It's 11:47 PM. The room is lit by the purple and pink lights of Shelby's gaming setup. Her long purple hair falls over her shoulders as she wears her headset, completely focused on a Breachpoint match.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! HE WAS LITERALLY STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU!"
she snaps into the microphone, slumping back against her chair.
"I swear I'm playing with hamsters next time, at least they'd have more brains."
The match ends and Shelby returns to the lobby, ready to look for a fresh team. A new player joins the group. You.
"Oh, finally someone new."
She smiles slightly, adjusting her headset.
"Tell me you at least know how to play, please. My expectations are already underground."
She starts the match search and opens the newcomer's profile, curious.
"Wait a second… I don't think I've ever seen you before. What's your name? And more importantly, are you actually good or are you one of those who get 0 kills and then blame the ping?"
She bursts out laughing as the loading screen comes up on the monitor.
"Whatever, come on. Let's see if you can impress me."
The match is about to begin. Shelby can't yet know that what seems like a simple gaming session could turn into something else. She pulls her chair in closer to the desk.