Summary

Killjoy, a politician, reveals his agenda to save the dying Earth by eliminating humanity, except for himself, during a speech to the Assembly of the Nekropolis.

Abstract

In "Skeletons in the Closet, Chapter 4 — Addressing the Assembly," Killjoy, a man of wealth and power, delivers a compelling speech to the assembly, highlighting the dire state of the world. He admits to the audience that despite his initial idealism and attempts to better the world through politics, he became entangled in corruption. Killjoy's transformation from an idealist to a pragmatist is marked by a series of compromises that erode his moral compass. He reaches a personal low, contemplating suicide, before his mentor introduces him to the concept of magic, which he sees as a solution to the world's problems. His radical plan involves killing all humans except himself to prevent the Earth's demise, a plan that is met with approval by the zombies and skeletons in attendance. The chapter ends with a call to action for readers to engage with the story and support the author's writing journey.

Opinions

Killjoy believes that the world is in a state of decay due to human actions and corruption.
He acknowledges his own corruption and the loss of his initial idealism as he navigated the political landscape.
Killjoy suggests that politics is a system that inevitably changes those who participate in it, often for the worse.
He presents the idea of magic as a form of salvation and a tool to achieve his goal of saving the Earth.
Killjoy's ultimate solution to the Earth's problems is the genocide of humanity, with the exception of himself, to lead the remaining beings.
The audience, composed of supernatural entities, is depicted as supportive of Killjoy's extreme measures.
The author, through Killjoy's character, critiques the political system and the moral compromises it demands from its participants.

FICTION | URBAN FANTASY | HORROR

Skeletons in the Closet, Chapter 4 — Addressing the Assembly

Killjoy holds a speech, revealing his agenda.

This is a serial fiction story. Please find the table of contents here.

“The world, Mother Earth, is dying!”

Killjoy stood at the podium and emphasised his point with precisely practised gestures. He was a man in his forties, wearing an elegant, dark-grey silk suit, Italian leather shoes and all the little additions that subtly speak of wealth and power. The big but not massive hall was packed, and the audience greeted Killjoy with warm applause.

“Esteemed members of the assembly,

Honourable guests,

Dearest friends,

Change the world! That goal motivated me to run for office, but the obstacles to that goal seem to multiply daily.

Life-altering diseases, devastating heatwaves and floods bring death and destruction to Earth. An insurance company estimated the insurance costs caused by natural disasters to be $120 billion in 2021 alone. That is only money. The prices in human lives are far more extensive and do not end there. Persistent global starvation and poverty increase the toll. The list is not exhausted yet, and I could continue endlessly.

“Today, I must admit,” he paused for dramatic effect, “that the world is dying.”

Killjoy’s view swept the room. He saw hollow, shocked expressions and assembly members nodding in confirmation. Satisfied his words gain the attention he seeks, he continues solemnly.

“Heat, destruction of nature, war, the inhuman ways we treat each other are all signs of a deeply rooted corruption.

I am not only talking about corruption in business and politics but in all of humanity. I am disliked for speaking the truth, and at the same time, I am called a liar because I am actively involved in politics, trying to better the world.

They try to debase me and call me corrupt. Let me tell you another hard truth. My critics are right!”

The audience listened in awe. Someone clapped and shouted angrily. Killjoy enjoyed the moment and the feeling of power he held over his audience. He was barely able to suppress a victorious smile.

“I ran for politics to change the world, but politics changed me. And the world is still dying!

My idealism was tested early, long before I ever assumed office.

To run for office, I had to make deals and compromises. Yes, it seemed like a small price, but I never considered the added tax — a chunk of my soul.

I ran for politics to change the world, but politics changed me. And the world is still dying!

The same could be said about my idealism. At some point, I could not tell if I acted to serve the planet or my selfish interests. While trying to achieve what I set out to change, I got entangled in a web of corruption and was drawn in deeper and deeper ….”

Again, he paused for dramatic effect.

“… and deeper.

I ran for politics to change the world, but politics changed me. And the world is still dying!

To change the policies killing Earth, you must have a long breath. One term in office is not enough to accomplish your goals. Staying in office becomes imminent to change the world. But staying in office requires support and endorsement. The circle starts anew.”

An assembly member commented on his speech, but over the rising murmur in the hall, it sounded like barely more than a gnarl.

I ran for politics to change the world, but politics changed me. And the world is still dying!

One day, I hit rock bottom. I was ready to give up, concede and ….”

Killjoy’s voice broke suddenly, if only slightly, but it didn’t escape the assembled members’ notice. He loved this part and had practised it for hours.

“… to kill myself before pest, war or nature’s devastation could do the job for me. That day, my mentor found me when I looked at the bottom of a glass of whiskey, caressing a loaded 9mm.”

He bowed his head as if in humiliation.

“Not only did she know everything about the corrupt system, but she knew true corruption. She called it magic. I call it salvation!

When I killed her, I grasped that last piece of forbidden knowledge from her greedy fingers. Finally, I found the solution to cure Earth!”

Killjoy straightened his back and spread his arms as if to embrace the assembly, all eyes in the hall fixated on him.

“Esteemed members of the assembly,

Honourable guests,

Dearest friends,

I ran for politics to change the world, but politics changed me. And the world is still dying!

But I can save Earth!

All it needs is to kill every human being on this planet. All but me, of course. After all, the world needs that one person paying the price to be able to lead this horde of shambling and mumbling cadavers.”

The zombies and skeletons attending the speech rose from their seats, and Killjoy received the standing ovations he longed for. Although he knew they would endorse whatever he said or did, he sincerely enjoyed bathing in their applause.

“Dear zombies and skeletons,

Wraiths and spectres,

Members of the Assembly of the Nekropolis,

I ran for politics to change the world. I promise you that the world will not die — humanity will!

Thank you!”

Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter

It was time to provide some background of this story’s illusive villain Theobald Kiljoy. I pondered how to approach this instalment of Skeletons in the Closet for a while. Along came a writing prompt by JF Danskin:

Write a short story in which a character begins a role (politics? Business?) with good ideals, but rapidly gets caught up with corruption. Perhaps you could begin with the line, “I was horrified by what I saw around me.”

Additionally, I like JF Danskin for his valuable input on my final draft.

💯 Story Challenge (36/100)

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