10. Scotty and June

“The lights go up on Century Stadium, and on four teams vying for their place in the penultimate game of Bank It! season thirty.”

“Is it that time already, June?”

“Indeed it is, Scotty. Now, let’s welcome our teams. First up, we have the Speed Demons, brought to our tournament lightning-fast thanks to ENGIMO—”

“Then we have the Vogues, ISEUL-T’s mystery players dressed to kill—”

“The Power Houses, charging into the arena powered by DISSUN—”

“And last but not least, the RANZIO Tough Shells, taking control of the airwaves with their tumultuous turnaround this season! Alright, June, let’s dive in!”

“The teams are on the ground, and it’s a race for the cashboxes.”

“Arashi of the Speed Demons start unlocking the first box. Wow, that was fast!”

“With three zephyrs, it should come as no surprise. But look out! The Vogues’ sharp-dressed maven trio are hot on their tails!”

“Right you are, June, and they’re not showing any mercy. Plume of the Vogues rains destruction with their explosive CL-40 grenade launcher, and Harrident’s backing them up with a burst-fire assault rifle.”

“Ermex moves in for the kill, incendiary shotgun at the ready. Is this the end for the Speed Demons, Scotty?”

“I wouldn’t count them out yet. Tonboi’s only just now entering the scene with her XP-54, and if her performance with that submachine gun throughout the season so far is any indication, the Vogues are in for a bad time. Plus, we haven’t even seen —Dangan yet.”

“Well, Scotty, he must be around there somewhere.”

“That cloaking specialization sure is tricky. I’d bet he’s putting the Vogues in his sniper sights right this moment.”

“Perhaps, Scotty, but it’s time we turn our attention to the west side of the arena, where the Power Houses battle it out with the Tough Shells.”

“Looks like the Power Houses are crushing their foes. Gnado, their zephyr, lets his automatic shotgun lead the charge, with stalwarts Schnobben and Stromist close behind. The Tough Shells better tuck their head in and mount a strong defense.”

“And that’s exactly what they’re doing, with Barley’s dome shield taking the brunt of the Power Houses’ frontal assault. Meanwhile, their zephyr, Sonnet, appears to be flanking while Google sets up a gadget-stuffed trap behind Barley.”

“They’re leading the Power Houses into a death trap! Will it be enough?”

“I don’t know, Scotty. The Power Houses have just coined Barley. With their stalwart down, the Tough Shells are exposed.”

“Wait, here’s Sonnet, delivering the death blow to Stromist with a barrage of flying knives. What a kill.”

“Schnobben’s moving to engage, but he’s not nearly fast enough. Unless he can lure Sonnet into sledgehammer range, he’s done for. And Gnado can’t help, as he’s stumbled into Google’s minefield.”

“Ah, but look at him go, June! He’s skirting around their activation range and closing in on Google. Shotgun beats assault rifle at that range. Google is down!”

“And so is Schnobben. It’s down to Gnado and Sonnet.”

“Zephyr versus zephyr.”

“Or is it, Scotty? Gnado’s taking Stromist’s statuette into that office building. If he manages to revive. . .”

“Sonnet’s not going to let that happen. He’s crashing through the window—”

“An instant too late, I’m afraid. He’s outnumbered and overpowered. The Power Houses emerge victorious!”

“And so do the Vogues, way over in the market district. Of course, there’s still plenty of time for things to change.”

“Yes, Scotty, if I’ve learned one thing watching this game show, it’s that you can’t predict anything!”

“Truer words, June. As a former contestant myself, I’ve seen it all. Thirty years of insane plays and showmanship, and even I couldn’t tell you what’s going to happen next!”

“Alright, Scotty, let’s get back to the game. The Tough Shells and Speed Demons are back for more. The Power Houses barricade themselves in a colosseum viewing box, while the Vogues continue to run with the second box.”

“Wait, what?”

“You heard me right, Scotty, they’re not making a deposit.”

“If they don’t, someone else will do it for them.”

