Jasper Dash and his electrical passenger had reached the Second Wire City. Wires were strung in every direction between pillars of stone. The wires sparkled and tinkled with activity as energy beings zapped through the circuitry and bunched up to see the approach of the strange animal of metal and flesh.
Ugh, said the spark in Jasper’s suit. Now I remember why I was an evil dictator. Look at them all. My former subjects. They’re terrible people. All they care about is glitter and sizzle. I really can’t stand them.
Jasper watched the wires sway where the beings crowded.
“You were an evil dictator?” he asked his rider.
The Dirrillillim put me in charge of the rest of my people when we were brought here. I tried to get them all to simmer down. Through executions and frequent groundings.
“But you’ve learned your lesson after your long imprisonment, and you’re ready to return?”
No. I have not learned my lesson. That’s why I needed the metal on your suit to carry me between the old First Wire City and this new Second Wire City. My people kicked me out and exiled me long ago. I am going to invade them and rule with hideous might for a million years.
Jasper stopped walking. “I don’t believe in any kind of dictatorship.”
ZAP!!!
Jasper jumped.
The voice said, You don’t have any choice.
“No! By gum,” said Jasper, “I have never played the patsy for any evil electrical dictator, and I never will!” He stood stock-still, stubborn as a mule, with his legs planted firmly on the alien dirt.
Then the jolts started. ZAP! ZOT! ZOCK! ZIP! ZWAMP!!!
Jasper danced and gurgled in agony.
He fell to the ground. His hair stuck up straight. He panted for breath.
He had no choice. Deliver this wicked warlord of wattage to his unsuspecting victims—or die of electric shock.