( voice )

[theverystars]

I've developed a guilty pleasure for watching these competitive "reality shows" on television.

I'm not sure why they call them that. It's an arbitrary name, when you think about it. "Reality shows" hardly capture reality.

The competition aspect of them is often rather pointless as well. What does eating a pound of brains prove, other than that the contestant has no gag reflex? Why not test your mettle at an actual survival skill?

( He falls silent, but not because he's thinking. He's already aware of the situation. )

Given the island setting, I'd say I'm in one such "reality show" now.

But my strength feels considerably limited, so being voted off the island seems like my best option...

( Shatterstar heaves a sigh, having finally resigned himself to acceptance. )

... or it would be, if that offer were on the table. I know enough about captivity to know this is a different kind of game.

Comments

[acclimate]

What is your preferred reality show, then?

[theverystars]

Julio thought I would enjoy a competition show called American Ninja Warrior, but the title was somewhat misleading. There are no ninjas, much less warriors. I have to admit, though, the obstacle course intrigues me. I would like to try my hand at it someday.

( This time, his silence comes from contemplation. He wonders if the course would pose any threat to him. )

It's funny. I can't tell if humans enjoy watching these competitions because they want to cheer for their favorite contestant, or because they like seeing them fall and injure themselves.

( His mind drifts to thoughts of Rictor, who, for reasons he could not understand, frequently got swept into the excitement of such programs and movies. He sighs again. )

I'll need to find a new show.

[acclimate]

Ah, I see. Your enthusiasm seemed familiar; perhaps it's because I've witnessed that feeling myself.

[There's a pause, and Noh-Varr's smile is almost audible right now.]

Where are you from? I am Noh-Varr, of the Kree Empire, or formerly so. There are many formerlies these days.

[theverystars]

A Kree? Here?

( And with a fondness for Earth's popular culture! Shatterstar's curiosity is enough to abate his disheartened tone. He speaks with a renewed sense of eagerness. )

Well, don't count me among them. I am Shatterstar, of Mojoworld.

[acclimate]

[That disheartened tone is not missed.]

It is surprising, isn't it? But it seems that that is the case.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Tell me, if you're fond of earth's culture, have you listened to Diana Ross and the Supremes yet?

[finesthour]

What's a "reality show"?

[theverystars]

As I said, the title is deceptive; but they're television programs that are meant to mimic reality, often through some sort of competition. I'm sure they've got a show for pretty much anything: singing, cooking, understanding feline behavior...

[finesthour]

Oh! I think I'd like to watch that last one. There are times Proudfoot confuses me. And don't even get me started on the terror that is Throgmorten.

[theverystars]

This Throgmorten might be the type of cat you'd see on My Cat from Hell. The series revolves around a man who calls himself a "cat behaviorist," and travels the country visiting the most spectacularly helpless cat owners. I wonder if they broadcast it here?

[finesthour]

I'm not sure this "behaviorist" would survive Throgmorten.

[theverystars]

With a name like that, your cat sounds more like a beast.

[finesthour]

I'm pretty sure we're from a different Series than this world. It's not so strange there. He's an Asheth temple cat, but he's got the absolute worst behavior of any cat I've known. He's not my responsibility anymore, thank goodness.

[theverystars]

... right.

( This world is "strange?" It's more like Pleasantville without the pleasantry. On second thought, it's not like Pleasantville at all. Oh well. )

Tell me more about this Asheth temple.

[finesthour]

Oh, it's wonderful. It's always bustling with something to do, and Asheth looks over everyone. There are cats everywhere. I mostly stayed inside the Temple as the Living Asheth with the priestesses, but outside it's bustling and there are vendors all over, selling the most incredible trinkets. The snake charmers are fascinatingly talented and bring glory to Asheth's name. Once a year there's a parade, which is quite lovely when you're a kid, but less lovely as you get older, of course. And there is a great statue of the Goddess, looking quite beautiful even if she is wearing her very stupid face.

[theverystars]

The Living Asheth? What is the difference?

[krestohmansee]

There are also terrifying silver-masked guards who will throw their spears into your chest and kill you. That is, if Asheth doesn't get you herself. It's really not as wonderful as she says it is. And it's so dreadfully hot.

Though I suppose some of the vendors are all right.

[notdogmatic]

Perhaps here they would be 'fiction shows.'

There was an intriguing program of that nature last summer.

[theverystars]

I guess they would call them that here, what with this whole "fictional" song and dance. I can't imagine why, if you've got the power to pull others from their native dimensions, you would deem their existence invalid. If anything, it's pretty strong evidence to the contrary.

( He doesn't dwell for long. )

What was the program?

(it was an event last summer)

[notdogmatic]

The Dungeon Channel.

I bookmarked the DCN forum posts and taped the broadcast for later reviww.

[theverystars]

( His tone turns somber. He didn't know what to expect, but it definitely wasn't that. )

Were any of those contestants willing participants?

http://thoughtsooc.dreamwidth.org/103846.html <-- further info

[notdogmatic]

None. In fact, they were unaware that they were to be contestants, or that there was a show to be contestants in, until after the broadcast began. Some of them had not found the cameras when the police stormed the ruins to rescue them.

It was fascinating.

[theverystars]

It is cruel, and too close to reality for my liking.

[notdogmatic]

Those three traits are not exclusive of one another.

[theverystars]

They are for me.

Whose idea was this? Who governs this island?

[notdogmatic]

Secretive scientists govern it, but there's reason to believe at least some of these events are arranged by unknown forces beyond their control.

That is also fascinating.