Moonstone stood in the middle of a restaurant.

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Perhaps that was an understatement. She was standing at the bar of The restaurant, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. She was also standing next to a man with two heads, three arms, and two zippers at the front of his pants. (She felt it was best not to enquire about that last bizarre duplication.)

"Excuse me," she said, taking a sip from her bottle of Ol' Janx Spirit. "I have an appointment to keep."

"You can't do this! I'm Zaphod Beeblebrox, baby! I'm the President of the Universe!"

Zaphod's left head dejectedly watched her leave. It said, "First the monkeyman, then the Vogons...now this."

Moonstone walked into the Restaurant's lobby. Ducking into an alcove, she removed a small metal device from her satchel. Inside the Holodeck, it was the Thumb, an electronic hitch-hiking device. Outside the Holodeck...she didn't want to think about what would happen if she were caught with it.

She squeezed the "Thumb" and it lit up. Hovering in the air, it created another holographic character: an Athmari in interplanetary hitch-hiking garb.

Shanin Betandi glanced around and asked, "Is there anyplace quieter we could go? There are too many...bystanders."

Moonstone grabbed Shanin's arm and hurriedly led her to the parking garage. Beeblebrox had spotted the pair and both of his heads were calling out to them drunkenly.

"Too bad." Shanin forced her way into an old, beaten-up starbuggy. "That one's got some nice lines. Almost as nice as my father's ship."

Inside the starbuggy, a news broadcast was playing. "This just in! Zaphod Beeblebrox, President of the Universe, recently voted the sexiest being in the Multiverse for the eighth time running, has just been turned down by a woman. Yes, folks, it appears that the Big Z has lost his touch! What do you have to say about it, Mr. Z?"

"This may seriously damage the President's campaign to have his title officially changed to 'the President of the Universe, Baby.' " the newscaster continued.

Moonstone did so, then took one corner of the towel tied to her satchel and began to suck on it.

"Eating. This is a hitch-hiker's towel from MegaBigStore. They're sort of the Harrod's of outer space. This one's got a cream soda flavored border."

"Until the End of the Universe. Then an angry starbuggy owner comes looking for us."

Moonstone glanced at her chronometer. "About forty-five minutes, right after the Great Prophet Zarquon puts in his appearance."

Shanin nodded. Then Shanin wasn't there anymore. The holotransmission faded, leaving the emitter hovering close to where Shanin's waist had been. A second holographic projection began to take shape.

"Let me explain." The mercenary commander bit her lip. "We have a little in common, I think, and I was hoping for some advice. I don't have enough time to explain, so I'm going to have to implant my memories in yours."

Moonstone was doubtful, but stepped forward when the hologram extended its arm. She felt hours' worth of thoughts, heavily compressed and speeding past her, transfer. Then Kado stepped back and said, "The playback is controlled by hypnotic injunction." She held up a PADD. "When you hear this name, you'll remember. Just be sure not to trigger it until you have enough time to yourself."

As Kado disappeared, Moonstone thought about how next to welcome her unexpected guest. She would be expecting a response, and surely the elf ought to oblige her - if only to maintain Shanin's good favor. But the site of the meeting did not have to be pleasant. Jabba's palace. The Cetagandan Empire. Arrakis.