Ratings Advisory: The Earth Media Content Group has determined that this story can only be read by people above the age of 18. It contains subjects and situations that are suitable only for mature audiences. Parents with underaged children will need to activate their content-advisory programs now.
 

Jeffrey was glad. He spent the last 17 hours in line at the Castle Tri-Dee Theater to get reserved-seating tickets to the Police Blue movie. Jeffrey was at the front of the line and got tickets to the best seats in the house. Along with his five best friends, Jeffrey was now in one of those seats. He stocked up on theater popcorn and drinks. Having not eaten for the past day, he polished off one jumbo popcorn tub. The house lights came down and the ceremonial curtain was raised. After the obligatory movie trailers, the Commercial Darkness and Sorcery and the 25th Century Vole logos were shown. The Vole itself poked its head through the logo and squeaked. Some audience members yelled out �Vote for Vole'. The Vole disappeared. The tri-dee showed black for a few moments.
 

[Movie Prologue]
 

1956 - Kentucky - Earth (for this sequence the film is in black-and-white)

Mr Big, super-criminal and lecher without peer, was smiling grandly in the main hold of his super-stealthy airship, The Cloud of Heaven. On the floor of the hold was one George Talbert - FBI agent. The foolish young man actually believed he could capture Big. Instead, the tiny criminal caught him. Now bound, the FBI man awaited Big's decision.
    Big was dressed up as a World War 1 aviator, complete with goggles. However, he wore a German spike helmet instead of an aviator cap. Albert, Big's assistant, wore a much more practical jumpsuit. Full of beans, Big addressed George. �So, junior G-Man, did you use your secret decoder ring to find my hidden aerodrome?�
    �You're very funny, Big,� George shot back. �Ever consider joining up with Martin and Lewis?�
    �Now look who's making the bad jokes! Of course, you want to know my horrific plan.� Big giggled. �Using my ultra-advanced airship, I'm going to steal all the gold in Fort Knox! After spraying a knock-out gas to remove all resistance, my airship will hover over the gold depository and deploy a yard-wide drill. After making a hole into the depository roof and floors I'll then lower a super-vacuum tube and suck up all the gold in a matter of minutes!�
    �Pardon me for pointing out a flaw in your plan, Big,� George said wryly, �but there is no way your airship can carry away all the gold in Fort Knox.�
    Big's laughing ended in the usual fit of coughing and hacking. �That would be true, but due to my utilization of captured flying saucer technology my airship can carry all that gold. Now, back to the matter at hand.� Big petted the head of his alligator, Chompy. The reptile purred in pleasure (an alligator purring?). �So, G-Man, what will it be? Crushed to death by gold bricks or being Chompy's late-night snack?�
    �Neither! The only choice here is this: come peaceably or get a belly full of lead!� Both Big and George looked around to find the source of the voice. Two figures worked their way out of the girderwork of the airship.
    �Just who in the Hell are you two?� Big demanded.
    One figure came into the light. A woman, she was 5' 10" and had brown hair and blue eyes. The other figure was a woman also. She stood 5' 1", with platinum blonde hair and green eyes. Both women wore parachutes in addition to having rather ample breasts underneath their jumpsuits. The tall one spoke. �FBI agents Janet Parlor and Sarah Wilcox. Big, you're under arrest for attempted grand theft and of other crimes too numerous to mention!�
    �Women FBI agents? What has the world come to? Why don't you go home and make babies?� Big's dismissive reply was answered by two flying shoes. One shoe hit Albert, rendering him unconscious. The other shoe hit Big's helmet, causing him to slip and hit his head against a girder. �Wenches!� he exclaimed. �Chompy, get your din-din!�
    The strangely obese alligator found it difficult getting to George. However, the �gator stood no chance when Janet raced to George's aid. She wrestled the slothful reptile in submission, then killed it with a final back-breaking knee slam.
    Meanwhile, Big was reaching for his pistol. Sarah got to him first. She landed blow after blow against Big's face. But the little man just soaked up those hits.
    �Getting tired, missy? Want me to punch myself out?� Big's tease was answered by a kick to his crotch, which seemed to be his Achille's Heel. Big fell in pain again.
    George, with Janet's help, was freed from his bonds. �Thanks. How did you two get aboard?�
    Sarah smiled. �Well, I and Janet did what any FBI agent would've done - improvise. Speaking of which, we better get off this gas-bag. There's only three minutes left on the timers.�
    �Bombs? This sucker is going to blow up?! I hope you got a spare parachute.�
    �No such luck, partner,� Janet offered, �but you can hitch a ride with me.� Considering that Janet had an ample chest George found that prospect inviting!
    �What about Big and Albert?� George countered.
    �Well, we'll just have to see if the rumor about them being immortal is true. Remember, getting forgiveness is easier than permission.�
    �That doesn't really apply here, Janet, but let's get going.� George said. The bottom hatch to the hold was opened, and the three FBI agents fell to earth. The chutes open successfully, and George held on to Janet for dear life.
    On time, the airship blew up. The burning carcass of steel girders reached the ground. There were a few more explosions, mostly likely coming from Big's alien machinery. Sarah freed herself from her chute and went to find Janet.
    Janet was okay. George, however, was not. He was mumbling incoherently, his face in bliss. It turned out that the upper part of Janet's jumpsuit was open, exposing a good portion of her breasts. George had his head between Janet's basketball-sized lungs during the trip down. Thanks to his relaxed state George suffered no injuries when he reached the ground.
    Sarah crossed her arms over her volleyball-sized breasts. �Janet, where's your bra?�
    �You tell me. Mr Hoover has enough money. Why doesn't he get his own bras and panties?� Janet replied. Both female FBI agents gazed at the still-burning wreckage.

Mr Big and Albert, due to their immortality, survived the explosions. They were blown clear and landed in a field. Big fell on his head, his helmet made him into a human lawndart. Albert helped his boss to free himself.
    �Yet another one of my most audacious plans - foiled - by a woman. And a Wilcox woman at that!� Big looked fit to eat a railway tie. �Mark my words, Albert. One of these days a descendant of Felicity Hawkes Wilcox will fail before my very eyes! This will be done!�
    Albert normally would've replied with �you are great and terrible, oh master, there's no need to your evil', but didn't. He pointed to a sign visible in the light of the burning airship. The sign said �US Department of Agriculture Test Farm #8: Wild Weasel Coral. Authorized Personnel Only�. Then both criminals heard numerous squeaking sounds - the sounds of irate weasels. In matter of moments both men were covered by nasty, biting rodents. Big and Albert ran away. True to nature, they weren't caught, but it took an inordinate amount of time for the weasel bites to heal.
 

[Black-and-White changes to Colour]

The opening credits began. It was a tribute to the ancient James Bond films, looking like an impressionist artist's dream taking shape in real life. Shapely and endowed female forms in silhouette danced and cavorted across the tri-dee projection. The attending song, In the Blue, reached its crescendo, and the film proper started.
 

1

2417 - New Darwin - Outback

Sergeant Detective Lynnae Wilcox, New Darwin Police, walked in a measured step as she approached a set of graves. She wasn't alone. Felicity Wilcox, Lynnae's paternal grandmother, was with her. Felicity looked like an aged version of her granddaughter. Felly had green eyes, but her hair was pure white instead of platinum blonde. She was 95 and had prolong treatments. However, the treatments were of an earlier version. Felicity had the body of a sixty year-old lady instead of forty-five. Lynnae had the latest set of treatments. At 42, Lynnae had the body of a 22 year-old. Felicity wasn't one to complain, but at times she did envy Lynnae's looks. Then she remembered why she was here at the gravesite, and chided herself for being selfish.
    Lynnae got on one knee, placing the flowers she had between two graves. Those graves were the resting places of her parents, killed 34 years ago in a senseless shooting at a tri-dee theater. Eight year-old Lynnae was then raised by her paternal grandparents. Lynnae reflected that her grandparents did an excellent job. They knew what mistakes to avoid the second time around and when to give their grandkid her �breathing space'. Lynnae attended college and earned a degree in elementary education. For six years the granddaughter of Roger and Felicity Wilcox taught first graders how to write, read, and use child-enabled learning aids.
    Lynnae's grandparents were no different from any other. They missed out on the pleasure of spoiling Lynnae, having to raise her as their own daughter. Now they pressured her to get married and have kids, giving them great-grandkids to spoil and tell naughty stories to. They almost had their wish, but death showed up again. Roger Wilcox was murdered while trying to stop a burglar. Like the murderer of Lyn's parents, the killer of Roger had his mind altered, turning him into a simpleton working a menial job for the rest of his life. With a powerful deterrent like that murder was rare, but it still happened.
    Lynnae was devastated. She lost another father to the actions of a criminal. For over a month she kept to herself, locked in her loathing. Her boyfriend, unable to deal with Lynnae's grieving, left, adding more salt to her wounds. All that was left was Felicity. In time, Lynnae got out of her shell, placing her grief and pain into perspective. Felicity was there all the time, and Lynnae was thankful for that, but she knew she couldn't lose her grandmother. She had to be protected at all costs. There was only one way to do that.
    At the age of 28 Lynnae entered the police academy. Two years later she graduated in the top five percent of her class, the same as fellow cadet and future friend June Parlor. For twelve years Lynnae and June have served the city of New Darwin, being the thin blue line separating the decent people from the criminal element. Today marked the beginning of her thirteenth year on the force, and it was also the 34th anniversary of her parents' death.
    Felicity placed a supportive hand on Lynnae's shoulder. When Lynnae went to the police academy Felicity could only see it as a reflexive response to Roger's death. A momentary faze that will show itself for what it was. Felicity couldn't have been further from the truth. An ingrain sense of justice was a part of every Wilcox woman; Lynnae just happened to be more in tune with that sense. As the years went by Felicity could not help but feel pride for her granddaughter. Lynnae was an excellent officer. Still, Felicity wanted Lynnae to settle down and get a husband. That Paul Jarvis fellow seems decent enough. And Felicity wasn't going to hold the fact that Paul was divorced against him.
    Lynnae got up when her wetware received a signal from her car. �I have to go, mom,� Lyn said. �I'm needed. A robbery is in progress and I'm the nearest officer.�
    Felicity gave her granddaughter a hug. �Go ahead, dear. I can get back to the apartment by myself. Get the suckers.� She grinned, and Lynnae could only grin back in reply. The rightfully proud granddaughter of Felicity Wilcox got into her car and sped away. It was looking like another average Monday morning: another bust and cold caffeine waiting back at the station.
 

2

Mr Big was laughing. He's the most devious, and lecherous, criminal humanity had ever seen. With his incredible and illegally obtain wealth he could've spent the rest of his unnatural life in luxury. But, like any other supercriminal, Big had to prove to himself that he still had the �knack'. Right now that knack was the robbing of a jewelry store in broad daylight. The store's employees and customers were on the floor. Big, with stun gun in hand, was smashing display cases and grabbing the beautiful necklaces and earrings. Dressed up like a midget ninja with only his eyes showing, Big was all boast. �Well, my dear customers, remember this day well! Tell your grandkids that you had the honor of watching Mr Big in action!� Giggling like a schoolboy, Big failed to notice one Lynnae Wilcox sneaking up behind him.
    Albert, Big's ever-faithful jack-of-all-trades assistant, did see her. He snuck behind her and fired his net-thrower. Lynnae was tangled up in the sticky threads, cursing her bad luck.
    Big was amused. On the way out he spoke to the entrapped officer. �Well, Wilcox, it seems you've failed again. If it weren't for your silly overcoat you could've gotten me this time. Why is it that the higher ranking the officer the uglier their clothes become?�
    Lynnae was understandably annoyed. �Why don't you get this net off me and I'll tell you?�
    �Fat chance, copper. I'm going now. These jewels will make a fine addition to my collection. Now I'll need another box, bringing my total to seventy. G'day.� With that Big and Albert left, using their all-purpose Supercar to escape. That vehicle must've been made by the mechanics of Satan. No police, or for that matter military, vehicle could catch that Supercar. A minute later Lynnae was freed by a fellow officer. After getting a statement and list of missing jewels from the store owner Lynnae headed for Central Station. The only thing that could make a bad day worse was the lack of Jolt cola.

Lynnae reached the station house. After filing her report she headed for the fourth floor. She went through a nondescript door that was simply labeled R405. However, that room was the home base of Blue Team, a group of police detectives headed by Lynnae. In addition to herself, Blue Team employed Sergeant Detectives June Parlor, Paul Jarvis, and Nadia Junker. Only Paul was there, sitting behind his desk, nursing a hot cup of coffee. Lynnae walked over to the large refrigerator. At least there was some Jolt cola left.
    �Lyn,� Paul said, �why don't you have some coffee instead of that rotgut you drink everyday? Starbucks can do wonders.�
    Lynnae ignored Paul until she chugged down half of the 20 oz bottle of Jolt. She developed a taste for the drink seven years ago during her adventure in the 20th century. �Coffee? That stuff is just hot water mixed with melted crayons. I like my caffeine straight. Any word on June and Nadia?�
    �Our intrepid friends are even now closing in on The Postmaster General, mad bomber extraordinare. They have the appropriate backup, but I suspect June and Nadia will have good old Postie back here in an hour.�

Derby Mancuso, a.k.a. the Postmaster General (Postie for short), was wrapping up work on his latest bomb. A true work of art, his new bomb could pass for a generic minicomp. His own minicomp, Stamp, served as the model.
    �Yes. Yes! At last my most perfect piece of work - finished! A minicomp containing the explosive force of 2 kilograms of Blastex, enough to topple a small house! Yes! Now the editor of the New Darwin Herald will eat crow for calling my a goofball!� Postie was insufferably pleased.
    Stamp couldn't let that go. For some unexplained reason the minicomp developed a rudimentary personality, a rather uncomplimentary personality at that. �He right. You be a goofball.�
    Postie stared menacingly at his smartalec gizmo. �Shut up. You're just a talking adding machine. Perhaps I should use you for my next bomb casing.�
    �No kill I,� said Stamp.
    �Better,� Postie replied in satisfaction. Then he heard someone behind him. Turning, he saw it was June Parlor of the New Darwin Police.
    �Hold it right there, you mad bomber. You're under arrest. Get up and raise your hands slowly.�
    Postie did get up, but he kept the bombed-up minicomp in his hand. �Wrong, copper. In my hand I have a bomb! Don't even try to use your fancy wetware to deactivate it! It's a simple switch; one itchy finger and we'll both be on Cloud 9.�
    �I'll be the one going to Cloud 9. You'll have a red suit with horns for the place you're going to.� June smirked, making Postie irritated. June had tried a few moments earlier to access the disguised bomb with her �ware. Postie was right. It was a very simple bomb, and all it needed to go off was a simple press of the thumb.
    �Okay officer, listen good. You're going to help me escape. First, remove your gun and hand it over to me. Remember: one itchy finger...�
    June did what she was told, but �embellished' on Postie's request. �Officer, wha... what are you doing? Stop that!�
    June was doing a sensual strip-tease. After the overcoat came the knee-length skirt and belt-purse. �Well, you did say to hand my gun to you. It's in a rather inconvenient spot. In order to get it, all of my clothes have to come off.�
    Postie was both attracted and repulsed by naked female flesh. Seeing June's shapely long legs started a nose-bleed. He grabbed some tissue, wadding and shoving it up his nostrils. �Officer, stop. Stop that stripping or else!�
    June was working on her blouse. With the final button undone, she opened that blouse and thrusted out her bra-clad, basketball-sized lungs. Postie's tissues were completely saturated, the excess blood a virtual waterfall coming out of his nose. �Postie, remember the time you made that explosive-lined brassiere? I had the misfortune of wearing that thing. I think it's only fair you should see the ample beauty that you almost blew away.�
    The sight of June's pale, shapely cleavage was too much for Postie. He fainted dead away. June lunged forward and caught the explosive minicomp before it hit the ground. In relief, June used her �ware to contact Nadia. It's over, Nadia. Tell those bomb disposal guys to come down. I should at least have my blouse buttoned up before they get here.
    I certainly hope so, June. I don't think the paramedics have that much blood in the ambulance! Nadia was able to listen in and �see' what was going on in Postie's workroom. Poor Postie; he never stood a chance once he saw you half-naked. That's another regular badguy out of the way for good. If only Mr Big could be counted in that category.
    I hear you. June had her blouse buttoned up just as the bomb-disposal guys showed up. They placed the explosive minicomp in an UXB container and left. At least they were professional enough not to wolf whistle at the sight of June's naked legs. After dressing, June slapped the cuffs on the Postmaster General. With Nadia's help, June took her prisoner back to the station. Nabbing one of New Darwin's most notorious criminals was a good sign that the week will turn out fine.
 

3

It was dinnertime when Lynnae finished the report on the Postmaster General. Stamp, Postie's minicomp, was now in the hands of Tobias Eddings. The police electronics and VR expert was probing the guts and data banks of the minicomp, hoping to tickle whatever information he can out of it.
    Paul got up from his desk and retrieved his coat and Lynnae's. �Just in time, Lyn. Your grandma called again. She's wondering when her �little girl and boyfriend' are coming for dinner.� He smiled widely, making Lynnae flush.
    �You know, Paul, you're only encouraging Felly when you don't correct her. You're my partner, not my boyfriend.�
    �Partner? After all we've been through? We should be bosom buddies. But you're the one with all the bosom.�
    For his attempted joke Paul got an empty Jolt bottle thrown at this face. �Keep that up, funny boy. I just might take you up on your offer!� Lynnae got up and graciously accepted the coat offered by her �partner'. She knew that Paul had deep feelings for her, but she was afraid to return those feelings. Part of it was that Lynnae considered Paul �damaged goods' because of his divorce. Another was commitment. Lynnae had only one serious boyfriend in her life, but he got cold feet and left when Roger Wilcox, her grandfather, died. That loss was a distant second to the pain she felt over Roger's death. But it was pain nonetheless.
    Having a cop as a friend, no less a spouse, was courting the inevitable. Half of all cop marriages ended in divorce. If both spouses were cops, then that figure was 80 percent. Despite that, Lynnae had to admit Paul was the most decent and solid man she knew. Just as she spent her energy reminding herself that Paul was �just a friend' Paul was spending his energy to make that friendship more. Felicity was clearly on Paul's side, and this dinner was just another broadside into Lynnae's armor. She was afraid that one of those shots will finally crack her armor and allow her true feelings to surface. Well, I just have to make sure that never happens! With that thought Lynnae headed to her car with Paul by her side. The trip to Felly's apartment would take only 20 minutes.

Felicity Wilcox decided that the table was truly ready after spending a full five minutes making unnecessary adjustments to the silverware placement. Well, might as well do some light dusting, she mused. With cloth in hand she shined up the various wall plaques and picture frames. Her work inevitably took her to a special cabinet.
    She opened the cabinet. Inside was a tri-dee image of Roger in a police uniform. Roger served in the New Darwin Police for forty years before having his first retirement. After five years of easy living Roger decided that his second career would be as a security consultant. He really didn't need the money, but Roger wanted to do something with his time. It would never come to pass. Coming home one night, Roger startled a burglar. After a minor scuffle a gun was fired, and Roger was dead in minutes. Felicity kept back her tears as she cleaned the tri-dee imager and Roger's badge. Next was the row of service decorations and framed citations.
    Pleased, Felicity almost closed the cabinet door when she remembered one last item. That item was in its own case and drawer. She rarely opened it, but this time she decided to show it to Paul. Just as she was about to open the case there was a slight noise. For only the briefest instant Felly saw a small, black-clad figure. Then she was lost to the universe.
 

4

Lynnae tapped the steering wheel impatiently as the car made its way down the street. She kept imagining that her grandma was endlessly fidgeting with the silverware and wineglasses. Knowing that she shouldn't do so, Lynnae used her �ware to access the security cameras in Felly's apartment complex. Using her police codes, Lynnae had those cameras swivel to face Felly's bay window, hoping that the curtains were open. She �saw' nothing, and was about to cut off her access when her �eyes' spotted some movement. Mentally ordering a camera to zoom in, she was shocked to see that it was her grandmother being carried away by a short, black-clad figure.
    Incensed, Lynnae mashed on the accelerator. Paul was startled by the sudden burst of speed. He demanded to know why Lynnae was speeding. His plea went unheard. The black figure dumped Felly into a strangely-familiar vehicle. The figure then removed his mask, and to Lynnae's anger the now-exposed face belonged to Mr Big.
    �Paul, get on the horn! Call Dispatch for backup. I used the cameras at Felly's apartment to check on her. Good thing I did. Mr Big has kidnaped her!�
    �For once your unauthorized snooping has paid off!� Paul yelled back. Mr Big may be the smartest criminal of all time, but even he can make intensely stupid mistakes. Paul accessed the recent-memory file on Lynnae's �ware and saw what happened. If Mr Big hadn't made an enemy of Lynnae before he certainly did so now! Paul hoped that this kidnaping was the last criminal act that Big ever performed. Come hell and high water Lynnae was going to make certain of that!

Big was humming silently to himself. The kidnap went off without a hitch. Soon he'll inform his most worthy adversary, Lynnae Wilcox, that he had her grandmother. Lynnae was the heroic type, and Big was counting on that silly quality to finish Lynnae once and for all. He wasn't disappointed. He saw the blue and red rotating lights of a police car behind him. A loudspeaker was blaring loudly, getting Big's attention.
    �This is Officer Wilcox of the New Darwin Police! Big, stop the car and surrender now! You're not getting away!�
    Big heard her all too well. He replied with an upraised hand, the middle finger up all by its lonesome. He also activated a radio set to the common police frequency. �Wilcox, you should know something. Over the centuries cops kept telling me that I'll never get away with it. Guess what - I always get away with it!� The police lights go even closer. Doesn't take much to get her going, does it? Big mused. Then he threw a switch, making his car speed up much faster.
    Lynnae cursed as she saw Big's Supercar pull away. With the accelerator plate practically on the floor, Lynnae coaxed the repulsar-lift car to catch up with Big's vehicle. �Paul! Get your gun and shot the tyres!�
    "Hell no, Lyn! We're shaking so bad I could hit the car by mistake! Maybe even hit the passenger compartment!"
    �Fine! You Drive!� With that Lynnae let go of the steering wheel and withdrew a service gun from her shoulder holster. Paul, using his �ware, was able to keep control of the vehicle. However, he still preferred to use the steering wheel; it was much more reassuring. Lynnae rolled down her window and leaned out. Her practiced gun hand made sure the 10mm ammo switch was chosen, the confirmation came in the form of a tiny electric jolt.
    Big involuntarily ducked his head when he heard the first shot. He hazard a quick look at his �passenger'. Felicity Wilcox was still unconscious. �Well, Felly, looks like your grandkid is trying to be a heroine. Sorry to say I have to disappoint her.� Big had his vehicle swerve across the road, passing by mere centimeters from oncoming traffic and parked cars. It was no picnic for Paul either. The mental gymnastics needed to drive the car were competing with his feelings of terror. Lynnae fired round after round, but kept missing the tyres by the narrowest of margins.
    A regular police cruiser was ahead of Big. It had laid down a strip of Shocktec. Designed to short out a vehicle's electronics as it passed over, Shocktec strips were proven 100% effective. Then again, this is a car owned by Mr Big. He saw that strip, and smiled as he hit another switch. A pair of stub wings popped out of the vehicle, and Big pulled backed on the steering wheel. The Supercar now became a flying Supercar.
    Paul, mesmerized by the sight of the flying vehicle, failed to notice that he drove right over the Shocktec strip. The car lost its electronics, including the electronically-controlled brakes. Lynnae ducked backed into her seat and manhandled the steering wheel. It was as responsive as a brick, and the car left the road, heading right for a tree. At the last moment both cops double-checked their belts and activated the safety foam. The car hit the tree dead-on. The safety foam was applied, cushioning the officers. In seconds the duo were able to scramble out of the vehicle, with chunks of foam still on their clothes.
    Lynnae looked up, watching as the Supercar flew away. Just then a transport shuttle appeared in front of the Supercar. A rear hatch opened on the shuttle, and the car entered it. A moment later that shuttle flew up and away at terrific speed. Lynnae wasn't surprised. Big really did think his capers through. And knowing Big, he was most likely going to get away. Paul got next to his friend, and only then did he saw the first tear come down Lynnae's face.
    Paul knew the story of Lynnae's family. Big must've known that Felly meant a lot to Lynnae. By taking Felly prisoner, Big must've wanted Lynnae to go bonkers, causing her to lose perspective. Making her into an emotional wreck. If Big has ever made the stupidest mistake in his life then this is it, Paul thought. Lynnae won't stop until Big is dead. I doubt that he even knows what he's truly done. Paul placed a supportive hand on Lynnae's shoulder. He was surprised when Lynnae hugged the stuffing out of him instead. She was weeping heavily now. Paul used his �ware in an effort to comfort his friend.
    Go ahead and cry, Lyn. I'll only let you cry again when Felly is back, safe and in one piece.
    Lynnae's �ware voice conveyed her emotions better than her grief-choked throat could've done. You got yourself a bet, Paul. God willing, Blue Team will get the job done! Lynnae stopped sobbing, but still hugged Paul hard. He didn't mind it one bit.
 

5

The shuttle climbed out of Outback's atmosphere. It rendezvoused with a small ship - a ship belonging to Mr Big. A few minutes later the shuttle was secured. Big, full of beans, jaunted off the shuttle and was greeted by Albert, his jack-of-all-trades assistant.
    �I take it that the shuttle's cloaking device worked?� Albert said as he placed a rich blue robe on his boss.
    �Yes indeed, Albert. We're in like Flynn! Have Alysa take Ms Wilcox to the royal suite. I'll see my guest once she recovers.�
    �By your command.� Albert replied. He had Alysa, one of Big's overample female employees, carry Ms Wilcox to a rather luxurious cabin. Big's ship was officially registered as a light freighter, the Caledonia Contract. In reality it was Big's luxury yacht, a yacht that had the same size and tonnage as a frigate. And now that ship gained clearance from Outback's orbital traffic control. Leaving orbit, the Contract speed up to a sedate .06 c. The Contract would clear Outback's hyper limit in 26 hours. Considering the travel time to his destination, Big planned to get �acquainted' with one Felicity Wilcox. He went to his cabin, eager to make himself presentable.

The next morning had Blue Team gathered in their office. Lynnae was present, but her mind was elsewhere. Nadia took it upon herself to do the briefing.
    �Going by Big's record, that jewelry robbery may be his last criminal act before taking a rest. But this kidnaping changes everything. Instead of laying low for about 5-10 years, Big may take 20, or even 50 years.� Nadia stated the facts, hoping someone could prove her wrong.
    June steepled her fingers. �Big's wrong if he thinks he can hide from us.�
    Nadia shook her head. �If anything, Big will jerk us around, making us so frustrated and useless that we'll give up. He did the same thing to several other police teams in the past.�
    �Big rarely does kidnaping,� June countered. �He must have a grandiose plan. We should get some demented demands from him, like having Lynnae stripped naked, painted purple, and dance on the front lawn of Government House before he releases Felicity.� June hoped that remark would've broken Lynnae out of her shell. It didn't.
    Paul nudged closer to Lynnae, placing a supportive arm on her shoulder. Lynnae was the only one on the team not married or engaged. June often teased Lynnae about that, but seeing her so miserable made June regret doing that. Hopefully Paul can get Lynnae out of her funk.
    Just then Chief David Talbert and Captain Patricia Laramie entered. Talbert, with eyes that seemed forever closed, look troubled. Laramie's practiced face was all business. "I just got a message from Mr Big," Talbert announced, "and it's not a ransom demand. Best to let all of you have a look."
    Talbert used his minicomp to activate the tri-dee projector on the table before him. After some momentary static a stylized B appeared, which was then quickly replaced by Mr Big himself. �Hello folks,� Big said. �This is Mr Big. Hi! I want to take this opportunity to say that it's been a pleasure dealing with the finest of New Darwin. I have one last caper to do before taking an extended vacation. About 60 years this time, I imagine.�
    Lynnae visibly cringed at the announcement. Paul gave a supportive squeeze to Lynnae's shoulder. The thought of having one's grandmother kept prisoner that long would make anyone wilt. �Yes, my caper will guarantee that my name will be known forever in the annuals of human history! There will be no cover-up this time!� Big was grinning. �Do let Miss Lynnae Wilcox know that her grandmother will be my permanent guest. I will make her twilight years comfortable and memorable. Who knows, maybe she'll thank me for giving her a �new lease on life'! By the time you receive this message I'll be well on my way out of the system. I'll be back in two weeks to perform my caper. And yes, I will get away with it again!� With that Big launched into his trademark laughing, coughing, and hacking fit. The message ended with another appearance of the stylized B.
    Talbert turned off the tri-dee. �Don't let that jackass get to you, Lyn. I'm sure that with our resources we'll get him when he returns.�
    �So certain are you,� Lynnae replied. Paul felt cold when he heard those words. �I lost my parents, and my grandfather.� Lyn grabbed her badge, holding it so tight that the edges cut into her palm. �Not again. I won't lose Felicity to that monster!� Lynnae bored her eyes into Talbert. �Chief, you often say that there is nothing worse than a cop who loses perspective. I feel that you should take me off this case. Otherwise I might do something intensely stupid.�
    It was a rare occasion when anyone saw Talbert's eyes. His weathered face was really showing his age; his eyes just emphasized that impression. �Lyn, go home for a few days and rest. But have Dr Sung fix that hand up for you. Patty...�
    Patricia walked over and helped Lynnae to her feet. With a supportive arm from Patty, Lynnae headed for the station's medical office. As soon as the two female cops left Talbert faced the remaining members of Blue Team. �I want someone with her around the clock. Track down every lead you have. Break bones if you have to, but get something on what Big is planning to do.�
    �You don't need to tell us twice, Chief. Lynnae isn't that depressed, but she certainly needs some serious cheering up.� June said. When needed, June could be serious, and now she resolved to help her friend and nail that jerk Big for good.
    Talbert turned to leave. �Well, you three can't get anything done standing around. Beat feet!�
    �Yes Sir!� With that the cop trio made their plans. They had a lot of work to do.
 

