#she needs to be told she's a good gi- *gunshots*

[tortoisesshells]

me? ditch my hobbies to rewatch a show I literally just watched? doesn’t sound like me.

Signal episodes 1 & 2 under the cut.

I wasn’t kidding. I started tearing up under a minute. At least this time it was mostly just seeing the opening credits again ...

But also: Kim Yoon-jung’s mother standing outside the police station with the same sign for 15 years, asking for action on her daughter’s kidnap and murder, juxtaposed with how “well” Park Hae-young deals with the years between his brother being arrested/killing himself and the present.

Park’s initial confrontation with Cha Soo-hyun after being accused of stalking for going through a celeb’s trash to prove a point seems ... more significant, considering how many plot coupons come from going through the garbage as the show goes on. There’s a metaphor here about the cases the police department discards as not worth pursuing, I’m sure.

The Batman photo. “It’s a bit much”? ohh. oh man. I definitely thought it was a little ridiculous the first time. Hurts much more now.

Flashback to August 3rd, 2000: uh. I missed a lot the first time through: that it’s Lee Jae-han that kid!Park bowls into at the station, that then-Captain Kim Bum-joo makes an off-hand comment about the world being full of bad people & then-detective Ahn Chi-soo reluctantly tells Lee to back off (which Lee, of course, disregards). And what Lee tells Cha: “I think I can sort it out this weekend.” and “Let’s talk after it’s all over.” 

pretty sure they’re referring to Cha’s confession in the ambulance after Lee got stabbed the first time? in 1999?

kid!Park runs away when Lee exits the station; I suppose that makes Park one of the last people to see Lee alive?

Ohhhh, but this is where it gets good: the ticking clocks, both in and out of focus, the quiet of the late night, and then ... 

The Transmission! I’m trying to keep track? It’s the first for Park in 2015, and the second-to-last for Lee back in 2000. remind me to come back and renumber Lee’s after I’m done again.

Honestly, I think Lee’s half of the conversation/actions to get there tell you everything you need to know about him: alone outside a recently shut-down mental hospital, staring at the corpse of a murder suspect who was probably murdered himself, he hears someone or something moving behind him. “Why did you tell me not to come here?” he asks. hmm. 

nb: you can see the yellow sticker at the bottom of the walkie-talkie when Lee’s holding it.

Park and Cha arguing about what the discovered remains mean for the Kim Yoon-jung case is ...  really good. Narrative foils and mirrors! Park, who was dismissed by the police in 2000 even though he witnessed the kidnapping; who watched his beloved older brother be scapegoated and then kill himself because of a crime he didn’t commit, expresses his anger and frustration that the police either can’t or won’t do anything. Conversely, Cha only says that with cold cases, “You don’t even know why and how your loved one died. You can never let it go. It’s like a living hell.” Neither recognize that each other is speaking from a position of personal pain, and they don’t recognize their own pain in what the other is saying. Yet. (they will, of course, realize that Park’s older brother was Park Sun-woo, from the Inju case, and that the cold case Cha can never move on from is Lee’s disappearance.)

Ohh, man. The anxiety to the end of the statute of limitations. my poor fingernails.

[into ep. 2]

I thought I had been anxious! That was before the stopwatch through the last 10 minutes, trying to get Kim Yoon-jung’s (& Seo Hyung-joon’s) killer to confess ... which failed. And honestly, the first time through, I was flabbergasted. The main characters failed? Was the clock wrong? Was that a ploy to get the killer to confess after she thought time was up and she was safe? But, no. Hard lesson of the first case: the protagonists don’t have plot victory armor. 

Public outrage about the inability to prosecute Yoon-jung’s murder (though not Seo Hyung-joon’s) gets the statute of limitations overturned, which seems to neatly side-step a conversation about why such laws exist and who they benefit or privilege. In narrative, though, the major effect is the creation of a dedicated Cold-Case squad, led by Cha and manned by Park, Kim Gye-chul, and Jung Hun-gi, theoretically under the control of Ahn Chi-soo. Because Kim Bum-joo, now a superintendent(?) doesn’t want them poking around in cases that he’s interfered in in the past, they get stuck with the unsolved South Gyeonggi serial murders, which everyone thinks are unsolvable.

at any rate, Park goes to the school where he last saw Kim Yoon-jung to leave a chrysanthemum for her. He sees her ghost, and this perturbs him far less than the transmission from Lee Jae-han. hmm.

meanwhile, Cha goes to visit the murderer, asking if Lee ever approached her back in the initial investigation in August 2000; when told no, she goes back to stare at the files on her desk & the framed Batman photo, which is of course not just Batman, but has Cha’s photo of her and Lee from her rookie days, and the flashback really is ... something to behold. I’m not exactly sure what year it is? Probably somewhere before the 1997 serial killer case? Of note: Lee, disgruntled, telling Cha to pretend that Kim Jeong-jae is a criminal. That aged like fine wine.

Transmission! (#2 for Park, Last for Lee) Park, despite being told the radio is (1) broken & (2) has no battery anyway, believes that the transmissions have a sane explanations and Detective Lee on the other end of the line inhabits the same world he does. This is immediately shaken by Lee, badly injured and expecting to die at any moment, telling him that the transmissions will begin again in the past, and that Park needs to convince Lee to listen in 1989. Before Park has a chance to ask for clarification, he hears a gunshot - and the radio goes dead.

Park is still talking into the radio up to the gunshot; theoretically, Ahn could have/would have heard the transmission in 2000. Would he have recognized Park’s voice 15 years later? Did he even think it was significant? I only ask these things because Ahn’s reaction to the radio in 2015 is one of my favorite moments of the narrative.

Cha goes to get her watch (THE WATCH) repaired. Of course, Lee’s the son of a watch-maker/-repairman. Somehow I missed the senior Lee’s line, “You used to pursue my son with a vengeance”, which honestly would have cleared a lot up for me in the first half of the season, since, from Cha’s words and actions alone, it’s not immediately clear why she can’t let go of Lee’s disappearance - was he that good of a boss and coworker? Did she feel personally obligated in some way? Personally, I suppose I didn’t mind wondering.

ah, but the throw-away line: Lee Jae-han always said he expected someone else would arrest the South Gyeonggi killer. 

meanwhile!

Transmission! (#3 for Park, #1 for Lee) It’s 1989, it’s Lee Jae-han’s first case, and he’s not having a good time. Honestly. Major props to Cho Jin-woong for going from “world-weary man grimly accepting his fate after getting one last word out” to “anxious rookie beat cop tripping over tree-roots in the woods” in the space of hmm... a half hour? At any road, Park still doesn’t quite accept what Lee told him from 2000, that the next transmission would be from 1989, so Park, unthinking, tells him where the next two victims’ bodies would be found - Lee, never having heard this man before, thinks Park is a slightly deranged superior, until they find the next victim exactly where he said she’d be.

Ah, but now Lee knows something no one should: where the eighth victim of the serial killer will be found, and spends most of his off-duty time hanging around there. It helps he’s sweet on a woman who lives nearby?

The scene of Lee following Kim Won-kyung is such a good fakeout, but also ... great foreshadowing? That in 1999 and 2000, Lee follows kid!Park and tries to look out for him; in 1999, he follows Cha because when he didn’t, in 1997, she nearly got killed searching for a serial killer. Lee’s always at a distance, afraid/too reticent/unable to interact with a lot of the people he’s closest to or feels responsible for?

for the first time, THE TIMELINE CHANGES.

Spare thoughts: have I mentioned I love the intro credits? I love them. Unreasonably excited when they’re used as diagetic music in a flashback to 1987.

[kian-bera]

Shattered

“It can’t be true.” Alexander muttered to himself. He heard someone talking to him, but he couldn’t focus. His world had been shattered. His heart was in a million pieces, only one thing held it together. Her name was Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was Alexander’s light in the darkness. She had helped him when his heart was broken before; at least last time, the shards had been mended. This time, there was no return, not until her letter arrived. They were to get married once the war ended. If the battle went as planned, would be soon.

