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If you are in the mood for a busman's holiday this coming winter you need look no further than Tricuspid for the trip of a lifetime, as Pat Winstanley found out

Although still in the final stages of construction when this guide was researched, this moon of Evath promises an exciting tour of the very latest technology combined with true local colour and hospitality.

Tricuspid, with its combination of ancient and modern, is typical of Ketar culture. Classical Triton and bustling Formalhaut provide a fascinating contrast, pure flamboyance merging effortlessly with contemporary practicality.

However, travellers should note the strict laws of this moon where ignorance is unacceptable as a defence. Summary justice is the order of the day punishment consisting of solitary confinement, public flogging or transportation so travellers are advised to acquaint themselves thoroughly with local bye-laws at the first opportunity.

Jet packs are essential for movement in several areas and are also highly recommended for panoramic sightseeing. Fuel rods and wall shields are available in Sirius, Thethys, Iapetus, Regulus and Nereid. Also readily available are switching units where energy forms may be translocated.

WARNING - Jet packs do not have the standard "hower" cut-out, so they should not be de-activated until the user is on a solid surface.

For rapid general travel, powerporters in Regulus, Iapetus and Sirius are highly recommended, while access to restricted areas is available by telepod. (At the time of writing the telepod was not yet in service, but crystal manufacture was almost complete in the Equator Tunnel, Iapetus and Thethys. Our representative also heard rumours of convict labour but is unable to confirm such speculation.)

The underground tunnel system, while providing rapid travel, is not currently recommended for anything but commuting. Although both the Ganymede and Cellist° Storemasters assured our representative that changes were underway, we do not anticipate completion of conversion operations before the start of the season. However, travellers in later months might find the system of more interest.

Tricuspid visitors are fortunate in being able to examine at first hand the most spectacular power grid in the known universe. Three-quarters of the moon is criss-crossed by decorative representations of the underground lines, while monumental Energy Collecting Devices IECOs) reach towards Evath's sun, their operational status confirmed by ornate flares at the apex of each.

Panoramic viewing of the representations is highly recommended for full appreciation of the design and interaction of the grid. Other attractions include the Sphinx in Triton, the forests of Regulus and the covered walkway in Iapetus (accessed from Sirius).

As stated earlier, visitors are well advised to acquaint themselves with local standards of behaviour as some areas indicate a distinct hostility to strangers. In addition, the Tricuspid Military Force maintains a constant surveillance, on-the-spot sentences being standard practice. Unfortunately surveillance is from a highly elevated position so transgressions are often imagined. The Tricuspid Touring Company suggest either concealment or direct confrontation for visitors having difficulty with airborne arrest.

REGULUS: This wooded area is the ideal starting point for any tour. Visitors should explore both sections of the store for fuel and shield supplies.

Also to to be found is a working model of crystal manufacture techniques and access to the underground. Outdoors is a switching unit, z powerporter giving easy access to Psyche, and the cubical key to the light Side.

LIGHT SIDE: This main grid junction also gives access to the underground and should be viewed from above for fuller appreciation of its beauty.

TRITON: The most ancient wonder of the system is here in the form of a massive solid sphinx, contrasting sharply with the modern grid terminus nearby.

GANYMEDE: Here visitors can relax with a variety of amusements including target shooting and swimming in the mahogany ocean (please beware of the currents). The pier is dangerous at present and should be avoided.

THETHYS: This dark location contains old-fashioned fuel and crystal stores (prices are high) together with a wall decoration worth close inspection via the telepod.

IAPETUS: Here the Canopus walkway (accessible only from Sirius) spans the river which separates the covered underground station from the Centauri Store. Reasonable prices for fuel and full switching facilities make a visit to the stores worthwhile. The stores also act as a travel centre with powerporters to Dark Side, Ganymede, Titania and Formalhaut. Faulty pressure pads have been reported in this area so jet travel is advised.

SIRIUS: Sited in sunny Sirius is the clockwork access to the Canopus walkway, a grid terminus, high level access to Iapetus, and the Callisto store. The store is well worth a visit as it contains part of the crystal forge, supplies, switching facilities and a powerporter to Iapetus.

PSYCHE: Here the massive Dark Side doors and illuminated sign dominate the scene, but the wall carving and telepod are well worth visiting.

PROCYON: The Military post needs to be acknowledged in this area but a visit to the confinement block in the underground system is recommended first. Here also is another example of crystal technology. The confinement area demands a demonstration of shooting skills before leaving.

FORMALHAUT: This grid terminus and junction is chiefly notable for the flamboyant decoration on one of the collecting columns and the easy access provided to surrounding areas.

POLLUX: The wall decoration here demands close, inspection for full appreciation.

MONOCERUS: The power line arrangement here holds a certain asymmetric beauty with its two standing columns. However, the traveller will find little else of interest in the darkness.

UMBRIA: Military posts scan this area and both should be acknowledged early if the ECDs (one of which is a terminus) are to be inspected peacefully.

TITANIA: This area acts as both terminus and relay station for the grid, but the visitor is advised to inspect Oberon, Nereicl and Antares before a detailed examination of this particular beauty spot.

NEREICL: Both ECD and fuel supplies are partially concealed behind a majestic wall, close to the site of the area's touching mural.

ANTARES: After Oberon and Titania this is one of the most interesting areas to explore, containing as it does a gigantic hanging platform and three ECDs interlinked by an exposed power line. Access to the platform is via a step to the south.

OBERON: Highly commended as the alternative starting point for tourists, Oberon contains the principal grid terminus and access to the ocean in Ganymede.

DARK SIDE: Any tour which finishes here will have been both worthwhile and profitable, but the beauty of The Dark Side cannot be appreciated unless the rest of Tricuspid is fresh in the visitor's mind. The final action of the tour should be to watch the central structure following deactivation of the local ECD - spectacular.