Story: A sudden gunshot interrupts Kimi's speech, screams and loud comments immediately filling the venue. Who's the one behind it all? Will Kimi escape unscathed?
Dialogue[]
- (Victor Square, before the shooting.)
- (As the light dims, Kimi, now standing calmly in the spotlight, begins her speech.)
- Kimi: Hello, everyone, it's a pleasure to meet you all.
- Kimi: Ever since I announced my decision to run for president, I've heard voices of support as well as doubts. Some even believe this is just a publicity stunt for me.
- Kimi: But it was after careful consideration that I decided to do this.
- Kimi: The Apple Federation is founded on the principle of freedom and independence. Our forefathers built this country after they fought to break the tyrannical grip of the ruling class.
- Kimi: But unfortunately, a certain individual who's supposed to work for the wellbeing of our country endangers it for personal gain.
- Kimi: 228 years ago, Mr. Ryan, then Chairman of Apple Apparel Group, was elected president of our country.
- Kimi: In is inaugural speech, he said something like this: 'The Apple Federation has a difficult road ahead, but I'm confident that with faith we will build a better future together.
- Kimi: And now I see an obstacle to our achieving that future, so I've decided to conquer it and fulfill the promise a certain someone made to the people but failed to deliver on!
- Kimi: That certain someone I'm talking about is...
- (Bang!)
- (A bullet grazes Kimi's hair and flies into the wall behind, leaving a gaping hole.)
- (Kimi breaks off in mid-sentence. She stands motionless in place and her pupil quickly dilates.)
- (The security guards rush onto the stage and escort the pale-looking Kimi away.)
- (An uproar ripples through the crowd. A few sporadic screams add to the tension of the situation.)
- (A man in suit walks up to the stage and announces a break.)
- (A murmur of chatter lingers. People begin to speculate who the shooter is, and what the shooting means.)
- (Minutes later, many guests in attendance begin to leave out of safety concerns. The entrance remains clogged by a crowd of civilians and reporters.)
- (After a short break, Kimi returns to the podium.)
- Kimi: I'm very sorry. I was interrupted.
- (Though she appears calm, there's a slight trembling in her voice. It seems she's still reeling from what just happened.)
- (Inside the venue, the few guests that remain all wear a grim expression. But outside, the crowd of civilians erupts with cheers.)
- (They shout Kimi's name, moved by the bravery she showed by returning to the podium after the attack.)
- Civilians: Kimi! You can do it!
- Kimi: Thank you all! My commitment will not waver because of a threat. So I will continue where I left off.
- Kimi: As I was saying, a certain individual who's supposed to contribute to the well being of our federation is doing the exact opposite. That's why I must stand up and put things right!
- (Another wave of cheers sweeps through the crowed. Kimi has to raise her hand for silence.)
- Kimi: Now, I want to play a recording for you.
- (The sound of two men talking comes over the loudspeaker.)
- ('So, Mr. George, let's discuss the terms of our cooperation.')
- ('That depends on how serious you're about working with League Tyr.')
- ......
- ('A paper agreement is the best I can do. If you insist on videotaping this conversation, I'd rather back out of the deal.')
- ('I respect your caution, Mr. President. Now turn off the VCR and sign the paper.')
- (The recording exposes to everyone in attendance the deal between the incumbent president and League Tyr, including the latest edict issued by Goerge Carter.)
- Kimi: I believe you all have your opinions about what you just heard. That's all I have to say. Thank you for coming.
- Kimi: I believe we will fear no darkness as long as there is light in our heart.
- (Kimi bows deeply before turning to leave.)
- (The crowd keeps shouting Kimi's name and shows no sign of relenting.)