Sandman

Posted on Sun Feb 28th, 2021 @ 5:26am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen

Mission: The Jungle
Location: The chute

The wardrobe department was used to rapid changes in the supposed schedule, having to create, alter and make things within ridiculous timelines all for the sake of ratings. They weren't overly concerned when the Game Master marched in, expecting another 'make it happen' request.

Haldeman's eyes swept over the personnel in the wardrobe department. "I'm entering the game." He snapped, "Get me something appropriate to wear." He ordered.

The wardrobe staff paused for a moment. Never before in the history of the game had the master himself entered the game.

"Did you have something in mind?" The wardrobe chief asked, not wanting to get on the wrong side of the game master but needing just a little bit more info. "Sentry, guard, hunter?" She probed.

Haldeman's eyes locked on hers. "Hunter, camo, stealth equipped. Going to raise the ante with our latest group of contestants."

"Why?" The wardrobe chief blurted before she could shut her mouth. Still she rummaged madly through the various items they had fire something suitable. She returned with the standard hunter garb, mottled green with some accents of gold to indicate his status.

He studied her, "Did you say why? Perhaps you would like to come with into the game zone and see why personally." He replied with a deadly cool and even tone. He watched as she scooted off to rummaged for something suitable and came back with a standard hunter's outfit. "Hmm, not bad." He finally said after looking at the outfit for several seconds.

"Just trying to understand so we can make your outfit fitting for purpose. A Game Master has never entered the jungle before, this is a first and your clothing should reflect that." The chief stammered, rumaging around for a helmet and boots that would suit.

"I'm not your typical Game Master." Haldeman replied as he waited for boots and a helmet.

The chief found some suitable boots, once again green with highlights of gold, and a matching helmet, a bright plume of jet black and gold feathers forming an elaborate crest. "Pardon me but this seems almost...personal" the chief said carefully.

"You ask a lot of questions. "Haldeman replied "However I will answer you. It is personal, a matter of honor you might say. To settle a debate as to who is the best."

"Oooohhhhhhh" the chief nodded as she handed over the rest of the items before moving to the armoury section."I saw the broadcast of the first episode, you knew the woman in charge, she challenged you"

"Correction, I know her." Haldeman replied. "She used to be friend." He admitted in a softer tone. His mind drifting back to another time and place where he and Rhen were both captains. Before he forced his mind to the present and looked at the weapons. "What have we got?"

"So if she's a friend, why are you going after her?" The chief knew she was walking on very dangerous ground, but handed over a selection of blades, small energy weapons and tracking devices.

"Do you forget yourself? Would rather have her win?" Haldeman asked as he took the tracker, a long knife and a phaser rifle, with a extra power pack.

"No no absolutely not, I need my job" the chief stammered, front sorry for the 'friend' of the game master. "Is there anything else you require?"

"Is this an upgrade helmet?" Haldeman asked. "I want to do the job quickly and efficiently as possible unless of course you prefer blood and gore."

"That helmet was designed for the chief hunter, however he has not entered the game yet. It has the best of everything you could need" the Chief explained, pointing out the features.

"Correction, the best hunter stands before you. You obviously need a refresher course in the history of the game." He snapped as he took the helmet.

The Chief blushed but said nothing, darting off to get the final item that would stroke the game masters ego. She returned with a dark green cloak in a velvet material, edged with gold and detailed with a myriad of stitching.

"A cloak?" He exclaimed. I'm going into the jungle not a dinner engagement or to a play. However you may adorn me in that when I return victorious."

Slightly deflated the chief removed the cloak and placed it back on the rack. "Of course".

"Do not feel bad. I will wear it when I return." Hadleman repeated.

"You seem very confident of that." The chief muttered before realising she'd actually opened her mouth.

Haldeman spun on her, "What!" He snapped. He pointed a finger at her, "You are coming with me. You will see first hand why I am so confident."

"But I just make clothes!" The chief stammered, recoiling physically until she bumped into something.

Haldeman took a step towards her, "But think of the ratings! A civilian, a wardrobe stylist out in the game. The audience will love your courage" He finished sarcastically.

"As much as they'd love you going after an injured woman who you claim was your friend" the chief retorted, now truely scared for her life.

"Are you that dense or rather stupid that you don't understand the objective or what the outcome of the game is?" He challenged. "Bah! Your useless. You'd just slow me down. Stay here making clothes."

The chief glared at the man this Game Master had become. It had consumed his mind and was on its way to consuming his very soul. She felt a stab of pity for him, and watched as he stalked out of the wardrobe department.

Haldeman strode out of room. His steps ringing with confidence. He would show the Exec and all the doubters. He was the best!

"Co-ordinates Sir?" The assistants asked as Haldeman approached the chute, the final check point before entering the jungle.

"40 kilometers. I don't want them to hear me coming in and get spooked." Haldeman replied, donning his helmet and checking the tracker.

"Yes Sir" the assistant input the appropriate coordinates into the transport system and stood by, waiting for Haldeman to enter.

Haldeman entered the transporter booth, placing the helmet on his head. "Energize." He said his voice muffled by the helmet. An instant later he was gone. A new, deadly player had entered the game as the promos blared his arrival to the viewing public but not to the players already in the game.