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Food Poisoning

Georg Mandilon, the First World Leader, in his third term of office and his second term as President of the Continental Union, was tired. He hadn't slept for 28 hours. He shook his head ruefully. Scheduling needed to be better in the World Office but in his 8 1/2 years as Leader, that was the one thing he hadn't been able to get around to yet. So for now he had to deal with seven meetings in a row.

He shuffled to his suite and tiredly slapped at the hand scanner.

It whirred briefly. -Scanning- It beeped green. -Confirmed. Welcome, Georg Mandilon.-

The door slid open and he stumbled over the threshold to the couch and collapsed, asleep almost instantly.

Several hours later, the door buzzed. -Sir, the kitchen has sent food. Shall I permit the bearer to enter?- the computer inquired.

Georg groaned and rolled over. "Whazzat? Who?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes and sitting up.

-Food service, sir. Shall I dismiss him?-

"Umm. Uh, no, no. Let him in. I probably need to get up soon anyway. What time is it? he asked as he walked to the door.

-It is now 11:57:12, Saturday September 30, 8 A.W., sir, and you have a meeting scheduled with the minister of Erant at 1:25.-

"Alright. After I eat, I'm gonna take a shower so hold any incoming calls." Georg scratched his head, ruefully looking at himself. "I'll also need a change of clothes. Mine appear to have been slept in." He shook his head at his attempt at humor and reached for the door panel.

-Noted, sir. A fresh change of clothes will await you when you exit the shower. Is that all?-

"Uhm, yeah I think that's it. Oh-" The door whooshed open to reveal a short man in a delivery uniform, holding a box and a styrofoam cup. Georg took them from him, barely glancing at the man. "-who else am I scheduled to see soon? Thanks." he said absently. "How much do I owe you?"

The delivery man kept his head down so his hat blocked his face. "$10.50, sir."

Georg fumbled in his pocket and brought out a wad of bills, still talking to his computer.

"So Liam at four after the man from Erant- what's his name? Aloualat? Yes, that's it. And after Liam is...? Johann from the fishermen's union on Maior Duan? And then the annual meeting with the tribal leaders of Tameran, correct? No? Oh the Norkeyians then the tribal leaders. Okay, I got it."

He finally succeeded in peeling several bills from the wad in his pocket and handed them to the man. "Here, keep the change." Georg turned and the door swooshed closed behind him.

-Have a pleasant day.- the computer whirred and then clicked off.

The man raised his head at that. "Oh I will. But I don't know if I could say the same for Georg Mandilon." His eyes sparked and shifted colors, dancing with evil laughter as he slid around the corner of the hallway and disappeared.

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excerpt from the private log of Minister Aloualat of Erant

1623: 12 30/9 8 A.W. I fear something is gravely wrong with the World Leader. In my meeting with him today, he acted distracted and kept rubbing his eyes and speaking harshly. I realize that he is under much stress from his constant work, but I do not believe he has ever behaved thus during a meeting. In every meeting I have ever had with him, he appeared calm and collected, thoroughly sure of himself, always ready to listen, and patient. He went out of his way to make sure he thoroughly understood my complaints. Today, however, he acted a changed man. He shouted, refused to attempt to listen or understand, and continually paced agitatedly. He refused to sit still, nervously rubbing his eyes or his ears and several times insisted that he had heard shouting that very instant in the room which I heard not at all. After I denied hearing anything, he exploded, screaming I meant to discredit him by making him seem crazy and become Leader myself. I do not envy Georg his position of power, especially not if it involves hearing voices. Before today I had always thought Georg a reasonable man, very levelheaded, and an excellent leader. Now I am not so sure. Perhaps I should suggest the Leader's health be investigated for this worries me greatly.

excerpt from the private log of Liam Mandilon, minister of Natre

0942: 34 2/10 8 A.W. My older brother has begun to worry me. Always the kindest and most patient of all ten of us Mandilon boys, Georg has lately been acting not at all like himself. He screamed at me today. He never screams. Not even that time I accidentally stepped on and crushed Rocky, his special pet salamander. That time he simply forgave me and said he knew I hadn't meant to kill the poor guy. He didn't even ask for an apology, just accepted it and buried the little bugger. He had every right to yell at me then but he didn't. But today- today's fit was unprovoked. I greeted him and sat down for the latest of our weekly meetings and he snapped. Started screaming about how I didn't respect his authority and was trying to steal his power and prestige, how he did have the power and no one was ever gonna take it from him, not if he had any way to stop them. When I tried to calm him down, he backhanded me. Georg. Backhanded me. Me, his little brother, who he had never even raised his voice to until just then. The scariest thing was though, he was strong. I flew across the meeting room and my jaw was bruised. He started to come toward me and I swear he didn't know who I was. His eyes- they were crazy and he looked ready to kill someone. He got real close to me and was reaching out before his eyes focused on me. I think that was the first time he recognized me because he suddenly rubbed his face and asked me what I was doing on the floor and what happened to my face. He didn't remember anything that happened. I have no idea what I told him, I was so shaken. The whole incident scares me badly and I really have no idea what I should do.

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encoded transmission from Rouge to an anonymous receiver

1200: 56 2/10 We have encountered a hiccup in our plan. The slow-spiral module seems to have failed, causing the process of dementia to progress more quickly than we planned. We have to speed up our production as well as erase our tracks faster. The subject has already reached the quarter mark for the virus, exhibiting signs of extreme paranoia and enhanced physical strength. We need your help to contain damage until we are ready for completion.

encoded transmission from an anonymous sender to Rouge

1205: 12 2/10 Cease your worries. All progresses as planned. Your aid is on the way.

To Be Continued...

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