I was on my lunch break at work and started writing:
Ten figures huddled closely around the conference table, the glow of the projected spreadsheet bathing the room in a blue tint. “And what’s the status on XYZ and QRS?” There were murmurs and the sound of fingers on keyboards as the group struggled to remember their acronyms. Quests were handed out to those brave enough to volunteer or be volunteered. After countless acronyms were mentioned and talked about, notes were taken and the “beep” of unseen people leaving the meeting was heard, general announcements were made and the figures dispersed into the hallway outside the conference room.
The group chatted happily as they talked of lunch and things they did over the weekend. One by one they peeled off in separate directions, the sound of happy voices fading as they returned to their cubicles. Now they could focus on their individual quests and tasks. Headsets were donned and the sound of keys clacking on keyboards was heard over the din of the air conditioning.
Time passed. Figures walked by the labelers, unnoticed. “I’ve done it! I’ve completed my quest!” A large cheer was heard throughout the floor, mugs of ale were passed around and the room suddenly felt jubilant again. Would they be the only one to complete their quest today? Only time would tell.
I had another stab at it the next day:
Descending into the depths of the dungeon, each brave adventurer readied their weapon of choice. Shouts of, “The pen is mightier than the sword!” were heard as the group neared the first chamber. It looked like an ordinary door, it’s silver handle glinting in the florescent lights.
“Should we open it?” Jennifer asked.
“It’s a mimic. I’m sure of it. Let’s find another way.” replied Brian.
The discussion was heated. Several adventurous souls tried to get close enough to take a photo with their phones while others took out their laptops and did a quick internet search.
Exasperated by the delay, John said, “Guys, it’s just a door” and reached for the handle. Before he could react, teeth appeared around his hand and a long tentacle wrapped itself tightly around his waist. In a flash, he was gone.
“That was disconcerting. I’ve never seen…” but before Jake could finish his sentence Nikita and Jennifer were firing bolts of arcane energy from their fingertips toward the mimic. Katie mumbled something incoherent, and a magical dome encompassed the group. Kevin and Chris began to shoot arrows toward the mimic only to see them bounce away.
Whipping out a well-worn tome, Amy began the necromancy spell that would, hopefully, bring John back to them.
The lights flickered and suddenly everything went quiet. Time stood still. Vicki’s voice broke the silence. “What are you going to do now?”
Amy N Kaplan 