Posh

By next morning Ageless had reached Semaphore. It was the first day of the new year, and a hot one. Ageless went down to the water to dip in his toes.

It was nice in the water, with the transparent jellybean jellyfish, sand-coloured fish and long floating hairy sacs of nothing in particular. Ageless sighed with satisfaction and allowed himself to dream.

In the dream he was leading the Tour Down Under, with Karkinos and Decapod coming second and third. Their legs were pumping like pistons. The crowd cheered. Ageless! Ageless!

He awoke from his reverie. He could still hear the crowd chanting his name. But no. It was just a single voice.

Ageless! said Karkinos. Well, bugger me!

Karko! cried Ageless. Long time no see, my old friend! How's maritime life treating you?

Oh you know, said Karkinos. We muddle along. Decapod's just over there. Hey! Decca! Come here!

Decca sidled over.

Ageless! he said. Mate! What're you doing in this neck of the woods?

Looking for you two, said Ageless. Do you still remember how to ride a bike?

Mmm. Haven't done it since we moved down the coast, said Decca. Why're you asking?

I have a dream, said Ageless grandly. A dream of winning the Tour Down Under. And I need a team. Are you interested?

Yeah, said Karko. I'll give it a go.

Me too, said Decca. What's the name of our team?

Team Crustacean, said Ageless.

Posh! said Karko. Wait till I tell the others.

What others? asked Ageless.