A Strange Machine

Kirsty found her way downstairs and into a basement illuminated by a blinking halogen lamp. It provided enough illumination to see her way but little else. She’d expected to find a basement like any other but found her way into a labyrinth instead. Goosebumps popped up on her skin as she allowed her rage to drive her on. Suddenly, she felt underdressed for this part of the mansion.

Nevertheless, Kirsty continued on her way. The labyrinth itself wasn’t particularly confusing. The pathways were clear and always lit by those old-fashioned lights nobody used anymore. It was creepy, and she had expected an ambush, but nothing came.

After what felt like minutes of solid walking had passed, she took a left and came upon a room that made her stop in awe. It seemed cavernous as if it had been carved out from the rocks underneath the earth itself. The far higher ceiling and constant whir of a ventilation system made it feel even colder. Whatever it was, Kirsty was sure this must be under the grounds, not the mansion itself.

“Roxanne?” Kirsty called out nervously. “I know you’re there.”

Kirsty gulped. Maybe she’d turned the wrong way further back and got herself lost? The thought terrified her because she didn’t really remember which way she’d come in the first place. She entered the room and saw a strange machine with a blinking red light.

She couldn’t help but approach it. In the dim light, the machine stood vigil. It appeared to be a complex mixture of machine parts, yet it looked like something from Star Wars. Kirsty’s eyes settled on a control panel. With a curious finger, she pressed down on it.

“Gadget Stripper on. How may I help you today?”

Kirsty took a step back. What the hell was a Gadget Stripper?