Food and Information [Part Two]
Posted on Fri Jun 20, 2025 @ 11:24pm by Commander Cara Letsul & Colonel Nicholas Means III & Civilian Geral Lasuma & Civilian Sha'rae Astare
1,782 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission:
Time After Time
Location: Lasuma's
Timeline: MD 12 Evening
"I think most can relate to having people, friends and family, moving out of their lives." Gesturing to her, "Especially those those in positions where transfers are a regular part of life. Seems a rather expensive business model to move ones business just to maintain those day to day connections. Now if the differences on Poseidon are becoming unfavorable for business, that's a different situation entirely."
Continued
"The demographics and the atmosphere changed. A whole new command staff arrived. A cleaning of house as it were. In with the new, out with the old. The newly formed merchant association dissolved so there wasn't an favorable business atmosphere. Everyone battle weary from an attack by Breen, which the station withstood, to a CO being kidnapped, he was rescued. Murder to be solved as well, of a famous or infamous Author. It sent a ripple, sort of a butterfly effect." a weary chuckle came out from Cara.
"Good enough reason to relocate. Not that DS5 hasn't had it's own problems with Romulans, Cardassians, terrorist, killers, etc. Are they needing transport, other assistance, or a just a place to set up shop?" Geral asked
"I think that they would be quite happy for assistance to move from there to here. And what you just said, its old hat for me now. I've been there done that, and keep moving forward. Hoping to not move anymore to another place." she looked around at Lasumas then back to Geral. "This is a place, this station, I would very much like for it to become my home."
"This place does grow on you. Would you friends be interested in a visit to look over possible locations on the promenade?"
"I believe they would be very interested in seeing this station. And meeting others here. There is decidedly a different atmosphere. More life it seems. It may be fraught with woes of its own but, just... there is more vibrance." Cara picking up her glass to drink from it.
"Well I have freight runs regularly between here and Bajor...better yet. I have an associate returning from Risa using one of my yachts. It's a little out of the way, but he could swing by DS9 to pick them up. Their return trip won't be as comfortable but the trip here could be a little vacation for them."
"That is so true, a vacation does sound good. As for traveling in a freighter, they've done it before. That's how they got to Poseidon Station. They're not picky, in fact Alphonse cooked for the ship as they traveled to the station. He would have been going stir crazy if he hadn't talked the captain of the freighter into letting him." Cara chuckled.
"Well I don't think that will be an issue. I'm sure the freighter crew will be more than happy to have a few home cooked meals on the way back to Bajor."
"Well then looks like we have a plan to set in motion." a smile lighting up Cara's face. "I am excited to have them take a look around. And I hope they find a place they feel suitable. Thank you!"Cara reaching out to touch Geral's hand, in her excitement.
He didn't pull back at her touch but a memory and a sorrowful expression flashed before he locked it back. "I'm here to help. Just have them contact my assistant and we can get everything set."
"I will do so-" That flash of sorrow, caught Cara's attention. ahe asked in a quiet voice. "Geral-Who did you lose? I will share my loss, if you share yours." She was sincere in what she said, Willing to open up and let him inside a corner of her being. He had hinted not in so many words but, there was that feeling of him losing someone whom he held dear.
He took a long slow breath. "I would have thought the station's warp 10 rumor mill would have filled you in on that."
"I don't have my finger on the pulse of the rumor mill. Not yet anyway." Cara giving a rueful smile giving a shrug. " Truth be told, I haven't heard much of anything. Just have been meeting some of the crew that is on the station. And making my way through a pile of paperwork."
Turning his signaled for a drink and with a knowing nod a server disappeared to get one of his goto drinks. ""Well, prior to the failed attack on the station I was Dear John'd by the station's former CO." As he finished his drink was placed next to him. Giving the contents a stir before drinking several swallows.
Cara gave out a quiet gasp, "I am so sorry that happened, receiving a letter like that, is very painful." her eyes filled with compassion for Geral. She was also speaking from personal experience. "Before I moved to this station, I had to say goodbye to someone I love, our paths were not traveling in the same direction. And I'd been in love with him for ten years. I couldn't move forward and he couldn't act upon his feelings either it was an odd, romance. We set each other free. It hurt but it had to be done."
