Representative Maflay laid restlessly in his bed, staring at his ceiling. His LoDo loft was one of the nicest you could afford without being among the real elite of the economy. In fact, it was a bit nicer than most could afford on his sort of income. He had managed to get quite a reasonable rate for his home. Being in the political arena had treated him well for the past 15 years though. Well enough in fact, that he made a point of it to try and take as few 'incentives' as possible.
He wasn't perfect... but he was more perfect than most, and he was proud of that. He looked around his bedroom and smiled. His loft was perfect for him. There was a number of interesting artifacts from visiting dignitaries laying about on his authentic Mon Calimari drenchwood cabinets. On the walls were pictures a number of famous people from this planet and others, including the great Art Vandelay, personally signed for him.
Still, he was a bit anxious. In the morning, he had a press conference. A local upstart businessman was about as close to defeating him as anyone had come in his career. He'd sold off all of his businesses, though he was limited as to how much he could contribute to his own campaign. Somehow, he'd secured a large donation very recently that was helping push him towards the lead. He'd had it investigated, but was unable to prove any foul play.
At least, not with the contribution. His investigators were able to unearth information that was ten times as damaging as any campaign contribution could ever be. He didn't like playing dirty, but he'd offered this Helwae a way out, and he hadn't heard back. Rather than leak the information subtly, he was going to address his constituents and be honest about his findings. It was the right thing to do, regardless of the benefit for himself.
He turned over in his bed and tried to get to sleep. Nearly an hour later, he could feel himself drifting off, but he suddenly became overwhelmed with an uneasy feeling. He did his best not to open his eyes, but he found himself tossing and turning in his bed.
He was about to doze off again when a strange rattling startled him. He opened his eyes and screamed. Only his throat was shut and he couldn't breath, let alone make any noise. He clawed at his throat, trying to find release, only to scratch his own neck severely.
At the foot of his bed, stood a three meter tall monster, unlike anything he'd ever seen. The beast's face was obscured by a demonic looking mask, which let out the deep rattling noise which had awoken him. The only thing protruding from the apparatus was two very large and sharp looking horns.
As the dark figure's black cloak billowed around his imposing form, Maflay tried to scramble out from under his covers to smash something, do anything to make enough noise to bring help. He found that it was just as futile, and he was completely rooted in his spot.
Suddenly a wave of sheer and utter horror swept over him and all rational thoughts left his mind. Run! Flee! Escape! Were the only things left. Finally, the beast spoke in a guttural, feral-like voice which brought more terror with each word. "Puny human! I am Sith Lord Vulcanus Tiberius, and you have made an egregious error."
The monster held up a cylindrical tube which suddenly emitted a blood-red beam with a snap-hiss barely audible above the rattling breathing and demonic growls. "Do exactly as I say and I might not devour your soul."
Maflay found the invisible grip on his throat loosened just enough to let out a whisper. "Yes, my Lord," he squeaked as one of his body functions suddenly had a mind of it's own.
No comments:
Post a Comment