News With The Neverseen

Episode 4

Gethen's POV

Gisela came back for another game night. However, she did not have an answer for my amazing job opportunity.

Still, just as I had planned, I made small talk with Gisela in the Make-Up Room.

"So, Gisela," I smiled as the make-up artist dabbed something on my face. "How have you been doing?"

"Pretty well. What about you? What that commenter said was pretty harsh." Wow. Leave it to Gislea.

"Oh, I'm fine. It's the price you pay for being a celebrity." I shrugged like it didn't matter.

"What that person, Gethen's Fangirl, said was pretty nice. Have you called her back yet?" Gisela seemed to be holding her breath.

I hoped it wasn't just my imagination.

+++

Gisela's POV

Okay. I knew I was playing with fire when I asked about my comment. But I had to know if it was working. I didn't want to be a receptionist. I wanted to move up in Umber's company.

Trying to make Gethen feel at ease again, I asked another question.

"What that person, Gethen's Fangirl, said was pretty nice. Have you called her back yet?" I crossed my fingers under the table.

I had a lot of time for reflection after Cassius broke up with me, and I realized he was right about my feelings for Gethen. Maybe I did have a little crush on him. But just a little. And no matter what feeling I had, Umber was my boss, and I needed to stay loyal to her.

"Nah. I've been... busy, you know. What I really need is more people on News with the Neverseen's team." He looked straight at me when he said it. I looked away, trying to hide my small smile.

No, Gisela. I reminded myself. You need to stay loyal to Umber.

I was about to tell Gethen of my decision to decline his job offer when Alvar walked in.

"Five minutes." He winked as he left in the direction of the cameras.

Gethen cleared his throat.

"You know I probably should..." He pointed in the direction Alvar had left in.

"Oh. Yeah. Yeah. Go for it." I turned to look in the other direction.

+++

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

"And I'm Alvar Vacker." Alvar added. "We have a very special game for you today. I know that since News with the Neverseen is so reliable, our viewers are craving propaganda. And not to worry! We have three special guests, Gisela Sencen, Ruy Ignis, and Trix. Welcome!"

"It's a pleasure to be here," The three of us chorused.

"The rules of this game are very simple. I have a hat with three slips of paper. Two say 'truth' and one says 'lie'. The player with the 'lie' slip of paper must tell a false story, but make it seem correct. The players with the slip that says 'truth' must come up with a true story, and still make it seem true. The slips also have a prompt that you must talk about. After all the stories are done, our viewers vote on who's the liar. If the viewers vote for you incorrectly, you win a prize. If the liar is not caught, they win a prize too. Are the rules clear?"

"Yes!" We all chorused again.

The three of us reached into Alvar's Magic Hat and pulled out a slip. I opened mine.

Lie.

Should be easy enough.

I lie constantly anyways.

My prompt was about a rare species of Murcats that had blue-green scales instead of blue-purple. They had been said to have been created at Slurps and Burps.

"Okay, Gislea. It is now your turn." Gethen smiled, turning my insides to goo.

"Hello, I'm Gisela Sencen. I am here to talk to you about a pressing matter involving Murcats, a kitten-like aquatic species. They have venomous fangs and blue-purple scales. However, in one of the labs at Slurps and Burps, a new type of Murcat has been created with blue-green scales. It is unclear whether or not this change is permanent."

"Wow, Gislea. That was a very convincing story. Next, we will hear from Ruy."

"Hello, I'm Ruy Ignis. Today we have a pressing matter involving Ogres. This has rarely appeared on Elvin news, but a strengthening enzyme in ogre water has taken another form. Instead of being a square-shaped enzyme covered in cilia, it is a shriveled circle covered in nothing. That is all for today."

"Nice, Ruy. I feel so much more knowledgeable after hearing that story. Last but not least, we will hear from Trix."

"Hello, News With The Neverseen! I am Trix. Today I will tell you about a pressing matter in the Forbidden Cities. It seems that an obscurer has been found by a human in the Cities. It was found next to some sinister-looking garden gnome statues. It is unknown who put it there, as well as if it has lasting effects."

"Thank you, Trix. We have now opened a poll on newswiththeneverseen.com/proppolls." Alvar told the viewers. You have 3 minutes to cast your vote. We will see you after the break."

Theme music played, then the blinding lights switched off.

"Those were some good stories. Who's the liar?" Gethen's eyes twinkled.

I lifted up my slip. "Me!"

Gethen nodded. "I would never have guessed."

My cheeks turned bright red.

"Airing soon!" One of the camera people yelled, and we turned to face the cameras again.

"Welcome back," Gethen smiled. "The votes are now in and the polls have closed. Our voted liar is Ruy. Unfortunately, the liar was–drumroll please–Gisela Sencen. Congratulations to you both! You have each won a packet of gift cards." He turned back to the cameras. "Thank you for watching News With the Neverseen. Enjoy the rest of your day." Then the lights turned off, leaving me and Gethen in the dark.