.]

[hostage]

I'm fine. I'll be fine. Stop worrying about me.

[mcgill]

You just told me someone's been torturing you!

[hostage]

Who the fuck cares?

[mcgill]

Does it matter if anyone cares or not? You should care! And I'm sure I — I mean, it's not that I don't care right now, because I do, but... [He trails off, shrugging.] It sounds like we were friends. I'm sure Saul must've cared.

[hostage]

[Jesse flinches at the mention of Saul. They'll never know, will they? Saul did the smart thing and got out of town, leaving Jesse to pay the price for it. And all Jesse wishes is that Jimmy would do the same.

He gets to his feet.]

You don't even know me. Let's keep it that way.

[mcgill]

Except I do know you. You're Jesse Pinkman. You just gave me a bag of money, keys, a gun, and a warning. You're a future client of mine. We get mixed up in some bad shit together, and now you're trying to protect me.

[He knows plenty.]

The only way we could've kept this situation that way, with me not knowing you, is if you would've had someone else drop all this off. But you didn't. Why? So you could tell me everything this guy's done to you and properly scare me off?

[hostage]

[Oh, he's definitely starting to wish he'd sent Joel to drop off the bag, instead. Who knew it'd be so hard to chase Saul out of town? James McGill is truly a different creature.]

I've never seen you turn down a bag of money before. I figured it'd be easy.

[mcgill]

[Oh.

Guess who suddenly can't look Jesse in the eye.]

I made a mistake involving a bag of money not too long ago. [His voice is quiet now, a little distant.] I dunno what happens in the time between now and when you meet me, but... I'm not that guy, not yet. I dunno if I wanna be that guy. My brother —

[No, he doesn't want to talk about that. He shakes his head, waves a dismissive hand.]

Whatever. It doesn't matter. My point is, if I was involved with all this shit that went down, part of it is probably my fault, so it's my responsibility. So unless you can figure out some way to erase my memory and make me forget this conversation ever happened...

[He wants to be bought off, he does. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.]

[hostage]

[Hypocritically:]

Whatever Saul did ain't your fault. And whatever Mr. White does to me ain't your business. I'm sorry for telling you any of this, but you really... You really gotta get outta here.

I'm not your friend. I'm just some guy who used to pay you. You never even liked me. So if you're feeling guilty or whatever, just... don't.

[mcgill]

[Jimmy squints. He's not sure he believes that, but... yeah, he can see it.]

But you liked me.

[hostage]

You were a good lawyer.

[mcgill]

[Sharply:] I am a good lawyer.

[The best.]

So, fine. Okay. Our relationship was just professional. Then why go out of your way for me now? Insurance for later, in case you need me again?

[hostage]

Look, I just - I don't want anything to happen to you, alright? There doesn't have to be a reason.

[mcgill]

[That's not an answer Jimmy accepts, but the fight's gone out of him. He doesn't want to argue anymore.]

Fine.

[hostage]

"Fine" like I'll never see your ugly face again? That kind of "fine"?

[mcgill]

Are you always this much of a dick?

[hostage]

Yeah.

[mcgill]

Good to know. You wanna make sure I get outta here? Why don't you go ahead and kidnap me. Third time's the charm, right?