Private: Nova
NOTE: Tech demons robbed the world of Segment #10 (“No Distractions”), which would have aired on ReVival 24 after the commercial for Powerbomb: The Fragrance that followed the Nova vs. Anna Daniels match.
In a locker room backstage, Nova leans back on a bench, resting his head against a red metal locker door. His eyes are closed and he’s soaked in sweat from the match with Daniels. He lights a cigarette and takes a long drag.
Knock knock knock
He opens one eye as the door to the locker room opens and the Event Horizon pokes his head in. Nova sits up and grins at him.
Nova: We’re back to knocking? I guess it really has been a while…
Hayes returns the grin and steps into the room.
Hayes Hanlon: Literal months. Good to see you, Nov. And good show against Daniels, she’s a hard one to read. How you feeling?
The Risen Star takes a drag and holds out his arms.
Nova: I’m here. But that’s not the question right now. How are you, Hayes? I meant to reach out after Orlando…just been dealing with a Cajun lunatic apparently hell-bent on destroying whatever it is he thinks I represent.
Hayes offers a bemused snort through his ‘stache, and Nova looks him in the eye.
Nova: But seriously…how are you?
Hayes Hanlon: (Taking a beat) Still pretty pissed, if I’m honest. It still stings. It probably always will.
Hayes takes a seat on the bench next to the Risen Star.
Hayes Hanlon: But I’ve got another shot. And I’m not gonna miss.
Nova smiles at Hammerin’ Hanlon, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
Nova: The Uni is a fickle mistress. You’re not the first to drop it in the first defense, and definitely won’t be the last.
Hanlon nods quietly.
Hayes Hanlon: I know. It’s a tall order to hold onto that thing. But, I just really don’t wanna end up one “those” guys, y’know?
The Risen Star takes a last drag of his cigarette and puts it out in a cute ceramic bowl with dancing pandas on it that Nova made himself at a Paint & Sip.
Nova: You won’t be.
He looks intently into Hanlon’s eyes.
Nova: The important thing now is to focus on the task at hand. Ivan. Rezin. You have to clear your mind of all other distractions.
Hanlon replies with another nod.
Nova: You’ve got another shot. Everything else on the periphery can wait.
Hayes Hanlon: (Running a hand through his mustache) Right…yeah…
Nova: Confidence. Experience. Poise. You are unflappable. Unshakable. You-
“Special delivery.”
Nova: Squueeeeeeeeeee!!!
The Starchild balls his hands into fists and leaps off the bench, nearly sending Hayes flying as he runs to the door. It opens to reveal the Time Lord herself, Anna Daniels, leaning against the door jam.
Nova: What did you pick out for me?!
The vessel smiles at Nova. Despite the ass kickings that have been given and taken, there’s a twinkle in her eye. Totally out of warrior mode and definitely into shill mode.
Anna Daniels: Well, ya know, something you said before kinda triggered something in our head. Something so damned obvious, we were kicking ourselves in the ass for not thinking about it sooner.
She unwraps the package to reveal the BRAND NEW NOVA SLEEP SHIRT. Somewhere in the distance, an air horn goes off.
Anna Daniels: We know you’re not a sleep shirt type of guy. But it didn’t seem right to not give you the first one. 100% cotton, very breathable, much comfort, very wow.
It’s only at this point that the Muse actually notices Hanlon looking completely baffled in the background.
Anna Daniels: Oh, hey Underwear Boi. Got your ‘stache combs in whenever you need them.
Hayes Hanlon: Oh, uh, thank you.
Hayes leans toward the Starchild with a confused look, and mouths the words “Underwear Boi”? Nova can’t reply, as he’s too busy clutching the shirt to his chest, burying his face in it.
Nova: (Muffled) ErmahGERD, it’s even softer than you said it’d be…
He hands Daniels a folded bill which she tucks into her armband.
Anna Daniels: Pleasure doing business.
Nova: Good game out there, homie.
Anna Daniels: Didn’t do too bad yourself.
Nova reaches out a hand, and he and Daniels engage in an elaborate secret handshake so classified in its origin and design that the screen actually blurs out their hands. At its conclusion, they nod to each other and Daniels disappears out of the doorway.
The Risen Star turns back to Hanlon, pointing a finger at him somberly as he slings his new merch over his shoulder.
Nova: No distractions, Hayes. No distractions.
Hanlon stares blankly at him.
Hayes Hanlon: …when did I order ‘stache combs?