Dylan deflated a bit as he saw Riptide's response. Running the crime without the surfer didn't sound like something Dr. Zlo would do. Mainly because a tidal wave bomb wasn't something Dr. Zlo thought to use in crimes. The villain focused on other endeavors.
But now Dylan had to think about those other endeavors. What was the next big crime in store for Dr. Zlo? He walked out of the makeshift villain building pondering the idea. A sharp voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Dr. Zlo, just the man I wanted to talk to."
Dylan looked up to see Dextra standing in front of him. "Ah, Dextra Black. I see you require my genius once again."CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m
"Moreso your talents in creation," Dextra replied. "Your plans for the city are impeccable, but we don't have the workforce to make the dual city of Skyline a reality. Not to mention the ridiculous amount of powerful materials we'd need."
Dr. Zlo threw back his head and laughed, "Ha! Nothing will get in the way of my plans! Just use some of my funds!"
"Oh, money isn't the issue. Not yet, at least." Dextra walked over and grabbed Dr. Zlo by the arm, "Walk with me."
The villainess pulled Dr. Zlo along for a few steps before the two found a rhythm. The two walked side by side as Dextra brought Dr. Zlo over to the edge of the fledgling city. Hans stood with Cass, holding drink trays and flanking an ornate table. Carved wooden chairs sat next to both, and Dextra led Dr. Zlo over to the two.
"Since we're going to be having a lengthy conversation, I figured it would be best to have refreshments."
"I gotcha a martini, boss," Cass said helpfully. He held the tray out for his owner, but before Dr. Zlo could take the drink, a smoky hand snagged the glass.
Shizuka appeared at Dextra's side and downed the martini in one gulp, "Oh man, he makes good stuff."
"That was for the boss!" Cass exclaimed.
"It's fine, Cass," Dr. Zlo said. "I'm sure you can prepare another in no time flat."
Dr. Zlo placed himself into one of the chairs and crossed his legs, "So, what do you plan to discuss?"
Dextra sat in the other chair and leaned forward. "As you know, money is no issue for us at the moment. However, the cost of materials adds up, and there are some that can't be bought. Take Alienite for example, only the Quli hold onto that. But without the material, this city would not be possible. I've been trying to uncover the location of large stashes of Alienite for the levitators, but the aliens are more cunning than I anticipated. Only the leader holds a large enough quantity of Alienite."
Cass handed Dr. Zlo his martini, which the villain took and sipped. "Are you saying we need to get involved in this war?" he asked.
"It's either that or we discover other options," Dextra replied. The villainess crossed his arms, "Tell me, is it possible for your power to create a levitator that doesn't use Alienite?"
"Let me see" Dr. Zlo opened up his power and re-entered the levitation generator. As the description appeared, he altered it to specify the power source as something other than Alienite. A few seconds later, the power spat back the answer.
Dr. Zlo frowned, "It seems that if we don't use Alienite, we need Phlebotinium."
This factory can be used by anyone to create various minions and followers. By scanning an idea into the computer and adding the correct materials, anyone can become the new owner of their very own minion!
Full Face Mask (1)
Scanning Machine (1)
Mannequin Doll (1)
3-D Printer (10)
Superglue (1 bottle)
Funnel (3)
When finished, Dr. Zlo explained the idea to Dextra, who nodded in agreement. "I think that works for now. It'll let us build different types of workers. I'll purchase the materials for three machines, and we'll set them up outside. Next is the upgrade machine. And don't worry about defenses right now, Nikola has that covered."
Nodding, Dr. Zlo went to work creating a machine that allowed others to do what he did. Eventually, he settled on something. His power chugged along, working tirelessly to list the needed materials. Minutes passed as Dextra and Dr. Zlo sipped on drinks provided by Cass. Finally, the power finished.
The Mad Factory
This device is a marvelous invention created by Dr. Zlo to allow others to build their own crazy devices! By typing in what they want and a brief description of the idea, the Mad Factory interprets the description as best it can and lists the required materials. Once all the materials are collected, the Factory goes to work crafting the best item it can!
Phlebotinium (2 g)
Conveyor Belt (10)
3-D Printer (10)
Funnel (5)
Desktop Computer (25)
Touchscreen Monitor (2)
Robotic Arms (15)
Portable Scanner (1)
Copper Wire (50 m)
Gold Plated Cables (10 m)
Angry Magazine (1 issue)
Smart Device (1)
"This is by far my most ambitious invention to date," Dr. Zlo said after he listed off the materials.
"It is a rather expensive machine," Dextra admitted. "But worth it. Once all the materials arrive, I'd like you to create each factory. After that, feel free to be on your way."
Hans brought out a laptop for Dextra, who went to work ordering the materials needed along with more building supplies. Dr. Zlo spent the time messing around with the levitation generator. He'd forgotten he specified the generator to levitate inorganic materials at specific heights. Which meant his martini glass sat floating in the air when he let go of it earlier. From the look of it, materials would hover in the air horizontally every five feet.
Dylan wondered if he could use the idea somehow, but Dextra finished up before he could think too deeply about it. With the materials ordered, Dr. Zlo went to work creating the lackey factories.
"Now, I don't have the Phlebotinium for the other device, but once someone retrieves the pieces from Mutatholis, I'll let you know."
"Understood," Dr. Zlo bowed. "Until we meet again, Dextra Black."
"Goodbye, Dr. Zlo. Don't cause too many problems for me."
"That depends!" said Dr. Zlo as he left. "How do you feel about marching bands?"