The Rubicon Trail
Posted on Fri Jun 12th, 2026 @ 8:25am by Lieutenant JG T'Lar & Lieutenant JG Jacob Rosen
Edited on on Fri Jun 12th, 2026 @ 9:00am
5,741 words; about a 29 minute read
Mission:
Character Development
Location: SRCC-Lake Tahoe/ Emerald Bay
Timeline: Shore leave Day 3
06:30hrs
Starfleet Retreat and Conference Center
Lake Tahoe
Room 211
T'Lar sat cross legged in quiet meditation while Jacob Rosen slept in the other room. While she found that falling asleep in her lover's arms was in its own way exceedingly conducive to a deeply restful slumber, she knew that ignoring her usual habit of meditating before sleep would eventually catch up to her; and so resolved that tonight, regardless of whatever romantic goings on ensued, she would resume her nightly ritual.
Having completed her meditative contemplation, she quickly and quietly showered then dressed in a green tee shirt with khaki shorts, white ankle high socks and hiking boots, before slipping out of the room headed for the facility replimat. Once there she replicated two daypacks with hydration flasks, sunscreen spray and a boonie hat for Jacob and two collapsible walking sticks. Returning to their room she replicated sandwiches, granola bars, fruit and cookies for Jacob, fig bars for herself. She packed all of it in the day packs along with a first aid kit in hers.
The hike they were undertaking was a five mile section of the Rubicon Trail, from the trailhead at DL Bliss Park to Vikingsholm Castle at Emerald Bay Park. The trail was rated from moderate to strenuous, stretching along the granite shoreline of Lake Tahoe with views of emerald green waters, steep drop offs and beautiful coves along with treks through the pine forest lining the shore. And waiting at the end was Vikingsholm Castle, a scandanavian style stone castle overlooking the lake. A tram would take them from the Conference Center to DL Bliss Park's trailhead. T'Lar would leave it up to Jacob whether or not they would take the tram back to the SRCC from Vikingsholm or if they would hike back to DL Bliss and take it from there. It mattered not to her, as her Vulcan stamina had been conditioned to far more arduous treks than this on her home planet.
The scent of acrid smoke mixed with ozone spread across the bridge, coughing and moaning from his crewmates and the sound of the red alert klaxon pounded at his ears. Jacob looked around as he climbed back into the Ops console, many stations around him were damaged and many of the assigned personnel were down. Looking back at the command station he saw that the roof had collapsed into the chairs of both the Captain and First Officer.
"Ensign Rosen, you're the ranking Officer." Came the coughing statement from the crewman filling in at the helm. "The Jem'Hadar are coming around for another pass. What are your orders? Ensign Rosen? Ensign Rosen!"
Jacob awoke with a gasp, heart pounding and hands slick with sweat. Looking around he was back in the hotel bed at Lake Tahoe. It was the present. He was safe.
Running his hand through his hair, Jacob crossed to the bathroom and began to prepare for the day and attempted to put the contents of his dream behind him. Dressed in a blue shirt with brown shorts Jacob walked out to their kitchenette with a beaming smile.
"Good morning T'Lar."
T'Lar offered him a smile.
"Good morning, Jacob. I trust you slept well. I have been preparing our lunches for today's hike. I hope you like peanut butter and jelly. I thought it fitting given the protein content. If not I can prepare something else. I've also included granola bars and fruit along with some cookies. Oh and I procured sunscreen and a boonie hat for you as the trail has a lot of sun exposure."
"That is incredibly thoughtful, thank you." Jacob said crossing to the replicator and retrieving a cup of coffee.
"Fortunately Vulcans are highly adapted to UV radiation. We don't even need sunglasses. Did you know that?" she inquired.
"I did not know that. Interesting." Jacob said with a surprised tone.
"Vulcans have a secondary set of eyelids that shield our eyes from harmful radiation. I only mention it because I would not want it to alarm you," she said.
"I don't think I'd be alarmed. But perhaps my fascination could be a bit lacking in subtlety." Jacob replied with a laugh.
"Are you hungry? I was about to prepare my oatmeal recipe," T'Lar informed him.
"You know, now that you mention it yes." Jacob said taking a sip from his mug, savoring the dark roast and watching her move about.
"Ordinarily I would just replicate it but as you deem hand prepared meals to be an important ritual I will attempt to make it from scratch as they say. It will just take me a few minutes to replicate the ingredients." And with that she set about replicating the various components of the dish.
