S.P.E.C.T.O.R – [A Sci-fi space adventure with fantasy elements]

“So you stand by your Xer-verse comment that the substitution the Oceana Abes made in today’s match was suspicious?” Malgath asked.

“Yes, everyone can see that Murphy was too distracted by Diva Lorelie and that he should have been the one to be brought off. Why would they take off Ran instead? Also, the fact that no comment has been made from the Oceana Abes or any team member regarding the substitution or, for that matter, any comment at all is more reason to be suspicious.” Mureil replied.

“You’re right about that, sports starts are synonymous with posting on Xer-verse after a match regardless of whether they win or lose,” Malgath said in agreement before asking, “What do you think should be done about this if anything?” 

“I believe the universal sporting body should conduct an investigation into this to try and determine the real reason behind that substitution.” 

“So you don’t believe the rumour that Murphy has a clause in his contract preventing him from being substituted?” 

“There’s no way, no team would ever be so foolish as to agree to that. At the end of the day, a sports team is a company; their goal is to win, as winning brings in prize credits and more fans who spend their credits on said team. Why would a team agree to something that is going to ultimately lose them credits?” 

“You bring up a good point, a team is ….” Malgath began, but then stopped as he was notified about something through his earpiece.

“Already? But we’re in the middle of an interview.” Malgath muttered.

“Is there a problem?” Muriel asked curiously as the studio audience also wondered what was going on.

“It seems the surprise call-in guest has called in slightly early; it’s not really a surprise to be honest, since they are apparently a huge fan of yours,” Malgath explained.

“Oh, really? I think I know who you mean. If it’s who I think it is, then I am also a fan of theirs.” Muriel replied.

“Then I know it’s a bit unorthodox, but would you mind if we invited our surprise guest onto the show and did a double interview?” Malgath asked.

“Not at all,” Muriel said with a smile.

“Well then, viewers.” Malgath turned to address the cameras and studio audience.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome back to the show the hottest celebrity in the universe right now.”

As Malgath said this, the audience and viewers watching on the universal subspace network had an idea of who he was talking about and became even more excited.

“She has only recently returned to her home planet of Oceana Seven, where she plans to start her new music tour.

She was also part of the universe’s first-ever call-in, along with Diva Rowena and Tephe.

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome her back to the show to hopefully answer our questions on her new boyfriend.

 DIVA LORELIE.”

As Malgath announced Lorelie’s name, the studio audience erupted in cheers, and even Muriel showed an excited look as a second giant holographic screen appeared beside Muriel’s and on it appeared a woman with green hair and horns.

“Hello? Hello? Why are they not picking up…. Oh, wait, they answered, Hi everybody.” Tephe said as she waved happily.

The audience, Muriel and even Malgath showed a mixture of cheers that Teph had appeared and confusion that it was not the announced Diva Lorelie.

“Goat Malgath, don’t you even know who is appearing on your shows? I’m not Dica Lorelie but Tephe.” Tephe said, causing Malgath to stare open-mouthed in confusion at her.

While everyone was trying to figure out what was happening, they heard roars of laughter coming from Tephe’s holographic screen before a female voice said.

“HAHAHAHA, that was priceless, did you see his face? Oh, progenitor, this was such a good idea. Hahaha.”

Malgath recognised that voice and quickly composed himself before saying, “Tephe, my topologies, it’s just we were not expecting you, but Diva Lorelie.”

“I know,” Tephe said happily with a smile.

“Then might I ask why you’re here?” 

“I’m part of the prank.” Tephe said proudly before turning to look at the screen and asking, “That went great, right, Diva Rowena? I did it correctly, yeah?”

“Yes, you did, Tephe dear, you did it perfectly.” Everyone heard Diva Rowena reply between chuckles.

“Prank?” Malgath asked in a confused tone as Muriel and the studio audience started to laugh as they figured out that Malgath had indeed just been pranked by Diva Rowena.

💫💫💫

On the planet of Solarian Alpha, there was a large mansion situated not far from the Solarian royal palace.

