[Video]

[mismanagement]

[Not long after this.

At first glance, it appears to be Maketh holding the phone. It's her usual uniform, perfectly ironed, hair pinned up in a severe bun. She's standing outside the guardpost, rifle at her side. Everything looks as it ought to except for a single detail. The blue sash that all the guardsmen wear as a symbol of their position is nowhere to be seen.

Oh, and ignore the spray of blood across her chest. That's not important at all.]

Hello, citizens. I fear this experiment in democracy has gone on a little too long. It's high time to dispense with the nonsense and remember where we ought to stand. And what we are.

[She smiles.]

You needn't worry. The Empire loves all his children. All he asks is your loyalty.

[She pauses, glancing back at the guardpost.]

I'm terribly sorry about the mess, of course. But civilization always comes with a price. A gesture was necessary.

[Her tone hardens.]

Guardsmen, report in immediately. I want this under control.

Comments

[darthvaderfanboy]

[He leans forward, fingers laced together. This is a side of her he's never seen before.]

And what is that?

[mismanagement]

Wherever the Empire demands it.

[darthvaderfanboy]

Then you know your place well.

[He might grow to like this side of her better than what he's seen before.]

[mismanagement]

Of course, Master Ren.

You needn't worry about that traitor anymore. I have dealt with the issue.

[darthvaderfanboy]

...She's dead?

[He's a bit surprised. He wonders if he would have the fortitude to kill himself if presented with the opportunity.]

[mismanagement]

Of course, Master Ren. Traitors must be dealt with harshly.

[The double pauses.]

I apologize if you wished to finish her personally. I made a tactical decision. But you will be pleased to know she suffered, Master Ren. I made it last as long as I feasibly could.

[darthvaderfanboy]

[Okay. He's officially scared now. This doubles business is no joke. Fortunately, the mask hides all emotions.]

Good job. I take it you've been running everything else with efficiency?

[mismanagement]

[The double nods, all business.]

Yes, sir. I am in the midst of determining which of the guardsmen can be persuaded to see reason and which will have to be dealt with. I will require your aid with some of them when the time comes. Is that acceptable?

[darthvaderfanboy]

...You can count on me.

[He'd promised Maketh he would help her when the time came, but this is not the Maketh he knows. He feels no obligation to honor a promise made to a sociopath.]

[mismanagement]

[The double sees no reason to doubt his word. She's only serving the Empire.]

Excellent, sir. You will have worthy opponents soon enough.

[Someone needs to deal with the rest of the guardsmen, after all.]