Puppet on a string

[janestarz]

In the White House, vice-president Markson, old golf buddy of the president's father, sat with the president. The president was crying.
Markson tried adjusting various tubes that were going into the presidents' head. He shouted at his assistant. "Can't you see our leader has grief for the sorrows of the world? He wants the world to unite, under our star-spangled banner!" Markson paused briefly, as he upped the endorfine dosage. Then he adjusted the United States flag, which was draped over the toddler.
"The president has just gone poo-poo in my lap." Pause.
"Order air strikes. I don't care where! The president is unhappy!"

"Smile sir, this will be the latest press photo."
Markson smiled his winning smile, and maxed the endorfine levels. The presidents' features concocted in a horrid frankenstein smile.

The public, swooned by the boy when he was running for office, now saw the kid for the first time with the adjustments that had been deemed necessary for 'proper presidential attitude'. The front page featured the press photo of president and vice-president. Page three to fifteen featured the ordered strikes, the ensueing war and doom, and possible nuclear war Markson had unleashed.
Three more years until the elections.

---

© Jane Starz 2004, written for Mr. Warren Ellis at his request of last week.

Comments

[ggerrietts.livejournal.com]

He said futurity, hello? What's this, set in 2001? ;)