USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0915

“Ok Everyone, Lower gravity means you're faster and stronger here.” Reeves warned. “Thin atmosphere means you’ll tire easily. So maintain a calm pace. Resist the urge to run and jump.”

Looking westward he started walking towards the structures. “Stay vigilant, in particular for anything moving. The Delvians are a plant based species this may be another one. Don’t assume a lack of heartbeat means it’s not alive or intelligent.”

Maintaining a constant eye on the tricorder in his hand and the surrounding area he picked his way slowly and carefully.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

A few times Araiza had looked rather uncomfortable around others, which was a presentation he preferred to reserve for the privacy of his own home. Whether it was from his timespan away from land or his lack of having a responsibility among his peers was anyone’s guess, but the man shuffled plainly behind the others. He could handle himself if conflict decided to find them, but having no real duty or space for a distraction left the lieutenant with a straight face. Not necessarily mad, not necessarily joyous. Troubled at best.

His uneasiness made it hard to appreciate the gorgeous surroundings. For what it was worth, he likely wouldn’t have appreciated it extensively without it. He missed the mute comfort of his usual areas on board. The man could at least appreciate the warmth of the light rays on his tan skin. Other than a mumble of acknowledgement at every other instruction, the man kept quietly to himself.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Away Team​

Zosh felt the shift in gravity the instant they materialized. He was not being pulled to the ground. It seemed like he was buoyant, as they advanced toward the alien structures. He tested the planet’s pull with a couple of light, controlled skips—just enough to gauge how far he could launch himself if things went wrong.

His tricorder hummed steadily. No threats. No energy signatures. Only the faint life‑signs of small animals and bird‑like creatures flitting through the canopy.

Ten minutes later, “Commander… I see the structures,” Loka whispered. She eased aside a cluster of broad, fern‑like fronds and pointed.

Nestled in a shallow cove lay a settlement so seamlessly woven into the landscape it was almost invisible. A carpet of vibrant moss spread across the clearing, broken into soft pathways by hedges of flowering shrubs. Each hedge framed a separate dwelling, their shapes organic and elegant, as though grown rather than built.

At the center rose a towering plant formation—tiered like an Earth pagoda, its layered surfaces draped in thick coils of grape‑like vines. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, catching on the glossy leaves and making the entire structure shimmer faintly.

“The structures are genetically engineered,” Loka murmured, awe softening her voice. She took in the settlement with a scientist’s fascination and a traveler’s wonder. “Whoever lived here… they shaped this place to grow itself.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0930

“Looks like an Elf village,” Reeves commented. “Blending and one with the surrounding flora.”

Raising his tricorder he scanned the area slowly. “Do not go inside any of the buildings and avoid the center structure. Those vines might be feeding tendrils and the buildings might be the equivalent Venus fly trap.”

“Split up, stay close to each other and make sure you stay in line of sight as much as possible.”

***

On board the Dark Fire Dr. L’Sa reviewed the data she’d collected from the HiiKii. They had extensive medical information on their own species but converting it into Federation had taken more time than expected.

Compiling the data into a non-medical or scientific report for the Captain was going to take longer.

***

Crawling through jeffrie tubes Yito changed bio-gel packs, the damaged ones would be refurbished and used elsewhere later. But for now it was grunt work that kept her occupied.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The away team spread out across the clearing, careful to keep one another in sight. Lt. Sol and Lt. Bumme were already scanning one of the plant‑grown “houses,” its walls pulsing faintly with bioluminescent veins.

“Elf village? Like where Santa makes his toys? I thought that was supposed to be in an arctic environment,” Zosh muttered to Loka, clearly baffled by Commander Reeves’s earlier comment. They were well outside the commander’s hearing range.

“He meant elves from fantasy literature,” Loka said gently, correcting her boyfriend with a small smile.

“Oh. I have not read many Earth books involving human sexual fantasies about elves,” Zosh replied thoughtfully. “But Vulcans do resemble elves. Perhaps that is why the Commander made the reference.”

