Princess Shlilah and the Schneemani

   The night had fallen on Earth. It was at that time that Princess Shlilah, Captain Kicef, his crew, and, guests, sat down to dine. They had gotten their food from the processor in the dining room of the living area. That area was elegantly decorated. There were statues of well-known scientific persons of that period of time, hanging on the walls. The table around which they sat was huge. It was a table that was fit for a king. Yet, it was the table at which Captain Kicef entertained guests.

   For princess Shlilah had returned from a mission on which the Doves of Thoracen had taken her. She had succeeded in helping the people of Thoracen to return to their planet, so that they could have taken their rightful places to maintain balance in the universe. Thus, there was much to be spoken, and much to be heard of.

   Captain Kicef and Princess Shlilah sat at opposite ends of the huge table. Slim, Tovar, Dr. Moran, Governor Marcos, Lady MacFurst, a companion of Dr. Moran, and other members of Captain Kicef’s crew, sat before their meal. With huge chalices of wine before them, they were preparing to enjoy their meal. And as they ate, the conversation commenced as though they had started a conversation else where and were continuing it at the table.

   “If I had to experience something like you have gone through, Princess Shlilah, I don’t know if I could have lived through it.” Dr. Moran addressed Princess Shlilah. “Serpents are things I don’t need to deal with on my job. And if I never see one, I would be happy.”

   Dr. Moran always had some kind words for Princess Shlilah. No matter where they were it seemed as though he had feelings for her, but, Lady MacFurst kept him in check. So, Princess Shlilah lifted her head as she paid attention to what he had to say amidst her eating. When her mouth was free, she spoke.

   “I will say it is not the best thing I have done in my life.” she said to him. ‘It was a mission the Doves of Thoracen placed upon me. A mission I had to fulfill.”

   The others at the table moved their heads up and down as they agreed with what Princess Shlilah had to say. And she was pleased.

   It was at time that Lady MacFurst, in her lavish and elegant attire, rendered her sentiments.

   “To think of a lady fighting among serpents is not lady-like. That kind of fighting is better left to men. They are the warriors. They are the braves. They are the saviors. Fighting is better left to men.” she said to Princess Shlilah. “My father, the Samir of the Furst province was a warrior. He did all the fighting. We, the ladies go through life. We enjoyed ourselves.”

   Lady MacFurst was not trying to start controversy among the guests. She was only voicing her opinion. And, to that, she was privileged. That was not the opinion of all those at the table.

   “If one had the opportunity to do something good for society, one should not pass up that chance.” Captain Kicef entered the conversation. He thought that there was nothing wrong with what Princess Shlilah did, by going off and helping others. Of course, he was looking at things from a different point of view. She was a warrior and an adventurer. She herself did not know what destiny held in store for anyone. But, he realized that Lady MacFurst was a lady.