Sign-Off DD

Gaius and Denis admire Terence's horse.

It looks like a battlehorse, says Denis.

It's the orange peel collar, says Gaius.

And the orange peel hat, says Denis.

That not a HAT! says Terence. It's his mane.

I see, says Gaius. It would look less like a hat if it were longer.

I ran out of peel, says Terence.

He jiggles his horse up and down.

The head falls off, into Denis's backpack.

Oops! says Terence. It needs fish glue as well.

We shall find some as soon as we get back to Adelaide, says Gaius.

Okay, says Terence.

He drops down into the backpack again, to do a temporary fix-up.

Now what was I going to do? asks Denis.

Call Vello, says Gaius.

Right, says Denis. I will.

He calls Vello.

Hello Denis, says Vello. Where are you?

On a Stateliner bus, returning to Adelaide, says Denis.

Ah yes, says Vello. Any luck with that air bubble curtain?

Er, no, says Denis. The algae never got to Point Lowly.

So you and Gaius wasted your time, says Vello.

Time is never wasted, says Denis.

I'm surprised that you think so, says Vello.

In a sense, says Denis.

Oh I see, says Vello. So why are you calling?

This is not going well.

The Tour Down Under, says Denis.

Are you in it? asks Vello.

Are you? asks Denis.

Of course I am, says Vello. I'm always in it. I asked YOU.

I'm available, says Denis. 

Really? says Vello. A good rider like you?

It's because I've been away, says Denis. 

No one thought to engage you, says Vello. What bad luck. A bit late now the start lists are up.

Who's in your team? asks Denis.

Me, David and Gaius, says Vello.

Gaius? says David. Have you asked him?

No need, says Vello. He knows we'll have him.

He doesn't, says Denis. He's been asked to ride for Team Condor.

Curses! says Vello. And has he agreed?

I believe so, says Denis. So you'll be looking for someone of equal ability to replace him.

Humph! says Vello. And that's you?

I am a philosopher, says Denis. 

So am I, snaps Vello, ending the call.

I couldn't help overhearing, says Gaius. It sounds like you're in.

Yes it does, says Denis. I must tell Henriette.

He continues his email:

....but that's enough about me, do you enjoy elite cycling? The Tour Down Under is on in Adelaide soon so if you're at a loose end after skydiving and getting tattoos on your feet how about coming? I have agreed to ride for Team Philosophe, so you'll know someone in it. But that's enough about me. DD.

He is pleased with his email. Especially the sign-off. 

DD.