Un-gubernatorial like

[Herr Vanderhing]

Herr Vanderhing paced, limping left and right of a room he designed to be like a throne room. He had recently been "released" from custody and thus was to work on his image on the dusty planet he was delegated to control. He didn't want to face the filth by himself so he invited a dear colleague of his from the very institution he was locked up in to help him. So he paced nervously cane in hand, making an echo down the corridor which each tap the cane made on the floor.

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

Lark walked through the hallways, studying the Geonosian architecture. He had never been to Geonosis before, the arid, desert planet almost seemed inhospitable when first he arrived. An acquaintance that Lark had recently met at an institution that they were... liberated from apparently had some position of power here, and had cordially invited him to visit. Politics were politics, even on a desolate planet like this, and [member="Herr Vanderhing"] had asked for Lark's assistance. He had debated on coming, but he had grown fond of Vanderhing. Besides, having a friend in a powerful position would be extremely beneficial in the long run.

A pair of guards gave him odd looks, humans probably weren't common around these barren lands. They were escorting him to where Vanderhing awaited his arrival, Lark swore he could hear the poor fool tapping his cane. Herr was highly intelligent, but he also tended to worry a bit much. "I'll find my way from here. Leave me," Lark commanded.

The guards gave him a nervous look. His calm demeanor was very off-putting, they almost seemed scared of him. He'd have to make sure they didn't speak of him to anyone else. Lark wasn't sure who, if anyone, Herr had told of Lark, but he wanted to ensure any details about him remained a mystery. Not that they'd find anything out about him anyways.

Lark walked into the room where Herr Vanderhing waited. It was an impressive room. "This is a magnificent place you have," Lark said politely. "It's nice to speak with you in a more dignified setting. I assume you want me to help you with the filthy rabble of this government, yes? How may I help you?"

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing let out a sigh of relief knowing he wouldn't have to face the garbage by himself "Oh-oh why hello, hello!! It's nice to see you
a-a-again old friend!" He limped forward, his walk like a waddle and extended his arm for a handshake. His arm shaking nervously as his black shadowy colored rubbery gloves shined in the rooms light. He leaned on his cane as he stood and spoke yet again

"My chief of staff, and dear friend Genf couldn't be here, and I need someone with at least a few brain cells that aren't fried so I don't end up trying to stab one of those miserable commoners!!" He took a deep breath then said "I assumed you wouldn't want to be in a town filled with mostly gurgling insects, so I decided to do this in a city that's mostly human..."

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

Lark was amused at being called "old friend." How long had they been together in the asylum? It probably seemed longer than it actually was. But he accepted the handshake regardless. He was delighted to hear that there were more humans around. "That is good to hear. These Geonosians, they are odd ones indeed. I'm not sure I'm looking forward to seeing what they have to offer. But if there's one thing I learned from the asylum, it's how to put up with irksome peoples."

Lark drifted off into thought for a moment, taking in his surroundings. "As amusing as watching you stab a commoner would be, I'll try and keep you in check," he said with a soft chuckle. "I want to see you succeed, Herr. I too have plans for this galaxy, and having a friend in your position will help greatly. So for the time being, I will be your adviser, and if need be, your knife in the dark. If you need a man blackmailed, I'll have him wrapped so tightly around our fingers he'll need our permission to have dinner with his family." Lark smiled faintly. "And if someone needs to be taken care of in a more... unsavory manor, you leave that to me too."

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing smirked back at the though of "unsavory manner" he always wondered what unsavory meant to others, he enjoyed the thought of cruel and sadistic deaths they would always make him chuckle. An aide soon walked in saying "Sir your transport is here! Our first stop will be Spiretop Elementary..." Vanderhing let out a loud huff and shook his head. He hated children so much. He followed the aide down the corridor

"I hate children....." Vanderhing snarled towards Lark "What do you think of those, horrible little beasts!?"

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

"Children..." Lark started, "Are unfathomably easy to manipulate," he finished. He had a sudden flashback of a girl standing over the corpses over her dead parents, ordered by Lark himself. The vision left as quickly as it came. "It's easy to see them as drooling, mindless stains, that's what many of them are. But act the right way around them, and they can easily become a weapon, or a set of eyes, a set of ears. They are a blank slate, yours to mold to your will. It's true they aren't fully developed, and are as smart as a grain of dirt, but earn their trust, and they'll listen to you. Patience is key."

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing chuckled to himself, never has he ever heard someone other than himself boast about manipulation.

"You know what's more fun than tricking them to kill their parents? Tricking their parents into eating them!!!" He let out a sinister smile and chuckle "The look on that father's face after I told him what that roast was!! Priceless!! If he had lived I bet his little girl would have gave him indigestion!!"

