Transcription

[[Trudy, alone in the panel, is aiming a gun. Only half of her face is visible. Tears stream from her eye, her teeth are clenched, and the expression on her face shows strong emotion, perhaps utter desperation.]]

[[The gun is aimed at Nick, a few inches at most from his face.]]
Nick: You do what you feel you have to, Trudy...

[[The Empress becomes visible directly behind Nick, with an evil grin on her face.]]
Empress Trudy: Do it Trudy... and we will become complete...

[[The gun shakes in Trudy's hand. The Empress is suddenly in front of Nick, facing Trudy, and still has an evil grin on her face.]]
Trudy: I-I c-can't...
Empress Trudy: Then kill _me_! I know you've always wanted to!

[[Trudy shoots, but the Empress has vanished. A haze of red is visible at the back of Nick's head, as if the shot hit him instead of the Empress.]]
<<KABLAM>>
Empress Trudy (invisible): HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

[[Trudy awakens in a hotel and sits bolt upright with a look of terror on her face.]]
Trudy: AAAAAAAH