Hello. This is a revise of a story I started a few years ago "Habeas Corpus." I'm older now, and a better writer, so I thought I'd update it as an exercise. Enjoy.
Rachel didn't normally hail cabs, but today was an exception. Certainly the cabbie must have known this too as he asked but one question before speeding down the busy avenue.
"Where to?"
"The Met," she gasped out. "Fifth Avenue."
Her cell phone vibrated in her back pocket, the seventh time in the last two minutes alone. No doubt it was Bethany, her friend and classmate, wondering where the hell she was. The answer was nowhere near the Metropolitan Museum of Art where their class was meeting, and based on the traffic she would be at least another twenty minutes.
Got held up. On my way. She typed a quick message before slamming the phone shut in frustration. Of all days to miss an alarm it just had to be today, in the one class where attendance actually counted. Just her rotten luck.
But it could be worse, she mused, staring out the window to the bundled-up pedestrians on the sidewalk. At least she wasn't freezing her butt off on the sidewalk anymore.
Her phone buzzed again. This time Bethany was calling. Rachel considered not answering it out of embarrassment, but decided against it on the third ring.
"-Hello?"
"Dude, where are you?! We're about to go inside." Bethany's voice was jumbled. "This place is PACKED."
Well, it definitely sounded like it, based on the background noise that blared through her phone speaker.
"Look, I'm in a cab right now. Just tell Professor Diaz I'm on my way. I'm-," Rachel paused, looking out towards the street. The traffic didn't look too bad, well for New York standards anyhow. "-Twenty minutes away. I'll text you when I get there."
"Fine," Bethany sighed, or at least it sounded like she did. The call quality was god-awful. "I'll sign you in for attendance."
" You're the best!"
"I know."
As the call clicked off, Rachel sighed back into her seat. The attendance crisis averted, she could take the next few minutes to actually relax, especially after the catastrophe that was this morning.
First, she had slept past her alarm. Then, in a rush out of her dorm she'd spilt her coffee all over the sidewalk, gaining three ugly brown blotches on her sweater. That wouldn't have been so bad, except that the second she'd arrived at her metro stop there was an announcement that her train was delayed and "under maintenance."
So now, here she was- tired (despite the extra sleep), uncaffeinated, and stressed.
Well, the day can only get better, right? She hoped.
Twenty-six minutes and ten potholes later, the impressive façade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art came into view, and with it so also did a view of the sea of people standing outside the building. Tourist groups crowded the front staircase, packed together like a case of multicolored sardines.
Damn, Bethany wasn't lying. Rachel cursed, squeezing through the throng. I feel like I'm at a concert. If she didn't know better, she would have thought she were standing outside of Madison Square Garden instead…but this pomp and circumstance wasn't for any acclaimed band or celebrity. No, it was for someone, something, else entirely.
Kira.
The once legend from Japan relegated to internet conspiracy forums had turned the entire world upside down. Kira was nowhere and everywhere. He was the law. A god. A product. And now, an exhibit.
The temporary Kira exhibition to be precise. The New York Times had called it a "hit," and judging by the crowds, anyone and everyone was there.
The first time Rachel had heard the name Kira was from her father after a defendant in one of his trials died mysteriously of a heart attack. As one of New Jersey's District Judges, his passion for the concepts of law and justice were only emboldened by the event, dubbed "America's first Kira killing."
Soon after that the news ran 24hr cycles on the phenomenon, attributing more and more casualties to the mysterious figure. Kira became a common dinner conversation, with her father throwing himself further into the rabbit-hole, joining task forces, think tanks, writing countless essays, and giving speeches. In the past five years, she could count the amount of meaningful interactions she'd had with him on two hands.
In some ways, Rachel felt like Kira had killed her father as well, even though he was still alive.
