Oddly Incurious

Arthur has finished his baked beans, and beer.

He thrusts the dirty bamboo stick back into his pocket.

I'd better get back to Gaius, says Arthur. 

Does he need anything? asks Katherine. A pencil?

I don't think so, says Arthur. He hasn't spotted anything.

He might have by now, says Katherine.

What is he spotting? asks the kakapo. 

Kakapo, says Arthur. 

What about the rare white kiwi? asks Katherine.

I was supposed to keep an eye out for that, says Arthur.

And did you? asks Katherine.

Sure, says Arthur. But I didn't see one. 

I saw one, says the kakapo. 

When? asks Arthur.

Recently, says the kakapo. Come with me and I'll point out where I saw it.

Okay, says Arthur.

Take a photo, if you spot it, says Katherine.

Right, says Arthur.

He and the kakapo set off into the night, the kakapo leading.

At first they follow the trail.

Then then leave it, heading into the forest.

Crunch crackle.

Let's hope Arthur has his shoes on. 

Who was Richie Porte? asks the kakapo.

A bike rider, says Arthur. At the time, he rode for Team Sky.

What was he doing in China? asks the kakapo.

Hanging out in a hutong, says Arthur. He hooked up with us when we climbed Mount Lingshan.

Are you a bike rider? asks the kakapo.

Yes, says Arthur. 

Why don't you ask ME something? says the kakapo.

Are we there yet? asks Arthur.

That was not what she meant.

For a member of a research team Arthur seems oddly incurious.

But in fact, they are there. Because out from behind a haekara, (or is it a matata? ) steps a rare white kiwi, which sees them too late, and freezes.

Arthur takes a photo.