A red light flashed on Left Brain’s dome. “Stop talking now, Earthman. The word tea has been flagged. The last time you asked for tea, you backed up the entire system during an alert.” Another forced chuckle from Arthur, followed by a little shuffle and a quick exit to the viewing gallery. “I’m just going to check the death-ray lattice thing. See how we’re getting on. Can I get anyone anything?” No one bothered to reply.
