August 25, 2012
The four interns ate their lunch and are now looking at applications to select the twenty-two contestants for Carnival Calamity. The box containing the papers is empty since all the applications are on the floor and the brown table. The box containing the audition tapes is open, but no one has taken a tape yet. Noah is sitting at the left end of the log gray couch, barely paying attention to what he is reading. Scarlett is sitting on the other side of the couch, already putting an application into the shredder Duncan grabbed so the four can use it.
Speaking of Duncan, he gets up from a pile of applications that were under him and rubs his head. "Gosh, reading all these applications from sickos and weirdos is sickening."
"I stated we ought to have read the submissions in alphabetical order," Scarlett warned as she puts another application into the shredder.
"Scarlett, I like reading, but I rather just pick randomly instead of having to read in alphabetic order," Noah told the brainiac as he passes her an application to shred.
Scarlett takes the paper the bookworm gave her and puts it in the shredder. "I suppose having to read so many applications could cause a severe headache, which I am not fond of tolerating," Scarlett agreed.
Duncan puts a paper in the shredder.
"Who did you shredded their hopes and dreams this time?" Noah asked the delinquent.
"Another gardener," Duncan said. "I'm surprised we have been reading so many applications and yet we have not found a single clown."
"Figuratively or literally?" Scarlett asked as she reads a paper.
"Literally, you would think a bunch of clown kids would sign up since this season is taking place at a carnival," Duncan said.
"Amusement Park," Scarlett corrected.
"It's the same thing," Duncan said as the brainiac rolls her eyes.
"Lucky you, I found the perfect clown," Lucy called to the delinquent. She is sitting next to the small fridge, having a cup of coffee in her left hand and an application in her right hand. "Jasmine Jay Letrisse, known as J.J. the clown."
Duncan approaches Lucy and takes the application. He does a brief reading then shrugs. "Sure, she can be part of the cast." He gives the piece of paper back to the blonde. "Put it in the keep folder."
Lucy puts down her cup of coffee and grabs the folder from the top of the small fridge. She puts J.J.'s document in the folder then takes a random application on the floor and reads it.
"It still surprises me there still teens out there wanting to be part of this show," Noah said as he holds two applications in his hands. "After the toxic waste, mutants, fart balloons, robots, and two islands that are gone you would think these people would have common sense."
"Ugh, being stuck in that balloon was the worst," Duncan said, remembering the stench inside the balloon. "I'm pretty sure that was the biggest lawsuit this show has ever gotten."
"You are precise Duncan, it did not do much impairment, but the lawsuit did take away the rights of the show possessing the film lot and any probable ideas on any additional world tours," Scarlett concurred.
"Any luck on finding worthy contestants?" Lucy asked her co-workers.
"I found two photographers," Noah said, looking at two papers. "I'm going with Marty Jacobson; he will probably be entertaining. Or not, I don't care."
"What about the other photographer?" Lucy wondered, approaching the bookworm as she holds the keep folder in her right hand.
Noah passes Marty's application to Lucy then shrugs. "Eh, the dude just stands out more."
"Oh yeah, I just hit the jackpot," Duncan exclaimed, looking at two applications he found on the floor. "Discovered two hot cheerleader chicks."
"Reminder that your twenty-one and every contestant coming will be sixteen," Scarlett stated. She adjusts her glasses as she puts a paper in the shredder.
"Hey, I'm not going to flirt or make out with them, just going to check them out from time to time when I'm not busy working," Duncan confessed honestly. "I'm trying to stay out of jail, not return to it." He looks at his male co-worker. "Noah back me up here."
"I have a girlfriend dude," Noah responded.
"And to this day I still don't believe how you were able to snag such a smoking babe," Duncan told.
"And to this day I still don't believe you are still single. Or wait, yes, I do," Noah snarked. "Have you tried stealing Mike's girlfriend yet?"
Duncan glares at the bookworm. "Yeah, well at least…"
"You can only pick one cheerleader," Lucy told Duncan, trying to avoid conflict. "So, choose wisely."
Duncan examines the two applications once more, still trying to decide.
"Weren't Amy and Sammy cheerleaders?" Noah wondered.
