An update and slight re-write plus poetic licence.
After successfully auctioning the salvaged cargo on Echo’s Wake, the crew of 1QA settle their accounts. As promised, the ton of old guns taken from the pirate vessel is quietly handed over to the Colonial Freedom Alliance, whose local fighters are locked in a constant struggle against the corporate authority of Eos Dynamics.
The weapons are received gratefully, the resistance representatives quickly decide the crew may be useful again.
They provide two sets of coordinates:One for a safe landing zone in the jungle.Another for a hidden resistance encampment.
The journey between the two points will take roughly two days on foot.
But before setting out, the crew decide to enjoy a drink.
La Serpiente Dorada
Near the market district of Echo’s Wake sits a loud, colorful cantina called La Serpiente Dorada — The Golden Serpent.
It’s a classic frontier watering hole:, a small band playing old Terran rhythm music, resistance fighters, smugglers, and off-world drifters crowding the tables
The sign above the bar is a flickering holo of a golden snake wrapped around a bottle of cane rum.
Inside, the crew of 1QA take a table and order drinks.
Zlatan leans back in his chair, inspecting the room with the calm confidence of a man who knows Zlatan is the most important person present. Rock Slyp is mid-story, explaining to a nearby patron how several planets once attempted to ban him from their nightlife. Professor Lloyd Perryview quietly studies a glass of cane rum as if it were an archaeological artifact.
That’s when two strangers approach the table.
The first is a tall, well-dressed man whose appearance borders on theatrical. He wears a brightly patterned waistcoat over secure clothing, and draped across his shoulders is a purple and yellow cape that sways dramatically as he walks. His hair is immaculate, his smile wide and confident.
The second man stands beside him, dressed in combat fatigues. Despite the military clothing, he looks oddly refined. His nails are perfectly manicured, his posture straight, his expression calm and professional — a soldier who somehow still carries himself like a gentleman.A former administrator in a library.
The flamboyant one steps forward and spreads his arms slightly.
“Good evening, distinguished travelers.” He bows his head with exaggerated elegance.
“Zaphod Gambino,” he announces proudly. “Poet, philosopher, occasional gunman, and enthusiast of interstellar adventure.”
He gestures toward the man beside him. “My associate, the incomparable Rufus Ruffcut.”
Rufus gives a small nod.
“Security specialist.”
Zaphod pulls out a chair without asking and sits.
“Now then,” he continues, leaning forward with interest, “would you happen to be the crew that recently provided… services… to a certain Mrs. Cynthia Vuran?”
The crew exchange looks.
After a few moments of conversation, it becomes clear the strangers already know the answer.
Zaphod claps his hands once, delighted.
“Splendid!”
Rufus folds his arms calmly.
“We’re looking for work,” he says simply.
Zaphod leans back in the chair, smiling.
“And after reviewing the stories circulating around this charming little city, we have come to the conclusion that joining The Wondering Star would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
Rock Slyp raises an eyebrow, and exclaims "Oh Luvvy, it`s a pleasure" guaging an appropriate response.
Zlatan nods approvingly at the idea of more witnesses to Zlatan’s greatness.
Professor Perryview watches them both carefully.
After a short discussion, the offer is accepted.
Zaphod jumps to his feet.
“A moment!” he declares. “This occasion demands ceremony.”
He sweeps toward the bar with theatrical flair.
“Drinks for the table!”
Moments later he returns, carefully carrying several glasses of cane liquor.
But as he reaches the table…
The cantina door swings open. The music falters slightly as several patrons glance toward the entrance. Standing in the doorway is a familiar figure.
Hench Manson. Former employee of Rock Slyp. The same Hench Manson who had once been very inconveniently framed by Professor Perryview for something she didn’t actually do, purely so the crew could get rid of her.
She stands there for a moment, scanning the room.
Her eyes settle on the table. On Rock Slyp. Then on Professor Perryview.
She steps inside. A shot rings out. Professor Lloyd Perryview collapses. Hench drops a small card onto the floor and immediately turns and runs.
Rufus Ruffcut reacts first, bolting through the door in pursuit. Outside, he spots her disappearing around a corner and gives chase. He rounds the first turn just in time to see her slip down another alley—but when he follows, she’s gone.Losing the trail, Rufus returns to La Serpiente Dorada.
Inside, Rock Slyp cradles the fallen body of Lloyd.
Nearby, Thee Zlatan is already searching Lloyd’s pockets—primarily to confirm the professor hasn’t stolen Zlatan’s wallet again.
Within minutes, local police and emergency services arrive. After questioning the witnesses and confirming the sequence of events, the police depart.
The medics speak briefly with the remaining crew and arrange for Lloyd’s body to be preserved in a stasis pod.
Later, the crew collect the sealed pod from the morgue and transport it back to The Wondering Star, storing it carefully in the cargo hold.
With business concluded in the city, 1QA return to the landing field.
But as they approach their ship, they find someone waiting.
Standing calmly beside the gangway is an oddly presented man, in an old leater flying jacket, with bespoke handle bar moustache.
He steps forward as they approach.
“Good evening,” he says.
“I am Major Allistair Sterling.”
