Storm Earthquake and Shipwreck

The next day is even hotter.

Team Condor and Team Philosophe are keeping cool in the bar of a Glenelg hotel.

What were you boys thinking? asks Vello.

That we needed to do it, says Sweezus.

Which we did, says Arthur.

In a way you have to admire them, says David.

Admire their complete lack of discipline, says Vello.

It took discipline to climb up that hill, says Sweezus.

Gut-wrenching, soul-destroying discipline, says Arthur.

You would have enjoyed that, says Belle.

How's the poem going? asks Henriette.

Writer's block, says Sweezus.

Not me, says Arthur. My words have been flowing.

Another beer anyone? asks Gaius.

Yes, please, says Terence.

Not you, Terence, says Belle. 

It's not fair, says Terence. Can I go outside and get wet in the water spouts?

Okay, says Belle. Who'll go with him?

No one wants to. It's too hot out there.

I'll go then, says Belle.

She and Terence go across Moseley Square to the water spouts.

Gaius returns, carrying several full glasses.

Well now, says Vello. The Fringe is coming up soon. I hope everyone is available.

Not if it's Candide again, says Sweezus.

 But no one plays Candide like you, says Vello. 

So it IS Candide again, says Sweezus. 

Perhaps Denis could do it, says Gaius.

Isn't Candide a young man? asks Denis. 

Go on, says Henriette. You could play a young man, Denis.

Especially if he wears a beanie, says David.

Ha ha! laughs Vello. Candide in a beanie. I like it!

We even have a suitable beanie, says Henriette. Or the makings of one.

So we do, says Gaius. Denis finger-knitted it himself.

It was intended for Ageless, explains Denis.

Ageless won't need it yet, says Henriette. His carapace hasn't hardened.

What excerpt of Candide are we doing? asks David. Have we decided?

No, says Vello. But I have a copy in my shorts pocket. Let's pick one now.

Is that how you do it? asks Henriette. Just pick one.?

Yes, says Vello. Would you do us the honour?

Pick one at random? asks Henriette.

Why not? says Vello.

He hands Henriette his old weathered copy. 

She opens it at Chapter 5. "Describing tempest, shipwreck and earthquake, and what happened to Candide, Dr Pangloss and James the Anabaptist".

Excellent choice! says Vello. 

Storm, earthquake and shipwreck, says David. Ambitious!

Terence and Belle return, dripping wet.

It seems like a good omen.