Lava

Cut to the middle of another of Garnet's long ago adventures...

Act One, Scene three

Out of breath, I run across the sand.

"I've been looking all over for you, Ozy!" I say as I come within earshot. Ozy is sitting under on umbrella on the beach, reading what looks like an ancient Aspergian manuscript.

"Haven't you heard? Kman's lost! He went for a hike up the volcano, said he intended to dance or something like that, and he hasn't been seen since!"

"So?" says Ozy, calmly looking up from the manuscript, "He probably just wants to be alone for a while. I can relate to that!"

"Yeah, but isn't it dangerous? The lava lake, the landslides, the bears?"

"According to this ancient manuscript, there is no lava this time of year." Ozy says, gesturing toward the manuscript.

"No lava? Then what's that red steaming stuff?" I ask.

"Jell-O. Warm, red Jell-O. Says right here." He points a finger at the manuscript, but I cannot read ancient Aspergian. I take his word for it.

"They knew about Jell-O in ancient Aspergia?" I ask in disbelief.

"They were an advanced civilization! Of course they knew about Jell-O!"

"OK, then," I say, shifting my feet and putting my hands on my hips, "What about the landslides?"

"Not to worry," says Ozy, "The rocks are made of super-porous pumice."

"What does that mean?" I ask.

"Lighter than styrofoam. Besides, come to think of it, on my way down here I thought I heard Kman's voice coming from the Lodge. Talking about miscreants or something. I don't think he's really lost."

"Hmm" I say, "Yeah, maybe it's just a lead-in to one of his riffs. Oh well, since all's well I think I'll make myself a gin-and-tonic at the bar. See you later. Love you!"

"Love you too" he says, turning back to his manuscript.

"But please go away."
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