5.r.
Professor
Inflation stood in front of a full length mirror admiring the way his cape
fluttered when he twirled. A tinkling
chime sounded from the desk computer and a pleasant voice intoned, “The Union
has escaped the sharks.”
Professor
Inflation didn’t seem to notice the voice and continued to appreciate his image
in the mirror, cocking his head first this way then that, puffing out his
chest, arching his back slightly, and flexing his butt muscles. Then he sauntered over to the computer, his
attention lingering on the mirror a moment longer, even as he walked away.
“Looks like
it’s almost time,” he said, pulling up a video display with a few nimble
keystrokes. On the screen Corporate Man
and the rest of the Union were nearly neck deep in the
water of the little room.
“Hmm… It’s interesting, but it lacks drama now that
the sharks are no longer a factor. Run
market scenario number six and alert me when the fun starts.”
He trotted
back to the mirror and whirled his cape across his body and up in front of his
face. Then he snapped it to his side
like a matador. He curled his lip into a
snarl.
No. Too much.
He tried a sly
grin.
Almost.
He added a
slow wink.
Perfect.