SKYTREK - CHAPTER 9 (standard:humor, 3831 words) [9/15] show all parts
Author: Danny Miami	Added: May 20 2010	Views/Reads: 1980/1510	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Chapter 9 of the comedy adventure novel.

CHAPTER NINE 

“Become an Accident Investigator on Clumzy and you've got a job for
life...until a friggin building falls on you, that is!” 

BUTCH BRADLEY 

PART ONE 

An hour behind Kharg and the Klingers, the Orion approached Clumzy. The
Captain had contacted the planet's ruler, Olaf Akcy Dent and explained 
the purpose of their visit – to find out what lay at the site of the 
co-ordinates Kharg had discovered. 

Unaware that Kharg had come and gone, Olaf agreed enthusiastically to
their visit and always on the lookout to impress the Federation, he 
decided to lay on an extravagant welcome. 

Mr Sprock, although still locked in his cabin with his current cocker
spaniel-like ears, was to be left in charge of the ship. The Captain 
was beaming down reluctantly, knowing what Clumzy was like and had 
chosen Butch Bradley to accompany him in case they ran into any 
trouble. 

They materialised in the capital town's main square which was crowded on
all sides with people waiting excitedly to see the welcoming show. 
Olaf, who was just out of hospital, came forward to greet them. Like 
Silas he had also reached a weary middle age – large sad eyes were the 
prominent feature in his tired, lined face and most of his hair had 
departed along with his youthful years. 

“Ah, greetings, greetings, Captain Rock and First Officer Bradson,” he
gushed, shaking hands with them. “Welcome to our humble planet.” 

“Thank you, sir,” replied the Captain, at the same time digging a
sniggering Butch in the ribs. 

Olaf led them up to the VIP platform which was decorated with flags and
bunting. They all remained standing as the band struck up the 
Federation national anthem followed by Clumzy's. 

As the last chords died away everyone took their seats and the bumbling
Olaf fumbled with his papers as he prepared to make his welcoming 
speech. 

“Federation friends,” he began, “it really gives me great pleasure to
welcome you to our little planet and we hope your stay will be a 
pleasant one. I'd like to welcome you on behalf of myself, the noblemen 
of Clumzy, the people of Clumzy, the...er...the...er,” he broke off, 
losing his place, “oh yes and not forgetting the plants and animals of 
Clumzy and oh I must mention Mrs Narok who made those delightful little 
pineapple Upside Down Cakes,” he said, pointing to a buffet table. “You 
must try some, Captain, they really are delicious.” 

Captain Kork nodded and smiled politely. Beside him Butch bit his lip
and looked away. 

“Often wonder why they're called Upside Down Cakes,” mused Olaf, his
mind wandering away from his speech. “I mean if they really were upside 
down the sponge part would be at the top and the fruit would be at the 
bottom. That wouldn't be very good though, would it?” he asked, peering 
round. “I mean the fruit would stick to the...to the paper when you er 
pulled it off and you'd have to sort of scrape it...yes you'd have to 
scrape it off with your fingers...or a small spoon...or something like 
that.” 

He paused and thinking he'd finished, the band struck up with their next
tune but Olaf continued and they had to break off. 

“The point I'd like to make,” he went on, “is that...is that...oh dear,
I seem to have forgotten it. Have you any idea what it was Deputy?” 

“I think you were rambling on about Upside Down Cakes,” replied his
Deputy, used to this sort of thing. 



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