Eva and Ezekiel walked through the woods, scanning their surroundings intently.
"How long to we have to keep doing this?" Ezekiel groaned.
"Shut up and keep searching," Eva snapped, "we need to find one of those damn chests if we're going to stay in this game!"
"But why?" Ezekiel asked, "Can't we just-"
"I told you why!" Eva exclaimed, "Do you think they're going to just let us stay in this game without any objections? Alejandro has been working to make himself look useful and trustworthy- do you know what that means?"
"That... we should also try to look useful and trustworthy?" Ezekiel asked.
At this, Eva backhanded Ezekiel.
"WRONG!" she exclaimed, "That means that, next time we have an elimination ceremony, he's less likely to be thrown to the wolves. I have no doubt everyone will EVENTUALLY turn on him- but until then, who do they have to eliminate?"
"...Us?" Ezekiel asked.
"Exactly," Eva nodded, "neither of us have very good track records, do we? It's only a matter of time before we're up for elimination!"
"So what do you propose we do?" Ezekiel asked.
"Simple," Eva smiled, "I've got a risky plan- it's going to take a bit of good judgement. Whenever it looks like our team is going to lose the challenge, we need to sabotage someone on our own side so that they screw up and lose the challenge for us. That way, they'll be blamed for the loss and hopefully voted off. Now, if it look's like we're winning, we won't have to worry nearly as much. But for now, what we really need is one of those chests as a bit of... insurance."
"Insurance for what?" Ezekiel asked.
"Lot's of things," Eva shrugged, "the other team pulling out a surprise victory, one of us getting caught sabotaging someone else- or, we could use it to turn any elimination ceremony into a double elimination, like Chris said. Think of it as a sort of all-purpose tool if we get backed into a corner."
"Alright," Ezekiel agreed, "just as long as wee can still eliminate Duncan."
"This again?" Eva scoffed, "We'll get to that when we get to that, but in the meantime we have bigger fish to fry."
"He needs to pay for-"
"For the last time, Ezekiel!" Eva exclaimed, "He didn't BETRAY you! He just didn't want to work with you again- a decision which I'm beginning to understand."
"Fine," Ezekiel grumbled, "so long as he goes down eventually."
CONFESSIONAL: Eva
Well, I can't say I feel all that secure this season. Once again, I'm forced to pretend I trust Alejandro. I need to make sure he's oblivious to my motives while he's going through his big identity crisis or whatever. He picked a bad time for a change of heart. I mean, either way I probably would have turned on him eventually, but whatever. I'm not too fond of my alliance with Ezekiel either. All he ever rants about is some stupid quest to eliminate Duncan, and to be honest I'm getting pretty sick of it. I do, however, need him on my side. For now.
END CONFESSIONAL
Meanwhile, in the boy's cabin, Lance was frantically searching through his thing.
"Not here," he groaned, "it's not here!"
"What's not here?" Lucky asked, entering the cabin.
"My meds!" Lance snapped, "I left them on my bed, and they're not there anymore!"
"You check UNDER the bed or in your pocket?" Lucky asked, "Hate to sound obvious, but sometimes-"
"YES, I checked under the god damn bed!" Lance shouted, "What, you think I'm STUPID or something?"
"Of course not," Lucky frowned, "I was just-"
"You want to make yourself useful, stop asking stupid questions and help me find my damn-" Lance started.
"You mean these?" Johnny asked.
Lance turned, and saw Johnny standing across the room, holding an orange bottle.
"Found 'em up against the wall over here," Johnny shrugged, tossing them to Lance, "I reckon they fell off your bed and rolled over here."
"Oh. Uh, thanks," Lance said, opening the bottle. Lance shook a pill into his hand, then quickly swallowed it.
"I'm going to go see if I can find us some lunch," Johnny said, "see you guys later."
Once Johnny left, Lance let out a sigh and turned to Lucky.
"Look, I'm sorry man," Lance apologized, "I didn't mean to shout like that. It's just that... without these things, I tend to fly off the handle sometimes."
