-2- by Steve Iverson

"Holland must have something to do with this!," he muttered. "He has been a foil for everything I do. Ever since the first episode."

Arcane stumbled into his bedroom. He had overslept this morning, and for some reason even his shower couldn't invigorate him. Then this whole hairdryer thing just ruined his morning. What would be next? No ketchup for his scrambled eggs?

The intercom interrupted his foul mood. "Dr. Arcane?" It was the familiar voice of Graham. "Doctor, there's been a problem down in the lab. Various pieces of equipment all over the complex have begun exploding. I don't understand it."

"Have there been any intruders?," scowled Arcane. "Any big, green intruders?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary, at least not so far," came the response. "But the incidents are not limited to just the lab. Television equipment, telephones, even the frying pans in the kitchen have exploded. Looks like you won't get your eggs today, eh, Dr. Arcane?"

"I'll be down in a minute. Send out for my breakfast!" screamed Arcane, just as the intercom exploded in his face. He stumbled backwards, blinded momentarily by the blast. He grabbed for his robe and stormed out, heading for the lab. "Curse you Alec Holland, " he muttered.