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

*Deep in conversation with Afgncaap5*

...and then the mathematician says, "Now if another person walks into the house, it will be empty!" Hahahahahaha!

*Affy politely grins at the joke he's heard a few dozen times*

*Affy is deep in conversation with a bored looking Krylma Leader*

...and so the alchemist said, "That's no philosophers stone, that's my lunch box!" Hahahahahahaha!

*KL politely grins at the joke he's heard a few dozen times*

*NYC can see where this party seems to be heading, and searched for more snacks*

*having secured a glass of cold muscadet from the butler, Lil heads over to where Affi is standing with the krylma leader, both of them looking bored and tense*

*nodding politely to KL*
Affi, good to find you here on a dark and stormy night. I want to thank you again for Chloe. Not only has she run in beautifully, but her preence has been good for Matina as well.

*Stavro, who dissappeared momentarily after securing the Doctor Pepper for NYC and the muscadet for Asteroid Lil, re-enters the room. For those of you tuning in late, Lord Refelction has yet to actually show himself. A large poirtrait of someone who vaguely resembles Sherlock Holmes (um, just to avoid confusion, we'll assume it isn't Basil Rathbone's Sherlock) over the fireplace is the only view most of the guests have had of their host. Stavro claps his hands*

Dinner... is served.

*Stavro then leads the throng into a large dining room with a long table. At each of the thirteen places has already been set a salad (one, conspicuously without tomatoes, as per an earlier request), a tumbler of water, and a wine glass, not yet full. A chandelier overhead casts light into the room. The walls are deep red, with wood paneling from about the waist to the floor.

In the middle of the table, instead of a cetrepiece, is a pile of weaponry. A revolver, a rope tied in a noose, a broadsword, a single stick of dynamite, a blowgun with darts, a hatchet, a spiked ball attached to a chain, a lead pipe, a wrench, a package of cyanide, and a length of piano wire all lay on the table. On top is an ornate dagger. At the head of the table, standing by the largest chair, is a tall man. Clearly, this is Lord Reflection. Stavro goes about his buisness filling wine glasses (NYC gets Dr. Pepper), while Lord Reflection adresses the crowd*

Greetings, friends. My name is Lord Lennan Reflection, I am your host.
First off, I apologize for not showing up sooner. I'm afraid I had some party favors to shop for. Secondly, I apologize for the lenght of this post. Wow. Thirdly, the rather odd centrepeice before you. All will become clear in due time. For now, sit, eat, drink, and enjoy.

*takes her seat, slightly unnerved by the surreal juxtaposition of fine china and primitive weaponry*

would anybody mind if I tried this mace out?

*evil glares from around the table are directed towards NYC*

fine. so sue me for trying to liven this party up a little...

~Motions to Stavro~

Could I have some red wine vinagarette on this salad, s'il vous plait? ~Notices looks from others~

Look, I try not to be predictable in my actions. If my wardrobe and tastes get a little monotone, can't you forgive me?

*Takes a seat and looks over the pile of weaponry.*

There's something familiar about this. Anyone have a ~clue~ as to what this might mean? *Gestures in the direction of the pile.*

*Takes the seat between Lil and WM. Smiles at them both.*

A thorn between two roses.

Lil, you look marvelous. That gem is very interesting and beautiful. Is it the one Styx gave you?

WM, you look lovely, too. The grey is quite becoming. And of course it is my favourite colour as well.

*sips his water.*

*Sits in the nearest chair and eyes the centerpiece, imagining the use of each item. Looks at Lord Reflection with narrowed eyes, comes to some sort of conclusion and looks away. Drains his waterglass and picks at his salad.*

If there is meat on the menu, please make mine very rare.

just how rare is rare? I ask because some chefs might take that to mean "still alive"...

*NYC, having not taken a seat earlier, sits down in the seat closest to the wine glass filled with Dr. Pepper*

*Peet sits down by the tomatoless salad.

Thank you! This looks quite refreshing.

* Peet squirms a little

Actually, could I be excused for a moment. Your butler said something about fresh clothes, and I really feel I should dress up a little for such a magnificent dinner.

* The butler motions Peet in the direction of his guest room, and he slips quietly out to change.

[Sorry for manipulating another's character there, but I'd hoped someone would point us to the guest rooms before dinner... So far we'd only been told they were being prepared.]

* Moments later, Peet returns to his seat, dressed in a pair of pale tweed plus-fours and matching waistcoat. The tweed is so pale it is almost white, and this effect is accentuated by the black ruffle shirt with white bow-tie, black socks and patent leather shoes. Even though the shoes appear to be brand new, there is no hint of a squeak.

Thank you again, for so precisely anticipating my tastes in formal wear. I've often worn just such an ensemble when dining at the high table after a bracing day's deer stalking.

Peet, I don't believe we've been formally introduced. Pleased to meet you at this most original gathering.

*to garius* Yes, this is the stone Styx gave me. What they say about packrats is true. He has found and given away some extraordinary jewels -- one wonders what he keeps!

That all depends on his honor. He may have given you a very rare treasure indeed if he felt in debt to you for some reason.

*Examines the wine*

Excuse me, I'm sorry for not mentioning it, but I prefer not to drink wine. I don't suppose there might be any phlog in the back? If not, a Dr. Pepper would do very well, please.

*Examines the broadsword in the pile of weapons. He knows it wouldn't usually be the most effective in this kind of situation, but he wonders about its origins*

Ah, did you mention deerstalking, Peet? That is my favourite sport! I particularly like the feeling, after all that running, of sinking my teeth ... er, that is, well ...

*looks around sheepishly*

Perhaps it is not a good topic for dinner conversation.

Perhaps not. Anyway, did anyone else notice the odd quality of the doorbell? I've a feeling that we're either dealing with a technical mastermind, or a very cooky handyman.

Mew!