Loka nearly choked. “No, Zosh. Absolutely not. Do not say that to the commander. He’ll put you in the brig before you finish the sentence.”

The Twi’lek stepped closer to the structure’s entrance. As she approached, the broad leaves forming the “door” unfurled and peeled back, revealing a dim interior.

She tapped her comm badge. “Commander, the door‑like plant structure opens when approached. The one we’re scanning just responded.”

A sharp chirp from Zosh’s tricorder cut through the moment. He glanced down, and his expression tightened.

He hit his badge. “Lt. Araiza, a large animal is moving toward your position.”

Even as the warning came through, Lt. Alfredo Araiza heard a soft, musical “Gleepeep… Gleebeep…” behind him. He turned slowly.

From the brush, a small creature stepped into view—a fawn‑like centaur, delicate and wide‑eyed, staring straight at him.

“Gleepeep… Gleebeep,” it repeated, tilting its head.

https://rule34.xxx/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=9647437&tags=lillia_(league_of_legends)

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Araiza’s just fine,” the man answered instinctively, having only paid slight attention to the other male’s words. He was too consumed in his own thoughts. He had spent the last few minutes of their separate ways wandering aimlessly, albeit conscious enough to not accidentally get himself or his team killed, on whatever was before him at least.

Still outside the fixtures, Sol’s words finally registered, as did the accompanying noise. He felt the inclination to reach for his phaser but remembered the commander’s warning. He was sure he could react quickly if necessary. Perhaps it’d be the ideal excuse to return.

Yet, once he faced the direction of the creature making soft noises behind him, he relaxed. It was unlike any creature he had seen before, but certainly not the strangest he had encountered. He reached for his badge, not making startling movements. “Thanks for the lookout, Sol. Reeves, we got some company. Hybrid, half animal, half person. Ixionidae. Likely female. Best case scenario, we have a little chat. Worst case scenario, I get some hoof marks on my face.”

Ending his communication, he raised his open hand towards the creature, signaling that he didn’t want to cause any harm. “Greetings. I am not here to cause or contribute any damage. I am a human. Are you able to understand me or communicate with me?” Araiza didn’t expect much, but it was worth a shot while they deciphered whatever language was used. He spoke slowly, in a soothing tone.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt. Sol and Lt. Bumme

The moment Lt. Sol spotted the centaur‑fawn, his phaser snapped up in a smooth, practiced motion. He shifted to advance—closing the distance for a cleaner shot—when Lt. Bumme’s hand grabbed him, stopping him cold.

“Hold up. You look like a giant, angry predator. Stay back and let me approach. We don’t want to spook it,” Loka murmured to Zosh.

“Fine,” Zosh grumbled, baring his teeth. “But one wrong move and we’re having BBQ fawn for lunch.”

Loka rolled her eyes so hard it was practically audible.

She eased forward toward Araiza, slow and deliberate.

At the same time, the fawn‑centaur stepped closer as well, her expression brightening. She reached out, took Araiza’s hand with surprising gentleness, and brushed it against her cheek. The gesture was unmistakably affectionate.

“No danger,” the fawn said with a warm smile. “Fun.”Then she guided his hand to the top of her chest, as if demonstrating some cultural greeting.

“Lt. Araiza—” Loka began, keeping her voice steady. Then she caught herself. “Alfredo. Just… go with it. I think this is her version of ‘hello.’”

She checked her tricorder, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.“Readings confirm she’s genetically engineered. I’m analyzing her speech patterns now, but I’m pretty sure she’s mimicking what you said earlier.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0935

“Lt. Sol, Put away your weapon,” Commander Reeves snapped. “No shooting unless your life is in danger. Or are you afraid of a naked humanoid?”

“Lt. Araiza.. if you kiss or have sexual relations with the alien, you’ll be in decontamination when we get back. Which will delay your return to duty.”

