Fancy Meeting You Again
Posted on Mon Apr 20th, 2026 @ 4:13pm by Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros & 1st Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Edited on on Wed Apr 22nd, 2026 @ 6:59am
3,173 words; about a 16 minute read
Mission:
Episode 17 - Going Home
Location: Mirage Bowling Alley - Promenade Upper Level - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD002 1600 hrs
Marjani had gotten back after being on the Carthage after a fruitless chase of a pirate ship. It got away and she wasn't at the helm. She had been ordered off the bridge by the Captain. She was at the helm for the return trip back to Empok Nor. It galled the heck out of her that they couldn't catch it. After a couple of drinks at a bar run by a Vorta named Castus, a Kanar Bar and Lounge. Marjani was ready to go do something that she could take her frustrations out on. She didn't want to go dance at Never Winter Club, too fresh in her mind as to the last time she was there. With Connor.
She stepped out of Castus, to go look over the lower part of the promenade, Castus being on the upper level of the Promenade. To her amazement, she caught of a familiar person, Ja'sol.
"Ja'sol?" she murmured to herself. "It couldn't be." She moved to get a better look coming to the stairs which led down to the lower level. When she got to the last step Marjani grinned, and nonchalantly she stood by the railing leaning against it where he couldn't miss her and said, "Hi there stranger, long time no see. Fancy meeting you here."
They had met years ago when he was in Academy, and she was on Earth after her basic training. They had become friends, had intermittent exchange of messages then they both got caught up in their work and their lives.
Ja'sol was wandering around the promenade and seeing what he was interested in seeing. He was startled out of his reverie of thought by the sound of a familiar voice he hadn't heard in a long time, Then his eyes caught sight of her standing on the stairs. " Marjani? " He broke out in a wide grin. "What are you doing here? How long has it been since we've seen each other last?"
"Its been way too long, Ja'sol" Marjani coming down from the last step and giving her friend a heartfelt embrace. "Currently I've been a helmsman for the USS Carthage. We just returned from chasing down a suspicious. Sadly it got away." a dark scowl appeared as she thought about it. "I wasn't on the bridge when we were in pursuit. The crew and I were ordered off the bridge. There was a reason, as it was the end of our shift. And when the captain says it was time to leave. One must obey." Marjani releasing Ja'sol from her warm embrace.
Her scowl disappeared as Marjani got a good look at Ja'sol. "You are an unexpected surprise, surely makes my day brighter, and you are still as handsome as ever. How are you here? Is your ship here? And what ship are you serving on?"
"I'm the CSTO on the USS Pioneer, We've got a good ship and crew. My security team is top notch and everyone knows their duty. I was just looking around to see if I might find something to either eat or find some entertainment while I'm here, any suggestions? "
"Well how is your bowling arm, its been awhile since we've done something like that. We can do some bowling, they do have a bowling alley. Miracle Bowl." Majani pointing upwards to the second level of the promenade. "What do you say, knock down some pins and go from there?"
"By the gods it has been a time since we've done that." Ja'sol's gaze going up the direction that Marjani has pointed. "I guess we'll find out if our bowling arms are still in shape or on the rusty side, shall we go find out together?"
"Lets do so." Marjani answered with a beaming smile, leading the way.
Once inside there was a few people there, and the familiar sound of wooden pins being mown down by the bowling balls. There were scoffs of some gutterballs. It didn't take long for Marjani to get a pair of bowling shoes outfitted for herself. The charm of not needing to worry about the disinfecting of shoes like back in the day.
"I'm going to keep these for when we meet up again." Marjani remarked, as she held her shoes against her.
"Wouldn't it just be easier to replicate a pair for yourself and just keep them until you need them? It's not like the computer can't scan you and make a custom pair for you. It just like our uniforms, you toss them in the recycler and you get a nice fresh clean one instead of doing laundry." Ja'sol asked wondering why she didn't do that. "The only thing I launder is my clothes from home." He added.
"Sure it would be easier but, these will have memories connected to our meeting each other again. A reconnection with a good friend." Marjani smiling softly. "I don't carry too many possessions with me, I just carry the ones that I have a strong connection to. Sure they might end up being lost someday but as long as I keep them around for the time being, they will give me positive feelings. Would probably consider them rather lucky."
Ja'sol grinned. "Far be it from me to tell a lady who wants a lucky item to remember fond times over, Can't say I haven't done that before myself. That and I'm no hypocrite." He pulled up a necklace from under his shirt with a single sharks tooth on a leather cord. "I still have this from when we went to the Aquarium in San Francisco. The only creatures I recognized were the sharks, octopus and jellyfish. We have different names for them on Eldora, and everything else was new and exciting to me."
Marjani's eyes widened when she saw that. "Wow, I still have mine. Not on me but I still have it. That was a lot of fun. Remember that sand castle we built for that competition? I know we didn't win first prize but we did get second prize. A free dinner and drinks, can't deny that was a worthwhile prize."
