Most of the others had their eye on the bigger story and they already had their reputations. Most of them had passed through this stage long before. She had her eye on being more than a minor player in a big world, and this was her ticket!
The facts? The facts weren't that important - it was the spin that mattered. Ignore one fact, proclaim another fact. Interview the maker of this claim while ignoring the records, all part of the game.
The whole story would declaim the truth about this magic kingdom, and she would break the story on how the others all were going along with this evil empire for the sake of unrestricted access.
Every lie (they were politicians, of course it was all lies) was recorded and documented for later dissection.
They were hustled into a large cafeteria area where they were settled down and platters of food set in front of them. Cameras continued to whir as other reporters ran commentary about what they could identify. Most of it was simple fare, but that was to be expected.
No, there was more to this story than the guided tour and it was up to her to find it!
"First something to eat, then we'll visit Environmental Services," appended General Tchon, reminded that he was playing host and hustling them along would probably lead to bruised egos.
"Think we can leave her behind?" asked Jerald Streama of FoxI as the food was being set down and they viewed their young rogue going off to interview some of the others in the area.
"It brings back memories of when I was new to the business, and gratitude that I'm not that stupid anymore," said Nuke Usagimaru.
"She's attempting to interview that... what IS that?" asked a young reporter, glad that she was used to working in a less cut-throat crowd. "It looks kind of scary."
One of the servers looked in that direction. "Oh, that's Private Click-Whistle-Purr. He's a thri-kreen, a mantis warrior."
"I've never seen anyone literally climb up a wall in order to get away from a reporter, but I could see it in her case," said Nuke as the Private climbed all the way up to the vaulted ceiling.
"Now she's going after that guy in the robes," pointed out Streama.
"Well, this might be interesting," said the table server, whom everyone had noticed had four hands.
"So, do I understand, you don't have magic in your lands?" asked General Tchon.
The elf in the robes shot a glance at the General. The General held up a hand.
"No. Magic is something of legend and myth, but so were dragons until your first group arrived," said Nuke. Cameras were reached for again, having been set briefly aside as dinner was served.
General Tchon nodded to the beleagured elf across the room. "Well, I believe your reporter has just challenged Finster over there to prove that magic doesn't involve blood sacrifices. Finster is about to 'get creative'."
Cameras were now rolling and cameramen and reporters focussed entirely on the tableau as the reporter continued to grill the elf who was making an odd gesture and saying something.
There was a brief sparkle and shimmer in the air, passing from the elf to the reporter.
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(Posted Wed, 10 Mar 2004 07:32)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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