PERC Presents: Tell Me a Story! -Victory-

[u]Just Another Night on the Job[u]

*BUZZ*

It’s another beautiful day in paradise.

It always is. It’s never rained here, never snowed; closest we ever got to weather was four years ago when the lake froze over. Folks complain all the time, “Why won’t it rain?” Sure, sometimes it’s explained away; “Oh, Nem’s probably screwing with his weather control again”. But none of that matters now. The only thing that matters is getting to work and getting folks set up.

I wonder where we’ll work tonight. I could stand another night at the bar; everybody seems to have a bit more fun there.

Every night, work is always somewhere else. We never know why, they just assign us to a different spot. One night, we could be working in an office building; the next, the largest cave you could imagine, right alongside the dinosaur bones. We’ve probably worked a dozen, maybe fifteen spots in the past four months. “Anywhere and everywhere”, that’s been our motto at times. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of telling Ms. Liberty to take a break; of telling Positron to go get a donut; even telling Coyote to “just get some sleep”.

Let’s see… over/under on workers tonight, maybe ten, twelve? It is a work night, but not a Thursday night, that ought to go in our favor.

It’s always a different amount of folks that come to work. Either they’re too busy, or they’re caught up in something, or they’re just not around. Heaven forbid some television special is on when the job calls: “You coming tonight?” “Nah, Battlestar’s on”. It is, however, their loss; they miss out on the work, they miss out on the reward, such that it is.

We never get paid enough for this job.

Sure, we have our own little group of regulars: the young and the old…er; the divorced and the married; the sportsmen and the nerds. And for the most part, every night we’re all here, ready to pull the long hours for the reward, however pathetic it is. Over time, we’ve bonded, I think. Seeing each other every night, there has to be some form of camaraderie formed. The usual questions are asked, “How are you doing”, “what’s the word”, or “do anything interesting today (apart from the usual heroics, of course)”. There’s always the funny story or tale, something I think we all appreciate to break up the monotony of it all, yet we never say so.

Oh good, first to set up the gear.

When the company first started up, I was just a rookie, as were we all to this type of work. Over time, we all got better at it; faster, more efficient. We became more motivated as time went on; sure, we had our ups and downs, our high points and low points, but the job was always there. About six months after we started, our initial lead retired; she said she had reached the goal she was shooting for. When she left, she gave two of us, one other and me, a list: it was simply a list of names and numbers. “These are the folks that have ever worked here. Give them a shout; see if they feel like doing a little work each night”. The list has grown and evolved over time, yet the core has always been the same.

Well, here goes nothing.

“Come on folks, you know what time it is. Transports are prepped and ready to leave, just head down to a pick-up station to join in on the wor..uh, fun.”

There are those that can’t believe it’s that time already, those that always struggle to make it on time, and those who make it early, then stand there quietly and stoically like Hamlet’s father’s ghost, waiting for another shift. Everyone who trickles in gets a “hey”, “hi hi”, or “evening”, as if we were a group of folks, just hanging out in a bar.

“Decent crowd tonight?”

“Not sure, really. We’ll see. Doubt we’ll need the third transport though. Blasted Rikti are delaying folks again. One would think they’d stop trying to build that portal sooner or later.”

It probably took us eight months before we realized we could manage more than two transports a night; I must have had “stupid” written on my forehead that day. I can remember when one of the workers, someone who had a lot of contacts in our transport company, simply said, “Why don’t we set up a third transport?” The resulting blank, stupid looks back probably made him think he just said something in a foreign language.

“All right, folks. We ready to ship out? Be sure to fasten your seatbelts and leave your trays in an upright and locked position for the duration.”

And the monkey flips the switch.

“WAIT!!!!”

“We forget someone? Everybody still here?”

“Just kidding. ”

“…”

I’m going to kick his rear from here to Faathim next time he does that.

Transportation’s always been a tricky thing; you never know if someone’s going to get stalled somewhere, or re-routed accidently. For a while we were having a devil of a time just getting everyone to the job site in one piece. The main problem was that, since we didn’t know where we were going each night (only the transport drivers knew that, for some odd reason), we all had to stick together. If somebody was left behind, we all had to go back for him. An annoyance, to be sure, but it built some more camaraderie between us; we were willing to go back, pick up someone, and all work together.

And the winner is…

“Oh, goodie; more road work in Skyway. Alright, folks; sooner we set this equipment in place, sooner we can get to work.”

Setting up the equipment is not so much science and technology as it is almost an art form. Sure, simply push this stuff here, that stuff there, flip the switch, and you’re good to go, but yet; getting your equipment exactly where you want it to be on the first try, it’s… it takes awhile to master fully. Having open space above you, like tonight, immensely helps; getting the tools into position in the bar, the caves, or the office is just a headache at times.

