Star Wars 2017 Del Rey Sampler: Excerpts from Upcoming and Current Titles by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2017-06-19T16:00:00+00:00

VOICE OF THE EMPIRE

MUR LAFFERTY

Originally published in Star Wars Insider #170

Don’t say a word. Stone-faced HoloNet News editor Mandora Catabe didn’t say it out loud, but the message was clear.

Calliope Drouth’s eyes flicked from Mandora, seated at her desk, to the man standing behind her, smiling widely, hands clasped behind his back. Mandora’s face was set, grim, her eyes fixed on Calliope’s.

That’s an Imperial smile. Calliope had hoped to be called in to hear about the promotion she’d asked for, but that hope died when she saw Mandora’s face.

“Calliope, sit down,” Mandora said, indicating the chair opposite her desk. “This is Eridan Wesyse. I wanted to tell you first: I’m retiring, effective immediately, and Mr. Wesyse will be your new editor-in-chief.”

Whereas Mandora was small and shrewd, suspicious of anyone and everyone, Eridan looked as if he would always listen sympathetically, smile kindly, and report whatever fit the kind of story he wanted to tell; Calliope knew the type.

She nodded. She’d seen the man around doing Imperial PR. “Nice to meet you, sir,” she said. “I’ve seen you at some events, haven’t I?”

He nodded, smiling wider. “You do have good eyes,” he said. “Mandora said you’d be my star reporter. Yes, I’ve done some work for the Empire, and I will continue to as Mandora’s replacement. You see, the Empire wanted to have a tighter”—he paused, searching for the word, “connection to HNN. We’ll want to keep on all of the loyal staff, though, so you shouldn’t worry about your job.”

Calliope couldn’t help glancing at Mandora.

“No, I’m the only one leaving. I was already contemplating my retirement,” Mandora said, her eyes indicating no such thing. “The Empire just made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“How generous,” Calliope said, her mouth going dry. “What plans do you have for HNN, Mr. Wesyse?”

“We’re going to start by giving you a promotion!” he said. “We’re promoting you to senior reporter and calling you the Voice of the Empire. We were so impressed with your work on the Wookiee threat.”

Calliope froze. Her piece on the Wookiee “threat” had been heavily edited by Imperial censors, removing the main point of her story entirely and nearly causing Calliope to quit.

“Based on your noteworthy history with HNN,” Wesyse continued, “it’s obvious we want to promote you. It’s quite an honor to be the one person on camera that countless citizens will watch to get their news!”

“That is an honor,” Calliope agreed, using the smooth voice she used on sources she knew were lying. “Thank you for the promotion. I’m looking forward to the new direction you will take us in, Editor Wesyse.”

She wanted to take Mandora aside and ask her what was going on, why was this happening, but Mandora’s normally animated face was set, which scared Calliope more than anything.

“As our newly appointed Voice of the Empire, we’re throwing you at your first story, actually,” Wesyse continued. “You are to cover the Imperial ball tonight. We got you an invitation, which was no easy task.” He paused

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