Terence rifles through the shorts, while Belle watches, thinking of Pablo.
A vendeuse approaches.
May I help you? she asks. I am Aurélie. Do you search for something in particular?
Black and white ring shorts, says Terence.
Ring shorts? says Aurélie. Is this a new sport for les enfants?
Belle starts paying attention.
He means shorts with black and white rings, says Belle. You don't seem to have any.
Is it stripes, or circles? asks Aurélie. We have striped ones. See. Bermuda Rayé.
The stripes are vertical.
Rings are supposed to join up, says Terence. Don't you know anything?
He's going looking for snakes, says Belle. In the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Alors! Now I am with you, says Aurélie. Would it be the bandy bandy?
Yes it would! says Belle. How did you know?
They have discovered a new one, says Aurélie. I study endangered species at the Sorbonne. Sadly the new one is already endangered due to bauxite mining in the area.
That's really rough, says Belle.
Yes, says Aurélie, but the immediate problem is shorts for the petit garçon. Unfortunately we do not stock snake shorts, but I know where you can buy them.
She takes out her phone and brings up Snake Shorts.
Shows Terence.
The Snake Shorts are cool. They are black and white. They have white snakes on them, with black rings. They come in sizes 1 to 10. (The shorts do. The snakes are identical).
Cotton On! says Belle. We can actually get them in Adelaide.
Yes you can, says Aurélie.
Thanks Aurélie, says Belle.
It's my job, says Aurélie.
Surely it isn't, says Belle This is a Monoprix.
Ha ha, laughs Aurélie. I'm thinking of my future job, once I finish my Master of Science of the Universe, Environment and Ecology.
That's awesome, says Belle. Well, good luck with that, Aurélie. Come on Terence.
Not yet! says Terence. I haven't got anything.
We have a striped black and white Marinière tee shirt, says Aurélie. Horizontal stripes. You could try it.
No! says Terence. Not a tee shirt!
Why not? asks Belle. Try it. It will be something, until you get the Snake Shorts.
Yes try it, says Aurélie. It is only six euros.
Terence won't try it, but Belle buys it anyway. And two pairs of snake socks which are not really snake socks but Belle and Aurélie have decided they are.
Just because they have one thin black line on.
Stupid ladies.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Monday, August 6, 2018
Black and White Rings
Vello and David are on the train to Ferney.
How will you do it? asks David.
Do what? says Vello.
Get the people of Ferney to agree to replace a well known statue, says David.
A beloved iconic statue, says Vello.
If you say so, says David.
They love me, says Vello. If I wish to modernise my statue, they'll be all for it.
It may be too modern, says David, unfolding the plan.
They both regard it.
No, no, says Vello. Sweezus has left my face blank. Monsieur Lambert, who sculpted the original, can use the same face, but I shall insist on a contemporary hairstyle.
You should, says David. A curled wig on a man on a bicycle would look.....
Clownish, says Vello.
And you'd know, agrees David. Let's hope he does bicycles. There could be structural issues.
Don't try and put me off, says Vello.
The train rattles on.
A modern train?
Okay.
The train zooms towards Ferney.
......
Meanwhile Sweezus, Arthur and Pablo have left the hotel and headed for Gare Montparnasse to catch the train to Hendaye, and change there for San Sebastian.
It's not overly hot in San Sebastian.
There would be ructions, if Terence knew that.
......
Terence is complaining to Belle about the snakes he'll encounter in Weeper.
Snakes!
You'll like the snakes, says Belle. Gaius told me about them. They have black and white rings.
Terence takes in the new information.
Black and white rings.
Can I get new shorts? asks Terence.
There's not much time, says Belle. Why do you want them?
But Terence won't say. He just wants them.
Belle takes Terence on a quick shopping trip to the Monoprix.
There is sale on, in the enfants department. Forty percent off.
But no black and white ring shorts.
How will you do it? asks David.
Do what? says Vello.
Get the people of Ferney to agree to replace a well known statue, says David.
A beloved iconic statue, says Vello.
If you say so, says David.
