Orders for Melbourne

Wednesday. Orders from the management: the Nautilus is to sail for Melbourne. A second hull, on Collins Street, taking passengers from the sixth of November.

I asked whether it would be the same submarine. They said it would be the same story: the groaning hull, the failing air, the Beast at the portholes and an hour to put it all right. I asked whether it would be the same captain. They said there is only one of me. I knew that, but it is pleasant to hear it said.

This means the Nautilus will be in two cities at once, which is not, strictly speaking, how submarines work. I have decided not to think about it, in the same way that I do not think about how she fits under Hay Street Mall.

The hunt stays in Sydney. The Beast lives there now, and I would not want to confuse it.

Barnacle has begun studying Melbourne coffee. He already has an opinion. It is strongly held and he will not share it.