Like I'm Riding A Horse

How far is it? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Not far, says Terence.

Can I walk with Freddy? asks the Kroombit tinker. 

Freddy can't walk, says Terence.

Why? asks the Kroombit tinker.

He's made of chocolate, says Terence. He has to be careful.

I'd like to walk with you, says Freddy.

I could carry both of you, says Terence. One in each hand.

What about me? asks Greedy.

I could wear you, says Terence.

No one wears me, says Greedy.

It wouldn't be actual you, says Terence. You've got another glove inside you, remember?

O yes, says Greedy. Okay, put me on.

Terence puts Greedy on.

Ooh, says Greedy. 

Who do you want me to hold with the hand that's in you? asks Terence. Freddy or this guy?

I'm not a guy, says the Kroombit tinker. I'm a female.

A female. Freddy is glad. 

A beautiful one, says Freddy.

Thanks, says the Kroombit tinker. 

Greedy has decided she wants to hold the Kroombit tinker.

Because we're both girls, says Greedy. So it'll be nicer.

Terence picks up the Kroombit tinker with the hand that wears Greedy.

And Freddy in the other.

Now let's get going, says Terence. This mission is taking too long.

Wait! says Freddy.

Now what? asks Terence.

She wanted to walk with me, so we could talk, says Freddy. But I'm on this side and she's on that side with Greedy.

Her choice, says Terence. 

Could you walk with both hands close together? asks Freddy.

That would feel weird, says Terence.

He tries it.

It does feel weird. 

It looks like I'm riding a horse, says Terence.

How do you know? asks Freddy.

Because I once rode a pony, says Terence. 

How did that go? asks Freddy.

Good. I have perfect balance, says Terence. 

Greedy, the Kroombit tinker and Freddy are relieved to hear Terence has perfect balance.

Clouds sometimes pass over the moon. 

There are stones and roots to trip over.

And now, with both hands full, Terence can't use the torch.

Not To Eat But To Smell

It's a frog, says Terence. Bad luck, frog.

Bad luck, frog? 

The tiny Kroombit tinker frog thinks the worst.

But it needn't.

We're not looking for you, frog, says Terence.

Even though we're supposed to be, says Greedy.

You've confused it, says Freddy. Turn off the torch.

Terence turns off the torch.

Now the Kroombit tinker can see them.

A cement boy with curls, a rubber glove with white spots and a brown froglike creature with a bead in its head.

The bead-headed frog comes closer.

Fear not, says the bead-head. Hello. My name is Freddy.

Hello, says the Kroombit tinker. Can I go now?

Ask him to wait, says Terence. We'll be coming back later.

We don't know if it's the right sort of frog, says Greedy.

Ask it, says Terence.

What are you? asks Freddy.

The Kroombit tinker was raised in captivity and so knows the answer.

A Kroombit tinker, it replies.

Woop! says Terence. Ask it if it wants to come with us.

Do you want ... begins Freddy.

I heard the question, says the Kroombit tinker.

Well, do you? asks Terence.

Where are you going? asks the Kroombit tinker.

To see the letter from Greedith and Freddy, says Terence. 

Greedith is my granny, by the way, says Greedy. 

How far is it? asks the Kroombit tinker. 

Not far, says Terence. Freddy knows the way. 

Freddy, says the Kroombit tinker. So did you write the letter?

No, says Freddy. I've only recently learned how to speak.

He used to say why all the time, says Terence. 

Why? asks the Kroombit tinker

Yes, says Terence. So, are you coming?

The Kroombit tinker has nothing much to do. It has already eaten. It likes Freddy, who smells of chocolate. It likes chocolate. Not to eat, but to smell.

I'm coming, says the Kroombit tinker.

Off they go, in the moonlight. 

Freddy wonders if it would be all right to ask it its gender.

Found One!

Right, says Gaius. Does everyone have a torch?

I have, says Nerida.

And I have, says Katherine.

Where's my torch? asks Terence.

You won't need a torch, says Gaius. You're coming with me.

But I'm your deputy senior assistant, says Terence.

Good, Terence, says Gaius. You remembered your title, although I had forgotten it. If anyone has a spare torch, you may have it.

I have, says Nerida.

She gives Terence her spare torch.

Phew! that was a close one.

Terence nearly couldn't go on his mission with Greedy and Freddy.

We'll spread out, says Gaius. Move as quietly as you can. Stop every now and then to listen for tink tink sounds. 

What do we do if we hear a tink tink sound? asks Katherine.

Make a note of the location, says Gaius. And report back to me.

Katherine goes off with her torch, through the trees, towards the sound  of trickling water.

Click click. 

That sounds like the wrong sort of frog. She keeps going.

Squelch.

Nerida heads off towards another section of water. 

She hears something. She stops to listen.

Hee hee.

Could it be a laughing tree frog?

Whatever. It's not a tinker. She keeps going.

Hee-hee.

Gaius has heard it too. 

Is that you Terence? whispers Gaius. 

No reply.

He keeps going, towards the trickling water. 

Quiet, hisses Terence. No laughing. Who remembers the way?

Not me, says Greedy. I didn't come with you the first time.

I did, says Freddy. And I have a bead in my head. Put me down.

Terence puts him down.

That way, says Freddy.

Or the opposite, says Terence. Remember the water?

Don't confuse me, says Freddy.

Okay, says Terence. 

He shines the torch in the direction that Freddy has pointed.

Trees, bushes. Dirt, stones. 

Tink tink.

Hey, whispers Greedy. Stop a minute.

They stop.

Tink tink.

Terence points his torch at the sound.

Woo!

A tiny Kroombit Tinker frog crouches, rigid, in the spotlight.

A Granny-Type Name

It will soon be dark enough for frog hunting, says Gaius.

Let's eat first, says Katherine.

Yes let's, says Nerida. I'm starving.

Apples, cheese and dry biscuits, says Gaius. Washed down with spring water. What could be better?

He heads for the food tent.

Any number of things could be better, says Katherine. How about individual quiches?

Yes, says Nerida. Individual quiches would be nice.

Katherine goes to her tent and comes back with a zip-top bag which she opens.

She takes out four individual quiches.

I brought these for our first night, says Katherine.

Yum, says Nerida. And there's even one extra, because Arthur's not here.

Which one would you like? asks Katherine. There's one bacon and onion, one cheese, leek and artichoke, one asparagus and ricotta, and one sweet potato, chorizo and goat's cheese.

Asparagus and ricotta, says Nerida. 

Gaius returns with the apples, hard cheese and dry bicuits.

He sniffs. What's that aroma?

Katherine brought quiches! says Nerida.

Just for the first night, says Katherine. I know you won't mind.

Of course not, says Gaius. What a treat. First the sandwiches at lunchtime and now the quiches. What sort are they?

Katherine tells him. He chooses the one with sweet potato, chorizo and goat's cheese.

Terence and Freddy meanwhile have snuck into the food tent.

Is it time yet ? asks Greedy.

Yes, says Terence. It's night. We're going on an adventure.

Looking for frogs, says Greedy. I know.

Not frogs, says Terence. A letter.

To you, says Freddy. 

Almost exactly, says Terence.

What are you talking about? asks Greedy.

We went to see Beautiful Betsy, says Terence. And we saw a letter to Greedith and Freddy.

Greedith? says Greedy. That isn't me.

It sounds like you, says Terence.

Well it isn't, says Greedy.

Terence thinks.

Maybe it's your granny, says Terence. 

O yes, says Greedy, my granny. 

Do you agree? asks Terence.

Yes, says Greedy. Granny Greedith.

See, says Terence. Greedy agrees. I win the bet.

What bet? asks Greedy.

I said you wouldn't, says Freddy.

Wouldn't what? asks Greedy.

Agree with it, says Freddy. Being called Greedith.

Not me, my granny, says Greedy. It's a granny-type name.

Yay! says Terence. I get... wait... what do I get?

Not a horse, says Freddy.

I want to read the letter to Granny Greedith, says Greedy. 

Okay, says Terence. We'll go when the others go frog hunting.

We should take a torch, says Greedy.

Okay, says Terence. 

So it's decided. They'll go.

 

No Horse No Treasure

They finish looking at Beautiful Betsy and trudge back to the campsite.

What did you make of that, dear? asks Katherine.

It was like the end of a movie, says Nerida.

Or the other way round, says Katherine.

Huh? says Nerida.

The end of a movie is like what actually happened, says Katherine. 

Good point, says Nerida. 

What's this? asks Gaius.

Nothing, says Katherine.

I said it was like the end of a movie, says Nerida. 

How so? asks Gaius, who rarely sees a movie. 

It's the irony and all that, and the pathos, says Nerida.

Except it was real, says Katherine. That was the point I was making.

I see, says Gaius. But he does not see. He has been thinking ahead.

As is Freddy. 

We should come back with Greedy, says Freddy.

Yes, says Terence. Then she'd see her name on the letter.

My name, says Freddy.

And hers, says Terence. Almost.

How almost? asks Freddy. 

Greedith, says Terence. Dear Greedith and Freddy. 

It was Edith, says Freddy. 

Close, says Terence.

I bet she wouldn't have thought so, says Freddy.

I bet she would, says Terence.

You're on, says Freddy.

What does that mean? asks Terence.

It's a bet. If I win, I get something. If you win you get something.

A horse, says Terence.

Not a horse, says Freddy. 

Okay, says Terence. And what do you get?

Your best treasure, says Freddy.

Okay, says Terence.

He doesn't have a best treasure. He used to. But he lost it.

So ha ha! Freddy can't win.

The bet is on.

They approach the campsite.

The low sun casts long shadows. 

Water trickles. Frog noises start up.

Greedy stirs in the food tent. 

Until You Didn't

 It says Dear Freddy says Terence, pointing to the word 'Edith'.

Edith, says Katherine. This word is 'Freddy'.

Freddy looks at the word Freddy. 

His word.

Now he can read it.

So, says Freddy. Connection.

You died, says Terence.

No it wasnt Freddy who died, says Nerida. It was Roy Cannon who wrote them the letter.

You're alive, says Terence, to Freddy.

Probably not though, says Katherine. If Freddy was an adult in 1945, he may well be dead now.

See, says Terence. I was right the first time.

Can I look at Beautiful Betsy? asks Freddy. 

I'll take you, says Terence.

Don't put me back in the sandwich bag! says Freddy. It stinks of salmon.

Really Gaius! says Katherine. Why did you bring him in that?

I didn't want to melt him, says Gaius.

Terence has run off with Freddy in his hand.

His hand won't melt Freddy. 

He shows Freddy Betsy's propellor.

What's that? asks Freddy.

The whizzer that fell off the front of her, says Terence. 

I could use a whizzer, says Freddy.

What for? asks Terence.

When I hang from my string, says Freddy.

Terence imagines Freddy hanging from his string with a whizzer.

You could do loop-the-loops, says Terence.

I might not use the string, says Freddy.

