h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

[Mog] For the record, my brain is interpreting "Santragenius V" wrong, because "V for Vendetta" has destroyed my brain's ability to parse "V" as "Roman numeral 5".

*In his best announcer voice*

COMING SOON, to a theatre NEAR YOU! Satragenius VENDETTA!!!

...almost forgot!

*Puts on a fresh pot of *

*Finishes tinkering on the IIEM*

That should do it. Don't try to order anything with a mass greater than your average indian elephant more than twice in the space of five minutes if you can help it. It shouldn't damage anything, but it'll cause the circuits to strain faster.

*Orders a Usual*

[Mog] And one of my usuals, too!

[IIEM] Right, a triple espresso with an extra shot of espresso, and a shot of espresso on the side (with an extra shot of espresso). "And make it strong this time."

[Mog] Er, right!

Sounds like the IIEM is back in working condition... and Affy? You tell us not to order anything larger than an elephant twice in a few minutes, and your first order is your Usual? What are you trying to do, sabotage me?

Anyhow, who's up for a trek into the forrest?

I would love to but I just found out this morning that I'm on the list of speakers for a symposium in Lincoln on the 29th. I haven't given a talk on the Billy tintype since 2004, and I have some work to do!

Okay. Well, there goes our naturalist... Should we postpone the expidition? Or carry on?

[Mog] I suppose that depends on how badly we want her to stay ...

...or how badly we want her to come along? &

I'd probably feel safer with Lil and as many other experienced forest walkers around me

(oh, and: for the record, there's not a single vendetta in me, much less V...)

What about vengance?

[Mog] Or Valium?

*Places IIFP in the cupboard*

Now that IIEM is back in working condition, who wants a round of coffe on the house?

Happily - but I'd actually rather have it at a table if you don't mind

You've just given me an idea... I need to check my current building permit situation, but I might want to open up a patio-type space on the roof where I can serve drinks litterally "on the house." I'll make sure to have a couple tables up there, if you insist.

Sounds nice

It really was just a paraphrasing of the old joke about the Irishman bringing a ladder to the party as the drinks were on the house...

IIEM, a double espresso please.

I know, but I've always heard that one as a blonde joke. After all, any Irishman I know is well versed in how to get free booze.

[Mog] I first saw it done in The Muppet Movie.

Check your insurance. I'm not sure I'd want to serve alcohol to anyone who then has to negotiate a stairway.

Maybe you could get one of those inflatable slides that they have on airliners.