Thursday night, Game night (Pregame-Thursday the 18th, mid to late evening.)

[Galatea]

The apparel she was wearing was inspired from an old internet enigma from the 2020's. Although the short skirt paired along a summer jacket adorned with the Ethiopian league's logo which itself was worn around her shoulder over a tee knotted above her abdomen and not the light dress that inspired it, the colors had the same effect: at any given time no one could guess exactly what color they were...either the Mudaba Adin Fish Eagles or the Jijiga Sun Frogs.

Some people would pay less attention to the apparel then the exposed legs, the elusive navel or the Black 3.0 lipstick that simply mesmerized.

Hair worn in a single long braid to expose more of her jawline and neck, she made her way to her seat.

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Form 2, dress to impress

[Paragon]

The game was exciting if you liked football, the stands were crowded and the cheers were deafening, but for much of the first half the seat next to her was empty. These were good seats too. A gentleman passed in front of her, tailored suit, definitely not off the rack.

The watch though, it was the six figure watch that gave it away.

He sat, shades on to hide the glow and he said, “Have I missed much?” If people knew who he was, they did not seem to act it.

The score was currently 1 to 2 in favor of the Sun Frogs but it had been an intense match.

[Galatea]

''Sir'' she said softly, still eyeing the game as the crowd cheered a pass ''It depends what you look for in a match. No huge dominating plays but the teams are well balanced and the tension is high. It feels like every pass of the ball can shift the favors''

She turned her head once things calmed down...down-ish

''A fan of the sport?''

[Paragon]

“I was born in Manchester, it’s in my blood, God save the King and then he needs to save football and not always in that order,” he said coolly.

“But they do seem well matched, it’s a nice diversion. I presume a Brazilian can appreciate the sport as well?” he said in practiced Portugues.

[Galatea]

"Every time the world cup came around my grandfather would bring down the living room's painting of Jesus to put Pelé's jersey in it's place."

She grinned

"I think Pelé was there more often then Christ"

[Paragon]

“Damn good player, before our time, but damn good player,” he responded in kind. “I was at the ‘34 World Cup, broke my heart to see England bounced out so early, and then watch Brazil take it all home.But I don’t take it personally.”

“Mostly. Saudi Arabia being crushed at home was amusing though.”

OOC: World Cup was, and will be, in Saudi Arabia in 2034, Brazil won it.

[Galatea]

"Some might say it was a bit of karma in action, for all the good it did"

Much like when it was hosted in the others gulf states, allegations about the severe mistreatement of foreign workers had stained the event for many.

"But a bruised ego is sometimes the only thing we can get"

[Paragon]

Paragon went introspective at her line of discussion. His hands formed a steeple as he responded, “I wasn’t going to say it directly but yes, their egos did need a bit of bruising. I have to always keep the leadership of a nation separate from the people living there.”

He went silent for another moment and then said, “I was in the King’s private box when that beating went down. He was livid, and I enjoyed his consternation.”

The crowd cheered as the Fish eagles scored a goal to tie things up before the end of the half. Paragon nodded thoughtfully and said, “The cheers of the crowd, it makes it all worth it.”

[Galatea]

''The game is both players and crowd.'' she commented ''Flags needs be only colors lest they ruin mood''

[Paragon]

He focused on the game until the half was sorted, Paragon raised a hand as a sconcession person worked their way up the stairs.

“Want something?” he asked. The selection was local sodas, beers, water, and a mixture of juices plus some fried spicy vegetarian snacks.

After that gets sorted, he asked her, “Have you had a chance to look over your other fellow contestants?”

[Galatea]

Galatea mesured her options.

"If this outing is supposed to be a sly promotion event then a beer would be the better angle unless there was an ethical brand of local soda you could recommand?"

[Paragon]

Paragon ordered two beers and passed one to her. He offered, "Let's not overthink it."

[Galatea]

She let out a light, delightful, laugh "Thank you...but overthinking is one of my best qualities"

She interrupted the conversation for a well deserved cheer at a skillful steal of the ball

"I did see throught what profiles I had somethings are already in the works. I am unsure on how to approch two of them, however, and two others could be left on theirs own"

[Paragon]

"Which two are giving you pause?" he sked after taking a sip. His eyes watching the game.

[Galatea]

She brought the beer cup to her lip before speaking the first

''Iris Pythia is the first. She is fairly casual but that gives me little to work with beyond giving the impression that she'll be taken as the 'normal' girl of the lot. Anything more would be be risking sticking her with labels she might not want and I certainly won't do that.''

She frowned

''The second one is, well are, the Frankie Reynes. I am not sure if both will compete but at least one is listed. I overheard a conversation between one of them and Thousand Miles...that one was interesting on a scientific level but did not give me the impression that she had the best handle of the situation or situations.''

[Paragon]

Paragon replied, “Labels come with the territory everyone wants a label and a story.”

On Frankie he added, “Eccentric personalities especially loud ones I am told tend to resonate with audiences seeking drama and controversy. Not my cup of tea, but I recognize the need for such to keep viewers interested. At least from what I know of reality television.”

“I am learning as I go, though.”

[Galatea]

''If you view the participants as content to farm then yes, you are right...but if you value their humanity then this perspective risk being seen as callous''

She replied on a tone that could very well be seen as reproach which, in this current context, is certainly a bold thing to do. Then again who else but nineteen year old girl who sells her looks and youth could be chiding the most powerful man on earth on the need to see others as more then flesh?

''Sir, I do not know what you and mister Tegele have planned for this show but I am fairly certain that having the emotional or mental breakdown of teenagers be seen as part of the entertainement would make yourselves something akin of villains.''

[Paragon]

“And what would your vision be, if you had your say?” he asked.

[Galatea]

"Reality television...'' she began ''...is popular because pretends to sell unfiltered humanity. Everything around it may it be the drama, the fights the personalities can catch the eye and bring people to your show but there is little retaining power or greater impact. People stay because they identify with the people on the screen, warts and all, and the best moments are when differences are let go to embrace their similitudes.''

She glanced at Paragon

''My problem with at least one Frankie is that she does'nt see to fully grasp she's getting into which is essential''

[Paragon]

Paragon soaked in the words and gave it some real thought. The crowd cheered around him as he went inward and then said after there was a lull, “I can’t speak to the goal of the show as presented by the show runners, but I would like to see the humanity of our contestants brought forward. People see Elites, the ones on their screens as larger than life. And we are, but as I expressed to the hostess we need to see the humanity in ourselves and how we relate to each other.”

“If we lose sight of our inherent humanity, we become no better than the so-called villains we face.”