The aide listened on in disgust as the two had their conversation, he shuddered as each told what horrible things to do to young children. The group arrived at the shuttle and the aide opened the door letting them both inside. Inside were two of Vanderhing's thugs sat inside awaiting their boss.

"It is nice to finally have met a like-minded individual! Tell me, what was your most creative way of murder?" Vanderhing said as he climbed inside the shuttle

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

Lark listened to Herr speak, amused at the aide's obvious discomfort. He gave the man a kind smile, which just about made the man faint. "My most creative murder?" Lark thought back, but unless he was trying to make a point, he didn't normally bother getting especially creative with his kills. Most of the time it just wasn't practical.

"I once tortured some gang member back when I was still new to all of this. I wanted to see what is what like to break someones body, mind, and spirit. I needed practice." The aide shifted around nervously. Lark looked him directly in the eyes, unblinking. "I experimented with flaying the man this time. I cut off most of his skin, all but his face. Somehow, he lived. I made him drink some chemicals, burned off his taste buds, poisoned his innards. I had clearly broken his body and mind, but I wanted to shatter his spirit before I finished him off."

"I allowed him to make one request. Weakly, he said 'Water.' Three days later I came in with a tub of water. I cut off his restraints, and he pathetically crawled his way towards the tub. He climbed over the side, and that's when he saw, to his horror, his wife floating face down, skin turned a light blue. I told him he could have all the water he wanted. I pushed him in, and he was so weak he couldn't even keep himself afloat. He desperately tried to cling to his dead wife, but his arms gave out, shriveled up, and he drowned inches below his wife, staring up into her lifeless eyes."

The aide stepped out to vomit. Even Herr's thugs looked a bit shocked.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing's eyes widened in delight and his mouth made one of the largest toothiest smiles he ever had made as the story was told. When it was finished he let out huge cackle "Eyahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaa!!! That sounds brilliant!!! I bet the lowly cur squeeled while you flayed him!! Ahahahaheeheheehaaa!" He wiped a humor tear from his orange, red eyes. He calmed down a bit

"One of my favorites; get this there was this small village of poor farmers and their families, I went to the little suffering village an announced that their suffering will be over soon. I could see a glimmer of hope in all of their eyes, some where crying tears of joy at the thought others were cheering.... That is until I snapped my finger and an army of battle droids bursted out of my shuttle and butchered half of the village, the other half I took hostage and brought with me to a raid. There were already a group of drug dealers there raiding the place that I knew about, I strapped bombs on the rest of them and sent them all running like headless chickens blowing people up!!! That's not even the best part!! There was this one little boy running like the rest, he watched horrified as his mother blew up in front of him, little pieces scattering on him! He turned to look at one of the raiders, some rogue named Mythos or something.... Anyway he turned sobbing to the man 'help us, please' the man, one of those chivalrous types, started crying too as he shot the little brat knowing he was going to explode like the others!!! It was so funny!! Though the man was livid and has now vowed to kill me for it...... But still worth the giggle"

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

Lark couldn't help but smile at Herr's excitement as he told his story. There were some differences between them, Herr seemed to kill for the enjoyment of it, for laughs, and Lark would be lying if he said that he didn't feel some kind of twisted pleasure from killing someone. But killing wasn't anything special to Lark. It was just what he did. Nothing unusual about it, most of the universe was just death anyways.

"So what's to be gained from visiting these children? A publicity stunt? Public outreach? Why exactly are we taking this trip?" He asked, as the shuttle took off.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing composed himself once more "If you'll excuse that outburst, I have to visit the children, the people enjoy someone who seems to like children. My staff haven't told me what I have to do there apart from greeting the teachers...." Vanderhing said as he looked out the shuttle window "Shouldn't be long, this shuttle is-is somewhat fast.... Then we'll be seeing the annoying little...." Vanderhing was cut off by his aide abruptly vomiting once more. Vanderhing whacked the bent over aide in the back of the head with his cane "IF YOU'RE GOING TO DO THAT, DO IT OUT THE WINDOW!!" He hissed

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

The stench of vomit didn't really affect Lark, but it was probably for the best to act like it did. Vanderhing had controlled himself, which was good, the shuttle was starting to land. It sounded like they'd be conversing with the teachers at Spiretop, and more than likely they'd be interacting with the kids as well. That was fine by Lark, he'd always been good with kids, they tended to view his outward, kind demeanor as inviting. He might have to put up with their shenanigans, but Lark was patient. He was more worried about Herr. He didn't think he'd have an outburst like the one in the shuttle, but best keep an eye on him just to be sure. If necessary, Lark would intervene if some kids got to out of control. But he'd wait before interfering. Herr was a good politician, but he needed to learn patience, and no better way to do that than dealing with children.