Alexander soon passed out from exhaustion. In his state of confusion and hurt, he dreamt he had seen his mother and John. They were warning him to wake up, to run. He distantly heard gunshots and screaming. It aroused him from his sleep. Sitting up, he saw doctors running in and out of the medic tent, supplies and men in hand.

Alexander stumbles from his cot. He was pushed aside by rushing doctors. They soldier in their arms was missing a leg. He glanced around and saw more soldiers dead or bleeding. He dared not look, but he set his eyes on his own leg which was missing. He couldn’t feel pain, nor take the feeling that was stirring in his head. The ginger sat up screaming in bed. Eliza sat up right after, trying to comfort her husband.

“Shhh it’s okay Alexander. You are home. You are safe. Lay back down.” Elizabeth helped her husband lay back on the bed. Alexander was dripping in sweat.

“It was so real.” He muttered. “The war, the field. I couldn’t feel it though. I felt nothing.”

“I know, I know Alexander. You’re safe now though. It will be ok. I promise.” The door to their room creaked open. A little four year old poked his head into the room.

“Mommy? Is daddy okay?” Philip asked slipping into bed with them.

“Daddy will okay. He just had a bad dream, but dreams can’t hurt us.” Elizabeth told Philip.

“Really? If they can’t hurt us, why is daddy always crying or screaming in his sleep?” The boy asked curling into his mother’s arms.

“You see, sometimes people go through really scary things. You can’t always forget them, because they hurt you when they happened.”

“Like when I lost Mister Fuzzy?”

“Yeh, like when you lost Mister Fuzzy.” Elizabeth answered kissing their son on the forehead.

“What did daddy loose?”

“He lost a friend that was very dear to him. You would have liked your Uncle John very much, and he would have loved you.”

“What was Uncle John like?” Philip inquires crawling over time his father. Alex gave a small laugh, wrapping his arms around Philip.

“Your uncle John was a brave man. He had blonde hair, and the brightest blue eyes. He once even gave me a horse named after one of his family’s estates and he told me the horses hair color reminded him of my own.”

“He gave you horse because it looked like you? That’s an odd gift dad.”

“I know, but I cherished that horse very much. Soon after that, your Uncle John was taken away to a bad place. He could’ve died, but he was strong, like you. He got through it, and was eventually allowed to come home if we sent one of the Redcoats home.”

“Why was the redcoat staying with you?”

“He did something mean and had to stay with us.” Alexander told him.

“What did he do?”

“Something very mean. He tried to hurt daddy.” Philip gasped and fell onto the pillow next to Alexander.

“What else daddy! What else!”

“About Uncle John?”

“Sure!”

“Well your Uncle John loved to draw. He often doodles on the sides of his papers when we had to take notes at a meeting. He loved wildlife.”

“What did he like to draw?”

“He liked to draw birds, turtles, and sometimes people. There are some old drawings in this house somewhere where he drew different soldiers that were in camp with us. One of his best ones was probably a sketch he did Major Talmadge.”

“Oohhhh who is Major Talmadge.”

“You probably know him as senator Talmadge.”

“Oh the tall guy with the nice wife who gave me candy at the party a few months ago.”

“Oh so that’s who gave you the candy huh.” Alex said tickling Philip. Philip giggled and nodded his head yes.

“Nice to know. Anyways Senator Talmadge was one of the most important people in our whole army.”

“Why?”

“He stole information from the bad guys.”

“But stealing is bad.” Philip said sitting up. “You and mommy taught me not to steal. How come he got to steal stuff?”

“Because it was his job. Senator Talmadge got paid to steal stuff.”

“I want to get paid to steal stuff. I bet I would be really good at the job.”

“No he did it while we had an argument with the bad guys. After we came to peace, he quit his job and became a senator.”

“That’s sad. A job where you get to steal stuff all the time, how cool is that. I would be the best stealer.”

“Philip Hamilton, you will not do any job that involves stealing. That is a very bad thing.” Elizabeth told her son. “I will disown you if you decide to be a criminal.”

“No you wouldn’t mom. You love me.”

“Yeh mommy you love me.” Alexander teased. Elizabeth grabbed a pillow and whacked him in the face.

“You are a grown man. You should know better Alexander, then again I guess all men still need to be taught how to act like a man.” Elizabeth set the pillow back down rolling her eyes at her son and husband. There was banging of pots and yelling from outside.

“Well my dear Betsy, Happy New Year.” Alexander said smiling.

“Happy New Year my darling Alexander. And my little darling Philip.” Elizabeth held them close. Crying came from down the hall. Alexander gave Elizabeth a small smile, before rolling out of bed. He walked down the hall to find Angelica junior up in her crib crying. Alexander slid over and picked his small daughter up in his arms. He went over to a rocking chair in the corner, quietly singing to his daughter.

“Hush little darling, don’t you cry. Daddy’s going to sing you a lullaby. Hush little darling, don’t say a word, daddy will buy you a hummingbird.” Alex giggled. “Or a parrot. You would like a parrot for your birthday? Yeah, okay. Daddy will get you a parrot for your next birthday.”

Alexander stood back up, taking little Angie back to the bedroom with him. Philip was curled up asleep in Elizabeth’s arms. The banging and yelling went on for several hours into the night. Everyone was asleep, but at four in the morning Alexander was still awake. The street had quieted down as people went home, or too celebrate. There were still a few drunk people roaming around. Alexander took Angelica back to her room, tucking her inside her crib.

He proceeded to walk out into the front steps of his home. The night was cold and crisp. Alexander grabbed a thick jacket as he took a step into the dark air. The cold hit like a blast at first, compared to the inside where wooden fires kept the home warm. He went back inside, grabbing his scarf and gloves before taking a walk around the block.

Snow crunched underneath his feet. He saw a small group of children throwing snowballs. He figured their parents must be at the party that was being hosted inside. Silhouettes danced across the curtains, music drifting from the door that was open. He smelt ham and potatoes drifting from the home as well. Walking past, he saw ladies and men dressed up in their best sipping on Champagne and cider. They were laughing, and talking as if nothing in the world mattered.

Alexander has to be awake in two hours in order to start New Years breakfast. He promised Elizabeth she could sleep in while he made breakfast. It was the least he could do for making her beat their children. Alexander pulled his coat tighter around him as snow began to fall once more. He found a tavern that was still open and slipped inside. Many men and women were dancing and singing. Alexander found a stool unoccupied near the end of the bar.

“You don’t seem very festive.” The tavern owner told him.

“Not today. My family is alone asleep. I didn’t want to wake them with constant pacing, so I somehow through my travels ended up here.”

“Did you travel far?” The owner asked.

“No, I live right down the street with my wife and our two small children.”

“What would you like?”

“Oh nothing please. I came to clear my head, not fog it.”

“One drink on the house. Please I insist.” The wonder poured him a glass of whiskey. Alexander took it not wanting to be rude. He glanced around, slowly sipping on his drink. He noticed people come and go as the hours went on. Alexander eventually finished his whiskey before falling asleep at the counter. When he awoke, the had a blanket draped over him. He rubbed his eyes and saw the tavern empty except the owner who was cleaning glasses.

“Excuse me sir, may I acquire the time?” Alexander asked running his fingers through his hair. The tavern owner turned to him and smiled.

“Morning, and it is seven in the morning.” He nodded. Alexander carefully took the blanket off and folded it, placing it on the stool.

“Thank you sir for the blanket.” Alexander tipped his hat to the owner before walking back out into the cold. An inch more of snow had covered the ground. He hurried his way home to find his family still asleep upstairs. He took his outside attire off, placing it in a coat closet near the door. He went to the powder room, and rinsed his hands before heading to the kitchen.

In an icebox, he pulled out a few eggs and some bacon. He had given the cook the day off to be with her son. This was all on his own. He placed some coal in fire before taking a chance at cooking. It wasn’t long before he had failed. He threw his mess away, sitting down at the table in defeat. He sat back up when he heard tiny footsteps coming down the stairs. He saw Philip race towards him followed by Eliza carrying their daughter.

“I’m sorry Elizabeth. I tried. I’m not a cook though apparently.” Elizabeth walked over and kissed the top of his head.

