Warning: the following series is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real life persons or experiences are completely coincidental. This series contains violence, adult situations, and language. The first five episodes will be available for all. The sixth episode and beyond will be for paid subscribers. Consider supporting my work by becoming a paid subscriber.
“Welcome to the global premiere of 168 Hours. A reality show unlike any other. And I’m your host Steven Whitlock.” I say, staring at the camera. I can see the video of myself in the upper right corner of the screen. I double check my auburn hair, making sure everything is still in place, although this is going to be a voiceover. Imagine if the contestants were aware of my Caucasian ethnicity? It is bad enough America shed itself from a democratic government and become a fascist, dictatorship. Since the last election, the country and its laws changed completely.
“Tonight, we’ve invited seven special contestants and challenge them to travel from Washington Park, in Albany, New York, to Los Angeles, California. The twist: none of them have credits. They will have to travel by foot and train, searching for clues and financial power-ups along their journey. The first person to make it to a secret location in LA will win not only their freedom but also credited one million dollars.”
Through my screen, I watch a camera-carrying drone descend and hover over a racially diverse group of lost strangers. They are standing in the center of a large area, covered with a variety of vibrant, colorful tulips. Behind them there is a turquoise-colored statue of a man standing on a boulder. His arms raised high in the air, and the boulder appears to split down the middle. Four smaller statues stand around the man. The contestants notice the statue, but pay it little attention. Each of them wearing similar style jumpsuits, either red, blue, or purple, like the criminals they are. They look bewildered, standing in the middle of a park. I can feel their thoughts. I push my auburn hair back and say my next line to them.
“Hello, contestants. Welcome to Washington Park in New York. Thank you for your willingness to take part in our first reality show. First, a moment to thank our great leader for allowing the production of this reality show. All hail, our great President,” I pause for a respectful moment of honor. The contestants stand and fidget. A few cast the middle finger to the screen. I see it and smirk. Whatever. I’m not the one down there. I return to the microphone. “Each of you knows what you need to do, but allow me to explain it again for our viewers online. Your mission, travel from here, Albany, to Los Angeles.” I pause. I watch one camera zoom in on a tall black male. A goliath of muscle. I check the roster prepared for me. Trevor. His lips move. I turn up the audio.
“ — do that? We don’t even have any credits on us,” pursed lips, flaring nostrils.
“Somewhere in this park, we hid seven cell phones. Obviously, one for each of you. Simple burner phones, but equipped with some apps to assist you on your travels. The camera works, enabling you to scan QR codes. Each QR code unlocks credits to purchase food, train tickets, and any other items you require along your way. There are various stores, and sponsored restaurant apps. The apps connect to a bank account, allowing you to make transactions.”
“So we have to look for our phones first?” A spiny male with pale skin says with a nasal voice. Justin. Definitely not the person to put your credits on, if you’re in Vegas gambling. I switch the audio off to continue the introduction.
“Yes. Your phone is your lifeline to food, credits, and train ticket purchases. Unfortunately, each only six tickets are available for the first leg of the race. So, it’s important to move fast. The President prepared a special train for the show and it departs when the sixth rider boards.
“Let’s talk about currency. Credits are non-transferrable. Each of you has access to your phone and accounts. When you find a QR code, it becomes invalid once it releases funds. You can track how much you have earned throughout the game and purchases for advantages will become available. However, we have equipped the game with collaborative moments. Choose your allies wisely, because there can and will only be one winner.” I switch the audio back on.
“So, this is like…a race?” A multi-racial woman with shoulder length black, wavy hair says. Paisley.
“That is correct,” I reply. “Remember, the first person to reach LA earns both their freedom and the life-changing amount of one million credits.”
Each of them smiles, considering how different their life will be, especially in California.
“Now, let’s get this race started. I’m your host, commentating your progress to our online viewers.”
“Viewer? There’s an audience?” A slim, athletic female with tan skin speaks up. Brooke.
“Oh, did I forget to mention this is a live stream? Our President wants to collect revenue on the show. Afterall, we have strong federal backing. There are drones hovering above you. Cameras hidden along your planned route. And viewers at home can vote for their favorite player, granting you more credits. Better than being incarcerated, right?”
Brooke speaks again. “Everything’s a show for the —.” I cut the audio. Just in time.
“Our great President. We are so grateful for this opportuity to allow these criminals a chance to earn their freedom for the crimes they have committed.” I pause and notice they have settled down before putting the audio back on.
“— down for that,” a dark tanned man with straight hair says. “A chance to race for my freedom and credits. Hell, I’m in.”
Others nod in agreement.
“Excellent, let’s begin!” I state, feeling millions of eyes cascading from cyberspace. I bask in their anticipation, inhaling the excitement. “Their first task: find a cell phone,” I pause, imagining dramatic music playing online. Watching the cutscenes of each contestant inhaling deeply. Some poised. Some aloof. “Begin!” I said into the microphone and watch the small group disperse through the park. Like a scattershot from a video game, each going their own directions. Desperate to be one of the first to find and activate a device. Everyone leaves the wide garden area near the statues, except for one.
To be continued August 15.