“Lt. Bumme, are you encouraging intimate relations with an alien species?” Reeves said as his jaw clenched.

“Mr. Araiza, remain calm, but remove your hand from her chest.” He added as he moved closer. It was amazing how fast these people threw protocols and regulations out the window.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza didn’t jolt at the creature’s movements, although he cringed at the use of his first name. The feeling subdued as the being’s actions continued. He reacted with a slight tension of his arm when his palm was placed against its skin.

He kept his hand still. He didn’t want anything to be misinterpreted. Ideally, he wouldn’t be touching any strangers. “Okay, cool, hello. Nice to meet you. This is my friend,” Araiza explained, nudging with his head to Loka. “She also is not here with any ill intent.”

Keeping a relaxed tone, he grumbled. “Woah, man, you really think I’d go fuck the first person we meet on a random planet?” He surely would if they were his type. Unfortunately, a centaur-like mystical being wasn’t. Still, he couldn’t help being offended. “Didn’t know you thought so lowly of me.”

Regardless of assumptions or formalities, he’d rather have his hand to himself. He slowly withdrew his hand from her hold, careful not to graze more of her body until it was safely resting on his side. The technician waited a few moments to assure nothing had been spread to him before he continued. He didn’t need a week in isolation due to a random skin illness.

“Anybody in these clothes is a friend,” he continued, tugging at his sleeves, then motioning to his acquaintances. “No harm, just learning.”

“Reeves, anyone, any chance we can check for nearby horse friends?” Araiza whispered, hoping it was loud enough for the commander.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0940

“No Mr. Araiza, I don’t believe you would intentionally, but there have been incidents on other ships that have resulted in unintended exposure, and pregnancies. And No I do don’t think lowly of you. I was seeking to prevent accidents. I will attempt to rephrase my warnings better in the future.”

Moving his scanner around Reeves looked at the rest of the group as he tried to see if any others were around. “There are several others, range 200 meters. Direction is thirty-seven degrees from Gravitational North. High probability of similar species.” Reeves said keeping his annoyance in check and not reflected in his tone or timbre. This was absolutely not the right way to have a first contact. He’d trade half the pilots to get a diplomatic liaison and first contact personnel on board.

Maybe they could recruit one of the new species to assist with that problem. He’d bring it up the next time he spoke with the Captain in person.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“I’m just fucking with you, man,” he promised. The sound of having company wasn’t outright pleasant to hear, but Araiza could only hope they were as peaceful as the being in their presence. As of right then, at least. He gave a quick glance at the other man. He was usually a blank slate, but he could swear there was a crack of irritation. It was nice to not be the bothered one in the room for once. Well, in the outdoors.

But that could wait. He didn’t want to be the reason the commander had any struggles, much less being so close to his return to work. “What now, Reeves? Make the calls. We got your back.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Fawn-Centaurs
The fawn‑centaur’s ears drooped when Araiza gently pulled his hand back. She stared up at him with enormous, liquid eyes and wounded innocence.

“Friend. Learning,” she echoed, her voice soft and hopeful. Then, with a tilt of her head, “No danger. Fun?” She offered her hand again, as if the meaning should be obvious.

Lt. Bumme kept her tricorder trained on the creature, readings scrolling rapidly.“I’m analyzing her neural pathways,” she reported. “Cognitive structure is… simple. Comparable to a highly intelligent ape from Earth.” She glanced at Araiza and Commander Reeves. “She understands mimicry, emotional cues, and basic intent.”

Before anyone could respond, another fawn‑centaur emerged from the foliage—this one male, taller, and far more forward. He trotted straight up to Bumme.

“Friend,” he chirped, then added with cheerful confidence, “Do you want fun?” He punctuated the question by placing a hand squarely on her abundant chest.

Lt Bumme froze. “Oh. That’s… direct.”

