HHGTTG - The Lost Chapters

CHAPTER 47

Eccentrica Gallumbits' night-club planet looked no different from any other Magrathean planet on approach. Only on closer inspection could you make out the glittering surface. Zaphod put the Heart of Gold into orbit around the planet to get a better look. A huge complex covered a quarter of the planet, with ship parks covering the remainder. Zaphod tuned the Sub-Etha radio into the planet and a bass line, which sounded like it had been carved out of granite, pounded the speakers.

"Now that's what I call a groove," said Zaphod, tapping his heads together in time.

The planet suddenly burst into light as it was switched to sound to light. The surface pulsated with the beat.

"Beats the hell out of a neon sign," said Arthur.

Zaphod parked the Heart of Gold in a predominant position as usual. They stepped out into the ship park. A robot transporter pulled up and they climbed aboard.

"The electricity bill must be phenomenal," said Arthur, as the transporter weaved through the myriad of flashing lights.

"All done with fibre optics, no doubt," said Ford. "Probably all runs off one light bulb."

And the beat went on. The transporter had Quadraphonic speakers to confirm that the lights weren't going off at a tangent. Arthur could feel his heart trying to keep time with the music. The transporter pulled up at the main entrance.

Flash bulbs flashed. Cameras whirred. Reporters jostled with each other to get a good position.

"Are you still going through with it, Zaphod?"

"Are you really giving up the wild life?"

"Do you think marriage will interrupt your quest for ultimate coolness, Mr Beeblebrox?"

"Hey guys," said Zaphod, lapping up the attention. My future wife will hear about anything I say to you, and you know how you take things I say out of context." He stopped and posed briefly for photographers. "So I guess I ought to remain silent."

After several throwaway poses, he went through the crowd to the door. Ford and Arthur fought their way through to join him. Zaphod put his arms around them and grinned for the cameras. "One for the album. My last night of freedom!"