Ritual Humiliation

Terence runs forward to embrace his new parrot.

My new parrot! cries Terence.

I thought you would have a blue face, says the Elegant Parrot. My mistake.

I had a blue face, says Terence.

What happened? asks the Elegant Parrot. No don't tell me. Let me....

Paint ball, says Terence.

Was it an Indian paint ball? asks the Elegant Parrot.

No, says Terence. What about you?

I was born olive gold with a blue frontal band, says the Elegant Parrot.

I used to live in a palace, says Terence. Over the door. With the Virgin.

How divine, says the Elegant Parrot.

You need a wash, says Terence. There's little brown seeds on your bottom.

He reaches for Nietzsche's glass of water.

Nietzsche stops him. The glass tips over. Water spreads all over the desk.

Sit in that for two minutes, says Terence.

The Elegant Parrot has no choice but to comply with what seems like a ritual humiliation.

Tissue? says Belle.

Oh thanks.

Terence, thank Sweezus for the parrot, says Belle.

Thank you, says Terence.

That's okay, says Sweezus. You should really thank the Catcher.

The Catcher has emerged from the back pack, followed by Ageless.

Will Terence thank him? Will he forget the rock parrot, and how the Catcher accidentally ate him? Will he love the Catcher again?

It is a pivotal moment, spoilt by a mobile phone ringing.

Ring ring. (Sweezus has a pedestrian ring tone).

Yep? says Sweezus. Arthur! he yelps. Where are you? How come you've got charge in your phone? Shit yeah. Melbourne. Okay, yeah no worries. When? Cool.

What was that about? asks Belle. Is Arthur all right?

Yeah, says Sweezus. He and Gaius wimped out and caught the Overland at Murray Bridge. They'll be in Melbourne at seven this evening.

That'll be expensive, says Belle. The Overland. Hundreds of dollars.

No, says Sweezus. Arthur reckons it didn't cost anything.

Arthur does seem to lead a charmed life, says Belle.

Nietzsche looks up from his spilled glass of water.

By the way Mr Nietzsche, have you written that article for us? Papa has been asking.

It's coming along nicely, replies Nietzsche.

Awesome, says Sweezus. My job is done. I'm heading to Melbourne.