"Good evening! I'm Elora Trevino, and welcome back to the Hyperland Herald, news you can count on and trust!"
She smiled at the camera, pleased to be reporting on actual news instead of that tabloid nonsense on Celebrity Catch. What a ridiculous name for a holo series. When would Aveda Jusuzi get back from vacation and deign the Hyperlane Herald with her presence once again and actually do her job? Elora shook her head. No matter. Tonight, the Pantoran got to focus on real journalism. What a refreshing change.
"The new line of energy drinks known as Emryc Energy was released last week and has quickly become a household name, but already their parent company WampaWayInc. find themselves in hot water. The line of energy drinks, which includes a special Life Day flavor, has been met with overwhelming popularity by consumers, but not everyone is pleased with the line of energy drinks, including the ISC President himself, Emryc Thorne! According to the President's legal representatives, WampaWayInc. never approached the President about this venture, nor did they secure his approval!"
The Pantoran laughed, shaking her head. "What a mess. Arcturus Hadley, Mr. Thorne's legal representative, has filed a lawsuit against Emryc Energy and their parent company, WampaWayInc. claiming misappropriation and demanding that WampaWayInc. cease and desist or to pay Emryc Thorne a substantial amount in damages. Joining us in the studio today is Archibald Wiggins, a legal representative for WampaWayInc."
The camera panned over to the left of Elora Trevino where a short, plump man with a toad-like face sat. "Welcome to the studio, Mr. Wiggins, and thank you for joining us today. I was surprised when you agreed to come onto the show."
"Thank you for having me, Ms. Trevino," the man replied, wringing his hands in his lap. Disheveled, mousy hair fell over the width of his forehead, and he was forced to keep pushing it back and tucking it behind his ear. His employers wanted to settle this matter out of court and wanted to get ahold of the scandal before it got out of control. If they didn't make a public statement in their own defense, they would be villainized beyond repair. Appearing on the Hyperlane Herald was unwanted publicity, but it was necessary. "WampaWayInc. would like to publicly apologize to Emryc Thorne for this grave misunderstanding. We can assure the President—as well as the public—that we had no idea he would feel this way. We thought the President would be flattered! You know that they say— imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!" Beady eyes darted toward the camera, Mr. Wiggins chuckling, but his joke fell short.
Elora Trevino stared at the man, something akin to amazement or amusement in her yellow eyes. Shareholders were probably watching from the comfort of their luxury homes right now, groaning and wishing they'd sent one of their other legal representatives instead. "Yes. Well, clearly this new line of energy drinks has offended the ISC President. So tell us, Mr. Wiggins, what happens next?"
"As I said, WampaWayInc. regrets this little misunderstanding, and we hope to rectify our mistake," Mr. Wiggins replied, stubby fingers loosening the crooked tie that hung around his fat neck. "WampaWayInc. is prepared to offer President Thorne a sizable settlement of 2 million in damages or to offer him 30% of all of Emryc Energy's yearly net gross."
"30%?" The Pantoran echoed, her perfectly groomed eyebrow shooting up. "Isn't that a low cut of the profits considering it's his face and name on the can? His image that makes a profit?"
Mr. Wiggins swallowed hard, smoothing out his wrinkled suit. "It is a very generous offer, considering the predicament Emryc Energy finds itself in at this time. It is the best WampaWayInc. can do. Believe me when I say that we would like to offer the President more, but anything more than 30% would result in the closure of Emryc Energy. We have reached out to President Thorne's legal team and are awaiting their response."
Elora nodded, reluctantly extending a hand to Mr. Wiggins. "Thank you so much for joining us tonight, Mr. Wiggins." She turned toward the camera, discreetly wiping her hand clean on her dress. "We'll be right back after this commercial break."
tags: @Sreeya @Valen Pelora
