Mickey Moto

Where did you find them? asks Gaius.

Victor hands him the crocs.

They washed in, right in front of me, says Victor. First one, then the other.

Thank you, says Gaius. And I owe you an apology.

Why is that? asks Victor.

I haven't contacted Surfing-with-Whales regarding the accident, says Gaius.

That's not why I'm here, says Victor. I'm simply making a routine inspection.

Very commendable, says Kant. 

You have obviously been in the water, says Victor.

We both have, says Gaius.

I know YOU have, says Victor. Or your crocs would not have washed up where they did.

I was not in fact wearing them, says Gaius.

I was, says Kant.

No matter, says Victor. But I advise you both not to go back in.

Has there been a development? asks Gaius.

Dead cockles at Goolwa, says Victor. At least now we know what it is.

What what is? asks Gaius.

The froth, says Victor. It's called ...um... let me get this right...(he takes out his phone) karenia mikimotoi...

Mickey-moto! says Terence. He looks with renewed interest at the froth.

So does Gaius. 

Is it poisonous? asks Kant. I wore a mask, but the elastic broke when I bodysurfed in.

You did very well, says Gaius. 

I was carried along, says Kant. I hardly did anything.

Why were you out there? asks Victor.

Taking readings, says Kant.

And having philosophical thoughts says Gaius.

I suggest you call it a day, then, says Victor. 

All right, says Gaius. Perhaps we'll head over to Goolwa.

Can I keep some mickey-moto? asks Terence.

I doubt it will keep, says Gaius.

It would make a good comparison, says Kant. If we're going to Goolwa.

So it would, says Gaius. But what would we put it in? 

The Tic-Tac box! says Terence.

And where is that? asks Gaius.

Arthur had it, says Terence.

He may have dropped it, says Kant.

I hope not, says Victor. If so, he'll be hit by a fine.

It'll be in the pocket of his shorts, says Gaius.

Let's signal Arthur, says Terence.

He's too far out, says Gaius. He won't see us.

You people! says Victor. Call yourselves scientists, yet you don't have a suitable container.

We were not anticipating taking a sample, says Gaius.

Always be prepared, says Victor.

Like a boy scout, says Kant.

Like a policemen, says Victor. 

He takes a plastic bag out of his pocket.

Evidence bag, says Victor. Always at the ready.

I don't suppose... begins Gaius.

Forget it, says Victor.