Show

Annoyed as she is at being stopped, Ellie is reasonable enough to know this was never about giving her a free platform to speak. She ponders for a moment, trying to guess what each option might entail, but realises the effort would be in vain. They want to keep her guessing and choose between options she does not and cannot possibly know. Ellie takes a deep breath as the host reaches for the glass on the tray still held by the motionless girl and sips from it.

"Whatever," Ellie mutters. She can do it. Whatever "it" happens to be.

"Show," she says louder and clearer.

The host nods and then raises a remote control which he points at the screen behind them. The number 5000 appears on it under the heading "Prize", blinking merrily in red.

"You have 5000 credits, Ellie. A clever girl like you must remember the conversion rate to real currency, I'm sure. Now, all you need to do to keep it is take off your jumper in the next 30 seconds". He raises the remote again and in a slightly smaller but equally bright font 30 appears next to 5000 and changes almost immediately to 29. And 28. And 27.

The countdown hits 23 when Ellie finally snaps out of her stupor. Sure, she expected she will be tempted to do something undignified at some point, but to begin stripping almost the first thing..? But then, 5000 credits translated to quite a lot of money for a student, and this was only the first task. And why should she mind showing a bit of skin? She is a feminist, if men can walk around topless why cannot she show her bra without feeling scandalous if she so chooses?!

19... 18... 17... The murmur in the audience was growing as Ellie remained motionless.

But it would not be her choice really, would it. She could have worn a bikini to start with if she truly wanted to show skin to make a point. If she takes her jumper off, she will consent to being paid entertainment, nothing else.

Desperately Ellie looks at the clock as thoughts continue to pile up in her head, buts falling upon buts. But it is still her choice. But everyone will see her bra. But there is nothing wrong with using your body if it is an asset. But, but, but...

10... 9... 8...