"Hey, it's cool, baby," Lucky shrugged, "no harm done. I was the same way when I needed pills to sleep, nothing to be ashamed of."
"Thanks," Lance smiled, "for... understanding, at least. Better put these somewhere safe. And... I wanted to talk to you."
"'Bout what?" Lucky asked.
"Quinn," Lance sighed, "you sure we made the right call eliminating David instead of her?"
"For now," Lucky shrugged, "I mean, not the friendliest, sure, but she seems like she could be useful. If she ain't, nothing's stopping us from voting her off later. I'm more worried about Aria."
"Aria?" Lance asked, "The quiet one?"
"Yeah," Lucky nodded, "the closet case. She's starting to creep people out with her... well, with her whatever."
"She's probably just looking for attention," Lance shrugged.
"Probably," Lucky agreed, "but still. We should keep a close eye on her."
"Fair enough," Lance agreed, "well, we might as well go help Johnny get lunch. C'mon, let's see if we can catch up."
~o.0.o~
Gwen was sitting on the beach, drawing in one of her sketchbooks. She was annoyed when someone entered into her light, and was about to turn around and tell them to move when she saw it was Cody.
"Hi Gwen!" he greeted.
"Oh, hey," Gwen smiled, "how's it going, Cody?"
"Fine," he said, sitting down next to her, "just got back from the wilds. Want some berries?"
"Sure, thanks," Gwen smiled, "I haven't had much of a chance to eat lately. myself."
"Yeah, same here," Cody frowned, "finding food is more difficult than I thought it would be."
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it," Gwen assured him.
"You kidding?" Cody frowned, "I'm still having trouble getting into the hang of this SEASON."
"Yeah, it feels weird, doesn't it?" Gwen agreed, "I mean, I know it's only been a couple of years, but so much has changed."
"Mhmm," Cody frowned, "to be honest, I really miss Justin and Trent. I know the first two seasons of this show weren't the best of times, but still. It was nice to know I had someone watching my back."
"Hey, whatever happened to Trent?" Gwen asked, "Did you and Justin become friends with him again, or...?"
"Well, yeah, we were friends again for a while," Cody explained, "then we just sort of... lost touch, I guess. Not sure what happened with that."
"Oh," Gwen said, "well, do you still talk to Justin?"
"Yeah, sometimes," Cody nodded, "not nearly as often as I used to, but still."
"I'm sorry," Gwen sighed, "for what it's worth, we're still friends, right?"
"Yeah," Cody said, smiling slightly, "I guess we are."
~o.0.o~
A few hours later, and Chris had gathered everyone outside of the cabins.
"Okay campers," Chris smiled, "I've got quite the challenge for you today! It's come to my attention that there's a project stored away here that would be perfect to use for a challenge. So, follow me, and I'll explain more as we head towards our destination."
Chris led the campers through the wilds, beginning to explain a bit of what he had in store.
"So," Chris smiled, "back in the day, this place was sort of a... research facility of sorts."
"Research facility?" Miri asked, perking up, "What kind of research did they do here? I was wondering about plant growth and wildlife here- where they studying that, or was that part of an experiment?"
"What?" Chris asked, "I don't know, who cares?"
"I was just curious," Miri shrugged, "I mean, usually any scientist worth his salt will perform initial experiments in a controlled environment. This doesn't look very-"
"Will you shut up?" Chris snapped, "Now, as I was saying, for a while they were researching safer and more efficient ways to test the abilities of soldiers going into combat. This was a while back, mind you. Anyway, they ended up with the idea of a... virtual reality simulation."
"Okay, now that hardly seems realistic," Miri huffed.
"Indeed," Harold agreed, "especially after Nintendo's failed 'Virtual Boy'. The idea of a virtual reality program IS feasible, but not within out current range of-"
"EVERYONE SHUT THE HELL UP FOR A MINUTE!" Chris shouted, "Sheesh! As I was saying, they ended up with the idea of a simulation, which could pit two groups of soldiers against each other for a test of abilities. Supposedly, the machine was to be able to hold up to thirty people at a time. I don't know, I'm not even sure if the thing works."
