A Shortie On Top Of a Wettie

Arthur and Sweezus are on their way to see Gaius.

He'll need all kinds of equipment, says Sweezus.

Like what? says Arthur. Nets and buckets?

Diving suit, says Sweezus. He wants me to get him one.

Have you got him one? asks Arthur.

Nup, says Sweezus. Not yet. Wait till we get there. See what kind he needs. There's different kinds.

Good thinking says Arthur. What kinds are there?

Dive skins, wet suits, semi wets, and dry suits, says Sweezus. Or a shortie on top of a wettie. But they can't be too thick. Then there's the articulated submersible atmospheric diving suit. You can go heaps deep in them and stay under for ages. But they cost a motza. What's so funny?

You've done your research, says Arthur. What do you know about sea dragons?

Nothing, says Sweezus. Except for that postcard.

They reach Gaius's door.

Sweezus knocks.

Come in boys! says Gaius, opening the door. Good news. Kobo is joining our expedition, and bringing a Kindle.

A Kindle! says Sweezus. Where does she keep it?

I don't know, says Gaius. I never asked her. But she's genuinely got one. She's reading about women with tattoos. Most intriguing.

Not sea dragons? says Arthur.

What? Oh. I see what you mean. What's Kobo's contribution? Well, she's persuading Ageless lobster to join us. Aren't you Kobo?

That is NOT my contribution, says Kobo, severely. I have an ancient and ongoing connection with the sea.

Of course you do, says Gaius. No doubt it will all come back to you.

Ageless and Baby Pierre walk through the front door.

Ageless to the rescue! says Ageless. First up, some advice. Don't go to Perth. Go to Esperance.

This expedition is going to Perth, says Gaius.

Dead sea dragons, says Ageless. That's all you'll find there.

I told him that, says Baby Pierre. That was me. I knew that already.

We shall visit the Western Australian Museum, in Perth, says Gaius. Examine the evidence, and the DNA samples. THEN we go to the coast and start diving in deep waters for living ruby sea dragons. This is where you, Ageless, come in. But only for spotting!

Ageless is flummoxed. DNA samples? Museum? Only for SPOTTING!

He doesn't think so.