Larissa arrived at the Café in the late afternoon to find Phineas in attendance.

This in itself was rarely a reassuring discovery.

He was standing behind the counter wearing an apron that definitely did not belong to him and arranging cups into what appeared to be a strategic formation.

Larissa paused.

"Phineas."

"Larissa."

"What are you doing?"

Phineas brightened.

"Excellent timing. Would anyone like to try a new experimental beverage?"

From various locations throughout the Café, a chorus immediately responded.

"NO."

The reply came in perfect unison.

Larissa glanced around.

Michael looked tired.

Gabriel looked wary.

Raphael appeared prepared to intervene medically.

Metatron had already produced a report entitled Potential Consequences.

Even Sandalphon, usually enthusiastic regarding any activity involving fire, seemed reluctant.

Phineas looked genuinely puzzled.

"You haven't even heard what it is."

"We don't need to hear what it is," said Michael.

"It contains chillies," said Gabriel.

"It contains something other than chillies," said Raphael.

"It definitely contains chillies," said Michael.

Phineas considered this.

"That's a surprisingly accurate assessment. I watched the recipe being made by Chilli Coffee Australia – they shared it with me. 

Larissa folded her arms. “So, this is a drink for humans?”

"What happened to your own supply of Inferno?"

Phineas gestured vaguely.

"I may have distributed some."

"Distributed?"

"Generously gifted."

"To whom?"

"Everyone."

Michael closed his eyes. "That explains so much."

Phineas nodded happily. "The feedback was extremely positive."

Gabriel frowned. "Three middle management angels attempted to write epic poetry."

"Two junior angels volunteered for missions they had not been assigned."

Raphael consulted a notebook."And someone re-organised the celestial archives according to emotional resonance."

Metatron looked up sharply."We are still undoing that."

Phineas beamed. "You see? Engagement."

Larissa sighed."Phineas. Human recipes are not suitable for Angels to consume.”

"Oh."

"What happened to Michael's Maple Caramel Seren-i-tea?"

An unusual silence settled over the Café.

Michael narrowed his eyes.

Slowly. Very slowly. Phineas took half a step backwards.

"It may have been used in a comparative research study."

"Phineas."

"A very thorough research study."

"PHINEAS."

"A research study examining the relationship between tea consumption and coffee purchasing behaviour."

Michael stared at him. "You gave away all my tea to see how much coffee I would drink."

Phineas brightened."Exactly! I knew you'd understand."

The silence that followed was profound. Even the cherubs stopped moving.

Phineas looked around at the others, quietly wondering what all the fuss was about.

“We’ll order more immediately Michael.” soothed Larissa “In the interim can I suggest the Angel Restorative blend?”

Michael nodded.

 Phineas brightened.

"Excellent. While we're waiting for the new consignment, I have several additional research proposals..."

"NO."

The reply came in perfect unison.