-Abilene, Texas

Arrived today for the SWAT Competition, checked into the hotel formerly known as the Embassy Suites. Not a bad hotel really. Unlike typical SWAT trips, we somehow have a 1:1 man/bed ratio. Being serious about competition we go to the Outback Steakhouse -conveniently located next door, and order like we mean it. I give the San Antonio guys a look of disdain as I notice the dinner salads and water glasses scattered across their table. San Antonio’s android-SWAT cops stop by on their way out just as the second round of 22 oz. drafts arrives and they have a nice laugh. Well, what would pass for a laugh in a human anyway.
A bit later we come dragging back to the hotel and I can see the lights in room 360 (our robot friends) are already out. I ask the clerk for the location of the ice machine.

<Clerk Lady>: What room you in hon’?
<Me>: 360
<Clerk Lady>(pointing): Just up to the left and down that hall.
<Me>: Thank you very much ma’am.
<Me>: Oh, can I get a wake-up call?
<Clerk Lady>: Of course, room 360, what time hon’?
<Me>: 3:45… No, 4:00.
<Clerk Lady>(writing): Gothca, hon’.

I had to figure out where the ice machine on the second floor was myself, but it wasn’t that hard.