The Government Game

CHAPTER NINE

Their Government-issued watches vibrated at the same time, the LCD display showing the names of what they supposed were the dead contestants. No wonder there were so many gunshots ringing throughout the arena.

'So, people are playing already, huh?' said Peter miserably. 'No hope.'

'Don't say that, Pete. I'm sure we'll find a way out of here. There has to be, right?' replied Harriet hopefully.

'You really think so, Harriet? Do you?'

'There's always a loophole. Trust me.'

'I dunno ... maybe.'

 Peter and Harriet were sitting on the wooden-planked floor: Harriet was sitting cross-legged and Peter was sitting with his legs spread slightly, his knees in the air. He was holding his revolver. He was playing with it, however no rounds remained in the six chambers.

'Maybe we can round up a few people with my tracking device, Pete? What do you think?'

He looked up from his revolver, which was being held limply from the grip with one of his hands, hanging in the air slightly.

'How can we trust anyone?' He sure was being a spoilsport. But I suppose he always was, Harriet thought.

'You've got your gun, I've got my tracker. If we're just a little careful, I'm sure we'll find a regular contestant.'

'But three people have already died! Somebody, if not multiple people, is obviously playing, Harriet!' he snapped viciously.

She was startled by his sudden change in temper. 'Look, I'm sorry. It'll just be us, then. But if we do run into someone, maybe we can convince them to join us? Please?'

'Okay ...'

She grinned at him with hope glistening in her eyes, revealing her oh, so charming smile. After seeing her familiar, charming smile, Peter decided to loosen up a bit.

'Alright. I'll go start a fire on the stove and then boil some water for us. I need a cup of coffee. You in?'

'Of course.'

After Peter boiled some water and made some instant coffee, they sat down out in the backyard on the, what smelt like, freshly-mown grass, with a slight scent of dung still wafting in the morning air.

Man, the Government really can't decide on what to make us smell, huh? Peter thought to himself as he sipped his coffee and puffed on his cigarette.

'Where do we go from here, Harriet?'

'Not sure, Pete. But I know if we don't take action now, we'll be royally fucked.'

Peter raised an eyebrow at her.

'Oh, you're more conservative than I thought you'd be. You don't like me swearing?'

'I'm just not used to women swearing, I guess. I mean, I swear like a sailor back home, so go ahead and swear all you like.'

They drank their coffee in silence, the only sound breaking the silence being the occasional bird call.

Peter smoked a couple more cigarettes then finished his coffee. Harriet was a little slower with her coffee but once she finished up, they packed up and got ready to leave this part of the arena. (After all, a village will only attract players.)

'We'll look for more weapons, if you'd like, for you,' said Peter.

Harriet nodded at that.

So then they put their backpack straps over their shoulders and Peter carried his Smith & Wesson Model 10 in his left hand, fully loaded.

That's when they heard it: gunshots, and much, much closer this time, accompanied by the screaming of a lady.