Dawn of Hospitality

Interruptions, Part I

K!113r was used to surprising news. It came with the job. Good, bad, he had learned to expect the unexpected many years ago. Still, this had him caught off guard. He scratched his head, staring down at the card in his hands until he felt curious eyes behind him.

"Whatcha' got there?" Briana asked.

"Answer: Nothi-" K!113r almost had it safely tucked into his coat pocket before it was snatched out of his hand.

"Sure looks like something," she quipped, flopping down onto the couch next to him. By the time he got it back it was already too late. Excitement was already dancing in her eyes.

"Does this mean what I think it means?" she asked.

"Hesitant Confirmation: It would appear I was 'lucky' this year…" K!113R replied.

Ever since he had worked at Sacred Heart there had been a raffle containing the names of any staffer who threw them in the hat. In the end, one would be pulled and a winner declared. The prizes varied, but were usually worthwhile. There were really only two problems:

One, he had never entered his name in any of them. Ever.

Two, if there was anything he hated more than that Tzeentch fuzz ball Kelso; it would be letting him run things without him there.

Briana stood and let out a whistle that made the entire apartment pause a brief moment.

"Meeting!" she chirped loudly.

Out of more curiosity than anything else the others began to trickle in to see what the fuss was about. Soon enough, everyone was gathered around looking on expectantly at the Dark Eldar. K!113r was less than amused.

"I think it's time we all did something together that would make us all happy!" she declared.

"I'll go get the cyanide pills." Xelus replied cheerfully. Romminal dome-slapped him, much to everyone's (minus his) approval.

"What are you going on about this time?" Jones asked patiently.

She held out her hand and the Doctor slowly handed her the slip. Raising it up in front of the others, they leaned in to read the letter in her hand.

Greetings Sir/Madam/Other!

We at the Guiding Light congratulate you on winning our contest, and invite you and your friends/family/loved ones/other to come and enjoy family friendly entertainment and relaxation! Here you will find your worries a thing of the past, from our top of the line masseurs* to a simple dip into one of our luxurious pools; you'll never find yourself idle! Simply call in to confirm your acceptance and arrangements will be made at your convenience.

Hoping to see you soon,
Por'la'Normanaleztii

NOTICE: Death, disfiguration, and/or maiming via Khorne Daemonettes no longer grounds for lawsuit.

"Why do I feel like I should be scared for my life?" Tai moaned.

"Because you've got the luck of a fat grox in a slaughterhouse?" Xelus offered.

"Time off?" Riiana asked wistfully. "Oh, how I wish."

"So you guys are actually willing to go?" Briana asked, suddenly hopeful.

"Gary'll never let us-" Michael began.

"Acceptable Excuse: My patients need my-" K!113r objected.

"My pet rock has-" Romminal explained.

"I've got a double shift-" Tai started.

She deflated with a sigh, rubbing her temples in frustration. As good as the others were at what they did; it seemed none of them knew when to take a break. With that in mind, she let out a huff and tried another approach.

"When was the last time all of us managed to actually do something? I mean, sure, we get the weekend, but it's the same thing day in and day out. I don't know about you, but I've had it up to here with the constant repetitive grox-" she spotted Tali. "-crap. We need a change, if only for a bit. Now, what'dya say?"

Some seemed inclined toward the idea, while others were still skeptical. She pointed at the note once more, a smirk slowly threatening to become a full blown grin. One last ace in the hole.

"It's free…"


The Guiding Light was located within the city itself, but it held a peaceful quietness to it despite the traffic and buildings around it. High price noise dampeners earned their money around here, it seemed.

"This is gonna be so cool!" Tali smiled, already giddy as the others took in the resort as well.

"It looks professional enough." Jones said.

"You saw the letter, it's run by one of yours truly," Tai boasted. "This place will be spick and span, just you wai-"

"Greetings, my friends!"

Everyone turned to see an aging but spry Tau making his way toward them from the front entrance. His arms were held out wide, as if expecting a group hug, and wore a flowery patterned silk shirt and matching shorts. As the group disembarked a pair of smiling women in tropical attire had greeted them with colorful flower necklaces that smelled like the real thing. He wore at least five.

"Welcome… to paradise!"

"I think pint-sized put it right." Xelus chuckled as Tai abruptly face palmed.

A/N: Yeah, yeah, I know it's not as long as the last one. But I'm still hitting above the usual 500 bump. That counts for something, right? Guys? Anyone?

Messiah-Emperor- The thought DID cross my mind... but on which topic you said I'll just let you figure out. :D

SeaofFallingStars- That sounds interesting, joke or not. Best of luck to all your writing adventures, friend.

sonleeboy- Welcome to the Blood Pact. Once you're in, you're not getting out.

Ursakar- Michael has a way of getting out of trouble. Also, your story caught my eye a few days ago and I've been reading it ever since. I'm on chapter 11 and still really intrigued, and anyone else into Warhammer and Mass Effect should check it out!

A Drunk Canadian- DC! Glad to know you're still around. Space Wolves? Not much effort needed to make them funny, so I'll see.

artilyon-rand- He gonna get it.

WolfPaladin- Civilizations rise and fall, but good cooking ingredients can last forever. Kudos for getting the reference; you can guess what book I got for Christmas...

Random Zaku Pilot- They were already engaged in a two month long siege, and Tali and the others didn't want to intrude. Riiana'll get a rant all prepared to be unleashed just for Michael to smile, tell her he knows what he's doing, and she'll sigh and mutter something about Mon-Kiegh parenting skills.

Lord Farsight- As a great man once said: 'War, war never changes...'

Melanstone- Or was it?

Xeno Tyrant- Huh, I never thought of that. Thanks for the good ideas! :D

crushcommando- I'll see what I can do; you're not the first to make this request.