Post by Jet Somers on Sept 8, 2018 13:11:51 GMT -5
August 30th
It was the first time in the 35 year history that Thursday was recognized as an official day at DragonCon, but Jet wasn’t interested in any new panels. Most years, he’d spent this first night of the festivities truly kicking off the party, making an appearance at every dance along with his best friend and favorite dance partner.
Last year had been the first time he’d gone without her, but Killian had taken her place and directed him to a longstanding cigar-and-craft-beer meetup. For a more somber easing into a weekend that guaranteed little sleep and plenty of activity, it had proven an interesting change of pace. This is where Jet found himself the first night.
Sipping a Big Shanty Graham Cracker Stout from the Burnt Hickory Brewery, Jet appreciated that the half dozen single guys and three couples introduced themselves as if he were just another member of the convention, and not an invited guest. This was exactly the sort of low-key exposure he’d hoped for.
Jet had to respect how long the casual gathering went on without anyone bringing up UGWC, even while several of the groups respectfully requested selfies with him. Before the get together ended, though, someone thought to congratulate him on his win at Day of Reckoning.
The ‘thank you,’ Jet gave was both sincere and final. There would be plenty of professional discussion during his panel obligations over the next few days, and he’d even decided to skip the event that Sting and Flair were putting on tonight.
When the party ended, though there was more than enough revelry to last through the night, Jet decided to call it early and get some sleep. On the way up the escalator, the sounds of funk and disco drifted out of the nearest ballroom, and he bobbed his head even as he escaped the festivities.
---------
August 31st
He’d wound up sleeping through the night and most of the morning, not waking until an hour before he was due to sit for a panel, “An Hour with Opie.” He wasn’t particularly looking forward to it; the schedule promised a full hour Q&A with the fans. Then two sessions a couple hours later in the walk of fame. Jet had no reservations about being there for his fans, but with the scrutiny this crowd was capable of, this might as well be a workday.
Jet rushed to the service elevator, jabbing a button for the Marquis level, where his handler was to meet him and lead him to the rear entrance of the Imperial Ballroom. The moderator barely had a chance to announce him before he bounded onto the stage, still keyed up from the flight from his hotel room.
As he took his seat, and the crowd calmed, to dutiful lines began to form in either aisle outside the center rows. Microphones were produced, and the questions began:
Girl in Loki Cosplay: Hi Jet, I just want to say what a huge fan I am of yours, and I’ve followed your career since Thailand...
Jet nodded almost robotically, flashing an obligatory trademark smile. The number of times he’d hear that exact same preamble to a question over the next three days…
Girl in Loki Cosplay: When do you plan to get that legendary fifth World Championship reign?
Jet: Well, I’m focusing on the Cross Hemisphere Championship right now; it’s the only one I’ve only gotten one of, you know? But everyone knows that Outlast is in a few weeks…
A massive cheer went up from the crowd at that plug, and Jet gave a more genuine smile. The team-oriented pay per view was a marquee event every year, and literally everyone who wanted to compete for a shot at the World Championship could… if they were drafted.
Guy dressed as Howard S. Thompson: If you could cosplay as anyone for this weekend, who would it be?
Jet: I will be in cosplay Saturday, actually…
Another cheer, much louder this time.
Jet: I can’t tell you who I’ll be, but look for me in the parade, if you can spot me.
The moderator had to take a moment to calm the crowd as the murmur in the room had risen to a full on chatter of speculation.
Guy wearing a Knee-length Skirt, White Blouse , Calf-high Socks, Mary Janes, and a Bubblegum-pink Wig (anime maybe?): When do we get a Piercing Weapons reunion?
Jet: After Dave Rydell wins Outlast?
The fan seemed disappointed, so Jet continued.
Jet: Trav made it very clear to me and the world that a Cooperative run with me is ancient history. I can’t imagine anything changing his mind, and I honestly don’t see what either of us would gain out of it.
Guy wearing a Knee-length Skirt, White Blouse , Calf-high Socks, Mary Janes, and a Bubblegum-pink Wig (anime maybe?): How about a feud with the #CoolKids?
Jet: That’s a war we’d lose, man. Besides, I have no intention of going to war with any of them again, at least not in the near future.
Overweight Guy in Cargo Shorts and Legend of Zelda T-shirt: Can you get me a date with Eden?
Cries of disapproval, shouts of “NEXT!” were repeated around the ballroom as the fandom rejected the rude question. The moderator waved to the microphone-holder to move along, reminding the room to keep the questions respectable.
