M.E.L.

The M.E.L. automaton is an example of cutting-edge technology with a practical application. The "Mechanical Electric Laborer," M.E.L. is the brainchild of Doctor Axolotl, a rogue technician who had developed manic tendencies during his studies in engineering and spent numerous years in and out of psychiatric therapy. Considered deranged if not outright mad by his colleagues, Axolotl had business sense that was certainly sane enough. Working over a period of several months, he developed a robot that could carry out household chores more quickly and efficiently than housewives and maids without the usual complaining or fatigue.

M.E.L. stands about four feet tall and is constructed of high-strength, rust-proof metal. The robot glides easily across floors on a motorized wheel base. A vacuum hose installed on M.E.L.'s back was later converted into a powerful rocket thruster package by Doctor Axolotl, enabling the robot to fly at incredible speeds. Two hose-like arms protrude from the robot’s torso, ending in metal grabbers that can convert into a myriad of cleaning tools and appendages. M.E.L.'s sleek, oval-shaped head is fitted with a glowing red sensor screen that enables the robot to scan its surroundings. Equipped with hydraulic limbs, M.E.L. can lift several times its own weight with ease.

In order to function properly, M.E.L. has to be given instructions. The user programs the robot by manipulating a control panel behind the droid’s hinged chestplate. M.E.L.'s logic unit processes spoken commands as well, and it can understand simple directions such as "dust and vacuum" or "wash windows." When not in the immediate vicinity of the robot, the user can command or summon M.E.L. using a battery-powered handheld caller device with an impressive transmission range of about three miles.

M.E.L. can be activated, summoned to action, and controlled using a remote device (above), or programmed from its master control panel (on right).

While the robot can be programmed for multiple duties, it is able to carry out only one order at a time, somewhat limiting its overall efficiency. M.E.L.’s programming also compels it to finish everything it starts, making the robot virtually unstoppable until all pre-existing goals are met. Once programed, M.E.L. tends to take the most direct course of action — often bypassing such ordinary conventions as exiting a building by using the door. Clumsy as well as powerful, the robot may inadvertantly destroy the very objects it is supposed to clean.

Left: The deranged Dr. Axolotl and his metallic marvel, the Mechanical Electric Laborer.

Confident that M.E.L. would make him famous, Doctor Axolotl was determined to take his invention to the very top. The doctor scheduled an appointment with Shere Khan and chief technician Buzz to personally demonstrate his invention, but the aforementioned design flaws caused the robot to malfunction, cutting their meeting rather short. After being unceremoniously ejected from Khan's office, Axolotl plotted revenge for his humiliation. Equipping M.E.L. with bulletproof armor and a rocket pack, he ordered the robot to kidnap Khan so he could hold him for ransom.

However, the attempt was foiled numerous times by a mysterious helmeted stranger resembling the rocket pack-flying, comic-book hero Bullethead. After disposing of the robot, the flying vigilante apprehended the professor and put him in custody. Axolotl is now serving time in a federal insane asylum, while M.E.L. has been converted by Buzz into a lab assistant and chore robot in the research department of Khan Industries.

A comic book come to life: M.E.L. versus... Bullethead?

M.E.L.
Type: Dr. Axolotl's Mechanical Electric Laborer DEXTERITY 2D KNOWLEDGE 1D Household maintenance 3D MECHANICAL 2D+2 Rocket pack operation 4D PERCEPTION 2D Search 4D, search: tracking 7D+1 STRENGTH 4D Brawling 7D Lifting 7D TECHNICAL 1D Equipped With: - Sensor screen (+1D to search for moving objects up to 500 feet away) - Two multi-purpose appendages - Vacuum hose attachment - Rocket-powered propulsion system (Speed: 400 mph, skill: rocket pack operation) - Two treaded wheels - Body armor (+2D to Strength to resist damage) Move: 15 Size: 4 feet Cost: Not available for sale