Everyone's Watching [Talia +1]

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Ready for the camera she practiced several of her routine exercises to loosen up the muscles in her face, staking her papers and sending a smile at her favorite camera man. He was actually pretty cute, but she wasn’t going to resort to dating a camera man when she had been with individuals in Gotham who rivaled her own fame. As ridiculous as it sounded, her current social standing was incredibly important to her and the last thing she wanted to do was go backwards. Her producer began to count down before they were live again, causing the familiar adrenaline rush that the redhead craved to flow through her veins.

Her white, pearly smile graced the main camera while the screen of her prompter began to glow with words. Summer insured her posture was straight and perfect as she waited for the ‘On Air’ sign to flash. “Good evening ,Gotham!” The redhead began, faintly hearing a bit of commotion coming from the rehearsed applause. Assuming someone had simply dropped something she continued with her story, hoping to real the audience in with what she had to say. The rush she got from being on camera was incomparable to any other emotion that she could explain. She loved it, and being on camera was clearly her calling, something that she was meant to do. It was her time to shine and all the lights and cameras were on her and her only. It was time to inform Gotham some of the things that were going on while they were asleep and then some.

“..and when we come back, I’m going to introduce you none other than the right hand woman to Lex Luthor himself! Miranda Tate – theDirector of Auqestions.of the board of LexCorp. Stay tuned and we well will be back right after these brief messages.” Sending an almost flirtatious wink in the direction of the camera angled directly toward her. Summer couldn’t help but smile as the new station’s signature music played before they went off air for a matter of minutes. Instantly, a younger girl rushed up to Summer to help her reapply her makeup, handing her a tube of red lipstick to apply herself. “Okay! That’s enough!” Summer exclaimed as the new intern nearly masked her entire face in powder. “You are supposed to powder my nose, not my entire face.“ Slightly agitated, the redhead resisted the urge to roll her eyes as the girl quickly rushed away, leaving a trail of apologies as she left. Dropping it and taking a deep breath, Summer knew from firsthand experience how hard it was to be the new girl around the studio.

As frustrating as it was she gave the poor girl a break and adjusted her pearls with a sigh as she waited for the woman to join her. They had a bit of time to kill. In fact, she was only recording the intro so that they would have 20 or so minutes to simply chat before the cameras started rolling and it was every woman for her own. Assuming Miranda was in make-up, she smoothed her skirt and crossed one long leg over the other.

outfit: Summer is wearing this

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Another day, another costume. Considering the benefit had gone well, the money transferred, the little 'issue' during the after-party had been wrapped up, well, all in all it had been a sucess. Even the hiring had gone well. Sitting poised in the chair, she was quiet and composed as the makeup women fiddled with this and that, lining her eyes and adding the heavy pancake makeup to her face. Despite the years spent in a harsh climate, her skin was still a vibrant olive, line-less, and tan. Her time in Gotham had inhibited her time spent outdoors, yet she still found solace in the gardens at times.

As her hair was toyed with, curled here and there, then re-twisted into the professional look she had requested, she opened her eyes, giving a slight nod to the woman in the mirror before standing. Her suit-jacket was slipped back onto her shoulders by another lackey, and she was then directed back to the stage. Ms. Gleeson was waiting for her, every vibrant with that flame hair of hers, and wrapped in pastel today. "Miranda" was certainly a contrast in a smart black suit, a deep emerald blouse adding a hint of color to her own ensemble. A beautiful watch on her right wrist, and simple emerald studs at her ears.

A smile on her lips, a forced glimmer in her eye, and Talia was walking toward the host, ready to be interrogated only as one could on public television for a better cause. For a better tomorrow.

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Leaving her seat and discarding the hair and make-up team that surrounded her, the young redhead started toward her guest. A bright, charming smile played on her fair features. Smiling ear to ear she extended her manicured hand to shake the woman’s hand. “Summer Gleeson. It’s great to officially meet you, Miss Tate! Thank you so much for coming on my show. This will be fun!” Her tone was inviting and eager, willing to get the interview started though there was a few matters that needed to be addressed before they can begin. She looked her up and down subtly, she was a beautiful woman with exotic features. “I love the emerald, it is a great color for you.” She couldn’t resist stating.