"So, that's our challenge?" Alejandro asked, "A machine that may not even work?"
"yeah, what happens if we get there and it doesn't even turn on?" Tyler asked.
"Well, then your challenge will be to break it down and haul it out so I can sell it for scrap," Chris sighed, "seriously, you guys, SHUT UP!"
Eventually, the group came to a large metal hatch that was embedded in the ground.
"Okay," Chris said, "someone pry that open for me!"
Alejandro rolled his eyes, and yanked the hatch open. The campers looked down, and saw a metal staircase that descended into darkness.
"That's... creepy," Courtney frowned.
"I know!" Chris smiled, "And therefore, perfect for national television! But just to be safe, you guys go first!"
The cast glared at Chris.
"What?" Chris snapped, "My safety and well-being is far more important than yours!"
"Fine," Alejandro sighed, "I may as well go in first too, hm?"
With that, he made his way down into the bunker.
"Uh, Ricardo is not feeling well," Ricardo gulped, "perhaps he should sit this challenge out-"
"You do, and I'll cut you," Eva threatened.
"Okay, okay," Ricardo gulped, "Ricardo is going down, now."
Ricardo made his way down the stairs, followed by the rest of his team. The Legion hesitantly followed suit, with Chris finally going in after the- only to find they were standing in a completely pitch dark room.
"Somebody find a light switch!" Chris shouted.
There was the sound of movement all around the room, and at last a large overhead light flicked on.
"Got it," Veronica smiled.
The cast looked around the room, and saw that there were two huge panels taking up the entire wall on either side of the room. Each panel was covered in lights, buttons, and a few screens here and there. There were also helmets attached to the panels, with a chair in front of each one. There was also a computer in the center of the room, which Chris walked over to.
"Well, looks like this is the right place!" Chris smiled.
"Hey, Chris?" Courtney asked, "How did you even find out about this?"
"A friend," Chris shrugged.
What Chris meant by 'friend' was that VIA had told him, but that wasn't something he thought the cast needed to know.
"Okay," Chris said, "now, each team needs to get on one side of the room. I'm going to select the proper settings, and when I give the word, each of you needs to put on one of those helmets!"
"Alright," Gwen frowned, "but aren't you going to explain what will happen once we're inside?"
"Nope!" Chris smiled, "Because frankly, I don't know! But I am assured everything will be explained once you're in."
"That's not very reassuring," Gwen said.
"Well, if you feel that way," Chris said, "I can just eliminate you from the game now-"
"That's not necessary!" Gwen exclaimed.
"That's about what I thought," Chris said, "now give me a minute to configure this thing."
The contestants sat and waited, until Chris finally called out, "Done! Put on your helmets!"
The campers did as instructed, and Chris pushed a button.
"Well," Chris smiled, "I'll see you guys later tonight!"
The contestants sat, waiting for something to happen. Then, they heard a high-pitched beeping in their ears that nearly deafened them. Before they could protest or take off their helmets, everything went white.
~o.0.o~
"Hey, up and at 'em!" a voice shouted, "You think I'm going to let my squad just lie around all day? We got tangos to put down, you PANSIES!"
The Ronin groaned, and one by one opened their eyes. They found they were now in the middle of a desert area, and a burly man with an absurd mustache was walking towards them.
"Oh my god," Cody exclaimed, "That is an AWESOME MUSTACHE!"
"What kind of soldier are you?" The man shouted, "You will address me as your superior, cadet!"
"Uh," Cody said quickly, "yes sir! Sorry, sir!"
"What is he talking about?" Ezekiel frowned, "We're not soldiers!"
"Oh really?" Duncan smiled, "Than why are you wearing that uniform?"
Ezekiel looked down, and saw he was indeed dressed in the garb of a soldier- and so was everyone on his team.