6

Felicity gave up. For the past two days she was kept in a luxurious room. Even with all the fancy decorations she knew that she was on a ship. Three times a day a generously-endowed young woman appeared, serving Felicity meals. The young woman refused to speak to Felicity, picking up the used dinner plates instead and left quickly. The old woman had no access to a tri-dee projector or computer, but in compensation there were old-fashion books lined up in a rather large bookcase. She only went through a few of them; they were torrid romance novels with rather �flowerily' descriptions of sex. Whoever is keeping me captive sure has some unique tastes, Felly thought. Just then the hatch opened. Instead of a young woman it was a very short man. A short man with a shrivel-up face, making him look like a living fossil. There could only be one person in the universe to fit that description.
    �It had to be you, Mr Big. My granddaughter told me everything about you. If you think you can crush my little girl's spirit by holding me you're wrong. She'll rescue me and nail your hide to the floor!�
    Big was dressed up as some ancient yacht owner, his white ascot puffed out like a tent. �My dear Ms Wilcox, I'm counting on it! In all my years of existence your granddaughter has proven to be my most worthy adversary. Before going on my vacation I want to see Lynnae fail before my very eyes! And you'll be there to see it!�
    Felly flushed with anger, but she knew that attacking Big would gain nothing. She didn't have the training or knowledge needed to escape from Big's clutches. More than anything Felly prayed that Lynnae will rescue her and make Big eat his words.
    Big's lecherous eye worked on Felly's gracefully aged body. �Still wearing those clothes? I have suitable garments for your age and temperament. They're in the closet by the bathroom. Most of those dresses will go down to your ankles. I promise!�
    Such words coming from Big would've made Felly laugh. Big liked his women practically naked. But Felly supposed even Big had a basic level of decency. Big stopped short of the hatch. �I'll be back in an hour to take you to dinner. You may have surmised that you're on a ship. By tomorrow we'll reach our destination. You'll have the pleasure to see my most prized sanctuary.�
    Big left, and Felly decided that she had nothing to lose but try on one of those dresses. She just hoped that she'll keep her cookies while eating at the same table with Big.

Lynnae was sleeping peacefully on her grandmother's bed. For the last two days she stayed at Felly's apartment, sleeping most of the time. Blue Team tried their best to cheer her up, but Lynnae was wrapped up in her misery. Paul couldn't let that go on. In a flash of inspiration he had Amber Carson and Nadia's pet Dachshund Smudge go to the apartment. If Amber and Smudge couldn't cheer Lyn up then nobody can! Using the key Paul gave to her, Amber let herself in the apartment and let loose Smudge. He found Lynnae in under 6 seconds.
    Paul was proven right. Smudge practically licked Lyn's face off, and the sad police woman could not help but laugh at the sight of the exuberant miniature Dachshund. Amber added her own fuel, spinning stories about herself and her husband Bert. Amber was a tiny woman at 1.42 meters, while Bert was practically a giant at 2.2 meters. Also, Bert out massed Amber 4 to 1. Needless to say he had to be real careful when doing the bed-sheet polka with her! That fact aside the mis-sized couple were very satisfied with each other. Speaking of satisfaction...
    �You known, Paul is this close to asking you for a date, Lyn." said Amber. "He's practically stewing in his juices! Please have the common decency to tell him whether or not you're interested in him.�
    Lynnae was taken aback by Amber's frankness. At times one can imagine making four women out of Amber. Try as she might Lynnae knew she couldn't keep a secret from her little friend. She toyed the bed sheet with a finger. �Well, I'm just not sure my heart can take another burden... and another potential disappointment.�
    Amber just smiled grandly. �Lyn, you have enough guts for 10 women. Besides, I heard that older men know how to treat women right.�
    �Hey! Paul is only seven years older than me! God! June has throughly corrupted you!� Lynnae shoved a pillow in Amber's face, setting off a pillow fight that lasted a good five minutes.
 

7

Felicity sat in a very comfortable chair on the bridge of Big's ship. Big himself was in the captain's chair. He still had that silly yacht captain suit, looking like a comedic actor taking a break on a movie set. That sight made Felicity remember last night's dinner. The meal was as rich and decadent as she expected. It seems that Big always had a �pocket harem' with him. There were four other women at the table, all of them practically falling out of their dresses. Their breasts were expansive, big as watermelons with the fronts and bottoms barely covered. The waitress serving them was a little more decently attired. Felicity was sure that woman could've carried the rolled silverware sets in her cleavage without a problem.
    Alysa, one of Big's flunkies, broke Felicity from her woolgathering. �Mr Big, were about to exit from hyperspace. 25 seconds to translation.�
    �Excellent,� the little pervert said. Big faced Felicity, who was trying her best to look disinterested. �Felly, you're going to have the unique pleasure to seeing my private domain. A venerable kingdom in space.�
    I bet, Felicity thought. He probable has an entire space station filled with overblown, underclad women to serve his every beck-and-call.
    The ship made translation without incident. After a few moments Alysa activated the main view plate. Felicity expected to see something exotic; she wasn't disappointed. It was a city skyline planted on the surface of an asteriod. Lights basked the metal structures in a golden glow, lending a heavenly atmosphere to the whole scene.
    Big cleared his throat. �Excellent, Alysa. Contact Docking Control and take us in.�
    �Aye-Aye, Mr Big.�
    Big smiled from ear to ear. �Felly, allow me to present to you my home away from home: The Heavenly Bosom!�
    Felicity groaned. God, I should have expected something so obvious from Big.

Paul and June were working in Blue Team's office, comparing notes. It was now four days since Felicity's kidnaping. Blue Team performed shake-downs of their contacts, trying to find out about Big's plans. They've even contacted Sammy Shineboy, the city's venerable fountain of information. Even with his help the cops gained only tidbits.
    June had the most success. Tony Mitchell, the mob boss of New Darwin, was saved from certain death a few years ago by June. And now June decided to use the favor earned from that rescue to get the dirt on Big. All that Mitchell knew was that Big closed accounts with him and several other mob contacts. Big even gave away his legitimate businesses. That suggested that Big planned not to return to Outback.
    But one curious fact surfaced. In all cases Big highly recommended his mob friends to invest in medical nanite stocks and lingerie. That could only mean Big literally had a big plan to enhance thousands, if not tens of thousands, of women. What devious plan had Big come up with this time? The hour was late; Paul and June decided to go to Lynnae's apartment. Perhaps with all of Blue Team gathered they could puzzle out the answer. From Amber's chipper reports Lynnae had greatly improved. The police duo were going to inform Lynnae on the progress they made, and also have dinner with her.

Lynnae was serving as host to Paul, June, Nadia, and Smudge. While the cops had spaghetti for dinner Smudge was served meatballs dipped in fat. Needless to say Smudge was quite happy. After dinner the four cops commenced talking shop.
    �Medical nanite stocks and lingerie?� Lynnae said. �Sounds like Big came up with something really potent. Perhaps he perfected the ultimate dream of all nanotechnicians: super nanites. If that's the case then you'll need killer nanites to take them out. Of course, the odd ancient breast potion can't be discounted either. Perhaps he'll try his Lollywater caper again.�
    �Well it's good to have you back in the real world, Lyn,� June chided. Having Lynnae acting like her normal self was a great relief. �I have to agree. Big never makes an empty boast. If we just knew something of his plan...�
    There was a knock at Lynnae's door. Using her �ware, Lynnae access the security camera. It was Dan Spirit Talker. Dan was Dr Sung's medical assistant at the station. What is he doing here? Lynnae thought as she got up and let Dan inside.
    �Evening, Dan. May I assume you're here to check up on me?�
    Dan was of American Indian descent. His face was strong and emotive when he replied. �That is part of the reason. I have something to say about Mr Big.�
    �By all means take a seat and tell us. Me and the gang are going bonkers trying to figure out what our favorite midget pervert is planning.� Lynnae motioned to a chair. Dan sat down and waited while the Blue Team members gathered around.
    Dan took a deep breath. �As all of you know, I'm a direct descendent of a tribal shaman. I have been trained to use my inherent powers by my ancestors. One of those powers is the ability to locate a person in space and time. Remember those anonymous tips you received on the Geldolf and Brandies cases?� The assembled cops nodded. �Well, they came from me.�
    Paul looked amused. �So you're the infamous Mr X. I often wondered if the person passing on those tips was psychic. I doubted that we could've solved those cases without those tips.�
    �Dan, I don't want to be disrespectful, but I'm still having a hard time accepting that you have �special powers'.� June crossed her arms over her ample chest. �Do you have anything else to prove that you're really clairvoyant?�
    Dan grinned like an idiot. �Well, from time to time I perceive what my friends have been doing. Why, just last week you wrote on you fiance's back with lipstick. And those words were �if found, please call 555-...�
    �Enough.� June blushed. She hadn't told anyone about that little prank. And Greg, June's fiancé, wasn't the kind of man to let such a prank become general knowledge! �You firmly convinced me. I bet you have a bead on where Big is now?�
    �Yes, June. But I believe Lynnae won't like the answer.�
    �Try me.� Lynnae leaned forward, not wanting to miss Dan's answer.
    �By the grace of the sky spirits and the souls of my ancestors I have divined Big's location. He's at Lagoon.�
    �Lagoon? That's only two hyper-days from Outback.� Nadia observed. �Dan, I don't image you can �see' where Big is at on Lagoon?�
    The Indian shook his head. �I can only perceive him on a beach, surround by his usual gaggle of women. There are two small moons in the sky. I've been at Lagoon before, and I know those moons by sight.�
    �Thank you Dan. Now that we know where Big is, we can go to...� Lynnae's enthusiastic words were quickly cut off by Paul.
    �Sorry to bust your bubble, Lyn, but I don't see Talbert giving us the go-ahead to pursue a lead based on a �vision'.� Paul looked at Dan. �You may have convinced us, but Talbert will want plasticrete proof.�
    �We can hyperwave a message to the Marshal's Office on Lagoon,� Nadia offered. �Harold can have the office there scout the beaches. If Big is there then we'll have the proof we need.� Harold, Nadia's husband, was still a Commonwealth Marshal. Being the Marshal Station Chief on Outback gave him the authority make such a request.
    Lynnae's face showed her approval. �I agree. For a change let's take the fight to Big. I'm tired of playing perpetual catch-up with him.� Lyn shook Dan's hand, but tighten her grip for a moment. �Dan, if you're proven right I won't doubt your ability. But if you continue to �perceive' me and the girls,� Lyn said, �I'll just have to perform some unscheduled brain surgery on you.� She smiled like a wolf.
    Dan took the hint in stride. �I swear on my immortal soul I won't �perceive' you and the other girls from now on. I wasn't on any voyeuristic campaign! Just be thankful Larry Harkin doesn't have my abilities!�
    Nadia nodded. �You can say that again. Speaking of The Lecher, any word on his undercover stint?�
    Paul got up to stretch his legs. �Nothing for the past five weeks. Talbert may regret placing Larry on that massage parlor post. But I won't lose any sleep if he decided that working as a masseur is more to his liking than being a cop.�
    Everyone in the room murmured in agreement. They wrapped up a few details before heading home. For the first time in four days Lynnae actually felt that Blue Team had a chance to catch Big, or at least frustrate his plans. Nadia decided to let Smudge stay with Lynnae again. But this time Lynnae had Smudge sleep on the sofa. For the past two nights Smudge, like all Dachshunds, had successfully nudged Lynnae out of her bed, making the mattress and sheets his domain. Lyn wasn't about to let that happen again!
 

8

Felicity wiped her mouth with a napkin. The buxom waitress tasked to service Felly then cleared the table quickly and efficiently. It was now five days since Felly was kidnaped, and two days since her arrival on the Heavenly Bosom. Big himself had left for a short time, leaving his captive to the care of Albert.
    Felly had access only to her room, a dining area, and a lounge. True to form, Big did everything to excess. Felly's bedroom was a study in opulence. The royal blue walls were bedecked in gold patterns and paintings. Considering Big's origins those paintings had to be the real articles and not some later-day knock-offs. The dressing table was pure white marble, shined to the point where Felly could see her reflection on the surface. The dining area was fit to serve a small army, and the lounge was practically a king's court. Felly couldn't help but feel that she was being treated like a queen. The servants and Albert were respectful and courteous, waiting hand-on-foot to insure Felly enjoyed her stay.
    Then Big returned. He was happy to see Felly adapt so quickly to her new surroundings. She was wearing a dress that made her every inch the benevolent matriarch. Big approved, and with that he took his �guest' on a tour of the Heavenly Bosom.
    The first stop was a gallery filled with �60's lava lamps. The interplay of lights made the room look like someones' acid trip. Next was a room filled with bottlecaps from every type of beer and soda ever made. Felicity was amused at the sight of several small mountains of bottlecaps on the floor. The third stop was a rather large room. Big opened the hatch. �A sample of every type of salami is hanging in this closet,� Big proclaimed. The odor was overbearing. Felly's eyes bugged out and she nearly lost her cookies. Big quickly closed the hatch. �Okay, now you can exhale. Mustn't contaminate my collection, ya'know.�
    After the Salami Closet, Big guided his charge to a hallway that displayed all the hotel towels he stolen over the centuries. That collection extended for over 300 meters. Right next to that hallway was Big's Dead Cat Collection. Felly turned her head away in disgust. As a girl she studied the great cats of Earth, and many of those magnificent creatures were represented here as floor rugs and wall displays. Big pointed to one cat in particular, a South Chinese Tiger. �Look at that one. He has a smile on his face.� Big was practically beaming as he opened another hatch. A richly decorated hatch at that.
    �Now for the piece of resistance. The royal panty collection!� Big raised his arms in an all-encompassing gesture. �Every one of these panties came from a girl that fell for my animal magnetism.� His grin was fit to kill a moose. �My greatest wish is to add your undergarments to this collection.�
    Felly stepped forward, her best warrior face displayed. �It'll be a cold day in Hell before I'll let you bed me, much less take my unmentionables.�
    Big laughed, coughed, and hacked. �Dear, I've been to Hell so many times that I have to wear mittens and a heavy coat! I don't need your love, just your lust and desire!� Big walked away, and Felly followed by his side. He spoke after a short pause. �I'll show you the other stuff tomorrow. The typical Lost Artworks of Humanity dog-and-pony show, golden treasures, and gems. I wanted to show my favorite stuff first.�
    After a few minutes the duo reached a transport pod. The Heavenly Bosom was quite large, and Felly was thankful she didn't had to walk all the time. Big spoke as the pod sped down the tube. �Of course, I expect you at dinner tonight. 7 p.m. sharp. After that it'll be a movie. A torrid romance movie, and I won't mind if you hold my hand during the show.�
    Felicity hid her disgust with a face of blank acceptance. Oh, how much I want to strangle him. But if I do that I'll never see home again. Lyn, please get here soon!
    �I'll take your silence as a yes. Ah, we've reached your quarters.� After getting out of the pod Big lead his guest to her door. �See you at 7. Ciao.� Big reentered the pod and left, leaving Felly to prepare herself for another of Big's dinners.
 

9

�Well, Harold, I have to say your hunch was right. Big was sited at Lagoon. He had his usual gaggle of women with him. Who could've missed a shriveled-up midget with four ultra-buxom women?� David Talbert said, leaning back in his chair.
    Harold Walkens, the chief of the Commonwealth Marshal's Office on Outback, was sitting across the table from Talbert. Harold's wife Nadia had convinced him to send a request to the Marshal's Office on Lagoon to look out for Big. The hunch Nadia had was proven true. Now it all remains to do is send Blue Team after Big.
    �Who can miss Big indeed,� Harold replied. �The Lagoon people have traced Big taking a ship to the outer reaches of the Lagoon system. It went into cloak just short of the hyper-limit. Since that ship is too small to mount a hyperdrive, Big either rendezvoused with another ship, or headed for a secret base.�
    David nodded. �And Big won't get very far. It's 8 days before he's supposed to return to Outback. Since Lagoon is only two hyper-days out means our people only have four days to find him... and stop him.�
    �And Blue Team needs all the help it can get. David, I mean no disrespect, but a gaggle of police ships won't cut the mustard where Big is concerned. I've been a Marshal long enough to earn some favors, and I have one that's particularly useful - and available right now.�
    David opened an eye. �Say, you're not suggesting we use that ship?�
    �Do you object?�
    �Hell no! In fact, its appropriate that our people should use the Stroud. Those crewmembers have their own beef against Big. This'll be the perfect opportunity for them to help. I'll contact Blue Team. I'll just need to know where and when to send them for the Stroud to pick them up.�
    �Have the team gather at Lelong Field in five hours. The Stroud's captain is there now. I'll call him immediately and cash in my favor.�
    The police chief nodded his consent. �Cool beans. Blue Team will certainly enjoy the firepower they'll get!�

The scene shifted to the Carson house. It's been three months since Amber and Bert were married, and after a two-week honeymoon the love birds moved into their new home. Amber was sad to sell her old house, but it was just too small for the 2.2 meter tall Bert. In compensation, Bert used his carefully earned investment money and built a new house in the Adelaide section of New Darwin. The home was big enough for Bert, but it took Amber into consideration as well, having low-set cabinets and control panels. Also, Amber was treated to her own indoor flower garden and sun room. Bert had an exercise room, and used it extensively - with Amber. But right now Amber was in the living room, looking out the bay window.
    Bert walked in, looking concerned. �Honey, are you sure that you want to do this? If Lynnae really needed you then she would've called.�
    Amber turned, her warm brown eyes instantly melting Bert's resolve. �Bert, I want to go. Lyn and the others will need my help. I'm the only person that twice went head-to-head with Big and won.�
    Bert got next to his woman, starting to get down on one knee. Amber stopped him, instead jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck. Her puppy-dog eyes didn't prevent him from speaking. �Amber, as a former football player, I have to say that I don't take stock in �third time's the charm'. What if this time it'll be Big that's lucky?�
    The tall man was rewarded with a kiss. �My little giant, my faith will be my shield and guard. As long as you believe in me I will prevail.�
    �I believe in you, and much more.� Bert then kissed Amber and gave her a crushing hug. Of course, Amber didn't feel a thing. �But I will miss you while you're gone. I mean, who will dress me in the morning and drag my carcass to bed at night?�
    Amber pulled her love's head to her shoulder, talking into his ear. �Men are such babies! I will make it up to you, Bert. In six years, after putting in my 15, we'll get to work filling those four empty bedrooms. My word.�
    Bert placed Amber back down, smiling like a god. �And you always keep your word. You better go, honey. You can't get'em standing here. But let me give you something that'll increase your luck.�

Felicity felt like she had 1,000 frogs in her brain. It had to be the food, she thought. I knew I shouldn't had eaten those mushrooms. The dinner last night was no different from the one on the Caledonia Contract. Big's pocket harem was dressed up just as scantily as before. They pawed over Big as he regaled Felly with his criminal exploits. The Martian Main Bank Caper of 2245 was one of his favorites. At the end of that story Felly felt ill, returning to her room with the support of Albert. She didn't sleep all that well. Opening her eyes, Felly saw by the wall chrono that it was noon. Dang, I've been in bed for over 14 hours. Felly raised her arms and yawned, only then noticing her hands.
    Her hands looked different. Instead of the aged flesh she had gotten use to, Felly saw smooth, unblemished skin. Intrigued, she rolled up the left sleeve of her pajama top. The skin on her arm matched that of her hands - fresh and new. It was then she noticed her chest. She undid the top three buttons on her pajama top and looked down. She gasped. Like all Wilcox women since time immemorial, Felly's breasts were now the proud, volleyball-sized lungs she had 50 years ago. Age had worked it's duty in shrinking and sagging her breasts naturally, but whatever happened restored her lungs to their former glory.
    Just then Albert entered, solemn and composed as ever. �I trust you found your sleep restful?�
    Felly was in no mood to answer nicely. �Just what in the Hell happened to me? Explain this!� She thrusted a naked arm at Albert, letting him see for himself.
    Albert's face remained neutral. �Mr Big is more versed on your... condition. After lunch he'll explain.� He walked over to Felly's closet, a closet large enough to be an apartment.�Please, ma'am.�
    Try as she might Felly couldn't get mad at Albert. From what she saw of him Albert was a celibate monk compared to Big. Besides, who can hate a man who displayed all the dignity and composure that his employer lacked? Albert selected a dress for Felly and left, leaving her to put it on and wondering what Big had to say for himself.
 

10

Lelong Field, named after WWII ace Roy Emile Lelong (RNZAF), was located in the foothills of the Zipperback Mountains. Lelong Field played host to a glider club, with the Zipperback providing the updrafts and thermals those glider pilots needed to fly and soar.
    Lynnae was watching one of those pilots perform acrobatics in the clear sky. Only the sound of approaching feet broke her gaze. It was a man in a naval uniform. He came to a stop in front of Lynnae and extended his hand. �Miss Wilcox, I'm Captain Edger Pavone. Harold has told me about your grandmother. Myself and my crew are more than willing to assist you.�
    Lyn shook Pavone's hand, taking in his full measure. Pavone was as tall as June, and looked really old. At 120, Pavone had the body of a 70 year-old man, and his white eyebrows and hair made him look like an emaciated Santa Claus.
    �Thank you, Captain. My team is waiting in the cafe. I assume your shuttle is here?�
    �Yes, ma'am. We can leave anytime you want.�
    Lynnae smiled appreciatively. �No time like the present. Let's go.� With that the cop and captain went to the cafe to gather the rest of Blue Team. Lynnae was surprised to see one Amber Carson waiting with them.
    �Amber, what are you doing here?�
    Amber got up from her chair. �Truthfully, you need all the help you can get. I've personally kick the living crap out of Big twice before. And I believe in the adage of �third time's the charm'.�
    �I've considered that, Amber. But you've been married for only three months. Does Burt know about your desire to face Big again?�
    �He certainly does! He even gave me his lucky coin to increase my luck. Besides, everyone else agrees.� Amber indicated to the rest of Blue Team. Nadia, June, Paul, Dan, and Toby were smiling conspiratorially. Lynnae just shook her head.
    �Better to have you join now rather than finding you on the shuttle. Welcome to the team.� Lynnae offered her hand; Amber gladly accepted it.
    The intrepid group walked to the shuttle. Waiting for them was Harold. �Well, it seems you guys are set, except in one area: legal authority. You need that if you're going to arrest Big and take him to trial.�
    Lynnae's face turned ugly. �Assuming, of course, he'll let himself be captured and arrested. And even that's assuming he'll avoid a bullet.�
    That comment made Harold's face pinch up. �Count your blessings that Talbert didn't hear you say that. You're still a cop, Lyn, and cops are tasked to arrest the bad guys, not kill them out of spite.�
    Taking in his words, Lynnae was glad for Harold's tolerance. She was also ashamed to have let her hatred for Big interfere with her judgement. �I'm sorry for what I just said. I swear I won't let my personal feelings interfere with my duty again.�
    �Much better, Lyn. However, don't let Big toy with you. It'll be a terroristic act if he uses Felicity as a human shield. No-one will question if you find it necessary to put him down if he does. Now, back to the subject at hand. All of you, raise your right hands.� The assembled cops did as they were commanded. �In the authority invested in me by the Office of the Marshal and the Constitution of the Commonwealth I hearby deputize all of you. Do all of you swear to uphold and abide by the rules and orders of the Office of the Marshal?�
    A multitude of �I do's' was heard. �Then let it be know that, until further notice, all of you are temporary Marshals in the service of the Office of the Marshal and the Constitution of the Commonwealth.� With that done Harold let go with a exhale. �I'm glad to get that official bullshit out of the way.�
    The New Darwin cops thanked Harold and entered the shuttle. Nadia was the last, and she wrapped her arms around Harold. �Darling, I can't thank you enough for what you did for the team. How can I show my appreciation?�
    Harold placed his own arms around Nadia. �Well, the obligatory requirement of coming back in one piece comes to mind. Next is the successful completion of your mission and having Big brought back hog-tied to a stake.� Harold's left hand patted Nadia's rump. �Did I mention that you should come back in one piece? Especially the one I'm patting now?�
    �Oh, you're insufferable.� Nadia said, kissing Harold full on the lips.
    June saw everything. She impatiently tapped her right foot. �Oh, you two! Stop sucking face or I'll paddle that little behind of yours, Nadia!�
    �Get going, Nad. I'll keep the home fires burning.� The couple moved apart, and Harold handed Nadia a travel tote and extended his ring finger. Nadia did the same. The rings touched and the couple uttered a ritualistic phrase. �Bad Attitude Powers - Activate!�
    June was practically bowed-over as Nadia jaunted into the shuttle and strapped herself in. With all passengers finally settled in, Pavone piloted the shuttle up and away. After a minute Pavone spoke over the PA. �Out of curiosity, does everyone here know the story about the Stroud?�
    A few �no's' were spoken. �Well, I have enough time to tell the story. A few years ago naval personnel intercepted an illegal shipment of animal furs. That shipment belonged to Mr Big, and he wasn't happy to lose it. So, in a plan of revenge that fit perfectly with his tastes, he tampered with several hundred navy-issued birth-control implants. Those implants contained a minuscule amount of the infamous Nepalese breast-enlarging potion. The potion worked the first time the implanted woman had sex. Of course, having basketball-sized breasts is against navy regulations.�
    Pavone did some adjustments to the shuttle's course. �The doctor's tried everything from nanites to actual surgery. Nothing worked; the breasts just grew back. The Nepalese monastery where the potion was made had burned to the ground and the monks scattered to the four winds. For all intensive purposes five hundred-odd women were stuck with their new charges. The potion had an additional effect: the production of female pheramones was increased dramatically. Needless to say this caused �complications' when the women worked along side with their male counterparts. Thankfully a counter-agent for the pheramones was made. Each woman has a dedicated implant in them filled with this counter-agent.�
    �The women were given the options of leaving the service at full pension for their grade or stay on and serve on the same ship. All the women stayed. On the Stroud there are only five male crewmembers; chosen because they are the only males in the Navy totally unaffected by female pheramones. In addition to myself there is the chief engineer, chief medical officer, the senior Marine detachment noncom, and the senior commissary noncom (the fancy phrase for chef). You can gather that we males are quite old and immune to our fellow crewmates �charms'.� The female cops in the shuttle blushed, but they also knew how those female sailors felt. For the cops it was a fact that when duty calls their busts could be adjusted to suit the task. For the sailors their busts had to remain small, so clothing and shipsuit size differences could be minimized. So having basketball-sized lungs can easily throw a wrench were logistics and upkeep are concerned. In this case it made sense to have the affected sailors serve on the same ship.
    Pavone wrapped up the story. �There you have it. 512 female sailors with oversized breasts on the same ship with only five overaged and completely safe males to serve along with them. For the past two years the Stroud has been on anti-piracy work and earned the highest capture rate in the Navy. We're hoping one day to capture Big and give him the punishment he deserves.�
    Remembering what she was told earlier, Lynnae spoke. �Captain, you don't mean...�
    The Captain laughed. �No! We'll just paddle his behind before turning him over to the police. He's really nothing more that a naughty boy that's able to live out his fantasies. Whoops! We're here! In a minute you're see the crew of the Stroud first hand.�
    As Pavone maneuvered into the Stroud's shuttle bay Lynnae thought of the three men in Blue Team. Toby, Paul, and Dan will find it difficult to compose themselves with 512 shapely and overendowed women around them. Thinking wickedly, Lynnae was thankful those female sailors had proper birth-control implants in additional to those anti-pheramone sacs!
 

