-=/-\=- Hotel -=/-\=- Richard followed the small alien down the dimly light corridor, his eyes open and alert, taking in everything around him. They passed a different door every few meters until finally stopping at one near the middle of the hall. "Here are your accommodations sir", Zast ny said pressing a button on the door which opened it up. "I'm sure you will find them more than adequate", he added, motioning with his arm for Cortez to step inside. Richard said nothing and stepped into the room, stopping just inside. It was huge. There was an extremely large bed near the center of the room, and an even bigger hot-tub on the far side. The walls were decorated with depictions of several different historical battles, ranging from the battle of Thermopylae on Earth, to a magnificent painting of the Borg Cube assaulting about 40 other federation ships. Richard stood amazed at what was literally the perfect room. Taking a few more steps he looked out the massive window, witch had a view straight into space. "That's the milky way", he said pointing towards the window. "Yes", Zast ny answered following Richard into the room, "And that is your Earth", he said pointing to a small dimly lit dot. "Insane", Richard said, turning back around to face the alien. "So you are content then with your room", Zast asked. Richard nodded, "Yes". "Feel free to explore the hotel at your leisure, we have many different activities that I'm sure you will enjoy", Zast said turning to leave, "If you get hungry feel free to give us a call", he said pointing to a small computer terminal near the door. "Thanks", Richard said, then watched as the alien left the room. On the desk near his bed he saw a paper advertisement. "Starburst Casino", it read in big bright orange letters. Dropping the paper back on the table Richard turned back towards the door and exited the room. The hallway was empty both ways, and Richard decided to head down the opposite direction he had come. After a brief walk he finally came to a dimly lit bar. There were a few patrons around the room, but it was mostly empty. Stepping up to the bar he took an empty stool and ordered a drink from the bartender, which he promptly received. After about halfway through his drink he glanced over to his right and saw practically the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. She had dark brown shoulder length hair, full red lips, and a slender body. For the first time in a while he was speechless. "You gonna buy me a drink or keep staring", the woman said, breaking the silence. Richard swallowed the saliva that was forming in his mouth and signalled for the bartender to bring her another drink. "My name is Allison", she said scooting over to the stool next to Richards. "I'm Richard", he answered back, "Nice to meet you". Allison chuckled as she received her drink and gave a nod to the bartender. "So", she said gazing into Richards eyes, "Tell me, what is a cute guy like you doing in a place like this". Cortez stumbled for his words, "uhhh, we had some problems with our ship", he answered, trying to turn his head away from the gorgeous woman. She smiled, "That's absolutely terrible, every ones all right I hope". "Yes", Richard responded, "it wasn't anything major, just some problems in Engineering". He paused and took a sip from his drink, "How about you, what are you doing here?", he asked, suddenly feeling very relaxed. "Oh", the woman answered, still keeping her smile, "I come here all the time, this hotel is absolutely my favorite place to vacation". Richard nodded and took another drink. "Anyways", she said, "I have to take care of a few things, but I'm having a little get together later on in my room, and your more than welcome to come", she said sliding a small card with her room number on it over the bar. Richard picked up the card and looked at it, "Thanks", he said and watched as the strange women stood up to leave. She gave him a quick wink and walked away, Richard staring at her behind as she left the room. Taking a deep breath Cortez gulped down the rest of his drink. "Maybe this place ain't too bad after all", he mumbled to himself, then ordered another. -=/-\=- End Log -=/-\=- First Lieutenant Richard Cortez ODA Acting Commanding Officer USS Chimera