(Untitled)

[gil_whimple]

OOM

Enter one faun with a very large tray of little bowls and baskets of snacks. Anything you might fancy is probably going to be there so stop him and ask.

Comments

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

Food!

A huge, thuggish fellow nearby is watching you, Gil."'M hungry, Mr. Croup."

The smaller, but equally unpleasant-looking man next to him sighs. "You're always hungry, Mr. Vandemar. Anyway, the things you really like are probably not included in his collection."

"We can look, though."

"True. And I'm feeling a tad peckish myself . . ."

They walk over.

[gil_whimple]

Gil's nostrils twitch. He knows trouble when he smells it. But he is also a professional.

"Hello gentlemen?" he says. "Can I offer you a snack?"

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

"What do you have to offer?"

[gil_whimple]

"I've got crisps, chips, nuts, rice crackers, bombay mix, trail mix, hot wings, cold wings, bufflao wings, onion rings and deep fried paradoxes," Gil says, offering his tray. "All freshly cooked in our kitchen."

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

". . . one of each?"

Got a big appetite, has Mr. Vandemar. Not all that picky, either.

[gil_whimple]

"I can do that," Gil said and catches the eye of a passing rat who squeaks and scampers.

Within moments a series of baskets are being delivered - well filled baskets.

Bad news travels and by now all the staff have been briefed.

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

It might be worth noting that Vandemar is watching the rats thoughtfully. He likes rats.

"Stop that, Mr. Vandemar. You've got plenty of food as it is."

"More fun when it's wriggling," says Vandemar sulkily, but he desists.

[gil_whimple]

The rats look at Gil and he gives them an approving nod. They flash away, scattering out of reach.

"There," Gil said. "Are you enjoying your stay here?"

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

"We like coming here, yes. It's a fascinating place, really." Croup smiles his horrid smile. "Getting to meet people from everywhere is rather entertaining, you know."

Vandemar just nods. He'd agree, but his mouth is rather full.

[gil_whimple]

Gil keeps an ear open for the chewing. When it stops he'll arrange for some more food.

Just common sense really.

"There are some lovely people here, very nice. Kind."

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

You don't want a hungry monster around, no.

"Yes, the people here do tend to be kindly sorts. Us? Not so much." Croup grins. "But I don't believe we've met. My name is Mr. Croup, and this is Mr. Vandemar. And you are . . ?"

[gil_whimple]

"Very pleased to meet you, Mr Croup, Mr Vandemar," Gil bobs his horns. "Gilbert Wimple at your service. I'm the cook."

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

Vandemar grins. "I like you already."

"Of course you do, Mr. Vandemar, you like anyone who will give you food."

"Yeah." He goes back to his food.

"A fawn," says Croup thoughtfully. "Interesting."

[gil_whimple]

Gil smiles. "In what way?" he says. "We have all sorts in Milliways."

[mr_v_and_mr_c]

"Yes, but most of the people here at least look human. It's nice to see someone being themself, you know?"

[gil_whimple]

"Well there are the robots, and a house, and there used to be a car, and another faun, which is brilliant, and no end of people who can be whatever shape they like," Gil pointed out.