11

The lunch was almost over before Big spoke. "Well, Felly, do you like the new you?"
    Though Felly was clothed from neck to ankle she felt Big's eyes undress her. Whatever he did to her was nothing short of miraculous. The physical age of Felly's body was cut in half. Only her hair remained white. She mused that Big must've gotten some water from the original Fountain of Youth. But if that's the case why hasn't he used that water on himself?
    "I liked the way I was before. Why not regress me to a teenager, or even a baby?"
     Big laughed. "Oh, the technology doesn't work that way. It can't remove or add mass, just rearrange it. I'll show you that technology now." He got up and waited for Felly at the hatch. Intrigued, she got up and followed him. After a short walk Big and Felly entered a laboratory. What looked like a plain examination table was in the center of the room. "Here's the fabled Fountain of Youth.� Big laid a hand on the smooth table surface. �As you may have guessed, there was a knock-out drug in your dinner. I had Albert and Alysa take your sleeping body here. In under two hours you got the body you have now.� Big stopped for a moment, gladly taking the daggers that Felly was willing into him. �Now for the story behind this magic table."
    "Twenty-two years ago, while prospecting for diamonds on an asteroid, I found a wrecked alien craft. I had that craft carried back to the Heavenly Bosom. It became a hobby. Every now and then I tested the alien equipment, trying to make it work. Then, twelve years ago, I finally cracked the alien computer code and read the resulting data. Imagine my joy when I found the plans to build a 'cellular rejuvinator' among that data. After a few tests to insure it was safe, I used the device on Alysa. By the way, she's even older than you, calender-wise."
    Felicity made a mental whistle. Alysa, one of Big's flunkies, was a female version of Albert. And she certainly carried herself like a well-traveled, professional woman.
    "Alysa was an unemployed navigator when I found her fifteen years ago," Big continued. "She saw her job on the Bosom as the perfect retirement post. Having lived a full life, she felt she had nothing to lose volunteering to have the device used on her. It was a complete success; Alysa now has the body of a 32 year-old woman. She's looking forward to having an additional 80 years of life, and even the possibility of starting her own family."
    Big got a cup of water and drank. "I image I'll release this cash cow," he patted the table while he spoke, "in twenty or thirty years. I figure in the long run I'll earn more money in secret royalties than all of my prolong and nanite stocks combined." Big head for a hatch with Felly in tow. Both entered a travel pod and were carried for a kilometer before coming to a stop. "Now to show you another long-term project of mine. Please, go in first." Big indicated to a rather large hatch. Felly was more than a bit curious to see what Big had to show her. The hatch opened, and Felly felt a fresh breeze brush past her cheeks.
    "Behold the Park Deck," Big proclaimed. "2 kilometers long, 1 kilometer wide, and 150 meters tall. A nice pastoral scene, isn't it?"
    It certainly was a peaceful scene. Lush green grass shared the deck with modest-sized trees and bushes. Felly even saw a small stream with an attendant footbridge. The artificial sky on the ceiling was showing images of wispy cirrus, complementing the light breeze blowing on the deck. A footpath went right down the center of the man-made park. Big and Felly, side-by-side, walked down that path.
    Big cleared his throat. "In addition to that cellular rejuvinator, there were plans for another device. The device was beyond my ability to construct; so I hired every freelance technical and engineering wizard I could find. Men and women who fit my specifications and needs quite nicely."
    An evil thought occurred to Felly. She wondered how Big would react when he heard it. "I take it these people wouldn't be missed if they dropped out of sight? What did you do to them when the project was completed? Had them walled up in your wine cellar or flushed out into space?"
    "Ma'am! I'm shocked that you could suggest such a thing!" Big actually looked flustered. "I may be a lecherous old bastard but I'm not that kind of bastard. No, those people are still alive and here right now. I couldn't kill them, but neither could I let them spread word of my new device. At least, not yet. They are living a good life that such industrious people should have. Come, I'll show you."
    Felly's face showed doubt. "I can hardly call a day-in, day-out orgy a good life. Are those people locked up in some perpetual pleasure palace?"
    Big turned. "You'll probably give me some credit for not being the total bastard you make me out to be -- after seeing this." After a few minutes of walking the duo reached the scene Big wanted to show. "There," he pointed, "got any more of those witticism in your mouth?"
    Felly looked, daring to believe her eyes. Expecting to see an open-air orgy, she saw decently-attired men and women instead. They all appeared to be in their mid-twenties. The women were all quite attractive and had one thing in common: basketball-sized breasts. At least those women didn't show a single square-centimeter of bare breast flesh.
    It appeared to be a picnic in progress, with multitudes of blankets and baskets in evidence. Then Felly saw a truly amazing sight: children. There were actually children among those �young' couples. Those children were playing various games, laughing and yelling. Felly was startled when a kickball landed next to her. She picked it up out of reflex, as she often did when playing with her own son many years ago. A cute little girl ran up to Felly, smiling widely. "Ma'am, I like to have the ball you're holding. Please?"
    Felly gave the ball to the girl. "You have good manners for a young girl. Your parents must've taught you well."
    "Yes, ma'am. Thank you for the ball. Bye!" With that the girl skipped off, rejoining her friends and continuing their game. Felly saw a satisfied smile on Big's face.
    "As you see, my people are quite happy. In return for their services I allowed them to live here and have use of the rejuvinator. And raise families. In a year I'll land them on some out-of-the-way planet so they can build their own world. Of course, it'll be a world where all the women have quite ample breasts." Big giggled. "You should know that the kids call me 'Uncle Silly', and at Christmas I play the part of Santa Claus. With my abilities and wealth, I can literally give any gift they desire. From ancient Chinese dolls to genuine Nintendo 65000 systems."
    Felly looked on as the young couples and children played and ate. She tried to tell herself that this was just another of Big's warped pleasures. But those people certainly didn't look like willing slaves, living out the life that Big may have wanted all along.
    Big got Felly's attention. "Care to sit down with them for awhile? You look tired."
    "Yes, I would like to sit down and talk to those fine young people." Indeed, Felicity spent the rest of the afternoon with those couples. Afterwards Felly could only conclude that there had to be more to Big than meets the eye.
 

12

Blue Team's first day on the Stroud proved interesting. Captain Pavone gave a tour of the ship, pointing out items of interests. The Stroud (named after a town in Oklahoma) was a missile-equipped variant of a La Rochelle class medium cruiser, but with several upgrades. Taking into account of the crews' buxomness, the hatches and service passageways were widen by 35 centimeters. It just won't do having technicians stuck in an airvent! Another feature was the first-generation antimatter power plant. The installation took up one-fifth the space as a standard fusion plant, but it produced six times the output. The ship also had the latest in sensor suites, giving even a current-generation cloaked ship a run for its money. For icing on the cake the ship even had its own cloaking device, thanks to the extra space left by the new power plant.
    An interesting tour to be sure, but then there was the crew. As expected, the males in Blue Team found it difficult to carry themselves, knowing that they were surrounded by over 500 healthy, shapely, top-heavy female sailors. On the tour Lynnae unconsciously latched on to Paul's arm with a death-grip, radiating the message of 'he's mine - stay away!'. Paul reasoned that Lynnae wanted to protect him; if that was the case then he was all for it! While Pavone explained shuttle bay operations, Paul regarded Lynnae's form. Perhaps now Lynnae is expressing her desire to extend our relationship beyond mere friendship. She may not be saying it outright, but that protective act she's doing now is enough proof.
    Later that evening Blue Team used the volleyball court in the ship's rec center. There they got another surprise. Harold, somewhat of a trickster, had pulled a fast one on Nadia. In the tote bag, the one he gave to Nadia just before she left, was one sleeping Smudge. And Smudgy was hungry. Playfully cursing her husband, Nadia got a ham sandwich for Smudge to feast on while Blue Team played volleyball. It was teams of four, with one Stroud crewmember filling out the empty spot for one team. After playing best two out of three the New Darwin cops hit the showers. To their amusement, since virtually all the Stroud crew were women, the locker and shower rooms were merged into one. Thankfully a temporary barrier was erected, giving at least a sense of privacy. But that didn't prevent the cops from talking (with voice or �ware) while taking their showers.

[The following is the movie's obligatory shower scene (OSS). Boobs and buns will be shown, but the nether regions will be artistically covered up. Boys with a history of nose bleeds are asked to prepare their kleenexes now. You have been warned.]

After giving herself a good lather, June got under the shower spray and washed off the soap bubbles from her shapely, basketball-sized breasts. Nadia and Amber were working on their hair, their vigorous arm movements causing their respective basketball and cantaloupe-sized lungs to jiggle.
    Lynnae, already done, was drying off her volleyball-sized knockers. A bit of a trickster herself, Lyn wrapped a towel around her and walked past the partition separating the women and 'men's' shower areas. She got a good view of Paul, Dan, and Toby's backsides. She sent a wolf whistle via her 'ware, causing the now-embarrassed men to retreat further into the spray, their hand towels deployed with care.
    Sorry about that, boys, Lyn said. The only way to the steam room was by going past you. I guess I've should've warned you before walking by.
    That's a load of bull, Lyn, June said. You just wanted to see Paul's cute butt. The mental sniggering was  easily heard by the 'ware-equipped cops.
    I see that your engagement to Greg hasn't lessen your dirty little mind one bit. If anything, you're probably more dirty that Mr Big! Lyn picked up pace and entered the steam room before June could do anything about it. After five minutes of letting the steam do its work Lyn was joined by Paul. Double- checking to make sure his towel was secure, Paul sat next to her.
    "I need a good steam too," Paul observed, "after you virtually crushed my arm this afternoon on the tour."
    Lynnae blushed. "Sorry. I felt that you needed..."
    "Protection? Me? Lyn, not to be rude, but I can read and send body language too. After all I was a married man, and I know what signals to send. And women can tell that I'm 'damaged goods'."
    Those two words jilted Lyn. She hadn't told anyone about how she considered Paul 'damaged' because of his divorce. Only one word came out of her in reply. "Damaged?"
    Paul faced his short partner, the steam working its wonders in making the two of them sweat. "It's a certain air a person takes when they're rejected or abandoned. I don't believe I've told you the reason behind my divorce. There I was, fresh out of the Police Academy with my highschool sweetheart as my wife. It wasn't long before my work interfered in a big way with our relationship. After being in many intense situations I took to drink to calm my nerves. My wife tried to stop my drinking binges, and during one of her 'interventions' I hit her... hard. That was the end; she had enough."
    Composing himself, Paul was surprised to feel Lynnae's hand on his knee. He placed his hand on hers. "It was a quick and clean divorce. My lawyer did all the work. I was too loaded to make any decisions. I went cold-turkey on drinking, and haven't had a single drop in over seven years. I also abstained from dating, trying to become one of those ultra-dedicated cops who haven't the time to develop relationships. But, the truth be known, you've throughly wrecked my plans."
    "Paul, all I got to say in my defense is that you did your darnest to ward me off. Sorry to say it hasn't worked." Lyn batted her green eyes at Paul, who in turn was now blushing. "I've heard rumors about you ever since you transferred to Central Station. After working with you all these years I can say that those rumors were completely false. I don't want to sound sarcastic, but you're the most honest and sturdiest man I've ever known."
    Unconsciously, Lynnae moved her hand up on Paul's shoulder. He looked longingly at that hand. "That's a compliment if I ever heard one. To return it I must say I've never seen a more extraordinary woman than you, Lyn. Of course, one has to work with you for some time to look past that shapely bod of yours."
    Lyn giggled. "Unlike some people we know, you've kept your hormones under control. Too bad it took June so long to control hers'! She had to get engaged to slow down!"
    Feeling a bit daring, Paul placed his now-freed hand on Lyn's side, gently pulling her towards him. "Do I get a reward for being such a good boy?"
    "Yep! Let's do what our ever-so eloquent June does when she's with Greg." Lyn moved, her nose almost touching Paul's.
    "And what's that?"
    "Suck face," Lynnae said as her lips found Paul's. The kissing cops heard a round of clapping. The other Blue Team members were in the steam room now, grinning like idiots. Even Smudge was there, his wagging tail fit to knock over a tank.
    June was beaming like a lighthouse. "Well, Lyn, I knew you liked Paul, but that much?" She pointed to Lyn's towel, which had fallen off. Lyn's now-exposed breasts were pressing into Paul's chest. Both kissing cops pulled away and turned back-to-back, each with a classic anime exaggerated vein and sweatdrop on their heads.
    After fixing her towel Lynnae glowered at June. "There's nothing worse than turning into the very thing you hate. Are you going to become Mrs Big?"
    Being so ample, June had to use two towels to cover herself. She removed the upper one, letting her breasts be exposed to the steamy air. "Make that Ms Big! One night of passion with me will be the end of him!" Blue Team laughed as they sat down on nearby benches. June graciously returned the towel to her bosom, allowing Paul and the other men to look at her without embarrassment. Everyone was glad that Lynnae and Paul had found each other. They could only hope that the new couple could work on their relationship more after nailing Big. Provided that Big could be found in time.
 

13

In the warm opulence of her bedroom, Felly read one of Big's many diaries. That afternoon with Big's rejuvenated employees made her think. At first she brushed it off as some odd quirk. After all, even the most infamous men and women in history did things in private that were 180 degrees opposite of what they did in public. What Felly read in the diary just added more fuel to her theory. But why families, with children, of all things? Big had to be a deeply wounded man or else had reached new levels of depravity. That thought made Felly mentally gag. Seeking relief, she looked at the huge portrait above the ornamental fireplace.
    The portrait was of a gracious, strong-faced woman. Felly hazard a guess that the portrait was made in the 16th century, judging by the clothes the woman had on. Perhaps she was one of Big's first conquests? Felly didn't put it past Big to memorialize his early triumphs. Just then the door to her room opened. In stepped Albert, carrying a bottle and a glass on a platter.
    "Forgive my rude entrance, ma'am. I thought you would appreciate a drink before retiring. A Geibelhouse 2295, to be exact."
    "Thank you for the offer, but I want to know the story of that portrait before taking a drink."
    Albert nodded. He placed the platter on Felly's night stand and pulled up a plush chair. "Yes, ma'am. After telling you the story you'll definitely need a drink. You see, that gracious lady was none other than Mary Drake, Big's wife."
    Felly's eyes bugged out. "What! When was that midget pervert ever married? What woman in her right mind would want to stay with him, considering his deeds and tastes?"
    "That will be explained, ma'am. Centuries ago, Mr Big was once Sylvester Drake: English explorer, adventurer, and lady killer. Before heading off into the depths of what is now called Brazil, Big married the woman you see there on the wall." Albert motioned to the portrait. "If you can believe it, Big was actually a decent, proper man -- for his times. He was on a quest to find fabulous lost cities in the jungles of Brazil. He hired me as his guide and assistant. Together we hacked our way through that green hell. Then, after many weeks, we encountered a tribe of Indians."
    Albert stopped a moment to catch his breath. "The Indians were helpful and provided us with provisions. However Big, as with many men of that time, took advantage of that generosity. He slept with the wife of the tribal shaman. As a result, the shaman placed a curse on Big and myself. You should know that Big was actually quite handsome back in 1540. But that curse transformed him from a 5'5", basically decent man into a 4'8" super lech. The shaman hexed Big to spend the rest of eternity as a slave forever serving the sins of lust and greed. Being his assistant, I was cursed to attended to Big's needs and help him realized his criminal goals."
    Felly looked perplexed. If that's the case then why the families? He should be surrounded by hundreds of naked women. Felly was about to speak that thought when Albert resumed his story.
    "Over the centuries he committed more crimes and served his lust more often than even I can remember. Most women he encountered were mesmerized by his unnatural attraction, great wealth and power. The shaman said there was only one way for the curse to be broken. A woman that is strong in spirit, brave of heart, and capable of unbridled love can break the curse. Big went home to England to be with his wife. She fitted the requirements, but had died a month before Big encountered the shaman. He felt pain and remorse from that, but was unable to express it due to the curse. He tried to end his life, but the curse prevent him from killing himself."
    Albert stopped again, this time to clear his eyes of tears. Felly wanted to believe it was some fake story that Big had Albert tell her, to gain her sympathy and 'trust'. As earlier, Felly couldn't doubt Albert's rock-solid dignity and composure.
    "To be sure, there were women capable of breaking the curse. Being the man that he is, Big never met them. No proper woman would have anything to do with him. So, century after century, he accumulated conquest after conquest, coin after coin. He's quite happy being the criminal mind of all time. Still, the curse hadn't crushed all of his other feelings. Remember those families you saw earlier?" Felly nodded. "Well, ma'am, one of Big's desires is to have a family. The curse prevented him from doing so -- he's sterile. But he settled on the next best thing. You may not agree on him having those young couples here, and even I have an argument about that. Those families only serve to remind Big what he can never have. He's trying to kill all of his unneeded emotions and concentrate fully on his lust and greed."
    "Albert, why tell me all this?" Felly moved closer, placing her hand on Albert's knee. "Big just considers me a living trophy. A trophy that'll be dead in another 100 years."
    Albert wiped his eyes again. "Yes, he does see you as trophy. A tool to twist your granddaughter's heart out. He had me do research on you before the kidnaping. I deliberately failed to mention that you were once a cop."
    "Why is that so important?"
    "I read your service record. You have shown great courage, bravery and compassion in your work. Those are qualities that you successfully taught Lynnae, causing Big to experience consternation when she foils his plans."
    Felicity's deductive mind made the connection. "Wait! You want me to break Big's curse? It's my own sense of self-preservation that's preventing me from even touching him!"
    Albert turned on his pleading eyes. "Ma'am, of all my centuries of life you're truly the first women that even has a chance to save Big. Otherwise Big will continue down the years, doing more crimes and seducing women. He can still be a decent man. All he needs is the love, not lust, of a good woman."
    "I... I just don't know. During the course of his crimes he's killed dozens of people, and caused suffering and misery for thousands more. I don't know if I can look past all that and love him for what he is... or can be." Felly wrung her hands. "It's a romantic notion. The love of a woman has often made a man change his mind, or even change history. I want to believe this will be the case for Big, but..."
    "Then just think about it, ma'am." Albert got up, adjusting his butler suit. "He has something planned for Lagoon in four days. In seven days we'll return to Outback. I can only tell you that what he has planned will really test your ability to love him. If not for his salvation, love him so that no-one else has to suffer due to his vices. Please."
    Felly had to look at Albert's pleading face. No soulless minion can make that request; only a truly caring and compassionate man can do that. "I can promise nothing, Albert, but I will try to find it in my heart to help."
    Albert bowed and left, leaving Felly to her inner conflict. To love a man such as Big was unthinkable, but it had to be thinkable in order to stop him forever. Felly sat in her chair for most of the night... thinking.
 

14

Blue Team gathered in the Stroud's armory. Most of them, anyway. Dan and Toby hadn't shown up, and Lynnae didn't like the impression that was making for Marine Lt Col Debra Ulithi, Lt (sg) Heidi Kronin, and Gunnery Sergeant Kirk Venegas.
    Dan and Toby did arrive. Both of them had hurriedly dressed, and they even had lipstick on their cheeks. The Marines smiled when Lynnae went into her two tardy officers.
    �Well, misters, care to explain why you're late? Wasting not only my time but that of Col Ulithi, Lt Kronin and Sgt Venegas?� Lynnae's right foot tapped at a measured beat.
    Dan went first. �Well, last night I got lost on my way back to the cabin. A crewmember, one Technician 2nd class Barbara Bearclaw, offered her help. I accepted.� Dan fidgeted with his shirt collar. �Well, after a few minutes she realized she needed to get back to her cabin to put on a new worksuit. Well, she was having a problem putting it on, I helped her out, and things sort-of snowballed from there.� The strong-faced Indian now looked throughly guilty. Lynnae shifted her basilisk gaze to Toby.
    �Toby, what's your excuse?�
    Even more than Dan, Toby's face was twisted in guilt and embarrassment. �I was working on Stamp, Postie's minicomp, and realized that I needed a tool that I forgot to bring with me. I went to Maintenance Control and found Lt Samantha Kilgore on duty. Well..,� Toby made circles on the floor with his left foot, �one thing led to another, and she said that the tool I needed was in her cabin... and under her bunk.� Toby now looked like he was about to bust a vein.
    Breaking the tension, June spoke with a cheerful voice. �I expected Dan to do the pillow polka sooner or later, but you Toby?� She got next to her now very-embarrassed friend. �Who would've guess that there was a sensual animal underneath that technical shell?� June then gave a firm slap to Toby's backside. �Good job! If they allowed cigars on this ship then I would've given you one!�
    About to put June in her place, Lynnae was cut off by Ulithi. �Miss Wilcox, you shouldn't fault your two friends. About a quarter of the crew needs to have their anti-pheramone implants recharged. Your friends literally didn't have a chance.�
    Remembering what Pavone had told her, Lynnae could only agree. Dan and Toby were looking at her now, awaiting her verdict. �Well, boys, I hoped you at least thanked those women for the use of their bunks last night, like any proper gentleman should. Right?�
    Hopes and spirits raised, the two male cops snapped to attention. �Yes Ma'am!�
    �Good. From now on I expect both of you to be more aware of time and your obligations. Now without further delay Ulithi, Kronin and Venegas will explain the finer points of stealth suits and compact particle rifles.�

The Stroud exited hyperspace some 4 billion kilometers away from the primary stellar component of the Lagoon system. The G-0 sun and its' distant K-3 companion were the brightest objects in view, but the sensor crew on the Stroud wasn't interested in stars. Going into cloak, the CNS ship commenced its search, using its passive sensors. Working on the assumption that Big had a hidden base on an asteroid, Pavone had his ship head for the outer asteroid belt of the system. Using stealth sensor drones to increase the coverage, Pavone felt reasonable that Big could be found in time. Blue Team, however, had a unique resource to draw upon in the form of one Dan Spirit Talker.
    June looked on with fascination as Dan drew an empty circle on the floor of his cabin. Finished, Dan sat Indian-style in the center of that circle and entered into a trance. Earlier, Dan said he could locate Big by his �aura'. Though convinced, June had to snigger a bit; the thought of Big's own lecherous energy leaving a trail for Dan to follow was humorous.
    Lynnae was in the cabin too. After what seemed to be an hour Dan was released from his trance. Getting a file pad, he wrote down some numbers and handed that pad to Lynnae. �There. Big is currently going to that location. Have Captain Pavone send one of his drones to that spot to check it out.�
    �Should be simple enough.� Lyn tapped her head. �My �ware did all the fancy calculations. These coordinates are well within the hyper limit of Lagoon and it's on a direct-line course for that planet. I'll just say that we've received information from a reliable contact.�
    Dan bowed his approval and rose. June, though, had a question for him. �Dan, can you foretell the future?�
    �No, June. The ability to predict the far future is beyond my current abilities.�
    �Good,� June replied. �I would've beaned you if you foretold the death of the crew.�
    That made Dan defensive. �Whatever gave you that idea?�
    �It was from some old book I read. Moby Slick was the title�
    Lynnae shook her head. �That's Moby Dick, June. Stay with 20th century sci-fi films. 19th century literature is my domain.�

Six hours later Dan was proven right. The drone sent to the coordinates Dan supplied had picked up a mass anomaly. The stealthy drone edged closer and closer until its sensors detected the presence of a cloaking field. The drone was very sophisticated, and it used the most advanced sensors every devised to pierce that field and see what was being hidden. The gathered data was made into a presentable report. Lt Wendy Lincoln, Pavone's tactical officer, had the duty to brief Blue Team on the drone's findings. Blue Team was assembled in the Stroud's Combat Information Center. Lt Lincoln made her report.
    �Miss Wilcox, your information has been proven correct. Our drone located an asteroid heading for Lagoon. It's not just any asteroid, considering it's moving at .04 c. Going through the ship database we've identified that flying rock. It use to be ARES 410, but it's been heavily modified.�
    Amber looked puzzled. �Ares?�
    �Asteroid Resource Extraction Ship,� Lincoln replied. �The 410 was a played-out rock back in the Cache system. A mining company turned it into a mobile asteroid mining base back in 2185. Then in 2305 it was sold as scrap to a reclamation company.�
    �That wouldn't have been the Henshel Group?� Nadia said.
    Lincoln nodded. �Yes. You know the company?�
    �It's one of Big's front companies. My husband's a Marshal, and one of his cases had him investigate the Henshel Group.�
    �I've heard about that case too, Mrs Junker. It also seems that this company was Big's primary supplier of parts and material. Just take a gander at the 410's original schematics, and what our drone has picked up.�
    Lincoln adjusted some controls, and the huge tri-dee imager in the CIC came to life. The 410 as it was now and 112 years ago was displayed. �The 410 is 20 kilometers long, 5 kilometers wide, and 3 kilometers thick. As built, it could only reach a top speed of .02 c. The power requirements for something that massive to go any faster is extensive, even with a reactionless drive field. But the 410 of today is different. The drone picked up indications of at least 100 industrial-strength fusion reactors on that thing, along with additional engine pods. That rock could at least go .06 c, if not .08.�
    The assembled cops were impressed. Big did everything to excess. Even so, if this rock was his secret base why did he need all that power? He had more than enough for what had to be multiple cloaking systems and a truly massive hyperdrive.
    �Mr Big, in addition to all those power plants, has turned his home away from home into a flying fortress.� Lincoln used her �ware to highlight various spots on the 410. �Multiple particle cannon emplacements, missile tubes supplied by cavernous magazines, missile-defense batteries that can double as fighter-killers, and overbuilt tractor beams. Shielding for something that large takes up a lot of tonnage and power. That's probably the reason why Big has all those fusion reactors.�
    Lynnae used her �ware to inspect the 410's updated schematic. �How many people can that thing support?�
    �Good question, Miss Wilcox. The drone's sensors showed that a great majority of the 410's interior spaces is vacuum. Even the weapon stations are apparently unmanned. Since the 410 was essentially an automated ore-processing station the expense of providing heat and air was greatly reduced. Big had to employee a high degree of automation for his weapons.�
    �Or BATs, Lt Lincoln.� Lynnae added.
    �BATs?�
    �Boiler Android Troopers: Big's own army of faceless minions,� Lynnae said as she crossed her arms. �With all those weapons and added systems he must have over 5,000 of those walking boilers, making our job that much more difficult.�
    Lincoln fiddled with the schematic some more. �There are a few blind spots on that thing were a cloaked shuttle could approach and land. The RY-1 stealth suits are the best ever devised. The only way a person can know you're around is if they literally bump into you. With your people and our Marines, Big is going to get a nasty shock.�
    Lynnae shook her head. �It'll just be Blue Team doing the job, Lieutenant. I've already discussed this with your captain. Those stealth suits will give us the edge we need. Even with that in mind, the fewer stomping feet the better. No disrespect, but this is still a police job.�
    �No taken, ma'am,� Lincoln replied. �It takes only one itchy finger to let Big know that he isn't alone.�
    Paul, silent until now, threw in his two cents. �How much longer before we reach the 410?�
    �8 hours, Mr Jarvis. I heard from Col Ulithi that all of you have mastered the suits and guns. But it doesn't hurt to have more practice. Especially you, Mr Jarvis, not to be disrespectful. I'm a fair shot myself with a particle rifle and can give you a few pointers.� Lincoln grinned.
    Not liking the look of Lincoln's grin, Lynnae latched on to Paul's right arm, and he felt Lynnae's familiar death-grip. �Don't worry, Lt Lincoln. I'm sure I can help Mr Jarvis improve his aim, as well as the aim everyone else in Blue Team. Right?� That means everyone. No one is going to do any last-minute bunk bingo, Lynnae added over a coded �ware channel to her friends.
    Yes, mother, the cops replied in unison. Blue Team practiced for the next five hours until the stealth suits and guns were literal extensions of their bodies. Lynnae acted like she was an extension of Paul, always at his side while he practiced. If one didn't know any better they could've sworn they were husband-and-wife.
 

