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January 14th, 2025 - RECAP – “Benji Ramos – NoPixel 4.0**

-Benji wakes up in the apartment, pausing to reflect on the day ahead. He twatts, "YA BOI BACK," and sets out on his usual walk toward the Abyss. As he runs, Ray calls him. Mid-call, Tictac picks him up and drives him the rest of the way.

Updates from Ray

-On the way to the Annunciation job, Ray updates Benji about recent events. He mentions the cargo event Hades completed with Ste from Manor earlier that day and shares how Future got pressed by JT, leading to KJ being shot. Concerned, Benji radios the Hades members, instructing them not to engage with Future baits and to tell him next time to go without MigL first.
As Benji and Ray continue driving, they discuss the reasons behind Future shooting KJ. The consensus is that Future and his crew couldn't handle being provoked by words alone. Once the ammunition job is complete, they arrive at the Abyss to check on KJ. Benji praises KJ for staying composed despite the situation.

Conversation with Lance

-Lance calls Benji for a private talk on the roof of the Abyss. As the conversation starts, KJ calls Benji, asking for a discussion afterward. During the chat, Benji confronts Lance about not fulfilling his duties as Lt. Lance defends himself, stating it was a misunderstanding and denies what Marlo told him, that he has been doing his duties as Lt. The conversation concludes with Lance agreeing to give Benji $100K, as a gesture of accountability since he gave Ray $250k for what he did to Kit.

Meeting with KJ and Reggie

-After Lance leaves, Benji notices KJ and Reggie waiting nearby to have their conversation. KJ suggests they move to a more private location, and they decide on Playa Vista. As the conversation begins, KJ asks Benji to clarify his intentions and mentions that the previous night’s remarks toward Reggie may have gone too far. Benji takes the opportunity to explain the resolutions from his prior conversation with Reggie, addressing the underlying issues.
KJ and Reggie attempt to understand Benji’s mindset and whether their relationship is still intact. Reggie takes the lead in expressing his confusion, pointing out that Benji’s recent behavior feels uncharacteristic and inexplicable. Benji responds by outlining his expectations for Hades, stating that the group has grown too lenient. He emphasizes the need for members to have authority over associates and to be trusted with disciplinary actions. However, Benji admits he has compromised with High Command to avoid granting members excessive power.
As the discussion continues, Benji silently observes Reggie’s visible struggle. He reiterates that he does not view Hades as a family, prompting Reggie to directly ask whether their bond remains intact and if Benji still values his presence. Reggie admits that Benji’s recent actions have left him feeling unsettled.

Benji then asks Reggie to step aside, opting to have a private one-on-one conversation with KJ. During this exchange, Benji reveals his actions over the past month and a half, explaining his intentions with Reggie. He shares that he is trying to "reset" Reggie and help him establish his own identity and reputation, independent of their connection. Benji explains that Reggie has been operating with a sense of invulnerability due to their association, but he wants Reggie to be respected for who he is, not merely as “Benji’s boy.”
Benji further elaborates that he noticed these issues during their time in Seaside, where rules were tailored to accommodate individuals like Reggie and Ash. He acknowledges that the current environment in the city demands adaptability, and adherence to old norms no longer applies. His goal is to push Reggie to stand on his own and evolve.
KJ warns Benji that if he continues to pressure Reggie, they risk losing him entirely, as he is already nearing a breaking point. Despite this, KJ reassures Benji that he will support him if it comes down to a choice, though he hopes it doesn’t. KJ also urges Benji to consider Reggie’s different upbringing and background when approaching these conversations.
With their discussion incomplete, they decide to pause and revisit it after Rico’s wedding.

