Louttit Rings A Bell

Right, says Katherine, where are we staying?

She looks at Arthur, as if he would know.

Arthur shrugs.

I thought we might go straight to Battery Point, says Gaius.

I concur, says Captain Baudin.

And why is that? asks Katherine.

To uncover the possible whereabouts of my friend Captain Louttit, says Captain Baudin.

Louttit! cries Dufresne. He's a friend of mine too!

We might have known, says David. Does that mean you'll be tagging along?

I may as well, says Dufresne. How are we travelling?

Taxi, says Gaius, as long as we all fit inside.

They stand in line for a taxi.

A taxi arrives.

No seafood in my taxi, says the taxi driver. 

They are not seafood, says Gaius. We're going to Battery Point.

This convinces the taxi driver that Baudin and Dufresne are not seafood.

Gaius sits in the front of the taxi, with Captain Baudin on his lap.

Katherine, David and Arthur squeeze into the back.

I'll sit on HER lap, says Dufresne.

You will NOT, says Katherine.

So Dufresne sits on Arthur, who has uncomfortable things in his pockets.

It's only fifteen kilometres to Battery Point from the airport.

They arrive. Gaius pays for the taxi.

We'll hire bikes after this, says Gaius.

They head for the CSIRO.

They approach the glass windows.

Indistinct figures are moving inside.

Are we allowed in? asks Katherine.

Of course, says Gaius, spotting two people he remembers. Lisa! And Dan!

Dan comes to the door and steps out

Gaius! says Dan.

We're here on a lightning visit, says Gaius. On our way to New Zealand to count kakapo.

Come in, says Dan.

They follow him in. 

I see you've brought us two lobsters, says Dan.

Not at all, says Gaius. They are independent. Seeking the whereabouts of their friend Captain Louttit.

Louttit? says Dan. Louttit.... Louttit....? The name rings a bell.

Did someone mention Louttit? asks Lisa.

These two lobsters are looking for him, says Dan.

Louttit works as my lab assistant, says Lisa. He's in the marine lab today.

Louttit? A lab assistant? says Gaius. There's a surprise.

David and Katherine are getting toey.

A lobster lab assistant may well be worth meeting. But where are they going to stay? And Katherine wants a book. 

We'll go and find a hotel, says David. 

Very good, says Gaius. And you might also hire us some bicycles. Meet us back here in an hour.

David and Katherine hurry out of the building before Gaius adds anything else.