15

The Park Deck on the Heavenly Bosom was in use again. The children had gathered in a bowl-shaped depression, file pads in hand. They were being taught by Big's four women. The women were dressed appropriately; not one square centimeter of chest flesh was shown. Big himself was watching the open-air classroom when Felly approached.
    Big approved the clothing that Felly had on. She was dressed in khaki shorts and shirt. All what she needed was a pith helmut to make her look like a jungle explorer. At Big's insistence, Felly sat down next to him. He lustfully eyed her exposed calves and forearms. �Well, Ms Wilcox, I see my dynamic personality is finally working on you. I'll have you in a bikini in no-time!�
    �Why not wait a few years; you can have your pick of those girls down there when they mature.�
    For the second time Felly managed to make Big fluster. �As I told you before, Felicity, I'm not that kind of bastard. All the women I bed are above the age of consent!� Big motioned to the kids. �By this time next year those kids and their families will have a world all to themselves. They won't see me ever again. Even my four women will join them. They were teachers, very much like your dear Lynnae before she became a cop.�
    �How did you managed to seduce four teachers? Did you infiltrate a PTA conference?�
    Big patted his taunt stomach. �I wish! Those four brainy beauties were enjoying themselves in an establishment that featured male entertainers. When I got on stage those girls were instantly under my spell. They became my companions, and, of course, they had to get their breasts enlarged to suit my tastes. Talk about a change in careers!� Big longingly looked at his women. �I'll be sad when they'll go, but I'll always have you,� Big said as he eyed Felly's ample, but covered, chest.
    Felly had reached her decision regarding Big. Though it revolted her, Felly decided to play along and be �seduced' by Big. Once he's unaware, Felly will try to love him - fully and unconditionally. She prayed that Albert was right, because she'll either break Big's curse or end up as another of his female companions.

It was time. The Stroud, still in cloak, had closed to within 100,000 kilometers astern and below the 410. In the shuttle bay Blue Team made its final check on its gear. The RY-1 suits also functioned as spacesuits, but they held only enough air for 16 hours. The suits also had the required plumming connections, something the cops had to get use to real quick.
    Lynnae checked her people out. All seemed in order until she reached Amber. The little woman had the compact particle rifle given to her, but also had a rocket launcher in her left hand. The weapon was taller than Amber by a good 20 centimeters.
    �Amber, what in the hell are you doing with that cannon?�
    �It's not a cannon, Lyn. It's a magazine-fed rocket launcher. We'll need this kind of firepower.�
    Sgt Venegas was there too, speaking before Lynnae could. �I gave that weapon to her, Miss Wilcox. It doesn't hurt to have that kind of firepower, and you'll be glad to have it along when you do need it.�
    �Sergeant, I appreciate your concern, and I won't debate your wisdom.� Lynnae said in a conciliatory tone. �Since we'll be in two teams, give one to Dan. At least it won't overwhelm him like its doing to Amber.�
    Amber stuck out her tongue. �I'll be the one doing the overwhelming. Watch out Big! I'm gonna get ya!� She held the weapon in an action pose. It really looked like she was welding a cannon.
    Lyn shook her head and continued her inspection. All the suits checked fine. The compact particle rifles with attached stunners had three additional power bricks. Each officer carried three anti-laser aerosol grenades, two dark smoke grenades, and three Blastex grenades. They also had one micro-nuke �Hell' grenade each, another �just-in-case' precaution that even Col Ulithi insisted on. Next was the cop's standard-issue service gun, each with four clips of 10mm ammo and 4 power cells for the built-in stunner. As if that wasn't enough, each cop had a survival knife. Lyn suspected that everyone had a bobby-pin, if they ever run into an old-fashion locked door!
    Meeting her expectations, Lynnae had her people file into the shuttle, including Lt (sg) Wendy Gerdes. Gerdes was the second-in-command of the Stroud's engineering section. She was coming along because of her knowledge of fusion power plants and other engineering equipment.
    Before entering the shuttle, Nadia let Smudge have one last lick of her face. �Smudgy, you can't come along. Someone has to stay here and help defend the ship from that nasty Mr Big. Okay?�
    Smudge used his pouting eyes to make Nadia change her mind. It didn't work. Nadia handed her faithful miniature Dachshund to Sgt Venegas. �Sarge, I leave it to you to watch Smudge. But only feed him twice a day, and don't let those pleading eyes of his get to you.�
    The aged Marine gingerly held the rambunctious dog, stroking the fur with an age-gnarled hand. �Don't you worry, ma'am. He'll say in my cabin. I dare don't let him loose. Just as the women here have over-active pheramones, your dog can break the resistance of anyone in no-time.�
    �Thank you, Sarge. Don't play too rough with Smudge. He has one nasty bite.�
    �So do I,� Venegas replied, showing off his battle-plastic replacement teeth. With a soft giggle Nadia entered the shuttle. A minute later the bay was cleared. With its own cloak system activated, the shuttle went through the mono-permeable force field and speed on its way.

Lynnae spoke over her suit's comm system. �Okay, people, here's the beef. Our mission, which we have no choice but to accept it, is to stop one Mr Big and his big, nasty flying rock. Alpha Team is myself, Paul, Dan, and Lt Gerdes. Our job is to sabotage the power systems and engines on the 410. Beta Team is June, Nadia, Toby, and Amber. Their job is to compromise the 410's computers and to locate Mr Big and Ms Wilcox.� Lynnae held her tongue for a moment. She thought a good deal on that last point. It was highly likely that Felicity will be with Mr Big most of the time. Lynnae didn't trust herself to be detached and calm if she should find Big with her grandmother. Immortal or no, Lynnae would've tested Big's supposed invulnerability by throwing him out of an airlock!
    Toby mentally stroked his chin. �Lynnae, that sounds all the well and good. But what do we do after lunch?�
    That made everyone laugh, relieving some of the tension. �At least you can regal your Lt Kilgore with our forthcoming adventure. I think she'll appreciate a bedtime story from her hero, right?�
    Lynnae knew that Toby had to have a beet-red face underneath his helmet. Everyone at least had the decency not to laugh out loud.
 

16

The approach to the 410 was tense, but uneventful. The stealth drone found several airlocks along the original engines, located in the back and �underside' of the massive asteroid. The shuttle will remain, in cloak, in case a getaway vehicle was needed. The shuttle pilot gingerly linked her craft to one of the airlock hatches. Using her �ware, June convinced the airlock computer that a test was needed. No alarm sounded as the airlock opened. Eight stealth-suited people entered the lock. It cycled and the inner hatch opened. Tentatively testing the surroundings, Lynnae then had her two groups split up. In six hours the 410 will reach Lagoon orbit, if that was its final destination. The cops hoped they had enough time.

Beta team, composed of June, Toby, Amber, and Nadia, made its way down a darken passageway. In addition to no light and heat, gravity was non-existent as well. The cops used the built-in micro thrusters in their suits to propel themselves, using their �ware instead of the control handles to maneuver.
    Additionally, the cops' wetware searched for available computer ports. So far none have been found. Beta team reached another airlock, and again fooled the lock's security computer. The far side of the lock had air and heat, but no gravity. At least the cops were able to use the outside air. Proceeding down the passage, they came across a hatch that showed signs of use; scuff marks were evident on the floor next to the hatch. They opened the hatch and entered the room.
    �Well, at least it looks like someone still works in here,� June observed. A half-eaten sandwich was on a cluttered desk, along with dozens of file pads. June picked several of them up. On all of the pads were the words �Homegrown, The Magazine Of Naturally Busty Women'. She shared that info with the others.
    �Looks like we stumbled onto the Janitor's Room,� Toby observed. He held a floor shiner and a dust mop in his hands. �If that's the case he's bound to have a diagram of this place. See if there's a minicomp or hidden desk computer.�
    After a few minutes of searching the cops were awarded with a schematic of the 410. Their wetware copied all of the information, including the actual name of the 410. In unison they groaned at the name Heavenly Bosom: they knewn Big would've chosen that name.

Back on the Stroud, Captain Pavone eyed the main view panel. Big's flying rock will reach Lagoon in four hours - if that was his intention. Commander Lana Cuzak, Pavone's first officer, was also looking at the panel. �I wonder how those cops are doing?�
    �Since that rock hasn't blown up yet, Lana, I can say that they haven't been found,� Pavone replied. �I believe our friends have everything in hand.�

Alpha Team, comprised of Lynnae, Paul, Dan, and Gerdes, had made its way to one set of fusion plants. After carefully checking the surroundings Alpha Team entered Fusion Hold #3. While the others kept watch, Gerdes began her work.
    �I assume that you're going to cause a software fault in these guys. Right, Gerdes?� Lynnae said as she looked on.
    Gerdes smiled. �Of course. If even one of these puppies loses containment while its active it'll cause a chain reaction, destroying at least a third of this rock - and kill everyone on board. I'm implanting a remote-controlled software program. The program will take over the command functions of the reactor. Once I give the word the reactor will go into a cold shutdown. It'll take at least six hours before they can restart this kind of reactor.� Gerdes patted the side of the reactor housing. �This guy rates back to 2385. It's really meant for industrial use, not as a true ship power plant. A classic case of more money than brains.�
    �Don't knock Big, Gerdes. He probably factored that in his plans.� Lyn said. �One down, one hundred plus to go.�

Using the schematic it found earlier, Beta Team made its way to an auxiliary computer room. All indications showed that the stealth suits were functioning perfectly, but the nagging suspicion of being watched was felt by everyone. With care, Beta Team reached the main hatch to Computer Sub-Core #2.
    In his element, Toby placed an open palm over the entry sensor. The receptor in his hand was still able to function through the suit's glove. After a minute of trying he give up. �Well, seems like Big decided to go ahead with old-fashion keys. Anyone have a bobby pin?�
    Nadia giggled. �I do. Sgt Venegas is a venerable fountain of lore.� Rubbing her hand together, Nadia then proceeded to the hatch. �Are you sure it's just a key lock. Any alarms?�
    Thanks to special receptors in his suit's visor, Toby saw Nadia's concern in her eyes. �Whatever alarms there are my �ware took care of them.� He patted the door. �Too bad. I'd like to blast open this hatch. Just like in those old police movies.�
    It was at that point Amber sensed something was wrong. Looking �round, she saw several man-sized cylinders imbedded in the walls. Each of them had a small, black horizontal rectangle where the eyes would've been. As if on cue, a red light blazed to life and moved back-and-forth on those rectangles. Next were the arms and legs, coming out of the sides and bottoms of the cylinders. The now-limbed cylinders came out of the walls and faced in the general direction of Beta Team. Amber raised everyone on the common channel. �Guys, we have company. It's BATs.�
    �Everyone, stand still,� June commanded. �Nadia, back away from the hatch slowly.�
    �No argument from me, but why is my suit picking up focused sound waves?�
    �Fuddleducks! Those things can find us!� June replied over the channel. The BATs walked right towards the formally-stealth cops. �What the hell. Can't get any more stuffed up than this.� June turned on her external speaker and became visible. She placed out her left hand, willing the BATs to stop. �HALT! In the name of the law, I'm ordering all of you to halt.� The BATs came to a stop. Face now in a grimace, June continued. �You're all under arrest. The charge is aiding and abetting a known felon - Sylvester �Big� Drake.�
    The Boiler Android Troopers raised their clawed hands. June raised her compact particle rifle in response. The BATs started walking again. Releasing the safety, June spoke again into her helmet mic. �You have the right to remain silent.� With that June fired into the BATs, and the rest of Beta Team joined her. �Nadia, get back to that hatch. Blow it open if you have to!�
    �Gotcha!� Nadia was about to slag the hatch when it opened. A BAT was standing right there, and Nadia pumped a shot into it. The BAT exploded appreciatively and fell backwards, only to be replaced by another.
    More BATs were pouring into the fray. One BAT actually managed to grapple with Toby. Nadia came to the rescue, smashing the robot with her rifle butt. �At least these things don't have defensive shields,� June said gratefully, �but there's too many of them. Fall back - regroup at Power Relay Post #5!�
    Beta Team made it's way to the passage, with the BATs following them. Amber fired her rocket launcher, collapsing a part of the passage and entombing several BATs. June was about to curse out Amber for using that thing, but she heard her friend's startled gasp instead.
    Several BATs had dog-piled on the little cop, taking away her weapons. June wanted to help her, but more BATs were showing up, and the new arrivals had weapons. Cursing the bad turn of events, June had no choice but to abandon Amber to the BATs. June could only take it as a good sign that Amber wasn't killed outright. Perhaps she'll be made a prisoner?
    �Go on, June!� Amber yelled over the comm channel. �Knowing Big, these stupid tea pots will take me right to him. God willing, I'll have that geriatric jerk stripped and hog-tied when you guys rescue me. And you better rescue me!�
    Retreating further down the passage, increasing the distance between them and the BATs, June replied with as much fake bravado as she could. �Don't worry, missy. Big will rue the day he set his beady little eyes on your body.� The radio interference was increasing; power conduits were clustered were June was heading. But she did hear her friend laugh before the radio fell dead. June hoped that the radio was the only thing that died.
 

17

Alpha Team completed it's fourth reactor tampering when the alarms came on. A dull, monotone voice filled the air. �Intruder Alert. Intruder Alert. All BATs to duty stations. Intruder...�
    �Hell's Bells,� Lynnae said. �This'll make our job that much harder.�
    �I agree,� Paul replied, ��cause here comes some BATs.�
    Several BATs entered Fusion Hold #3, splitting off to their assigned posts. Alpha Team carefully got out of the BATs' way, moving slowly to the next reactor.
    Gerdes activated her �ware. Miss Wilcox, I can continue my work alone. All of you know the procedure to knock out the reactors. Get to the next set.
    I hate to leave you alone, but you have a point. Okay, boys, lets get snoopin'. Lynnae and her two fellow cops carefully made their way out of the hold. Thankfully the BATs were more concerned with the reactors than actually looking for intruders.

Amber opened her eyes. She appeared to be in a laboratory. The various work benches and carts of equipment certainly added proof to that assumption. Attempting to move, she quickly found that she was secured to an upraised table. The stealth suit was gone, having been replaced by a simple white gown. A flat-surface cart was a few centimeters in front of her. �Is this the point where I say �where the Hell am I'?�, Amber said to no-one in particular.
    �You're the Hell here!� Amber was startled. The author of those words came into Amber's view. It was none other that Mr Big, all dressed up like some ancient yacht owner. �Well, my dear Officer, do you find you new clothes to your liking?�
    �I do not. I bet you got your jollies up when you stripped me.� Amber's voice was full of venom.
    �I would, but considering what you did to me the last two times I had Alysa, one of my employees, undress you.� Big's lecherous eye worked on Amber's body. �I must admit, it was a mistake wanting to increase your bust the last time we met. Indeed, with your little body and those shapely cantaloupes I must say you are the epitome of compact voluptuousness. If I had an army composed of women such as yourself I would've conquered the universe.�
    �Forgive me, but no amount of sweet talk can convert me. I won't be like the other women held in your thrall.�
    Big shook his head. �Dear, I have no intention of including you with my associates. You're too stubborn for my tastes. I'll see to it that you're returned to Outback - after my caper is done. But first, a demonstration of what I'm about to do to Lagoon. In 15 minutes, to be exact.� A moment later Big rolled out a bulky contraption and pointed it in the general direction of Amber.
    �Going to give everyone on Lagoon a super suntan?� Amber asked wryly.
    �No, something much more in line of my perversion. Say Cheese!� At that Big threw a switch, making the strange device come to life. In an instant Amber felt her breasts enlarge. The gown was being pulled forward. The fabric protested under the relentless expansion and a series of rips appeared.
    Amber wanted to yell, but her growing bust felt so good. It was as if all the new nerve endings went straight to her brain, delivering a non-stop signal of pleasure. Her breasts grew beyond watermelon size, the gown ripping louder. Amber heard that ripping, releasing her from her pleasure-induced stupor.
    �Asshole!� Amber roared. �Stop it now!�
    �Okay, Officer. If you insist.� Big turned the device off. Amber's breasts were now as big as beachballs. She had to turn her head in order to talk clearly. And, like Lynnae seven years earlier, the gown ripped as she spoke.
    �Now I know how Lynnae must have felt. Did you stumble upon some weird-ass time machine?�
    �I wish!� Big replied. �However, no new nanites were injected into you. This alien contraption is the physical embodiment of every 14 year-old boy's fantasy - the breast-enlargement beam!� Big's face was lit up dramatically in true anime fashion. �I'll need a decade or two to refine the technology. This big sucker will be miniaturized to handgun-size. Imagine - entire hordes of boys, going around inflating the breasts of every pretty girl they see! No more nanites! No more exotic potions and trinkets! Super science has come to the rescue!� As what all classic anime villains do when they've finished their required monologue, Big struck a pose, arms out in an all-encompassing reach.
    With her bust resting on the cart in front of her, Amber couldn't see Big's face. Despite that, she put on the look of a bored customer. �Do you want your Oscar now, or do you want it gift-wrapped?�
    �Ma'am, you wound me. Even though you treat me with disdain I'll return you to your former, but still ample, self.� Big worked the machine again, and just as quickly as it blew up Amber's breasts they were returned to their normal size. The substantial rip in the gown, however, revealed much of Amber's shapely chest.
    �I have to go now, Officer. However, you can see what's about to happen on Lagoon by watching that screen.� Big pointed to huge wall screen opposite Amber. �I'll have Albert attend to you shortly. As much as I like to see your chest I would rather have you clothed.�
    �Thanks for your concern - not!� Amber stuck out her tongue. Big just shook his head and left, leaving Amber still attached to the raised table. In a few minutes she'll have the displeasure of seeing Big's caper first-hand.
 

18

Alpha Team, minus Gerdes, continued their work. Now in Fusion Hold #4, they commenced to sabotage the reactors. The now-present BATs seemed to know that they weren't alone. The marched back and forth, making the cops work that much more slowly. The cops were startled when the ship's PA system came to life. Someone was clearing their throat, the sound resembling a cat taking a gurgle. None other than Mr Big then spoke. Lynnae made an involuntary fist with her right hand.

On the bridge of the Heavenly Bosom Felicity watched the antics of Big as he prepared for his speech. She couldn't make out all of what he was saying, but he gestured like one of those 20th century dictators. Mussolini, perhaps? The female bridge crew, all six of them, were dressed in form-fitting, banded silver bodysuits. In comparision to the teachers, the six women only had basketball lungs, enabling them to reach their control panels more-or-less normally.
    Big finished his practice. He took a sip of Scotch and picked up an old-fashion microphone, silver in colour. Big tapped the mic to make sure it was live. �Attention, crew of the Heavenly Bosom. This is Mr Big. We've now reached the point where your ten years of effort will be vindicated.� Big nodded his head to Alysa. She activated a control, making the huge tri-dee imager on the bridge come to life. It was a beach scene somewhere on Lagoon. �All of you know my background and vices. Yet you stayed and continued to work for me. For that I'm forever grateful. What you are about to see is the realization of a fantasy, an all-consuming dream. Lagoon, population 50 million, is a huge ocean resort world. Beaches upon beaches of practically naked young women - sunbathing, swimming, or posing for their beaus.� Big pressed a button on the panel before him. A rather large red button rose up from that panel in response. �Before going on to Outback, I'll test the Big-O-Matic Breast Enlargement Beam on a section of beach on Lagoon.�
    Felicity started to rise up in protest, but Albert placed a restraining hand on her shoulder. Albert's eyes told Felly to stay, and she did so, even though it took much effort. Big by now had put on a golden glove on his right hand. The bridge crew was going through their checklist.
    �Cloaking systems at nominal function. Orbital defense stations are still at normal readiness. They don't know we're here.�
    �Now at designated range - one million kilometers. Maintaining lock on target coordinates.�
    �Target area is Silver Sand Beach - 150 kilometers by 10 kilometers. Adjusting beam focus.�
    �Power levels have reached activation threshold,� Alysa said. �You may fire when ready, Big.�
    Big lovingly looked at the main screen. The beam projector was as big as a cruiser, its broad front-end now aimed at Lagoon. In what must've been a nervous habit, Big twiddled his fingers like a pianist preparing to play. He then stilled his hands, collecting his nerves.
    Felly, in a mix of fascination and disgust, watched as Big held his golden-gloved hand over the button. The red button. The beautiful, shiny button. The jolly, candy-like button. �Yes! With my Goldfinger I shall strike - like Thunderball!� He pressed the button. Everyone on the bridge watched the tri-dee.
    During his short stay on Lagoon, Big planted several remote cameras. Thanks to those cameras everyone on the bridge saw what was happening. Women between the physical ages of 18 to 35, in the 150 by 10 kilometer target area, began to experience breast expansion. Whether they were in normal clothes or swimsuits it did not matter. Big almost drooled as one camera showed woman after woman exploded out of their swimsuits. If the suit was a two-piece bikini she was lucky, otherwise one hand went to cover the crotch, the other in a vain attempt to cover her enlarging breasts. In fifteen seconds it was over. Felly could see at least hundreds of affected women from one camera view. They were all on the sand, their breasts as big as beachballs and resting on their laps. In another shot, set in an outdoor cafe, similarly-affected women were resting their massive new charges on table tops or benches. One poor woman was actually stuck in a phone booth, her bust obscuring her view out. One final camera view was of a beauty parlor. The women in the salon chairs were practically immobilized by their new masses. Just like Amber earlier, those women moaned in pleasure, patting and rubbing their highly-sensitive busts.
    �Enlargement program complete,� Alysa said. �Based on population demographics in the target area 50,000 women have been affected, plus or minus 5%.�
    �Hot Damn!� Big yelled. �It works. That fancy whatchamacallit actually works! Yes, considering Lagoon is a beach world, what better than to give those girls the breasts the size of beachballs! Alysa, set course for Outback! Maximum speed!�
    �Aye-Aye, Sir,� Alysa replied. �At our maximum speed of .085 c we'll reach the hyper limit in 18 hours.�
    �18 hours, 45 more hours in hyper, then just two more in normal space. Felly, your precious Outback has only 65 hours of normalcy left! All that remains is to rid my ship of those pesky intruders. Albert!� Albert came to attention. �Increase the patrols. Go attend to our �guest' and then perform your own search. My ultimate crime of vandalism must not be denied!�
    �By your command, Big.�
    Big next turned to Felly. �My precious Felicity. By now you must appreciate my power. I hold in my hands the tool to realize my dream - every woman in the universe with oversized breasts! Aren't you glad that you're going to be the women behind the most powerful man humanity has ever seen?�
    Felly remained silent. Big looked disappointed. �You look pale, my dear. Perhaps the energy of the moment was too much for you. Go to the Park Deck. Relax and regain your strength. The dinner tonight is going to be the best ever - a celebration of the triumphant test of my device.�
    Not wanting to stay any longer in the same room with Big, Felicity left. Big himself remained on the bridge for a few minutes before heading back to see Amber. He was anxious to find out what the little cop has to say about his successful test.
 

19

Toby, Nadia, and June made their way to an open-air storage area. For some reason the BATs had been able to keep up, even though the stealth suits have functioned perfectly. The sonic sensors on the BATs had a rather short range, but there were more than enough BATs to keep in contact with the cops. However, the BATs didn't follow them. June noticed that the storage area was quite noisy, and the air was flowing hard. �We must be near one of the primary life-support centers. All this moving air and vibrations must be upsetting the BATs sonic beams.� June observed.
    �I agree, June,� Toby offered. �Now that Big knows we're here, all of his computer centers will be guarded by those BATs.�
    �I'm not in favor of a frontal assault,� Nadia added, �and I bet his computer systems are being monitored even more closely. I doubt if our changeling programs will have much luck.�
    �If we can't get to his computers, then we'll have his computers come to us.� Toby said. Nadia and June looked at Toby like he had a screwball idea. They weren't disappointed. �How do you two feel about brain-washing a BAT?�

Captain Pavone appeared to be asleep as he sat in his command chair. What happened on Lagoon had made him indignant, not to mention the rest of the crew. He knew that his ship by itself couldn't stop Big, nor could the 18 fortresses orbiting Lagoon. Each of those titans massed over 12 million tons, but they hadn't the chance of damaging, much less stopping, Big. And Pavone wasn't about to provoke Big to do something nasty.
    However, Outback has been warned, and the planet did boast a much more powerful defense. Additionally, several Commonwealth Police ships and even naval units were waiting at Outback. All the Captain could do is follow - and wait.

�Damn, these walking boilers seem to know we're here. Any luck in raising June?� Lynnae asked as Alpha Team made its way to an engineering sub-station.
    �No such luck, Lyn. The interference from the structures is considerable. We'll have better luck once their computers are compromised.� Paul said. So far the cops have tampered with 20 fusion reactors. If June's team had been successful she should've contacted Lyn by now. So far Lyn hadn't heard a peep. However, she did manage to contact Gerdes. The navy lieutenant is now working towards disabling the engine pods attached to the 410. Even if the reactors remain on-line their power will be idle: what good is power if there are no engines to direct it to?
    So far all the cop's efforts to find a data port have been frustrated. They found an unmanned control room, but the BATs had other ideas. The BATs were milling about in the room, obviously maintaining the controls. �Great,� Lynnae said. �Looks at all those BATs. We'll have to find another way.�
    Dan, who had been quiet most of the time, made a suggestion. �Seeing that this rock use to be an ore processing ship, shouldn't the individual plants have their own manual control rooms?�
    Lyn gave a mental nod. �Give yourself a prize. We have more than enough air in the tanks; let's go for a walk outside.� Just as carefully as they had approached, the cops moved away - and went for the nearest airlock.
 

20

Big was singing to himself as he entered the laboratory. Amber, now in a fresh shirt provided by Albert, was disgusted by the sight of the happy little man. �Well, Officer, did you like my �little' demonstration?�
    �I most certainly did not! Big, what you did was far worse than anything you've done before. You took away the dignity of thousands of women in one stroke. Compared to that, manipulating stock markets is child's play.�
    �I do declare, Officer, that had to be the closest thing to a complement I've gotten from you!� Big worked his way to a control panel. �You know, I've reconsidered what I'm going to do with you. If I return you to Outback you're going to be the odd-woman out. How about I give you basketball-sized bazooms for one night? If you like them, you can keep them. It'll save you a trip to the doctor's office.�
    �Let's don't do it and say that we did.� Amber tested her restraints. It did no good, except making her feel a little better.
    �My, such wit.� Big went back to the breast-enlarging device. He manipulated a few controls and turned the machine on. As before, Amber's breasts blew up, but this time to the more reasonable size of basketballs. �There, my dear Officer. Now, go with an open mind about this. I'll guarantee that you'll like your new size.�
    �No I won't, you pervert.� Amber countered. �My friends will find me and put you in your place.� A grimace formed on her face. Amber had a strong back, but the sudden addition of 5 kilos to her front was testing that strength.
    Big raised his arms in exasperation. �I'm tired of hearing that. Pervert, pervert, pervert. Dirty Old Man is okay, and so is Uber Lecher. As for your friends finding you, I'll be the one doing all the finding. Thanks to those stupid locator chips that you and your flat-footed friends have, I'll be able to find and trap them. Your fancy stealth suits won't do them any good, unless they get behind some lead shielding. But I have the time, and the BATs.�
    Amber didn't consider that Big had the code necessary to activate the emergency locator chips implanted in every New Darwin cop. Used to help find a cop that's unconscious or captive, those chips were now going to be bright flares that no-one can miss.
    Big saw Amber's concerned face. �Dear, don't fret. Your friends will die only if they let themselves die. They'll be returned to Outback along with you. And now, it's time to take you to your cell. Unconscious and carried by Alysa, of course. Albert is now busy hunting down your friends.� Big raised his hand. He held Amber's own service gun, and fired the attached stunner. The little cop fell unconscious, waiting for Alysa to carry her away.

Civil Defense Headquarter, New Darwin

Thanks to hyperwave, the news of what happened on Lagoon reached Outback in thirty minutes. In response, Governor Cazaly assembled the Civil Defense Council at New Darwin's City Hall. After two hours of discussion and debate, it all came down to stopping Big the moment he arrives. Coming out of hyperspace was an obvious event, and Outback had an extensive array of surveillance satellites.
    With updates provided from the Stroud, it was determined that Big's ship will arrive in less than three days. Cazaly made his decision - Big had to be stopped with whatever means necessary. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but in the end the lives of 500 million people on Outback outweighed the comparatively few on Big's ship.
    Talbert didn't like that, urging that his people be given the chance to complete their mission. Cazaly stood firm, saying that Outback was his responsibility. He, too, hoped that Blue Team can stop Big before his ship comes within range of the planet. Otherwise, the 36 12-million ton fortresses and seven navy ships in orbit will reduce the flying asteroid into a cloud of superheated gas.
    Cazaly adjourned the meeting. Talbert stayed behind, sitting in his chair. His silent meditation was broken by Valerie Kou, the head of the Missing Persons Section of the New Darwin Police Department.
    �Sir, are you feeling okay?�
    �I'm just reminiscing, Val. 105 years is too long for anyone to be alive. I was thinking of Felicity.�
    Valerie pulled up a chair. �Since Felicity was kidnaped, my department did the background checks. Your name came up during the investigation.�
    Talbert cracked a wry smile. �I was wondering when someone would find me out.� He took a short breath. �When I was a seasoned street-stomper, decades ago, I had the pleasure to break-in a fresh-face rookie by the name of Felicity Wilcox. Like her granddaughter, Felicity was �determined' to see justice served.� Talbert grinned. �Of course, just like Lynnae, our Felicity had a body that made men stop in their tracks.�
    Valerie patted Talbert's knee. �Good thing you already had a wife. I can't image you allowing your own brood becoming cops.�
    �How right you are. For ten years, me and Felicity worked the beat. Then, out of the blue, she fell in love with another cop. Roger was the best among us. He, too, fell instantly in love. The common wisdom said that such an affair wouldn't last, but Felly left the force to become a full-time housewife - and mother.� Talbert stopped to wipe his eyes. �It was a punch to the stomach when Felly's son and daughter-in-law were killed. Roger's death was no less painful. I can see how such events could affect a person's sense of justice. Lynnae believed that she should do her part in seeing that justice was served.�
    �And that's why you've cut Lynnae so much slack for the past 12 years. You wanted to help her.�
    Talbert nodded. �I've come to see her as one of my own daughters. I admit at times I've let that consideration affect my judgement, but it was all for the best.� He looked at Valerie. �Have you any daughters, Val?�
    �Only sons, Chief. I'll have Sal try harder next time,� Valerie replied in a devilish tone.
    �Let me tell you something. Don't have daughters. They'll only break your heart.�
    �That's what hearts are made for, Chief.� Val and her boss then had a little laugh.
 

