It Seemed Simple Then It Didn't

Gaius is beginning to wonder if he should retrieve the three crabs himself.

Terence has wandered away, looking for pebbles.

Kierkgaard has seen a wave forming, and is paddling towards it.

Yes, nothing else for it.

Gaius stands up.

He walks into the water, in his green Crocs.

That's what's good about Crocs. They are waterproof.

He treads carefully, aware that he could crush a crab.

Alexander-Red-Hook floats up, and taps on his shin with her claw.

Ah, says Gaius There you are. Have you considered?

It seemed simple, says Alexander-Red-Hook. Then it didn't.

How so? asks Gaius, who is always interested to hear the thoughts of other creatures when not otherwise distracted.

How do I make a decision? asks Alexander-Red-Hook. In my own best interests? In the interests of the three of us? In the interests of science?

Go on, says Gaius.

Kierkegaard set us thinking about a higher crab, says Alexander-Red-Hook. For me, the higher crab was hypothetical, but the others are now besotted.

Besotted? says Gaius. Do I understand they now worship a higher crab being?

Not yet, says Alexander-Red-Hook. But they are besotted with the idea of seeing him. They are now on a quest.

Jumping Jupiter! says Gaius. How far have they got?

Hard to say, says Alexander-Red-Hook. But they went that way.

She points out to sea.

Drat, says Gaius. If I could only get Kierkegaard's attention, I could alert him.

What would he do? asks Alexander-Red-Hook. He is a beginner. He looks where he is going, not under the water. That takes an expert.

If only Arthur were here, says Gaius. Arthur is reliable, AND an expert surfer. At least I suppose so. He does it enough.

And where has Arthur been anyway? He was meant to take charge of the crabs, for one day. He agreed to.

Indeed he did.

So he could turn up any minute.