Lieutenant JG Elor Letek - A Kingdom for a Bath

[Lieutenant JG Elor Letek]

((Zogi's Water Palace, The USS Eagle Outpost))

Everyone has heard of a mirage. An ominous oasis in the desert that ultimately turns out to be an illusion, leaving you thirsty for every drop of water as you trudge through the hot, foot-burning desert sand.

But Elor was damn sure it wasn't a mirage when he stood with his friend Tholin ch'Clex in Zogi's bar, which bore the enchanting name ‘Zogi's Water Palace’.

However, his conviction quickly faded when the Ferengi explained that he was not accepting payment at the moment.

Zogi: Ordinarily, I’d never say this, but perhaps—for now—we can set profit aside.

The Bajoran had to suppress the strong urge to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. Tholin was apparently feeling the same way.

ch'Clex: ::Looking at Zogi with surprise, even his antennas turn in surprise:: What is this?

Zogi: If you really want to relax, I suggest you visit the spa we set up in the caves. It’s only a 10-minute drive with the truck. I set up a schedule for everyone. ::He pointed at the board with visiting hours per gender and type of clothing.::

Had he heard that correctly? A spa here in the desert? Only a Ferengi could come up with such a business idea, and Elor had to admit that the idea of taking a bath was incredibly tempting.

ch'Clex also seemed to like the idea, because he immediately studied the offer their capitalist friend was pointing to. The doctor did the same.

The offer was really impressive. Zogi had thought of everything. There was something for everyone. A bath with or without clothes. Separate times for men and women, as well as slots for a mixed bath.

ch'Clex: Rule 202, The justification for profit is profit ::Looking at Zogi:: You just don’t know what type of profit you can get now, but by being nice now it will make it easier for you to get a profit later. ::Slamming his hand on the table, looking at Zogi and back to Letek with a smile on his face:: Don’t say I don’t pay attention when we talk Zogi.

Elor couldn't help but grin broadly. Tholin obviously knew a little about Ferengi business practices. He, on the other hand, didn't know much about it and didn't really care.

Letek: If we ever return to our ship, I'll gladly pay you in latinum if I can take a bath now. I don't know how many layers of sand dust are covering my skin, but I would give my right arm to be able to wash it off.

Zogi: Response?

ch'Clex: But I do love this Spa, I think it will be a hit. I will book myself up right now. What do you think Doc?

Letek: I'm ready for anything. The next free slot is ours!

Zogi: Response?

It may have been foolish to offer a Ferengi an unspecified amount of latinum, but offering what most people here longed for as a monopoly was a masterstroke by the big-eared comrade.

He handed them two cups filled with an indefinable liquid. Elor took his and clinked glasses with Tholin before smelling it. However, there wasn't much to smell. A slight sweetness, but not particularly strong. So he took a sip. It tasted like it smelled. Not particularly intense, not particularly tasty, but also not particularly unappetizing. However, it probably wouldn't get him drunk.

ch'Clex: How you do this I don’t know Zogi, but this is not that bad. ::Looking at Zogi.:: And you did it with the scraps we have here.

Letek: And above all, it's much better than dinosaur jerky. I'm really sick of that stuff.

Zogi: Response?

Their glasses emptied quickly, and even though Elor was tempted to order another round, he decided to leave it at that. If they were going swimming soon, it wouldn't be advisable to be drunk, even if the swill Zogi offered them wasn't particularly strong.

Letek: So, when can we get started? I'm getting impatient.

ch'Clex / Zogi: Response?

Letek: I'm afraid my swimming trunks went up in smoke with the ship, though. I hope you're not shy, Tholin.

ch'Clex / Zogi: Response?

So the evening had taken a pleasant turn after all. What had started as an escape from all the hustle and bustle at the camp had now turned into a spa visit with one of his friends. They could negotiate the price later.

TAG / End for Elor

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Lieutenant JG Elor Letek

Medical Officer

USS Eagle

E240201EL2

Patients are asked not to die in the corridors.