Time Well Spent

Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2026 @ 5:56am by Lieutenant JG T'Lar & Lieutenant JG Jacob Rosen
Edited on on Tue Jun 2nd, 2026 @ 7:40am

4,494 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Character Development
Location: Lake Tahoe/ Starfleet Retreat and Conference Center
Timeline: Shore Leave Day 2

Jacob woke early, carefully extracting his arm from underneath T'Lar's still sleeping form in the pale just before dawn light. He lingered a moment to gaze at her slowly breathing, still in REM sleep. Jacob found her beautiful, but it was in these quiet moments together that he could truly contemplate the depth of that feeling. Smiling, he turned and padded to their kitchenette.

Contrary to popular belief, replicated food was indistinguishable from food that was prepared and cooked by a person. What was missing was the feeling of sharing that experience. Jacob was raised that sharing a meal and the preparation of that meal was about that tactile connection. It was a way to experience togetherness and care. Within a short period of time, smells of coffee brewing mingled with the sweetness of melon, the clinking of a whisk and sizzle of French Toast hitting the pan.

T'Lar was awakened by the sweet aroma of fresh cut fruit, battered and fried bread and the rich scent of dark roasted coffee brewing. Stretching, she yawned and turned to find herself alone in the bed, but the tousled state of the bed sheets testified to the fact that she had not been the night before. Looking about the room she saw her discarded dress draped over a chair, with her shoes neatly placed next to it, and her unmentionables haphazardly laying on the floor. Jacob's clothing similarly adorned another chair and accompanying areas of the flooring. It had been a memorable evening from beginning to end, starting with dinner and drinks and proceeding with dancing to jazz standards from the Great American Songbook in the Tahoe Room, the posh officer's lounge of the Starfleet Retreat and Conference Center at Lake Tahoe before retiring for the night. What their lovemaking lacked in the urgency of their first coupling at the prestigious locale, it more than made up for with the ardor of a newly committed relationship. T'Lar felt deeply contented as she wrapped herself in one of the provided terry cloth robes and made her way towards the kitchenette.

Jacob smiled as she walked around the corner, placing a small bowl of fruit on the kitchen bar top accompanied with the clink of a latte in wide mug, the rough image of a crescent moon in the frothy milk. "There she is. French toast in five minutes." He said checking on the pan and its contents, nudging one of the pieces to ensure it didn't stick. "How did you sleep?"

T'Lar took a sip of the coffee. As she did so the robe slipped open just enough to expose her cleavage and stomach down to her navel. She did not attempt to cover up.

"I slept surprisingly well for not meditating, though I will need to take some time this morning for meditation before we venture out."

Taking a sip from his own mug, Jacob found himself staring yet again. Pressing forward "I know we had talked about hiking, however I was thinking that we have an opportunity to share in some silly fun. Have you ever been to a miniature golf course?"

"I have not. I have seen them advertised as roadside attractions on my way up here on the motorcycle, but I'm afraid I know very little about them." She answered. "This smells delicious. Is it something you came up with ?"

Jacob took the pieces of French toast and delicately placed them on a small plate, pouring a moderate amount of syrup over top and placing strawberry halves in the rough shape of a flower before handing it over. "It's my mother's batter recipe, a little bit of brown sugar and a dash of vanilla. Anyway mini golf is a whimsical recreation of the sport of golf. Typically featuring themed obstacles and with only one club. It's an opportunity to let go and revel in the fun of being together."

"That would explain the windmills and loop de loops and dragons I saw when I passed one on the I-80. I admit it piqued my curiosity. Is there one nearby?"

Jacob smiled with encouragement. "A few, in fact we have the choice of theme. Fantasy, space, or my personal favorite pirate ."

T'Lar took a bite of the French toast.

"This is very good. It was very thoughtful of you to make breakfast. I usually just have a bowl of oatmeal with some brown sugar, walnuts, a little butter and some cranberry raisins."

"I enjoyed the process, we don't get the opportunity for cooking very much on ship." Jacob replied, a slight warmth spreading with her compliment. "However, your typical breakfast sounds like a more balanced option."

"It is something I picked up while attending the Academy. I very much enjoy the crunch of the walnuts with the sweet yet tart taste of the cranberry raisins. I shall make it for you sometime if you'd like to try it."

