Refuse the Sardine

Now to climb Hummock Hill, says Gaius. There'll be a good view from there.

But I didn't get anything, says Terence.

You didn't ask for anything, says Gaius. 

Would you like a red drink? says Denis. I'll buy you a can.

Yes! says Terence.

Denis goes across to the counter and buys a can of Red Bull.

Have I had this before? asks Terence.

Yes, but you spilled it, says Gaius. 

This time I'll be careful, says Terence.

They leave the café, unlock the bikes and head for Hummock Hill.

It is easy to spot, because it looks like a hummock.

Terence is in Gaius's back pack with the can of Red Bull unopened.

Ageless is in Denis's back pack.

All right back there? asks Denis.

Actually no, says Ageless. I need a dip in the sea.

Drop him at the marina, says Gaius. We'll pick him up later.

All right, says Denis, taking a turn towards the marina.

Gaius continues pedalling up Hummock Hill.

Are we there yet? asks Terence.

Almost, says Gaius. And I see something you'll like.

What? asks Terence.

A viewing frame, says Gaius. 

He stops at the viewing frame.

It is a large blue painted frame, through which you can see Whyalla's Unique Jetty.

Gaius lifts Terence onto the lower edge of the frame.

See the jetty? says Gaius. 

I see boats, says Terence.

That's the marina, says Gaius. Can you see Ageless?

No but I bet he can see me, says Terence, lifting both arms and waving.

But in fact, Ageless can't.

He has met an old lobster friend down at the marina.

Ageless! cries Louis-Claude de Freycinet. What brings you here?

Bonjour, capitaine! says Ageless. I might ask you the same.

I have a soft spot for Whyalla, says Louis-Claude de Freycinet. I have long admired the scenery.

To each his own, says Ageless. As for me, I'm on my way to Point Lowly.

I wouldn't go there at this time of year, says Louis-Claude. The cuttlefish take over.

That's why I'm going, says Ageless.

They've erected an air bubble curtain, says Louis-Claude.

I'll get around it, says Ageless.

Is that your intention? asks Louis-Claude.

I'm working with Gaius, says Ageless. He has his own agenda. And I'll be using an alias.

You intrigue me, says Louis-Claude. Come aboard and tell me more about it.  

You have a boat here? asks Ageless.

Just a dinghy, says Louis-Claude, but it serves my purpose.

He leads Ageless to his dinghy, the Casuarina.

Named for old times, says Louis-Claude. 

They scramble aboard.

Sardine? asks Louis-Claude.

No thanks I've just eaten two waffles, says Ageless.