"Thanks," Rich says cheerfully, and yes, he's heard the stories about free food in Milliways, but he is exchanging conversation with the actual instead of just plucking something out of a strategically placed basket, so he should probably be all right.

He takes a bite and chews it slowly, eyes narrowed slightly in concentration.

"I see what you mean about the spices," he says after he swallows. "I mean it's good, but there's sort of something missing." He shakes his head. "I'm not a cook, I don't know what it is. At least you've not overdone with something, that's a lot harder to fix."

How's that for constructive criticism.