The shuttle finally landed. "How old are these children we'll be visiting?"

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

“I wouldn't know…. The principle told me nothing….”

Vanderhing whispered as the shuttle doors opened. In front of the doors were many members of the press snapping pictures. The school was somewhat large, looking a strange mix of Geonosian and Advanced Gothic architecture. In front of the doorways was Dr. Cheng the newest member of Vanderhing’s staff.

“Good evening Mr. Vanderhing, it's so nice to see that you've arrived safely…. Oh and I see you've brought a colleague with you! Mr. Lark, I'm sure you remember me, I was the director at Valorum… In any case” he motioned his hand towards an elderly woman next to him “This is Mrs. Price, the head of the school”

The elderly woman extended her arm out to shake “Hello Gov. Vanderhing, we’re so pleased to have you come to our meager school!” They both posed shaking hands for the press “Now if you'll just follow me inside!”

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

Lark smirked, and raised an eyebrow at Herr. Lark wasn't aware that Dr. Cheng had fallen into the employ of Vanderhing, although Lark could assume that it was against his will. Cheng had tried to break Lark and a few others, Vanderhing included, at Valorum Asylum, but his attempts to break Lark were little more than a joke. How amusing that he'd be working for one of his patients after everything that had happened.

The press took pictures and recordings of Vanderhing and Mrs. Price shaking hands, and she guided them into the building. When she used the word "meager" to describe the school, she wasn't lying. Vanderhing's staff must have chosen a poorer school in an attempt to make an outreach to the lower classes. Mrs. Price continued to speak about the school, and how excited the students were to meet the Governor. The press followed closely behind them like an obedient hound followed it's master, snapping pictures and asking questions, which went largely ignored. They weren't there to answer questions, they were there to meet the kids. Cheng was still with them, smiling and pretending like he was exactly where he wanted to be.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing and the group went forward into a library where the children were socializing and doing assorted arts and crafts. There were humans, neimoidians, geonosians, and even a few duros. "This is our third grade class!" Mrs. Price said as she motioned her arm towards the children. Vanderhing gave off a fake smile as he whispered to Dr. Cheng "How many more grades must we visit?..."

Dr. Cheng whispered back "This is a K through Twelve building"

Vanderhing's fake smile quickly faded away as he let out a quick gasp and whispered "We don't have to visit EVERY SINGLE GRADE do we!?!?!?"

Mrs. Price quickly cut in "Most Governors read to the children!"

Vanderhing turned his head quickly and hissed "Most Governors are worthless peons that get nothing done!!"

He quickly turned his attention to a young boy across the room drawing by himself. He glared in anger in the boys general direction and pointed "What's wrong with that little boy over their!?"

The lady looked then said depressingly "That's Andrew, he's new here...."

Vanderhing gave Dr. Cheng his cane a limped forward to the boy at the table. The boy was wearing a striped shirt. He had dark lines under his eyes and his hair was pressed down and curled to the left on his face. He was drawing with a black marker and on the picture was a poorly drawn frowning, angry man and underneath was a caption that scribbled 'Not daddy' as a short poorly drawn figure pushed the scribbled man into a horribly drawn car. Vanderhing looked down at the boy and the boy looked up.

"Hello Andrew! I am Governor Vanderhing! Why aren't you playing with the other children?" He asked gritting his teeth

"They're mean, and I don't think they like me" he faintly said back

"How do you know? Have you ever given it a try?" Vanderhing leaned forward and put his hand on the table and began to whisper "And if they don't like you..... Wait for them to turn their backs then push them down the stairs!"

The two both exchanged sinister grins as the boy dropped the marker and scurried off in excitement

*inspired by Gotham*
[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

Lark continued to shadow Vanderhing from a distance. The press snapped a few pictures of him speaking to the boy who sat all by his lonesome, which would reflect well on him. It was better that they didn't hear what he whispered to the child. Best let him get it out when no one else can hear him, he thought.

A few odd looks were thrown Lark's way. He was dressed differently, and although he wasn't the only human in the room, there was a different air around him that others seemed to feel. Lark had mastered the act of kindness, and people seemed to sense some kind of warm energy around him that put everyone at ease. A few children gave him curious glances, and a few people took pictures of him, but most of their attention was on Vanderhing, as it should be. He intended to keep himself a mystery.

But that act of kindness was just that; an act. Almost nobody knew his true self, and he didn't fail to notice that Cheng stood as far away from Lark as he possibly could.