"I would find that most agreeable T'Lar, thank you. My typical breakfast on ship tends to be a cup of coffee and requisition reports." He replied, popping a violet colored grape into his mouth.

"In answer to your question about the minature golf, I think it sounds like an interesting diversion. After breakfast if you would allow for some time for me to get ready and give me about a half an hour to meditate that should be enough time for you to procure transportation for us."

"That I can do." Jacob said, cleaning the last of the dishes while she ate. He gave her a light, but affectionate peck on the cheek as he passed T'Lar on his way to the bedroom to get dressed for the day.

T'Lar finished her breakfast and put her dishes in the reclamator, before heading to the shower. After showering and brushing her teeth, she put her hair up in a pony tail, and dressed in a fresh Starfleet issue tracksuit and joggers. She made her way to the replimat where she used her previously saved dimensions to replicate a couple pairs of khaki shorts and a SRCC at Lake Tahoe official tee shirt emblazoned with the instillation's logo. Returning to their room she changed into the shorts and tee and put on a pair of white low cut socks and a pair of hiking boots. She then put on a set of noise cancelling headphones and settled down to meditate for half an hour. Thirty minutes later on the dot, feeling refreshed and centered, she was ready to go.

---

Jacob wore a faded blue t-shirt with STARFLEET ACADEMY - DISC GOLF in white lettering and tan shorts, T'Lar had in fact, not prevented him from bringing his low top Jordans. He held the door open for her, and even though her decidedly neutral expression belied no clue as to what thoughts were underneath, Jacob swore he saw a flicker of amusement.

Casually strolling over to the vehicle rental kiosk Jacob slid the requisition chit into the slot. Giving T'Lar a smirk he addressed her. "I know you have your preference for bikes, so I figured we could compromise with a convertible."

"Usually I put my hair up in a braid and am wearing a helmet when riding... Give me a moment to get a ball cap from the replimat." She said and disappeared before he could say anything. She returned momentarily with a SRCC logo branded navy blue corduroy adjustable back ball cap, with her pony tail pulled smartly through the hole in the back.

Jacob thought as she reappeared T'Lar's look was cute with her pointed ears around the side of the cap.

Within minutes a reproduction RX-7 convertible was rolled up by a smartly dressed attendant. It was maroon with leather seats, the rotary engine making a delightful noise. The kiosk had a wide variety of choices but there was just something about those Japanese cars out of the late 1980's that caught his eye. Performance and fun for the everyday person, which he felt was quite a modern idea all things considered. He thanked the attendant and crossed to the driver's side door, holding it open.

"Five speed, and a ton of fun. Were it anyone else I wouldn't ask, but being that I am a gentleman." Jacob said in a false dramatic tone. "Ladies first, if you would like the first drive?"

"That is very thoughtful of you, but I'm afraid my transportation license does not include people driven automobiles. I am strictly motorcycles and self driving cars only."

"Well, I cannot express my disappointment." He replied with a smile, crossing over to the passenger side to open the door for her.

---

The drive took approximately 15 minutes as they headed northward along the shore. Then off to the left side of the road stood a large sign which said "Magic Carpet Golf". Jacob pulled into the driveway and it was indeed a sight to behold. The facility boasted three 18hole courses. From the parking lot T'Lar could see a large Brontosaurus statue, a dragon statue and a large pirate ship. They parked and Jacob being the gentleman he was made every attempt to come around and open the door for T'Lar who for her part simply got out and looked around in fascination before he could get there.

Together they walked hand in hand to a central building emblazoned with a sign that said "Fun Center", the smell of popcorn and hot pretzels and pizza coming from inside. Stepping in they found an assortment of games ranging from skee ball to several pinball machines, air hockey and an assortment of retro style video games all making a cacophony of myriad sounds. Walking over to the check in desk they registered and were each given a score card, a small pencil and a different color ball: T'Lar chose green and Jacob got red. They were then directed to a bin to choose their clubs.

Jacob picked a putter with metallic red flecks of paint and a slightly worn grip, some of the paint chipping off. He looked over to T'Lar as she was considering her choices and walked over.

"Very important choice to make here T'Lar, the wrong club could mean certain defeat if you're not careful." He chided playfully, flashing the woman an impish smile as he stood beside her. "Be aware, once we enter the course there can be no mercy." Jacob continued humorously.

