SS: I – don't know that I want to talk about this.It feels private.I think everyone knows by now that we were intimate.I'd like to keep the rest of it between me and Araxis.I want to be respectful of his culture and – you know, it's nice for me, too, to have something that feels a bit more private.I'm used to my sex life being a public commodity.I'd like to keep what we shared for just the two of us.
SP: I can understand that you want to respect abayan culture.Of course we're sympathetic to that.Would it help to know that the abayan broadcasters chose to airallof the audio footage?They're not too worried.
SS: Well, that's nice for them, I guess.
SP: What would be nice formeis some usable dialogue.Help me out here, Sashen.
SS: [sighs to indicate weariness or frustration, then smiles] Yeah, alright.How about this… [shakes his head and settles into a serious, soft expression, like putting on a mask]I really like Araxis.I never imagined that when I signed up for the Galactic Tournament of Superiority, I'd end up meeting someone like him and – feeling the way that I feel.He's incredible, and I wish we had a lot more time together.But I'm going to enjoy the time wedohave, and I'm goingto be grateful for every minute between now and when the Tournament begins.There's no universe in which someone like him should even notice someone like me – but I thank the stars every day he did.[pause, expression shifts] How was that?Workable?
SP: I amsopleased that you're going to be yielding on the sands.You should get into media after this – if you're not swept off to Xitera.
SS: We'll have to see if I get an invitation, I guess.But you keep me in mind when you see any job openings.My handler will get you my ping information if you ask nicely,andif youpay her a finder’s fee.
Inclusion #62
Transcript, excerpt of unedited footage of Day 11 interview with Araxis of Creche Thiel
Interviewer, ketaari moniker Sky Pebble
SP: Would you mind speaking a bit more to what comes next for you?
ACT: I do not mind.Once I win the Tournament, I will travel with my creche-mates to Xitera, where our house name will be restored to its rightful place in theHallof Records.I will take my place in the Assembly.[pauses, wry smile] I expect I will have many meetings to attend.There is a great deal of work to be done.
SP: And are you planning on taking anyone with youbesidesyour creche-mates?Inquiring minds want to know.
ACT: I may be planning on having a conversation, yes.
SP: You don't think that's a conversation you should have before you head to the sands?
ACT: No.I will be victorious; I must be.Butif something were to go wrong – Hm.Perhaps you could strike that.
SP: I can do that, but you've got to give me something better to use then.Talk about Sashen explicitly and we can cut that bit.
ACT: [exhales] Yes, very well.Allow me a moment to gather my thoughts.
SP: Take as long as you'd like.
ACT: I told Andiri of Creche Ena that Sashen Solar is a treasure.I was not being hyperbolic.He is remarkable, and he should not be here – though I take great comfort in having him by my side.I will do whatever it takes to see that he comes through the Tournament safely.It is honourable to offer protection to an undeclared virra.But I don't just take this on out of a sense of duty.I hold great affection for him, and it would be impossible for me to see him in harm's wayand to refrain from acting.I look forward to the conversation that I will have with Sashen once I am victorious in the Tournament.He is a bright light in a dark place.
SP: Oh, very nice.Thank you, Araxis.
Chapter 23 –Dead-End
Itried to pretendthat I couldn't see my scheduleon Day Eleven, because if I looked at it, it would become clear that I had barely more than one day left to live in our little village, and then the Tournament would begin.
The village was definitelynotthe ship, which felt like a fever dream when I thought about it too much, like a hallucination I used to torture myself.Even so,the villagewas better that what was going to be waiting for us on the sands.
When I did make myself glance at my schedule after we’d both had our requisite sit-downs with Sky Pebble, it was clear that we at least had some time to ourselves–Training, Silver Sea had helpfully earmarked, with an addendum that read(or rest, or confessions of profound feelings)– and then tomorrow was set to be busy.Final interviews with media, another event with some sponsors, a group session to review expectations, requirements, and regulations, final fittings for our outfits, and something labelled ominously asFinal Draw.
I sat on the floor at the edge of the hot training room, a large cup of juice next to me with beads of condensation dripping from the edge, half-watching Araxis as he moved through his sequences, and then switched into another set I was unfamiliar with given my completely lacklustre training.I tapped out a quick message to Silver Sea.What's 'Final Draw'?I followed that with a squiggled drawing of me, looking confused, and added,You'll note that I am reviewing my schedule!
Her message flashed back almost immediately.Congratulations: you are meeting the base requirements for a competent participant.
I snorted.I'd take competent any day, and admittedly that was probably a stretch.
Another message popped up a moment later.Participant starting locations are determined by lottery this year.This is good for you: inother years, contestants were placed in proximity to each other in a way most likely to create conflict and entertaining viewing.You would not have received an ideal starting point if your aim is survival.
Any chance you can send me a map of the arena?ONLY if it's allowed, I wrote back.I tried to remember what I'd seen from compilation videos.We hadn't spoken much about it with Vivith, except in agreeing that my objective in the arena would be to reach Araxis as quickly as possible.This wouldn't change anything.
