chapter 6

Vera was never overly suspicious of the MindVision, seeing it only as a tool, but now she was unsure. Was there subliminal messaging going on? She did some prodding around the next day in the feeding club.
One of the other main feeders, Caroline, was sitting with her friends on one of the benches. Squishing in, Vera made conversation.
"So, Carol, why are you here?" she asked inquisitively.
Caroline looked up from her food, contemplating the question.
"It was one of those things..." she said, snapping her fingers, "Oh yeah! MindVision! Played it once and I answered the call. Being getting stuffed ever since."
Vera's investigation went similarly with the other patrons of the club. All signs pointed towards the MindVision, and after seeing that the clothing brand that she was advertising for, Big Beauty, had the same parent company as MindVision, she decided to take it up with them.
Big Beauty was a local business, with an office downtown. Upon entering, Vera was greeted by a chirpy receptionist.
"Hiya! What can I do for you today?" she said, looking attentively at Vera.
"Yeah, can I speak to the CEO?" Vera asked, not sure if this was the right thing to do when trying to confront a potential conspiracy backed by multi-million dollar corporations.
"Sure! Go on up. Her office is on the top floor." the receptionist replied before returning to her computer.
To Vera's disappointment, the elevator was out of order, and the trip of 10 flights of stairs was a lot for her 240 pound body.
By the time she got up to the CEO's office, she was considering falling Dow the stairs and going home, but this is what she was here for: To find out what the fuck happened to her head.
The office was modestly decorated and had a large window boasting a magnificent 10th story view.
"Hello," Vera panted, trying not to faint, "I have some concerns over your business ethics."
The CEO looked up from her desk, her hands folded as she beheld Vera.
"Do take a seat," she said gesturing to a padded chair in front of her desk.
Vera gladly sat down, falling into the cushioned sides of it.
"I will say, you aren't the first one to find out about this 'conspiracy', Ms. Vera, but let me elaborate. Being fat is in; the days of having to be skinny in magazines and popular culture is starting to close. The pendulum is starting to swing. We're just making it swing faster."
Vera was very much confused at the abstract wording and articulation of the CEO's speech.
The CEO shook her head, smiling.
"I see your lack of understanding. In short, we're making people fat for profit. Soon the entire local female populous will be sporting BMIs of 20 plus. One internet newspaper will make an article on you guys and we'll expand into other places. And not only is it affordable to be fat, it'll be safe too. Medicine allows you to be obese now, with Chlorogone and whatnot. This isn't our only front; Bay City has a plus size magazine that's about to receive a truckload of cash and free clothes. We have our sights set on all sorts of models, journalists and pop icons. Once they start, the money comes in. That's how the fashion industry has worked for us thus far."
"Yes, but who is 'us'?" Vera asked.
"Tycorp. Biggest corporate front on the east coast. We have a whole new supply line, folding out from our different companies; new clothes, food supplements and drugs, media, technology and everything else needed to profit off fat people."
Vera was unsure of what to think of next. In the past few minutes, she had heard about the forecast of the regional (maybe even the nationwide) outlook for the future of popular culture, the economy and the lives of everyone involved.
"One thing still bugs me though." Vera asked, stroking her chubby chin.
"Ask away." the CEO said, sitting back in her chair with a triumphant aura.
"Why did you mention women while describing our town's future?"
The CEO chuckled. "In all my time, and yours, women have been at the centre of all this; medical companies say this cream will make you pretty, food companies say this food will make you loose weight, clothing companies say this dress will make you sexy. They couldn't give a rat's ass about men. And that's why you're so important, Vera. People like you are going to make the pendulum swing faster."