“You will head to Geraldton tonight or first thing in the morning to replenish supplies. You may return early next week, as you please.” Vanessa’s voice came from the jetty, as she stepped aboard.
Maria was the first to reply. “I thought we didn’t need supplies until next week? This is a sudden change of plans.”
Vanessa’s tone brooked no argument. “I would like some more fruit: we have only a few raspberries remaining.”
Maria was deferential. “Do we take the vessel, or did you have some other means of transportation in mind?”
“I will not accompany you, so the vessel will remain with me. You may go by air or sea, as you please. There is one more flight this evening, if you wish, with return flights every day this week. The carrier boat departs in the morning for Geraldton and will return in three days,” Vanessa said curtly.
Maria’s eyes widened with alarm. “Fly, in a tin tube in the sky? I think not. I would rather swim.”
Vanessa’s tone was patient, but no less firm. “You may travel to Geraldton as you wish, but you must return with human transportation, accompanying the supplies. I recommend you return with the carrier boat. If you miss the boat, you will fly in a human aircraft.”
Remembering her need for rest, I suggested, “Why do you not accompany us, with the boat? I can never recall your preference in ice cream. Are you staying so that you may assess the performance of the young human fisherman? Surely he can wait until you are rested.”
Her face reddened as she spoke. “His employer is running the carrier boat this week, as the usual skipper is down in Perth. Skipper decided on my advice to take the carrier boat crew and not his usual deckhand. The young human fisherman has a few days off, with no fishing. I would like to engage in some recreational fishing and water sports with him, for which I will require the vessel. You may enjoy yourselves in Geraldton as you please.”
I relaxed as I realised she would take a break from her work, with or without us. “We will leave tonight once it is fully dark and enjoy a long swim. We will return with the carrier boat. Likewise, enjoy your water sports.”