Me: Where’s Harriet?
Nell: On Bug Watch in the back garden.
Me: Why?
Nell: There have been a couple of unfortunate incidents. Not everyone gets on as well with each other as they should.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: There have also been a few Beefy sightings and Alejandro was woken by a wet fish in his hammock. Susan and Malcolm had it for breakfast.
Me: Can you explain the Whispering to me again?
Nell: Yes. Our bugs are going to influence the Beefies’ decisions by whispering to them.
Me: A bug’s whisper is going to be awfully quiet.
Nell: They are learning to whisper loudly. David has been a great help. He is used to talking to Mutley.
Me: Yes.
Nell: They will be like their little consciences.
Me: Do Beefies even have consciences?
Nell: Gull says they do.
Me: Is Gull in the team?
Nell: Gull is out there in the thick of it all. He, Henry and Horst are working closely together.
Me: Won’t the bugs get tired?
Nell: They’re working shifts. Bugs can be replaced in the knitted hats, or scarves so they can leave when they have enough information. Messages will be relayed by P Mail.
Me: P Mail? Don’t you mean email?
Nell: Certainly not. Walter Pigeon and the Beaky Blinders are on board. They don’t like the Beefies either.
Me: How does P Mail work?
Nell: Pigeons will collect and distribute bugs from various collection points.
Me: Have you considered some may get lost in the field?
Nell: Yes. The risk is high but our noble bugs are prepared.
Me: I don’t think the ones in the socks are going to hear anything and as for whispering…
Nell: Socks aren’t going to be bugged. Try and show a little common sense.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