"Oh!" Courtney realized, "This must be the simulation!"
"Simulation?" the man scoffed, "This ain't a damn GAME anymore! We're on the front lines- start ACTING like it!"
"Sir, yes sir!" Courtney exclaimed.
"Alright," the man said, "now, our objective is simple. A few weeks back, HQ hired a group of private contractors to get some intel for us. They sent a group of five people in to pose as civilians, and infiltrate a small outpost in China. Unfortunately, they sold us out to the Reds, and relocated themselves here in Dubai. They're hiding out in a building on the outskirts of the city. We need to roll in there and take them out FIRST."
"First?" Cody asked.
"Yeah, HQ thought we could use a little back-up," the man explained, "so they sent another team over in case we mess up. But we're not going to, are we?"
"No sir!" several of the Ronin shouted.
"That's what I like to hear," the man smiled, "now, let me make sure we're set to go."
The man pulled out a radio, and began to speak into it.
"This is Sergeant Overbeck," the man said, "are we clear to go in?"
Overbeck listened for a response, then nodded his head.
"Alright," he said, "we've got gear for you in that chest over there. Take what you need, and then MOVE OUT!"
~o.0.o~
Meanwhile, the Legion had been receiving a similar wake-up call by a man identifying himself as Sergeant Salem. He finished explaining the situation, and ordered the team to pick their gear. The Legion opened up a nearby crate, and started talking among themselves.
"This is so cool!" Veronica squealed, "It's just like some of the games I play back home!"
"I think this is a little more than just a game, sweetie," Sunny said.
"At least it's a simulation," Miri sighed, "at least that way we're not under any real danger."
"I don't know, Chris didn't sound so sure about that," Johnny said.
"True enough," Miri shrugged, "...but still, I would LOVE a chance to study this once we're done today. I don't really get the chance to look at technology like this!"
"Yeah, that's pretty ring-a-ding and all," Lucky frowned, "but does anyone have any idea what we're doing?"
"Oh, don't worry," Veronica smiled, "I've handled this scenario DOZENS of times. Salem said they were hiding out in a building, right? Well, all we have to do is find a vantage point nearby, and position snipers on it. Then, we send in an infantry team to make a lot of noise, and try to get the bad guys near the windows. That way, we have a strike team firing at them from one side, and snipers picking them off from the other!"
Everyone was silent.
"Uh... how did you come up with that plan so easily?" Lance asked.
"Oh," Veronica said, "LOT'S of online gaming during the first-person shooter craze I had a few summers ago. I wasn't all that good at them at first, but by the end of the summer, I was second on the national leaderboards! The only person who could beat me after that was a girl who went by 'E-Scope'. Really good tactician-"
"Okay, as much as I'm sure we all want to hear about this, we need to get going," Lance said.
"Right, sorry," Veronica coughed, "I get carried away sometimes. So, we going with my plan?"
"Honestly?" Lance asked, "Yeah, it's probably the best we got. We have three sniper rifles in the crate here- I guess Veronica, Quinn and Johnny should take those. The rest of us, take whatever you feel comfortable with and make some noise."
"Well hot damn," Salem smiled, suddenly appearing next to Lance, "I listened in there for a bit, and I have to say I'm impressed. We may just make soldiers out of you yet!"
"Thank you, sir!" Lance smiled.
"Well, you've got a plan," Salem said, "get going- make it quick, and you'll all be home in no time."
~o.0.o~
The Ronin made their way through the desert, until they could make out the shapes of buildings in the distance.
"Looks like we're almost there," Duncan said, "we need to come up with a plan- a good one. Especially if we want to keep up our winning streak- so, any suggestions?"
"Ricardo has one," Ricardo offered, "how about Ricardo stays here to guard your flank, and the rest of you go in?"
Eva turned and aimed her gun at Ricardo.
"Okay, point made," Ricardo said hurriedly.
"Well," Harold thought, "if we could go in quietly, that would maximize our chances of being able to set up an ambush. Of course, we'd need their locations first."
