"Oh, I did like it, Iximi!" Peter protested. "It's just that I'm allergic to rhubarb."
"Wait!" she exclaimed, smiling again. "For dessert I have an especial surprise for you." She brought in a dish triumphantly. "Is this not just how you have it on Earth?"
"Stewed cigarettes with whipped cream," Kendrick muttered. "Stewed cigarettes! Where on Ear—on Uxen did you find them?"
"In a large box with the other puddings," she beamed. "Is it not highly succulent and flavorful?"
The two scientists sprang from their chairs and dashed into the kitchen. Iximi stared after them. When they returned, they looked much more cheerful. They seated themselves, and soon fragrant clouds of smoke began to curl toward the ceiling.
They are calling me at last, Zen thought happily, and with such delightful incense! Who wants chants anyway?
"But what are you doing!" the princess shrieked.
Zen hastened to manifest himself, complete with fourteen nostrils, before she could spoil everything. "The procedure is most unorthodox," he murmured aloud, "but truly this new incense has a most delicious aroma, extremely pleasing to My Ego. What is your will, oh, strangers?"
"All-Merciful Zen," the princess pleaded, "forgive them, for they knew not what they did. They did not mean to summon You."