They love me, says Vello. If I wish to modernise my statue, they'll be all for it.
It may be too modern, says David, unfolding the plan.
They both regard it.
No, no, says Vello. Sweezus has left my face blank. Monsieur Lambert, who sculpted the original, can use the same face, but I shall insist on a contemporary hairstyle.
You should, says David. A curled wig on a man on a bicycle would look.....
Clownish, says Vello.
And you'd know, agrees David. Let's hope he does bicycles. There could be structural issues.
Don't try and put me off, says Vello.
The train rattles on.
A modern train?
Okay.
The train zooms towards Ferney.
......
Meanwhile Sweezus, Arthur and Pablo have left the hotel and headed for Gare Montparnasse to catch the train to Hendaye, and change there for San Sebastian.
It's not overly hot in San Sebastian.
There would be ructions, if Terence knew that.
......
Terence is complaining to Belle about the snakes he'll encounter in Weeper.
Snakes!
You'll like the snakes, says Belle. Gaius told me about them. They have black and white rings.
Terence takes in the new information.
Black and white rings.
Can I get new shorts? asks Terence.
There's not much time, says Belle. Why do you want them?
But Terence won't say. He just wants them.
Belle takes Terence on a quick shopping trip to the Monoprix.
There is sale on, in the enfants department. Forty percent off.
But no black and white ring shorts.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
My Heart Moves From Cold To Fire
Gaius has obtained a steaming kettle. He separates the folds of Vello's paper napkin, as they dampen.
Hurry up, says Vello.
Do you want me to do this or don't you? says Gaius.
Yes, but quickly, says Vello.
There, says Gaius. See what you've made me do?
Vello's head has been robbed of its features.
Never mind, says David. We all know what you look like. How is the bicycle?
Quite good, says Gaius. Basic. But it's only a statue.
The sculptor will make the best of it, says Vello.
Very wise, says David. Let's not miss the train.
They head for the door.
Terence is waiting outside.
What is it? snaps Vello.
Nothing, says Terence. I have to ask Gaius something.
Ask away, says Vello. He's in there, with a kettle.
What is it Terence? asks Gaius.
Is it too hot in Spain? asks Terence.
Depends, says Gaius.
That's what Saint Roley said, says Terence.
Did he elaborate? asks Gaius, interested in Saint Roley's reasoning.
No, says Terence. Do I have to come to Weeper?
No, says Gaius. You don't have to come. And it's Weipa not Weeper. But Humboldt and Saint Roley are coming.
And snakes, says Terence.
The snakes are already there, says Gaius. And they are exceedingly tiny.
He would take out his diagrams to show Terence how tiny, but they're not in this room.
........
Terence goes back to Sweezus's room. The door is open. Belle is inside, talking to Pablo.
I have to go home soon, says Belle. To run the office.
Nothing is extinguished or forgotten, says Pablo.
I'll stay in Paris a couple more more days, then head back to Adelaide, says Belle.
I'll be there in January for the Tour Down Under, says Pablo.
That's nice, says Belle.
Truly?
Yes truly, says Belle.
My heart moves from cold to fire, says Pablo.
That's even nicer.
.......
Sweezus opens his eyes and sees Terence, close up.
Last chance! says Terence.
For what? asks Sweezus.
To take me to Spain, says Terence. Otherwise I have to see snakes.
Only small ones, says Sweezus. You'll like it up there.
Up where? asks Terence.
Gulf of Carpentaria, says Sweezus, not thinking.
I hate carpenters, says Terence. And I hate golf.
Sweezus has only just woken up. But he knows what Terence is thinking.
GULF! says Sweezus. Water. CARPENTARIA, not Saint freaking Joseph.
Hurry up, says Vello.
Do you want me to do this or don't you? says Gaius.
Yes, but quickly, says Vello.
There, says Gaius. See what you've made me do?
Vello's head has been robbed of its features.
Never mind, says David. We all know what you look like. How is the bicycle?
Quite good, says Gaius. Basic. But it's only a statue.
