if they're watching anyways
"And cut."
Auteme relaxed, took a few breaths, then waved over her aide, who was hovering at the edge of the set. Perav moves quickly to her side.
"You're trending."
"Naturally. Direction?" Auteme rose, looking at the datapad Perav had brought.
"Up. People seem to get it. Patriotism, but not fervour or panic. That's what I got, anyways. A few bots, but no real imperial presence, as far as we can tell."
"Well, I was hoping to cut to their core. Keep me updated."
"Yes, Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor is waiting for you in the conference room."
"Finally." She waved a hand, dismissing the Zabrak, and anyone else coming to pester her. Instead she beelined straight to the small conference room off to the side of the office set. A twist of her hand changed her outfit into something sharper, a poisonous green suit and pants, accented with black and gold.
She pushed open the doors, finding a familiar speech playing on repeat on a hologram at the far end of the table. She didn't pause, and approached the Vice Chancellor. Anger, cold and deadly, took her tone for a brief moment.
"If you abandon me while we are under attack ever again, I will have you replaced and sent to sweep streets on 1313. Am I clear?"
She paused, her expression softening, the green of her suit brightening. "I was glad to hear that your son was safe. I know what it is like to worry about loved ones in a war zone. But if that's all it takes for us to drop everything, we'll be losing more than our cool. We're in a precarious position, and I need your knowledge and counsel here."
She found herself a seat. "Enough of that. My address. Your thoughts. I want to hear them."