If it was her choice, Rachel would have skipped the museum all-together- but this class, Contemporary Issues, was one she couldn't afford to fail. It was the one-condition her father had given her to continue to support her choice to study Illustration, and she wasn't going to mess that up. Speaking of which-
I need to find the entrance…
Ten minutes later, Rachel broke through the group-entrance doors clutching an exhibit map in hand. Reading closely, she saw that the floorplan was chronological in order, starting with the first mentions of Kira in the media and ending with an ethics forum. Based on Bethany's texts, her class was somewhere in the middle.
Thankfully, She didn't have to search far as the sound of Professor Diaz's thick Staten Island accent sounded loudly not far to her right. She joined the group casually, tuning into his speech
"The first killings attributed to Kira were in 2003." Professor Diaz stated, standing in front of a large photograph. It didn't seem like he noticed she was late. Good. "This man, Kurou Otoharada, also known as the Shinjuku Killer, is often recognized as the first ever killing."
Moving aside, the mugshot of a frowning man with small, beady eyes and brown hair was revealed to the group.
"I don't think I need to say this, but he died of a heart-attack."
Naturally. Everyone knew that was Kira's M.O.
The group moved to another wall, this time filled with what looked to be around fifty mugshots of different Japanese men.
"These 46 criminals were similarly killed by Kira shortly after. Except twenty-three of these men died one-after another every hour. This is when Kira started to become recognized." Professor Diaz explained. "This event also ignited the events that formed the Kira Task force. Does anyone know what the Kira task force is?"
Rachel knew, but didn't comment. Another boy from their class, Jared, eagerly supplied the answer.
"They're the group searching for Kira. The FBI, NPA, and L, right?"
""Yes, and no." Professor Diaz smiled. "Most of the the NPA left the investigation soon after Kira's supernatural abilities became apparent. It's mostly the FBI and L now, along with Interpol and a few other agencies."
Cowards, Rachel's dad had called the NPA. Spineless, cowards.
They moved to another section, this time with a framed photo of a silhouette of a man with a question mark in the middle. The title read Who is L?
"L has been said to be the Greatest Detective in the World. His commitment to the investigation has been documented since the beginning, although no leads have been publicly identified in the past five years. He's always remained anonymous, but some people think he might be more than one person, or an organization." Diaz explained, seeming quite enraptured with the subject, "Some people also believe he, or they, have abandoned the case, though no statement has ever been released, and to anyone's knowledge he committed any other investigation."
"That's a long time to work on one case." Someone from the group piped up.
Agreed. Rachel scoffed to herself, thinking of her father.
"More like a long time to fail at solving it." Another student laughed.
"Perhaps," Professor Diaz intoned, moving the group to the next section. "But Kira isn't just any person really. No one knows how he, or it kills. Maybe Kira isn't even human."
"Some people think Kira is God." Jared interjected.
As if on cue to Jared's exclamation, Rachel observed they were now in what looked like a makeshift chapel. Except, instead of Judeo-Christian iconography, the stained glass held common symbols associated with demons, death gods, and law. On what traditionally would have been an altarpiece there was a painting depicting a scene that was reminiscent of Adam and Eve taking a bite of the forbidden fruit. In this scene the tree of life was rotted, with the clad in bright orange prison jumpsuits. Both clutched their chest in pain and horror, as flames appeared from below their feet, signifying a descent into hell. Above the altar, the title KIRA: the ICON announced the intention of this section.
Disgusting. She thought, shifting uncomfortably. Noticeably, some members of their student group looked quite at ease, if not reverent. That wasn't exactly surprising. Rachel had been invited to places like this on a few occasions in the past few years.
"The church of Kira started in Japan and has a growing presence internationally. Last year it was recognized as an official religion by the State Department. Is anyone a member?"
Two hands shot up in the group. Jared, and another girl, Maria.
Jared was a surprise, but it explained his eagerness to answer questions. Maria was obvious. Her aesthetic just screamed obsession with death.
Rachel started to tune out for the rest of the conversation. She didn't care to hear the thoughts of the Kira fanatics. She stayed on autopilot for the next sections. With her dad, there wasn't much information here that she didn't already know.
