A Test of Her Mettle

It has been a very long lunch.

Team Philosophe needs to work it off.

Jacobi has a fine suggestion. They should cycle to Essen, and visit the Zollverien Coal Mine.

It is the world's most beautiful coal mine, says Jacobi.

Is there much competition? asks Vello.

It no longer functions as a coal mine , says Jacobi. When it closed, it was thought that the architecture had merit, so it was developed as a heritage site. It now forms a complex of museums and theatres and restaurants.

Excellent! We could have dinner there, says David.

Theoretically, says Jacobi. First we must work off the lunch.

They head off in the general direction of Essen.

Gaius cycles back along the canal.

He passes behind Terence and Tiny, who are still sitting there.

The game of Cannot But Bee has gained in complexity.

I know! What if a Bee falls in a canal? asks Tiny.

Cannot But Bee Floating, says Terence.

Wrong! says Tiny. Canal Bee Floating.

Mine was better, says Terence.

Mine had Bee and Canal, says Tiny. Two points!

But no Cannot, says Terence. No points.

(Terence is right).

Gaius returns to the Max Brown hotel.

Hello Freddie. Is Terence behaving himself?

Yes, says Freddie. He is outside getting some fresh air. I told him not to go anywhere.

I didn't see him, says Gaius.

Ageless emerges from his reverie, not far from the counter.

Gaius, says Ageless. Do you know when Team Claw is arriving?

No, says Gaius. Don't you? You are their manager.

A minor slip, says Ageless. I forgot to arrange it. Could you....?

I have better things to do, says Gaius.

Such as what? asks Ageless.

Find Terence, says Gaius.

I'll find him, says Ageless. You call home, and see if they've left yet.

Gaius calls home.

He is surprised when Belle et Bonne answers.

Oh, hello Gaius. How is Düsseldorf?

Very nice, says Gaius. Waiting for my bicycle. Arthur sent it off a few days ago.

Yes, says Belle. Well actually, I'm just packing it now.

Just now, says Gaius. That's cutting it fine.

I know, sorry, says Belle.

Not your fault, dear, says Gaius. Another thing..... has Team Claw left yet?

No, says Belle. They're awaiting instructions.

There will be no instructions, says Gaius. Ageless has neglected to arrange their itinerary.

Oh no! How can I tell them? says Belle. I'm flying over next weekend. That's too late though.

Pack them in with my bicycle, says Gaius.

Gaius! That's cruel!

They are pebbles, says Gaius. They've been in worse situations.

Third Sister isn't a pebble, says Belle. She wouldn't like it.

Ask her, says Gaius. It will be a test of her mettle.

Okay, says Belle. I'll text you what she decides. Bye now!

She turns to Team Claw who are watching her dismantle Gaius's bicycle.

What wouldn't I like? asks Third Sister.