All he knew about this job was that he couldn't mess it up. Not again. The set preparation team was busy fixing his outfit, applying makeup to his face, and arranging his hair just so. A mic was clipped to the back of his belt, the wireless headset attached to his ear and adjusted so. Hours before the staging Aaron skimmed over his script to keep it fresh in his mind, despite memorizing it throughout the week. If he blew this second chance, they wouldn't call him in the future. He wasn't going to speculate about an opportunity arising down the road. It was now or never again.
The final touches were out of the way and the camera team was setting up. The camera would be a mobile unit today, not stationary like it typically was. The goal of this report was to inform the public about the event, and highlight the importance the marketplace held in the cosmic affairs of the Yamatai Star System. In essence, the very existence of this trade market meant more than buying and selling wares. It was a mutuality expressed through the communal participation of planets, peoples, and interests. It was also an incredible testament to Yamatai's influence within their own galaxy.
It was time, and Hei-Beihu Jamai directed the set as he always did. Stern, stalwart, and unimpressed, low laying eyes bored holes into the Santô Hei, who was getting a second chance. If things panned out differently with the other reporter, it wouldn't be a question in his mind. Aaron Boxley would've been snubbed immediately after his last stunt. But now that they were in the situation they were in, Beihu was pulling his punches and letting this one ride it out. So what if Boxley-Hei had that 3% sustained viewership increase? It was only because he was a new face; people would forget he existed soon enough.
"Ready, Boxley?"
"Yes, Hei-Beihu!" The eagerness to please him was evident in Aaron's reply. It wouldn't convince Jamai just yet. The Separa'Shan called for his team to retreat behind the designated area and ready the news segment. With the countdown, Aaron settled into the center of the camera's view, took a deep breath, and waited for the countdown. From five, to four, to three, to two, and then one-
"Hello! This is Aaron Boxley with SANDRA News, reporting to you live from the Annual Galactic Swap Meet!" He took a slight step back, readying himself to turn away from the camera and begin walking once he reached that point in the script.
"Located in Port Xenn, this yearly gathering is home to the most diverse trading event in the galaxy. Here, buyers and sellers are exposed to a surprising number of things for sale!"
The script now demanded he turn and begin walking, which he did on cue. He wasn't meant to walk a great distance, only far enough that he would become immersed in the scene and mingle with it, to bring a visceral feeling to the report. He pointed at the items he mentioned as he spoke, mindful that he didn't invade the space of the traders in the process.
"It could be anything from spare parts, to embroidery, to- uh-!" Aaron froze, his eyes transfixed on a certain marketer's wares. Were those bodies? Boxley had no clue who was watching, but there was no need to expose them to the morbid side of the event, however normal it was. Even Beihu's eyes widened at the sight, but silently urged Aaron to keep going. Dead air was bad air!
"E'hm, yes, so-" the camera willingly panned away and followed the reporter as he separated himself from the booth, "The Annual Swap Meet is in full swing, and the Coordinators of the event are anticipating record numbers this year! Hopefully the turnout lives up to their expectations! I'm Aaron Boxley with SANDRA News; back to you in the station!"
Jamai signaled to cut the feed, and with the camera light turning off the report came to a close. Aaron would have a follow up report in due time, for those who tuned in later that day. But for now, he had the ability to step away and see things for himself. That was the most exciting part about being there for the young Santô Hei. But he wouldn't leave until his supervisor approved it. As the team put their film equipment up, Beihu turned to find a de-mic'd soldier watch the world going on behind him. A small sigh left the Jôtô Hei before he called him.
"Hei-Boxley!"
"Sir?"
"Be back in 2 hours time."
Aaron's face lit up with excitement, and he turned fully to give Beihu a salute. "Yes, Jôtô Hei!" Jamai waved off the salute, a subtle twinkle in the experienced superior's eye as the Santô Hei walked into the crowd and set his watch's timer. Aaron was a good kid, he just had to keep his emotions in check...