Com channels are open . . .

Artizza

I belatedly remember that I carry a universal translator. I switch it on and say: "Don't be afraid. We will not harm you."

Glad that the girl only pauses slightly, hearing a now understandable langauge where before it was pure gibberish to her (I'm sure).

Wonderful devices, universal translators. Must learn the magicks on how they work to make some for myself some time. Must be magicks because I just still cannot feel that this science nonsense is really responsible for such wonderful items! I've been playing along with the gag, but sooner or later I and Fertal must get our family and friends to lay off! Why, the spellwork alone that masks my lips' movements to make it appear that I speak . . . whatever I'm speaking vice English . . .

Well, that's for later. . .

"If you say so," the young woman with the ring says slowly, lowering the ring slightly. "So . . . you're not with the Xodarians? My captors?"

"If you mean those chaps outside who took potshots at us with their rayguns then most assuredly NOT!" Zaphod puts in most emphatically.

. . .

Well, that's one way to introduce us.

"Like my two headed . . . associate said if these Xodarians are those outside who are more than a little trigger happy then I shall say we're not with them," I say in a reassuring voice.

Poor girl looks cornered and desperate! Probably offered us her ring in the hopes that we wouldn't take it off of her dead corpse or such. Totally a needless fear with us, but still . . .

Hope begins to shine in the young, naked woman's face, only to vanish in more than a little confusion when . . .

"They're rather rude--shooting at us without even a warning--don't you think?" Zaphod's other head puts in a sligthly muddled voice. "Things like that make a chap want a stiff drink, don't you think?"

The last question (something of a nonsequitor for those who aren't familiar with Zaphod and his friend he has always at his side) is directed at Zaphod himself.

"Uh, quiet right," the woman blinks. "I don't suppose I could talk you into maybe getting me and my friend out of here away from the Xodarians?"

The last part is asked with a bit of hesitation for some reason . . . as if with little to no help to be had from us for her friend, whoever (or whatever given this setting) he is. . .

The ring goes up again a little bit as if to use it to sweeten the deal . . .

Yes, we do need the crystal within that ring (and perhaps she seems to feel that its the only thing she can use as a bargaining chip for help from entire strangers) but still . . .

"We might be able to give some kind of aid," I begin, hopping I'm not committing myself to something distasteful like freeing a hardened killer who only looks helpless (and innocent).

Well, if it turns out a mistake has been made we'll remedy it (one way or another in whatever manner needed, in harsh measure if needed). Still . . .

Needs we must move quickly, but still at least one thing I must know.

1. "But first who may I ask am I speaking with?" I ask. "And where and who is your friend?"

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