(no subject)
They should have expected it more than they did, really. After the furor - the frenzy - they'd drummed up in the past days, surrounding the capture and unlawful holding of Simon and River Tam, the high-profile preliminary hearing, attended by every news agency worth its salt... they should have expected it. Stepping out, after the short while they allowed themselves after the arraignment's result, in order to answer the few perfunctory questions from the few perfunctory reporters, they'd nearly been blinded by the sudden glare of lights and cameras.
Mr. Tam, given your campaign stance on transparency of Alliance proceedings, what are your thoughts on the decision by Judge Maybach to withhold -
Mrs. Tam, Mr. Tam, what now are your plans for the future as regards -
Mr. Crowley, how do you respond to allegations that Bentley Aeronautics was instrumental in securing -
They're exhausted, all three of them; it takes them far longer than they'd like to reassure the collected media representatives that yes, they are very happy, no, they have not yet had time to discuss further plans, and please, they will be happy to answer any other questions at a scheduled press conference this coming week. It's an unpleasant surprise, therefore, to turn around to escape and see the ruddy, blimp-like form of Senator Fred Atwood coasting majestically towards them.
"Well done, Tam," he booms, pumping Gabriel's hand like a piston, "congratulations, can't tell you how pleased I am to see - "
"Thank you, really, I - "
" - proud tenets of our grand Alliance being upheld for all the 'verse to - "
"I couldn't have done it without - "
" - token of my sincerest delight at this fortuitous outcome, I would like to offer to arrange transportation for your children from the Valerius Judiciary Station to a suitable pick-up location."
"Excuse me?"
"Might I suggest the Zhū Bǎo Preserve on Massena? Very convenient layover point, to whereever they might wish to go, very convenient."
The cameras flash accusingly.
"Well, I suppose that would be - most kind of you, Senator Atwood - "
"Fred, please."
" - Fred, and whilst my wife and I would much appreciate such a gesture of - "
"Excellent, excellent. I'll make the arrangements, then, not to worry - you just take it easy, eh, Tam? Get some sleep. You look like you could use it."
Crowley barely manages to keep from making a face at Fred Atwood's back as he glides gracefully away; he can feel Regan doing the same. The news crews begin to evaporate shortly after, perhaps sensing that the atmosphere is not what it was, leaving the three of them standing, frazzled, in the street. In the silence, surrounded by only the clicking of the last, most determined reporters, they exchange a look that says, eloquently, Well, kào.
The Tam's Londinium flat seems a haven, after the circus downstairs, but not the quiet of relaxation, of well-deserved rest. This is the same quiet that has dominated for the past week, the quiet of thinking, and of planning - and of waiting for the party on the other end of the transmission to answer the tāmāde wave, already.
Mr. Tam, given your campaign stance on transparency of Alliance proceedings, what are your thoughts on the decision by Judge Maybach to withhold -
Mrs. Tam, Mr. Tam, what now are your plans for the future as regards -
Mr. Crowley, how do you respond to allegations that Bentley Aeronautics was instrumental in securing -
They're exhausted, all three of them; it takes them far longer than they'd like to reassure the collected media representatives that yes, they are very happy, no, they have not yet had time to discuss further plans, and please, they will be happy to answer any other questions at a scheduled press conference this coming week. It's an unpleasant surprise, therefore, to turn around to escape and see the ruddy, blimp-like form of Senator Fred Atwood coasting majestically towards them.
"Well done, Tam," he booms, pumping Gabriel's hand like a piston, "congratulations, can't tell you how pleased I am to see - "
"Thank you, really, I - "
" - proud tenets of our grand Alliance being upheld for all the 'verse to - "
"I couldn't have done it without - "
" - token of my sincerest delight at this fortuitous outcome, I would like to offer to arrange transportation for your children from the Valerius Judiciary Station to a suitable pick-up location."
"Excuse me?"
"Might I suggest the Zhū Bǎo Preserve on Massena? Very convenient layover point, to whereever they might wish to go, very convenient."
The cameras flash accusingly.
"Well, I suppose that would be - most kind of you, Senator Atwood - "
"Fred, please."
" - Fred, and whilst my wife and I would much appreciate such a gesture of - "
"Excellent, excellent. I'll make the arrangements, then, not to worry - you just take it easy, eh, Tam? Get some sleep. You look like you could use it."
Crowley barely manages to keep from making a face at Fred Atwood's back as he glides gracefully away; he can feel Regan doing the same. The news crews begin to evaporate shortly after, perhaps sensing that the atmosphere is not what it was, leaving the three of them standing, frazzled, in the street. In the silence, surrounded by only the clicking of the last, most determined reporters, they exchange a look that says, eloquently, Well, kào.
The Tam's Londinium flat seems a haven, after the circus downstairs, but not the quiet of relaxation, of well-deserved rest. This is the same quiet that has dominated for the past week, the quiet of thinking, and of planning - and of waiting for the party on the other end of the transmission to answer the tāmāde wave, already.