Dexter’s Laboratory Porn Story: Dimensional Terror Chapter 5

All right, so this is a month overdue. I thought summer would be an opportunity to get more stuff done, but it’s just made me ungodly lazy. This chapter just proved unbelievably difficult to write; I’ve revised it as best as I could, but it’s still not up to par as much as I’d like. Try to enjoy anyway; I should have 6 out in a more timely manner, within the month! (Let’s hope. If not, Blame Louis.)
“Dexter’s Laboratory” is Y 1996 Hanna-Barbera Productions and Cartoon Network.
“Dystoria” and the characters Miss T and Ermina are Y 2001 Lindsay Smith. (Someday, maybe they’ll be part of Cartoon Network. I can dream, no?)
“The Third Sharing” and the character Roydi are Y 1999 Lindsay Smith.
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Deep down even within his murky thoughts and jumbled situation, an instinct carved into his mind from years of childhood torment already told him what he was about to hear; what one innocuous phrase was bringing about this much turmoil and grief to his already quite complicated life. He could feel the words rattling in his ears moments before they sounded out, solidifying his hypothesis that everything bad that ever had and ever would happen to him could all be traced back to the fault of one source.

Hi, Dexter!

He spun from the hooded figure to try to face the origin of the voice, but slipped on the polished marble beneath him and promptly crumpled back to the floor. Something was wrong. His legs He stretched them out before him and gasped. They were long!

Apparently his comrades had noticed the change as well, for he heard Mandark babbling scientific nonsense to himself, and Olga gave off a shameful string of curses that put a blush to his face. Holy shit, she breathed upon conclusion, were all grown up!

Dexter and Mandark turned to give her discerning looks, and she threw a (considerably slimmer, Dexter noted) fist to her mouth, whimpering. There was Dexter (looking very suave, she noted, to say nothing of three feet taller) in his plum sweater and grey wool slacks, soft orange hair trimmed neatly around his face. Her brother was dressed similarly with a navy shirt and black pants, and his head very nearly shaped like a normal person. Instead of slouching in fear like she had worked so many years to train him to do, he carried himself proudly. Then there was herself. Her hair had been gathered up differently than the two pigtails she was used to. She felt so tall, and thin, besides! Well, whatever all this dimensional blather her brother had been yapping about, it didnt seem half-bad as far as she was concerned.

Mandark stared in shock, first at his sister in her purple business ensemble, then at Dee Dee in her luscious dress of smooth pink. She was even more beautiful than in the first alternate reality he had visited; her hair fell around her seraphic face in honey curls, and her breezy sundress reminded him of the movie stars of the first half of the century. Always he had loved her, but her she was, not as a suggestion of what could be or what could have been, but the true Dee Dee made beautiful before his eyes. Pushing his gaping mouth closed, he swallowed extensively and reminded himself to concentrate on the task at hand whatever that was.

The other three seemed to remember such at the same time, as they all turned to face the hooded figure who had obliterated their controller moments ago. Despite the effeminate cape of dark velvet, he had a sturdy figure that the cloak barely contained in its folds, and his hands- the only part of him visible- held stubby fingers that he drummed incessantly. He stood facing them, arms crossed, and Mandark suspected by the way he held himself that beneath the shadows of the hood a smirk was lurking for them.

Im so glad you all could join us, he said flatly, giving them each a nod in turn. Of course, I especially ought to congratulate this one- he gestured to Dee Dee with a flourish-
for bringing you three here to us with that little controller of yours. Handy device, that. His hand swept to point to the twitching innards of the device on the floor. To bad you wont be needing them anymore.

Dexter planted his face in an ungloved hand. Where are we this time? He was absolutely going to kill Mandark for dragging him into all these unwitting travels, should they ever escape these dimensional loopholes alive.

Why, thank you for asking. This is Multiverse City, home to the Crossroads of the Worlds, he proclaimed, the Portal to All Dimensions!

Hesitantly, Mandark reached out with his mind to test if he could sense a host body that he was trapped inside such as during his first excursion into the dimensions. No second voice responded, though, and he could find no traces of any memories that nearly all the other incarnations of himself had possessed in those places. But if they were really in some kind of dimensional terminal, why did they look so different? Residual self-image? True form? Or perhaps something much simpler

Unfortunately for you, weve decided to close off the Temple of the Portals, so youll be trapped here as one of our minions for all eternity.

