Colonial Maneuvers - Part 3

Posted on Sat Jun 21, 2025 @ 9:50pm by Civilian Geral Lasuma & Commodore T'mpest Michaels

1,600 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Pangaea
Timeline: MD13 - Afternoon

[PREVIOUSLY]

Returning her smile with his own, adding a chuckle. "You were the one wanting to come here. After you."

[CONTINUED]

She inclined her head in acknowledgment. The research compound had been built in nine sections. The top three were Federation. There was also Ferengi and Klingon. The Cardassian section was on hold pending negotiations. "The center section first, I think, as it is the communal area." Her smile turned impish. "And that is the section most likely to be updated." She led the way to the middle of the compound, taking note of the semi-temporary structures and the few people walking around.

He had heard the Cardassians might be returning to the compound. It had caused him to alter the plans for what wanted to propose. Personally, he thought they should give them the boot, and he knew he wasn't alone in that sentiment but that was his emotions speaking...and emotions were usually bad for business. No matter. Looking back from the Cardassian area he ran a hand over the structure. "Since you are looking at updating; ever thought of a more permanent construction?"

"Yes. If this is to be a long-term project, these need to be replaced." She studied the structure for a moment. "With something more aesthetic." She heard there were civilians living in some areas. She wondered if they would be interested in selling their produce and wares to the scientists and Marines. Which brought up another thought. "We also need to consider the Marines. And possibly families."

He smiled as he tilted his head, gesturing with his hands. "All selling points I had planned to bring up with my proposals. You should know, colony management is one of the services my corporation provides." He snapped his fingers and a thought occurred. "You know I could have a colony manager here soon and could serve as a neutral party in any negotiations."


“That is something to consider.” Although she wasn’t so sure the Cardassians would take it as neutral as Lasuma was Bajoran.

He broke out into some conniving laughter and he glanced around. "Can you imagine the hole that would be punched in the Cardassian position, when they bluster about Federation control of the surface, and you tell them you have handed control off to an impartial organization? ...At least on the surface. Of course, you'd have to get the other ambassadors onboard as well."

She chuckled softly at the thought. "I will definitely consider that. However, right now, this facility is officially under Federation Sciences and managed by Alanna Wells, as are the portals so as not to be controlled by Starfleet. But it is not a bad idea to have a neutral party if the Cardassians decide to be difficult." She sighed. It would be nice to have a rabbit she could pull out if she needed one. Right now, she was expecting them to be difficult. "Do you know if the Raddon Corporation still has ties here?"

"Didn't their building get destroyed in the fighting?"

"There was some damage to the compound as the Marines moved the scientists who agreed to leave to the portal complex and took their place here--even though I heard Ambassador Turvan had no interest in the compound." Lasuma's glee at wanting to put someone he chose over the compound made her wonder if she could ask his opinion of the Ambassador. As a Bajoran, he might have information she did not. "This is phase one of the research project. I think it time to move on to phase two."

If the Federations plan was to expand operation on the planet there was no reason he couldn't see if he couldn't get in on the ground level and benefit not only personally but others as well. "And what would be included in phase two, if I may ask?"

"Permanent structures in some areas. Perhaps a section for families. I want to take advantage of the opportunity to make changes while we are rebuilding and Starfleet is feeling generous."

T'mpest raised an eyebrow as she turned. "You said you have suggestions. I cannot promise to accept all of them, but I do want to hear your ideas." She waved her hand to the indicate the buildings around them. "If this is going to be a permanent venture, it needs to more, while still staying true to its purpose." She also wanted to do something with the old Raddon site, but she wasn't sure, as yet, what.

The construction of the Marine base, the repurposing of what had been the Raddon building, and the inclusion of families in development of the area were new developments from his original ideas first presented to Soran and altered the needs supporting his original ideas. But this wasn't the first time he had to adjust on the fly, plus the ideas that came to him on the flight in would be in line with any adjustments.

"Well at first I was going to propose a simple mercantile and entertainment options for the researchers utilizing the Cardassian section of the compound. I had...assumed...they would not be returning to the compound. But the setting has changed considerably with the Marines, the expansion of research personnel and their families, and the repurposing of the Raddon site...since the Marines pretty much obliterated it.

"I'm fairly certain the researchers don't want a group of, potentially rowdy, Marines acting up around them and their families....etc. So, what would you think of this... Local shops and entertainment both in the research compound and the base with family oriented, yet open to all, facilities around the lake we passed. It's centrally located between the base and the compound giving everyone a chance to 'get away' but still close to home as it were. A simple ground vehicle shuttle service could connect everything.

"The shops and or food vendors would not be exclusive to any one merchant but to all those on the station and the Raddon site can be used as a logistic and administrative center to manage everything."

"That...sounds promising. If there is to be something near the lake, I would like to ensure that it is safe and that no creatures live there who would disapprove of humanoids near their home. Beyond that, I think it could be a good option." There were merfolk in the ocean, so it was possible there were creatures living in the lake as well. She would also have to speak with Alanna about the science compound, but the proposal sounded reasonable enough. "I will speak with a few people about it and see what can be arranged."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Continuing with a wide grin, "And if there are additional stage of development...I have a few rough ideas there as well."

She had no doubt he had plenty of ideas. She would have to ensure that any development didn't proceed too quickly, or cause undue problems--especially as she didn't know enough about the planet yet. "We shall start with these and see how they develop first." She paused, unable to resist smiling up at him. "But I am open to hearing what you think."

Returning her smile, "Excellent. But no need to get ahead of ourselves. There is plenty of time to get the next phase planned, and started." Nodding his head towards his excursion craft, "Wanna give my toy a spin while we go scout the lake area?"

Laughing, she nodded. "That is the fourth time today you said what I was thinking. Yes. I want to see the lake from the air and the ground."

He shrugged playfully, "It's a gift." Moving around to the passenger side. "You're driving."

She couldn't deny that Geral was charming, or that she liked it. "You may regret this," she teased, settling into the pilot's seat. She took a moment to look over the controls, then smoothly lifted off and headed for the lake. By the time they reached the water, she was having fun. She'd never flown anything this nice before.

She adjusted the altitude to get a good aerial view as they flew over the water, noting the location of the Marine camp, the research compound, and the mountains. Then she flew a meter above the water to get a better look at it and the shoreline.

Finally, she landed in what she thought would be the best place to build a small development on the shore and turned to him. "Thank you."

Surprised not by her piloting, but by the calmness of the overall trip he smiled. "You're welcome. To be honest I thought you might drop those pips for a moment and open her up a little bit."

"Not for my first time," she teased. "I wanted to get a good look at the lake and shore. Maybe next time I will try a few barrel rolls." Then, because she couldn't resist, she added, "I dropped my pips when I removed my jacket."

Looking across at her, "Good to hear that you wanna get a feel for things before going all out. You wouldn't wanna break anything, would you?"

That made her laugh. "Definitely not. Far more enjoyable when you take your time." She let that hang there for a moment. "So, what would you like to check out first?"

He rolled the dice. "Well how about the lake shore; by way of the food hamper I had put in the storage compartment?"

TBC

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

Geral Lasuma
Owner Lasuma Enterprises

 

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