INT. TRAINING WING 4B – MID-TIER TRAINEES – DAY
[INNER MONOLOGUE – JOHN RICK]
(The scene pans over a futuristic metallic hall. Targets, combat dummies, and suspended drone orbs zip around the vast training space. Among a dozen recruits in flashy training gear, stands John Rick — in plain black trackpants and a hoodie, smiling like he just woke up into Disneyland.)
JOHN (V.O.)
Alright… so… uh, welcome to Mid-Tier Hell. Population: me… and about a dozen protein-pumped, lightning-blasting, telekinetic psychopaths who apparently stretch for fun.
And here I am — John Rick. Background guy #13 from your favorite superhero franchise… now, somehow, on the path to becoming a mid-tier meta. Yay?
(He dodges a glowing discus that explodes behind him. Doesn't even look at it. His body just moved. He blinks.)
JOHN (V.O.)
Right. That happens now. My body's got reflexes faster than my brain. Or maybe it's just fear. Who knows?
(He waves at a girl generating gravity bubbles while levitating five feet in the air. She scowls at him.)
JOHN (V.O.)
That's Kyra. Can manipulate pressure zones. Also, can manipulate your self-esteem into the ground. She once insulted a guy into throwing up. Beautiful in that "will-destroy-your-life" kind of way.
(Camera cuts to an instructor barking orders in the distance.)
JOHN (V.O.)
Instructor Tork. Or as I like to call him — Human Cement Mixer. I've never seen someone yell while chewing gum. It's like his throat has its own power.
(John steps up to the hand-to-hand sparring area. His opponent is 7 feet of sheer muscle.)
JOHN (V.O.)
Oh great, my turn. And they've paired me with Atlas Jr. over here. Wonderful. I forgot to wear my spine-reinforcement underwear.
(The match begins. John instinctively dodges, spins, and — to his own shock — lightly taps the guy in the ribs. The giant stumbles.)
JOHN (V.O.)
Yep. That was me. I did that. I touched someone and they moved. This is either a dream, or I hit my head in the real world and now I'm in a superhero coma.
(He looks around at the blinking lights, advanced gear, and powered teammates.)
JOHN (V.O.)
They still don't know I'm from their future. I mean, technically I'm from Earth Prime, watching these people on a screen with popcorn. Now I'm here, sketching timelines in the laundry room like a conspiracy nut with a sharpie and shampoo bottles.
(He gets knocked down mid-thought. Laughter echoes.)
JOHN (V.O.)
Ow. Okay. Note to self — internal monologues won't block punches. But hey, I got up faster this time.
(He brushes himself off and gives a thumbs-up, still smiling.)
JOHN (V.O.)
It's weird. I should be scared. But... this is the coolest kind of terrifying. I know what's coming. The collapse. The betrayal. The invasion. The redemption arc. I've seen all six films, eight solos, and the duet with the alien saxophone guy.
And yet…
(He smiles — not the awkward smile. A genuine one, like he wants to be here.)
JOHN (V.O.)
…I get to be someone. Not a side note. Not a coffee fetcher. Not a blur in the background.
I'm John Rick, and this time… I'm in the story.