You could whizz round the campsite looking for water, says Terence.

And beyond, extrapolates Freddy.

Until you crashed, says Terence.

You wrecked it, says Freddy.

What did I wreck? asks Terence.

My dream, says Freddy.

Okay, says Terence. Until you didn't. 

Freddy has to be happy with that.

Shades Of Sadness

Beautiful Betsy lies on a hillside, in various parts.

There is a plaque nearby, which explains things.

Where Betsy was going, (to Darwin) and who was on board (six American and two British airmen).

When she crashed, (1945),  and when she was found, (almost fifty years later).

On the plaque is a photo of Flight Officer Roy Cannon, one of the eight airmen who perished.

And a copy of his last letter.

Katherine starts reading.

Dear Edith and Freddy, Haven't heard from you for some time.....

Freddy! says Katherine. There's a coincidence. We should have brought Freddy. He'd have liked this.

Nerida and Terence are looking at a rusty propellor.

They hear the name Freddy.

We forgot Freddy! says Terence. He wanted to see Beautiful Betsy.

It may be a good thing, says Nerida. It would have made him feel sad. 

Because there are no bombs? asks Terence.

Not that, says Nerida. They weren't carrying bombs anyway. They were taking food supplies up to Darwin.

And the Darwins didn't get their food, says Terence. Is that sad?

And the eight airmen died, says Nerida. And weren't found until fifty years later. 

Too late, says Terence. Is THAT sad?

Not really, I guess, says Nerida. It's kind of romantic.

I don't get it, says Terence. I'm going to ask Katherine.

Ask her what? asks Nerida.

If she's sad, says Terence.

He runs over to Katherine.

Freddy's name is on this plaque, says Katherine. In this letter. See here!

Yikes! says Terence. 

It's not actually him, says Katherine. 

Are you sad? asks Terence.

No, says Katherine. It was a long time ago. And there's no point being sad. I thought Freddy would be interested.

He is interested, says Terence. I'll go and get him. I know the way.

No you don't! cries Katherine.

But Terence has run off in the campsite's direction.

Luckily Gaius is rapidly approaching, with Freddy in the sandwich bag smelling of salmon.

Well met, Terence! says Gaius.

Guess what? says Terence. Freddy got a letter. On a plaque. One of the crashed people sent it.

To Freddy? says Gaius. That's a long stretch.

Yes, says Terence. Come and see it.

Gaius follows Terence to the plaque, where Katherine is waiting.

Good, you brought Freddy, says Katherine. Show him this!

She points to his name in the letter from Flight Officer Roy Cannon.

Cannon? says Gaius. Flying a bomber. That's....

Right here, says Katherine, ignoring his attempt to find comedy in a memorial.

Gaius takes Freddy out of the sandwich bag.

At last! Freddy breathes freely again.

He looks at the spot on the plaque at which Katherine is pointing.

But sadly, he has not learned to read.

We Don't Want You Melting

 We're going to look for Beautiful Betsy, says Nerida. Want to come?

I assume that's the crashed bomber, says Katherine. 

Yes, says Nerida. 

One can't help wondering what those airmen were thinking, says Katherine. All right I'll come. Are you coming, Gaius?

No thanks, says Gaius. I'll stay at the campsite, and store my notes safely.

See you later then, says Katherine. 

We won't be too long, says Nerida. The crash site is on a hillside somewhere near here.

She and Katherine and Terence head off.

Gaius gathers his notes together. Weren't they supposed to be stapled?

No that's right, they were stapled, but in the incorrect order, and had to be unstapled

Best leave them as is, and trust to his numbering system.

He sits on a log in the shade, looking at the Kroombit tinker frog illustration.

A grey and brown back, with a wide dark stripe from the snout to the groin. A horizontal dark marking between the eyes. And their call is distinctive. Tink tink. Hence the name tinker. He certainly won't confuse a tinker frog with a laughing tree frog, or a clicking froglet, both of whom live in the region.

He shoves the notes inside Arthur's tent, and takes out a bottle of water.

He could do with a drink.

He hears something. Hoo hoo! A frog call?

It is coming from Terence's tent. 

He heads over.

It's Freddy, still dangling between two tents on his string.

They left me behind, says Freddy. I wanted to see Beautiful Betsy.

I'm free now, says Gaius. And I'd be interested to see Beautiful Betsy. Come, we'll soon catch them up.

He unhooks Freddy and starts off in the direction the others had taken.

Freddy soon becomes sticky.

Curses, says Gaius. We don't want you melting. 

He feels around in his pocket.

Yes! the empty sandwich bag. He drops Freddy in it.

Now he can carry him without direct contact.

Problem solved.

Freddy swings back and forth in the sandwich bag, as Gaius is walking.

He is not as keen as he was to see Beautiful Betsy.

He feels ill. The sandwich bag smells of smoked salmon.

The Colour Of Bruises

Freddy failed, says Terence.

Not at all, says Gaius. Thanks to Freddy, we know that the water is in the opposite direction to that in which he was pointing.

Yes! says Terence. Freddy was right!

In a sense, says Gaius. Which way was he pointing?

That way, says Terence.

That's where I thought I heard trickling water, says Katherine. 

Then we have a conundrum, says Gaius. It's the same direction.

I'll go and see, says Terence.

He runs towards the place where Katherine heard the trickling.

Through some low bushes, between two blue gums, and stops.

Trickling water!

He turns and runs back again.

Yes! says Terence. The water is there!

Perhaps you should go and tell Freddy he was pointing in the right direction after all, says Katherine.

Okay, says Terence.

He runs back to his tent, to tell Freddy.

Nerida is sitting in front of her tent, which is next to Terence's, and linked by a string.

She is arranging coloured beads, from her collection.

Spelling out ARTHUR, in purple and yellow.

The colour of bruises.

Guess what! says Terence. Freddy was pointing in the right direction!

Good for him, says Nerida. He's a true water diviner.

What? asks Freddy.

You were pointing in the right direction, says Terence. Only you thought it was wrong.

That's still a failure in my book, says Freddy.

Never mind, says Nerida. We've got the whole afternoon. Let's all go and look for Beautiful Betsy.

Okay, says Terence. Who's Beautiful Betsy?

The bomber, says Nerida. The one that crashed somewhere near here. It was called Beautiful Betsy.

Terence and Freddy are both keen to find Beautiful Betsy.

A beautiful bomber, in the forest. 

Freddy imagines her as a frog-like beauty. A large mouth, a white belly.

Terence is hoping she still has her bombs.

Leave Him To Dangle

Gaius and Katherine have pitched their tents, without mishap.

Gaius has wriggled into his tent, feet first.

Not bad, says Gaius. My feet touch the end, but there's plenty of room for my shoulders.

And not much else, says Katherine, peering in. Luckily we have Arthur's tent, which he won't be using.

So we do! says Gaius. We can store our supplies in it. Keep them handy.

They set about pitching Arthur's tent.

Meanwhile Nerida has strung a nylon thread between her tent and Terence's.

She has cut another short length and tied one end round Freddy's middle.

Freddy can now be suspended.

She ties Freddy on.

Freddy's job has begun.

Point to water, says Terence.

I will, says Freddy.

When? asks Terence.

When I know, says Freddy.

He doesn't know, says Terence.

Leave him to dangle, says Nerida. 

She goes off to help Katherine and Gaius.

Is that Arthur's tent? asks Nerida.

Yes, we plan to store food in it, says Katherine.

And my notebooks, says Gaius. These tents are quite small.

What happens when he comes? asks Nerida.

Then we shall have to put everything back in the 4WD Wagon, says Gaius. Unless Arthur prefers to sleep in the vehicle.

Did you string Freddy up? asks Katherine.

Yes, says Nerida. I've used up most of my string.

You can re-use it, once Freddy finds water, says Gaius.

He should have found it already, says Katherine. I think I hear a trickle.

She does. There is water nearby.

Freddy also can hear it, but he has a question.

So, says Freddy.

What? asks Terence.

Which way is my bead pointing? asks Freddy.

Terence looks. 

That way, says Terence.

Could you draw it in the dirt? asks Freddy.

Terence draws it in the dirt, with his claw finger.

Okay, says Freddy. That's what I thought. But the water is the other way.

That's bad information, says Terence.

He runs to tell Gaius that Freddy has pointed in the opposite direction to the water which is bad information....

Fortunately Gaius is used to interpreting bad information.

Kind Of Obvious

It's broken, says Terence.

It's not broken, says Nerida. Let me help you.

She reinserts the fibreglass pole through one end of his tent.

Now, says Nerida. You stick the ends of the poles through these key rings.

Oh, says Terence.

You seem to know what you're doing, says Katherine.

It's kind of obvious, says Nerida. 

Yes, says Terence. Can I get in yet?

Not yet, says Nerida. Now we put the outer cover on.

She throws it on, fixes the guy lines, opens the front, ties back the flaps, unzips the mesh inner door.

Get in, says Nerida.

Yay! says Terence. He gets in.

She closes the mesh door.

Now no bugs can get you, says Nerida.

Terence looks out. No bugs can get him.

Now I'll pitch mine next to yours, says Nerida. Then, remember what we said we would do?

No, says Terence. 

String a thread up between our two tents and suspend Freddy from it, says Nerida.

Terence had forgotten, but he wants to string Freddy up anyway. 

Freddy deserves it.

Katherine extracts Freddy from the sandwich bag, where she had put him for safe-keeping, and hands him to Nerida.

Where are we? asks Freddy.

Waiting, says Terence.

What for? asks Freddy.

We're at the frog place, says Terence. But it's not dark, yet. So you're going to swing.

What if I don't want to? says Freddy.

You do want to, says Terence.

You'll have an important job, says Nerida. When you're suspended, your bead will point towards water.

So? says Freddy. 

It will help us to locate the frogs, says Nerida.

See? says Terence.

Freddy remembers the bead in his head that Gaius had put back in sideways.

He has an important job. Locating water.

He hears water trickling nearby.

Trickle-trickle.

This will be easy.

The Worst Tent

They have entered the Kroombit Tops National Park.

They are now on the Razorback track.

Keep going, says Nerida. There's meant to be a campsite.

They jolt up and down in the 4WD wagon, past sandstone escarpments, gorges, creeks, waterfalls, woodlands and scrub.

I see what they mean, says Katherine.

Indeed, says Gaius.

 

They reach the campsite and stop there.

Is this it? asks Terence.

This is where we'll pitch our tents, says Gaius.

Let's eat first, says Katherine.

If you insist, says Gaius. I suppose we have plenty of time.

I want to look for frogs NOW, says Terence.

The Kroombit tinker frog is nocturnal, says Gaius.

Now you tell us, says Katherine.

She opens a bag of wrapped sandwiches.

Sandwiches! says Gaius. This is a fine treat. What's in them?

Smoked salmon, avocado and lettuce, says Katherine.

They sit on fallen logs and unwrap the sandwiches.

