New Orleans and Small Talk

Posted on 04/03/2022 @ 7:44pm by Captain Cara Letsul & Rear Admiral Thomas Rice

3,243 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Mini Mission: When The Cat's Away
Location: Big Easy Bistro
Timeline: 1800 MD001: 01/03/2397

On:

Tom and Cara had just arrived at the Big Easy Bistro and were taking their seat as Tom picked up the menu. Looking to the server, he ordered a Bailey's Irish Cream Coffee as he set the menu down, looking at Cara. He was not one to really go out with someone else. He didn't like the extra attention it brought, but Cara had this way of making him feel relaxed. It was a nice feeling. He took off his jacket and draped it over the chair.

"I am not sure I have ever been here before," he looked to his companion, "Glad you suggested it."

Cara smiled at Thomas, listening to the soft jazz music playing in the background. She looked around, "The owners are very nice, and the husband does most of the cooking. You may like to meet him. In fact, it looks like he is coming out from the kitchen now."

A tall man came from the kitchen, mopping his forehead with a towel, his smile bright white against his dark skin. and walked up to where Cara and Thomas sat, "Hello Cher, Lisette say you have arrived once more to come get somteeng sweet?" giving Thomas an assessing look. "Lisette she say you had a fine strapping man with you."

Cara's cheeks turned pink as she gazed up at the man. "Alphonse, this is Thomas Rice. Tom, this is Alphonse Bacchus, one of the owners of this fine establishment."

Alphonse held out his hand, "Pleasure." holding out his hand to shake Tom's.

Tom smiled warmly, "It's a pleasure to Mister Bacchus," he returned the handshake, "You and your wife have a lovely establishment. I can't believe I hadn't heard of this place before. Definitely a little taste of New Orleans. I love it."

"We're brand new, the original owner was looking for a quick sale, and well, there were some lovely people who were willing to help us get the place set up. I am amazed, and I had to reward them with a good cooked meal. It seems that they were indeed grateful." Alphonse replied with a grin. "What will be your pleasure for someteeng sweet? Besides her." Alphonse quirking up an eyebrow.

Cara's eyes widened, "If you'll excuse me, I will use the powder room." She felt her cheeks grow quite warm and hurriedly left the table.

"I can't speak for Cara," Tom smiled, "but I would like your bananas foster, and surprise me with a drink to go with that." He looked around the establishment; it was like he was standing in New Orleans. He could swear he was standing in Bourbon Street if he closed his eyes. The vivid colors, the lights, and the sounds; he had only been a few times, but New Orleans was always a nice stop. He enjoyed the food, and the music, and especially enjoyed the people.

Cara returned a bit more composed, "Banana's Foster sounds very good to me and surprise me with a drink."

Alphonse smiled "Dat, be good den I'll be back with the dessert and the surprise drink." Giving a knowing wink to Cara.

Cara just shook her head and laughed. "Alphonse you are incorrigible."

When he left, Cara looked at Tom. "I am hoping that he didn't tease you any while I was gone."

"Nothing I couldn't handle," Tom replied, "They seem like great people. How do you know them?" he asked, hoping he hadn't missed that part.

"I met them a few weeks back, they had been seeking a place to set up their restaurant. We talked and since this place was available, they wished to turn it into something else. Don't worry, their credentials are up to par and they do not have a nefarious plan either. The funny thing of it is, that I didn't remember at the time early on, but I had eaten at Lisette's father's place. He had his own little restaurant. Lisette had been working there, this was before she and Alphonse got married. I hadn't recognized her at first but she remembered me. Then when we started talking memories came back." Cara gave a delighted laugh.

"They seem like wonderful people," Tom replied, "I could certainly enjoy a few more trips to this place their menu is amazing." Tom looked around for probably the fourth time, as his mind took in the sights, sounds, and even the smells. Everything in his place screamed of New Orleans, "I can't remember the last time I was down in the French Quarters but it's been some time."

Cara nodded and just before she could say anything else Lisette brought out the dessert and smiled, "Here you go and enjoy." giving a smile to Tom and Cara then she left them alone.

Cara picked up her spoon and began to eat. "This is good" she commented. Cara for some reason was feeling awkward. And she looked around as if she felt like someone was watching her. The sensation left or was it just her imagination? Could it be a remnant of her past experiences when she tried to reach out to someone to connect with them on a deeper level? They seemed to get interrupted in one form or another. She looked back down towards her dessert, taking another spoonful, lost in thought.

Her eyes soon rose from the Banana's Foster, her eyes meeting Tom's. "I'm sorry, I feel like I am making things just a bit awkward."

"There is no reason to be awkward," Tom laughed, "just two people," he paused, "friends having a dessert. You've taught me a lot today. One thing being that I need to get out more. If Poseidon is truly going to be my home, then I need to work on a social life. "

"I think it would be a good thing to do. Maybe even investigate the functions that are here. You would be rather surprised at how much is available to do on this station." Cara responded, her expression becoming a bit more at ease. "And just the variety of people you can meet as well." she gave a slight sigh as she thought of those whom she has met so far. "I've joined in a dancing class and it's been great fun, we've done pieces from popular and classic musicals."