This mansion belonged to Malgath and his wife, Ulesse Solar, the third Princess of the Solarian royal family.

Ulesse was sitting in one of the opulent rooms, watching her husband’s show on a large holographic screen.

Malgath had informed his wife that Diva Lorelie would be making a surprise call in and, as her fan, Ulesse didn’t want to miss it this time.

She had unfortunately missed the surprise call-in that Rowena had made the other week, featuring Diva Lorelie and Tephe because of her royal duties.

This time, however, she was free, so she made sure to watch it.

As she observed her husband’s confused face and heard Rowena roaring with laughter, Ulesse couldn’t help but chuckle and say.

“Rowena really got him good this time.”

💫💫💫

“Ok, that’s enough, I think poor Malgath is having trouble understanding what’s going on.” A beautiful voice everyone recognised suddenly said before Tephe was joined on the large holographic screen by a stunning turquoise coloured long-haired beauty, causing the audience to go crazy.

“Were you also in on this, Diva Lorelie?” Malgath asked in a tone that made out like he had been betrayed.

“I may have agreed to it; however, it was my boyfriend and Rowena who came up with this prank,” Lorelie replied with a smile.

“Rowena, I can understand, as she is always trying to find ways to have fun at the expense of others,” Malgath replied.

“I heard that,” Rowena called from somewhere beside Lorelie.

“But why is your boyfriend in on this?” Malgath asked as he ignored Rowena’s comment.

Lorelie looked to the side as if looking at someone; however, when no one heard a response, she turned back towards the holographic screen above the console, which contained a micro camera and said.

“It seems you will have to ask him that when you meet him yourself.” 

“I see,” Malgath replied before asking, “Well, since you’re already here, let’s get your opinion on the Oceana Abes substitution. I believe you told the press before that you thought it was suspicious?”

“That’s correct,” Lorelie replied before saying, “Hello Muriel, it’s nice to finally speak to you properly.”

“The feeling is mutual, Diva Lorelie,” Muriel replied.

“Just Lorelie, please, unless you wish for me to start calling you Goat Muriel?” Lorelie asked with a smirk.

“No, no, Lorelie it is,” Muriel replied quickly before asking, “Though since you’re here, do you mind getting your boyfriend to tell us if a goat is actually a real thing or not in his world?”

“We have been asking him since your interview started; unfortunately, for some reason, he keeps dodging the subject,” Lorelie replied as she shot another glance to the side.

“See Malgath, I told you it was not something good. Why else would he dodge the subject when his own girlfriend asks him?” Muriel said with a frown.

“It certainly doesn’t bode well,” Malgath said in agreement.

“You’re better off just answering Muriel.” Rowena’s voice suddenly said as she spoke up again, From what I have heard, she’s not one to let something go.”

“Damn right I’m not,” Muriel commented.

Suddenly, everyone in the studio, as well as those watching on the universal subspace network, heard a sigh come from near Diva Lorelie before a male voice spoke.

“Goat or G.O.A.T. is an acronym for Greatest Of All Time, like you all know; however, coincidentally, there is also an animal on my homeworld called a goat.”

“What sort of animal?” Muriel asked suspiciously.

“It is a mammal that in some cultures on my planet represents the qualities of resilience. Curiosity and freedom. Also, the Greek god Pan was said to often appear as a goat.” Adam’s voice answered.

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Malgath commented.

“Agreed.” Muriel replied as her voice and the frown on her face visibly relaxed before asking, “Do you have a picture of one?”

“I do.” Adam’s voice replied cautiously.

“Well then, let us see this grand animal that even a god took the form of,” Malgath said grandly.

”Fine.” Adam said with a defeated sigh before an image of a four-legged animal with horns appeared, replacing Lorelie on the holographic screen for everyone to see, and a few seconds later, two familiar voices roared with laughter once again.

💫💫💫

Within the mansion on Solarian Alpha, a woman’s beautiful voice rang with amused laughter.