News With The Neverseen

Episode 32

Gethen's POV

"Thank you for signing," I told the kind person who stopped to help my cause. I mean, who doesn't want to help me (and Alvar, who insisted on being included) bring more fun to the news? It was arguably one of the most important matters in the history of news.

"Need help?" Said a voice in my ear. My first thought: Umber. I didn't want to see her. Not after what Fintan told me about what she'd done.

"Gethen?" The voice persisted. "Are you okay?"

I turned around to see Gisela. My heart began to calm. "Yeah. What do you need?" "Well, I was wondering if you needed help collecting signatures."

"Actually, would you mind taking over for me? I have to talk to Fintan about something." I handed her the clipboard I was holding and walked back into the building.

+++

I paced across Fintan's office. "I still don't get why Umber would do this to me," I told him.

"I'm surprised you haven't made the connection yet, Gethen. It appears that Umber is 'The Umber', the one Gisela was working for a while back."

I glanced at him. "She's what?"

"Yes, Gethen. Umber has been tricking us this whole time. I can't believe I didn't see it sooner. Them having the same name was just too much of a coincidence."

I swallowed. "So, what are you going to do?" Fintan's eyes softened. "I need to fire her as soon as possible. I'm sorry, Gethen. I know you, uh, liked her more than any of us."

My cheeks burned. I wanted to deny it, but what was the point? Fintan had seen us together already.

"Uh, it's fine." I stammered. "And it's not your fault. If Umber betrayed us, she has to go. End of story."

Fintan nodded like he didn't quite believe me. He put his hand on my shoulder.

"If you need anything, I'm here." He told me quietly. "Don't forget that."

I nodded, clearing my throat. "So what now? Are you going to fire her right away?"

"I believe so. The sooner she's gone, the less damage she can do." Fintan looked at me again with pity.

I began to walk towards the door, finding it hard to breathe in Fintan's small office. "Uh, I've got something to do outside. Text me when you want to make that video exposing the source and proving the rumors are false."

I could feel Fintan's sad gaze on my back as I left the room.

+++

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

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

"There's so much to discuss today, so stay tuned."

"Unfortunately, nothing more has been uncovered in the case of Cassius Sencen. Rest assured that we're doing everything we can to bring you updates soon as possible." Alvar informed the viewers.

"Let's start with the news of the landslide in Lumenaria. Thankfully, the landslides have stopped. A retaining wall is being built as we speak." I clapped. [A/N: See Episode 23.]

"That's great news, Gethen." Alvar commented. "What else is new around the Lost Cities?"

"A lot is happening. Apparently, our competitors, the Black Swan, have written a letter condemning the Council!"

Alvar gasped. "No way! Tell me more!"

"I wish I could, Alvar, but I have even more important things to tell you."

"What could be more important?" Alvar asked.

"Our game segment," I smiled at the camera. "Our viewers have missed this segment and love it dearly. If you are one of our loyal watchers, please scan this link and sign the petition."

Avar raised his fist. "BRING BACK OUR GAME SEGMENTS!"

Behind the camera, the room erupted in applause. "Now, we'll go back to the news about the Black Swan! In the letter sent to the Council, the Black Swan said that multiple births shouldn't be looked down upon, and the Talentless shouldn't be scorned!"

Alvar laughed. "How did the Council respond to this ludicrous statement? I assume that they were insulted."

"This may be the most shocking part of it all, Alvar." I folded my hands and put them on the table. "The Council said that they would consider it!"

Alvar gasped again. "How should our viewers prepare for what may happen in the next few weeks?"

"Stock up on food, water, and Imparters," I told our loyal watchers. "The worst is yet to come."