In unison, Dexter, Dee Dee, Olga, and Mandark all blinked.

Umm, Dexter frowned, scratching his head, yeah. What?

The man sighed, and beckoned one of the three similarly robed figures standing behind him who, up until now, werent even noticeable in the shadows. They seemed to have materialized within the intricate marble chamber. One stepped forward and held its hands splayed to the side. You see, my dear travelers, you have chosen to visit the Crossroads at a very opportune time. I doubt you came here on purpose, the feminine voice added, giving a nod to Dee Dee, she doesnt seem bright enough for that; but now that youre here, you should consider yourselves lucky. The Crossroads of the Worlds is the main joint in all the billions of the dimensional pipes, and is itself a thriving metropolis of interdimensional workers who police the Portals, if you will. Were the four new rulers of this place, the Directory, you see, and weve decided to close off the Temple of the Portals so no one shall be leaving for a while. Instead, everyone will work here for us, monitoring and managing all the dimensions and living out their meaningless lives in silent despair!

Im confused, groaned Olga. Her companions gave her stares.

A third figure stepped forward. You cant leave here. You work for us now. Were taking over the worlds. Get over it!

Oh.

Mandark was not so satisfied with the answer. He hadnt traveled this long just to get ensnared in a crummy dictatorial interdimensional loophole, not if Mandark the Genius had anything to do about it! What do you mean, were working for you? Im the worlds greatest genius, and I work for no one.

Oh! The greatest genius! the woman exclaimed in feigned delight. If youre so bright, then it shouldnt take you long to realize that if you dont work for us She leered at him. Youll be thrown into the Dimensional Abyss!

The sudden threat caught him off-guard, but such had been the way of things the past few days? Hours? However long it had been. Lady, Ive witnessed a great deal of anomalies in the past few hours. Ive journeyed to four different realities, found myself trapped in the consciousness of a computer, and been assaulted by countless zombies while trying to enjoy a pathetic excuse for a milkshake in the Latin Lounge club Purgatory from Hell, Mandark sighed. A few other sighs came from those around him, too, at having to listen to his troubles yet again, but he pretended to not hear. There is in all probability nothing you couldnt do that wouldnt make my day better.

Could her face be seen, she doubtless would have been grinning. Then perhaps you would like to experience the Dimensional Abyss first-hand? Frozen in time, forever trapped in the moment of a thousand gruesome deaths, time and space and life itself stretching you in a billion directions-

Well not really. He consciously forced himself to swallow his pride, which had been slowly rising as a lump in his throat. Not that he wasnt determined to find yet another loophole out of this stop in his own personal parade of treachery, but the dilemma still remained before he could go about seeking a means to escape: what exactly did these dictators have in mind for them?

Nice to hear. You four saps should fit quite nicely into our regime. Dont you think?

The fourth person, a man, gave a nod of approval. I think they have a very bright future in clerical work!

The four robed tyrants erupted in billows of grainy, shrewd laughter, causing Dexter, Dee Dee, and the Nomenoffs to first twitch in fear, then look around in wide-eyed annoyance. If these four were supposed to be some manner of evil monarchs, Olga had to confess they werent doing a very good job. She did notice, however, that now that she was nearly as tall as her brother, she was perfectly well suited to be the sinister miscreant she had always aspired to be

Anyway, the second woman coughed, catching her breath, all citizens of the Crossroads now work in the slightly utopian but ultimately oppressive socialist commune, filling randomly assigned employment roles in which you will perform meaningless tasks that will purportedly benefit the society as a whole, but instead will only result in multi-dimensional terror, more money for the four of us, and a pervasive feeling of worthlessness that will ultimately drive you to government-sponsored therapists who will console you with new-age psychobabble, racking up your debt to us even further and causing you to have to work even harder for the rest of your pathetic perpetually middle-aged lives.

Olga had changed her mind. These guys were good.

So, without further ado, well be sending you on your way! Have a miserable eternity.

