Clash of the Geeks

Clash of the Geeks by John Scalzi Read Free Book Online

Book: Clash of the Geeks by John Scalzi Read Free Book Online
Authors: John Scalzi
Tags: Science-Fiction
on that Last Unicorn remake poster. 
     
    FACE.PSD: [waves dismissively] 
     
    HORN.PSD: Thanks, that’s why my agent thought this was a great pickup gig. But I’m excited about the part. I mean, a horned flying kitten? I’ve been really working hard creating the horn and the history and back-story around it. 
     
    SWEATER.PSD: [bored] Sure kid. 
     
    HORN.PSD: [Crestfallen, but spots the refreshments table]: Snacks! 
     
    FACE.PSD: [snorts] It’s all CGA . Big squares of yellow and cyan. Fucking cyan. You can always tell a cheap outfit when the refreshments are cyan. 
     
    [HORN.PSD shrugs and goes to the table. FACE.PSD notices CROTCH.PSD and walks over to him]
     
    FACE.PSD: [sensing competition] These auditions are crazy aren’t they? 
    CROTCH.PSD: [nervously] Well truth be told this is my first normal one. What part are you going for? 
     
    FACE.PSD: [boldly] The face of clown sweater guy. 
     
    CROTCH.PSD: [shocked] Really? Won’t they just go with a stock image for him? 
     
    FACE.PSD: [relieved that obviously CROTCH.PSD is not competition, but also slightly offended] Oh I’m pretty sure I can make them rethink that choice. 
     
    CROTCH.PSD:  But it would be his actual face. How will you compete with— 
     
    FACE.PSD [Interrupts indignantly]: Do you have any idea who you are talking to? All those wrinkle-free faces of older actresses on movie posters, you think that was stock? DO YOU? What have you done compared to that? 
     
    CROTCH.PSD: Actually I’ve done mostly uh…exotic…uh adult sort of…
     
    FACE.PSD: [maliciously amused, loudly] You’re in porn? 
     
    [HORN.PSD snaps his fingers and turns from the refreshments] 
     
    HORN.PSD: [to CROTCH.PSD] I thought you looked familiar! 
     
    [HORN.PSD immediately looks chagrined as ALL stop what they are doing and look at him]
     
    SWEATER.PSD: What are you trying out for here? 
     
    CROTCH.PSD: Well, the orc crotch actually. It’s still where my skills lie, but this will be a chance for me to break into legitimate image work. 
     
    FACE.PSD: And you don’t think your storied career stimulating 13 year olds will hamper you here? 
     
    CROTCH.PSD: Well no actually, most of the stuff I did was really weird Japanese stuff. Not a lot of people saw it. Real niche stuff, you know, hentai and beast monsters and schoolgirls. 
     
    [ALL look at HORN.PSD again… Not knowing what to do, HORN.PSD stares back blankly]
     
    HORN.PSD: So, Mr. Sweater.psd you’re obviously going for the part of the clown sweater. What do you think it’s motivations are for being so…
     
    [HORN.PSD realizes he’s trying to talk shop with a hero of his and locks up for a second]
     
    HORN.PSD: …Sweatery. 
     
    SWEATER.PSD: [annoyed] Kid you want some advice? You’re taking the part too seriously. I think you’re a little green for the horn part. You should get some more experience under your belt. This thing’s going to get a lot of eyes, it’s for an important charity. 
     
    [HORN.PSD is shocked that he just got dissed by a hero of his, then angry. ALL besides HORN.PSD and SWEATER.PSD suddenly pretend to be deeply engaged in not being a part of the argument]
     
    HORN.PSD: [angry in a way only a young successful person whose talent has just been questioned can be] Oh I need more experience? I’m not taking it seriously? What about you? I used to look up to you. Now all you do is lens flare to emote anger. It’s your go-to trick. All your characters are the same now! 
     
    SWEATER.PSD: [angry in a way that only an older successful person whose talent has just been questioned can be] That’s not true! 
     
    HORN.PSD: It is true, it’s like you’re not even challenged anymore! 
     
    SWEATER.PSD: Be quiet! 
     
    HORN.PSD: Look at me, I’m an angry wall texture! 
     
    [HORN.PSD applies lens flare] 
     
    SWEATER.PSD: Stop it.
     
    HORN.PSD: Look at me I’m an angry star field! 
     
    [HORN.PSD applies lens flare]
     
    SWEATER.PSD: Stop

Similar Books

Hot Stuff

Don Bruns

Walking on Water

Madeleine L'Engle

One Night Stand

Parker Kincade

Missing Pieces

Joy Fielding

Killer Women

Wensley Clarkson

Dead Ringer

Allen Wyler

Omega

Kassanna