T'Lar cocked an eyebrow.
"You jest. But I know something you do not know." T'Lar said almost teasingly cryptically.

"I'm sure the list for that category is rather expansive." Jacob said with a laugh. "Please, enlighten me."

"While this is my first foray into Miniature Golf, I must confess it is not my first foray into the game of golf itself. My Academy roommate was very fond of the game and I would accompany her to the driving range often. She taught me how to hit the ball and most importantly she taught me how to putt. So you see, choosing a good putter from amongst these could yield a distinct advantage for me." She stated confidently.

"Oh a professional! Well you have me at a disadvantage my dear Counselor. I will relish our competition." Jacob said flirtatiously while nudging her slightly.

The Vulcan picked up three candidates that looked promising and after examining each for straightness, balance and taking a good look at the strike face finally selected one. The fact that it was green bore no significance whatsoever to her decision.

"An excellent choice, game on!" He said, beaming at T'Lar as they proceeded to the first hole. The first hole was a simple straight path from the start but a straight-on putt was blocked by a mechanical ape with the copyright safe name of King Gong with paths to either side. The animatronic ape lowered one hand to the ground for a brief second before flipping it behind itself in the direction of the hole.

"Ladies first." Jacob said gesturing towards the start and taking a step back to allow T'Lar to take the putting green.

T'Lar placed her ball and took her stance, taking careful aim, she breathed out and swung. The ball rolled slowly but steadily in a straight line, right up until the gorilla's hand came down and stopped it. When the arm made the flipping motion it put backspin on the ball and sent it back towards T'Lar; all the way to the starting position. Letting out a barely perceptible breath of surprise, T'Lar arched an eyebrow then narrowed her eyes as she picked up her ball.

"Your turn." She said flatly.

Jacob took his place at the start, setting his ball down and assuming a putting stance, interlocking his fingers around the club. He aimed, and lightly swung at his target, King Gong. Timing it just right, his ball was picked up by the animatronic hand and flung back towards the green, landing with a bounce and slowly rolling into the hole.

"Hole in one! Let's go!" Jacob exulted, throwing his hands in the air with a whoop. He crossed to the hole and retrieved his ball, stepping aside for T'Lar to continue with her second stroke.

"Very nicely done," she conceded.

She replaced her ball and took her stance again, this time paying closer attention to King Gong's timing. She waited until after his arm made its backwards flicking motion and came up again to swing. As before the ball went straight and true, this time rolling all the way to the cup and dropping in for a birdie.

Jacob gave a low whistle as he watched T'Lar sink the ball into the hole. "Well I certainly have my work cut out for me." He said with a smile as they began to move to the next hole.

---

Three holes later, Jacob had maintained a narrow lead, only hanging on by leaning into the gimmick of each hole. T'Lar was clearly the better traditional golfer, and Jacob was legitimately impressed. He would need to ask her to give him pointers on the actual game.

"While it is clear that my skills at putting are an asset, there is some intangible element that you seem to be grasping better than I thus far. I warn you however, I believe I am beginning to, as you humans say, 'get the hang of it'," T'Lar said giving Jacob a wink and an air kiss in an effort to throw him off his game.

"Can I interest you in a wager?" Jacob asked, leaning against a pole while T'Lar methodically surveyed the hole and set up to putt.

The hole in question was a straight shot two speed bump to an anthill par 2 ten yards in length.

"That depends on the terms of the wager..." She answered.

"If I win, we dance to Latin music tonight. A little salsa, some bachata and merengue." Jacob said with a smile. "You're incredibly talented with dance so I have no doubt that you'll pick them up in no time." He finished while watching her focus, and admired her discipline.

T'Lar lined up the shot as best she could and chipped the ball over the two speed bumps sending the ball on a straight trajectory towards the anthill where it rolled halfway up before turning to the side and coming to rest on the left of the slope.

Jacob walked over to make his second stroke, his ball resting in between the two bumps. Making a short chip, the ball rolled up the hill and barely crested the ridge coming to a stop so frustratingly close to the hole but not in. "Almost!" Jacob groaned humorously as he made space for T'Lar.

"Agreed. However if I win, tonight you have to..." she cupped her hands over his ear and whispered something that made Jacob's face, ears and neck go beet red. She cocked an eyebrow and gave a wicked little grin.

