Chapter Text
A sour chord.
“Haaaaaaaappy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRTHDAY dear MUUUH-UUUUUUUUUUUUUM…”
“Good heavens, Arthur, what are you doing?”
“Oh, hello Douglas. You know it’s Mum’s birthday tomorrow, right?”
“Dare I assume that, instead of a journey to Sink-in-Hell, you are instead preparing her a birthday serenade?”
“Yeah! It’ll be brilliant!”
A shout from the flight deck: “Douglas, what is he doing?”
“It would appear, Martin, that our faithful steward is endeavoring to teach himself banjo.”
“Could he not teach himself in the galley, please? I can’t hear ATC.”
“Sorry, Skip!”
“If you’re determined to nurture your musical gifts, Arthur, perhaps we should move you to the cabin.” Footsteps. “There. Also, I couldn’t help but notice your fingering. If you really want to play banjo, you hold it like this… and strum like this.” A much more melodious chord.
“Wow! I never knew you could play banjo, Douglas!”
“I’ve picked up a chord or two in my time.”
(intercom on) “D-DOUGLAS! HELP!”
“Whatever is the matter, Martin?”
“It-it’s the flight deck locker—it’s filled with balloons, and they’re escaping!!!”
“Oh no, Skip, those were for Mum’s party!”
“Escaping?"
“Th-they’re helium, and they’re floating around everywhere, and please help!”
“Arthur, put aside the banjo for a moment. We have a captain to rescue.”
“Brilliant!”