"Ten years? ...Damn, that is a long time. If there was someone I was with for that long, I don't think there isn't anything I wouldn't do for her. But as hard as I'm sure it was at least you got to say goodbye. Mine was a little more one sided. After a wonderful trip to Trill, granted to attend a funeral, but she needed to stay to wrap up some family matters and by the time I got back here she had resigned her commission and a letter was waiting in my office."
"I have had a couple of those as well, not being able to say goodbye, they just--left. I am glad that she did that at least, and it is difficult when that happens. Makes a person hesitant in getting involved with anyone. A case of, do you dare? Do you dare get close to someone, could it be a worry of the attraction for someone, could it be a rebound? Kindsa feels like picking a way through a mine field." Cara took a drink of her tea. "As for my ten year; odd romance. He and I never got physical, but i was willing to do anything for him. And in some aspect I did."
Lasuma choked on his drink at the last. "Ten Years...and noooo..."
"None what so ever. I had thought he had left my life for good, 5 years ago. I found that, any love interests I was starting to get involved with just the beginning, where there is kissing, they up and left with no word. It has been a bit of a mystery as to why that happened. Though I am suspecting that, he might have had something to do with that." Cara shrugged.
"Really? People getting disappeared huh." He sat up rigidly his head darting here and there as he looked around.
"Geral, its not going to happen to you. He's not around anymore, he's gone home, and we said our goodbyes on that other station. I am so daft, I said too much." Cara pinching the bridge of her nose. "rest assured, it won't happen."
He laughed, "Oh I wasn't worried, I was only joking anyway. But good to know who to keep an eye on. Any other former colleagues we should be waary of?"
Cara groaned, "You and my friend--You must be related somehow. He's pulled something on me just like you just did." shaking her index finger at Geral. "I am going to have keep my guard up where you are concerned." having a mock stern expression narrowing her eyes. Though hard as she tried, she couldn't hide the laughter dancing in her eyes.Not that she wanted to hide it.
Cara sat back, "Well, this might be the making of a beautiful friendship. And as for any former colleagues of mine,there is one and he's not someone to be trifled with. And that is Major K'doc Valadorn. A rather tall, and imposing Klingon."
With his elbows on the table his head dropped into his hands as he let out a humorous "Aaaaaaaaaa", chuckling as he shook his head at the irony.
Casra just threw back her head and laughed, its tone silvery, tears running down her cheeks. She regained her composure. "Now now I didn't intend on giving you a headache. Anyway enough about me. I do appreciate what you are willing to do to help out my friends."
He lifted his head shaking it as he chuckled. "Oh no it isn't anything like that, it's just that Soran had a Klingon guardian as well. The Ambassador here and her had served together in the past."
"I see, I do need to get to know the ambassadors here." She said musingly. She looked at her dessert dish realizing that it had disappeared, Cara having been eating while she conversed with Geral. "I think next time I have dessert I need to pay more attention to it. There is a lingering delicious taste but most often I do take eating desserts seriously." Drawing in a breath, "There is another piece of information I would like, and that is, where can I find Colonel Means? "
Downing the last of his long island, "I believe the expression is...'time flies when you are having fun'. As for the Colonel, I was with him before coming here. You might still find him in the cigar lounge of my other shop."
"I will go find him then. Thank you Geral, and the food was delicious. I will take my leave and see if I can catch up with Colonel Means. And I am interested in seeing your other establishment. Which direction should I go?"
"Four deck below us, on the edge of the small park, near the water features."
"Thank you." Cara giving a cheery smile, "You have a wonderful evening Geral." gracefully rising from the chair, pushing it in. She hoped that Colonel Means was still in Geral's other business and that thought gave her a sense of urgency. She didn't wish to miss him.
Rising from his chair as she stood. "Until next time."
He watched her leave as her server returned. "Sir, did she..."
"It's ok Sh'arana, I'll take that." Reaching out for the pad and expensed everything and gave Sh'arana a good tip as well.
Commander Cara Letsul
Executive Officer
Deep Space 5
Geral Lasuma
Owner of Lasuma Enterprises
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