Ja'sol smiled at the memory. "I'll not deny that the seafood was fresh and well prepared and we did get a little bit wasted that night. I remember waking up under the boardwalk laying side by side and both of us with a slight hangover the next morning."
Laughing Marjani gave a nod. "And waking up to seeing a gull staring at the two of us, it perching on that rock nearby. We sure had a lot to talk about, sharing what had happened so far with our families."
Marjani moved towards a free bowling lane after putting on her shoes and had chosen a bowling ball.
Ja'sol grinned. "The usual wager Marjani? Three games and loser buys lunch? "
Marjani chuckled. "I like that type of bet, as there won't truly be a loser." she adjusted her bowling ball in her arm, cradling it.
"Heck I remember a friend of mine, she and her hubby wagered kisses. In the end there wasn't truly a loser." grinning ear to ear. I thought they were a cute couple, and got along rather well, he seemed to make her laugh and she couldn't stay mad at him for too long."
She adjusted her ball, "Lets get to bowling."
Ja'sol looked at Marjani and grinned. "I just want to clarify something before we start. Are we still going for loser buys lunch or kisses? Your description left me confused for now." He said looking innocent.
Marjani's cheeks turned warm. "Okay I wasn't talking about us, even though we did kiss back then. I was talking about a married couple that I knew."
She huffed slightly having an amused twinkle in her eyes. "As for the kissing part, I--have a boyfriend." Marjani's twinkle faded away, the corners of her mouth drifting downward.
"That won't be for much longer." Marjani stated. "He's a bit young for me, eight years younger, cute guy." She turned to regard the lane getting her ball positioned.
"There is the glaring fact of where life has taken me, compared to him where he's not experienced a whole lot. He's a nice guy. Its just that, I feel that it is a wrong match up." Marjani sending her bowling ball down the lane. Making certain to not give herself a scratch penalty.
Ja'sol's grin disappeared. "I'm sorry I didn't know. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you, that and it has been a while since I've teased you. Do you still want to bowl or shall we talk about this? "
"Lets bowl for a little bit, then we can talk." Marjani watched as her ball got very close to where the pins were then it veered off into the gutter.
"Dang it!" glaring at the ball. "Too much spin there." Marjani looking over towards Ja'sol. "Your turn."
Ja'sol grinned. "You know why you missed don't you? you failed to our first frame tradition" He popped open a can of beer and took a healthy swig and tossed her can of beer. He lined up and threw the ball and got a seven ten split and only managed to pick up one of the two remaining pins. " I guess we're both a little rusty huh?"
Catching the can deftly, Marjani opened it up. "You are not as rusty as I am." giving a smirk towards Ja'sol, before taking a long drink from it.
Muffling a belch with the back of her hand. Marjani continued.
"Lets finish this then go talk, I don't think I can concentrate on bowling right now." looking at the alley then back to the ball in her hand, then placed it down upon the bowling ball return.
Ja'sol took a hard look at Marjani. " Ok, if you want to go do something else now we can do that. Is there something bothering you Marjani? Maybe grab a picnic basket and talk where there are less people about, Would that be acceptable?"
"Sure, we can go talk in the holo-deck, and have a picnic there. I don't mind. I am getting hungry again." Marjani responded.
She took her shoes off, and put on her regular shoes. "Lets go."
==Holodeck==
A picnic basket in hand a scene from Nawlins, looking out towards the ocean.
"This will work out fine." Marjani commented. " A little piece of home. That is where I will be going for a visit."
Ja'sol looked around and took in the sights and smells of the surrounding areas. He could hear the jazz music floating on the breeze. " So this is home for you Marjani? I like the fact that you can hear the water, combining with the lights, the smell of the flowers and vegetation, the scent of cooking foods and the laughter of the people. It feels rather homey."
"it is home, and I do miss it." Marjani replied, while she spread out a blanket for them to sit upon.
She sat down, and began to unload the basket revealing some fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw and a small triple berry pie. just large enough to divide into two. There was also sparkling strawberry lemonade with cups.
Marjani looked at the food, having a wistful expression in her eyes.
"I used to come here and have picnics with my mom and dad, fed the ducks who loved to come get some bread crumbs." she looked out towards the water.
"I haven 't shared any of this with my-- soon to be ex boyfriend. I for some reason didn't feel like doing such." Marjani reaching over to pluck up a blade of grass to rub it between her fingers.
Ja'sol gently placed his hand on Marjani's shoulder. " I didn't know things had gotten bad between the two of you, Do you want to talk about it? Or is there anything I can do to assist you? "
"Right now, sitting with a friend, is helping me." she looked up from the blade of grass, towards Ja'sol. " Connor, he is in engineering on the Pioneer. He's not a bad person, kind, considerate. And is very loyal. And I found out that he's younger than me. Sure, its not really a bad thing but, Ja'sol. I don't feel that he and I have the right sort of chemistry to keep on being in a relationship with him." Marjani, having a slight frown. "I though feel that I'm not a nice person at all in my thoughts of breaking up with him."
