Ghost Signals, Episode 5: Part 1.1
INT. VR APPROXIMATION OF GRANFIELD- Many Years Ago
We open on a shot of Granfield, the massive Coliseum on Capitol where the Beschuldigig is held. The stands are filled to the brim with people cheering, holding placards of their respective favored candidates; the camera panning to the left to get in the sheer size and scale of it.
ANNOUNCER (from the speakers) Welcome one and all to the latest incarnation of the holy Beschuldigig, the 85th in total. With the opening blessing ceremony completed, let us introduce the combatants vying for the title of Prime Chancellor.
CUT TO:
Ground level on one side of the Granfield as an opening form underneath it. A platform emerges from within, revealing the 7-foot behemoth known as CORTABOT-5. It takes a few moments (particularly at the end of the Announcer's introduction) for the size of the machine.
ANNOUNCER (Cont., V.O.) First, hailing from the non- organic run planet of Falaz. The first non-organic to qualify for the Beschuldigig. Former Advisor to MP ViiBot- Cortabot-5!
A cheer erupts from a good section of the audience behind him, some of which are also robots. There are also some patches of booing from off-screen from those who aren't the biggest fans of robots. Cortabot turns its square head to both sides and silently acknowledges the applause as well as the boos.
CUT TO:
The other side of the arena just across from Cortabot-5, the same process of the ground opening and a platform rising from within begins again. This time, it reveals the other competitor this night- PC DOMIYAN. Compared to the physically imposing robot, the politician hardly looks to be much of a challenge.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.) And in the opposite corner, the reigning Prime Chancellor for the last 20 rohtlas. The Benevolent Bone Breaker, Dayzin'Jah, the pride of Titan- Timesh Diwanian!
The crowd once more erupts in cheers, louder than the ones we heard for Cortabot. It goes on for another three beats as the politico clicks a button underneath a lapel in his coat. Instantly, the suit transforms into a high-tech piece of armor Iron Man style which elicits another rush of applause just as it starts to die down.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.) Whoa! It looks like the PC has whipped out the Moonshine from his third Beschuldigig, which is still available for purchase on the TANet for you collectors out there...
CUT TO:
A wide shot of the two combatants moving to the center of the field in preparation for the battle to come; the crowds of both competitors at a fevered pitch, ready for the bloody spectacle to begin.
ANNOUNCER (Cont., V.O.) Whether he can replicate the efficacy he showed in that legendary duel against the late former PC Jaul-iVian is another story.
ANNOUNCER #2 (V.O.) In my book, it'll be tough to match the magnificent spectacle of that duel. Not to mention the gore count from--OH! What a...
RAIVEN (V.O., to AC Second Class Dez- Lei) You actually got the PBP from the Beschuldigig too?
CUT TO:
Raiven and the AC Second Class sitting next to each other in the middle of the holographic stands, watching it all and listening to the announcer chattering on in the background amidst the whole conversation.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI It was a little treacherous since they keep 'em under lock and key in Broadcast Hub. Luckily, I have a buddo who works there who was able to get that audio for me, splice it with--
RAIVEN (interjecting, suddenly intrigued) The uptight soldier has a skeezy side- fascinating!
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI (defensively) It wasn't "skeezy!" I had filled out a proper, legitimate form to retrieve the footage. My friend only helped...expedite the approval process, that's all.
RAIVEN (slight grin) Whatever helps you rest your eyes at night...
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI Look who's the judgmental one now, Doctor!
RAIVEN Not at all, Mz. de Caar. I know how much of a pain in the arse dealing with a TA agency can be. I can respect any type of upper hand you can muster.
AC SECOND CLASS DEZ-LEI A compliment? Feels...wrong coming from you.
There's a couple beats of silence between the two before the soud of an explosion comes from field level. They glance down and start cheering along with the other holographic people in the audience as the fight continues.
CUT TO:
A brief montage of the fight between Cortabot-5 and PC Divanian. It lasts a little over 30 seconds with each side getting in a series of brutal blows on the other; the applause rising and falling subsequently like a river.