Nesia 005

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And so the winner is #1 – the hotel.  I am glad the voting poll seems to be working.  If you have any suggestions for improvement, then just comment and let me know.  In the mean time, off to the hotel.

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“Destination, please?” the taxi chirped again.

“Vandare Hotel, Penthouse Suite Level,” Nesia answered.

“Right away,” the taxi said cheerfully.  “Would you like any music or information during your trip?”

“Just silence, please,” Nesia sighed.

“As you wish,” the taxi said.

The taxi smoothly glided from the hospital and merged with the other automated vehicles that dominated the planet.  Hovercars were rare on most planets merely because the infrastructure required was an expensive overhaul for an established city with permanent residents.  The cars themselves cost a small fortune and were useless without the proper relays set up to define routes of travel.

But this was not a world mean for the average person to live on.  Everything in sight was designed to be awe-inspiring, beautiful, and eye-catching.  Nesia quickly seized the opportunity to examine the world around her to see if it triggered anything.

The planet, Leisure, was aptly named.  The world survived solely on tourism and the only things ever built on the planet were resorts, parks, and other vacation destinations.  It was one of the wealthiest worlds in the galaxy, if not the richest, and it belonged only to itself.

During the time of the great space expeditions an exploration crew had stumbled upon the planet.  They explored the surface and discovered exotic landmasses that were not quite continents, but definitely larger than islands.  To the tired explorers, cut off from the rest of the galaxy, the planet was paradise.

Rather than report their finding to their home nation and receive the appropriate fee and potential for land, the captain devised a more beneficial plan for him and his hard working crew.  They returned home and solicited construction companies and wealthy corporations.  In a short time, the eight largest islands on the planet had hotels and a shuttleport, and it was ready for business.

By the time governments of Origin tried to lay claim on Leisure, or at least tax the place, it was controlled entirely by the resorts.  The resorts were built by different companies, and so no nation could agree on who owned the right to tax the planet.  In the end, Origin lost all power over Leisure and the world became its own nation of wealthy relaxation.

The ruling council of the world was the descendents and heirs of that original exploration crew.  And the head of that council was the descendent of Captain Asuraeson.  Nesia sighed and leaned her head against the window.  She was engaged to the heir of one of the richest families in the galaxy.

“We have arrived at your destination,” the taxi chimed, interrupting Nesia’s thoughts.  “Please wait for the taxi to come to a complete stop.  The door will open when it is safe to exit.  Have a wonderful afternoon.”

Hotel staff quickly moved toward the taxi and Nesia looked at her outfit.  This staff was known for their discretion, and the landing pad was shielded from most prying eyes.  There was a reason the Vandare was frequented by celebrities who preferred privacy over fame.  Her outfit hopefully got her out of the hospital without causing a scene, but she would be glad to get out of it.

“How may the staff of the Illustrious Vandare assist you today, madam?” the bellhop asked as Nesia climbed out of the taxi.

She could tell by the look on his face that he was not quite sure if she belonged up here, and Nesia had her own doubts.  Still, she pulled off the hat and sunglasses, letting her gold curls fall down.  Recognition immediately dawned on the young man’s face as well as the rest of the staff stationed near the lobby.

“Your suite has been kept clean and orderly as you requested, Miss Algernon,” an assistant manager said as she practically ran from the lobby to Nesia’s side.  “Do you need anything as you head up to your room?  I can have the chef prepare your favorite meal, or would you prefer a spa session?  Would you like me to send up the groomer for Serendipity?”

The assistant manager paused as realization dawned on her.  Kate Algernon was well known for taking her cat with her everywhere.  There was no purebred cat, let alone any cat, near Nesia at all.

“That was why I was gone for so long, Ms. Stuart,” Nesia said, trying her best to look traumatized and depressed as they walked inside the lobby and toward the elevator.

“My apologies, Miss Algernon,” Ms. Stuart immediately launched into business mode.  “We will of course keep the situation discrete for you so you have the time you need.  Is there anything you need at all?  Anything you need will be off the record.”

“I am done with grieving,” Nesia said as she mentally rolled her eyes.  “I will just retire to my suite for the rest of the day.”

“Of course, miss,” the assistant manger bowed as they reached the elevator.  “Would you like me to send anything to your room?”

Nesia pulled the key card from her pocket and slid it into the slot near the elevator.  Anything she wanted.  Despite her reservations about being Kate, the sudden realization that she could order this hotel staff around sounded really fun.  Nesia could not resist trying it out.

“Have my favorite meal sent up,” Nesia said, trying her best to sound rich and important.

“Of course,” Ms. Stuart said.  “Chef Yardene will start immediately.  Anything else, madam?”

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At a rich hotel with the money for whatever she wants.  What should Nesia do?

1 – …don’t order anything else

2 – …order a new outfit

3 – …the voter has a better idea and will put said idea in the comments

I have no idea what I would order, so if you vote for option three, you need to put a comment as to what you think she should request.  If there is only one vote for option three, but if it is just that awesome/hilarious/creative/whatever, then I might go with that vote.  If you like someone else’s idea, then let me know in the comments.  If not, then either come up with your own or vote for 1 or 2.  Have a great week.

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