“You!  What is your name?”

Nick and Izi had arrived at Delvis IV, having hitched a ride on a freighter working in the sector.  It was easy to see the place was definitely a back-to-nature lifestyle.  The only technology was a subspace comm system powered by a solar generator.  There were no transporters and any ships landing had to find a clearing somewhere.  It had one main settlement in the temperate zone of the planet.  There was an arena with wooden bleachers, a pavilion, a few merchant buildings, and log cabins on dirt paths.  A large forest surrounded the settlement that contained more cabins.  A stream flowed through the trees.  Only the animals and fauna of nature were native to the world.  Being an engineer, Nick appreciated the work that was done to build the place.

Focusing his attention on the gruff Klingon sitting at the table waiting for an answer, Nick got the feeling he was being sized up.

“My name is Nick.  I need a cabin for two.”

“Are you entering the tournament?”

“No.”

“That is fortunate for you.”  The Klingon chuckled.  “That will be one strip of latinum for each day you’re here.”  He reached into a box on the ground and tossed a small, rusty, metal cylinder onto the table.  “Cabin 17.”

Nick looked at the object.  It was the first time he had seen a real key used in an actual padlock.  “Where is cabin 17?”

“I’m sure you’ll find it if you look hard enough,” said the Klingon.  “Next!”

Sighing, Nick grabbed the key, putting it in the pocket of his civilian clothes.  Looking for Izi, he saw her talking to a small group of women.

She’s already checking out the competition, thought Nick.  Shrugging, he decided to search for their cabin.  He could find Izi later.

30 Minutes Later

Nick was looking at a log cabin that appeared to have been built before the founding of the Federation.  The rundown wood building had a door, with a window on each side.  Three steps led up to a porch that ran across the front of the building.  It was located at the end of a cul-de-sac, so there was some privacy.  He could hear chirping birds and the bubbling of the stream behind the cabin.

Maybe Izi was right about roughing it.  Sighing, he moved up the steps.  Unlocking the door and opening it, Nick was struck by a stench so bad, words couldn’t describe it.  He ran off the porch gagging, his eyes burning.  Overcoming the feeling of throwing up everything he had ever eaten, he looked back at the cabin.  Muttering under his breath, he pulled his shirt over his nose and trekked back onto the porch.  Pausing, he stepped inside.

The cabin had one, large, common area.  In the middle was a wooden table and two, rickety, wood chairs.  To the right was a fireplace and a small stack of wood.  A metal cooking pot lay on the floor.  Along the opposite wall were two musty cots and two windows.  Looking at a small closed off section to the left, he saw a hole in the ground, a bucket of lime, and a small trowel.  He quickly opened all the windows, allowing a soft breeze to blow inside.  A spider was spinning a web in the corner of the ceiling near the fireplace.

Moving back outside, Nick wondered what temporary insanity overcame him to suggest he and Izi come to this place.