Squid Game: A New game 4

************* Hello Mr. Fox ************

It had been a long two weeks but Seong Gi-hun had finally received his "marching orders". The simple explanation of this….He'd been contacted by the "Gamers" saying that it was "time to go". He had gotten instructions by e-mail just as he had before. They had purchased him an airplane ticket and also made him reservations at a top-notch hotel in America.

Now, he was in L.A., California (having landed at LAX this morning). Gi-hun was on the top floor standing outside a luxurious suite at a famous hotel. He paused a moment before entering. He was thinking….

"Was he really going through with this? With each step taken he felt that he was getting drawn deeper and deeper into this madness. He was being immersed into something he did not want to participate in."

Still, he had no other choice. He had to think of his family. What kind of harm would come to them if he refused to go along? These people…. They had ways of forcing people into doing things against their will. He had to think of a way to break free.

However, at this moment he didn't have time to think about it. Maybe a chance to turn things around would come later.

Using his key, Seong unlocked the door and stepped through the entrance. He found that the room was nice, very nice, and it certainly was big enough. Also, it had all of the amenities one would expect from a first-rate hotel. The bathroom even had a hot tub big enough to hold ten people (maybe for relaxing. Although Gi-hun was finding nothing about this relaxing).

Yes he had wanted to come to America, but under different circumstances. He had wanted to come to see his daughter….and surprise her (and his ex-wife). He could just imagine the looks on their faces whenever they became aware of his success. That he had more money than he knew what to do with.

However, that was another story. How would he be able to explain it? What could he tell them that would be believable enough that they would promptly accept his reason for being wealthy? He certainly couldn't tell them the truth, but he totally didn't want to lie to them either.

Anyway, he would think of something later. For now he had to focus on what he felt the "Game" people wanted from him.

After putting his things away Gi-hun found an envelope inside a desk drawer. It was an envelope with his name on it. He opened it and began to read…..

"Hello Mr. Fox….

We are so happy that you've decided to join us for our next rendition of the "Games". We hope that you find your lodging acceptable and comfortable.

Now, for what is next on the agenda. Tonight a new game will begin. It is like "Squid Game" however, in the country it is known by another name. Since you've accepted our invitation you will be privy to the game. However, since you are a new draftee you will not be allowed to be in attendance. Not yet. That will come later. Only older, veteran VIPs are allowed to participate on site at this time. Still, do not fret. The wide screen television in your room has been equipped with a closed-circuit system which will allow you to view the first match-up in its entirety. You will be able to enjoy all of the action in Hi-Definition and will not miss a single detail.

At 8pm local time, turn on your television and place it on channel 456. You will be entertained with the pre-contest activity of your choice and will discover more of what these games are about. After the game begins pay close attention (there will be a secret code revealed).

Anyway, spend the rest of your day enjoying your room or, go out and enjoy the hospitality of the host country.

The room and your stay are compliments of "The Gamers Society". Now, you are advised that the equivalent of five thousand U.S. dollars will be placed in holding from your account. This will be deemed as your initial wager. When the final three rounds of the game are left to complete you may increase your venture and select the contestant of your choice to be the winner. Good luck."

Gi-hun felt his stomach turn. So, it seemed that he had no other choice but be a part of this. At least for now. Still, he could go out and try to get his mind off of things….for a while. Gi left his room looking for some kind of distraction.

*********** Nightmare Revisited ************

7:55 pm….

Gi-hun sat on a couch in his hotel room. The television remote was in his hand. He was waiting to bring the tv to life so that he could be a witness to so much death.

The people involved, the contestants….(well, he thought of them as victims), had no idea what was in store for them. The promise of large sums of money will make people agreeable to almost anything (if you actually hide the real truth to them). Anyway, he knew that tonight would be the last night for many.

He pushed the button to engage the television. The screen lit up. Gi-hun set the channel to the right station. It was right on time. The festivities had already begun. It looked to be some kind of video review of past games. He even noticed small, fleeting moments from the game he'd been involved….over a year ago. Seeing some of those people… and knowing the outcome….brought tears to his eyes.

There was a female commentator narrating the presentation. She spoke of how these games were purposeful. That they had meaning. That they served the "Greater Good". They cleansed the world of those who'd thrown their lives away. Gave those who'd sunken into depravity a chance at something good. Gave them a sense of duty, honor. A chance to sacrifice themselves so that their loved-ones could live on well compensated. She also reiterated that the contestants…."were there on their own recognizance. Their own free-will."

Gi-hun knew that this was true. No person was being forced to join these games. They'd joined because they wanted to. They could see an easy way out maybe. Out of homelessness. Out of debt. The fast-track to riches. However, Gi also knew that it was a trick. A bate & switch as to say. That the games were being used to gratify a sick society of psychotic bastards that had more money than they had humanity.

Anyway, the introduction went on for a while longer and then the screen switched to a different view. It was a view that Seong was very familiar with. People being marched down corridors and hallways like they were being lead to a gallows. For many it would be their last walk. Before long they stood before a big door. The door opened and the group began to exit into a huge area. It was an area that resembled a sporting arena.

It was surrounded by heightened walls and a dirt/sand floor. Also, it had what looked like square metal plates on the ground. Lots of them….like small, individual platforms. Something that a person could stand on. This was "The Coliseum". He knew it.

Looking up, the ceiling was lost in darkness above. However, the arena was filled with light….just as if it were mid-day. The illumination so bright that there were almost no shadows, anywhere. It resembled the first game Gi-hum remembered playing in Korea. Red Light/Green Light.

The contestants were instructed by an auto-generated female voice to proceed inside the open arena and that each person should select an individual square to stand on.

Seong could see the confusion in the contestants. They were muddled about what was coming next. He understood. However, he also could see that all complied with their instructions.

The cold, synthesized voice spoke again.

"THE GAME WILL BEGIN SHORTLY. BUT FIRST, THE CONTEST RULES."

End Part 4