Communication Breakdown

Next morning, the Ute pulls up outside the Velosophy office, where Schopenhauer is waiting.

Ray lifts the Platonic Ideal into the back.

Last one in, says Ray.

Yes, says Schopenhauer. Plenty of room.

In the back there is, says Ray. But not in the cabin. Mind riding in the back? I'll give you a leg up.

Impossible, says Schopenhauer. I'm stiff as a corpse and I have a hangover.

What's the matter? says Gaius, sticking his head out.

I must ride in the cabin, says Schopenhauer. Someone else will have to take my turn.

Arthur will, says Gaius. Hop in the back there, will you, Arthur.  Schopenhauer is feeling poorly.

Arthur gets out of the cabin. This is the first time he and Schopenhauer have met.

You don't mind? says Schopenhauer. Perhaps it is illegal?

Arthur doesn't mind. Especially if it's illegal. He gets in the back with the three bicycles.

Schopenhauer hauls himself into the cabin, next to Gaius.

I imagine you have planned our route, says Schopenhauer.

Yes, yes, says Gaius, pointing. We are going to Melbourne, in that direction.

That seems vague, says Schopenhauer.

Don't worry, says Ray. I think I know the way to Melbourne. We'll take the coast road. You'll like it, it's scenic, but it takes a bit longer.

Longer? says Gaius. Is that a good idea?

We have money, says Ray. We can afford the petrol.

As to that, says Schopenhauer. You must let me make a contribution.

No no, says Gaius. We wouldn't hear of it. Although you might like to pay your share of the ferry.

Fine, says Schopenhauer. He pats his pocket and looks out of the window.

Arthur in the back cannot hear this civil conversation. He is picking at his knee scabs with the scissors.

They set off. It is bright and early. Soon they are in the country.

Gaius is not looking out of the window. Then he is.

The back window. He taps on it loudly, to get Arthur's attention.

Arthur sticks his head up and looks in.

Gaius is mouthing something. A question.

It looks like: Arthur, did I pack my fish knife?

Arthur's hair is blowing in his eyes. The wind is whipping.

He shakes his head. Whatever Gaius asked the answer looks like: no.

How irritating, says Gaius. We shall have to turn around.

No way, says Ray.

I feel sick, says Schopenhauer.

Ray and Gaius look at him. Is he about to vomit? In the cabin?

And that is why they stop at Murray Bridge.