The Sparkling Green Tree

Early morning. Roderick Coconut drops them off at the cabin.

See you this arvo, says Roderick Coconut. Got to deal with these prawns first.

Gaius and Sweezus go inside.

Humboldt and Arthur are sleeping, but Ageless has not slept all night.

Have you found me a Cherabin? asks Ageless.

We have, says Gaius.

Where is it? asks Ageless.

Terence has it, says Sweezus.

Where is Terence? asks Ageless.

Terence has not come inside.

Sweezus goes back out to find him.

Wow! says Terence. Wow! Look at this tree!

Sweezus looks. The tree nearest the cabin is sparkling in the sunshine. And tinkling too.

Ting! Every so often a piece of broken green glass tinkles down. Ting-pong!

That's broken glass, says Sweezus. I'm going back in.

Told you, says Celia. This place is dangerous.

Bring the pot, says Sweezus. Ageless wants to meet his team member.

WAIT! cries Blue Claw from the depths of the pot.

What is it? asks Terence.

I should WALK in, says Blue Claw. Not be carried.

Good thinking, says Sweezus. Tip him out, little bro.

Blue Claw walks into the cabin unaided, to where Ageless is waiting.

Snap! They are both the same size.

Blue Claw's second pair of chelipeds are large and powerful.

Ageless nods briefly.

Blue Claw nods back.

Sprinter? asks Ageless.

Blue Claw nods again. It seems best to say little at this stage

Welcome to Team Crustacean, says Ageless. Come into the plum box and meet the rest of the team. Don't be fooled by the fact that one has no legs and the other is four empty fingers.

Blue Claw promises himself that he will not be fooled by these things.

He follows Ageless into the plum box.

Gaius pokes Humboldt. Wake up!

Urrr, says Humboldt. What time is it? Did you catch a Cherabin?

Yes, says Gaius A big one.

He pokes Arthur. Wake up Arthur. Time to get packing.

Arthur rolls over.

Sweezus leans over Arthur.

Arthur's mouth is green and sticky.

His eyes open.

We made you a sparkling tree, says Arthur.

Thanks bro. I saw it, says Sweezus.