Violetta has not left town yet. There's no bus until morning. Leaving her backpack under a bush behind the Rotunda, she heads back to join the crowd at the Town Hall.
Aha! Here comes our artist, says Gaius.
Jeez, Gaius, says Violetta. Shut the fuck up!
Are you the ARTIST? says Brenda. Oh, Splosh! I do think your artwork is wonderful! It sends such a powerful message about the plight of the cuttlefish. You've inspired our Quillo group to start fundraising at once!
Violetta scowls, and turns to leave, but the Copper Coast Mayor looms up.
Ah, Splosh! says the Copper Coast Mayor. So glad we've caught you before you leave for Turkey.
Turkey! says Violetta! looking at Gaius. So we're going?
Yes, yes, says Gaius. It's all being arranged. Thanks to you, and to our cuttlefish friend......
Gaius indicates the Twitcher in the death box.
Violetta stares into the death box.
A dead cuttlefish? says Violetta. That's your friend?
Dead? says Gaius. I hope not. That cuttlefish is our ticket to Turkey.
He bends down.
The Twitcher is motionless. Perhaps he is holding his breath.
Pohaaaaah! Foul air escapes from Twitcher.
Awww! says Violetta. It's not dead, but it's freakin' gone off!
Victor comes over.
That box is police property, says Victor. I'm hereby seizing it back. Stand clear.
Bunny runs forward and picks up the box and the Twitcher.
I won't let you! she cries.
It has all gone a bit cactus, at this point.
Who will save Twitcher?
Will he live to broaden the gene pool?
Who will fund the expedition to Turkey?
Is there a god in the machine?
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