Somewhere in the million-acre lands of oil fields, farmland, steppe, and waste of the Burdek Lowlands, east of Vekaiyu and West of former Listonian Army encampments near the Ryykovaa border, the boundaries of science and nationalism are fused into one horrible, miscible blend. Written off by most nations as second-world backwater filth, Listonia’s land-savvy millions have been stirred to a fury by one man: Lso Yiskevi, one of the current leaders locked in a chess game of power in Listonia. While not viewed as a benevolent despot with the ilk of Stapen Evesuni, his articulate and collective nature combined with once unfathomable dreams have captured their adoration and respect.
At least, that’s how he appears on the outside. Inside he stands an irresponsible threat to peace across the region. A devout Vekaiyun loyalist, he wishes nothing more than to see a world accomplish its greatest task: submit to the superior Vekaiyun way in any means possible.
Although such a desire is clandestine among the populace, it has nevertheless been a well-leaked secret among research institutions that the Listonian government will fund scientific projects deemed too reckless by most Vekaiyun standards. Enter Viscaline.
“Cadipremier Yiskevi, we are pleased you made the journey over to Ye’leli to witness what by all accounts should be a momentous occasion.”
He nodded as a few guards drew the blinds - only a few slits from the hot sun managed to peek through. “I admit the project sounded almost too good to be true, Hejul General Dimastrevu. Does it work?”
“We have orchestrated a demonstration. Upon your good graces, we will go along with the project.” He leaned over. “Enter!”
The door opened slowly and a team of men entered - some vulpine, some human. All Listonian loyalists.
“Greetings Cadipremier Lso Yiskevi. I am Frankyo Yismesteru, researcher funded under the LEAO project. While I don’t know if you’ve heard of me before, by the end of the day, you will remember me.” He smiled. “By now however I am certain you have heard of Dago Simlevus, cadipremier.”
Dago Simlevus, predicted by every poll, survey, newspaper, and media source out of Dveria to be the next successor to the fallen king. He is only just beginning to undim his eyes from the hot glow of the royalty spotlight yet stands at an opportunistic crossroads in his career. By all accounts, he will be Dveria’s new king.
A human stood next to an already-placed a crude cardboard standee of the future king. “Cadipremier, this man is Yuk Imleskovi. Yuk fought along side Listonian loyalists and has proven his love for the Listonian people. He has volunteered specifically for the project at hand. He has the same height, same eye color, build, posture, and has been educated on every aspect of Dverian culture, language, and history. He knows Dago probably better than he knows himself.”
“And… voice?” Lso asked.
The researcher removed a playback tape player from his pocket. He pushed play, and a short piece played in Dverian. “There is little doubt in my mind that the Dverian people deserve better than what they have been provided. For too long, we have let other entities and nations control our fate. We cannot, indeed will not…”
Yuk spoke. “There is little doubt in my mind that the Dverian people deserve better than what they have been provided. For too long, we have let other entities and nations control our fate. We cannot, indeed will not…”
“Fascinating,” Lso said as he moved back in his chair. “But he looks nothing like the man. He’s even missing part of his ring finger. Something about a childhood accident.”
“Allow me to change that. I hold in my hand a controlled amount of viscaline. Viscaline is a substance which makes the dermis and epidermis layers completely pliable for a temporary period, allowing the skin to become moldable like clay. But what good is this material, you might ask? Well, I can change any and all features I need to.”
One of the researchers, probably a graduate student, placed a mold on the desk, followed by a rectangular aluminum block with a handle for ease of carrying. He opened up the block to reveal hand molds, complete with a shortened left ring finger.
“Let me proceed with the demonstration,” the researcher asked. Yuk rolled up his sleeve and the doctor cleaned the area with alcohol before injecting the fluid. After a few seconds, he pressed firmly into Yuk’s forehead, leaving behind two impressive ridges. He then scratched at it, leaving a canyon-like streak across the face. When Lso Yiskevi moved forward in his seat, the researcher smiled. He beckoned for one of the molds, and upon receiving it handed it to Yuk. He brought it up to his face and pressed down firmly for a few seconds. He then removed it to reveal a spitting image of Dago Simlevus. Once he placed the mold down, he put his hands into the hand molds, carefully pushing down his one ring finger, after which prompted one of the researchers to close the mold up like a waffle iron. Again after a few seconds the mold was removed to show a set of hands indistinguishable with Dago’s.
Lso smiled. “General?” he asked.
“Provided you grant us approval, we will be quick to switch our man out with the real Simlevus. Plans will be drawn up, and the mission will be carried out. Provided our success here, the plan will be to copy this action with Sevropia and countless other nations that have proven to be or are rumored to be enemies of Listonia.”
Lso furrowed his brow and thought behind fingers touching at the tips. “I like it. I like this, General. Much less invasive than a war, and if done correctly, we can remain incognito indefinitely. Not even Vekaiyu needs to know.”
The general gave a slow nod.
