Post by T-Robosaurus Rex on Sept 18, 2009 12:57:06 GMT -5
[The scene opens, and once again we see Travis standing in front of a full length mirror in his locker room. Again he has the Unified Global Championship draped over one shoulder, but unlike last week he seems to be paying closer attention to his appearance, smoothing down his usually unkempt hair, standing side on and checking out his profile and adjusting his leather Jacket to sit more comfortably. Soon a knock comes from his door, and Travis turns his head.]
Travis – ‘Come.’
[The door swings open, and Travis turns fully to look at his visitor, and through the frame of the door appears the GIW Senior Enforcer Old Lady Levene clutching her purse in her hands.]
Travis – ‘ So, you’re back.’
[Old Lady Levene’s thin lips form a subtle smile as she stands before ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’.]
OLL – ‘That I am, Tate has been moved to a private ward here in Los Angeles, so I’m able to resume my duties as normal.’
Travis – ‘You mean you’re ready to stick your nose into ‘The Headliners’ business once more, prepared to resume making a name for yourself on Travis Roberts’ coattails.’
OLL – ‘I’ve never been interested in self promotion, my only goal has been to ensure my grandson has a safe and stable working environment in which he could prosper and grow as a member of society...’
Travis – ‘An admirable goal, how’s that been going for you?’
[Travis raises his eyebrows at the end f the sentence and an ironic smile crosses his face, without saying it ‘The Headliner’ reminds Old Lady Levene of her role in Tate Levene’s current hospitalisation. GIW’s Senior Enforcer placidly looks down at her feet before replying.]
OLL – ‘It’s is true that I may have made some mistakes along the way, that have had less than favourable outcomes, but it has all been done out of the best interests for this company as well as my grandson, but the latest turn of events has even me stunned...’
Travis – ‘Really? What else did you expect prodding and pushing ‘The Blessed One’? Nothing good ever comes from forcing ‘The TWiSTeD High Commander’ into a corner, and Tate’s unfortunate accident is an indicator, albeit a harsh one, of that undeniable truth...’
OLL – ‘You really should be careful what you say when you speak about this, some people could interpret your answers in a manner you do not intend. Although I happen to accept this was a freak accident, and you are not responsible for it...’
Travis – ‘Well, no more than you are anyway...’
OLL – ‘Indeed, but really you should watch what you say, and who you say it to.’
Travis – ‘Hold on just a minute. Just weeks ago you were imploring ‘The Blessed One’ to make more public appearances, get out and answer as many inane questions from moronic journalists with no appreciation of our business as possible, and now, now you’re advising ‘The Headliner’ to hold his tongue...’
[Old Lady Levene rummages in her purse as she replies.]
OLL – ‘Recent events mean you’re going to be in the spotlight more than ever, and in the best interests of Global Impact Wrestling I’m advising you to be wary of what kind of impression you give the outside world in regards to your attitude to Tate’s shooting...’
Travis – ‘It was clearly an accident, anyone can see that. What is the problem? If Travis Roberts had been standing upright, and not falling, gracefully, from a horse, none of this would have happened. It would be impossible to premeditate such a scenario...’
OLL – ‘Well initially I did...’
Travis – ‘But you’re a Levene, you cannot help your families genetic imperative towards lazy thinking, and people make exceptions for that, and tend not to take any of your seriously...’
[Old Lady Levene finally finds what she was looking for in her purse]
OLL – ‘Well that’s kind of the thing...’
[GIW’s Senior Enforcer pulls a brown envelope from her purse and passes it to ‘The headliner’ who looks down at it initially with some puzzlement, before tearing it open]
OLL – ‘You need to know though, before you read it, that I did try and talk him out of it, but he just won’t listen...’
Travis – ‘’Notice of Legal Proceedings...’’
[Travis reads those first four words aloud before falling silent and scanning down the rest of the page]
OLL – ‘I don’t know what’s got into him, I’ve tried to talk him down, explain how it was a horrific accident, even told him I’m as much, if not more to blame...but he keeps just saying ‘I remember’...’
[Travis remains silent and keeps reading the letter, as Old Lady Levene continues to try and fill the uncomfortable silence.]
