What Remains of the Old World

Chapter 10: A Special Episode

 Serenity wakes up in a bed. She then sits up. She looks around and sees a dresser beside the bed and another bed with a dresser beside it as well. A television with an old world brand name was mounted on the wall. There was also an open door in the corner that led to a bathroom. She then notices another door, and attempts to open it, but it's locked. She tries to ram through it, but it wouldn't budge. She then notices that PAM is still on her arm. "PAM, do you have any idea where we are?" She asks. "It appears that we are currently in Neopolis, Celestial Heights." PAM says. "What?! That's miles from Mauritania!" Serenity exclaims. "Good to see you're finally awake, Serenity." A voice says. Serenity turns to the television and sees a woman with gold eyes, silver hair, and dark beige skin on the screen. She had the same markings on her neck as Isaiah. "Who are you?" She asks. "Oh, you don't recognize me? Guess you didn't watch many shows, huh? Well, the name's Frieda. Frieda Amabile." The woman says. "Wait... The actor? Why would Abrianna want you as a soldier?" Serenity says. Frieda lets out a chuckle. "I'm not a soldier, Serenity. I simply have ties with Ms. Millicent, and that comes with a few perks." She says. "Is being brainwashed one of those "perks?" Serenity says. Frieda chuckles. "I see you've got some sass. I like that." She says. Serenity sighs. "Just get to the point." She says impatiently, as she folds her arms. "Ah, of course. You see, shows lately have become tiring." She says, as she places her feet on the table in front of her and leans back in her chair. "Sure, there's drama, action, romance... But it's all just automaton doubles and special effects. I want something more... exciting. Something with real danger! And that's where you come in." She says, pointing at her. "I'm not going to be a part of your show, Frieda." Serenity says bluntly. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice in the matter, Serenity. You have to play along if you want any chance of getting out of here." Frieda says. Serenity is silent for a moment. She then grunts in frustration. "Fine. I'll play your game." Serenity says. "Wonderful! Now, as for the genre... I figured... what better than a documentary... about you!" She says gesturing toward her with both hands. Serenity rolls her eyes. "Do you even have a script?" Serenity asks. "Not really. Just a basic outline. But that's the fun part! This can go anywhere!" Frieda says, spinning the chair around. "Drama, romance, bloodshed!" She says, gesturing her hands in no particular direction. "And the latter is all real!" She finishes, with a laugh. "You're insane." Serenity says. "I prefer the term "quirky." Frieda says with a chuckle. "Oh, one more thing. Your co-actors will be automatons. So, no using that fancy oversized wristwatch." She says. "If you didn't want me using it, then why didn't you take it off me?" Serenity asks. "Well, it's an important item in your story! I'd say the real thing's better than a prop, wouldn't you?" Frieda says. "Plus, it really completes your look!" She adds. "Uh, yeah. Sure. Whatever lets me keep PAM." Serenity says. "Right, right! Anyway... with that, let the show begin! Be sure to glance at the teleprompters every now and then." She says with a snap. This causes the screen to shut off. Sirens started blaring outside. "Serenity Clemente, come out with your hands up!" A female voice yells from outside. A screen appears on the wall, with the text: "Look in the drawers." She then looks in the drawers and finds a laser pistol inside one of them, along with some energy cores. She then rushes through the door, jumps off the railing, and does a tuck and roll on the cement before ducking behind a car. She then shoots the automatons from behind the car. The automatons shoot back, and lasers just barely miss her head. Eventually she manages to take them all out. Serenity then sees another screen appear on the hood of a nearby car, telling her to get in it. Serenity then rushes to the car, and notices that a key is in her pocket. She then uses it to unlock the door and starts the car. She quickly drives off. "Hang on! Cut for a second!" Frieda says. The car suddenly stops. Serenity jolts forward a bit with a grunt. Frieda's face appears on the stereo screen. "Don't drive too fast, now, Serenity. There's a bit of a... forcefield dome around the set. Wouldn't want my special guest getting herself hurt for no reason." She says. Serenity groans. "Thanks for the warning." She says in a gruff tone. "Of course, my little star! Boop." She says, tapping the space in front of the screen. "Never call me that again." Serenity says. "No promises. On with the show!" Frieda says, just before the screen shuts off. Serenity then lets out an annoyed sigh before she continues driving. A GPS then appears on the stereo screen, telling her where to go. It leads her to a school that looked like it had been abandoned for years. She then gets out of the car and walks inside. She walks up some stairs and sees an automaton with the appearance of a woman in one of the classrooms. It then looks at her. "Ah, Serenity! You made it back! Did you manage to get the supplies?" It says. Serenity then looks at the teleprompter and reads what it says. "Yeah, they're in the trunk." She says. "Great! That means we're almost ready to infiltrate the capital." It says. "Improvise" then appears on the teleprompter. Serenity groans. "Amazing. So, what's the plan again?" She says. "Really?" It asks. "I thought your memory was better than this." It mutters. "Okay. I'll go over the plan again. We go into the capital, hack a couple of automatons, dispose of a couple hundred people, including the peacekeepers, and boom! Our mission to achieve a new world order will be accomplished!" It says. Serenity clenches her fists. "Thanks for the reminder." She says through gritted teeth. "Is something wrong, Serenity?" It asks. "Yes, but I'd rather not talk about it." Serenity says. "Hm. Okay. I won't pry." It says. "Anyway, we should get started right away!" It says, rushing out of the room. "Follow it." appears on the teleprompter. Serenity groans before following it.