“Maybe, maybe not. They’ve moved so far from the map’s center that it seems no one wants to bother. The Speed Demons and Tough Shells are heading into the colosseum from opposite entrances.”

“Oh boy, the Power Houses better charge their batteries for this one!”

“The Speed Demons enter the perimeter first, sending sonar grenades ahead on their approach. They won’t be taken by surprise.”

“And the first shots are fired! They’ve spotted Gnado of the Power Houses, apparently roaming the halls on his own. If the Speed Demons manage to take him down, they’ll have a major advantage in the next stage of the fight.”

“He’s running away—right into the Tough Shells!”

“This might be the end of the line for him, June.”

“Not yet! Gnado’s nearly coined, but he’s cracked a smoke canister and dashed into the ventilation system.”

“Which leaves the Tough Shells and Speed Demons face-to-face.”

“Quite the predicament, Scotty. And while everyone else is busy, the Vogues have just begun their deposit.”

“Great timing, I have to say.”

“Ouch! The Speed Demons are taking a beating from Barley’s grenades.”

“Zephyrs can’t take a bombardment like this for long! They’ll need to find another way through, and fast!”

“They’re retreating. Two of them, at least.”

“And Google drops a gas mine on —Dangan’s statue. Nasty move.”

“Doesn’t look like the Speed Demons are coming back anyway, Scotty. They’re already out of the colosseum.”

“Headed straight for the Vogues. I guess their fallen comrade will have to spend a token.”

“Sometimes that’s the only way.”

“The Tough Shells aren’t giving chase. They’re going for the cashout behind the Power Houses’ walls.”

“Those walls aren’t long for this world, June, not with the damage Barley’s grenades are doing. She’s already punched through two barricades.”

“An RPG to seal the deal! They’ve just blown the cashout station out of the box and sent it tumbling into the colosseum’s main floor. Now the Power Houses have to make a tough call: stick to their defensible position, or follow the station they’re protecting.”

“If the Tough Shells go for a steal now, they might just get it! The Power Houses don’t have much in the way of long-range firepower.”

“Very true, Scotty, but they’re absolutely lethal up close. We’re seeing that now as Stromist sets Sonnet and Barley alight with a single jet from his flamethrower.”

“I’d say someone should call the Fire Fighters if they hadn’t already been eliminated from this tournament!”

“A trade! Stromist and Sonnet both coin, and Barley’s barely hanging on.”

“Gnado’s shotgun finishes the job! It’s down to Google.”

“They’ve equipped their defibrillator. Barley’s back in the fight. She’s put up a dome shield to deflect incoming attacks. Gnado’s backing off.”

“Could be a bad call, June. They’re giving the Tough Shells too much room to breathe.”

“Yes, the Tough Shells are nearly back to full strength. If Google manages to manually revive Sonnet—”

“Won’t happen now, June! Schnobben’s just taken his sledgehammer to their floor! Sonnet’s statue is lost in the rubble.”

“The Power Houses have their opponents right where they want them. If they don’t act fast, the Tough Shells are about to face a team wipe.”

“And with less than a minute left on the cashout, there won’t be time for a round two.”

“I think they know that, Scotty. They’re going to fight with everything they’ve got.”

“Not Google! They’ve placed a jump pad in the wreckage. Google is running and leaving their teammate for dead!

“They’re going for the cashout station!”

“Gnado moves to give chase, but the Tough Shells have other plans. Barley detonates the jump pad before either of the living Power Houses can use it!”

“That’s the last thing she does, Scotty. Schnobben’s sledgehammer secures the kill!”

“Not in time to stop the steal! The Tough Shells’ ploy has worked!”

“Unless the Power Houses take the station back. They have Google outnumbered two-to-one.”

“Google’s doing what they can to even those odds, with gas mines planted around the station. We’re about to see if that’s enough. Here come the Power Houses, June!”

“They don’t go for a revive, even though Stromist’s flamethrower could burn through Google’s toxic gas. There’s simply not enough time.”