“Looks good, looks stable. Next bet for the night: who’s going to vanish first?”

The company who originally sold us the equipment had failed to mention that, for some odd reason, it would mysteriously stop within the first ten minutes of use. If this happened, either that person would be done for the night, or it would require a full recalibration on the part of everyone. After some time, the company came out with a software patch to prevent that little defect from occurring. It had become engrained, however, in our minds to always be watchful in the first ten minutes of the night, making sure that everyone was okay.

After those ten minutes, the equipment became self-sufficient, and individuals were able to move on to different tasks that they had to take care of. On an odd occasion the equipment would fail at a time later than the first ten minutes. Since everyone was taking care of other tasks or had gone to take a nap, the individual who lost their equipment was unfortunately unable to continue work for the night. It became an interesting little fact to collect each night, when a person lost the ability to work; anyone who was still around would call out, with a name and a time, so that everyone else knew what had happened.

“12:30am, lost two, not sure who. At five over here.”

“Don’t you ever go to bed?!”

“No?”

“He’s a badge-bot, he doesn’t need sleep.”

Heh. Badge-bot. May have to use that somewhere. A good suggestion from a good guy. They’re all good folks, especially when they put up with me night after night. They’ve done good work, they’re dedicated to their goals, and we’ve all come to rely on each other if times are tough. It’s been fun working with all of them, even if most of us agree this is the most time consuming, painful, agonizing, and annoying thing we’ve ever done. I admit, I’ll miss it when I’m done; miss seeing the folks, catching up on the good and bad times, miss the bar… but, nowhere near done yet. Joy.

“2am, still at five here, looks like the other work site has six. Night, folks.”


Epilogue:
For approximately seventeen months ending with the arrival of Shields in the city, 50 individuals embarked on a singular event. These individuals spent a few, some, most, or all of their nights away from the possibility of ‘saving the day’ to work, individually and together as part of a team, on something that did not give them any advantages in battle, benefits to the market, or physical boosts to their powers. They merely worked to obtain a harmless, simplistic medal for their chests. For this, they all have reserved rooms at the Paragon City Institute for the Mentally Insane. More importantly, they have earned my eternal gratitude and respect.

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@Death Conqueror

-Goal for 2011: Survive, stay alive, and continue to thrive.

I've liked the 5-7-5 style of haiku poems for the longest so...

Disasta Recipe's Tomato Misadventure Haiku

Yet another day
The restaurant is still here
Ah, health inspectors

Just threaten their lives
Disasta Recipe smiles
Her father is proud

Success. Finally.
"Chicken & Cake" Oh so nice.
But the tomatoes

Her father taints them
So she has to get more
Grabs her purse and gun

Off to the market
A few teleports away
Disappointing sight

The vendor is out!
She could shoot someone! But no.
The farm isn't far.

Sigh...from bad to worse
Some fool is robbing the farm
Farmer? Terrified.

And his wife? Fainted.
Disasta scowls. "How dare they?!?"
Just a little stealth

She sneaks up on him
Shoots the robber's legs two times
Could kill him...but nah

Let the fool suffer
Disata stands over him
Glares deep in his eyes.

"Robbing banks? That's fun."
"Robbing farms? That's criminal."
Fresh tomatoes picked

She pays the farmer
Leaves before the cops show up
Ah...Safely back home

She looks for a knife
Time to slice for a sandwich
"Wha??? This is just great..."

Her father arrived
Tomatoes, touched by mistake
Now they are glowing

Disasta facepalms
Now she has to get some more
So now she reloads

To the farm...again
Odd, she's hailed as a hero
She's used to "Freeze scum!"

Villain's irony
And free tomatoes for life
Victory...so sweet

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This contest is closed. Thank you to all who have entered!!

All of the entries have been emailed to the judges to be scored. This will hopefully be completed within a few days, I thank you in advance for your patience.

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Thanks for organizing with this, MP. Little contests like this are fun.

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Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory

Yes, great contest MP. Many of the entries are excellent, and show a lot of thought, detail, and storytelling skill. I look forward to the next one!

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Arc #6015 - Coming Unglued

"A good n00b-sauce is based on a good n00b-roux." - The Masque

There were also 5 submitted to me via email that you guys did not get to read. If one of those wins, I will request permission to publish it.

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Fudge, I'm guessing this contest is over.

Could have entered my blaster.

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I will be posting the results tomorrow. Waiting for one final set of scores! It was REALLY tough for the judges. Thank you for your patience!

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Thanks for the update, MP.

Good luck, all!

