We're NOT Friends

Everyone is relaxed now.

The bandy bandies have taken to Terence.

They're draped over his shoulders, admiring his crown.

Humboldt yawns. It's been a long day.

Gaius yawns too, as you do when someone else does.

What a pity bandy bandies are nocturnal, says Gaius. I really need to turn in.

I'll stay up with them, says Terence. I'm responsible.

He is not the picture of responsibility. But:

It was he who captured the bandy bandies. And he who charmed them, with his surprise popping crown.

Furthermore, remembers Gaius, Terence has no requirement for sleeping.

What do you think, Humboldt? asks Gaius. Should we let Terence be responsible?

With strict instructions, says Humboldt.

Boo! says Terence. KINGS don't need strict instructions.

The bandy bandies agree. Their new king doesn't need strict instructions.

Nevertheless, says Gaius. This is a serious mission. Before Humboldt and I go to sleep, we'll make a to do list.

Terence is not listening. He is dancing towards the door. The bandy bandies are jiggling on his shoulders. The magic flow ring crown rattles:

Shik! Shik!.

Gaius and Humboldt sit down at the table to nut out some instructions.

1. (writes Gaius, with a pencil).....

It must be something Terence can see a reason for doing, says Humboldt.

Maybe we should stay awake after all, says Gaius.

No, this should not be beyond us, says Humboldt. Try this:

1. ....... Wait. Can he read?

No, says Gaius. Let's just speak to him.

Terence!

Terence bounces over.

Make friends, try to communicate, stick together, says Gaius.

Very good, says Humboldt. Pithy.

Terence grabs the heads of the bandy bandies.

We're NOT friends, says Terence.

They goggle and nod.

He is their king, they are NOT friends.

Scritch-scritch! at the door. It's Ageless, trying to get in.

Gaius opens. Ageless enters.

Terence skips out.

Drat! says Gaius. Ageless, follow them, will you.

Just coming in for a knife, says Ageless.

In the drawer, says Gaius.

Ageless skitters out again, with a knife.

Gaius and Humboldt try to grab some shut-eye.

Outside in the moonlight under a cotton tree, Ageless plays the knife game with Pinky.

Kobo watches. Poor dear Pinky is crazy!

But that's why she loves her.

She hopes Pinky won't lose all her fingers.