Project Boussh: How Very Amusing
by Brad Corletti

Brad quickly lost control of the situation.

Who'd have thought that a Terran, brought to the detention cell of an
Imperator, would take the potential for harm so lightly?

Who'd have thought that her interrogator would find himself backed out
into the corridor by nothing more than force of personality?

"'To the pain', as he said. I will cut your feet off below the ankles
and your hands at your wrists. Next will be your nose and tongue. Then
your left eye followed by your right. But, I will leave you your ears
and bring Dorset to you. Yes, through your perfect ears you will hear
her utter, 'dear God, what is that thing?'" She took a step back to
watch his reaction.

The attack was broken. Brad cracked a grim smile. "That may have been
intimidating to a despot in a medieval kingdom faced by a man revived
from the dead, but here, coming from you, it is nothing short of
hilarious."

A metallic form interposed itself between Brad and Vickie. She stared
up into the emotionless gaze of his bodyguard droid.

"Make no mistake, Vickie, it is I who holds the power here."