OLL – ‘Maybe if you visited him? I mean he’s in LA now, maybe he’s just feeling underappreciated by you? And you have to admit you haven’t visited him yet, and that could seem quite cold.’
[Travis finishes reading the letter, carefully folds it back up, puts it back in the envelope, and places it in his back pocket, before turning slowly back to the mirror, and smoothing his hair down once more...]
OLL – ‘Travis?’
Travis – ‘Hmm?’
[Travis turns back to face Old Lady Levene and looks at her as if surprised to see the GIW Enforcer in his locker room, despite having had a conversation with her for the past ten minutes.]
Travis – ‘Look, ‘The Headliner’ doesn’t have time to sit around talking, he’s heard the Press Room has finally been refurbished, now seems like the perfect time for ‘The Blessed Ones’ triumphant return to public consumption...’
[Old Lady Levene looks shocked at Travis’ behaviour]
OLL – ‘Shouldn’t you get a lawyer first, before speaking to dozens of journalis...’
[Old Lady Levene’s protests come too late, as Travis chooses not to listen and strides out of his locker room on his way to the GIW Press room]
[The scene reopens in the press room itself. A podium with the GIW Logo fixed to the front of it stands in front of 5 rows of six seats, all filled with journalists. Behind the podium fixed to the wall is a larger, more detailed version of the mythic GIW Logo. The journalists chat between themselves as the stage stands empty, but moments after we join them , a door to the left of the stage opens and out walks the GIW Unified Global Champion, Travis Roberts. As he stands behind the podium every journalists hand jolts into the air. ‘The Blessed One’ responds to this with a self-satisfied grin and he just nods his head for a few moments, a largely self-congratulatory gesture. Before pointing into the crowd.]
Travis – ‘Ah Sandy, you’re looking good, ‘The Blessed One’ will bestow upon you the honour of the first question.’
Sandy – ‘Travis, you stand in front of us for the first time in many months, is this gesture of willingness to communicate with the press something we can expect more of in the future?’
Travis – ‘Well, if you keep wasting ‘The Blessed Ones’ time with such pointless questions you shouldn’t expect this to continue longer than the next five minutes. Why don’t you try again?’
Sandy – ‘OK, is this sudden change in attitude a reaction to the part you played in your agent, Tate Levene’s recent hospitalisation? Are you feeling guilty Travis?’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is disappointed in you Sandy, you get the acclaim of being called upon for the first question, and despite wasting that, ‘The Headliner’ is humble enough to give you yet another chance, you yet again disgrace the entire journalistic profession with such a moronic question. What does ‘The Headliner’ need to feel guilty about, nothing that transpired upon that day was ‘The Blessed Ones’ idea, he was just dragged, reluctantly, along for the ride...
If you really want a connection between the day Tate Levene was accidently shot, and this historic occasion, as ever ‘The Headliner’ will be happy to give you all what you need. The sequence of ineptitude that led to an inch of lead being lodged inside Travis Roberts’ agent made it clear the only person capable of handling ‘The Headliners’ affairs is ‘The Blessed One’ himself.’
[Another reporter quickly fires a question at Travis]
Unnamed Reporter – ‘Are the rumours true, is Tate taking legal action against you?’
[Travis looks down at the podium and lets out a chuckle whilst shaking his head and looking back and responding.]
Travis – ‘‘The Headliner’ wasn’t aware legal action could be taken against someone who was, quite frankly, an unfortunate bystander in a series of miscalculations by the plaintiff, but then again he never knew an entire Chocolate Cake could fit in one youngsters mouth, but Tate proved Travis wrong on that occasion, so ‘The Blessed One’ supposes anything is possible.
’The Blessed One’ really cannot comment on what Tate Levene’s actions will be. Travis Roberts can tell you however, that none of you knew the name Tate Levene until ‘The Blessed One’ focused his considerable skills upon transforming the epitome of a nobody, into somebody national newspapers ask questions about during The Unified Global Champions first press conference in many, many months.
Now Markus, do you have a question.’
Markus – ‘In an attempt to bring this conference onto an actual wrestling topic, what are your thoughts on Donovan Hastings, the winner of Battleground challenging you, and only you, to a Last Man Standing Match at Horizons this year?’
