News With The Neverseen

Episode 2

Gisela's POV

I returned to my boss that night, Gethen's words ringing in my ears. "News with the Neverseen is THE MOST trustworthy news channel in this entire network."

"Nice work, Gisela." Umber said when I entered her office. "You looked very believable up there. Now tell me, what did you learn from them? We must take them down using their own company. As long as they believe the lies we keep feeding them."

I nodded. "I have no doubt that it will work."

I walked back to my desk. Something about what I had done didn't feel... right.

"What do you want me to do next?" I asked.

"Go back. I want more."

"When?"

"Tomorrow. And you will be relieved from your duty as a receptionist until this is over. You must do everything possible to bring down both News with the Neverseen and Gethen Ondsinn."

"And why's that?" I wondered.

Umber's eyes narrowed. "I have my reasons. And believe me, you share them."

+++

"Are you ready, Gislea. We'll air in 15 minutes." Gethen's words brought me back from my daydreaming.

I smiled. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be ready?"

With a nod, Gethen walked out in the direction of the recording room.

"Wait!" I called as I remembered why I was here. Gethen stopped in his tracks, turning towards me and flashing his movie star–I mean, ordinary–smile.

"What?"

"How are... uh... the low ratings? In credibility?" I stammered as I tried to divert my attention to somewhere else in the room.

Gethen's face fell with the mention of his low scores.

Feelings of discouragement: check. I did an internal celebration. "You know, I try not not to talk about this kind of stuff with guests on the show."

Disappointed, I nodded.

"See you in the studio." With a wink, Gethen left, leaving me staring dumbly after him.

+++

"Hello, and welcome to News with the Neverseen. I am your host, Gethen Ondsinn."

"And I'm Alvar Vacker." Alvar interjected.

"We have a lot of breaking news and interesting stories for you today, so stay tuned."

"Our first story is about an infamous rebel group." Alvar told the camera. "The Black Swan. They are tracking their members using Arowmark. This raises many questions. Are they siding with the ogres? Are they afraid their members will rebel? And where are they obtaining this substance? Does this mean they are siding with the ogre rebels that want to tear the world to shreds?"

"Those are some very insightful points, Alvar." Gethen said. "Before our next story, we are introducing the new-and-improved version of Neverseen Game Night. Our first game is Trivia 2.0, which you may remember from last night's game night.. Please welcome our special guests: A returner, Gisela Sencen, and a newbie... Trix."

"It's a pleasure to be here." Trix and I said.

I wanted to win this trivia. I told myself it was because it would make me look reliably smart. Not because I wanted Gethen to be impressed. Definitely not.

"Question 1: Who founded the Neverseen?"

I hit my buzzer. "No one knows!"

Bing.

"Correct. One point for Gisela."

"What do the Black Swan and Neverserseen have in common?"
This time, Trix beat me to the buzzer. "They both are secret organizations!" he half shouted at, half told Gethen.

"Incorrect. Gisela, you have the floor."

I tried to think, but Gethen was looking into my eyes and I found myself unable to concentrate. "U-uh, they both have... N's?" I asked, then almost slapped myself for my stupidity. But, to my surprise, the bell rang, signifying that my answer was right.

"Correct!" Gethen cheered. "Gisela currently has two points."

"Who is the leader of the Neverseen?"

Trix slammed his buzzer. "Feenteen Pireen."

"Incorrect. Gisela?"

I slapped the buzzer.

"Fintan Pyren."

"Correct! Gisela currently has three points."

I pumped my fist. "Take that, Trix!" I said to rub it in. All I had to do was destroy his confidence, and this game would be as good as won.

"There are two more questions in today's trivia night. What is Fintan's favorite thing?"

Trix slammed his buzzer. "Balefire!"
"Incorrect. The floor is yours, Gisela."

"Everblaze!" I shouted.

"Correct. Now for the final question. What is the goal of the Neverseen?"

I hit my buzzer with the force of 1,000 Gorgodons. "To make the world better with the Neverseen as the rulers!"

"Correct! The first game is all over, and our winner is Gisela. The final score was 5:0. Our next game begins after the break. Stay tuned for more games and stories!"

The theme music played and the cameras turned 0ff.

"Two minutes," One of the camera people told Gethen.

"So, Gisela. What do you do when you're not on our show?" Gethen asked.

Uh oh.

"I'm... a receptionist." I stammered.

"Gisela, would you like to become part of the permanent team at News with the Neverseen?"
Ummmm...

"Let me think about it." I told him.

"Great." Gethen flashed another movie star smile and paired it with a wink.

"Ruy, Gisela, you two are excused. You're welcome back anytime." Alvar told us.

I turned to leave.

"Think about it Gisela!" Gethen called after me.

+++

I re-apeared at Candleshade only to see Cassius waiting for me.

He did not look happy.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I saw the way you looked at him, Gisela. You and I are over."