Dead But Still

Celia and Terence go back into the cabin.

The omelette has been eaten.

Gaius is saying how delicious it was.

Humboldt is agreeing.

Sweezus is wondering whether to mention the red bits, which tasted of caramelised plum.

And Arthur is returning the used straw to his pocket.

It's not needed now.

Guess what? says Terence. This is a joke. What is pointing?

Wrong question, whispers Celia.

Pointless! says Terence.

At first no one gets it. Even Arthur.

Point less! says Terence. With your finger.

Let me help, says Celia. What would it be if a bristlebird pointed at Terence's Grandpa, who was elsewhere?

You're telling them the answer! says Terence.

You already told us the answer, says Sweezus. Pointless. But it's a good joke, little buddy.

Hee hee! laughs Terence. Celia taught me. She's my best parrot ever.

Thank you, Terence, says Celia. But I shan't always be with you.

Why? asks Terence.

I'm nomadic, says Celia. I go where I go.

We go where WE go, says Terence.

Yeah, we do, says Sweezus. We were just talking. Not long till the Tour Down Under.

It came as a surprise, says Gaius. I feel we've only been here a few days.

So do I, says Humboldt. But we have achieved a great deal in those few days.

Remarkable, says Gaius. Wasn't it September, when we started?

It was, says Humboldt, although he doesn't remember.

Yeah, well, says Sweezus. We've delivered the Crocs and still got some fund raising money for the......what was it?

Translocation of the bandy bandies, says Gaius. How much money was there?

Thousands, says Sweezus. In the beginning.

At least we made contact, says Gaius. The bandy bandies know they're endangered. It's up to them now.

Indeed, says Humboldt. They know how to move about. Take that one found near the jetty.

A dead one, says Gaius. But still.

Still, repeats Celia, under her breath. Is it a joke or a qualification? She waits.

Still, says Sweezus. Get that, Terence?

 Dead one but still, repeats Terence.

You got Gaius's joke, says Sweezus.

What joke? asks Gaius.

I don't want it, says Terence. Celia's jokes are better.

Celia would be pleased to hear this had her thoughts not been elsewhere.

Terence is not the only one who needs guidance. There has been Misuse of Funds by the others!