The sculptor will make the best of it, says Vello.
Very wise, says David. Let's not miss the train.
They head for the door.
Terence is waiting outside.
What is it? snaps Vello.
Nothing, says Terence. I have to ask Gaius something.
Ask away, says Vello. He's in there, with a kettle.
What is it Terence? asks Gaius.
Is it too hot in Spain? asks Terence.
Depends, says Gaius.
That's what Saint Roley said, says Terence.
Did he elaborate? asks Gaius, interested in Saint Roley's reasoning.
No, says Terence. Do I have to come to Weeper?
No, says Gaius. You don't have to come. And it's Weipa not Weeper. But Humboldt and Saint Roley are coming.
And snakes, says Terence.
The snakes are already there, says Gaius. And they are exceedingly tiny.
He would take out his diagrams to show Terence how tiny, but they're not in this room.
........
Terence goes back to Sweezus's room. The door is open. Belle is inside, talking to Pablo.
I have to go home soon, says Belle. To run the office.
Nothing is extinguished or forgotten, says Pablo.
I'll stay in Paris a couple more more days, then head back to Adelaide, says Belle.
I'll be there in January for the Tour Down Under, says Pablo.
That's nice, says Belle.
Truly?
Yes truly, says Belle.
My heart moves from cold to fire, says Pablo.
That's even nicer.
.......
Sweezus opens his eyes and sees Terence, close up.
Last chance! says Terence.
For what? asks Sweezus.
To take me to Spain, says Terence. Otherwise I have to see snakes.
Only small ones, says Sweezus. You'll like it up there.
Up where? asks Terence.
Gulf of Carpentaria, says Sweezus, not thinking.
I hate carpenters, says Terence. And I hate golf.
Sweezus has only just woken up. But he knows what Terence is thinking.
GULF! says Sweezus. Water. CARPENTARIA, not Saint freaking Joseph.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Falling As Snakes
Even the best nights must end. The Clown Bar is closing.
Vello has paid the large bill.
It was expensive but worth it, thinks Vello, as he pays with his credit card.
Everyone spills out into the warm Paris night.
The parallel parties go off in opposite directions. The two Saint Roleys touch wings in passing.
Are you FRIENDS? asks Terence.
Of course, says Saint Roley.
He didn't like me, says Terence.
He didn't have time to get used to you, says Saint Roley.
I got used to him straight away, says Terence. He's a bumbrain.
Saint Roley decides not to argue.
Where are we going next? asks Terence.
Let's wait and see, says Saint Roley.
They wait and see.
It's a hotel in the Folie-Méricourt. A nice one.
Team Philosophe and Team Condor have three rooms between them.
Belle is sharing one with Terence and Saint Roley.
She collapses into bed, without even getting them a cushion.
In bed, she dreams of the future.
In the dream it is morning. Vello and David are heading for the Gare de Lyon in a taxi.
No wait. It IS morning. Vello and David are about to head for Gare de Lyon in a taxi.
You're really going to Ferney? asks Belle.
Yes dear, says Vello. I have Sweezus's design for my statue in my pocket.
Let's see it in the cold light of morning, says Belle.
Good thinking, says Vello. Sweezus is still available for last minute corrections....
He takes the paper napkin from his pocket. Tries to unfold it. Succeeds only partly. It is torn in some places.
Hum, says Vello. It's fortunate that we checked. Where's Sweezus?
Still sleeping.
Gaius comes into the room, and sees the problem. Not surprising. He had already foreseen it.
Try steaming, says Gaius.
David goes downstairs to ask for a kettle.
We'll miss the train, fusses Vello.
......
Terence has been looking for Sweezus. He has knocked loudly on ten or more doors.
Angry voices have pursued him.
At last, Pablo opens.
Qué? says Pablo.
Am I coming with you?
No, says Pablo. We men are going to Spain. It is hot there. Forty seven degrees. Too hot for an infant.
Terence stomps back to Belle's room where Saint Roley is waiting.
Is it too hot in Spain? asks Terence.