What can I do? asks Terence.

You can set up your tent, says Gaius.

He puts down his sandwich, and goes to the back of the 4WD Wagon, and takes out a one-person tent.

He unzips the covering and tips out the parts.

Inner tent, outer cover, tent pegs, guy lines, and fibreglass poles.

Yay! says Terence. What do I do first?

Insert the poles, says Gaius.

He returns to his sandwich.

So, says Katherine. We have all afternoon to set up, because the frogs are nocturnal.

It will be fun, says Nerida. We can look for that World War 2 bomber.

What World War 2 bomber? asks Katherine.

There's one here somewhere, says Nerida. It crashed here in 1945. It would be heaps cool to find it.

Don't go looking on your own, says Katherine. Perhaps we can look for it together. Although I must say I have little interest in finding a bomber.

History, says Gaius, chewing the last of his crusts.

And what has it taught us? asks Katherine.

It's just cool, says Nerida.

Wah! cries Terence. 

One end of his fibreglass pole has sprung out of ground.

Boing!

Then the other end collapses.

Bumhole! His tent is no good.

The Better Maths

Greedy is fixed

How do I look? asks Greedy.

Normal, says Terence.

Same as before? asks Greedy.

Not exactly, says Terence. 

You have white spots, Greedy, says Katherine. Due to your holes, but they look quite becoming.

Becoming? says Terence. What are they becoming?

Not bigger, I hope, says Greedy.

As long as you don't over-exert yourself, says Katherine. They should stay the same.

Yes, take it easy, says Nerida. 

Is this Biloela? asks Gaius. 

They have passed rocky scree slopes, and basalt columns, and are now going through open woodlands with vine thickets, in the Shire of Banana.

Just coming up, says Nerida. Take a left into Gladstone-Monto Road.

Gaius takes a left.

Nearly there, says Nerida. Turn right into Tableland Road then it's twenty five k's to the park boundary.

Excellent! says Gaius. 

We'll be there in time for lunch, says Katherine.

We must set up camp first, says Gaius. But that shouldn't take long.

Five tents, says Katherine. It could take a while.

They're supposed to take seven minutes to pitch, says Nerida. That's a total of thirty five minutes.

I'll do mine, says Terence. Then it will only be thirty.

Twenty eight, says Greedy. Thirty five minus seven.

Yes, says Terence.

Is twenty eight, says Greedy.

You're good at maths, says Nerida.

It's the fingers, says Greedy.

Good to know, says Gaius. I might make you responsible for the frog count.

What about me? asks Terence.

You'll be busy pitching everyone's tents, says Nerida. 

That's not fair, says Terence.

He sulks for a few minutes, until he realises:

She thinks his maths is better!

White Spots And Thumb Flap

Gaius is driving.

Nerida navigates, using Gaius's notes.

South west to Calliope, says Nerida.

Where? asks Gaius.

There's bound to be a sign, says Katherine.

She is in the back seat with Terence, and Greedy. 

There it is! says Nerida. A sign to Calliope.

Gaius turns towards Calliope. 

Now we follow the Dawson Highway to Biloela, says Nerida. 

Easy, says Gaius. How are you finding my notes?

A bit hard to read, but I'm coping, says Nerida. 

Let me see, says Katherine.

Nerida hands her the notes.

Good heavens, says Katherine. Dogson Hoy, Billaloo, how did you decode it?

Got GPS on my phone, says Nerida.

I'd stick to using that if I were you, says Katherine.

Ha ha, laughs Gaius. 

He is in a good mood.

How's it going with Greedy? asks Nerida. 

I'm leaving it all up to Terence, says Katherine.

Yes, says Terence. Greedy is all up to me.

Have you got the rubber glove we got from that nurse? asks Nerida.

Yes, says Terence. Do I blow it up first?

Yes, maybe a little, says Nerida. But not fully.

Okay, says Terence.

Have you still got the bread tie? asks Nerida.

Yes, says Terence.

Then go for it, says Nerida.

Terence blows into the disposable rubber glove. It inflates just a little. He closes it with the bread tie.

Now insert it carefully into Greedy, says Nerida.

Terence tries. Push, wriggle.....fluuurb.

Greedy looks weird, says Terence. She has white spots and her thumb isn't proper.

Greedy may look weird with white spots and a thumb flap, but her mouth is now working.

Terence! says Greedy. 

I fixed you! says Terence. Guess what! We're going to Biloola.

Biloela, says Nerida. and we're not stopping.

I don't feel quite right, says Greedy. 

Let me have Greedy, says Nerida.

Terence thrusts Greedy towards her.

I see what's wrong, says Nerida. It's a right glove!

How can a right glove be a wrong glove? asks Terence.

Nerida pulls out Greedy's insert and deflates it, deftly turns it inside out, re-inflates it, and reinserts it.

Push wriggle. But no fluuurb.

Greed is fixed.

She is, we can now assume, a left glove.

Bitter Sweet Feelings

Is everyone ready? asks Gaius.

Ready, says Katherine. Are the tents in the car?

They are, says Gaius. Do you have the food and water?

Here, says Nerida. 

Then we're off to Kroombit Tops at last! says Gaius. 

Those little Tinkers will have grown up by now, says Katherine. How long do frogs live, by the way?

Anything from one day up to to thirty years, says Gaius.

One day? says Terence.

The unlucky ones, says Gaius. It is not a natural life span.

Woo, says Terence. Hear that, Freddy?

So! says Freddy.

Was that Freddy saying so? asks Nerida.

Yes, says Terence. He can say 'so' and 'connection'.

Did you teach him? asks Katherine. 

No, says Terence, he learned by himself.

We believe he understands the meaning of so and connection, says Gaius. But now, let us get going.

They go to reception, and settle the bill, then drive to the Gladstone Hospital, for Arthur.

They go up to his room.

The bed is empty.

A nurse comes in.

Arthur hasn't died, says the nurse, if that's what you're thinking.

We were not thinking Arthur had died, says Gaius. Where is he?

He left you a note, says the nurse. 

Gaius reads the note.

Drat! says Gaius. He has gone off somewhere and will catch up with us later.

Nerida looks dejected.

Never mind, dear, says Katherine. Arthur often slopes off on his own. It goes with being a poet.

Yes, says Gaius. We must cut him some slack. Nerida, you are henceforth promoted to senior assistant. 

And me, says Terence.

And you, Terence, says Gaius, will be my deputy senior assistant.

Yippee! says Terence

Connection! says Freddy.

He knows, says Terence. Good boy, Freddy.

So! says Freddy.

You must all leave now, says the nurse. We need the bed for the next patient.

Before we go, says Nerida, do you have any spare rubber gloves we could borrow?

There's a pack of disposables in the bottom drawer, says the nurse. You're welcome to take a couple.

We only need one, says Nerida. Thank you.

No worries, says the nurse. 

They leave Gladstone Hospital and pile into the 4WD Wagon.

Gaius is in a good mood. His frog survey is finally happening.

Katherine is happy. Her role as a chaperone has just become easier. 

Nerida has bitter-sweet feelings about her promotion.

Terence does not.

A Confident So

Terence knocks on the door.

Katherine opens, in floral pyjamas.

You're bright and early! says Katherine.

Where's Greedy? asks Terence. 

Come in, says Katherine. 

Terence goes in.

Are you looking for Greedy? asks Nerida.

Yes, says Terence. She might have got fixed by Gaius's brain.

That is unlikely, says Katherine.

Nerida fetches Greedy, who is in poor condition, deflated and holey.

Doesn't matter, says Terence. Now we know what to do.

What? asks Nerida.

Put a new glove inside her, says Terence. The cleaner was going to, but Gaius says cleaners don't do it.

No, they don't, says Katherine. They discard old gloves and use new ones.

But it would work for Greedy, says Nerida. 

We'll buy a pair of rubber gloves before picking up Arthur, says Katherine.

Yay! says Terence. Can I take Greedy back to my room and show her to Freddy?

Of course, says Katherine. Just don't leave her behind when we go.

Terence goes out, with poor drooping Greedy.

Terence loves Greedy, says Nerida.

And Freddy, says Katherine. Let's hope there'll be no complications.

No MORE complications, says Nerida.

....

Back in Gaius's room, Terence shows Greedy to Freddy.

Look, says Terence. Greedy's flat now, but she's getting new insides. 

So! says Freddy.

What? says Terence.

Was that Freddy speaking? asks Gaius. Did I hear Freddy say so?

Say it again, says Terence.

Did I hear Freddy say so? repeats Gaius. 

Not you, him, says Terence.

So! says Freddy with more confidence.

He learned a new word! says Terence.

I wonder what he meant by it, says Gaius. What had you just said to him?

Greedy is getting new insides, says Terence.

So! says Gaius. Obviously Freddy has made a connection.

What is it? asks Terence.

Ask him, says Gaius. I really ought to start packing.

Okay, says Terence. What's the connection?

Freddy thinks hard. The connection. What is it?

Connection, says Freddy.

He knows! says Terence. 

Greedy is listening. If only she had new insides!

She would put a bomb under slow-witted Freddy.

The Good Brain

Terence is at the window, with Freddy. 

No sign of Greedy.

I had an odd dream, says Gaius.

Was I in it? asks Terence.

Yes, says Gaius. And so was Greedy.

I forgot about Greedy! says Terence. Where is she?

In Katherine and Nerida's room, I imagine, says Gaius.

Can I go there? asks Terence.

It's too early, says Gaius. Wait a while.

Tell me about the dream, says Terence. Was Greedy talking again?

Yes, she was talking, says Gaius. 

What did she say? asks Terence.

That a cleaner found her and fixed her, says Gaius.

Yay! says Terence.

And left her in here, adds Gaius.

I'd better check, says Terence.

He puts Freddy down.

Waart! says Freddy.

What's wrong with Freddy? asks Gaius.

He wishes you dreamed about him, says Terence.

I did, earlier, says Gaius. He was swinging back and forth on a string in a forest.

Hear that, Freddy? says Terence. You were swinging back and forth in a forest.

Why? wonders Freddy. 

Can I go now? asks Terence.

Not yet, says Gaius. Wait another ten minutes.

Terence sits down.

How did the cleaner fix Greedy? asks Terence.

She put a new glove inside her, says Gaius. 

That was smart, says Terence.

But think about it, says Gaius. Why would a cleaner do that? That's how I knew it was a dream.

So who did it? asks Terence.

No one, says Gaius. My brain formed the idea.

It's a good brain! says Terence. Can I go now?

All right, says Gaius. I'll stay here with Freddy.

He opens the door for Terence.

Terence runs out.

Gaius gets back into bed for a few extra minutes. 

Freddy hopes Terence will come back with Greedy. 

Greedy, who needs a new glove inside her. If she already has one, what will she say?

And what will HE say? 

He decides it is time to improve his vocabulary. 

Night Of Broken Dreams

While Katherine dreams about green and brown frogs, Nerida dreams about Arthur.

