I need the ability to retrieve data element that is stored in a relational DB from within a cube (calculated measure). Is there a way to do this? If so, can someone please indicate how? If not, is there a way to store some data which is really independant of any measure or dimension in a cube?
You can use OPENROWSET or OPENQUERY to retrieve data from a cube into your relational database. Check http://support.microsoft.com/kb/218592 for some examples.