Chapter 57 (Elizabeth Lochley)
Today was the day Elizabeth would finally get the keys to the city. She had done her homework, filled out all the forms and had transported herself all the way to this damn asteroid complex to see the place for herself. She was heartbroken that the Minbari scarred her city and she vowed to have some kind of Memorial Day for all the workers who died in the disaster. Thankfully the city had been sparsely populated and only a handful of people succumbed to their doom. If this city had been full the alternative outcome might have been grim.
But Elizabeth sensed a problem. It was common for the city commander to be given command from the authorities at Casabianca, but only on the approval from the people who built the city. Then there was the assessment and final decision by Elvis that would finally decide if she got the job. She could appeal and have the case taken directly to the capital herself, but that would take time. She knew Elvis was the lowest human around, but he did an excellent job keeping his past and present indulgencies secret from his superiors, so what chance did she have to resist his judgement?
She could only imagine the reason for the delay, but a call from the room's communication system diverted her thoughts before they could get even more disturbing.
"Miss Lochley, Elvis would like to see you in his office. It's about your final assessment regarding the command of your city."
"Thank you, I'll be right there," Elizabeth replied as she stood in the middle of the room. She still had not gotten used to the communication system. Most places she used to work with had hand held devices or wrist communication devices that were annoying and failed on a regular occasion. So talking into nothing was a new hands-free experience.
She slipped into the navy blue jacket she kept by the door, entered a few commands into the control panel and left the room, making sure the lights and door were closed behind her. Although her room was located on the officer's deck, she had learned the hard way that thieves found their way into even the most secure places.
She took the lift and hit the first floor button and waited. She could guess what the man wanted. It didn't take a genius to understand the consequences if she refused. But there was always a chance she might not be his type and give her the city based on her good record.
The lift finally stopped at the desired floor and the doors opened. Rays of light from the hallway flooded the dim elevator. She stepped off onto solid ground and made her way over to Elvis's office, mentally preparing her self for what lay ahead,
The long walk through the office and towards the wooden felt like the walk of shame. She'd never been asked to visit his personal office before. The eyes of the other workers followed her as she walked, heightening her fear of what lay ahead.
Once she reached the door, Elizabeth stretched out her hand and placed it upon the warm handle. She wondered who touched that handle before. Was he performing his sick fantasies on some poor victim right now? Should she even enter?
Elizabeth froze her emotions and vowed not to be his next victim. She opened the door without so much as knocking.
The moment she flung open the door, Elvis sat behind his desk shuffling papers. He looked up and his icy cold expression failed to change.
"Elizabeth Lochley," he began with a slur in his voice. "Please take a seat."
Elizabeth took a step forward.
"Close the door behind you." he ordered, his voice layered over by a tone of warning.
Elizabeth did not obey. She stepped forward, intent on anchoring her authority in the room.
"What's the delay? I should have the activation key to the city already!" she demanded.
Elvis leaned back on his chair, tapped a button on his armchair and the door suddenly closed. Elizabeth snapped her gaze to the direction of the sound as she realized her plight. A slight knot began to form in her throat, but she also knew it would be in her self-interest to keep up a strong appearance. Any weakness could lay the way for him to take advantage of her, and Elizabeth was not that type of woman.
"So, you're going to answer me?" she demanded.
Elvis scanned through some files before leisurely acknowledging her request. "The final decision to give you the keys to the city depends on my evaluation and reports from Casabianca. As you know, it is my sole responsibility as cities construction manager to assess all the candidates to take over the city before it departs for hyperspace." Elvis spoke very slowly and deliberately, in a manner calculated for maximum impact and intimidation.
"I have everything I need to give you the keys…however, there's one more thing I need from you first." He stood and then oozed his way around his table, eyeing her tight trousers. He extended his hand in an attempt to grab her leg, but anticipating this, Elizabeth jolted to the side.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she exclaimed.
Elvis smiled and fought hard to control the drool that wanted to dribble down his lips. He was such an asshole, and Elizabeth's greatest fear was about to reveal itself.
"If you want your city, you're going to have to give me something in return." Elvis gave a leering wink. "You know, scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours..."
Elizabeth interjected, "How dare you!" She slapped him across the cheek. "I'll never allow you to perform your sexual acts on me."
"Don't you want your city?"
"Yes I do."
"Then you'd better assume the position. I guess all the other girls told you how I like my women?"
"You sick fuck! I'll see you court-martialled for this."
"That will not happen, Elizabeth. I control this facility and in it I control you and everybody onboard. If one person steps out of line I'll make sure their whole family suffers." He gave a menacing laugh
"I don't care, I have my own people who'll protect me."
Elvis appeared to grow in physical size, resistant to that statement. "If you want your city, Elizabeth, you'll bend over on my desk and get ready for my rod of oblivion. Or, you can leave without the keys to the city. But remember: I have spies everywhere. If you breathe a word of this, not only will I kill you but I will also kill your family and anyone associated with you, despite your threats. Doesn't that sound fair?"
Elizabeth swallowed hard. He was giving her two choices: She could allow him intimate access to her and she would have the job she had always dreamed of or she could leave and keep her mouth shut. All the work done over the years would be lost. However the thought of being violated by this monster would be too much. She paused for a moment while she made her decision.
"Any rubbers?"
Elvis leaned on his desk, smiled and then rubbed his groin. "No rubbers, I like to ejaculate my stuff deep inside. Gives me a sense of accomplishment."
Elizabeth took a deep breath and gave her answer.