To Sterilise Our Pyjamas

Arthur doesn't feel like wasting time filling out a form for a permit.

Katherine, says Arthur. 

Yes? says Katherine.

I'm just going out for a minute, says Arthur. Could you finish this?

So you haven't applied for a permit, says Katherine. You said that you had.

I'm going down to the Wharf to organise a boat operator, says Arthur.

So you haven't done that either, says Katherine. Better get moving.

Thanks, says Arthur. I'll email you the form.

This takes five seconds, then Arthur is gone.

Katherine opens the email and looks at the form, and the information for Permit Holders.

The Permit Holder must:

Be responsible for group safety.

Understand biosecurity and other conditions.

Contact the Island Ranger the night before the scheduled landing to check landing conditions.

Ensure that group members can handle a wet slippery boulder landing.

Use toilets in the quarantine room

And do not leave the bunkhouse during hours of darkness without the consent of the Ranger.

She completes the form, and presses send.

It's a good thing that she will be the Permit Holder.

Considering the alternatives.

I've located a vet in The Strand, says David. 

Well done, says Katherine. 

David goes out.

It's a fine day in Auckland. Not all that nippy.

He must remember to rinse out his socks.

He hopes that the washing will dry overnight. What if it doesn't?

A thought occurs to him.

If all their clothes must be washed in this sterigene concoction, that will include their pyjamas.

He phones Katherine. 

What is it David?

I've just realised something.

Yes?

We'll need to sterilise our pyjamas. 

Buy some spares while you're out, says Katherine. Any old cheap ones. 

For Gaius and Arthur as well? asks David.

Of course, says Katherine. By the way, how do you think you would handle a slippery boulder landing?

Perfectly well, mother, says David. See you shortly.

He continues towards the Strand with a spring in his step.