By the year 3535, there appeared to be no space hazard with which Ferdinand Feghoot was unprepared to cope. He had been asked to establish Federation contact with the planet Adamantine III, which meant traversing the infamous Diamond Belt. This spherical so-called “Belt” lay outside the planet's orbit, with every declination filled with orbiting low-quality diamond debris of varying sizes. Their vast number overwhelmed the capacity of even the most advanced super-computers of the day to navigate, and their extraordinary hardness, jagged edges, and varying masses played havoc with hull integrity. The Belt was the graveyard of many foolhardy expeditions that had gone before.
"How can you think of attempting such an absurdly hazardous crossing!” his crew complained, on the point of mutiny. “It would take paranormal powers to find a way through this mess!"
With steely determination and cool aplomb, Feghoot replied, “I took the precaution of including in the crew an inhabitant of the planet Capernium. As you know, these goat-like beings are renowned for their truly amazing powers of second sight."
"But how did you get him to agree to come?"
"Simple,” said Feghoot, “Like humans, the Capernians no longer have fur, and, due to the anti-hunting laws of that world, are denied the best defense against the piercingly cold winters there. I have promised to provide, at Federation expense, a vast quantity of artificial furs for him and his people."
"Do you really think he's up to the task?” they protested.
"Of course,” said Feghoot irritably, “You can always get through diamond space with fur-denied fey goat!"
(Compliments of Ron Partridge)