Constellations and So On

Belle arrives at the Shipowner's House, with Baby Pierre and Ouvert.

Martin-Pierre Foache is standing outside.

There you are, says Martin-Pierre Foache. I was beginning to think you weren't coming.

But here we are, says Belle. This is Baby Pierre, and this is Ouvert, who isn't his cousin.

Not his cousin? says Matin-Pierre Foache. 

In case you thought he was, says Belle. He isn't. 

I took the name of his cousin, says Ouvert.

That clears that up, says Martin-Pierre Foache. Now, I believe Baby Pierre wanted to see me.

Yes, says Baby Pierre. Belle says you know Ageless lobster.

Indeed I do, says Martin-Pierre Foache. We sea-faring lobsters all know one another.

But Ageless is no seafarer, says Baby Pierre. He spends his time in the library.

And what is he reading? asks Martin-Pierre Foache.

Stuff, says Baby Pierre. About constellations and so on.

Constellations and so on, says Martin-Pierre Foache. There you are then. How may I help you?

Can we have a tour of the house? asks Belle.

Certainly, says Martin-Pierre Foache. But I'd prefer you to leave your half carrot outside. We don't encourage eating.

Okay, says Belle. She pays the seven euros. Martin-Pierre Foache gives her a map and list of contents.

Dont rely on it too heavily, says Martin-Pierre Foache.

Okay, says Belle.

She detaches the half carrot, and gives it to Martin-Pierre Foache for safe keeping.

She enters the Shipowner's House. It's a five story house built around a central light well, with rooms containing furniture, old maps, paintings, and various knicknacks dating back to the Ancien Régime, smelling faintly of fish.

Baby Pierre and Ouvert remain outside

Not going in? asks Martin-Pierre Foache.

No, says Baby Pierre. I want to ask you something.

Go ahead, says Martin-Pierre Foache.

If you were Ageless, what advice would you give me? says Baby Pierre.

In regards to what? asks Martin-Pierre Foache.  

Baby Pierre hesitates.

He crashed his bicycle in the Tour de France, says Ouvert. He wants to go home to Australia, but he has no means to get there.

No problem, says Martin-Pierre Foache. I'll get him on one of those cruise ships. They're always coming and going. We'll find one that's going to Australia.

He consults his smart phone.

Yes! The Oasis of the Seas will start offering cruises to Australia early next year. I'll book you a spot on the first one!

Next year? says Baby Pierre.