Dexter let out a long sigh of relief. "It's Reuben."
The experiment hopped down from the medical bed and tilted his head, looking at Dexter with half-lidded eyes. "Reuben? I don't know who that is, but my name is Experiment 625." He scratched his belly thoughtfully. "Though… I kinda like Reuben. Has a nice ring to it."
The moment his feet touched the floor, multiple hidden turrets in the ceiling and walls swiveled toward him, red targeting lasers painting his small body. Reuben froze, raising his hands slowly.
Dexter quickly lifted a hand. "Stand down."
The weapons powered down instantly.
Reuben exhaled dramatically. "By the way… you got any jam and bread? I'm starving."
Dexter stared at him for a second, then gestured to one of the standby maintenance bots. "Lead him to the food section. Give him whatever he wants."
The robot rolled forward obediently. Reuben shrugged and followed it, hands in his hips, already humming a lazy tune under his breath.
Metal hovered closer to Dexter, his mechanical voice laced with clear confusion. "Why would you let it roam free? Based on my analysis, that creature matches the genetic signature of the blue creature we encountered in Hawaii, only with different coloration."
"Yeah, it is one of Jumba's," Dexter replied, watching Reuben disappear around the corner. "But that guy is practically lazy to the bone. He'll only move if there's food involved. The reason I was on high alert earlier was because I thought it might be one of the destructive ones."
Metal remained silent for a moment, processing. "Understood. Low threat assessment confirmed."
Dexter ruffled his own hair and picked up a nearby tablet. "Computer, has my schedule for this week's appointments been finalized?"
"Yes, Dexter. All meetings have been arranged and confirmed," Computer responded smoothly.
"Good." He set the tablet down, but his eyes lingered on one particular file still open on the screen.
List of Possible Recruits:
- Mary & Susan Test
- Dr. Utonium
- Doo-Dee
- Dr. Samantha
- Flint Lockwood
- Mr. Peabody
- Dr. Cockroach
- ...
Dexter stared at the list for a long moment before heading toward his room. Sleep sounded excellent right now.
---
The Next Day – Afternoon
The custom helicopter Dexter had built hummed smoothly through the sky, its sleek black-and-red frame cutting through the clouds. He sat in the pilot's seat, hands steady on the controls as he approached his destination.
Swallow Falls.
The island was unmistakable even from the air. Its most famous landmark was the massive sardine cannery complex, surrounded by endless promotional attractions: Sardine Park, the Sardine Museum, the Virtual Sardine Experience where tourists were squeezed into life-sized sardine cans, and countless food stalls selling Sardine Dogs, Sardine Ice Cream, and other questionable delicacies.
Dexter landed the helicopter on a private pad he had reserved earlier. The rotors slowly spun down as he stepped out, adjusting his glasses against the bright afternoon sun.
A man in a crisp black suit was already waiting, standing beside a shorter, energetic man wearing a grey-blue business suit, an orange and purple striped tie, and a slightly crooked toupee.
The shorter man stepped forward with an overly enthusiastic smile, extending his hand. "Please allow me to introduce myself! I'm Mayor Shelbourne. It's an honor to meet the young owner of Dextrotech Inc. The company that's been making waves with its incredible robots!"
Dexter shook the man's hand firmly. "Nice to meet you too, Mayor."
"I must say, I didn't expect the owner to be so young!" Mayor Shelbourne laughed heartily. "But youth is full of passion, eh? So, what brings you to our humble island? Interested in our world-famous sardines? Would you like a personal tour? We have the Sardine Museum, the Sardine—"
Dexter raised a hand politely, cutting him off. "Actually, I'm looking for a man named Flint Lockwood. Can you help me find him?"
The moment the name left Dexter's mouth, Mayor Shelbourne's smile froze for a split second before snapping back into place, perhaps a little too wide.
"Of course! Of course!" the mayor said quickly. "My secretary here will escort you. I, uh, have some important mayoral duties to attend to. Enjoy your stay!"
The mayor made a swift exit while his secretary led Dexter to a waiting car. They drove through the quirky, sardine-obsessed town until they reached a quiet residential area.
The car stopped in front of a rather ordinary single-story suburban home painted pale light green with a darker roof. What made it stand out was the massive, old water tower directly behind it. The top of the tower had been heavily modified, crowned with a large grey domed structure that looked like a makeshift laboratory, complete with antennas, satellite dishes, and various mechanical contraptions sticking out at odd angles.
Dexter thanked the secretary, who drove off, leaving him standing alone in front of the house. He walked up to the front door and pressed the doorbell.
A few moments passed.
Then the door creaked open.