"I was on the same team as them and I assure you it is mystifying for me too," Scarlett said, ready to explain herself. "Despite their clothing, neither twin really displayed any athletic capabilities during their stay. I hypothesize that someone transported Amy back to the island. No way she was able to swim all the way back to the island."
"Speaking of twins, I found two," Lucy said, holding to applications in her left hand. "One is probably ditzy as Lindsay and the other one is a geek."
"Reject both, bringing family members on this show has already proven to be bad," Scarlett advised, though she just did not want to deal with family drama if that scenario ever occurs.
"Okay then," Lucy said, putting the two twin applications in the shredder. "You still have not decided on a cheerleader Duncan."
"Nah, I made up my mind," Duncan told the DIT. He looks at the paper in his right hand. "This chick is hotter but is Cody's cousin so…"
He quickly puts the paper in the shredder then laughs.
"I'll take Kylie May Wu instead, not as hot as the other one but is still good," Duncan said. He takes the keep folder from Lucy and puts Kylie's paper in the keep folder.
"Isn't Cody's cousin the one that got Sierra arrested and her blogs removed?" Noah asked.
"Yes, but Sierra's blog was renewed into Kristie's blog, the other superfan," Lucy responded. "That reminds me that several contestants on this show have been arrested."
"Got another good one here," Duncan told Lucy, holding an application. "Maverick Wilde, he can do well on this show." He puts the paper into the keep folder.
"Settle down dude, that is twice in a row and Scarlett has not picked one let," Noah told the delinquent.
"Should Scarlett even be picking contestants given her track record?" Lucy asked the two guys.
"I understand you do not trust me Lucy, but I assure you all that I'm picking eligible contenders for this season," Scarlett guaranteed. "Just recently I shredded a document of a mischievous bookworm. I even decided on my first pick." She passes an application to Duncan. "Sua Choi, or Choi Sua since that is her proper name given that she is from South Korea. She does have a bit of trouble speaking English."
Duncan reads briefly over the application. "She's an idol over there." He rubs his chin a bit. "Well, the show has been going for more international players. Eh, I don't see why not." He puts the application in the keep folder.
"Would it be alright if we bring in a politician?" Noah asked his co-workers.
"I found a secretary that could work well with the politician," Scarlett responded without answering Noah's question. "Or not depending on how the two will function properly." She grabs a paper nearest to her. "Lily Henderson, she has an unorthodox fashion sense, but she can be useful."
"Well let's see how she will get along with Gabriel Peterson," Noah said and the two pass their selected teen to Duncan who puts the papers in the keep folder.
Lucy randomly picks a paper up from the ground and reads it. "Well, this is not exactly the most interesting guy, but I guess he will do. How does Garry Stuart sound?"
Noah and Duncan immediately laugh at the name.
"Just by the name alone makes me want him in the show," Noah admitted. "I bet Chris will really like that guy." He then said sarcastically.
"I found another one that qualifies for the show," Scarlett stated. "Caleb Noughton, quite handsome if I do say so myself. I'm not much of a looker but he definitely has it."
"So, you're basically picking him based on his looks?" Lucy questioned the brainiac.
"Precisely," Scarlett stated.
Lucy narrowed her eyes at her co-worker. As much as she would like more info on the matter, the producers and Chris will still check the applications to see if there are alright. She takes an application from the table. "Very well, I suppose I will select another person. "Meredith White, she studies history and enjoys it."
"Fine by me, we need a few nerds on the show to mess with anyway," Duncan said. He takes the two new confirm applications and puts them in the keep folder.
"Not just nerds, we need fodder too," Noah stated as he is reading an application. "While I do not think he will get too far, Boris Bennington reminds me a bit of me. Except that he is rich and stuck up."
"A rich person with no manners? Never heard that one before," Duncan remarked as he rolls his eyes.
"It would make for good TV though," Scarlett spoke.
"We're down to eleven folks," Lucy said excitedly.
As Duncan puts Boris's application in the keep folder, he notices a picture of a goth girl in an application on the table in front of him. He takes it and examines it. "Lilith Monroe, she's a goth that likes to play the drums."