Most eyes were on Vanderhing, so Lark picked up a book from one of the nearby shelves, skimming through it. Something about the history of Geonosis after the Clone Wars. Lark barely paid attention to the words, he was trying to keep an eye on Vanderhing. He was doing well so far, but he's had experience with this type of thing before. Perhaps Lark would take a look at some of the children's artwork in a minute, surely it wouldn't hurt to see Vanderhing's staff entertaining the kids as well.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing turned around, shrugged, and said "The kid j-just needed a little push...." He could tell what most of the others were thinking. The people were likely thinking 'Oh, what a nice kind soul he is, helping that boy only out of the kindness of his heart!' The press were thinking 'What a good publicity stunt! The people will eat this up!' He assumed Lark was thinking 'This isn't at all what he's really like, he's just manipulating them!' They were all wrong, Vanderhing saw himself in the boy, the horrible children, the hatred for anyone who even touches his mother, the deep violence in his heart. Vanderhing just wanted to make the inevitably similar road the boy was to follow less rocky then his was. He gave a fake smile as he walked up Dr. Cheng. Dr. Cheng whispered "You should probably read to those children now!" Vanderhing sighed slightly then plastered on his fake smile as he Mrs. Price gave him a story. "Children! Children! Quiet down! This is Governor Vanderhing, he's going to read you all a story. Vanderhing sat in a rocking chair story in hand. All of the children sat in front of him, legs crossed. As he started reading the first letter a child's hand darted up and a boy interrupted Vanderhing "My daddy said your a bad, bad man.... That you got put in one of those crazy people jails!" Vanderhing lowered the story and his face immediately turned into a scowl. Everyone in the room gasped and Dr. Cheng shoved his hands over his mouth. Vanderhing stumbled over his words "W-w-well little boy!" He tilted his head slightly as he grabbed the gold tip of his cane and replaced his shock with anger "This was a lie put out by enemies of the state, who hate this planet, me, and all of you!" His voice showing his anger

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

Lark listened to Vanderhing speak, continuing to read the book. Fury didn't sneak into his voice, it almost erupted like a volcano that had been dormant for far to long. He was clearly agitated, Lark would have to intervene.

Lark slid the book back onto it's proper place on the shelf, and walked towards the children, arms held to his side, palms facing upwards. It created a sense of openness, of trust. "Now, now children, you need not worry about Governor Vanderhing," he said softly, but with enough emotion to get his message across. "Our benevolent Governor being held in an asylum was nothing but a silly little rumor started by people that want to drive us all apart." He approached the child who asked the question, and picked up the drawing that he had been working on prior to their arrival. It was of the boys family, three figures were scribbled on the piece of paper. Lark picked up some coloring tools, and made an addition to the drawing. All three figures, holding hands with one another, in unity. He turned so everyone could see. "We can't let them tear us all apart with their lies. We have to stand together, against the people who seek to rule over us." He knelt down besides the child, and handed him back the drawing. He met his eyes, and smiled kindly. The boy looked back happily, and many other children were looking at Vanderhing and himself in awe.

Lark stood, and looked towards Vanderhing. "Our dear Governor is trying very hard to keep all of you safe, and in protecting you he's made some people upset. The same people that wish to take over the government and ruin our families." He tried to use words like "we" and "our" as much as possible. "Governor Vanderhing is simply exhausted from dealing with his enemies, and the deceptions that they spread. And despite his exhaustion, he still so eagerly flew over to your wonderful school to read to you, the children that he so dearly cares for."

All the children were smiling, the boy who asked the question held his drawing tightly onto his chest. Even the press looked impressed. A few of them were clapping for Vanderhing, commending him for all the things that they believed he was doing for them. The children has all quieted down, eager to listen to Vanderhing read. The Governor had finally composed himself.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

"Now then, children if there aren't anymore questions I believe we should begin...." Vanderhing said as he peered into the story. He was impressed by his younger colleague's work,'he'd make a good politician' he thought to himself as he read each sentence. It was one of those children's books that started with 'Once upon a time'. 'What a cliché' he thought to himself as he peered through each letter of every sentence, though pretending to enjoy himself in front of the children. Finally the story had ended with a "and they lived happily, ever, after!" Vanderhing rolled his eyes at the last sentence. He hated stories like that, the princess finds true love as they dance the night away.... The very idea disgusted him. As he stood up almost everyone applauded. Dr. Cheng ran over to Vanderhing and announced business they had to attend to elsewhere. The students and Mrs. Price all thanked him as the group walked off.

[member="Lark"]

 

[Lark]

As Herr Vanderhing continued his story, Lark resumed his position in the background. Pictures continued to be taken, now that the atmosphere had calmed down photographers could get better shots. A few turned and took pictures of him as well, but he pointedly ignored them, disregarded them. His words had the affect he had wanted.

Eventually the story concluded in a way that only children's stories could, with everything resolved and everyone happy. Herr's audience clapped, and Cheng quickly approached him. Lark was close enough to hear that they needed to be elsewhere. Hands held behind his back, Lark walked over and joined the group.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]