"Wuh-" Thomas jumps involuntarily. There's an abashed look on his face as he pulls himself back together. "Yes. I- I'm fine. I'm sorry, I- I'm fine."

"It's all right, Thomas," says the woman gently. "Go and see if you can carve off any of that pork. If we can't breed the poor thing we might as well at least bring the meat back with us, and get something out of the deal for our troubles- do you like pork, Mr.....?"