Deja Vu (Part III)

Posted on Mon Mar 31, 2025 @ 9:12am by Commander Cara Letsul & Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Civilian 'Arrival' Geral Lasuma & Civilian Sha'rae Astare
Edited on on Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 4:58am

1,351 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Lasuma's

[PREVIOUSLY]

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.

[CONTINUED]

T'mpest enjoyed good food, like most people, but Cara seemed to take it to another level. Or it was something associated with the food that brought the emotional reaction. "Are you all right?" she asked her first officer.

"I will be, it is a natural thing to occur, when missing what was once home. Geral, has an uncanny resemblance to my longtime friend, who was an unjoined trill. He ran an establishment, which served such delicious food. He cooked the meals himself from time to time." she cast a glance at Geral. "No, we didn't end up dating." a playful smile appearing, her emotions coming under control.

T'mpest nodded. "I am glad it is only memories. Perhaps you should contact your friend tonight and say hello?" At least, if she was missing him, a conversation would help her feel less homesick.

"I will do so." Cara giving a nod towards her new commanding officer. "And hopefully he will be able to give me updates if any of news."

While he was grateful to see they were enjoying everything, while he kept an appreciative smile on his face, he swallowed at the XO's story. He knew all too well how things could remind one of those they had lost. Taking a drink from the wine so he could clear his throat without be obvious.

Sha'rae took note of her statement and Lasuma's veiled reaction. He may be have the best poker face around but she knew him better than, well almost better than anyone else. She wondered...

At her 'dating' quip he scoffed and bobbed his head. Refilling their glasses, "I will pass your comments onto my staff." As he set the bottle down, "Before we were deliciously interrupted, I believe you wondering about my idea concerning a potential entertainment area in the colony complex?"

T'mpest noticed Geral's subtle reaction to Cara's comment. She'd been trained to pay attention to details, both as a diplomat and an intelligence officer. She knew how he felt and part of her wanted to offer him sympathy and understanding as she had someone she loved walk away. In her case, Orin and his team were sent on a covert assignment and never returned. She moved on, but those first months...

She almost reached out to touch his arm, but that would be taking liberties. Her reaction to the businessman was striking and she would have to be on her guard. The last thing he needed was another commander showing an interest in him. Especially now.

She took a breath and focused on his question. "Yes. The initial idea was sound, but I am concerned that they have remained too isolated."


Cara went quiet listening to both Geral and T'mpest. She was watching the body language of the two of them. A community on Pangaea? This was something she had no clue about and will be talking with T'mpest about this later on. For now, this is becoming very educational.

"All the more reason to liven things up a bit. After all there is more to life than research. What I had in mind was simply a few places where people could find a distraction or two with having to worry about scheduling a trip to the station. A little remodeling to the now, vacant, structures that had been assigned to the Cardassians and I could set up a bar, general fitness and rec center, perhaps a few holo-suites or even a cafe. One option would be to survey those at the complex as to any facilities they would like to have access to.

"Perhaps, in the future a resort or vacation area can be set up. Nothing beats real fresh air, warm sand, and a cool drink; or relaxing around a campfire by a mountain lake...there is a whole planet down there after all."

There was a whole planet, but much of it was restricted, and would always be so. She wasn't sure about a resort or vacation area, but she did like the idea of some sort of community center with a place to eat, work out, and socialize. "I am not certain about any future resorts or vacation areas. Most of the planet is under the jurisdiction of the director of exploration, preservation, and archaeology. However, I think a community center would be a good idea. A cafe, gym, or other amenities can definitely be discussed."

Wiping his mouth after taking another bite, pausing slightly. "Excellent. I will have a proposal put together and send it your way, or do you want me to coordinate things with the Commander?"

"Send it to me. I have some ideas of my own for the promenade." She wanted to do research on the shops and have a look around before talking to anyone about them. She would probably send them to him for his opinion when she had them solidified.

Cara quietly finished up her food, wondering if she had room to have dessert, perhaps she will take a raincheck on that. Dabbing her lips with her napkin, "If you will excuse me, I feel I have become full from this delicious meal. May i take a raincheck for the dessert?"

"Absolutely not." Speaking firmly with a wrinkled brow but following it a second later with a broad smile. "I will have it packaged for you to take with you. Trust me, you don't want to pass on his deserts."

He signaled for their waiter, "But both of you are more than welcome to stop in for a bite anytime you want, my treat."

Actually, only Cara wanted to skip dessert, but T'mpest didn't want to keep Geral from his responsibilities. "Could I have my dessert to go?" That way, she could still have her dessert when she got back to her quarters.

"Absolutely." Looking the at the waiter as he approached. "Two Crème Brulées to go."

"Why thank you, I hadn't thought of asking for that. You truly are someone who cares about your customers and how they are feeling. You certainly are the perfect person to be the President of the Merchants Association. " a pleased smile dancing upon her lips.

Bring a hand to the center of his chest, he bowed his head slightly before looking back to them both. "Flattery will get you everywhere..." Sha'rae could see his gaze and it alone reminded him. "Oh yes. I hope you both will come to the opening of our newest store front next week."

"You are most kind. Thank you." T'mpest vowed. "I will definitely be at the grand opening. Your food is incredible. My regards to you and your chef."

"Taught him everything he knows."

T'mpest smiled. "My compliments to you as well. For the meal, the establishment, and the company. Your reputation is well-deserved."

Cara took the Crème Brulée with a smile. "I too will come to the Grand Opening as well. It will be my honor." She looked at T'mpest giving her a nod. "Thank you for inviting me."

"You are very welcome."

Holding her dessert box, the commodore turned to Geral and bowed. "It was a pleasure." It had been quite an experience, in more ways than one.

"The pleasure was mine."

Lasuma watched as the pair left, cocking his head to the side as Sha'rae stepped closer. "Don't even think about it."

She was right of course, but he was recovering, not dead...perhaps later...decisions decisions.

OFF

Commander Cara Letsul
Executive Officer
Deep Space 5

Geral Lasuma
Owner Lasuma Enterprises

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

 

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