Ageless scrapes his way along the road.
It's slow going, with a croissant packet held aloft in his dominant claw.
The croissant packet swings back and forth slowly.
Inside, the two botanists are talking.
It must be a good thing, says Jean-Botanist.
That goes without saying, says Carl-Botanist.
And you get it if you discover something new, says Jean-Botanist.
But who gives it to you? asks Carl-Botanist.
Maybe Gaius, says Jean-Botanist.
He doesn't have much, says Carl-Botanist. Just a backpack.
And a bike, says Jean-Botanist.
We can't use a bike, says Carl-Botanist.
Maybe it's insubstantial, says Jean-Botanist.
Like what? asks Carl-Botanist.
Like a jellyfish, says Jean-Botanist.
Ageless can stand it no more.
A jellyfish is not insubstantial! says Ageless.
Perhaps that was a bad example, says Jean-Botanist.
I assume you were talking about glory, says Ageless.
Yes, says Carl-Botanist.
Imagine you'd discovered a new species of plant, says Ageless.
We were, says Carl-Botanist.
No one would present you with a jellyfish, says Ageless.
What then?, asks Jean-Botanist.
You'll learn more shortly, says Ageless.
They have arrived at the lighthouse.
Ageless knocks on the door.
Captain Baudin opens it, with a knife in his claw.
Welcome back, says Captain Baudin. Where are the others?
Gone to the campground, says Ageless. Do you have a dinghy?
Of course I have a dinghy, says Captain Baudin. Want to borrow it? Why not have some lunch first?
He indicates a jar of Nutella on a low table.
No thanks, says Ageless. But these botanists might like to try some.
Certainly, says Captain Baudin. Let them out of the packet.
Ageless does so.
They're interested in underwater botany, says Ageless.
Very commendable, says Captain Baudin. Imagine the glory, should they make a discovery.
You'd know all about that, says Ageless.
Glory? Baudin knows about that?
The botanists look forward to picking Baudin's brains about glory.
As well as a taste of Nutella.
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