The Mandamus Project

"Well, there's only so much drama I can stand, and this is just about as far as I will bend. So get your hands off my lapel, because I think it's time to go."

From the AP wire:

Literary World Stunned As Controversial Blogger Announces 'Punk Rock Space-Opera'

Reclusive blogger Michael O'Mahony called a brief press conference in downtown Los Angeles this afternoon, announcing his intention to bring the world its first Punk Rock Space Opera. O'Mahony, who arrived at the gathering on a rickshaw driven by his man-servant, Chico, told reporters that the "book, or series of books, will chronicle the adventures of General Mandamus, a grizzled veteran of many complex and pointless wars."

O'Mahony's announcement comes on the heels of a lengthy and well publicised battle with the USCIS. This has led many commentators to speculate that the author may well be preparing himself to go head-to-head with the federal government. "Michael is a great believer in massive retaliation," said his mother, speaking to reporters on the doorstep of her home in the suburbs of London. "He clearly intends to take matters into his own hands with this Mandamus thing."

Manadamus, meaning "we command" in Latin, has its most common use in legal terminology, with a Writ Of Mandamus being issued by a complainant to a government, corporation, or public authority in order to remedy defects of justice. It is more commonly known in California law as the Writ Of Mandate.

"Really? I had no idea," O'Mahony told reporters. "My intention was merely to write the kind of romance novel Barbara Cartland would have written if you'd filled her with Black Acid, chained her to a typewriter, and told her that at least one alien shitbag had to have his ass handed to him every other paragraph."

"This is not about a personal vendetta," he continued, signalling to Chico as he climbed down from a specially erected platform. "This is about justice. The story of General Mandamus must and shall be heard. I have been in touch with many publishers, and they have offered me money and favours for my words, no Green Card required. I have proved that not even the most powerful nation on the face of the planet can stop art."

A USCIS spokesman refused to comment on The Mandamus Project or O'Mahony's quest to destroy all they hold dear and true, stating that: "We do not talk about individual cases."

"Of course they don't," laughed O'Mahony. "Give them the question in writing, they may get back to you in a year or two." With that, the heroic young artist leapt into his rickshaw, turning to briefly acknowledge the applause of the crowd before officially ending the press conference by cracking a bullwhip across Chico's bare back and screaming "Avante!" as they made a rapid departure.