by Mort Gloss
****
Lilia stooped down next to the single-wide to examine its underbelly. "It's certainly the strangest vessel I have ever seen," she said. "It doesn't appear to have the rocket capacity to explain the speed we saw back at the Planet of Protection."
"Perhaps it utilizes a fusion-based system," commented a Second Class Protector nearby, "but that still wouldn't explain the speed."
"Not possible; no citizen of their class would have the resources, not to mention the know-how, to construct a fusion thruster." Lilia frowned after she spoke, recognizing her own derogatory language toward those not of the Protector Class.
She detached a small device from her overburdened belt, pushed a button on the side, and began speaking. "Give me a status update," she demanded.
A clear voice emanated from the communication device in response. "Just as you suspected, sir. The hooligans are retreating toward their space vessel. As instructed, we are deliberately firing behind their position to keep them coming your way."
"Excellent work," responded Lilia. "Estimate their time of arrival, if you would, Second Classman."
"Present speed, you should intercept them at 0325," came the response.
"Perfect. We will be ready." Lilia took the communication device in her right hand and began the laborious task of fitting it back onto her belt. As she did so, she heard an unwelcome voice emanating from the device. She tried to ignore the sound, continuing her efforts to clip the device to her side.
"First Classman," came the voice a second time, "provide me with an update immediately."
Lilia sighed as she slowly lifted the communication device to her mouth, resigned to endure another lecture from Nabashio. "Yes, Your Grace. We have located the hooligan vessel. Moreover, our scout team has located the hooligans and is now routing them back to our location."
"And have you made the necessary preparations to intercept them at your current location?" asked Nabashio.
"Of course, sir. I have taken the center position at the entryway to their vessel. Additionally, we have set up snipers around the perimeter, in case they attempt to use any weaponry."
"Do not allow your lack of experience to get in the way of a successful campaign against the hooligans," said Nabashio, without any further explanation.
"Thank you, my Captain; we are prepared to capture them," answered Lilia, annoyed by his unhelpful warnings.
"It appears that my planning and preparation has again been superior to all those of the hooligan disposition. This is a great victory for me, Underclasswoman. Your small role in this enterprise will likely go unnoticed by others. However, I will no doubt recall your efforts-though they were completely directed by myself-at some future time."
Lilia shook her head in disbelief. "Many thanks, my Liege. Your contribution to the hooligan capture cannot be disputed."
"You will find, my pupil, that in the annals of Zaxmorthian history, the manner in which it is recorded, the vast volumes which occupy the most illimitable libraries of historical-"
"Your Grace," interrupted Lilia, "my lead scout reports the hooligans themselves will be at my position at 0325. I must make final preparations at this time, in light of their impending arrival. May we continue this discussion after the conclusion of our present campaign?"
Nabashio remained silent for a few moments before responding. "Very good, First Classwoman. I purposely injected a distraction into your mission, and you have responded properly by focusing on your efforts." He cleared his throat after he finished speaking.
"Thank you, Captain Protector," said Lilia, rolling her eyes. "I appreciate your constant instruction. I will report back after the hooligans are in our possession."
"Very good, my -" Lilia ended the transmission before Nabashio could finish.
After successfully clipping the device to her belt, Lilia asked a Second Classwoman close-by for a status update on the location of the hooligans.
"They should be here at any time," came the response. Lilia steadied herself, clenching her teeth and pulling on the bottom of her protector uniform. "Here they come now!" said the Second Classwoman. Lilia responded by waiving her arm in a circular motion, a sign each of her crew understood to mean that the hooligans had arrived.
Lilia watched intently as the creamy white vehicle sped toward her position next to the hooligan vessel. She moved to a hastily-placed black barricade, set up next to the front end of the ship. There she retrieved a triple-barreled cannon, holding it close to her side as she kneeled behind the barricade. "Have you ever seen a transport like that, Second Classwoman?" she marveled. "Where would these petty hooligans locate such an obscure land vehicle?"
"Strange indeed," said the Second Classwoman, who had similarly positioned herself behind a barricade just a few feet from Lilia's location. "I cannot fathom where these criminals would obtain such manufactured vehicles; I have never seen the like, my Captain, not in all my travels."
"Well, we're about to find out. We'll have them detained momentarily."