The marble floor opened beneath them, and the two sets of siblings were sent tumbling down a grimy metal slide, sloshing and spiraling in every which way through an endless labyrinth of the palaces ductwork. Olga instinctively latched onto the nearest solid body she was twisted around, which happened to be Dexter, while Mandark took the opportunity to throw his arms around Dee Dee (only to be rapidly thrown away from her and into Dexters face). Dee Dee, being in the front of the human toboggan now, tried to slow their hasty descent, but alas, strappy pink stilettos did not good allies make and she achieved nothing short of nearly spraining her ankle. Toe shoes, she could handle, but this?

Their avalanche was most unwelcomely halted by, not a soft mattress, but four hardwood chairs that probably would have been uncomfortable to sit in even had they not fallen into them from a ten-foot drop. Both Dexter and Mandark whimpered hysterically, Olga swore like a sailor, and Dee Dee stared with newfound infuriation at the grungy ceiling overhead, water stains and all, as her eyes vied to bring themselves back to focus.

Welcome to Multiverse City, capital of the Multiverse Socialist Interdimensional Republic, drawled a sinusy lady lounging behind a wooden desk and picking at her nails. This is the Department of Redundant Employment. Im Nina, your secretary. Its my job to make you uncomfortable and give you as indirect answers as possible. Her eyes drooped, accentuating her excessive makeup, and she commenced to idly chew her fingers.

Well, youre doing a very good job, Miss Nina, Dexter snapped. Now what are our jobs?

This caught her attention, and she emitted a few curt chuckles before answering. Oh, dont be silly. If you want job assignments, you have to wait in line. I cant tell you what youll be doing, not only because Im not in charge of that, but because itd be a direct answer.

Her crooked thumb jabbed down a darkened corridor roofed by gnarled pipelines; the foursome followed it with squinting eyes to the dank bending of the hall crammed with bickering, writhing, bantering, emaciated bodies threatening their way through, around, under, and over one another. The groups eyes widened in horror, and Olga bit her lip till it bled.

Buncha vipers, arent they? Nina simpered. Have fun, kiddies.

Mandark slid reluctantly from his chair and faced his three accomplices, sweat forming on his brow. Come on, he sulked. The faster we get this over with

The faster we become slaves, Dexter finished. Ive been there too many times- both under your command, and of some stupid ants- and theres no way Im going back!

Mandark mouthed the word Ants? to De Dee, who only smiled and shrugged. Olga glanced at the two sitting on either side of her before reluctantly standing up to join her brother. Well, if thats the only way out of here, Im all for it. Im sure you two geeks can find some way to get us out of here.

There was an uneasy silence as Dexter and Mandark exchanged dubious faces.

What is your evaluation of the predicament, Dee Dee? Mandark asked, returning his attentions to his fair icon. Youve been uncharacteristically quiet.

She reached up to tug at one of her new golden curls. Im confused. Olga and Dexter released irritated sighs.

Fine. Well get a stupid job and leave here, Dexter grumbled. Im sure that with my brilliance, theyll give me a job in some sort of sciency field and Ill be able to build something to get us out of here in no time.

Secretary, declared the woman flatly, slamming the stamp forcefully onto Dexters thick file folder. A bead of sweat crept down her smooth chocolate face, which she casually scrubbed at. The Department of Redundant Employment was kept much like one would a furnace: hot, and full of petrified lumps to do the dirty work. Dexters Redundant Employment Officer, who would be overseeing his transition into droneship for the Multiverse for the next few months, called herself Miss T and was about as tactful as a hippopotamus.

What do you mean, secretary? he demanded, pounding a fist onto her desktop.

Oh, thats easy. You file, obey your bosss every command, and do grunt work. How Dexter would have loved to smack that haughty grin off her face as she said it

Instead, he deigned to cross his arms and pout to himself. Nobody turns the worlds greatest scientific mind into a secretary! he sniffled. But you havent even given me any sort of test to find out my qualifications! How can you just decide something randomly like that?

Miss T rolled her eyes, adjusted her red headband, and gave an exhaustive sigh as though explaining for the millionth time (which in all likelihood she was). Its not about competency, child, or else Id be running this department instead of sitting here explaining the whole stupid thing to you and every other stuck-up jerk to trudge through these halls. The fact that youre getting the job is inconsequential. The point is that someone has to get it, and youre next in line. She forced a smile. Welcome to the Collective.

