Backstage: Men in Grey

Unending BE - episode 129597

The Men in Grey duly appeared, gave Sid a working over before he could get a word in edgewise, and killed him. So much for him!

"Now," said one to the other. "How do we get out of here? How did we get in here, for that matter?"

"Beats the hell outta me," said his companion.

They felt a voiceless presence in their minds. It said:

If you hadn't been so precipitous in murdering my servant, he would have told you. That was his job, after all.

The two looked wildly about, but saw nothing.

"Who are you?" demanded the first man.

To you, retribution. You have inconvenienced me, and I'm pissed!

Slowly, painfully, the Men in Grey were reduced to unliving powder, which then blew away.

Sid? You are hereby recalled to existence. You will remember everything, except for the painful bits. You will also know what I have just done.

Instantly Sid mended and got up. "Thanks, boss," he said. "What was that all about?"

One of the author avatars you banished a short time ago put out a hit on you in vengeance.

"Ouch! Nasty little bugger, wasn't he? Any chance of hitting him back?"

Certainly, but it's considered bad form among authors. Even if he did try to cover his tracks by writing in a different author as the culprit.

"Whoa! All sorts of permutations in this game, aren't there? Which 'authors' are we talking about here?"

There are a limited number. You figure it out, if it bothers you that much. My feeling is, you have no need to know. You might have to play host to them again, some time, and I don't want your role as a host compromised by past resentments.

"Makes sense, I guess, since there's no permanent harm done. Still frosts my ass, though!"

No doubt it was intended to. Live with it.

"You're awfully unsympathetic for someone who cared enough to save my hash."

When I gave you the job, workman's comp was part of the deal. Keep your cool, Sid. I fully intend to bail you out whenever you need it. But you're useful here only insofar as you can retain your objectivity.

"This is a test then? Of whether I can handle this?"

If you wish.

"I can handle it, buddy! But let me tell you, I don't like this petty vengeance thing!"

No one said you had to. But be bigger than your oppressor, Sid. There's no percentage in a character trying to take on an author. I'll protect you, but don't expect to pull me into the game.

Sid sighed. "Okay. Chalk it up to experience, I guess."

Goodbye, Sid. I'll be back if you need me. Enjoy the job. It gets better.

The presence was gone. "I certainly hope so," Sid muttered.

  1. *Another character drops in.
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Deja Voodoo

Thu Feb 22 00:34:36 2001

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