elman (kinome) 16

[feralphoenix]

Part 16 can be read here!

This chapter involves bureaucratic intrigue and discussion of existential horror.



Elman: Well, I've been asked to report back to the Board of Energy, so I'll be going now.
Camera: Umm... May I have permission to air our interview on television?
Elman: Hmm... I don't really understand that much about the media, so...
Camera: Aww, please???
Elman: But maybe Madam Director will know. I'm going to see her now, so do you want to come with?
Camera: By "Madam Director", do you mean...
Camera: The Director of the Board of Energy?!

ELMAN
Intrepid Interview! Danger at the Lampstar?! (V)

Central Cygnus District
Space Colony

Board of Energy HQ

Worker: Madam Director, it's Mx Elman!
Director: Come in.
Director: Good work. I apologize for leaving such an arduous task in your hands.
Director: You were an immense help. Thank you, Elman.
[sfx: smile]
Director: Now, then, let's hear your request first, Mx Camera.
Camera: Yes, Ma'am! Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Elman, so...
Camera: Please let me do a feature about Elman on my news program! The way they create energy and support our livelihood from the shadows... Elman deserves to be seen as a hero by all of the universe!
Director: ......
Director: We of the government would find it unpleasant to have such a cookie-cutter story attached to Elman's name.
Camera: Huh?
Director: In the eyes of the people, the concept of a "hero" is such a horribly simple and inflexible idea... We simply cannot approve of Elman being trapped in such a rigid and unnuanced role.
Director: We ask that you delete the data you've collected and stop here.
Camera: B-but without Elman's help, wouldn't we citizens of the universe be in no end of trouble? We'd run out of energy, and...
Director: Now, what basis have you to make a statement like that?
Camera: At least, that's the rumor...
Director: Oh, I see, it's the journalism club's hearsay again? That isn't true.
Camera: ...... R... really?
Director: Of course, we will not bar every single individual reporter from ever interacting with Elman.
Director: So, Mx Camera, please keep the truth of your meeting with Elman as a private treasure in your heart.
Camera: And i-if I were to ignore your warning in the name of freedom of the press...
Director: When it comes to organizations that would be a different story.
Director: The news media is an organization, after all...
Director: Oh, that reminds me... The establishment of a control system should the press exceed its bounds is still in development, is it not?
Camera: Ugh...... I understand...

Delete the data?
⇒Yes　No

[sfx: beep]

Camera: In the end all that's left is this padding shot of a Lampstar...
Camera: Sigh...

Director: It appears that the damage from cloud-feeders is spreading day by day...
Director: We have to think of some sort of countermeasure...
Director: That should be all. Thank you for your report, Elman.
Elman: You're welcome.
Director: I'd love to tell you to take a well-deserved rest, but... knowing you, you've already got another call for help you plan to answer, don't you?



Director: Good grief...

Director: What a busy bee.

END OF ARC TWO
TO BE CONTINUED IN ARC THREE

Author's Note: I want to make the next story one about family, if I can...

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