Oh, whatever, he snapped, and scrubbed at his orange hair. It was great to be tall and grown-up, but everything that came with it here was not worth it. So what exactly am I supposed to do?

Make it as difficult as possible for people to see your superior, she shrugged. Wasnt it self-explanatory? These so-called geniuses these days

Dexters scowl creased further down his face. And just who might that be?

Several clicks came from Miss Ts archaic typewriter as she pointedly ignored his question. Finally she looked up and yanked a nonchalant thumb to a nearby desk where Olga and her officer sat. Her.

Now tell me one more time what Im supposed to be doing? Olga screeched, obviously not having received the reservation and maturity that should have come with her new adult form.

Oh, sure! giggled Ermina, the Redundant Employment Officer that had been assigned to her. Ermina was nearly as bad as Dee Dee, giggling and getting easily diverted by shiny metal objects (not unlike a magpie or ferret), and constantly fussing with the two loops of blonde braids dangling from either side of her head.

Olga was, suffice to say, not in the mood for such puerility. After standing in line for four hours with Dee Dee and their respective brothers and about three thousand other unfortunate souls condemned for one reason or another to the same pitiful demise, the last person she wanted to deal with was a perky ditz with mall bangs. Mall bangs had been all the rage in the Soviet Union when she was in kindergarten.

Youre going to have a very important job, Ermina explained. Youll be in the Department of Rejections, whose purpose is to project, proposal, petition, or other document that comes your way. People can only see you if they can get past your secretary- that guy over there.

So whatd you get? Huh huh huh? Whadya get? Dee Dee pranced around her three accomplices, heels clicking haphazardly on the worn marble floors. The outward change in age had clearly made no impact on her mental state, and in fact only seem to make her more so juvenile and irritating to her younger brother. Mandark didnt mind, though; the sight of his vivacious princess gave him renewed hope for the otherwise increasingly dismal day. There was no end in sight for their current location, and now that he had finally found the other three by pure chance in the infinite time-space continuum, he wasnt going to try tasting blood and risk getting sent elsewhere from them, likely to never escape.

The four unwilling allies were being corralled through a grueling steep hallway of slick marble that had no end in sight- had been climbing it for a good twenty minutes. Countless other inductees to Multiverse City that had just endured the painfully long Naturalisation Department and its countless videos and seminars intended to elaborate for hours on every facet of life in Multiverse City except those which were really necessary to know. Every single one but Dee Dee was dragging his or her feet.

Id rather not talk about it, Dexter mumbled, and tried to avert his sisters attention away from him. He was too busy trying to read the impossibly garrulous handbook, Life in the New Regime of Multiverse City to figure out where the four of them were supposed to live (as the seminar, though long, had been none too helpful).

Unfortunately, Olga took the initiative to embarrass him instead. Hes going to be my secretary in the Department of Rejections. A wicked grin came across her face and she pointed to herself proudly, tossing a wayward glance to Dexter, who only buried himself deeper in the handbook.

Dee Dee howled with glee, and even Mandark cracked a smile. The Dork-ster, a lowly secretary? To my idiotic sister, no less? If that wont be the most incompetent office around!

He was met with two blazing glares, and quickly clamped his jaws down, remembering a little too late that no longer were they as short as he was used to them being (not that Olga was any less dangerous at any height). He really had no interest in discovering what sort of punch Olga could pack now.

What about you, Man-dork? What kind of loser job did you get? Olga demanded, keeping her hot eyes even on her increasingly uneasy brother. Or could they not find something stupid enough for you?

Ill have you know that my job here is very important, he retorted.

Olga lifted a doubting brow. Oh? The possibility of her brother ever doing anything important was beyond her.

Yes. Im doing bookwork, he explained, with no intentions of describing it further.

Whatever. Olga followed Dee Dee with her gaze, who was still trotting around the other three. Uh Dee Dee?

Not about to give up her romp, she shrieked, Yeah?

Your job?

JANITOR! With that emotional outpouring, she flung herself at her brother for reasons never to be rationalised by the order of the universe, the manual flying from his hands, clattering to the worn incline, then sliding down and down and down

Dexter, who was panting from their continuous ascent of the ramp, watched in horror as the book was consumed by the feet of the thousands of new citizens struggling their way up the corridor. Dee Dee he whimpered, and collapsed to the stone floor.

