It was 6:20 on the digital clock, the official time for plotting world domination.
Barnaby sat perched on the wooden nightstand, his paws tucked neatly beneath him. Beside him sat his mentor, a bust of Darth Vader. Barnaby looked at the dark helmet, then stared outward with a steel gazed expression that said, I find your lack of treats disturbing.
He felt a deep connection to the Dark Side. He, too, believed in order, absolute authority, and the power of intimidation.
The day was spent trying to enforce his rule. When the Servant approached him on the bed, Barnaby narrowed his eyes into a skeptical squint. He was attempting a Jedi Mind Trick. You do not want to move me off the blankets, he broadcast telepathically. You want to go to the kitchen and open a can of tuna.
When the Mind Trick failed, he tried the Look of Disdain. He tilted his head back, his white chest puffed out, looking down his nose at the intruder. Are you seriously offering me dry kibble? Again?
But being an evil overlord is exhausting work. The constant vigilance, the judging of everyone in the room, the heavy responsibility of keeping the bed warm it all takes a toll.
By mid afternoon, the Dark Side’s grip began to fade. The soft morning light hit his green eyes, and for a moment, he forgot he was a villain. He looked out the window, looking undeniably sweet and innocent, a momentary lapse in his tyranny.
Finally, the gravity of the duvet proved too strong. The Sith Lord Cat crumbled. He didn’t just lie down, he face planted into the pillows, his nose buried in the fabric, completely defeated by the power of the Nap. The galaxy would have to wait. The Emperor was sleeping.
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
