“Wow,” said the information desk attendant, sincerely. “Wow, yeah, that was so completely inspirational and cool, like, seriously. I can’t even explain how much I enjoyed the experience of listening to you share your feelings while I looked up the appropriate party events timetable to meet your needs and suit your desires, like, wow. Would you like the schedule formatted for neural net download or upload to your techno-reader?”

“Could you just print it?” asked Arthur.

(The highest and most mysterious level of Kathtyx 21-C's legendary hierarchical party culture is only for lifeforms who can prove the extraordinary length and strength of their relationship. For the sake of a party, Ford and Arthur are ready to fake it till they make it.)