THIS IS SO SHORT. I HATE IT BUT I NEEDED TO MOVE ON.
Alek stood beside Dylan, Dr. Barlow, and Count Volger as they waited outside the airfield gates from their carriage. Volger was still fidgeting, watching passing beasties warily. Alek couldn't say he wasn't nervous as well, just more contained.
"Do calm down, Mr. Forell," said Dr. Barlow touching Volger's arm. Volger smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, ma'am," he said. Then two huge beasties passed. Alek's mind barely registered them as lupine tigeresques. The one closest to him let out a snarl and came to a halt. Alek stiffened and stared at them, wide eyed with terror. Volger wore a similar expression, but his knees were locked, desperately trying not to move.
Again, Dr. Barlow nudged him.
"Calm down and unlock your knees, or you may pass out," she said with a kind smirk. Volger nodded dumbly and did as he was told. Dylan laughed.
"You Clankers are barking ninnies aren't you?" he snickered.
"That we are not, Mr. Sharp," said Alek indignantly.
"Whatever you say, Mr. Hoffman," snorted Dylan, opening the door to the carriage and clambered in, holding out his hand for Dr. Barlow. She took his hand and climbed in and sat on the bench opposite him. Dylan climbed out again and hopped up top next to the driver. Alek felt a soft push on his back and he climbed in, hesitantly and sat opposite the Lady Boffin. Volger got in behind him and sat next to Dr. Barlow, shutting the carriage door with a nerve-racking finality.
Alek could here Dylan laughed with the driver.
"How in the barking world did those two get in the service?" he laughed.
"I have no idea!" Dylan laughed. "But I bet their the only Clankers in the whole barking thing!"
"Aye!"