Armless You Are

Ageless has cracked a bit more.

Would you like to sit in the sink? asks Gaius.

No thanks, says Ageless. I have an order to complete before moulting.

An order? says Gaius. Do you mean a new pot for the crocodile?

YES, he DOES! says Terence. But we're not going back.

Very wise, says Gaius. The crocodile was happy with his flip flops.

But I granted him a POT, says Terence

 You need to stop granting, says Gaius.

Crackee! ejaculates Ageless.

A piece of his carapace drops off.

I know! says Terence. Ageless can go back to the river and crack there.

I'm going, says Ageless. Don't you worry.

He starts making his way to the door.

Slowly. Hoping that someone will say:

Help him! says Kobo. He can't go alone in his condition.

I'll help him, says Gloria. I'll flit low, right behind him. Not only that, I'll take him via the clay deposits. He can pick up some clay. Then I'll give him some pointers.

Argh! cries Ageless. Can we get going?

It's very kind of you Gloria, says Kobo.

I'm like that, says Gloria.

She and Ageless proceed though the cabin door, watched by Terence, Kobo and Pinky.

Are you jealous? asks Pinky.

No, says Kobo. Ageless is loyal. And Gloria is harmless.

Ha ha, laughs Terence. Armless! You all are.

This is not worth debating.

.........

Ageless looks up at the sky, which is darkening.

Alas, says Ageless. I won't make it.

You will make it, says Gloria. You made one already. It wasn't bad for a beginner.

To the river, grits Ageless.

Ha! says Gloria. What sort of talk is this from the Mark of the Claw?

Ageless is pricked into action.

Arr! Cracky!

........

Sweezus and Arthur have gone to find a traditional old Aussie pub in Weipa.

(There isn't one)

Terence is drawing with his frog pen. Designs for his pots.

Kobo and Pinky are whispering about Ageless.

Poor Ageless.

Gaius and Humboldt are reviewing the day. A successful flip flop delivery, but.....

After all, says Gaius, that's not what we came for.

Exactly, says Humboldt. We've lost sight of our original purpose. You're right!

Let's make one more attempt to save the new bandy bandies from destruction, says Gaius. There's a full moon tonight, and it's humid.

Ideal conditions, says Humboldt, suppressing a burp.