Old Philosopher Dude

Terence is jumping around in the ship's cabin, testing his toes.

Another two hours till they get here, says Gaius.

We could get in some practice, says Arthur.

Practice? says Gaius. Oh yes, practice. I wonder who else is in Team Philosophe this year?

Why don't you call Vello and find out, says Arthur.

Good idea, says Gaius.

He calls Vello, who doesn't answer.

He tries David instead.

Hello? says David. Gaius? When are you back? We need to talk tactics.

ASAP, says Gaius. We're waiting for Katherine and Margaret to arrive in Kettering.

Oh, how is mother? asks David.

I don't know, says Gaius. She went off on her cheese tour. Margaret hived off to find rock samples. Arthur and I spotted several endangered birds. Now we're reconvening.

Well, don't linger, says David. This is hush-hush, but we'll have a new team member. You know what that means.

I'm out? says Gaius.

Of course not, says David.

Is he a philosopher? asks Gaius. Do I know him?

Everyone knows him, says David. At least in Denmark.

Kierkegaard? says Gaius.

Can't confirm or deny, says David. Just get back here, for team bonding. Goodbye.

Are you out? asks Arthur.

No, says Gaius. We've got a new team member. Danish.

Kierkegaard? says Arthur.

You know? asks Gaius.

You said it, says Arthur.

It's not confirmed yet, says Gaius.

I'll call Sweezus, says Arthur. He'll know.

Let me talk to him! says Terence.

Okay, says Arthur. But me first.

He calls Sweezus.

Bro! says Sweezus. What's up? When do we see you?

Tomorrow, says Arthur. Probably. What's new with Team Condor?

Got a new rider, says Sweezus,. Danish. In place of Pablo.

I heard Team Philosophe had a new Danish rider, says Arthur.

Yeah, Vello's signing up some old philosopher dude this morning, says Sweezus.

Me now! cries Terence, grabbing the phone.

Hi, little dude, says Sweezus. What's been happening?

Two of my toes broke off, says Terence. Arthur was going to nail them back on with NAILS! But now I've got duck tape.

Cool, says Sweezus. But it's duct tape, not duck tape. And you were heaps lucky, escaping the nails.

Yes but.... says Terence.

Crackle. Red light! Blackness.

Arthur's phone has run out of battery.

Leaving questions unanswered.