Julius and the Clipboard

Julius signed on the dotted line and handed the clipboard to the doctor.

"Are you sure this is going to work, Dr. Green? Are my dreams really going to come true after this?"

"Absolutely, Julius, you have nothing to worry about. Just lie down and enjoy the ride."

Dr. Green inserted the needle into Julius' arm and pushed the plunger. Julius closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep. What he experienced next was indeed the embodiment of his most extreme fantasy. He had a just received a triple dose of LDS, Lucid Dream Serum. LDS had just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, having only a "small chance of a serious side effect."

He drifted into flight over the city and landed atop a skyscraper. "This is living!" he thought. For the next 24 hours he behaved as one without consequence. He knew his every wish could be granted, so he took advantage. There was no time to waste.

His fantasy happened to be one of world domination, which he acquired within 20 hours.

The following 4 hours were spent violently suppressing opposition and ruling with an iron fist as his whim commanded. His final hours consisted of a systematic purge to eliminate all subversives involved in a rambunctious Anti-Great One protest including signs, banners and megaphones. They marched through the streets in silly clothes making fools of themselves.

This unpopular minority was swiftly crushed and brought to justice. They were devoured by starving lions. Julius considered the manner of public execution commensurate with their heinous crime, Executive Order #1: "Thou Shalt Not Defy the Will of The Great One." He was pleased to see that a subsequent arena poll confirmed the public's approval of the punishment. 100% checked the box: "A Fair and Just Response."

Their relatively quick deaths were merciful, but that was acceptable to Julius...after all, he was a good and compassionate ruler. It was his dream, so everything was exactly as prescribed. If he was dissatisfied at all, it was certainly for the sake of a greater pleasure in the very near term. But any sacrifice would soon be futile as his time was running out...

He looked at his clock. Only 5 minutes left! Julius sulked. He wanted more time. It had been the best 23 hours and 55 minutes of his life. He couldn't bear to part with his dream. In his last minutes at the throne, Julius ordered the guards to usher the spectators into the lion pit and a tear fell down his cheek as he watched the lions rip them limb-from-limb.

His eyes snapped open and he was back in the doctor's office.

"Okay, Julius, the procedure is complete."

The screams of his subjects still ringed in his ears as he looked at the blank white ceiling. He knew he must go back. He was not built for this life.

With great trepidation he looked down to review the damage. His right leg had been removed at the knee.

"Your leg is on its way to Beijing. The recipient is absolutely ecstatic and sends you his most sincere appreciation. We think it will be an excellent fit."

Julius winced, the white bandages appearing in his peripheral vision as he eyed the syringes sitting on the counter across the room.

"Dr. Green."

"Yes Julius?"

"Does anyone need a left leg?"

"There is a waiting list a mile long."

The doctor handed the clipboard to Julius. He signed on the dotted line.