Stiff But Normal

Five minutes to landing, in Auckland.

Seat belts are fastened.

The lobsters are installed in the freezer, wrapped in Katherine's long johns.

Katherine had not seemed to mind.

The plane lands, and the passengers shuffle towards the front exit.

Gaius returns to the galley.

Is everything all right? enquires Gaius..

All quiet, says Kevin. 

I hope that doesn't mean they've frozen, says Gaius.

I doubt it, says Kevin. Those were Kathmandu long johns. Made here in New Zealand. Warm as toast.

How will I retrieve them? asks Gaius. I assume there is a place where excess food is unloaded.

Yes, says Kevin. Go there. Here's a diagram, and a note for Arun.

He draws the diagram, scribbles a note, and hands them to Gaius.

Many thanks, Kevin, says Gaius. 

Gaius disembarks and joins the others.

Now what? asks David. Taxi to Auckland CBD?

As soon as we've picked up Baudin and Dufresne, says Gaius. Perhaps Arthur will do it.

Sure, says Arthur. Where are they?

Here, says Gaius.

Make sure my long johns are with them, says Katherine.

Okay, says Arthur.

He follows the arrows in the diagram, and knocks on a door.

Arun opens.

What? asks Arun. Hey! Aren't you that cycling guy from Team Condor?

Yes, says Arthur, among other things. I'm here for a package from the freezer.

Nothing here yet, says Arun. You're welcome to wait if you like.

Arthur enters the excess food room and sits on a box, watching Arun reshuffle unopened drink bottles, unrequested sandwiches and non-reheated pies.

Interesting job you have, says Arthur.

Not as interesting as yours, says Arun. Are you in the Tour de France this year?

Maybe, says Arthur. If it's on.

It's on, says Arun. Some of the guys have those new clincher wheelsets. Are you getting those?

Don't know, says Arthur. Up to the captain.

Lightest clincher wheels ever, says Arun. Only 1255 grams, they reckon.

Arthur thinks he might get in touch with Sweezus and ask him about the new wheelsets. But no doubt he won't have the money.

A trolley arrives with excess food from the flight from Hobart.

That's the one, says Arthur.

Arun looks into the trolley.

On top of the other items are two pairs of long johns with thin lobster legs sticking out.

That's them, says Arthur.

Ha ha, laughs Arun. First let me get a photo.

He takes a photo and posts it on Instagram.

Arthur lifts the wrapped lobsters out of the trolley.

They feel stiff.

But that would be normal.