Travis – ‘Well, ‘The Headliner’ admire Hastings’ fortitude, after being humiliated in Mexico you’d have thought he’d take note of Randy Boolzian’s PPV record against ‘The Blessed One’ and chosen anything but more humiliation at the hands of ‘The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia’. But Hastings’ is not as deluded as he seems, he craves immortality, and with Randy Boolzian out of the picture for the foreseeable future an opening has come up as the thorn in the side of Travis Roberts.’
Markus – ‘But doesn’t his challenge mean you cannot defend your title until the match at Horizons, isn’t that unfair on the others that arguably deserve a shot.’
Travis – ‘There is no pleasing some is there? Last year everyone was begrudging Alex Kiseragi and Brandon Brown a shot at the title before the Battleground winner, Randy Boolzian. Now your suggesting someone else should get a shot before Donovan? Time to show a little consistency don’t you think.
Either way though, whether ‘The Headliner’ had to defend at Distant Whispers or not, the day after ‘The Blessed One’ would remain you’re Unified Global Champion, just as he will the day after Horizons.’
Markus – ‘But are you confident Hastings will make it as far as Horizons, he seems to have fallen into The Covenants radar, and that has been known to lead to disappearances, amongst other things...’
Travis – ‘Donovan has come under the scrutiny of Raenius, and to ‘The Headliners’ knowledge it is Mickey Dragon that has the fetish for torture and kidnap, so ‘The Blessed One’ fully expects Donovan to be around for Horizons, whether he has full use of his motor functions is another question...’
Markus – ‘Bearing that in mind, are you at all worried for your safety in your own match with Raenius in just a few days time?’
Travis – ‘The masked freak doesn’t have a problem with ‘The Headliner’ as far as Travis Roberts is aware, apart from the possibility that he resents the fact ‘The Blessed One’ can show his face in public. In all honesty ‘The TWiSTeD High Commander’ would be shocked if The Resident Evil even knew Travis Roberts existed, not only is ‘The Headliner’ not an enemy or a member of The Covenant or Sleaze and Brutality, but he’s also the Unified Global Champion, which places him way outside the Devils Advocate’s considerations.’
Markus – ‘Aren’t you worried that such comments will lead to you also becoming targeted by Raenius and his allies?’
Travis – ‘Why would ‘The Headliner’ be worried, what have they ever really achieved apart from beating Hiroshima, and lets be fair even you could probably pull off that feat. Raenius can target ‘The Blessed One’ all he wants, but Travis Roberts will never be his sole focus, and without paying 100% attention to ‘The Headliner’ he doesn’t stand a chance, just ask Moss Edwards...’
Markus – ‘Don’t you think underestimating any member of The Covenant is a dangerous thing for you to do?’
Travis – ‘What about underestimating ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’? Can you remember a time that worked out well for anybody? Travis Roberts’ sources tell him that the only person with even an inkling of how truly blessed ‘The Headliner’ is that Syn, and she’s hardly the most listened to voice in that group is she?
‘The Blessed One’ thought he was the one who was meant to be rusty at this kind of thing, not the journalists that attend events like this every day. Whilst Travis Roberts appreciates you have not come into contact with brilliance such as his very often, if ever, in recent months, but would expect some more insightful questioning, rather than a selection of questions submitted by a mentally handicapped fan club.
You’re all lucky that Travis Roberts is a patient man, as your ineptitudes will not affect future press conferences, but next time one is held, just try and remember who you will be questioning, this after all could be your one and only chance of winning that Pulitzer...’
[And that signals the end of Travis’ triumphant return to the media spotlight, he turns and exits from the door he comes from, ignoring the hushed remarks such as ‘Arrogant Cock’ and ‘Self-Involved Prima Donna’, leaving the journalists to collect his thoughts into their articles.]
[The scene opens during this weeks edition of Sentinel, and in the foreground Donovan Hastings stands looking puzzled and perplexed in front of a Vending Machine, in the distance we can see the Unified Global Champion Travis Roberts walking in his direction]
Hastings – ‘Hmm…how do the little people make these contraptions work, anyway?’
