Sticklers

Farky lies on the road, one eye open.

Margaret knows some first aid.

She rolls Farky over, and starts pumping his chest.

Professor Xu Xing and Baby Pierre stroll about, talking.

I saw deep sea monsters, says Baby Pierre.

Describe them, says Professor Xu Xing.

It was dark, says Baby Pierre.

So you didn't see them clearly, says Professor Xu Xing.

I drew them afterwards, says Baby Pierre.

But if you hadn't seen them ...... says Professor Xu Xing.

Crumbs. What a stickler for exactitude.

Lauren's Kombi reverses towards them. Gaius gets out.

Margaret, that's not Reiki, says Gaius. Get your hands off that dog.

This dog is unwell, says Margaret. He had a spasm. What's this about Reiki?

A spasm, you say! says Gaius. Were you here when it happened? What time exactly?

Two forty six, says Margaret, (a good scientist).

If only Gaius had looked at his watch when he tried distant Reiki on Farky.

But he did not. He pursues another angle.

Did he look calmer, after the spasm? asks Gaius.

Calmer is hardly the word, says Margaret. He looked stunned.

Lauren has emerged from the Kombi by this time.

She looks down at Farky, who is responding very well to first aid.

Well done, Gaius, says Lauren. You did a good job for a beginner.

Really? says Margaret. I assume you are speaking of Reiki?

Yes, says Lauren. It's a Hindu and yogic tradition.

I know, says Margaret. Pure nonsense. Gaius you surely don't....

Hmph! says Lauren. There are many things .......

Let me answer her, Lauren, says Gaius. Margaret, two words. Reiki works. I would go further. Three words. Distant Reiki works.

Farky whimpers.

Prove it, says Margaret.

Farky squirms.

He doesn't want Gaius to prove it .

I don't need to prove it, says Gaius. I am a convert.

Lauren looks pleased.

So does Farky.