Upside Of Death And Dying

Arthur and Sweezus wait for a big wave.

Thermometer, says Sweezus.

Now? says Arthur. 

Something to do while we're waiting, says Sweezus.

Arthur dips the thermometer into the water.

Sweezus signals to Roo-kai, who flies over.

Do you have a reading? asks Roo-kai.

Arthur's getting it, says Sweezus.

There's a big wave behind you, says Roo-kai.

Yeah thanks, says Sweezus, getting ready.

Arthur lifts the thermometeter out of the water.

Sixteen, says Arthur.

Let me check that, says Roo-kai.

Arthur shows him the reading. 

Roo-kai squints. 

Right, says Roo-kai. I'll let Kant know.

Has Arthur missed the big wave?

No. He lives a charmed life, remember.

Nor has Sweezus missed it. 

But hey...

What is this shooting through the wave alongside him?

It sticks up its head.

Fuck. Its Shorty.

Having a good day? enquires Shorty.

So so, says Sweezus. I guess you know what's been happening.

We do, says Shorty. Great White Teacher's not pleased.

So how come you're here? asks Sweezus. Thought you guys all went to Mexico?

Didn't work out, says Shorty. By the way...

The wave crashes over and Sweezus is knocked off his board.

Arthur washes up beside him.

You look rattled, says Arthur.

Just saw Shorty, says Sweezus. Great White Teacher's come back.

They won't stay long, says Arthur. Not in this froth.

Yeah I guess that's the upside, says Sweezus.

Of death and dying, says Arthur. Did he know about that shark that washed up at Henley?

Didn't say, says Sweezus.

They turn and paddle out in hopes of catching the next wave.

Roo-kai lands on the sand beside Kant.

Sixteen, says Roo-kai.

Kant writes sixteen on his notepad.

He supposes this single reading will suffice.

He walks back to where Gaius is speaking to someone in an orange jumpsuit.

And Terence is looking dejected.

It seems he did an improper subtraction.