Time Stretches Out To Complexity

It must be remembered that these events happened some days ago.

That's why the weather is still fine, and the twins still on holiday.

Today they would be labouring in the classroom, under Mrs Bottle, and it would be raining.

But it is the nature of time that some days stretch out to infinity.

I only mention it, because Ageless and the Catcher have moulted so fast.

Here they are now at the feet of Nietzsche, who had remained on the upper deck, pondering Chance. A dance floor for divine accidents. Hmm. That's a good one. Must write it down.

And Emma has just brought his lunch up.

What's in it?

Cold meat and salad, and a hard yellow roll with black spots.

Thank you, Emma, says Nietzsche.

He prises the lid off. Bites into the roll. Ach! It's worse than a pebble.

Emma has spotted the new Ageless and the new Catcher, beaming and gleaming.

That was FAST! says Emma. (You see, she has noticed it too).

How do I look? enquires Ageless.

You've got a new rostrum, says Emma, and a new antennule.

I expected that, says Ageless. Are they bigger?

No, about the same.

What about my new swimming leg? says the Catcher, holding his leg up.

I didn't expect this, says Nietzsche.

Nor did I, says the Catcher.

Corn? says Nietzsche.

Oops, says Emma, you must've got Dad's one.

Too bad, I've eaten it now, says Nietzsche. I have very good teeth, it won't hurt me.

But dad will get wind, says Emma. He's got yours.

Ageless sniffs the wind.

Yes, his antennule is working.

The Catcher does a turn of the upper deck on his new swimming leg.

Brilliant, says the Catcher.

Don't forget, says Ageless, that the deck is circular.

But the Catcher does not register the importance of the deck being circular.

Are you coming on the guided tour? asks Emma. Now that you're better?

What's on offer? asks Ageless.

A commentary, says Emma.

I like a good commentary, says Ageless.

Dune flora and fauna, bird spotting, says Emma. Mum says we might see some rare ones. Are you coming, Mr Nitcher?

Nietzsche is unsure. He would really like to look into the back pack to determine the source of the drumming.

But Emma picks it up. Looks like she's going to take it.

That determines his course of action.

I must go. I am going.

The Will is complex. It unpacks into parts. Commanding and obeying.

He has always known this.

But he should write it down.