[As The Headliner walks by, Donovan turns to him]
Hastings - ‘’Blessed One’, firstly I apologise for sullying your journey...but I need you, I’ll do anything for the help of a virtual demi-god such as yourself...’
Travis - ’Surely the vending machine isn’t that complicated, even for you Donny? Looking at Komosube he figured it out. Either way, why would ‘The Headliner’ want to help you; his opponent at Horizons?’
Hastings - ’Oh please, look Horizons is set to be the biggest event of my entire life, nothing will ever top being beaten by ‘The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia’, it would just be spiteful if you were to let our mutual problem derail my one chance at glory.’
Travis - ’Mutual problem?’The Blessed One’ has no idea what you are talking about. Look Donny, ‘The Headliner’ is pleased you managed to gain a lucky victory at Battleground, but let’s not pretend you and I share the same reality, let alone problems. And don’t worry about your condition at Horizon’s, the story will be the same regardless, Travis Roberts second successive victory at the biggest show of them all.’
Hastings - ’Of course you’re right, and when you’re right, you’re right, and you, you’re always right. So tonight you’ll be defeating Raenius, the old bag has got Burke doing the refereeing, which is not a problem, Owen looks nicer in stripes though, they are quite slimming on him. But if you need me, I will gladly sacrifice myself in the name of ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’.
Travis – ’That’s a very generous offer Don, but it’s unlikely Travis will need such assistance tonight. Although, despite their ability to throw one hell of a party and look kinda clueless, those Covenant guys can be quite psychotic, so Travis Roberts may one day take you up on your proposal and throw you unto the lions.’
Hastings – ‘Don’t worry, I’ll do anything to keep you safe.’
[Donovan slaps ‘The Headliner’ on the arm, at the same time kicking the vending machine, prompting his soda to fall out.]
Hastings – ‘Hey, look at that.’
[Donovan picks up the beverage before turning to Travis as he walks off]
Hastings – ‘Hope to see you soon.’
[Travis just stands rooted to the spot and watches as Hastings walks off into the distance, he inserts a coin into the slot and presses for a soda, as he waits he removes the letter from Tate, which uis still in his back pocket from a few days earlier, looks at it. His focus is then drawn back to the vending machine as it makes several clunking and whirring noises before dispensing absolutely nothing and falling silent.]
Travis – ‘Figures.’
Travis – ‘Come.’
[The door swings open, and Travis turns fully to look at his visitor, and through the frame of the door appears the GIW Senior Enforcer Old Lady Levene clutching her purse in her hands.]
Travis – ‘ So, you’re back.’
[Old Lady Levene’s thin lips form a subtle smile as she stands before ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’.]
OLL – ‘That I am, Tate has been moved to a private ward here in Los Angeles, so I’m able to resume my duties as normal.’
Travis – ‘You mean you’re ready to stick your nose into ‘The Headliners’ business once more, prepared to resume making a name for yourself on Travis Roberts’ coattails.’
OLL – ‘I’ve never been interested in self promotion, my only goal has been to ensure my grandson has a safe and stable working environment in which he could prosper and grow as a member of society...’
Travis – ‘An admirable goal, how’s that been going for you?’
[Travis raises his eyebrows at the end f the sentence and an ironic smile crosses his face, without saying it ‘The Headliner’ reminds Old Lady Levene of her role in Tate Levene’s current hospitalisation. GIW’s Senior Enforcer placidly looks down at her feet before replying.]
OLL – ‘It’s is true that I may have made some mistakes along the way, that have had less than favourable outcomes, but it has all been done out of the best interests for this company as well as my grandson, but the latest turn of events has even me stunned...’
Travis – ‘Really? What else did you expect prodding and pushing ‘The Blessed One’? Nothing good ever comes from forcing ‘The TWiSTeD High Commander’ into a corner, and Tate’s unfortunate accident is an indicator, albeit a harsh one, of that undeniable truth...’
OLL – ‘You really should be careful what you say when you speak about this, some people could interpret your answers in a manner you do not intend. Although I happen to accept this was a freak accident, and you are not responsible for it...’
Travis – ‘Well, no more than you are anyway...’
OLL – ‘Indeed, but really you should watch what you say, and who you say it to.’
