November 10, 2005
Week 28 - Impossible Dreams 11
Episode 4
"Jesus Christ!" Powell yells, leaping back.
The dog strains at a chain that attaches its collar to a bolt in the wall of the foreman's shack. Its fierce barking echoes in the night.
"Do not fear, Pan Boy," Lamont says. "The beast is restrained. Now... On to the launch pad!"
Powell stares at the dog. "Jesus Christ," he repeats.
They proceed across the field until they come to the half completed Aero III, next to the crane. "So," Lamont says, studying the turbine. "I knew this was too easy. Captain Camouflage has left this giant robot to guard the launch bay."
"Um... I think that's the new turbine Lucy's all excited about..."
"Really, Pan Boy," Lamont says, exasperated. "Haven't you yet learned to recognize the telltale illusions of Captain Camouflage? To you, and to all other ordinary mortals, this metal monstrosity appears to be a harmless wind turbine. And, as you already pointed out, the launch pad appears to be a crane. But, fortunately for the nation, and, indeed, for humanity as a whole, my talisman, the Coyote's Fang, reveals the truth. Now... Pull out your weapon and assist me!" He grabs a wrench from a pouch at his belt and begins hammering it against the Aero III.
"Um... Can't we just... go around?"
Lamont shakes his head. "The robot is much too fast. It's blocking my every move. If we wish to reach the launch pad we shall have to bring down this foe first. Now don't just stand there, I need help!" He swipes with his wrench, then staggers back. "It's getting the better of me!" He swings again.
Powell watches for a moment, then shrugs. He undoes a clasp at his belt and pulls free the frying pan that had been hanging there. He begins to halfheartedly bang it against the side of the turbine.
"Very good!" Lamont yells as he swings his wrench. "Between your Mighty Pan and my Coyote's Claw we shall yet prevail against this mechanical menace!"
Powell swings his pan a few more times and then lets it drop to his side.
He watches as Lamont trips to the ground, then leaps up and strikes once more.
"What am I doing here?" Powell mumbles to himself. "This is ridiculous..."