It would have brought Prince Thorne great delight to have apprehended Shannah Darkmoon, but the risk was too great. The Pegasus Guard had successfully rescued Lady Belinda from her flight, but her predicament wasn’t nearly as perilous. Shannah was enormous, her body so filled with the energy of the Voluptaas sand that she was glowing. Both the Prince and Baron Hughes were convinced that she would burst; they didn’t want the Guardsmen anywhere near her when she did. But there was no explosion heard that night. In days following, tales of a floating orb illuminating the night skies made their way back to the castle. Each night the l

The table was clear a moment ago. When Lexi looked up from her reading and saw her nemesis, she didn’t hesitate. “Die! Die! Die!” Lexi repeatedly brought the rolled magazine down on the dark smear that had once been a spider. The commotion drew Tara to the living room. “Another one?” “I think I got him.” Lexi slumped back on the couch, panting. The bubbling in her belly faded. She lifted up her tank top; she was visibly bloated but her quick reaction had limited the damage. Tara sat down next to her and placed a hand Lexi’s exposed stomach. “Everything alright?“ “I’m fine

Ariel laid limp in the lifeguard’s arms as he emerged from the waves and laid her down on the sand. She wasn’t moving. “This is Chuck, reporting in,” the lifeguard said. “I’ve rescued the subject. Checking vital signs.” Carmen looked on, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Chuck leaned over Ariel to listen for signs of breathing, and her eyes opened. She kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, Chuck,” she said. “A pleasure, as always.” “Subject is stable and healthy,” Chuck said, standing. “I’m returning to my post.” Chuck turned and jogged back to th

"Superior Lace Underwire, this is Suzie." "Hello, I'm trying to procure some unmentionables for my wife, but I'm not even sure if it's feasible given her unusual requirements.  I'm wondering if you could help." "Custom lingerie is our specialty." "Excellent. By the way, I've always thought the name was devilishly clever." "To be honest, I never cared for it. Over the top if you ask me." "Shouldn't that be under?" "You're pretty clever yourself." "I can't help it, it runs in the family." "I see. Well, I'll need your wife's measurements to get a rough idea of what we're dealing with. Do you know them offhand? "Actually I've written them on my h

Law of Pneumatic Economy:  Compressed gasses are so cheap as to be practically free.  Various people and organizations who have no particular reason to keep tanks of compressed gas around do so just in case they're needed someday. Law of Containment Durability:  Devices which are designed to contain or convey compressed gasses (tanks, hoses, pumps, etc) are made from highly durable materials and engineered to a level suitable for high-end aerospace applications.  As such, they will never fail even when under extreme stress and operating well outside of their design specifications. Law of Excess Capacity: Because compressed gasses are free a

Andrea strolled about in her camisole singing softly to herself as she merrily tossed rose petals across the floor.  Eric would be home soon, and her skin tingled at the thought of cavorting with him among the fragrant petals. Suddenly an arm reached around her waist.  Andrea squeaked girlishly.  It wouldn't be the first time Eric had surprised her from behind.  Confusion, then fear flashed through her mind as a chemical-soaked cloth was brought to her face and something pressed against her navel.  Her vision blurred, and a surge of pressure ballooned within her; her bosom billowed forward, her arms grew plump and turgid.  Black lace tighten