Girl in Steampunk Corset Wearing Steam-Engine Wings: The night you return will be the first time you’ve had a real chance to pay back Alan Wallace for what happened to Jez and Killian. How much will that play into your approach in the title match?
Jet took a moment to consider the question.
Jet: That’s a perspective that’s been on a lot of people’s minds over the years, actually. The thought that I owe Wallace more than one career cut short is a popular opinion, but I’ve made it very clear that I know they’re both better off now that they’re away from all this. If anything, Alan helped get them to lives they deserve.
A small contingent of approved applause, broke out, but Jet wasn’t finished answering.
Jet: That being said, I’ve seen how capable Vain is. He’s brutal and dangerous. It’s only by a sudden whim of restraint that he’s stopped himself from drowning or burning other competitors alive. Wallace is perfectly equipped to lay anyone’s career on the slab next to my sister or Killian King, including me. That’s how it’s going to pay into our match, because I’m going in prepared to face that brutality. But not with enraged vengeance. No, I’ll bring all the violence I can muster because I’m intelligent enough to know that’s how you beat Alan Wallace.
----------
September 1st
----------
September 2nd
As he’s closing up his station in the walk of fame, Jet notices a statuesque black woman approaching. She’s dressed in her Tyrell best, proudly striding toward him in character-accurate style, right down to the teasing and knowing smirk. Thinking she’s one last fan come for an autograph, his hand pauses over the glossies he was about to slide into a briefcase.
Aaron-Michael Hall: Hello, how have you been enjoying your weekend?
Jet favors her with a smile.
Jet: I’ve spent most of the weekend relaxing in my room, to be honest.
Aaron-Michael: Nothing wrong with treating it like a vacation. Are you finishing up here?
Jet: You’ll be my last guest, but no rush.
She extends her hand to shake with Jet, but chuckles at his courteousness.
Aaron-Michael: How about a signed photo to Aaron-Michael Hall?
Jet uncaps his sharpie and goes to work on the corner of one of the photos.
Jet: Is that your son?
Aaron-Michael: No, that’s me.
Jet’s face reddens as he looks up at the smiling woman before him.
Aaron-Michael: Don’t be embarrassed, I’m used to the misconception.
Jet: Wait, aren’t you the fantasy author?
She nods, her smile growing even wider as her eyes crinkle with pride.
Aaron-Michael: The very same.
She reaches into her shoulder bag and produces a copy of Kurintor Nyusi.
Aaron-Michael: Would you like a copy of my latest? On the house.
Jet nods vigorously and accepts the autographed novel, trading the signed glossy in return.
Aaron-Michael: I’m also one of the organizers of the new Diversity track here at DragonCon.
Jet: Oh really? Congratulations on getting some official programming this year! It’s good time for a subject that’s long overdue. I heard your Wakanda photo shoot was a success.
Aaron-Michael: I’d be surprised if you didn’t hear the Yimambe chant all the way in here! And we even had a BBQ Becky cosplayer show up… all in good fun, of course.
Jet: Did you guys put on the Wakanda dance party Thursday?
She nods.
Jet: I’m sorry I missed it!
Aaron-Michael: Maybe next year? Anyway, I actually wanted to see about meeting with you to talk about some upcoming events.
Jet: Oh? Well, I’m in no hurry, you’re welcome to have a seat back here.
Aaron-Michael thanks him and comes around the table. As she sits, she launches into her explanation.
Aaron-Michael: So, I’m sure you’ve known that Professional Wrestling has a decent following here at DragonCon. Legends like yourself hold panels, we had the DCW event Thursday night, and wrestlers are popular cosplay choices.
Jet: Oh, definitely. Killian King and I did a panel with Glen Jacobs and Ricky Steamboat last year.
Aaron-Michael: I remember that. Killian kind of took over that panel, didn’t he?
Jet laughs openly.
Jet: Yeah, that’s Killian.
Aaron-Michael: Anyway, professional wrestling doesn’t fit into any particular fandom, so there isn’t a dedicated track that features guests like you. Generally, you are just lumped into the Main Programming schedule with the Parade and things like that.
Jet: That seems like a good thing…
Aaron-Michael: Don’t get me wrong, being a main feature is an honor, but the more dedicated tracks are able to fit in more specialized panels and events, organize specific access for their slated guests, and connect them with one another for better exposure. I appreciate the uniqueness of professionals like you at the event, but I’d like to propose another option.
