The Charismatic Glass Cannon

I spun the wheel. It ticked and ticked until it landed on Sci-Fi TV shows.

“Yes!” I exclaimed.

Cards appeared in Tap’s hands. Our mom had made us watch the Sci-Fi classics growing up, but I knew there were a lot that I really knew nothing about.

“Question number one. The Horta from ‘The Devil in the Dark’ was a lifeform that was based on what element and not carbon like life on Earth?”

Oh shit, I have no idea what any of this is. Beyond that, I don’t even know what show this was for. I paused for a few seconds racking my brain, my memories coming up blank, if the knowledge had ever been there. Above Tap’s head, a new thing popped into existence. A countdown timer read 15 seconds and was counting down. It was now down to five seconds, and I couldn’t think of anything.

“Fungi,” I said, my voice not portraying confidence.

A descending, sad chime sounded clearly, denoting that I got the question wrong.

“I am sorry, that is incorrect. This question comes from Star Trek: The Original Series when the Enterprise crew learns of the Horta (''The Devil in the Dark' – Season 1, Episode 25). These are silicon-based lifeforms that look like glowing mounds of lava and live deep under the surface of planet Janus VI. As you have given an incorrect answer, you must enter a challenge at the conclusion of the round. As a reminder, the more questions you answer incorrectly, the harder the challenge will be.”

“Fuck,” I said out loud.

“I command you to do better!” Stercus exclaimed.

“Question 2, what planet is said to be the nearest planet to Earth with a working Stargate?”

Oh, I knew my Stargate. One of my favorite shows.

“Abydos,” I replied.

“Correct!” Tap said. “Question 3, what was the name of the humans’ fighter ships called in Battlestar Galacticia?”

I hadn’t really seen this show, neither the newer one nor the original, but I knew enough that the answer popped in my head.

“Colonial Vipers,” I replied.

“Correct!” Tap said again. “Question 4, in the TV show Firefly, what is another name for the Independents (such as Mal and Zoe) who fought against the Alliance in the Unification War.”

“Browncoats,” I replied, a smile on my face.

Another classic show I was raised on. I was nervous about having to enter a challenge at the end of the round, but I was feeling good having gotten these questions.

“Final question number 5. Who was the Vorlon Ambassador to Babylon 5?”

“Kosh,” I replied.

“Correct!” Tap said.

I had forgotten about the shard flip display, having been so engrossed in the questions. It now read 312 red shards. I wasn’t sure how it came up with the 2, but maybe I got partial points for that missed one earlier. I also had no idea if 312 shards was a lot or not.

Hey Kiwi, I thought, is 312 shards enough to buy a pack of gum?

“You have received 312 red shards and have completed round 3! As you had one incorrect answer, you will now be sent on your challenge set at challenge rating 1. Stay tuned. What will happen to our intrepid participant? Will they survive Level 2 Round 3? Only one goal for this round. User must reach the obelisk on the planet Xeroth to complete the round,” Tap said now frozen.

My vision went completely dark.