Trash Rising Part 3

Trash Rising Part 3
A Story by Scott W. Taylor


Last time on Trash Rising: Harold Zarkmann has taken possession of an ancient device capable of mutating every human being on Earth. The four archaeologists and their military escorts that were sent to the ruins to find the device have been captured, used as guinea pigs and have been mutated into creatures of unlimited power by an array of mystical mirrors. The mirrors were built by men thousands of years ago to metamorphose all who looked deep into their own reflections. Now Harold has designs on the entire planet, to transform all human life into mutants!

‘Oh no?’ Jay “Wheels” Malloy shot as the giant wheel he seemed caught in began to spin and rev. He no longer possessed legs, but this one wheel seemed to be his only means of generating motion.  Quickly, and without warning he sped towards Harold, knocking him off balance. The other mutations grabbed hold of Zarkmann’s arms and hurled him in front of the mirror’s reflection. The man looked up and watched his own transformation. And it was not a pretty sight. In a trice the man who was Harold Zarkmann was gone and his reflection stepped out from the confines of the mirror—changed!

‘Mr. Zarkmann?’ Bob and Goon, the two soldiers spoke in unison as the creature emerged from the mirror.

‘Harold Zarkmann is no more. There is only…Malice!’ announced the creature.

‘The satellites surrounding the earth are almost fully charged’ he added, approaching the controls that gave the energy readouts.

‘All I have to do is pull this leaver and all of humanity will join us in transformation!’

‘We have to do something’ Cinderella gestured to the screen and the image of the satellites.

‘Like what? We’re completely surrounded’ Commander Trash observed, with a measure of gloom.

‘That’s what they want us to think!’ “wheels” Malloy asserted, gritting his teeth. His wheel began to rev again. 

Without warning Malloy sped off and with the traction of his mighty wheel knocked each of the masked guards flying. One after the other the minions of Malice were sent hurtling in every direction.

   'You are too late, fool!' Malice cried as he pulled the lever. The satellites surrounding the Earth responded, extending their telescoping mirrors.  
  Instantly a bright light began to bathe the Earth. It was as if the sun had gone nova. It shone over the land and the oceans, almost blinding. Even on the other side of the world, the side that faced the moon presently, brightened and beamed with a magnificent glow. It was as if morning had come early.

Malice’s mirrors, connected to every satellite orbiting the planet began to immerse everything in a transforming light. It would happen slowly, but soon the world and all its human inhabitants would receive the same fate as the team of scientists.

‘We’re too late!’ Cinderella shouted, pointing at the viewer. ‘The satellites are active!’

‘Right’ Malice gloated. ‘The world shall know that revolution comes, not through action, but through reaction.’ 

‘That’s not how it works!’ argued Dirk. ‘Its through actions that real changes are made!’

Malice laughed, realising the irony of this statement.

‘If we had to wait for humanity to act instead of react, we would be waiting an eternity! To effect any change one must commit an act so unsettling, so unconscionable that the implications of it are enough to drive the people out of their lethargy! There is a reaction, yes?’

Indeed there was. The view screen showed images of London, then Paris, Moscow and New York. Everywhere was being affected. Change was something that was long overdue in Malice’s eyes. Those who were caught in the ever pervading light were starting to mutate, some much faster than others. 

‘See how easy it is?’ Malice revelled. ‘To change the hearts, the very mindsets of the people one must first create a schism, a split as it were between what the people have always perceived as their own self image, and what they are to become…and then burn all their bridges behind them so there is no turning back!’

The vile creature laughed malevolently as the heroes watched on helplessly.

Malice turned to the two soldiers known as Bob and Goon.

‘You two, my newest minions, you are both my foot soldiers now. Take the trash out. Take the prisoners to a cell…an unpleasant one! Make sure they are treated badly!’

‘yes, boss’ Goon answered, snapping into action.

‘Bob, Goon, what are you doing?’ their commander asked.

‘Just followin’ orders’ Bob said, pressing the barrel of his rifle in Commander Trash’s back.

‘You two jerks!’ Cinderella reacted, grabbing Bob’s rifle and yanking him sideways. Bob was sent hurtling into the path of his associate, Goon, and the two managed to end up on a heap on the floor.

Dirk Gumbo turned to Malice and added,

‘You’re next, chump!’ 

                            To Be Continued...