Jet: Alright, you’ve got me interested.
Aaron-Michael: I think the Diversity track would be a great fit for you. UGWC has one of the most diverse and open rosters in the industry, and I’d love to have more of you featured at future events. If we could show Pat Henry how assorted the representation in your company is…
Jet: We have welcomed a lot of different lifestyles and people of different cultures over the last few years. Who did you have in mind particularly?
Aaron-Michael’s eyes light up.
Aaron-Michael: There have been so many! Holden Orson, eD cAse, Owen Peterson. You have representation of polyamory with Roxy Cotton, intense platonic friendships with Eden Morgan and Gabriel Baal, same-sex relationships with competitors like Mizore Payne and Magdalena Lockheart, and of course, the crown jewel of diversity-oriented guests, Sarah and Kenzi Lacklan-Grey, an interracial female couple. Actually, UGWC is known for its strong and successful female roster, we’d love to get someone like Lucy Wylde or Kem Dynamo to appear. You even make room for the elderly! How old is Necron, anyway?
Jet shrugs, a silly grin dancing across his face.
Aaron-Michael: Success in your company isn’t defined by shape, ethnicity, age, orientation, religion, or gender. That kind of melting-pot business model is exactly what the Diversity track wants to celebrate.
Jet: I could certainly spread the word. I could almost guarantee that most of the roster would appreciate that kind of exposure.
Aaron-Michael: Just… not Alan Wallace, ok?
Jet is taken aback by this statement, and he blinks a couple of times as he closes his mouth. They didn’t want the double champion?
Jet: Alan’s a pretty successful guy, and he’s been in the business for a long time. As much as he prides himself on being a sex symbol for the ladies, he wasn’t even bothered by Graber having a crush on him.
Aaron-Michael’s face changes, growing dark.
Aaron-Michael: No, he treated the whole situation as if he were entitled to Graber’s adoration. Alan Wallace does not represent diversity, he perpetuates an archaic patriarchal fantasy in which women fawn over him and throw themselves worshipfully at his feet.
Jet: Women do fawn over him and throw themselves at his feet.
Aaron-Michael: Because he makes it clear that that’s the kind of behavior worthy of his attention. You know that he’s been interviewing young women for a harem for a couple of years now?
Jet: Well, he often jokes about asking women to join his harem…
Aaron-Michael: And since Celeste Worth, the woman who he not only jilted, but embarrassed at the altar, has come back to heel for him, why does he need dozens of women cloistered at home like a selection of fashionable shirts he can pick and choose from in his closet back home?
Jet: I thought you supported polyamory?
Aaron-Michael: Of course I do, it’s a perfectly valid relationship choice. Captain 80s, Necron, and Vinnie Lane play various roles in Roxy’s attention, but she doesn’t treat the ones she’s not engaged to like members of a cult in a compound that she can use and discard at her whim. She supports them equally, they aren’t numbers meant to swell her own ego.
Jet: Ok, I agree the harem thing is kind of tacky.
Aaron-Michael: It’s misogynistic and disgusting, frankly. A few weeks ago he crushed an underaged girl by first inviting her to join his harem, and then snatching away the invitation because she phrased a question awkwardly.
Jet: What!? Yeah, I missed that. Bad form, Alan.
Aaron-Michael: On top of that, he diminishes the importance of relationships he’s not familiar or comfortable with. Diverse love like Lucy’s and Maggie’s is just as rocky as anyone else’s, but he regularly puts them down as if their relationship is somehow less valid than his and Celeste’s. Do you know how many times he felt compelled to remind everyone that he and Killian hetero friends, as if without that qualifier someone might make the mistake of assuming he was participating in some kind of taboo behavior?
Jet: I guess I always assumed he was just making a joke…
Aaron-Michael: He was, Jet, but it was a joke rooted in ignorance, fear, bigotry, and intolerance. Alan couldn’t abide it if anyone saw him as anything other than some golden god with scantily-clad female worshippers fainting in his presence and begging for sexual favors.
Jet: He didn’t seem to mind when people thought he and Travis Roberts were…
Aaron-Michael: The love triangle with the World Championship? Yeah, I remember that. He appropriated homosexual undertones to help underline how important the Championship was to both of them. It was honestly shameful.
