Evelyn Hart (Journalist): "Good evening, everyone, and welcome to 'Verdantia Debate.' Tonight, we'll be discussing the latest news. Let's start with the meeting at the Union, where Kontos Jr.'s project was a key topic. But first, let's go to Edenis Station. Lysandre Morrow, over to you."
Edenis Station
Lysandre Morrow (Journalist): "Thank you, Evelyn. The high-speed train has just arrived. Talia Wren, who recently left Tala's party, expressed her shock and disappointment regarding the project."
Evelyn Hart: "Thanks for the update. We see more and more people coming out."
Lysandre Morrow: "Tala! Tala! How did the meeting go? What do you say to your critics? And what do you think about Talia Wren's resignation?"
Tala: "The meeting went well. My critics are wrong. Those who are open-minded know that my program is the best for our State."
Lysandre Morrow: "Any comment on Talia Wren?"
Abah: "He won't say anything because it would put him in a bad position. Talia no longer saw herself in Tala's program. I was there before his presidency, but I felt left out."
Lysandre Morrow: "Tala, what do you say to that?"
Tala: "If Talia left, it's because of people like you who want to manipulate for their own gain. We have resources to protect. You didn't leave because of the party, but because you couldn't stand that I surpassed you. We want to give our country a new momentum."
Abah: "My party regulates resources for our well-being. The NeoAris elections are coming up, and we need to reaffirm our border agreements."
Tala: "We have Stelio, a great force. When he returns, he will make us stronger and improve our understanding of nature."
Lysandre Morrow: "Thank you, Mr. Tala. One last question: you recently met with representatives from NeoAris. What can you tell us about that?"
Tala: "That information is false. Do your job as a journalist properly."
Lysandre Morrow: "Evelyn Hart, tensions are high as the elections approach."
Camera: "We're off the air."
Lysandre: "Tala is really a scumbag. He hasn't changed since high school."
*Camera: "You've known him since high school? And you never told me?"
Lysandre: "He's a manipulator who discards what no longer interests him."
After these tense exchanges, Lysandre and the cameraman head off for lunch. Meanwhile, former President Bobby discusses with his team in his office.
Bobby (Former President): "Those two are exhausting. Are the images and videos with the army ready?"
Party Member: "Yes, everything's ready. We can publish whenever you want."
Bobby: "Political recovery is crucial. I have good relations with the army, and that will strengthen my position. I'm in the background because of the others."
Frank: "But, President, this changes our usual strategy."
Bobby: "I'm not going on TV shows anymore. The strategy must change: let's do political recovery without using mutants like Stelio."
After the meeting, Bobby withdraws to an isolated corner, out of earshot. He dials the number of an old contact.
Bobby: "Listen, we're going to stick to our plan as agreed, okay? Tala mustn't find out what we're up to."
Tala's mocking voice echoes through the phone: "So you think bringing in a journalist to trip me up is a good idea? Your time is over, old man. And that's not a threat, but with NeoAris technology, I know all your schemes. During the debate, you'd better align yourself with me, my friend. See you soon."
Furious and disconcerted, Bobby throws his glasses to the ground. He leaves the scene, feeling betrayed and worried, and heads home, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events.