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

*The paper which Eli now has is - of course - another Tarot card*

http://www.joydancer.com/TACO/images/tarot_fool1.jpg

*On the reverse, it says*

One foot before other, face toward the prize,
Travel through nature to see with your eyes.
Take something valuable, and take a friend,
Save all your questions for your journey's end.

*Sam is wearing clogs with lots of wiggle-room for her toes, and now kicks them off to pull her feet up on the bench, knees tipped to one side - her socks are clean and unsmelly, nobody will object*

the PDA helped? I'd have thought hard work was the last thing you needed!

*Jamie crosses his legsand leans back*

*Although he privately wonders how strong the human sense of smell is - Gaels are always acutely aware of annoying humans with their floral scents, but humans do not seem to know that Gaels have the noses of dogs*

*Or professional coffee-tasters*

*Not that he thinks Sam smells bad, at all - just that he knows exactly what brand of soap the laundry's using these days*

Oh, it's like exercise, you know - you always feel better afterwards.

* Eli reads the message on the card and looks bemused. There don't seem to be any clear - or even obscure - hints about where to go. *

And something valuable? As in expensive, or something valuable to *me*? </>

*Sam chuckles*

Yeah, that's true, I guess. I suppose it's because - well, I don't know why you feel better after exercise. But you do.

*She enjoys the quiet up here, and being able to concentrate on one conversation*

It went well, then?

* Eli decides to leave pondering the card's message until later. He pockets it, picks up the bag he brought from the station and calls Frankie. *

Come, old girl. We're going for another walk.

* He puts her on her leash and leaves his quarters. A little later he's outside the warren where he activates the announcer. *

Hello, all. This is Eli Charognard. May I come in?

*Jamie thinks about various forms of exercise*

*Some of which leave you feeling good - and some of which don't*

*He keeps this to himself, however, and smiles*

Oh, yes. Morgan's bubble dance was particularly effective.

*He thinks*

Have you met the new ensign?

*Sam squints at the window, making the stars go even more blurry*

The new ensign? Oh, you mean Ensign Shepherd. Yes, I had the honour of letting him enter the bridge.

*She smiles*

How's he working out for you? He, er, does help with Fourth Watch, doesn't he?

*Rory stops flipping pancakes*

*That is, he starts to flip one, and hands the pan to Toirdhealbhach, who catches it*

*Then, moving out of the way and leaning against the counter, he answers his comlink call*

Er, Corporal, I'm, er, sort of working right now...that is, I'm cooking.

Could we do it tomorrow, maybe?

*Jamie grins*

He's a peach, I think, but no, he doesn't do Fourth Watch yet.

Ensigns have to, er, learn things first.

*Toirdhealbhach is still flipping pancakes, and Rory's still on the comlink, so Jesse goes to the door*

Oh, hello, Mr Charognard. We're all in a mess today, I'm afraid.

But come on in, and I'll try to find you a safe place to sit.

*And, indeed, the sitting-room is at sixes and sevens - there are cushions on the floor, epads everywhere, toys scattered...*

*It looks like mad scientists have been wrestling with toddlers*

*From the corridors come whoops, and the sound of slamming doors8

*Jesse grins, abashed*

There are, er, several projects goin' on at once, sir. Also supper.

*Suleiman has moved out into the hall to talk, as the common room has just become rather loud - a touchdown in the Zero-G football game the others are watching on GV*

Of course, Rory. No problem. Is Third Watch good? Else I can call Communications during business hours...

*Sam wriggles her toes thoughtfully - they're glad to be out of the boots*

Yes, I see. Best of luck to him, then.

*And she drinks to this, even if it's plain old apple juice*

*Rory is keeping a wary eye on Toirdhealbhach*

Hey - not that high! You'll hit the ceil....Told you! Silly cub...

Er, sorry, Corporal, not you, Toirdhealbhach...yes, Third Watch would be fine. Shall I meet you somewhere tomorrow?

* Eli looks around at the chaos and smiles at Jesse. *

So I see. Then I'll get out of your hair quickly. I just came by to give you this.

* He reigns in Frankie, who is trying to sniff everything within reach of her nose - and just out of it - and hands Jesse the bag. *

*Jesse smiles broadly*

What a surprise, why, thank you, sir. May I?

*He peeks into the bag curiously, and takes something rectangular out of it*

*Suleiman grins - the warren seems to be even more chaotic than the Larris Level*

That would be wonderful. Meet us at the theatre, please, that would be the logical place.

* The bag contains a film disc. *

http://www.cinemaparadiso.nl/topsyturvy3.jpg

* Eli smiles at Jesse. *

I found it at the station, and the Library doesn't seem to have it. I thought you all might enjoy it.

*Rory's side of the conversation is becoming noisy*

Well, get a ladder, or get Rian...if Morgan sees that...

Oh, yes, Corporal, that's fine, I'll come over there about two bells, if that's all right?

*There is clattering*

*Jesse turns the box over in his hand, studying it eagerly*

Oh, I know their music...we're all keen on that.

*He looks up with a smile*

Thank you, sir. I know they'll all enjoy it.