I suppose so, says Saint Roley. In some parts. It depends probably. Why don't we ask Gaius?
Terence scowls.
He suspects he will end up with Gaius. And where is Gaius going? To a place that's called Weeper, with snakes.
I know the future, says Terence.
Is it in your shorts? asks Saint Roley.
Terence had forgotten about the Sea Salt. There is not much left. But there's some in his pocket. Saint Roley is clever. Not a bumbrain.
Terence jigs up and down.
Sea Salt falls to the floor at his cement feet.
It falls ~~~
definitively ~~~
as snakes ~~~
Vello has paid the large bill.
It was expensive but worth it, thinks Vello, as he pays with his credit card.
Everyone spills out into the warm Paris night.
The parallel parties go off in opposite directions. The two Saint Roleys touch wings in passing.
Are you FRIENDS? asks Terence.
Of course, says Saint Roley.
He didn't like me, says Terence.
He didn't have time to get used to you, says Saint Roley.
I got used to him straight away, says Terence. He's a bumbrain.
Saint Roley decides not to argue.
Where are we going next? asks Terence.
Let's wait and see, says Saint Roley.
They wait and see.
It's a hotel in the Folie-Méricourt. A nice one.
Team Philosophe and Team Condor have three rooms between them.
Belle is sharing one with Terence and Saint Roley.
She collapses into bed, without even getting them a cushion.
In bed, she dreams of the future.
In the dream it is morning. Vello and David are heading for the Gare de Lyon in a taxi.
No wait. It IS morning. Vello and David are about to head for Gare de Lyon in a taxi.
You're really going to Ferney? asks Belle.
Yes dear, says Vello. I have Sweezus's design for my statue in my pocket.
Let's see it in the cold light of morning, says Belle.
Good thinking, says Vello. Sweezus is still available for last minute corrections....
He takes the paper napkin from his pocket. Tries to unfold it. Succeeds only partly. It is torn in some places.
Hum, says Vello. It's fortunate that we checked. Where's Sweezus?
Still sleeping.
Gaius comes into the room, and sees the problem. Not surprising. He had already foreseen it.
Try steaming, says Gaius.
David goes downstairs to ask for a kettle.
We'll miss the train, fusses Vello.
......
Terence has been looking for Sweezus. He has knocked loudly on ten or more doors.
Angry voices have pursued him.
At last, Pablo opens.
Qué? says Pablo.
Am I coming with you?
No, says Pablo. We men are going to Spain. It is hot there. Forty seven degrees. Too hot for an infant.
Terence stomps back to Belle's room where Saint Roley is waiting.
Is it too hot in Spain? asks Terence.
I suppose so, says Saint Roley. In some parts. It depends probably. Why don't we ask Gaius?
Terence scowls.
He suspects he will end up with Gaius. And where is Gaius going? To a place that's called Weeper, with snakes.
I know the future, says Terence.
Is it in your shorts? asks Saint Roley.
Terence had forgotten about the Sea Salt. There is not much left. But there's some in his pocket. Saint Roley is clever. Not a bumbrain.
Terence jigs up and down.
Sea Salt falls to the floor at his cement feet.
It falls ~~~
definitively ~~~
as snakes ~~~
Friday, August 3, 2018
I Don't Exist Over There
Parallel Saint Roley eats a deep fried whelk and a macaron crumb.
So this is the life of my counterpart, thinks parallel Saint Roley.
He wipes his orange beak, with a black wing feather.
He surveys the party of humans he is now among.
A couple of philosophers, or clowns. Like the ones at his table.
A natural historian and a Prussian scientist/explorer. Tick.
A couple of poets. Also.
One creative. Hah. They must be two a penny.
One lady. Same.
A cement infant, with a claw.
He doesn't know a cement infant. He will talk to the infant.
In my parallel universe, you don't exist, says parallel Saint Roley.
I don't like your face, says Terence. Where's real Saint Roley?
I don't like yours, says parallel Saint Roley.
Everyone likes mine, says Terence.
I don't, says parallel Saint Roley. Why do you have a claw?
