october 1968
Adrian Vale strolled around the charity gala. Everything seemed normal, but still, about 50 undercover police were around. At the windows, in the gala, on nearby roofs, everywhere was secured, every corner checked, every guest vetted. He had to pretend everything was normal, the gala was well secured after all. But how could he be sure, after all there were 2 assassinations already, martin luther king and r.f. Kennedy, the latter of which he himself had supported and donated to were both assassinated, both liberals, both civil rights defenders. He himself was at great risk too, supporting the civil rights movement at any chance he got. His views he would make public tomorrow after the gala.
"Mr senator, you're supposed to give a speech now, remember?"
His assistant Michelle said to him, she insisted on wearing a very scandalous outfit for some reason, so he did not dare look in her direction in fear of her taking it the wrong way, her husband was his largest donor so he didn't dare bring her against himself.
"Thank you Michelle, please inform security. I will be giving my speech now"
As he was making way to his podium, a cold shower went down his back.
this would be the perfect spot to assassinate me
But he didn't back down. He knew he couldn't turn his back on his dream, the American dream. Even if he was to be shot down now, he would die a martyr.
And so he began his speech
"My fellow citizens, tonight I stand before you not as a politician seeking favor, but as a man bound by conscience. We are at a crossroads in our nation's history. The fight for civil rights is not a struggle for some—it is a struggle for all. When any person is denied justice, when any voice is silenced because of the color of their skin, the integrity of our democracy falters.
I know there are those who say progress must be slow, that change is dangerous. But let me be clear: progress delayed is justice denied. We cannot build a fair society on the foundations of fear and inequality. We cannot call ourselves free if half of our citizens are still shackled by prejudice and oppression.
Tonight, I call on every man and woman of conscience to stand—not with hatred, not with division—but with courage. Courage to speak out. Courage to demand justice. Courage to believe that a better, more equitable America is not just possible, but inevitable. For it is in our unity, in our unwavering commitment to what is right, that we will find the true strength of our nation."
As he talked, he noticed a small tingling in the back of his head, his voice started to change.
The crowd, which was relatively dead at the start soon began to grow bigger, he could hear people cheering, pictures flashing.
Suddenly he was tackled by his security
"Senator Vale, a sniper was just identified on top of 1317 louisiana avenue, we need to bring you to the safehouse immediately"
He was then promptly escorted to a black van, which drove him to a huge skyscraper. In the elevator, michelle pressed a few buttons and brought him to a small office.
"Mr senator, you have to stay here until the situation clears up. I will stay with you to ensure your safety"
"Thank you"
He mumbled, still intimidated by her outfit he did not dare look her in the eye.
As he took a seat in his leather chair, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Michelle took a seat in the corner, mumbling something under her breath.
He began to write his speech tomorrow. An announcement for him to merge his political campaign together with hubert humphry to hopefully have a chance against nixon.
He began writing, being interrupted by Michelle's mumbling
what is she even saying
He tried listening to it,
"Floor 5-office-317…"
wait a minute, isn't this the office number here? What reason could she have to tell anyone these coordinates
Then he realized. But it was too late.
He looked up to see Michelle, but it wasn't her. The stranger gave him a light smile, knowing she would be the last thing he saw.
Then everything went dark.