Only Kira in Media ended up half interesting. As an aspiring artist, seeing all of the Kira-inspired works was kind of cool, albeit macabre.
After what felt like an eternity, they stopped in front of the last section: Finding Kira?
"There have been many debates on if the Kira investigations should continue. Many want to uncover the mystery, but there is a growing opinion that Kira is justice that shouldn't be opposed."
Diaz walked up to a board that simply read Yes, or No? Multicolored pins were placed under each side, with most falling under the No section.
"The question is, do you think the Kira investigations should continue?" He paused. "How about you, Rachel, what do you think?"
At the mention of her name, she froze.
"Uh-sorry?"
"What do you think about the continued Kira investigations?" Diaz repeated. " Should they continue, or should society accept the new status quo?"
"Uh- I don't really know about all that stuff." Rachel deflected. "I'm just an artist." Suddenly she felt 14 again at her family's dinner table.
"Artists are plenty political," Diaz challenged.
"No. Not me. I don't really have an opinion on this stuff."
"Really? That's interesting. I would have thought that given your family you would."
A few curious glances shifted her direction, and she pretended not to notice. Most college students couldn't even name their state senator, much less their district judge. She was slightly unnerved that Diaz made the connection, but she didn't have time to be angry at his insinuation.
"I just let the politicians do the thinking," she relented. Thankfully he seemed to let it go.
"Well, I think they should just give up." Maria interjected passionately. "Kira makes all our lives safer. They've already started shutting down prisons across the states."
"New York City alone has had a 30% reduction in crime." Jared added, "It's obvious Kira has been a force for good."
"That brings me to your assignment for next class." Diaz smiled. "I want each of you to write a 1000 word response to the prompt 'Should Kira be stopped?"
Oh Joy. Rachel groaned internally. Another assignment.
"I will now leave you to the ethics forum. Take notes. You're free to go when you like." Diaz concluded.
As the group dispersed, Rachel spotted Bethany, and they walked together down the long hallway back outside.
"Hey, Do you want to get some brunch?"
The mention of food made Rachel's stomach grow automatically, and it was then she realized she hadn't eaten anything since last night.
" You know what. That sounds like a fantastic idea."
"You didn't miss much" Bethany said, taking a large bite of everything bagel as they walked back to campus "-Just lore. You know Kira means killer in japanese, right?"
Rachel nodded, wiping crumbs from her blueberry muffin off her face. "Who doesn't at this point?"
"I don't know, people living under rocks? I think it's going to be on our test."
"Probably, knowing Diaz."
"So, What are you going to do about this paper?" Bethany asked.
"I don't know. I feel like this topic has been beaten to death," Rachel bit aggressively back into her muffin. Between chews, she bit out "What more is there to say that hasn't been said already? I'm tired of it."
Bethany shrugged. "Knowing your dad, that makes sense. I for one kind of like the Kira talk. Makes my assignments easy. Speaking of which, can I interview your dad for my journalism class? I have to interview someone and ask them about their job."
"My dad? Can't you just ask your mom or something?"
"Dude, My mom is an accountant. Interviewing a judge sounds way more interesting."
Rachel shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She didn't like her home and school life to mix, but Bethany was a good friend, and she did want to help her. She definitely owed her something after today.
"I don't know man. He barely has time to pick up my calls. I can ask, but I make no promises. Especially with this whole ISFKI meeting coming up…"
"ISFKI? Bethany questioned as they began up the weathered steps to their dorm building. "Diaz mentioned that today, didn't he? That detective conference. International something-"
""International Summit for Kira Investigations," Rachel droned automatically. "My dad snagged a seat this year. I guess he finally wrote enough essays to make the cut."
"No way! That's so cool!" Bethany squealed, but Rachel didn't share the same enthusiasm.
"If you think so."
The ISFKI meeting was an annual event for all organizations and people of influence dedicated to solving the Kira case. Started four years prior and hosted by delegates from the FBI, it aimed to bring together all of the leading forces in the world against Kira whether it were detectives, politicians, or more in one unified show of force. This year it was to be hosted in a secret location in New York City, due to the NYPD's generous offers as security for the event, or so Rachel's dad had told her. He was over the moon when his invitation was delivered.
