Nearly As Good As A Parrot

Wittgenstein is about to get back in the Mazda.

But the driver's seat is covered in sand.

He uses his hand as a sweeper.

More sand? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Wittgenstein. Must be from when I went surfing.

How did that go? asks Gaius.

Let's say I had the intention of surfing, says Wittgenstein. But I opted out at the last minute. However I believe there's a Surf School at Saltwater.

You'll be enrolling? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Wittgenstein. I'm going there now. 

He gets back in the Mazda, starts up the engine and goes.

The camper pulls up at the swamp oak.

You guys want a lift? asks Sweezus. 

That would be most welcome, says Gaius. 

He and Terence climb in.

Where's the parrot? asks Sweezus.

He flew ahead to Saltwater, says Gaius.

Where's the frog? asks Arthur.

Here, says Terence. Want to hold him?

No thanks, says Arthur.

He's being quiet, says Terence.

I'm thinking, says Quiet-Tartus. 

I hear you boys are being pursued by sharks, says Gaius. 

Yeah, says Sweezus. Seems like they always know where we are.

What type are they? asks Gaius. 

Great Whites, says Sweezus. Remember when we had all that sea salt? We got it from them.

Yes of course, says Gaius. And red seaweed sushi. 

Both commercial failures, says Sweezus.

You'd think they'd know when to give up, says Gaius. 

Yeah, says Sweezus.

Would you like me to talk to them? asks Gaius. 

What about? asks Sweezus.

Going to Mexico, says Gaius.

Cool! says Sweezus. Wait. You mean them?

I do, says Gaius. Do they show signs of intellectual curiosity?

Dunno, says Sweezus.

Worth a try, says Gaius. When we get to Saltwater, try and set up a meeting. I am willing to paddle out on a surfboard, but only so far.

What if we don't see them? asks Sweezus.

Then you don't have a problem, says Gaius.

Terence has not followed the whole conversation, but he does like the ending.

He pats Gaius's leg.

What's that for? asks Gaius.

You're nearly as good as a parrot, says Terence.