S1.5: The Pod’s condition

Masongill takes up the story, again. 

“So in a re-run of the previous experiement but, this time, without jeaopardy to his delicate eye stalks, Fabian looked at his potential ‘communication device’ – Curt, or possibly Roland: who knows?! – with Alcock and Hipparchus standing by. But this time Alcock, looking at Fabian, said ‘Now think something’. 

“There was a pause for a few seconds and then we all thought we heard a thought, a reply, although, of course, there was no sound. This has hardly ever happened to me, on my pay grade. It said:

“‘Chairman Alcock. Your snail has asked me to reply. And thus I do. To you all. I have heard him. My minion peas can always talk to me and, through them, so can you. Even this lowly snail. In fact. I quite like him. Like my peas and I, he is refreshingly silent. Just as you may, he also may speak to me, though only if he has real need. No tittle tattle!’ 

“At this point I am sure that Fabian looked surprised and hurt at the implication that he needed any such instuction! ‘And tell your blue fish-reptile to stop feeling so pleased with herself!’” 

As Masongill reminds them of this detail, even Lottie looks a little embarrassed. Masongill continues: 

“But after a very short pause the Pod continued. Or, rather, the telepathic connection via Curt or Roland continued: ‘But my peas are delicate. They cannot long tolerate absence from their Pod. They would be damaged if you were to borrow them often or for long. So you cannot use any of the peas you know. Not ‘The Boys’ – Curt and/or Roland – not precious Tiffany Anne. Not even my trusty stalwart Emlyn, though he would do his best to the end, even as it destroyed his mind. But don’t worry. I will provide.’ 

“And with that, a sudden silence descended, followed by a sudden apparent after-thought. ‘Lottie! Return my pea to the spot you found him! At once!’”