On my face? asks Terence.
Didn't say it was on your face, says parallel Saint Roley. I don't like your claw either.
Wah! says Terence.
What's the matter? asks Belle.
I don't exist over there, says Terence.
Of course you don't, says Belle. He's talking about our equivalents. See that lady? She'll be my equivalent.
She waves at the lady.
The lady waves back.
She is expecting a baby.
Belle turns away from the lady.
Pablo turns towards Belle.
Saint Roley emerges from under the parallel table, and makes a help sign.
Help sign of the oystercatcher: Wings up, eyes rolling.
Let me return to my universe!
Belle pokes Pablo, who nudges her back in an amorous manner.
Parallel Saint Roley takes advantage of the fracas. He hops back to his table.
Saint Roley! cries the expectant lady (that's what she calls him). Mind my seat. I must go for a pee!
Saint Roley (our Saint Roley) has meanwhile hopped back to his table.
He eats a deep fried whelk and a macaron crumb.
And is grateful.
So this is the life of my counterpart, thinks parallel Saint Roley.
He wipes his orange beak, with a black wing feather.
He surveys the party of humans he is now among.
A couple of philosophers, or clowns. Like the ones at his table.
A natural historian and a Prussian scientist/explorer. Tick.
A couple of poets. Also.
One creative. Hah. They must be two a penny.
One lady. Same.
A cement infant, with a claw.
He doesn't know a cement infant. He will talk to the infant.
In my parallel universe, you don't exist, says parallel Saint Roley.
I don't like your face, says Terence. Where's real Saint Roley?
I don't like yours, says parallel Saint Roley.
Everyone likes mine, says Terence.
I don't, says parallel Saint Roley. Why do you have a claw?
On my face? asks Terence.
Didn't say it was on your face, says parallel Saint Roley. I don't like your claw either.
Wah! says Terence.
What's the matter? asks Belle.
I don't exist over there, says Terence.
Of course you don't, says Belle. He's talking about our equivalents. See that lady? She'll be my equivalent.
She waves at the lady.
The lady waves back.
She is expecting a baby.
Belle turns away from the lady.
Pablo turns towards Belle.
Saint Roley emerges from under the parallel table, and makes a help sign.
Help sign of the oystercatcher: Wings up, eyes rolling.
Let me return to my universe!
Belle pokes Pablo, who nudges her back in an amorous manner.
Parallel Saint Roley takes advantage of the fracas. He hops back to his table.
Saint Roley! cries the expectant lady (that's what she calls him). Mind my seat. I must go for a pee!
Saint Roley (our Saint Roley) has meanwhile hopped back to his table.
He eats a deep fried whelk and a macaron crumb.
And is grateful.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Tragic Rigid
The night in the Clown Bar wears on.
Sweezus has finished his design for Vello's new statue.
He shows it to Vello.
Do my legs look like that? asks Vello.
Belle leans over.
That's the wheels! You're on a bike, remember?
Let me see, says David. Oh yes, but your head looks quite small.
I haven't factored in the perspective, says Sweezus. His head 'll be bigger.
As in life, observes David.
It's a very nice statue, says Belle. And it looks good in green.
That's the MEDIUM, says Vello. Soup lines on paper napkin, with crystals of Sea Salt. Am I to keep it?
Yeah, boss, says Sweezus. But wait till it's dry.
Too late. Vello has picked it up, folded it and shoved it into his pocket.
Terence has been quietly picking the biscuit topping off his fluffy mousse and raspberry sorbet, but now he has finished.
What to do with the crumbs?
Nothing.
But Belle sees them.
Eat your crumbs, says Belle. They're made of crushed macarons.
No, says Terence.
Arthur reaches over to try one. He likes macarons.
So does Sweezus. Their hands crash, and macaron crumbs scatter.
Maybe Saint Roley would like them, says Belle. I know he's always hungry.
She pokes her head under the table.
Hello, says parallel Saint Roley.
Thank you for doing that, says Belle, spotting the neat pile of leg hairs.
Doing what? wonders parallel Saint Roley.
