While the conference room seldom is a quiet place, today it is bustling and overflowing. Fans and reporters are chatting excitedly while pushing around to find a good spot. There is no room for the audience to sit today, so everyone is crammed together, shoulder to shoulder. Then the door opens and coach Spelledaren briskly walks out towards the podium. The room explodes with cheering and flags are being waved. When he is followed by Aline Danford the crowd cheers even louder as she lifts her arms in a victory gesture on her way up. Then right after that Fred Bruschi joins in, and Paul Wright last, with the cheering continuing while the quartet take their seats, then changing into a rythmic clapping and then shouts of "Thump! Thump! Thump!"

Spelledaren leans forwards and shouts "Vikings are number one!" to the continued cheering of the room. The four of them look at each other, all smiles. After another minute of cheers Spelledaren shrugs and steps back to let Danford take the center spot, and when she turns her gaze onto the crowd they quickly grow quiet.

"We did it!" she starts. "The team has given us all they have, and we've been playing to our strengths, not letting the other teams dictate what happens on the field. We've had some losses that hurt us. We remember Sutton and Sutton who were killed on the field. But let's all take a moment to reflect on the DLE icon that was Rhett Ellison. One hundred and fiftyfive games. One of the most accomplished linemen ever, and always an important part of a solid drive. Rhett, we salute you!"

The crowd murmurs in agreement, and not only one, but two fans nearby can be seen wearing the Ellison Jersey. She continues. "In our plans for this season we didn't dare to dream of going this far, setting more moderate goals. We acheived those as well, apart from losing against Patriots, they seem to be back in form over in KFC. I saw a team coming together, supporting each other while also playing some agressive offense, which has paid off, and I think the fans like it too." She smiles at the immediate show of support.

A reporter takes the chance to throw out a line: "Miss Danford, you've taken the division three seasons in a row as team captain, as well as going to Super Bowl and now the conference number one! People are saying you've proven yourself to be an even better leader than Stipe Lipican!"

"And to that I say thank you. I owe most of my skills to the inspiration of Stipe. But the team I have today I've forged on my terms, apart from me only Corey Fuller played with Lipican. So this is surely a new version, something else than the team Stipe built, the one with all the powerful legendary players. But we do have some new official legends! Fuller was granted that status just a couple of games ago, and scored again last night. Soon he will reach the record Stephen Hill made! But the other sits right here. Former Wolfskins star, Fred Bruschi!"

She steps aside to let the imposing man take a step forward. A new wave of cheers goes through the crowd, somewhere in the back someone shouts "Fred I love you!"

"Thank you everyone" he starts, "this season has been one of my very best. I had a hard time seeing this after ending last season in the hospital."

"That's right!" shouts another reporter. "Your collar bone was broken and didn't really mend right. How are you feeling that hit today?"

"I live with it. Some days it is all pain. Others are good. When I step onto the field I can take that pain with me and share it with the other team."

Some nervous laughing and the reporter follows up: "You've really brought the pain! You've been sitting at the top of most casualties caused in the SHC this season. Some say this is your best season ever."

"I was given a chance to play, and room to be the best I could. I thank Spelledaren and Aline for the chance. I will do all I can to bring home this playoff to Erengrad."

More cheers as he steps back to let Paul Wright go ahead. The contrast with the end of last season is huge. Then he was a giddy young man who had just had his dream come true by taking Vikings to playoff through an amazing stunt. Now he radiates confidence, and he somehow fills up the room. And then comes a big wide grin again.

"Yeah! Yes! We frickin did it!" he roars while pumping his fist, getting the crowd going again.

"Paul! Paul! Never has anyone been made the Most Valuable Player as often as you! You are the best!" It is unclear who is shouting in the mess on the floor.

Paul continues with the widest smile imaginable. "Yeah, man, wow what a season. I am living the ultimate dream right now. And I tell you now, this team, these guys right here, no offense mam, we will stay strong, and we will fight, and we will win that Super Bowl throphy! Yes!"

The crowd goes wild again, and some fans are rushing the stage, Paul lifts one them in a wild hug and is just laughing. In the following mess the players soon leave, but the crowd stays, the party and shouts of "Thump!" being heard long into the night...