Back to Chapter 63

“How did it go, sir?”

Snively regretted asking the question immediately after it passed through his lips. Robotnik’s glare told him everything he needed to know- specifically, that Project Thunder had been a complete failure and Sonic the Hedgehog had once again defeated him- and also hinted that Robotnik might launch Snively across the room.

Robotnik paused, silent. He took a deep breath then spoke, “As a scientist, I have to expect to face results that don’t meet my expectations. This is one of those times, Snively. I didn’t plan adequately, or at the very least I jumped the gun with the timing. As a result, Sonic bested me again. I take no pleasure in saying it, believe me. But science doesn’t stop just because you get a result you don’t like. You simply have to move forward, change the parameters and keep on trying with new tests until you achieve a satisfactory outcome”

Robotnik sat down in a large bucket chair designed for his more-than-ample frame. Snively nodded, contemplating applause but deciding to withhold it for fear or appearing condescending, “Very well put, sir. But, you’ll forgive me, doctor- the details of the plan seemed well thought out. What parameters in particular do you believe responsible for this… setback?”

“To tell the truth, Snively, I put the blame on the Badniks. Sonic’s seen them all before. Oh, sure, a turtle here, a shrimp there, they were new, but on the whole Sonic isn’t intimidated any more. He’s grown comfortable with the sight of my robot army. And do you know what use an army that doesn’t strike fear into its opponents is, Snively?”

“What, sir?”

“NONE!” Robotnik exploded with rage and Snively shrank in on himself, letting out a pitiful squeak.

“F-f-forgive me, doctor, but… perhaps, then, a new wave of Badniks is in order?”

“Quite right, Snively. And, to that end, I have taken it upon myself to acquire the services of a new Badnik designer,” Robotnik pressed a button on the desk next to him and spoke into a microphone, “You can come in now, introduce yourself”

The door to the lab slid open. In walked a thin- frankly, gaunt- man with green skin, wild eyes, a sadistic smile and slick, gelled green hair. He wore smart, polished black shoes beneath pressed black trousers. On his upper half, a smart purple shirt was complimented by a large bow tie. And over it all was a long, white lab coat. Under his arm were a few rolled up sheets of blueprint paper. On his back was some variety of machinery, not unlike a backpack in appearance. Snively reasoned it was possibly some sort of life support system. Or it could have just had the gentleman’s sandwiches in it.

Robotnik motioned at the man with a smile, “Snively, I’d like you to meet my new Chief Scientist- Grimer”

Grimer gave a withering approximation of a smile of his own and spoke in a voice that would send a shudder down the spine of anyone who heard it, “Doctor Snively, so nice to meet you. Might I say, I admire your work in the field of robotics”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Snively shook Grimer’s hand.

“Of course, when it comes to robotics, there’s none finer than Doctor Robotnik. A remarkable mind, I’m sure you’ll agree”

“Oh, yes,” Snively concurred, partly because he knew Robotnik’s shoe would be embedded in him if he didn’t, “A visionary, even”

“That’s enough toadying, Snively,” Robotnik chastised, “It’s Grimer’s vision we need here. While you and I come up with new weaponry for the Egg-O-Matic, Grimer will be in charge of the designs for our Badnik army”

“Speaking of designs, doctors, there is one in particular I’m keen to share with you,” Grimer unfolded one of the blueprints tucked under his arm, “When we first met, Doctor Robotnik, you mentioned you’d been working on a mechanical version of your foe. I have some ideas myself, as you can see”

Robotnik stroked idly at his moustache as he eyed Grimer’s blueprint, “Oh, yes. That should do quite nicely…”

“If you’ll allow me, doctor,” Grimer continued, unravelling two more blueprints, “I do think there may be use yet for the Badniks you have standing by. Perhaps they, led by this Badnik of my design, might be able to help us create… well, this”

Robotnik laughed, a small laugh at first but it soon built into an echoing boom of laughter. Snively and Grimer couldn’t help but join in. Being an evil genius was such fun.

On to Chapter 65