Go get your book, Dorkster! Dee Dee joyously replied.

Dexter tossed a hopeless glance to the Nomenoffs, who responded only with frowns. Mustering as dramatic a sigh as he could, he began his march back down the slope while the three continued ever skyward. Wait for me when you get to the top, he called at them, though he knew full well it was useless to even wish they would grant him such a favour.

Why did Mandark have to drag me into all this? he wailed silently as he fought against the hordes of prisoners making their own journeys up the incline. They jostled him aside, and he could just barely catch sight of his handbook, bouncing against their legs and tumbling further down, to the very base of the endless stone expanse. Dexter chased it as vigourously as he could, unaccustomed as he was to the sensation of having legs.

At last I high-heeled foot stretched out to halt his book. Dexter dashed towards it to scoop it up. Thanks, he mumbled, reaching for it, but the woman beat him to it.

Hi, she smiled, clutching the handbook by its spine but remaining bent over.

Dexter blinked, his hand still outstretched. Can I have my handbook back?

The woman straightened up and smoothed her blue knit skirt, but continued to hold onto Dexters guide. Well, dont you look a little out of place, she laughed after studying him with beady eyes. How did you get stuck here? Did they snatch you out of your dimension, or did you come here by accident?

Emitting an indignant snort, Dexter crossed his arms. Why, I came here on purpose, of course. Im a brilliant scientist, you know.

She chuckled and brushed a wispy piece of mousy brown hair out of her face. Is that so. Then youre just the man Im looking for. Im Roydi, and I think I may know something of getting out of here.

Numerous passersby turned to give them suspicious looks when she said the last part, and Dexter shuffled his feet. And how the heck do you propose that? And why are you telling me, for that matter?

Because I need the assistance of a scientist. That and- Well. Its not important.

He looked wary at the last comment, but smiled. Then youve come to the right little scientist! My name is Dexter- boy genius!

There was a great silence.

Then, Boy?

Well. I guess I dont look like a boy right now.

Roydi shook her head. The whole perpetually middle-aged decree, right.

This place is so very confusing, Dexter groaned. My whole day has been this way

Would you like me to explain to you what Ive come to understand about it? In return for your assistance, of course. She flipped through Dexters manual. A subtle action, but he caught the meaning- she was still in possession of it. Ive been here for a few days, and- well, Id like to think Ive made some amount of sense of it all.

Taking a step back (and inadvertently bumping into an irate man, who departed after a few choice words), Dexter adjusted his glasses. I dont know. Ive got to get back to my um friends. Even the feel of the word left a bitter taste in his mouth. His sister and the Nomenoffs were the last people hed choose to forge an alliance with.

Great! she exclaimed, clasping her hands together. I can explain it to them, too.

Mumbling to himself, Dexter tried to tail her all the way up the endless hill, and hoping this woman wasnt planning on making a permanent addition to their group. That was the last thing he needed!

I propose we forget him, Mandark said. He abandoned us, and would he return, he will only drag us down once I found a method of escape.

Olga offered her grudging agreement; she was preoccupied with her new hairstyle and the joys of having limbs worthy to be called legs. Dee Dee was not quite so eager. Thats my little brother youre talking about, and we cant just dump him here.

As I recall, Olga said pointedly, looking over at Dee Dee from where she was leaning against a cracked column, you werent with us at the Limbo Lounge. That means you are not part of this expedition, and you have no say. Dexter left us, so were finding our own way home, and were doing it right now. To emphasise this point, she shoved off the column and strode toward the centre of the row, hands on hips and a scowl on her face.

Just how did you get here anyway? Mandark asked. Despise Dexter though he did, he had no desire to go against the wishes of his true love. He was slumped against the self-same column, seated on the cool floor (about the only relief from the dreadful heat, making everyones hair stick to their necks and their new business attire cling ever closer to their bodies). He was staring in turns at the floor and at Dee Dee, doing his best not to ogle her new adult figure. I have more taste than that, he told himself repeatedly.