Jet’s mouth quirks to one side. As much as he wants to defend against this anachronistic portrayal of the The Clit Whisperer, even the long list of female-dominating, power nicknames Wallace claimed seemed to confirm the author’s accusations.
Aaron-Michael: Listen, I realize he’s your double champion, and that demands a certain amount of obligatory respect. I’m not sitting here trying to convince you that he doesn’t have the skill to deserve competing for those accolades. All I’m saying is that he’s a terrible and insulting representative of what has become a progressive company built on acceptance. Alan’s a black mark on an otherwise shining example of a modern, forward-thinking company. We don’t want him in the Diversity track, or at DragonCon, and you shouldn’t want him as your champion.
Jet smirks.
Jet: I don’t want him as Champion. That’s why I’m going to take the Cross Hemisphere Championship from him next week, and that’s why I’m going to knock him off his throne at Outlast. I don’t know that I fully agree with your assessment of his character, but I do know that I’m a much better representative for the company. We’ve spent this year supporting World Champions that are fierce in the ring but... troubling… as representatives of UGWC. Our company needs a total package again, someone who can compete with the best, and be a face the company can be proud of having as a spokesperson. That’s Jet Somers. If we’re going to celebrate double- and triple-champions this year, there’s no good reason why my name shouldn’t be included.
Aaron-Michael: I couldn’t agree more. Here’s my card.
She hands him a small, flat back business card with gold lettering.
Aaron-Michael: Drop a few hints for me, see if anyone would be interested in participating as official guests next year?
Jet nods.
Jet: You got it. It’s nice meeting you!
They both stand, and Aaron-Michael reaches out to shake Jet’s hand.
Aaron-Michael: Good luck next week, and good luck at Outlast!
----------
I have no faction, having quite literally stomped out The Court myself.
I’ve walked away from Eden Morgan for good.
I’ve defeated my biggest enemy this year, Gabriel Baal.
Despite what anyone might say about your time with Jessica Mathis, you’ve proven yourself still able to compete and beat the best we have to offer.
We’re both on our way up, Alan. You’ve reached the top, but are you ready to stop here?
UGWC World Champions are made or broken on their ability to compete with Jet Somers, and the Cross Hemisphere Championship embodies a legacy that I personify with or without a strap.
This dream match is a long time coming.
Are you ready to prove your reigns worthy of testing against The Wild Card?
It was the first time in the 35 year history that Thursday was recognized as an official day at DragonCon, but Jet wasn’t interested in any new panels. Most years, he’d spent this first night of the festivities truly kicking off the party, making an appearance at every dance along with his best friend and favorite dance partner.
Last year had been the first time he’d gone without her, but Killian had taken her place and directed him to a longstanding cigar-and-craft-beer meetup. For a more somber easing into a weekend that guaranteed little sleep and plenty of activity, it had proven an interesting change of pace. This is where Jet found himself the first night.
Sipping a Big Shanty Graham Cracker Stout from the Burnt Hickory Brewery, Jet appreciated that the half dozen single guys and three couples introduced themselves as if he were just another member of the convention, and not an invited guest. This was exactly the sort of low-key exposure he’d hoped for.
Jet had to respect how long the casual gathering went on without anyone bringing up UGWC, even while several of the groups respectfully requested selfies with him. Before the get together ended, though, someone thought to congratulate him on his win at Day of Reckoning.
The ‘thank you,’ Jet gave was both sincere and final. There would be plenty of professional discussion during his panel obligations over the next few days, and he’d even decided to skip the event that Sting and Flair were putting on tonight.
When the party ended, though there was more than enough revelry to last through the night, Jet decided to call it early and get some sleep. On the way up the escalator, the sounds of funk and disco drifted out of the nearest ballroom, and he bobbed his head even as he escaped the festivities.
---------
August 31st
He’d wound up sleeping through the night and most of the morning, not waking until an hour before he was due to sit for a panel, “An Hour with Opie.” He wasn’t particularly looking forward to it; the schedule promised a full hour Q&A with the fans. Then two sessions a couple hours later in the walk of fame. Jet had no reservations about being there for his fans, but with the scrutiny this crowd was capable of, this might as well be a workday.
Jet rushed to the service elevator, jabbing a button for the Marquis level, where his handler was to meet him and lead him to the rear entrance of the Imperial Ballroom. The moderator barely had a chance to announce him before he bounded onto the stage, still keyed up from the flight from his hotel room.
