The Gods Breathe Without Any Plan

The Catcher has returned from his encounter with the first aid box.

Sticking plaster, says Ageless. Ha ha.

While I'm not blaming you, says the Catcher, you could be more sympathetic.

I am sympathetic, says Ageless. Who are you blaming? The Heron?

Nietzsche, says the Catcher. But don't tell him.

My orifices are sealed, says Ageless.

Where is the Heron? asks the Catcher.

Flew off, says Ageless. Nothing for him to do here. But don't be surprised if you get an influx of applications. News travels fast in the bird world.

Hadn't thought of that, admits the Catcher.

Emma and Irma have finished their afternoon tea.

We're going upstairs, mum, says Emma.

Good idea, says Edith. Let me know when we get near the barrage. Put your hats on. And don't pester Lauren and Mr Nitcher.

The twins dash upstairs to the upper deck of the Spirit of the Coorong.

Lauren and Nietzsche are sitting close together near the railing, surrounded by coconut crumbs.

Captain Bain's voice crackles through the airwaves:

...soon approaching one of the barrages separating the Coorong from Lake Alexandrina....

Nietzsche has started to hum.

What's that you're humming? asks Lauren.

A song from my favourite poet, says Nietzsche.

What are the words? asks Lauren.

The gods breathe without any plan, replies Nietzsche.

That's a bit negative, says Lauren.

Not at all, says Nietzsche. It's reassuring.

Lauren elbows him in the ribs and then plants a kiss on his forehead.

Did you see that? asks Emma.

Yuck, says Irma. Take no notice.

What happened to the Catcher? asks Emma.

I left him up here with Ageless, says Irma.

Was he okay? asks Emma.

He's got sticking plasters over his stab wounds, says Irma.

...crackle...( it's the captain)... there is some debate in the community over whether the barrages should be removed. However this is a complex issue....on the one hand.....

Look! says Irma. On the barrage! A whole row of parrots!

And indeed, on the Ewe Island Barrage sits a row of olive gold Elegant Parrots.

Should we be surprised? On the one hand, they are listed as common. On the other, why do their eyes gleam with an unswerving purpose?