She is with him, in his tent.

It is night time.

He is writing a poem, which must be for her..

She is stringing gold beads, making a bracelet, which must be for him

One of Katherine's green and brown frogs darts up her leg.

Get off me! shouts Katherine, thrashing about in her bed.

Nerida wakes. Lovely dream over.

In the next room, Gaius too is dreaming.

He is in a dark forest, searching for frogs.

He treads softly, in the faint torchlight. 

Something brushes across his forehead.

Is it a spider? No, spiders don't swing in that way.

Backwards and forwards, and smelling of chocolate.

He wakes with a start.

Terence is sitting by the window, whispering.

Whispering to someone.

Who can it be?

Could it be Greedy?

Yes, it's Greedy. How did she get here?

Gaius listens.

Where were you? whispers Terence.

In Katherine's room, whispers Greedy. 

How did you get here? whispers Terence.

A cleaner found me, whispers Greedy. She fixed me.

That's good, whispers Terence.

Not that good, whispers Greedy. She used me. Then she brought me in here.

How did she fix you?, whispers Terence. 

She put another pink rubber glove inside me, whispers Greedy.

Stop! A cleaner would never do that.

Cover a good glove with a ruined one.

Again Gaius wakes with a start.

Waart!

That was careless, says Gaius. But I'll fix it.

He picks up the Y bead and presses it back into Freddy.

Freddy looks different, says Terence.

Freddy tries to ask why.

But his 'why' comes out wrong.

It sounds like more like 'waart'.

Dear me, says Gaius. I've replaced the bead side on.

It looks nicer like that, says Nerida. Like one of those pointing sticks that tell you where to find water.

It is one! cries Terence. Freddy knows how to find water. Find water, Freddy.

Waart? says Freddy. 

He doesn't know how to find water, but there is a bottle of water on the table, half full (or half empty).

And Freddy is near it.

Terence turns Freddy so his Y-stick points to the water.

He's showing us! cries Terence.

You made him, says Nerida. We should do a real test.

But not now, says Katherine. I vote we go back to the hotel, get a good night's sleep, pick Arthur up in the morning, drive to Kroombit Tops, set up camp and then let Freddy prove his ability.

By finding our water, says Terence.

And not just our bottled water, says Nerida. Flowing water.

He can do it! says Terence. Except he can't move without me.

We'll suspend him, says Nerida. On a string or something.

But not in the sun, says Gaius.

I've got some nylon thread that I use for my friendship bracelets, says Nerida.

Perfect say Katherine. Shall we go now?

They leave the Rocksalt Bar, and head for their hotel.

Nerida makes Katherine a friendship bracelet, with green and brown beads, to remind her of frogs, then they sleep.

Katherine has a dream about frogs.

Understandably.

Chips Won't Eat You

 It's dinner time.

Katherine, Nerida, Gaius and Terence are in the Rocksalt Bar.

Terence places Freddy on the table.

Why did you bring Freddy? asks Gaius.

He was scared a potato would eat him, says Terence.

That is more likely to happen here than in our hotel room, says Gaius.

Freddy, who had up to now been apprehensive, begins to feel scared.

This is nice, says Katherine. A sea view.

Nerida looks at the menu.

Bao buns, says Nerida. I love them.

I'll have the prawn pasta, says Katherine.

Gaius feels like something substantial.

He orders a burger and chips.

What can I have? asks Terence.

A glass of water, says Katherine.

She pours him a glass of water. 

I only like red drinks, says Terence.

Here, says Nerida, have a Red Ripper. 

Can I dunk it? asks Terence.

You can do what you like, says Nerida.

Except bite it, says Katherine.

Terence dunks his Red Ripper.

Katherine's prawn pasta arrives. And Nerida's bao buns. And Gaius's burger and chips.

They start eating.

Terence finishes his pale red water.

Now what? asks Terence. Can I take Freddy to look at the view?

All right, says Katherine.

Terence takes Freddy to the window, to look at the view.

He holds Freddy up, so Freddy can see better. 

Like it? asks Terence.

Freddy doesn't answer.

Don't be scared, says Terence. The only potatoes around here are chips. Chips won't eat you.

Why? asks Freddy.

Terence takes Freddy back to the table to show him the chips that came with Gaius's burger.

Then Freddy will see what he means.

A chip could never eat a whole Freddo.

Look, says Terence.

What are you doing? asks Gaius.

Showing Freddy your chips, says Terence. Where are they?

I've eaten them, says Gaius.

All of them? asks Terence.

No, here's one I missed, says Gaius.

It's a fat one. And still fairly hot.

Oh no!

Freddy's head is so close to the chip that his head softens.

His Y bead falls out.

 

Potato Child

Gaius returns to the hotel with five tents in the back of the 4WD Wagon.

Where's Freddy? asks Terence.

Here, says Gaius, taking Freddy out of his pocket. You will notice a change in his upper regions.

Where are his upper regions? asks Terence.

His head, says Nerida. What happened?

I was advised by someone in the camping shop that the bead could pose a hazard, says Gaius.

What kind of hazard? asks Nerida.

A child could eat it and choke, says Gaius. 

Who? asks Terence.

No one in particular, says Gaius. A putative child. 

Ha ha! A potato child! says Terence.

Don't you have something to tell Freddy, says Katherine.

Yes, says Terence. Come here, Freddy.

Freddy can't move on his own, so Terence comes closer.

Remember what the doctor said? asks Terence.

Why? asks Freddy.

Because if you don't remember I'll have to tell you, says Terence.

Just tell him, says Nerida.

You'll get a headache, says Terence. 

Why? asks Freddy.

Because the doctor said, says Terence. But guess what?

Freddy can't guess.

The letter Y was inside your head, says Terence. And a potato child might eat it. 

Why? aks Freddy. 

And die, says Terence.

Freddy can't argue with that.

And, says Terence, that's why Gaius opened your head up. He loves potatoes.

Freddy thought he knew why Gaius opened his head up.

Not because he loves potatoes.

Or was it?

Dinner time, says Katherine. I vote we go to the Rocksalt Bar. It's near here.

Excellent, says Gaius. I'm feeling quite peckish.

Can Freddy come? asks Terence.

No one is listening, so no one says no.

Freddy is coming. 

He resolves to watch out for unsupervised potatoes.

The Chosen One

Gaius pulls Freddy out of his pocket.

I forgot you were in there, says Gaius.

Why? asks Freddy.

How does one know why one forgets things? says Gaius.

Freddy does not know the answer.

So he remains quiet in his ripped open packet.

He looks up.

Where are they?

A camping shop, and Gaius is next in the queue.  

How may I help you? asks the assistant.

I'm here to pick up five one-person tents which have already been paid for, says Gaius.

Ah yes, says the assistant. Have you got the receipt?

I did have, says Gaius. 

He puts Freddy down on the counter and feels again in his pocket.

Chocolate frog? says the assistant. How come the packet's open?

A long story, says Gaius. This frog's packet was lost. We obtained an empty packet, and tried to force the frog into it, but it became evident that the frog had melted in the meantime, and become wider. However, thanks to a young colleague with artistic talents, it has been reconstructed. Would you guess there's a bead in its head?

No I wouldn't, says the assistant. A friendship bead, is it?

I believe so, says Gaius. How did you know?

The girl who came in with the woman who ordered the tents was wearing friendship bracelets, says the assistant.

So you put two and two together, says Gaius. Well done.

When you've finished nattering, says the person behind Gaius, I'd like some service.

Apologies, says Gaius. I'll be on my way as soon as I pick up the tents.

The assistant goes off to find them. They'll be out the back somewhere.

You want to be careful, says the person behind Gaius.

I beg your pardon? says Gaius. 

A bead in a chocoate frog's head. What if someone tries to eat it?

I hadn't considered it, says Gaius. This frog is not destined to be eaten. It has been chosen.

That's all very well, says the person behind Gaius. But what if a kid sees it and, not knowing any better, eats it and chokes on the bead?

I see your point, says Gaius. I shall act to ensure that won't happen.

He eases Freddy out of the packet.

He rubs Freddy's forehead, until the surface of the bead is exposed. 

Y, says Gaius. Very appropriate. It is typical of Nerida, to think of such things

Freddy thinks so too. 

He has a Y on his forehead and everyone can see it.

He looks forward to camping. The Kroombit frogs will know he's been chosen.

The assistant comes back with the tents.

The Power Of Y

Gaius and Terence go back to the hotel.

Katherine and Nerida are waiting.

Has Arthur been seen by a doctor? asks Katherine.

Yes, says Gaius. He'll be discharged in the morning.

That's great! says Nerida. We can all go to Kroombit Tops together.

Nerida and I have done the shopping, says Katherine. And the tents have been paid for. You can pick them up any time.

Excellent, says Gaius. I'll go and do it. 

Katherine gives him the receipt.

Gaius leaves.

Terence looks into the shopping bags.

Apples, red and green, dry biscuits, spring water, and yay! a red drink in a large plastic bottle.

Cranberry jiuce, says Nerida. And we bought a few treats.

What are they? asks Terence.

Mints, says Nerida, and Red Ripperz.

Have you ever had Red Ripperz? asks Katherine.

No, says Terence. What are they?

Red toffees, says Nerida. We thought you could safely suck them. 

Can Freddy have one? asks Terence.

Of course not, says Katherine. He's a chocolate frog. He can't suck a toffee.

The doctor said he might get a headache, says Terence.

Why? asks Nerida. 

Because of the bead in his head, says Terence.

He won't, says Nerida. Do you want to know why?

Yes, says Terence. 

Well, says Nerida, the bead I chose was a friendship bead with a letter on it, and the letter was Y.

So what? says Terence.

It's the question he's always asking, says Nerida. And it's part of him now

Does he know? asks Katherine.

I guess so, says Nerida. Or maybe he doesn't. I had to work quickly, and then the doctor came in.

He doesn't! says Terence.

We'll tell him, says Katherine, where is he?

Wah! cries Terence. I don't know.

Gaius will have him, says Katherine.

She is right. Gaius does have him. 

He is in a long queue at the camping shop.

He has reached into his pocket. Where did he put that receipt?

What's this? His fingers curl around Freddy.

Having Meant To Be Funny

Katherine and Nerida have gone shopping.

Gaius and Terence have stayed with Arthur.

A doctor comes in.

Hello, I'm Dr. Rainford, says the doctor. Let's have a look at you.

She has a quick look at Arthur.

He looks fine, except for his knees.

I see you've picked off some scabs, says Dr. Rainford.

He always does it, says Terence.

You should use Vaseline, says Dr. Rainford. The scabs slide off easily, without scarring.

I'm afraid it's my fault, says Gaius. They came off when I licked them.

You licked them? says Dr. Rainford.

An old Roman remedy, says Gaius. 

I thought the old Roman remedy was vinegar, says Dr. Rainford.