"I would never dream of forcing the ritual on you T'Lar but you may find it satisfying." Jacob replied.
Taking a pot T'Lar boiled the oats, adding just a dash of cinnamon, two tablespoons of brown sugar, two tablespoons of butter, half a cup of chopped walnuts and half a cup of cranberry raisins, stirring it all together with a splash of almond milk to thin out the porridge like consistency. She doled out two bowls, giving one to Jacob.
"Thank you." He said, accepting the bowl and taking a moment to appreciate the aroma before tasting. "That is fantastic T'Lar." Jacob said with excitement before catching himself. "I mean to say, your breakfast choices are agreeable."
"Oh my, I do not wish to be boastful, but I do believe this is better than the replicated version I usually have. Curious. I wonder wherein lies the difference?" T'Lar marveled.
Jacob took another bite before continuing. "My mother always says that food's enjoyment is related to the ritual of sharing it with the people you care about. I appreciate this T'Lar, you are a natural."
When they had finished their breakfast T'Lar cleared away the dishes, put them in the reclamator and tidied up the kitchenette before brushing her teeth while Jacob got ready for the day.
Tying his teal Merrell hiking shoes, Jacob looked up to watch T'Lar prepare for their day. Not for the first time recently he reflected at the state of his life right now. It wasn't that he ever disliked being single, but sharing this time with someone that seemed to understand things without it having to be explained was refreshing, and almost relaxing in a way.
Rising to his feet he smiled at T'Lar as he took their day pack, slinging it over his shoulder as he followed her out.
DL Bliss Park Trailhead
Stepping off the tram, Jacob looked up the path at the tall trees swaying in the breeze coming off the lake. With a smile he walked alongside T'Lar as they crunched through the dirt trail. From the path he could see the emerald green water of Lake Tahoe, the color was strikingly beautiful. Black capped chickadees fluttered from branch to branch in the trees around them and the occasional rabbit could be seen on the forest side of the path.
Looking back to T'Lar he asked. "If you feel comfortable, would you tell me about your daughter?" Jacob wanted to know more about her life, and who she was to the people she cared about. However, he could tell there was some level of trauma involved, and he didn't want to overstep.
"Now is as good a time as ever, I suppose," T'Lar answered a bit guardedly.
"I have been meaning to speak of T'Pral to you ever since the unfortunate incident with Sorak at the Pip and a Half Club on the holodeck. She is the sole child shared by my ex-husband Sunok and myself, though to call her a child would be incorrect, as she is almost nineteen years old. She has been raised by my mother on Vulcan from the time I entered Starfleet Academy. I offered to bring her on assignment with me once I made Lieutenant junior grade and would qualify for family quarters but by then she was well advanced in her preparatory studies for the Vulcan Science Academy entrance examinations. She has been accepted and will be attending the Academy at the start of the next session."
"Wow that's incredible, that must have been difficult for you being separated from her. You must be quite proud of your daughter." Jacob said, taking time to be supportive and not just impressed.
T'Lar nodded.
"Although 'proud' is not a term we Vulcans would use, T'Pral has brought great honor to our family with her many achievements in mathematics and science. She shares my aptitude for music as well. In fact you might say she takes after me quite a bit, looking very much as I did when I was her age; when my hair was much shorter in the typical Vulcan style."
"If only we all could be so fortunate to resemble such an incredible woman." Jacob said with only the slightest tone of flirtation.
T'Lar became pensive for a moment.
"Other than that there is not much to tell about T'Pral, save that she is engaged to be married to a young man named Voral. Her father and I arranged for their betrothal when they were each seven years old. Fortunately for her it has been a far better match than was my match with her father..." T'Lar said quietly as they made their way up the trail.
Jacob stepped up on a fallen log and reached back to help TLar up before hopping off on the other side. She didn't need his help, that was clear, but the subtle care in allowing him to help her did not go unnoticed. Jacob had this growing impression that she simply acted with intention more than anyone he had ever met. That was endearing, attractive, and actually quite admirable. He found himself attempting to learn from her.
"My father raised me with tales of his journeys as a science officer in Starfleet." T'Lar continued.
"I was fascinated from a young age with his stories about the many places he'd been and the many different types of people he'd met. He groomed me to want to attend Starfleet Academy from a young age. As Sunok and I got older it became clear that he did not share my enthusiasm for space travel, and he decided to follow his father into the business of city planning. He made it evident that once we were married he would not support my goal of entering Starfleet Academy. He thought rather that I should attend the Vulcan Science Academy instead."