With her usual flippancy, she shrugged it off. I was playing in Dexters secret laboratory. That part came as no surprise; didnt all Dee Dees adventures begin that way? There were these two remotes on the table, so I took one of them- more astounding logic from the gem of his heart- and then there was this new machine that Dexter had been working on, so I went and played with that, and I got here! She giggled, quite proud of herself. Then the remote- I had forgotten about the remote, till those hooded people started asking me lots of questions, so I told them about it, then they took it from me- here she pouted- and pressed a button, then you guys showed up.

Nice recap. Wonderful help you are, Olga muttered under her breath.

Mandark wasnt nearly so amused. Despite the fact that were all here, why has everyone had so much of an easier time of it than me? Ive been whipped! Trampled! Drowned! Attacked by zombies! He howled despairingly and pulled his knees under his chin. Is it so much to ask that I prove Dexter wrong? Thats all I really wanted.

Olga crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. Here we go again.

Its okay, Mandark, Dee Dee cooed. She kneeled beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. You dont have to be better than Dexter.

Looking up at her and trying to suppress his joy at her reassuring touch, he smiled. Really? Whys that, my precious angel?

She stood up. Because youre both losers.

Olga cackled, and Mandark just stared in disbelief. This was all a nightmare, he was sure of it now. Any moment Olga would be pouncing on him safe in his bedroom, yelling at him to get dressed before he missed the school bus and forcing him to do her homework. Father would be shouting in Russian and Mother burning the toast, his robots laying out his outfit for the new day He glanced over at his sister; for the first time in a long while she looked truly distraught and uncertain. Even Dee Dee was sullen. And to what end had he brought such misery to people for whom he cared?

Olgas sad expression had turned to a haughty one.

Well, one he cared for, at least. This is all my fault! he cried.

Hey, everybody! called the non-specific but unmistakably European accent. I see you finally found the exit to the streets. Theres someone Id like you to meet.

Three heads turned to the grown Dexter first and then the squirrelly woman by his side. Dee Dee blinked; Mandark raised an eyebrow (his witty retort all but forgotten); Olga grimaced.

This is Roydi. She says she knows something about the Crossroads of the Worlds place and she may know a way to get out of here.

The lady gave a nervous nod to them. Dexter tells me hes a scientist, and with his help I can probably reopen the Portals.

Portals? Im a scientist too, you know, Mandark frowned.

Roydi began, Even better-

Youre no scientist, Dexter cut off. The only thing youve accomplished is getting us all lost!

If someone wouldve believed my theories of alternate dimensions in the first place, I never would have had to show you the hard way!

I wasnt the one sabotaging peoples labs and possessing their computer!

Dee Dee rolled her eyes. Oh, shut up, you two! Mandark eagerly complied while Dexter did what came naturally between siblings: he stuck his tongue out at her.

So long as were adults here, we might as well try acting it, Olga grumbled. Theres not a single one of you I enjoy being around but Im sure as Hell not trying to get stuck here with you guys forever. Dexter took particular offense to this and glowered at her while the others just sulked.

Um. So none of you are really adults. Roydi took a step back.

With a wave of his hand, Dexter shrugged. Age is irrelevant. Youre looking at the greatest scientific mind to exist.

Yeah, right over here, Mandark waved.

Right, Roydi frowned. Tell you what. If I dont want to get arrested, I need to get back to work, but let me write down my apartment number for you and we can talk later. She pulled a pen from her purse and scribbled something down, then handed the scrap to Dexter.

Pink ink! Its hurting my eyes! he screamed.

Roydi laughed. Of course. Everything in Multiverse City is written in impossible-to-read pink ink.

How evil.

Cool! Dee Dee shrieked.

Roydi looked frightened once more. Well speak later. Gbye! With that, she scurried off, a slight limp apparent in her left leg.

She seemed nice, Dee commented. Olga gave her a dirty look. What?

Can we go locate our apartment now? I feel as though Ive not slept in four days, and my body needs to be replenished, whined Mandark. At this point he no longer cared what horrible excursions sleep would bring; were it to transport him away from here, perhaps itd be for the best.

Dexter shuddered. Im almost afraid to see it.

Narrowing her eyes at him, Olga snapped, It cant be too bad, Dexter. We could have been there an hour ago if you werent off talking to that Roydi girl.