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Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory

I'm very sorry, I was without internet for the past oh 40ish hours. Will post tomorrow... very sorry for the inconvenience.

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Wow the suspense is killing me lol. This the first thing ive entered in with Perc. Cant wait to read the winner. Good Luck all

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Why is it there is always a delay with these results for fiction competitions? It think MP likes to make us angsty and impatient.

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Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory

omg ! no internet... wait.. how did you write this post... I wonder

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global id @Panzer

Silly Wabbit...
Words come to mind... biting the hand that feeds... get more with honey than...

I for one welcome our New MP Overlor...
Overlady...
OverMistress.

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Arc #6015 - Coming Unglued

"A good n00b-sauce is based on a good n00b-roux." - The Masque

See, that's why I put the little smiley face so she would know I was joking. I know how vengeful and mean MP can be, so I had to be sure to assuage her.



See how I did it again? It's like a trend... a behavior, if you will.

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Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory

Ouch GP. I was ready to post... but I might wait a little longer now. And lol Panzer :P I had just gotten it back right before I posted that.

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The Results!!!!!!

1st place: Turn the Other Coat by Spyware
2nd place: The Vanumlli by Vanum
3rd place: a tie between Just Another Night on the Job by Death Conqueror and Crey's Hunter by Grey Pilgrim

Honorable Mention: The Dreams by Medieval Power
Judge's Special Acknowledgement for Creativity: Disasta Recipe's Tomato Misadventure Haiku by Zamuel

Special thanks to the judges including special guest judges Lady Entropy (the artist) and Shadowe from the Euro boards.

All the winners should contact me via PM with your email so that I can organize prize distribution. I will contact the artist to see if she is willing to draw an extra piece since there was a tie.

Thank you to everyone who participated! I really enjoyed reading your work. The next event will be posted soon. I look forward to lots of participation.

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Grats to all the winners!
(goes back to honing storytelling knives...)

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Arc #6015 - Coming Unglued

"A good n00b-sauce is based on a good n00b-roux." - The Masque

Conga Rats!

*writes down winners missions to play them myself*

*wonders why I hadn't already written them before*

*wonders why I wondering so much*

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Current favs: Champ: Frau Schmeterling-22 MM 50s: NOTW-Blaster, Cat-Girl Commando-corr, Queen of the Dawn-PB, NOTW-Def, Peterbilt-Brute, IcedTNA-Tank, Archilies-scrap, Mann Eater-stalk, Redemptive Soul-toller, Mt Fuji of A-Team-Tank, Hot Stuff Vale-Dom
My MiniCity

Congrats to all the winners!

Are these going to be posted to read anywhere?

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<《 New Colchis / Guides / Mission Architect 》>
"At what point do we say, 'You're mucking with our myths'?" - Harlan Ellison

[ QUOTE ]
Conga Rats!

*writes down winners missions to play them myself*

*wonders why I hadn't already written them before*

*wonders why I wondering so much*

[/ QUOTE ]

This is not an MA contest, this is a storytelling contest. The winners might have arcs to play, but it is not pertaining to this contest.

As for Heraclea, all of those who won had already posted their stories in this thread, just scroll on up!

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[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Conga Rats!

*writes down winners missions to play them myself*

*wonders why I hadn't already written them before*

*wonders why I wondering so much*

[/ QUOTE ]

This is not an MA contest, this is a storytelling contest. The winners might have arcs to play, but it is not pertaining to this contest.

As for Heraclea, all of those who won had already posted their stories in this thread, just scroll on up!

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah yes, wrong contest. Already read those as they were posted. Now to reread the winners.

(There really are a lot of very talented people who play this game.)

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Current favs: Champ: Frau Schmeterling-22 MM 50s: NOTW-Blaster, Cat-Girl Commando-corr, Queen of the Dawn-PB, NOTW-Def, Peterbilt-Brute, IcedTNA-Tank, Archilies-scrap, Mann Eater-stalk, Redemptive Soul-toller, Mt Fuji of A-Team-Tank, Hot Stuff Vale-Dom
My MiniCity

Congrats, all! I had fun reading the entries.

Oh, and I would say my MA story arc is pretty good too. In case you want to run that too, Peterbilt. Heh.

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Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory

[ QUOTE ]

Judge's Special Acknowledgement for Creativity: Disasta Recipe's Tomato Misadventure Haiku by Zamuel

[/ QUOTE ]

/e pumpfist

While not in the top three, this still feels like quite an accomplishment. It's interesting that Disasta is sort of a reverse since a number of people create a character that they promote in a MA arc while I created my arc and liked her so much that I made her playable.

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Gratz to the winners.

Lin's story should have totally won it had "soz yer face" in it.

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