Nothing Like Pre-Planning

Where to, Arthur? asks Gaius. 

Wait a second, says Arthur, consulting his phone.

Ibis Budget, says Arthur. Small rooms, cheap, clean.

Excellent, says Gaius. Ibis Budget, driver!

The taxi driver is accommodating. He has allowed the wrapped lobsters to travel in the front passenger seat, with Gaius.

The driver makes conversation.

Lobsters eh? Have they been poorly?

Yes, says Gaius. But they're recovering quite well.

Wrapped up nice and warm, says the taxi driver. Those tights look expensive.

My Kathmandu long johns, says Katherine. 

Are they your dinner? asks the driver.

Katherine assumes he does not mean the long johns.

No, they're members of our party.

Where are you headed?

Te-Hauturu-o-Toi, says David. Do you know it?

Yep, says the driver. Resting Place of the Wind. The most intact eco-system in New Zealand.

You are well-informed, says Gaius. 

Got your permit organised? asks the driver. And your charter boat booked?

Arthur has seen to all that, says Gaius. Haven't you, Arthur.

Yes, says Arthur.

They arrive at the Ibis Budget Hotel.

Arthur hopes they will have rooms available.

You're lucky, says Reception, when asked. One room left. We had a cancellation.

We'll take it, says Arthur.  

Reception gives him the key.

Everyone gets in the lift and follows Arthur, to a small room with two single beds, and a couch that could be converted. 

Really! says Katherine. Arthur!

I'll sleep somewhere else, says Arthur.

So will we, says Captain Baudin.

No you won't, says Gaius. You lobsters can sleep in the bathroom.

I'm happy with that, says Dufresne.

You can wash my long johns, says Katherine.

What? says Captain Baudin.

It's only fair, says Katherine. Now what was the stuff we had to wash our clothes in, Arthur?

Sterigene says Arthur. You a can buy it online, or at the vets.

No time for online shopping, says Gaius. David, how about you do something useful?

Are you suggesting I haven't been useful? asks David.

Not at all, says Gaius. But you could find a vet.

Glad to, says David. 

He starts looking up locations for Auckland vets on his phone.

Arthur starts looking up boats and permits.