Chapter Text
Warm lighting covered the stage, and a small live crowd chatted amongst themselves. However, their loving host soon greeted them on stage with a cheerful insect chirp and a big wave of his three-fingered hand. He chittered a few more times and wandered backstage to grab an energy drink to recharge. The backstage crew was lively and rushing around, getting the inter-dimensional cameras and mics ready for their show.
Meanwhile, Professor Outbreak, our praying mantis host, enjoyed a lime-flavored energy drink and a sweet joint that made his insect brain float. However, his relaxation time was interrupted by his sweet assistant named Sentina.
“Sir you're on in a few minutes,” she said sweetly and then walked over to take a sip from his energy drink before walking away. Professor Outbreak then snuffed out his joint and sniffed a few times before stretching out his multiple limbs. He then adjusted his sharp suit before walking out of his dressing room and out to the backstage to see his crew. He said a few witty lines to them before walking out to the stage. He chittered to the crowd a few times before taking his seat and waiting for the camera men to give him a sign.
While he sat huffed quietly and his bug eyes searched around the room before sitting up. He then received a thumbs up from some of the camera workers and stretched out his arms before grabbing his mic. He pulled it close to his mouth and chirped at the crowd before standing up to speak directly to the main camera.
“Good evening insects, arachnids, and other aliens,” he said, and his antennas twitched. “Tonight, we have a very special guest. Many of you have been guessing who this may be, and tonight I have the lovely job of introducing him to you all,” he said cheerfully and looked around the crowd. “So, without further a-do I introduce to you all Boris! The smelliest rat on planet Earth!”
The crowd burst into chirps, chitters, hisses and various other animalistic noises followed by the sounds of hard shells against hard shells, it was like their own version of clapping. All the while Boris, a large brown rat, crawled onto the stage before standing on his hind legs and bowing to the crowd and to the cameras. His long worm like a tail followed behind, and he waved to the crowd. The odd pair then moved to take their seats.
“So, Boris how are you?” Professor Outbreak asked, and the crowd fell silent to listen.
“I’m doing alright, really grateful for you all flying me in...I know Earth is a far trip for you all,” at the mention of Earth the crowd gasped.
“Oh yes it sure is, but it’s a trip well spent to see you!” Our host praised and his antennas twitched once more. “Speaking of Earth how our things there?” Professor Outbreak asked, and his eyes focused on Boris.
“Oh, just perfect, those humans get sloppier by the day and I get fatter!” He said with a great laugh. Professor Outbreak laughed with him, but it seemed more sinister than playful.
“Hmm that does bring us to the main topic of tonight,” Outbreak hummed and moved to stand. “For you all know that our great friend Boris here has been named the most stinky rat on planet Earth,” he said and moved his massive eyes to focus on one of the multiple cameras. The crowd chittered quietly and watched as he spoke.
“A very unpleasant sounding title for some but you all know our slogan around here!” Professor Outbreak said, his voice was going in a crescendo, and the crowd was beginning to get more rowdy as the big segment was about to begin. Professor Outbreak then did a fancy gesture towards Boris. “The smellier the crook the better they cook!” He shouted and the crowd was going wild. They chirped, chittered, and hisses excitedly all while Boris shrunk into his chair, and his eyes widened with fear.
“Um...Professor Outbreak by cook you mean pay handsomely, yeah?” Boris choked and sat up slowly. Outbreak himself then turned, his large insect eyes pulsed with excitement, and he gave Boris a devious smile.
“Oh yes dear Boris,” he said and then the cameras cut to go to commercial. Many of the crowd clapped and scattered about to go get snacks and use the restroom to prepare for the big event. Boris' eyes just flicked to the scattering crowd, the intimidating Professor Outbreak standing in front of him and the camera crew who was just standing by.
“So that was it, huh? Just trick me with little catchphrase?” Boris chuckled, trying to lighten the mood and sound smug. Outbreak then simply nodded before two larger mantis like aliens grabbed Boris from under his arms and pulled him from his chair. This caused Boris to panic and he began to shout.
“They’re going to actually eat me! Someone stop them! Anyone PLEASE!!” He shouted but his voice was soon drowned out as a syringe stuck his neck and the lights in his eyes went out. The host then handed off his mic to one of the crew members before he wiped his hands off and walked backstage to his dressing room to relight and finish his joint before changing into his skimpy chef's outfit.
After a short 30 minute interlude Professor Outbreak reappeared onto the stage which had been neatly rearranged to be a fancy, sleet kitchen. The professor then moved over to begin prepping his station as well as to sharpen his knives.