The Professor's New Assistant

Electroman crouched behind the packing crate. So far, all the details of the rendezvous had been flawless, right down to the password to the underground lair's security system. Despite his long years of fighting evil and working for justice, the superhero felt nervous and excited. At last, one of the Professor's agents was defecting, and Electroman would bring him to the side for Good.

Footsteps echoed down the curved walls of the tunnel. The footsteps slowed, then stopped. Finally, right on schedule, four raps sounded through the crate. It was the signal. Electroman raised himself up to greet his new ally and –

“But you're a girl!” he cried.

The woman he faced narrowed her brown eyes behind her glasses and frowned.

“I'm sorry, I do not mean to be rude,” Electroman said. “I was expecting Igor. Perhaps he sent you?”

“Igor retired six months ago,” the woman said. “Back problems, you know? I'm Melissa, the Professor's new assistant,” she continued as she extended her hand to shake.

“I know you won't believe this,” Electroman began as he moved from behind the crate, “but you are obviously enslaved by the evil tyrant known as Professor Absolute. He's using you as his personal pawn in his nefarious plans. I can save you.”

“Enslaved? I don't think so,” Melissa snorted. “I get full benefits, paid vacation, publishing rights on my own research, and unlimited lab time. Plus I don't have to kiss up to anyone on a tenure review board.”

“But I can save you,” the superhero repeated.

“The Professor was a lot like you,” Melissa said. “Really clueless.”

“Clueless?” Electroman asked as a bright flash consumed him.

“Yeah, “Melissa sighed, stepping over the smoldering pile of ash. “He didn't see that coming, either.”

Word count: 299