The Inaugural Address

PART I - CHAPTER VII

7.

"Thank you, fellow rebels, for joining us today," Mabel's voice was piercing and strong as she looked directly into one of the cameras, which lit up green above the lens as Mabel spoke. "We have for you today a newfound weapon of the rebellion, and a tide-turning interview to accompany it."

I was seated to the left of Mabel, who stood a few feet in front of me, directly in front of the currently airing camera. We were in a brightly lit television studio on the outskirts of Taupo, set up similarly to the sets of late night talk shows that typically broadcasted out of Collingwood, the capital of Leo Territory, every night. Instead of Scorpius propaganda, though, we were beginning a major campaign for the rebellion instead: the first interview of the tour of the territories. I was proud I was a part of it.

I was mildly uncomfortable in a dark grey, tightly tailored suit designed for me by an eagerly excited Jasper Langford, who I still occasionally struggled to address by his nickname of 'Leo'. Nonetheless, Leo stood off to the left of where I sat, beside Brock and Charity, behind the cameras and beside a small stand of seated, onlooking audience members. They all seemed to exchange inaudible comments, clearly directed at me and what was to come with the livestream. I witnessed Brock's furrowed brow, captivating eyes, and accompanying smile, nearly causing me to mimic his expression nervously. I was grateful that I somehow fought the urge to grin prematurely, and tried to remain focused on what we rehearsed instead of on the dozens of stares all directed at me. I never thought I'd ever do something like this, but there's a first time for everything, I guess! In front of me sat an empty chair, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to meet who was set to sit in it momentarily.

I waited for the camera set nearly directly in front of Brock to turn green, indicating the start of my time on the livestream. If everything was to go as rehearsed, it was the next camera to get the green light. Following that, I would introduce my grandmother, who would then enter the scene from behind the set. We'd share pleasantries and the questions on the prompter would begin. I found comfort in that I also wrote the questions and notes for myself on some note cards I placed in my suit jacket for potential need of reference just in case the prompter moved too fast.

"Although this live stream is restricted to broadcast on the network exclusively, we hope you utilize what you're about to see and hear to best benefit the rebellion," Mabel continued. "Share within your circles, use it to persuade new recruits, let it inspire you..." Mabel paused for a moment, seemingly drawing a momentary blank. The blank quickly drew to a close and Mabel began again, "Every territory's top operative will receive a copy of the interview and be able to replay it whenever they deem it fit. Until further clarification, each interview of the upcoming tour of the territories will be live streamed and preserved in this way." Mabel was reaching the end of her introductory speech, and I could feel my nerves grow ever so slightly. "Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you all to Philip Sangra, the biological twin of the Commonwealth's next Divine Ruler and first Empress, Alexandra Scorpius. Philip, I'll let you take her from here!"

Applause accompanied the transition in camera angle and I watched as the camera on me went from shining red to yellow to green light. I instinctively smiled once the camera showed I was on the air, but it took some initiative to begin speaking.

"Hello, fellow rebels. As Mabel stated, I'm Philip Sangra, the biological sibling of the next Divine Ruler, Alexandria Scorpius. Just my luck to be related to someone who I know we're all probably going to hate in a few years, right?" I managed to show some personality despite reading off the prompter.

The audience responded with laughter, which instantly made me feel more comfortable.

"Now, before we get started with an interview that's bound to change our rebellion forever," I read, internally considering such a statement as a bit overstated, "I want to mention that in just under two years, on my 25th birthday, we'll be one day away from Alexandria's Inaugural Address. With it will come one of two potential previews for the future of the Commonwealth. We will either find Alexandria abiding by our petition demanding the installment of a democratic coalition to dissolve the House of Scorpius's domination of the Commonwealth, or we will see her continue the corrupt dynasty that has plagued the Commonwealth since its founding." Silence dominated the room as I read more, "We want nothing else but for there to be a peaceful transfer of governance, and if this interview somehow ends up being viewed by Alexandria, we want to make our position clear: we do not want war, we want democracy and reparations for the damage done by the House of Scorpius."