Chapter 4 - (part three)

"Apologies for the inconvenience, but these two skinnies aren't going to stick around!" declared Lina. She glanced at Daesti, who returned a knowing look: They would make a break for it. Both were poised to dash, but a brilliant yellow flash immediately disavowed them of that notion. Time seemed to slow to a woozy crawl for the pair as they slumped over. But in fact the incapacitation ray's effects were instantaneous, and in a split second, the two women were sprawled upon the ground.

A multi-armed robotic assistant, as round and squat as the pods which had brought in the Luna Moth, detached itself from the underside of the hovercraft where it had been seamlessly concealed, and hoisted the two young women inside the craft. A restraining apparatus emerged from the back of the vehicle and locked the two in as the robot reattached itself to the craft.

A hazy lurching sensation overtook Lina and Daesti as they regained consciousness. Once securely in the police transport vehicle, it only took a moment before they came to, at first mumbling incoherently. A few moments more and they were fully restored to their senses.

The officer was aware of their stirring and addressed them. "I'm taking you to the station for processing. First things first, they'll run a few tests on you."

"Tests?" asked Lina anxiously. "What kind of tests?

"Complete body analysis, courtesy of WIDE-AS."

"WIDE-AS?" asked Daesti.

"Part of Fatropolis's Central Computer," the officer explained. "Weight Imaging Diagnostic Evaluation and Assessment System."

Daesti and Lina smirked at each other, equal parts amused and worried.

"WIDE-AS will scan you and determine your body fat composition," the officer went on. "Then it'll analyze your body type thoroughly and recommend the perfect fattening regimen for you. We've got to get your weight up immediately."

"You can't be serious," said Daesti. "Is all of this really necessary? Can't we just pay a fine or something?"

"No can do," said the officer. "The law is the law. And the law is, you can't be skinny in Fatropolis. Skinnies must be turned into fatties. That's the law."

"And what happens to our ship?" asked Daesti.

"That will be impounded. But it will be repaired and waiting for you...as soon as you reach minimum regulation weight."

"This is not happening," Lina muttered. "This is not happening."

"Relax," said Daesti, not at all sure of herself. "He's bluffing."

"No bluff, ma'am," said the officer. "But you'll see soon enough. Fat is where it's at."

Daesti and Lina just looked at each other uncomfortably. They would have to do some quick thinking if they were going to escape from this mess.