Geographic Separation

This looks, says Helen, twirling the barnacle between her thumb and forefinger, like an ordinary Surf Barnacle.

It is, says Gaius.

Have you spotted any others? asks Helen.

No, says Gaius, But I have not given up.

A classic case of talking at cross purposes.

Helen believes that the Surf Barnacle may represent a geographically separated population of the same species, that is, Surf Barnacles.

Gaius, on the other hand, knows that this Surf Barnacle has merely been mislaid.

Only Captain Louttit knows that she is pregnant.

He comes to the rescue.

Good morning, madam, says Captain Louttit. Stop twiddling that barnacle.

Captain Louttit! says Helen. What are you doing here?

Oh, it's you, Helen, says Captain Louttit. I am travelling down to Hobart  with these people.

You are far from your native coastline, says Helen.

I am indeed, says Captain Louttit. But I have nothing to complain of.

I have! squeaks the educated barnacle, but no one hears her.

Helen can't help herself. She is a Disjunct Naturalist. She drops the educated barnacle into one of her many pockets, when no one is looking.

Melting moment? asks Schopenhauer, showing good German manners.

Thank you, says Helen, taking one and sitting down.

How long are you in Tasmania? asks Helen.

That is the current subject of debate, says Schopenhauer. Gaius here wants to hurry down to Hobart to meet a jellyfish lady.

Jellyfish lady! says Helen. Would that be Lisa-Ann?

It would, says Gaius. Do you know her?

Oh yes, says Helen. Everybody does. She found that giant jellyfish that went viral. Oh, say hello from me.

Of course, says Gaius. We'll be there in a day or two. Arthur, have you made that phone call?

Yes, says Arthur, (although of course he hasn't).

First, says Unni, we're going to take a trip to Cradle Mountain.

I have no wish to go to Cradle Mountain, says Gaius.

Then, are you interested is coming on a Fungi Foray? asks Helen. We are having one on Sunday in Lower Barrington.

Is it on the way to Hobart? asks Gaius.

Not exactly, says Helen.

Tempting though it is, says Gaius, I feel I should focus on my interest in marine life.

Suit yourself, says Helen, getting up.

In another moment she will have walked away with our pregnant educated surf barnacle in her pocket.

Is there any way that this can be prevented?