Having spent sometime in Serenity City he felt awkward in a big city he long for a more silent place and saw that there was a smaller town close by, so he headed there for some relaxation.
On the small transport the pilot recommended a new inn that opened up. The pilot said that the food was superb, especially the broiled lake trout. 'That is what I'll get, I love trout.'
He got out in front of the inn and waved bye to the driver of the old solar-wheeled car, and when inside the inn. The place was almost empty at this time of day; there were only a few patrons eating and drinking. At the bar stood a barkeep of Asian decent.
He approached a small table in the middle of the room set his medium size black bag under the table and waited for the barkeep to approach. The Barkeep approached and Joel Immediately noticed the walk of a man that had been in the military or Starfleet for years.
"What can I do for you?" He asked as he wiped the table down with a new rag.
"I would like to get started with something to eat," He looked around the place, it was nice and cozy, "and then I would like a room."
"Sure we have plenty to eat," Keung smiled, "and at the moment plenty of rooms."
"Can I get your broiled lake trout," Joel glanced out a window to the beautiful greenish-blue crystalline Lake, "you must get it from there."
"Yes we do," Keung didn't look at the lake, "It is always fresh." He turned to the kitchen and yelled "Fish on Oil," Keung turned back around, "Any ale with your food."
"I don't hold well with alcohol," He smiled, "get me a Lemonade."
"Ok." Keung left the table and went inside the Kitchen. Keung came out a minute later with a pitcher and a glass. He approached and set it down on Joel's table.
"Here you go, your dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes." He went of to help other customers.
Joel served himself some lemonade and drank deeply. 'Man didn't realized how thirsty I was.'
Fifteen minutes later a lovely woman walked out and headed to the bar, behind her came a busboy with a tray of hot steaming fish.
"Here ya go sah," The young man said, obviously a native of the planet by his accent, "enjoy." He left to other duties.
"Hmmm looks good." Joel ate with relish, it had been several months without a good dinner, the rice was just perfect and the fish was superb.
He spend a while sitting there and eating slowly to enjoy his food. When he finished he got up and grabbed his bag. The lovely woman came over.
"So you'll be getting a room?" She asked.
"Yes," He picked up his bag, "one that faces the lake."
"Good we have one." She started walking to the back toward ancient wooden stairs.
"How much for the food and the room?" He asked as he wondered if the stairs where sturdy.
She told him the amount one dinner and a standard room with bathroom for a day. She also seemed to catch on to him looking at the stairs.
"Don't worry," She walked up the stairs followed by Joel who tested the steps first, "the stairs are safe."
"Oh good." He walked up the stairs and Alicia noticed something she hadn't seen before. This man was accustomed to a lower kind of gravity. Maybe he was born on Mars.
"Let me show you to your room. How long would you be staying?" She asked him.
"A Few weeks," They came up to a room, "maybe more."
"I see." She handed him a small piece of metal.
"What is it?" Joel turned the small item over and over.
"Is a Key to open your door with."
"Ah interesting." He dug into his jeans pockect and took out a small red card and handed it to her.
"Commander Palatio," she read the name on the card, "a Starfleet officer. Now I know this is good." Joel frowned. "We do get some people that think everything is free."
"Yes that happens," He opened the door and went in, "Just keep the Credit Sleeve so you can get payment for everything I do."
"Ok," she looked at him again, "I only needed once, I hope you enjoy your stay."
"Thank you." He closed the door.
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