CEO
I work in what my co-workers refer to as, and not all that affectionately, the IT Pit. Buried behind a maze of storage boxes and unused cubicle sections, I sit…
48 Laws of Power: 1st Law
I've just started listening to my first audiobook, _The 48 Laws of Power_ by Robert Greene. I am not by nature a power-seeker but I find myself enjoying the Machiavellian nature of this book. Without further ado: _Law 1: Never Outshine the Master_ _Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite – inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power._ This challenge is to write a story regarding either the observance or the transgression of this law.
Challengers
8 entriesSidekick
The Avenger and the purse-thief spiraled up the fire escape to the roof where they jumped gap after gap across the high-rises. Eventually the man dropped the…
The Speechwriter
The aged man stood there, staring at me like a confused child. His sweaty, poorly tanned face floated above a suit of conservative navy, and a manicured hand…
Only One
Lightning poured through my veins, the pain of it exquisite. Identity fled and I simply existed in this moment, an instant eternity awash in amethyst. Then I…
Pecking Order
I was good at my job, very good, I ran the communications section of a very large executive hotel. The hotel’s Assistant General Manager rushed into my back…
A Step Away from Oblivion
When Whittle came home that night he was not pleased to see my most recent manifestation. The wizard’s face grew hard and he slammed the door behind him…
Bide Your Time
Thursday, April 2nd, 2:30pm. A rumpled-looking kid sitting in the middle of the room uneasily raises his hand. “Can you go over problem number thirteen on the…
Glory and Envy
It was tedious work, being a research assistant. Long nights spent cleaning up the master’s mistakes, weekends missed that beckoned with thoughts of women and…