One week later, Benjamin and I were sitting on a bench next to an iron lamp post in Victoria Park, people-watching.

There were all sorts of people there, top-hatted gentlemen, fashionably dressed people, ladies in crinoline, ladies in leather-corset style tulle dresses.

Some women also walked by, wearing black organza dresses with long sleaves, with silver buttons on the collar and part way down the chest, like an army jacket. They carried matching umbrellas with black lace trims.

A gentleman flitted by, wearing twill trousers, a red checked shirt and beige woollen gilet plus a grey top hat. The top hat had a bronze steam train whistle sticking out of it.

There were girls in tan velvet dresses and chestnut woollen coats with copper and brass buttons too. There was even a man in a full leather suit!

I was the only girl in a suit and trousers, but I found I didn't actually mind. I've never been ordinary and probably never will be.

"What now, Benjamin? Alice left the park a few minutes ago to return to her Aunt Isadora. I am not employed either, although I still have a lot of money."

"Shhh... There's pickpockets here." Benjamin hushed.

I punched him jokily.
"Lighten up! I'm the one who kicked Mr Aberdain in the shin at The Clockmaker's Arms!"

"Don't remind me of that..." Benjamin responded, but he was laughing now.

Benjamin chuckled and then replied:

"Well I'm not exactly covered am I? I lost my chicken farm!"

He pointed to the crates of chickens next to our bench.
The chickens blinked and jerked their heads around, flapping extravagantly every few minutes. They clucked constantly.

"Anyway, I don't want to farm chickens anymore. I was hiding from my enemy and now he's gone, I have no excuse. I'll have to sell them." He announced, one eye looking a little watery.

"You sound sad." I commented.

"That's because I am. A farmer builds a relationship with his animals, you know. But it's worth it if I can stay with you."

I then felt Mr Archibald whiskers stir in my coat pocket.
"What do I do with the rat? Should I sell him too?" I queried.

He shook his head.
"Don't. We can take the rat - he fits in your pocket."

Benjamin got up from the bench and took the crates of chickens to the Welhae market in the town square.

***20 minutes later***

"It's done. I am no longer a chicken farmer or fugitive!" Benjamin threw his hands in the air.

"Freedom!" I yelled, to the disapproving look of a well-dressed lady passing by. "But you still haven't answered my question, my friend. What should we do now?"

Benjamin rested his chin on his fist and stared blankly, deep in thought. Next he sat up, a small smile on his face.
"How about we return to the Averat Aeronaut Society?" He suggested.

I beamed in agreement:
"Mr Olton was saying that my dad is there..."

I was interrupted by Benjamin's loud exclamation:
"What? You have a father and you haven't told me yet?! Woah..."

I nodded, smiling broadly again.
"He is called Mr Mark Jameson and my name is Mila Rose Jameson."

Benjamin laughed.
"Huh. I already knew your name was Mila. I'm not calling you your full fancy name, you're Mila and you always will be."

I chortled. Secondly, I said:
"But how will we get there? When I telephoned Alice, she said your airship was disabled by Mr Aberdain at your old chicken farm."

Benjamin looked thoughtful again. I crossed my legs and looked at him again for an answer. Finally, he replied:
"You have some money left, don't you?"

I nodded.

"Then here is what we will do." He had a small smile on his face. He clasped his hands, as if to make me a deal. "We will catch the train to Averat, then we will return to the Averat Aeronaut Society. They know me and will be more than happy to meet you, Mila."

"I will pay, naturally. Do they have accommodation?" I replied, interested.

"Yes. They charge reasonably well. They have limited space, but they always have at least two rooms free." Benjamin explained.

"Perfect!" Was my response.

"While we are there, you will receive further training as standard. You can either study full time, or do it part-time like I do - leaving room for another job."

I could still work with my old boss then... Wouldn't it be fascinating to be able to drive both airships and trains expertly? They were both locomotives. Perhaps I could join Benjamin and become a trained Aeronaut too... My eyes sparkled in excitement.

"You told me you built your airship yourself... Maybe we could build another one?" I suggested.

Benjamin was now grinning from ear to ear now. He took my hand and we stood up from the metal gear park bench.
"What a brilliant idea! Not sure why I didn't think of that myself..." He continued: "Sounds like we have a plan, Mila. We will tell Alice about it at the next telephone in Chelare."

We walked back onto the footpath and as we strolled towards the wrought iron gates, our conversation continued:

"We shall make it like Alice's one, Mila, large and covered. Flying in the rain was not fun..."

"Let's add a proper engine too, Benjamin. I know how a locomotive one works."

"Yeah, and have some room for cargo onboard."

"What motif should we have on the side, my friend? A gear?"

"Yeah, let's do that. We'll paint it with copper paint, perhaps with a few small ones beside it for effect. I'll add a proper propeller and some smaller ones on the side."

"It will be even better than Alice's, Benjamin! We shall call it the Averat Aura. Because the society is here, and this place has been very prominent in my mission to foil Mr Aberdain." I paused and then smiled wider. "And it's also where I met you, Benjamin."

******

I lived on a train for fifteen years and never left it.

During my time off Crimson Comodo, I learnt many things and am still learning now. Though I was properly trained in locomotives, what's more important is that I am wiser and more prepared now. From this adventure, I received training for life.

I lived on a train for fifteen years... and I'm very glad I left it.

The End