imeeji_frontstage | (no subject)

Who: Exael and the Unlucky Contestants
Where: The Game Tower
When: 86, Evening

[ Between one step and the next the walls (or streets, or open air) around you changes. The sight before you is a room inside the game tower, a new pressure at your neck. Reaching up or looking at the people around you reveals it to be a collar, titanium with a small green blinking light set in the center. ]

[ the screen flickers on, on your cellphone. It's a half-second, blink and you miss it— Exael, chewing on a nail, looking uncharacteristically nervous— then the moment's gone and she waves both hands and smiles for the camera. ]

"Ladies, gentlemen, honored guests! Units of all stripes and sizes! I come offering you a game and a few familiar words, rearranged for the occasion!"

Her carnival barker demeanor shifts for a moment as she lowers her head to say: ] "Glory to the highest, and on earth peace—" [ her head snaps up, her pigtails bouncing with it, and she's grinning again, all pomp and energy ] "even if we're not getting much down here! So let's kick up a ruckus, put on a show, and see how much good goodwill alone can manage! If you wish to save your fellows, now is the time speak!"

[ The rules appear on your phones. ]

[ Rules ] [ Rooms ] [ Results ] [ Endgame, Revivals & Winners ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'll check with them.

[ Long pause ]

... I wanted to do something this time. But I know the others were right to choose family. I just wish someone would cut you guys a break once in a while.

It's fine. It was quick, this time.

[The revival was not, but. Let's not mention that part.]

It's not fine!

[ Takes a deep breath to chill again ]

... you know people actually care, right? Despite this bullshit. They do.

I know you do. I know Cobalt does.

Other people do too. And about Sanguine. About Nine.

[Snorts.]

I'll believe it when I see it.

... all right. I guess Cobalt and me is a decent foundation.

I'm going to grab something for sore throats. I can give it to you before you guys get back. I know you like your space at the dorm.