Rupert ( , lovingly called Roops by his parents, sits cross-legged, tuning his guitar, his bright blonde hair flopping over his eyes as he hums a tune. Suddenly, the door bursts open and Schmoops, a small dachshund with a rainbow headband bounds in, his tail a whirlwind, excited after his morning walk.
Rupert eyes the machine skeptically. "You've built another one? Last time we only went back five minutes and I had to eat broccoli for dinner—again! You know how much I hate broccoli." Schmoops grins, unfazed, and pats his cheese-filled pockets. "That was just a warm-up. This one goes back to real times!" With a dramatic flourish, he slaps the giant red button labeled "Whoosh!"
In no time at all they had landed on a snowy seashore next to a giant wooden longship. Rupert stares in awe, his breath forming clouds. "Whoa! Are we in Viking times?" Before Schmoops can straighten his headband and reply, a group of towering Vikings in fur cloaks and braided beards approach, their boots crunching through the snow. One, Olaf, booms with laughter that shakes snow from the branches. "Welcome, little travellers! Want to join our voyage to Britain?"
Olaf hands Rupert a tiny helmet, and Schmoops receives a furry vest that makes him look both fierce and ridiculous. The ship glides through the icy blue water, and the Vikings burst into song, their voices rumbling like thunder. Rupert strums along on his guitar, his chords joining the ancient melodies, while Schmoops adds enthusiastic howls that the Vikings politely ignore.
As they sailed away from the shore toward Britain, their new Viking friends told them stories of past adventures. They shared tales of sea serpents, hidden treasures, and a giant fish who stole oars. Rupert shares stories from his own time, describing school, skateboards, and how Schmoops once tried to order a cheese pizza online, which earns a chorus of bemused laughter. Schmoops insists the pizza story is only partially true, launching into an elaborate explanation involving online menus and cheese varieties. The Vikings listen, fascinated and amused, and the journey sails on with camaraderie and joy.
After many waves and many laughs, the green hills of Britain appeared on the horizon. Olafclaps Rupert on the shoulder. "You’re always welcome on our ship, brave little traveller." Another Viking scratches Schmoops' head. "And brave little sausage!"
"That was amazing. Do you think we’ll see them again, Schmoops?" Schmoops winks, his headband askew. "Oh, absolutely, Roops. I still need that Viking treat recipe." The room grows quiet as they drift off, dreaming of waves, longships, and the next adventure waiting just a WHOOSH away.
