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"Hello and good evening everybody." Abi Gora began at her news desk, sitting slightly closer to her Mon Calamari expert Eekin Baskiv, "I'm Abi Gora..."
Her partner piped up with his own name.
"... and I'm Eekin Baskiv..."
Before it pivoted back to Abi.
"... and with us tonight we have the Prime Minister; Naeva Rue. Madam Prime Minister let me first thank you for taking the time to speak to us."
The focus of the cameras shifted to focus on the Prime Minster, sitting further along the same news desk as Abi and Eekin. The elegant and stately Togruta stared back at the news presenters without blinking, giving them the smallest of nods before speaking.
"A pleasure."
Few needed lessons in diplomacy to realize that this was a lie, of course, but the Prime Minister of the Free Worlds Alliance did not need to show deference to them for merely being on their show. Abi rallied first and started the interview proper.
"Madam Prime Minister worrying news from the senate building has it that Senator York has been arrested. Would you care to shed some light on this?"
Naeva turned her attention fully to Abi to answer her question directly, no longer fixing Eekin with her firm stare. The Mon Calamari would likely have shown some relief had he not been on air.
"Indeed; Senator York has been remanded in custody and is currently awaiting trial." she announced clearly, "At this time the charges have not been formalized but are likely to include conduct unbecoming of a Senator of our great Alliance, bribery and corruption. Now let me be clear..."
She immediately headed off the instinctive questions from both news anchors, who knew better than to interrupt the Prime Minister.
"Some of these charges are based on actions taken by Senator York's family and business associates. As part of these ongoing investigations, subpoenas have been raised and warrants are being arranged." she smiled thinly, "The investigations shall be thorough but decisive - I have every faith in our Sector Rangers to conduct them in a fair, reasonable and expedient manner."
Eekin leaned forward to ask the next question when it came clear that the Prime Minister had finished speaking.
"Madam Prime Minister - do you really expect us to believe that Senator York has been arrested for anything other than alleged ties to a leak of information?" he began, scoffing slightly in the warbling tones of his race, "The proposal that will affect trillions of lives within the FWA and beyond! Don't you think the people have a right to know?"
The Prime Minister would have raised an eyebrow - had she eyebrows to raise. Instead she merely placed her hands atop the news desk.
"I expect you to believe that corruption will be investigated thoroughly within our government. In all of it's forms; up to and including confidential information being given to members of the press who ought to know better than to make full reports on rumors, potentially only 'confirmed' by a Senator currently in Ranger custody." she replied with an icy smile, "Senator York and his family have a laundry list of cases filed against them. What you see now is merely the justice system at work."
Eekin opened his mouth to speak again but the Prime Minister raised a finger to signal she was not done speaking. The news anchor looked to Abi for support but she was leaning forward slightly, eager to hear more. News happening right in front of her was far more interesting than merely reporting it.
"The proposal was simply that; a proposal. It was not discussed further or ratified and was floated across the senate in a closed session. As such, the merit of said proposal is merely academic; the leak was unlawful and it will be investigated." she reaffirmed strongly, "Our investigation does not end with Senator York - it will end with those responsible being held accountable for the laws they have broken."
Abi spoke up rather than Eekin.
"Is it safe to assume, however, that Senator York is a suspect?"
Again - would Naeva have had any eyebrows they would have been raised.
"Unfortunately for Senator York, investigations into corruption often look for pressure points... weaknesses. And a history of personal, and familial, trouble with charges of corruption, bribery and insider trading do not paint a pretty picture." she smiled, her Togruta teeth sharp in the harsh light of the studio, "Wrongdoing of any kind shall be brought to light and punished according to the fullest extent of Alliance law. Once we find who leaked the information, the Courts will have their day."
Eekin took a sip of his water.
"Do you have any comment or opinion on the proposal, Madam Prime Minister?"
Another sharp smile.
"My comment is that I believe it unwise to continue discussing information obtained illegally, Mr Baskiv. So I shall refrain from doing so. However, once a decision is reached on any proposal it will be publicly announced, as always."
Abi took control of the interview again, deciding to bring it to a close considering how their editor was berating Eekin through their earpieces for straying perilously close to incriminating himself. And the station.
"Madam Prime Minister we are almost out of time; is there anything else you would like to say before you leave us today?"
Naeva turned to face the camera rather than either of the reporters.
"The Senate and Senators of the Free Worlds Alliance will continue to fight any and all forms of corruption; whether their origins be domestic or foreign. You deserve nothing less from your government than measured decisions made with all of the facts, made for the benefit of all members of the Alliance."
She turned back to the anchors, who looked slightly relieved.
"Powerful stuff from our Prime Minister. Join us back again at 11pm for more news. Until then, I've been Abi Gora..."
A rumble from Eekin.
"... I've been Eekin Baskiv..."
A close up on Abi's smile.
"... and we... will see you soon. Goodnight."