21

Finding a BAT was not all that difficult. Trapping and converting one - well, that's a whole different kettle of fish. Toby, Nadia, and June found a BAT working by itself in an utility corridor. June got the BATs' attention, making it follow her - and right into the trap Toby had set. The BAT was immobilized, unable to send any distress signal. With speed, Toby tried to corrupt the robot's programming, but it held on stubbornly. Toby had to maintain continuous contact with his wetware, not a good idea since the Heavenly Bosom's structure interferes with wetware signals. About to admit defeat, Toby heard a familiar voice.
    �Perhaps I be of help.� It was Stamp, the former minicomp of the Postmaster General. Toby removed the irregular minicomp for its stealth pouch.
    �Why should a schitzo calculator help?� Toby countered. �Do you want something in return?�
    �Just a ram chip. A big ram chip, so I can talk more naturally.�
    Toby turned to June, waiting for her word. �Well, Toby, at this point I'm willing to try anything. Perhaps a Trojan Horse is what we're looking for.� June nudged the immobilized BAT with her foot. �Can it be done?�
    The technical wizard beamed. �Yes, so long as Stamp doesn't get any ideas on betraying us.� He looked menacingly at the minicomp. �Do that, Stamp, and I'll melt you down, even though I'll never know why you act the way you do.�
    �Me prove be friend. Me want not to sound like Dalek forever. Only you can help.�
    �Well, a piece of machinery that actually wants my help,� Toby observed. �Well, let's see how we can get you connected into this rust bucket.�

Meanwhile, Lynnae, Paul, and Dan made their way outside the ship, heading for one of the ore- processing buildings. What the Hell was I thinking, Lynnae told herself. Go outside the ship and access a sealed-up ore-processing control room. A control room that's probably bare. We should've stayed inside and conserved our air.
    Not true, Lyn. Big probably still does some asteroid mining. Most likely to gather diamonds and gold. It was Paul, talking over the �ware link. Next time you want to think to yourself, have your �ware sensitivity turned down - way down.
    I'll remember to do that if you do the same, Paul. I'll take your thoughts about my backside as compliments. Lynnae giggled, making Paul feel a little guilty.
    The cop trio reached their destination. The airlock was a simple affair, with hardly a security sensor attached to it. The lock cycled and allowed the cops to enter the building. Paul was proven right as the building did contain air at a breathable pressure and temperature. Now set to breath the �outside' air, the trio went about to find the control booth.
    Lynnae found that booth. After several minutes of work she got the booth's computer to respond to her inquires. It was then that the trio found out the real name of the 410. Like June's team, the trio found the name Heavenly Bosom so typical of Big.
    Then an alarm came to life, startling Lynnae. After a moment she discovered that the alarm didn't concern about her tampering. The Heavenly Bosom was about to enter hyperspace.
    �Hang on, boys,� Lynnae said, �we're not exactly in a position to enjoy the ride!�

The Heavenly Bosom entered hyperspace, en route to Outback, but it wasn't alone. The Stroud had closed to under 100 kilometers of the massive ship. Captain Pavone knew that such a monstrous ship had to have an equally monstrous hyperdrive and resulting hyperfield. Still in cloak, Pavone has his helmsperson move the Stroud inside that hyperfield, so when the Bosom jumped it'll take the navy ship along with it. It would not be a pleasant ride, but at least Big won't detect the piggy-backing ship.

The dinner this time had only Big and Felicity in attendance. No, make that three. Felicity found it hard to believe that Big had a pet, a miniature Dachshund at that. Named Pumpkin, the little dog showed the excess that the owner bestowed upon everything he owned. Pumpkin was little more than a football with legs. Big fed his �cutie-whittle precious' Pumpkin with table scraps and the occasional olive.
    Big worked his eyes over the olive on the other side of the table. Felicity seemed to be more at ease around him, and it showed with the dress that she had on. It was a strapless evening dress, black with silver trim, that went down to her ankles. A slit went up the right leg all the way to mid-thigh level. The top was tight, holding her breasts firm and proud, with more than a hint of cleavage showing.
    Big spoke after giving Pumpkin a particularly tasty tid-bit. �Well, Felicity, I have to say you look radiant. See how much more you're enjoying yourself, once you accepted the fact that you'll be with me forever?�
    �You're right, Big. I must say I'm beginning to like the attention you and your employees have bestowed upon me.� Felly bit her tongue. She knew she had to start on lowering Big's defenses, but those words were no less palatable. �How is your search proceeding?�
    Big made a guffaw. �Oh, those flat-footed pukes haven't a chance against me and Albert, not to mention my BATs. I've haven't lived this long and not learned a few tricks along the way.�
    Felly batted her eyes. �My, such confidence. I like to know more about the man who's outwitted humanity's best minds.�
    Big's face lit up with anticipation. �Felly, are you suggesting that we have a night-cap?�
    Still committed to her task, Felly nevertheless felt some bile rise in her throat. �A nice little bedtime chat will do for now. A lady must be prepared like a fine wine. Rush it and it'll go flat.�
    �I quite agree. I certainly don't want you going flat!� Big, of course, said this while eyeing Felly's chest. Big got up, with Pumpkin under one arm. He walked over and offered his other arm to Felly. She accepted, getting up and allowing herself to be escorted to her room. Her little chat with Big lasted the better part of the evening.
 

22

Stamp, now connected and inside a compartment of the captured BAT, made his way down a well- traveled corridor. Using the BAT's operation routine, Stamp entered a robot maintenance center. He proceeded to have his BAT recharged. While doing so he accessed the computer system in the room. After making his checks Stamp then let loose with a changeling program. The program was tasked to discover and corrupt the primary control programs and to locate Amber.
    Minutes passed. The recharging complete, Stamp walked his way out of the center and into the corridor. The changeling program was still working its way into the ship's network, but it did find the location of Amber. With that done, Stamp proceeded on his next set of orders: rescue Amber and have her taken back to the shuttle, which was still attached to the underside of the Bosom.

Amber's sleep was troubled. She had gotten use to the cantaloupe-sized breasts she originally had, but the basketball-sized mammaries she had now were a different matter. Those breasts induced a sense of drowning when Amber tried to sleep on her back. She resorted to sleeping on her sides, ending up twisting and turning most of the night. But that meant her new flesh rubbed up against the blankets, sending pleasure signals to her brain. It wouldn't have been as bad if the breasts were built up by nanites, but that strange beam added mass to her frame like magic. The nanites that Amber had in her now will need at least four weeks to convert her enlarged breasts to the light and firm flesh she enjoyed. That's assuming that she planned to keep her enlarged bust at all. What really got her goat was her missing wedding ring. She wore it around her neck on a chain, and it was taken away when she was stripped. The ring was most likely stashed in a box that contained nothing but rings, all stolen or seduced from hundreds of women. That made Amber cry, her only comfort coming from hugging a huge pillow to her chest, wishing all the while it was Bert she was cradling in her arms.
    Albert took a break from his search. He awoke Amber, telling her to take a shower and get dressed. Like Felly, Amber sensed the decency that was in Albert, accepting the fresh panty and knee-length gown that he offered. The shower took a bit longer than expected. Amber suppressed the wondrous feeling her breast-touching caused when she remembered how she got her enlarged breasts in the first place. Ever the gentleman that Big wasn't, Albert allowed Amber to remain conscious while on the trip to the laboratory. Without prompting, Amber got on the upraised table, letting Albert work the restraints. Strangely, Albert gave Amber a soft squeeze to her shoulder and left. Only a minute pasted when Big walked in, bedecked in a rich robe and a pipe in his mouth. He was singing some little ditty. �He acts, while other men just talk... well, good morning, Officer. Did you find your sleep restful?�
    �No. I felt like I was drowning. Did you deliberately tell Albert not to give me breakfast?�
    �Yep! Before I feed you, I wanted to hear if you've decided to keep your enlarged bust.�
    �Sorry to disappoint you. Regardless of what's going to happen on Outback, I'll have my breasts shrunk down to normal.�
    �I'm sorry to hear that. I'll save you the trouble and return you to your preferred size.� With a downturn smile, Big went to the machine, adjusting the controls and reducing Amber's breasts back to their cantaloupe proportions. �I've erred on the side of caution - your bust is one centimeter larger than normal. Perhaps that's enough to push you up to the next cup size!" Big giggled; Amber scowled. "Now I'm going to show you some of my satisfied customers.�
    Big turned on the wall screen. A scene of an opulent bedroom came into focus. Sleeping in the huge bed were five women - all enhanced by Big himself. Their breasts were as large as watermelons, barely covered by their various sleepwear.
    �Are those the satisfied customers? Looks like they're just more of your love slaves.�
    �True, but the person in the middle of that pile of lovelies is my real customer. Look.� Big pointed to a man that extracted himself from the sheets. Amber looked intently, and recognized him.
    �Lt Larry Harkin? The Lecher? No Way!�
    Big beamed. �Yes Way! A month ago I found him. He was working undercover as a masseur in one of my favorite massage parlors. I heard about Larry on the grapevine and decided to have him fully realize his lust! He'll go back with you, but he'll quit the police and start his own topless bar! Yes! In time he'll become the next Hugh Hefner. You know, good old Hef and the Kennedys were my best students in the sexual arts. Too bad that Blofeld, Wo Fat, Dr Goldfoot and Dr Evil weren't the criminal masterminds I wanted them to become.�
    Amber blinked her eyes loudly a few times. �Blofeld? He's a fictional character. You're just making that up.�
    �And we're real?� Big countered. �That's what the official history wants you to believe, Officer. Those silly spy films made him look like a dufus. He showed such promise, though. Them's the breaks. Now, another satisfied customer.� Big worked the viewer controls, this time it focused on the park deck. Amber saw one woman that really looked familiar.
    �Big, do you hate Lynnae so much that you decided to create more of her? Aside from her height and hair she's a perfect copy.�
    �Officer, that's no copy. You're looking at one rejuvenated Felicity Wilcox! She's happy with her new body - she told me herself last night in her bedroom!�
    Amber's face started to flair red. �Bastard! I don't care what you say. You created an enemy for life when you kidnaped Felicity. Lynnae's gonna cut you two new but-pipes instead of one!�
    �Language, dear, language.� Big giggled. �Speaking of Lynnae, my BATs are now closing in on her and her friends. Those locator chips are really proving their worth. I image within the hour they'll either be captured, or dead. You can watch it all on the screen.�
    Amber, now angered, struggle against the restraints, wishing that she had the strength to break free. Big was amused at the sight of the squirming officer. �Save your strength, Officer. Your struggle will gain you nothing.� Big then remembered something. �Oh, do you want to know why for the last 10 years I have chosen Outback as my temporary home?�
    �I await your epic answer.�
    �Officer, again you wound me. Of all the other places that have provided me a temporary home - Earth, New Sardina, Scripture, Jadestone - Outback has one thing they don't. The cute Aussie accent. Why, just hearing you talk really turns my crank, Amber MacRoy!�
    �That's Amber Carson, you geriatric jerk! If I had my wedding ring I'll mark up that ugly mug of yours!�
    �Wedding ring? Oh, that pathetic little stone? Honestly, Carson, your husband could've spent a whole lot more on rings with the money he has.� Big dipped into his robe pocket, retrieving Amber's wedding ring. He held it up, the light making the diamond twinkle. �I've seen better rings come out of a Cracker Jack box.�
    That really made Amber mad. She gave one more effort against her restraints, and to her amazement one of them failed. Her right hand, now free, set upon her left hand restraint. Amber's wetware, smothered in a dampening field set up by Big, now roared back to live under its own volition, pumping Amber up with strength-augmentation drugs. As if she really needed them now.
    Big got scared with a capital S. �Security!! Security!!� He yelled, activating some controls. By this time Amber freed herself and stomped towards Big, eyes afire. Six BATs had now entered the room, intent on stopping the little woman. They might as well have not entered at all. With the strength born of her hate, rage, and drug-augmented muscles Amber proceeded to demolish those BATs. One by one, the walking boilers were felled, making pathetic dying sounds on the floor.
    After smashing her foot through the faceplate of the last BAT, Amber turned towards Big. He placed a force field between himself and Amber. It did no good. Her �ware set up a destabilization field, enabling her to pass through the force field effortlessly. Big used a heavy-duty stun gun against her, double-shotting the device. Her �ware came through again, protecting Amber's nervous system. Amber snatched the gun out of Big's hand and proceeded to whale the living stuff out of Big. Big's immortality protected him, but didn't prevent him from becoming unconscious.
    Breathing in and out like a bellow, Amber not-so-gently ripped her wedding ring out of Big's hand. She also took the stun gun, and then jaunted out of the laboratory. She moved from doorway to doorway, listening for any approaching BATs. This proceeded for a few minutes. Pressing against a wall, she then noticed that there was something in her panties. Her left hand found two objects sewed into the inner lining. With a bit of dexterity she removed them. One was the lucky coin that Bert had given to her. The other object was a tiny, retractable surgical knife with a tweezer attachment.
    Amber knew what she had to do with the knife. After cutting a few strips of cloth from her gown, Amber then determined where the locator chip was in her right arm. Steadying her nerves, she then cut the flesh right above the chip. Then, with equal care, she used the tweezers to pull out the chip. The �ware began to pump coagulant into her bloodstream, and she made an improved bandage over her cut. Amber got up and proceed to jog down the corridor. She threw the chip down another hall. Now freed from that involuntary beacon, the little cop proceeded to find the park deck that Felicity was currently in.
 

23

June, Nadia, and Toby jaunted down a corridor. The BAT patrols had greatly increased in the last hour, making the officers move more often. Using schematics of the Bosom they copied earlier, the cops made their way into a large storage area. Expecting to see boxes of supplies, they were surprised to find a large collection of antique cars. There was even a short road course, complete with signs of wear. Big definitely believed in driving the cars in his collection.
    June's eye worked along the collection. There was a Model A Ford, a 1953 Buick pickup, a Phantom III �37, and a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. There was even what appeared to be a six-wheeled Model A Ford with a red cone on the front. Her tour was interrupted by Toby.
    �June, we have several dozen BATs heading this way. Through that hatch.� Toby readied one his Blastex grenades.
    �Don't use that grenade until we really have to, Toby. Just close the hatch for now. I have a special surprise for those boilers.� June replied.
    Nadia looked concerned. �June, you're not going to use one of those Hell grenades? Those babies have the explosive force of half a kiloton.�
    June walked over to one car, a car that suited her plan quite well. �No, Nadia, I have something that'll get the job done just as well. Once we blast that approaching horde of BATs we'll go to the next hold and see what other goodies are waiting for us.�

The BAT patrol leader, 41F, halted his group of 50 BATs. The main hatch to Mr Big's Car Collection Hold #2 was closed and locked. This did not concern 41F since he has the override codes. In an unnatural, mechanical voice 41F transmitted his orders to his �men'. �We are to wound and capture the humans in the hold. Mr Big will turn us into paperweights if we kill them. Acknowledge.�
    �We Obey,� came the replies. Just as 41F prepared to open the hatch he noticed that it started to open by its own volition. 41F armed his built-in stunner and proceeded to walk. He quickly stopped in his tracks, though, when he saw one of Big's antique cars coming towards his patrol. In addition to not killing the humans, the BATs were told to avoid damaging Big's various collections. What was coming towards the BATs had no right to be on wheels. It was a 1974 Ford Pinto, moving backwards at 15 mph, and the gas tank was full.
    �Run Away! Run Away! Run Awaaaaaay!� 41F told his troops. They were packed tight in the corridor, unable to move fast enough. The Pinto hit one BAT dead-center. The rear bumper stoved in the gas tank, and one itsy-bitsy spark was all that was needed for the car to explode. The entire patrol when up in a fireball. The cops didn't stay behind to see this bit of pyrotechnics, instead making their way to the next hold.

A few hours of sneaking around had made Amber a little weary, despite what the stimulants in her body were doing. She wanted to rest, but she knew that her fellow cops, even Larry, needed her help. But first she had to get access to a computer - and some clothes.
    After a few more minutes she came across a hatch marked �Laundry Station #5'. Smiling, Amber gimmicked the lock with her �ware, letting herself in. There was a water tap, and Amber greedily drank her fill. Then, with thirst sated, she went about to get herself a nice outfit. Running around in a cut-up gown and a panty wasn't the ideal wear while battling Big.

Lynnae groaned, raising wearily from her unintentional sleep. The ore-processing building was a surface installation on the Bosom, not fully protected when the ship enters and exits hyperspace. Fortunately the cops were rendered unconscious instead of turning into anchovy paste.
    Paul and Dan were already up. They were performing checks on their equipment. �Oh, now you get up, sleepy head,� Paul cheerfully said. �While you were under I took the liberty of recharging your air tanks. The storage lockers in this place are still fully stocked.�
    �Any word from Gerdes?�
    �Sporadic, and something new has been added. Gerdes has finished compromising her 40th reactor, bringing our total up to 55. But we dare not turn any of them off yet. The Bosom is the largest moving hyper-capable structure ever cobbled-up. The structural integrity field for this ship while in hyper is enormous. Gerdes figures that Big needs no less than 100 fusion plants to keep this bucket together, otherwise...�
    Lynnae visualized that otherwise. With an insufficient structural integrity field, the Bosom would be rend and torn by the vast energy eddies in hyper, destroying the ship in mere moments. �Crippling the ship now will be a bad thing. We'll just have to sabotage as many vital pieces of equipment and have them fail after we leave hyper.� Lyn stopped for a moment, an evil grin came on her face.
    �I hope you're not planning a convoluted diversionary plan,� Paul ventured. Lyn's eyes only confirmed his suspicions.
    �Give yourself a prize. Next time we're in contact with Gerdes we'll make sure that she sabotaged those huge auxiliary engine pods. That'll buy Outback more time. Meanwhile, let's go do some landscape rearrangement.�
 

24

Big sat in his command chair on the bridge of the Heavenly Bosom. Pumpkin, his pet Dachshund, was on his lap, getting nice long strokes from her master. Big's face quickly recovered from the pounding he received from Amber. Full of venom, Big had Albert break off his search for the others and directed him to hunt down and depose of Amber immediately. Somehow, Amber was able to remove her locator chip, and the internal sensors were so far unsuccessful in pinpointing the little woman. Those sensors have already factored in the other humans and BATs on the ship, and since Amber didn't have a stealth suit she should've been easy to find.
    Big pushed away such unproductive thoughts. Albert was the best tracker, animal or human, ever known and he's never failed. Now was the time to concentrate on those interlopers that where know. Big smiled grandly. If Amber was here then it was a given that Lynnae and June were on board as well. They had to be stopped before they destroy more of his unique collections. The lost of the BATs in Car Collection Hold #2 he could tolerate, but that Ford Pinto was irreplaceable. �Trish, bring up the tri-dee. I want to see our BATs in action. Focus on the group that's inside the ship.�
    The shapely bridge technician promptly brought up the huge tri-dee imager. It focused on Car Collection Hold #1. The BATs in that hold were waiting, their heavy-duty stunners at the ready. Big held Pumpkin up, making her forelimbs move in the parody of boxer. �Yeah, I'll show you,� Big said in a funny voice, making it look like Pumpkin was talking. �I'll show you that Big is not to be trifled with!�

Felicity sat on a bench in the Park Deck. Dressed in khaki shirt and shorts, she rested while eyeing the children of Big's employees. The fake sky above was simulating a late afternoon scene, the sun drawing closer to the equally fake horizon. The children were finishing up their afternoon play period, the four top-heavy teachers were lining them up to go back to their respective quarters. Felicity was about to do the same when she saw a girl approach. Apparently she was one of the older girls, perhaps in her mid- teens. Though she was rather short, her chest carried a shapely pair of breasts. Felly hoped that the girl's chest was natural and not augmented.

After getting the dress, Amber next had her �ware bring up a schematic of the Bosom. There was a rather large section simply marked Park Deck. Remembering that Big showed her that Felly was on that deck, Amber made her way to that place. Strangely, no-one, especially no BATs, noticed her, as if her way was cleared. Like Felicity, Amber had to admire the real grass and trees as she walked in the man-made park. In minutes she saw Felly, sitting alone on a bench. Summoning her resolve, Amber walked towards Felly, hoping that Big hadn't placed her under his spell. Now standing in front of Ms Wilcox, Amber did a little curtsy. �Good afternoon, ma'am,� Amber said, making her Outback accent much more pronounced, �I hope you're finding your stay with us to your enjoyment.�
    Felly was intrigued by the girl's accent. Of all the boys and girls Felly heard talking, none of them had an accent, much less the Aussie accent that the people of Outback and New Tasmania spoke with. �Under the circumstances I'm finding my time here to my liking. I must say you're manners are quite good. Also, pardon my observation, you're developing quite a body. I hope you're able to ward off the more exuberant boys.� Felly smiled wryly as she pointed to the teenage boys.
    Amber took a close look at Felly. Whatever Big had done to Felly to make her younger really did a good job. Aside from the white hair, one could be pardoned for mistaking the now-young Felly with her granddaughter Lynnae. �Thank you for the compliment, Ms Felicity Wilcox. If only I had this body 18 years ago instead of today.� Before Felicity could respond Amber got next to her, whispering into her ear. �I'm Amber Carson, New Darwin Police. We need to talk privately.�
    Happy as she was having Amber here, Felly didn't let her elation show on her face. �I agree, Amber. We'll go to my quarters. But let me say I'm happy to see you.� Felly got up, leading Amber by the hand towards the nearest exit.

Big watched the events unfold on the tri-dee imager. The cops approaching Car Collection Hold #1 were good as caught. It only remained how long they'll hold out against the BATs. Then, to Big's dismay, the locator chips indicating the cops' position in the imager disappeared, along with those three on the outside of the ship. Had they figured out that their locator chips were active? Big mused. No matter. I got the time and BATs.
    That quickly changed. The cops near Hold #1 used Blastex grenades, three of them going off in the hold. Priceless 20th and 21st century motorcycles were destroyed, along with two dozen BATs. Big sputtered incoherently. There was no way he could replace those priceless bikes. Replicated copies just won't do. Then, more to his chagrin, the cops on the outside were picking off maintenance BATs.
    Big tried to coordinate the BATs, but for some unknown reason those walking boilers were working off from their internal programming. �Jenny, get me Albert! I need him to solve our BAT-control problem!�
    �Aye, Sir.�
    The little crime lord plopped backed into his command chair. Pumpkin growled menacingly, matching her master's mood. Hell! Just 32 hours! 32 stinkin' hours to complete my goal! Why do I get the feeling I'll get personally involved in stopping those flat-footed, blue-nosed coppers for good?
 

25

�Well, Ms Wilcox, that's quite a story.� Amber said. The little cop was resting on Felicity's sinfully soft bed in an equally decadent bedroom. For the past hour the two women exchanged information, with Felicity relieved to hear that Lynnae was on the Heaven Bosom. Amber found it hard to believe that Big was cursed. Well, cursed in that way - spending eternity in the service of greed and lust - she can believe. Now, about the bit of the unconditional love of a woman breaking the curse? That had to be a made-up story.
    �Do you trust Albert, Ms Wilcox?� Amber said. �He may not share Big's vices, but he is his life-long servant.�
    �I trust him, dear. I've been around long enough to tell genuine tears from fake ones. Albert won't betray us.�
    �Believe her, Mrs Carson.� Amber was startled by the sound of Albert's voice. The well-skilled servant of Mr Big had entered the room through a hidden hatch. As always, he was impeccably dressed, this time in a casual business suit. �Who did you think placed that coin and compact knife in your bottoms?�
    Unconsciously, Amber touched her backside. She smiled in embarrassment. �Well, it certainly wasn't Big! He would've made me wear a thong! No place for concealed items. I have to image that you finally had it with Big. If he knew what you were doing, you would've been thrown out of the nearest airlock - immortality or no.�
    Albert smiled appreciatively. �You are so right, Mrs Carson. Big wants all of you captured, but your friends are doing too good a job of ruining his possessions. Now he wants them dead, including you.� That comment made Amber scowl, wishing that Big wasn't so invulnerable to neck squeezing. �I image you want to contact your friends. I have temporarily confused the tracking computers on the ship. The BATs won't be able to find them for a few hours. Your friends can only be found at very short ranges once they remove their locator chips. I must say those stealth suits are excellent. Why, if me and Big had those things 500 years ago we could've robbed every bank on Earth.�
    �Despite that criminal admission I'll take that as a compliment.� Amber grinned. �I assume there's a computer in this room?�
    Albert walked over to Felly's night stand and pressed a concealed button. A section of the dressing table opened and a small computer terminal rose up. �Go ahead, Mrs Carson. It has a data port. Your �ware can access it. Speaking of which, there's a program already in the system that had to come from one of your friends. I left it alone - and made sure that the Bosom's crew will take it as a normal diagnostic program.�
    �Well, it would appear that June and the others have succeeded without me.� Amber smiled as she ordered her �ware to open the port. Momentarily she was connected to the ship's network, identifying and classifying key systems. After a few minutes she ran into the program that Albert mentioned. The program was tasked to do the same thing Amber was doing - covert data collection. It's tag line, though, was unusual. After some more questions a smile appeared on Amber's lips. �It's Stamp, the former minicomp of the Postmaster General. Toby had ordered it to look for me after it inserted the changeling program. Stamp is in a BAT, controlling it and looking for me now.�
    Albert looked thoughtful. �It'll be best that he did find you - quick. A rouge BAT will be easily spotted. Now, you better send a warning to your friends.�
    �Don't have to tell me twice.� Amber closed her eyes and concentrated. Using the ship's own security sensors, she located her friends and sent a brief, coded message to all of them. �Done. I've also sent a coded message through the BAT control network, so Stamp will be informed also. Albert, I'll be heading back to the shuttle that brought me here. The rest of the team is heading there now. Of course, I'll need my stealth suit and weapons. Can you get them for me?�
    �With pleasure, ma'am.� Albert left the same way he came in. Now alone, Amber faced Felicity.
    �Ms Wilcox, I didn't inform Lynnae about you. I don't want to distract her. The last thing we need is Lyn making up some impromptu plan to rescue you. We're going to do this right.�
    Felicity held Amber's hand. �Smart of you. Big undoubtedly has his own tracking nanochips in my clothes, just in case I get any ideas. When you see my granddaughter, give her this.� At that Felly gave a nice hug to Amber, making her wonder.
    �Tell Lyn that hug came from me. Promise?�
    Amber smiled. �You bet, ma'am. May I call you Felly from now on?�
    �Certainly. As long as I can call you Amber. Agreed?�
    �Agreed.� Both women shook hands, awaiting Albert to return with Amber's equipment.