That is another one, says Gaius. But I didn't have any vinegar so I tried the saliva, even though saliva is generally for snake bites.

It's no antidote, says Dr. Rainford. But saliva does contain a protease inhibitor that helps promote healing.

There you are, says Gaius. We old Romans knew a thing or two.

As we are constantly learning, says Dr. Rainford. 

It Arthur better? asks Terence. We're going camping. I've got my own frog.

Where will you be camping? asks Dr. Rainford.

Kroombit Tops National Park , says Gaius. We'll be looking for Kroombit Tinkers.

Really? says Dr. Rainford. I heard that they're almost extinct.

My frog was almost extinct, says Terence.

He shows her his Freddo.

What's that in his head? asks Dr. Rainford.

A bead, says Terence. Arthur ate some of his head accidentally.

Dear me, says Dr. Rainford. 

He didn't mean to, says Terence.

He may suffer from headaches, says Dr. Rainford.

I don't get headaches, says Arthur.

Not you, says Dr. Rainford. The Freddo.

What will he do if he gets a headache? asks Terence.

There is very little he can do, says Dr. Rainford. But you could try licking him.

She smiles, having meant to be funny.

As for you, Arthur, says Dr Rainford. You'll be discharged in the morning. Good luck with the camping.

She leaves. 

What a knowledgeable doctor, says Gaius.

She hardly looked at me, says Arthur.

Apart from that, says Gaius. 

He Got Wider!

Freddy feels cramped inside his new packet.

No one has answered his question.

The question is WHY?

He will have to think it out for himself.

Firstly, he was inside his own packet, fitting nicely.

His fellow Freddos were all fitting nicely in theirs.

Then .... Rip! Crumple!

His own little packet is ripped open.

He is in Terence's hand and his belly is melting.

That's when it happened! 

He got wider!

Meanwhile outside the packet, Katherine is speaking.

If we put him somewhere cool, he'll solidify, says Katherine.

But did you see how hard it was for Terence to force him into the packet? says Nerida.

Yes, says Katherine. We should reshape him first.

Terence, says Nerida, can you squeeze Freddy out again?

Terence squeezes Freddy's packet, from the bottom.

He won't come out, says Terence.

Give him to me, says Arthur.

NO! you'll eat him, says Terence.

I won't, says Arthur. I've had too much already.

Terence gives Arthur the packet.

Arthur inserts two fingers into the packet, to grasp Freddy's head.

He draws Freddy out of the packet, and gives him to Terence.

He's ruined! cries Terence.

Not necessarily, says Gaius. He'll still be pliable.

Freddy doesn't look good. 

His head has caved in. There is a thin spot where Arthur's fingers have pinched him.

Arthur is licking his fingers.

That was part of his head! says Terence. 

Never mind, says Katherine. At least we've got something to work on. Who's artistic?

I am, kind of, says Nerida.

Then you should be the one who moulds Freddy back into shape, says Katherine.

Make him the same, says Terence.

Okay, says Nerida. Put him down. 

Terence places Freddy on the table with wheels, which Arthur isn't using. 

Nerida works quickly.

She takes a few beads from her pocket.

She chooses one, and presses it into Freddy's head.

Then she smoothes the soft chocolate over.

His head is like new. With a bead inside, which no one can see.

Now she works on his belly.

Pushing in from the sides, then from the bottom.

It still looks a bit lumpy.

She wets her finger in a jug of water, which has been left there for Arthur.

She works the chocolate belly, until it looks right.

Freddy quivers.

He has never before felt so nice.

Forced Into A Packet

A nurse enters, to check on Arthur.

How are we feeling? asks the nurse.

Sticky, says Terence. 

Not you, dear, says the nurse. I meant our patient.

Arthur feels better, but does not say so.

He's eaten a great deal of chocolate, says Katherine. I hope that's all right.

We'll soon see, says the nurse.

She checks his blood pressure, which is normal.

That's good, says the nurse. Normal. 

She goes out of the room.

Do you feel normal? asks Nerida. 

No, says Arthur. 

You look normal, says Gaius. Perhaps it's the chocolate. You did eat a lot.

I didn't, says Terence. I wasn't allowed to. 

Where have you put your chocolate Freddo? asks Katherine.

Nowhere, says Terence. He's still in my hand.

Terence opens his hand

Freddy has finger-dents across his belly.

He's melting, says Nerida. Put him back in his packet.

I lost it, says Terence.

Arthur has packets, says Nerida. 

She picks one up from the floor under Arthur's bed.

Terence forces Freddy into the packet.

Why? asks Freddy.

He keeps asking why, says Terence.

Who does? asks Katherine.

Freddy, says Terence.

Ask HIM why, says Nerida.

Terence peers into the packet.

Why do you keep asking why? asks Terence.

Why? says Freddy.

He said why again, says Terence.

He wants to know why you want to know, says Nerida.

I DON'T want to! says Terence. 

Freddy sighs, or he would do, if not for the finger dents in his belly. 

Why was he chosen?

And why was he forced into this packet, which feels far too tight?

Hopeful Whispers

Nerida comes back with a pack of mini Freddos.

Chocolate frogs! says Katherine. How appropriate.

Can I have one? asks Terence.

They're for Arthur, says Nerida. But he might let you have one.

She pokes Arthur, who seems to have faded.

Arthur experiences a yellow and blue awakening.

Accompanied by a rustle of chocolate.

He lowers his oxygen mask.

Look what Nerida has brought you, says Katherine.

I might be allowed one, says Terence. 

Arthur reaches into the packet which Nerida has opened.

He pulls out a mini Freddo and tears at the foil wrapping.

Let me help you, says Katherine. I don't know why chocolate Freddos need wrapping twice.

They're for lunch boxes and parties, says Nerida. And the big packet keeps them together.

You'd think they could come up with something better, says Katherine.

Arthur is about to bite the head off his Freddo.

Its last thought is 'why?'

Arthur bites it.

Can I have one? asks Terence.

Can he? asks Nerida.

Okay, says Arthur.

As long as he doesn't eat it, says Gaius.

Inside the packet of mini Freddos a whispering arises.

He doesn't eat it? 

A mini Freddo is chosen by Nerida, and given to Terence.

Terence unwraps his Freddo.

Oh! says Katherine. Was it wise to unwrap it?

Yes, says Terence. I'm not allowed to eat it so I'm going to talk to it. Hello Freddy!

Freddy says nothing.

Until faint hopeful whispers arise from the packet.

Ask him why!

Why? asks Freddy.

Because you're coming on an adventure, says Terence. We're going camping. We've got a tent each. Well, you havent, but you'll be with me. 

Freddy likes the sound of camping.

So do his buddies. 

But their fate will be different.

One by one, they disappear into Arthur. 

Violet Clots

Nerida returns.

They've taken him to Gladstone Hospital for observation, says Nerida.

Good, says Katherine, one can't be too careful.

Why? asks Terence. You always tell me to be careful.

That's true, says Katherine. We should always be careful.

But not too careful, says Terence. 

I didn't mean that, says Katherine. Perhaps I confused you. 

You didn't, says Terence. 

What are we to do now? says Gaius.

Visit Arthur, says Nerida. He might be okay by tomorrow.

If he isn't, says Gaius, we'll have to leave for Krombit Tops without him.

He'll have no one! says Nerida.

Arthur is resilient, says Gaius. We can keep in touch by phone. And we'll be less than two hours away.

I guess so, says Nerida. But let's go to the hospital now, and see how he's doing. 

They leave Barney Point Beach and get into the 4WD Wagon that Gaius has hired.

They drive to the hospital.

Arthur is currently being observed. He is wearing an oxygen mask. He is breathing.

He sees a low sun spotted with mystic horrors, lighting up with long violet clots...

But he's seen them before. 

Hello Arthur! says Gaius. Feeling better?

Huuugh, says Arthur, disturbing the violet clots.

Good, says Gaius. Will you be ready to leave with us in the morning?

Muuuuh, mutters Arthur. 

A green night with dazzled snows, a kiss slowly rising.....unknown saps...

Guess what? says Terence. It's Easter and I'm getting a frog.

Never mind frogs, says Nerida. Arthur needs to get better

Choc...o...late,  mumbles Arthur. 

That was unexpected, says Gaius. 

Would you like us to go, Arthur? asks Katherine. Do you need need peace and quiet?

Wait! says Nerida. Theres a snack machine at the end of the corridor.

She heads off to see what it dispenses. 

Away From Their Sitchoo

Arthur's knee is once again cramping. He feels nauseous, and his heart rate increases.

This is more like it.

Two life guards come down with a stretcher.

And take him away.

I hope that wasn't my fault, says Gaius. I shouldn't have licked his knee.

No you shouldn't, says Katherine. Keep a watch on your tongue, in case it starts swelling.

I suppose I ought to, says Gaius. As a precaution, I'll rinse my mouth out with sea water.

He hurries down to the edge of the water, kicks off his crocs and paddles in.

He bends down, scoops a handful of seawater into his mouth, swishes and spits.

That should do it, says Gaius.

Terence has run back to Katherine.

What happened to Arthur?

He may have been stung after all, says Katherine.

By a jellyfish, says Nerida. But don't worry the life guards will look after him.

I wish I was stung, says Terence.

Do you want looking after? asks Katherine.

Yes, says Terence, because guess what? 

What? asks Katherine. 

It's Easter and nobody told me! says Terence.

Then how do you know? asks Nerida.

The kid told me, says Terence. HE'S getting chocolates.

We might do something, says Katherine. But it won't be chocolates.

I love chocolate, says Nerida.

Well, maybe for some of us, says Katherine. But it won't be today. Too much has happened. We need to find out where they've taken Arthur.

I'll find out, says Nerida.

She runs off in the direction the life guards took Arthur.

Gaius returns. 

I think I'm all right, says Gaius. Where did they take Arthur?

Nerida is finding out now, says Katherine. By the way, did you know it was Easter?

Easter? says Gaius. I hope that doesn't mean the shops will be closed.

They could well be, says Katherine. 

I usually get a present, says Terence. Like a horse or a pony.

This year you might get a frog, says Katherine. 

Only temporarily, says Gaius. If we are lucky enough to find one, we must leave it in situ.

What's sitchoo? asks Terence.

Where it is, says Gaius. 

I think you may have left your crocs in situ, says Katherine.

Gaius looks round.

His crocs are about to float away from their sitchoo.

He hastens to retrieve them.

Crazy Old Roman Remedy

Gaius has returned to the beach.

What's all the excitement? asks Gaius.

You've missed it, says Katherine. A shark followed Arthur and Nerida into the shallows. Arthur thought he'd been stung.

By a shark? asks Gaius.

No of course not, says Katherine. By a jellyfish.

Did he try spitting on it? asks Gaius.

No, says Katherine. It seems to have floated away.

The jellyfish? asks Gaius. 

And the shark, says Katherine. Nerida dealt with it. She's plucky.

