Colonial Planning - Part IV

Posted on Sun Jul 13, 2025 @ 5:36am by Civilian Geral Lasuma & Commodore T'mpest Michaels

1,475 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Lasuma's Yacht
Timeline: MD 15 - evening

[PREVIOUSLY]

"My life has never been dull. Why would I expect anything different here?" She gave him a self-deprecating smile. "I rather think I will need to make time away from work." Her smile turned playful. "However, I think I am off to a good start."

Wagging a finger, "Ah ah...time off? You just got here...and we have all these plans to make."

[CONTINUED]


She laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes. Yes we do. And, as you know more about the station and the area, what suggestions do you have?"

Leaning back as dishes were cleared and the main course was brought out along with a fresh loaf of bread and herbed olive oil. "This looks fabulous."

"It really does." T'mpest smiled at the waiter. "My compliments to the chef."

Picking up the bread knife he began slicing bread as he replied. "Well, I have several ideas for the future. But...first things first...I believe is the phrase. I wouldn't want to inundate you or bite off too much at once.

"There are times when you want to go for that big goal. When you just go all out and hit things hard. But I don't think this is one of those times."

Looking at her, the corner of his mouth slightly lifted, "Or am I wrong?"

"No. I find that if you are too fixated on getting to the end goal, you can skip important steps." Maybe that wasn't the right analogy for the situation, but as a businessman, he would understand. "At the same time, if you don't have a goal, you end up getting nowhere. But this is neither a business model nor a mission plan."

In the past, her relationships had not gone particularly well. But Lasuma was not like anyone she met before. "I know how I feel, and what I hope for, but if anything is to endure, it needs a solid foundation." She tipped her head to one side. "If that makes sense to you."

It was clear that they were no longer talking about his business ideas or any other development plans anymore. "Oh, you're right that I have my goals, but one should never be too fixated on anything. You never know what life might through your way...be it good or bad."

"One has to be flexible enough to adjust to life’s challenges or opportunities along the way. But what you say makes perfect sense. So, what is it you hope for?"

"Something solid enough to withstand life's challenges." It was both blunt and vague as she wasn't sure how he felt. She only knew that he was attracted to her, but not what his expectations were.

"Well, that was vaguely certain." Picking up his glass he leaned back in his seat. "Seriously though, you've achieved quite a bit, scientist, diplomat, command. Then in my case I achieved wealth, properties, and influence But something's missing, isn't it?"

And that was the heart of the matter--literally. T'mpest met his gaze for a long moment and nodded. "Yes. Something essential. And without it, everything else feels..." She paused for a moment, then shook her head, unsure of the right word.

"Hollow...not quite as satisfying as they should." He leaned forward and reach a hand out across the table.

"Yes," she whispered, putting her hand in his. "Or it did before."

Their moment was interrupted by movement as someone approached but turned away quickly. Turning his head towards the steward. "It's okay."

The steward apologetically returned to the table collecting the dishes. "Chef wanted to know what you both wanted for dessert. The tiramisu or panna cotta framboise?"

Lasuma gestured to T'mpest for her to go first.

Carefully concealing her reaction to being interrupted, she smiled at the steward. "I would like the panna cotta framboise."

"Same." When they were alone again, he smiled as he teased. "So, you were saying that you found something to fill that void?"

"I did say that, yes." She laughed softly. He knew exactly what she said, and what she meant. "At least, I hope I have. But filling this particular hole requires more than one person."

Returning her smile, ~more than one~. Repeating her words in his mind. He had imagined himself with a family he had even imagined that scenario when they were down at the lake. While he had envisioned himself with Maritza, he had never envision them having a family. Now this new woman had come into his life, they had only known each other for a short time, and here they seemed to be contemplating the same thing. "That it does."

He chuckled at his imaginings, "That could start a new set of rumors, couldn't it."

"Most likely. On a station this size, there will always be rumors." When she first arrived at the station, she'd been surprised by the sheer volume of them. But she was becoming resigned to the fact that anything she did--or didn't do--would be of some interest.

"Very true. Well since there isn't anything we can do about them...to hell with them then.

That made her laugh. "Indeed. Life is too short to worry about what other people may be thinking--or saying." The more time she spent with Lasuma, the more comfortable she felt with him. And the harder it was to believe they'd only met a short time ago.

"Absolutely." Their desserts arrived and their glasses were refilled and he spooned a bite, asking his question before placing it in his mouth. "So, are we having our next date in public?"

She focused on her dessert while she considered his question. Then, she took a sip of her wine and answered. "Yes. As you said, there will be rumors anyway. We might as well be seen together in public and let them get it out of their systems. Hopefully it will become old news. Eventually." With a mischievous twinkle in her eye she added, "Does this mean no more planning meetings that turn into dates?"

Then T'mpest sobered. "It would mean more talk about you and Maritza. Especially as I am the new commander of the station. Are you ready for that?"

He grinned and the quip to the first question was cut short by the second. It had been some time since their...very public...break up on the promenade. However, her using him as a crutch following the death of her father hadn't been that long ago. He was angrier at himself for letting her use him than anything else.

Taking a sip from his glass his smile had returned as he set in down. "Well, as to the first we can have all the 'meetings' you like...I wouldn't want you to be accused of favoritism or a conflict of interest." Adding with a smirk, "Perhaps I should schedule any planning or proposals with Commander Letsul?

"As to the second, I'm sure I can deal with any questions that arise."

T'mpest laughed once, then briefly covered her mouth to suppress any more outbursts. "Heavens no! Please don't schedule meetings through Cara. She has enough on her plate. Besides, once we start being seen together in public, We will both be suspected of all sorts of nefarious dealings."

Then she sobered again, watching him. "I know you can deal with it. Just remember that you do not have to deal with it alone unless you wish to."

During his relationship with Soran she had never offered to support him. He had always been the one to offer support and here she offer her support. There were very very few people he had been able to turn to and he was certainly hoping T'mpest would be among them. Before his pause became too long, "Well. It wouldn't be the first time I've been accused of 'nefarious dealings', I'm sure it won't be the last."

She wondered what he was thinking, but wouldn't ask. "No, but we seldom have control over what others think or say. As the not-Vulcan-enough-Vulcan, I would not be surprised if I, too, was up to something nefarious at some point." Hoping to lighten the mood, she smiled mischievously. "When we do, we should toast the occasion with something special."

His own mischievous expression formed and he chuckled a bit. "Well, if we REALLY wanna get the rumors going how about a little fine dining at Anatole’s, both dressed to kill of course, followed by us strolling through the promenade to the Box of Delights and up to the top level and into one of the holo-suites?

"But between now and then we throw a little bait to the gossip mongers here and there...just to keep their wheels spinning."

(To be continued...)

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

Geral Lasuma
Owner - Lasuma Enterprises

 

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