Viridian Dreams

[pchwang]

"Are we set to go?"

"Aye, aye."

"Alright, let's make this a good run, boys."

A tall, fit man with light brown hair strode on-screen.

Considered to be one of the best dressed individuals in the 8th Century AS, Brandon Simmons was at his peak today. The make-up crew had taken great care that Simmons' rather impressive jawline would be highlight through their altercations. A massive tech crew made sure that any random lights or flashes would be edited out in the blink of an eye, since this was the first time the VA would be broadcasting live from Gaia.

Simmons, walking, began to speak. "This," he began, gesturing at the flora around him, "Is Gaia. This is a paradise, a Garden of Eden."

"Once," continued Simmons, "These places were believed to exist. People wished that they existed. Religions based their dogmas around a place where believers would go to after leading a good life. Today, here in Sirius, through a stroke of luck, fortune, or divine intervention, we have been given the gift of Gaia."

Walking past a colorful bush, Simmons became stern. "Yet at the same time, there are forces out there that wish to destroy this paradise. Forces of corruption, overpowered by Greed. Industrial groups such as the BMM see Gaia as a perfect spawning ground for their hives of factories and typhoons of poisonous gases. Companies like Cryer say that they are saving the human race when they fly down and kidnap thousands of animals, and unroot millions of plant to perform ethically questionable tests on them."

Simmons looked directly at the camera. "Do you want Gaia to bleed? Why should something so innocent, so perfect, suffer for our wrongdoings?"

"The Viridian Alliance is here to help save Gaia, and similar planets," continued Simmons, pacing again. "It's our duty to protect these natural environments by informing the public about the beauty of these precious jewels in Sirius. For next thirty minutes, my colleagues will take you on a live tour of Planet Gaia. Perhaps, you will then realize how much of a treasure Gaia is to the human race. At the end of our program, do not forget to call and enter yourself and your family into a contest to win a free, all-inclusive trip to Planet Gaia."

Stopping Simmons smiled. "So, without further ado, my colleague, Professor Elrich von Rammalen, in the Breitner Gorges region of Planet Gaia."

"Aaaaand, you're off air."

"Brilliant," sighed Simmons.

"Sir," said a young secretary whose name Simmons could not remember, "the press are waiting."

"And they'll have to wait a few more minutes."

Simmons spun around. It was Menard. The bald, heavyset man was interestingly intelligent and sharp - a definitive example of how one should not judge a book by its cover.

"What's up?" asked Simmons.

"Call," said Menard.

Simmons went to his private trailer, made sure that all the doors were closed, and pulled out a small box from his jacket pocket. Loosening his tie, the pushed a button on the box and a yellow light on it began to flash. When the light turned solid green, Simmons activated his holophone.

"Alright, who is it?" asked Simmons.

"Is the area secure?" asked a voice from beneath a voice changer.

"Yup," said Simmons, holding up the black box. "The jammer's in place."

"Good."

There was some static as the voice changer deactivated.

"This is Montesse. I need an update."

"Right," began Simmons. "We just broadcast. In fact, I would be speaking to the press if you hadn't called."

Montesse hissed. "Remember that I'm doing you a favor, Simmons... Don't betray my confidence in you."

"Everything has been working out pretty well," said Simmons more cautiously this time. "We're attempting to attract more tourists to Gaia in the meantime. How are things working out at your end?"

"Problematic," said Montesse. "We've been having difficulty replacing Dr. Eisenhart. His loss was certainly a tragic one. But nevertheless, the old fool's own fault. One understands the predicament, but we're proceeding as scheduled. It should be ready soon."

"And our contacts?" asked Simmons.

"They're very agreeable," replied Montesse curtly. "I'm more concerned about your end, however, Simmons. Your television special is quite dull."

Simmons winced. He didn't like this "Montesse" guy. Despite denying it before others, Simmons was a control freak. With these people around him, he felt a lack of control. In fact, he felt too controlled...too vulnerable. At least the man could give him a name or something instead of using that stupid sounding codename that he had told him about a long while ago.

Montesse. Quite the character.

"I'll be off, have a few matters to attend to," said Montesse. "Be on schedule, Simmons."

Simmons nodded. "No worries, it'll be ready for you when you need it."

Simmons shut off the holophone and deactivated the black box. Time to hit the press, he thought. Tossing the box aside, Simmons straightened his tie, took a swig of rum from a bottle nearby, and strode out to face his next challenge.

---

[7:42:05 PM][6:51:36 PM] Igor (Smokey): btw terry
[6:51:48 PM] Terrance Cooper: Ye?
[6:52:00 PM] Igor (Smokey): nothin
[6:52:03 PM] Igor (Smokey): just sayin btw
[6:52:05 PM] Terrance Cooper: <_<

Johnny_Haas: you shot anti criuse speed rockets!!!
Johnny_Haas: but why????
Johnny_Haas: ??
Johnny_Haas: why you shoot criuse speed rockets?