A Case of Mistaken Identity

“Well, just send him back!” Ava shrieked at her Producer.

“I can't just send him back. You just tied our hands with that whole “magical contract” bit you hit the contestants with. If not for that I could have maybe swung it, but now...?”

“Why does that matter?!”

“Because, Ava, because you just told the contestants and, more importantly, our audience that was watching live, that it was impossible to leave the show. That the contestants and master were now all magically bound together no matter what. Have you thought about what it would do to the remaining harem members if we just willy-nilly returned someone to their normal life right after you said that? Even worse, did you think about what it would do to the show's credibility with our audience?”

“No...” Ava hissed. She was seething, but she could see the logic.

“And this is exactly why I said you needed to work a season or two as an assistant. A Host with some more experience would have considered the impact on the harem, and the season at large before they were worried about how this personally inconveniences them. Actually, a more experienced Host wouldn't be in this situation to begin with.”

“But I had everything planned around the other one! What I am supposed to do now?!”

“Figure. It. Out, Ava. You wanted to be a Host so badly? This is part of the job, adapting to changing circumstances when things don't go according to plan.”

“Maybe if someone had been more supportive from the beginning, I wouldn’t have to adapt.”

“Lest I remind you, you requested me. Even though I’ve opposed you getting this season from the get-go, you still requested me because you know I like to give my Hosts a long leash. Well, now you have a leash long enough to hang yourself with Ava. It’s up to you to make it work.”

“So that’s it then? You're just going to leave me out to hang? All by myself?”

“I never said that. As your Producer, I will continue to provide you with all the support and assistance I would to any other host. I won't fix your problems for you, but I will supply you with what you need to execute reasonable solutions. You want support? Come up with a solution first.”

Ava swore under her breath, but then her blood ran cold as her Producer continued.

“Oh, and Ava? I just want you to know that I took on this season under formal protest to the Executives. I made it quite clear in writing that I didn’t think you were ready, but that I would do my best. I have some meticulous documentation over her, including that last scouting report you gave our abduction team right before the ‘incident.’ I would never intentionally screw you over, but if you think you’re dragging me down with you, you’ve got another think coming. Good luck with the rest of your premiere.”

Her Producer hung up. Ava screamed, and threw her cell phone against the wall. It was only a physical representation of what was in reality a metaphysical connection, but it still made a satisfying crack as it hit the wall and shattered.