Expressions Of Lateral Thinking

Gaius  is piecing together the Entelognathus with the help of a photograph.

Rosamunda is helpfully tipping the glue jar.

Could we keep that jar closed while it isn't in use, says Professor Mee-mann Chang.

Sorry, says Rosamunda. I suppose it's quite precious.

Not that, says Professor Mee-mann Chang. Its just that it's smelly.

It is also precious, says Gaius. Particularly as I don't have much left. Which way up do you think this bit goes?

Ask Lavender, says Dr Zhu Min. She was the last to have seen him.

Lavender, says Gaius. Do you recall his expression?

You bet I do, says Lavender. It was ROOOOOL!

That is not an expression I recognise, says Dr Zhu Min.

Wait, says Dr Minchen Chow. Perhaps Lavender does not refer to a facial expression.

Professor Lanpo Jia looks admiringly at his colleague. This is good lateral thinking.

You mean, says Profesor Lanpo Jia, that the Enteloganthus was speaking?

YES! says Lavender. Why don't you ask ME?

Oh my, says Professor Mee-mann Chang. This is a game-changer.

Just then Rosamunda's phone rings.

It is Sikong Shu.

Sikong Shu? says Rosamunda. Where are you?

On top of a mountain in Mentougu, says Sikong Shu. I'm with Arthur. He wants to ring Sweezus but his phone has gone flat. He says you've got the number.

On top of a mountain in Mentougu! says Rosamunda. I'm so jealous. Is there a fabulous view?

Yes, says Sikong Shu. But what's the number?

Why do you want to ring Sweezus from the top of a mountain? says Rosamunda. That's just weird.

The number, says Sikong Shu.

Rosamunda gives him the number, ends the call and stares at the glue pot morosely.

Cheer up Rosamunda, says Margaret. We'll visit some tourist attractions ourselves when this glue job is finished.

What a wonderful idea, says Professor Mee-mann Chang. I shall come with you.

...........

From the top of the mountain in Mentougu, Sikong Shu calls Sweezus, at Velosophy.

Velosophy office, says Sweezus.  This is Sweezus. How may I help you?

( Margaret would be pleased to hear that ).

Sweezus? says Sikong Shu. This is Sikong Shu.

The Middle Tang poet? says Sweezus. Freakin awesome! What's up?

You've heard of me ? says Sikong Shu.

Yeah, says Sweezus. I've got this Chinese poetry app.

Sikong Shu turns pink with pleasure. Arthur pokes him and points at Not-Richie.

Oh yes, well the reason I'm calling....... says Sikong Shu.

Do you ride a bicycle? says Sweezus. It'd be heaps cool if you ......

Arthur seizes the phone from the Middle Tang poet.

Sweezus! says Arthur. It's me Arthur! Don't talk. Just listen. I want you to find out what exactly happened to Richie Porte in the Tour of Beijing.

Where are you? says Sweezus. In Beijing? What's this about Richie?

He's with us here in Mentougu, says Arthur. We're on the top of a mountain, trying to jog his memory........

Richie Porte! says Sweezus. Awesomeness! Hey, it would be heaps cool if.......

Just do it, says Arthur. And get back to us ASAP. We're sitting here waiting.

No worries, says Sweezus.

He is glad to have something to do.