Are you hungry? asks Belle.
Yes, quite hungry, he answers.
Come up to the table for some macaron crumbs, says Belle. And Arthur might have a spare whelk or two. He's finding some of them chewy.
Parallel Saint Roley hops up to the table.
Gaius looks at him with the eye of a natural historian who has drunk more wine than usual.
Hmm.
Look at this, says Terence, to parallel Saint Roley. A parrot claw!
He is pointing to the tragic rigid claw of Humboldt's baked pigeon.
How to react? Parallel Saint Roley tries a blank face.
Then he tries a beatific one.
Light beams from his visage.
You're different, says Terence. Turn that headlight off.
I may as well come clean, says parallel Saint Roley. I am from under the next table. Your real Saint Roley is there, impersonating me. I have taken his place for the rest of the evening.
How fascinating, says Gaius.
I thought I detected a difference, says Humboldt.
Do you have similar histories? asks Gaius, ignoring the insinuation that he has missed something.
Both lost a brother, says parallel Saint Roley. Both joined a motley crew of humans. Both given thankless tasks. Both always hungry.
Me too, says Terence.
He would say that. But he did lose a blood brother once (baby BB). So it's true in a way.
Sweezus has finished his design for Vello's new statue.
He shows it to Vello.
Do my legs look like that? asks Vello.
Belle leans over.
That's the wheels! You're on a bike, remember?
Let me see, says David. Oh yes, but your head looks quite small.
I haven't factored in the perspective, says Sweezus. His head 'll be bigger.
As in life, observes David.
It's a very nice statue, says Belle. And it looks good in green.
That's the MEDIUM, says Vello. Soup lines on paper napkin, with crystals of Sea Salt. Am I to keep it?
Yeah, boss, says Sweezus. But wait till it's dry.
Too late. Vello has picked it up, folded it and shoved it into his pocket.
Terence has been quietly picking the biscuit topping off his fluffy mousse and raspberry sorbet, but now he has finished.
What to do with the crumbs?
Nothing.
But Belle sees them.
Eat your crumbs, says Belle. They're made of crushed macarons.
No, says Terence.
Arthur reaches over to try one. He likes macarons.
So does Sweezus. Their hands crash, and macaron crumbs scatter.
Maybe Saint Roley would like them, says Belle. I know he's always hungry.
She pokes her head under the table.
Hello, says parallel Saint Roley.
Thank you for doing that, says Belle, spotting the neat pile of leg hairs.
Doing what? wonders parallel Saint Roley.
Are you hungry? asks Belle.
Yes, quite hungry, he answers.
Come up to the table for some macaron crumbs, says Belle. And Arthur might have a spare whelk or two. He's finding some of them chewy.
Parallel Saint Roley hops up to the table.
Gaius looks at him with the eye of a natural historian who has drunk more wine than usual.
Hmm.
Look at this, says Terence, to parallel Saint Roley. A parrot claw!
He is pointing to the tragic rigid claw of Humboldt's baked pigeon.
How to react? Parallel Saint Roley tries a blank face.
Then he tries a beatific one.
Light beams from his visage.
You're different, says Terence. Turn that headlight off.
I may as well come clean, says parallel Saint Roley. I am from under the next table. Your real Saint Roley is there, impersonating me. I have taken his place for the rest of the evening.
How fascinating, says Gaius.
I thought I detected a difference, says Humboldt.
Do you have similar histories? asks Gaius, ignoring the insinuation that he has missed something.
Both lost a brother, says parallel Saint Roley. Both joined a motley crew of humans. Both given thankless tasks. Both always hungry.
Me too, says Terence.
He would say that. But he did lose a blood brother once (baby BB). So it's true in a way.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Parallel Saints
By now they have drunk a lot of funky artisanal French wine.
The Sea Salt is spread all over the table in parallel lines.
Observe the parallel universes, says Vello. In mine, I'd be a clown.
You're a clown in this one, observes David. In a parallel universe you might be a philosopher.
Very funny, says Vello. I'm thinking of going back to Ferney. Want to come with me?