She stopped at a rocky outcropping overlooking a vast vista of the lake and took a drink of water from her hydration flask.
"Once we were married and had T'Pral, Sunok doubled down, becoming dismissive of my wishes, to the point of being psychologically abusive and cold. When my father tried to reason with him he insulted him by telling him that I was his family now and that it was my father's failure to not raise up a previous child to follow in his footsteps. My father was advanced in age and suffered from a debilitating disease which makes controlling one's emotions difficult. It took everything my father had to maintain his composure, but he informed Sunok that he would speak with him no more. In our culture this act of shunning can have grave consequences and Sunok was incensed and refused to let me visit my father any more after that."
Feeling his hackles raise at the subtle micro tension in her voice Jacob replied. "That sounds awful T'Lar, I'm sorry you had to go through experiences such as that." He let the silence grow between them as he sipped from his own water source, letting the sound of lake wind move through the trees wash over them before continuing down the trail.
T'Lar nodded. "It was a very dark time for me. I was afraid of what Sunok would do legally if I were to defy him. My mother sent word that my Father was on his deathbed and I rushed to his side. He was so happy to see me, but confused as to why I'd stayed away. I told him that Sunok had forbidden me from visitation under penalty of divorcement and the threat of taking T'Pral away from me if I defied him and my father released me from my obligation to the arranged marriage. In essence, he and my mother were taking responsibility in our culture by pronouncement that they had made a poor choice in mates for me, and that paved the way for me to petition for divorce without stigma. My father died that night and the next day I served Sunok with a writ of divorcement. Given his treatment of me, I was awarded sole custody of T'Pral and he suffered much disgrace. Shortly after that I made up my mind to apply to Starfleet Academy, pending the blessing of T'Pral. She indicated that she was content to remain on Vulcan with my mother while I attended the Academy, and I transmitted my application for the following fall semester."
"I would imagine that arrangement must have also been agreeable to your mother following the passing of your father T'Lar. I am sorry for your loss." Jacob replied, thinking of his father's own deteriorating health. Yet again he was surprised at the things they had in common.
They came to a series of bridges over the larger gaps, Jacob stopped to look out to the massive lake and drink in the views. Checking to see if it was ok, Jacob interlaced his fingers between T'Lar's. Just staying there a moment together.
T'Lar, being a contact telepath, was instantly flooded with Jacob's feelings at that moment, and she reveled in the ecstasy of his affection for her, his contentedness in the moment, the peacefulness of his mind. Impulsively she pulled him to her and wrapped her arm around his neck and kissed him, riding the wave of endorphins cascading through her brain. This was what she needed in her life. This feeling of safety and contentment and affection wrapping her up like a blanket on a cold night. Softly breaking the kiss she fought to catch her breath, smiling as she did so.
Jacob held her closely, he had come to recognize the particular scent of her preferred hair product and now associated that smell with her. T'Lar's smile spread warmth through his mind and body in a way that could only be described as intoxicating. It was... easy to be with her. To be himself, to feel himself, traumas and all.
"I have a confession, Jacob," T'Lar said. "I don't know if you know this but we Vulcans are touch telepaths."
"Touch telepaths? You have been reading my mind?" Jacob said confused. "It's kind of a wild place in there." He said with a jovial laugh.
"Basically, every time I touch you, I experience your emotional state. It is an extremely intense experience for me, and thus far highly pleasurable."
"Oh. Ohhhh." Jacob replied finally understanding. "I thought Vulcans were just reluctant to engage in physical touch as a matter of culture. That's why I have always waited for confirmation before touching you." He said scratching the back of his head anxiously. "So to clarify... Not my thoughts?"
"No," she answered reassuringly. "I cannot read your thoughts through touch alone. I can only feel whatever it is that you are feeling at the moment. There is a technique whereby we could share our thoughts and memories together, called a mind meld, but it is not an act to be undertaken lightly. In fact it is the most intimate thing a Vulcan can share with another person. I've had some experience with a mind meld in the past and it is not something I would care to repeat anytime soon for reasons I'd rather not discuss. Perhaps one day that will change. I hope you understand."
The sound of a jet ski, hopping across the water at full speed echoed up towards them, it's internal combustion engine hitting the rev limiter as it shot in a straight line. "Thank you for telling me T'Lar. All of it. I find myself wanting to know everything about you. To understand you fully." He smiled. "But we aren't in a rush, and it is not a race. I think I have been quite fortunate to have shared that bridge with you in battle. We never know just who we will meet every morning when we put on that uniform."
