Confrontations

Gaius is at Mawson Ponds with Margaret.

Prawny is decomposing nearby.

How many have you counted? asks Margaret.

Three, says Gaius. And then only glimpses.

Weren't there supposed to be thirty? asks Margaret.

There were thirty released initially, says Gaius.

Perhaps our presence is putting them off, says Margaret.

Perhaps, says Gaius. Why don't you go and look elsewhere?

Why don't you? asks Margaret.

They remain there, near the grass pile under which lies dead Prawny. 

Gaius's phone rings.

It's Sweezus. 

Hey! says Sweezus. About the Tour in July.

What about it? says Gaius. 

You said you're available, says Sweezus. 

I did say that, says Gaius. 

It's just, there's been a mixup, says Sweezus. We might need you.

Might, says Gaius.

Yeah well, we were going to ask Pablo, but turns out Vello's already asked him.

Pablo? In Team Philosophe? says Gaius.

Yeah but he hasn't replied yet, says Sweezus.

To them? asks Gaius.

To them, says Sweezus. Could be waiting for a better offer.

Have you offered? asks Gaius.

Reckon I should? asks Sweezus. Don't want to cross Vello.

All's fair in sport, says Gaius.

Yeah, says Sweezus.

I'll be on standby, of course, says Gaius. But if I don't go, I trust you'll take Terence and Prong.

No worries, says Sweezus. 

Remember, parrot passport required, says Gaius.

Sure, says Sweezus. Okay, I'll get back to you.

He calls Pablo.

But Pablo doesn't answer.

All's fair in sport? says Margaret.

I just said that to encourage him, says Gaius. 

Why encourage him? asks Margaret.

If he enlists Pablo, then Vello will need an alternative rider, says Gaius.

Namely you, says Margaret. If you go, the parrot passport is your job.

A simple matter, says Gaius. 

Hm, says Margaret.

Ruuurrr, says a green and golden bell frog who has come up behind them.

Aha! says Gaius, turning.