by David Bolton
Part III: Planning the Migration
The Devil is in the Details
Not much was undertaken in Koalaville the next day. Almost everybody slept well into the afternoon, as the all-night festivity had left them in dire need of recuperation. Later that evening, Chashibu and Chosay, who inhabited two trees next to Grandaddy’s, suggested to him that they plan another council meeting for the following morning, since there were going to be many issues that had to be settled within the next few weeks.
“I was thinking the same thing,” Grandaddy said to his two old friends. “Exactly what is on your minds, though?” he asked them.
“Well,” Chosay began, “the way I see it, as far as the upcoming migration is concerned, there are several matters that should be decided as soon as possible.”
“For example?” Grandaddy asked.
Chashibu explained, “Above all, it seems to us that there could be a problem as far as the choice of trees in the new grove is concerned. Imagine: all the koalas will want to have the very best trees in Eucalyptus Grove, and there may be a heap of arguments over who gets which tree.”
“Full-fledged fights might even break out,” Chosay continued. “It is up to us to see that things are decided fairly, and that the transition goes smoothly.”
“Yes, I do see what you mean,” Grandaddy agreed. “I will call a meeting of the Council for tomorrow at noon, and we’ll discuss the matter thoroughly.”
“Fine, Grandaddy,” Chashibu said. “As for now, how about if we three make ourselves a cup of hot eucalyptus tea, and get in a few hands of cards?”
“Now that is a fine suggestion!” Grandaddy smiled. “Let’s go over to our table and get started!”
The three old koalas went to the council table, lit a little oil lamp that had a metal grid fixed to the top of it, then set a kettle of water on the grid to heat it up. Chashibu took a deck of cards out of his pocket, and began to shuffle them. They were going to enjoy a few rounds of “Lost Koala Found,” their favorite game. Official matters could wait till tomorrow’s meeting, for after all, a life without a bit of relaxation and enjoyment is hardly worth the trouble of living it.