The Rotting Underbelly

Lisa comes back from inspecting the tropical fish tanks.

Had a good catch-up? asks Lisa.

Indeed, says Gaius. And we've arranged to meet Louttit for dinner.

Nice, says Lisa. Where are you staying?

We don't know yet, says Gaius.

Check your messages, says Baudin.

Gaius checks his messages.

Yes! One from David.

Salamanca Wharf Hotel. Meet there at five. Dinner at six at Methezes. 

Efficient, says Gaius. It seems we're staying at the Salamanca Wharf Hotel and dining at Methezes.

Methezes. Greek food, says Lisa. Yum yum.

You're welcome to join us, says Gaius. 

I might do that, says Lisa. Then we can talk properly.

Yes, about your tropical fish, says Gaius.

And your kakapo, says Lisa. 

We'd better be going, says Gaius. We ought to check in.

Gaius, Baudin and Dufresne turn to go.

I'll see you at six at Methezes! calls Louttit.

He returns to his sea urchin tank.

Several of the sea urchins are indicating that they wish to opt out.

Louttit waits for five minutes, before responding.

.....

The Salamanca Wharf Hotel is nearby, on the waterfront.

David is waiting.

We've booked two rooms, says David. One for you, me and Arthur, and one for Katherine.

Where is Katherine? asks Gaius.

Still looking for a book, says David. Sign yourself in and we'll go and unpack before dinner.

And where's Arthur? asks Gaius.

Sloped off somewhere, says David. Don't worry, he'll turn up for dinner.

.....

Katherine is in the Hobart Bookshop, browsing.

What will she buy?

Toxic, the Rotting Underbelly of the Tasmanian Salmon Industry, by Richard Flanagan?

Sex Lies and Question Time, by Kate Ellis? 

Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro?

How Proust Can Change Your Life, by Alain de Botton?

.....

Arthur is checking out various bars, thinking of pulling an all-nighter. He doesn't fancy sleeping in close proximity to David and Gaius, who both fart and snore. Let alone with two lobsters.

.....

Lisa is collecting a few notes on extirpation, to bring to the dinner.

.....

Louttit, in the marine lab, removes several sea urchins from the water.