Earthling Ambassador (Space Brigade 1)

"What is it?" he said irritably.

Then he caught sight of Princess Petronella.

"Your Royal Highness," he said respectfully, bowing deeply. "I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you were along for the ride. Of course, if it was your decision to land smack-bang on my aero-car--"

"Ah, Georgio," said Mully quietly. "I don't think it was her decision to be here at all."

Finally Georgio seemed to notice that the princess had her hands tied behind her back and masking tape over her mouth.

"Ish mgish ed, ed, ed!" The princess's eyes blazed.

Georgio gulped and looked at Nicola. "You don't mean you've actually kidnapped Princess Petronella?"

"I tried to tell her it was a stupid idea!" said Greta. "Do you think I should take over as Earthling Ambassador now?"

"Oh, do be quiet, you dreadful child." Georgio tried to smooth down his messed-up hair.

"The plan was to take the princess to Earth," explained Nicola. "I wanted her to see how beautiful it was--I thought that might change her mind about turning it into a garbage can."

Georgio's voice was clear and precise in Nicola's head: This is risky because no doubt the princess is trying to read as many of our minds as she can, so I'll talk fast. Hopefully at least some of her attention is on trying to breathe through the gag, and that will distract her from what I'm about to say, which is that taking her to Earth isn't a bad idea. But I just need to work out the right things to say here. Obviously I can't be seen supporting your kidnapping her. Aloud he said, "But kidnapping her! I'm sure if you had humbly asked the princess, she would have been delighted to accompany you!"

The princess shook her head vigorously.

"How were you planning to get to Earth?" asked Mully.

"We were going to ask Plum to fly us in Dad's spaceship," said Shimlara.

"Well, the only tiny glitch in your plans is that Plum has borrowed my spaceship to go on a romantic intergalactic date with her boyfriend," said Georgio. "Apparently I had to make up for spoiling her birthday."

"Eeedghg

hhhhh!" exclaimed the princess.

"Yes, indeed,Your Highness," said Georgio. "I do understand you're in a hurry to get to Earth so you can make your final decision! We just need to work out your transport."

"Gshhh issssh ridgy didge!" The princess shook her head about maniacally.

"Is that tiara superglued to her head?" asked Sean.

Georgio nodded graciously as if he were at a tea party with the princess. "Yes, of course, it must seem highly unusual. However, let me assure you this is certainly not a kidnapping as it might appear, but simply an overly enthusiastic attempt by these sweet young Earthlings to introduce you to their planet! The tape across your mouth and the ropes are . . . ummm, an ancient Earthling custom symbolizing, erm, RESPECT! They simply indicate the fact that you don't need to say or do a thing! You can just sit back and relax because the whole trip is in their hands! Admittedly their hands are somewhat incompetent at times, but their planet is so charmingly backward that we can hardly hold that against them, now can we? Of course, if after inspecting Earth you still decide to destroy it, I'm sure these dear little Earthlings will be perfectly happy to accept your decision!"

"Huh?" said Sean. But he shut up when Greta elbowed him hard in the side.

The princess bounced up and down in frustration. "OGALOG!"

"Yes, yes, Princess Petronella, I know you're growing impatient," soothed Georgio. "I just can't quite think--"

Mully spoke up. "I have an idea," she said.

CHAPTER 25

"I think we should give Shimlara her Christmas present a bit early this year," said Mully.

"Oh, no, don't ruin the surprise for her," said Katie.

"It's okay if it's important for the mission," said Shimlara nobly.

It turned out that Shimlara's Christmas present was a Mini Easy-Ride spaceship.