Well done, Nerida, says Gaius.

It was so cool, says Nerida. 

How did you deal with it? asks Gaius. 

It wanted proof of something Arthur hadn't actually done, so I tricked it.

Yeouch! says Arthur.

Are you all right? asks Gaius. Were you in fact stung?

I didn't think so, says Arthur.

Lie back says Gaius. Show me the place and I'll lick it.

Arthur lies back and points to his knee. The scabby one.

There's no sign of a puncture, says Gaius. But here goes.

He bends down and licks Arthur's knee.

What crazy old Roman remedy are you trying? says Katherine.

There are certain people whose saliva relieves snake bite, says Gaius. It may work for jellyfish stings as well. At least it's worth trying. How does that feel, Arthur?

Better, says Arthur. You must be one of those people.

Don't count on it, says Katherine.

Gaius spits out a few scabs.

It's a small price to pay, to save Arthur from discomfort.

Fifteen Remember

 Arthur and Nerida have reached the shore.

They head up the beach to where Katherine is waiting.

Arthur was stung by a poisonous jellyfish, says Nerida. He needs first aid fast.

Katherine looks at Arthur.

How are you feeling?

Not as bad as I hoped, says Arthur.

Funny boy, says Katherine. 

Sit down, says Nerida. I'll tell the life guards.

She goes off before Arthur can tell her not to bother.

Relax, says Katherine. Not everyone dies of these things.

It might have been a false alarm, says Arthur.

Nevertheless, we should get you checked out, says Katherine

Nerida returns with a life guard.

Stung were we? says the life guard. Show me the damage.

Arthur can't, because there's no visible damage. 

Except for a few scabs, which are old.

Shark! cries someone. 

Shit! cries the life guard. It's in the shallows! 

It's there for me, says Arthur. 

You're delirious! says the life guard. I'll call an ambulance.

No he's not delirious, says Nerida. Let me deal with this. Arthur where's your phone?

I've got it, says Katherine. Why do you want it?

Password? says Nerida.

Arthur gives her the password: SWEE3U.

She finds the photo app. and scrolls backwards in time.

When was this bus campaign? asks Nerida.

Last year, says Arthur. But we never got round to doing it.

Oh, says Nerida. But you did take the photo?

Yes, says Arthur. Sweezus took it, it'll be on his phone.

Nerida finds Sweezus's number and texts him. SEND SHARK PHOTO ASAP.

Luckily Sweezus is alert. He is also not busy. He sends it.

THX, replies Nerida.

She googles Adelaide Metro images, and locates a shot of the back of a bus

She then photoshops the smiling picture of Speedy and Great White Teacher onto it.

( If this sounds too hard, she is fifteen remember ).

Sorted, says Nerida.

She runs down to the shallows with the phone.

Speedy is waiting. Everyone else has got out of the water.

See! says Nerida. Looks great, doesn't it? 

Speedy can see that it does. He has good news to tell Great White Teacher.

He turns and zooms off.

He stops, turns again, comes back to Nerida.

How's Arthur?

He might have been faking, says Nerida. He seems quite okay.

Tell him I respect that, says Speedy.

And with a flick of his tail, he's away.

We Have Proper Faces

Move sideways, says Arthur. 

Nerida moves sideways.

It's one of those jellyfish, says Arthur.

A poisonous one, says Speedy. 

Yikes, says Nerida. I've heard they can kill you.

You have up to two hours, says Speedy.

Nerida looks for the jellyfish. Has it floated away?

At best, says Speedy. Some people get symptons within minutes.

Come on, Arthur, says Nerida. We should get going.

You go, says Speedy. Arthur is staying.

Ow! says Arthur. I've been stung!

Arthur's not staying, says Nerida. He's coming with me.

Arthur has muscle cramps. 

So he says.

Hurry, says Nerida. You might only have minutes.

I'll be right behind you, says Speedy. 

No need, says Nerida. 

Sharks are Friendly, says Speedy.

Okay, says Nerida.

They all swim for the shore, including Arthur.

His muscle cramps are minor.

The irukandji jellyfish follows.

I see you, you little fucker, says Speedy. Fuck off.

I didn't do it, says the irukandji jellyfish.

Don't give me that, says Speedy.

It's not like I wanted to eat him, says the irukandji jellyfish.

I bet you didn't, says Speedy.

How come you care? asks the irukandji jellyfish.

He and his buddy set up our 'Sharks are Friendly' campaign, says Speedy. I was just asking him to show me the photos.

And don't tell me, he couldn't, says the irukandji jellyfish.

Well, no, says Speedy. That's why I'm following him to the shore. 

Not because Sharks are Friendly? says the irukandji jellyfish.

To have a look at his phone, says Speedy. He'll have left it on the beach somewhere. And if he's got a photo to show me, I'm off to tell Great White Teacher. Job done.

Hmm, says the irukandji jellyfish.

What does that mean? asks Speedy.

Just processing the information, says the irukandji jellyfish. Think it would work for us jellies?

No way, says Speedy. You guys kill people.

So do you guys, says the irukandji jelly.

But the difference is, we know how to look friendly, says Speedy. We have proper faces. You don't.

The irukandji jelly has to admit this is true.

Not Smiling Friendly

Nerida stops swimming, and treads water.

What are you doing out here? asks Arthur.

I saw you, and thought I'd surprise you, says Nerida.

You surprised me, says Arthur. And probably Speedy.

Definitely, says Speedy. Come closer, girlie.

I'm not going closer to a shark, says Nerida. 

It's okay, says Arthur. He spotted me swimming and came up to ask me a question.

No kidding, says Nerida. This has to be the weirdest thing that's ever happened.

It's just business, says Speedy.

We go back a long way, says Arthur. Speedy was just enquiring about the publicity campaign 'Sharks are Friendly'.

Heard of it? asks Speedy. 

No, says Nerida, before Arthur kicks her leg under water, to warn her not to.

On the back of a bus? says Speedy. A friendly shark photo?

Maybe, says Nerida. Yes, come to think of it.

Was I in it? asks Speedy.

Yes, says Nerida. It did look like you.

Anyone else ? asks Speedy.

I can't remember, says Nerida. 

Was I smiling like this? asks Speedy, smiling, but not in a good way.

More friendly, says Nerida.

There's a reason I'm not smiling friendly, says Speedy. 

Come on, says Arthur. It was more than a year ago. 

The thing is, says Speedy, Great White Teacher never did see any proof that it happened.

It happened, says Arthur. It was a popular campaign. People saw that photo of you and Great White Teacher smiling on the back of a bus and became much more trusting.

Did they? asks Speedy.

For a while, says Nerida. Campaigns have to be ongoing.

What are you suggesting? asks Speedy.

A bus campaign doesn't last forever, says Nerida. And also, there've been lots of shark attacks recently.

You seem like a smart little cookie, says Speedy. Maybe you should watch out behind you.

What for? asks Nerida.

She turns in the water but doesn't see what's behind her.

It is tiny.

An irukandji jellyfish, with long poisonous tentacles.

Arthur has seen it.

He wonders how it would feel to be stung.

 

Reality Rubs

Katherine and Nerida arrive at Barney Point Beach.

Nerida is wearing a swimsuit.

Did Arthur have the credit cards? asks Katherine.

Yes, says Gaius. And he left them with Terence.

And guess what? says Terence.

You lost them, says Katherine.

No, Arthur's reality rubbed off, says Terence.

Reliability, says Gaius. Yes, Terence was in charge of our credit cards, while Arthur went swimming.

Is he still swimming? asks Nerida.

I suppose so, says Gaius. But I wouldn't advise you to join him. He tends to swim out too far.

I'll just swim till I see him, says Nerida. Then I'll attract his attention.

Off you go then, says Katherine.

Nerida heads for the sea.

She can see someone way out there. It has to be Arthur.

She swims out, in his direction.

I suppose I'll have to wait for her, says Katherine. Oh well, there are worse things.

She puts on a hat, and sits down beside Terence.

I'll go and pay for the hire of our car, says Gaius. Here's your credit card.

He goes, leaving Katherine with Terence and the kid.

My parents don't have credit cards, says the kid. 

How do they manage? asks Katherine.

They've got payment apps on their phones, says the kid.

Perhaps I should get one, says Katherine. But then, what if...

Look! cries Terence. Nerida's gone under the water.

Maybe a shark got her, says the kid. Or a jelly. 

She wouldn't be scared of a jelly, says Terence,

She should be, says the kid. They have poisonous tentacles!

I can see her! says Katherine. She's swum all the way out to Arthur.

Katherine is right. Nerida has swum all the way out to Arthur.

And now she is wishing she hadn't.

What Reliability Looks Like

Pity your shorts don't have pockets, says Arthur.

They have eyes, says Terence. 

But nowhere to keep credit cards, says Arthur.

I've got pockets, says the kid.

How long are you staying? asks Arthur.

All day, says the kid.

Why do you care? asks Terence.

Unfinished business, says Arthur.

Do you want to go swimming again? asks the kid.

Yes, says Arthur. But our friends are coming to pick up their credit cards.

I'll hold them, says Terence.

Can I trust you? asks Arthur.

Yes, says Terence. You can.

Arthur gives Terence the cards and heads for the water.

Want me to put them in my pocket? asks the kid.

No, says Terence. I have to hold them.

What if you drop them? asks the kid.

I won't drop them, says Terence. I've got a claw.

He shows him his claw.

Awesome claw! says the kid. Where did you get it?

From my blood brother, says Terence. And he's got my finger.

Is he a bird? asks the kid.

Yes, says Terence. Baby BB.

Was it a cement finger? asks the kid.

Of course it was, says Terence. It was mine.

The bird got a bad deal, says the kid.

No, he wanted it, says Terence.

Perhaps it is time to change the subject.

I used to live on a palace, says Terence.

Like a pigeon? asks the kid.

No way, says Terence. But I had to keep still all the time.

What happened if you didn't? asks the kid.

I got whacked by Saint Joseph, says Terence. 

What was he doing up there? asks the kid.

Making furniture, says Terence.

So HE must have been moving, says the kid. Making furniture, and whacking.

It was his job, says Terence.

You should've complained, says the kid.

Terence is about to explain why it was no use complaining when Gaius arrives.

Gaius looks around for Arthur. Where are the credit cards?

I've got them, says Terence. 

So you have. Well I never! says Gaius. Some of Arthur's reliability must have rubbed off on you.

Terence wonders what Arthur's reliability looks like.

No Problem, Meaning

Where's my phone? asks Arthur.

I put it down, says Terence.

Whereabouts? asks Arthur.

Where I was, says Terence.

You should retrace your footsteps, says the kid, who is still standing there.

Okay, says Terence. This is what they look like.

He does a small dance in the sand.

That doesn't help much, says Arthur.

Do two steps and stop, says the kid.

Terence does two steps and stops

Now we need to find a trail of footsteps like these, says the kid.

Are you a detective? asks Terence.

