Not Necessarily A Pickle

What did you learn? asks Gaius.

Du Fresne's in a pickle, says Baudin. 

Elaborate, says Gaius.

In a bird hide with the aunties, says Baudin. 

That is not necessarily a pickle, says Gaius. 

He's being re-educated, says Baudin.

Even that may not be the worst thing, says Gaius. 

And what would be? asks Baudin.

If he were to lose sight of why he went there in the first place, says Gaius.

Good point, says Baudin. But he may well have lost sight of it.

Perhaps you could get in touch again and remind him, says Gaius. 

I can but try, says Baudin.

After all he is in a bird hide, says Gaius. 

Baudin tries. 

Crackle crackle swup crackle phee!

The attempt at communication reaches the bird hide.

Du Fresne fiddles with a protuberance on the side of his head.

That's your Old People again! says Auntie Doreen. Turn it up, so we can hear them.

Yes, says Auntie Leena. But make sure they know that we're listening.

Du Fresne makes another attempt to tune in.

Crackle swee! Du Fresne can you hear me? 

You Old People! says Auntie Flora. We're listening in!

That was Auntie Flora, says Du Fresne. The aunties want to ask if they might listen in.

Respectfully, says Auntie Doreen. We respect you Old People.

Crackle? says Baudin (or so it sounds in the the bird hide).

Speak up! says Du Fresne. 

Craaaackle! says Baudin unhelpfully.

I'll have to go outside, says Du Fresne. If the aunties will let me.

Sure we'll let you, says Auntie Leena. But this time we're coming as well.

Speak for yourself, Leena, says Flora.

You two coming? asks Flora. 

The aunties stand up, and follow Du Fresne out of the bird hide, where reception is better.

Just a reminder that you're there to follow up on the orange-bellied parrots, says Baudin. Have they found partners? Mated? Built their nests yet? Gaius is keen to know.

Apologies, says Du Fresne. I had forgotten. There's been a lot going on.

Keep your eyes open and stay in touch, says Baudin. Crackle crackle.

Du Fresne looks at the aunties. 

The aunties look back at Du Fresne.

The Old People have spoken, says Auntie Doreen. We'd best go back inside and finish off this bird business.

Du Fresne allows himself to feel somewhat encouraged.