Qi Out Of Balance

Victor departs in his police car.

Freud stacks the teacups.

Kong Fu-Zi feels his ankle gingerly.

How is it? asks Gaius.

Greatly improving, says Kong Fu-Zi.

Baby Pierre attempts to climb out of the wash basin. His bike wheels keep slipping back in.

Help! cries Baby Pierre. Get me out of this basin!

No one seems in a hurry to help him.

Could you ride, do you think? Gaius asks Kong Fu-Zi.

Not yet, says Kong Fu-Zi. Perhaps by tomorrow.

Then, says Gaius, I shall make use of the intervening hours with a little diversion.

What's this? says Freud, looking up from washing the teacups.

An exploration of Battunga Country, says Gaius. The old Kuitpo colony, the Kyeema prison, the Kangowirranilla trail. And I shall be on the lookout for new species of flora and fauna.

I'll come with you, says Freud. If Kong Fu-Zi will look after the business for the rest of the day.

Certainly, says Kong Fu-Zi. But take Baby Pierre with you. He is frittering his Qi riding round in that basin.

At last!

 Baby Pierre is lifted out of the basin and dried, and oil found for his bicycle.

.......

Half an hour later the campsite is quiet.

Gaius, Freud and Baby Pierre have departed, to explore Battunga country.

Kong Fu-Zi lies back in the camp chair, dreaming of home.

Terence is surveying his ravaged beach shorts.

The Lorikeet is making bird plans.

When all of a sudden a car drives up the dirt track and stops near the van outside which all this activity is happening.

Katherine gets out, followed by another person.

Fu-Zi! says Katherine. All alone?

No, says Kong Fu-Zi. I have Terence and a bird to keep me company. Old age is good and pleasant.....

Idiot, says Katherine. You're not old. Where's Gaius?

Gone off, says Kong Fu-Zi. He did say where.... but I wasn't paying attention..... my ankle......

Buck up! says Katherine. How about making us a cup of tea?

Kong Fu-Zi stands up quickly, and totters.

Katherine's companion catches him deftly.

Ni hao, Kong Fu-Zi! says Rosamunda Secunda.