Beyond Recognition

Gaius returns to his seat next to Denis.

Ageless has spoken of an air bubble curtain, says Gaius. They're installing one at Point Lowly.

Snap! says Denis. Henriette has also referred to this curtain.

You received a reply? says Gaius. That's progress.

Yes, says Denis. But I was not expecting her to know more than me about our project.

Nor was I expecting Ageless to know more than me, says Gaius.

What else did he tell you? asks Denis. 

The curtain measures 200 metres by 100 metres, says Gaius. And it will only be turned on as necessary. 

Necessary? asks Denis.

When the bloom is detected nearby, says Gaius. The bubbles prevent the algae passing through.

Very clever, says Denis. If that is what happens.

Indeed, says Gaius. I suppose we shall see. It's fortunate we have Ageless. 

Yes, he's proved useful already, says Denis.

Not only that, says Gaius. Visitors are banned from the reefs at Point Lowly, but he won't be.

So he'll be doing all the investigating, says Denis. Will he do it? He seems somewhat lazy.

With a bit of persuasion, says Gaius. It would help if we actively looked for his hat.

I've been thinking about his hat, says Denis. Was it a red knitted one?

Yes, says Gaius. Somewhat worse for wear after numerous travels.

Denis pulls the string bag out of his pocket.

Could this be it? asks Denis.

Gaius looks. Perhaps it could be. 

Full of holes, and stretched beyond recognition.

But red, without question.

I wonder, says Gaius. But surely he would have recognised it when he was in it.

Perhaps he was embarrassed, says Denis.

But he asked Terence to look for it, says Gaius.

Maybe to get rid of him, says Denis.

I'm listening, says Terence.

We were only surmising, says Gaius. 

We'll be arriving in Port Wakefield in five minutes, announces Stanley. There'll be a short break for refreshments.

We could buy Ageless a new hat, says Denis.

There's a thought, says Gaius.

Terence runs back to tell Ageless what he'll be getting....

....and does not hear Gaius adding, but we won't say anything if we don't see a good one.