Hot Blistering Tears

The teams have arrived in Porto Vecchio. Team Provenance waits in a cafe for Team Philosophe to turn up.

Where are they? says Gaius. We've been waiting ten minutes. I wanted to test my new bike.

Me too, says Niko. Let's do it. Arthur and Bunny, I mean Unni, you wait here.

Alright, says Bunny. Off you go. Don't over do it. Those mountains look awfully steep.

Pooh, says Gaius. We are both fit as a fiddle.

He and Niko go off on their bikes.

Suddenly Sweezus appears, followed by Vello and David.

Arthur! Bunny! says Sweezus. Guys, what's happening? We heard you're in a new team!

Yes, says Vello, and we're disappointed.

We certainly are, says David. We thought we had Arthur teed up.

Bad luck, says Bunny. Arthur's in our team, Team Provenance. So who have you got in his place? Ageless is hoping...

No, we don't need Ageless, says Vello. We have engaged a young rider of talent. Here he is now!

The young rider with talent walks up to the table and stands directly in front of Bunny, looking sheepish.

Shit! says Bunny. Surfing-With-Whales! Hi!

Hi, Bunny, says Surfing-With-Whales. Long time no see.

So EMBARRASSING! says Bunny, turning pink.

Arthur gives her a nudge.

Oh yes, says Bunny. Not embarrassing.

What's up? says Sweezus. I thought you guys would be happy to see us.

We are, says Arthur. Its just that Bunny's no longer a girl.

I get it, says Sweezus, understanding at once.

So do Vello and David. They are quite used to bending the rules.

But Surfing-With-Whales is heartbroken. He sits down at the next table and stares out to sea through a veil of hot blistering tears.