“It’s fine Alexander. You did your best and tried to do something nice. I appreciate it more than anything. We can wait until lunch. Don’t forget, my parents have invited us over for lunch.”

“Yes, I remember.” Alexander told her giving a small smiled. He got up from the table and ran his hands down his face. “I’m going to get washed up. I’ll be back in a bit.” Alexander walked upstairs. When he got upstairs he fell back on the bed. Taking a deep breath, he collected him and got up to get ready. He shook off the horror of the night before, and got ready for the new day, for the new year which has now begun. This year he had promised to be a better husband. To be a better father. He wanted Elizabeth to know that he was dedicated to the family. He knew he was not the best. He didn’t have the proper role models growing up to teach him how to be a good father and husband. He had to teach himself, and learn from those like George Washington. With a third child on the way, Alexander wanted to be more attentive to what his wife needed and wanted of him.

An hour had passed before Alexander came back downstairs. Philip was trying to read a new book he was given for Christmas. Angelica Junior was asleep in her mother’s lap. Elizabeth was covered in flour.

“I made some bread to take to my parents. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No of course not. That’s completely fine. Do you need anything? Water? A blanket? I want you to be comfortable. I hate when you are not.”

“Alexander, I’ll be fine. I promise. This is not the first pregnancy I’ve been through.”

“Yes, I know, but I want to be a better husband.”

“You already are an amazing husband Alexander. You are also an amazing father. Nothing you do could change that. I know who I married, and I married an amazing man who can do anything he sets his mind too. Do not worry my darling Alexander, you couldn’t do anything better than you already are.”

“Are you sure my dearest Bestsy?”

“Yes I’m sure.” Elizabeth got up and kissed Alexander. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too Elizabeth.” Alexander hugged her close. He felt her warm breath against his skin and smiled. “How did I get so lucky with you.”

“One May call it fate, others God’s plan. I don’t care which, because I got a good man.” Alexander giggled at her little rhyme. He still would never understand how he got lucky, but he never questioned it. He loves Elizabeth and she loves him.

[joan-frias]

Seven Years After

A Gohan x Videl Fanfiction

This fanfiction is written in a format that mimics the anime/manga. The dialogues are on script format, and locations are written for ease of reference.

Photos credit to the owners.

ORANGE STAR HIGH SCHOOL, SATAN CITY

EXAMINATION ROOM

SON GOHAN just finished answering his entrance examination. He looks happily at his paper, then outside of the window by his left side. The sky is blue, the day is sunny.

Gohan is now 16 years old. He's grown into a fine teenager. He resembles his father a lot, and if only his hair has the same spiky haircut then he could pass as Goku's twin. But he decided to have his hair cut short. He's also not much into wearing a gi, though he's wearing something that Goku used to wear. He has Goku's orange jacket, something he decided to wear to somehow give him the confidence he needs for today's entrance exams and interview. Underneath the jacket is a white shirt, just like his father. He completed the look with black pants and black sneakers.

Gohan looks at the woman in front of him. She is a TEACHER. The middle-aged woman is wearing a matching blue skirt and blazer suit. Her greying hair is tied into a bun, and her eyes are aided by a white-rimmed eyeglass.

TEACHER: Are you done?

GOHAN: Yes, Ma'am.

The teacher stands up and walks to Gohan. She takes his paper, then gives him some instructions about what he'll do next.

PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Gohan is sitting on a chair as the principal is currently conducting an interview with him. The PRINCIPAL is a middle-aged man wearing a black-rimmed glasses and blue suit.

PRINCIPAL: So Gohan, tell me about yourself.

GOHAN: I'm Son Gohan, 16 years old. I live with my mother and little brother at East District.

PRINCIPAL: What about your father?

GOHAN: My dad... (holds the hem of his jacket) he's not with us anymore.

PRINCIPAL: I'm sorry to hear that.

GOHAN: It was seven years ago, so we kind of moved on from that already.

PRINCIPAL: I'm glad to hear that... So Gohan, you live quite a distance from the school.

GOHAN: Yes. Actually, Sir, this is the nearest school from our place. That is the reason why I was home schooled since I was young.

PRINCIPAL: I see. What made you change your preference?

GOHAN: My mother thinks that it will be better for me to go to a real high school. This is also to help me learn how to be with other students.

PRINCIPAL: I see... Well, it seems your home schooling has been good. You aced all your entrance exams.

Gohan smiles shyly.

As Gohan is taking his interview, CHI-CHI waits outside the principal's office. She's in her usual purple dress with her orange scarf. Her hair is tied in a neat bun. She is sitting at a gang chair and can be seen nervously looking at the door as she waits.

After what seems like forever to her, Gohan goes out of the door. Chi-Chi immediately walks to him.

CHI-CHI: How did it go?

GOHAN: (blushes) I... got in. I made it!

Chi-Chi bursts in glee. She hugs Gohan by his neck, making him stoop down because he's now taller than his mother.

CHI-CHI: Oh! I'm so proud of you.

GOHAN: Mom! Take it easy.

CHI-CHI: (lets go) So when can you enroll?

GOHAN: They told me to come back next week to process my enrollment. Then I'm good to go to class the week after.

CHI-CHI: That's great! Now… I know you're hungry. Let's go and eat lunch. Since you did great with your entrance exams and interview, I will treat you and you can have anything you want.

GOHAN: You don't have to, Mom.

CHI-CHI: Oh, come on! This does not happen quite often, so let's make the best out of it.

Gohan smiles at her.

.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, SATAN CITY

The downtown district is the home for all commercial, cultural and entertainment establishments in Satan City. There is also an abundance of Mr. Satan's billboard all over the streets.

Gohan and Chi-Chi entered a luxurious restaurant and is given a table for two.

GOHAN: Are you sure about this, Mom? This place is quite expensive.

CHI-CHI: Oh, don't be silly! We can afford something like this once in a while. I told you, this is my treat since you did well in school. So order what you want and don't worry about the bill.

GOHAN: I wish Goten is here to celebrate with us.

CHI-CHI: He'll be fine. I'm sure Bulma can feed him more delicious food than what they serve here. Her mom's the best cook in West District.

GOHAN: I have to agree with that.

CHI-CHI: I will just cook a nice dinner tonight. Then, we can celebrate again. Oh, my dream of you becoming a scholar is about to come true! What a great future you'll have, Gohan.

Gohan looks at his mother who is obviously very happy. Gladness took over his face.

CHI-CHI: (realizing Gohan is staring at her) What is it?

GOHAN: I'm just happy you're happy, Mom.

CHI-CHI: I'm sorry if I have been hard on you. I just want you to have the best life and future.

GOHAN: I know, Mom, and I'm thankful for that.

CHI-CHI: Oh really? (raises an eyebrow) You'd rather be studying than training?

Gohan lets out a nervous laugh as he scratches the back of his head. Chi-Chi looks at him fondly. Gohan notices that look.

GOHAN: Huh?

CHI-CHI: You really look like your father when you do that.

Gohan smiles back.

CHI-CHI: I wonder what he would say about you going to high school. He might argue with me again and insist that being strong and training hard is better that being a scholar.

GOHAN: You miss Dad so much, don't you?

CHI-CHI: Well, don't you?

GOHAN: Everyday, Mom. Everyday.

Tears are starting to form on Chi-Chi's eyes. She blinks them out and takes a deep breath to compose herself.

CHI-CHI: Oh well! Let's not be sad. He died saving the world making sure we will be safe. I just hope more people appreciates that. Cheering for a fake champion? They don't even realize that Mr. Satan is fooling them all.

GOHAN: Mom, you realize we're on the city where he lives, right?

CHI-CHI: I don't care! Your father is not here with us because of that sacrifice he made and people are cheering for that pretentious champion who makes martial arts look like a circus. I bet I'm even stronger than him.

Gohan looks around nervously.

The food is served, and Gohan eats voraciously. Other customers started looking at them, but Chi-Chi just tolerates it.

CHI-CHI: Don't forget to save room for desserts.

GOHAN: Yes, Mom.

After lunch, Gohan and Chi-Chi strolled along the city.

CHI-CHI: Gohan, somehow you need to familiarize yourself with this place.

