gave me two thumbs up. Yup, this was one reason we didn’t
work out. Thanks, Shawn, I mouthed at him.
Shaundra
popped in an earpiece, and asked me if I was ready. I nodded and
swallowed hard, and she positioned herself in the bright light of the camera.
An awkward pause, then she spoke with clear, practiced enunciation.
“Thank you, Lauren. We are here with Jan Leeman, one of the first
humans to ever go to Azry. Jan, how do you feel about that?” She
pointed her slim microphone at my face. The light suddenly seemed very
bright.
I’m
not actually the first human, they’ve been kidnapping people long before now. Nope,
couldn’t say that.
Scared
shitless that they’ll drug me, murder me, and brainwash me, possibly in that
order? Nope, bad idea.
“I’m
honored that I was chosen for this opportunity,” I said slowly. “I hope
to set a positive precedent that will enhance interdimensional
communication.” I pretended I was doing a surprise thesis defense in my
work clothes.
“When
did you find out, and how did your family react?”
“Actually,
I only got the news three days ago. My family’s very happy that I’m
getting recognized for my work on Azry.” Well, Nick and Thomas were.
“You
must have had some time to start planning. Can you give us some
insight into what you’ll be bringing?”
“Coffee,”
I responded instantly. I’d gotten about that far on my packing list.
“Definitely coffee.”
Shaundra
gave another genuine laugh, then asked me seriously, “How do you believe that
Exiles will react to the news of this expedition?”
I
shifted uneasily. “It depends on the Exile. I think that whatever
their feelings are on the matter, allowing humans to visit is a good step to
increase travel and commerce between worlds. Trust will hopefully lead to
a mutually agreeable compromise on where the Exile can reside.” I
couldn’t see it happening in my lifetime, though. I felt a little guilty.
“Last,
do you have anything to share with those who believe the fey are dangerous, and
that interdimensional travel should be banned?”
Oh hell yes. “I think this line of thinking is xenophobic, and
despite the violence that occurred in the first month of the Gates being
opened, I think we’ve learned incredible things about our universe, humanity,
and could make some amazing things happen if we keep up dialogue and
sharing. Fear is the enemy, not Azry.”
She
heard the edge of heat in my voice and backed off. “I don’t think America
could have a better ambassador for this trip. Thank you, Jan, and on
behalf of all of us at Channel 9, we wish you safe travels.”
I
tried to give her my best smile and prayed there wasn’t any spinach in my
teeth. “Thank you!”
“Shaundra
Meyers, Channel 9 News. Back to you, Lauren.” The light switched
off, and she smiled at me. “Thanks, Jan. I appreciate you talking
to us. We have to sprint back, but if you’re willing, we’d love to have
you come to the studio and have an in-depth interview with you. “
I
was honestly surprised her visit was that fast. “I’ll think about
it.”
We
all helped the cameraman out the door this time around. I bid her goodbye and
breathed a sigh of relief as the door shut behind her.
“Well,
I hope that’s the last of that,” I muttered to Darren. I doubted this
would be my last brush with the media, but I’d already had my fill of it.
I
dodged all other attempts at interviews. When I did get requests, I
referred them to DIDA. I knew exactly who to sic the reporters on.
Granted, it was Kelsey’s job to deal with these sorts of inquiries, but I’d
never liked her in the first place so didn’t feel terribly guilty when I
mischievously told them that persistence was key.
The
whole thing seemed unreal. Azry had always seemed so far away, and I’d
never considered I’d actually get the chance to go there. It was a dream,
a
work out. Thanks, Shawn, I mouthed at him.
Shaundra
popped in an earpiece, and asked me if I was ready. I nodded and
swallowed hard, and she positioned herself in the bright light of the camera.
An awkward pause, then she spoke with clear, practiced enunciation.
“Thank you, Lauren. We are here with Jan Leeman, one of the first
humans to ever go to Azry. Jan, how do you feel about that?” She
pointed her slim microphone at my face. The light suddenly seemed very
bright.
I’m
not actually the first human, they’ve been kidnapping people long before now. Nope,
couldn’t say that.
Scared
shitless that they’ll drug me, murder me, and brainwash me, possibly in that
order? Nope, bad idea.
“I’m
honored that I was chosen for this opportunity,” I said slowly. “I hope
to set a positive precedent that will enhance interdimensional
communication.” I pretended I was doing a surprise thesis defense in my
work clothes.
“When
did you find out, and how did your family react?”
“Actually,
I only got the news three days ago. My family’s very happy that I’m
getting recognized for my work on Azry.” Well, Nick and Thomas were.
“You
must have had some time to start planning. Can you give us some
insight into what you’ll be bringing?”
“Coffee,”
I responded instantly. I’d gotten about that far on my packing list.
“Definitely coffee.”
Shaundra
gave another genuine laugh, then asked me seriously, “How do you believe that
Exiles will react to the news of this expedition?”
I
shifted uneasily. “It depends on the Exile. I think that whatever
their feelings are on the matter, allowing humans to visit is a good step to
increase travel and commerce between worlds. Trust will hopefully lead to
a mutually agreeable compromise on where the Exile can reside.” I
couldn’t see it happening in my lifetime, though. I felt a little guilty.
“Last,
do you have anything to share with those who believe the fey are dangerous, and
that interdimensional travel should be banned?”
Oh hell yes. “I think this line of thinking is xenophobic, and
despite the violence that occurred in the first month of the Gates being
opened, I think we’ve learned incredible things about our universe, humanity,
and could make some amazing things happen if we keep up dialogue and
sharing. Fear is the enemy, not Azry.”
She
heard the edge of heat in my voice and backed off. “I don’t think America
could have a better ambassador for this trip. Thank you, Jan, and on
behalf of all of us at Channel 9, we wish you safe travels.”
I
tried to give her my best smile and prayed there wasn’t any spinach in my
teeth. “Thank you!”
“Shaundra
Meyers, Channel 9 News. Back to you, Lauren.” The light switched
off, and she smiled at me. “Thanks, Jan. I appreciate you talking
to us. We have to sprint back, but if you’re willing, we’d love to have
you come to the studio and have an in-depth interview with you. “
I
was honestly surprised her visit was that fast. “I’ll think about
it.”
We
all helped the cameraman out the door this time around. I bid her goodbye and
breathed a sigh of relief as the door shut behind her.
“Well,
I hope that’s the last of that,” I muttered to Darren. I doubted this
would be my last brush with the media, but I’d already had my fill of it.
I
dodged all other attempts at interviews. When I did get requests, I
referred them to DIDA. I knew exactly who to sic the reporters on.
Granted, it was Kelsey’s job to deal with these sorts of inquiries, but I’d
never liked her in the first place so didn’t feel terribly guilty when I
mischievously told them that persistence was key.
The
whole thing seemed unreal. Azry had always seemed so far away, and I’d
never considered I’d actually get the chance to go there. It was a dream,
a
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