"Still missing Gwen, I see," Noah told the delinquent. "Or is it, Courtney? I could care less."
"One more remark and I'll start shoving applications in your mouth," Duncan threatened, looking at the bookworm.
"We all know you wouldn't try," Noah stated unfazed.
Duncan grabs a paper and crumbles it into a ball. He walks closer to the bookworm. Scarlett observes with intrigue while Lucy hopes the convict does not do anything hurtful.
Noah starts to feel nervous and takes the closest application next to his left hand and glimpses at it. "Buford Orion Stevens the Third, he likes to keep it real as you do."
Duncan swipes the application away and still stuffs the paper ball into Noah's mouth but only to a certain point where his co-worker cannot choke. He then puts Buford's application in the keep folder without either of the two guys actually examining it.
"Well, I've been reading a lot of applications that have to do with writers, authors, poets," Lucy said, trying to distract the two boys. "I decided to pick Lisa Gan, she may be clingy, but she seems harmless. Plus, she speaks fluent English and Korean, which might help Sua."
Noah spits out the paper ball Duncan put in his mouth. "Pass me a water bottle, Lucy."
Lucy gives Lisa's application to Duncan to put it in the keep folder. As she goes to the small fridge to grab a bottle, Scarlett picks up an application from the floor. "Jett Ozark; has been on the road for years. Is homeless and likes to pickpocket."
"Total Drama always has a thief," Lucy said as takes a water bottle from the small fridge. She tosses the bottle to Noah, who lets it hit his forehead since he cannot catch it. "While I cannot condone theft, this show does a need at least one or two."
Noah opens his water bottle and sips some water. "Hey Duncan, wasn't that the dude that was searching in our trash can a few days ago?"
"You're thinking of a different homeless man dude," Duncan answered as he takes a water bottle from the small fridge. "Besides, we didn't even get the name of the guy."
"I have two applications with the name Melissa on it," Lucy told the three. "One is on a track team while the other one is on a wheelchair."
"Pretty sure the one who does track is the better option," Duncan said.
"I disagree, just because the individual is on a wheelchair does not mean they will be a hinderance to the game," Scarlett countered. "Let's look at her audition…"
Duncan shreds one of the applications with the name Melissa on it, a big smirk on his face. Scarlett's left eye twitches but proceeds to do nothing.
"I guess Melissa Arroyo will be the one playing then," Lucy concluded. She takes the keep folder from Duncan and proceeds to put Melissa's application in it. She then takes Jett's application from Scarlett.
"Ugh, how many are left?" Noah complained.
"Six," Scarlett seethed, still ticked off by Duncan.
"Check this one out, this dude likes to motocross," Duncan said, reading the document. "This dude should totally be on the show."
Scarlett gets up from the sofa and swiftly grabs the document. She then puts it in the shredder immediately.
"I deserve that," Duncan said while shrugging.
"I think a gentleman will be perfect for this season," Lucy declared, holding an application with the keep folder. "Axel Moura, he is a kind fellow, but checking briefly over he does not mind getting his hands dirty."
"That could mean many things, but I'm not going to dig into that," Noah stated. "Put him in to get this over sooner."
Lucy does what he said and puts the application into the keep folder.
"How about this one?" Duncan told his co-workers, looking curiously at an application. "Tamera Sykes, she is one of those people like Knick who only wants to win, but totally different from the dude."
"As long as she is not like my ex she can be in this season," Lucy said.
"You went out with Knick? Since when," Duncan wondered.
"During the two-year cancellation of the show. Once the dude healed up he and Lucy started a relationship. Don't know the details and didn't last long though," Noah stated, getting weird looks from his co-workers. "My girlfriend's sister sometimes talks about Kristie's blog. So much private information there, it's a crime that site has not been taken down again."
"Yeah, we decided to stay as friends," Lucy added and decides to change the subject. "Anyway, only four spots left. One for each to pick."
Scarlett grabs a few applications from the floor and picks the one she enjoys the most. "Hmm, I am only preferring her because she sings opera, and it is my second favorite genre. Hilda Blanchet, welcome to the show."
