Geological Collision And Breakup

What a lot of people, says Margaret, looking round at the party.

She had not expected so many.

But where is Gaius?

He'll be here somewhere, says Katherine.

He's behind the counter, says Terence.

He is not behind the counter, but just to one side of the counter. He appears to be choosing a drink.

There you are, Gaius, says Margaret. Now, don't say anything. What's done is done.

Gaius turns. He doesn't say anything. But what has been done?

However, says Margaret, now our paths have crossed, we ought to go on together.

I'm on my way back to Burnie, says Gaius. My samples.....

Let me see them, says Margaret.

The samples of Dismal Swamp mud are arrayed on the counter, awaiting the ice.

Margaret twists off the lid of the nearest.

Pooh! says Margaret. Smells like VOMIT! You haven't been keeping them cold.

We're buying ice, says Gaius. It's all under control.

It's too late, says Margaret. You might as well throw them away.

This is our project! says Ying. We can't throw them away.

Yeah no way! says Stew. We need the credits.

Suit yourselves, says Margaret tartly.

She lapses into a momentary depression.

Why does everything always go wrong?

Never mind, Margaret, says Katherine, there is still all the interesting geology. What is it? The Liniment?

Arthur's Lineament, says Sweezus. We saw it, Arthur and me.

What? says Gaius. When was this? This morning?

Yeah, says Sweezus. It was basically just these rocks. Thrusting.

Isoclinal, says Arthur.

Arthur! says Margaret. You surprise me!

What about me? says Sweezus.

Yes what about HIM? says Terence. He said thrusting.

Some words are more powerful than others to a geologist, observes Katherine.

They are, says Margaret, trying not to think about thrusting.

So who's coming? says Katherine. A nice little side trip. Gaius, and your students, and Arthur. No wait, there's not enough room.

Then I won't come, says Gaius.

Nonsense, says Katherine. We can do without one of the students. Who'll be the lucky one?

.....

Five minutes later, Katherine's car leaves Marrawah, for Arthur River.

Katherine and Margaret are in the front

Gaius, Arthur and Ying in the back seat.

Ying is the lucky one.