Garfield and The War on Lasagna

Chapter 3 - Liz and Arlene

Garfield and Odie made their way to the pet clinic. On their way, they saw those bothersome posters lining the street:

"President Almren is the Cutest Cat of All! He Knows Best."

"Robots are Here To Protect Us."

"Satan's Favorite Dish... Alfredo."

The same false messages over and over, with cutesy drawings accompanying them. One cat-shaped robot helping an old lady cross the street, and another showed a grey kitty with big shiny eyes burning boxes of penne. He struggled to hold in a gag at this imagery. Then they had made it to the care center. Surveillance cameras lined the building, they paid little attention and continued their quest. Down the hallways and now rows of doors, 219,220,221, 222- Liz's door. Garfield knocked and he was let in.

The black haired vet, Liz sat typing anxiously at a laptop. She was always doing the logical thing in a situation. Garfield's girlfriend Arlene sat on the same table. She didn't seem too bothered by the hubbub.

"Took you long enough." Arlene rolled her eyes.

"Garfield, Odie! I'm glad you made it out safely... Your owner Jon is a dunce! Have you seen the news? He's in some serious trouble with the law." Liz pointed at the TV.

A man arrested, the headline reading "LASAGNA SMUGGLER JON ARBUCKLE FINALLY APPREHENDED"
Garfield looked at Odie, and Odie looked at Garfield.
A blonde newslady held a microphone and explained this scene to the U.S. On her right was footage of Jon, he was handcuffed and wore an orange jumpsuit.

"Yes, you're seeing this right— America's most wanted John Arbuckle has been caught. And according to him, his entire plan was done as a gift for his orange feline friend."

"Curse you Jon.." Garfield moped. "Now I'm the target!"

"You can't keep getting away with this!" Jon yelled from the television. "I'm innocent, I've done no wrong! Your time is coming, Almren. We won't stand for this anymor–"
The footage of Jon cut out.

"Arbuckle will be dealt with by the President himself, his punishment has yet to be decided. But as we all know, he hates those who disobey."
The TV cut to an advertising break, signaling Jon's update was over.

"They're going to execute him!" Arlene cried out.

"Now, we don't know that for sure..." Liz corrected. "Regardless of what they're planning, we need to get Jon out of there. Odie, Garfield, I have pet neurotranslators for you two. I've already given one to Arlene, and it would be a big help to talk to you on this mission too."

She attached collars to Garfield and Odie, the collars had a square-shaped device on their sides, which scanned the pets' brains and converted their feline and canine thoughts to English speech.

"Neat-o." Garfield said.

"Oh, Odie's doesn't seem to work.." Liz said, placing her hand on her chin.  "Oh well. Moving on, we're going to need more hands in order to get Jon back. Can I trust you three to pick up our other friends and take them to the Kitty HQ?"

They shrugged.

"We'll need Squeak the mouse to sneak in and pick the locks, Mrs. Arbuckle to distract the guards, and Lyman in order to take out the robots. Arlene can hack into any systems, and you'll lead the way." Liz somehow had a whole plan conjured up.

"Wait a second.." Garfield cut in "You want my dear sweet grandma to help break Jon out of jail?! And Lyman.. how embarrassing that would be for Jon. And where will you be for all of this?"

"I have something planned, what might be the most important part of this plan is on my shoulders. I'll meet you there Garfield, but you need to get in that room with Jon and Almren. Capiche?"

"If you say so. But you'll owe me for all this work." Garfield remarked

"You will be rewarded, Garfield. If this goes right, we may never need to worry about Almren's laws again. Now go, I'm counting on you!" 

Liz sent Garfield, Odie, and Arlene on their way.