2206 : Window Onto A New World
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IX. Careful With That Axe, Eugene
« There... I'm just getting my handheld » weakly assured the disguised Chancellor after cautiously straightening back up, partially unzipping his outer garment before inserting his right hand underneath the black leather, attentively watching his aggressor, « if you have yours we can do this very easily » he noted naively. « Sure ! And then you'll very easily identify me ! » the brawny vagabond retorted with a chortle, « what do you think ? That I was born yesterday ? » he shouted at the thin elder. « Sorry, I don't get mugged that often » reflexively commented Ramsay, withdrawing his hand from under his coat upon hearing the menacing words. « Hey, good one old man ! » chuckled the dishevelled brigand, clearly finding the apology quite humorous, « you know what ? » he continued after a brief moment, « I don't have a device » he announced, smiling wryly, « I gave it up in exchange for those boots... the best deal I got in a long while ! » the bandit observed, once more looking down at his footwear, « tell you what » he carried on following a short pause, resting his weapon on his right shoulder, « get your gizmo, go to your bank account, and throw me the thing » he ordered in a serious, authoritative manner. « Okay, okay » assented the First Citizen of Ovel, somewhat more confidently, apparently encouraged by the effect of his unintentionally funny remark, « let's do that » he agreed as he fished once again inside his pocket, « I won't try anything stupid, but please don't hurt me » he implored as he grabbed the uDev and showed it to the homeless robber who gestured a single affirmative nod in acknowledgement, « access personal bank account » the veteran Conservative instructed the gadget which soon emitted its distinctive sound as it performed the operation, « okay... now it has to scan my fingerprint » he explained as he lifted the index of his left hand, that still held his walking cane, and again, the mugger, familiar with the routine, quickly bowed his head in approval, « okay... I'm accessing the account » declared the statesman, pressing his finger on the tiny screen until the expected notification, « okay... now I can throw it to you » he went on nervously as he replaced his arm to his side to steady himself on his staff.
Wielding the sharp tool in one hand, the muscular attacker extended his left arm in front of him, eager to catch the coveted object. He stared at the elected official who slowly motioned back and forth twice with his right arm to indicate how he would proceed, finally flipping his communicator to the keen delinquent. And as soon as the thug closed his hand over it, he felt a strong electrical surge travel up his arm and run through his whole body. He collapsed down onto the pavement, groaning, utterly paralysed by the discharge. { Be damned old man ! I'll get you for this ! } he last thought as he fainted. « Mine can do that too ! » laughed the aging world leader as he approached the assailant, before lambasting him hatefully, clutching his cane with both hands and swinging at the stunned man many times.
The Threshold
101
Christopher Stewart