Not Not A Parrot

Jinjing's probably flown back to his cage, says Katherine. Happy now, Victor?

We'll see, says Victor. Meanwhile, I must ask you not to leave the vessel.

He goes off to see if Jinjing has returned to his cage.

What nonsense, says Margaret. They can't keep us on board for the sake of a missing toy parrot.

I agree, says Katherine. Let's proceed as though nothing has happened.

But Jinjing's gone MISSING! says Terence.

Flown away, says Katherine. It's not the same thing.

How? asks Terence.

He'll be waiting somewhere, says Katherine.

Where? mutters Terence.

Katherine and Margaret pick up their overnight bags and head below decks with Terence.

Terence is looking, looking, looking.

He might see Jinjing.

They arrive in the car park, and walk past the cages.

Victor is standing near the one that once held Jinjing, with a check sheet and a pencil.

Forms to fill in, says Victor. Unfortunately, you'll all be here for some time. A missing parrot is a serious business.

We don't need the parrot, says Katherine. Therefore, you should let us go.

It doesn't work that way, says Victor. We can't have a loose parrot on the Spirit of Tasmania.

This is ridiculous! says Margaret. Can you prove there even was a parrot?

Paperwork proves it, says Victor.

Show us, says Margaret.

Victor shows her the checklist.

Cage 27. Possible parrot.

There! says Katherine. A POSSIBLE parrot. You have a poor case against us.

True, says Victor. I didn't realise it was described as a possible parrot. However a possible parrot is not NOT a parrot. I'll need to make some enquiries.

You do that, says Katherine. We have to get to Burnie by lunch time.

The Cheese Shop? asks Victor.

None of your business, says Katherine. You have been very unhelpful.

Just doing my job, says Victor. How about, to make up for my unhelpfulness, I meet you in Burnie and buy you a cheese?

Have you got some time off? asks Katherine.

Yes, says Victor.

That would be nice, says Katherine.

Margaret rolls her eyes. She doesn't trust Victor.

Terence takes a last look around as they get in the car.

The Shih Tsu is being bundled into a Volvo. There to be given a shiny tin of fishy titbits.

The Wombat is being trundled away on a trolley,