| Chapter Eight Matt and Anday watched the crowd of angry elfin citizens from the docking bays. “How long until they start using magic do you think?” the Kidd asked. “I don’t know, but we’d better do something soon,” he replied. “I could spare my penny?” “No, no, I don’t think that is going to help now. What were you talking about earlier about wanting to talk to Matt?” “I don’t know? Hey, let’s go get something to eat.” “Matt, you’re such an idiot, don’t you understand why they’re rioting?” “They want a Starbucks Coffee don’t they? This always happens in new places like this. The people all get mad and angry and eventually they build two Starbucks right across the street from each other just to appease the mob. We can’t have that kind of insanity!” “Matt, no, that isn’t it. They don’t have very much food left, and their homes are destroyed. That’s why they’re rioting.” “Well, that’s okay, the food isn’t very good anyway..” “Eh, you get used to it.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* It was exactly one hour later when Tyler returned with good tiding from the Soviets. Nobody knew really how he did it, but within two days Russia and Neptune were old pals again. Russia, or more exactly, Erika, explained that they did not really intend to damage Neptune. “Their military advisory, Will, had told them that we were the aggressors and that military action was inevitable,” Hannahoko told the mob, “Will had also, they tell me, told them not to speak with us because we would surely only deceive them. It did not take very long, though, for the wise Erika to see through his vile plan. Needless to say, they overthrew and imprisoned Will. To express their deepest regrets Russia is funding a banquet ball for all of Balthasaar and also providing us with a large quantity of food.” The crowd cheered at the word ‘food.’ What she did not tell them was that if they did not find more food soon they would be in the exact position in a short period of time. But of course, Queens know how to speak to a mob and you certainly don’t tell a large crowd of angry hungry elves what they don’t want to hear. Squirt, Anday, Matt, Chibi and the lint balls, all sat watching the speech from the docking bays. They were all slightly amazed at how easily a large crowd was swayed from destructive to gleeful. “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups,” Anday mumbled. “Well, I don’t mean to brag or anything,” said the Kidd, “ But Matt said that I was brilliantly stupid.” “That’s great Ballenger, but maybe you should keep it under your hat. You don’t want people to start thinking that Matt Ballenger has a big head.” Matt touched the back of his head. “Who do you think you’ll take to the ball, Squirt?” Anday asked. “Hmm, well I was thinking about Amanda. How about you?” “Should’ve guessed. Well as for me, I don’t know, there are so many to choose from.” As he said that two girls walked up to them. “Hey Anday,” one girl giggled, “We just overheard you talking about taking someone to the ball?” “Mhmm,” Anday replied half-heartily. “Well we need someone to take us you know,” the other flashed a perfect smile. “Well listen, you two can have the first dance, okay?” They smiled broadly and ran off to tell their friends. “Oh Kimberly is just going to hate us!” one girl cried excitedly as they left. “Oh Matt is just going to hate you!” Squirt mocked, “Must be tough having a fan club, eh Anday?” “Heh, you get used to it. You know what girl really likes me though? I’m serious, she’s always looking at me.” “All of them?” “No, no, one specific one. She’s a little shyer than the rest.” “I thought they were all the same to you, Anday.” “No, she’s different.” “Well who is it?” “Ginny, she’s absolutely crazy about me.” “Ginny?” Squirt laughed, “Sorry, that’s one girl that I know doesn’t like you. All she cares about is her work.” “No seriously, she does like me. I’m going to ask her to the ball, you know, for my one good deed for the month.” “Ahem.” The three turned around to face the intruder. Her silvery-blonde hair was, as usual, tied back neatly in a pony-tail and her uniform was in excellent appearance. “Here’s your chance!” Squirt said pushing Anday forward. “Ginny,” the Commander coughed. “Hello Commander Stamatkin, Lieutenant Smith, Matt.” They all echoed a hello. “Where have you two been?” she said poignantly to the first two. “Oh around,” Squirt said. Matt and Squirt tried to hide their smirks. “I see,” she said. “Well, I was just sent to inform you that there will be an extra flying practice today, you two are supposed to meet there in a half hour.” “Yeah okay,” Squirt said. “Ginny,” Anday said abruptly. “Yes Commander?” “Would you like to accompany me to the ball?” “Anday,” she said patronizingly, “We just found out about the ball twenty minutes ago. Perhaps your charity work would be more useful helping your nation instead of escaping for a vacation in the unmarked section of Neptune. Just a thought,” she brushed past Anday and walked towards the flight of stairs. Squirt and Matt began to laugh uncontrollably. “Shut up, I don’t exactly see the girls lining up at your feet!” |