PART ONE
"We will begin in two minutes."
"Oh good, we're just on time", Michiru Kaioh whispers to her colleague as they attempt to squeeze through the large crowd. The other people at the event are already tightly packed together, all buzzing with anticipation at getting a big scoop.
"Just use your elbows," Mamoru Chiba urges, carefully cradling his camera against his chest. "Get us to the front, no matter what it takes!"
The aqua-haired girl laughs and warns her companion to be patient. "I don't want security to kick us out of out of here. This area of the company's not usually open to guests, you know". With a delicate touch and some subtle manoeuvring, Michiru finds a path towards the front of the room, and gently pulls Mamoru by the camera strap to join her for a perfect view of the podium.
The two representatives from The Vancouver Post settle in right as a hush fell over the crowd. It seems that no one wants to interrupt what is sure to be a memorable entrance by Haruka Tenoh, former F1 champion and current head of the world's leading luxury car company. Indeed, at her company's last press conference, Haruka had ridden onto the stage in a newly developed hybrid motorcycle, and promptly given it away to the closest member of the audience.
Of course, that had been a happier occasion, when Tenoh Motors Inc. was launching its most sophisticated line of vehicles. Now, as the crowd catches its first glimpse of the 27-year old owner and CEO of the company, it appears that even Haruka herself is acknowledging the relative solemnity of the occasion. Dressed in dark jeans, a simple black tee, and a buttoned-up golden blazer, the corporate magnate had taken a few steps back from her signature style that usually included a perfectly tailored suit, freshly pressed shirt, and carefully knotted tie.
As Haruka reaches the microphone, the cameras start to flash and questions begin to pierce the air. One after the other, experienced reporters shout out their queries and accusations, waiting for the head of Tenoh Motors to officially confirm or deny each of their leads.
"Ladies and gentleman. Especially you ladies out there. Can you please just give me a moment to settle in before you devour me alive here?" With her trademark smirk and husky voice, Haruka is clearly playing to her strengths to gain some semblance of control over the room. And it is working, as the volume diminishes to a soft murmur.
"Now, I'm sorry to have to do this," the blonde continues, running a hand through her short locks to convey a sense of frustration, "but I just talked to our lawyers and they've advised me not to answer any questions at this time. You know how lawyers are. But Tenoh Motors will be issuing an official statement shortly, so I assure you that your editors will not be left empty-handed today." With a gracious wave to the crowd, Haruka turns to make her exit.
"WAIT!"