Mission Awkward

Is it an hour yet? asks Terence.

He knows that it isn't.

No, says Gloria. Don't interrupt us.

How did I interrupt us? asks Terence.

The grown ups are talking, says Gloria. I'm offering my services as a crocodile psychologist.

Yeah, says Sweezus. We should get this done.

Then let's go, says Gloria. Crocodiles are more friendly in the morning.

Brilliant, says Sweezus. What can we carry the Crocs in?

Don't take too many, says Gloria. We should test the waters.

Good thinking, says Sweezus.

He opens a Croc box and lifts out a pair of size sevens. Then he opens a pair of size eights.

And two pairs of flip flops, says Gloria.

Sweezus packs them all in his back pack. He's ready.

Ready Arthur?

But it seems Arthur has left already.

Am I coming? asks Terence.

Sure you are, says Sweezus.

What about my clay? says Terence.

Ageless is here somewhere, says Sweezus. Ask him to mind it.

No, says Terence. I'm bringing it.

He picks up the clay lumps wrapped in the wet tea towel and hugs them close to his body.

Sweezus writes a quick note to Gaius.

Gone to deliver 1st crocs w.T.  S.

And they set off.

In the cabin, Ageless lifts his head from the plum box.

He would have minded the clay. He would have unwrapped it to see how it was going. He would have smoothed it, if that had proved to be possible. He would have tried out some designs of his own. If they were successful he would have taken a small piece from each lump of clay and formed his own lump. He would have made a pot for Kobo, his beloved, bearing the mark of the CLAW.

Terence clomps back in, and plonks the wet clay down on the table.

Sweezus refused to carry it, and Gloria couldn't.

I'll mind it, says Ageless. Don't worry.

Terence stomps back outside.

Sweezus is way up the road now. Gloria floats by his side.

I was brought up at the Weipa Mission, says Gloria.

No way, says Sweezus.

Yet I feel like I know you, says Gloria.

Uh. This could be awkward.