Typically when meeting a one who planned to appear on her show, she would come across as the wide-eyed host with pleasant intentions. However, once the cameras started rolling Summer Gleeson could turn on someone like a viper closing in on its prey. Though – this interview was far from the intention of making others mad. “I’ve always valued the Lex Corp and their generous contributions to our society. How is Gotham city treating you?” She asked,

“I’ll show you the set while we have a bit of time to kill.” She stepped aside so that Miranda could walk alongside her. Strutting through the studio, keeping a pace so that they would be walking side by side, she pointed out several different operations that were being prepared for their interview and included where each of them would be seated. Examining the set for herself for the first time, she turned toward the nearest individual wearing a headset. “I’m sorry, but can we get the other chairs for this one? The ones that sit a bit higher up – please and thanks.” Still, the redhead exercised control in many of the operations going on at Gotham Live Studio’s: everything needed to be perfect. Turning back to her honored guest, she smiled once more. “Is there anything I could get you? Water, coffee…?”

outfit: Summer is wearing this

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This woman! She was just so....such a dainty poppet, as one of her acquaintances would claim. She had made sure to watch several tapings of this woman to at least know what she was getting into. But what was it with flame-haired women-and men being of such a fiery passion? Be it a slow burn, or a hot flame, there was just something about them. And Ms. Gleeson was certainly something. Energetic. Awake. Alive. No wonder her show was watched so eagerly. She came across on screen quite adeptly as well.

Clasping the other woman's hand in a firm grasp, her other hand was brought to warmly squeeze them together. "You're too kind, Ms. Gleeson. I agree, this will be fun. I do apologize for Mr. Luthor's schedule conflict." She had taken the affectation of a cultured British tongue, something that 'Miranda' used while working at LexCorp. A bright smile, and she released the hosts' hand and nodded, her hand shifting to her throat.

"This old thing? It is nothing compared to how vivid you are, dear. Thank you for the kind words." The bubbly host certainly did have a way with setting people at ease. She really was quite in her element. If she wasn't being interviewed she may have wanted to observe the young woman for curiosity's sake.

As the two lined up to walk casually to the set via a lovely tour, she was sure to ask questions and nod at the appropriate times, bantering back and forth with her host. "Gotham is always a lovely change of scenery from Metropolis. It's a bit to bright and shiny for me. Gotham has that certain amount of grit and realism that I do cherish in a large city." She replied in kind to the woman as she queried her about her stay.

At the mention of Lex, she does certainly smile. Of course he asked a favor, while he was off doing gods-knew what. He was probably in the city, just not wanting to do the dull work of managing his own company.

"LexCorp does strive to improve that which falls within it's scope. And it seems Gotham has been encompassed in that vision."

The sheer direction the petite woman embodied was impressive. Perhaps a different lifetime, Talia would have taken the woman under her own wing, and instructed her in a different direction. Not to say that such opportunities were not still possible. They would just take on an entirely different form. At the offer of refreshment, Miranda glances over her shoulder as her brow furrows slightly. "I must have misplaced my tea earlier. If I could get that, it would be perfect!" Because most beverages in this city were flat, or over-flavored. She preferred a simple tea. It was easier to acquire quality in something as pure as dried herbs.

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Excited for the process to begin, she was also relieved that she had managed to buy herself a bit of time with Miranda before the cameras began to roll. This interview – like most aspects of her show – was to be filmed live. Mr. Luthor was not the person that the bold journalist wanted to find herself at odd ends with. Seeing as she had no reason at the time to place herself on Luthor’s bad side and wanted to keep things that way. “I understand completely. He’s a busy man, I’m just glad that you could join us this morning. You will have to send him my best wishes. Maybe in the future he will find some time for me.”