"If you find those terms agreeable, then we have a wager."

"Yeah uh... ok." Jacob stammered in response, shaking his head to regain focus. How was she able to already so deftly twist him around her finger?

Having once again arrived at her turn, T'Lar attempted, unsuccessfully to put the ball up the anthill and into the cup.

Jacob lightly tapped on his ball into the cup."Three strokes." He said with a groan as he retrieved the ball and made space, watching T'Lar and hoping she'd miss again.

Finally on her third shot, after a short breathing exercise to center herself, T'Lar successfully shot the ball up the anthill and into the cup for a bogey.

---

The next three holes were neck and neck with Jacob maintaining a narrow lead but T'Lar slowly chipping away at it. The following three holes found them tied.

"Oh this one is fun T'Lar, I love the cartoon bear." Jacob said as they settled in. "Feel free to go first, I'm a bit thirsty. Do you want anything from the snack bar?"

"I would appreciate some water if they have it, thank you," she answered.

Jacob left for the no frills counter a short walk away. It was a simple replicator with no attendant, faded lettering showed that it was called Genie's Snacks . Jacob retrieved two bottles of water, cold condensation trickling down the outside, and walked back to see T'Lar make her putt.

The way the nearby lake breeze lightly tickled at her pony tail and the light glinted in her eyes gave Jacob pause. He was a fortunate man to be here with her, even if it was likely that he would lose in this contest. Although, the cost for losing really wasn't all that bad now that he thought about it. He scratched his chin and approached T'Lar, handing her a cold bottle of water.

"Here you are." Jacob said, smiling as she took the water. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"I am. Very much so. While whimsical they may be, each hole is challenging in its own way and requires a multilateral approach to problem solving involving geometry and physics. It is quite stimulating." She said opening the bottle and taking a drink. "Ahhh, that is most refreshing. Thank you."

Jacob lightly tapped the ball, hopping it into Yogi's picnic basket. Detecting the weight of the ball, the circuit completed and the cartoon bear swiveled around dropping the ball on the other side. Jacob quickly made his next putt, completing the Par Two hole. "My pleasure, T'Lar." He said finally responding to her thanks, his smile returning after a brief moment of competitive concentration.

T'Lar watched with interest as Jacob again matched her stroke for stroke. Having completed the first nine holes they were still tied for the lead when they came to the afore mentioned pirate ship. This one was a Par 4, with the opening shot up a gangway, through a trap door. Making it through the trap door shot your ball out of a canon at the bow of the ship straight into a large anthill for a hole in one. Miss the shot and the closed door redirected your ball to a side chute on the green where the anthill was flanked on the right and left side by a speed bump.

"As you let me go first last time it is only fair that you go first this time," T'Lar acceded.

Jacob nodded and began to settle into his stance, ensuring his knees were slightly bent. He breathed out, entering the natural respiratory pause, and swung the club. The ball swiftly traveled up the gangway and collided with the side of the trapdoor, and lazily rolled to a stop beside the left speed bump.

He groaned, rolling his head back looking toward the sky. "Ugh now that's a kick in the teeth." Jacob laughed. "Well you're up T'Lar. That one's going to bite me."

Watching Jacob narrowly miss getting through the trap door caused T'Lar to redouble her focus. She had yet to get a hole in one and with this shot could take a serious lead, particularly if Jacob needed all three strokes to finish the hole. She lined up the shot and counted down: three, two, one... then she hit the ball up the gangway and through the open trap door. The animatronic pirate atop the canon rocked back and forth with a hearty "Ahoy, Matey!" and a booming sound was heard as her ball exited the canon and dropped into the wide mouth of the anthill for a hole in one while a bell rang three times. There was a look of satisfaction on her face as she retrieved her ball.

"A hole in one!" Jacob leaped in response, gesturing wildly with his club. "Amazing! He cleared his throat. "I mean, I have found your performance superlative." Jacob attempted a more Vulcan manner of congratulations, noticing his exuberance could be overwhelming.

"I know you would have liked to have gotten a hole in one on the pirate ship. Nonetheless I hope you are not too disappointed. Are you enjoying the game, Jacob?" T'Lar asked.

