(no subject)
It's warm.
The year 2519, you'd imagine they'd have far more sophisticated air-conditioning systems - and they do - but some things never change. It'll always be warm under the glare of newslights and the indiscreet flashing of cameras. Amongst the throng of journalists and news reporters, not a few have, in the past few minutes, surreptitiously loosened their collars, or fanned themselves with a loose sheet of stiff digital paper.
Not that any of the figures ranged behind the long table in the Waldorf's Bó Yībō conference room seem at all affected. Andronicus Crowley, wearing his trademark sunglasses, seems perfectly at ease. Regan Tam looks regally compos- no, a journalist wipes that from her notepad. Too pat. Regan Tam looks dignified, rather. And Gabriel Tam, the man of the hour, is nothing less than magnetic, energised, on the evening of the announcement of his candidacy.
The conference had begun with questions - the less important, first.
What's your perspective, Mr. Tam, on the issue of quadrant-determined taxation?
As you know, the Yīng Consolidated Party and the U.K.N. have both been searching for new blood in this election, and there are several others looking to gain a higher percentage of Parlimentary seats in the wake of the Saranac scandals. Have you come to a decision of which party you expect to run under?
Mr. Tam, Mr. Crowley - can either of you confirm rumors that both Birnam Corp and Bentley Aeronautics have committed more than just political backing to this campaign?
Mr. Tam, how would you address concerns that you've never held political office before?
Gabriel Tam answers with poised aplomb. Either he's done his homework well or he's a gifted extemporaneous speaker, note several reporters, because none of the questions seem to surprise him. Regan's gracious dignity never falters, as she adds to her husband's responses or takes questions of her own. Andronicus Crowley interjects now and then, suave and wry, and chuckles rise from the audience. The more politically incisive reporters -- of which there are many, because this is not an insigificant event -- scribble notes to the effect that this happens most often when delicate or uncomfortable questions are posed.
Thus it goes for the first half hour or so, as the straggling representatives of the quadrant's lesser news agencies trickle in and take their seats. For the last few, there is standing room only; for the very last, barely any room at all. The click of the doors signals a hush, as Gabriel Tam leans forward once more, towards his microphone.
And then nothing, but the sound of his voice, and the frantic, quiet tappings of trained fingers, jotting down eager questions.
The year 2519, you'd imagine they'd have far more sophisticated air-conditioning systems - and they do - but some things never change. It'll always be warm under the glare of newslights and the indiscreet flashing of cameras. Amongst the throng of journalists and news reporters, not a few have, in the past few minutes, surreptitiously loosened their collars, or fanned themselves with a loose sheet of stiff digital paper.
Not that any of the figures ranged behind the long table in the Waldorf's Bó Yībō conference room seem at all affected. Andronicus Crowley, wearing his trademark sunglasses, seems perfectly at ease. Regan Tam looks regally compos- no, a journalist wipes that from her notepad. Too pat. Regan Tam looks dignified, rather. And Gabriel Tam, the man of the hour, is nothing less than magnetic, energised, on the evening of the announcement of his candidacy.
The conference had begun with questions - the less important, first.
What's your perspective, Mr. Tam, on the issue of quadrant-determined taxation?
As you know, the Yīng Consolidated Party and the U.K.N. have both been searching for new blood in this election, and there are several others looking to gain a higher percentage of Parlimentary seats in the wake of the Saranac scandals. Have you come to a decision of which party you expect to run under?
Mr. Tam, Mr. Crowley - can either of you confirm rumors that both Birnam Corp and Bentley Aeronautics have committed more than just political backing to this campaign?
Mr. Tam, how would you address concerns that you've never held political office before?
Gabriel Tam answers with poised aplomb. Either he's done his homework well or he's a gifted extemporaneous speaker, note several reporters, because none of the questions seem to surprise him. Regan's gracious dignity never falters, as she adds to her husband's responses or takes questions of her own. Andronicus Crowley interjects now and then, suave and wry, and chuckles rise from the audience. The more politically incisive reporters -- of which there are many, because this is not an insigificant event -- scribble notes to the effect that this happens most often when delicate or uncomfortable questions are posed.
Thus it goes for the first half hour or so, as the straggling representatives of the quadrant's lesser news agencies trickle in and take their seats. For the last few, there is standing room only; for the very last, barely any room at all. The click of the doors signals a hush, as Gabriel Tam leans forward once more, towards his microphone.
And then nothing, but the sound of his voice, and the frantic, quiet tappings of trained fingers, jotting down eager questions.