day fifty-one and Ron gets measured and boards the Mini

There was a bit of a delay with the measurement-taking when the tailor said he’d have to go back to his workshop for a shorter tape measure because Ron was so thin, but before long the tailor had finished and was hurrying off to start work. Benny gave Ron the key to the Soup Shack and a few hints about efficient soup-making and how to deal with “fusstomers” (fussy customers).

Ron was a bit disappointed when he found out he wasn’t going to be taken back in the massive Imperial Zeppelin. Instead the Emperor sent a pilot and co-pilot to kick-start his personal gad-a-bout, known as the Imperial Mini. On the other hand, Fred was relieved to know he didn’t have to travel on a cloud and enter the Soup Shack on a snowflake.

“I’ll come over in a few days to see how you’re getting on,” said Benny, waving to Ron as he boarded the Mini. “There’s a new box of spoons in the cupboard if you need them,” he said.

“Thanks! Enjoy cheffing!” said Ron, trying to wave while clutching a large brown paper parcel containing his new mountain policebirdforce uniform. He’d made sure he had a three-band white chevron stitched onto the sleeves of the tunic, and he couldn’t wait to try it on.

“You too!” said Benny. “Bye, Fred!”

“Bye, Benny!” said Fred from Ron’s shoulder. Ron went inside the Mini’s cabin. It was quite small and there were just a few seats. Ron put the parcel in the overhead luggage compartment and sat in a seat next to one of the little portholes and waved to Benny as the steward closed the door.

“This is your captain speaking. Welcome onboard this extraordinary Imperial flight to the Soup Shack.”

Ron thought he recognised the captain’s voice.

“We will be taking off in about one minute, so please fasten your seatbelts. The seatbelts can be adjusted by sliding the belt through the buckle. No need to panic.” said the captain.

Gulp! thought Ron. It’s old Captain Peters Cookie again!  

That’s right - it was the same pilot as before, when Ron had travelled on the airship all the way from the Kola Nut Hotel. He tried to contain his anxiety so as not to frighten Fred. 

I hope we don’t get attacked by snow-mice.... if we do, it looks like I’m going to be the volunteer again! he thought, looking around to confirm that he and Fred were the only passengers.

But actually they weren’t the only passengers!

© David Severn 2012