“We’re very excited about this acquisition. It will give us a prominent digital presence in the political world. I also hope ATN learns to take on Beltway’s more irreverent approach to news. It’s time to make politics entertaining.”

MATT: You should make me your producer.

Natalie glanced at him, horrified. Surely he was kidding.

The Chief signaled for the next question, and Natalie was nearly blinded by the flash of yellow hair and clinging red dress standing at the microphone. It was their twenty-seven-year-old morning show anchor, Jazzmyn Maine, who could best be described as energetic. “Thank you, sir. I wanted to ask, do we still get a clothing budget? I mean those of us who are anchors?”

MATT: Why on earth would he pay for her to wear anything else?

The Chief nodded. “Jazzmyn, I’ll take that in two parts. First, this is a visual medium and viewers want something to look at. Especially you ladies. Let viewers see more of your beauty and they’ll appreciate your brains. I promise.” He grinned and Natalie imagined him working a quick fantasy of Jazzmyn stripping down to her brains. “Now as for the clothing budget, that’s only a concern for anchors, not for everyone. So, Jazzmyn, why don’t you come see me privately? My assistant will reach out,” the Chief said and Jazzmyn grinned enthusiastically, while a wave of knowing glances rippled across the room.

NATALIE: Is he flirting with her via hologram?

MATT: Don’t be bitter. I bet he likes slightly older uptight reporters, too.

Natalie was grimacing at him when she heard a familiar voice at the microphone.

“Mr. Bounds, thank you for your inspiring talk.”

Natalie looked up just in time to see Reality Show Ryan read off a piece of paper, assuming the overdone seriousness of a mediocre actor playing the part of a lawyer. “Looking through the list of forbidden words...and it’s incredibly helpful. I see it says we can’t say ‘yesterday’ or ‘last night’? Why is that?”

The Chief beamed at him. “Thank you, Ryan. An excellent question.”

MATT: He’s a plant.

NATALIE: No, I can guarantee he is genetically human. Plants might be more intelligent.

MATT: I meant the question. Someone gave it to him to ask.

NATALIE: Yeah I got it. I was making a joke.

MATT: 80% less funny if you have to explain it.