Three hours later, back on the shuttle, Blue team reassembled. The cops exchanged what they learned, especially what Amber found out. Lynnae gritted her teeth when she heard what happened to her grandmother, wishing that she could get her now. Paul saw, and felt through his �ware, what Lyn was feeling. He squeezed her shoulder, reminding her of her other responsibilities.
    �Well,� Lynnae said after a pause, �we knew Big was bound to have some women with him, but families? This changes things in a big way. We can't go running around with guns ablazing. We need to know were those people are before we blow stuff up.�
    June nodded. �Agreed. We're just going to have to separate those people from Big, make them abandon ship. If what Felly said is true then Big has to let them go if there's any chance of them coming to harm.�
    �If Felly said it then it has to be true,� Amber added. �Lyn, you grandma strikes me as the type of person who knows what she's doing. After all, she raised you, didn't she?�
    �Thanks for the complement. She was a cop, after all, and could sweet-talk a drunk to give up his bottle.� Lynnae said, patting Amber's shoulder. �I got a little plan for our locator chips. After we get them out I'll need a volunteer for a special mission. Any takers beside Gerdes?� Lyn looked at the naval lieutenant. �You've done enough work already. I need your technical expertise when we start looking for the breast-beam projector.�
    �Thank you, ma'am,� replied Gerdes, �I'll do what I can to ruin Big's fancy fetish machine.�
    �Glad to hear. Now, any takers?�
    �I can be of help.� That stilted sentence came from Stamp, still inside the co-opted BAT. �I know the place where chips can be best used. And do most damage.� Stamp then described what he had in mind, drawing approving smiles from the cops.
    �Stamp,� Toby said, �if you should make it out of this adventure intact then I'll give you two big ramchips.�
    The odd minicomp beeped its approval, drawing out laughs from everyone. After an additional hour of planning the cops prepared to sleep. Only 24 hours were left before Big's deadline was reached, and everyone wanted to be in top form when the action starts in 22 hours, when the Heavenly Bosom exits hyperspace. Lyn had finished taking off her stealth suit when Amber appeared in front of her.
    �Lyn, just before I left, Felly asked me to give you something.� Without fanfare Amber gave a bearhug to Lyn, making her gasp for breath. A few seconds later Amber stopped hugging the stuffing out of her friend.
    �Damn, Amber. Good thing Bert is so large. If you married a smaller man you would've crushed him to death in no-time.� Lyn massaged her now-sore ribs.
    �Sorry, Lyn. I know that Felly would've done the same thing in my place. She has faith in you and everyone on the team. She's quite a woman - and I now know for sure where you got your generous good looks. Not to mention your figure.� Amber grinned.
    Lynnae pinched Amber's left cheek hard enough to make the little cop to say ouch. �There, now we're even. I'll be sure to mention that last complement to Felly when we get back home. She'll appreciate it, and I certainly do.� The two women laughed as they made their way to the sleeping cubicles.
 

26

Big checked his hunting gear one last time. He would've taken his ninja outfit, but it was being cleaned. He settled for his duck-hunting coat and hat, making him look like a kooky Wisconsin outdoorsman. After making some final checks in the mirror, Big left his quarters. He headed for Felly's room, wanting to check in on her before commencing his hunt. A few minutes later had the little man outside Felly's hatch.
    �Felly, I would very much like to see you. Are you decent?� Big giggled.
    �Come on in, but I'm not decent.� Felly replied over the com, her voice inviting for a change.
    Big expected Felly to be wearing a robe, but he halted in his tracks as he saw his reluctant guest clad only in a towel. Apparently Felly had just taken a bath, as her hair and exposed skin were still wet.
    �Well,� Felly asked, �what were you going to say?�
    Big managed to speak a few words in the presence of such a shapely body. �I'm going out to find those punks running around my ship. Albert hasn't found them yet.�
    Felly walked a few steps towards Big, her breasts tenuously covered by the towel. Big's lust was suitable aroused. �Big, you did said that Albert was the best tracker ever, right? And you still have all those BATs. There are only 18 hours left before your wondrous, grand plan for Outback is realized.� Well, he looks vulnerable, Felly mused, I better make sure. Felly allowed her towel to fall a bit, exposing a good portion of her volleyball-sized breasts. She quickly gathered the towel and reapplied it to her body.
    Big was now on the verge of drooling. Felly knew that she had him. She had to keep Big occupied, letting Lynnae and her friends complete their plans without Big's interference. Felly walked right up to Big, her breasts practically in his face. �Big, what you need now is a good, long bath. You're over tense and strung out. You need to be in top form when you see your plan go into action.� Felly's hands now worked on Big's shoulders, massaging them. �My bath is here and ready now. Get out of those clothes and join me.�
    Big wasted no time removing his hunting gear. Felly walked sensually to the door that lead to her luxury-sized bath. Then with a quick, flirting look Felly let her towel hit the floor, allowing Big to see her shapely bottom for a brief instant before moving out of view. Big followed her, leaving behind a trail of clothes.

June wiped the sleep out of her eyes. The cops were fully rested and were preparing to reboard the Bosom. Noticing that Lyn and Paul were not up, June went to their respective sleeping cubicles. Lyn wasn't in hers, leading June to think that she was already up and showering, or ...
    June went to Paul's cubicle and, without fanfare, moved backed the panel. There, in obvious bed sharing, was Lynnae and Paul. �Whoa, caught you again! At least you still have your knickers on.� June's observation startled the two partners. As before back on the Stroud, Lyn's chest was uncovered and planted firmly against Paul's own bare front. �Believe it or not, I have learned some things from you over the years, Lyn. Like restraint and romance. It's obvious you learned some things from me.�
    Lyn and Paul managed to cover themselves with a blanket. Lyn looked rather rueful. �Of course, you're going to say what those things are.�
    �Righto!� June rubbed her hands in glee. �I knew there was a passionate side to go along with that sugar-sweet exterior you've been projecting all this time. Plus, you've allowed yourself to be loved. That couldn't have been easy.�
    �I can vouch for that.� Paul said, wrapping an arm around Lyn's waist. �Lyn here came to me last night to express her concerns about Felly. In my most manly way I convinced her that everything will be alright. I even let her cry on my shoulder.� For that comment Paul got a light poke in the breadbasket.
    �Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone so you can shower and suit up. We've got only 12 hours left, and Stamp should be delivering our little package right about now.�

Felly rolled over in her bed, her back coming into contact with Big's body. That little collision woke both of them. As the unlikely couple banished the sleep from their eyes, Felly recalled what had happened earlier. Big enjoyed his bath with Felly. Like a little boy, Big allowed his bath partner to lather and wash his back, arms, and chest. In turn Felly had her chest lathered up by Big, who then placed his head between her breasts to get it soapy. After drying off the duo dressed in simple but sinfully soft silk pajamas. Big went to sleep immediately, leaving Felly to contemplate the future before nodding off. An angry buzzer sounded, making Big a little annoyed.
    �Yes, what is it now? It had better be important.� Big said out loud.
    �Sir, we've picked up the intruders,� replied Jenny, one of the bridge crew. �They're just under the Park Deck. The BAT patrols in that area are now converging on them.�
    �Excellent!� Big exclaimed. Next, he retrieved a small controller from his night stand and entered a few commands. A flat screen lowered from the ceiling, displaying the POV of a BAT in one of the patrols. �Felly, you may want to look at this. I'll get those snoopers once and for all!�
    The patrols came to the spot where the intruders should've been, but only found seven small objects and a grapefruit-sized device. One BAT picked it up, examining it. Big knew what it was, but before he could yell a warning the device went off. It was one of the Hell grenades that the cops had. Exploding with the force of 500 tons of old-fashion TNT, the BATs were utterly destroyed and a good portion of the area was obliterated as well, including the ceiling. The corridor was just under the lake in the Park Deck. The water emptied out, leaving the lake bone-dry. The freed water had to go somewhere, and it did - right towards Big's Car Collection Hold #2. The impromptu flood wreaked even more cars and motorcycles.
    Big was pissed, wanting to yell at the top of his lungs. Felly restrained him, rapping her arms around his waist. It had the effect of calming him down, and to think more clearly.They'll pay for that, and there are always other treasures to steal - later. As long as I see my plan is implemented then nothing can stop me! Big laughed inside, and patted Felly's hands.

Stamp had completed his task: delivering the grenade and the lead-shielded locator chips right under the Park Deck. After setting the Hell grenade, Stamp next removed the chips from the lead box and dropped them on the floor. It was only minutes later that the grenade went off. Heading back to the shuttle, Stamp was intercepted by a BAT repair crew.
    �Halt,� said the head repair BAT. �All available BATs in the area are to implement repairs to the Park Deck floor and lake. Big has ordered that the lake be restored ASAP.�
    �I Obey.� Stamp had no choice but to comply. If he started to act out-of-character it was likely he'll be deactivated - permanently. My odds of surviving are not positive, Stamp noted. Big had the money to throw away on BATs for their ramchips. Postie was such a spinster. Resigned to wait for his chance to escape, Stamp followed the repair crew, bent on fixing the damage caused by the Hell grenade.
 

27

Okay, people. 20 minutes. After Big makes his gas-bag speech we start making Hell all over. Lynnae spoke over her �ware. Albert had blinded the internal sensors to the frequencies used by the cops' ware, enabling them to talk without fear of interception. Lynnae had placed her people in two spots in the Bosom, selected to cause maximum irritation to Big. Gerdes was ready to �pull the plug', as she called it, on the infected fusion plants. Also, when the Bosom leaves hyper, the shuttle pilot will transmit a message to the Stroud, informing Captain Pavone of what the cops found out, especially the presence of families.
    Lynnae, just remember our new goals. June replied, her �ware voice conveying her concern. We're to prevent Big from firing that breast-beam and get those families off the ship. Any of Big's employees we find we stun and arrest. We're cops, not a mob hit-squad. Comprende?
    I hear you, June. But don't forget that any human that uses deadly force against us will be answered in kind. I don't want any of us going home in a bag, so no unnecessary heroics. Everyone get that?
    Lyn's command was answered in a hail of �yes, ma'ams'. Lyn consulted the time - 18 minutes left.

On time, the Heavenly Bosom exited hyperspace. Big, now on the bridge and flanked by his top-heavy employees, was soundlessly practicing his speech. Felly, non-committal outside, was a ball of tension inside. She was certain that Big had lowered his defenses, letting her come that much closer. Felly could only trust that Lynnae and her friends can make Big so cross and irate that he'll never see what Felly will do to him. She wanted Big to see her as the only possession he had left, a trump card he could use against Lynnae, but instead he'll be used by Felly.
    Big ordered Alysa to activate the overrides for Outback's communication nets. An old-fashion floor microphone, circa 1930's, was brought in and placed before Big. Two of his women, clad in dresses that were on the verge of falling off, moved beside him. Their breasts were at the height of his head. He need only to turn to either side for his head to be buried in watermelon-sized mounds. Big cued Alysa, who in turn began transmitting Big's speech to Outback.

Talbert and Laramie were giving their people last-minute instructions. With the appearance of Big's ship now publicly known it was up to the Police to control the inevitable panic. All officers were being used in this effort, including Valerie Kou, Quartermaster Wooster, and Jennett the Cook. Talbert was about send his people out when a tri-dee projector in the briefing room filled with static, then replaced by the stylized B. A moment later the owner of that B was visible. It was none other than Mr Big.
    Big's image grinned ear-to-ear. �I'm Baaaack! Large as life and twice as ugly! Hi! I'm Mr Big. The criminal mind of the human race! I image all of you on Outback will want to know what I plan to do. More precisely, what I'm about to do to your women.� Big's two companions moved into view, their scantily-covered breasts on either side of his face. �I've always believed that there wasn't enough breasts in the universe. As you found out from Lagoon, I'm now in a position to correct that shortcoming. My breast-enlarging beam will work its magic in a very short time. You see, it has a much greater range than advertised. In 15 minutes, women between the physical ages of 18 to 40 on your world will be affected. With Outback's demographics that means 80 million women will get the breasts the size of watermelons!� Big laughed, then coughed, and sputtered to a halt with some hacking. Regaining his composure, he resumed. �Yes! Now Outback will be know for its' beer, Jackalope Jerky, women with oversized boobs and that cute Aussie accent! And you can't stop me! Your defenses will be rendered temporarily disabled, and I'll be long gone before you can even consider a pursuit.� Big stopped to consider something, then resumed with an evil grin. �Oh, by the way, those cops you've sent to stop me have failed. Chief Talbert, if you're listening, I want you to know that if this is the best you can do then its for the good you're retiring. And I still say you punch like a girl!� Big laughed, quickly being replaced by the stylized B. The tri-dee projector in the police briefing room was smashed by Talbert, working out his frustration and rage on that device instead of holding it inside.

Big walked away from his two companions. �Jenny, has the program worked?�
    The dark-haired woman turned. �Yes, Mr Big. All 36 fortresses and the ships in orbit have been disabled. They'll need at least 12 hours before they can operate their weapons and engines.�
    �Hot damn! Another long-term plan has worked! Bill Gates the 17th, you've finally showed the genius that your ancestors lacked!� Big proclaimed, then turning to Felly. �Good old Bill has been in my hip pocket since the 20th century. Now we can inflate those Outback women without interference.� Seeing Felly's neutral face, Big remembered what he said in his speech. �Oh, did I fail to mention that those intruders were New Darwin cops and not naval commandos? I believe that your own Lynnae is with them, but we won't know until they're captured.�
    �If she's here, Big, then I'm the one she's after. But if it's all the same I want to stay with you.� Those words, had they been spoken earlier, would've been poison to Felly. But now, with full knowledge that Lynnae was here and full of surprises, Felly pretended to be under Big's thrall. �I want to be by your side for the rest of my life, Big. I want to be there when you go from planet to planet, inflating the breasts of women everywhere.�
    �Whoa! Like I wasn't fishing for compliments, but...� Big was cut off by Wendy, his chief engineer.
    �Sir, I'm getting reports of unscheduled shutdowns on 10 fusion plants. They're going all the way down - cold shutdown.�
    �Well, stop them.� Big sounded annoyed.
    A moment later Wendy spoke in a more urgent voice. �Sir, another 15 plants are shutting down. I'm activating the isolation routines.�
    �How will this affect our power requirements.� Big wrung his hands, displaying his worry.
    �There goes another 15. Since we don't need the clocking device - we've hypered too close to the planet not to be noticed - we need at least 40 reactors on-line. Damn!� Wendy worked her panel, face set in a grimace. �Add 15 more. We now have only 15 reactors for our safety margin. Provided that we're not attacked in the next 15 minutes we'll be safe.�
    �Thank goodness! I've haven't come this far only to fail within sight of my goal.� Big wiped his sweat-beaded forehead. �It seems our interlopers have managed to do something while on-board. Jenny,� Big looked at the security controller, �have the BAT guards trebled at all remaining fusion plants. The beam projector and engine pods are to be heavily reinforced as well.�
    Alysa interruped. �Big, I'm getting a warning from my panel. The auxiliary engine pods are shutting down - and the detachment routine has been activated!�
    �Detach!?� Big sounded startled. The tri-dee viewer shifted its focus from Outback to an exterior shot of the Bosom. There, to Big's terror, the six auxiliary engine pods, each the size of two superdreadnoughts laid end-to-end, detached from their mounts and floated away. When the pods cleared the ship by 10,000 kilometers they exploded, removing any possibility of their recovery and reuse. �My... My Engines!!� Big proclaimed as he placed his open palms to his chest. �How long before we get into position now?�
    �With those pods gone, our drive field has been greatly reduced. At best we can make .021 c. We'll be in firing range in 70 minutes instead of 15.� Alysa ventured, daring not to look Big in the eye.
    Jenny reluctantly got Big's attention. �Ah, Sir. I'm sorry to say that some of your collection galleries are in the process of being destroyed. Those intruders are opening up with particle guns.�
    Big let his jaw drop. A security screen showed the carnage that the Outback cops were doing in Car Collection Hold #3. �My... my collections! Bad enough they destroyed my cars and cycles, but my collections? I've spent my life collecting those objects! Get me Albert and prepare the reserve BATs. Its time to show those flat-footed, donut-eating wankers that they can't go around destroying my stuff.� Big looked at Felly again. �Felly, looks like I have to teach your grandkid a lesson. My reserve BATs have much more firepower at their disposal, and she may get injured. I hope you won't hold that against me.�
    Felly turned her innocent eyes to match Big's own pleading set. �I won't. Lynnae knew what she was getting into when she became a cop. I hope that she can find it in her heart to forgive me.�
    Big smiled, but again was cut off by one of his bridge crew. It was Diane, the sensor-plot technician. �Sir, you're not going to like this...�
 

28

Captain Pavone kept his face free of emotion, but inside he was yelling obscenities at Big. The little crime lord had disabled Outback's defenses and rendered useless the ships in orbit. The Stroud remained unaffected because of a fluke. Lt Samantha Kilgore noticed an irregularity in a command software update the ship received during the last overhaul. With the approval of the First Officer, Kilgore fixed that flaw - a flaw in the power regulation program. The messages of the disabled ships confirmed that their power regulation systems have failed, indicating that they didn't notice the flaw. Kilgore will receive a rather high rating in her next evaluation, provided that she survived.
    Pavone looked at the image of the Heavenly Bosom. The shuttle pilot had informed him of what was going on in Big's ship. The location of Big's families had been determined, so any rescue attempt will have a better chance of success. For some reason the massive �ship' had slowed down, but it'll still reach its declared firing range in 70 minutes. Unless it's stopped, 80 million women will be enlarged against their will, making Big the most notorious criminal in Human history. Only the Stroud could stop him. And Pavone knew how to do that. �Comm, put me on ship speakers. I'll address the crew.�
    �Aye Sir. Hot mic.�
    Pavone summoned his resolve, taking a measured breath before speaking. �Attention, crew of the Stroud. As you heard, Big is going to use his fancy raygun on the women of Outback. I have decided to stop him. We can't engage in a straight fight, as that will surely destroy us. Not to mention the possibility of killing the innocent families about Big's ship.� Pausing briefly, Pavone looked at his bridge crew. Like himself, they were in their suits and combat ready. Their basketball-sized breasts were still evident through the suits, rising and lowering with each breath. Each sailor waited for his decision. �I will have our ship crash-land on the upper portion of the Heavenly Bosom. Once there, I'll send in our Marines to rescue the families and provided assistance to the New Darwin cops in their effort to stop Big.� The bridge crew smiled their approval, and Pavone knew that the rest of the crew was ready to womp on Big's backside. �Attention! All hands to crash stations! Lt Chandler, I want this ship to land between the beam projector and that mass of buildings near the far end of the Bosom. Enter the navigation plan and lock it in the computer.�
    �Aye, Aye Sir!�
    �Commander Breen, once we penetrate the Bosom's drive field, we'll go out of cloak. All available power will go into the shields and the structural integrity field. We're going to tear up a considerable amount of real-estate before coming to a stop.�
    �Aye, Aye Sir!�
    Lt Chandler turned. �Captain! Navigation plan locked into computer. Awaiting your command.�
    �Execute!�
    The Stroud speed up, briefly reaching its maximum speed of .125 c. The distance between it and the Bosom disappeared. The Stroud penetrated the drive field of Bosom, bleeding off most of its speed. Breen then channeled the power from the now-deactivated cloak to the shields and the structural integrity field. The ship past the cluster of immense buildings at the far end of the Bosom, diving straight for the built-up surface of the asteroid. �All hands, brace for collision!� Pavone yelled.
    The ship crashed solidly into the surface of the Bosom. An automated ore-processing station was knocked out, followed by another, then a particle cannon mount. The Stroud left a trail of devastated buildings its wake, secondary explosions adding even more damage. The ship plowed a two kilometer swath before the shields failed. It skidded a few hundred meters more before coming broadside to the breast beam projector and the buildings cluster. The hull had buckled in a few placed but remained intact.
    �Damage report!�
    �We've sustained structural damage to the exterior compartments on decks 1, 2, 3, and 4. The bow is worse for wear, but the bow missile tubes and particle cannons are still functional.� Breen replied. �No casualties reported.�
    Pavone eyed the massive beam projector on his battle plot. The projector was a big as a cruiser, deployed and ready to fire its perverted energy at Outback. �Gunnery, all portside particle cannons to commence rapid fire on the projector! Hot-shot all volleys - burn the coils but at all costs keep hammering away at that projector!�
    �Aye, Captain,� replied Lt Roney. The Stroud fired, its four portside particle cannons throwing their fury at the projector. However, those shots were wasting themselves against the projectors' protective shielding. Pavone bit his tongue, praying that the beam's shield generator would burn out before his portside cannons slag under from continuous fire.

Big was not a happy camper. He stood on the bridge of his ship, watching and listening to reports. The internal sensors couldn't pick up the stealth cops, but he knew were they had been. Collections, prized possessions, were being systematically destroyed. His BATs were being knocked down in traps and uneven firefights. His ship, crippled in power and speed, now had a two-kilometer trench scoured out by an previously unseen navy ship. To his chagrin, it was the Stroud. If he had a choice, Big would rather fight a whole army of Aztec mummies than face the top-heavy sailors of that ship!
    But Big was far from admitting defeat. He had Alysa bring up the Murkworks, the holding area for the 1,200 combat BATs that Big created for internal defense. Row after row of BATs were prepared, ready for the command to attack. With marshal music playing in the background, Big cleared his throat and spoke into his ancient radio microphone. �Attention, my loyal minions. For over 110 years, you have served me well. Building and maintaining the Heavenly Bosom has been achieved all due to your efforts. For that I'm thankful.� In reply, Big heard random beeps coming from the BATs. �However, outside forces are now at work to ruin my most beautiful vision. A vision to see that women everywhere have ample chests. I will have that vision realized! Your mission is to destroy the navy ship that's currently trying to wreck the breast-enlargement beam projector. The opposition will be great, and many of you will not come back. I can deal with that.� The BATs, to a boiler, had an anime sweatbead on their heads. �Rest assured,� Big continued, �by destroying that ship, you will make the universe bustier than it was before. Do you understand?� Big's question was answered by a few random beeps. �Okay, minions, get out there and fight! Win one for Big! Terminate - with extreme prejudice!�
    �WE O-BEY!� The combat BATs answered as one. They filed out, the majority of them carrying tribarrel particle rifles. Some BATs had both arms replaced with infantry-portable particle cannons. The BATs trodded to the surface of ship, set upon to destroy the Stroud.
    �Alysa, continue with the operation. I'll hunt down those cops and end their annoying interference by myself. Get my ninja outfit!�
    �Aye, Big. 65 minutes to firing range.� Alysa then commed the laundry room, having them bring up Big's ninja suit and gear. The remaining fusion plants and the beam projector were now heavily guarded, but the cops weren't even trying to reach those areas. Instead, they appeared to be destroying everything else. Alysa knew that action was making Big pissed off to no end. And he certainly wasn't satisfied with just capturing the cops now. He wanted them dead.
 

29

�Captain, the shielding around that beam projector isn't weakening. At our continued rate of fire our capacitors will fail in three minutes.� Lt Roney reported.
    �Sensors are picking up at least 700 BATs converging on the ship. They're emitting higher power levels than expected. Must be the combat variant. Wait... 200 more BATs are airborne and approaching rapidly.� Ensign Cassidy, the sensor officer, added.
    Pavone closed his eyes. �Gunnery, configure the missile-defense systems to anti-personnel mode and open fire. Comm, have we been able to contact any of the cops or Lt Gerdes?�
    �Not yet, Captain. There's still a considerable amount of interference. However, Col Ulithi reports that her Marines are about to enter the Bosom. Do you want them to continue?�
    �Affirmative.� Pavone's gaze settled next on Roney. �Gunnery, cease fire on the projector for now. Have all particle cannons fire at the BATs at normal power levels. Commander Cuzak, form rapid- response teams in case the BATs manage to enter the ship. All crewmembers are to draws weapons from the weapon lockers.�
    �Aye, Aye Captain.� Cuzak went about to fulfill Pavone's order. The flying BATs dove in, their rocket packs at full power. The missile-defense systems opened fired on the BATs, using massed batteries of defense lasers. Dozens were knocked down, but their fire racked the cruiser. Some of those hits were bound to hit critical systems. Pavone hoped that there'll be enough time. 55 minutes to go.

Lynnae, Paul, Dan, and Gerdes - Alpha Team - were putting the finishing touches to Big's Hotel Towel Collection. The inordinately long hallway was filled with destroyed towels. The fire-suppression system worked, smothering the fires with halon gas. The cops were on suited air now, going down the hall and blasting every towel they saw. Judging by the number of pilfered bathware, Big must've considered this one of his prized collections. It's destruction should make him madder than Hell, forcing him to come out and fight. Anything that took him away from his bridge and Felicity was fine by Lyn.
    Going further down the corridor, Alpha Team came across a hatch simply labeled �Salami Closet'. Gerdes opened it. �Yuck!! Looks like a collection of turds!�
    Lynnae took a look for herself. She counted herself lucky that she was on internal air, otherwise the quite-real powerful odor would've knocked her down. She fired a few times into the compartment and closed the hatch. Dan, however, remained still. He was concentrating.
    �What's up, Dan. Getting an impression?�
    �Yes, Lyn. Big has quite an aura, considering his curse. He's left that cluster of buildings at the stern of the ship. He's.... ahead of us. Getting near to June and the others.�
    �If we can only warn them. Big must've set up some deliberate jamming.� Lyn tapped her foot. �Well, if he's that fired up to get us then let's really get his kettle hot. We're going to stage our own rescue of Felicity. I know just the thing.�

June, Nadia, Toby, and Amber - Beta Team - had just finished destroying Big's movie theater seat collection. June wonder what would possess a man to steal such items - and how he got away with it. Her thinking was interrupted by static, quickly replaced by a voice. �This is the Stroud, contacting the police team. Please respond. This is the Stroud. We've landed on the Bosom to provide assistance.�
    �This is Officer Parlor, Stroud. Glad you've joined the party!� June replied, demolishing a movie seat stolen from the Chinese Theater. �What's the poop?�
    �Bad,� replied the Stroud's comm officer. �Big has disabled the orbital defenses and the naval ships. We're the only ones unaffected. However, we've been unable to knock-out the breast beam projector. If you got any Hell grenades left, please use them to take out that projector. Can do?�
    �Can Do! Stroud, how are the Marines doing?�
    �They've broken past the BATs that had surrounded us. Col Ulithi will be reaching the family quarters shortly. They'll get off the ship via the hanger deck. Do hurry - we got only 45 minutes left.�
    �Acknowledge. Alright, Beta Team! Lets get that projector off-line!� June and her friends quickly made their way to the projector mount. Along the way they avoided shooting BATs, knowing that they couldn't afford to fight until they reached their target. With 35 minutes remaining, the cops reached the entrance to the projector controls. As expected, it was heavily guarded by BATs. And, as expected, those BATs didn't had a chance against the cops. Blastex grenades and particle rifles reduced the BATs and their immediate reinforcements into scrap.
    �Okay, guys. We do this right.� June said, wishing that she could wipe the sweat from her forehead. �Toby, you're the one to find the vulnerable spot in that damn thing. We'll provide you cover while you set up the Hell grenades. If everyone is quite ready?� The cops got up and made their way to the strangely opened hatch. June and Nadia had entered before the hatch slammed shut. Toby tried his �ware to open it, but his commands were ignored by the lock computer.
    �June! Nadia! You there?� Amber said, her finger edging closer to the trigger of her rocket launcher.
    �We're fine. We'll get back so you can blast the door.� June voice was a relief, but it ended too soon. �Hey, the lights just went out, and the infrared all screwy. Am...�
    Toby shook Amber's shoulder. �Uh, Amber, that'll have to wait. We got company.� Toby pointed to more BATs, heading right towards them. Amber turned and let loose a rocket round, demolishing the BATs in mid-step. The wreckage had hardly landed when more walking boilers appeared, this time with weapons in each hand. Toby and Amber found cover, opening up on the fresh arrivals.
    �Oh, fuddleducks,� cursed Amber. While killing BATs, Amber hoped June and Nadia were okay.
 

