Don't Stuff It Up Now

Not necessarily illegal, says Arthur.

Removal of an endangered species from its habitat, says Gaius. That is surely illegal.

You forget, I was born in captivity, says the Kroombit tinker.

That is so, says Gaius. It does make you special. But all the more reason for you to stay here, and increase your numbers.

None of us want to, says the Kroombit tinker.

It certainly looks like a problem, says Gaius. Perhaps a short trip to Florence would prove beneficial.

Yes! says the Kroombit tinker.

Just for you, says Gaius. 

She could make herself useful, says Arthur.

Indeed, says Gaius. A house mother for the pobblebonks. Giving them advice, and making sure that they're comfortable.

The Kroombit tinker does not fancy acting as house mother to a team of young pobblebonks.

But she smiles in an agreeable fashion.

Not wanting to stuff it up now.

Excellent, says Gaius. 

So we'll leave tomorrow morning? says Arthur.

Of course, says Gaius. I'll have everything wrapped up by then. By the way, who's in Team Condor this year?

Me and Sweezus and an Italian guy, called Nicolo, says Arthur. 

Is he fast? asks Gaius. 

Fast and tricky, says Arthur. Vello invited him to join Team Philosophe but he didn't reply until too late so we ended up with him.

So, a philosopher, says Gaius. 

A philosopher, says Arthur.

Not SO fast and tricky, says Gaius.

I guess not, says Arthur.

Unless... muses Gaius, he really wanted to be in Team Condor.

That would be tricky, agrees Arthur.

The Kroombit tinker is fascinated by the machinations this conversation is revealing.

As no doubt we all are.