Jim, meanwhile, is having a lovely chat with Rhonda about her grandchildren. And very much enjoying the smooth pod ride, which is much quicker and less boring than normal driving. He's itching to pull the console apart and have a look, but it's probably not a good idea while the thing's actually moving. Besides, he has to contribute the appropriate noises about a tearaway prepubescent granddaughter, who is apparently turning her father prematurely grey.

He considers shoving her out of the pod and making off with it when they approach the square, but she's a harmless old thing and he has no idea what the police are like around here. So he just thanks her profusely as they draw to silent halt, and takes her details so he can send her something for her kindness. She zips off with a beaming smile on her face, while Jim slips her magnetic ID card into his pocket. And pulls a face at his broken sunglasses before slipping them back on.

'You're boring,' he tells Tess, as he saunters over, taking his time.