That's That

Victor introduced Gaius to some of the Field Geologists.

They were impressed to learn that he was the famous Gaius Plinius Secundus, better known as Pliny the Elder.

Perhaps you would do us the honour of addressing one of our future meetings, said the club president.

Better than that, said Gaius. I shall treat you all to an impromptu lecture right now. In honour of the heroic Sir Douglas Mawson, I shall first speak of rock crystals.

And Gaius launched straight into his talk on rock crystals.

Rock crystals, he said, are found only where winter snows freeze solid, and are undoubtedly a kind of ice.....

Hang on, said the president. Did you say ICE?

Please don't interrupt, said Gaius. There will be plenty of time for questions later.

The president looked at his watch. The VeloDrone and Le Bon David looked uncomfortable. Victor showed a degree of consternation.

Rock crystal must therefore be a product of moisture from the sky in the form of pure snow, continued Gaius. For this reason it cannot stand heat, and can only be used for cold drinks.....

Excuse me, Gaius, said the president, but it seems your geological knowledge is a little out of date.

Well, of course it is, said Gaius. Do you want me to continue or not?

It's just that it's getting rather late, said the president. Perhaps you would care to join us for our annual picnic next weekend at Marino Rocks? We can continue listening to some of your fascinating....err... insights from former times while we look at the geology and afterwards eat chickens and icecreams.

Oh, said Gaius. Yes, I suppose that would be rather pleasant. What about my friends The VeloDrone and Le Bon David? Are they invited?

Are they Field Geologists? asked the president doubtfully.

No we aren't, said The VeloDrone. So that's that.

Yes, said Le Bon David. Very sorry, but that's that.

An Invitation to Geology

Everyone was leaving, except for Victor.

Sweezus and Belle et Bonne took a last ride down to Middleton, hoping to return the Mambo shorts to their owner.

Ahh, said Camus as he watched them disappear down the road. That reminds me of the days .....

Of course it does, said the VeloDrone. And that reminds me, have you finished your article for Velosophy by any chance?

I have, said Camus, I shall email it to you as soon as I get home. You'll like the ending.

The ending! That's what I've been waiting for, said The VeloDrone.

Very funny, said Camus. Well, goodbye all.

The Camus family got into their car and drove off in the direction of Victor Harbor.

Goodbye Victor, said Gaius. It was a very interesting weekend. I hope we meet again.

So do I, said Victor. I wonder if you have an interest in Geology?

Rocks! said Gaius. I certainly do.

How about your friends? said Victor, looking at The VeloDrone and Le Bon David.

Err..humm, said the VeloDrone. Rocks. Yes, yes, of course. Everything has its own particular interest. Particularly rocks.

Oh rocks, said Le Bon David. Indeed. One can learn a great deal from rocks, or so I've heard.

No truer words were ever spoken, said Victor. Well then, let me invite you to the next meeting of the Field Geologists Club. I shall be travelling to town for it on Monday. Meet me at the Mawson Laboratories at six o'clock, and I'll introduce you to my friends.

Wonderful, said Gaius. We look forward to it.

Yes, said The VeloDrone. We look forward to brushing up on rocks.

As a matter of fact, said Victor, I don't think this month's talk is going to be on rocks, directly.

What a pity, said Le Bon David. Then perhaps we needn't come.

No, no, you must come, said Victor. I assure you that you won't be disappointed.