The Neck

P. krameri flies back to the Recherche, where Gaius is scanning the waters.

Any luck? asks Gaius.

I found him, says P. krameri. He's okay.

But where is he? asks Gaius.

Way out there in the dinghy, says P. krameri. We made a bold decision. We'll push on.

But you are not with him, says Gaius.

I came back to tell you, says P. krameri. We didn't want you to worry.

That's kind of you, says Gaius. By push on, I imagine you mean to float all the way to Bruny Island.

Yes, that's the plan, says P. krameri. I suppose we won't miss it.

You could easily miss it, says Gaius. It's small.

What's small? asks Captain Bruni, coming up from below.

Bruny Island, says Gaius. Terence is floating towards it, according to P. krameri. But I was just pointing out that it's small.

Not that small, says Captain Bruny. It's really two islands joined by a neck. At least he won't drift in between them.

That's a comfort, says P. krameri. So, where shall we meet you?

This could be a problem, says Gaius. We shall be going over by ferry. Then heading off on our bikes. If you aren't there when the ferry docks, someone will have to remain, or even start a search party.

Perhaps Katherine? suggests P. krameri.

She has plans to visit the Cheese Co. says Gaius.

What about the Cheese Co? asks Katherine, appearing on the pontoon, carrying a paper bag containing two large burgers.

Terence is planning to continue to Bruny Island in the dinghy, says Gaius. And P. krameri will be with him. But there is the difficulty of knowing where they'll fetch up. Besides, we all have our agendas, and time is pressing.

Hmm, says Katherine. Let me think. But first, I must give Arthur his burgers.

She goes down below.

Arthur, burgers. I bet you're starving. says Katherine.

Thanks, says Arthur. Did they find Terence?

No, there's a problem, says Katherine. He's heading to Bruny Island, but no one knows where he'll land.

Send Jinjing, says Arthur. The drone robot.

I'm not sure he's a drone robot, says Katherine. And he's gone to pieces. He's sniffling on the pontoon next to a mooring bollard.

I guarantee he'll do it, says Arthur.