Whatever for? asks David. Last time we went there your chateau had been opened to the public. We had to sneak up the back stairs to get into your bedroom.
I want to do something about my statue, says Vello. I'm portrayed in a frock coat and stockings, leaning on a cane. It's hardly the image of me of nowadays.
Sweezus risks putting his oar in.
Yeah, says Sweezus. A racing bike would be cooler. Let me design it. Anyone got a pencil?
Of course no one has.
Sweezus spreads out a paper towel and dips his finger in sea soup.
This will take some time, the paper keeps tearing.
Arthur throws Sea Salt on the paper. Salt might dry it up.
Pablo is not watching. He is making moon eyes at Belle.
She is in her own parallel universe, cuddling a baby.
Not his baby.
David pours more wine.
Gaius and Humboldt are the soberest. They are discussing how they might travel to Weipa.
Arthur will arrange it, says Gaius He's good at such things. He can do it before he goes off with Sweezus and Pablo. By the way Arthur, where are you going?
Urm... Spain, says Arthur.
Really, says Gaius. Perhaps you could take Terence with you.
No, we can't, says Sweezus, looking up sharply and ripping (once again) his paper.
Pity, says Vello. It was coming along nicely. I suppose it doesn't have to be green?
Nah, says Sweezus. That's just the medium.
Terence looks at the medium, in which Vello is green.
Under the table Saint Roley is patiently picking the leg hairs out of Belle's shoes.
He stacks them neatly near Gaius's feet, assuming Gaius won't kick them.
He has been following the conversation.
If there's a parallel universe, it may well be near here.
Perhaps, thinks Saint Roley, under a parallel table, in this very Clown Bar, another Saint Roley is picking leg hairs from another woman's shoe.
He inches his way out from under the table, and heads for the next one.
He squeezes under the parallel table.
Hello brother! says a parallel Saint Roley.
The Sea Salt is spread all over the table in parallel lines.
Observe the parallel universes, says Vello. In mine, I'd be a clown.
You're a clown in this one, observes David. In a parallel universe you might be a philosopher.
Very funny, says Vello. I'm thinking of going back to Ferney. Want to come with me?
Whatever for? asks David. Last time we went there your chateau had been opened to the public. We had to sneak up the back stairs to get into your bedroom.
I want to do something about my statue, says Vello. I'm portrayed in a frock coat and stockings, leaning on a cane. It's hardly the image of me of nowadays.
Sweezus risks putting his oar in.
Yeah, says Sweezus. A racing bike would be cooler. Let me design it. Anyone got a pencil?
Of course no one has.
Sweezus spreads out a paper towel and dips his finger in sea soup.
This will take some time, the paper keeps tearing.
Arthur throws Sea Salt on the paper. Salt might dry it up.
Pablo is not watching. He is making moon eyes at Belle.
She is in her own parallel universe, cuddling a baby.
Not his baby.
David pours more wine.
Gaius and Humboldt are the soberest. They are discussing how they might travel to Weipa.
Arthur will arrange it, says Gaius He's good at such things. He can do it before he goes off with Sweezus and Pablo. By the way Arthur, where are you going?
Urm... Spain, says Arthur.
Really, says Gaius. Perhaps you could take Terence with you.
No, we can't, says Sweezus, looking up sharply and ripping (once again) his paper.
Pity, says Vello. It was coming along nicely. I suppose it doesn't have to be green?
Nah, says Sweezus. That's just the medium.
Terence looks at the medium, in which Vello is green.
Under the table Saint Roley is patiently picking the leg hairs out of Belle's shoes.
He stacks them neatly near Gaius's feet, assuming Gaius won't kick them.
He has been following the conversation.
If there's a parallel universe, it may well be near here.
Perhaps, thinks Saint Roley, under a parallel table, in this very Clown Bar, another Saint Roley is picking leg hairs from another woman's shoe.
He inches his way out from under the table, and heads for the next one.
He squeezes under the parallel table.
Hello brother! says a parallel Saint Roley.
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