Mr Henderson sat back in his chair and smiled. Things were going well. The school they were in was quite shabby though; a single flicking light bulb and the glow from the computers on the desk before him were all that enabled him and the technical staff to see. Observing the staff before him from his raised area he noticed one person in particular was looking at his computer with a fevered expression. Mr Henderson called him over.
"You, what's your name?"
"Me sir?"
"Yes you, you dolt. Who else would I be talking too? God the people they send to me these days. I thought you were supposed to have brains."
"My IQ is 142…" the technician trailed off meekly. He could see that this was the wrong time to bring up his IQ. "My name is Marco sir, William Marco."
"Can you tell me William Marco why you have such a fevered look in your eyes while monitoring the contestants?"
"Well um…"
"Stop stalling young man. We don't have all day. I have to make another announcement soon. Could it be that a contestant you have placed a bet on is doing well. Do you not know the rule that states no employee of Battle Royal UK is to be allowed to place a bet on the proceedings? The general public aren't even betting on this one."
"Isn't that because they don't know it is happening?"
"Do not interrupt me boy. I do not have time for your excuses. I merely wish to advise you to try and hide your enthusiasm a little better." Mr Henderson leaned forward close enough to whisper in the young mans ear, "I take it that it was Rishi Kohli you placed a bet on. That would explain your enthusiasm seeing as it is he who has recently escaped death at the hands of a more armed contestant."
"Sir, please don't tell anyone. I could lose my job. If that happens I will be killed. You know how they don't allow any loose ends in case someone goes to the press."
"I won't tell a soul. On one condition. You must cut me in on a piece of the winnings if he wins. I hear that his victory is very likely. He seems to have a complete disregard for the lives of his fellow classmates. His first kill was his best friend. Shows how ruthless he is, killing his best friend like that. Run along now." Mr Henderson watched as the young technician hurried back to his desk and smiled.
He turned back to his own desk, primarily the notes on the games progress. It was almost time to make another announcement. How he loved his announcements. They made him feel connected to the children, no participants that is what the controller insisted people call them. Apparently it made them seem less human, which would make everyone involved less guilty. Mr Henderson didn't care how human they were or weren't. He had a job to do and he didn't need some psychology crap telling him how to feel. If he ever met the controller he would stick that bullshit right up his arse. He leaned forward into the microphone in front of him…
"Good evening contestants. I hope you are finding your first night here comfortable. Bare with me while I find the list of the deceased children…"