GOHAN: Don't worry, Mom. I'll be just fine.

The two of them see a billboard of Mr. Satan.

CHI-CHI: Ugh! Do they really need to display his face all around the city? It's quite annoying already.

GOHAN: Mom! Please don't say that. Someone might here us.

CHI-CHI: Hmp!

A gunshot fills the air. Gohan and Chi-Chi look around and see a robbery happening inside a jewelry store nearby. Some bystanders have gathered outside to witness the fiasco.

BYSTANDER #1: Those crooks! They don't even care if this city is where Mr. Satan lives.

CHI-CHI: (sarcastically) Oh, for sure they're not bothered!

GOHAN: Mom! (smiles awkwardly at the man)

The police started arriving. They park outside the jewelry shop, assess the situation. But before they could come in the jewelry shop, one of the robbers exits the store with a female hostage.

ROBBER #1: Just try to make a move and her brain will explode.

The police were not able to do anything.

CHI-CHI: Let's go, Gohan. We don't want to get tangled with this mess.

Gohan looks at the store, but decides to follow his mother. He was about to walk away when he hears someone cry out. He looks back at the scene, and sees the crook taking the hostage with him on the car.

HOSTAGE: Please, let me go, Sir. Please, I beg you.

ROBBER #1: Shut up!

Gohan feels like he cannot let this to just pass by. He looks at his mother, but instead of following her he goes to the other direction.

GOHAN: (to himself) I'm sorry, Mom. I just really need to do this very quick.

Gohan enters a dark alley. He looks around making sure no one is there to see him. Then, he gathers his power and transforms into a Super Saiyan.

.

At the jewelry shop, the other robbers came out as well. Robber #1 still has the hostage with him inside their getaway car. Suddenly, a glowing man appears in their midst, surprising them.

GOHAN: Release the girl and give back all that you took from the shop.

ROBBER #2: And what if we don't?

GOHAN: I am giving you one last chance to give back everything that you've taken from this shop. Please cooperate or I'll have to force you.

The people around start to notice Gohan.

BYSTANDER #2: Who is that punk with golden hair?

BYSTANDER #3: He looks like an angel.

BYSTANDER #2: Maybe he is. He suddenly appears out of nowhere.

CHI-CHI hears what the others are talking about. She turns around and looks back at the crime scene, seeing Gohan on his Super Saiyan form.

CHI-CHI: Gohan!

Meanwhile, the robbers are still not cooperating with Gohan's orders.

ROBBER #3: You fool! You think you can scare us with that cheap trick of yours? You're not even half as strong as Mr. Satan's.

GOHAN: So you won't listen, huh? Well then, you leave me with no choice.

Gohan disappears. The robbers are surprised, but are more shocked when the door to the passenger seat of their getaway car suddenly fell down. The three of them look at it, as Gohan swiftly takes the hostage from the first robber then brings her to the police officers.

GOHAN: Officer, please keep her safe.

POLICE #1: (dumbfounded) O-Okay...

Gohan looks back at the crooks who are still not comprehending what is happening.

ROBBER #2: Where is he?

Gohan jumps and lands behind the two robbers in front the jewelry shop.

GOHAN: Looking for me?

The two men turn around and see Gohan behind them. Before any one of them can answer, Gohan went ahead and kicks Robber #2. The robber falls to the ground a few feet away.

ROBBER #3: You punk!

Robber #3 charges to Gohan, but the young Saiyan was quick to respond. He did not dodge, but instead anticipates the blow catching the robber's hand.

ROBBER #3: Wha-

Gohan twists the man's arm sending him excruciating pain. Afterwards he lifts him up and throws him beside Robber #2.

All the bystanders are amazed at what they are witnessing. Except for Chi-Chi. She is actually mad at what she's seeing. She clenches his fist and looks fiercely at Gohan.

Robber #1 goes out the car with his gun. He points it at Gohan.

ROBBER #1: Die, you monster!

Robber #1 fires his gun at Gohan. The latter did not dodge, but instead catches the bullets with his bare hands. The gun runs out of bullets. Gohan lets the bullets fall to the ground.

ROBBER #1: You're impossible!

GOHAN: And you're going to jail!

Robber #1 tries to get back in the car, but Gohan moves swiftly in front of him. The thief looks at the golden-haired fighter.

GOHAN: You still won't surrender?

ROBBER #1: N-No! I-I'm… doing what you said!

Robber #1 takes all the jewelry they took, then hands them back to Gohan.

ROBBER #1: Here! Take all that we got. I'm not fighting you.

Gohan takes the bag from Robber #1. He looks at the police officers.

GOHAN: Officer! Please take this loot, then restrain these three.

One of the police officers moves closer to Gohan. The young Saiyan gives the loot to him. Some of the police goes to the crooks and put handcuffs to them.

POLICE #1: Thank you so mu-

Gohan suddenly disappears.

POLICE #1: Where'd he go?

Gohan goes back to the dark alley and transforms back to his normal form.

.

VIDEL arrives at the crime scene. She's a sixteen-year old girl dressed in long white t-shirt and black tight-fitting shorts. Upon seeing her, the police officers went to her and told her what happened.

POLICE #1: Videl!

VIDEL: What happened? (looks around)

POLICE #1: Everything was taken care off.

Videl sees the three crooks being handcuffed and taken inside the police vehicles.

VIDEL: (quite amazed) You were able to get them this time.

POLICE #1: No. Actually, someone helped us earlier.

VIDEL: Huh?

POLICE #1: A golden-haired guy suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He was super strong. He took these three all by himself in minutes.

VIDEL: Golden-haired guy?

POLICE #1: Yes. His hair looks like flames. He seems so strong and confident, quite cocky I should say.

Videl looks around, trying to search for the golden man the police is telling her about.

POLICE #1: He's not here anymore. He just disappeared suddenly.

VIDEL: Disappeared?

POLICE #1: Yes. He comes and goes instantly.

VIDEL: Strange...

.

Meanwhile, Gohan goes back to his mother, who is really furious about what happened.

GOHAN: Mom...I uh-

CHI-CHI: Yes, I know! I saw everything!

GOHAN: Eh!

CHI-CHI: Let's talk later!

CHI-CHI turns around, leaving Gohan behind.

GOHAN: Mom! Wait for me!

Gohan follows his furious mother.

.

CAPSULE CORPORATION, WEST CITY

From Satan City, Gohan and Chi-Chi proceeds to the Capsule Corporation. They were met by Bulma at the reception area. The Capsule heiress has matured through time. Her hair was cut short, and right now she's in her working clothes with brown pants, yellow long-sleeved shirt and moss green vest. She removes her brown lab gloves as the mother and son approach. Gohan is still trying to appease Chi-Chi who cannot seem to let the matter pass by.

BULMA: Oh! Hi guys!

CHI-CHI: Bulma! Do you know what this young man just did earlier?

BULMA: What? (looks at Gohan)

GOHAN: Well...

Gohan smiles shyly as he scratches the back of his head.

CHI-CHI: He tried to play superhero!

BULMA: What?

GOHAN: W-Well, you see, there was a robbery at a jewelry shop in Satan City. I just...

CHI-CHI: He fought with those bunch of crooks at Satan City!

BULMA : (quite confused) What's wrong with that?

CHI-CHI: Didn't you hear what I just said?

BULMA: Gohan fought with the crooks.

CHI-CHI: And you're asking what's wrong with that?

BULMA: Chi-Chi, Gohan beat Cell, and I'm positive those crooks are not anywhere close.

CHI-CHI: (frustrated) Ugh!

BULMA: Chi-Chi! Calm down already. I'm pretty sure Gohan just wanted to do the best at that situation.

CHI-CHI: I know! I know!

Chi-Chi breathes deeply to calm herself..

BULMA: Besides, what's important is that Gohan is safe. He's unharmed. Those men don't stand a chance at him. Believe me. Someone in here actually trains day and night just to be as strong as he is.

GOHAN: Huh?

BULMA: You guessed it right. Hah! If only I could disable that Gravity Room to stop Vegeta's madness... or maybe, I could.

GOHAN: (grimaces) I don't think you should.

