Our Malevolence

Past Days

October 12th

In downtown New Sol rests the city's townhall. Its early morning and both the California and United States flags fly proudly from the outside. Both a bit discolored from years of being in direct sunlight. People in business attire enter and exit the building. Some on phone calls and others just trying to make it inside. In the building, many city leaders seem to be in a hurry. They quickly walk from room to room holding important paperwork and posters. Secretaries answers call from incessantly ringing phones and council members enter rooms with large windows in order to discuss New Sol's future as a town. Towards the back of the building, we see a dark wooden door. The door has a small golden sign which reads "Mayor Mendoza". Even from outside, frantic talking can be heard.

Manuel: Look, I don't care what you have to do! Just make it happen!

Secretary: Mr Mendoza, with all do respect. What you're asking of me is borderline illegal.

Manuel: I don't care! I'm the best thing that's ever happened to this God-forsaken town! I can't afford to lose to that pompous prick! Dig up what you can. Old emails, controversial texts. Hell! Even some evidence of infidelity! Whatever you can to take that sack of ass down!

Secretary: Sir. We can't start a smear campaign. It'll look unprofessional on your end and the whole town will look very immature. This guy is a newcomer around here. How do you think this will look?

Manuel: It will look like a shit-show! Which is exactly what I want. Run the sucker out of town I say! I need this reelection to work. I've already spent thousands putting up signs across town. What more do I need to do?

Secretary: Maybe something that's not illegal, sir. Perhaps you co......

Manuel: Enough! You're clearly not listening to a damn thing I'm saying! Go and fetch someone who will. Don't forget to bring me my notes and files. I'll be needing those. Now get out!

Secretary: Yes sir.

The secretary leaves and Manuel is left alone with his wife. Amaya, during this whole time, has just been leaning on a wall while drinking some expensive wine.

Amaya: Well that went beautifully. Didn't it, Manny?

Manuel: Oh shut up Amaya. If I wanted your opinion I would beat it out of you.

Amaya: How charming.

Amaya walks over to the other side of the room, continuing to drink her wine.

Amaya: You better win reelection.

Manuel: What do you think I'm trying to do? Have a picnic, Amaya? That's all I've been focused on for the past few months. This reelection means everything to me.

Amaya: Well you sure aren't acting as if it does. You've just been on ass this whole time whining about your opponent. You know, I heard he's gonna be visiting the high school today.

Manuel: Really? Why?

Amaya: Who knows? Maybe to sway some seniors to vote for him instead of you. He'll likely feed them some nonsense and smooth talk his way onto their ballots. They're just teenagers after all. What the hell do they know.

Manuel: And what do you suggest I do, Amaya? Go down there, get on my hands and knees and beg for the vote of some snotnosed eighteen year-old?