Travis – ‘Hold on just a minute. Just weeks ago you were imploring ‘The Blessed One’ to make more public appearances, get out and answer as many inane questions from moronic journalists with no appreciation of our business as possible, and now, now you’re advising ‘The Headliner’ to hold his tongue...’
[Old Lady Levene rummages in her purse as she replies.]
OLL – ‘Recent events mean you’re going to be in the spotlight more than ever, and in the best interests of Global Impact Wrestling I’m advising you to be wary of what kind of impression you give the outside world in regards to your attitude to Tate’s shooting...’
Travis – ‘It was clearly an accident, anyone can see that. What is the problem? If Travis Roberts had been standing upright, and not falling, gracefully, from a horse, none of this would have happened. It would be impossible to premeditate such a scenario...’
OLL – ‘Well initially I did...’
Travis – ‘But you’re a Levene, you cannot help your families genetic imperative towards lazy thinking, and people make exceptions for that, and tend not to take any of your seriously...’
[Old Lady Levene finally finds what she was looking for in her purse]
OLL – ‘Well that’s kind of the thing...’
[GIW’s Senior Enforcer pulls a brown envelope from her purse and passes it to ‘The headliner’ who looks down at it initially with some puzzlement, before tearing it open]
OLL – ‘You need to know though, before you read it, that I did try and talk him out of it, but he just won’t listen...’
Travis – ‘’Notice of Legal Proceedings...’’
[Travis reads those first four words aloud before falling silent and scanning down the rest of the page]
OLL – ‘I don’t know what’s got into him, I’ve tried to talk him down, explain how it was a horrific accident, even told him I’m as much, if not more to blame...but he keeps just saying ‘I remember’...’
[Travis remains silent and keeps reading the letter, as Old Lady Levene continues to try and fill the uncomfortable silence.]
OLL – ‘Maybe if you visited him? I mean he’s in LA now, maybe he’s just feeling underappreciated by you? And you have to admit you haven’t visited him yet, and that could seem quite cold.’
[Travis finishes reading the letter, carefully folds it back up, puts it back in the envelope, and places it in his back pocket, before turning slowly back to the mirror, and smoothing his hair down once more...]
OLL – ‘Travis?’
Travis – ‘Hmm?’
[Travis turns back to face Old Lady Levene and looks at her as if surprised to see the GIW Enforcer in his locker room, despite having had a conversation with her for the past ten minutes.]
Travis – ‘Look, ‘The Headliner’ doesn’t have time to sit around talking, he’s heard the Press Room has finally been refurbished, now seems like the perfect time for ‘The Blessed Ones’ triumphant return to public consumption...’
[Old Lady Levene looks shocked at Travis’ behaviour]
OLL – ‘Shouldn’t you get a lawyer first, before speaking to dozens of journalis...’
[Old Lady Levene’s protests come too late, as Travis chooses not to listen and strides out of his locker room on his way to the GIW Press room]
[The scene reopens in the press room itself. A podium with the GIW Logo fixed to the front of it stands in front of 5 rows of six seats, all filled with journalists. Behind the podium fixed to the wall is a larger, more detailed version of the mythic GIW Logo. The journalists chat between themselves as the stage stands empty, but moments after we join them , a door to the left of the stage opens and out walks the GIW Unified Global Champion, Travis Roberts. As he stands behind the podium every journalists hand jolts into the air. ‘The Blessed One’ responds to this with a self-satisfied grin and he just nods his head for a few moments, a largely self-congratulatory gesture. Before pointing into the crowd.]
Travis – ‘Ah Sandy, you’re looking good, ‘The Blessed One’ will bestow upon you the honour of the first question.’
Sandy – ‘Travis, you stand in front of us for the first time in many months, is this gesture of willingness to communicate with the press something we can expect more of in the future?’
Travis – ‘Well, if you keep wasting ‘The Blessed Ones’ time with such pointless questions you shouldn’t expect this to continue longer than the next five minutes. Why don’t you try again?’
Sandy – ‘OK, is this sudden change in attitude a reaction to the part you played in your agent, Tate Levene’s recent hospitalisation? Are you feeling guilty Travis?’
