IR Day 17 - Out of time

There’s no time. You come in hot, cocking back for a shot in such a way that there’s no doubt about what you’re going to do. Lara gets in your way, but you don’t shoot. She stumbles to your fake out, allowing you to get around her. You don’t have the shot; Lili’s in your way, and Viti’s ready. You reverse it to Red, who puts it in at the corner.

A minute later, the game is over.

Yellow Team is all over you. They might not be as seasoned as you are with soccer, but they know good soccer when they see it. That was another one that you borrowed from Pele, that naked fake shot. This is only the second time you’ve done it. In a daze, you shake hands, listen to the cheering and the announcers, and get a hearty clap on the back from Zofia.

Karin’s not angry, she’s scared, but it’s not over yet. There’s a chance that her play was so good that it will trump yours, but you’re feeling confident. Karin made one show-stopping play, and you made two. You earned MVP, but that doesn’t mean they’ll give it to you.

On the other hand, this game was streamed live. They won’t have a choice.

For once, things go right. On the other hand, in a way, getting MVP might’ve been the easy part. As you stand with the others while Lulu and Moxxi talk excitedly to the camera, you absently wave at the crowds and the cameras that get shoved into your face.

Pink Team gets announced first because they have to get on their bus to loser camp.

You watch Lulu read Aki’s name from a card handed to her by one of the producers.

Aki, placid as ever, strolls out to accept the honor of being captain. Lara was interim captain after you got snatched, appointed by Tiff. You don’t blame her for choosing Lara; it was either choose Lara, or choose the person that Lara would have to butt heads with for the whole week. Pink Team lost; they don’t get to make a trade.

You stay calm as Moxxi gets the next envelope.

“Yellow Team MVP,” she announces excitedly. “Riley!”

Your mouth forms a smile all by itself. Your skin tingles. You’ve never been much of a schemer, but it feels good to plan something and then execute it.

You walk out, giving a few waves. You hope your mom’s watching. She definitely is. What about Kayla? You need to focus. You shake hands with the announcers, sensing their nerves. You were right about all of it: they’ve realized how problematic this trading gimmick is. They won’t allow this again. You have one chance, and one chance only.

But you have to make a choice.

Trade yourself back to Pink Team?

Or… trade yourself to Blue Team, where Ingrid is?