Editing Kino no Tabi:Volume2 Chapter4

Land of Free Press

-Believers-



'''MEDIASQAURE DAILY'''

TRAVELER SHOT MAN, POLICE DEEMS SELF DEFENCE.

4th. Day light. A shooting occurs at West 56th street, a traveler (Age unknown) who enter the city 2 days ago shot a salary man (age 55) causing severe wounds. Police deem the traveler acted in self defense, the traveler has left the border that evening. 

Police will discuss further enforcement regarding self defense and Persuader ownership. 

MALE OFFICE WORK SHOT AND WOUNDED FOR “SUSPECTED THEFT” 

4th morning around 11:29, on the West 56th  street, a visiting traveler who enter the city 2 days before got into an argument with a male officer worker who wish to take a closer look at the traveler's Motorad. When the officer worker try to approach the traveler, the traveler suddenly shot him twice with a Persuader, hitting the man in the left shoulder and left leg. The wounded was rush to the hospital by medics, from reports, would require a full month of rest to recover.

The traveler stay for questioning by the police investigation, according to the traveler, the office worker was attempting to steal the Motorad and stroke first, the traveler was reacting in self defense. The inspectors accepted the explanation and allow the traveler to pass through the border the same evening.

The incident took place at the busy west gate and cause quite a commotion with onlookers, luckily no one was hurt by stray bullet.

On regards to “self defense shooting”, there was case 4 days earlier at  South Section, where a young man attacked a policeman, his partner fire upon the young man without warning, the young man died from 14 gunshots. The police force deem the shooting as an act of self defense, but many who believe the case was a case of police abuse took to the street for demonstration. (See page 39 for details)  

STREET KILLINGS? THE TRAGEDY OF “SELF DEFENSE” SHOOTINGS.

The peaceful street was disturb by a loud gunshot, and followed by cries of panic. All this happen in broad daylight and plain view of pedestrians.

At the scene, a man was found curled up on the pavement, his shoulder and leg bleeding profusely. A young woman is at his side providing medical assistance. Witness reported tat there was a traveler with a drawn and smoking Persuader, the traveler did not act to aid the wounded man, but merely stood and stare at the scene coldly. 

The man is a white collar worker in his 50s from the a leading medical equipment firm. On the day of incident, the man was in the area for business reason. Before the shooting, he had just share a meal with colleagues at a near by restaurant.

According to statement from his colleagues, the man was in high spirit and in loud conversation, saw the parked Motorad by the street as said “that is an nice bike.”. The owner of the Motorad appear shortly and demand rudely that the man to stay away from the Motorad. Although the man lightly rebuke the traveler for the rudeness, but the traveler would hear nothing of it and continue to order the man away from the Motorad. When the man attempt to step closer to the traveler, he was suddenly shot twice by the traveler, without warning. He was wounded in the left should and left leg, the pain cause him to collapse on the pavement.

He was sent to a hospital for operations, due to severalty of his wound, he would a month or more to completely recover. The shot to the leg was particularly dangerous, narrowly missing major arteries by a couple inches, the lead surgeon commented that “If the shot was any closer, it would have sent him into critical condition.” The news was too traumatic for the man and cause him to jumble up his memory of the incident.

Visiting family member also express disbelieve at the incident, to quote “Why should such a thing happen?”. Later that evening, the family member learned that the police has mark the case as rightful self defense, and allow the traveler to exit the border, this outrage the family member further into saying “He (the man) has done nothing wrong, was shot but the shooter is able to walk off scotch free!  This is injustice!”, the man's attorney expressed “ We can't let the police continue with their dictatorship.”, they will be suing the police force regarding the investigation. 

'''DISCUSSION OF OPITIONS'''

JUSTIFYING SELF DEFENSE IS THE BANKRUPTCY OF THE NATION

(Tony  Megtanie - Retired South Section local court magistrate) 

I believe hat the traveler have choose to fire the shot in an avoidable situation. It would not be hard to imagine that the traveler believe itself to be above the law and beyond retribution, for the fact that of being a foreigner. For shooting a citizen without provocation, this tells us that the traveler is a bloodthirsty fiend. It greatly disappoint me that the traveler wasn't arrested and brought to a court of law. This is deem a failure for the nation. 

WAS THERE AN ACTUAL SHOOTING?

