Pupdate

The great airship moved almost silently through the evening sky, its eight powerful motors churning and its canvas envelope tinted gold by the setting sun. Vast. Majestic. Shaped like a bone. Far below, white-tipped waves swished across the turquoise sea like wagging tails.

In the gondola of the Cavalier King Charles, cocktails were being served.

“I say. What’s an air pirate’s favourite aperitif?” The speaker, a pug, beamed up at the stewardess pouring his drink.

“I don’t know, sir,” the Dalmatian lied.

“A dry mArrrrrtini!” He yapped with laughter and nudged his wife, who rolled her eyes.

“Gin and tonic,” she requested, “and better make it a large one.”

“Good evening, everyone. This is your captain barking.” The passengers fell silent as the soothing tones of the Old English Sheepdog came through the speaker system. “We’re making good time thanks to a tailwind, and we will be mooring for the night in approximately one hour. Until then, please enjoy your drinks and dinner. Passengers on the port side—that’s left—can enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Galapawgos island chain, and the famous Moon Bay, alleged to be inhabited by a savage tribe of wolves untouched by civilisation. Those seated to starboard may be able to see...air pirates!”

The deep, calm voice broke off in a panicked yelp, and chaos reigned in the gondola.