T'Lar smiled a small smile.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding, Jacob. I too wish to get to know all of you. I know we both have our share of trauma in our past. I want you to know that I'm here for you in the moments when that inevitably resurfaces. As for our meeting, I feel it was quite fortuitous that you elected to have me take the number one chair. Had I kept to the Counselor's chair I doubt we'd have had much to talk about."
The trail turned away from the lake and progressed through the forest. Jacob and T'Lar were forced to walk single file, with T'Lar in the lead. Jacob found he did not mind in the slightest.
"These forests remind me of the Oregon hikes. I'll have to take you to Mount Hood one of these days. Maybe during strawberry season if we ever get so lucky." Jacob said, following her over a series of rocks and back on to the continuing trail. "My parent's house looks directly East and you can see the mountain on a clear day."
"I have never been to Oregon. I think I would enjoy that with you." T'Lar said scrambling over a bit of scrabble up the side of a large boulder revealing a view of the famous Emerald Bay below. From this vantage point Lake Tahoe spread out like a vast inland sea, stretching across the horizon surrounded by dense forest at the waterline and soaring mountains all around.
"If you like Northern California it's not so different. Maybe a slightly larger artist population but the climate is similar enough part of the year, the other half is a daily rain. It's not for everyone but I like it." Jacob said lightly, keeping up with her along the path.
Off to the right was a little clearing with a log set sideways like a natural row of seats to enjoy the view in the shade of the pines.
"Might not this make an excellent spot from which to enjoy our lunch and take in the view?" T'Lar asked.
"That sounds great T'Lar." Jacob said, taking a seat next to her and placing their day pack on the ground. He unzipped the main pouch and offered the bag to her. "Ladies first."
T'Lar took out her PB&J sandwich and took a bite. After chewing and swallowing she took a drink of water.
"I find I rather like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," she admitted. "Most Vulcans, owing to our aversion to touching things, refuse to eat with their hands. Some erroneously believe it is because we fear experiencing the death of the food we consume, which for vegetarians is a rather preposterous idea. It is however true that we do avoid handling meat for that reason, though this too is an antiquated practice given that most meat now is replicated. I got over my aversion to eating with my hands when I was first introduced to popcorn. You might call that my gateway food. Before that I used to use chopsticks and a knife and fork on everything from pizza to spring rolls. It's not that I couldn't eat popcorn with chopsticks, it just wasn't very efficient."
Jacob chuckled to himself. "I had a roommate at the Academy from London. He ate pizza with a knife and fork as well. I never said anything but I think he could tell I was amused." Jacob took out his own PB&J, how did she guess he preferred crunchy peanut butter? "There is something nostalgic about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It brings memories of childhood afternoons, simpler times." He smiled at T'Lar in between a bite.
"It has been noted that Vulcans who serve in Starfleet tend to not be your 'typical' Vulcans; at least as viewed by Vulcans who do not. It is said that simply serving with humans in such close proximity 'rubs off' on us, causing us to be more open to ideas and concepts and practices that more traditional Vulcans would eschew. It is safe to say that I am a good example of that." T'Lar observed.
"I think everyone becomes influenced by the people they are around frequently. That's why isolation is so dangerous. We need the check on our subjective perception of reality that can only be achieved through social interaction." Jacob took another bite from his sandwich and a sip of water before continuing. "I can only speak from my own experience but I would say that my experience in Starfleet has been incredibly helpful in widening my perspective."
T'Lar regarded Jacob closely. "For someone not in the counseling field, I am constantly amazed by your ability to distill psychological concepts down to a form easily understood and shared." She took another bite of her sandwich, chewed it thoughtfully and finally pronounced, "Fascinating. Truly fascinating." She took a sip of water.
"Tell me Jacob. How did you come to be in Starfleet?"
"My mother was in Starfleet for over 20 years, enlisted. I think I get most of my sense of humor from her. She used to say that tradition was important but we needed to remember that it can boil down to peer pressure from dead people." Jacob continued. "My older brother and father would prefer I continue graduate level course work and go into academia like they did. Safer. But there's something wonderful about being out there, doing what we do."
T'Lar nodded.
"Indeed. It has been everything my father told me it would be. It seems we both have a legacy within the organization. That is another cogent observation about tradition, by the way. I think I may borrow that one for use in the future."
"I'll pass along the compliment." Jacob replied with a smile. "She will probably just be excited that I've found someone." He said, watching her gaze out to the lake.