As he took his seat, and the crowd calmed, to dutiful lines began to form in either aisle outside the center rows. Microphones were produced, and the questions began:
Girl in Loki Cosplay: Hi Jet, I just want to say what a huge fan I am of yours, and I’ve followed your career since Thailand...
Jet nodded almost robotically, flashing an obligatory trademark smile. The number of times he’d hear that exact same preamble to a question over the next three days…
Girl in Loki Cosplay: When do you plan to get that legendary fifth World Championship reign?
Jet: Well, I’m focusing on the Cross Hemisphere Championship right now; it’s the only one I’ve only gotten one of, you know? But everyone knows that Outlast is in a few weeks…
A massive cheer went up from the crowd at that plug, and Jet gave a more genuine smile. The team-oriented pay per view was a marquee event every year, and literally everyone who wanted to compete for a shot at the World Championship could… if they were drafted.
Guy dressed as Howard S. Thompson: If you could cosplay as anyone for this weekend, who would it be?
Jet: I will be in cosplay Saturday, actually…
Another cheer, much louder this time.
Jet: I can’t tell you who I’ll be, but look for me in the parade, if you can spot me.
The moderator had to take a moment to calm the crowd as the murmur in the room had risen to a full on chatter of speculation.
Guy wearing a Knee-length Skirt, White Blouse , Calf-high Socks, Mary Janes, and a Bubblegum-pink Wig (anime maybe?): When do we get a Piercing Weapons reunion?
Jet: After Dave Rydell wins Outlast?
The fan seemed disappointed, so Jet continued.
Jet: Trav made it very clear to me and the world that a Cooperative run with me is ancient history. I can’t imagine anything changing his mind, and I honestly don’t see what either of us would gain out of it.
Guy wearing a Knee-length Skirt, White Blouse , Calf-high Socks, Mary Janes, and a Bubblegum-pink Wig (anime maybe?): How about a feud with the #CoolKids?
Jet: That’s a war we’d lose, man. Besides, I have no intention of going to war with any of them again, at least not in the near future.
Overweight Guy in Cargo Shorts and Legend of Zelda T-shirt: Can you get me a date with Eden?
Cries of disapproval, shouts of “NEXT!” were repeated around the ballroom as the fandom rejected the rude question. The moderator waved to the microphone-holder to move along, reminding the room to keep the questions respectable.
Girl in Steampunk Corset Wearing Steam-Engine Wings: The night you return will be the first time you’ve had a real chance to pay back Alan Wallace for what happened to Jez and Killian. How much will that play into your approach in the title match?
Jet took a moment to consider the question.
Jet: That’s a perspective that’s been on a lot of people’s minds over the years, actually. The thought that I owe Wallace more than one career cut short is a popular opinion, but I’ve made it very clear that I know they’re both better off now that they’re away from all this. If anything, Alan helped get them to lives they deserve.
A small contingent of approved applause, broke out, but Jet wasn’t finished answering.
Jet: That being said, I’ve seen how capable Vain is. He’s brutal and dangerous. It’s only by a sudden whim of restraint that he’s stopped himself from drowning or burning other competitors alive. Wallace is perfectly equipped to lay anyone’s career on the slab next to my sister or Killian King, including me. That’s how it’s going to pay into our match, because I’m going in prepared to face that brutality. But not with enraged vengeance. No, I’ll bring all the violence I can muster because I’m intelligent enough to know that’s how you beat Alan Wallace.
----------
September 1st
----------
September 2nd
As he’s closing up his station in the walk of fame, Jet notices a statuesque black woman approaching. She’s dressed in her Tyrell best, proudly striding toward him in character-accurate style, right down to the teasing and knowing smirk. Thinking she’s one last fan come for an autograph, his hand pauses over the glossies he was about to slide into a briefcase.
Aaron-Michael Hall: Hello, how have you been enjoying your weekend?
Jet favors her with a smile.
Jet: I’ve spent most of the weekend relaxing in my room, to be honest.
Aaron-Michael: Nothing wrong with treating it like a vacation. Are you finishing up here?
Jet: You’ll be my last guest, but no rush.
She extends her hand to shake with Jet, but chuckles at his courteousness.
Aaron-Michael: How about a signed photo to Aaron-Michael Hall?
Jet uncaps his sharpie and goes to work on the corner of one of the photos.
Jet: Is that your son?
Aaron-Michael: No, that’s me.
Jet’s face reddens as he looks up at the smiling woman before him.
Aaron-Michael: Don’t be embarrassed, I’m used to the misconception.
