Comedy Crowd Work

Politicians scurried like rats. Mark always loathed them. They always followed disaster—especially ones of their own doing.

A gloomy, dreadful air surrounded the Academy. Rightfully so.

Mark had checked into a long line of patients at the Kolzig-Bondra hospital. Extremely quiet.

All but a video transmitter that loomed above. Wounded students all around, blown limbs and bandaged stomachs all around—including Mark—watched the broadcast above as they waited for further treatment.

A familiar woman stepped on stage. In all honesty, she looked like shit underneath all the pre-televised makeup and unnaturally brushed hair.

***

Everett donned an all-black formal outfit, not only wounded and mentally drained but also hungover. Even so, as the official voice of Kolzig-Bondra, she had to address the press.

Though thankfully her role was relatively limited in the conference's entirety.

She went through the typical motions, with a hint of solemnity overtaking her typical emotionless demeanor.

It was the usual damage control: investigations, deepest condolences, the whole kit and kaboodle.

"With that, I'll now be answering questions," Everett announced, her eyes scanning the press crowd, standing with recorders and cameras at the ready. Hands jumped into the air. "Yes, you over there."

"Vice Principal Everett, for the most highly regarded and safest Academy in the Human Realm, how was a security breach, at this level, allowed to occur?"

"Again, Kolzig-Bondra Academy is working with the Ember Union to investigate matters of Realm Security. I cannot give you a proper answer at this time. You over there."

"Ms. Everett, some estimates of student losses report around 250 students and staff dead and 300 more injured. What's the fatality count of this Demonic attack? Perhaps a ballpark estimate."

"Again, I do not have the proper information to share about the lives lost at this time. I'd like to remind everyone of not only the sensitivity of this situation but also the lack of verifiable information. It's only been half a day, so please keep the questions proper. Next, over there."

"Miss, many within the Union are rightfully curious and skeptical of the Principal's role in Kolzig-Bondra's defense. For one of the most highly skilled Awakened in the Ember Union, how was the destruction allowed to grow to such a scale?"

Internally, Everett facepalmed. Externally, she gulped. It was a hardball question, one not easily dodged.

"The Principal did everything in his power to combat the Demonic forces. At the first available moment, he killed the Demon's elite Awakened and restored the Kriophorus," Everett stated, her tone tinged with confidence.

"But—"

"I apologize but that's all the time I have, statements will be released accordingly throughout the week."

The press collectively sighed. They all knew it was bullshit. Everyone knew it was bullshit. But appearances were powerful.

"I'll now have the honor of passing the podium off to Union Prime Minister Samuel Marchment.

Everett exited stage left while Marchment entered stage right. She gave a sigh of relief while the press and every man, woman, and child in the Ember union scooted forward in their seats.

Samuel Marchment was a commanding presence. A man of extreme age, yet still he contained unrivaled power.

He wore traditional black and red layered robes—his hair white and thin, though his beard was quite full. A tall and muscular frame slightly hunched and slimmed with atrophy and decay, yet there was no quiver in his step; Marchment contained a hidden robustness.

The conference room was dead silent as words teetered on the edge of his lips.

"September 11th, 725 years since the Human-Demon War. It is a date that will live in infamy as the Ember Union was suddenly and deliberately attacked by a highly trained and formidable Demonic force…"

***

'Did he just say what I think he said…?'

It took everything for Mark to not burst out laughing. The entire hospital lobby was enthralled by Marchment's speech. It would be a terrible look to laugh during a time of tragedy.

No doubt, this speech would be a pivotal one. Though he loathed the sight of a politician, from the look of it—combined with his knowledge from the novel—Prime Minister Marchment was quite different.

He was the type of leader who would never order a subordinate to do something he wouldn't or couldn't do himself. His position was earned through merit, not voted through nepotism or behind-closed-doors agreements.

"The Demon's goal yesterday was clear. They wish to eradicate Humanity. Yesterday they took the lives of hundreds. Hundreds of future stars, leaders, and powerful Awakened who would lead us into the future…"

A few sniffles and weeps filled the hospital. The wounds of yesterday were still fresh in the student's minds.

But Mark wasn't phased. It was more of that strange mental disconnect. He could see it, but he could not feel it.

"Today, we mourn. Tomorrow, we rebuild. And the day after that, when we pick up what's left, we will forge those pieces into a deadly spear. And with that spear, Humanity will pierce the heart of those who dare to oppose us!"

The old man's raspy voice cleared as he bellowed, pumping both fists in the air, his demeanor determined; spiteful yet hopeful.

And the effects of his Charisma were immediate. Even in the darkest depths of despair, the student's tears of sorrow were turned into tears of joy.

But Mark simply looked down. Between giving a half-assed report to investigators, medical treatment, and trying to get some shut-eye, he finally had some time to spare.

Looking down at his watch, Mark checked his notifications.

You have 2 notifications.

===================

From: Tony Russo

Text me back if you aren't dead, kid. That actually sounds pretty bad. If you die and someone sees this message I might be in some deep shit. Fuck how do I delete? Delete. Delete. Whatever.

===================

'A short response will be funny, probably. Also, is he using voice to text? Magic watches can do that?'

===================

From: Mark di Abbott

To: Tony Russo

I'm alive.

===================

'Alright, who's last?'

===================

From: Evelyn Everett

===================

'Professor Everett? Interesting. What would she want with me?'

Mark shouldn't have done anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps it was just a wellness check for her closest students?

'Gotta read to find out, dipshit.'

===================

From: Evelyn Everett

The Principal wishes to meet with you. My office—6 P.M.

===================

'Fuck…'