CHI-CHI: I don't care if they are the lamest criminals on the universe. I just want Gohan to live a normal life like a normal teenager should...

GOHAN: Mom...

CHI-CHI: I'm just afraid that what happened to his father might also happen to him.

Gohan and Bulma look at Chi-Chi, both speechless. Chi-Chi's eyes start to tear up, and sadness is evident on her beautiful face. Upon realizing what is about to happen, she takes a deep breath and tries to compose herself again.

CHI-CHI: Now, where is Goten? Is he playing those video games again? He never gets tired, does he?

BULMA: They're in Trunks' gameroom.

CHI-CHI: I'll go get him now so we could go home.

Chi-Chi leaves. Bulma and Gohan looks at her.

BULMA: She still can't say his name, huh?

GOHAN: Yeah...

BULMA: I guess it still hurts.

GOHAN: It wasn't easy.

BULMA: It sure isn't... Gohan, I think you should just follow what she wants. It will make things easier for her.

GOHAN: Yeah... I guess so.

.

SON RESIDENCE, MOUNT PAOZU

FIVE DAYS AFTER

Gohan is preparing to go to Orange Star High School for his enrollment. He's wearing a green shirt and black pants. His mother comes forth, wearing her usual cheongsam, this time it's blue, and black pants underneath.

GOHAN: What? You're coming with me?

CHI-CHI: Of course I am! Who will drive for you, silly?

GOHAN: But Mom, I can ride Nimbus to school. That is how I plan on going to school everyday, remember?

CHI-CHI: Yes I know. We talked about this and Nimbus seems to be the fastest way to go to school. But you're not yet schooling. You're about to enroll yet and you need to look like a normal teenager.

GOHAN: I won't let anyone see me on the Nimbus. I promise.

CHI-CHI: I know, I know. But, I also need to make sure you don't mess up again just like what you did during your exams.

GOHAN: Mom...

CHI-CHI: Now, where's Goten? We need to drop him off to Bulma first before going to your school.

Gohan lets out a sigh.

.

ORANGE STAR HIGH SCHOOL

Gohan and Chi-Chi are at the registrar's office. The school REGISTRAR is a plus-sized woman on her late thirties, with greyish curly hair and round red-rimmed eyeglasses.

REGISTRAR: Now, here is your school badge. (hands the badge to Gohan) You don't have a uniform here, but you need to wear that badge whenever you go to school.

GOHAN: (takes the badge) Understood, Ma'am.

.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, SATAN CITY

After the enrollment, Gohan and Chi-Chi decided to walk along Satan City.

CHI-CHI: I think the dumpling house is along here on this road...

Two cars dash out of the road. Everyone's attention was caught by this raging vehicles.

CHI-CHI: What's wrong with those people? Don't they know how to drive?

Some police cars arrive. They stopped at a bank nearby. One of the bank employees comes out of the bank. He approached the police officer.

BANK EMPLOYEE: You're too late! They're already gone.

POLICE #1: Pardon me Sir, but it seems you informed us quite late than you should have.

BANK EMPLOYEE: The crooks didn't allow us. They were able to shut down our automatic distress call. I think they have someone who disabled our system before they came in.

POLICE #1: Where did they go?

BANK EMPLOYEE: That way.

A guy on his forties comes out of the bank.

MAN: Please, Sir! Please help me take back my money.

POLICE #1: We'll do everything we can.

The police officer deploys some of his men to go and follow the bank robbers.

CHI-CHI: Another robbery? Is that a daily happening here in Satan City?

MAN: (to the police) Please, help me! I need that money for my wife's treatment. Without that, she'll die because of that stupid virus!

BYSTANDER: Is that the heart virus that everyone is talking about?

BYSTANDER #2: Maybe. He said treatment, so probably it is.

Gohan is alerted by what the two bystanders were talking about. He remembers that time when his father was infected by the heart virus.

GOHAN: (on his mind) Could it be... it's the same heart virus?

MAN: That money is the what's left to us. My wife is… My wife is going to die…

GOHAN: Mom...

CHI-CHI: Hmn?

GOHAN: I'm sorry. I promised I won't do this again, but I just can't let this pass.

CHI-CHI: What do you mean?

Gohan starts to run away.

GOHAN: I'll go back when I'm finished!

CHI-CHI: Gohan! Come back!

Gohan continues running. He goes to a secluded area, then transforms into the legendary Super Saiyan. Then he flies to the direction where the crooks proceeded. It did not take long for him to track them down. He stops them by releasing an energy beam on both cars.

The trucks roll over. The thieves scramble to get out, only to be greeted by a certain blond guy.

GOHAN: Give back all that you've taken and I will spare you.

ROBBER #1: And who are you to tell us what to do?

ROBBER #2: Hey… wait! I think I know that guy.

ROBBER #1: Huh?

All the others look at Robber #2.

ROBBER #2: That… that is the guy that took care of those thieves at the jewelry shop!

They all turn to Gohan.

GOHAN: Now, are you going to do as I say? Or do I have to take you down by force?

ROBBER #3: I don't care who you are! I'm not giving you back the money!

Robber #3 fires his gun at Gohan. The Super Saiyan catches the bullets with his bare hands, throwing them aside.

GOHAN: You want it the hard way, huh?

Gohan charges to the four crooks. He kicks and punches them beating them all. After making sure all the four guys are beaten up, he looks around and speaks to one of the spectators.

GOHAN: You! Tell the police the thieves are here.

SPECTATOR: Y-Yes...

The spectator takes his cellphone out to contact the police. It didn't take long for them to arrive.

GOHAN: (to the police officer) Make sure the guy from the bank gets all his money back. His wife needs it.

Gohan flies back to the downtown district of the city.

.

Meanwhile, Chi-Chi is sitting at a bench by the sidewalk. She is looking at the crime scene, which is a few meters away from where she is. A news reporter is covering the robbery that just took place. She is now interviewing the man who cried for help from the police officer earlier.

REPORTER: Can you tell us what happened earlier?

MAN: I withdrew our money from the bank. I had to pay for my wife's treatment. She has this heart virus that's been going around lately...

CHI-CHI: That heart virus, huh? Somehow, they found a way to treat it. A very long and expensive treatment. If only Trunk's medicine was already discovered.

Her face turns sad.

CHI-CHI: Isn't it ironic? We were able to save you from the virus, but you still died that day... Is it because it was destined that you should die?

FLASHBACK to before the Cell Games. Goku and Gohan on their Super Saiyan form spend the remaining days with Chi-Chi before the Cell Games as if they are a normal family. They eat together, go on a picnic together, celebrate birthdays together.

BACK TO PRESENT.

CHI-CHI: I wonder... do you already know that time that you're not coming back? Did you spend those times on purpose, leaving us happy memories because you know… you know…

Tears flow through Chi-Chi's face.

CHI-CHI: Do you know how scared I was? How can I raise Gohan on my own? Then, there's Goten… Do you know how scared I was that I won't be able to raise them on my own? Why did you have to leave me like that? Why did you have to leave me alone?

A police officer approaches the reporter.

POLICE #1: We receive a report from a citizen that the robbers were already apprehended.

REPORTER: (to the camera) We just received a report that the police was able to stop the robbers and take them down.

POLICE #1: Actually, it was the golden-haired guy.

REPORTER: What do you mean?

POLICE #1: The golden-haired guy who also took down the robbers on the jewelry shop.

Chi-Chi smiles upon hearing that. She wipes out the tears on her face.

CHI-CHI: Maybe... maybe you let yourself die because you know we can make it. You know I can raise the two boys, and Gohan can be strong and mighty on his own. (takes a deep breath) Seven years… how strange? It still feels like yesterday sometimes… I guess because it seems you never left us. You are still with us. In us. In Gohan. In Goten… He kind of looked exactly like you… (giggles) And Gohan... I guess he has your superhero complex. Whatever I do, he still will do everything to save others. Oh, Goku! Did you pass on the throne to him when you died? I guess I can't do anything about it anymore. After all, he has your blood, Goku…

Gohan arrives. He sees his mother smiling.

GOHAN: Mom...