Yes, says the kid, although he actually isn't.

Arthur spots a trail of Terence's footprints. 

He sprints up to the place where they stop. 

Cool. It's also the place where his phone is.

He picks up his phone.

Gaius is talking.

Anyone? says Gaius. Please answer!

Hey, says Arthur. It's me. I've been swimming.

I fear I've sent Terence into the sea, says Gaius. 

He's out now, says Arthur. He didn't get far.

And do you have our credit cards? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Arthur. In my pocket. What has it stopped you from buying?

You have delayed Katherine from purchasing tents, and me from hiring a four wheel drive vehicle, says Gaius. But that can now be resolved. Where are you?

Barney's Point Beach, says Arthur. It's pretty lame, but it's the closest.

We shall arrive shortly, says Gaius. Stay where you are, Arthur.

I might go swimming again, says Arthur.

Don't! says Gaius. Not till we get there.

If I do, I'll leave the credit cards with Terence, says Arthur.

Please don't, says Gaius. His new shorts have no pockets.

Not a problem, says Arthur.

Which Gaius takes to mean that Arthur will delay going swimming.

But Arthur may have meant something different.

I Put Me Here

Terence has run down to the sea.

He is not supposed to go in it.

But no one who knows that is there.

He steps into the water.

He can see Arthur swimming.

He waves. 

Arthur hasn't seen him.

Terence goes a bit further in.

It's actually fun. His feet are sinking.

A wave comes.

Arthur still hasn't seen him.

Terence's head is above water. 

In a minute surely Arthur will see him.

But Arthur does not.

Other beach-goers do.

Look, says someone. There's a statue half-submerged in the water!

I could have stubbed my toe on it, says someone else.

Who would have put it there? asks the first person.

Me, says Terence. I put me here. And soon I'll have vanished.

It's a real boy! says a kid. Not a statue.

I just look like a statue when I can't move my feet, says Terence.

Do you want us to help you out? asks the kid.

Yes, says Terence. 

One of the adults gets behind Terence, and yanks him upwards. Thwurp!

Yay! says Terence. I'm saved.

Who are you here with? asks the adult.

Him, says Terence, pointing out to sea where Arthur can be seen swimming.

If it is Arthur.

The swimmer who may or may not be Arthur, has stopped swimming.

Some splashing ensues. 

A fin circles the splashing.

That guy's in trouble! says the adult. There's a shark out there.

More splashing can be seen, at the shark site.

Waa! cries Terence. Save him! He has the credit cards!

The adults laugh. Credit cards! Then they stop laughing. It's not funny.

A life saving boat zooms out towards the splashing.

But by the time they get there, all is calm. 

No trace of the shark or the swimmer.

Meanwhile Arthur has swum back to where Terence is waiting.

Was that a SHARK? asks one of the adults.

It was, says Arthur. 

Looks like you were lucky, says the adult. And so was your statue boy. He was sinking.

I nearly vanished, says Terence.

Why were you in the water? asks Arthur.

Gaius called you. You've got the credit cards, says Terence. 

Have I? says Arthur. 

He zips open his pocket. 

Yes, he still has the credit cards. 

He really does live a charmed life. 

Blind Corners

 Katherine and Nerida leave Greedy in the hotel room, and go shopping.

They go to a camping shop, and look at small tents.

Going camping? asks the assistant. 

Yes, says Katherine. In Kroombit Tops National Park.

We're looking for Kroombit Tinker frogs, says Nerida.

Aren't they extinct? asks the assistant.

No, says Katherine. Some that were bred in captivity have been released lately.

That's cool, says the assistant. You must really like camping.

I do not, says Katherine. 

Then you must, says the assistant, looking at Nerida.

I've never done it, says Nerida. But I really like frogs.

Good luck then, says the assistant. Do you want a tent each?

Four tents, says Katherine. There are four of us.

And Terence, says Nerida.

So, five, says the assistant. I hope you have a large vehicle.

We'll be going by bus, says Katherine.

There is no bus, says the assistant. It's four wheel drive only. Narrow unsealed roads and lots of blind corners.

That could be a problem, says Nerida. 

Gaius will have to hire a four wheel drive vehicle, says Katherine. I'll call him.

Gaius is in the Gladstone Tourist Information office, enquiring about buses.

Hello, Gaius? says Katherine.

I've just learned that there are no buses, says Katherine.

So have I, says Gaius. We'll have to hire a four wheel drive vehicle.

Yes, says Katherine. Where can we do that?

I'll find out, says Gaius.

I'm buying us tents, says Katherine. One each. I'm about to pay for them now.

Luxury indeed, says Gaius. See you later.

Katherine takes out her wallet.

Where is her credit card? Drat! Arthur still has it.

I'll have to come back, says Katherine to the assistant. Hold those tents for me.

Okay, says the assistant.

Gaius has gone to the Budget car hire business near the Tourist Information Centre and is hiring a four wheel drive vehicle.

Any one will do, says Gaius. As long as it's big enough for four people.

He is about to pay for a week's hire of a 4x4 Wagon when he remembers that Arthur still has his credit card.

He calls Katherine.

And learns that she has the same problem.

And where is Arthur?

He and Terence went down to the beach, says Nerida. 

Curses! says Gaius. Which one?

Call him, says Nerida.

But Arthur doesn't answer.

Terence does.

Hello, says Terence. This is me. 

Terence, where is Arthur? asks Gaius.

Swimming, says Terence. 

Can you attract his attention? asks Gaius. 

Yes, says Terence. 

He has our credit cards, says Gaius. And neither Katherine nor I can purchase anything.

Woo! says Terence. I'll run into the water and get him.

Crackle.

The call ends.

Jumping Jupiter! says Gaius. I've just sent Terence into the sea!

All In The Face

The plane has landed in Gladstone.

Now what? asks Katherine.

We catch a bus to Kroombit Tops, says Gaius. I'll find out when it goes.

Hold your horses, says Katherine. We don't have any camping equipment.

But the weather is fine, says Gaius.

I am not camping in Kroombit Tops without a tent, says Katherine. Not to mention supplies. 

Yes, we should go shopping first, says Nerida. We need water and cheese and dry biscuits, and maybe some apples..

I had intended to ask you to do that, says Gaius.

We could stay in Gladstone overnight, says Arthur. In a hotel. While we get organised.

Good thinking, Arthur, says Gaius.

They take a shuttle bus into Gladstone. The bus drops them outside the Gladstone Grand Hotel.

Arthur goes in and, five minutes later, comes out again

I've booked two double rooms, says Arthur. I just need to show them a credit card.

Take mine, says Gaius. I hope these double rooms aren't expensive,

I always get a good deal, says Arthur.

So it will be me and Nerida in one room, you and Arthur in the other, says Katherine.

Naturally, says Gaius. And who will have Terence?

I should choose, says Terence.

Go on, says Katherine. 

I choose Gaius and Arthur, says Terence.

Good choice, says Nerida. All the boys together.

And Greedy, says Terence. She's a girl though.

Maybe we should have Greedy, says Nerida. We could try and fix her up properly.

Okay, says Terence. Where is she?

In my pocket, says Arthur. He zips open the pocket and takes Greedy out.

She looks terrible! says Nerida. 

No wonder, says Katherine. After all she's been through.

Greedy's face does indeed look like the face of someone who has been blown up, pierced with pencils, deflated, plastered, left on a plane in a squeeze bag, found by a handsome captain, returned to her fellow travellers and shoved into a dark pocket with a key leash and drain hole for the descent into Gladstone.

If a face can show that.

Pocket Of Darkness

 Cabin crew, prepare for landing, says the captain.

That was fast, says Katherine. I've only just finished my cup of tea.

Yes, it's a short hop, says Gaius. He gathers his papers.

You should have used Nerida's stapler, says Katherine.

I did, as you know, says Gaius. And I stapled some pages out of order, as a consequence of which I made use of the staple remover. What a business! And now one or two pages seem to be missing.

They aren't missing. I have them, says Katherine.

Excellent, says Gaius. Where are they?

In my handbag, says Katherine. Stuck together.

With a staple? asks Gaius.

No, says Katherine. With protein salad.

Curses, says Gaius. I blame myself. I ordered that salad.

And I ate it, says Katherine. So I am also to blame. But don't fret. When we land I'll take the papers into the ladies, and wet them.

Gaius is shocked, for a moment.

With tap water, says Katherine. 

They fasten their seat belts for landing.

A few rows forward, Nerida, Terence and Arthur also fasten their seat belts.

The flight attendant comes by, to check.

Don't forget your toy this time, says the flight attendant, to Terence.

What toy? asks Terence.

She means Greedy, says Nerida. Where is she?

I'm sitting on her, says Terence.

Why? asks Nerida.

Because these shorts don't have a pocket, says Terence. 

Maybe Arthur has a pocket, says Nerida. 

Most boardshorts have a pocket, says Arthur. 

He feels for a pocket. Yes, there's a side pocket. 

He unzips it. Feels inside.

Key leash. Drain hole. A great pocket

Can Greedy go in it? asks Terence.

Okay, says Arthur.

At least she won't get left behind, says Nerida.

Terence wriggles Greedy out from underneath him.

He hands Greedy to Arthur. 

Arthur shoves Greedy into his pocket and zips it.

It's dark in the pocket. The boardshorts are black, with rust stains (or gum blossoms).

The plane begins its descent into Gladstone.

Greedy is reminded of Terence's poem:

"Greedy has died....."

What The Captain Did Next

Well? says Terence.

Greedy is exhausted, says Nerida. Let her rest.

But what did the handsome captain do next? asks Terence.

I don't know, says Nerida. What do you think, Arthur?

Let's work backwards from what we know, says Arthur.

Clever, says Nerida. What do we know?

She was placed here where Terence would find her, says Arthur.

Someone who knew where Terence would be sitting, says Nerida.

A spy! says Terence. 

Who would be spying on Terence? asks Nerida.

No one, says Arthur.

Maybe they were spying on Greedy, says Terence.

Who would be spying on Greedy? asks Nerida.

Ask her, says Arthur. Blow her up again.

Nerida is about to blow Greedy up again when the drinks trolley comes by.

Any drinks? asks the trolley attendant. Oh, I see you've found your pink toy!

Are you a spy? asks Terence.

No, says the trolley attendant. Were you surprised to find it?

Yes, says Terence. And she's gone flat again.

She keeps doing that, says the trolley attendant. 

Do YOU know what happened? asks Nerida.

I do, says the trolley assistant. The captain on your flight from Adelaide to Brisbane found her and handed her in.

Do captains always look for lost toys? asks Arthur. 

Not normally, says the trolley attendant. But your toy was making peculiar noises.

Like a bomb? asks Terence.

TERENCE! says Nerida. 

Did someone say bomb? asks a nearby passenger.

False alarm, says the trolley attendant. This boy was talking about his pink toy. Don't worry, it's been through security.

