Friday, July 17, 2026

2. The Wabbit and his Environment

"Your elbow's in my face," said Wabsworth. "I can't help it," meaowed Skratch, "Someone changed the layout," Quantum laughed, "I changed the layout as you call it." Skratch screeched, "cat's need more room." Silence fell. "We all have to get used to change," murmured the Wabbit. "I can operate Quantum from the rear," growled Skratch, "He's on autopilot," said Lapinette. "Why is everyone so grumpy?" asked Quantum, "this is a new and exciting adventure." The Wabbit nudged Lapinette. "It's Wabsworth's job to keep up morale." Wabsworth smiled, "I know some jokes." Lapinette cringed. "Since were going to OGLE-2005-BLG-390Lb," said Wabsworth, "I have some cold weather jokes." Skratch hissed "Fire away!" Wabsworth drew a breath. "What's worse than a cold toilet seat?" Everyone shook their heads. "A warm one," grinned Wabsworth. They all groaned  - even Quantum and that sounded like clattering spanners at the loco yard. "When in danger when in doubt," said Quantum, "run in circles, scream and shout!" Lapinette clapped her paws. "Now that was funny!" Quantum laughed. "I know, I won a contest for stand-up locos." The Wabbit was bored, "When do we arrive?" Quantum shrugged as only a locomotive can. They all held onto what they could. "Want to try my new lattice drive?" Before they could reply, he engaged. They all shuddered and felt nauseous. Lapinette was nearly sick but recovered. The rule was, that if you were sick you cleared it up yourself. "We're here," said Quantum.