A.B.: What's happening
The GM sits at her desk, currently talking with Zadie Chen, who gets a loud pop, fresh off her one-sided victory over Shay Maharaj. Chen has her hands on her hips and is nodding along while Shabani says... something.
Dominga: Hey, can we get some sound? What the hell?
Shabani: ...o you understand?
Chen: I do. (bows) Thank you for the opportunity.
Chen: I do. (bows) Thank you for the opportunity.
Shabani (shaking head): Please, don't bow. It makes me uncomfortable.
Shamoon: What? What opportunity? What were they talking about?!
Dominga: Give us a replay or something!
A.B.: I guess we'll find out next week.
Dominga: Geez. Waste of time.
The feed doesn't end.
Shabani picks up her phone and taps it a few times. The loud, extended beep of a call is heard, followed by a very Aussie-recorded message.
"G'day, you've rocked up to Jeffrey Campbell's line. I'm flat out, or I'm havin' a kip. Leave a message, and I'll get back to ya when I can."
A higher-pitched beep sounds, and the crowd laughs.
Shabani: Jeffery, this is the fifth message I am sending to you tonight. Your number 1 contender attacked my Thunderweight Champion and is currently sitting in a Mount Hagen holding cell. Call me back and tell me how you intend to fix this, or I'll see to it that you forfeit the title match at the Brawl! Don't try me.
She lightly tosses her phone and lets out a sigh while rubbing her temple. The tent flaps open, and Sarah Esposito walks in flanked by Chief Brendan Steele and two additional guards, drawing another mixed reaction.
Esposito: You wanted to see, Ms Shabani?
Shabani: Yes, Sarah. The main event is next, just as they've fixed the ring. How are you feeling?
Esposito: ... Like I said earlier, Ma'am. I'll do my talking in the ring.
Shabani: Very well then. I just wanted to let you know that Ngozi will be at ringside.
The crowd pops.
Esposito (blinks): What?
Shabani: This is a match she booked. It only makes sense. She'll be joining the commentary desk.
A.B., Dominga & Shamoon: What?!
Esposito (steps): And... you're only telling me now?
Shabani: It shouldn't make a difference when I told you, or if even if I told you. Should it?
Esposito: ... No. No, it shouldn't. It doesn't. I'm gonna kick Moore's ass tonight, and then I'm going to the Brawl.
Shabani (looks down): I really shouldn't say this... but I really hope so.
Some in the crowd boo.
Shabani (fingers on forehead): This night has been one disaster after another, and the very real possibility of Jessie Moore becoming the Jewell's Champion... (looks up) Please, do your best.
Esposito nods and turns to leave.
Shabani: Sarah...
Esposito stops.
Shabani: I mean, your best.
Esposito looks at her, then at the ground, then back at her, giving a much slower, far less confident nod before walking out.
Now, the feed ends.
Dominga: Ha! So much for "I'll do all my talking in the ring."
Shamoon: Yeah, she was rattled for sure, but how about that? Ngozi at ringside. That ought trea-WHA-!
Dominga: HEY-!
They both cry out as Balducci grabs them by the back of their necks and pulls them in close.
A.B. (quiet and menacing): I want the two of you to be on your absolute best behaviour. You will conduct yourselves as consummate professionals. Do you understand?
Alvaréz and Shamoon nod.
Alvaréz and Shamoon nod.
A.B.: And more importantly, you will treat the Empress, MY Empress, with the utmost respect and consideration. (gritted teeth) Do. I. Make myself. Clear?
They gulp and nod more vigorously, and he releases them.
A.B.: Folks, we have to take a short intermission while the ring the is being repaired, but when we come back, it's the main event. The "Outlaw" Jessie Moore. The "Rose of Ferocity" Sarah Esposito. Number 1 contendership to the Jewell's Championship on the line. Next!
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