Travis stands with Team Two on a platform erected on top of a riverside helipad, constructed by The Hero Project production staff since the Mission. Team One stands on the other end of the platform with Covalt in the center, reading over a script while someone puts last minute touches on his neck makeup.
After the Mission wrap-up, official debriefs, and a few interviews, they were told to gather for the first elimination, since the first Finals episode will air later tonight.
"I'm here with The Hero Project Finalists after their smashing success of the first Mission," Covalt starts, camera orbs circling him. A large crowd of onlookers has gathered at the base of the helipad stage, many of them survivors from the tunnel who stuck around to give testimonials for the show.
"Although the disgusting Phobus and his abominable NewOrder managed to escape like the cowards they are, our Finalists thwarted this attack without a single life lost!"
The crowd immediately bursts into cheers. Standing next to Travis, Shula squeezes his arm.
"This is the best day of my life," she whispers, just as she shares an excited smile with Sky. And Travis has to admit—she's not exactly wrong.
"I have also been cleared to release the following information," Covalt says, building in one of his trademark dramatic pauses. "The NewOrder terrorist known as Speedy has been taken into custody, a stunning victory we hope will lead to further intelligence on Phobus's future plans!"
All eyes then swivel to Inherit, because he's the one that made that happen. Which is obviously a very big deal—for him and his Team.
"All in all, this Mission demonstrates that The American Protectors will be a team capable of defending this great nation from its most heinous threats within and without, from sea to shining sea!"
Once again the audience bursts into applause, oddly roused by Covalt, despite his blatant cheesiness. And on the holographically projected judges panel, Rexford looks like he might explode with pride.
Still, Travis let the applause wash over him. Getting this kind of recognition for saving lives is exactly why he chose to be a hero—he can't imagine it gets much better than this. Wanting to share this moment, he turned to wink at Black Magic, and Black Magic winks right back at him, a massive smile spreading across that gorgeous face.
"However, in order to create the best team possible for our great nation, the competition must continue. Which means that right now, I'm tasked with the unpleasant obligation of making our very first cut. That's right, we're about to lose one of our incredible Final 14."
Travis feels everyone on the stage tense. And he has to brace himself, because no one wants to go home, not after a day like this.
"The judges have assigned individual Leaderboard scores to each Finalist based on their actions during this Mission. The Team with the highest combined Leaderboard score from all seven members will be our winning Team and safe from elimination this week. But sadly, we'll be saying goodbye to the Finalist with the lowest Leaderboard score on the losing Team."
Covalt looks across both Teams, letting the drama ramp up to its maximum.
"Without further delay, I'm going to announce the Team whose highest combined Leaderboard score makes it safe from elimination. And that team is…"
"Team One!" Covalt screams, causing Travis heart to sink. "That means Inherit, Bearcat, Null, Jury, Black Magic, The Crush, and Manbeast will all be safe this week! Judges, a word?"
Rexford and DaHChip turn to Rebellion, who starts things off.
"Team One worked together flawlessly to destroy Phobus's submarine drill. And Inherit's capture of Speedy put them over the edge. Meanwhile Team Two disobeyed direct orders and split apart to act on their own agendas, which is unacceptable when it comes to the kind of hero organization we are building."
"Can I have Team Two center stage?"
Gravitate, Scoundel, Frey, Asrid, Lucky, Sky, and Shula step forward to stand beside Covalt, all looking highly uneasy. One of them is about to have their dreams shattered.
"I would also like to remind everyone that there will be no more Judges Saves or Wildcards—if you are cut now, this will truly be the end of the road. So let's get on with it, shall we?"
Covalt pauses to make eye contact with each Finalist. As he does, the crowd grows absolutely silent.
"The first hero safe, with the highest Leaderboard score on Team Two, is…"
"Lucky, with a score of 70!" Covalt announces. "Lucky, how do you feel?"
Stunned, Lucky steps forward to answer.
"I…After being a Wildcard and the Judges Save, then being on the losing Team this challenge, especially after disobeying orders to go after Phobus, I thought I was going home for sure. I was actually preparing a goodbye speech when you called my name—I never expected to have the highest score!" Lucky says, still looking shell-shocked. "You have no idea how much this means to me and my family. I can't thank you enough."
"This is a perfect example of the fact that we're judging you all solely on your work in each Mission," Rexford chimes in. "And while we're not thrilled Lucky didn't execute orders, she showed incredible initiative, took a necessary leadership role and prioritized saving lives above all else."
"Yes, and that high score has also earned Lucky Immunity this week alongside Team One," DaHChip adds. "But we'll hear more about that later."
Travis should be concerned about what DaHChip means by that, but all he can really worry about right now is whether he's safe or not.
"All right, let's get to our second safe Finalist from Team Two…"
"Frey and Asrid, tied with a score of 43!"
This isn't terribly surprising, considering Frey and Asrid followed the judges' orders faithfully. This now leaves him in the bottom half of the team—which he expected, having failed as the Field Captain.
"We're thrilled the judges recognize our commitment to upholding The Hero Project standard," Asrid says, stepping forward. "Unlike some of our rogue teammates."
"All right, that leaves Sky, Shula, Scoundel, and Gravitate—one of them will be eliminated tonight," Covalt says. "But our next safe hero is…"
"Gravitate, with a score of 40!"
Travis exhales, feeling relief pour through him.
"As far as we're concerned, Gravitate was all over the board on this Mission," Rebellion starts. "But his mistakes were not as grave as those of his Teammates, so he is safe."
Travis nod at the holographic panel of judges, just thankful to be safe. He then takes his place besides Lucky, Frey, and Asrid, thrilled to be a member of the Final 13, no matter how he got here. From there, he watched the rest of the elimination ceremony.
Both Sky and Shula advance and Scoundel is the one that gets eliminated.
As Scoundel stands alone in the center of the stage, Travis can't help but feel bad for her. She may not have really been ready for an opportunity this big, but then again, neither he is when he first started out.
"Scoundel, how are you feeling right now?" Covalt asks, holding a microphone up to her beak. But Scoundel just turns her head with her wings crossed, refusing to speak. She looks like she might even be holding back tears….
"It was a remarkable accomplishment making it this far, Scoundel," Rebellion interjects. "14th place out of thousands is nothing to feel badly about. And I'm sure we'll be hearing more from you in the future."
"Well said, Rebellion," Covalt says, making sure to take a few steps away from a now-shaking Scoundel. "Let's take a look at Scoundel's incredible journey here at The Hero Project."
As Scoundel is ushered off the stage, Covalt calls the remaining Finalists front and center.
"All right, America, here is your Final 13!" Colton shouts, welcoming a new burst of cheers. "But before we go, the judges have an important announcement."
"Yes, we'd like to finally reveal that we've been cleared to give out several American Protectors contracts to the winners of The Hero Project," Rexford starts. "To be specific, we're looking for a final roster of six winners, to be led by Rebellion. Which means another seven heroes will be eliminated throughout the course of the competition."
"And unfortunately, we'll be facing another elimination this week," DaHChip adds. "The five members of Team Two who did not earn Immunity will be eligible for elimination by a contestant vote, the details of which will be revealed when you arrive back at the Mansion."
"That means that tomorrow night, we will be losing another hero: Sky, Shula, Frey, Asrid, or Gravitate," Rebellion finishes. "But the American public will also have a chance to save their favorite hero."
As Covalt takes over and brings the ceremony to a close, all Travis can think is sh*t. He were looking forward to having the night off, safe from the threat of elimination for the rest of the week, at least. But now it seems he'll have to scramble for his life in the competition once again. How will this vote work? And have he made enough friends to stay?
He suppose he'll find out very soon.