"You choose that?" Wash asked curiously. He bent down on his knees and patted his shoulders so she could climb on.
"Because where I came from most we had at times was big blocks of protein. And I can guarantee you there was no animal bi-products. Unless you count the stray hair or fingernail in a particularly cheap shipment," he said shivering at the memories.
He held her legs and stood up.
"How do I look, Jo? Jian cha*! I think I might keep you, you make a nice hat," he said with a pat to her knee.
"Okay, Maxine, I am your chariot. Point the way, mei mei**," he then said.