Whats your problem with Roydi? You just met her!

So did you, Olga harrumphed.

Mandark and Dee Dee looked at each other suddenly, the same question raising in their eyes. Mandark shivered. Was this the answer to his problems with Olga he had been waiting for? Or the beginning of unimaginable nightmares?

Come on, dorks! Lets go! Dee Dee bounded to her feet, Mandark close behind her (despite a discouraging glance). Together they shoved on the massive brass door that would finally release them from the catacombs that were called the main government building, which they had weaved through for hours, and set them loose into some semblance of confined freedom, in which they could plot their escape

Um Olga? Mandark called.

She broke from her staring contest with Dexter. What is it, Man-dork?

He let the door glide slowly open. One thing about Multiverse City might cause you a few problems It always rains.

Beating on the soggy packet, Miss T worked to shake out one last crumpled cigarette from the confines. Oh, sure, she claimed to have kicked the habit years ago, but if anything could drive a person back to tobacco, it was Multiverse City. God, what a wretched place this was.

She shrank back under the recesses of the porch and glared at the rain splattering beyond the overhang as she lit the stick. What in the worlds had possessed her to take this job? Hadnt the Galaxy Force been murder enough? Working for the twisted sadists that had seized control of Multiverse City two years back could kill a resume faster than a faster than a she didnt even know what. As she exhaled, one hand twitched on her white skirt to pull the worn fabric closer to her knees. Shed be damned if she ever earned enough on this worthless salary to buy some new outfits. At least shed been hired into the position instead of shanghaied to the Multiverse like so many of the million other tormented beings that she dealt with on a daily basis- that much, she could be grateful for.

Miss T! I thought you stopped! gasped a voice behind her. Oh, God, not again

Its none of your business, Ermina.

The blonde woman looked at her with her eternally innocent wide eyes. Youre going to kill yourself, she admonished, wrenching the cigarette from Miss Ts lips and tossing it into the rain.

Hey! That was my last one! she cried.

Good. Keep it that way. Ermina leaned beside her, blonde braids frazzled and pink bows sagging. This isnt very fun, Miss T. I thought you said this would be better than our old job.

She wasnt about to break the denser womans resolve. Ermina trusted her decisions far too blindly. Why of course it is. Instead of being cooped up in a spaceship all day, we get to sit at desks and make other peoples lives miserable.

But I dont want to make people miserable.

Then why the Hell do you wanna work for Myopia? she snapped. Honestly, she just didnt understand Ermina sometimes

Ermina stuck out her lower lip. Im sorry, Miss T. I just thought maybe you were unhappy here, too.

Nonsense, Miss T said. I mean, even if I was- which Im not, mind you- we couldnt leave here without the Quatrains consent.

Oh. It was a dejected noise.

Ill make you a deal. If we ever get out of here, well apply for Myopia, promised Miss T.

Ermina threw her arms around her, despite vehement physical objections on Miss Ts part. When finally she freed herself of the overzealous woman, Ermina spoke once more. Oh, Miss T? You know those four kids we saw today?

There aint no kids in Multiverse City. Everyones gotta suffer through the age of the mid-life crisis. Its how the Quatrain keeps them in submission.

Well, yeah, but you could tell they were kids.

Miss T frowned in thought. Yeah, I think I remember.

Do you think they were- you know the Four?

The lighter she had been idly flicking on and off crashed to the pavement, shattering. Was it really possible? On the one hand, it could make things even worse, but then again This could be just the break they were looking for; maybe she could keep her promise to Ermina after all. Still, she couldnt get the girls hope up. Or her own.

I dont know, Ermina. I dont know.

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Next time: Will Olga get home safely? Will poor Mandark ever win Dee Dee’s love? What is this mysterious Roydi up to, and why has she come to our foursome for help? What is the mysterious Four Miss T and Ermina refer to? Find out next time in Part Six!
Dexter’s Lab is all about bad science!
Don’t worry… this WILL all come together in the end. Thanks for all the reviews I’ve gotten lately! Believe it or not, they DID prompt me to get to work! We’re halfway there. A new contest will be coming to the Mandarkers Society in the next few weeks to illustrate your favourite scene from this epic. Details to follow on the site.

The Mandarkers Society
/mandark