The evening sun sat above the horizon. It sat there hanging just like a fiery ball, its reflection could be seen on the still waters. A cool breeze was beginning to blow off the ocean, dropping the temperature by a degree or two.
Risa, the Pleasure Planet, with its white sandy beaches, bleached by the warm sea breeze, made it the holiday destination of the universe. Because of Risa's near the orbit of its sun, there was only two seasons on the Planet. Summer, with its days of endless sunshine, warm breezes, and long summer nights, and although the inhabitants of Risa called it Winter, they had never seen sleet or snow, nor had there been in a million of years.
In fact winter on Risa was like a cool summer, with a moderate rainfall. The winter sun was still warm.
Two such holidaymakers soaking up the winter sun was two Starfleet Admirals. As they lay on their sun loungers under a parasol, and with two cold drinks on the table, the Federation seemed a million light years away. Admiral Woof and Commodore Ecurb were recuperation from the virus, contracted on their last mission. Woof turned to Ecurb and said, "This is the life Ecurb! Sea, sand, and sunshine,"
"Definitely!" replied Ecurb, "It was nice of Dr Romar to swing us some sick leave. How did he mange it?"
Woof, reached for his cold drink, then relax back on his lounger, chuckled, and then said, "Friends in high places he told me, but I don't believe him. I think he called in a few favours. I know how the man works, he can't fool me," Both men laughed out loud.
As their laughter subsided, Ecurb said to Woof,
"I'm growing weary of sitting around." How about we do some exploring?"
"Excellent idea! Exclaimed Woof, getting up on his feet, and finishing his drink, "Lets take a walk round the markets, just to stretch our legs!" Ecurb, finishing his drink, nodded in agreement.
While during around round the stalls, Woof's attention was drawn to one stall in particular. The shelves were stacked with brightly coloured carved idols. They were all about 10 inches in height, except the one that formed the centrepiece of the display, which Woof had his heart set on buying this one, but the stallholder seemed reluctant to sell. He tried to interest him in the smaller carvings, but Woof was adamant. The Admiral, standing with his hands on his hips, announced to the stallholder "I'm Klingon, and Klingons don't do small. The smallest thing I have on my person is a Mek'leth.
