Atomic Strike

CHAPTER 7: CLOSING REMARKS

Betty ran into the 6th Grade classroom just as the bell rang, and her teacher duly ticked her name off the attendance sheet.

"That was quick. Where'd you go?"

"The Large Magellanic Cloud."

Noah's eyes went wide, and he gave a low whistle.

"Must be some hyperdrive you have. What did you do?"

Betty began to tick items off her fingers.

"Saw a pulsar, destroyed an alien task force, recaptured an asteroid."

Noah's eyes widened.

"In forty minutes?"

Betty just laughed.

"Admiral! It is good to see you."

"Ahh... X-5. Excellent work blasting those... blasted V!room out of the sky. I'll see that you all receive commendations for your superb performance."

X-5's attention turned to the Admiral's comically tall stack of books, fossils, and notes.

"Admiral, would you like some assistance?"

DeGill opened his mouth to refuse, then thought better of it.

"Yes. I'd like you to help me analyze these publications for analytical flaws, cross-check their sources, and verify the authenticity of these fossils."

DeGill frowned.

"Oh, and all of this is to be classified Top Secret. You are not to discuss this with anyone, not even your Captain and crew, unless I provide them with the necessary clearance."

"Of course, Admiral. What is the subject matter?"

DeGill smiled.

"Natural history."

END

---

This segment of Atomic Betty was sponsored by the Education Bureau.

Atomic Betty walks on screen, clad in her civilian outfit instead of her white-and-pink BDU.

Hey, guys! Now I know what you're thinking: How is it that I have time to save the galaxy when I have to go to school? I can barely make enough time for fun as it is!

The trick is good time management.

Draw up a timetable for yourselves, either using pen and paper or with your satphone. Estimate how much time you will need to complete each task – you'll get better at this as you do it more – and set aside time for each thing.

Give yourself at least eight hours of sleep. Don't try to cram the day before your test or exam –you'll just end up groggy during your assessment.

Whatever you do, don't multitask. Focus on one task at a time, and move on to the next once you're done. Never try to watch TV and work on an assignment at the same time. If you can't concentrate at home, try going to a study room in the local library or a similar location. Go to a different location if things don't seem to work out.

Remember this, guys: Civilizations are only as good as their people, and their people are only as good as their education systems.

So get back to work! Unless you've finished already, in which case, work hard and play hard!