-=/-\=- Begin Log -=/-\=- "The Living Dream Hotel", Richard mumbled to himself as he stepped into the turbolift. "Docking Bay", he said loudly as the computer bleeped its response and the lift began moving. "We'll see about that", he mumbled again to himself. {Fish!} Rangi thought and slammed her hand against the button just as the doors of the turbo lift slid shut. To her satisfaction she heard the lifts hum drop back to stationary mode and the doors reopened. She stepped inside and smiled at the occupant. "Lieutenant" she said in greeting, setting her overnight bag down next to her right foot."Docking bay?" she asked. "Yes Commander", Richard said with a smile. "I see you've come prepared", he added glancing down at her bag. He hadn't brought anything, preferring first to scope the place out and then maybe returning later for some personal items. "Just a few things." Rangi replied glancing too at the bulging bag. She remet his gaze and returned the smile. "This sounds an intrigueing place doesnt it?" she asked watching the lift lights decrease."Sh....Commander Guzman thinks we might spend a couple of days here....while the engineers fix the current problem. Hopefully it will be a good place to begin R&R." Richard nodded in agreement, "Its odd that nobody on the ship seems to have ever heard of the place". Taking a breath, "But I guess just about any place will do for R&R" he finished saying as the elevator slowed down to a halt. "You need help carrying that", Richard asked, leaning down to pick up her bag. "Thankyou" Rangi replied. The door slid smoothly open and she led the way out. "Yes it is a bit odd...but apparantly the owners of this place are nomadic." They found themselves in a growing crowd as three other turbo lifts discharged their passengers, each with at least one bag a piece, into the docking bay. One or two people, on recognising the XO, moved aside so she and Cortez were able to proceed fairly quickly. Richard grinned as the crowd dispersed for them. "I guess being the XO does have its perks", he joked. "To tell you the truth Commander, I'm a little suspicious of this place, it just doesnt feel right". He paused as the pair reached the end of the walkway where security was checking people out, "Of course it is my job to be a little paranoid", he said with a grin, glancing over at Rangi. She smiled back but asked. "How do you mean 'it doesnt feel right'?" She stepped forward in her turn and the security guard offered her the padd to sign out. He checked her finger prints on the console, smiled politely and said " Free to go ma'am. " She took a couple of steps then turned to wait for Cortez to join her, seeing him lift the hefty bag with ease. Richard quickly signed out and followed Rangi, "I dont know", he said sliding her bag over his shoulder, "It just seems too easy, I mean, we suddenly have problems with the ship, and this Happy Dreams Hotel", Richard intentionally messed up the name, "Just happens to be here, waiting for us, I mean what are the odds". He chuckled, "I really wish you would have let me take a team in first, just to make sure it was safe". Rangi laughed then looked at him wondering for an instant if he meant it or was really joking. They walked along in silence each looking towards the end of the walkway where those in front were being greeted by some of the hotel staff. Two figures stood waiting for Cortez and Rangi, each with a smile of welcome and each giving a small bow as the pair approached. "Welcome to Living Dream hotel" one said "May I take your bag Sir?" "Welcome" said the other " We hope you will enjoy your stay with us. Please...come this way." He stepped aside and indicated the room they were in. Richard nodded and handed the bag to the alien. They looked odd. Short, grey with featureless faces and bodys. It was nearly impossible to tell the two apart, except that one was a little fatter than the other. "So", Richard said, hoping to goad one of them into spilling the beans, "What the hell are ugly bastards like you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?", said with a stern face. "Lieutenent?" Rangi said quietly, surprised at Cortez question and tone. "We offer our hospitality Sir" came a calm reply "Our hotel is designed to fulfil your comfort and provide relaxation." Rangi looked from the alien to Cortez and back. Before he could say anything she said. "Thankyou. I am Commander Summers,Executive Officer of the Chimera. This is Lieutenent Cortez" "Our pleasure" came the swift reply."I am Stast Ny" The second figure bowed again. "Z aba" he said. Richard just stood there staring at the greys, half expecting a bunch of Jem'Hadars to jump out at any moment. "We'll see about that", he finally said, "Well lead the way", he finished, glancing over at Rangi and smiling. She frowned at him and followed Z aba who said. " Please..there is much to eat...food from many places..if there is something you particularly want it is our pleasure to provide it. When you have eaten I will show you to your room...you will share it?" he asked. Richard smiled, "No", he answered for both of them. "We'll need seperate rooms", he said then glanced back at Rangi, "You go ahead and eat Ma'am, I wanna check out my room first. Richard gave Rangi a quick nod as Stast Ny led the way down the hall towards his room. He still didn't trust these people, and if he was going to find out what was going on, he would have to do it without Rangi around. He walked away with Stast Ny ushering him on. Z aba looked at Rangi through oval eyes, almost totally black but somehow kind and friendly. "Would you care to eat something? " he asked. "Yes..thankyou" she said and moved to a table that ran the length of the room and was loaded with food of every colour taste and description. "Actually.." she said looking at him " I 'will' be sharing with someone...so if a double room 'is' free...." "Ofcourse" Z aba replied with another bow. "We wish only to make your stay with us ...happy." -=/-\=- End Log -=/-\=- 1st. Lieutenant Richard Cortez ODA Commanding Officer USS Chimera & Commander Rangi Summers XO USS Chimera