Loose End 4
(Because there were two loose ends in the previous chapter!)
In Washington State...
"My Lord Seth," began a bowing worshiper, "a canister has appeared in the escape rings."
"A canister?" Seth repeated. "How did it get there? What is it's purpose?"
"Almighty Seth, I can not tell you what I do not know," the worshiper replied as respectfully as possible.
Seth shoved the pitiful save aside and strode in the direction of the ring transporter. He had nearly reached it when he noticed something in the air. Seconds later, he felt extreme pain overcome his entire being. He collapsed o the ground beside the foreign object.
A voice issued from a transmitter, which sat beside the canister. "Ahh, Seth. I'm sorry I couldn't come to see you in person, but considering the number of armed slaves you have, I decided it would be simpler to use chemical methods, much like you do with your 'followers'."
Seth tried to answer, but all he could vocalise was a pained moan.
"What's wrong? Snake got your tongue?" Ba'al taunted as Seth drew his last breath.
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A week later...
"Welcome to Inside Access. I'm your regular host, Julia Donovan, coming to you live from what was until recently the headquarters of the 'Cult of Seth'. Just days ago, the cult members quietly left the property and surrendered to the local authorities. They each claim to have been in the grip of a mind-controlling hallucinogenic drug, but no one knows how they broke free or what has become of Seth Fargough, the cult leader. No indications of the alleged drug have been found by the investigating authorities. The ATF has confiscated a large number of weapons, all of which were obtained through illegal channels. With me is Special Agent James Hamner. Agent Hamner, what can you tell us?"
"There's not much to tell. The place is wiped clean of any evidence of what happened, and the cult members either don't remember or aren't saying. What little we're hearing doesn't make much sense. I don't think we'll ever know what really happened here."
"Thank you, Agent Hamner. That was... informative. Can you mention any specific odditied?"
"Yes, we found what looked like an escape route, but it led to a dead end full of rubble. When we cleared it out, it was still a dead end. Perhaps it was never finished."
"Interesting. Again, I thank you for your time. That's all about the cult for now, but you can tune in tomorrow for an interview with Jason Levinson, father of one of the freed cult members. In other news..."
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Notes: I've still got two more of these to do! At least...