(Nihal Ruthbator - Chairman of Citizen's Eye on the Police)

Lately thee been many case where the police use justifiable self defense as an excuse in shooting incidents. Since the fatal shooting 4 days before, Persuader ownership and the definition of self defense has been hot topic on everyone's lips. Now with the latest shooting, I can help but to think that this is too much of a coincidence. Could it be that someone is manipulating the situation behind the scene? The traveler probably was in no danger of being arrest in the first place? The traveler could be getting paid for his involvement this very moment just beyond the border! 

'''MEDIASQAURE DAILY'''

Year 893  7th of Doe

READER'S REVIEW CORNER 

STRICTER IMMIGRATION CHECKS

(Betty Titanis  - Female 28 Homemaker)

“Ouch! Ouch!”

Was my first response when I heard about the West side shooting on the radio. The one where the traveler badly wounded a man with a Persuader. 

I also heard there was an uproar over the police's decision regarding the shootings. But what troubles me is how could someone like that was allowed to enter our border? I demand that the immigration office to take responsibility! 

For us law abiding citizens, to own a Persuader require a strict background check, especially for small firearms. Yet this traveler who openly display a Persuader was allow to enter the border. I was even more shock to learn that the traveler was allowed to leave the border on  the same day after the incident. I pains me to heard the situation of the hospitalized man.

When the news was open, I was return to reality by my 5 year old boy. He was asking me in a serious face “where did it hurt mommy?” I hurriedly told my boy “Mommy is ok now.”, to think that my dear boy would be  worry about me, it fills me with tears. As I hold him tightly, my heart is filled with rage for the callous traveler. To let someone so dangerous enter our country armed is a huge mistake! For the safety of my child, I hope immigration will impose stricter checks. 

PLEASE THROW AWAY YOUR GUN TRAVELER

(Anne Alywaltz  - Female 7 Schooling)

Something bad happen near my home: a man who was looking a Motorad was shot by the owner, hurting the man's shoulder and leg.

Why would the travel do that? What is the reason?

“He was trying to steal my bike” the traveler said. But I think the man just want take a closer look at the beautiful Motorad. I think the man must be really hurt, his parent must be hurt too. Can't the traveler feel their pain? I believe the travel have waiting mommy and daddy too at home, what would the traveler feel if they were hurt?

Persuader are bad thing use to hurt and kill people and animal. I wish they would disappear, then no one will get hurt again. Please throw away your gun traveler. 

MORE TRANSPARENCY IN CONTEST

(Elisa Blanc - Female 64 Home maker )

In regarding to the naming contest of the two month old forest panda,  held by this paper a while back. I too has participated in the contest and eagerly awaits the result.

To conjure up the serene image of adorable panda living peacefully in the lust green forest, I named the new born “Woods”. A simple name that children can easily pick up, yet still carries the majesty of the forest, I believe there can be no better name than this and was very confident with the contest result.

But my heart sunk when the result was announced.

Not only my submission did not make it in the consolation, the biggest shock was the winning name was “Woody”, a mere single character different from mine. I would not have mid so such if the both was vastly different, but this result makes me doubt the decision of the panel of judges.

The winning name came from 17 year old girl from North Section, a girl shallow in life's experience could not have come up with a winning name.

I know that my suspicion seems mean, but I think the panel of judges took my submission and alter it slightly and pretend it submitted by the pre-selected girl and announce her as the winner.

There have been previous cases of fixing between organizer and the judging party, it would be hard to warrant that such handy-panty did not happen this time too. 
So, for future contest such as these, there should be a neutral third party audit overseeing the process much like the Anti-Corruption Agency for the government. 

'''THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE NEWS'''

Year 893  5th of Doe

TRAVELER SHOT MAN POLICE DEEM SELF DEFENSE

On the 4th, a traveler (age unknown) who enter the border 2 day ago, shot a man at West 56th Street in broad daylight. The man (age 55) was reported to be fiddling with the traveler's Motorad, after repeated warnings and return with threats to the traveler. Police deem the shooting as a case of legal self defense. The traveler as left the country on the same evening. 

ATTEMPTED THEFT? MAN RECEIVE MINOR WOUNDS 

At around 11:29 morning on the 4th, on West 56th street, a traveler who enter the country for sight seeing found a man touching the Motorad belonging to the traveler, the man even attempt to mount the Motorad. The traveler issued several verbal warning to the man, but he was too drunk to take heed and replies with threats. When the man grabs the traveler, the traveler was forced to shot him with a Persuader (.223 automatic)twice. The man was hit in the right shoulder and right leg and rushed to the hospital with minor wounds, doctor reported that recovery would take no more than a week.

