"Congratulations!" The robot with Mr. Zago on the screen rolled into the room. "You've won the coveted prize of Salesman of the Year!" Virtual confetti rained down behind Mr. Zago.

Over the loudspeaker a triumphant classical piece played. I believe it was from the opera, Aida, or maybe it was Beethoven.

A host of people wearing Zago Chocolates polo shirts entered the room, clapping wildly.

Real live people.

So Mr. Zago didn't run this place all by himself with a robot army after all.

Each of the employees approached me and shook my hand despite my white jumpsuit smeared with blood and other nasty substances.

Were they not in horror at the death and destruction all around them? Why did no one seem to mind that Agnes, Jacqueline, Harold and Devon weren't merely losers in this game, but dead?

I think I may have mumbled 'thank you' to everyone who shook my hand. I don't honestly remember. It all seemed to be part of a horrible nightmare that made no sense.

The smiling employees ushered me into a grand auditorium down the hall from the office. Champagne awaited along with fancy hors d'oeuvres and miniature cakes on silver trays.

Several people helped me out of my gear and dumped everything into a large container near the doorway labeled "Deposit Sanitary Gear" identical to the safety briefing earlier today.

I admit, I scarfed down half a tray of appetizers and drank two glasses of champagne. First, I was incredibly hungry after my battle. Second, I needed the alcohol to numb my senses.

"Charles P. Decker, please come to the stage." Mr. Zago himself stood up front at a glass podium with a banner behind him that read: Salesman of the Year, Charles P. Decker.

I had no idea how they managed to craft a banner for me that quickly, but this place was full of surprises.

I made my way through the adoring and growing crowd of Zago Chocolates employees and tripped up the stairs to the stage. Mr. Zago greeted me with a hearty handshake and then pinned on a ribbon that read: Director of Government Sales.

"Let's congratulate Mr. Decker on his promotion as our first Director of Government Sales."

The room erupted into a rhythmic roar of applause, whistles, and hollering.

The hot stage lights blinded me. My mind was halfway between fighting for my life and enjoying the win. I took another slug of champagne. I waved at the crowd.

Did no one care I'd killed four people down the hall?

"Due to the failure of the other salesman to make it to this stage of the competition, Mr. Decker, you won by default. As you know, failure to understand your product is unforgivable. We will add the results of their over consumption to our data for the Zig-Zag Magnum Bar and hope that their errors will help us create an even better product for our military customers."

Mr. Zago handed me a thick manila folder. "Inside you will find your lead list for your new role in our organization. I have taken the liberty of setting up an appointment with the Secretary of Defense and his acquisitions team. We'd really like you to roll out our new product ASAP."

"Thank you." I took the folder, not sure what else to say. Did this mean I would have no consequences for any of my actions in the factory today? I could just stroll out of here with a brand new, lucrative job and forget all about what I'd done? My mouth opened. I wanted to say something else, but I couldn't find the words.

"A car is waiting outside to take you to the airport. A box of Zig-Zag EnergyMagnum Bar samples will be provided to you outside the factory upon departure. We look forward to what the future will bring to you, to Zago Chocolates and to the world."

An attractive brunette in a sparkling chocolate-colored gown escorted me off the stage. The cheering and clapping continued as I exited the auditorium and emerged into the daylight.

I climbed into the limo waiting for me, glad for the quiet and the dark inside. The energy and strength I'd experienced during the battle had subsided and had left me incredibly drained.

The driver had the glass barrier rolled down between us. "How was it? Did you get to meet Mr. Zago?" The driver had the glass barrier rolled down between us. "Everyone's outside wondering what happened in there."

I thought about the crowd of people who'd left us at the gate earlier that day. The wives, husbands and children who each anxiously awaited their loved one, hoping he or she may have been the winner.

I pushed the button on the arm rest and watched as the glass barrier rolled up, the driver's questions remaining unanswered.

The limo pulled away from the factory. I caught sight of my reflection in the dark glass barrier and wiped a smudge of blood off my cheek.