Page 63 - Tales Apocalyptic and Dystopian

The Tribunal
(Fantastic Transactions 3, 2006)

“Next!” said the Inquisitor, flicking a barely perceptible speck of
dust from the tip of his index finger.
Following time-honored star-chamber protocol, a grubby slip of
paper was passed to him under the table. The Inquisitor’s features
had been altered surgically beyond popular recognition—just as those
of his more prosperous victims, and for the same reason.
“Bruce Leonard, eh? Who the hell was he?”
Taking that gruff interrogative as her cue, a short woman of
curiously lumpish physiognomy stepped forward from the shadows
enfolding all but the central dais of the damp and musty crypt.
“A celebrity,” she hissed. “A big one.”
The Inquisitor peered into the gloom, recognized a familiar face:
Myra Zorr’s. She had been a worshipper before the Collapse; no
more zealous saint than a reformed sinner, he reflected. It would be
better not to let her see the Forbidden Memorabilia, a coveted honor
bestowed upon friends of the tribunal: no need to trigger any
backsliding. She was doing quite well as an amateur cyberstalker.
Why risk a good thing?
“Show us the evidence!” he commanded.
Myra Zorr aimed her left pinkie ring at the wall screen. Instantly a
collage of still and moving images flashed before the assembled
multitude.
“That was Bruce Leonard. First a comedian, then elevated by the
masses from late-night guest appearances to talk-show host. His
apotheosis occurred in a series of feature film appearances, all
essentially larger-than-life self-portrayals. Then his name was made.”
A murmur of disgust arose from tribunal officials and hangers-on
alike.
“Yes,” she went on, bravely, “that enabled him to capitalize upon
his treachery by engaging in a series of contracts as spokesperson for
useless and harmful products. Another false prophet had appeared
among the people, preaching the Evil One’s gospel of environmental
destruction and economic ruin. Masquerading as a role model, a

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