Daleks Check Out The SR-71 Blackbird

Salt: Are they asleep?

Pepper: It sounds like it.

Salt: We need to be sure.

Pepper: All right, I’ll check. 

A Pause

Pepper: The humans’ eyes are closed, and their breathing is deep.

Salt: Okay, turn on the light.

Salt: Why do you think Master and Mistress were so mesmerized by the 

SR-71 Blackbird?

Pepper: Because, as they said, it was able to do surveillance over foreign countries at higher altitudes than other reconnaissance aircraft.  And if the inhabitants detected it, and decided to launch a missile, it was so fast it could outfly it.

Salt: Yes, but they saw all kinds of unique aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, including the Bell X-1, the experimental rocket plane with which Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier.  This was the only one they bought a toy of.  In fact, they never buy airplane toys.  What made the SR-71 so special they felt they had to buy this as a memento of their visit?

Pepper: Well, isn’t it obvious? 

Salt: No.

Pepper: It’s black and sleek, just like me.

Salt: Just for that, I get to ride it first.

Pepper: That’s not fair.  I’m the one who checked to make sure they were asleep. 

Salt: Fine.  You can ride second.

Pepper: Oh, okay.

Pepper: Hey, wait a second.  That’s not fair!

Salt: Shh!  We don’t want to wake Master and Mistress.

Pepper: Then let me have my turn. 

Salt finishes her maiden flight.

Salt: I tell you what.  There’s not much room on this desk.  Let’s move down, and I’ll give you the first ride across the floor.

Pepper: Yeah, okay.  You can be Alan Shephard, and I’ll be Gordon Cooper.

Salt: There’s no way I’m giving you that long a ride, Mister. 

Pepper: Then I’m John Glenn to your Alan Shephard. 

Salt: If we’re just comparing the length of their Mercury flights…fine.

Pepper: Whoo-hoo!  Hey, this is fun!

Salt: Shh!  You’ll wake Master and Mistress!

Pepper: Don’t be such a soggy Dalek!  Whoo-hoo!  Watch me fly!

Salt: Quiet!  I just heard a thud.  Oh no, that sounds like a groan.  Master must be hurt!

Pepper: Well, what can we do about it?

Salt: Think!  What do you think will happen next?

Pepper: Uh…you’re right.  We’d better get back up to the desk.

Salt: Yes, and quickly, before they turn on the lights. 

Pepper: It would have to happen during my flight!

Salt: Shh!  They’ll be more flights later.  Now get a move on, before they see us out of place!

Editor's note: This event takes place shortly before blog post "The Dangers of Modern Travel."