CHI-CHI: Did you get them?

GOHAN: Yeah...

CHI-CHI: I knew you would… Did you have a hard time? Did you get hurt?

GOHAN: No, I'm… I'm good, Mom.

Chi-Chi stands up and turns to Gohan.

CHI-CHI: Gohan, the next time you do that, promise me you won't get hurt. I know you're strong, but sometimes you let your guard down. That might be a problem.

GOHAN: How did you know?

CHI-CHI: Your father told me that before he died. He believes in you so much, that you are a good fighter. I guess I should start believing in that now, too.

GOHAN: So, you mean to say it's okay for me to help others?

CHI-CHI: As if I could do anything. You're Goku's son, after all.

Chi-Chi smiles at Gohan, and the young Saiyan smiles back. Somehow, he feels like everything has finally settled down.

CHI-CHI: Come on! Let's look for that dumpling store to buy some for Goten.

The two of them walks on.

CHI-CHI: I think we should buy some for Bulma and the others as well. Do you think Vegeta likes dumplings?

GOHAN: I'm not so sure. We're not really that close.

CHI-CHI: I guess I should ask Bulma next time.

Back at the jewelry shop...

Videl looks at the facade of the store. Some police officers are still there wrapping up the scene, while the reporter is still trying to get the whole story behind the robbery and the mysterious golden-haired fighter as well.

VIDEL: Golden Fighter... Who are you, really?

Videl continues to look on as the people around her goes on with their business that sunny day at the Satan City.

https://joan-frias.tumblr.com/AWonderfulKindOfDifferent

[stephaniefchase]

Bajan Newscap 5/17/2017

Good Morning #realdreamchasers Here is your daily news cap for Wednesday 17th May 2017. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Mid-Week Nation Newspaper (MWN).  

SINCKLER TOLD TO BEWARE OF BUDGET RISKS – As Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler prepares to serve up what could be more belt-tightening measures in the highly anticipated 2017 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals at the end of this month, one risk analyst is cautioning Government to carefully assess any risks associated with the fiscal decisions it intends to take. Regional Risk Assurance Leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Caribbean Region Network Bruce Scott is contending that without proper risk assessment things could go awfully wrong during the implementation stage. The Freundel Stuart administration has been exploring ways to shore up the foreign reserves, which stood at $705.4 million at the end of March this year, the equivalent of 10.7 weeks of import cover, well below the 12 weeks’ benchmark. Government is also trying to find ways to curb the worrying fiscal deficit, which ended the financial year at an estimated six per cent of gross domestic product, higher than the projected 5.8 per cent. With that in mind, both Acting Governor of the Central Bank Cleviston Haynes and private sector officials, including Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association Charles Herbert, have warned that “painful” measures were needed to stabilize the economy, including reduced Government spending. And Sinckler has said the upcoming financial package would not be an election budget. Herbert yesterday warned Sinckler against imposing new taxes, hinting that it would be better to raise income taxes instead. This led to a stinging response from Opposition Barbados Labour Party Leader Mia Mottley, who said it would be unfair to expect already struggling Barbadians to carry the burden for “Government’s incompetence or the greed of a few” by raising income taxes. President of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons Ed Bushell has also warned of the risks associated with any new taxes in the upcoming May 30 Budget.  (BT)

JUDGE NOT - A stinging rebuke has come for Minister of the Environment Dr Denis Lowe from one of his own Cabinet colleagues. Outspoken Government minister Donville Inniss Tuesday sought to deal frontally with the whole question of morality and need for greater societal tolerance, as he joined with critics in outrightly rejecting Lowe’s latest remarks on same-sex union. In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Inniss also warned his ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) colleague to stop playing the homosexual card against the Mia Mottley-led Barbados Labour Party (BLP), since the Freundel Stuart-led ruling DLP was made up of gays and lesbians too. Inniss made it clear he was “not necessarily” supporting same-sex marriages nor was he prepared to support any legislative reform to allow for such in Barbados. Nonetheless, he pointed out that society was already “tolerant” of gays and lesbians and suggested it should remain that way. Inniss also argued that while there was no harm in the country having a discussion on the matter, he believed any move to legalize same-sex unions in Barbados would be met with “great resistance” from the population. Saying all he was “preaching” was tolerance and respect for all individuals, Inniss called on Lowe not to be so judgmental. Speaking further on the point of tolerance, Inniss also took a swipe at the Barbados Gays & Lesbians Against Discrimination (BGLAD), suggesting that “rhetoric” about members of that community being discriminated against was fallacy. “I do not believe Barbados is a homophobic society. That is why I do not agree with the gay and lesbian society and their rhetoric. I think they are just grandstanding and they do not have any evidence for the claims they make in this society. Quite frankly, I think they should just keep quiet and get on with their own business,” said Inniss. “In my 30 years as an employee and employer in Barbados I have never seen discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation. I think a lot of it is over exaggerated,” said the father of two sons. (BT)

SEND NAMES – The Ministry of Education has fired another salvo in the ongoing row with the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU). Once again, it has ordered principals of secondary schools to record the names of teachers who left to attend yesterday’s union meeting at the Barbados Workers’ Union headquarters. In a swift response, BSTU president Mary Redman disputed the first paragraph of the correspondence which said the ministry had informed the BSTU that holding the 1 p.m. meeting was not supported, Redman said the union had received no such correspondence. “We received nothing, neither phone call nor correspondence from the Ministry of Education, as is claimed in the first paragraph. So lemme see them touch anybody,” she declared. (MWN)

CAWMERE ‘GUN’ SAGA - An explosive charge was made today about Combermere School involving a gun, illegal marijuana and a cover up far greater than President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Pedro Shepherd had suggested last week. It surrounds the case of a 14-year-old student who was found at school with a gun magazine – the part of the firearm that stores the bullets – which he had first claimed to have found on his way to school before finally admitting that it had come from his home. With the police yet to lay any charges and the principal coming out publicly in defense of the pupil, the matter appeared to have been put to rest. However, in a dramatic revelation this afternoon, senior teacher Reverend Charles Morris told Barbados TODAY there was a lot more than just a gun magazine involved. “We were told of an empty magazine yet in the school students were complaining that there was a gun in the school subsequent to the magazine being found and these things were not reported to the police. “So one person was carrying out the search and there were reports of vegetable matter in the bag and somehow the  . . . [person] who was conducting the search and the boy left the room in which the search was going on,” Morris said on the sidelines of a meeting this afternoon at Solidarity House for members of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU). Morris contended that there was a violation of the guidelines set out under the Education Act for searching students, claiming that one teacher had conducted the search. As a result, he charged, by the time the police arrived there was no trace of the alleged substance. Morris said as a result of all that happened he was a frightened man, and would not report to school tomorrow. Instead, he said, he would show up at the Ministry of Educations, seemingly expecting to be safer there. Meantime, police late this evening revealed for the first time that a ‘mock gun” had been found on the student. However Public Relations Officer Acting Inspector Roland Cobbler insisted that officers at the scene had conducted a thorough investigation and they found no firearm. “I don’t know where the teacher is getting their information from but the boy had an empty magazine and that matter has been dealt with,” Cobbler told Barbados TODAY. “I hear persons talking about if it was another school it wouldn’t have been highlighted when we don’t normally name schools in our investigations. I know for a fact there wasn’t no real gun involved in that scenario, so the matter was investigated totally. The boy had a mock gun and a magazine and there is nothing in law that speaks to that, it speaks to having ammunition and firearms,” Cobbler explained. (BT)

CRY FOR HELP FROM TEEN - A Christ Church mother is questioning what is going on at the Government Industrial School (GIS) for girls after she claimed her child had been badly beaten by other students. Deborah Small, of Sargeant’s Village, told the MIDWEEK NATION the school had informed her yesterday that her 16-year-old daughter had been in an altercation at school and had been taken to a doctor. Small is upset because she said this was not the first time her daughter had been attacked. “I went to a meeting there in March and she had a big mark on her face. The staff told me she get in an altercation with some other girls, so I went to see the principal and he assured me it wouldn’t happen again,” she said. (MWN)

