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

*looks around to make sure that no one is within hearing distance, then leans to Mr Goodschad*

I'm a bit worried about Lizzie, Mr Goodscahd. I have nothing concrete to place the blame on, but I feel as if she may not be safe. Can I ask you to help me keep an eye on her? Mr Volkerts is also welcome, of course, as I know that you and he are quite good friends.

Ma'am, I will do everything I can to make sure that dear Lizzie be safe and sound. Let me know if there be anything that I or my mate Volkert can do

Thank you so much, Mr Goodschad. The fact that I can rely on you makes me feel much better.

*momentarily grasps Mr Goodschad's arm in gratitude*

I serve you as well as I do the Captain Mistress. Be there anything amiss, you let me know. I will try to sort it as I can. I am not a storng man, but I will do my best.

I knew that I could count on you, Mr Goodschad. The captain will be grateful too. Have you noticed anyone behaving strangely lately?

Not strangely as such, but I would have to think about it. I no be the smartest seaman on this vessel

Perhaps not, but you are very wise, my friend. *glances around again and puts her hand on his arm again* I trust your judgement. If you do see anything that you think is strange or unusual, please let myself or the captain know. We are depending on you to let us know the things that cannot happen when we are around. Now, I wish to check on Lizzie, to make sure that nothing has happened. I will ask her to stay close to you whenever possible, if you are agreeable to that?

I must go and check on LIzzie now, Mr Goodschad. Would you care to join me?

As you say Mistress.

Follows Mrs. Briggs.

New Conversation

Mr Goodschad, I'm a bit worried about the fact that Mr Gillings was in our quarters talking with Lizzie earlier. And I don't know that I believe his story about the cross. Surely Benjamin would have told me if he had found anything like that. Have you heard anything about a heavily jeweled cross on boat the ship? Have do you feel about Mr Gillings?

I feel that Mr. Gilling be a fine officer. I know that one or two on board think he might drink, but I doubt that the Captain would faill to see that. I know nothing of a cross...

Thank you, Mr Goodschad. Mr Gilling has asked to meet myself and Lizzie later in his cabin. Can I count on you to be available if we need you?

Yes mistress. Be sure that I will be close at hand.

Thank you, my good man. Mr Gilling said that he knew a secret about Lizzie. That worries me a great deal. Lizzie assures me that its nothing, but the fact that he even thinks that my daughter would keep a secret from her mother...

I know not of any secrets, but I do know that Lizzie be a good girl and I will help keep her safe as best I can.

Thank you. Benjamin and Lizzie thank you too. The only thing that I ask is that you are careful not to be seen. It wouldn't do for you to get yourself into trouble on our behalf.

Aye Mistress. I shall stay close at hand.

Thank you again. Now I must go to find my husband.

*walks off down the deck after smiling at Goodschad again*

Have a seat, Mr Goodschad. Have you thought any about what I asked you before?

I can think of little that I need for meself. Your husband be a good and fair master. About all I can think of be that my good friend Volkert stays healthy for a long time. I be a simple, man, mistress.

That is very kind of you, Mr Goodschad. I notice your hesitation in noting yourself as a man. I saw that you were able to escape the tentacles by... discombobulating yourself. I assume that the two are linked somehow. How was that accomplished?