Expedition Westward

  ***

  They mounted the last flight of stairs without further conversation and entered Dr. Rackenfauz’s workshop. A dreadful surprise awaited.

  “Good grief!” Winston ejaculated.

  “Gracious!” Star cried.

  The place had been completely trashed. The work benches were tipped over, broken tools and smashed robotic components littered the floor. Shattered glass lay everywhere. Winston and Star shuffled through the wreckage in a nightmare daze.

  “Oh, man, I can’t believe it!” Winston said.

  “Looks like we’re out of luck,” Iridium said.

  “I-I don’t understand,” Star said. “Dr. Rackenfauz said he was leaving everything intact. Why would he do this?”

  “He must have been having a really bad day,” Winston said. “Or maybe – ”

  “Or maybe somebody else did it,” an ominous voice behind them said.

  The robots spun around.

  Part Two: Pickle Lake Convulsions