Rico and Aries’ Wedding

-The day shifts to Rico and Aries’ wedding at the Billabong. In typical fashion, Rico sings the Narcos theme song as Benji arrives. The ceremony begins humorously, with guests making jokes and someone posting Rico’s STD results to deter Aries from marrying him. Benji, however, firmly ensures the ceremony proceeds without interruptions.
As Aries is about to say "I do," one of the bridesmaids shoots her. Chaos erupts, and Rico attempts to flee, twatting that he’s leaving the city. Hades members chase him down, with Ray eventually convincing him to visit Aries in the hospital. After Aries recovers, the ceremony is completed, and the reception at the VU becomes a lively party of drinking, dancing, and fun.

**Conversations with Claire **

-Later, Benji meets Claire to check on her. Claire shares that she discovered her boyfriend, Nomad, cheated on her with Tallie. She expresses her desire to take revenge but reassures Benji that she doesn’t expect his intervention. Benji advises against drastic actions and offers support through WSV instead.

Second conversation with Reggie

-Benji calls Reggie to meet him at the Yeti to continue their earlier conversation. Benji starts by asking Reggie if KJ has a clear understanding of how Reggie has been feeling about Benji's recent behavior. Benji then explains the reasons behind his actions. He tells Reggie that he always uses protecting Benji as the justification for everything he does, but this mindset has prevented Reggie from evolving and adapting to situations properly. Benji emphasizes that Reggie needs to make a significant change a "hard reset" to ensure he is better positioned both now and in the future.
Benji attempts to make Reggie understand that he is his own person and must start making decisions for himself, not solely with the intent of protecting or pleasing Benji. He points out that Reggie is too obviously biased toward him, and that everything Reggie does seems to be aimed at gaining Benji's approval. However, Benji wants Reggie to act for his own growth and to establish a strong presence independently. Reggie listens silently, trying to process Benji's words.
Benji continues, explaining that he doesn't want someone who is just there for the sake of being there. He wants strong-minded individuals who take action and earn respect because they choose to, not because of their association with him. At this point, Reggie takes a deep breath and responds, "You know you made me this way." Benji replies, "I know, and I’m trying to change things."

The conversation shifts as Reggie recalls the trauma from his childhood and reminds Benji that he was molded into this version of himself by Benji’s influence. Reggie argues that if Benji wanted him to change, he should have simply talked to him. Benji counters that because Reggie is clever, he wouldn’t have grasped the point if it had been conveyed directly, so Benji had to act the way he did to force change and reach this moment. Benji then clarifies that the decision to reset lies entirely with Reggie. He wants Reggie to choose for himself, though the outcome would ultimately benefit Benji as well. Benji’s goal is to ensure that Reggie commands respect independently of their connection, particularly within Hades.
Reggie remains quiet, absorbing the weight of Benji's words. Benji then asks if Reggie has any questions or needs time to process. Reggie responds, acknowledging that Benji wants him to act for himself and earn respect within Hades without relying on Benji. Benji agrees but refines the phrasing, reiterating the core idea. Reggie then points out that the current version of himself was shaped by Benji’s previous demands, but now that version is no longer enough. Benji concurs but stresses that growth and evolution are necessary for Reggie to earn the respect of both Hades and the city.

As the conversation circles back to the purpose of Benji's actions, Reggie tries to understand why Benji didn’t simply ask for these changes directly. Benji provides an example of how Reggie’s behavior appeared weak and lacked respect specifically, how Reggie seemed overly happy and carefree while playing with snowballs. For Reggie, this moment triggers a déjà vu of childhood trauma, and he realizes that Benji believes happiness might hinder Reggie’s potential.
Benji tells Reggie that if he chooses not to embrace change, he will understand. However, if Reggie wants to evolve and grow stronger, a full reset is necessary. Benji leaves Reggie to contemplate his next steps. As Benji drives away, he monologues internally, reflecting on what Reggie’s decision might be. He resolves to wait and see what the outcome of his actions will bring. As the night ends, Benji goes to sleep, anticipating what tomorrow will reveal about his efforts and their impact on Reggie.

VOD: https://kick.com/lysium/videos/ce6e7cce-4a14-416d-9ea7-2f69e2ba8edc