ST. LUCY COUPLE LOSES HOME TO FIRE - Fire of unknown origin on Tuesday destroyed the Ellis Road, Checker Hall, St Lucy home of Earl Boyce and his wife Diana. Police say the woman suffered minor burns to her face during the 5:30 p.m., blaze, which destroyed the couple’s two bedroom wooden dwelling. She was transported to the state-run Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance for medical attention. (BT)

PHONE, PARKING FINES - Hang up and drive or pay a heavy price! A change of law is coming to deal with persistent drivers who fiddle with their cellphones, tablets and other hand-held devices while on the road. And breaking the law could lead to a fine as high as $3000, or more than a year in jail. An amendment to the Road Traffic Act And Regulations is expected to go before Parliament in another eight weeks. Not only will it tackle the dangerously distracted drivers, but the inconsiderate ones who park in the spaces designated for the disabled. For the first time, legislation that speaks specifically to the cellphone road nuisance and the indiscriminate use of disabled parking will come into force. (MWN)

TWO SHOT AT EDEN LODGE – Two St. Michael men were shot around 7 p.m. Tuesday night while at Middle Lane, Eden Lodge, St Michael. Shawn Payne, 43, of Nursery Lane, Eden Lodge was shot in his thigh and buttocks while Claude Allsopp, 38, of Whitehall received a gunshot injury to his left arm. Police say the two victims were playing dominoes with other men and they went to a nearby shed to shelter from the rain.  While standing under the shed, a number of loud explosions were suddenly heard and Payne and Allsopp realised they were injured. They were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by private vehicles. Anyone who can provide any information to assist with this investigation is asked to contact the District “A” Police Station at 430-7246, police emergency at telephone number 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800–TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.  All information received will be strictly confidential. (MWN)

ELDERLY MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER ACCIDENT AT ENTERPRISE - Police are investigating an accident with serious injuries which occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday along Enterprise Main Road, Christ Church. It involved a route taxi driven by 60-year-old Ertha Kennedy of Upper Carter’s Gap, Christ Church and 73-year-old pedestrian Martin Crichlow of Lower Carter’s Gap. Police say Crichlow was attempting to cross the road after he disembarked another route taxi when he was struck by Kennedy’s vehicle which was travelling in the opposite direction. Crichlow sustained head injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance where his condition is listed as critical. (MWN)

FATAL OFFENSE – He spent 51 months on remand charged with a capital offence and was only granted bail in February of this year. Tuesday, however, Ian Anderson Parke of Belair, St Philip lost his freedom again after admitting to killing Brad Gittens almost five years ago. Standing in the dock of the No. 5 Supreme Court before Madam Justice Jacqueline Cornelius Tuesday afternoon, Parke said he was not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in Gittens’ September 26, 2012 death. The plea, according to Principal Crown Counsel Anthony Blackman, was accepted on the grounds of provocation on the part of the deceased. Blackman told Justice Cornelius that the deceased man lived at Union Hall Development in St Philip and Parke lived nearby. On the day he was attacked, Gittens reportedly made a purchase at one of the shops in the area and was walking along the Union Hall Main Road, in the direction of Sam Lord’s Castle, which led to him passing in front of Parke’s residence. Blackman made reference to the evidence given by eyewitness Jamar Estwick, who said that Parke exited his home and started saying things to Gittens, including: “I tired of you r******e threatening me. I tired of you telling me s***.” Gittens did not respond and continued on his way, but Parke caught up with him and continued to address him. It was at that time that Gittens called out to Parke’s mother, who was reportedly sitting in her patio, asking her to “call off her son.” The mother called out to Parke several times. However, he refused to comply, instead cuffing Gittens and then kicking him after he fell. Gittens, according to the prosecutor, did not fight back but tried to get off the ground. However, Parke held him by the shirt and pushed him back to the ground and continued cuffing and kicking him. Gittens asked him to stop but he refused. Parke’s father later intervened and got his son off Gittens and they left. The eyewitness Estwick went to Gittens’ aid, along with Parke’s mother who tried to treat him for his injuries as they awaited the ambulance.  However, Parke then returned with an eight-inch concrete block. Blackman said Gittens was still on the ground, lying on his back helpless, when Parke raised the block and brought it down on Gittens’ face with “great force” at least two times, shattering the block in the process. Gittens was subsequently taken to the hospital. Police were called in and Parke was taken into custody. Gittens arrived at hospital in critical condition, never regained consciousness and later passed away. A postmortem revealed that he died from blunt force trauma to the head and severe brain injuries. Parke was also taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment for his swollen hands. He was then taken back to the police station where he made several oral statements. “I attack he, officer,” Parke told police. “I admitting that I do it but I can’t take this man. He kept insulting me all the time calling me a p***y face.” Blackman said the situation between the two men had deteriorated some 18 months prior, over Gittens’ alleged theft of pumpkins. The produce was owned by another man, who is also now deceased, and Blackman explained that the situation created some bad blood between the two men. Parke’s attorney Verla Depeiza requested that a pre-sentencing report be ordered into the life of her client who was not previously known to the law courts. She also asked that his bail continue in the meantime. However, Blackman objected, saying that the situation had changed and Parke was “now a convicted man”. “Bail revoked,” Justice Cornelius ruled as she ordered the pre-sentencing report and adjourned the case until June 29.  (BT)

STALKER REMANDED TO PRISON – A 32-year-old deliveryman was remanded to HMP Dodds pending sentencing Tuesday, hours after he trespassed on his ex-lover’s home. Alberto Montebreen Hinds, of Phillip Road, St Stephen’s Hill, St Michael pleaded guilty before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant to entering the home of Donna Husbands as a trespasser earlier Tuesday, with intent to inflict bodily harm on her. The court heard from police prosecutor Sergeant Martin Rock that Hinds and Husbands were previously in an intimate relationship. They live in the same neighbourhood and Hinds would sleep over some nights at Husbands’ request, but she later realized that he was “possessive and obsessive” over her. According to Rock, Hinds would sometimes show up unannounced and accuse her of having another man. He also reportedly followed her on one occasion and stood outside watching her house. Husbands told the man to stop “stalking” her. Earlier Tuesday, Hinds went to the woman’s house and demanded to be let in. She refused and contacted police. The lawmen turned up and instructed Hinds to leave Husbands’ premises. However, he returned later in the day and forced his way through the back door, went to the woman’s bedroom and held his hand over her mouth. Husbands was able to get away and ran to a neighbour for help. Hinds was later arrested, charged and taken before the court. He returns to court for sentencing on May 26. (BT)

WEED WACKER THIEF TO PAY BACK BUSINESS - Magistrate Elwood Watts Tuesday ruled that a man who admitted to stealing a weed whacker from a local business must reimburse the company if he wants to avoid some jail time. Ryan O’neal Little, of Inch Marlow, Christ Church pleaded guilty in the Oistins Magistrates’ Court to stealing the $870 weed whacker from Williams Equipment Limited sometime between April 11, 2015 and May 9 this year. Police prosecutor Station Sergeant Rudolph Burnett told the magistrate that Little rented the equipment from the company and was expected to return it the following day. However, he never did. The supervisor responsible for rental of equipment was subsequently informed that the weed whacker was on sale at a fast cash establishment. The employee went to investigate and found that the serial numbers on the rented whacker and the sale item were a match. Police were called in and Little was later arrested. Addressing Magistrate Watts Tuesday afternoon, Little sought to explain what had occurred. He said that he had rented the whacker for the weekend and subsequently told his son to return it. However, he claimed he came across the item “practically almost a year later” when he was moving. Little also informed the court that he suffered with diabetes, had been in a vehicular accident that resulted in his leg being broken in five places, and he still had to do one more surgery. He lamented that although he had settled the accident claim with an insurance company, he was still awaiting the money and he was “financially . . . out”.  “I had pawned the whacker with intentions to get it back. I came from the hospital and when I went back it was gone and I say ‘geeze, that really put me back in a spot’,” Little said. However, the magistrate did not buy the explanation, telling Little that he was “trying to trick the court” and questioning why he went to the fast cash establishment twice but never returned to Williams Industries to explain what happened. Watts granted a restitution order for the whacker, and ordered Little to pay $870 in compensation, which he must hand over in three months. He was also granted $1,000 bail with one surety and ordered to return to court on July 27. “Bail pending sentence,” the magistrate told him. “If the money is not paid, you will go to prison for a period of time.” (BT)

