Do Better Whistles

Whistle? 

Why? says Arthur.

In case we become separated, says Gaius.

On the island, says Katherine. We must each have a whistle.

So, four whistles, says Arthur.

Yes, says Katherine. Would you like to go out and buy whistles or help wash our clothes?

Whistles, says Arthur.

He goes out again.

What about his clothes? says Gaius.

He can wash his clothes when he comes back, says Katherine.

I'm ready! calls David, from the bathroom. 

He has filled the wash basin with a mixture of one part sterigene to 200 parts water, (roughly).

Here are my long johns, says Katherine. Keep them separate. The lobsters will do them.

First or last? asks David.

Last, says Katherine. 

Gaius brings a pair of trousers, a shirt and some socks into the bathroom.

Check your socks for seeds first, says Katherine. Any velcro? Check that too.

Gaius looks at his socks closely.

What are those tiny dark things?

Do you have any tweezers? asks Gaius.

Of course, says Katherine.

She looks in her bag for her tweezers. Her new silk scarf! She should wash that too. 

Captain Baudin scrapes his way into the bathroom.

May Dufresne and I be of assistance?

Not yet, says David. You're washing Katherine's long johns last.

And this scarf, says Katherine. But do be careful. It was expensive.

Come and watch this video while you're waiting, says Gaius. Acquaint yourselves with the island's features.

He starts the video again.

Dufresne and Baudin clamber onto the coffee table to watch it, on Gaius's phone.

New Zealand's Ark.....Te Hauturu-o-Toi.....just 80 kilometres from Auckland....volcanic island... two thirds virgin forest... primeval New Zealand intact precious conservation 1895 warm wet climate... kakapo kokaku tuatara....

The voice drones on; they become drowsy.

Arthur meanwhile is wondering where to buy whistles.

Kathmandu? There is bound to be one in Auckland

But their whistles will be pricey.

He can do better.