Transformation From Girls To Ecologists

It's cramped in the tent with five people trying to sleep like sardines.

Only Sikong Shu likes it. He is right behind Arthur. If he wanted, he could stretch out his arms.....

Best if he doesn't.

Arthur is restless. His knees start to itch. The girls are whispering.

Which one do you like?

The beautiful poet?

The sky pilot?

Richie is dead to the world.

Ring ring!

Sikong Shu stiffens.

That'll be Sweezus for him.

Hello, says Sikong Shu softly. Is that Sweezus?

Yeah, says Sweezus. Is that the Middle Tang poet guy?

Yes, says Sikong Shu. it's me, Sikong Shu.

Meant to ask you something, says Sweezus. Before Arthur took over.

Arthur is listening. Sweezus thinks he took over? It wasn't his fault his battery was flat.

I know you're probably busy, says Sweezus.

Not that busy, says Sikong Shu. Middle Tang was a long time ago.

Ha ha, good one, says Sweezus. How about writing an article for Velosophy? No pressure. It has to have philosophy in it. Some kind of.....you know....cool thinking. And at least one bicycle. Other than that, up to you.

Certainly, says Sikong Shu. Can it be in the form of a poem?

Awesome, says Sweezus.

Arthur reaches behind him. Grabs the phone.

Editor now are you? says Arthur.

Arthur, says Sweezus. You know me. Whatever sounds good. You still on top of a mountain?

Yes, says Arthur, in Mentougu, me and Richie and Sikong Shu and these two girls.

Brilliant, says Sweezus. Say hello to the girls for me.

Xui Li is awake.

These two girls? says Xui Li. That's dismissive.

Sweezus says hello, says Arthur.

Good for him, says Xui Li. Tell him we are not just two girls. We have names and careers.

Sorry, says Arthur. What are they?

We're ecologists, says Xui Li. We work in Mentougu Eco Valley. We are quite high up.

High up, says Arthur. In a valley.

Xui Li doesn't think that is funny.

Tomorrow, says Xui Li, Hui Zhong and I will take you on a tour of Mentougu. You will see many wonderful things. Roses, wild jujubes, white Beijing pears, an eco village and floating domes. Go to sleep now.

Arthur rolls over. Sikong Shu withdraws his arm. The wind whistles outside.