The traveler was questioned by officer at the scene, after collecting report from witnesses, the police deem the traveler acted in self defense and was released from custody and allowed to pass through the border that evening.

The man was under the influence of alcohol during the incident, and was unable to recall what happened after he was sent to the hospital. He was given a stern warning by the police. 

Crime is on the rise in our nation, and it has become a serious concern.4 days before in South Section there was case an escaped drug addict shot and critically wounded the physician-in-charge, and later attempted to take an officer's Persuader by force with a knife, other officer were forced to shot the addict to avoid a catastrophe. (More detail in Social section) 

ROWDY DRUNK SHOULD BE PUNISH 

Was the man using drunkenness as an excuse? Attempting to  handle and operate the Motorad without permission and ignoring warning from it's owner.

In yesterday's incident, the man was clearly intoxicated and barely standing when he was shot by the traveler. He was participating in an company function in a nearby restaurant, according to restaurant staffs, they had been drinking a lot and are being loud and inconvenient to other patrons. One of the staff who tried to calm them down receive a face full of vulgarity.   

After the man left the restaurant, the Motorad caught his attention and he immediately went to it, grabbing the handles and knocking on the gas tank. He was on the verge of hopping on to the Motorad when the traveler return, with newly brought fresh sandwiches. 

The collection of witness reported that the traveler was being tactful with the encounter, but the man will have none of it, spouting phrase such as “You're not the boss of me!”. “I once rode a bike like this, so this is mine!”, “Show your respect youngster and get lost!” and more unintelligent babble. The traveler continues to request that the man leave the Motorad several in a clam cool voice, the man somehow took offend t the traveler's tone, he kicks the Motorad several time. He also repeatably thrown curse and tries to grapple the traveler, this is when the traveler was forced to shoot him.

Even though the bullet hit him on the shoulder, the man continues to stagger toward the traveler, forcing another shot to the leg from the traveler to finally stop his rampage. 

Examination report from the hospital tell us that the Persuader used was of low caliber range, and will not be fatal as long as it did not hit the head or chest. From this wounds, it clearly shows that the traveler is a highly skill Persuader user to be able to avoid major arteries and bones.

The victim of this incident was released and left the country that evening, no charges was press against the man, thus no punishment was issued and his name not released.

But that was not the end of it, the rampaging of the drunken not only could cause trouble to travelers but it quite possibly harm any citizen. 

READER'S REVIEW CORNER

THE CAUSE AND EFFECT OF SELF DEFENSE SHOOTING

(Ole Tucker - Retired Director of Ministry National Defense)

The traveler acted to protect the safety of property and live, a fully understandable act of self preservation. Te man have been messing with traveler's property and choose to ignore repeated warning for the traveler. Witness to the incident point out that the man was shouting gibberish was prepare to attack the traveler. Under no circumstance should violence be used as a solution, but I would like to applause the experienced and cool headed officer for classifying this incident as legal self defense.  

ENFORCE ALCOHOL INTOXICATION LAW 

(Timothy Tenostor – Chairman of “Parents who lost children to Alcohol Abuse”)

“Lawless, shameful and childish” could be the words the travel think of when mention of this nation. If we were to further charge the traveler with criminal charge, that would truly be tragic. I wish to applause our police force for their correct decision, for we always turn a blind eye to the drunk. Now is the time to face this growing social issue! Including problem of underage drinking, the intoxication need to be enforce now before our children became the next victim, by then it would be too late. 

'''THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE NEWS'''

Year 893  7th of Doe

CITIZEN'S OPINION

ONE STEP AWAY FROM VICTORY 

(Elisa Blanc - Female 64 Home maker )

In regarding to the naming contest of the two month old forest panda,  held by this paper a while back. I too has participated in the contest and eagerly awaits the result.

To conjure up the serene image of adorable panda living peacefully in the lust green forest, I named the new born “Woods”. A simple name that children can easily pick up, yet still carries the majesty of the forest, I believe there can be no better name than this and was very confident with the contest result.

But my heart sunk when the result was announced.

Not only my submission did not make it in the consolation, the biggest shock was the winning name was “Woody”, a mere single character different from mine. I have been participating in similar public contest before, this is the first to be so close to victory, making his defeat most bitter.

But I will not give up, and will use this experience as a drive to perform better next time, even if my friends call me a stubborn and out of league. (edition has been made. Editor.) 

DISAGREEING TO “SHOOTING EQUALS VILLAIN” MENTALITY

(Norgen Heidini – Male 76 Unemployed)

The was a case of shooting on the 4th involving a man and a traveler, when I heard the man's family attempt to sue the police force for their decision, it filled me with disgust.

