By Way Of A What?

Terence kicks Great White Teacher.

Then regrets it.

What if Sweezus is in inside?

Ow! says Great White Teacher. You little fucker!

Terence! says Gaius. That is no way to assist a beached shark.

What is he made of? Cement? snarls Great White Teacher.

Yes, says Gaius. And I can't think why he would have done that. 

He ate Sweezus! wails Terence.

I did not, says Great White Teacher.

From the corner of one eye, he spots Arthur.

This person knows it, says Great White Teacher.

What? asks Arthur.

That I didn't eat your friend Sweezus, says Great White Teacher.

No, you didn't, says Arthur. He's still out there. 

Everyone looks out to sea, except Great White Teacher, who is facing the opposite way.

There is Sweezus, out there, bobbing.

Now that's cleared up, says Gaius, may we assist you back into your natural medium.

If you would, says Great White Teacher.

I know what to do, says Faith. First we sponge him.

Sponge me? says Great White Teacher. 

To keep you hydrated, says Faith.

That might be quite nice, says Great White Teacher.

Perhaps Terence would like to do it, says Faith. By way of apology.

By way of a what? asks Terence.

I'll lend you my handkerchief, says Kant. Dip it in the sea, but don't squeeze it.

Yippee! Terence is allowed in the sea!

 He takes the hankie and dips it in the water, then he brings it back, sodden.

Now wipe him gently, says Faith, while we work out how to turn him.

Terence looks at Great White Teacher, who is smiling.

Or is he?

Terence starts at the safe end, the tail.

If we had a rope, says Faith, we could easily do it.

We may not need to do anything, but wait for the tide to come in, says Gaius.

I'm all for that, says Great White Teacher. I have a few issues to discuss, in the meantime.

Excellent, says Gaius. Tell us their nature.

When Sweezus appears, says Great White Teacher.

Is this about that promotional photo? asks Arthur.

Yes, says Great White Teacher.

Terence keeps sponging. He is up to Great White Teacher's white belly.

There is the spot that he kicked. 

It looks purple.

He wisely avoids it.