Blinding floodlights illuminated the municipal television studio in the upper tower as Director Rook smoothed the lapels of his tailored suit and stepped before the main camera array.
Beside him sat Joy Allison, wrapped in a plush municipal fleece blanket and dabbing theatrical tears from her eyes for the live broadcast drones.
"Citizens of North City, look upon this tragedy with your own eyes!" the director declared into the microphone, his voice dripping with false paternal outrage.
"The criminal youth gang occupying our historic municipal academy has shown their true monstrous colors!"
"They threw this distinguished, dedicated educator into the street without food or winter clothing!"
"Her only crime was asking for an independent audit of their illegal weapon stockpiles!" the director shouted, gesturing dramatically toward the trembling woman.
"This is the barbaric reality of their so-called sovereign sanctuary!"
