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

* Kes and PE, though frantically phoning away, are still able to thank Bob for his kind words, and are sorry he can't stay - it's so good to find good friends at happy moments like this!

Bye! And thanks!

Sorry St. Bob couldn't stay, Peaceful, he had a train to catch!

* PE looks at the magnificent party decorations! Happy tears streaming all over the place. Champagne, good company and lots of happy laughter.

Lucky I married the right twin!

Thank you GB! I remembered to bring you some nice chocolates I brought with me... they are called "Sonho de Valsa" - A Waltz Dream, keep them for later. It is a sort of tradition in Brazil, you see.

But when he comes back, we will have another little party here! Of course it won't be the same without him, but we can imagine that he's still here, enjoying the party with all of us!

Here, let's drink this one to Bob!

* All take a sip of champagne and are happy about life, the universe and all that stuff... not bothering to worry about anything for several hours!

Hello! But before you begin, please have at least one glass of champagne!!!

If you would really like to play for us, we'll be so happy to listen!

Thanks so much for coming, and sorry I took so long to get back to you!

* M.K santers in looking... *

* Well, a little drunk if the truth be told... *

Oh... Uh...

Oh, you are finally getting marriieeeeddd !!!

* He wonders if he is slllluuuurrrring his speech just a tad... *

Greeattt !!!

* He stares out through his alcholic haze at Peaceful... *

* He thinks '...she looks much better radiant & happy. Infact, I quite... Well... Hmmm... I couldn't do that... Now could I ???' *

More champagne for this lovely lady !!!

* He decides a quick cold shower might be a much needed tonic for his 'condition'... *

Lord M.K*

A photographer! Lucky Kes and I are dressed for the occasion. Lucky I am wearing these high-heels!

And everybody is so elegant tonight

Your Lordship - have some champagne! Strange what happens when one leaves the Bridal Suite!
More bubbly? So glad you could come (as it were)

Vicar - your glass is empty - that won't do! Here - have some more!

BTW - are the rings for keeps, or just loaners?

The photographer is busy arranging the bridal party for his photographs....

Now one with the bridesmaid! {Pity about the french maid's outfit}

Everyone - have some cake - totally fattening - best chocolate.
More dinks ... back in a second.

*The pair pop behind the curtains again*

* Although a bit tipsy, PE suddenly remembers there are important things still to be accomplished. The wedding meant personal happiness, but the family business could never be neglected, not even now!!!

* She grabs her mobile phone and seeks refuge behind one of those wonderul curtains... and she begins to speak in very rapid Portuguese, knowing few would understand, and that her lawyers would understand her better that way too

Olha, tô ligando da festa. Sim. Já posso ficar mais uns dias. Sim, acabei perdendo o segundo CD, mas não tem a mínima importância. Se o gêmeo malévolo telefonar, não dêem nenhuma atenção. Ele está querendo ficar com tudo. E todos perderemos. Nossos sócios aqui também serão prejudicados. Mas acho que poderei resolver tudo. Só preciso de mais alguns dias.

Hello? Yes - let me speak to your senior partner ... and we'll need a QC ... and a specialist in immigration law ... and matrimonial law. Yes.

Right - you got my earlier message? Good. I need you to set up the paperwork to deal with the .... yes, that's right --- Brazilian law ..

Oh - one more thing - the same paperwork for a UK civil marri ... yes - two of them. No - not bigamy - same woman.

Yes - twice ... yes, I thought it would cost double somehow.

Just get the paperwork ready to sign, and have someone drive up here with it - soon as you can

Well alright - after the weekend. Right. 'Bye.

* M.K finds a small secluded section of the bar to grumble away in... *

Lord M.K*

* From behind the curtains, PE sees that Lord K has come to the party. Well, by now she is so happy she has even forgiven him a little bit.

* She is reminded of how some cariocas selling the Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado to tourists coming from other states. It is not known if anybody has actually bought one of them, but it used to be a popular joke.


Oh, Lord K* very kind of you to come to our wedding party!!! All is forgiven, yes???

* She sees he still is not looking very well.
* She soon rushes back to her mobile phone and her hiding-place behind the curtain.

Right. Kaydee trustees, please . Yes, I'll hold ...

*Looks out into room - waves at guests*

Right. Thank you. Senior accounts section - system administrator please. ......

Yes - Kes here. Have I called recently? No ... good. Right - I want access to data backup store for Kaydee trust.

OK - coupled to modem? entering password now ...

******_** ***

Acknowledged? Good. I want you to bring forward the month-end rollover now. Yes - I know - I've given authorisation. Roll over now, then make the usual backup tape , then cut a CD from the backup. Have someone courier it to Guesthouse 6 at the Manor - quick as you can - do it overnight OK?

*Pierce staggers in, looking rather cheerfully if somewhat marked by the spanish flu that has tormented him for days now*

Officer on deck! Whats this then? Aha, champagne, chocolate, party! Well, don't mind if I do!

What a morning, Peaceful - hardly had time to talk. Brother will have a surprise when he gets to town ... but we still have some work to do. I'm going to the bar - come and join me when you're done on the phone. XX

Pierce - thanks for your offer - we managed it anyway. Help yourself to some cake - bit rich, but storm-proof. Cheers.

* PE rushes from behind the curtain to offer Pierce a glass of champagne and a vegetarian sandwich.

You must be very careful, Pierce. The Gripe Espanhola, not again... no - eat, drink and be merry. But go to a doctor!!!

Enjoy the party first, though! Everybody is having a wonderful time!
Thanks for coming!