Bringing her manicured hands back to her side, she couldn’t help but gush at the woman’s complement. “Oh, thank you!” The flattered redhead replied. “Goodness, where were you when I was getting ready this morning.” She teased playfully, smoothing her textured pink skirt. As she began to lead the way through the studio, she nodded when Miranda addressed the realism of Gotham. “It’s something that’s for sure, but its home. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though I would sacrifice anything for a day with a clear sky.” With a wishful sigh, she gestured toward the set. “When we start you will be sitting here, I had them remove my desk for this segment so we could create more of a casual environment. Have you done anything like this before?” She asked, curious to see how the woman would react on camera. She seemed confident and well put together. Surely this would be a breeze and boost for both of their careers.

“Well as a member of Gotham City I can say that the city certainly appreciates it.” Summer beamed, lowering her voice slightly. Well, not everyone exactly. Some people actually felt shaded by some of the implements, but they could discuss that when the cameras were rolling. “I’ve always admired his work in Metropolis and the overal advancement of the city itself. Just last week I was offered a job in the city and had to turn it down due to a contractual arrangement.” While that was partly true, Summer wasn’t sure she could find it in herself to leave Gotham despite the baggage that seemed to be piling up on top of her. She loved her studio and her career. While Metropolis might have been a great opportunity, it would still be hard to bring herself to it.

Looking toward her assistant, a fresh faced young man who had been following the women as they toured, Summer didn’t have to say it twice before he came forward quickly, “How do you prefer your tea, mam?” Waiting for Miranda to give her instructions and for the young man quickly speed away to get the tea. “I don’t typically do this.” Summer began, lowering her voice slightly. “But are there any topics that you as a representative of LexCorp would like to avoid during the interview?”


outfit: Summer is wearing this

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The man that seemed to appear from thin air, which is how she acted, was quite polite. More than aware of his shadowing the two women as they walked, Talia smiled, a hand going to her mouth. "This is too kind! This is a fantastic experience thus far, and we haven't even settled before the camera!" Inwardly wincing, Talia beamed brightly, turning to the man and instructing him in her tea preparation. Leaning in as Summer lowered her voice, the two seemed conspiratorial. Raising a brow to the question, she thought for a moment. Were there any topics that were to be avoided? No. Hariq had instructed her to conduct the interview with utmost transparency. And even as she was aware Summer asked the hard-hitting questions she nodded in thought for a moment before responding.

"Nothing has been given to me as off-limits. So you are free to ask me whatever you will, Ms. Gleeson."

And it was true. She knew Lex Luthor well enough to represent his company's expansion into Gotham with ease. "I do wish he was able to make this. I will be sure to get in contact with him after our time here and see if we can get him in front of the camera as well." But there was a reason for delegating others to run things. To take on everything as one being soon went the way of dust. Being trod upon and often queried, it could become weary, and tiresome.

Had she done anything like this before? That question was so widely answered. While Talia was quite aware of what Summer was asking, she had to pause. Speak before the masses? Deceive who knew how many thousands? Put on a mask and act in kind? Glancing to the stage set, she nodded.

"You're brilliant in creating a more intimate space. I have done interviews, and speaking engagements. Just not this far reaching!" Not that the camera would be that intrusive. "And Metropolis is a fine place to do media. A bit more competitive with the different outlets as well. I'm sorry to hear you had to turn down the offer." Contracts could be a blessing, or a curse, pending the time.

"That is one of the reasons he is seeking to touch Gotham. She is such an opposite to Metropolis, not only in weather, but in demeanor. As you knew at the benefit, his visions and wants are strongly rooted in his own upbringing." She paused, almost abashed at her rambling. "Perhaps I should have left that for the camera?" Laughing lightly, she shook her head. While she was not personally at the Gala, she was more than aware what had occurred that evening.

"If anything, I'm surprised Mr. Wayne has not reached out to speak more with Alexander on how they both may seek to better this city." Dear, dear Bruce. Ever preoccupied with his mission.  Much like the other men in her life.