“The Power Houses don’t lose much steam as they charge forward. There’s not much Google’s AKM can do against two opponents at nearly full health, especially with Schnobben’s solid-light mesh shield between them.”

“They’re not even trying anymore, Scotty. Look, they’re not firing at the Power Houses. They’re taking out their own mines! Without healing or flames, the Power Houses can’t withstand that gas long enough to steal.”

“Still, they can make sure the Tough Shells don’t get their full paycheck.”

“That’s right. The Tough Shells’ deposit completes, and a third of their new earnings are wiped away as Gnado takes out Google for a full team wipe.”

“Wipe or not, that play paid off for the Tough Shells!”

“I believe they call it a pyrrhic victory, Scotty. Unlike the stylish score the Vogues have just made, protecting their station from the Speed Demons and scoring some extra cash with kills in the process.”

“With that, the Vogues lead the pack. The Tough Shells trail in second, and the Power Houses are close behind with cash earned in combat and their initial deposit bonus. The Speed Demons fall into last place for now, but we’ll see if they can make up the difference with the next round of cashboxes.”

“Well, they are the first team to claim one. The Power Houses, having recovered from their battle with the Tough Shells, take the second box.”

“And no one’s getting in their way! The Tough Shells have spawned near the Speed Demons, and the Vogues are headed that way too.”

“The Tough Shells arrive on the scene just in time for the box to unlock. They’ll need to intercept before the Speed Demons leave the academy district library.”

“They’ll be watching out for the Vogues too, after those last few games.”

“Yes, the Vogues and Tough Shells have shown something of a rivalry over the course of this World Tourney, facing off in more continuous matches than any other team this season. Yet round after round, neither has managed to disqualify the other.”

“Today could be the day, June! The Vogues are coming in from the roof. They’re rolling up their sleeves and getting ready for a fight.”

“Three floors below, the Tough Shells engage. The Speed Demons weren’t fast enough!”

“Look at that formation! The Tough Shells are sticking close together. Too spread out, they’ll make easy targets for the Speed Demons’ zephyrs. Too close, they’ll be exposed to explosive attacks from the Vogues, who’ll be on top of them any second now.”

“Not anymore, Scotty! Sounds like the fighting has spooked the Vogues. They’re finding another way out of the building and toward the Power Houses.”

“A strange play, but I’m sure they have something up their sleeves!”

“At the same time, the Tough Shells nearly wipe the Speed Demons. Sonnet chases Arashi, their last contestant standing.”

“Arashi’s not going for revives; she’s running the box! Can she make the deposit in time?”

“This could go either way, Scotty. Sonnet’s grappling hook allows him to cover more ground at once, but Arashi’s evasive dash ability has several charges, meaning she can weave through spaces with more ease. If she plays this right, she might just throw Sonnet off her trail.”

“She does it! Arashi makes the deposit and keeps moving!”

“She won’t want to stick around with the Tough Shells right behind her.”

“Yes, June, she’s gotten what she came for. That deposit bonus brings the Speed Demons one step closer to qualification!”

“Now she’s off to revive those teammates. Though the Tough Shells will take the cashout station for now, the Speed Demons will be back for more soon!”

“And let’s not forget about our other teams. In the cathedral belfry at the northmost point of our arena, the Power Houses make a deposit.”

“They’re not taking any chances this time, Scotty. Stromist is plastering the whole steeple in pyro mines.”

“And Schnobben’s putting his sledgehammer to good use demolishing every zipline and bridge leading to the station!”

“If anyone makes it past those stalwarts, they’ll have to deal with Gnado, who’s dug in at the top of the spire with plenty of energy to burn.”

“I wouldn’t want to be going up against these guys, that’s for sure!”

“Well, Scotty, it seems like your opinion is not in vogue. The ‘bluejackets,’ as the net has taken to calling them, aren’t slowing down. They’re on a collision course for the Power Houses.”

“Whoa, look at them go. They’re not letting Schnobben keep them away! Harrident places a zipline to the top of the tower! Stromist sees them coming, he’s equipping an RPG—”

“And the projectile is taken down by Ermex’s Active Protection System! The Vogues make it to high ground with their zipline intact.”

