Samatan to Pau: Kindness

Stage Fifteen, Samatan to Pau. The Tour is in the Pyrenees. The race today is uninspiring and predictable. Gaius is riding by himself. Belle et Bonne rides up behind him on a red Vespa, to give him some encourgement, and food.

Belle et Bonne: Gaius! Would you like a Power Bar?

Gaius ( sighing and taking a Power Bar): Yes, thank you, Belle et Bonne.

Belle et Bonne: What's up Gaius?

Gaius: The team is falling apart. Where's Arthur? And Sweezus, I haven't seen him since yesterday.

Belle et Bonne: Arthur got lost up in the Pyrenees, looking for Ouvert. But he's back in the peloton today.

Gaius: And where's that trouble-maker Ouvert?

Belle et Bonne: Rumour has it that he's still in Luis-Leon Sanchez's pocket, because Luis-Leon promised to take him all the way to Pau.

Gaius: But we're ALL going all the way to Pau!

Belle et Bonne: Ouvert wouldn't know. Would you like an electrolytic drink?

Gaius: Yes, please!

Belle et Bonne: Here.

Gaius: Thanks.

(He drinks).

Gaius: Ahhh! Very nice. I do like electrolytes.

Belle et Bonne: I know. So does Sweezus. I wonder where he is?

Gaius: Probably looking for Ouvert. He didn't learn a thing from what you said. He still thinks Ouvert will bring him luck.

Belle et Bonne: You ought to have a word with him.

Gaius: Humph!

Belle et Bonne: What's that supposed to mean?

Gaius: Why don't YOU? You're going to be the new team leader.

Belle et Bonne: Whoever told you that? You're a wonderful team leader! You just need to find your team again, that's all. I'll tell you what. Tomorrow is a rest day in Pau. We'll have another picnic, and the whole team will be invited. I'll even invite Ouvert, and then we'll settle everything.

Gaius: Oh good. You know, Belle, you would be a good team leader.

Belle et Bonne: If it were not for you, I would.

Gaius: You are kind, my dear.

He rides on thoughtfully.

Pierrick Fedrigo of FDJ BigMat passes him at top speed. With form like that Gaius thinks Pierrick may well win the stage.

He wonders if Ouvert has once again jumped pocket.