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

I'm sure that whe will come back to us very soon, Lizzie.

*Uli did not fall asleep again after she spoke. She had simply leaned back and closed her eyes with relief, spirit travelling being the most dangerous thing she does. Now she has overheard several bits and pieces which give her a better sense of what a strange cargo of entities populates this ship*

*Now she sits up and swings her feet to the floor*

Sarah Briggs, your magic stone is truly powerful. We should determine who wants it and for what, and then perhaps we will have a better understanding of what it can do. I brought it back, thus I have incurred responsibility in the matter. I will help however I can.

It will not involve becoming a polar bear, though. Another sun cycle must run through the sky before I can call again on that totem.

*the cat meows - she's floating in midair, there's not much else she can do!*

*reaches out and takes the cat from the ghostly hands of Captain McClellan, then gently holds her so they are looking eye to eye*

A ghost tells me that you are a robot, little cat. He also says you can talk. Perhaps you will know something of why others want the totem.

*gently puts the cat down and strokes it, then looks at Sarah and Lizzie Briggs* This animal is too small to eat. *she winks*

*supresses a quick laugh* Uli, it is good to see you come back to us. You are right that many people want the Soulstone. I have guessed some motives, but others are not so clear to me... We do need to talk about this, however I am worried about people eavesdropping still. Do you think that Captain McClellan would be willing to help us remove that posibility? *looks searchingly at the air where the cat had been hovering moments before*

The ghost does not always act in human time. Events are different in the spirit world.

We should go down to the galley and find refreshment and rest. Perhaps it will be a good place to talk. Or did the Captain forbid you to leave the cabin?

*bites her lip* I would not say 'forbid' as such, Uli. Benjamin would never do such a thing. He did ask me to stay, however. And so I shall, for he expects me to be here when he returns. We have... *blushes* things that we must discuss.

Then I will go and bring back my work and something to drink and eat. Your daughter looks pale.

*gets to her feet and leaves the cabin*

Thank you, Uli. *smiles at the woman's retreating back, then turns to Lizzie* How are you doing, dear?

*wonders if she's been moving around the ship while she was gone*

The cat has been taken from the ghost's arms (twice) and set down.

I feel fine, Mother. Just a little tired, is all.

I've been thinking about a proper spell. There was a small golden dragon back in Faerie that I was quite fond of. Well, is was small as dragons go. Anyway, it would sigh with pleasure when I petted it, so I think it liked me. I think it may be possible to weave a spell that would cause the dragon to bring the human child back here.

What do you think?

*Pets the while waiting for Uli to return.*

What a wonderful idea, dear! Yes, I think that is just the sort of thing that might work... Can you use the Soulstone to contact the dragon?

*straightens the bunks*

I really don't know for sure. But I know it is very important that you and Uli help me, because my own weakness and inexperience could result in failure.

*squats down to look Lizzie in the eyes* I will give you all the help that I can, dear. And I'm sure that Uli will as well. *hugs her* Thank you for doing this for us. Papa and I appreciate it more than we can tell you.

Amelia: Hello all. *looks about* Has Uli gone...? I was bringing up Cook Head to see her... *puzzled glance at Sarah*

*rises* Uli will be back shortly. She had to fetch some... supplies, she said. Once she gets back, I'll need to speak to all three of you in some seriousness.

Amelia: Well. That sounds ominous. *raises an eyebrow*