A Hi-Diddley-ho To Arms(trong)
Ned Flanders adjusted his tie as he stood outside the glass door, trying to look his best for the meeting to come. Mayor Quimby had told Jasper that this senator had been trying to make his way to Springfield for some time now. The man was finally on his way to Springfield so naturally Abe had sent his head of public relations to greet the man.
Now, standing nervously in front of the restaurant where the meeting was to take place, Flanders sighed. "Okely-dokely, time to see what this senator wants," he muttered, opening the door.
Inside, the restaurant was quiet, the restaurant seemingly cleared out but for a single diner. In the corner sat a tall, muscular man who stood out like a sore thumb, as if he belonged more on a battlefield than in a quiet eatery. His sharp jawline, silver hair, and piercing eyes made him look larger than life.
Flanders approached cautiously. "Well, howdy there! You must be the senator we've heard has been trying to make it to Springfield?" he asked, extending his hand in a friendly gesture.
Armstrong looked up with a half-smirk and grasped Flanders' hand in a grip so strong it nearly crushed his bones. "That'd be me. Steven Armstrong is the name and you must be Abe's errand boy," Armstrong replied, his voice a low rumble.
"Er, actually, I'm Ned Flanders, and I help run the nuclear plant for Mr. Simpson. He, uh, couldn't make it today, but I'm happy to talk about whatever's on your mind, neighborino," Flanders said, his usual chipper tone masking the nervousness he felt.
Armstrong gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit down, Flanders. We've got a lot to talk about."
Ned took a seat, carefully placing his hands on the table in a proper, polite manner. There was something in the other man's face that Ned couldn't place, but it made him nervous. The feeling of intimidation didn't just come from the fact that he was incredibly muscled, no there was something in his eyes that made Ned feel like a lamb being eyed up by a lion. This… was going to be something more than just a simple discussion.
"So, Senator Armstrong," Ned began, "what brings you to our little neck of the woods?"
Armstrong leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto Flanders' with an intensity that made Ned feel like he was being dissected on the spot. "I'm interested in your boss's new acquisition," Armstrong said bluntly. "The nuclear power plant. It's a powerful piece of infrastructure, and I think it's in the wrong hands."
Ned's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Well, gol-darn, I didn't think we were doing such a bad job. We've made a few improvements since Mr. Simpson took over. We're running things a little smoother than Mr. Burns, if I do say so myself."
Armstrong let out a low chuckle. "I'm not talking about efficiency, Flanders. I'm talking about power. Real power."
Flanders blinked. "Oh, uh, you mean like… the power we generate for the town? We've kept things pretty steady. No blackouts, no meltdowns-"
"That's not what I mean," Armstrong interrupted. "You're thinking too small, Flanders. I'm talking about the kind of power that shapes nations, that controls the flow of influence and wealth. Your boss, Abe Simpson, has control of a significant piece of that power now, and I want in."
Ned's smile wavered slightly. "I'm afraid I don't quite follow, Senator."
Armstrong leaned back in his chair, his massive arms crossed over his chest. "It's simple. Your little town here, Springfield? It's a joke to most people. A blip on the radar. But with the right leverage, it could become something much bigger. The nuclear plant is more than just an energy provider. It's a symbol of control. And I want to make sure it's used for the right purpose."
Ned hesitated, unsure how to respond. He wasn't used to conversations like this. Power and control weren't topics he usually engaged with, though admittedly this last year has brought a lot of new conversations.. "Well, sir, we're just focused on providing clean, reliable energy for the town. Mr. Simpson might be eccentric, but he's got a good heart."
Armstrong's smirk returned. "You're naïve, Flanders. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but you don't get it. The world is run by people like me. Strong, determined, with a vision for the future. We make things happen and we decide what direction this country goes in. And your boss is sitting on a goldmine he doesn't even understand."
Ned felt a cold sweat forming on the back of his neck. "What exactly are you proposing, Senator? I'm not sure we're the type to get involved in, uh, anything shady."
Armstrong waved a dismissive hand. "It's not about being shady. It's about being smart. I'm offering Abe Simpson a chance to partner with me. Together, we could expand the plant's reach, get federal contracts, and increase the influence of this town. I can offer protection, connections, and resources. All I ask is that I get a say in how things are run."
Ned fidgeted in his chair. He wasn't sure how Abe would react to something like this. Knowing Abe, he'd either laugh it off or demand that Armstrong remove Missouri from the union.
"Gee, Senator, I don't know if Mr. Simpson is looking to get involved in anything big like that. He's more of a simple family man, you know?"
Armstrong's face darkened slightly, and the shift in his demeanor was palpable. "Simple men get left behind, Flanders. They get chewed up and spit out by people with ambition. I'm offering him a way to stay ahead. I'd hate for anything… unfortunate to happen if he doesn't see the opportunity I'm presenting."
Ned's eyes widened. "Are you threatening him? That doesn't seem very neighborly."
Armstrong chuckled again, though this time it was more sinister. "I'm giving him a choice. He can stay in his lane and keep playing pretend with that plant and your little town, or he can work with me and make something real out of it. But if he refuses… well, let's just say I've got the influence to make his life a lot harder."
Flanders felt his heart racing. This wasn't the sort of conversation he was equipped to handle. He was just a humble neighborino, after all. But something about Armstrong's attitude rubbed him the wrong way. Sure, Abe was a little kooky, but he didn't deserve to be pushed around by some power-hungry politician.
"Well, Senator," Flanders said carefully, "I'll be sure to pass your message along to Mr. Simpson. But I can't guarantee he'll be interested. He's a stubborn man, and he's not easily swayed by… outside forces."
Armstrong's eyes narrowed. "Tell him to think carefully, Flanders. I don't like wasting time, and I don't like being ignored. If he wants to keep that plant, he'll make the right choice."
Ned stood up, his legs a little shaky. "I'll let him know, sir. Thanks for the, uh, conversation."
As Flanders walked toward the door, he couldn't help but feel a deep unease in the pit of his stomach. Senator Armstrong was dangerous, that much was clear. And if Abe didn't play his cards right, things could get ugly.
As he stepped out into the fresh air, Flanders muttered to himself, "This is way out of my league. I just hope Abe knows what he's doing…"
But deep down, Flanders wasn't sure Abe—or anyone else—could handle what was coming their way.
AN: Armstrong is never one for softball and with the Plant being a piece of infrastructure to build around well... I could see it going poorly for the Simpsons.