Omniverse News Network - Live Broadcasts

[Proto Man]

“Good evening, Omniverse, I’m Ron Burgundy.”

Unlike most nights, Ron seemed a little more gleeful than usual. For the viewers at home, they would have no idea, but off to the anchorman’s right, a young blonde woman sat in a chair, waiting for her cue.

“As promised, tonight we have in our studio a young woman by the name of Android 18. From what she says, she is an employee of the mysterious stranger and his hidden organization. We’re going to go to that story right now, so I’d like to introduce you all to our visitor.”

At that, Ron turned to the right, and the camera swapped to a wider shot that showed the man sitting across from the woman, who smiled when she saw the green light. “Hi, Ron,” she said, her voice soft and welcoming as she turned to look at the anchorman. “It’s a pleasure to be here.”

“It’s a pleasure to have you, Eighteen… may I call you that?”

“Yes, of course,” she replied. Although the woman wore makeup, it was obvious to anyone with a keen eye that she wasn’t covering up skin blemishes. Rather, the foundation and concealer had been used in an attempt to gloss over scars—where the scars had come from where anyone’s guess. Ron and the staff at the news network didn’t have much on the woman beyond her affiliation with their mystery man.

“So what brings you to our studio tonight? Are you here to give us the tell-all exclusive about Mr. Jak?”

Eighteen giggled softly before shaking her head. “Of course, not, I’m just her to build more suspense, Mr. Burgundy.”

A laugh escaped from beneath Ron’s mustache as he picked up his scotch and took a sip. “Well what can you tell us?”

With a smile, Eighteen pulled up a little folder and produced a picture from it. Placing it on the desk, she slid it across to Ron, who picked it up and furrowed his brow as he examined what was on it. “You know what those are?” The blonde inquired as she picked up her water and took a sip.

“Random trinkets?” Ron inquired as he held up the photo for the cameras. It was a high-resolution shot of a closet-sized vault filled with what genuinely looked like an assortment of random odds and ends.

“Artefacts.” Eighteen replied nonchalantly, prompting a few members of the network’s tech crews to gasp. Even Ron seemed a little flummoxed and taken aback by the woman’s proclamation.

“Legitimate artefacts?” The newsman inquired as the woman nodded her head. “And we’re just to take you on your word?”

“Karl has limitless resources at his disposal, and he has for quite some time. Here,” Eighteen took that moment to reach down under the table and retrieve a simple metal flask. “This is a gift to you, Ron.” With a furrowed brow, Ron reached over and picked up the flask, but a little jiggle revealed that it was empty. “Pour it,” the woman said once she noticed the look on his face.

With a shrug, Ron tipped the flask over his glass, and from the spout, a fine amber liquid poured out. Setting down the flask, Ron picked up the glass and brought it up to his nose. “Scotch.” He replied before taking a quick sip. “Very nice scotch.”

“Obviously not everyone will be sold on magic flasks, but I assure you that Karl Jak has many more treasures for those who shine.”

“Shine in what?” Ron inquired, setting down his glass and leaning closer to the blonde.

“The competition, of course.”

“And what competition is that?” The anchorman asked, hoping to have the woman give him something of value.

“Soon,” Eighteen answered. “He’ll be making the announcement. From what I’ve seen, Ron… it’s going to be a grand spectacle. I know this man and his production crew. None of them will disappoint.”

“You can’t give us a little teaser, can you?” Ron said with a playful sigh as he leaned back in his chair and picked up his scotch.

“Stay tuned.” She shot back with a coy grin. “He’ll let you know soon, Ron.”

Ron shook his head even as a grin spread beneath his regal mustache. “Well… that’s all we have time for tonight. From all of us here at Omniverse News Network, I’m Ron Burgundy. You stay classy, Omniverse.”