A week later...
Brisbane City Hall.
A large-sized building that looks well designed on the outside with an art deco design to really bring out the importance of the hall. After all, the city hall is where the local city council that oversees the city work.
The city hall had been chosen to host the campaign rally for Alexander Stephenson and the Fight for Change party. No doubt all eyes in the city will be on this event, with the Fight for Change party causing quite the stir in the news. TV news cameramen, photographers, reporters and technicians all congregate at the entrance waiting in anticipation for Alexander Stephenson to appear.
A limousine pulls up at the front. Out steps the man of the hour, as if he was stepping into a den of lions like a sheep to the slaughter, but with no fear whatsoever. Stephenson wears a business suit that is black with white stripes and also sporting a solid blue tie. Very plain looking befitting for a politician. As the cameras flash and record and the reporters throw words out, Alexander keeps a cool demeanor as he steps inside.
Inside the main hall area is where the campaign rally will take place. A very spacious area, with the walls featuring pillars that run up to the roof, giving it a more Ancient Rome feel, with the ceiling featuring chandeliers and fantastic art work contributed by Brisbane City's aspiring artists. At the front is a performance stage, consisting of the main stage, drawback curtains and enough professional lighting to make anything look Hollywood-esque.
Various people congregate in the hall awaiting the rally, ranging from TV reporters and cameramen, members of the press, online bloggers along with protest rally groups.
Amongst the congregation, a woman stands agitated, being impatient with the rally not starting on time, given that some politicians believe themselves to be movie stars. The woman is dressed in blue jeans, knee high black boots, a frilly blouse and she sports flourishing blonde hair. The woman has an athletic build though her height makes her come across as adorable.
The woman is Toni Lockyer. An outspoken advocate for the LGBT community at the forefront of lobbying for acceptance of people with different sexual orientation. Fearless, driven and determined, she truly believes in her cause and will not back down from a challenge. Unbeknownst to the city, Toni is the cousin of Omega Magnus, whom the city knows as Steven Lockyer, Australia's most famous professional wrestler.
Another person calls out to her whilst coming forward, a man simply dressed in slacks, dress shoes and wearing a long sleeved buttoned pink shirt.
"Toni!" says the man, "You need to chillax darling."
The man is Harry William, Toni's best friend and an openly gay man who rallies with Toni.
"I can't help it if I'm too eager!" proclaims Toni,
"Is your cousin going to be here?
"No, something's come up. Besides, one Lockyer is enough to put up with, but two Lockyers? You're gonna need to call the army."
The two laugh away as they wait. The two's friendship started two years ago when Toni found Harry being bullied by far right-wing advocates at a bar, who ended up with two bloody noses afterwards courtesy of Toni. Since then, the two had grown closer like a happy brother and sister, always by each other's side.
"Look!" Harry points out to the hall's entrance way, "Evil devil at 3 o'clock."
"About time!" Toni smirks.
All eyes are on Alexander Stephenson as he walks through the middle of the hall with photographers snapping away like paparazzi ogling at the most famous person they find appealing. Alexander mounts the stage, and proceeds to the microphone stand. Straightening his tie and clearing his throat, he begins to speak.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed members of the press and various political groups and rallies," Stephenson begins his address. "I thank you for your attendance today as I announce my intention on running for State Premier. I do admit it's twelve months early, but if there is something you want in this life, you need to start now rather than leave it till it's too late. Rest assured, this glorious state of Queensland in which this fair city resides can be so much better, especially with the safety of our fair citizens being in jeopardy for the last seven years. And not only that, conflicts between groups over what path and vision this state should take that will drive us forward, mostly from racial, religious and sex groups trying to threaten the balance. I assure you that I will endeavor to move this state forward with one unified vision that will benefit Queensland and all its citizens."
The floor is now open for questions. Various hands shoot to the sky like a child wanting to be the first on a fun ride in an amusement park.
"Do you display confidence in Lord Mayor Charles Damian?" one male reporter chimes in,
"Well I do give credit where it's due." answers Stephenson, "But I feel he is not doing enough with Brisbane City, especially with the massive crime wave this city has suffered from. Having so many people murdered, the police department being severely corrupt, fear and terror being struck in the hearts of many. He has taken a laid back approach. I will see to it that he does better."
Harry, who stands by Toni chimes in, "I don't know if you've been living under a rock, but for the last year and a half, the crime in this city has been cut by three quarters thanks to Omega Magnus putting that Benefactor woman out of business."
Stephenson chuckles to himself. "Oh yes... Charles Damian failed six times to combat crime in this city, and then decides to put all his faith in a vigilante in a desperate attempt. Clearly vigilantism is a crime punishable by law, and yet this example set by the Lord Mayor is basically promoting crime! We have police that are local, state and federal. They will gladly put their lives on the line to keep this country safe, and to top it off, our military are more than willing to give a hand when needed."
"Most of this city sees Omega Magnus as a hero." chimes Harry,
"Enough about the vigilante. It's boring me." Alexander notices Toni standing next to Harry, who's clearly frustrated. "How about you Miss? Do you have something you'd like to add that's worthy for the record? Let some steam out?"
Toni speaks up, not missing a beat. "Going with the sexist and misogynistic tone of voice I see? New record, considering you chose to hear from a homosexual man first before a woman!"
"There's no need to shoot down someone who's being courteous." Stephenson says with a strained look on his face. Toni notices, and decides to push further.
"Given your history with no regard and constant dissension with the LGBT community, racial groups, certain religions and middle and lower class, it appears you only care for the straight, white, rich, Christian male. Anyone else besides that, you look down on as villainous. Like how you're promoting Omega Magnus as being on that same level."
Toni doesn't miss a beat, she clearly has everyone reeled in.
"How can you say you're trying to help all Australians when you're not interested in certain population groups. If you ask me, you're coming across as a tyrant! Considering the fact you let your opinions known as if your mind was on loud speaker!"
"You shut your mouth you whore-slut!" A man in the audience who is a supporter of the Fight for Change party shouts out. "You pathetic feminists and you fags are the reason this nation's screwed! Go move somewhere else where no one has to put up with you!"
The man continues to shout as he is escorted out by security guards.
Clearly agitated by the situation, Stephenson compels himself and speaks,
"As you can see ladies and gentlemen, this city is suffering from division, more serious than ever. We need to put our differences aside for the greater good. All these protests are meaningless as it gets nothing done. People like those two," Alexander says this as he points to Toni and Harry. "Are the reason adversity in this country is prevalent. The people must be calmed. One vision must be shared. Not everyone will like it of course, but give it time."
BANG!
A massive hole is blown on the left side of the hall.