Proust On The Shore

Gaius, Arthur and Proust now have diving equipment.

Arthur, says Gaius, I realise you're keen to go diving in the Black Sea.

I suppose so, says Arthur

I look forward to it, says Proust. I have long....

But, says Gaius, (cutting in before Proust can elaborate), if I can prevail upon our hosts to allow it, I should like you with me, at the cave.

Sorry, says Cristian. Only three at a time allowed down it.

I know, says Gaius. I should simply like Arthur to be at the top of the ladder. He's my right hand man after all.

We have everything, says Rich. Helmets, torches, coveralls, footwear, little bottles.

Proust wonders what the little bottles are for.

He doesn't like to ask in case it shows him up as a person who doesn't know what microbiologists might use little bottles for, after all it may turn out to be unrelated to microbiology, one might for example pee into a little bottle in order not to contaminate the water ( here Proust congratulates himself on this thought which seems to him to be of the utmost scientific importance) however it reminds him that he still hasn't passed that cursed bubblegum that Arthur inveigled him into eating......

He needs to go swimming, in the Black Sea, not go with Arthur to wait at the top of a ladder for who knows how long.

The Black Sea is basically just across the road. He can see it.

He makes a decision.

You go, Arthur, says Proust. I'll pass.

Okay, says Arthur, understanding.

So Arthur heads off to the Movile cave entrance with Gaius and the two microbiologists, in Cristian's Jeep, while Proust makes his way across the road, with his diving equipment.

Proust is now on the beach, gazing at the Black Sea, laid out before him. It sparkles, (let us imagine).

He knows the Black Sea, from his night time reading.

It is an inland sea which connects to the Mediterranean, through the Bosphorus Strait via the Sea of Marmara.

Marmara.

This reminds Proust of his mother. How proud she would be. Or would she be worried? Damn it all, mother would never have allowed him to eat bubblegum, that is assuming she even knew what it was.....

It may be a while before Proust ventures into the water, so let's follow the Jeep.

The Jeep passes through two gates, and stops at an airtight lid on the ground in the middle of nowhere.

Here we are, says Cristian. Now, have I remembered the key?

I hope so, says Rich. We don't want to have to go all the way back again.

Got it! says Cristian.

I suppose you keep the cave locked to prevent unauthorised access, says Gaius.

Yes, says Rich. And outside influences, such as gas exchange, temperature fluctuations, and species contamination.

Very wise, says Gaius.

Lucky you're here, Arthur, says Rich. You can make yourself useful. Pass some stuff down.

And hang onto this key, says Cristian. I don't want to lose it down there.

Sure, says Arthur.

Too easy.

He slips the key into his pocket.

Cristian goes down the rope first, followed by Gaius, then Rich.

Arthur peers down. He sees three helmet lights bobbing, hears a faint voice calling:

Pass ...(something)... down!

What something?

Arthur picks up a package of tiny plastic wrapped bottles, and drops it down the shaft.

Thwoooop! Arghhh!

Hey. It's not Arthur's fault if something is broken.