Loud Fizz!!

The dinner trolley comes by.

Chicken salad or mustard fried cauliflower? asks the trolley attendant.

Isn't that what we were offered on the flight to Dubai? asks Gaius.

Yes it was, says Denis.

It does sometimes happen, says the trolley attendant. What would you like?

I'll try the chicken salad, says Gaius. Does it come with edamame?

It does, says the trolley assistant. And pickled ginger dressing.

She gives Gaius his dinner pack.

I had that last time, says Denis. I'll try the fried cauli.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it, says the trolley attendant.

She hands him his dinner.

What is the little one having? asks the trolley attendant.

Nothing, says Gaius. Perhaps a red drink.

I'll see what I can do, says the trolley attendant.

She bends down to look, and comes up with a can of Red Bull.

Is he allowed this? asks the trolley attendant. It's an energy drink.

I suppose so, says Gaius. Not that he needs any more energy.

Yes I do, says Terence. I need it for Buster.

Buster is the armrest, says Gaius, feeling the need to explain.

He shouldn't be sitting on the armrest, says the trolley attendant.

He'll get off, says Gaius. I'll see to it.

The trolley attendant moves forward to Belle and Leonardo.

And does not look back.

Can I sit on Buster while I drink my Red Bull? asks Terence.

What if you spill? asks Denis, picking at his cauliflower.

I have perfect balance, says Terence.

That's you, says Gaius. It may not extend to what you're drinking. Why don't you sit on the floor?

Okay, says Terence.

He wriggles off the armrest and slides down to the floor.

Gaius hands him the can of Red Bull and turns his attention to his dinner pack.

Ah. So these green beans must be edamame.

I'll be interested to try the edamame, says Gaius. I believe they are immature soy beans.

And quite tasty, says Denis.

Were they mentioned in your Encyclopédie? asks Gaius.

No, they weren't, says Denis. 

Ever thought of adding to it? asks Gaius.

I might do a recipe book, says Denis. As a separate venture.

Their conversation might have gone on for longer, but suddenly a loud FIZZ! erupts from below and their legs become wet.