TWELVE MORE MONTHS FOR ASHTON – Jason Renaldo Ashton, who is currently serving time at HMP Dodds, has an additional 12 months to spend in jail as punishment for several thefts he committed last year. Ashton, who is from Lower Fairview, Christ Church recently pleaded guilty before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court. He was sentenced to nine months in jail for stealing a toolbox and its contents worth $700 and a pair of sunglasses belonging to Neval Greenidge on July 23, 2016, and another three-month prison term that will run consecutively with the first sentence, for stealing $30 belonging to Winston Carter on July 10, 2016. Ashton was also slapped with prison sentences for three other thefts, but they will run concurrently with the other two sentences. They are: six months for stealing $400 in cash belonging to Carter on July 12, 2016; six months for stealing $900 in cash belonging to Kerry Hinkson on August 6, 2016; and one month for stealing $250 from Hinkson again, on August 12. Magistrate Frederick ruled that Tuesday’s sentences will run consecutively to time Ashton is already serving at the St Philip penal institution. (BT)

SMALL AWAITS SENTENCE FOR HAVING RUSTY GUN - A St John man Tuesday pleaded guilty in the High Court to gun and ammunition charges. Jerome Marlon Ian Andrew Renaldo Small, of Venture #3, admitted to possession of a .45 semi-automatic pistol and two rounds of ammunition without a valid licence on May 6, 2013. Accepting Small’s plea, Senior Crown Counsel Krystal Delaney outlined the facts of the case in the No. 5 Supreme Court. The prosecutor revealed that police executed a search warrant at the home of a man in Venture #2, St John and found a loaded gun wrapped in a scarf in a bedroom. A then 24-year-old Small, who was at the house, was taken into police custody. According to Delaney, the young man told police that the gun was his and that it had been given to him by another man two weeks before, with the ammunition already in it. He also told police that the gun, which was “rusty”, was previously hidden in a bushy area in St Joseph but was later moved. However, he maintained he had never fired the weapon. Small, who is not known to the court, is being represented by attorney Rasheed Belgrave and is currently on bail. That condition remains in place as the court awaits a pre-sentencing report which Madam Justice Jacqueline Cornelius ordered Tuesday. That report is expected on June 29. (BT)

ST. BARNABAS EDGE UNDER-21 GIRLS - Pine Hill St.Barnabas crept to a 34-32 victory over the Barbados Under-21 team to move to a 3-1 when the Division 1 netball league continued on Monday night at the Netball Stadium. Both teams were guilty of a subpar performance with numerous turnovers and hot and cold efforts by the shooters leading to the low returns on the scoreboard.  Ironically, the strong defence by Shonette Bruce and Shonte Seale for the winners and Under-21’s Lanelle Brown, Akeena Stoute and Xhane Greenidge helped to keep the scoring sluggish at 11-8, 23-14 and 34-32. After taking four minutes to score their first goal, the Under-21s should have edged their opponents in the final quarter after inserting a more productive midcourt and adding senior team player Sheniqua Thomas to the attack to replace a horribly out-of-sorts Shaquilla Davis. (MWN)

ARTHUR READY FOR NY PRO - A WORLD-CLASS field is awaiting Barbadian men’s physique pro Maurice Stallone Arthur when he launches his 2017 season in White Plains, New York. Arthur will stand toe-to-toe with the best International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) pros at the New York Pro on Saturday at the Westchester County Center. The line-up of more than 30 will feature eight of those who qualified for last year’s Olympia, six of whom made the top ten. Big, African-American Brandon Hendrickson, winner of last year’s Arnold Classic, is one of the favourites. “This is a very tough field, the best of the best. I am happy about that because it is a chance to stack up the very best and to see where I am at. A top ten placing would be great, but I am aiming for the top six. It would be fantastic to be in that first call-out,” Arthur told MIDWEEK SPORT. (MWN)

BARBADOS FALLS SHORT OF NCD TARGET – Only seven Caribbean countries are on course to achieve the global target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for reducing the number of deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). And, more lamentably, Barbados is not one of them. This was revealed here Tuesday by Director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre of the University of the West Indies Dr Alafia Samuels. Addressing a sub-regional workshop at the Accra Beach Hotel this morning, Dr Samuels reported that only the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands were on course to reduce their total number of NCDs by 25 per cent by 2025, while the rate of mortality was on the rise in other countries. In the case of Barbados, she said while the country was doing a lot to try to tackle the epidemic, its burden from NCDs was very high. She noted that the poorest performers have been in the areas of diet, and a failure to implement school programmes. She added that the region has also fallen short in communicating the message of the importance of healthy lifestyles. (BT)

PM WARNS CARICOM OF OAS - ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ outspoken Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has sent off a letter of concern to fellow CARICOM Heads of Government, warning them of actions taken by the Organisation of American States (OAS) against Venezuela.  “There are insidious developments at the Organisation of American States that should trouble each of us,” he wrote to his colleagues. “Among these developments is the introduction of a World Trade organisation ‘green room type’ process which a small group of powerful states in the Organisation are seeking to impose their will on the decision of (CARICOM) member states,” Gonsalves added. “A handful of powerful countries with an agenda of self-interest has strategically invited selected CARICOM countries to their meetings, and ignored the others. (MWN)

COMEY DOCUMENTED 'EVERYTHING HE COULD REMEMBER' AFTER TRUMP CONVERSATIONS - Former FBI Director James Comey wrote in a memo that President Donald Trump asked him to end the investigation of national security adviser Michael Flynn, according to a source familiar with the matter. Comey was so appalled by the request that he wanted to document it, the source said. Comey shared it with FBI senior officials, according to the source. Why did he do it? Comey would write down everything that happened -- the good and the bad. The source said Comey did not do this with President Barack Obama, in part, because he had fewer one-on-one conversations with him. "There is no need to document the conversations with people who are truthful or situations that are routine. It's when you have situations that are not routine and people who are not truthful, you would write a memo to file," the source said. "There have been other occasions where he has done this but not everyday." The conversation on February 14 was "more Flynn focused," not about the overall Russia investigation or the other associates under scrutiny. The source said Comey would share the information with those close to him to use them, in part, as a sounding board. The expectation is that the memos will be subpoenaed, according to a source familiar with the matter. The source says Comey wants to tell his story either in testimony to Congress, or in an interview or speech. A second source told CNN's Jake Tapper that Comey wants to testify and do so publicly. (CNN)

DAME PATSY UPBEAT AFTER VISIT - NEW ZEALAND’S GOVERNOR GENERAL Dame Patsy Reddy has ended a whirlwind visit to Barbados, confident that the ties between the two countries will be even stronger. Speaking at a Hilton Barbados reception on Monday on the eve of her departure Dame Patsy said her country was “pleased” to be able to provide Barbados with assistance and support in the areas of agriculture and youth empowerment, and to strengthen people-to-people links through its New Zealand development scholarship programme from which several Barbadians and other scholars from the Caribbean have benefited. The visit provided “an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the strong and positive relationship” between Barbados and New Zealand, the Governor General added. She acknowledged the long-standing links between the two countries in cricket, and in cooperation on the international stage on climate change and small island issues. (MWN)

UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR A FIRING OFFENCE - Warning of “immediate termination” as a consequence of “unethical” behaviour from Cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis vowed to run his administration by the highest standards of conduct as 15 ministers took the oath of office at Government House yesterday. This includes 12 substantive ministers and three ministers of state. Carmichael MP-elect Desmond Bannister, who was absent from yesterday’s ceremony, will be sworn in as minister of works at a later date, Dr Minnis said. During the ceremony where hundreds gathered to witness the remaining members of Dr Minnis’ administration sworn in, the nation’s new leader pledged that the government will be marked by “order and punctuality”. (BT)

That’s all for today folks. There are 228 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newscapsbystephaniefchase