Electric Magnajoust is a sport thriving among people who care about things that matter, which is to say most teams barely make the rent on their domes. The antiques industry is larger, in gross annual revenue, than both Joust leagues combined.
This is why Stephanie Long sometimes buys dinner for professional athletes.
Simon Yu (#0) wouldn’t permit it, of course, but Carol Tolliver (#41) doesn’t mind. “You have something you want to ask me,” she says, around a mouth full of salmon nigiri.
“Say I did something,” begins Stephanie, “to make my best friend incensed.”
“Well,” says Carol Tolliver (#41), “why?”
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Last year the Stone City Thunders went two for five in the quarterfinals against the Richmond Roar, during which series the Roar temporarily stole Carol Tolliver (#41) via contract loophole. So when the Thunders beat them in early season play, it’s a good excuse for a party.
Stephanie Long actually attended the home bout this time. Standing in the box with her graph-paper score pad reminded her of watching games with her mother, and therefore she finds herself gliding into a corner on vodka skates.
“Hi,” says the person there, above the music.
“Hi, Lucie Corner (#30),” says Stephanie Long.
You have to be in good shape to Magnajoust, of course, but you don’t need the traditional athletic form. Miguel Sebanon (#8) is only 5’4″. He and the other rogue back (Carol Tolliver, #41) derive a distinct advantage from their low centers of gravity.
Gravity, like peripheral vision, matters in Electric Magnajoust. This is why Imani Rhodes (#17) makes them hold flashcards to either side of her as she stares intently straight ahead.
“You look ridiculous,” Stephanie Long informs her.
“I’ve almost got it,” Imani Rhodes insists.
“The previews are starting,” Simon Yu groans.
“Zero!” says Imani Rhodes. “Shit, six?”