Vol 2. Ch 4: Press conference of doom! (Coop)

[Renekin Skywalker]

As the cavalcade made its way from the Guild offices to the police headquarters and press room, Tobrias was going over the speech with Coop. "Remember, keep the trenchcoat on, even if it is warm." He said. "Do not look at the lights, or the cameras, only look at the crowd. When the speech is done, hand the podium over to Lieutennant Rozatonosky. He will outlay instructions with what has to be done. Do not answer any questions until after the police message is given. This is not about avoiding the press, only that the police message will be more important and needs to get out. Understand?"

Eleutheroi cuts in from the driver's seat. "I've heard from Moltavious. They're in position."

[dakota]

The trenchcoat didn't fit Coop right acrossed the shoulders as he shrugged a little against the tightness. He nodded as he reread the speech for the third time. It was simple enough. " Okay, ignore the cameras and let the Luietenant take over when I'm done. Should be easy enough." He knew the butterflies weren't worry about the speech itself," How long will we have to endure questions?" He said 'we', but figured Tobrias knew he really meant himself.

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

"As long as is needed." Tobrias answers. "However, I am hoping the councillor will bluster about magic usage laws for some time, stealing the lime-light from you. If they do ask you questions, be as brief as possible, or do not answer at all. Eleutheroi will make sure you are not ambushed."

"Heh, yeah... there is still a pending suit against me for a news camera." Eleutheroi chuckles. "The way it shattered when it hit the floor was soooo satisfying."

As they pull up, Tobrias sighs and fiddles with the back of Coop's coat. After he does, the shoulder's loosen up to something more comfortable. Tossing a pin in the back-seat tray, Tobrias says, "You assume our tailors are so incompetent as to not account for your size?"

[dakota]

" Thanks. I guess the wardrobe department doesn't get many football players." Coop said appreciatively with a grin, rotating his shoulders much more freely. He took a deep breath, " I take it you've already had a long talk with the councilor to make sure he's not the one who ambushes me? Last thing I want is potshots from him about my family being a perfect example why magic needs controlling."

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

"That may be unavoidable." Tobrias says, as they enter the press area. Rozatonosky waves Coop to a position in line. "But it is a necessary risk."

After a moment, Tobrias, Rozatonosky and the city counsellor are walked into the press area. The Police press secretary had just finished introducing Coop when he walks in, and is waved to the podium.

[dakota]

Coop did his best to push his butterflies aside as he walked up to the microphone. He made eye contact with the reporters as he pulled out his speech and cleared his throat, turning and covering his mouth away from the microphones. He began, reading it confidently and clearly," Hello Ladies and gentlemen,

"As you know, my name is Zachary Cooper. As the Decree Slayer of Golthreia, it is my duty to inform you and the public that the city is in danger and I require your assistance. Over the last few weeks, it has become evident that a person or group of persons are involved in demon summonning in the city. It is important that you all assist the police in providing clues to who is responsible for this illegal activity. The police are currently co-ordinating leads and following up my own research, aided by the Guild's expertise. However, with your assistance, we will bring these miscreants to justice.

"Ever since the fall of my family in disgrace for similar crimes, it has become more important than ever to make sure it never happens again in this city. With the assistance of the police and you, the public, this will be possible.

"However, I should remind you all that you are not to engage people suspected of such terrorism. Instead, report them to the police immediately. The police, with my assistance as a guardian of the city, are equipped to handle the dangers these summoners, these terrorists possess.

"Thank-you." He finished with a confident smile and stepped back from the mic,waiting for someone else to come to the mic as he returned the speech to his pocket.

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

A din of reporters opened up with a barrage of questions, or looking to ask them, but any individual item was lost in the noise.

Rozatonosky stepped up to the mic. "Thank-you Mr. Cooper." He says. "This is indeed an important investigation that the city is undertaking, but will require the patience and vigilence of our fellow citizens as well." As the reporters quiet down, the LT continues. "We are, as I speak, already following up on a number of leads..."

"You did well." Tobrias whispers behind Coop.

[dakota]

" Thanks." Coop replied, taking a deep breath. " That was harder than I expected." He said, covering his mouth as if stiffling a cough as he watched the press assembled while listening to Rozatonosky.

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

"... I can now take any questions." Finishes Rozatonosky.

"Yes." Says an experienced-sounding reporter, winning first spot, well-know as a crime and politics reporter on Channel 8. "Formus, Channel 8. I have a question. Why are the police making such an announcement, with so few leads?"

Rozatonosky eyed the reporter. "The quality and quantity of the leads are not in question, as they have been reviewed by the Decree Slayer, with assistance from the police and the Guild's resources. This announcement is to inform the city that the investigation is on-going, but that their input is needed."

"This seems like a public-relations move, Lieutennant." Says Formus. "Or an admission of a blunder, don't you think."

"These kinds of press meetings are often solicitations for the public's aid." Counsellor Vas chimes in. "Golthreia's Police Magic Bureau is still in growth, and undermanned. Much like the Synth drug crimes a few years ago, any new wing of the agency must often gain not only the trust, but the attention of the public to help them band against this menace, these, magicians... these 'terrorists' as Mr. Cooper himself calls it."

"Calls them." Tobrias says, calmly. "A few miscreants are not to become the stereotype of a whole community."

[Edit]In the soundtrack of the universe, the driving rock music has started.

"Thank-you Guildmaster." Says Vas. "Any other questions?"

"I have one?" Asks a female reporter from the Golthreian Times. "Mr. Cooper, did you know of your role as a Decree Slayer prior to your family's arrests and convictions?"

[dakota]

Coop held in a sigh. He had expected this question right from the start and had plenty of time to come up with a painless answer. He stepped up to the microphone. " I had been in contact with the guild prior to the incident involving my family, but it had notyet been made clear what my role was until after the fact."

He stepped back from the microphone, and waited for the barrage of questions to continue.

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

"Why have you waited so long to announce this?" Asks another reporter. "And why did you create the rouse of someone else having your role?"

[dakota]

" We waited until it was felt the timing was right." Coop replied before any of the others could. " and there was no ruse created. The media innaccurately reported that someone else was the Decree Slayer, and we used the diversion to our advantage. And I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance." He fought the urge to smirk.

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

Behind Coop, Tobrias cleared his throat.

"One more Question, Mr. Cooper. Since you feel your own security is important, do you feel it is wise to leave your lady friend in constant danger?"

[dakota]

Coop stared at the reporter who had posed the question for a moment, trying to determine if it was meant as a threat. " My associates, either personal or professional, know the extend of what my role is and accept that I have taken on this responsibility to protect all of Goltheria, and understand that this is not a job that I can turn my back on simply because I want a day off."

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

"I think that is enough questions for now." Says Rozatonosky, quietly. "Thank-you all for your attention. And diligence in keeping GOlthreia safe."

"You could have handled that better, Pal." Eleutheroi says. "Now, we're going to have the press vilifying the city's saviour." He grumbles, turning Coop out the door.

"That may be unavoidable." Tobrias says, as they enter the press area. Rozatonosky waves Coop to a position in line. "But it is a necessary risk."

After a moment, Tobrias, Rozatonosky and the city counsellor are walked into the press area. The Police press secretary had just finished introducing Coop when he walks in, and is waved to the podium.