Travis – ‘Travis Roberts is disappointed in you Sandy, you get the acclaim of being called upon for the first question, and despite wasting that, ‘The Headliner’ is humble enough to give you yet another chance, you yet again disgrace the entire journalistic profession with such a moronic question. What does ‘The Headliner’ need to feel guilty about, nothing that transpired upon that day was ‘The Blessed Ones’ idea, he was just dragged, reluctantly, along for the ride...
If you really want a connection between the day Tate Levene was accidently shot, and this historic occasion, as ever ‘The Headliner’ will be happy to give you all what you need. The sequence of ineptitude that led to an inch of lead being lodged inside Travis Roberts’ agent made it clear the only person capable of handling ‘The Headliners’ affairs is ‘The Blessed One’ himself.’
[Another reporter quickly fires a question at Travis]
Unnamed Reporter – ‘Are the rumours true, is Tate taking legal action against you?’
[Travis looks down at the podium and lets out a chuckle whilst shaking his head and looking back and responding.]
Travis – ‘‘The Headliner’ wasn’t aware legal action could be taken against someone who was, quite frankly, an unfortunate bystander in a series of miscalculations by the plaintiff, but then again he never knew an entire Chocolate Cake could fit in one youngsters mouth, but Tate proved Travis wrong on that occasion, so ‘The Blessed One’ supposes anything is possible.
’The Blessed One’ really cannot comment on what Tate Levene’s actions will be. Travis Roberts can tell you however, that none of you knew the name Tate Levene until ‘The Blessed One’ focused his considerable skills upon transforming the epitome of a nobody, into somebody national newspapers ask questions about during The Unified Global Champions first press conference in many, many months.
Now Markus, do you have a question.’
Markus – ‘In an attempt to bring this conference onto an actual wrestling topic, what are your thoughts on Donovan Hastings, the winner of Battleground challenging you, and only you, to a Last Man Standing Match at Horizons this year?’
Travis – ‘Well, ‘The Headliner’ admire Hastings’ fortitude, after being humiliated in Mexico you’d have thought he’d take note of Randy Boolzian’s PPV record against ‘The Blessed One’ and chosen anything but more humiliation at the hands of ‘The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia’. But Hastings’ is not as deluded as he seems, he craves immortality, and with Randy Boolzian out of the picture for the foreseeable future an opening has come up as the thorn in the side of Travis Roberts.’
Markus – ‘But doesn’t his challenge mean you cannot defend your title until the match at Horizons, isn’t that unfair on the others that arguably deserve a shot.’
Travis – ‘There is no pleasing some is there? Last year everyone was begrudging Alex Kiseragi and Brandon Brown a shot at the title before the Battleground winner, Randy Boolzian. Now your suggesting someone else should get a shot before Donovan? Time to show a little consistency don’t you think.
Either way though, whether ‘The Headliner’ had to defend at Distant Whispers or not, the day after ‘The Blessed One’ would remain you’re Unified Global Champion, just as he will the day after Horizons.’
Markus – ‘But are you confident Hastings will make it as far as Horizons, he seems to have fallen into The Covenants radar, and that has been known to lead to disappearances, amongst other things...’
Travis – ‘Donovan has come under the scrutiny of Raenius, and to ‘The Headliners’ knowledge it is Mickey Dragon that has the fetish for torture and kidnap, so ‘The Blessed One’ fully expects Donovan to be around for Horizons, whether he has full use of his motor functions is another question...’
Markus – ‘Bearing that in mind, are you at all worried for your safety in your own match with Raenius in just a few days time?’
Travis – ‘The masked freak doesn’t have a problem with ‘The Headliner’ as far as Travis Roberts is aware, apart from the possibility that he resents the fact ‘The Blessed One’ can show his face in public. In all honesty ‘The TWiSTeD High Commander’ would be shocked if The Resident Evil even knew Travis Roberts existed, not only is ‘The Headliner’ not an enemy or a member of The Covenant or Sleaze and Brutality, but he’s also the Unified Global Champion, which places him way outside the Devils Advocate’s considerations.’
Markus – ‘Aren’t you worried that such comments will lead to you also becoming targeted by Raenius and his allies?’