The man was drunk in broad daylight, disturbing other's property, ignores warning from the owner and  started a fight with the owner. It boggles my mind that the man still thinks he is innocent and not in the wrong. I would very much like to see the people who raise this brute! 

Some might think the traveler has murder in mind, but the traveler only shot him in the shoulder and leg after repeated warnings. As someone who have serve 40 years in the police force at the front line against crime,  if murder was the motive, the traveler would have aimed for the head or chest instead. If we were to frame the traveler as a criminal just because of the shooting, that would have been a grave mistake.

Can we afford to hide our head behind “Those who use greater, ie: Persuader, are the bad guys.”, making judgment without facts? Imagine you are caught in this situation, what would your action be? I hope everyone would cool their head and not overact over this incident. 

TRAVERLER'S ACTION REMINDS ME OF A DARK PAST 

(Anonymous – Female 30 Working)

The incident reminds me of something that happened to me before.

I was sexually harassed by a drunk when I was 15.

Although it was broad daylight, a red faced drunk in his 50s suddenly grab me on the street. As I scream in panic, the man continues to grope me. With his alcohol stinking breath, he cursed obscenities at me before stagger off laughing.

It was several hours later before my mother found me soaking by the street, she took me to the hospital and also reported to the police.

The police brought the man shortly, and in my rage and shame, I vow to bring him to justice. So I identified him as the culprit, but the man proclaim loudly “I am the headmaster of a renown high school, there is no way that I could have done this! If you continue this nonsense, I will sue you and your parent for slandering!” 

Suffice to say, he was release due to lack of evident. He left not before leaving more obscenities and threats , my father later found out that the man truly is as he said, a headmaster of a renown high school and quite high up in the education ministry.

When he past away several years later, rumor of his past starts to surface. That cannot hold his liquor and has repeatably use obscenities in PTA meetings. I don't wish to dig up filth of a dead man, since I have no proof of the incident ever took place.

I just wish to express my admiration to the officer who decide to let the traveler go. 

“------- but Hermes.”

Someone spoke in the middle of a desert.

She sat on a sea of pebbles that spread out in all directions, the sun is setting in the west, turning the earth and sky a bright orange.

She is about 15, with a mop of short black hair. Large eyes adore her taut face, she wore a black jacker over her should, a simple but thick belt around her waist, a Persuader holster is strapped to her right thigh.

In her hand are a roll of newspaper she have been reading, around here scatter more sheets of newspaper. 

A Motorad is parked nearby. 

A rifle type Persuader is leaning against the Motorad, next to a large travel bag.

Hermes, the Motorad, happily chirp in. “A gun sling traveler on a Motorad? That sound just like you Kino! I bet anyone who has read the news would have go 'Oh! That's Kino!'”

The girl named Kino, smiled sourly and said “You are being rude.... I would never open fire on a street like that.”

“Oh well, maybe.”

Hermes paused and asked.

“Why do you think the fellow open fire?”

She stares at the dipping sun in the far horizon and answer honestly.

“I don't know. I can't make a sound conclusion from these reports. He might a blood thirsty killer who like to taunt his victim, or he could a man of justice who only retaliate only when forced. But he could also be neither.”

“Is that so.... but Kino, have you realize that most critical thing that is missing from all this reporting?”

“Emm? What.”

Kino tilt her head to one side with a look of confusion. Hermes quickly solve the mystery himself.

“The Motorad's side of the story of course! They never border to interview the biggest wetness to the incident! And they call this unbiased reporting?!”

Hermes continue to fume, and slowly the orange sky is replace by shades of purple and finally a starry night sky. 

Kino remove a piece of rug from the baggages and lay it out on the ground, then put on her brown coat. She pick up the rifle that was leaning on Hermes, and checks its chamber to see whether it was loaded. After readjusting the scope on the Persuader, she lay it down next to the rug.. 

“Why do you carry THOSE newspaper by the way?”

Hermes suddenly though of the question.

“The news are just a coincidence... as to why.”

Kino starts to remove single sheet of paper from the stack, and twist them as if drying a towel, then lay them out in a sunburst formation. 

“When there's no firewood around, they become useful replacement.”

The match was lite with a single stroke of her boot, Kino spoke as she light up the newspaper.

“No matter what is printed on them.” 

Under a starry deep purple sky, the earth is pitch black.

Except for a tiny point of light.