Gwen Haley

February 3, 2009 6:51 AM

My name is #456981 at Robyn Island Correctional Facility. I’ve been that number for twenty nine birthdays, six presidents, three wardens, and two chaplains. I’ve been in solitary confinement for 1,237 nights. I’ve missed 9 family funerals, 4 sibling weddings, and the joy of seeing 2 ex-boyfriends get fat.

I haven’t complained or blamed others. I’ve mostly slept.

In Pangea, I’m Dafi Fighter Pilot Haley. I’ve led 27 search and destroy missions. I’ve been Second Commander on 13 rescue assignments. I was once shot down over the Isle of the Dead and spent 16 moons trying to escape. I was so good at it that I brought 4 civilians with me. I speak 6 languages fluently. I’ve written 3 best selling books and did the translations by myself. I’ve won Pangea’s Most Beautiful Hero 3 times. They just started giving that out 4 years ago. People thought I was the default for a while!

But what happened to me last month is unforgivable. I get nominated for THIRTEEN Phoenix Awards. Not a respectable 6 or 7. Not an impressive 9 or 10. I got nominated for a ridiculous 13!! I spent 4 hours getting ready in hair and makeup. They said all the guests of honor need to spend at least 15 minutes on the red carpet before the show. I spent an hour answering questions, posing for cameras, making small talk with the fans – I was generous.

I sat in that theatre for 3 boring hours and guess how many awards I actually won? Zero. Zero awards. I had to clap and pretend to be happy for someone else 13 times. What a waste. Everything I’ve done for Pangea and this is how I’m treated. Insane. I might as well stay awake and sleep walk.