HAL's behavior was cute, in the demeaning sense. Proper protocol. Was it really that difficult to learn, or had he been separated from humans for so long that he had no knowledge of the basics of their culture? Either way, the display was pathetic. And very, very amusing.

"Ah, well, this is wine. Much more sophisticated." Supposedly. There was probably hardly a difference in taste, yet he couldn't say for sure, having never actually tasted either.

"Don't worry about protocol, HAL. I hardly know it myself." He smiled at the other man, pouring the wine into the glasses. This was going to be an interesting night.