I Have Been Insulted

We'll try for the five o'clock ferry, says Dad. We should make it.

I'd better call Gaius, says Mum.

She calls Gaius.

Hello, Gaius, It's Rachel. We're on our way back to the ferry landing. Can you meet us there? By five o'clock? What? Oh, okay.

What did he say? asks Dad.

He can't, says Mum. But he'll send Arthur.

Arthur will be LATE, says Terence.

That will not matter, says Captain Bruni. I shall remain with Terence until Arthur arrives.

Mum looks at Dad.

Does Captain Bruni qualify as a responsible adult?

Well, of course. He is a captain.

Yes, but a lobster.

He's well respected on Bruny Island.

He is. And in any case, why should Arthur be late?

His knee, remember.

You have my word as a Captain, says Captain Bruni. Terence will be looked after.

Can we go to the kiosk? asks Terence.

We'll see, says Captain Bruni.

They arrive at the ferry landing. The ferry is already there.

Of course, Arthur isn't.

If you're sure, Captain Bruni, says Dad.

Captain Bruni bows stiffly.

Say goodbye, Jerry, says Mum.

Goodbye, says Jerry.

Thanks for everything, Captain Bruni, says Dad.

Yes, thank you, says Mum.

Dad drives onto the ferry.

Toot! Five minutes later the ferry leaves Bruny Island, for Kettering.

Right, says Captain Bruni. Quick march!

To the kiosk, says Terence. Maybe they'll have some more Spew Balls.

To the dinghy, says Captain Bruni. Time you did something useful.

Terence doesn't like this new Captain Bruni.

He starts to head for the kiosk.

Captain Bruni grabs Terence's leg with his dominant claw.

Dinghy, says Captain Bruni. You brought it here. You'll take it back.

Wah! says Terence. I don't know how to. I floated.

Ever heard of oars? says Captain Bruni.

What about Arthur? wails Terence.

We'll leave a note at the kiosk, says Captain Bruni.

Why are you so mean all of a sudden? asks Terence.

I have been insulted, says Captain Bruni. Did you hear them discussing whether I was a responsible adult?

No, says Terence.

And doubting me, because I'm a lobster.

No, says Terence.

But it seems not to matter that Terence did not hear the insult.

He is marched to the dinghy.

I think we can all agree that's not fair.