New visitor

Then I suppose you won't want this, Captain?



Or the coconut ice, brandy truffles and mint cremes that I made yesterday, for that matter. Ah well, all the more for the rest of us!

*slaps his wrist before his hand is too close to the flames* Not until you blow out the candles. Happy birthday, Captain Scarlet. And watch out - I don't want you burning yourself after what happened the last time.

*The swinging kitchen door opens to reveal Captain Ruddy, carrying a freshly-baked Red Velvet cake with homemade buttercream icing*

*Ruddy hears Scarlet complaining and whirls around, swiftly taking the cake back into the kitchen*

Very well, Captain Scarlet. *cuts a slice for him and glances in the direction that Captain Ruddy went* Is it all right? It's the first time I made a birthday cake. I have done a lemon drizzle before, but that was quite a while ago.

You, Captain Scarlet, are a rat bag. With all due respect, of course. I meant that I've made a lemon drizzle cake, and I'm willing to bet that you know that.

You're out of order, Captain Burgundy. Whether Captain Scarlet is a rat bag, or isn't a rat bag, I will not have you calling him a rat bag on my premises. If you want to call him a rat bag, please take your conversation outside.



Now, Captain, once you've had your fill of the captain's cake, shall I bring out the Red Velvet with the tea and coffee? Or would you like to save that for later?

I'd like to try some Red Velvet cake, Captain Ruddy! May I? Pleeeeease?

Judging by the jumping-up-and-down smiley I thought I'd better wait until the last sugar had worn off But since you asked so nicely how can I refuse? *starts cutting the cake and putting the kettle on*

*stops bouncing* Lovely. Thank you. Me? Jumping up and down? I haven't the energy to waste - I have a report to write!

How big a piece do you want, Captain Burgundy? Captain Scarlet? I hope neither of you is allergic to chocolate; most people don't know a Red Velvet cake is actually a chocolate cake; the red color was first from a reaction of the cocoa powder to buttermilk, but nowadays the recipe just calls for red food coloring and beetroot.

Since when do you need someone to defend you? I always considered you to be big andfat enough to defend yourself from all and sundry. That is... *clears her throat and changes the subject hastily* A bit of chocolate never hurt anyone, Captain Ruddy! I'd love a slice with a cuppa.

*Tiny walks over to Scarlet*Careful what you say or you'll be wearing your cake instead of eating it.

I wouldn't worry, Captain Scarlet; Tiny can be a bit too... sensitive, at times.

I wouldn't worry about it, Captain. Care for another pint?

Seeing as you're offering, Captain Lime... *hands her her empty glass* I think I'd like a half of Golden Badger, if you please. It's a beer with apricots in it - very tasty! It's not as if one half-pint of beer will affect me, after all.

Well, beer is good for you anyway, in small amounts. I will emphasise the word small, though.

Don't knock it until you've tried it, Captain Scarlet.