Deja Vu (Part II)

Posted on Mon Mar 31, 2025 @ 9:09am by Commander Cara Letsul & Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Civilian 'Arrival' Geral Lasuma & Civilian Sha'rae Astare
Edited on on Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 4:57am

1,323 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Lasuma's

[PREVIOUSLY]

In addition to everything else, he cooked for friends? The list of what she'd either heard or been told kept growing--as did her curiosity. But right now, she was here as the station commander to learn more about the man. "Partly as a social visit," T'mpest replied. "Yours is the most prominent business on the promenade, and you are the new head of the merchants association. I wanted to meet you and talk over your ideas for the promenade and see what I can help facilitate."

[CONTINUED]

Cara was quiet, working to regain some of her composure. Just the fact she'd come across someone whose face would elicit such a wave of emotion from deep within her, shook her a little bit. She made an effort to have her concentration be more on the business side of things. And Geral was the face of the Merchant's Association.

Geral opened his mouth to reply as his chef appeared. Motioning him over he whispered a few ideas and there was a casual glance or two. Straightening himself he looked to the ladies. "Either of our guests vegetarian?"

"Not I." Vulcans were, in general, but her mother refused to avoid meat and refused to keep it from her child--once she found out it wasn't harmful to her.

"I am not either." Cara managed to say.

As his chef headed back to work his magic, Geral turned his attention back to the officers. "Now where were we...ahh yes. "Well with the expansion of the original store front, my purchase of the Box of Delight, and the opening of my second shop... Well, the Prophets have been most generous; at this point my focus is to see others succeed."

~Well most.~ He thought to himself.

"I guess you could say that is what I would like to see for the other merchants. I have opened all of my various markets to those on the station that transfer their freight carriers to Lasuma Enterprises so they can sell their goods in locales they may have never been able to access. Even before the trouble with the Cardassians I had already begun the move form capitalistic maneuvering to philanthropy.

"Don't get me wrong it takes latinum to be a philanthropist so I still have to be smart about things so I will always be looking for opportunities. Oh, I heard the Marines on the surface made good use of the recovery yachts that went the station's medical department."

"Yes, they did. I hear they helped save lives. For that I thank you." T'mpest inclined her head in a Vulcan nod of respect. "I would also like to see the merchants here prosper and so am interested in any ideas you may have to that end."

The waiter returned with a bottle of wine and four glasses and he headed off the 'we're still on duty' objections. "One of my selections. Not to worry it's a synthoholic version."

"Thank you." T'mpest appreciated the consideration as she did have more to do later. Then again, she would likely be busy for the next six weeks the rate she was going. But there was too much to do for her to take too much time off.

"Thank you." Cara now not staring at Geral anymore. She pulled in her emotions, silencing them for the moment, she will deal with them later on.

After everyone's glass was poured and his guests sampled the wine he addressed the Commodore's inquiry. "Businesses regardless of the type are dependent on customers and are subject to their whims. Some that open businesses are able to ride those waves...most are not. I would want ever entrepreneur and restaurateur that hangs their shingle to succeed but it's bad business to keep funding a failing endeavor.

"Those here know that they can come to me for advice at any time. Other assistance is available if they can show me that it's a sound investment. The last thing any of the other merchants want is someone micromanaging their businesses and that's the last thing I want to do. Those that are taking advantage of my offers will be stronger for it because they will have more markets than just Deep Space 5. I will do everything I can to make sure that everyone has the same opportunities to succeed.

"That said I was curious. With the expulsion of the Cardassians, are there any plans for the Cardassian section of the colony complex?"

"That will depend on what the Cardassian government does moving forward. I do not wish to cut them off completely if they can show good faith--or if I find out that most of the colonists were opposed to the attack. Whatever happens, there will need to be changes." T'mpest raised an eyebrow. "I assume you have some ideas?"

A wide grin spread on his face. "Always. Before the compound was expanded I had proposed a small recreational or entertainment area. Unfortunately, then Commander Soran shot down the idea but perhaps that could be re-examined?" Finishing off his reply with his own raised eyebrow.

A slow smile spread across the half Vulcan's face in response. "Yes. I would like to see what you have in mind."

"Oh, nothing extravagant..." He stopped as their waiter appeared followed by another and his chef. The two waiters began setting out place setting for everyone and once completed the help departed as their main waiter prepared to set out the various dishes that had been prepared.

"As requested by Mr. Geral I selected and prepared a variety of dishes for a 'family style' meal." Each dish was placed on the table as it was described. "Warm Italian bread brushed with herb seasoned olive oil; while not specifically requested Mr. Geral loves his bread so I added it into the mix. To start things off on the lighter side we have Galicia-style Kaspian Scallops, as well as Ahi nigiri with Bajoran tuna. To add heartier twist, I put together a Risian pheasant stew. The pheasant was marinated in red wine, thyme, bay leaves, and then cooked in bacon fat; extremely flavorful. The stew itself is made by mixing flour, potatoes, carrots, onion, mushrooms, brandy, wine, and herbs. Finally, we have Sliced Steak au Poivre. Pepper encrusted Brahma beef seared and finished to a beautiful medium-rare covered with a pan sauce made from cognac, heavy cream and the flavorful remains from the steak’s preparation. Ah yes, if anyone has a sweet tooth, and room later there is fresh crème brulée. Enjoy."

It was quite a feast. "This all looks delicious," T'mpest said, not quite sure where to begin. "Thank you." As it was family style, she took some of the stew and passed it to Cara. Then she took a slice of bread and set it on her plate. Then she took a slice of steak and handed the plate to Geral. The table was small enough to accommodate the family style, which she appreciated.

She added a small portion from the other dishes, wanting to try everything, then perhaps a little more of what she liked best--as long as she saved room for dessert. At least she'd be able to walk around the promenade afterwards. She would likely need it.

The scent of the food, delighted Cara. And the flavors even more. She took a little bit if each dish, glancing over towards Geral, then to T'mpest. Each bite though sent ripples through her memory. The people she ended up loving, family she found. Poseidon Station. Such memories were powerful, brought by each mouthful of food. After this meal she was going to have to do meditation. A couple of tears escaped down her cheek. She looked at Geral. "This food is sublime." her voice husky with emotions.

(To be continued..)

Commander Cara Letsul
Executive Officer
Deep Space 5

Geral Lasuma
Owner Lasuma Enterprises

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

 

RSS Feed