Home, Sweet Home Enough

Posted on Sun 1st Sep, 2019 @ 11:26pm by Ignatius Collins
Edited on on Mon 2nd Sep, 2019 @ 8:14am

378 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: A Diplomatic Affair
Location: The Hangman's Noose Tavern, Deck 650
Timeline: MD-1, 2030 hours

Replete with pizza after an enjoyable evening with Pubert and Gloriana's family, Ignatius Collins, with his duffel bag slung over his shoulder, entered The Hanbgman's Noose Tavern and Inn and walked up to the front desk in the Inn's lobby. "I'm here to check in," he said.

The young blonde woman took his name and payment information. Then her eyes widened. "You have a month-long reservation, Mr. Collins?"

"Yes," Ignatius said. "The next time I see the inside of a starship cabin will be too soon."

"Well, we are delighted to have you, and I hope you will enjoy your stay with us. Your room is the second-floor suite, #210," she said. "Food is served 'round the clock. Breakfast is free of charge to lodgers; you just enter your room code when you pick a table and order then. Are there any questions I can answer for you, Mr. Collins?"

"Yes. I heard you serve afternoon tea in the tavern--or is it the restaurant? I'd like to sign up for that."

"We do indeed, sir--in the restaurant. The tavern has a more medieval theme to it. You can order a pot of tea in the tavern, but it won't be afternoon tea. That's more of a meal."

"That's fine," Ignatius said. "I might want to invite someone to afternoon tea. I'll let you all know once I talk to my guest."

The front desk lady nodded. "The lifts are to my right and back, or you are welcome to take the stairs."

"Wussing out and taking the lift!" Ignatius said after a glance at the stairs. This was clearly an English-based pub, which meant two flights of stairs up to his room, not one.

The room when he finally got to it was a loft with white-washed walls. It contained a kitchenette, dining table, bed, and dresser on the lower level, and a sofa bed, coffee table, and desk in the loft, which could be reached by a flight of wooden stairs. Ignatius dropped his duffel bag onto the dresser, flopped backward onto the sinfully-comfortable bed, and let out a long sigh.

It wasn't exactly home, but it was Home-Sweet-Home enough. And it wasn't on a starship. And there wasn't a pirate anywhere in sight. Life was looking up.

 

RSS Feed