MCYT RANDOMNESS 2

The Elevator - part 1

'Ok, right this way... and be careful, there's a wall to your left...' I say, leading the blindfolded Impulse into the elevator we're taking up to his surprise birthday party. 'That's it... in you go...'

'In?!'

'Yep. Just... stand right there. And don't move, there's a guy with a piano to your left.'

'Greetings, fellow travellers?' Piano-guy waves at us 'Welcome to the Great Adventure?'

'The... wait what?' I frown.

'The great adventure! Taking this elevator up to the top floor and down again, of course,' I note the stranger's British accent and almost-dyed hair - blond, but brown at the roots. 'I'm Oli Orion, more commonly known by my stage name OrionSound!' Oli breaks into excited jazz hands that only makes the following awkward silence more awkward.

'I said... the greatOrionSound!' Another round of hopefully jazz hands. I blink, not knowing if I'm stupid for not knowing who this guy is. 

'Ah, never mind. And don't worry, you're not the first people who didn't recognise me offstage... anyway, why are you two?'

'I'm Skizz, this is Impulse.'

'Wonderful meeting you. And may I ask, why is he blindfolded. In fact, excuse me, sir? Impulse? Why are you blindfolded? Are you being taken captive? If you're being threatened by the big scary Skizz man, blink twice.'

Silence.

'Wait, oh dear... you're blindfolded. Hmmm... your captor has clearly thought of everything. But don't worry, I'll find a way to free you soon. Anyway, up we go again! Weeeeeee!' Oli presses the button for the top floor without even thinking that we're looking for a different one. The doors start to close and-

'Hey! I'm coming in!'

I immediately press the open door button at the call of a delivery guy holding a bag of food. He enters.

'Can... can I take off my blindfold?' Impulse asks. 'I know we're in an elevator now...'

'Yeah, absolutely... oh, look! there's someone else... come on in! There's plenty of space!'

Behind the delivery guy runs another stranger wearing black and turquoise hoodie, barely getting into the lift in time. The doors close. The elevator starts ascending.

'Can we go to my floor this time?'

I scream, almost crashing into Impulse at a sudden voice from the corner.

'When did you get here?!' I question, staring at the guy in the blue sweater I swear wasn't here five seconds ago.

'I've been here for the last 3 trips to the top floor and back.'

'Oh! That's BigB. He's great. He's been a wonderful audience for my performances.'

'Dude, why are you screaming?' The delivery guy sighs. He's got bright blue hair and I read the name Jevin on his uniform. 'Chill out.'

'But- the- just- he wasn't there before!' I signal again at BigB.

'I apologise greatly. I should've introduced you sooner. Anyway, new arrivals, welcome to the Great Adventure to the top floor and back. I'm Oli, the great OrionSound. I know, you are blessed to be in my presence. You, sir, with the food, what's your name?'

'Jevin?'

'You don't sound convinced about that...' But Oli turns quickly to the final elevator member. 'What about you?'

'Me? I'm xB. Nice to meet you.' He holds out a hand to shake, the other holding his bag.

'It is lovely to meet you too, good sir. May I introduce my existing audience of BigB, Skizz, and Impulse... Also, Impulse, I recognise your name from somewhere and I don't think it was that long ago... where are you going within the building?'

'It's a surprise.' Impulse smiles, and I'm relieved to see how excited he appears for the party. 'I've got no clue, but Skizz planned it, and he knows me really well, so I know I'm gonna love it. We've been friends since high school.'

'We have indeed.'

The elevator jolts. Badly.

 Impulse grabs my hand. Jevin holds his food closer. Oli looks unfazed.

'It does that from time to time. Don't worry.'

The elevator stops moving.

'Never mind. Panic time.'

And a disembodied voice fills the room.

'Well hello there! This elevator has stopped due to unexpected technical difficulties. Please do not press any buttons or try to leave. We will have it up and running again as soon as possible. Concorp thanks you for your patience.'

'What?! No! Why?!' I kick the wall of the elevator.

'Please refrain from kicking the elevator. You will just make it sad.'

'Wait... you can see us? Live?' xB asks.

'God?! Is that you? Oh no... I promise I've been a good Oli most of the time!' No reply. 'Would- would you like a song, God?'

'To ensure a lack of any shenanigans or rapscallionry, all Concorp elevators are equipped with cameras and microphones to see you, and speakers, so us here at Concorp can allay any and all concerns you may have.'

'When will we get out? Is someone coming to help us?' I ask.

'You- you still haven't said if you want a song!'

'Here at Concorp, we only hire the greatest of handymen to deal with problems such as this one. And also, as much as us at Concorp appreciate your request, Mr Oli OrionSound, the great and powerful, it must be declined. Us here at Concorp are constantly busy ensuring all of our customers have the best products and greatest service, which means I must disappear to be of use to another customer.'

'How long will this take?' Jevin asks. I see him eying the food he's holding.

'Here at Concorp, we pride ourselves in our lightning fast reaction speed in finding and solving any and all problems. However, there are often obstacles stopping us in-'

'That's not an answer, jerkface!' I kick the elevator.

'Skizz! We must refrain from shouting at the lovely customer service guy. He might send this elevator plummeting into oblivion! That would not be a very ideal ending to the Great Adventure!'

'We here at Concorp wish not to bring false hope to our customers by suggesting incorrectly how long or short a repair will take. Good luck, you wonderful elevator people. And please check out the Concorp online store for all your future needs. Farewell!' The employee disappears, but the speakers are still recording and we hear every little clatter and movement of them leaving their desk, before a yell that's barely picked up.

'Cub! That elevator broke again! Also where's the cake? I've decided I'm on break...'

The voice fades away and we're left in stunned silence.