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"On today's episode of Good Morning Holovision we have special guest, Game Master and 100th game coordinator, Kore Mars!" The sound of automated applause filled the air. Kore pulled back her shoulders, standing up a bit straighter. Her signature smile splayed across her lips and she strode forth, into the florescent lights meant to mimic natural sunshine. Perhaps inspired by the earth of old, morning shows like these were popular across the fleet of ships. Unlike the others, Good Morning Holovision had an unusual set up. Rather than tables and chairs on a studio stage, it was in a fake park. There were artificial trees and grass, along with a picnic blanket set neatly on the ground. The decorations were changed seasonally, to give the sip passengers a sense of changing time.
Alongside it were plush pillows and a low table, with mugs full of steaming coffee. They had taken Kore's order before the show, but she had not expected it to be served on air. "Good morning, Kore!" The host, Genie, rose to greet her. They exchanged hugs and kisses on the cheek, neither one's lips touching the other's face for fear of smearing lipstick on their skin. "Good morning Genie, it's so nice to be back!" Kore beamed. Genie took her hand, leading Kore to the picnic blanket. Kore chose a big yellow pillow, sitting down neatly on top of it, her baby blue dress rippling like waves, the silk fabric catching the light at all of the right angles.
"Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come talk to us. We've been loving the 100th Games so far! All of our fans at Good Morning Holovision are eager to know, whose your bias?" Kore's perfectly timed giggle matched a forced demure blush.
She hated mutants.
"Well, if I had to pick one, I think it would be Cayde." Genie laughed, the two huddling closer together as though conspiring in secret. "He's just so mysterious, behind that mask!" Kore smiled shyly and Genie, too, grinned, but there was something sharper in it. "I can't disagree with that," she moved back and cleared her throat, "Do you have a favorite, Genie?" Kore asked, leaning back a bit. Genie's brow twitched in annoyance, which she quickly disguised by swiping her hand to push back an imaginary hair that had fallen out of place. "If anyone, it would have to be Saw."
Kore's mind flipped through the files she had memorized. Saw, unremarkable in appearance, but making her way through just fine with little interaction from the other players. "What would you say is the least expected moment of the first Game, so far?"Genie continued, quickly moving on.
"I would have to say the alliances I've seen form. In past Games, we all know that partnerships can quickly go sour. Instead, we're seeing people from all different regions work together, to make it through. Even the big, brutish ones are showing a surprisingly gentle side when it comes to their injured teammates."
"Can you give us any hints as to what the next round might look like?" Genie asked, grinning again. Kore smiled apologetically and shook her head. "Sorry, no spoilers, but I can say that the first ten mutants to cross the finish line this round will have a huge advantage in the next round." Mutants, not people. Kore did not see those abominations as humans, she saw them as lesser beings.
"Ooh! Any details on that?" Kore shook her head once again, "All I can say is, it will come in handy in a mostly aquatic landscape." Genie squealed and grabbed Kore's hands, the two girls giggling in unison as though they were the best of friends.
"That's a wrap!" Came a voice from behind the camera. Genie dropped Kore's hands and sighed, "You couldn't give me anything more than that?" She snapped, her brow twitching, but unlike before, Genie did not disguise her annoyance. Kore shook her head, rising slowly and brushing imaginary dirt off of her dress. Everything in this room was kept meticulously clean. "If I told you, Genie, I would have to tell everyone after that. The Games have a lot of trade secrets of which I'm not allowed to speak." Kore winked.
Once upon a time, Genie had called her a "Big headed child who was like a speck of dirt clinging to someone's dress, hoping to be noticed."
"I was invited to a party on Mother," Kore let slip casually, wondering who the speck of dirt was now. Genie's eyes widened, she rose quickly, not an easy feet considering the six inch heels she had donned. "On the Mother ship?" Kore nodded, "The Matriarch personally came to congratulate me on a job well done. The rumors are just as they say! Her hair glitters like the moon! She was even more spectacular in person." Genie grabbed one of Kore's hands in both of her own, as though they were suddenly the best of friends.
"Kore, that's incredible! I always knew you would be a star! To think the Matriarch personally came out to see you!" Kore slowly disentangled her hand. "It was amazing," she sighed wistfully and lifted her mug of coffee, but thought better of taking a sip, an underlying, faint floral scent catching her nose.
Kore was quick to move the cup from the vicinity of her face.
Genie had meant to embarrass her on live holovision. "Wait, that's cold by now," Genie snapped her fingers and laughed nervously. "I'll have a fresh cup sent to your office. Thank you again for today, I hope to have you back soon!"
Years ago, Genie had incidentally found out that Kore was deathly allergic to daisies. Had she meant to nearly kill her on live television? Kore was uncertain. She strode off of the studio set, a chill creeping down her spine. Judging by Genie's expression, it was no accident.
Mimi was waiting for her in the corridor outside of the studio. She could sense something was off immediately. "Did something happen?" Mimi looked her up and down, no splashed water, no running mascara, dress perfectly intact.
"Mimi, if Genie or her executives send any gifts to my apartment or office, dispose of them immediately."