"Jess! Got time for a quick chat?" James asked
"Sure, James, what's up?" Jess asked
"So, tell me, are you into gaming?" James asked
"Are you kidding? I'm a gamer mostly video game and Nintendo." said Jess
"So have you heard of the Ultrathon? It's an elimination gaming tournament held at MPX, the Mega Play Expo. Contestants play console, tabletop, and computer games for a chance to win amazing prizes! If you're a gamer, winning the Ultrathon is even better than breaking 400,000 XBL points!" James explained
"Sounds cool! You're entering the competition, right?" Jess asked
"I really want to, but I can't afford the registration fee. Can you help me raise some money?" James asked
"I'll see what I can do!" said Jess
Jess helps James raise some money having a bake sale
"Score up, Jess! We raised even more money than I was hoping for." said James
"What can I say? I'm a natural grinder." Jess smiled
"Well, now that I can pay the registration fee for the Ultrathon game tournament, it's time to drive to MPX. What do you say, Jess? Up for a road trip? I could really use the company..." said James
"Sure, sounds fun. Just tell me you didn't learn how to drive from GTA..." said Jess
"Ha! Don't be ridiculous... I got it all from Need For Speed! said James
"Wait, what?" Jess asked
"Let's roll! Feel free to bring another friend, too!" said Jess
Jess brings Sierra (cheerleader)
"We finally made it to MPX! And this place is totally amazing! Light-gun shooters! Classic board games! And who knew there were so many different kinds of Pong?" said Jess
"I did, but gaming is kind of my thing." said Sierra
"It looks like the Ultrathon is about to start." said Jess
"Yep! And Round 1 of 3 is Street Tek Fighters! It's going to be a slam dunk, except not literally because that's a sports reference!" said James
"You sound pretty confident..." said Jess
"I should be. I've hitbox-mapped and frame-counted the special moves of every playable character in the entire STF franchise. This match ought to be like boss-battling in Easy Mode..." said James
"You did it! You just won your first match in the Ultrathon tournament! You get to advance to Round 2! I really think you have a chance to win it all!" said Jess
"Thanks, Jess. I'm glad you still think I can win the Ultrathon, because I'm not so sure anymore." said James
"I don't understand, James. You totally crushed Round 1. Why do you look so worried?" Jess asked
"Because that was the game I'm best at! What's going to happen when I play a game I haven't perfected?" James asked
"You're really worried about that?" Sierra asked
"Of course I am! Every single one of my opponents has braved the jungles of Pandaria, driven back demons in Sanctuary, and bred at least two rainbow dragons! I'm just not sure I've got what it takes to elevate my skills to their level..." said James
"Sure, you do! You mastered one game. I can help you master other games, too!" said Jess
"Level up! I just went King of Kong on that old school arcade classic..." said James
"And right before that, you sunk my battleship!" said Jess
"You were right, Jess. My opponents weren't better than me. I just needed to unlock the potential buried inside my Gamer DNA!" said James
"It sounds like you're ready to start Round 2 of the Ultrathon tournament!" said Jess
"I would be, but there's one problem... Round 2 is supposed to be a war strategy game, but the game they chose is barely even a game! You don't even roll dice! All you do is talk and negotiate treaties with the other players..." said James
"You need someone who can help you learn to negotiate?" Jess calls Jessica (student gov) for help
"Hey there, James! I heard you need to learn the art of diplomatic negotiation?" Jessica asked
"Yeah, and I need to learn fast. Round 2 of the Ultrathon is about to start!" James explained
"In that case, just try to remember this: the best negotiators spend more time listening than talking. In fact, you should try to talk as little as possible!" Jessica explained
"So play the quiet game? I can do that!" said James
"Jessica, your negotiating tactics worked perfectly! James has barely said a word to the other players and claimed almost every country on the game board!" said Jess
"Congrats, James! Your made it into the finals of the Ultrathon! Are you ready for the main event?" Jessica asked
"I sure hope so... this last game in a new combat simulation called Starship Damocles, and it's supposed to be almost impossible to beat! From what I've heard, it makes the Kobayashi Maru look like Kumbaya." said James
"That sounds really tough... I think. Do you need any more help?" Jess asked
"I'm the starship Captain, but I'll need a crew to carry out my orders. Can you find some friends to help out?" James asked
Jess gathers Emily (jock) and Greg (prep)
"Helmsman Emily, reporting for duty!" Emily salutes
"Security Officer Greyson, at your service, Captain!" said Greg
"I can't believe it, Jess! You found me a crew to man the consoles of the space combat simulation!" said James
"'Jess'? I believe you meant to say, 'First Officer'." Jess corrected
"Heh... First Officer, is the crew ready to play Starship Damocles?" James asked
"Aye, Captain!" said Jess
"Then set a course for our most dangerous mission yet, the final round of the Ultrathon! Engage!" said James
"Engaging reverse thrusters at 33 percent!" said Emily
"Security Officer Greyson, we need torpedoes back online!" said James
"That's a negative, Captain! We had to vent them out the airlock!" said Emily
"Then we don't have a choice... launch the Doomsday Orbs!"
"Launching!"
"Sensors indicate the rival ship his sustained critical damage and must surrender! We won!" said Jess
"We won? But that means that I just... Control Alt Suh-swwet! I just won the Ultrathon! I'm the ultimate Gamer!" James cheered
"That's so cool! What did you win?" Jess asked
"I get pre-release versions of all the next-gen consoles, AND a lifetime supply of cool ranch chips! Thanks again, Jess! I never would've won without your help." James smiled
"Any time!" Jess smiled