Take A Risk

The magpie has remained behind, perched on snake boy.

Good to go? asks snake boy.

Thinking, says the magpie.

He thinks. It takes a few minutes.

I've got things to do, says snake boy.

ONE thing to do, says the magpie.

Okay, one thing, says snake boy. But it's intense. I need head space.

Magpie is not ready to go yet, but he makes a concession, and hops across to the snake head.

It's not at all risky. The snake is rigid.

The magpie says what he's been thinking. A question.

What do you think was the lesson?

Take a risk, says snake boy. That was the lesson.

That's what he thought.

The magpie flies off to find Unni.

Snake boy turns back to his snake. He hopes it wasn't paying attention.

.......

Yay! says Terence. My parrot is coming.

The magpie looks around for a parrot.

No wait! The cherub thinks it is him.

That's good, says Unni. Brave magpie!

The magpie is proud of his decision.

........

Back at Unni's.

Okay, says Sweezus. Me and Arthur are heading off for the Gold Coast.

What? says Unni. I thought Gaius was in Moreton Bay.

Yeah, he is, says Sweezus. Tell him good luck with the council.

Oh right, says Unni. And I suppose I'm supposed to take Terence to Moreton Bay too.

NO! says Terence. I'm going surfing with these guys.

Think about it, little dude, says Sweezus. What are you made of?

Cement, says Terence. So what?

So what? says the magpie. Take a risk. That's what I say.

It's not a risk, says Sweezus. It's a certainty. Cement kid on surfboard: goodbye.

It's not fair, says Terence.

You can take Farky, says Sweezus.

You mean I can take Farky, says Unni.

Yeah kind of, says Sweezus. Maybe Gaius'll fix his dud teeth.

Farky looks anguished, as he remembers the Ryobi drill.

.......

I'll ring Gaius, says Belle. Just to see how he's going.

She calls.

Gaius answers.

Belle? Have you any idea when Arthur's arriving?

No, says Belle. How are you and Saint Roley doing?

Wasting time, says Gaius. The council offices are shut. As is the Brain Institute. It appears it's the weekend.

How annoying, says Belle. Well, sit tight. I have good news. Unni is coming to help you.

Excellent, says Gaius.

And she's bringing reinforcements, says Belle.

Good, says Gaius. Ask them to meet us at Toondah Harbour.

Okay, says Belle. Bye now.

Gaius is tickled. Funny of Belle to call Arthur and Sweezus reinforcements. Strange girl. Helpful though. Good at picnics.