Colonial Maneuvers - Part 4

Posted on Tue Jun 24, 2025 @ 1:09am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Civilian Geral Lasuma

1,579 words; about a 8 minute read

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

[PREVIOUSLY]

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

[CONTINUED]

T'mpest's eyes met his for a moment, then she smiled. "Yes. I would like that very much."

Climbing out he moved around to the left side of the craft, opening the storage compartment and retrieved the basket he had had prepared...just in case.

She joined him a moment later. "Do you have a blanket?"

With an expression of mock shock. "Of course." After pulling out the basket he retrieved the blanket then motioned towards the shore. "Where shall we set up?"

Raising an eyebrow in answer, she walked down the shore a bit until she found a sandy spot that gave them a good view. "How about here? Would you like some help setting up?"

The spot was perfect. Still water, looking across to forest with a mountain rising into the sky. "Sure," handing her the blanket he set the basket down and began to open and make sure everything was there.

T'mpest carefully spread the blanket so it was smooth. Pausing to gaze at the water, mountains, and sky, she whispered, "Beautiful." Then she silently turned to watch Lasuma. She had to admit, at least to herself, that he was not at all what she'd expected.

Having watched her spread the blanket only to return to the contents of the basket as she looked back. He began to set out various fruits, cheeses, meats, and veggies, a Bajoran hummus, and naan breads before opening a bottle of wine.

Handing her a glass, "nothing too elaborate, but sometimes simple is best."

She took the glass with a smile of thanks. "Yes. Especially in a place like this. I can feel an...energy here that only adds to the beauty of the planet." She took a sip of her wine and looked around one more time before turning her attention to the food. "This looks delicious."

"Well dig in." Lasuma took a piece of the bread leaning back on his elbow. "This really is an ideal setting."

"It is." T'mpest began with some fruit, taking a moment to enjoy the flavor. "So tell me, what do you envision for this place?"

Reaching out he dipped the bread, scooping up a bit of hummus. "With the lake being between both the existing compound and the new base, this could serve as a joint recreational area. A family friendly place where both groups could get away from the day to day and enjoy both the water and scenery. Perhaps some accommodations on the far side there looking across the lake to the mountain, nature trails to the north, and a dock area for water craft."

She finished her fruit and took some bread and cheese while she considered his words. "I agree about some nature trails and a dock area. They would be simple enough to not detract from the purpose of the planet. I would also like to see if we could put a general store in the compound. The Marine base should provide one of its own." She paused, looking at the mountains again. "But I am not sure what sort of accommodations you envision as viable for this area." She couldn't forget that the primary purpose of the planet was scientific. The Marines were needed for security. But there was also the former Raddon compound, and the former first officer's cabin, so there were already some...adaptations. As she ate, she watched him to see what he had in mind.

Taking up a few pieces of fruit. "Oh, I completely agree about separate storefronts for each, but don't get me wrong. I'm not meaning some grandiose high-rise hotel. That would be an eyesore and spoil these pristine surrounding. At most I had envisioned a series of, 2 level, 4 unit bungalows that blend with the existing natural environment; where people could spend a week end or other leave."

Shifting slightly, he drew closer as he reached out, painting the picture of the idea that came to him during their flyover. "Perhaps have the bungalows around that cove-is point of the lake to the east, trails winding through the forest and clearings to the little pond to the north... Even then there would be lots of space for a family to put out a blanket and relax while kids played or splashed." Lowering his arm, he looked along his leg as he laid there, imagining kids laughing and playing at his feet.

Popping a piece of fruit in his mouth then looked up to her as she sat on the blanket. "Just a rough idea..."

It was a nice picture. She absentmindedly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked down at Lasuma, then at the cove he mentioned. "Perhaps... I do want to keep it simple--and small." She smiled at him before reaching for more fruit. "But it will go on the list of things to consider."

She gazed at the mountains as she ate her fruit, then finished her glass of wine. "I wonder if something...rustic...might suit the area." She looked down at Lasuma. Her hair had fallen forward again, but this time she didn't push it back.

Having looked back out over the lake. "Are you thinking a log cabin or stone and rough hued wood loo...? As he turned to her Lasuma looked up to see looking down, the strand of hair she had only just tucked back had fallen again. Reaching up, he tucked it back again for her, "Stubborn little thing, isn't it"

"Me, or my hair?" she teased. But she couldn't ignore the warm tingle she felt at his touch. "I was thinking more of cabins, but with modern conveniences. Not everyone wants to sleep in an actual log cabin. Lighting, climate control, a proper bathroom, perhaps a fireplace." She raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"

Without missing a beat, he replied. "About you, your hair, or your idea?"

She responded without thinking. "Whichever is less dangerous."

"Well, I've never been one to shrink from a little danger...how does the phrase go? 'No guts...no glory'."

"No, I do not believe you are." She chuckled softly. "But you did not answer the question." She didn't consider any of the questions especially dangerous, but she was enjoying the repartee.

He looked up at her with a grin, "Well, the ideas for the development," waving it off casually, "that's easy. Commenting on a woman's hair, other than a compliment, can be very dangerous. Then there's you...behind those pips I have no doubt, but when their dropped, I'm not so sure..."

She laughed, delighted with his adroit response. "All true. So, as the other two are fraught with peril, what do you think of cabins? Perhaps with a main floor and a loft? I want to explore several options before exploring any in depth."

He grinned as he laid back, "I wasn't think of anything primitive so of course they would have all the standard amenities. I was referring to the exterior facade so that it blended with the surroundings and would be more rustic. Turning his head, he looked up. "I think we are both on the same page on the overall concept. Just have to come together on the details. As to the layouts and floorplans...I can have several options drawn up to include loft, balcony, porch, fireplace, hot tub, etc."

She nodded. "Yes, I do think we are on the same page. I like those ideas and want to see what you come up with."

"I will get my people on it as soon as we return. In the meantime,..." He sat back up and refreshed her glass.

"Thank you." She took a sip of her wine, then reached for another of the lunch delicacies.

They enjoyed several quiet moments as they ate and enjoyed the gentle breeze. Lasuma grinned as T'mpest continued to fight with that lock of hair that just wouldn't stay tucked away. After finishing his wine, he began to undo his shoes and began rolling up his pants.

Watching him for a moment, T'mpest raised an eyebrow, then removed her shoes and rolled up her pant legs. She hadn't considered a walk along the shore, but it she liked the idea.

Noticing her follow suit, he smirked. He would have expected her to question what he was doing, but then again it was pretty obvious. Getting to his feet he watched her finish before offering her a hand.

"Thank you." She smiled as she put her hand in his and let him help her up.

Pulling her to he feet, he led the way across the pebbled shore to the water's edge and into the gently lapping waves of the lake.

The water was cool, but not too cold. She paused for a moment to get used to it. "It has been a while since I did anything like this." She didn't want it to be too long before she took advantage of the opportunity. In fact, there were several things she wanted to do now that she was stationed here.

He had walked about 2 meters during her pause and he turned with a grin. "And this..." completing his turn his leg came forward sending a shower of water her way.

TBC


Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commanding Officer
Deep Space 5

Geral Lasuma
Owner Lasuma Enterprises

 

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