-000-
An army was rising in the streets of the city. A mass of colour and sound and raised arms and passion. It spread throughout the alleyways and bridges like a great flood of human debris, until the tarmac below them was submerged.
Looking down from on high, there was not a lot else that could be seen except the people. This was a troubling development.
It had all began some time ago, for some reason or other. It always did. Someone had probably done something, and there was some sort of fuss. The detail didn't matter, not to him anyway. It was enough. The eyes would be fixed elsewhere.
Jacob turned away from the window, and fixed his eye on the television screen. and smiled at the faced he saw. Linda was there, reporting on the events building throughout the metropolis. It was a pleasant way to occupy his time, while he waited.
Meanwhile, On the streets below, a man burst his way into the lobby of the hotel. He was surprised to find it relatively absent of people.
'Hello sir' said a man on reception 'Welcome to The Pandora. How may I help you?'
Zortegus didn't hesitate. He shot the man right between the eyes, and headed for the elevator. He knew where he was going.
On the third floor, a cleaner was neglecting her usual duties to stare down at the streets below. The protests had begun for a nucleus of reasons, and the sight of the cities denizens showcasing their freedom filled her with mixed emotions. Her daughter was down there. She was proud and scared. She kept checking her phone nervously, hoping to hear something, soon. The Windows of The Pandora were thick beasts of glass, but she could her the chanting as if she were deep within the throes of the crowd itself.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated, making her jump. It was text, but it wasn't from her daughter. It was from him. After all this time...
'Rioting has broken out in the centre of the city today, the latest of several such incidents to occur over the last few days.' Linda stared deep into the camera lens 'The Mayor is yet to comment on the latest outbreak, but his office has released a statement condemning this as an act of terrorism. The army has been out in force, and has warned people to stay in their homes until further notice. Security advisor Terry Craig is expected to issue a statement on the situation later today. We can now go over to our correspondent, comet, who is reporting to us live from Dark Avenue'
'And Cut'
Linda breathed a deep sigh as the camera cut away from her. She could feel sweat trickling down her sides. How could this have happened again? She had chosen the wrong career, truth be told. She couldn't take the pressure of so much attention on the news feeds. She'd wanted to become a presenter to talk about feel good stories like charity runs and book fairs and cake sales. Not serious stories like this. It kept her awake at night, all these people were looking at her all the time, staring at her, desperate to hear good come from within her when all she could bring forth was misery and despair. Why couldn't people just learn to live normally?
'Coming back to you in 5, 4' said the voice in her ear.
Deep Breath. Here we go
'Thanks for that update Comet, Now, in the last few minutes....'
Zortegus burst into Room 312 of The Pandora and opened fire.
'.. the mayor bandit has released a statement.'
Jacob turned over the coffee table, causing a momentary distraction, moment enough to pull a gun from his pocket.
'The Mayor has said that all those who have taken to the street..'
Jacob and Zortegus fired at each other, as Jacob ducked behind the couch he had been sitting on
'...are the enemies of democracy. He urges everyone to return to their homes immediately...'
Jacob tried to crawl towards the balcony, but Zortegus saw him and vaulted over the couch and landed on top of Jacob.
'...or risk their own lives. He has ordered a curfew to be implemented.'
The two struggled on the floor, and Jacob pulled a knife out of his pocket, and plunged into Zortegus' leg.
'Anyone outside after 6.00pm without official paper will be shot.'
Jacob manged to pull himself from Zortegus' grasp and run toward the balcony.
'Mayor Bandit has said he will issue a further statement tomorrow, and wishes everyone to pray for peace'
On the streets, comet struggled to wait for his cue
'Yes, thank's very much Linda. I'm still here on the streets of the city, I'm just outside The Pandora, and the crowds are growing more volatile by the moment. News of Mayor Bandit's statement is yet to spread here, of course, but i'm doubtful it will go down well. I've been making my way through the crowds all day, and I can safely say that -'
A Large crash right next to Comet's ear caused to leave the sentence hanging. He looked to his right, and saw people moving backwards.
'Something seems to have happened' he said, and he moved forward, beckoning the cameraman to follow him.
Zortegus limped back into the apartment, and sat down on the couch. He was surprised to see Jacob's body staring back at him from the TV Screen.
So much for subtlety.