“Eva Young, reporting live here in Blue Emerald for Q1 News. We’ve just received a live feed of politician Ren Krong’s address to the nation of Neon District. There’s plenty of buzz to go around about this gentleman. He seems to be loved by the people at large. He’s even garnered surprising major support by the elitists. His message seems to appeal to all, not just some. He is a true champion of change for the better and for all, not just for the powerful. Here we go, his speech is about to start. This will be broadcast live across the nation,” Reporter Eva Young said.
The plaza to Blue Emerald’s administrative complex was flooded with thousands of supporters. Roads were blocked off, and traffic was redirected to facilitate the rally. Local businesses within the vicinity of the rally temporarily shut down so they too, could tune into the address. The weather was beautiful, not a single cloud in sight.
“Fellow Neonians. I want to thank you for gathering here today with me so that we can begin to embark on a new journey of positive change together,” Councilman Krong said into the microphones. “It is important that we get straight to the important issues. Firstly, there is too great a disparity between the rich and the poor here in this illustrious, prosperous city. There’s no other way to state that fact. There have been too many unfavorable policies put into place by the hands of our well intentioned, but often misguided political colleagues on how to tax the fine citizens of this city.
“Economic reform has only served the one percent thus far. There has been very little trickle-down effect. Neon District, one of the most powerful nations in the world, is suffering from a severe identity crisis. Are we totalitarian? Or are we benevolent? How can we, whose gross domestic product stands the largest in the world, stifle the needs of the poor and the middle class? We cannot, and we will no longer let that happen!” Rep. Krong said as the massive crowd roared enthusiastically in response. “I’m proposing a new economic bill that would change all of that. The ‘ETTO’ bill. ETTO stands for the Economic Tax Transformation Overhaul. This bill would not only account for the poor and middle class by increasing wages, tax benefits, and by allowing them to be in a much better place financially, it would also empower the one percent, as well. It would help to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and help with infrastructure! The more we help one another, the stronger our unified front will be! Tax and economic reform are only the tip of the iceberg, my friends. There has been a significant spike in criminal activity over the last six months.
“I will not lie to you, it is unsettling at best. But the solution to this problem is not overbearing policing and violent police retaliation! No! The answer is not rounding up non-violent criminal offenders and throwing them into privately owned prisons with those that have committed violent felonies. We are not in an era of slavery. We need to ameliorate the current practices of the Psi-Corp military police force. We need to change legislation that supports the unjust locking away of non-violent criminals for minor offenses. We need to eliminate the corruption behind the privately-owned prisons. We need to develop rehabilitation programs for those who have committed felony offenses, as well as those who did not. That is not to say that unconscionable acts of violence or crime should go unpunished. In fact, those who do infringe upon the laws set should be punished accordingly. But we must also broaden our critical thinking.
“How can we expect these men and women, who have a shot at a second chance, to reintegrate successfully into society after they paid their debt to it, by treating them like animals? The disproportionate arrests, particularly of Hybrids must stop, and I pledge, I will work alongside colleagues like our brilliant Prime Minister Shino Honda to put an end to these unjust practices!” Rep. Krong said as the overjoyed crowd cheered and shouted.
The atmosphere was electric. Rep. Krong was speaking to a broken city that yearned for repair, reform, and a reestablishment of justice and fairness. Celebratory horns, large signs, Neon District flags and banners waved and flowed atop the crowd.
“Let us not forget our rights have been violated by powers that don’t understand individuality. Powers that be that do not understand that our diversity is what makes us great! This is…” Rep. Krong was cut off. A loud boom echoed through the plaza as Representative Krong collapsed. Pandemonium ensued; no one knew what was going on.
“Eva Young here, at the Krong rally! We’re under fire. I’m getting word that that councilman Ren Krong has been shot. He has been shot! No word on his condition yet! The scene here is extremely chaotic. Thousands are running for their lives!” Eva said as the coverage feed panned back to her. The cameraman followed Eva as she ran into the madness to get a closer look. “Here, Ray! Get this shot!” she said to her cameraman.
He zoomed in got footage of Ren Krong, down and unmoving. He was surrounded by special government agents, all on high alert, looking in all directions and scanning for more threats. The camera feed also caught some footage of a Psi-Corp SWAT team truck rolling in, assisting civilians, while other SWAT teams fanned out and searched the perimeter for the attacker.
“This is an unprecedented event. I’m at a loss for words. Councilman Ren Krong has been gunned down. There’s still no word on his condition. The authorities have just arrived on the scene, as well as the paramedics. Now they look to be carting him off. Okay, our producers are telling us to cease filming. I apologize everyone. Please, stay
