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The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

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Able Smithson, businessman, autocrat, megalomaniac. Richest man on earth, owner of a vast global empire and voted Times Magazine's Man of the Year 3 years running. But he'd had his sights set on something beyond mere capitalism. He wanted the world, as do all good megalomaniacs.

 

The plan was simple, straight to formula. Develop doomsday device, in this case a groundbased cannon with enough power to blast a shell clear to the moon and accuracy enough to create a smiilie face on the surface with several shots. Which he'd already proven. He'd also proven that he could hit anywhere on earth with the same accuracy, demolishing landmarks and strategic installations world wide with each hour that passed without a demand met. It was flawless, foolproof, nothing could stop him.

 

Except one man. George Manfred of Her Majesty's Secret Service. The greatest field operative to come out of Britain ever. One part spy, one part commando, one part charming gentleman, all parts legend. He'd been airdropped onto Smithson's island fortress with the goal of finding Smithson and eliminating him with extreme prejudice. The two words that tell you this guy must've done something truly evil. Like steal the sugar from the Queen's tea

 

This was always the worst part of any assignment. Gaining access to the inner sanctum of an island fortress. Sure, thanks to electronics knowhow, computer wizardry and a laser that cuts through titanium like an arcwelder through runny butter, there was no barrier he couldn't penetrate, but there were all these hired peons who, for one reason or another, saw their paycheque as being more valuable than their lives. This didn't stop Manfred, just irritated him slightly. Hell, he'd visited countries that had less people than he'd killed today. More peons, another vault door, boobytrap, he took it all in stride. He was unstoppable. He was invincible. He was... surrounded. Whoops, spent a little too much time on reflection.

 

"Ahh, we meet at last, Mr Manfred," The booming voice of Smithson over a megaphone, "I trust you didn't get lost along the way?"

 

"Not at all, Mr Smithson. Although, your staff weren't too helpful in that regard"

 

"No, they're not paid to give directions. But enough banter, I suppose you're wondering what I'm to do with you."

 

"You're going to kill me, I assume?"

 

"You assume correctly, Mr Manfred." With that, Smithson drew an antique revolver, leveled it at Manfred's head and fired. The agent fell to the floor, dead.

 

"No lucky escapes for you this time, Mr Manfred." Smithson gloated, before proceeding with his patented EvilLaugh, unaware that he was being observed from on high.

 

None in the room could hear the gentle scrape of a vent cover being removed over Smithson's cackling. None noticed the gentle thump as two well-padded feet hit the floor, behind the congregation of hired guns. None were quick enough to react as a hail of bullets from a silenced submachine gun quickly dispatched everyone in the room. The newcomer's face didn't even change as he wiped out every member of Smithson's guard, followed by Smithson himself.

 

When the echoes of the screams died away, the assassin strode over to Manfred's corpse and checked his pulse. More symbolic than anything, considering the ex-spy's brains now coated the far wall and part of the roof. The assassin then pulled out a small transmitter and softly spoke into it, before exiting the room

 

The news of Smithson's defeat at the hands of Manfred spread about the globe. The people rejoiced that they were finally safe, but they were saddened by the loss of a real hero. Newspapers around the world dedicated two page spreads to the agent's exploits and his final moments, saving the world from the madman's maniacal plot but sacrificing his life in the process.

 

But nowhere could be found word of the fate of the doomsday cannon.

Posted

Wow! That was so great! I laughed, I gasped, I punched the air saying "get em!" and then I sniffled at the end.

 

Amazing job Aardvark. You did such a great job of twisting the storyline as you went along. I was expecting one thing, then got another..then expected something else and got something I didnt even consider. Those surprise twists make stories intriguing and oh so rememberable.

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