INT. LOU'S TAVERN - BASEMENT - NIGHT

An enormous CROWD of guys, including Jack and Bob, stands around Tyler, who's in the center of the circle.

TYLER: Look around, look around...and I see a lot of new faces.

An enthusiastic RUMBLE from the crowd.

TYLER: Shut up! Which means a lot of you have been breaking the first two rules of fight club.

A glum silence falls. Guys look at each other.

TYLER: Man, I see in fight club the strongest and smartest men who have ever lived. I see all this potential -- God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas and waiting tables; they're slaves with white collars. Advertisements have them chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit they don't need. We are the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no great war, or great depression. Our great war is a spiritual war. Our great depression is our lives. We've all been raised by television to believe that one day we'll all be millionaires and movie gods and rock stars -- but we won't. And we're learning slowly that fact. And we're very, very pissed off.

The crowd erupts into a DEAFENING CHORUS of agreement. Jack looks at blazing excitement in the eyes of the crowd.

TYLER: The first rule of fight club is, you do not about--

A fat, MIDDLE-AGED MAN stomps down the stairs, pushing into the crowd, followed by a TALL, HEFTY THUG, who holds a GUN.

TYLER: Who are you?

FAT MAN (LOU): Who am I?!

TYLER: Yeah.

LOU:There's a sign on the front says "Lou's tavern." I'm fucking Lou. Who the fuck are you?!

TYLER: Tyler Durden.

LOU: Who told you motherfuckers that you could use my place?

TYLER: We have a deal worked out with Irvin.

LOU: Irvin? Irvin's at home with a broken collarbone.

Everyone glances guiltily at each other.

LOU: He don't own this place. I do. How much money's getting for this?

TYLER: There is no money.

LOU: Really?

TYLER: Free to all.

LOU: Ain't that something?

TYLER: It is actually.

LOU: Look, stupid fuck, I want everyone outta here now!

TYLER: Hey. You should join our club.

LOU: Did you hear what I just said?

TYLER:You and your friend.

Lou SLUGS Tyler in the stomach, doubles him over.

LOU: You hear me now?

Tyler gains his breath, determined.

TYLER: No, I didn't quite catch it, Lou..

Lou PUNCHES him again in the face.

TYLER: Oh!! Still not getting it.

Lou PUNCHES him again in the face.

TYLER: Ahh!! Ok, ok, I got, I got it. Shit I lost it.

Lou proceeds to beat the shit out of Tyler, PUNCHING his face, his stomach. Tyler collapses to the floor. Lou starts KICKING his stomach. Tyler bleeds from the mouth and face. Some of the guys move forward, but the Thug points the gun. Tyler waves them off. Tyler starts laughing hysterically.

THUG: Get back, all of you! Everybody back!

TYLER: Ha, ha, ha, ha! Aw, Lou...,come on man, we really like this place.

Lou flushes red with exasperation, KICKS more. Tyler continues laughing hysterically. Lou PUNCHES him repeatedly in the face.

TYLER: That's it, Lou, get it out.

LOU: Shut the fuck up!

TYLER: Oh, yeah! Ha, ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho!

LOU: Do you think this is fucking funny?

Finally sweating, bewildered Lou stops. He looks to the Thug who is just bewildered.

LOU: Fuckin' guys are loony, I'm telling ya. Unbelievable.

Suddenly Tyler SPRINGS UP, grabs onto Lou...Tyler's blood spatters on Lou. Lou tries to shake Tyler off, but he can't. The Thug grabs Tyler and pulls. Tyler spits and shouts through clenched teeth.

TYLER: You don't know we're I've been, Lou!

LOU: Oh, my God!

TYLER: You don't know where I've been! Ha, ha, ha!

Tyler rubs his bloody face into Lou's face. The Thug lifts Tyler. Tyler clings to Lou's necktie, dragging Lou as he is dragged...

TYLER: Please let us keep this place, Lou. Please!

Blood dribbles out of Tyler's mouth, spattering Lou.

LOU: Fucking, use the basement, Christ!

TYLER: I want your word, Lou! I want your word!

LOU: On my mother's honor.

Tyler lets go of Lou's belt. Lou scrambles away. The Thug drops Tyler, trying to keep cleat of the blood. Lou gets to his feet. He and the Thug back away...slamming the door behind.

TYLER: Thanks, Lou.
(to the Thug): You too big guy. See you next week.