"I am indeed, this has been quite enjoyable. You are a very competitive golfer I must say." Jacob smirked before attempting his putt a second time. He held his breath as the ball just barely made it up the anthill and into the hole for birdie. Jacob made his notation on the blue scorecard and collected his ball, rejoining T'Lar as they walked to the next hole.

"You realize if you win we have to procure me a suitable dress and shoes, whereas if I win all I have to do is... you know..." T'Lar teased with a wink.

Jacob had been taking a sip from his water and was mid drink, causing him to spit to the side coughing. "I'll have you know this is not fair in the slightest, and I will remember." He said wiping his shirt off with a playful laugh.

Despite T'Lar's best efforts to playfully weaponize psychology against him, pulling out every flirtatious trick she'd ever learned, Jacob battled back to within one stroke on the next two holes.
Then they traded the lead back and forth over the next 5 before arriving tied at the last hole of the course.

The final hole was a zigzag course leading up to a caricature of a Borg Cube lit by hundreds of alternating LED lights. The hole itself was embedded in the side of the cube a few inches above the ground with a small ramp and gap. The ball would need to use the ramp and jump the gap to reach the hole, causing a ripple effect in the lights depicting a chain reaction. This also sent the ball back to starting shack for it to be returned for new players starting the course.

"Ok so, a hole in one is technically possible." Jacob said, crouching to examine the angle of the zigzag stretch. "Looks like you need to hit the angles exactly right, with just enough power to still make it over the jump."

"Feasible, but admittedly a highly technical shot to say the least." T'Lar admitted

Standing back up, Jacob walked back to the start and placed his ball down. He rolled his shoulders and popped his neck for good measure. "Alright Jake, this one's for all the marbles. You can do this, you got a solid B+ in Trig." Jacob swung the club, making contact with the ball with a satisfying tock . He got the angle through the zigzag perfectly, the ball spit out of the section rolling right for the jump... Without any of the power required, rolling down the jump and coming to a rest at the side of the Borg cube with a barely audible tup

"A valiant effort. I shall endeavor to learn from it," T'Lar said, mimicking Jacob's every move save for his swing which she added extra power to. The result was a resounding success this time with the ball hopping the gap and entering the hole with a distorted fanfare coming from a cracked speaker somewhere.

Jacob sheepishly scratched the back of his neck, and took three additional strokes to get the ball into the cube. A blown out speaker playing what at one time were the noises of an explosion he supposed. Picking up his club and attempting to not be a sore loser, he walked to stand beside T'Lar. Who, he was either unable to yet detect what the Vulcan equivalent of smug looked like, or she genuinely was a gracious winner.

"Good game, you won fair and square. I won't even make excuses for the tactics you employed." He said, gently wrapping his arm around her waist as they walked to the shack to return their clubs. "The green club was the winning club after all."

"You did say there would be no mercy, Sir." T'Lar said with a slightly mischievous grin, stopping to give him a kiss.

He laughed before kissing back, enjoying the vibrancy of emotions before walking back to their vehicle. He was happy to have shared this bit of fun with T'Lar, and was thankful that she not only indulged his idea but seemed to relish it in her own way. Jacob would return her enthusiasm for certain.

---

Several hours later after a day of sightseeing, doing everything and nothing but reveling in each other's company, they had returned to their room. Jacob sat in one of the chairs on the balcony, watching the sun set to his right across the lake. He sipped from a glass of rum, savoring the flavors and did a bit of people watching. He could see other visitors walking the small network of lakeside streets and businesses below, details of their conversations too far away for him to make out but he could hear their laughter and general lull of conversation.

"Jacob...", T'Lar appeared at the balcony wearing a red cocktail dress with matching heels, and her hair done up in a sophisticated up do, with gold earrings and a gold necklace.

"You did such a good job paying up what you owed from our little wager earlier I thought I would reward you by granting your wish to go Latin dancing. Would this be appropriate attire?"

Jacob's jaw dropped for several seconds as he drank in her appearance. "Uh yeah, that is um. Appropriate." He stood up and gave T'Lar another look Wow he thought to himself for a long moment before coming back to focus.

"Give me fifteen minutes." Jacob said with a peck on her cheek before rushing past to the bedroom to throw on his suit. A perfect day would be matched by dancing closely with a beautiful woman, and for once Jacob found himself unable to make a joke.

TBC

 

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