Travis – ‘Why would ‘The Headliner’ be worried, what have they ever really achieved apart from beating Hiroshima, and lets be fair even you could probably pull off that feat. Raenius can target ‘The Blessed One’ all he wants, but Travis Roberts will never be his sole focus, and without paying 100% attention to ‘The Headliner’ he doesn’t stand a chance, just ask Moss Edwards...’
Markus – ‘Don’t you think underestimating any member of The Covenant is a dangerous thing for you to do?’
Travis – ‘What about underestimating ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’? Can you remember a time that worked out well for anybody? Travis Roberts’ sources tell him that the only person with even an inkling of how truly blessed ‘The Headliner’ is that Syn, and she’s hardly the most listened to voice in that group is she?
‘The Blessed One’ thought he was the one who was meant to be rusty at this kind of thing, not the journalists that attend events like this every day. Whilst Travis Roberts appreciates you have not come into contact with brilliance such as his very often, if ever, in recent months, but would expect some more insightful questioning, rather than a selection of questions submitted by a mentally handicapped fan club.
You’re all lucky that Travis Roberts is a patient man, as your ineptitudes will not affect future press conferences, but next time one is held, just try and remember who you will be questioning, this after all could be your one and only chance of winning that Pulitzer...’
[And that signals the end of Travis’ triumphant return to the media spotlight, he turns and exits from the door he comes from, ignoring the hushed remarks such as ‘Arrogant Cock’ and ‘Self-Involved Prima Donna’, leaving the journalists to collect his thoughts into their articles.]
* * * * *
[The scene opens during this weeks edition of Sentinel, and in the foreground Donovan Hastings stands looking puzzled and perplexed in front of a Vending Machine, in the distance we can see the Unified Global Champion Travis Roberts walking in his direction]
Hastings – ‘Hmm…how do the little people make these contraptions work, anyway?’
[As The Headliner walks by, Donovan turns to him]
Hastings - ‘’Blessed One’, firstly I apologise for sullying your journey...but I need you, I’ll do anything for the help of a virtual demi-god such as yourself...’
Travis - ’Surely the vending machine isn’t that complicated, even for you Donny? Looking at Komosube he figured it out. Either way, why would ‘The Headliner’ want to help you; his opponent at Horizons?’
Hastings - ’Oh please, look Horizons is set to be the biggest event of my entire life, nothing will ever top being beaten by ‘The Most Influential Icon in Sports Entertainment this Millennia’, it would just be spiteful if you were to let our mutual problem derail my one chance at glory.’
Travis - ’Mutual problem?’The Blessed One’ has no idea what you are talking about. Look Donny, ‘The Headliner’ is pleased you managed to gain a lucky victory at Battleground, but let’s not pretend you and I share the same reality, let alone problems. And don’t worry about your condition at Horizon’s, the story will be the same regardless, Travis Roberts second successive victory at the biggest show of them all.’
Hastings - ’Of course you’re right, and when you’re right, you’re right, and you, you’re always right. So tonight you’ll be defeating Raenius, the old bag has got Burke doing the refereeing, which is not a problem, Owen looks nicer in stripes though, they are quite slimming on him. But if you need me, I will gladly sacrifice myself in the name of ‘The TWiSTeD Icon’.
Travis – ’That’s a very generous offer Don, but it’s unlikely Travis will need such assistance tonight. Although, despite their ability to throw one hell of a party and look kinda clueless, those Covenant guys can be quite psychotic, so Travis Roberts may one day take you up on your proposal and throw you unto the lions.’
Hastings – ‘Don’t worry, I’ll do anything to keep you safe.’
[Donovan slaps ‘The Headliner’ on the arm, at the same time kicking the vending machine, prompting his soda to fall out.]
Hastings – ‘Hey, look at that.’
[Donovan picks up the beverage before turning to Travis as he walks off]
Hastings – ‘Hope to see you soon.’
[Travis just stands rooted to the spot and watches as Hastings walks off into the distance, he inserts a coin into the slot and presses for a soda, as he waits he removes the letter from Tate, which uis still in his back pocket from a few days earlier, looks at it. His focus is then drawn back to the vending machine as it makes several clunking and whirring noises before dispensing absolutely nothing and falling silent.]
Travis – ‘Figures.’
x2