Now where have they got to? Shabby flock. I do wish they would keep up. No discipline, that's the trouble with the goslings of today.

They're probably tired, dear. We have been marching for an awfully long time.

Poppycock. Would you prefer that we fly? With a shoot on the marsh? I think not my sweet. This way.

(Their way is suddenly blocked by the emergence of UGLY from his hiding place in the ditch.)

Excuse me. I wonder if you could help.

Keep walking, dear. Eyes front. U.F.O. at four o'clock.

You see I'm lost.

(The GEESE continue to walk past.)

No excuse for bad navigation. A bird who gets off his flight path doesn't deserve his wings, that's what I always say isn't it, dear?

(With feeling.)
Always, dear.

But I can't even fly yet, I've got lost on foot.

Bah! Infantry eh? Messy business.

He's only a youngster. Maybe we should direct him.

(Remembering.)
Give him his marching orders.

Bah! Very well. We're Geese, mi

grants, you know, birds of passage. Run a tight fleet. Wouldn't do for us to lose our way, what? Where were you trying to get to?

Back to my Mother, on the lake. I think it must be in that direction. I saw some ducks flying over a few minutes ago.

Well if you did it was probably their last flying mission, what?

What do you mean?

There's a shoot on the marsh, dear. It's very dangerous.

What is a shoot?

Well, it's a people sport. One group of men move through the marsh scaring ducks into the air, while a second group, with guns, shoot them back out of the air again.

(All three look at one another and shrug as if to say 'What's the point of that')

The Cat warned me about people.

The Cat?

Yes, you see I went off with this Cat.

Didn't your Mother tell you how dangerous a Cat is?

Well yes she did but the Cat said he was my friend.

You don't want friends like that, dear. Your Mother was right to warn you.

She was?

(Gun Dogs bark nearby. UGLY is frightened.)

Gun Dogs. They must be starting the shoot again. Time for maneuvers. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but I have no option. Alright, at ease.

(DOT and UGLY sit to one side.)

Company fall in!

(The motley SQUADRON OF GEESE arrive. BARNACLES, PINK FOOT and SNOWY literally fall on to the stage. They wear old-fashioned aviator goggles.)

I didn't mean literally. Alright, eyes front. Now, we are about to take part in an exercise, the likes of which we have not faced before. Our task is one of reconnaissance and reunification.

(Explaining to the confused SQUADRON.)
This duckling's lost him Mom, bless him, and we're going to find her.

You are a fine body of Geese and I know you will give of your best. Good luck, men.

(He salutes them.)