The Last Will and Testament of Geese Howard by Samuel C. Takara

© Samuel C. Takara, 2002

I, Geese Howard, upon death by natural or violent means, declare this to be my last will, a testament to my life, and my legacy after death.

I have made many choices in my life, some I regret, others I do not. Every alliance and every enemy I have made was a choice. To allow such things to be dictated by circumstance would be a mistake, and mistakes are ultimately fatal. I do not believe in fate, I do not believe in happenstance. My world has become what it is because of my force of will to create it, and to keep it. Now my will is gone; my world will soon follow.

For those of you who live in what remains of that world, be warned, it was a creation birthed in violence and blood, and will decay by, and into, violence and blood once more. For those of you who share my eyes, you will see opportunity to create your own vision in the remnant of mine. Be warned that with which you build is also that with which you keep.

"...for all those who take up the sword shall die by the sword."

Choose your mortar carefully, otherwise you may author your own undoing.

I have chosen to build upon the bodies of those who opposed me. My cornerstone is red with their blood. I have laid beams of vice and malice, bought with compromised loyalties and fear. My home is adorned with greed and coveted power.

I am king of this home, of my world, and I have only now begun to realize what a fearful place it is.

I crave the power my position brings and more. It is an addiction that none can understand without having experienced it. But power is drug best unshared, and the withdrawal of it is fatal. I would kill myself before I allowed another power over me.

And for all of this, a violent end.

Perhaps I write this out of romantism. To allow others to know there was more to me after I've passed on. Perhaps the liquor has gotten the best of me for an evening. I have never been remorseful before, and I doubt I will be so again.

Regardless of cause, however, my lessons are the same.

To all those have stood against me: My death will cause you more misery than my life. I have seen to this.

To all those that have stood with me: I have no heir to my regime. Seize your opportunity now, and hope that I have not remembered old grievances.

To Billy: Your loyalty has been noted these many years. Leave now before hell breaks loose. If you stay then be aware of the others. They will not remember you kindly.

To Rock: My name, my blood, my legacy is your inheritance. It is both a boon and a curse. Use it well.

To the sons of Jeff Bogard, both in spirit and blood: Not even death will stop my legacy. Do yourselves a favor and die.

I, Geese Howard, upon death by natural or violent means, have declared this to be my last will, a testament to my life, and my legacy after death. See you all in hell.