Island of the Unemployed

THE INTERVIEW

Humankind had seen better days. Days when families lived under one roof. Days when people could hike in the woods if they cared to. Days when people had some semblance of control over their lives, when every word spoken or action taken wasn't monitored. But those days had long since passed.

Cassia couldn't sleep. How could she? With all the noise playing in her head, it was nearly impossible. All the noise. What was that about? Where did it come from? Why the troubled feeling in her gut? She sat up and looked around her small living space. It was barren with the exception of the rollaway cot she slept on, and a reality suit laying on the floor. There was something gnawing at her. Something she needed to do. What could it be? She tried to think. The arena! That's it! I need to go to the arena before all the crowds show up, before all the mania.

It wouldn't be easy. This wasn't the kind of place you could go to unannounced and expect to get in. Not even her. There must be some way! Oh. I know. Mister Blackwell! That's it! Mister Blackwell can get me in. Mister Blackwell was the majority stockholder of the corporation. He could make it happen, and she had an open invitation to call him at any time.

He was a bit of a mystery and a little creepy. Somehow, he knew her real name. It was odd because gladiators, like herself, generally had stage names. Few knew her actual name. Then he made a joke a about her being "not so tough behind that avatar." It made her wonder if he knew what she actually looked like. That would be really creepy.

In any case, Cassia made the request, and Blackwell came through. She would be inside the arena the moment she entered the social network, known as the Grid. He suggested they meet in the flesh after the fight. She had never met anyone in the flesh before. If she survived, she was in for a treat.

She reached for her reality suit. It consisted of a thin stretchy material that covered her naked body from head to toe. It was her portal into the only world she had ever know.

The moment she donned the suit, she found herself strolling about inside the arena. Emotions immediately welled inside her, as she gazed into the empty seats. Memories flowed and swayed like water through a familiar brook. She kicked up dust as she walked past a battered metal gate, one she had walked through so many times, greeted by adoring fans.

She was right to come here. She knew that now. But why? Why did she have to be there so badly on that particular day?

Her fondness for the place was no mystery. It was, after all, where she gained her fame and notoriety. Where she came to be known as the greatest gladiator of her generation. But was there something else besides mere nostalgia? It seemed there was more than just that. What could it be? She looked deep into her own soul. Is it doubt? Is this what doubt feels like? She couldn't be sure because that would be unfamiliar territory.

How many times had she set foot in that arena with complete confidence? How many times did she face foes with no doubt of victory? Why did she not feel that same on this day? The more she allowed herself to search out her true feelings, the more she began to realize, for the first time in her life she was, in fact, experiencing doubt.

Doubt was a problem. Doubt was not her friend, not in this arena. There was no place for uncertainty in this sport. No room for error. No chance to get it right the next time. She had to stop reminiscing and start regrouping. She needed to regain her faith in herself, and she needed to do it fast.

Later that day...

The camera trained on Cassia and a sportscaster, as he adjusted his tie. Cassia looked precisely how a gladiator champion should look: large, muscular, strong jawline, determined eyes. If she was still experiencing a crisis of confidence, she hid it well.