"We COULD send in a few people to poke around a bit," DJ suggested, "you know, get in, find out what's what, and then get out."
"Alright," Duncan said, "that sounds like a good plan. We'll send in a team of three people- any volunteers?"
"I'll go," Harold offered, "I AM skilled in the ways of the shadow, as I proved in the last challenge."
"I suppose I'll go," Alejandro shrugged, "might as well tag along to make sure nothing happens to our friend here."
"Count me in," Cody smiled.
"Alright then," Duncan nodded, "you guys get going. We'll set up camp here for now."
"Don't get too comfy," Cody smiled, "I'm sure we'll be back in no time-"
All of a sudden, the sound of a shot was heard, and Cody fell forward.
"CODY?" Gwen shouted, rushing forward. Before she could help Cody, however, his body turned to static, and then disappeared.
"What was-" Gwen started.
"EVERYONE FIND COVER!" Duncan shouted.
Everyone scrambled, quickly finding shelter behind a large hill of sand. A few more shots rang out, but no one was hit.
"what happened to Cody?" Gwen asked.
"I think he lost," Courtney gulped.
"What do you mean, 'lost'?" Gwen asked.
All of a sudden, a voice came over the radios each camper had on their vest.
"Your teammate has been incapacitated, and will rejoin you in the next portion of your assessment. You have been docked points appropriate for his loss."
"See?" Courtney smiled, "Nothing to worry about!... I think."
"Look, the game says he's fine," Eva snapped, "I say we keep going."
"Alright," Duncan nodded, "I agree with Eva- there isn't much we can do about it now, anyway. Just be more careful in the future."
"That's going to be rather difficult, amigo," Alejandro mentioned, "especially since the enemy is now aware of our presence."
"Good point," Duncan nodded, "okay, I suggest a few of us stage an assault right now, out in the open- that way they'll focus fire on a small group of people, while another can sneak around back."
"Good plan," Alejandro agreed, "how about I lead the stealth team, while you stay here with the others?"
"Alright," Duncan sighed, "worth a shot. Alejandro, you take Courtney, Bridgette, Gwen and DJ inside. Everyone else, on me."
"Okay, Alejandro said, beginning to sneak away, "we'll go in as soon as we hear gunfire."
"Right," Duncan nodded, "well, let's-"
"LEEROYYYYYYYY JENKINNNNNNNSSSSSSSSS!" Harold shouted, running forward.
Duncan facepalmed.
"Everyone, MOVE!" Duncan shouted, "Let's get going, people!"
With that, Duncan followed after Harold.
~o.0.o~
"Huh," Johnny remarked, "looks like they're sending a team to sneak around while everyone else draws their fire."
Johnny was watching the Ronin through his rifle's scope.
"Looks like we'll have to hurry," Vevo said, "they'll beat us there otherwise!"
"No, just wait a moment," Johnny said.
"Why?" Vevo demanded, "They're going to-"
All of a sudden, there was a small explosion, and the Legion watched as Gwen and Bridgette both vanished.
"Landmines," Veronica gulped, "must be."
"See?" Johnny said, "We would have blundered into that if we hadn't waited."
"Fine, you made your point," Vevo scoffed.
"You know," Quinn said, "we could probably pick off the stealth team from here-"
"Quinn," Sunny warned, "what did we say about shooting teammates?"
"Those aren't our teammates," Quinn pointed out.
"Look, just aim for the bad guys, okay?" Veronica pleaded.
"Whatever," Quinn shrugged, "be a lot easier to do things my way."
"Speaking of, can you three get a clear shot in at those guys?" Lance asked, "The ones in the building, I mean."
"Yeah, we're good," Johnny said, "we may have to move over a bit, but I can see 'em."
"Okay, you guys know what to do," Lance nodded, "everyone else, let's get goin'."
"Alright, baby!" Lucky smirked, "We are gonna SWING!"
TO BE CONTINUED...