Sitting on the porch of the rented cabin, Nick saw someone walking towards him on the dirt path.  As the person got closer, he could see that it was Iziraa.

“Nice place you picked,” said Izi as she studied the disrepair of their Delvis home.

“You know what they say about real estate,” said Nick.  “Location, location, location.”

“Well there is that.”  Izi set her duffel on the ground and sat next to Nick.

“How did you find the place?” said Nick.

“The nice Klingon at the registration table gave me directions.”

Nick stared in disbelief.  He shook his head.

“Why are you sitting out here?” said Izi.

Nick harrumphed.  “It smells like something died in there.  I think all my nose hairs are burned away.”

Izi opened her duffel and rummaged inside, removing a canister about the size of a PADD.  “Here.”

Nick studied the item.  “A concentrated deodorizer?  Where did you get that?”

“It turns out there’s a Ferengi here that runs a general store.  He noticed I was new, so he approached me.  He said the cabins stink and offered to sell me the deodorizer.  The women I was talking to all confirmed we would need it.”

“How much did he take you for?”

“You forget I have experience dealing with Ferengi.  I got it at an excellent price.”

Nick remembered Izi was posted to Starbase Bravo before transferring to the Eagle.  The Ferengi there, he couldn’t remember his name, supplied her with candy corns, Izi’s favorite snack.

“Do you want to come inside and check out the place?” said Nick.

“Are you kidding?  Not until you use this.”  Izi pushed the canister into Nick’s hand.

“I don’t blame you.”

The two fell silent for a few moments.

“So what’s our agenda?  When do you contestants start pummeling each other?” said Nick.

“The opening rounds begin tomorrow at noon.”  Izi’s antennae bounced cheerfully.  “Tonight at dusk there’s going to be a bonfire in the clearing behind the arena.  Everyone will be there.  It will give me the chance to see any potential opponents.”

“That sounds interesting,” said Nick.  “I suppose real alcohol will be in abundance.”

“Of course,” said Izi.  “One of the women said they’re barbecuing a grax beast.  I’m looking forward to it.”

“A grax beast?”

“Yes, it’s a predator animal that hunts in the deep woods.  It’s very ferocious and clever.  It’s said to be quite a feat to bring one down using primitive weapons.”

Nick could see Izi was getting excited about being there on Delvis.  At least one of them was.

“The fun part hasn’t happened yet, but I’m glad we’re here.  Thanks for pushing me into taking the time off.”  Izi patted Nick on the knee.

“It is nice to experience nature instead of the insides of a starship,” said Nick.

The two became quiet again, each lost in their thoughts.  Izi was excited, but Nick wanted to take the first transport out.  With a sigh he got up.  Pulling his shirt over his nose again, he went into the cabin to set off the deodorizer.  Seeing the musty cots, he hoped the Ferengi sold something to clean them.