Why The Scientific Community Is So Awesome

Lisa reappears, with antiseptic and a bandage. She kneels down and dabs at Arthur's knees.

I see you've spotted the famous vessel, says Lisa. Fantastic isn't it.

What's fantastic? asks Gaius. And why a famous vessel?

I thought you were part of the crowd out there, says Lisa.

We were at the back, says Schopenhauer. But I did see something being held aloft. Something roundish.

But not longish, adds Gaius. I remember that most clearly.

You are obviously members of the scientific community, says Lisa. So you'll be thrilled by this. Very early this morning this blue bag was discovered floating down the Derwent. Inside, along with a much depleted lobster, were two surf barnacles, which are not endemic to the riparian zone along the Derwent. And what's even more peculiar, one was perched on top of the other, sort of like a hat, if you can believe a barnacle would exhibit such behaviour. Anyway it caused a furore here at the Research Centre. They're doing DNA tests on them now. We think the barnacles may be a completely new species. Either that or it's a total mystery how they got here.......

Gaius is beginning to think an interruption is in order.

Ahem, says Gaius.

Yes? says Lisa Gershwin.

I can throw some light upon the subject, says Gaius. This vessel is Arthur's blue Seahorse World bag.

Then how...? asks Lisa Gershwin.

I lost it at Lake St Clair, says Arthur. Those are my seahorse postcards in the bottom. Wet and ruined.

And, says Unni, the lobster is Captain Louttit. Where is he? Is he okay?

Captain? says Lisa Gershwin. He didn't look anything like a captain.

Madam, says Schopenhauer. I beg to differ. He wears a captain's hat. Even a jellyfish expert ought to understand the symbology of headwear.

There you are then, says Lisa. He wasn't wearing a hat of any description.

He must have lost it, says Unni, looking in the bag.

Tell me more about the barnacles, says Lisa Gershwin.

They were specimens of mine, says Gaius. I collected them from one of the beaches along the Great Ocean Road.

So they are ordinary barnacles, says Lisa. What a hoot. Wait till I tell the others. You know, it's rewarding being part of the science community. Sharing information as we do. How wonderful that you came along just now.

What about Captain Louttit? says Unni. Can we see him?

Sure, says Lisa Gershwin. Come with me.

She leads them to the room with the private saltwater aquarium, in which reposes a sorry-looking Captain Louttit.

Some visitors for you, says Lisa, tapping on the glass.

Captain Louttit looks up from his unhappy situation, and feels the need to justify himself.

Ah, says Captain Louttit feebly. There you are. No doubt you've noticed I have lost my captain's hat. But my crew came to the rescue. It was just unlucky that ......

Crikey, says Lisa Gershwin. He did have a hat. He lost it!

What was unlucky, Captain Louttit? asks Unni.

Never mind, sighs Captain Louttit. Please, leave me now......

Lisa, says Unni, do they sell hats at the Salamanca Markets?

You bet they do, says Lisa. Cool hats. And fresh fruit and vegetables. And wooden artifacts. And fudge...

That's good then. Things are looking up for Captain Louttit.