[Excerpt 2] Segment 1: Daily Outline
The lady from corporate leaned forward. “Thank you Mr. Roddenberry for hosting us in your office.” She turned toward Adela: “Well, your story is a big hit, Ms. Noland. It’s still trending on Twitter. The Board is truly enjoying the amount of coverage and audience we have received. They wish to meet with you. Personally.”
Adela exhaled quietly. Is this what they wanted to talk about, she wondered.
Borrill began reading from her smart phone. “There are tons of other opportunities as well. CNN wants you to appear in a special TV interview.” She scrolled up. “Another major network wants you to participate in a panel discussion about U.S. military overseas programs, including talking about detention centers, torture allegations and your story about the U.S. government providing training, allegedly, to would-be terrorists or terrorist-sympathizers.” She looked up. “Looks like you may have a full week.”
“Maybe we won’t get to see much of you at the office this week,” the editor chimed in.
Borrill looked as if she was going to say something else, but decided against it.
Adela cleared her throat. “Sure. I can focus on TV appearances and panel discussions,” she began. “However, there is a Part II to the story that I am also finalizing the research. I have already written part of it. So that requires more research and writing time, also.” She wanted to keep a clear head, her attention focused.
“This is fantastic. The Board has also discussed the feasibility of launching a separate column for your work. There is the investigative angle, the female heroine theme that we could sell, the voice seeking truth and justice. The public’s favorable reaction to your articles indicates a keen interest, and the Board is ready to work with you. And Ms. Noland,” Borrill added, “Quietly, some have even suggested a book deal.”
Adela did not respond immediately. She seemed thunderstruck, stuck in a zone of stillness except for a loud steady heartbeat and a dry mouth. It seemed her moment had come to realization, and that Madam Justine Borrill was a messenger ushering in a new era.
“Understood, Ms Borrill,” Roddenberry said. “Ms. Noland will meet the Board tomorrow and engage in these exciting discussions. We need to take advantage of this publicity, to increase our readership, audience and, of course advertisers,” he added, masking a hint of disdain. He did not like the Board’s direct interference in his work, or Borrill’s present role. Still, he was genuinely happy that the blog was attracting a larger readership and more advertisers had already reached out.
Adela stood up abruptly. “The Board shall get what the Board asks. I’ll just have to better manage my time.”