30

June's communication to Amber was cut short by some rifle fire. She grabbed floor, along with Nadia. The compartment they were in offered no real cover. Before them was another hatch simply labeled �Big-O-Matic Control Room'. The two cops did notice a catwalk above the hatch, approximately two meters short of the ceiling.
    �Dark is not my favorite color,� Nadia observed. �Someone is playing with us.�
    �Got that right, toots!� It was Big, sounding like he was somewhere within the compartment. �Are you two alright? Okay, stay still this time!�
    �Bloody Hell! Big, we're gonna...� June's hot retort was cut off. She felt a warm sensation in her chest, and she knew it could be only one thing. �Nadia, are you feeling what I'm feeling?�
    Nadia's hands shot to the front of her suit. Her already large mammaries had doubled in size, the suit starting to protest under the expansion. �Yes! It's that damn beam projector Amber told us about. Big would have one here as a booby trap.�
    �Damn you, girl. You've stolen my line.� Big moved out of the shadows, holding a small device in his hands. �Yes, my ever-expanding blue heelers, you're now experiencing what those girls on Lagoon have gone through. Next - Outback, then the universe!� Big laughed. �I had one of my portable beam projectors installed in his compartment just for this precaution. I'd say it's working rather well.�
    June and Nadia were now both immobilized by their sofa-sized breasts. Their suits have failed and ripped open, so even if they could shrink their breasts back to normal they'll stand out like flares on the ship's internal sensors. The duo could no longer see in front of them, so June had to turn her head so her words could be heard. �Big, I'd must say you made your point. Care to subdue us and shrink our breasts to a more manageable size?�
    Nadia heard some footsteps approaching, then a cold hand making contact with her tiny left nipple. Despite herself, Nadia left loose with a soft moan. It was as if a tidal wave of pleasure was sweeping through her body. Big cackled. �Nadia, my dear, how does it feel to be twice the size you where when you worked at Cloud 9? You know, had you stayed on for one more week I would've been one of your customers!�
    Now broken out of the sensual feeling, Nadia made her voice heard. �Too bad. I would've like to send your scrawny butt to prison, but you would've escaped anyway. As for my bosom, I would've gotten Harold even if I was flat-chested.� Nadia tensed up, causing goosebumps to appear on her flesh. �Just be glad Smudge wasn't here! You would've been torn to shreds!�
    Big let go with a sigh. �No good, Nadia. I would've regenerated just like Prometheus.� He next walked over to June, placing an age-gnarled hand on her right breast. June shivered at the touch of that cold hand, but not before experiencing some pleasure herself. �June, partner of my most worthy adversary, do you like you new bust? What was it? Ah, yes. Over four years ago - you were captured by the militant wing of the Flat Chest Society. They held you captive and shrank your breasts to mere mosquito bites. I'm glad you've decided to restore your lungs to their former glory.�
    �From any other man that would've been a complement,� June hissed. �If anything, you should inflate Lynnae's chest. She has a desire to be bigger than me.�
    �Well, if you must know, this is the first time I've heard of it! Thanks!� Big smiled. Both women grimaced, wishing that they could move or contact Amber and Toby. �As much as I want to keep you two, I have other plans. Pity. Both of you, after some nanite brain surgery, would've made nice breast beds, but I don't want to tempt fate. I'll shoot both of you in the head. Don't worry - there'll be no pain.�
    Nadia and June yelped, know that Big always follows through on his word. Before the two cops could sweat in fear, the hatch to the compartment blew open. In stepped Amber, suit ripped in several strategically-revealing places. In one hand she held the rocket launcher. The other held an arm from a BAT. Her particle gun was attached to her quick-release thigh holster. She saw Nadia and June in their helplessness. That made the little cop all the more angry.
    �Big!!� Amber yelled. �Your funking �bots are through. Toby's mopping them up right now!�
    �Tee hee hee. Mrs Carson! I see you're still alive. And judging by the rips in you suit, you must've fought hand-to-hand with my BATs. But fear not! I'll have you join your friends now.� Big activated the remote for his breast beam. His face scowled in worry as Amber remained unaffected.
    �That gizmo won't work on me now, you freak! My faith and righteousness are shielding me from your perversion. Pity that you have neither of those things!� In a lighting quick move, Amber dropped the BAT arm and retrieved her particle gun. She unerringly zero in on Big and fired right at his chest. He fell to the floor with a thud.
    �Ouch!! That smarts like all get-out!� Big rubbed his sore chest, only to be hit again. Amber advanced menacingly.
    �That was for inflating me like some balloon toy! He's one for inflating my friends!� Amber fired, making Big fall again.
    �Stop! Even though I'm immortal you're ruining my ninja suit!� Big sounded a little worried now. Not bothering to get up, he pulled himself with his arms along the floor.
    �This is for all those poor women on Lagoon! This is for kidnaping Felicity!� Big was now being pushed back by each blast. �And here's for the time you dognaped Smudge!� After that shot Amber slung her particle rifle. Then she prepped the portable rocket launcher. �Big! Stay still this time!� Big mouthed wordlessly as Amber sent a rocket right into his breadbasket. In keeping with anime tradition, Big was pushed though at least 14 bulkheads before coming to a shop in a waste-water reclamation room.
    �Boy, that had to hurt!� Amber observed. Turning, she saw June and Nadia. Well, their breasts at least. �Gee, is that really you? How does it feel?� Amber walked over to June, poking a finger into her left tit.
    �Amber,� June said, �as much as that feels wonderful, can you get that remote control and shrink our busts? We're only have 29 minutes left.�
    �Roger.� After a brief look, Amber found the remote and pressed the restore button. In a minute the two inflated cops were returned to their normal, but still generous, proportions. After briefly eyeing and touching their breasts the cops began their task to disable the beam projector.
 

31

Meanwhile, back at the Stroud, a team of BATs managed to reach the hull via a blind spot in the ship's field of fire. One BAT had infantry-crewed particle cannons in place of arms. As the BATs prepared to fire, an airlock hatch opened. Four high-velocity grenades impacted against an equal number of BATs, wiping out the squad.
    Technician 2nd class Barbara Bearclaw and Lt Samantha Kilgore poked their heads out the hatch, looking at their handiwork. �Well,� Bearclaw exclaimed, �I guess that really makes us starship troopers!�

The main passage to the Citadel, the cluster of skyscraper-sized buildings at the stern of the Heavenly Bosom, was heavily defended. The two-dozen regular BATs were supplemented by 40 combat variants. Their firepower, along with the hidden guns in the main entrance, could stop a small army. They didn't have to wait long. There, coming down the passage, was a tank. An Ukrainian Tractor Works T-634 to be exact. The 120-ton armored vehicle was a part of Big's collection, a recent acquisition that hardly had time to gather dust. And it was still in working order. The main particle cannon on the tank roared to life, blasting through the quadrupled-sealed doors with ease.
    To their credit, the BATs put up an inspired defense. However, it was the concealed particle guns in the walls and ceiling that the tank was after. Shot after shot took out those guns, while the close-in defense system mowed down BATs with monowire filament charges. Still, one combat BAT got on top of the tank, forcing the armored hatch on the turret to open. Task completed, the BAT send several shots into the tank. The vehicle lost control, ramming the second set of doors before coming to a stop. Then it exploded. The main entrance was utterly wrecked.
    Lynnae smiled. The T-634 tank had one feature that suited the cops. It was �ware-enabled. Lyn, along with Paul, Dan, and Gerdes, piloted and fought the tank remotely, their �ware acting like an advanced version of radio remote control. Now with the BATs and the human security monitors fixated on the wrecked main passage, the police team made their way into the Citadel via a secondary service shaft.

Toby worked on the control panel for the beam projector, his �ware seeking and searching for the answers he needed. June and Nadia stood nearby. Amber had made a quick dash to a janitorial closet, retrieving a pair of oversized work shirts. The two formerly hyperinflated cops now wore those shirts. Toby was so wrapped up in his work he hadn't the time to stare and gawk at the ruined fronts of the duo's stealth suits.
    �There! Nailed it! That changeling program had done its work!� Toby massaged his hands. �Now we'll just find out where to place the Hell grenades for maximum effect...� Toby stopped in mid-sentence. �Shit. According to this, between us and the power relays there's only one passageway big enough for a person to go through. All the rest are meant for service bots. And that one passage is deadly to humans. High voltage, radiation beams, high gravity, etcetera, ecetera.�
    �Does that mean we give up? There has to be a way!� Amber face of concern and worry was matched by Nadia and June.
    �There be a way, Mrs Carson.� In stepped Stamp, still inside the pilfered BAT. One arm was gone and the exterior showed signs of abuse.
    June looked at the battered BAT body. �What happened to you? Did you fall into a thresher?�
    �Attempt at humor not appreciated. For you to know, I was still tasked to return to Toby. I was rounded up to serve in a work detail. After an hour, I tried to leave. Got in fight, and deactivated the detail commander.� Stamp used his right arm to indicated the stump of his left. �Commander was still able to harm me. But me prevail.�
    �There's a lot more to you that I like to find out, Stamp.� Toby said. �I have another task for you, one that requires the abilities of your BAT body.�
    �Typical. Make machine do menial tasks.�
    �Stamp, I can always invoke your core programming. Postie did implant the Rules of Robotics into you, after all. Your job will ensure the safety of over 80 million women.�
    Stamp expressed resignation in his voice. �Oil well. As you shown, I have to follow my programming. As the others say - I O-bey. What is the task?�
    �Glad to hear, Stamp. We've got only 22 minutes left, so here's the dirt.�
 

32

Big was in a foul mood as he walked onto the bridge. The human bridge crew continued their work, daring not to look the crime lord in the eye. On the way back, Big changed into sweats and wore a New York Yankees baseball cap. Pacing like a caged animal, Big decided to vent some of his anger. �That hyperactive pixie! Carson, I'll make your death the longest, and most painful! Jenny! What's the story with the cops at the beam control room?�
    Glad that she was allowed to live for the moment, Jenny made her report. �The cops haven't entered the inner section of the beam mount. Reinforcement BATs have trapped them in the outer accessway. The Stroud remains under heavy fire and more BATs are making it through to fire at close range.�
    �What of the four other coppers?�
    �After that stunt with the tank, the internal alarms for one of the auxiliary lifts went off. Those cops are now trapped on level 45.� Jenny activated a view panel, enabling Big to see for himself.
    Big jumped with glee. �Ahh! The enemy is within! Excellent. Dispose of them - immediately!�
    Jenny was about to comply, but stop short as she saw Albert. He had opened the access panel on top of the lift.
    �Good! Albert will foil them!� Big was beaming, but to his chagrin he saw Albert rescue the cops instead of shooting them. The cops and their unlikely rescuer got out of the shaft, just before a flaming grand piano came crashing down on the lift. Had the cops remained inside, they would've been killed.
    Big's face was red. �Albert! You turncoat! You traitor! You ingrate! This means WAR! And I'm taking off the glove!�
    Jenny deliberately faced Big, eyes filled with determination. �Big, the Stroud Marines have broken through to the family quarters. I can order the BATs to follow, but I must remind you that there's a good chance the families would be injured.� To add emphasis, Jenny showed a scene of close-combat between the Marines and the BATs. The anti-laser aerosol grenades were in use, rendering the maintenance BATs' built-in laser cutters useless. In their powered armor, the Marines settled on ripping the BATs limb-from-limb, removing any possibility that a stray shot could hit a civilian.
    Big tried to melt Jenny's gaze, but failed. The best he could do was utter a phrase. �I'm surrounded by frickin' idiots! Have the BATs use their heavy stunners instead!� That made the other five women stare at him - intently. Big wilted a little. �Present company exempted, of course.�
    A warning light came on Jenny's panel. �Sir, I have very bad news. Those four cops and Albert have broken past the last external security barrier.�

Stamp, thanks to his pilfered BAT body, easily made his was down the only man-accessible corridor. The BAT body was more than able to resist the high radiation levels, electrical shocks, and other nasty things meant to kill humans. Now within the beam mount proper, Stamp went about to set the Hell grenades.
    He didn't get the chance. A team of maintainence BATs had arrived, intent on stopping Stamp. The unique minicomp had no choice but to engage in combat. Fortunately for him, his attackers were not armed. What would've been an uneven fight ended instead in Stamp's total victory. But it might as well that he failed. The pack containing the Hell grenades was torn, and the deadly bombs had fallen several levels - unreachable.
    Had Stamp been a person, he could've gotten at least one grenade to complete the task, but their wasn't time and a BAT body wasn't made for agility. There was still one thing that Stamp could do. He located the nearest computer port and attempted to access the beam mount computer.

New Darwin, and the rest of Outback, wasn't quietly waiting for Big's breast-enlargement beam to sweep the planet. The Police, all available Commonwealth military personnel, and the Home Guard were deployed to contain panic and looting. Hundreds of thousands of women were scrambling to get new braziers, shirts, and blouses. And in not a few stores such scrambles turned into fights.
    Chief Talbert was in the Situation Room in City Hall. The status board before him showed markers indicating were incidents occurred. One particularly odd one was in progress atop Victoria Tower. At 502 stories, Victoria Tower was the tallest building on Outback. The tower roof was now host to at least 30 women. They were all holding up signs to the sky, saying such things as �blow me big, Big', and �pump me plenty'. Valerie Kou's team attempted to remove the women from the roof. In the end she had to stun the exuberant women and hauled them off to a holding area.
    Talbert eyed the wall chrono. Only 15 minutes left before Big entered the declared firing range of his weapon. This time, Talbert truly closed his eyes, praying for a miracle.
 

33

Albert lead his newly-acquired allies down a secured hallway. He pointed out the odd booby traps that he and Big had installed. There were exploding fake bricks, guillotines built into the door frames, and even rusty old Volkswagen Bugs falling from the ceiling.
    �Big must have some demented imagination, considering all these stupid, but deadly, traps he has about.� Lynnae said, watching Albert like a hawk. �By the way, what had made you switch sides? Aren't you committed to help Big?�
    �That's no longer the case, Miss Wilcox. Even my infinite patience and resolve can be tested. Two things had lead to my parting of ways with Big. One was the kidnaping of your grandmother, the other my name.�
    �You mean Big has been calling you something else all these centuries?� Dan questioned.
    �Yes. Ever since 1903, Big has called me Albert. It's actually Alberto.� After that comment Albert came to a stop at an access panel. After a few commands, he got the information he needed. �Good, he's in his private study. There's a command panel in that study, able to override all other commands in the system. With it, we can bring the Heavenly Bosom to a dead stop.�
    �Cool Beans.� Lynnae said, her right hand fishing for something in her right thigh pouch. �Dan, you sense Big's aura?�
    �As plain as a forest fire. He's right ahead.� Dan then saw a badge in Lynnae's hand. It was polished a bright silver. Upon closer inspection it was a New Darwin Police Department badge, number 4111. Lynnae took that badge and attached it to the front of her suit.
    Paul saw that badge too. He had a feeling that it wasn't Lynnae's. His eyes meet hers, and she answered his unspoken question. �It's Felly's badge, from when she was on the force. It's considered good luck for a Wilcox woman to wear the badge of a predecessor.� Lynnae turned to Albert. �Al, let's put that midget menace in his place!�

Big had regained a measure of composure after his outburst on the bridge. Now in his study, he viewed the battle around the Stroud and the firefight outside the beam control room on a tri-dee imager. The navy ship proved to be a tough customer, but that was going to be solved shortly. Several one-kiloton nukes will be rushed to the ship in suicide charges. Just a handful of those pups right next to, or even inside the Stroud will finish her forever. As for the four cops in beam control, well, their ammo for their particles guns will have to run out sometime. And 10mm bullets won't cut the mustard in leveling BATs. All that remains, after the beam works its magic on Outback in four minutes, was to make for the hyper limit and leave. And, of course, killing the cops and the Marines on the ship.
    �Don't move, pervert!� Big was startled by the command. He turned, seeing Lynnae entering the study. Whatever lecherous thoughts Big had as he admired Lynnae in her body-conforming suit was canceled by her gun, and that traitor Albert.
    �Albert! You backstabber! You had plenty of opportunities to strike out on your own in the past. Why now when I'm about to realize my dream?�
    Albert ignored Big's pleading eyes. �Big, you should be the one to talk! I couldn't stand you anymore! Kidnaping Ms Felicity Wilcox was the topper, but you want to know what really turned my crank?�
    Big answered wryly. �What would that be?�
    �Remember, I'm Portugese, and my name is pronounced Alberto. Al-ber-to, you jackass! It really pissed me off to no end when you kept saying Albert for the last 514 years.�
    �Its always the little things that tears partnerships up.� Big shook his head, then he snapped it up. Pumpkin, Big's pet miniature, but obese, Dachshund, was at his feet. And Pumpkin was growling. �Go sick'em, Pumpkin!� Big commanded.
    Despite themselves, the cops and Gerdes had to snigger at the sight of the little dog running at them, trying to act menacing. Lynnae got to one knee and removed her left glove. Still growling, Pumpkin approached, tentitively sniffing Lyn's hand. A few moments later the little furball of terror was defused, now rubbing her head against Lyn's hand.
    �Pumpkin, what are you doing? Get away from her, she's ugly!� That little comment drew Lyn's hateful gaze. She drew out her service gun and shot Big in the gut. Being immortal, Big was only pushed back a little. He backed into a revolving bookcase, not before uttering �oh, shit'. For good measure, Lyn emptied three more shots after him, destroying a few books in the process.
    �Alberto, get that control panel on-line. Bring this rock to a halt! We've got less than 3 minutes!�
    Alberto found the controls and went to work. 10 seconds later he was finished. But he didn't smile. �Damnation! Even at full reverse we'll still be in range of Outback! We can't stop in time!�
    �Can't you do something with the beam controls? Anything?� Paul asked in a worried voice.
    �Short of actually having one of the reactors overload and explode, there's nothing we can do.�
    Lynnae shook her head. �No! I won't accept that. Gerdes, get hooked up to that panel! Find me something!�
    �Gotcha!� The naval lieutenant commanded her �ware into action. There has to be a way to addle the fire-control system on this rock, she though, or even have the beam mount fail to deploy. Please, God, let their be something for me to use! The clock clicked downwards to 30 seconds, 25, 20. Then at 15 seconds Gerdes grinned ear to ear. �I don't believe it!� She exclaimed. �Everyone, take a look at the tri-dee!�
 

34

Big retreated to his secured bedroom. He knew for certain that his plan would succeed. The cops were too late to pull off any late-minute heroics. The beam will work, and his dream will be realized in the literal flesh.
    Big was a little surprised, but greatly pleased, to find Felicity in his bedroom. His heart beat even faster as his eyes took in the simple, yet seductive, dress she had on. She was preparing a bottle of wine and a bowl of ice.
    �Big, I'm so happy for you. Less than three minutes to go, and you'll go down in history as the man who enlarged the bosoms of 80 million women. A nice toast to that effect is in order.�
    With a magnanimous smile on his face, Big walked over and gave Felly a deep hug, his face between her breasts. He pulled back far enough so his words wouldn't be muffled. �Felly, of all the things that have gone wrong recently, you're the only thing that has turned out right. As you finally accepted that you'll be my companion for the rest of your life, my minions and Albert have failed in their tasks. It'll just be you, me, and a multitude of BATs on the Bosom from now on.�
    �Yes, my darling,� Felly said with all hesitation removed, willing herself to perform her duty. �If you're ready, let's get our glasses filled. Channel 4 is covering the news on Outback, so we'll see for ourselves the effect of the breast-enlargement beam.�
    �True, darling, true.� With 30 seconds to go and drinks in hand, Big and Felly watched the screen. Big wrapped an arm around Felly's waist, not noticing that she placed her own arm on his shoulder. The countdown clock reached 0, with Big expecting to see his beam at work. Seconds past. Nothing. The news reports from Outback were all negative, and the various camera shots confirmed that.
    Big was trembling with energy. With purpose, he let go of Felly and accessed a computer panel that was built into his writing desk. A moment later he commanded the fire-control computer to show him its orders. There were none. Instead, the computer was engaged in a sulk, refusing to act upon the computations it made. Before Big could curse the machine, he saw the shielding around the beam projector fail. A moment later the Stroud fire a broadside of particle beams into the now-exposed weapon. It blew up in a pretty red fireball.
    �Nooooo!! This can't be happening!!� Big slammed his fists into his desk, actually causing several cracks to appear. �Computer! Connect me to the bridge!�
    After a momentary pause Alysa's voice came over the line. �Yes, Big?�
    �Alysa, turn this rock around and get us out of here. Even at our reduced speed we'll escape before those navy ships are fully functional.�
    �Aye-Aye, Big. And what of the intruders and the Stroud?�
    Big stroked his chin. �Orders stand. All intruders are to be eliminated. Contact me if there is a status change.� At that Big broke the connection. He sat in his chair like a broken doll, lifeless and without purpose. He didn't resist when Felly came up and pulled him up to his feet.
    �Poor, poor dear,� Felly purred. �What you need is a good, long kiss.� Again, Big offered no resistance, letting �his' woman salve his loss.
    �Thank you, Felicity. Your my queen, my pillar of strength. My dream will have to wait. When the breast-enlargement beam is miniaturized to hand-gun size I shall strike again. I will succeed.�
    �That is a very noble goal. Let me give you some inspiration.� Felly kissed Big again, this time on his forehead. �You'll need one more thing for success.�
    �What is that, my charming woman?� Big hugged Felicity again.
    Now, Felly thought. �You need the unbridled passion of a woman, and her unconditional love.�
    Big started to snigger, then felt woozy. He broke free of Felicity's embrace, collapsing on the bed. She followed, placing herself right next to him. Big's vision started to turn blurry. �What... what's going on here? Did you poison my drink?�
    Felly moved closer to Big, her face in front of his. �You may call it poison, but its better compared to a piece of iron to the Devil. My love is free and unrestrained. That's the most personal gift anyone can give.�
    �I don't want it! Take it back!� Big was quite nauseous. He swore that he saw an aura of light around Felly now. �You're trying a pathetic ploy to stop me!�
    Felly kissed Big on the cheeks. �And it's working. There had to be a piece of Sylvester left in there, otherwise I wouldn't have succeeded.�
    Big almost said something, but what he saw made him stop. Instead of Felly, he saw the face of Mary, his long-dead wife. For the first time in 876 years Big, no - Sylvester, cried. Felly wiped away those tears and kissed Sylvester - this time full on the lips.
    �Sylvester, you're home again.� Felly and the now restored Sylvester Drake embraced.
 

35

The last guard BAT destroyed, Alberto lead Lynnae and her team down the secret passage to Big's bedroom. Just short of the hatch, Alberto feel to his knees, gasping for breath. Dan got to his side. �Alberto, you felt it too?�
    �Yes,� Alberto replied, regaining his breath. �Something has happen.�
    Lynnae looked perplexed. �Dan, does this mean you can no longer sense Big's aura? It's gone for good?�
    Dan closed his eyes. �Yes. That insidious aura is gone forever. I can only sense the presence of love and joy behind that hatch.�
    Alberto recovered, getting up and keying in the secret combination. Hatch now opened, Lynnae went in first. Her service gun was at the ready; her badge shining in the light. She saw Felicity on the bed, exactly like Amber had described her. Aside from the white hair and height, Felly could've been mistaken for Lynnae at long range. The man on the bed was altogether different. Expecting the midget pervert she had learned to hate, Lynnae instead saw a man that was easily as tall as Felly's 165cm height. His hair was a dull metallic grey, and his face was gracefully aged, totally unlike the mass of wrinkles that Big had.
    Still, out of reflex, Lynnae pointed her gun at Big. Her conditioned mind told her that Big could be destroyed forever, now. Her soul told her to stop. Lyn's finger was squeezing the trigger guard. She knew she could do it. Raising her arm, Lyn took aim at Big's head, but her eye caught a glint of light from her badge. Felly's badge. Memories of herself playing cops and robbers with her grandmother came back, along with the feelings of those two horrible nights. The nights were here parents and grandfather were killed. Lyn cried softly and dropped her gun.
    The sound of the fallen gun awoke Felly. She got up when she saw Lynnae. �Lyn? Is that you?�
    Tears now falling off her cheeks, Lynnae embraced Felly in a deep hug. �Grandma. I'm so happy! I so much wanted to hurt Big for what he did to you.�
    Both women got out of their hug. Noticing that Lynnae was wearing her old badge, Felly placed a finger on the symbol of law and order. �Lyn, you hadn't have worried. A Wilcox woman always gets her man - whether it be her husband or a criminal.�
    Lyn kissed Felicity on the right cheek. �I expected to see Big. Is that really him on the bed?�
    �It is, my dear. There's nothing left to do but get the heck outta here. I don't want anyone else to get hurt on my account.� Felly gave her granddaughter another bearhug.
    �Ouch! You're just as bad as Amber!� Lynnae turned to her companions. �Paul, get to that terminal. Contact June and the Stroud. Alberto, order the human crew to abandon ship. Once everyone is off this rock we'll destroy it.�
    �I certainly agree, Miss Wilcox.�

One moment earlier, June and her team were fighting for their lives, the reinforcement BATs gaining ground slowly but surely. Then the boiler androids stopped firing, their weapons pointed to the deck. Taking advantage of the situation, the entrapped cops polished off the idle BATs, then they heard the PA system. �All personnel to abandon ship. All personnel to abandon ship. Make for Docking Central and board the Caledonia Contract. All personnel...�
    Then June's �ware picked up a message from Paul. She was glad to hear the voice of her friend. �Good work, guys. Tell Stamp that he'll get three ramchips for his improvisation!�
    �You can count on that, Paul. Now that the corridor is safe, Toby will retrieve Stamp from his BAT shell. Strange, isn't it? Stamp made the fire-control computer very, very depressed. Certainly don't want him working the suicide prevention hotline!�
    �Ditto. You guys go pick up Larry and his �harem'. They're in Larry's quarters, and I doubt they can hear the klaxons since those quarters are heavily soundproof.� Paul said. �You know the way?�
    �Yes, thanks to the changeling program. We'll be on the Contract in two shakes. June out.�
    With Stamp recovered, Beta Team made its way to Larry's quarters. As before, Larry was being attended by his own little harem. The women were easily prompted to put on some clothes, but Larry had to roused rather roughly. When he saw Amber, Larry quickly dressed and hid among his women. He was so enchanted with his bedmates that he failed to notice that Nadia and June wore janitor shirts that were barely able to stay their swaying charges. And Larry couldn't appreciate the strategic rips in Amber's suit, which was revealing everything but exposing nothing. In a matter of minutes Beta Team was in Docking Central. Alpha Team was already there, along with Felly, Alberto, and an aged man. It couldn't have been Big - he was too tall and good looking to be mistaken for that midget pervert.
    The Caledonia Contract, now laden with 430 passengers and crew, took off. The Stroud, with her Marines aboard and the shuttle returned, also left. Putting a good 30,000 kilometers between it and the Heavenly Bosom, Captain Pavone received a communication from Sergeant-Detective Wilcox.
    �Glad to see you alive, Miss. Is everything in hand?�
    �It sure is, Captain. Everyone is off.� Since it was audio only, Pavone didn't see Lynnae's arm around Paul's waist. �According to Alberto, there are examples of the breast-enlargement beam still on the Bosom, along with all the relevant technical data. It's a shame that we'll never get to reproduce the technology.�
    �So true, Miss Wilcox. The scientists will have to invent the thing the hard way. If you'll excuse me, I have to see to a problem in our weapons station.� The connection died, leaving Lynnae and Paul still wrapped up with each other. It was not out of support they did that, but for the expression of love and togetherness.
    June walked over, putting her head between Paul and Lynnae's. �Whoops. This is the third time I caught you two in a compromising situation. Now you'll have to get married.�
    The two cops pushed away June's head. Lynnae spoke without bothering to turn. �Sure, June. That means you and Greg have to get hitched too. Let's see, there was the Christmas party last year, that little incident at the Essex Hotel, and...�
    �Don't mention that last one. You win.� June held her hands up in mock surrender. Paul and Lynnae didn't see it, though. Their eyes were fixed on a flat-panel display of the abandoned Heavenly Bosom. Any moment now...

Lt Roney, the Stroud's Gunnery officer, confirmed her fire-control solution. �Captain, we have our fix on the HB. First salvo ready to fire.�
    �Acknowledged. Commander Cuzak, make a note for the log. When our battle-damage is being tended to, have the software techs look at our fire-control computers. It won't do having weapons that refuse to shut down.�
    �Aye, Sir.� Replied the First Officer. �Sensors report that the defensive systems on the HB are down, along with the shields and the drive field. Our warheads will practically hit the ship.�
    �Yes, I image that it will be an impressive sight. Oh, one more thing, Number One. We'll need to restock our magazines. Please amend that to our request for supplies.�
    �Aye-Aye Sir.�
    �Lt Roney,� Pavone said, �you may �indulge yourself'.�
    The word had hardly been given when Roney pressed the firing stud. A missile-armed variant of the La Rochelle class medium cruiser can put out a impressive amount of fire while the magazines lasted. Now those missiles found and hit their target. Nuclear and antimatter warheads exploded a scarce 100 meters from the �hull' of the Heavenly Bosom. Huge, gaping wounds and rents were created, making the former ore-processing platform into a huge junkyard. Inevitably, one warhead's energy made its way into a fusion powerplant hold. The containment fields on those plants failed, releasing their control on the reactions they maintained. The sudden release of energy gutted the Bosom, greatly weakening its structure. The last volley of missiles transformed the once-impressive home of Mr Big into a cloud of superheated gases and fragments of rock. It was over.
 

