Enter Surfing With Whales

Terence goes back inside.

Gaius is on the phone again, to Arthur.

Anyone? says Gaius. Of course they must be able to swim.

And not mean, says Terence.

What's that? says Gaius. Oh, that was Terence. Not wanting anyone mean. I should think that goes without saying. Yes I'll pay for their fare on the ferry. .....Yes, will you ask him? All right I'll ask him myself if you give me his number..... Right, thank you, Arthur.

The call ends.

Who's coming? asks Terence.

Arthur suggests I ask Surfing-with-Whales, says Gaius. Of course it's whale watching season so he might be busy.

Gaius calls the number.

Yeah? says Surfing-with-Whales. Who is it?

I thought you ran a business, says Gaius. 

Who's asking? says Surfing-with-Whales.

Me, Gaius, says Gaius.

Shit, Gaius! says Surfing-with-Whales. How's things going?

Very well, as always, says Gaius. How about you?

Good, says Surfing-with-Whales. Minding mum's craft shop on Wednesdays. Bit of surfing. 

What about the business? asks Gaius.

Not many takers, says Surfing-with-Whales. No one wants to go surfing with whales, they just want to watch them.

Perhaps it's for the best, says Gaius.

Yeah right, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

I have a proposition for you, says Gaius. I'm about to head off to Tasmania to check on the maugean skate population, and Arthur, who is unable to come with me for obscure reasons, suggested I ask you instead. I need someone who's a strong swimmer.

Do I get paid? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

I shall pay for the ferry, says Gaius. And food will be included. We'll camp and cycle, so it should work out quite cheaply.

So, no, says Surfing-with-Whales.

No? says Gaius. 

I don't get paid, says Surfing-with-Whales.

You'll be mentioned in my paper, should I decide to publish, says Gaius. And there are whales to be watched in Tasmania. Perhaps you could build up some interest. 

Hm, says Surfing-with-Whales. Mm. Uh. 

He is obviously thinking.

Okay, says Surfing-with-Whales. When are we leaving?

We fly to Melbourne tomorrow, says Gaius. I'll book the tickets. 

Cool, I'll meet you at the airport, says Surfing-with-Whales. Send me the details.

Excellent, says Gaius.

Is he coming? asks Terence.

Yes, says Gaius. We leave tomorrow.

Yay! says Terence. Surfing-with-Whales is a cool guy!

Let's hope not too cool, says Gaius.