The Ascetic Life

Perhaps the Belgian beer has not worn off yet. Schopenhauer flies down Sir Donald Bradman Drive on his new bicycle, without a wobble.

Remarkable! says Vello, from behind.

Never seen anyone take to riding quite so quickly, says David.

What's that you say? asks Schopenhauer, skidding to a halt at South Road traffic lights.

You're a natural, says Vello.

Thank you, says Schopenhauer. I tend to be good at everything I try. Where to now?

Keep going, says David, and we'll end up at Henley. We can get a spot of dinner, share a bottle of something, watch the sunset.

Ah, says Schopenhauer. The ascetic life.

..........

Gaius opens the front door. He and Ray go inside.

Arthur and Belle are in the kitchen eating pasta.

How did you get in? says Gaius. Don't tell me the back window is still broken.

It is, says Belle. You ought to get it fixed.

No time, says Gaius. I must organise our trip to Tasmania. What was the name of that research scientist now? Something musical. I hope I wrote it down....

Sit down and have some pasta, Ray, says Belle.

Ray sits down.

So you're driving everyone to Melbourne, says Belle et Bonne. That's very kind. How many people can you fit in that Ute of yours?

Three, says Ray. Someone will have to go in the back with the bicycles.

Is that legal? asks Belle et Bonne.

If they lie down out of sight, says Ray.

Arthur is impressed. It's not a Pastor Moon-like answer.

And petrol will be expensive, Belle continues.

This reminds Ray of the busking money. Hundreds of dollars. In the snake box.

Arthur, says Ray. I assume you have the snake box in your possession?

Yes, says Arthur.

This is not even a lie exactly.

It's just not that close by, being in the Hotel Wright Street underneath the chalk board. Which doesn't matter anyway, because it's empty.

Good, says Ray. I wouldn't like to think that you had lost it.

Ray looks rather fierce for a moment.

Arthur fixes Ray with his melting blue look. Ray subsides, and addresses himself to eating pasta.

Gaius comes in, waving a tatty piece of paper.

Gershwin! says Gaius. Lisa-Ann Gershwin. Research scientist. Expert in Giant Jellyfish proliferation.

Oh, well done Gaius! says Belle et Bonne. You hadn't lost it! Do sit down and eat something.

Thank you, Belle, says Gaius.

He sits down, accepts a bowl of pasta, and suddenly becomes excited.

What's this on the table? cries Gaius. Great Jupiter! If I wasn't a sceptic I would be tempted to believe this was an omen! I'm certain that it wasn't there before.

Arthur looks at the dots etched into the table.

I did it, says Arthur. With a needle. It's an omen.

Good man! says Gaius. We could use an omen.

Arthur doesn't tell him that the needle broke.