Unexpected Reunion [Part I]

Posted on Sun Sep 7, 2025 @ 11:19pm by Commander Cara Letsul & Civilian David Scarlet

1,756 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Arboretum/Promenade
Timeline: MD 17 2300

"Computer, Locate Cara Letsul." There was a pause and for a moment Scarlet thought it would actually work.

"That information is only available to authorized station personnel. Please contact station security if you believe this is in error."

Scarlet rolled his eyes and then sighed. Maybe?

"Computer, list off everywhere on the station where Cara Letsul isn't."

Scarlet watched as the computer listed off sections and areas of the station. He smiled as he saw one area conspicuously missing. Of course she'd be there.

A short while later, Scarlet stood in the arboretum and slowly made his way around the many trees and plants. He wanted to see her. But he wasn't sure he was ready for another reunion just yet.

Cara found a set of swings in the arboretum made of metal and the seats made of rubber like material. They were built to accommodate adults as well as children. There was no one around, and it had been a long while since Cara had gotten on a swing.

There was something soothing about the motion of swinging back and forth, pumping her legs to swing higher and higher. Her hair was loose, streaming behind her shoulders as the swing moved forward and she leaned back clutching onto the chains. She had her eyes closed, giving out a delighted laugh as the slight g force from the swing tickled her stomach.

She was wearing a light blue sleeveless dress, the skirt of it was tucked under her, but there was some leg showing. The swing slowed down, then came to a stop, Cara sliding off the swing.

Scarlet spotted her in the distance and casually walked on, not even pausing to acknowledge that he'd caught sight of her as he continued down the trail and behind other brush. She was a ways away still and couldn't be expecting to see him, even if she'd seen him it could have been a trick of the light.

But now Scarlet knew where she was and he kept her in his peripheral as he caught glances of her through the trees. She looked stunning, and his heart wavered as a growing part of him wanted to run to her. But was she the same person? Could he say he was? Mathias had sprung her presence on him, otherwise would he even be here looking at her?

He couldn't answer any of those questions. Scarlet bit back a sigh and stopped behind a tree. He looked down at his shaking hands and wondered if it was stress or the lack there of that was causing the tremors.

Cara chose a path which had rose bushes in bloom, red, white and a dark pink, pausing from time to time to take in their delightful scent and moved on. She did pause for a moment as if she caught the ghost of something in the air, a memory. Cara looked around and yet, not seeing anything she moved on her path. She came to an area near the lake, taking off her shoes and waded, feeling the soothing cool water caress her ankles. She caught her reflection in the water giving a wistful smile, as it brought to her a memory of a planet, named Aquil. the waterfall, the starlit sky...David. She wondered where he was at, she'd not seen him since he had gone on that mission with the Marines.

She knew they had come back safe and sound, from the last time she had spoken to Brina, via viewscreen. StarFleet had been rather quick to transfer Cara and others to different areas, no time to truly say goodbye to anyone. She didn't know where to leave a message for David, as there hadn't been something designated. Well maybe.. she could have put out a general bulletin message for him. How stupid of her to not have done so. Perhaps she can send one out and hopefully he'll see it. With that in mind Cara stepped out of the water and slipped on her shoes, now where can she do such, there has to be a place close by.

Memories of their first date planet side clawed their way through the darkness of his mind. A smile tried to curl his lip and almost made it. Scarlet took a deep breath and steadied himself. He was still unsure and reeling. It was as if the universe had ripped out his roots and sent him hurtling through space only to now give him every reason to stay. Only to be ripped away again.

Mathias would gladly accept him and help him get settled in and Scarlet couldn't depend on him to understand the nuances of his situation. Would Cara be the same? Pulling him to settle only to be set adrift again as soon as he let down his guard? He watched as she walked down another path and he could feel the pain in his chest rising as his heart ached for her. He gritted his teeth and forced it back down before continuing to follow her at a safe distance.