"You know, he keeps asking me to be his plus-one." Rachel continued. "I keep telling him I'm busy. It's like he thinks because I'm not studying law I have all this free time."
The real reason was she didn't want to support his obsession, not when it had taken so much from their relationship.
"WHAT!" Bethany shrieked. "You can't be serious. You have to go."
At her friend's incredulous expression, Rachel was filled with confusion.
"Why?"
"Because it's a super private, white-collar event, and you're invited? Think of all the people you can meet there. Talk about a networking event. I'd love to pick their brains for a story."
They had stories alright. Stories and boring law theories and blah blah blah blah.
"Of course you would. You're studying to be a journalist." Rachel rubbed her temples. "How's that going to help my art? I don't even like big events like that."
"Well that Kira in Media section had plenty of art. Maybe you can find some inspiration there. Or future patrons."
Well, Bethany did have a point there, but it did little to change her mind.
"I don't know…" They were at her door now. "I have to think about it."
"Dude. Nepotism is totally wasted on you."
She couldn't help but laugh at that comment.
"I'll keep that in mind. See you tomorrow?"
They bade farewell.
Ctrl+z Ctrl+z Ctrl+z Ctrl+z Ctrl+z Ctrl+z Ctrl+z Ctrl+z
Rachel's fingers slammed furiously on the delete key until the word vomit of a paragraph she'd been writing disappeared into oblivion. An empty document stared back at her, the cursor blinking like it was mocking the lack of words on the screen. One thousand words to go and zero written. This essay was going nowhere.
She began again.
The Justice Department estimates that taxpayers have saved over $700 million dollars in costs related to the justice system, and other organizations claim that since the introduction of KIRA, crime rates have gone down by more than 20%. In some states like Illinois and New York, prisons have been shut down due to the downturn in crime. Supporters praise Kira for increases in global quality of life.
According to the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, a person accused of a crime is guaranteed the rights to a fair trial by his peers, protection against self-incrimination, and against the use of cruel an/or unusual punishment. Opponents state that Kira disallows people their rights to habeas corpus and a fair trial in the court of law by bypassing our institutions of justice and instituting his, or her own.
I think…
I think…
She stopped typing. She didn't know what she thought, only that this assignment was giving her a big headache. Leaning back in her desk chair and rubbing her tired, she rubbed her strained eyes.
I need to take a break.
Walking to her bed, Rachel fell in an unceremonious heap. The sheets welcomed her in a warm hug. Finally, some rest.
She rolled over onto her side, replaying the events from the day. The cab driver. The Kira Exhibit. Her conversation with Bethany about the ISKFI meeting.
Her dad really wanted her to go, and she really wanted to want to go. But she didn't. She'd told him as much. Insisted he go with mom instead, someone who would be happy to support him, but he was adamant.
He'd even given her money to buy a dress, just in case she'd change her mind. Out of respect, she'd swung by downtown and gotten one. The charmeuse dress was hung up in her closet, nothing extravagant really- simple black, with an empire cut and a slit on one side. If she didn't go to the conference, she could always use it for the winter formal.
However, that wasn't the only garment on the hanger. There was one other element of course: a mask.
When her dad had told her ISKFI was a masquerade ball, she couldn't help but snort. Of course it was. Everyone knew Kira needed a name and face to kill. It was all so cliche, like something out of a book.
Kira This. Kira That. She was getting a Kira hangover.
Was she making a mistake by not going? Like Bethany had said, it would be the perfect place to find patrons. Network. Maybe even repair her relationship with her dad a bit. Her first semester at college had been less than eventful. What did she have to lose?
Dad was paying for everything. Maybe she owed it to him to pretend to care?
Closing her eyes, Rachel let sleep take her.
In this essay I will...(jk) Might update the next two chapters. Have a good day.