The Game

by Terry Schott

  Chapter 46

  Each employee shall be given a specific number of ‘Game Days’ off from work per year. Since it is not possible to record the Game, we realize that at certain times viewers will feel compelled to watch to avoid missing the story. Each employee will be given an appropriate amount of time, which will increase with years of employment. In the first year of employment an employee will be entitled to no less than one week of Game days, with an increase of one day added per year of employment. Companies that fail to provide at least the minimum amount of Game days will be subject to investigation and charges will be laid.

  Government Employment Guidelines Section 22 a “regarding Game Days”

  “Thank you for joining us on Channel 42 today. I’m Lisa Rohansen.”

  Lisa was certainly enjoying her whirlwind rise in popularity these past few weeks. Since interviewing Brandon Strayne prior to Zack’s final play, she was in high demand. Her charming smile and excellent interviewing skills, combined with her stunning good looks were exactly what fans and networks wanted. Overnight, Lisa had been offered a job on the newly created Zack Channel 42, where she had enjoyed her role as chief reporter for ‘all things Trew.’ Her bosses felt that she could get special access to Brandon, even though she tried to tell them otherwise. They had made it known that success at landing special interviews would help her career immensely. So far she’d been successful, mostly because Brandon wanted as much press and coverage as possible to help boost Zack’s ratings. Lisa had been worried that today would be too busy for Brandon to appear, but she had breathed a sigh of relief when her producers said to expect an appearance from both Brandon and Lilith to celebrate this momentous occasion. The exact time of their visit was not known, but Lisa had plenty of other guests and activities planned to fill the time until they arrived.

  Lisa flashed the camera her best smile. Behind her were monitors that would display live Game footage leading up to the event that everyone was tuning in to see. “I’m pleased to announce that before the end of the program we will be visited by both Brandon and Lilith, dressed in their best finery, to give us lots of new information on the soon-to-be newlyweds. Before that happens, let’s fill you in on where Trew and Danielle are at the moment.”

  Lisa saw the live feed monitor switch from a view of her to a scene with Trew pacing nervously in front of three men in tuxedos. “Trew is at his parents’ house, getting ready with his best man and groomsmen. Fans around the world were touched when Trew asked his father to be his best man, in a very emotional scene that left many fans reaching for the tissue box. Trew’s mother and sister will be watching the ceremony from the first pew in the local church, along with a small group of less than 100 friends and family members.”

  The camera view switched to look in on Danielle at her mother’s house, relaxing with friends and sharing some breakfast. “As we all know,” Lisa said, “Danielle did not know her father, but she has asked her close family friend Raphael to walk her down the aisle. We’re not really sure who Raphael is, even though we’ve seen him throughout Danielle’s life. Many speculated that he was romantically involved with Danielle’s mother, but that turned out to be an incorrect theory. We’ve attempted to find Raphael and subscribe to view him, but searches have been unsuccessful in the database. Whatever the truth is, this handsome and mysterious man is an integral part of the lives of the young couple, and will likely continue to be for many years to come.”

  Again the live feed shifted, this time revealing camera shots of large crowds gathering at different locations. “Fans all over Tygon are coming together to celebrate this historic event,” Lisa said. “Merchandise of all sorts is being sold and collected, one of the most popular pieces being a graphic of Zack and Alexandra together with the comment, ‘We’re married?’ displayed and a picture of their two avatars kissing below the message. It’s always interesting to see a small, quiet affair in the Game being celebrated worldwide on Tygon. At times like these you can truly see how important the Game is to us.”

  “They’re here, Lisa,” a voice in her invisible earpiece announced. Lisa nodded slightly and her smile widened. This was it, her time to shine as millions of viewers tuned in to see the powerful Patrons. If she stayed sharp and got a great interview, perhaps a wealthy husband was in the near future. Lisa knew she had only a couple more years before someone younger and more perky knocked her out of the position she enjoyed. There would never be a better opportunity, all thanks to the Game and Brandon!

  “Exciting news, everyone. As the young couple is getting ready to head to the altar, Brandon and Lilith are entering our studio to speak with us. But first, a word from our sponsors.”

  Lisa held her smile in place until the cameraman announced that they were off the air, then she relaxed slightly and walked towards the set built for Brandon and Lilith. Her makeup girl applied a light coat of powder to her face as she walked briskly to the door. Lisa moved into the room and admired the set. It was a recreation of the grand ballroom in the Capitol’s most expensive hotel. Crystal vases adorned elegant wood tables and the floor appeared to be made from very expensive marble. There was a main table raised slightly where the bridal party would normally sit; today it was where Lisa and the Patrons would sit for their interview. As Lisa moved closer to the centre of the dance floor, the large double doors opposite from her opened and Brandon entered the room, striding in like a majestic tiger, Lilith gliding smoothly beside him, her arm rested gently on his.

  Brandon saw Lisa and flashed his captivating smile, leaning slightly towards Lilith and quietly saying something to her as they approached. Lilith smiled and nodded almost imperceptibly, extending her hand towards Lisa as they came together.

  “Lisa Rohansen, it’s so nice to see you again,” Brandon said, his hand coming to rest gently on Lilith’s back. “It’s my great honour to introduce you to global businesswoman and Alexandra’s Patron, Lilith. Lilith, this is the Lisa that I’ve been telling you about.”

  Lilith shook Lisa’s hand. “Ah, yes, Lisa. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve been after Brandon to introduce us for weeks now. I’m glad we get to meet under such happy circumstances.”

  Lisa observed immediately that Lilith was beautiful, confident, and comfortable with being a powerful businesswoman in the world. She couldn’t help but notice a faint trace of sorrow in Lilith’s eyes. Lisa was curious about what could make Lilith sad on a day like today, but she didn’t presume to ask.

  “The honour is all mine, Lilith.” Lisa said. “I’m looking forward to discussing your player in some detail after the ceremony.”

  “Oh, dear.” Brandon’s face looked pained. “I’m afraid we won’t be able to stay with you for the entire ceremony, Lisa. Today is a very busy day for us and we have dozens of appearances to make.”

  Lisa looked disappointed, even though she’d been told this was the case. “Well, I suppose I will make the best of the time we have together, Brandon.” She smiled seductively at him. It didn’t hurt to let him know she was interested in him romantically, once again.

  Brandon laughed. He admired her determination and made a mental note to have his assistant invite Lisa over for dinner. Perhaps it was time to reward her efforts with some private time. “Well, I hope it makes you feel special that we came to you first. You get the opportunity to ask the best questions before anyone else.” He placed his hand affectionately on her shoulder.

  “I’ll make certain to take advantage of that, Brandon.” Her comment had more than one meaning, and her eyes hinted at something very specific.

  “Well, then, let’s have a seat and get to it, shall we?” Brandon held Lilith’s chair as she sat down.