“Things aren’t going so well for the Speed Demons. Looks like Arashi reviving her teammates wasn’t enough to push back the Tough Shells. The Speed Demons have been exorcised from the arena.”

“Yes, Scotty, the Tough Shells are thriving. They’ve turned that cafe into a carapace!”

“I’ve gotta say, it’s a far cry from their performance last season. The Tough Shells have clearly worked hard to hone their skills.”

“They’re not the only ones. Just look at the Vogues. They might be new to the game, but that’s not stopping them from going toe-to-toe with renowned teams like the Power Houses.”

“Speaking of, June, the first Power House has just been toppled on the cathedral’s rooftop. With Schnobben down, Gnado and Stromist will have to decide whether to risk a revive.”

“They’ve coined a couple Vogues over the course of the fight too, but those defibrillators make them resilient.”

“The Vogues are taunting now. Some kind of synchronized dance—I can’t believe what I’m seeing, June!”

“They’re trying to lure the Power Houses out of hiding. I don’t think it’s going to work.”

“They can’t just sit there and watch!”

“That’s exactly what they’ll do, Scotty. Remember, the Power Houses still have the station. And Schnobben’s just spent a token. Once he’s made his way back to the point, they’ll be even again.”

“So now the pressure’s on the Vogues! Will they make a push?”

“I don’t think they have a choice! The Speed Demons are back and making their move, with —Dangan sniping at the Vogues.”

“Between a rock and a hard place, eh?”

“That must not be a difficult choice for the Vogues, because they’re sprinting into the tower where the Power Houses wait.”

“The Speed Demons don’t follow, though. They keep watch from —Dangan’s sniper nest across the street.”

“Waiting for a good third-party opportunity, Scotty?”

“Absolutely.”

“Inside, things are heating up. Ermex has fallen to Stromist’s flames, though not before setting up a turret.”

“And Plume’s setting off every trap in the place with their compact grenade launcher. The flames are everywhere now, and they’re not just hurting the Vogues. Stromist goes down!”

“Just in time for Schnobben’s return! He’s taking those winding stairs to the belfry.”

“He’ll need to get in there before the Vogues recover! Plume and Harrident are already trading heals.”

“Schnobben might not make it in time, but Gnado can! He’s tossed a frag grenade from his perch, and now he’s diving into the fray!”

“It doesn’t matter that Harrident’s a great shot with that FAMAS—their loadout isn’t suited for a close quarters brawl like this one! And Plume’s risking suicide by taking this fight with a grenade launcher.”

“Gnado and Harrident trade. Will Schnobben make another last moment save?”

“He’s got his work cut out for him, June. Plume’s taken a lot of hits.”

“Which must be why they’re running away with a teammate’s statue. The Vogues have decided to cut losses.”

“Not so fast! Schnobben’s blocked their exit with a goo grenade! One hit from the hammer is all it will take to finish the Vogues.”

“Plume strikes first! Their shot does minor damage to Schnobben and ends their own life. They refuse to give that stalwart the coins for another kill!”

“I like the Vogues’ style, June!”

“Schnobben’s left to pick up the pieces, and he’s not getting a break! The Speed Demons get the drop on him; another team wipe!”

“Wow, they’re almost as fast as Engimo’s quantum-encrypted 12G internet!”

“Not quick enough to make a steal, Scotty. The cashout deposit completes under the Power Houses’ control!”

“The Tough Shells finish their cashout too. After the Vogues’ wipe and their new deposit, the Tough Shells are on top.”

“It’s turtles all the way up, Scotty!”

“With the last round of boxes dropping into the arena, our teams will be making the moves that determine their final place in the centenary Bank It! World Tourney!”

“It should be no surprise that the Speed Demons unlock the first cashbox. And as if that’s not enough, they’ve sent Tonboi off to claim the second one.”

“They’ll need both to qualify. I smell a double-stack coming, June!”

