Santa Bus 2 -Part 1– by Sven Pertelson

“It is all the fault of that dratted Dorothy,” the Munchkin muttered. …



Arwin could not believe how quickly the year had gone. This year's Santa Bus had already been fitted out in the workshop and once again she had been chosen as the driver. “At least it won't be such a total surprise for me as last year.” she thought.

(See Arwin and the Special Part 1 and the subsequent parts for what happened last year)

Arwin turned off her amp put down the bass guitar that Santa had given her the previous Christmas. A little practice before work always made for a good start for the day. Time to brave the icy streets and get to the depot and then take the new bus out for a test drive. “I wonder if they done any upgrades since last year? I did suggest larger barf bags.”, she smiled to herself.

Sitting in the screened off bay of the workshop the Santa Bus looked much the same as last year. But as Arwin knew you could not always judge by appearances with this bus. On the drivers seat sat the Flight Manual. “Hmm,” thought Arwin “it's labelled updated for 2012.” She settled herself into the comfortable leather seat and started to read.

Some time later a knock on the bus door pulled her attention away from the manual. There had been some interesting upgrades, including the bigger barf bags and something called a holo-cabin-crew option. Her supervisor climbed into the bus and passed her an envelope, hand addressed to her and decorated with a border of reindeer pulling a sleigh. This would be her password for the GPS. She thanked the supervisor and waited until he left to open the envelope.

Like last year pinned to a note inside was a small slip of paper. ' Dear Arwin, Thanks for driving for me again. This year I have a special assignment for you before you start your normal runs. Please follow the instructions the GPS gives you exactly, even if they seem even stranger than before. Your call sign for this mission only is Rainbow One. There will be another note for you after this mission with details for your normal runs. Now please open up the password slip and get started. Hugs Santa!'

Arwin opened up the password slip wondering if Santa had hacked her computer, again! Yes, he had! It read your new password is 'ilikins060709'. She would have to have words with Santa, he might have to put himself on his own naughty list.