English

“ALIEN ALERT! ALIEN ALERT!” The alarms blared throughout the space station. Captain D. Emerald shot out of bed like a bolt of plasma from her ship’s blasters. She changed out of her green pajamas and into her green uniform and ran down the hallway to the control room, her green hair flowing behind her. “Good morning, Assistant W. Ruby,” Captain D. Emerald said. “Report.” Her little sister stood in front of a large computer screen. For years, Captain D. Emerald, and her sister Assistant W. Ruby had been helping to defend Earth from any threats from the comfort of their own homes.

THE SINGING, SOARING LARK THERE was once on a time, a man who was about to set out on a long journey. At parting he asked his three daughters what he should bring back for them. Whereupon the eldest wished for pearls, the second wished for diamonds, but the third said, “Dear Father, I should like a Singing, Soaring Lark.” The father said, “Yes, if I can get it, you shall have it,” kissed all three, and set out. Now, when the time had come for him to return home, he had brought pearls and diamonds for the two eldest.