Jet: Wait, aren’t you the fantasy author?
She nods, her smile growing even wider as her eyes crinkle with pride.
Aaron-Michael: The very same.
She reaches into her shoulder bag and produces a copy of Kurintor Nyusi.
Aaron-Michael: Would you like a copy of my latest? On the house.
Jet nods vigorously and accepts the autographed novel, trading the signed glossy in return.
Aaron-Michael: I’m also one of the organizers of the new Diversity track here at DragonCon.
Jet: Oh really? Congratulations on getting some official programming this year! It’s good time for a subject that’s long overdue. I heard your Wakanda photo shoot was a success.
Aaron-Michael: I’d be surprised if you didn’t hear the Yimambe chant all the way in here! And we even had a BBQ Becky cosplayer show up… all in good fun, of course.
Jet: Did you guys put on the Wakanda dance party Thursday?
She nods.
Jet: I’m sorry I missed it!
Aaron-Michael: Maybe next year? Anyway, I actually wanted to see about meeting with you to talk about some upcoming events.
Jet: Oh? Well, I’m in no hurry, you’re welcome to have a seat back here.
Aaron-Michael thanks him and comes around the table. As she sits, she launches into her explanation.
Aaron-Michael: So, I’m sure you’ve known that Professional Wrestling has a decent following here at DragonCon. Legends like yourself hold panels, we had the DCW event Thursday night, and wrestlers are popular cosplay choices.
Jet: Oh, definitely. Killian King and I did a panel with Glen Jacobs and Ricky Steamboat last year.
Aaron-Michael: I remember that. Killian kind of took over that panel, didn’t he?
Jet laughs openly.
Jet: Yeah, that’s Killian.
Aaron-Michael: Anyway, professional wrestling doesn’t fit into any particular fandom, so there isn’t a dedicated track that features guests like you. Generally, you are just lumped into the Main Programming schedule with the Parade and things like that.
Jet: That seems like a good thing…
Aaron-Michael: Don’t get me wrong, being a main feature is an honor, but the more dedicated tracks are able to fit in more specialized panels and events, organize specific access for their slated guests, and connect them with one another for better exposure. I appreciate the uniqueness of professionals like you at the event, but I’d like to propose another option.
Jet: Alright, you’ve got me interested.
Aaron-Michael: I think the Diversity track would be a great fit for you. UGWC has one of the most diverse and open rosters in the industry, and I’d love to have more of you featured at future events. If we could show Pat Henry how assorted the representation in your company is…
Jet: We have welcomed a lot of different lifestyles and people of different cultures over the last few years. Who did you have in mind particularly?
Aaron-Michael’s eyes light up.
Aaron-Michael: There have been so many! Holden Orson, eD cAse, Owen Peterson. You have representation of polyamory with Roxy Cotton, intense platonic friendships with Eden Morgan and Gabriel Baal, same-sex relationships with competitors like Mizore Payne and Magdalena Lockheart, and of course, the crown jewel of diversity-oriented guests, Sarah and Kenzi Lacklan-Grey, an interracial female couple. Actually, UGWC is known for its strong and successful female roster, we’d love to get someone like Lucy Wylde or Kem Dynamo to appear. You even make room for the elderly! How old is Necron, anyway?
Jet shrugs, a silly grin dancing across his face.
Aaron-Michael: Success in your company isn’t defined by shape, ethnicity, age, orientation, religion, or gender. That kind of melting-pot business model is exactly what the Diversity track wants to celebrate.
Jet: I could certainly spread the word. I could almost guarantee that most of the roster would appreciate that kind of exposure.
Aaron-Michael: Just… not Alan Wallace, ok?
Jet is taken aback by this statement, and he blinks a couple of times as he closes his mouth. They didn’t want the double champion?
Jet: Alan’s a pretty successful guy, and he’s been in the business for a long time. As much as he prides himself on being a sex symbol for the ladies, he wasn’t even bothered by Graber having a crush on him.
Aaron-Michael’s face changes, growing dark.
Aaron-Michael: No, he treated the whole situation as if he were entitled to Graber’s adoration. Alan Wallace does not represent diversity, he perpetuates an archaic patriarchal fantasy in which women fawn over him and throw themselves worshipfully at his feet.
Jet: Women do fawn over him and throw themselves at his feet.
Aaron-Michael: Because he makes it clear that that’s the kind of behavior worthy of his attention. You know that he’s been interviewing young women for a harem for a couple of years now?
