4/9/2025 Kick Recap - "The Only Path Is Forward"
Lang wakes up to a text from Gigi offering to give back some of his things. CJ tells Lang that Martin is out of ICU, Lang wants a ride to MRPD to arrange his community service. Opal and a few officers greet Lang, discussing some options they had. Lang hands off the Nu Epsilon book, suggesting that he get placed with Kifflom. Opal's concerns are tied to the Lifers that might still want to harm Lang, but he doesn't think it's an issue anymore. Hank picks Lang up and brings him to the Forge, Lang goes through the mess of phones he has stashed in his office. Lang runs into Martin outside the Forge, they head up the water tower to speak.
Martin is in a good mood, Lang is impressed. Martin recaps what he knows from his POV, including the fact that he gave Larry advice right after the initial conflict with Liya. Lang and Martin agree that nobody tried to take a step back from the heat of the situation, and Lang gives his perspective of how the blood out went down. Lang reflects on the many times Larry has had issues with authority, Martin asks about Lang's don order for the North to not speak to Larry and Bubbles. Lang doesn't recall making a don order, he considers Skipper misunderstanding the natural 'don't hang with treasonsists' rule. Martin re-iterates that the 404 crew created such a bond that it transcends whatever group they're in, but Lang disagrees. Martin asks about the two rats being left at their door, Lang never heard of it. Martin and Lang discuss if blooding them out was an option, Lang holds the Cypress rule. Lang and Martin discuss the fallout of the situation, if Larry and Bubbles are coming after them, and why Lang went to jail for serial killing. Lang confides in Martin about his satisfaction with North Cypress after the Blarney's Horse Race event, and the flip of emotion coming shortly after. Although Martin is asking a lot of questions, he respects Lang's decision for how it was handled. Martin is happy to hear Hank was bought in, but shares concerns about Jonah who seemed a little eager to overstep early on. Martin is happy to hear that Saab doesn't have his title, and shares what demotivated him. Martin wants to speak to Liya to shake out some final concerns with her 404 resentment, before deciding where he stands.
Lang re-enforces his goals to Saab, reminding him that all he has to do is steer the ship. He spoke to Martin, and they're both waiting for his decision, but they don't want to keep anyone that is lingering on grudges or emotions. Saab tells Lang about a job they helped Skipper with, having concerns with who they're working for. Lang doesn't have an issue as long as they pay good money. Saab assigned everyone in the North roles they felt comfortable with, Lang reminds him that he has the power to make decisions without informing Lang first. Saab and Lang run into Beric at the court house, Lang suggests him joining Nu Epsilon for acts of kindness, Beric wants to meet with them later. On the way out, Saab remembers that Matt broke out of prison yesterday. Lang calls CJ to ask about it, she thinks he twatted something suspicious, but otherwise has no information.
Lang and Saab come across CJ carrying a downed Yuno. They laugh about the awkward interaction, but Lang leaves to meet the South Dons. Lang and Saab meet Harry and Arush at the old meeting spot behind the Cypress building. Lang details the issues with Larry and Bubbles, recapping the actual incident and why they were blooded out. Arush and Harry understand Lang's perspective, and continue to support the North while they restructure. Harry tells a story about Opal being coming to look for evidence in the water, so they chased her down and tried to kill her. They joke about blooding Opal in because of this interaction. Harry asks if Liya was tested, Lang explains the difficulty with her and if she's still holding resentment towards anybody.
