Page 32

CHAPTER 6

 M-Verse Arena.

 Lau and Caine sit on opposite sides of the Command Room, watching the assistants help a 49-year old man into a black and gray skin-tight suit of armor. His name is Plumley, and he's not very happy.

PLUMLEY
Great. Another year. You guys better have my pain meds ready.

Lau taps on his wrist mic.

LAU
You’re not in a position to demand anything, Mr. Plumley. Your meds are a courtesy. Besides, why are you complaining? What you’re doing is an honor.
PLUMLEY
An honor? You kiddin' me? "Hey everyone! I gotta quick favor to ask. See this right here? It’s my butt. Would all of you be so kind and kick it for me? Thanks, you’re the tops!" Geez, doc. You’re as bad as the judges. No empathy whatsoever.

LAU
Our collective hearts weep. But this is where you are until you’ve served your sentence. Sure beats the death penalty though, doesn’t it?

Plumley is silenced. Caine hates how hard Lau is on Plumley, given what the Foundation demands from him every year. Before she has a chance to interject, though, the doors of the arena open. Falcon, the eight competitors, and the cameramen enter. 

Some of the competitors are overwhelmed and excited by their surroundings. Slater, Adrien, and Stacy are not impressed.