*** The Living Dream Hotel *** Samantha smiled at the security guard as she pressed her thumb on the security print scanner by the docking port. He nodded and let her through, and she crossed over to the entrance of the hotel, pulling her suitcase along behind her which hovered a few inches above ground. "Welcome to the Living Dream hotel," a short little alien with large black eyes greeted her as she entered the reception area. "My name is Bubg Ny. Please follow me... I will take you to our buffet. We have learned to make food from all the cultures we've encountered. Afterwards, I can take you to your room. Would you like a single, double or group room?" Group? Samantha thought. How strange... "A single room, thank you." "Please follow me," he said, taking her bag. His skinny little arms seemed almost like it would break off, but a large and bulky looking alien took it from him. The opulence of the hotel astounded Samantha as she was led by the short little alien to the buffet. The architecture was unique and strange, yet it felt familiar and comforting. {It must have been very time consuming to build this hotel, and its maintenance must be hell on the staff} she thought. Spying Rangi at one of the tables, she moved over to say hello. "A wonderful place, don't you think, Commander?" Samantha said. Rangi glanced sideways, chewing some fish like thing that melted in the mouth. She nodded in answer, swallowed and turning to Samantha said " Yes indeed...it seems very luxurious...the food is wonderful." She watched Samantha for a moment or two as she scanned the buffet then taking a deep breath, smiled as Samantha turned back to her and said .. "Congratulations of the appointment to 2XO....I'm sure we'll make a good team" It wasnt the whole truth because Rangi still held some misgivings about Samantha, all stemming from the X'Chi mission. She and Shane had discussed his choice and Rangi had voiced her concerns, at first surprised that he would choose Samantha. Though she agreed that the commanders abilty and experience couldnt be bettered, she had reminded him that he himself had had a certain amount of distrust. But 'everyone deserves a second chance' he'd said which of course was true so the decision was made. "Thank you... I appreciate that," she smiled sincerely, then turned her attention to the buffet. A colourful display of different foods were stretched out before her. There were some delicious looking things, and some downright disgusting looking things, all mingled in with a myriad of smiles. Samantha moved away from one plate when she thought whatever was in it was still alive. "Anything you can recommend? I see they have some Terran cuisine, but I'm looking to try something new. I don't want to poison myself, though." Rangi laughed. "Well, I dont know what 'this' is " she said, pointing to the fish like thing she had been enjoying, " but its very good...and so is that" Samantha tried the fish dish Rangi pointed to. It had a strange, salty tang that was very soft and melted into sweetness. A minute or two passed happily spent selecting tasty morsels from the never ending range Eventually Rangi said.. "Perhaps we could sit for a moment? I'd like to talk to you more privately" "Of course," Samantha said, leading the way to an area with large, soft seaters. Around them, strange tall purple flowers bloomed in large glass pots. The two women seated themselves in opposite chairs.They were almost alone, for the buffet claimed most peoples attention. "It's about the command situation." Rangi began easing herself more comfortably against the soft cushions. "I have to admit, I was a little surprised by Commander Guzmans choice...initially." She watched a couple walk past and when they were out of earshot continued "...and I'm sure you understand why. But this is a new beginning...You're more than qualified for the position of 2XO and I really hope that we can quickly arrive at a good working relationship." Samantha nodded. "I hadn't expected it either, but it's a welcome surprise. I served as stand-in Tactical officer on the Shaw several times when I was commissioned there. I was surprised that at first that I was able to do it... I trained for mainly for Science after all; I think it must come from my father's side. Piloting, Tactical and of course Science I'm good at... but Engineer or Medical, I wouldn't even attempt. I hardly managed to scrape through basic medical field training as it was. Oh... how is Major Walsh doing now?" Rangis expression answered for her."Not too good at the moment...but its early days." she replied. "Its fortunate that we're on R&R...two department heads out of action isnt a good thing. Major Walsh ofcourse will need some time to recover fully and Ra'nar too. Unfortunately as you know,Okrin was injured during the escape from Sidos and though he's coped admirably , he's really not fit enough at the moment to take full charge. With that in mind Commander Guzman suggested I take turn in sickbay too...ex CMO and all" She smiled to Samantha. "That ofcourse will put a heavier load than usual on your shoulders. What do you think to that?" "I believe I can handle it. I'm accustomed to having more to do, so I'm looking forward to the challenge," she smiled. "I just hope I haven't lost my touch yet. I used to be pretty good at multitasking. Luckily that comes naturally to women." "Indeed" Rangi agreed with slight grin. "Lucky too that we happened on this place as we headed for R&R.It looks lovely" she added glancing at the surroundings. "...and everyone I've met so far seems very pleasant and helpful. I almost wish it will take engineering more than a couple of days to solve the warp field problem." She looked at Samanthas almost empty plate. "Shall we get something else to eat? Its so inviting..I'll never be slim" "Yes, let's," Samantha replied. "Losing weight is the last thing on my mind at the moment." *** End Log *** Lt Commander Samantha Palmer ACTAC / 2 XO USS Chimera -A & Commander Rangi Summers XO USS Chimera - A