TAWOG: Instinct

The Seminar

The Seminar 

The Mayor of Elmore was probably one of the few humanoids in this anthropomorphic world (though his head and body were pretty disproportionate. A more apt description of him would probably be a blonde version of M.O.D.O.K from Marvel, though in a sharp suit, rather than a Doomsday Chair). He was a shrewd and ruthless profiteer, always on the lookout for opportunities to make a fortune. And he was no different in regards to the current situation. Whereas most of the residents in Elmore were living in prominent fear of this massive feline that had shown up a few days ago, were worried about where it had come from and when it may attack next, the Mayor of Elmore saw ample opportunity. Opportunity he hoped to convince Elmore to rally behind, which was why he'd organized this particular event today.

After the incident at Elmore Mall, he'd made arrangements to host a public seminar at City Hall, announcing that he would address all concerns regarding this savage beast that had everyone on edge. Though “addressing concerns” was probably the last thing he intended to do. It was now the day of the event and The Mayor of Elmore was pretty pleased with the turnout. Not only had quite a number of Elmore’s more elite and influential residents shown up, but also quite the crowd of casual citizens as well. Of course, the conference room where he'd be speaking wasn't nearly big enough to accommodate them all; the seating would have to be reserved for those privileged few with the connections he deemed necessary, but he'd had a broadcast system set up that would project his words and visage to all those who would be left to milow around the grounds and the interior of City Hall.

Course, it usually wasn't practical for such an event to open to the public, but The Mayor of Elmore had his reasons for doing so, in the form of convention display booths set up here and there within and outside City Hall. If something was going to draw a crowd might as well take advantage, and a lot of local businesses pay good money for publicity like this. Make a profit wherever you can. That was a rule the Mayor of Elmore always abides by.

It was now time for him to address the crowd, so the mayor stood before a fancy mahogany podium set upon an expansive stage, backdropped by massive navy blue curtains. He plucked the collar of his suit with a friendly grin as he stared out at, not only the few privileged individuals lucky enough to be present for his announcement in person, but also the camera's in the back that would project his declarations not only to the screens set up around City Hall for those that couldn't be given entry, but for those at home as well.

“Beloved citizens!” he said in that welcoming, sickly sweet tone all politicians must master, the microphone carrying his voice for all to hear. “It goes without saying that we are all fully aware why we are all here today.”

“Yeah, to address the issue of that monster,” said a random person sitting at one of the many long tables set up before the stage, which the mayor recognized as one of the REITs that owns shares in Elmore Mall.

“Quite correct, my good sir,” said the mayor. “The emergence of that beast has indeed raised quite crucial concerns.”

 “Well, what's the plan then?” asked the CEO of one of the largest automobile insurance companies in Elmore. Several cars had been totaled at Elmore Mall and his company had many grievances about the incident. “How are we going to destroy this monster before it attacks again?”

“Destroy it?” the mayor inquired with mock surprise. “Why would we ever want to do such a thing?”

The room erupted with frantic voices, all either declaring legitimate reasons why the creature should be destroyed; from public safety, to property damage, or loudly inquiring about why the mayor would question eliminating the creature instead of calling out for its destruction like the rest of them. The Mayor of Elmore held up a hand for silence, which the crowd complied, for while his words had whipped them up into a tizzy for a second they still wanted to know the meaning behind them.