This chapter has been edited. Original post:
SUBJECT: More Robot Masters?!
AUTHOR: Plum, CPS Television Network
DATE: September 15, 20XX
FORMAT: Video
"As you already know, Dr. Wily, the scientist responsible for the Robot Master attacks earlier this year, avoided capture and remains at large. And now, a concerning rumor has been rapidly circulating over the last few days: Dr. Wily has been manufacturing Robot Masters yet again. According to the story, these Robot Masters are not only already complete, but they have already been deployed and have infiltrated our peaceful society, masquerading as normal robots performing normal tasks.
"Very little is known about these Robot Masters, but we have corroborating evidence to suggest that there may be some substance behind the rumors. We reached out to Light Labs to see if they had any information about it, and we received a very interesting response:"
The video cuts over to a voiceover with a transcript on the screen. Dr. Light's voice says, "It's possible that it's true, but it's important to keep matters in perspective. No one was injured during the last set of attacks, and if these new Robot Masters are, as you say, passing as normal robots performing normal tasks, then perhaps that truly is all they are. Not everything that Albert builds is necessarily destined for evil. I think the most important thing is to avoid escalating tensions."
The transcript disappears and the camera returns to Plum. "While I can't disagree with the conclusion, it does seem odd to hear Dr. Thomas Light saying positive things about Dr. Wily." She pauses, frowning, and she touches her earpiece. "We've just received a SECOND response from Light Labs, this one from Mega Man. Go ahead, Mega Man. You're on live."
Plum turns to one side as if symbolically talking to someone off-camera as Mega Man's voice joins the broadcast. "Oh. Live? Okay. Um... Yes, I can confirm that there is at least one new Wily-produced Robot Master. He hasn't yet taken any aggressive action, but he did confront me personally with some very... pointed... things to say. It was... upsetting."
"Is there any part of that conversation you want to share?"
"I think it's best if I don't right now. Sorry."
"I understand. Is there anything else?"
"I don't want to say anything that isn't true on the air, especially when I don't know the whole story myself. I'm pretty confused by everything as it is."
"Makes sense. Thanks for calling, Mega Man." Plum turns her attention back to the camera. "Well, that's a confirmation I certainly didn't expect to get. It sounds like there's more. I feel like this will only make the speculation grow. But that's all for now! See you at 10:00. This is Plum, signing off."
AUTHOR: Plum, CPS Television Network
DATE: September 15, 20XX
FORMAT: Video
"As you already know, Dr. Wily, the scientist responsible for the Robot Master attacks earlier this year, avoided capture and remains at large. And now, a concerning rumor has been rapidly circulating over the last few days: Dr. Wily has been manufacturing Robot Masters yet again. According to the story, these Robot Masters are not only already complete, but they have already been deployed and have infiltrated our peaceful society, masquerading as normal robots performing normal tasks.
"Very little is known about these Robot Masters, but we have corroborating evidence to suggest that there may be some substance behind the rumors. We reached out to Light Labs to see if they had any information about it, and we received a very interesting response:"
The video cuts over to a voiceover with a transcript on the screen. Dr. Light's voice says, "It's possible that it's true, but it's important to keep matters in perspective. No one was injured during the last set of attacks, and if these new Robot Masters are, as you say, passing as normal robots performing normal tasks, then perhaps that truly is all they are. Not everything that Albert builds is necessarily destined for evil. I think the most important thing is to avoid escalating tensions."
The transcript disappears and the camera returns to Plum. "While I can't disagree with the conclusion, it does seem odd to hear Dr. Thomas Light saying positive things about Dr. Wily." She pauses, frowning, and she touches her earpiece. "We've just received another call." She pauses for a moment longer, listening, and then looks back up. "All right, we have here live on the line a source from within Light Labs, speaking to us on condition of anonymity. Go ahead, caller."
Plum turns to one side as if symbolically talking to someone off-camera as a digitally-altered voice joins the broadcast. "Oh. Live? Okay. Um... I can confirm that Mega Man has encountered at least one new Wily Robot Master."
The reporter looks startled and confused. "Is that so? May I ask why you're calling us about it?"
"I guess you could call me a whistleblower. It was obvious that Mega Man was upset about what was going on, but I thought that things were under control. But the atmosphere is... it's changing, and not for the better. The Dr. Light I work for would have never released a comment like the one you just aired."
Plum hesitates. "I'm... not sure we should--"
"It feels like a cover-up, and I don't like it. We've sent so much aid to the military and the investigation bureau, and everyone knows it, so why is THIS suddenly getting swept under the rug?"
"Caller, I'm afraid this isn't--"
"There ARE Robot Masters hiding am--"
The call goes silent. Plum frowns and touches her earpiece again before returning her attention to the camera. "Sorry, we've had to silence the call for security reasons. We can't verify the information reported by the caller at this time, and our policy prevents us from airing this kind of report without review." She shakes her head in concern. "That's not what they said they were going to say when we screened the call. We're going to take a break now. See you at 10:00. This is Plum, signing off."