As Cara made her way through the arboretum,She wondered if she sent a message to David, will it get to him? In the past, those she opened her heart to, were becoming close with, they disappeared. She had tried to contact them via messages, wanting to know why they left, just radio silence.All of them. Well couldn't hurt to make another attempt, and send out a message to David. She found one in part of the arboretum a booth where she could sit. A curtain giving some privacy. She made a video message,after she straightened her hair.

"Hello David" Cara's voice sounding like a caress when she spoke his name.

"I hope this finds you doing well. I don't know where you are, and I hope that you will find this message." she paused, her dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I wish I had the chance to see you before we had to leave. I miss you, I'd like to see you again, if the universe allows for that to happen. I am on DS5, it is my new assignment as part of the command staff. Surprise!" an effort to muster up a smile. "Let me know if you wish to see me again, once you get this message. I hope you do want to be around me again, I hope you will contact me." she drew in a shaky breath, reaching out as if to caress his cheek, her hand pulling back. She kissed two fingers and blew the kiss towards the viewscreen. "Find me, if you can"

Cara ended her message and sent it out towards somewhere, a bulletin board, addressed to David Scarlet. Taking a chance, and hoping that he'll see her message. Cara drew in another shuddering breath, wiping away the tears that started falling. She was glad that this booth offered privacy, she didn't want anyone to see her crying and ask about why.

The tears faded away, breathing in calming breaths, Cara looked at her features usng the dark screen of the message board. Using its reflective surface once more as a mirror, she put herself to rights. She was thankful that she carried with her the pocket sized grooming kit, in the pockets of her outfits. With the exception of the rim of her eyelids being red from her crying, the rest of her looked composed. Cara made her way out of the message board booth, stood there for a moment or two, trying to decide where she wished to go next.

She looked back out towards the Arboretum, did she want to wander a bit more through there? She shook her head, what she would love to have right now, was to have a soak in Rudia's Bathhouse. Sadly there wasn't one available right now. Maybe she could scout out a place to where Rudia may want to bring her bathhouse here? That thought lifted Cara's spirits, causing her lips to curve up in a smile,she turned to head for the exit of the Arboretum to go out into the Promenade and go hunting.

Scarlet watched her disappear into the booth for an extended time and then as she walked back out and toward the exit of the arboretum. It would be easier to follow her in the crowd as he still debated his place here.

A moment after she had entered the Promenade, he followed at a distance. Keeping her within view but far enough back to not be noticed. Even if he decided in the end to leave, he should tell her. It would be a difficult conversation, but she deserved that much at least. When the time was right.

Cara wandered around for a little bit, pausing at some empty areas that hadn't been developed yet. There was one that seemed to catch her interest,the front facade was white, and a wooden door which seemed to be made out of bamboo. On either side of the double doors were planters which had living bamboo plants. Cara checked on the bamboo plants and was pleasantly surprised that there was a watering system that kept them alive. Gently she touched the leaves of the bamboo, then stepped forward to the door. There was a keypad there, and Cara had the access code to open it up. Of which she did, the medium brown bamboo doors opening and sliding inside the wall.

Cara entered inside, and gave out a gasp of delight,for beyond the doors low lights turned on, she saw there was an inner garden space.The inner garden space spanned out on either side of the stone walkway which led to the lobby of the business. Cara spent a few moments gazing at the garden space, ideas spinning around in her mind. She moved forward upon the stone walkway, pausing at the gate which she opened up to step inside the lobby.

There was a small desk to the right, and a hallway leading deeper into the establishment. She opened doors, looked inside the rooms, noticing that there were areas that used to have bathing areas, no water was inside, all were empty. There was the last room she opened and stepped inside it was a larger pool area, empty of water but a wooden bench was nearby and she sat down upon it just taking it all in.

TBC

Commander Cara Letsul
Executive Officer
Deep Space 5

David Scarlet
Civilian
DS5

 

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