Michelle positioned the tri-fan over the pyramid-shaped cathedral in downtown Rio de Janeiro. GNN was the first network to use a hybrid aircraft to report on a news event.
Jessie sat next to Michelle, preparing for her first international news report. “How long can we hover?”
“All day if we want. The electric motors are powered by solar panels built into the skin of the aircraft.”
“This is amazing—the view, I mean. I can see in all directions. And the camera moves with my head.”
“It’s the same technology pilots use in the F 35 fighter jets. We were able to license a stripped-down commercial version from the defense contractor.”
“Michelle, is there anything you didn’t include?”
“Yes, the FAA wouldn’t let me include any offensive or defensive weapon systems. They said it wasn’t necessary. I hope they’re right.”
“Two minutes until you’re on the air,” Roger said from a control panel in the back of the cabin.
“How’s the video feed, Roger? Can you see what I’m seeing?”
“Yes. The image is crystal clear. But, wait, another helicopter pulled into our camera view. It’s a red helicopter with a GNN logo on it.”
“What are you talking about?” Michelle said. “We were the only crew authorized by the network to report today. They agreed to a pool feed for all the affiliate stations.”
“Well, someone didn’t get the message,” Roger said. “They’re coming on the air now.”
“Patch the broadcast through our intercom system,” Jessie said. “I want to know who’s upstaging my report.”
“Coming through now.”
Jessie’s face turned bright red when she heard Kathleen Amejian’s voice in her headphones. “No way!” she said. “Cut her off!”
“Sorry, London’s controlling the broadcast. We have to wait.”
“No way, Roger, find a way to break in. I want to give that bitch a piece of my mind.”
“You can’t do that on live television, Jessie,” Michelle said.
“Just watch me.”
“Okay, Kathleen is going live in three,” Roger said.
“This is Kathleen Amejian reporting from GNN One. It’s an amazing day here in Rio de Janeiro. The Pope is making his first international appearance since his inauguration. We’re above the Catedral de Metropolitana de San Sebastian. This is where the Pope will address the Brazilian Bishops Council in less than one hour. A huge crowd is lining the route to the waterfront, where he will address his followers. I learned earlier today from an unnamed source that the Brazilian President and the United States President will join the Pope. Now, I’m joined by Joanne Roberts from our control center in London. Joanne, what is the mood back home?”
“Kathleen, what are you doing?” Joanne said. “Why are you on the air?”
Kathleen didn’t respond.
Jessie laughed to herself as Roger gave her the thumbs up. He then held his hand up with a single finger. She had one minute until she went live.
“I don’t know what you mean, Joanne? I’m filing my report.”
“No, I mean, why are you on the air? You’re not authorized to broadcast.”
“I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding. However, I must continue my report. The Pope is arriving now. His motorcade is pulling up to the Cathedral.”
“You must stop your broadcast immediately, or we will cut you off.”
“You can’t do that. You don’t have the authority. I’m the President of GNN News, and I make the on-air decisions.”
“Not anymore. Haven’t you heard? You’ve been replaced.”
“Jessie, get ready to broadcast,” Gia said in Jessie’s earpiece. We’ve located Kathleen’s uplink signal, and the assault team is ready to go. Keep Kathleen occupied as long as possible.”
Jessie didn’t respond. Instead, she ran her hand through her hair one more time and stared at Roger’s camera.
“Three, two, one, you’re on,” Roger said as the camera record light turned red.
“Joanne, this is Jessie Bessie reporting live from Rio de Janeiro.”
“Wait. Who is this Jessie person Joanne?” Kathleen said. “Why is she breaking into my report?”
“Because she’s the reporter I’ve assigned to report on today’s event. She’s our pool reporter.”
“What do you mean you assigned her?”
“I told you, Kathleen, you’ve been replaced. I’m now President of GNN.”
“Who appointed you?”
“The CEO of Goddard International, Michelle Goddard. She has the support of the Board of Directors. Jessie, please continue with your broadcast.”
“Thank you, Joanne. I’m watching the Pope’s motorcade arrive at the magnificent cathedral here in downtown Rio. He’s standing in his ‘Popemobile’ waving to crowds of supporters lining the streets. There are hundreds of police officers dressed in riot gear lining the route, but the crowd is in a celebratory mood except for a small group of protesters who are waving signs and shouting at the Pope in Portuguese.”
“What are they saying, Jessie?” Joanne asked.
“They are followers of The Master. They are denouncing the American Pope and the Catholic church. They want death to the Pope and the Bishops. They say he’s responsible for the millions of people in the world who are living in poverty.”
“Thank you, Jessie,” Joanne said. “I understand you had a chance to tour the Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday. Could you share your thoughts?”
“It’s a breathtaking building,” Jessie said. “I was told the conical-shaped structure was dedicated in nineteen seventy-six and stood over two hundred feet high. Inside, four huge stain-glass windows rise from the floor to the ceiling that joins in the middle to form a glass cross. The altar sits in the center of the cathedral, surrounded by wooden benches. Today, over five thousand Bishops and priests from Latin America will attend the private mass with the Pope.”
“Joanne,” Kathleen said. “I was at the Cathedral three years ago for the worldwide family celebration….”
“That’s nice, Kathleen,” Joanne said. “We have to break for a commercial now.”
“Great job Jessie,” Gia said. “They’re ready to go.”