A kiss for the conqueror

"A Kiss for the Conqueror" by Henry Slesar is set in a future world recovering from war and examines the troubled relationships between those in power and those they have conquered. Lieutenant Bolgar becomes consumed by an obsession to forcibly kiss a woman from the defeated people, interpreting her disdain as a challenge. As he schemes, he also contemplates the general feelings of scorn within his unit. The situation explodes when he puts his plan into action, resulting in a violent clash that leads to his arrest. The harsh verdict passed down highlights the deep-seated unease in their society. Ultimately, the story serves as a grim warning about the costs of misplaced desires and the abuse of power.