"I have to admit," Tom replied, "I have looked at various social functions but it's harder when your uniformed is trimmed in gold. People don't see you as a person but a Flag Officer," he smirked, "like I have to explain that to you, Admiral Letsul."

Cara's eyes narrowed slightly when hc used the title of Admiral. "It depends on the social functions you go to, and haven't you gone about the station in regular Civilian clothing? Or has it always been in uniform?" she paused for a moment then added. "Though right now, you are not in uniform. And the civilian outfit looks very good on you." her eyes going back to normal.

"And yes, what you say is true, it all depends though on how you dress in certain circumstances." Cara smiled quietly. "And at this time my dear Tom, you outrank me, and will do so from here on out." Cara plunged her spoon decisively into the banana foster to get some of the desserts. He would be able to tell that his remark about her being an admiral, actually got under her skin.

"That is the problem, isn't it?" His comment wasn't meant to offend, and he hoped he hadn't. "I outrank everyone on this station, it's hard to find someone willing to look past the rank," he replied, "and I would like to think that my dress is just fine," he laughed.

"Wait, you are not wearing a dre-" Cara paused then laughed feeling herself relax once more. "You ought to go out and meet others on the station, not as a Commodore Rice but, as Tom Rice. She was a congenial, warm individual who has a heart of gold." she took a few bites more of her dessert, which disappeared rather quickly, giving her a bit of a brain freeze.

"Oof I need to learn to quit doing that." pausing to place her tongue at the roof of her mouth to stop the sensation. This made her have a funny expression as she did so.

"It's not easy, people tend to get lost in the rank and uniform," Tom replied, "but it's possible, relationships are not my strong suit but it's possible."

"And apparently relationships are not my strongest suit either." Cara took another look at Tom, she saw someone she'd be interested in, and she had felt a connection with him earlier. Still felt something there, but Cara knew she was going to shoot herself in the foot where he was concerned. Like she had told someone else, she was trouble, and she had a lot of trouble coming her way. She could feel it dancing on the edge of her senses. Cara pushed it to the back of her mind and smiled warmly.

"Tom let's go do some shopping if you are done eating your dessert." Cara rose from her seat and offered her hand towards him, inviting smile. "That is if you don't mind walking hand in hand with me to the shops nearby, or do you think the tongues will start to wag if you are seen with me." giving Tom a teasing wink.

"My dear friend," Tom smiled, "Tongues wagging comes with the rank," he didn't take her hand but instead offered his arm. "Someone in my position doesn't get out and about without turning a few heads." Tom wasn't sure where Cara was going with this. At first, he thought there might be a spark, but he considered their relationship to be more of good friends over time. Now, something told him there might be something more.

Cara linked her arm with his. "Then shall we?"

As they walked Cara slightly laughed, she was noticing several people just watching as Tom and she walked down toward the other part of the promenade to the shops. There were a few women checking Tom out. She giggled, then stole a glance at him. He did look good in his outfit.

Tom could see the other woman and noted Cara's reaction, he almost found it humorous. For someone who said she wasn't interested in a relationship and just needed friends; she looked to be getting a bit jealous. Cara had done a good job leading him out of his shell but where did things go from him. He couldn't admit that he'd taken a fancy to a few people on the station. He opted to test the waters, "tell me what do you know about Commander Malbrookes?" He wanted to see her reactions.

Noting his interest, and Cara wondering why it was. Though, she felt a twinge of something not quite certain what it was, maybe a quick emotional reaction like maybe jealousy? This caused her to have a slight hesitation in her step. She shoved that to one side, she couldn't allow that emotion. It might be from when T'mar was in her mind, the woman had a streak of possessiveness to her. It was how Cara explained it to herself.

Cara answered, "Commander Malbrookes, I truly do not know much about her, except for that she is the JAG Officer. She and I have not met as of yet. I am still working on getting to know the staff that is currently on the station. I do know that she was involved in the trial of Captain Harrington. And seemed like a very capable woman. Beyond that, I don't know much about her."

"I don't know her either," he smiled, with but of a chuckle, "just seeing if you are the jealous type or not." He smiled, "I didn't think green was your color, but maybe." He was only playing around, testing the waters. Cara had made it clear she wasn't ready for a relationship however everything about this day spoke otherwise. He wasn't entirely sure what was going on here.

Cara cast a sidelong glance at Tom, a slight smile crossing her lips. "Why my dear Tom, every woman worth her salt would have a slight amount of jealousy or envy if they see someone they like or struck their fancy is with another woman. In fact, there were women who we passed by, having a hint of envy, that I am with you and would like to be here, strolling through the promenade with you, instead of me."

They arrived at one of the shops, which had bedding, other decorative details to make a person's abode look more like a home instead of something stark cold run of the mill set up for living. "This is a nice place to get ideas to liven up a person's quarters. I've not really gotten anything here yet."

