Part 15 (1/2)

What have you done to me, Luthor?

LUTHOR.

The same thing I do to everyone.

(Facing him) I control you.

(Beat) Of course with you, it isn't something as easy as slush funds or threatening your family. You're special. I had to have equipment built, satellites to monitor you etcetera etcetera etcetera.

LUTHOR walks over and taps the manacles with a new sterling silver pen.

LUTHOR.

You didn't think I was going to spend a few billion dollars to make you the most powerful THUG on Earth just to watch you walk away when you got bored, did you? It's all planning, my boy. That's why I am who I am and you are...

(Beat) Well, why you're stuck in that ridiculous chair.

METALLO.

n.o.body treats John Corben like a chump.

LUTHOR.

Pay attention you idiot, I am treating you like a chump because, I don't know if you noticed or not, you are the chump. Without me, you're nothing.

METALLO.

Without you, I'd still be a man! I can't feel anything! The heat, the cold, nothing! I can't smell! I can't taste! Everything sounds funny. Nothing looks right. I can't stand this! You've made me into some kind of freak!

LUTHOR.

(Furious) I saved your life! If I hadn't invested in you, you would be a two-bit dead a.s.sa.s.sin and petty thief.

LUTHOR turns to leave.

METALLO.

This isn't over, Luthor.

LUTHOR.

(Furious) Is that a threat?

METALLO.

Why don't you call one of your lawyers and have them figure it out?

LUTHOR.

Better yet, why don't I call my technicians and have them take you apart one piece at a time?

(Beat) b.i.t.c.h b.i.t.c.h b.i.t.c.h. Moan moan moan. You're alive and as jarring as it may be, it still beats the h.e.l.l out of the alternative...

(Beat) ...Which is still an option.

No answer.

LUTHOR.

John Corben, you are alive because I want you that way and when or if I decide otherwise, there is nothing on this planet than can save you. Is that clear?

METALLO.

(Reluctantly) Yes.

LUTHOR.

Excellent. Now I'll let you go if you promise to behave and cooperate as agreed.

METALLO nods. LUTHOR has the remote MERCY had earlier and switches him ”on.”

METALLO stands and breaks free of the manacles that drop to the floor with a metallic clang.

LUTHOR.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to.

LUTHOR turns before exiting.

LUTHOR.

And John, you may be a sh.e.l.l of your former self and you may be my p.a.w.n...

(Beat) ...but at least you have your health.

LUTHOR leaves. METALLO, furious, picks up the metal chair and tears it in half.

FADE TO BLACK:.

INT. METALLO'S PENTHOUSE.

TIME LAPSE: METALLO paces the room pondering his situation.

METALLO exits.

CUT TO:.

INT. HALLWAY.

METALLO walks the halls with a mission. People cross to get out of his way.