Not Insulted

The train pulls into the Murray Bridge station.

The rock pigeon lands on the platform, with the drone.

It's a long train.

Will there be someone meet him?

Gaius looks out through the train window.

Strange, says Gaius. I don't see Roo-kai. Perhaps he couldn't find it.

Pierre-Louis looks out of the window.

There it is! says Pierre-Louis. The drone box. No doubt with our drone inside. Looks like a rock pigeon is about to make off with it! Quick! Hurry!

Gaius lifts up his tray table, spilling compote and crunchy granola.

Drat! says Gaius. You go. 

Pierre-Louis slides out of his seat and hurries to the door of the carriage. He jumps onto the platform and heads for the box.

Hey! says the rock pigeon. Got any identification?

This is my drone, says Pierre-Louis. I'm expecting it. Did you happen to see who delivered it?

Me, says the rock pigeon. And I still need ID.

Toot! The train is about to depart. 

No time, says Pierre-Louis. But I can assure you....

I was promised a substantial nibble, says the rock pigeon.

Who by? asks Pierre-Louis. 

Roo-kai, says the rock pigeon.

That explains everything! says Pierre-Louis. Come on board. I have some leftover crunchy granola.

Ooh! says the rock pigeon. My favourite!

Perch on the box and keep still, says Pierre-Louis. The attendant won't notice.

He is wrong. The attendant does notice.

A bird? says the attendant, as Pierre-Louis steps in.

Realistic isn't it, says Pierre-Louis. 

You mean it's a toy? asks the attendant.

An Easter decoration, says Pierre-Louis. For the child.

The one who's a statue? asks the attendant.

Yes, says Pierre-Louis.

It's amazing what they come up with these days, says the assistant, stroking the soft grey feathers.

Coo! says the rock pigeon. 

Toot! Toot! toots the train. 

Did you get it? asks Gaius, when Pierre-Louis returns to his seat.

Yes, says Pierre-Louis. The rock pigeon brought it.

Well done! says Gaius. Would it like some crunchy granola?

I certainly would, says the rock pigeon. 

It's all over the floor, says Gaius. Go for it.

The rock pigeon hops down. 

It is not insulted, being used to this mode of consumption.