So when are we leaving? asks David.
As soon as possible, says Gaius. I'll call Arthur.
He calls Arthur, but there is no answer.
This afternoon, says Elodie, looking up from her phone. There's a flight at three twenty.
How much? asks Gaius.
Two seventy three, says Elodie. No frills.
Gaius frowns. What about later?
Thursday, says Elodie. One seventy seven.
That's a big saving, says David.
What day is it today? asks Gaius.
Sunday. What a dilemma.
Shu and I'll go, says Elodie. We can suss out how to get from Perth to Lake Jasper.
No, no, says Gaius. I'm not waiting till Thursday. I'll go.
Okay, says Elodie. You and I'll go. And David, Shu and Arthur can join us on Thursday.
Shu is elated.
What about me? asks Terence.
He's forgotten he's not coming.
You're not coming, says Baby Pierre.
This is the first time Baby Pierre has spoken in Shu and Elodie's presence.
Who said you're not coming? asks Elodie.
He did, says Terence. He's right.
Shu makes a mistake he'll regret.
He picks up Baby Pierre and examines him closely.
Put me down! says Baby Pierre. I bear the the mark of the claw.
Shu drops Baby Pierre.
This is Baby Pierre, says Gaius. A remarkable pebble. A free thinker.
And atheist, says Baby Pierre.
How can you be both? asks Elodie.
Easily, says Baby Pierre.
He's an idiot, says Terence.
Not necessarily, says David. Being a free thinker just means he's open to changing his mind.
Okay, says Elodie, but if you're open to changing your mind you aren't a real atheist.
It's all in the timing, says Shu.
This is not particularly clever, but Gaius decides to pretend that it is.
How true, says Gaius, without saying exactly how true.
After all, he is leaving this afternoon with Elodie.
The team must get on well in his absence.
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