36

Of course, there was the expected planet-wide celebration. Two days after the destruction of the Heavenly Bosom the Heros of Outback were treated to a parade and an award ceremony. Lynnae, June, Paul, Nadia, and Toby were promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, with Amber and Dan each being made Sergeant-Commanders. The accolades didn't stop there. Two weeks later the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Planetary States, Clyde Jorgensen, arrived and presented the cops with the Medal of Valor, an award just below the Star of Honor.
    Happiness and Joy aside, there were some minor details. One of which was Albert, now known as Alberto. The authorities, both on Outback and virtually all inhabited planets in the Commonwealth, wanted to put Alberto on trial for �adding and abetting a known criminal'. That never came about, all due to Alberto's knowledge of incriminating information of many planetary rulers and officials. With the full support of PM Jorgensen, Alberto got 20 years probation in exchange of his knowledge of hidden treasures, secret accounts, and other sundry information. On the same level, the Captain of the Stroud wasn't punished for destroying the Heavenly Bosom. There was enough dirt on the upper echelons of the Space Navy to make the ancient Tailhook Scandal look tame.
    Then there was the matter of Big. Lynnae, now throughly convinced that Big, no, Sylvester, had been rehabilitated, wanted to protect him and Felicity. She had everyone on the Caledonia Contract to swear an oath. That oath stated that Big �died' when Lynnae shoved him out of an airlock. Toby, with the help of the resourceful Stamp, made a false set of �ware memories and data, supporting the vision that Big was now forever lost in the depths of space. The restored Sylvester was passed off as �Big's personal cook', rescued from the clutches of his former master. For Felicity, she was left alone after undergoing a physical administered by Dr Sung, the police doctor of Central Station. As with the politicians and admirals, any attempt to use Felly as a guinea pig to puzzle out the secrets of the rejuvenation technology would be stopped cold.
    Backtracking a bit, the scene shifted to the award ceremony on the lawn of Government House. PM Jorgensen made the required speech, thankfully short and to the point. The seven cops and Lt Gerdes were in their dress uniforms, looking like they stepped out of a tri-dee recruitment poster. Cameras rolling, Jorgensen shook hands and placed the medals on what the media called the �Heros of Outback'. The crowd, easily over ten thousand, applauded loudly and earnestly. The heros bowed, and then waved to the people, both those in front of them and to the world-wide audience. The heros resolved not to let their awards and deserved praise go to their heads, but knew that they had to put up with daily reminders from the grateful public that they stopped Big forever and saved their world from his perversion. The scene ends with a pan up to Matilda, Outback's distant red dwarf companion to its' G3 main sun.
 

Seven Months Later

The scene begins with Matilda, visible in the night sky of New Darwin. The view pans down to an outdoor barbeque. The cops, along with Talbert and Laramie, were enjoying their jackalope ribs and New Darwin Beer. With the focus now on this happy occasion, Lynnae began her voice over.
    Hi, Folks! I imagine you want to know what happened since that fancy ribbon party on the lawn of Government House. The Heavenly Bosom's crew and families has settled on Outback, making their own little community in the southern section of Sydney, one of Outback's two massive continents. Since the name of Bullamakanka was already taken, the people instead named their new berg Marysville, in honor of Big's, excuse me, Sylvester's, long-dead wife. The men and women technicians also had the pertinent memories about Sylvester's breast beam and rejuvinator removed, thus protecting them from the remote chance of kidnaping or other forms of coercion. The Marshal's Office is providing Marysville protection, to reinforce the message that these people want to be left alone to live their lives.
    Larry Harkin did indeed left the force, opening his own adult entertainment establishment. Strangely, Larry's personality had improved. He was no longer the jerk he use to be. Had this change occurred years ago he would've been a captain, if not a station chief. Larry's companions were supplemented by new hires, and his business - Larry's Luscious Lovelies - promises to be a fixture in New Darwin for decades to come.
    The affected women on Lagoon, all 51,283 of them, had made their choices. 70% decided to have their breasts reduced to their normal sizes. 28% settled on have breasts between softball to watermelon size. 1.9% kept their breasts the size of beachballs. That had to get anti-gravity brassieres since they planned to stay in normal gravity, but in their minds it was worth it. Their husbands and boyfriends certainly agreed! The remaining .1%, 51 women, actually increased their busts to beanbag size, and became the new employees of the Cloud Nine 9 franchise in Lagoon. Talk about the Law of Averages!
    The Stroud was fully repaired, and thankfully there were no casualties. Since the ship didn't have a home port, the Admiralty, at the subtle prompting of Governor Cazaly and backed by the blackmail material provided by Alberto, decided to make Outback the Stroud's new home. Dan and Toby were very happy that Barbara Bearclaw and Samantha Kilgore would be in-system at least five months out of the year. Those two women were happy too, and in time they got to know their new boyfriends real well. Just last week they exchanged engagement rings. By this time next year they'll be married.
    Valerie Kou finally coaxed her husband Sal to give �one more try'. In five months Valerie will finally get the daughter she wanted. Jennett, the station's cook, is still battling that propane grill he installed in the cafeteria years ago. I imagine he'll either win, or succeed in blowing the place up. Quartermaster Wooster had retired, going into business with his wife. He opened his own lingerie shop, giving 35% discounts to police officers and firemen. Of course, he has gained my business along with that of every women in the station! Dr Sung is still around, but intends to retire once he as Dan up to speed as his replacement.
    Speaking of retirement, Chief Talbert had called it quits after 81 years in the police. This retirement party is his third one in as many days, and I bet it's his favorite. He's glad now he'll have the time to fully spoil his great-grandchildren. Captain Laramie is now the new station chief. In her acceptance speech Patty said she'll run a more �professional' office, slyly winking at me and the other members of Blue Team. She knows it isn't wise to tamper with success! But she did made it known that she wouldn't be as much as a �softy' like Talbert.We'll see how long that'll last.
    Nadia and Harold have an additional mouth to feed. Pumpkin, the miniature Dachshund, is now Smudge's new friend. Make that more than friend. In the yard, near the propane grill loaned out by Jennett, were Smudge and Pumpkin. The two little dogs were looking out after their litter. Laramie's grandkids and Talbert's great-grandkids were playing with Pumpkin's puppies. It's an even bet that the kids will convince their elders to let them take a puppy home. Of course, Harold was relieved that Nadia came back in one piece, even though one piece was temporary enlarged to sofa size! They had an interesting first-night home, but Nadia wasn't going to have a child for a few years.
    Stamp, the minicomp, did indeed get his three promised ram chips. However, there was no change in his speech or performance. Dan performed one of his Indian shaman rituals on Stamp, determining that the strange minicomp was playing host to a lost spirit. Toby continues with his investigation. He's having Stamp work with him in the Data Investigations Section. I wish that little chip the best of luck.
    Amber and Bert were shown next, with Amber using her husband as an impromptu sofa. Bert himself was on a lawn chair especially made for him. The former pro-football player had his hands protectively covering Amber's quite obvious midsection. Then there's Amber. That special little woman, in addition to getting official rewards, got one from the Marines of the Stroud. It was a hand-made medal and plaque, honoring the accomplishment of being the only person in history to go 4-0 with Big. The medal was in shape of a boxer's glove; the plaque showed a caricature Amber beating the living stuff out of an equally cartoony Big. That plaque and medal have pride of place in Amber's living room. In addition, Amber was made an honorary member of the Stroud's crew. She got a ship's plaque and receives V.I.P. treatment whenever she visits. Bert was quite happy and proud of his woman. And Amber was quite �exuberant' when she and her husband were finally alone. Their night together is best shown.
    The scene went to Amber's living room. Bert was there, eyeing Amber in her torn-up stealth suit. He agreed that the strategically-made cuts and rips made Amber look much more exposed than she was. �Well, dear, like my look? Good thing I wasn't seriously hurt from that hand-to-hand battle with the BATs.�
    �I'd say. What if you were wounded? What's the procedure?�
    Amber seductively walked over to Bert, her cantaloupe-sized lungs bouncing quite nicely since the suit wasn't able to hold them effectively. �After determining the status of the patient, the next step is to remove her clothes and place her in bed. A nice, soft bed.� Now Amber had her breasts practically in Bert's face. His hands worked the back of Amber's suit, trying to find the zipper or whatever it was that was holding the tattered garment together.
    �The lighting in here is poor, my love,� Bert purred. �I believe the reading light on our bed is much more suited to the task.�
    Allowing Bert to rise, Amber then jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his chest. She was also kissing Bert's cheeks off. That night they certainly did their interpretation of �reaffirmation of life'.
    Well, folks, Lynnae cut back in, as you see, there was an unexpected, but not unwanted, result of that night of passion. It turns out that Amber's birth-control implant was damaged when she removed her locator chip. Her wetware believed that the implant still functioned, when in fact it wasn't. One month later Amber noticed that her �little friend' didn't show up. When it was confirmed that Amber was pregnant she was treated to another big party, and Bert got tons and tons of cigars from a joyous public. Amber is going to work part-time for the next seven years, until her child is old enough to go to school. She had decided to take the position of first shift dispatcher commander. The streets will no long have Amber walking them, but the criminal element better not forget that Amber is more than willing to bust any punk she sees, anytime and anywhere!
    Alberto and Alysa had decided to settle down together in Marysville and start their own family. Now freed from the curse, Alberto is expected to have at least 60 years of living with his wife. In fact Alysa is expecting her first child in seven months. Alysa is 123 years old with Alberto having 912 birthdays under his belt. Both of them declined to get prolong treatments, having decided that they have lived long enough already.
    Then there's Sylvester and Felicity. Sylvester had many fake identities when he was Big, and is using one of them now. He's going by the name of Samuel Bannon, and is living with Felicity in a remote wilderness cottage. The curse may be gone, but his vices have left their mark on his restored body. Alcohol, fatty foods, smoking, caffeinated drinks, and tobacco chewing have gnawed away at his constitution. Sylvester could've gotten medical treatment to fix the damage, but, like Alberto, he decided that he lived long enough. At least when Sylvester laughs he no longer coughs and hacks afterwards. A brief scene of Sylvester and Felicity holding hands while watching a sunrise was shown. He wants to spend his handful of remaining years with Felicity. My grandma will be with him to the end. She caught her man, and won't let him go. Unlike Sylvester, grandma plans to be around a very long time, with the intention to spoil each new generation of grandchildren that comes her way!
    June and Greg, as expected, have expressed their joy in their own way. But, like Harold and Nadia, they're not going to have a child for some years. Greg received a promotion at the law firm he works at, and when June retires from the force in 10 years there'll be a plenty big nest egg waiting for the inevitable children. June may put up a brave face, but she's eager to have a child. She told me herself!
    The point of view focused on Lynnae. Then there's me and Paul. Well, June was right in one regard. I've been engaged to Paul for six months now, and next year we'll be married. It'll be a double wedding. June and Greg will be exchanging vows along with us. At least the catering costs will be lower! The view then fixated on Lynnae's bust. You hopeless perverts, she told the audience, you're not going to let that drop, are you? To settle that matter the answer is yes - I will increase my bust. Like June, I'll retire 10 years from now, barring any unforseen complications. Then, and only then, will I have nanites injected.
    �Hey, Lynnae,� June crooned out, �What's with the hands on your lungs? Wishing that Sylvester had used that fancy inflation beam on you?�
    �As usual, June, you're only half-correct. Just thinking of ten years from now, when I'll have breasts the size of watermelons, like we had when we worked undercover at the Angelican community. Then, I and Paul will make our first child.� Lynnae placed her hand over Paul's, who then placed his other hand over Lyn's. �Actually, we're going to have two. I'll be a top-heavy housewife for fifteen years. Afterwards, I'll go back to school and get re-certified as an elementary teacher. Of course, by that time, I'll reduce my bust to its natural size. It just won't do having little kids knocked down every time I turn around.�
    �Then I wish you the best of luck, Lyn. I have to be careful not to crush the wind out of Greg every time I hug him. With Paul you're going to have to be extra-careful!� June then kissed Greg. He knew that for the truth!
    Lynnae then continued with her voice-over. Well, folks, that just about raps it up. Me and Paul are going to pay a visit to Felicity and Sylvester this weekend. Then it's back to work. Big and the Postmaster General may be gone, but there are plenty of criminals still around. The Mob, Civil Disturbance 101, the Evil Good Humor Men, the Crime Commandos, the militant wing of the Flat Chest Society, and others we haven't heard of yet. They will still have to contend with Police, especially me and my friends. The thin blue line will be a bit thicker for some time to come!
 

[The tri-dee fades to black, the credits roll, and the ending song Arrest Me is played.]

END

Epilogue

The credits rolled up on the tri-dee image. Jeffrey read the voice actors list. There, I knew I was right! Jeffrey told himself. The persons who provided the voices for Sarah Wilcox and Janet Parlor were none other than Quinnette Kendrick and Roselynn MacKenzie, the creators of Blue Undercover.

List of Selected Credits

Music Composed and Conducted by Samantha Grandgenett, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, Earth

In the Blue and Arrest Me written and peformed by Lulu Jones
Thunderball used with permission of the estate of Tom Jones

Special 3D animated effects provided by Commercial Darkness and Sorcery
 

Movie Soundtrack List

1. Prologue 1956: At the beginning of the sequence we're treated to a 1950's version of The Mr Big Theme, complete with sax and horn section. It comes to sudden halt when Sarah and Janet make their appearance, with a 50's version of their theme music, The Heroics of Lynnae and June. The music ends in a rush as Big's airship crashes into the ground.

2. In the Blue: This song uses segments of the Police Blue Theme (a.k.a. The Heroics of Lynnae and June).

3. Postie Get Canceled: The Postmaster General Theme starts the piece. June confronts Postie, and proceeds to strip, the horns accentuating her teasing. Poor old Postie is unable to resist June's ample talents and faints due to a massive nose bleed. Score one for the good guys.

4. The Kidnap: We're treated to slow, thoughtful music as Felicity cleans her living room, finally settling on Roger's award collection. In an instant she's kidnaped by Mr Big, dressed up as a little ninja. The music goes into high gear in the Police Blue Theme as Lynnae and Paul pursue Mr Big down the streets of New Darwin. After the obligatory car chase and crash, the duo watch helplessly as Big escapes, the music ending in a low, mournful tones.

5. Mr Big's Tour: Another variation of Big's Theme, this time with a more playful tone. Big takes Felly on a tour of his collections.

6. The Stroud: A short, spirited piece of marshal music sets the theme for the crew of the Stroud.

7. Underground/The First BAT Attack: The cops have infiltrated Big's mobile fortress. The underlit, gloomy corridors of the Heavenly Bosom add to the feeling of anxiety and doubt, which the music reflects in fits and starts. The BAT Theme, set to suggest mechanical movement and action, starts when the cops inadvertently set of an alarm. Amber is caught and whisked away, set to a reprise of The Mr Big Theme.

8. Big and Amber: Now held captive, Amber is subjected to a demonstration of the breast-enlargement beam. The music swells as Amber's bust blows up like proverbial balloons. The second half is devoted to the second scene, when Amber escapes. A portion of the Action Amber Theme is used at this point.

9. Lagoon: Big makes his speech and uses his beam on Lagoon. The music swells ever higher as thousands of women become top-heavy.

10. Lyn and Paul: A piece of music that wasn't used in the release version, it appears in the Special Edition release.

11. Big's Speech to Outback/They're Destroying My Stuff!: Big makes his speech to Outback, the music matching his truimphant mood. Then the mood goes south as Big's ship is crippled by the resourceful cops. Then the cops set out to destroy Big's collections in an effort to make him upset and mad. Bursts of music accompany the scenes of destruction.

12. The Surface Battle/June and Nadia's Predicament: The Stroud crash-lands on the surface of the HB in an attempt to knock out the beam projector. While the navy ship battles an oncoming army of BATs, June and Nadia have a bust-to-face encounter with Big. Amber comes to the rescue with a piece of her theme music, Action Amber.

13. Falling Sands: The count slowly makes it way to zero. The fighting continued between the cops, Marines, and BATs. At the end, Big's beam failed. Felly made her move and released Big from his curse.

14. Destruction of the Bosom: Big's ship is destroyed as wave after wave of missiles turn the once-mighty rock into a scrap pile.

15. Recollections: Lynnae's voice-over is set to soft, reflective music that builds to a finish to introduce the end song, Arrest Me.
 

Special Edition Scenes

The Other Stuff In Big's Collections

Big guided Felly to a huge compartment. Inside were aircraft of all shapes and sizes. �That,� Big pointed, �is an RB-36 I found on the Greenland icecap. Took me over four years to retrieve all the parts. And that,� he motioned to another airplane, �is a Vulcan bomber I found off the coast of the Bahamas.� The tour continued for a short bit, until Big reached a twin-engined, low-wing monoplane. �This is a very special prize. That, my dear Felicity, is Amelia Earhart's plane.�
    Felly's face was full of denial. �No Way! I can accept the fact you stole all those other airplanes, but Earhart's? Give me a break! Anyway, how did you get it?�
    �Oh, wouldn't you like to know?� Big giggled, and Felly decided not to press the issue.
 

Lynnae and Paul's heart-to-heart.

Paul tried to get comfortable in the sleeping cubical. His mind was still pondering on what Amber had said earlier. If it was true that Felicity had a rejuvenated body and could keep Big's attention, then the odds of success had improved. What Paul really wanted to know what was going through Lynnae's mind.
    As if to answered his question, Lynnae appeared, pushing back the cubical panel. �You were thinking of me, �cause my ears were burning. May I join you?�
    Having know her so well, Paul didn't blush when he saw Lyn clad only in a panty. Her arms were across her front, but it provided only a modicum of coverage. �Well, at least you're not blushing. I guess you've seen my chest often enough.� Lyn got on the sleeping pad, snuggling up close to Paul. In turn, Paul placed his arm on Lyn's shoulder, giving her a light squeeze.
    �I see you're wearing your Bugs Bunny panties. Aren't those the ones you got seven years ago?�
    �More like 420 years. With time travel it's all relative to your point of view.�
    �I take it you're wearing them now for good luck?� Paul offered, caressing Lyn's shoulder.
    �We'll need a miracle more than good luck. Despite what Amber said, I'm really concerned about Felly. She's the only family I have left.�
    �Don't I count?�
    Lyn kissed Paul's chest. �Of course, you silly. I'm thinking about what happens to the women Big seduced. Even after they're rescued, those women still think fondly about that uber-pervert. It will truly kill me if Felly spends the rest of her days pining away after Big.�
    �We'll get her back, Lyn. Besides, aren't Wilcox women immune to Big's charm?�
    �There's always the first time, Paul. In some ways, Felly is like June: rambunctious and lively. I remember when me and Felly played cops-and-robbers. I was the gun-happy officer and Felly was the nasty robber. My mom would make a big production out of it, saying that Felly was �corrupting my mind'. Grandparents are meant to spoil their grandkids.� Lyn rolled over and pushed herself up, grinning as she looked down on Paul. �You should've seen me as a kid, welding that toy gun like Dirty Harry. To keep Mom happy, Felly told me that guns were tools that had only one purpose. I didn't know what she ment until that night. You know, my parents were killed while me and Felly played cops-and-robbers.�
    That prompted Paul to hug Lyn tight. He felt a hot tear fall on his chest; Lyn wiped her eyes to prevent more from falling. �It was then that I learned that having a gun only made you half a god. A gun enables a person to take life, never restore it. I grew like a weed when I turned 14, getting the body I have now. It was then that Felly got me started on those torrid romance novels. Stories about buxom, strong, virtuous young women who always get their men kept me occupied. It's funny.�
    �Stories about romance funny?� Paul asked.
    Lyn placed her head down on Paul's chest, her arms wrapped around his waist. �Well, each of those fantasy heroines had a tragic flaw - they needed a man to marry and be faithful to. The men were also incomplete, needing the love of a good woman to live on. Always with a happy ending.�
    �Would you have it otherwise? I'd say were well on the path to a happy ending, Lyn. Lyn?� Paul said. He noticed that Lyn had nodded off and fallen asleep. �Not fair. I'm supposed to be the one that falls asleep first.� Paul sighed and kissed Lyn's head. He knew he needed his sleep too, so he joined Lynnae in slumberland.
 

Action Amber

Amber hardly had the time to worry about Nadia and June when a BAT patrol showed up. She opened fire with her rocket launcher, nailing a BAT dead-center. The robot exploded in a spectacular fashion, taking three of his companions along with him. Toby nailed the remaining two. �Toby, see if you can gimmick the hatch open!� Amber commanded, eyeing the passageway for more BATs.
    �Roger!� Toby made for the hatch, but stopped short when another group of BATs showed up. �Heads up!� Toby yelled as he drew a bead on the lead robot. Amber, being much closer, simply sprayed the group with rapid fire. This time, a BAT managed to fire a grenade before falling. Both cops grabbed ground, and their suits protected them. Amber, though, now had several rips in her suit, and in some rather strategic places.
    �Damn! It looks like the easy kills are over, �cause her comes some of those military grade BATs!� Amber prepped her rocket launcher, but thought of something else. �Toby, use a dark smoke grenade. It'll screw up their sensors.� Amber dashed over to a fallen robot, picking up its tri-barrel particle rifle.
    �Okay, here it goes!� Toby rolled the grenade towards the corridor. The smoke it released rendered all sensors useless - while it lasted. A person could only see a scarce two meters away while in that smoke, and Amber intended to exploit that fact to the fullest.
    The BATs entered, firing their guns blindly, even setting off concussion grenades in an attempt to clear the smoke. They spread out, guns still firing to keep the cops down. Toby had hidden behind an upraised floor panel. Ready to fire, the cop instead heard Amber yell out, �they're mine!�
    Normally, it wouldn't been possible for Amber to even lift the weapon she had now. But, with strength born of a focused will, Amber actually raised that weapon up and opened fire at full auto. The military-grade BATs had shielding and thick armor, but that wasn't enough. The tri-barrel particle rifle chewed through four of the robots, leaving many holes in their bodies. The broken robots hadn't even fallen when two of their comrades fired at the spot where Amber was a moment earlier. She wasn't there, instead the cop zigged and zagged around the chamber, stopping only for a moment to fire the rocket launcher she held in her other hand. One BAT exploded violently, momentarily stunning its fellow. Pressing her advantage, Amber dropped her rocket launcher and ran right at the other robot. It fired, but failed to score a hit. The mechanical man did throw a punch, but only succeeded in making another rip in Amber's suit, this time over the stomach. In reply, Amber shoved the tri-barrel right into the BAT and fired. The back of the BAT exploded and an arm fell off.
    Four more BATs showed up, but they were only the regular kind. A smile fit for a wolf on her face, Amber shoved her free hand into the dead BAT and grabbed hold of its innards. She actually lifted the BAT up and turned toward the approaching quartet. Those robots fired, but Amber's impromptu shield protected her. Amber summoned her strength and invoked anime physics, throwing the BAT at the newcomers. One was nailed dead-on, being crushed under the combat BAT's mass. The little cop grabbed the BAT arm on the floor and rushed the remaining three. Two were virtually cut in half from Amber's fire. The last was pummeled to destruction, Amber using the BAT arm as a club.
    Toby was awestruck. In less than a minute Amber had destroyed 10 robots. The victorious little woman dropped the tri-barrel and recovered her rocket launcher. �Toby, another group of regular BATs is coming. Take care of them. I'll blast that hatch open.� With cool eyes Amber aimed at the hatch...
 

The Destruction of Supercar

Rushing into Collection Hold #9, Lynnae was greeted by the sight of unusual vehicles. There were oddball rockets, cars, tanks, giant flying submarines and earth borers. But first, she and her friends had to deal with the BATs in that hold. Four of them rushed the group, firing their built-in lasers. Gerdes and Dan knocked them out. Hearing squealing tires, Paul turned to see a duo of forklifts rushing at Lyn. �Lyn, look out!�
    Lyn dodged, barely avoiding being run over. �Trying to kill me with a forklift? Take this!� Lyn fired at one forklift, nailing the BAT that was driving it. Now, out of the control, the machine ram straight into a geniune 1918 Curtis Jenny biplane, wrecking the irreplaceable plane. The second machine turned and charged Lyn again. The cop stood her ground, only at the last instant moving out of the way. As it passed, Lyn reached out and grabbed the BAT driver by the arm, hauling it out. With her other hand, Lyn shoved her particle rifle at the BAT's head and fired. The walking boiler's top was blown off. Now that's what I call damage done to realistic objects! Lyn thought. Task complete, Lyn dropped the BAT and surveyed the assembled vehicles.
    Her eyes settled on one car in particular. The red-and-silver vehicle looked like a cheap toy, but Lyn knew from hard experience it was Big's ultimate getaway vehicle. Now, at this moment, she wanted to rid the universe of that abomination once and for all. �This calls for the ultimate tail pipe plug.� Lyn said, readying her Hell grenade.
    Dan Spirit Talker looked worried. �Lyn, is that actually necessary? That is beyond overkill.�
    Lyn grinned like an evil imp. �Dan, this Hell grenade is barely adequate! I'll set the timer for five minutes. After all, half a kiloton is a big bang.� The car was unlocked, and Lyn placed the mini-nuke on the drivers' seat. The team was about to leave with another evil thought occurred to Lyn. �Dan, let's add insult to injury. Fire a round at that silly rocket over there.�
    Dan agreed with Lyn. The rocket had a grey body, red nosecone, and a blue collar base. The swept wings on the sides just made it look dorky. On the side, written in white, were the symbols TB1. Well, I guess that means it's called Totally Big 1, Dan reasoned. A rocket round hit the machine at the base, making it lose balance and fall onto an equally silly-looking, squat, green-colored flying machine. Lyn and her three companions rushed out of the hold. The blast doors closed just in time as the grey rocket and green machine blew up.
    On the bridge of the HB, Big watched in horror as Collection Hold #9 went up in a blaze of glory. Due to the strenght of the floor and walls, the explosive force was directed upwards, a huge piller of superheated gas and fire poured out of the Bosom. It was a mini-nuke that Lyn used, and Big's jaw worked for a moment before yelling. �My... My CAR! The most perfect crime car in the universe is gone!� As Big looked forelornly at the former site of Hold #9, a snippett of the Supercar theme was played.
 

Two Couples (for those that had to know)

The past few days were filled with award ceremonies and celebrations. Mr Big was gone, and the universe was saved from his perversion. Harold and Nadia were in their living room, resting in front of a tri-dee imager. They were watching a news report on the festive mood that has settled on Outback. But now the couple was far more interested with each other.
    �Nadia, you said Mr Big used that breast beam on you and June. Did you get as large as before?�
    �Much, much larger. I'd say each of my lungs attained the size of our loveseat.�
    Harold winced. �Ouch! And that flesh wasn't nanite built. I bet they weighed more than you did.�
    �You can't begin to image how it felt. I couldn't move or defend myself, and Big's simple touch caused me to feel intense pleasure.� Nadia undid the front of her shirt, allowing her restored lungs to be seen. �Only one man has the right to touch me, and only he is allowed to pleasure me.�
    Harold moved his hands over Nadia's front. The softness of her flesh was the same, and her warmth was right. Next, Harold's hands undid Nadia's bra straps. �That remains to be seen. There's more to love than just touching flesh. Are you ready to deal with a whole man and not a caricature?�
    �Yes, my love. Anything to get that silly Mr Big out of my mind.� Nadia wrapped her arms around Harold and hugged him. Kissing, Harold pick Nadia up into his arms and carried her away. They didn't have to worry about Smudge. The little dog was currently in the basement, playing host to Pumpkin, Mr Big's former pet Dachshund. For once, the stomach with legs wasn't hungry for food that night!

Meanwhile, June was at Greg's house; a well-furnished three-story affair in the Dunlap district. The couple was drinking soda and watching a rugby match on the tri-dee. Greg muted the sound, turning to face his woman. �June, I've been meaning to ask. Your chest, may I look at it?�
    �Whatever for? You've seen it before, clothed and unclothed.� June giggled. She wondered what prompted Greg to say such a thing.
    �You know, I was a damage claims adjustor for six years. I often went out and assessed fire damage to homes, flood damage to basements, and vehicle collisions. Mr Big did used that beam on you.�
    June caught the hint. She undid the buttons on her blouse and the clasps on her bra. �Well, I doubt you'll find any damage on me! But I'm willing to let you satisfy your �professional curiosity'!� She giggled again and shook her chest. The bra fell to the floor and her magnificent bust spilled out of her unbuttoned front. �Any other requirements?�
    Greg took on the pose of Ronin's Thinker. �Hmmm... The property should be inspected in the right way. In your case, that should be a flat, supportive surface. Namely a bed.� Greg was quick on his feet as June jumped into his arms. She wrapped her arms around Greg's neck.
    �Gee, it took you long enough, but you still earn brownie points for originality. The bedroom awaits!� June kissed Greg on the forehead. Now warmly blushing, Greg carried his love to the sinfully decadent bedroom on the third floor.
 

Released by 25th Century Vole
Rating: M18 (violence, language, nudity)
Running Time: 140 minutes.
 
 

END

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