Marta Pezzaloni was standing in the Press Centre, near the Palazzo Malzo. As always, it was the Palazzo was a breathtaking sight, but she had to focus on her job. She was reviewing notes with Fabio, the young reporter who had been assigned to her team, after rave reviews from the editors during his internship. Based on his performance this morning, she could not disagree. He had been the first to arrive at the Gazzetta, was quick to prepare a brief about the main attendants to the summit, and was quite knowledgeable on each of them. He was giving her immensely valuable information, even some pieces that she, an experienced correspondent, had yet to know, or had long forgotten. She made a mental note to give her good reviews at the next correspondents meeting, after the summit.
She was facing the cameras, the Palazzo behind her, and someone in her team signaled that they were ready. To tell the truth, she was an anchor, but had requested to be assigned as a correspondent for the summit. It had been a while since she had been a site reporter, but she knew the drill. She corrected her posture, looked at the camera, and as soon as the light turned on, started speaking.
“We stand outside the Palazzo Malzo, where the leaders of the Artemian Union are gathering in a special summit, called a mere week ago, following the election of new heads of government in Selene and Parthenopias. Earlier this morning, First Councillor Valerio stood outside the Palazzo, greeting the attending heads of government, then accompanying the final one inside. They are now holding a private meeting in the Privy Hall, where the Privy Council usually meets, to discuss issues and policies that are relevant to the Union."
She heard a voice in her ear, the news anchor asking her about the agenda for the summit.
“Thus far the official agenda only deals in generalities, mentioning items like ‘foreign threats’ and ‘mutual cooperation’, but sources close to the Palazzo indicate that the focus during the morning half of today’s session will be on Edward Yutan, the Soltek Leader, and Nicolina Anselmetti, the Grand Commander of Kalos. Mr Yutan recently issued a threat to the international community, and Ms. Anselmetti recently ascended to the position, defeating Commander Constantine Lambros in the process. This afternoon, the focus will turn to cooperation within the Artemian Union, namely the space programme, the expansion of educational exchanges and the continued development of renewable energy.”
Another question, this time about any access the press might have to the meetings.
“Most of the proceedings will be closed to the press. Until yesterday, the only events open to the press were the taking of the family photo and the signing ceremony. While the Foreign Office and the Palazzo have assured us that those arrangements will remain, heightened security measures are expected, in response to today´s attack in Parthenopias.”
Marta was thanked for her worked, and the transmission was off. She thanked the crew, and turned to give special thanks to Fabio, who had, somehow, got information on the actual agenda for the summit. She turned to the Palazzo. Even if she knew what issues they were discussing in there, she wished she could see the discussion.