=Living Dream Hotel= After looking in on Jason Stephens, Jo and Rick left the infirmary and wondered down one of the corridors. “Why don’t you go to your quarters and get some rest,” Rick said. “With everything that has happened ...” “I’ll be fine, sir,” Jo said in a tone that made Rick think otherwise. “I could make it an order, Jo,” Rick said. She just shook her head. “You need someone to watch your back,” Jo said. “I can handle myself for now,” Rick said. “You need some rest.” She wanted to fight him on this, but Jo realized that Rick was right. She wasn’t tired, but her mind wasn’t into this investigation. Maybe a little rest would be helpful. “Alright,” she said. Rick walked Jo to her quarters and waited for the door to close behind her before he continued down the corridor. Besides Jo, Rangi and perhaps Dr. Okrin, Rick had no idea who he could trust. The captain, apparently, was one of those on the ‘don’t trust list’. Rick made his way toward the power distribution center, but ran into Naodo. Rick wasn’t surprised by his sudden appearance. “Mr. Rodgers,” Naodo said. “I hope that your crew mate is feeling better.” “He’ll be alright,” Rick said. “Were you able to give my request to the hotelmaster?” “As a matter of fact, I was,” Naodo said. “As soon as it is properly processed, I will be more than glad to let you know.” ‘More delays,’ Rick thought as Naodo looked at him. “You have yet to enjoy any of the pleasures that the hotel has to offer,” Naodo continued. “How about I help you experience one of your fantasies. Perhaps there is a childhood dream that you always wanted to become reality. Maybe something adventurous.” “We have holodecks on the Chimera that can do that,” Rick said. “But your holodecks are so limited compared to the wonders we can provide,” Naodo said. “At the hotel, there are no limits. Anything here is possible.” “How is that?” Rick asked. “I mean, you have some pretty impressive holographic technology, but nothing capable of the wonders you have mentioned.” “There are some secrets that we have to maintain, Lieutenant,” Naodo said. “I’m sure you can appreciate that.” “Of course,” Rick said. “As an engineer, I always need to know how things work. Please forgive me.” “Don’t mention it,” Naodo said. “One should never forgive an inquisitive mind. I’m a man of science, myself. My main field of study was exobiology, but I have many other interests as well. Meeting new people and hearing of their adventures intrigues me to no end.” “Why don’t you go out on an adventure or two of your own?” Rick asked. “And leave the hotel ...?” Naodo said as if what Rick said was the most ridiculous thing that he ever heard. “There is no other place I’d rather be than the hotel. Who’d ever want to leave?” Naodo then released that he may have said too much. He regained his composure. “If you would excuse me, Lieutenant,” Naodo said. “There are other guests that I have to attend to.” Naodo bowed than walked away. Rick waited until he was out of sight before he continued toward the power distribution center. He was almost at his destination when somebody grabbed him from behind, placed a hand over his mouth, and dragged him into one of the rooms that lined the corridor. Acting Lieutenant Rick Rodgers Chief Engineering Officer U.S.S. Chimera and Naodo (npc) Hotel staff