Papuru Star: Coalition Carnage

Chapter 21: Family Matters

A Yuni fidgeted in his seat before the light of the cam-bot. He looked around the room, his green skin with black undercurrents was freshly polished, reflecting the light more intently then normal.

Interviewer
No need to be nervous, Mr. Skipstone. This is just an interview. Introduce yourself, please.

Juno
J..J..Juno Skipstone. Will this be on the holoview?

Interviewer
Eventually. So, your daughter, Juna, is a much beloved pillar of the people. Her accomplishments must have made you proud.

Juno
I...yes, it did. It does. I am proud of her. It's just...

Interviewer
Just what, Mr. Skipstone?

Juno wrung his hands together, producing a grinding sound.

Juno
I...I was against all of this. I mean, at first.

Interviewer
Could you go into more detail?

Juno
It started with the Coalition Carnage Competition. When Juna first entered, I didn't even know until the opening ceremony. Yon was host planet that year and when the Grand Vizor introduced her as our Superstar, I...I fainted. And I'm not usually faint of heart, mind you. But do you blame me? She could die on the holoview, the whole galaxy cheering all the while. And the so called Superstars of the other planets; nothing but beasts. All of them. Like the time, I believe it was the first, no, second time she entered. She fought this incredible monster...

PAST

Juna stood on a dune of sand, looking out at the similar landscape stretching for miles in all directions. The geodome was located in the center of Dycord's Red Sea; she could see its outline about half a mile from where she stood as winds cast the red grains against it. It didn't take long to locate the Coojur, his tanish, brown fur helped with the burgundy sand. She quickens to a meter from him as he belly crawled across the sand, eyes glazed, tail limp, tongue lolling out between sharp looking fangs.

Okanuso (weakly)
Water...

Juna
Cut it out. We just got here.

Okanuso (weakly)
So thirsty...

Juna
Drop the act already.

Okanuso (weakly)
Please... anything...water...food...

Juna
I don't wear clothes.

Okanuso seemed to sober at the remark, focusing more on her rock body.

Okanuso
You naked?

Juna
Get up before I make you.

Okanuso
Okay, okay. Just don't hit me. Triggers the big guy.

Juna
What are you, exactly?

He stood a little uneasy on the sand hill, brushing loose grains from his faded blue tunic, tail swaying behind.

Okanuso
Just the disappointing son of a demanding father. I'm sure you can relate.

Juna
Actually, my father and I are in a good place right now.

Roxy
Could you two get to it, please?

Juna turn to the hologram.

Juna
What's the big rush? The carnies are sure to get their pound of flesh soon enough. Can I, at least, get to know the person you want me to pummel into submission?

Roxy
That's what the Superstar Ratings Chart is for. Now, fire up so he can get to rampaging.

She disappears in a blink.