Tom picked up on the comment but tucked those into the back of his mind, as the two of them entered the shop. He hadn't noticed anyone giving them a sideways glance, but now he couldn't help but play things over his in mind. "I hadn't really thought of livening up my quarters," he gave her a puzzled look, "I thought they were just fine, but then again it's only me in there so no complaints about the decor."

"The decor is standard and it's not too bad, but I like adding a spot of color or just adding a small part of me to the place to call it mine." She was drawn towards a bedspread that was dark green in color, running her hands across its surface, testing the texture and the feel. She checked others of the same color, then chose the third one. She went over and picked out some sheets as well as pillowcases. The sheets were a lighter green, the pillowcases she got four, two lighter green and the others were the same color as the bedspread. She carried them over to the shopkeeper, "Would you hold onto these while I take a look at what else you have here?"

She then walked back over to where Tom was, being curious if he were going to choose something for his place.

Tom was lost in the moment watching Cara move from linen to linen, it was only when she was walking back over to him that he realized he was staring. He quickly looked over to a teal bedspread, pretending to feel the fabric. He hadn't really considered replacing his linen but he had to admit these were extremely soft.

"That is a beautiful color," she remarked and reached out to touch the linen as well. "That is indeed soft." Cara smiled softly.

"I'll be coming back later for some other colors, but I don't feel like carrying a bunch of bags." giving a laugh. "When I come to get the other selections, I intend on using a small anti-grav cart to take them home," Cara looked around once more. "I am seeing way too many things I would love to acquire and make my quarters cozier."

She placed a hand upon Tom's, "What else are you planning to get here?"

"I'm along for the ride, to be honest," he admitted, " I don't get out that much, and definitely don't get to go out with company."

Cara chuckled, "I am taking you on an adventure?" she puts her hands together as if she was looking into a camera lens then spreads her hands further out. "Presenting, The Adventures of Choosing Linens, starring Tom Rice with Cara as his guide." giving Tom a wink.

"I stand here gazing at the delightful array of colors and different fabrics that can be had in the linen department. And with me now is Tom Rice, and so far he has chosen a truly beautiful piece of bedding, that is soft and would probably be a comfort to sleep beneath." she cracked a brilliant smile. "Tell me, Tom, what do you feel about this particular comforter. It is a beautiful teal color. Is that your favorite color by chance?" holding her hand as if she were holding a microphone towards Tom.

He leaned in closer, "I am wondering why my dinner partner is so interested in my choice of bedding," he winked as he turned to walk over to a nearby table, "it's not like you will be in there any time soon." He had his back to her, so she wasn't able to see the smirk on his face. But, he was definitely smiling.

Cara's jaw dropped her eyes widened and her cheeks turned red. And she stared at his retreating back. His question caught her off guard, and she was speechless for the moment at his other comment. Realizing she must be looking like a fish out of water, Cara closed her mouth. Cara remembered earlier in the day when they first met, and the moments in her Counselor's office. There did seem to be some chemistry between them when she was caressing his chest. Her cheeks went warm once more.

He was certainly being playful, then a teasing smile danced across her lips. Cara moved up towards Tom, ran her hand slowly up his back and to his shoulder, standing on her tiptoes, Cara whispered softly in his ear, "My dear Tom, I may not end up in your bed anytime soon but, comfort is the key to good slumber or..." she placed a light kiss upon his cheek, "something else." her voice almost purring.

She drifted away to go look at towels and Turkish bath towels that would hit below the knees when wrapped around. Cara had wrapped one around herself just to check the length of it. She gave a nod and picked out several.

Now Tom was the one stuck there, looking like a fool; mouth gaped open, flabbergasted look on his face. "Cara Letsul, you are an evil woman," he muttered. Highly confused he just stood there. He really didn't what to think. Then out of nowhere, something hit him. "She's Betazed," he thought for a minute as the word, phrase drifted through his head. He smirked at the possibilities, only to quickly brush them off. If she was Betazed, then he didn't need her glimpsing into his mind.

Cara had her back to Tom, she caught the stray emotions from him, she smiled. She enjoyed herself immensely, and it seemed that Tom was loosening up just so slightly. She turned giving Tom a wink, with the Turkish towels over her left arm, and moved up towards him, "Am I truly an evil woman?" her face tilting up to look into Tom's eyes. "Perhaps you are right." Cara gently grabbed the front of Tom's shirt, pulled him in for a rather spicy kiss, and then released Tom with a gentle chuckle. "I've had a wonderful time, Thank you." Cara stepped away, turning to take her selection to the shopkeeper and pay for her items. She glanced over her shoulder to look at Tom once more, gave a chuckle then turned to leave the store.

Tom stood there for a moment as he dropped the items in his hands. "Oh my," he muttered as he watched Cara walk away.

---

Commander Cara Letsul
Poseidon Operations Commander
Chief Counselor

Commodore Thomas Rice
Sector Commander
16th Fleet

 

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