“If the other teams let it happen. The Tough Shells are already moving to Cashout B, which sits on a helipad in the market district. Anyone wanting to deposit there will have to do so over their coined bodies.”

“The Power Houses are next to make a move. They move on the box guarded by —Dangan and Arashi.”

“They’ll want to protect their place. If nothing changes, they’re set to qualify.”

“Which leaves the Vogues. Where’d they go anyway?”

“Makes sense you wouldn’t see them, Scotty. They’re stalking Tonboi from the shadows.”

“The boxes unlock, one right after the other! The first sits on contested ground between the Power Houses and two Speed Demons.”

“And Tonboi runs with the second, toward Cashout B. Even with their ziplines and jump pads, the Vogues can’t keep pace. Looks like the Tough Shells are in luck!”

“A headshot from Google! Tonboi can’t get into the skyscraper’s lobby fast enough—they’re coined!”

“The Vogues have just been presented with a golden opportunity!”

“Then why aren’t they moving for the box, June?”

“I don’t have a clue. They’re changing course for the other box.”

“If I had to guess, they want to take out the Power Houses. A wipe could get the Vogues back in a qualifying slot.”

“While everyone else fights amongst themselves, the Tough Shells start a deposit.”

“I’m sure they’re feeling amped up, June!”

“The Speed Demons scatter, and the Power Houses move full speed ahead toward Cashout A.”

“They’d better watch out—the Vogues are heading to the same place, and they don’t have any stalwarts slowing them down!”

“The Vogues have learned from their last fight. They won’t let the Power Houses dig in this time. Even so, wiping their opponents won’t be easy.”

“Before they collide, June, let’s check in on the Tough Shells. Looks like they’re in trouble!”

“Yes, the Speed Demons have brought Tonboi back into the fight and started their siege on Cashout B! It’s guerilla warfare as the Speed Demons get in, take their shots, and get out. Those zephyrs may not be able to sustain their damage output, but they can keep up these bursts indefinitely.”

“The Tough Shells don’t seem fazed! They huddle together under the glowing eye of their maven’s turret.”

“Even Sonnet, the zephyr known across the net for death-defying antics, plays it safe. At this point, Scotty, the stakes are simply too high!”

“Well, June, it seems to be paying off big time! Arashi and Tonboi have been eliminated!”

“Can —Dangan pull off a revive?”

“That sniper’s not exactly tailored for tight spaces, but—”

“He’s down!”

“Where did that come from?”

“Scotty, I think that was his own grenade. By wiping out now, the Speed Demons will have time for one more push.”

“A bold play! Let’s see if they can follow through.”

“While the Tough Shells are vibing at Cashout B, Cashout A is becoming a war zone. The Vogues have the Power Houses pinned down. Neither team has managed to finalize the deposit.”

“If no one deposits soon, they’ll lose the box completely!”

“At the same time, making a deposit and then suffering a wipeout would have a similar result for the defending team.”

“Either way, something’s gotta change soon!”

“And it does, Scotty. Gnado deposits the cashbox!”

“Like moths to flame, the Vogues move in!”

“Ermex leads the charge, supported by their teammates’ healing beams.”

“Those heals are letting them get in close, where that fire-breathing shotgun can really shine!”

“The Vogues move on Stromist first. They’re fighting fire with fire, Scotty!”

“He goes down. The other Power Houses look furious!

“Gnado dashes for the Vogues’ back line. He’s going for the healers!”

“But they’re ready! Tucked behind a houseplant, Ermex’s turret goes off!”

“That turret and Ermex’s shotgun make short work of Gnado, but not before he eliminates Plume!”

“The Vogues are ready for that too, June! Harrident’s defibrillators are already primed for a quick revive!”

“Schnobben lashes out with an RPG and a pyro grenade.”

“He’s using everything he’s got!”

“And it just isn’t enough, Scotty. Wipeout for the Power Houses. The Vogues have given them the boot! A platform boot, from the look of it.”

