h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*They cross the square*

Right, we need somewhere private to talk.

*They reach the stand.*

*The square is empty as they stand by the communication opal. It is on a stand and is large and orange. There is a flat surface for the hand to go on. Placing the hand on it will summon an official.

Side streets lead off from the square as well as the main routes to other squares.*

*glances at the sky again. sighs, and puts her hand on the opal.*

*Huan shifts nervously and looks at Arthur.*

[A] You OK, sir?

[H] Yeah... just something about this place doesn't feel right. I mean, there's supposed to be a famine, right?

[A] Yeah. I noticed it too.

[H] Keep your guard up.

[A] Yes, sir.

<< Ripley stole my post!>>

*The opal glows under her hand and a voice informs them that an official will be proceeding to their position immediately.

A moment later a tall figure in flowing robes hurries down the street towards them*

[Official]: I am sorry if you were inconvenienced in any way by my delay. Please accompany me to the palace where you will be able to wash and change before the banquet this evening.

*They head off down the main street towards the palace, the official keeping his long stride in time with the SGteam.*

[H] Your message said you were in the midst of a famine...

[Official]: And so we are! Your arrival has brought many of us great joy already in the knowledge that you are here.

I'm glad, but we're still unclear what it is we can do to help, what problems are your people encountering?

[H]

[A] I think what my counterparts are trying to say is that we'd like to be directed to the problem right away so we can help fix it and go home.

[Official]: I understand your desire to get your job done, however it would be a severe breach of our social customs if you did this. I do not wish to seem rude, but your race appears to be rather impolite in its directness. As our guests it is proper for you to be treated as honoured people.

*They arrive at the palace and enter through the main gates.*

If you will leave your things with the servants you will be able to wash and converse before dinner.

*Servants come forward to take their things as they are lead down a corridor towards a large room*

<>

*before reluctantly handing over his pack and p90, the professor slips a hand inside and turns on an extra radio within linked to the team's radio system and keeps the five-seven strapped firmly to his leg*

I apologize for what appears as rudeness. We tend to be rather eager to work. I'm certain we're all quite honored to attend this banquet.

fly casual

*Huan rolls his eyes and surrenders his P90. Arthur does the same, but keeps her zat concealed.*

*The servants bow and retreat down the corridor, leaving the team in a large airy room.*

[Servant]: You will be called in about one sector. Take time to rest and wash if you would like. If you need anything please use the communication opal by the door.


*A balcony stands behind an open set of glass doors, looking out over the city. The room is sparse but has richly coloured tapastries on the walls, made of a fine cloth. There is a high, wide, black sofa along one entire side of the room. It has soft full cushions on it and looks as if it may separate into different parts. There is also a mirror, which has been removed from the wall and propped on a shelf above a large shallow sink in the corner of the room. Three sets of taps rise from the sink, each with an area similar to the street opals, on which to put the hand.*

*walks towards the tapestries with interest, unholstering the five-seven and putting it in a cargo pocket.*

*Huan slumps onto the sofa.*

[H] Very strange that they'd have a banquet in the middle of the famine...

[A] This place is just weird.

*looks out at the city below.*

Yeah well, weird or not they're allies and that means we have to be polite and go along with their customs- as long as it's reasonable to do so, of course.

*frowns*

Stay alert tonight.

*walks out onto the balcony.*

*From the balcony can be seen the entire city and the two suns setting in the distance. On the edge of the city can be seen The Gate.*

<>

<< of course.>>

*comes back in after a minuite of so has passed.*

*Goes to the sink and washes her face and hands, then stands looking thoughtfull.*

As far as the famine goes, we'll have to get the conversation going tonight...find out what a famine is for starters...

And find out what eating is. This is certainly a new culture for me.