“’Saved the planet from an invasion by hostile aliens,’” Blitzkrieg fumed, mimicking the reporter’s voice. “Do you believe this bullshit?”
“You must admit though, General, it’s a pleasant change to have the Legion getting hero treatment by the media, isn’t it?” Colonel Battleax said, unable to keep herself from twisting the knife a little.
“It would be nicer if it were justified,” the General snarled irritably. “From the reports that were filed, the Zenobians were scared to death and just wanted to get back off-planet with their hides intact. To my thinking, that’s a far cry from an invasion.”
Both the colonel and the major refrained from pointing out that the general himself had passed up numerous opportunities to correct the mistaken impression created and maintained by the media. By unspoken agreement, the Headquarters delegation was united in its desire to keep the favorable publicity generated for the Legion by the stories of the Zenobian “invasion.” What divided them was the question of whether or not they retain that impression while punishing the man who was at the focus of the incident. Battleax didn’t think it could be done … not that she had any real desire to punish Phule in the first place.
The party was ensconced in one of the spaceport’s courtesy meeting rooms, the general having repeatedly rejected suggestions that they hold their proceedings at the facilities currently enjoyed by the Legion’s company.
“Captain Jester does seem to have achieved a certain popularity locally,” the colonel tried again. “Justified or not, he and his crew of cutthroats are currently the toast of the settlement. “