Hostile Brothers
Paladeus went to where his sons slept to wake them. When he found them half asleep he reasoned to himself:
“Let them pretend. They will hear my words all the same”
And then he said to his sons:
“Both of you did a good job yesterday. There is no more work for you today. I only ask that you rest well and replenish your motivations. Whether that should mean staying in bed or pursuing some hobby is no concern of mine. When I return tonight I will bring with me the ingredients I need to make us a more interesting meal.”
When Kaneacus heard this he decided more sleep would be just great. But Arthomus decided he would use the time to work on his protein carving. So he left the bedroom, went into their courtyard, and got to work.
Scene (g+1)
Later that day Kaneacus came into the courtyard to see Arthomus.
Kaneacus: “I’m bored Art. There’s nothing to do.”
Arthomus: “You need a hobby bro. And I mean besides complaining. Perhaps you might make for a good chess player.”
Kaneacus: ”Chess isn’t my thing.”
Arthomus: “ Try painting or writing. You could even try your hand at starting your own garden. Father would not object to you taking this or that seed from his stock.”
Kaneacus: “Sounds boring.”
Arthomus: “It sounds boring because you know nothing about. You really need to acquire a taste for acquired tastes. Sooner rather than later.”
Kaneacus: “Whatever you say bro.”
Kaneacus turned to leave. He was walking slowly because he thought his brother might actually have one more useful thing to say, but preferred not to admit it. Without stopping what he was doing,
Arthomus added: “There are many arts and hobbies that are difficult, yet rewarding. I would suggest you pick one”
Kaneacus turned his nucleus over his shoulder and halted:
“The market is busy today brother. There will be many opportunities for me to master the art of Pickpocketing. It would be both difficult and rewarding, as you say.”
Arthomus: “Fine. Go be a thief of others’ money. No more will you be a thief of my time.”
Kaneacus left his brother to his work. On his way out of the estate he thought,
“Let him waste time with proteins. I will learn how to fend for myself in this cold, cold world.”
Scene (g+2)
Once at the market, Kaneacus took the time to survey the scene.
He spied a handbag next to a carpet stand which an old woman was doing a poor job of attending to. She might even have been blind. And then Kaneacus did plot
“Look there! A bad which is ripe for the taking. This woman deserves for someone to steal her bag if she would leave it like that. I need only setup some distraction...”
Kaneacus spotted a pot of oxygen and, using his ribosomes, knocked it over with a well aimed amino acid chain. To his benefit, no one seemed to notice the pot break.
The oxygen merchant looked nonplussed:
“Alright, who’s fucking with my pots! Is it you again Jacob? You and your damned carpets!”
Jacob: “I’ve done no such thing. And what happened the other day was an accident, and you know that! If you don’t attend to your temper, this place might be made free of its least necessary Oxygen merchant!”
The merchant made to come after Jacob playfully. Two guards, seeing all of this, decided to walk over to the commotion.
Instead of hurting Jacob, Fred the merchant picked him up playfully.
“How’s my little bother doing? Quite well by the look of that embroidery.”
Jacob responded, while working his way out the grip: “What can I say. Business...”
Just then Jacob slipped out and leg swiped Fred. He then continued,
“.. is good.”
The guards who watched all of this knew the difference between brothers messing around and fight breaking out, and so did nothing. What they failed to notice was Kaneacus making off with not one, but three bags.