Death Or Glory!

Vello is alone in the office, when Katherine arrives.

Ah! Katherine, says Vello. It's good of you to fill in for Belle, at such short notice.

I know, says Katherine. What will you expect me to do, exactly?

Everything Belle did, says Vello. 

What did she do? asks Katherine.

Everything, says Vello. Packed our bicycles and ensured they were loaded onto the plane. Bought the electrolytic sports drinks and the Power Bars. And of course, the delicious surprise treats. Also the specialities of the region for our rest day picnics. 

And did she brush your teeth? asks Katherine.

Ha ha, laughs Vello. 

And wash your outfits? asks Katherine.

They were always laid out fresh every morning, says Vello. 

I won't be doing that, says Katherine. You must do your own washing.

Very well, says Vello. I suppose David can do it. 

You must all do your own, says Katherine. And that goes for N F S Grundtvig.

So you know about him? says Vello.

Yes, says Katherine. I believe he is reinventing himself as a cyclist.

As we have all had to do, says Vello.

Have you actually met him? asks Katherine.

Not actually, says Vello. We have done a Zoom conference.

And how did he look? asks Katherine.

Benign, says Vello. 

And that was enough? asks Katherine. Did he look vigorous?

I only saw his head and shoulders, says Vello. And his bookshelf looked impressive.

Really, says Katherine. What books did you spot?

They were all in Danish, says Vello. But all tooled leather covers.

Katherine is about to say that tooled leather covers are no reason to judge bookshelves impressive, when Terence bursts in, followed by David.

Guess what? says Terence.

Wait, says Vello. I need to speak to David.

Sweezus and Arthur are getting here tonight! says Terence. With my frog team!

Very nice, says Vello. David, we're going to have to do our own washing.

Are we? says David. How will it dry?

It's lycra, says Katherine. It will dry overnight as long as you remember to hang it up and don't leave it crumpled.....

Tonight! says Terence. 

Tonight? says Katherine. They must be travelling at twice the speed limit!

First thing in the morning, says David. But it's still less than 24 hours.

Good for them, says Vello. Death or glory!

Vello! says Katherine. Don't say such things in front of Terence.

What was wrong with what I said, Terence? asks Vello.

My frogs might die! says Terence.

And who else? asks Katherine.

Sweezus and Arthur, says Terence.

And who else? asks Katherine.

Terence wonders who else might die.

Whoever they crash into! says Katherine. 

There you are, says Vello. I've taught Terence a valuable lesson.