Jet: Well, he often jokes about asking women to join his harem…
Aaron-Michael: And since Celeste Worth, the woman who he not only jilted, but embarrassed at the altar, has come back to heel for him, why does he need dozens of women cloistered at home like a selection of fashionable shirts he can pick and choose from in his closet back home?
Jet: I thought you supported polyamory?
Aaron-Michael: Of course I do, it’s a perfectly valid relationship choice. Captain 80s, Necron, and Vinnie Lane play various roles in Roxy’s attention, but she doesn’t treat the ones she’s not engaged to like members of a cult in a compound that she can use and discard at her whim. She supports them equally, they aren’t numbers meant to swell her own ego.
Jet: Ok, I agree the harem thing is kind of tacky.
Aaron-Michael: It’s misogynistic and disgusting, frankly. A few weeks ago he crushed an underaged girl by first inviting her to join his harem, and then snatching away the invitation because she phrased a question awkwardly.
Jet: What!? Yeah, I missed that. Bad form, Alan.
Aaron-Michael: On top of that, he diminishes the importance of relationships he’s not familiar or comfortable with. Diverse love like Lucy’s and Maggie’s is just as rocky as anyone else’s, but he regularly puts them down as if their relationship is somehow less valid than his and Celeste’s. Do you know how many times he felt compelled to remind everyone that he and Killian hetero friends, as if without that qualifier someone might make the mistake of assuming he was participating in some kind of taboo behavior?
Jet: I guess I always assumed he was just making a joke…
Aaron-Michael: He was, Jet, but it was a joke rooted in ignorance, fear, bigotry, and intolerance. Alan couldn’t abide it if anyone saw him as anything other than some golden god with scantily-clad female worshippers fainting in his presence and begging for sexual favors.
Jet: He didn’t seem to mind when people thought he and Travis Roberts were…
Aaron-Michael: The love triangle with the World Championship? Yeah, I remember that. He appropriated homosexual undertones to help underline how important the Championship was to both of them. It was honestly shameful.
Jet’s mouth quirks to one side. As much as he wants to defend against this anachronistic portrayal of the The Clit Whisperer, even the long list of female-dominating, power nicknames Wallace claimed seemed to confirm the author’s accusations.
Aaron-Michael: Listen, I realize he’s your double champion, and that demands a certain amount of obligatory respect. I’m not sitting here trying to convince you that he doesn’t have the skill to deserve competing for those accolades. All I’m saying is that he’s a terrible and insulting representative of what has become a progressive company built on acceptance. Alan’s a black mark on an otherwise shining example of a modern, forward-thinking company. We don’t want him in the Diversity track, or at DragonCon, and you shouldn’t want him as your champion.
Jet smirks.
Jet: I don’t want him as Champion. That’s why I’m going to take the Cross Hemisphere Championship from him next week, and that’s why I’m going to knock him off his throne at Outlast. I don’t know that I fully agree with your assessment of his character, but I do know that I’m a much better representative for the company. We’ve spent this year supporting World Champions that are fierce in the ring but... troubling… as representatives of UGWC. Our company needs a total package again, someone who can compete with the best, and be a face the company can be proud of having as a spokesperson. That’s Jet Somers. If we’re going to celebrate double- and triple-champions this year, there’s no good reason why my name shouldn’t be included.
Aaron-Michael: I couldn’t agree more. Here’s my card.
She hands him a small, flat back business card with gold lettering.
Aaron-Michael: Drop a few hints for me, see if anyone would be interested in participating as official guests next year?
Jet nods.
Jet: You got it. It’s nice meeting you!
They both stand, and Aaron-Michael reaches out to shake Jet’s hand.
Aaron-Michael: Good luck next week, and good luck at Outlast!
----------
I have no faction, having quite literally stomped out The Court myself.
I’ve walked away from Eden Morgan for good.
I’ve defeated my biggest enemy this year, Gabriel Baal.
Despite what anyone might say about your time with Jessica Mathis, you’ve proven yourself still able to compete and beat the best we have to offer.
We’re both on our way up, Alan. You’ve reached the top, but are you ready to stop here?
UGWC World Champions are made or broken on their ability to compete with Jet Somers, and the Cross Hemisphere Championship embodies a legacy that I personify with or without a strap.
This dream match is a long time coming.
Are you ready to prove your reigns worthy of testing against The Wild Card?