Ja'sol looked at the ground as he spoke. " I disagree, you have always been kind and open hearted in your actions and thoughts. Even now i can sense that you don't want to hurt him and feel conflicted. I like the Eldorian way better to be honest." He pulled small bottle from a pouch from his waistband. " Both parties place a drop on their tongue and kiss, If it is sweet for both you are compatible and are married by the end of the festival. If it is sour to both, then you move on to the next person. Sometimes it is sweet for one and sour for the other, resulting in going separate ways. It's fast and easy with no heartbreak."
Marjani relaxed, finding Ja'sol's words comforting. "Thank you for what you said. as for your custom of said vial. It sounds intriguing, and it does seem much easier." She looked at the vial, "I'm just not certain if I want to do something like that, with him. It is a foreign aspect to me, something I didn't know about your people. As it didn't come up in any of our talks way back then."
Ja'sol replied " It is during the spring festival to the sea mother who is the goddess of the Oceans and fertility. Feast are held and after the little ones are put to bed, Th unmarried ones meet in the field. Males to one side and females on the other, Once the sea shell is sounded we slowly advance until we are three rows in and place our palms against each other and then place a drop on the tongue and kiss. If both are sweet you go to a holding area to get to know the person better and at the end of the festival a mass wedding ceremony is held. The others will either try again next year or meet someone during the year and date and find love that way."
"Okay. so that doesn't take out the aspect of dating and romance. " Marjani said thoughtfully. "A combination of interaction, and also going through the courting phase as well. Intriguing. However... I don't think I want to um partake in that substance. Especially since I'm a bit muddled on things in my mixed up... way of being in a relationships or not being in one."
Ja'sol smiled. "That is understandable. I just pulled it out of it's pouch out of habit when I speak of such things and explain it. I find other species respond better to visual cues when your speaking of something they have no knowledge of what you are speaking about." He placed it back in it's pouch. "If I made you feel uncomfortable then I apologize Marjani."
Marjani shook her head. "No you didn't make me uncomfortable, not at all. I was just stating that I'd not want to try it, unless I happen to be at that celebration you had described. "
There would be the feeling of Marjani relaxing, as Ja'sol's demeanor calmed her. "Right now, I am seeking to sort myself out where relationships are concerned. And here I am making you be in the aspect of a counselor. Then again, friends tend to be such don't they." giving an amused smile, her face brightening up.
Ja'sol chuckled, " Well I am the one who asked if you wanted to talk about it. So I kind of brought that on myself, I mean we used to do this all of the time back in our Academy and basic training days. We have always bounced ideas and topics off of each other, unless we're on a mission and there is a communications blackout."
"Yup, well that was easier back then, over viewscreens and in person. Now though I go where I am needed, or am assigned by Pappy. Speaking of him." a beep on her Padd, and she pulled it out to look at it. "It looks like Pappy is wanting to talk with me. I'll do so in a little bit. I now want to hear what's been happening with you. Have you found anyone yet that has struck your fancy?"
Marjani sending a message to Pappy, letting him know that she will contact him in about an hour, then put the padd down.
Ja'sol smiled, " I don't know about the struck my fancy part. But there are a few Ladies in the science department that I am curious about. The first is a Ser-numi biologist and I know very little about the species and am curious to learn about them. The other is a Caitian Human Hybrid who seems happiest when she's in Stellar Cartography and surrounded by stars and mapping."
"Ah I see, there are quite a few on the ship." Marjani giving a soft chuckle. "Well." she looked at the blanket and what was left of their meal. "Hmmnn, we've been bent on talking that our food is all gone, except for." she motioned to the pie.
"Just dessert left to eat before I need to leave." she took out a knife and cut the pie in half, putting half of it on a plate to hand to Ja'sol. "Here you go."
" Such a pity. I've enjoyed talking with you Marjani, as always. Let's make sure to stay in touch even if it's only in holomail or subspace communications. " I take a bite of the pie." Now that is a good pie, It taste like vaylaberry from back home. " He stands up after finishing his piece of pie. " Before we leave. " He stepped forward and hugged her. " I look forward to seeing you again when our paths cross again, Make sure we stay in touch at least once a week, ok? "
Marjani hugged him tightly, Ja'sol was a good friend, "I'll do my best and keep in touch. Thank you."
The two of them made their way out of the holosuite. The computer clearing the leftovers and the scenery.
They said their goodbyes, with a wave and went in opposite directions. It had been good to see each other, and it felt nice, it was as if not much time had passed. It brought good feelings to them both.
A Joint Post By
First Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Pilot
Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros
Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Pioneer
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