Cows Don't Get Bored

The Control Centre Platform is open.

You are above the Control Centre, not in it.

There is information, and virtual interactivity puzzles. One puzzle for Children and one for Family.

See how you go on the kid's puzzle, Oscar, says Em.

Oscar reads out the Kid's Puzzle question: Which of these particles circulate in the Large Hadron Collider?

A. simpletons
B. protons
C. croutons

Oscar is disgusted.

I'm not doing this, says Oscar. It's too lame.

Let me see, says Vello. Simpletons, protons and croutons. Is this what they call science these days?

No, says Em. This is the question for children. But it's too easy for Oscar. What's the Family Question?

Oscar reads out the Family Question:

Why is the LHC circular?

A: Centrifugal force makes the particles go faster.
B. So the cows in the Pays de Gex don't get bored.
C. Each time they go round the particles receive a pulse, which gives them more energy.

Everyone is looking at Oscar.

Oscar is pretty sure that the answer is C.

He is about to say so when.....

Cows don't get bored, says Terence. That could be the reason.

How so? asks David.

The rumbling, says Terence. Cows like to feel it in their stomachs. That's why it's round.

Ha ha, laugh the grown ups. What does Oscar think?

He thinks the same as me, says Terence. He's my blood brother.

What? says Em. Blood brother? Oscar, I thought I told you........ Oscar, hold out your hand!

Oscar holds out his hand which is smeared with Dark Matter.

Blood, cement and a grit ball.

That looks infected, says Em. Let me see yours, Terence.

Terence holds out his hand.

One of his fingers is missing a nail. (But that may be the fault of the sculptor).

A smear of blood on his palm. (That will be Oscar's).

David offers the use of his hankie.

Em goes off to look for a tap.