What are those patches on the toy? asks the passenger. 

Airline plasters, says trolley attendant. Please return to your seat.

The passenger returns to his seat. Airline plasters! Who knew?

Next time he gets a scratch on a plane he will ask for one.

Follow Wup

The plane takes off, for Gladstone.

Nerida blows Greedy up again.

Now ask her how she got here, says Nerida. But be quick.

Greedy, says Terence. How did you get from the first plane to second plane without us?

The question is long.

Greedy is going down all the time Terence is asking it.

I.....phoo.....wup, says Greedy. 

Which is all she can manage.

She flew up, says Terence.

I don't think she said that, says Nerida.

Threw up? says Arthur.

Nor that, says Nerida. It was just the sound that you make when you're running out of puff and then you stop suddenly.

With a 'wup', says Arthur.

Let's try again, says Nerida. This time ask a much shorter question

Let me think of one first, says Terence.

Just say 'Well?', suggests Arthur. As a follow wup.

Stop making me laugh, Arthur, says Nerida. I can't blow when I'm laughing.

She stops laughing and blows Greedy up again. She replaces the bread tie, and presses on the dodgy plaster, to make Greedy last longer.

Well? says Terence.

You left me behind and along came a handsome captain, says Greedy. So handsome, and he plucked me out of the squeeze bag and pressed me to his chest, well kind of, and he huuuuuh.....

Woo! says Terence. A handsome captain. Blow Greedy up again. 

I am, says Nerida, blowing Greedy up again.

Well? says Terence.

Put his hand inside me, and moved it, says Greedy

Handsome AND brave, says Nerida.

Brave? says Terence. 

Greedy could have been a bomb, says Nerida.

Were you a bomb? asks Terence.

Nooo....says Greedy, fading again.

Please Crackle Forward

Passengers for flight mumburr dingle gladbone do Gate Seven!

It's an airport announcement.

We should go to the boarding gate, says Katherine. That was probably us.

Katherine, Gaius, Arthur, Nerida and Terence head for Gate Seven.

I hope it's the same plane, says Terence.

It won't be, says Katherine.

So what will happen to Greedy? asks Terence.

She'll fly to wherever the plane that you left her on is going, says Nerida. 

Unless the cleaners have found her, says Katherine.

Then what? asks Terence. 

Bin, says Arthur.

She can talk, says Terence. She'll say Help me!

That would freak out the cleaner, says Nerida.

Ha ha, laughs Terence. Greedy will freak out the cleaner. 

Boarding crackle combom, passengers with mumbum please crackle forward, announces the desk attendant.

Is that us? asks Gaius.

Who knows? says Katherine. But people are moving. Let's join the queue.

They shuffle on board for their flight to Gladstone.

They look for their seats.

This is you, Terence, says Nerida. Next to me and Arthur.

Terence climbs into his seat.

He is face to face with a squeeze bag.

In it is a card showing what to do in an emergency.

And from behind the card, protrudes a pink finger.

Guess what? says Terence. 

What? asks Nerida.

This is a mystery! says Terence.

He points to the finger.

Looks like it, says Arthur. Unless people leave pink rubber gloves behind on planes all the time.

Nerida pulls at the finger.

A pink rubber glove looking like Greedy, with identical plasters but completely deflated, comes out.

How could this happen? asks Nerida.

Interference, says Arthur.

Like what? asks Nerida.

Magic, says Terence. I'm going to ask her what happened.

I'll blow her up again, says Nerida.

She takes off the bread tie and blows Greedy up again.

Ooh! says Greedy. Where am I? Where is....what ha...phloooo...

She doesn't last long, says Nerida.

Left In The Squeeze Bag

Nerida returns to Lord Lamington, with a Surf Dive 'n Ski bag.

These are the old shorts, says Nerida.

What happened to Arthur and Terence? asks Katherine.

Coming, says Nerida. Terence is doing a lap of the airport, in his new ones.

He must like them, says Katherine.

He does, says Katherine. They have weird diamond patterns that he thinks look like eyes.

Perhaps we can finally get rid of the gecko shorts, says Katherine.

Better not, says Nerida. He wanted to keep them.

Did he tell you what for? asks Katherine.

For Greedy, says Nerida.

Gaius looks up from his cocktail.

Terence has a strange idea of anatomy, says Gaius.

Did he mean Greedy should wear them? asks Katherine.

No, it was just to wrap her up in, says Nerida. 

A kind thought, says Katherine. 

Terence runs up to the table.

Guess what? cries Terence. I can see in every direction!

Arthur is not far behind him. He is wearing new boardies.

Nice shorts, says Katherine. Come closer.

Arthur comes closer.

Oh! says Katherine. Tiny gum blossoms and skeleton leaves. From a distance I thought they were rust stains.

So did I, says Arthur. But I got them anyway.

Terence has turned his back on everyone.

Do a sign and I'll see you!

Nerida does a thumbs up.

Terence turns round quickly, and sticks up his thumb.

That's right, says Nerida. But you cheated.

I didn't, says Terence. The shorts might have cheated.

They're very nice shorts, says Katherine. I do like the eyes. And I hear you're giving your old shorts to Greedy.

Yes, says Terence. Where is Greedy?

Everyone tries to remember when they last saw Greedy.

You were talking to her on the plane, says Katherine.

She was trying to remember bad things, says Terence.

She had that slow leak, says Katherine. Was she getting thinner?

YES! says Terence. So I put her in a squeeze bag.

What squeeze bag? asks Katherine.

In front of my seat, says Terence. A squeeze bag.

Do you mean the magazine bag? asks Nerida. Was it see-through?

Wah! cries Terence. 

He has left Greedy behind on the plane.

Deep Red

Gaius picks up a piece of cauliflower popcorn.

How did your shopping go, Katherine? 

I didn't buy anything, says Katherine.

That's good, says Nerida. Self-discipline.

Me too, says Terence. I didn't buy anything.

I asked him if he'd like a new pair of shorts, says Katherine. But he prefers his old gecko shorts.

Are those geckoes? asks Nerida. You can't even tell.

Maybe they need a wash, says Terence.

They'd probably fall apart, says Katherine.

Then what? asks Terence.

You'd have to get new ones, says Katherine. Maybe I should have insisted.

Okay, says Terence. Let's go back.

Too late, says Katherine. I'm here now. I'm going to order a cocktail.

Which one? asks Nerida. 

Citrus Sunset sounds nice, says Katherine.

I wish I was old enough to drink cocktails, says Nerida.

Take me to the shops, says Terence.

We'll both go, says Arthur.

He waits for Katherine to offer him her credit card.

She does. 

Here Arthur, take my credit card. And buy yourself some new board shorts as well. 

Arthur, Nerida and Terence go off to the Surf Dive 'n Ski shop.

Whatever is this? asks Gaius, waving a cauliflower popcorn at Katherine.

She takes a bite.

Mm, says Katherine. Crunchy roasted cauliflower. Very tasty.

Where did Arthur go? asks Gaius, who up to now has been dividing his attention between examining the popcorn cauliflower and wiping grease off the stapler.

To buy some new board shorts, says Katherine. On me.

Very kind of you Katherine, says Gaius.

Katherine orders two Citrus Sunsets, one for her, one for Gaius.

Ginger beer, gin, triple sec, cranberry, lime. 

A deep red drink.

Gaius has to admit it's quite nice.

Dancing In Shorts

The plane lands at Brisbane Airport.

It's two hours till their flight to Gladstone.

I'll take a look at the shops, says Katherine. Who wants to come with me?

Me, says Terence.

I'll come, says Nerida. Coming Arthur?

But Arthur wants to get something to eat.

Let's find a quiet table, says Gaius. Arthur can eat something while helping me re-organise my notes on the Kroombit Tinker.

Isn't that my job? asks Nerida.

But you want to go shopping, says Gaius. 

I changed my mind, says Nerida.

So Katherine and Terence go shopping.

They pass Surf Dive 'n Ski.

I wonder if Arthur would like a new pair of board shorts? asks Katherine.

No he wouldn't, says Terence. He likes his old ones.

How about you? asks Katherine. I know you love those old gecko shorts.

Yes, says Terence. They have memories in different places. These geckoes have orange eyes from when I spilled orange juice and this is the one I saved from the bird poo.

Why this one? says Katherine. 

Camus folded the gecko shorts so only one gecko would touch poo, but I saved him.

Camus? asks Katherine.

The gecko, says Terence. I gave Camus my parrot shorts and he used them to wipe the poo off the police car.

So you'd been wearing the parrot shorts, says Katherine. 

And they got ruined, says Terence. Lucky I had these.

He dances about in his memory-rich gecko shorts.

Katherine gives up on the shopping.

She calls Gaius. Where are you? asks Katherine. 

At Lord Lamington's, says Gaius. In the corner.

Katherine and Terence soon find them in the Lord Lamington corner.

Gaius has notes spread all over the table.

A bowl of popcorn cauliflower sits on top of a frog illustration.

A classic cheeseburger, already half eaten, sits on page four.

A protein salad sits in the middle of a blank page of conclusions.

This is untidy, says Katherine. There's food on the notes.

My fault, says Gaius. I should have sat at a separate table.

That salad looks nice, says Katherine.

You're welcome to it, says Gaius. Who would have expected it to contain a tomato?

Katherine eats the tomato.

And the chicken, egg, lettuce, spanish onion, and cucumber as well.

First Worst Thing

Terence takes charge of Greedy.

You're fixed, says Terence. 

Why did you laugh just now? asks Greedy.

You've got a slow leak, says Terence. Know what that means?

I'm not properly fixed, says Greedy.

So keep your mouth shut, says Terence. 

That's not where my slow leak is, says Greedy.  

Where is it? asks Terence. 

Under the plaster, says Greedy. It's loose.

It's got blood on it, says Terence.

I know, says Greedy.

Katherine said you've seen worse, says Terence.

I may have, says Greedy. 

Can't you remember? asks Terence.

No, says Greedy. My memories don't go back that far.

What's the last thing you remember? asks Terence.

You, asking me a stupid question, says Greedy.

What was it? asks Terence.

You should have asked me what's the FIRST thing I remember, says Greedy.

THAT would be a stupid question, says Terence.

No it wouldn't, says Greedy. What's the first thing you remember?

Now Terence realises that he should have asked Greedy that question.

Okay, says Terence. What is it?

How would I know? says Greedy.

Because it's the first thing after what you've forgotten, says Terence.

But I asked YOU, says Greedy.

Terence tries to remember the first thing he remembers.

Getting whacked with a spade, says Terence. By Saint Joseph.

That's a good one. Now me, says Greedy.

At last! says Terence.

The first thing I remember is Hedley blowing me up, says Greedy. 

Was that the worst thing? asks Terence.

I don't think so, says Greedy.

I thought it would be cleaning the toilet, says Terence.

I'd remember that, says Greedy.

Is Terence imagining it, or does she already look thinner?