“Harrident ziplines for the steal. Is it over?”

“Maybe for these teams, but there’s still time on the clock, and the Speed Demons are looking to capitalize on every millisecond.”

“Qualification is still within reach! All they have to do is eliminate the Tough Shells and take their cashout.”

“A tall order, Scotty.”

“Still, they made a daring comeback last game, bumping out IVADA’s Cutting Edge at the last moment. They just might surprise us again!”

“With no time for a drawn-out battle, they’re moving in all at once. Tonboi opens the engagement with a flashbang. Blinded, the Tough Shells spring into defensive action. Barley deploys a dome shield and Sonnet cloaks the two of them with an invisibility grenade.”

“But Google, the star of their last match, isn’t hiding! They’re pelting the Speed Demons with headshots. Tonboi is down!”

“Arashi dashes in. Her sword is unsheathed and aimed at Google’s heart. The Tough Shells’ maven is out of the fight as well!”

“The others can’t hide for long. —Dangan’s deployed a sonar grenade. It’ll give away their location whether they’re cloaked or not.”

“Arashi’s right on top of them. She gets the first couple hits in on Barley and —Dangan’s sniper does the rest.”

“Sonnet gives up the fight! He’s jumping off the helipad and using his grappling hook to reach the next building over.”

“Without any more resistance, the Speed Demons go for a steal. Ten seconds on the clock.”

“What did I tell you, June? Never—wait, what was that?”

“Breach charges, Scotty. Sonnet’s just set them off and sent the cashout plummeting!”

“I can’t believe it!”

“That’s the game! The Tough Shells take the lead going into next round!”

“And the Vogues also qualify with a solid second place!”

The roadhouse’s mounted roundscreen cuts to commercial. Scotty and June are replaced with the voice of an old-timey salesman pitching miniguns for home defense. An annoyed bartender who Rahmat calls “Yaar” mutes the screen immediately. Behind us, a five-piece band sets up on a modest stage. The bartender says something and Rahmat laughs a little too loudly. I suspect she may be drunk.

“That was absurd, Google,” she says before dramatically shushing herself, “Quinn, I meant to say. No celebrities here.”

“Come on, it’s not that serious—”

“No. You said before we came in here that you didn’t want the attention. I fully respect that one hundred percent. You won’t say anything, will you, Yaar? See, Quinn? Your secret is safe with us.”

“You’re enjoying this too much,” I say, but I grin too. Then look at the blocky old chronograph on my wrist. It’s getting late.

“Could we stay for the show? I know you have early mornings, but. . .”

“Let’s do it.” After what I’ve done, what can Edmondo say? Of Ranzio’s assets, I believe he is now the more replaceable. Of course I should not think this way. I do not think this way, usually. Today is different. Today I am untouchable.

I do not know if it happened again. The glitch, the exploit, the break, whatever I have called it before in my head. I am increasingly unsure it happened the first time. My memories have fuzzied. The picture on the replay is clear as ever. Maybe Barley’s emergency was the bad thing I was holding my breath for. Maybe the danger is past.

Good try, says another voice that is also me. I send it to the back of my brain where it can bitch more or less unnoticed. Another voice pipes in, and this one is not mine. It is a low wail accompanied by keyboard, harmonica, some form of synth, percussion. A wall of sound, soft and heavy like a weighted blanket, layers the bar. Rahmat has moved us from barstools to a battered couch facing the stage. We sink into its limp cushions. She says something the music smothers.

Closer to my ear, then: “This is so much better, don’t you think?”

“The couch?” I say. She laughs. The band finds a pocket and stays there a while.

---

A headache greets me in the morning, knocking on my temples. I am reminded I do not drink. Maybe I should call Pops. He’s an alchemist of hangover remedies. What I see on my phone stops me. Forwarded messages from Naturata. Barley says we need to meet. Like that, with a period. She usually doesn’t bother. There’s another message too, from a name I don’t recognize. Actually I do, though they aren’t in my contacts. Says Harrident. The message is a word:

“Parley.”