The Junior Member – Trifecta: Week Eighty-Two

Written for Trifecta: Week Eighty-Two. Story begins after the image.

Genre: Super Villainy
Word Count: 333

Source: http://www.strangebeaver.com

On a wide field in an undisclosed location, four members of SCREAM (Scientists Club for Resurgent Evil Against Mankind) stood before the club’s leader, Dr. Sin. His cybernetic leg whirred and his laser eye tracked across the contestants. “Welcome to the annual weapons trials, gentlemen,” announced Dr. Sin. “This year, the goal is create the biggest bang from the smallest weapon. The two contestants shall…”

“Three, sir,”

“What, Lackey?”

“It’s Langley, sir,” said the mousy Langley, adjusting his misaligned, thick glasses.

“Whatever.”

“I am competing this year too.”

Dr. Sin waved dismissively, “Yes, of course. First up, Professor Malignant. Proceed.”

Malignant sat in his powered chair and grinned evilly. “Observe,” he said, and withdrew a silver pistol, aiming it at a battle tank down field. A flash of light, and the tank was cleanly cut in half.

Heroditus Cain stepped forward. Tubes emerged from his backpack and fed exotic nutrients into his limbs, making them bulge enormously. He hoisted a complex cylinder to his shoulder and fired it at the next tank, cutting a wide swath of destruction through the armored behemoth.

“Excellent!” exclaimed Dr. Sin. This competition is now over. We shall…”

“Not yet, sir,” squeaked Langley. He beamed and held up a vial of pearlescent fluid. “It’s my turn.”

Dr. Sin snatched the vial away and held it in his cybernetic right arm. “This, Lackey?”

“Langley, Sir.”

“Whatever. This is no evil weapon. This…” He crushed the vial and ooze flowed out, “…is useless! What was it supposed to be?”

“Nanites, sir,” quaked Langley. “Designed to consume metal.”

Dr. Sin gulped as a gray cloud enveloped him. When it cleared, Sin’s metal leg, arm, and laser eye had been eaten away. He sprawled on the ground in a pile of white dust. “You idiot!” He screamed.

“It was meant for the targets, sir,” stammered Langley.

“Impressive,” said Cain. “Clearly, he wins this round.”

Dr. Sin glared at Cain, but grudgingly acquiesced. “Fine! Now help me up, Lackey.”

“It’s Langley, Sir.”

“Whatever.”
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This week’s Trifecta writing challenge is to write a short story or poem between 33 and 333 words long. The third definition of the word, “Club” must be used somewhere in the text.

3a : an association of persons for some common object usually jointly supported and meeting periodically; also : a group identified by some common characteristic (nations in the nuclear club)
b : the meeting place of a club (lunch at the club)
c : an association of persons participating in a plan by which they agree to make regular payments or purchases in order to secure some advantage
d : nightclub
e : an athletic association or team

Here’s a link to this week’s challenge. Any and all are invited to join. http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/2013/06/trifecta-week-eighty-two.html