Having finished her sandwich, T'Lar was tucking into a banana, and in between bites she asked,
"Did you ever envision yourself in a romantic relationship with a Vulcan, Jacob?"
"This may come as a shock." Jacob said with a laugh. "I've never been much of a planner? Particularly once the Dominion War ended, I've learned to live one day at a time." He took a long drink from his water source. "So no. I also didn't really think I would find myself in another relationship after my divorce if that makes sense? I think you get used to being by yourself." He smiled at T'Lar. "So, initial performance review. How am I doing?"
T'Lar raised an eyebrow. "I would say that you have taken to it quite well. You do have one quirk that I find endlessly amusing if difficult to interpret."
"Well, great. What is the quirk?" Jacob said inquisitively.
"You have this habit of trying to 'speak like a Vulcan' wherein you will say something and then rephrase it in a stereotypical Vulcan manner," she confided. "Insofar as it shows a depth of respect and a desire to communicate in a manner that I am accustomed to, I honor the effort. Sometimes I wonder if you are teasing me, however."
"Oh!" Jacob exclaimed nervously. "I was attempting to show you a level of respect. I have a habit of expressing myself in a bit of a casual way, and I recognize it can rub some people the wrong way." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I think that at the end of the day, I'd like to be a source of comfort for you instead of a source of stress, I can stop if that is the case."
"Thank you for clarifying that for me. In that light I find it an endearing quirk, one that by all means you should continue as you feel comfortable doing." T'Lar answered.
"Well, that is decided then." Jacob said with a smile, rising to his feet and collecting the refuse, putting it back in the day pack. He held out his hand to help her up, both of them knowing that she didn't require his help but it was a gesture of affection. The two began to crunch down the path, turning back towards the lake and enjoying the views of their hike yet again.
"Tell me, do you have any favorite hikes back home on Vulcan?" Jacob asked curiously.
"I grew up in a small town not far from the city of ShirKahr. ShirKahr is an oasis and very important city on my planet, comparable to San Francisco on Earth. There is a spot in the hills just outside of town that overlooks ShirKahr and the view is quite aesthetically pleasing. I would say that is probably one of my favorite spots to hike to when I am home." T'Lar mused, walking hand in hand with Jacob down the trail headed towards Emerald Bay.
Jacob excitedly pointed out birds like the Dark-Eyed Junco and Mountain Chickadee, enjoying just being there with T'Lar, sharing the space and experience.
"I really cannot express adequately the contentment I feel in this moment, Jacob," T'Lar confessed. "It has been a long time since I felt this... whole. This complete. This at peace. I know that may come as a surprise coming from a Vulcan, but the trauma I've been through affects me just as much as it does anyone else. We Vulcans are just very good at repressing our emotions, but when those abilities become overwhelmed I suffer the same PTSD symptoms as any other trauma survivor. Meeting and getting to know you has helped me to begin to let go of the past in a way that honors what went before but allows for a brighter future."
"I think I understand." Jacob said smiling back at T'Lar. "Sometimes it feels like there's this barrier between myself and others since the war. With you though, it isn't there. I feel understood, I cannot describe how at ease that makes me feel. It is like I have been holding my breath and haven't noticed until you came along and reminded me it was ok to exhale." He found himself tracing circles along the back of her hand while they walked absentmindedly.
T'Lar stopped briefly, still holding Jacob's hand.
"I have another question for you Jacob. I was looking up the etymology of your name and saw that it's shortened form is Jake. It never occurred to me that I may be using your non preferred form of address, so I wanted to ask you, which do you prefer to be called?"
"My friends have typically called me Jake. Whichever you are comfortable with. I have to admit I do enjoy how my name sounds coming from your voice." Jacob answered with the slightest reddening of his cheeks.
"Duly noted," noted T'Lar, "Vulcans do not really have 'nicknames', as our names tend to be short enough as it is, though Brian's sister Shannon had difficulty saying my name when we met for the first time and took to calling me 'Tally'."
"I find your name as beautiful as you are T'Lar." Jacob replied, staring deeply into her eyes before softly kissing her. Separating shortly after he felt that electric thrum between them. He wondered if that was purely emotional or if there was some kind of feedback that he could notice when her touch telepathy was in effect. Regardless, he cherished the connection and how with her, all his worries didn't necessarily disappear but they became dimmer and more manageable.
"And I find yours as distinguished and appealing as you are to me," T'Lar rejoined. "Though I admit that Jake and Tally has a certain euphonic appeal to it, don't you think? I should like to capture this moment. Jake and Tally on a hike..."
