Poppy’s helicopter landed just outside Brutus-G’s Central Compound. She quickly checked all her equipment - making sure her “meowie-zeowie” was operational, and well hidden in her tail. All was in order. Poppy entered the grounds, and was immediately taken, under guard, to Brutus-G’s tent. She expected this treatment, and remained very calm. In the shadows, the evil leader was just licking his kitty chops. After all this time, he had Poppy in his clutches. It was all he could do to stay relaxed, and not jump up and down. Brutus-G reminded himself to remain dignified, and to keep up the pretext that this was just a friendly meeting. He decided to show off his grand digs before settling down to the contest.
“Come this way, Papagena,” said Brutus-G. He wore a smile that looked more like a sneer, as he motioned for Poppy to walk with him. They passed quickly by some shabby tents, which housed his forced laborers, and entered his private quarters. In contrast to the poor living conditions around him, his dwelling was magnificent. He had spared no expense on himself. Elegant paintings and tapestries hung on his gold-painted walls. He had a private gym, hot tub, and video screening room. The platinum editions of the latest game systems were stacked neatly in the corner. The extravagance was just sickening to Poppy, especially when she thought of all the suffering that Brutus-G’s greed had caused. Such complete selfishness was hard for her to fathom. She remembered to hide her disapproval; however, and put a polite expression on her face.
The evil leader summoned his servants to serve catnip tea and caviar. He had spared no expense to put on a big show. He had erected rows of bleachers and packed the place with spectators. He was expecting to really outshine Poppy at Word Buzz. In his mind, he had been daydreaming about his triumph. If he did say so himself, he was going to look very handsome wearing the championship crown on his head. He had assembled a large crowd of admirers to experience his expected victory. There was nothing that Brutus-G enjoyed more than adoration and adulation. He just loved being the center of attention. It was all that he could do to keep himself from doing a merry dance.
Poppy and Brutus-G sat down across from each other to begin the contest, and after about an hour they were tied. The contest referee stepped in, and ordered a break in the action. The final round of Sudden Death Word Buzz would begin shortly, and the Grand Champion would be decided.