News With The Neverseen

Episode 34

Gethen's POV

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

"And I'm Alvar Vacker." The camera focused on Alvar, and I tried to swallow my jealousy.

"We've got plenty of news today, so let's get right into it!" I transitioned smoothly. "To begin, there was a theft of a jewelry stall in Atlantis this morning, a crime previously unheard of in our cities. We, the Neverseen, deny any accusations towards us. It must have been the Black Swans doing."

"Thank you for clearing that up, Gethen." Alvar nodded appreciatively. "We are not the villains."

"Who are the suspects, Alvar?" I asked.

"As usual, Cassius Sencen has been accused."

"How unsurprising, given Mr. Sencen's recent activity."

"Gethen, would you mind telling our watchers about how Mr. Sencen could have committed this crime? How? And why?"

"Unfortunately, Cassius Sencen's motives and methods remain unknown. We're hoping to question him soon, so stay tuned." I winked at the camera.

"Up next, we have news about the freak storms sweeping nearby cities. Though it hasn't reached our current location, there is a threat."

"Is it heading our way, Alvar?" I asked.

"I'm afraid so. Don't forget, the best way to prepare is to stay informed."

"Thank you for those words of wisdom. Now, we must give updates on the most disturbing news at all: the Council considering the idea that the Talentless and multiple births shouldn't be scorned!"

"In a recent statement, the Council announced that they were still discussing the topic. Many believe that the Black Swan speaks the truth."

I feigned a gasp. "This is why supporting the Neverseen is so important. We must take the Council's trust away from the Black Swan before they brainwash the whole world."

+++

"Great show tonight," Fintan complimented.

"It would be even better with game segments." I met Fintan's eyes, trying to communicate how important it was to me. "When do you think we'll be able to show our owners the petition and plead our case?"

Fintan sighed. It seemed that he'd aged a decade in that second. "I-I don't know, Gethen. Soon, I hope."

"Why not just do it now and get it over with? If they demand more signatures, we can get some."

Fintan massaged his temples for a long second, thinking. "I'll have Gisela set a meeting."

Before I could think better of it, I let out a squeal. Fintan eyed me strangely.

"You won't regret this," I assured him.

"I hope not," Fintan closed his eyes as if praying. I tried not to take that personally.

"Hey," I said. "Are we going to end up filming that video denying the rumors that were spread on social media? Now that we know who the source is, we can do it, right?"

Fintan looked thoughtful. "I don't think so, Gethen."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Well, in case you haven't noticed, the fuss around the rumors has quieted. It's not worth the money to film a whole video if the situation has died down. Plus, there's no use reminding people of what happened."

I was going to argue with him, but I figured he had a point. There was no use reminding people about what had gotten them so worked up. Plus... it would spare me publicly announcing who Umber was and that the entire company had been fooled by her.

"I understand," I said finally.

Fintan brightened. "Great. And I'll talk to Gisela about scheduling that meeting. In fact, I think I have an office to give her."

"Um, a what?"

"See you later, Gethen." Fintan breezed off.