T'Lar fished a small holocamera out of one of the cargo pockets of her shorts and set it to drone hover mode. Positioning themselves with a view of the lake to their backs Jacob and T'Lar smiled for the hologram.
"One more please," T'Lar asked putting her arm around Jacob's neck and leaning her head to his while holding the camera at arm's length for what used to be called a selfie shot, she smiled for the camera as Jacob gave one of his winning grins. A review of the footage left T'Lar deeply satisfied with the results.
As they made their way down the trail hand in hand, T'Lar could tell that Jacob was ruminating on something important he wanted to say. In that way that two people who are truly intimate with each other can be, the silence between them was no threat, but rather a chance to let the conversation breathe. When he was ready, he spoke.
"One thing I have learned, the hard way to be sure. Is that relationships shouldn't be one sided. One person can't shoulder the load for two people, not for long anyway." Jacob said as they continued their hike heading towards the pickup location for the return shuttle. "A better way, the way I am now committed to, is to walk beside your person, to be helped and to help when needed. I want to walk beside you T'Lar."
T'Lar marveled at his words. Did he know that the Vulcan word for mate meant 'they that walk along side'? Should she tell him?
"And I commit to walking beside you, Jacob. Together we are stronger and better able to help bear each other's burdens."
Jacob felt his smile reach the corners of his face. "How about you and I head back and relish one last night with a shower that has actual water pressure before we have to go back to the ship? I promise a massage that will be mostly professional." He said with a rare flirtatious attitude."
"That sounds most agreeable." T'Lar answered with a small smile.
Hours later Jacob leaned over the balcony after the sun had dipped below the horizon. Looking at the stars in the clear summer sky and the waves of the now dark lake. Taking a sip from his mezcal, he reflected and just how much his life had changed in such a short amount of time. Sometimes that was just how life could be he supposed, slow and then all at once. He sat down in one of the balcony adirondack chairs and picked up a cheap ukulele.
"You’re everything I’m thinking of
From time to time and dust to dust
Whenever there’s a lull between the void
You fill the silence"
"That is lovely, Jacob. Did you write it?" T'Lar asked.
"I did not actually. I'm a song appreciator but not much of a song writer I'm afraid." Jacob replied warmly, continuing to try to figure out the melody of the song transposed to the Uke. "It's a song describing the feeling of new affection and it has been stuck in my head lately for some reason." He said with a wink.
"I did not know you could sing. I thought you just played the trumpet. Perhaps we could do a duet sometime..." she proposed.
"I'm admittedly a much better brass player than anything else, although I am passable with the Uke. My vocal range has much to be desired. But we can certainly try." Jacob nodded in affirmation.
"There is one song I would like to sing with you..." she said, "It's a 20th century Earth song by a band called Foreigner. The song is called 'I want to know what love is'. I discovered it when I was looking for possible songs for the Pip and a Half Club performance and it resonated deeply with me, but at the time I lacked the confidence to perform it."
"I know it." Jacob said, briefly stopping the strumming to take a sip from his mezcal. "You might need to handle the higher notes." He laughed agreeably.
"You do realize that just because our reservation here is ending doesn't mean we are out of shore leave. As I understand it we have at least 4 more days with which to spend together if we so choose." T'Lar observed."Of course if you have other plans, such as visiting your family, I completely understand and encourage you to do so."
Jacob thought to himself for a moment. He loved his family to be sure but the Rosens were... a lot. Surprisingly, Jacob found that he didn't feel guilty thinking that. "How about a road trip? Let's take the 80 down to our old Alma Mater. I haven't been back to the Academy since I graduated. Depending on how long we spend there, maybe we could head south? Honestly, I don't have much of a preference so long as you're not tired of me yet."
"I am not tired of you yet. We could head to Starfleet Academy for a day or two then down to Santa Cruz and the redwood forests. There is a narrow gauge railroad that runs from a place called Roaring Camp back in the mountains all the way to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is a recreation of the seaside attraction as it was in the early 21st Earth Century. Roaring Camp is located adjacent to Henry Cowell Park, which I have been to before and they have a very impressive grove of ancient redwood trees, some towering as high as a hundred meters or more."
The two spent the rest of the evening discussing travel arrangements for the following days before settling down to bed, and T'Lar settling down to meditate. It had been a fulfilling three days so far and each was looking forward to the promise of more time together down the road.
TBC
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