"I'll pick Edgar Bradamante," Noah said, holding Edgar's application. "Just to be done with the cast."
Duncan looks at some of the applications on the table. "Hmm, this Fenton Burkley dude seems fine, I guess. Might provide funny moments. The name also reminds me of this ghost kid show I used to watch before juvie."
"I was hoping to pick this skateboarder, but I can probably get him a security guard job with Evan," Lucy said, looking a bit disappointed as she puts the application on top of the television screen.
"There were a lot of cool dudes and chicks, they probably will get some recognition in the aftermaths," Duncan said.
"Highly unlikely, but we will not know since we are working here," Scarlett stated then looks at Lucy. "Have you decided on the final female spot?"
"I'm indecisive between two. One is a gamer girl and one of them is trying to help her mom's restaurant," Lucy said.
"Simple, bring the gamer girl. I may have been in prison, but for the time being here I found out that the gaming population has been rising exceptionally." Scarlett stated. "The girl from the restaurant is who?"
"Antoinette Mirasol," Lucy answered.
"Just have their restaurant sponsor the show. I am certain you can convince Kristie to do it. Since she is part of the crew." Scarlett said.
"That's… really nice of you Scarlett," Lucy admitted, a bit shocked. "I guess Elsa Lombardi will be the final contestant." She puts the last four applications into the keep folder. "I'll be taking this folder to the producers right away."
She opens the door from the room and exits out. Scarlett, Duncan, and Noah look at each other.
"Should we go to work on the water pipes?" Scarlett asked the boys.
"Nah, let's just watch episode three of Radiant Redemption," Duncan said.
Noah turns on the TV for them to watch the episode.
As Lucy walks to the entrance of the carnival the winds begin to pick up. She shivers then crosses her arms. "Did not think it would be chilly during this time of the month."
A dark yellow paper flies in front of her and she catches it. She reads what is on the paper.
"One is tough, two or more makes it enough. Want to win my game? Start by turning off the flames," Lucy read the paper out loud. The wind blows from west to east harder causing the dark yellow note to fly off of his hands. She looks around to see if someone is nearby. No one, only herself.
Her facial expression becomes serious as she gazes at the folder holding the applications of each new competitor. "Alright Ringleader, I'll play your game, for now."
Note: After reading exactly seventy applications and taking days to pick the cast, it is finally here. I got a lot of great characters but I was not going to make the cast bigger. As Scarlett and Duncan mentioned, there will be aftermaths in this story unlike in my previous two and the one I am still working on. Some of the rejected characters will be feature as fan videos. Others might make a small cameo or two. Thank you all for submitting a character or more. The first episode of Carnival Calamity will come after Radiant Redemption. I also have a discord group for this story and the Crowstilloverse as a whole. Go to my profile for the invite or simply just contact me by my discord. You are not obligated to join the server but feel free to stop by.
With that out of the way, a recap of who got in.
GIRLS:
J.J. - The Silent Clown - NumberOneKatieFan
Kylie - The Cheerleader - xxPrincxssxx
Sua Choi - The Idol Queen In-Waiting - Minjiuu
Lily - The Secretary - ninjedi
Meredith - The Curious Historian - Obsidian Champion
Lilith - The Gothic Drummer - Aya Williams
Lisa - The Poet - Grape Escape
Melissa - The Athletic Nerd - Thunderstrike16
Tamera - The Vixen In Charge - MorbidGinger
Hilda - The Opera Singer - TheManofVeronn
Elsa - The Gamer Girl - 37KarsOnMars
BOYS:
Marty - The Flirty Photographer - Jessthedork
Maverick - The Alpha Promoter - Epifanio Therion
Gabriel - The Politician - Omakin
Garry - The Most Uninteresting Guy Ever - BadluckAE
Caleb - The Handsome Genius - Spyrorocks389
Boris - The Rich Kid - Alexneushoorn
Buford - The Dude That Keeps It Real -Mr Ruff
Jett - The Runaway - Phoenix Writer GPH
Axel - The Ruthless Gentleman - Nobody245
Edgar - The Emo - lordgemini
Fenton - The Hyper-Competent Sidekick - LittleRedline