Trick or Treat, Pt 13

By Jill Weber

Big Guy and Rusty characters owned by Sony and Darkhorse and are used without permission or intent to make a profit.

***

Building Maintenance had gotten into the spirit of the season by turning the party floor into a labyrinth. Apparently, they'd been wanting to try something like this since the one thousandth complaint about the Quark Building being a big maze and how could anybody find their way?

The walls were covered with black draperies and the lights were dimmed. There were a lot of signs posted, some of which actually gave useful information. There were all sorts of surprises hidden in the maze. Quark employees were posted at various stages to hand out treats or play tricks or to give out directions, if really needed.

The path lead through the corridors, in and out of offices, up some stairs, down some stairs and in my lady's chamber… actually the ladies room, where three 'witches' were stirring a smoking cauldron.

The human children shrieked with glee when 'monsters' popped out from behind curtains and closed doors. The adults jumped or laughed, depending on how prepared they were. The boy robot had to keep up a constant mantra of 'They're human, don't shoot. They're human, don't shoot. They're human, don't shoot.'

Once, when one of the scientists got particularly obnoxious about giving accurate directions, Rusty increased his volume just enough to let Dr. Huckle hear him.

That brought about a rapid change of attitude, but not for long. "You little brat, I ought to…" Huckle snarled under his breath.

"Watch your language," Hunter said. "And remember that Rusty saved your miserable hide once."

Whatever Huckle planned to reply to that was left unsaid once the scientist met Hunter's icy glare.

At the end of the maze was the party room. IF Building Maintenance had gone all out for the maze, they'd gone totally overboard for this room. There were pumpkins and candles apparently floating in midair while witches and owls flocked across the ceiling in a hologram that made the ceiling look like the night sky.

"Whoa! Look at the goodies!" Jeffy exclaimed.

Rusty looked over the tables that looked ready to collapse under the weight of all the food and party favors. "What is all this stuff?" he asked.

He and Jeffy walked behind the group of children who were exclaiming over the various treats. Equally curious, Slate and Hunter trailed after them.

"Not so fast!" Dr. Lester laughed. "You have to wait until everybody has arrived!" She was dressed in swashbuckling clothes that had CDs and floppy disks plastered all over it.

She was standing next to a large punch bowl that was bubbling and emitting steam.

"Why is it steaming?" Jeffy asked.

"I added dry ice," Dr. Lester explained. "That's frozen carbon dioxide and it evaporates at room temperature. It's harmless, but it looks cool."

"You look cool, too," Rusty said. "What are you?"

Lester grinned. "Why thank you, Rusty," she replied. "I'm a software pirate."

Rusty and Jeffy fell over laughing.

"Ow, that's bad," Hunter said.

"Look who's talking," Slate responded, poking him in the ribs.

"I do not make bad puns," Hunter said with dignity. I make horrible puns."

Dr. Lester laughed. "We'll have to try a pun-off someday. Loser buys pizza."

Hunter shook his head. "Anytime you feel like buying lunch, Doc," he said.

"Remind me to sell tickets," Slate put in. She looked at the food. "Cake, candy, popcorn, ice cream. Is there anything healthy here?" she asked.

"Why are you worried?" Dr. Lester said. "Rusty can't even get cavities!"

"I was thinking of what I could eat," Slate replied. "Got to keep my girlish figure, you know."

"Well, there are apples," Hunter said in such bland tones that Slate knew there was a punch line coming.

"Really? Caramel coated ones, no doubt," she said.

"Them, too," Hunter agreed. "But I was referring to those."

He pointed and Slate looked.

"Oh, goody," she said. If I want to eat something healthy, I have to stick my head in a tub of ice water and catch pneumonia."

"Maybe you should stick to sugar," Dr. Lester said kindly. "You can work it off tomorrow."

Rusty looked to where Hunter had pointed. "Why are those apples floating in a tub of water? Aren't they clean enough yet?"

So Slate explained about bobbing for apples while Jeffy had to be physically restrained from giving an impromptu demonstration.

"Save it for the party, Champ," Hunter advised.