Evaporation Of The Fittest

A development! says Kierkegaard, waving the pickle.

My best friend has died, says Alexander-Red-Hook. And you call it a development, and wave a pickle.

Kierkegaard puts the pickle down.

Gaius comes over.

This is sudden, says Gaius. I expected her to last several days.

Perhaps you should not have let Terence move her near to the window, says Kierkegaard. By the way, is this your last pickle?

Yes, says Gaius. Are you planning to eat it?

I was, says Kierkegaard. Now, with this death, I think not.

Put it back in the jar, says Gaius. I shouldn't like to waste it.

Kierkegaard puts the lone pickle back in the jar. It is not entirely alone. Thin strands of dill float limply in the vinegary water.

You may be right, says Gaius, after Kierkegaard has washed his fingers, having dealt with the pickle.

Not to eat the pickle? says Kierkegaard.

About the window, says Gaius. The extra light may have been a factor.

I believe it was, says Alexander-Red-Hook. She looked straight at it, with a beatific expression.

Hum, says Gaius. The question is, what to do now?

Alexander-Curly, Alexander-Retro and Alexander-Groovy could step up, says Alexander-Red-Hook.

Gaius considers.

Yes, he still has four crabs. One a control crab, and a smart one at that. Her idea has merit. The question is, are four crabs enough for statistical significance?

What do you think, Kierkegaard? asks Gaius. Give up or continue?

Kierkegaard would like to give up. Then he could join Belle at the place down the coast (or up the coast, which was it?) wearing his purple skull shorts, and forget about science.

Continue, says Kierkegaard.

So much for self interest.

Or is it? One's image as serious person must be considered.

Very well, says Gaius. I shall ask them.

No, says Alexander-Red-Hook. They may be more self centred than my dear friend. Just do it.

They will wonder, says Gaius. I know! Where is Terence? Terence!

What? says Terence.

I have a task for you, says Gaius. Alexander-Yellowsun has died.

Shall I put her in this pickle jar? asks Terence.

Certainly not, says Gaius. Not while there's a pickle in it. No, I want you to tell the three male Alexanders that they're about to receive a top up. Behave as though it's a normal event. If they ask why, say....errm...

Evaporation, suggests Kierkegaard.

Of course! said Gaius. Evaporation. But only if they ask.

Yay! Terence gets to do something important!

He hopes they do ask.