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Summer practically beamed when the woman complimented the professionalism of the environment. For such an important person, the young reporter had wanted everything to be perfect. She had been working on arrangements from the very moment that she had landed the interview. “Thank you! I am very fortunate to have a great staff. If there is anything that you need throughout the process don’t hesitate to speak up.” It was hard not to hide her excitement with Miranda’s answer. There wasn’t anything that was off limits? This was certainly one of the firsts. Still, it gave her much more freedom. She didn’t usually ask such a question, though with the more recent events in her life, the last person she needed to piss off was an influential billionaire like Lex Luthor.

Her eyes widened at the promise to make the phone call after the interview had been conducted. “That would be amazing! I would love to have Mr. Luthor anytime.” Well, that didn’t come out exactly how she had expected it and could be interpreted very differently when she thought about it. Summer blushed only for a moment before progressing with the conversation.

“As am I” She attempted lightly, though there was an obvious regret to her voice. While Gotham was home, she was always looking for a better experience. Despite the fact that she would have been taking a second seat to another anchor, there was always room to move up in the world of media. She listened intently as Miranda spoke, it was poetic almost. Summer brought her hands together. “Hang onto that, my viewers would eat that up. I practically have goosebumps myself.” She admitted, glancing off the set to her producer. He signaled that they had ten minutes until back on the air, and she turned to relay the message to her guest. “Ten minutes until show time. Are you feeling alright?”

She took a moment to think about Talia’s words. “Very good point. I’m sure that will change shortly. Bruce likes to dip his hands into any effort that has promise for improving Gotham. I’m sure they would make a dynamic team.” Summer began to fluff her hair and twist and arrange her curls in a desirable way as she prepared for the interview to officially begin. “How many years have you worked at Mr. Luthor’s side?”



outfit: Summer is wearing this

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So many questions from the young woman! Not that Talia was going to be patronizing, but a smile did find it's way to her lips and a laugh revealed. That last question, she actually had to close her eyes for a brief, brief moment. How many years had she worked at Luthor's side?

Now that was a question. Perhaps it would be better to define a few things, first. At his side? She had first met the man when she was a young girl. Then again, that required clarification as well. While she had looked like a child, at merely thirteen, if she was going by standard counting, she had already met the pit no less than seven times. So while she had, at that point, feared and faced death, she was still young, yet much, much older than others. Even Alexander Luthor to her had been a peculiar man-child at the time. So, she had met him when she was 'younger' was a safe way to go.

At his side? Sadly, they had worked together through the years, and she had even sought to illuminate his thinking when he faced her father, time and time again, cheating with his toys. Work? Sometimes it was work. Other times it was such a learning experience, she had been sad to see him gather his things and move on to his next location. But over the years, they had kept their contact, and even teamed together, in their own way, to 'work together.'

Opening her eyes, 'Miranda' reached for her tea, taking a sip before finally responding. "I would honestly have to say, Ms. Gleeson, we've been working together for at least fifteen years. We had similar studies when we were younger, and though he fought hard to recruit me, you can see, in the end, he did win." Such a cryptic, open ended response. Another sip of her tea and it was placed, and she glanced around to see if there was anyone lingering that could grab her anything.

"Did you record that clip of what I just said?" she pantomimed, brow furrowing. "You could replay it for the camera, or if possible, I could write it down, so I can remember to say it. I do think that Alexander and Bruce could make such a difference in Gotham. You've followed the Metropham project-you did the coverage, I saw how well you handled not only being a guest, but highlighting the event."

..which was a bit of an overblown joke, the whole thing. Not the redhead. She had made a quick appearance, but had no real want to stay for the festivities, shoehorned into a dress and politely clapping for this and that. After all, she'd heard Luthor's vision time and time again. To see it regurgitated for another lackluster city would diminish it. As well as her own presence may have irked Bruce. No doubt, when this interview went life, he'd no doubt come crawling back to her. She was slightly amused that Jason's work had not brought him to her door.

"I'm feeling fantastic. If you wanted to start now, I'm totally up to that." Beaming at the redhead, she ran a hand along her own hair, and then smoothed her blouse down as well. No doubt offering no holds barred with questions would keep Summer's spirits up for this whole interview, as well as the offer of a possible new job.