Never Mind Academic

Excellent display of surfing, says Gaius. I thought you were a beginner.

Belle gave me a valuable  lesson, says Kierkegaard. Look where you're going. That helps immensely.

Wonderful, says Gaius. But we now have a problem with our crabs.

Where are they? asks Kierkegaard, seeing the crab bowls are empty.

Victor threatened to take them into custody, says Gaius.

Does he have the right? asks Kierkegaard.

He is a policeman, says Gaius.

I see he is a policeman, says Kierkegaard. My question is more academic.

Never mind academic, says Victor. Where are those crabs?

They got FREE! says Terence.

Surely that's not a crime, says Gaius.

Depends if they had assistance, says Victor.

Either way, says Gaius, it's a nuisance. Terence, did you see where they went?

Into the water, says Terence.

Everyone looks to the spots in the water where tell-tale bubbles rise up.

I don't have time for this, says Victor. So I'll let you off with a caution.

What is the gist of the caution? asks Gaius.

Stay at home, says Victor. Wash your hands. Keep two metres apart. Don't bring crabs here from Henley.

Very specific, says Gaius.

Victor walks off, knowing he's done his duty.

Under the sea, the sand stirs. The bubbles stop rising. Tops of carapaces appear. Eyes also.

Has he gone? asks Alexander-Curly.

I think so, says Alexander-Groovy.

So we can go back? says Alexander-Curly.

When we're ready, says Alexander-Groovy. But it's nice here.

Alexander-Red-Hook looks dreamy.

No one would notice three extra crabs at Middleton would they? We'd just blend in.

Woah! If SHE thinks that, and she is the control crab, why not the others?

Let's all live a bit longer.

No more experiment!

But...... she promised!