Lt. Sol​

Sol reluctantly holstered his phaser. He’d kept his distance, and the creatures hadn’t reacted to his weapon, but the commander’s order was clear. He obeyed—though every instinct screamed that someone was about to get mauled, and it would be his fault for not shooting fast enough.

He resumed scanning the perimeter, one eye on the fawn‑centaurs’ awkward attempts at “friendship.” That’s when his tricorder spiked.

Something fast. Something big. And definitely not a fawn‑centaur.

“Commander!” Sol barked.

A lion‑shaped beast with batlike wings and a barbed, bristling tail tore through the canopy above them. It let out a thunderous roar as it dove straight at Sol.

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/f...n_Crowe.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200311072942

He threw himself sideways, rolling back to his feet in a surprisingly graceful motion—helped by the low gravity, which made his massive, dinosaur‑tailed body feel almost weightless.

The creature’s tail snapped forward, launching a volley of spikes that whistled past Sol and Commander Reeves. Both officers dodged, barely avoiding impalement.

The beast wheeled around for another pass.

“Commander—permission to stun it?” Sol called out, chest heaving from the sudden burst of acrobatics.

While all this was going on, the Fawn Centaurs waited for Lt Araiza and Lt Bumme to answer them.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

His priority of respecting other cultures was cut short by both the sudden touch of the new centaur and the startling events unfolding near them. Araiza firstly grabbed the male’s wrist, removing it from Bumme’s chest.

“No,” he said firmly. The realization of imminent danger made him less patient. He let go of the man’s wrist. “No touching. We do not like touching right now. No fun right now. We are in danger. Go somewhere safe.”

He didn’t care about pleasantries in the slightest, not when his team members were in danger. Thinking quickly, he slipped his arm around Loka, rapidly guiding her away. They could speak and learn from their species when they were out of the woods.

Fully aware of their new company, Araiza nearly got upset at Sol’s lack of action until he realized he was following the commander’s orders. He couldn’t fault it, as much as he’d like someone to blame. As much as he’d like the time to.

He rapidly led the woman to the other lieutenant, reaching for his phaser. If he could lead people under him, surely he could help with the group. “Sol, you and Bumme take cover. Sol, look out for Bumme and do what you have to do. You’re our best fighter for a reason. Bumme, make sure he’s not injured and be on standby for any other people you might encounter. I’ll see you in a few, alright?”

He didn’t know if the commander would listen to his directions, but it was worth a shot. “Reeves, send some feedback to the ship. Maybe we can get some help or send some samples. Then we patch up whatever we had going with these guys.”

The return of the creature, particularly as it acknowledged more inferiors, resulted in another attack in their direction. Whereas the others had avoided being hurt, Araiza hadn’t been so lucky, the left side of his torso taking a severe hit from the monster’s tail.

“Shit!” he hissed, mainly out of frustration rather than the pain that would surely come with such a severe injury. He was blessed enough for the spines to not have fully digged into him, but they had scraped him profoundly enough to throw him off his feet. The adrenaline held him down long enough to focus and pull out his phaser with his right hand, taking aim and firing directly at the creature when it began to approach them yet again. Surely, his action would be justified.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0945

Cmdr. Reeves was about to answer Araiza’s comment when the abomination ripped through the trees. Why had they detected it earlier?

Hitting the ground rolling as he dodged the flying barbs, pulling out his phaser he pushed the settings to eight, that thing was to big for a lower setting and he didn’t want to kill it.

Two phasers hit the creature simultaneously, Araiza in its chest and Reeves in the head. “Everyone, bring it down!”

Tapping his comm badge Reeves called out the situation. “Two locals, possibly low intelligence. One Local Hostile. Carnivorous. Under attack. Medical required. Beam my comm badge to a holding cell!”

Tapping it again to hold the channel open he threw the badge at the hostile. Just in time for it to open it’s mouth and roar. He watched as the badge landed on it’s tongue and then dematerialized.

Lifting his tricorder he looked for more hostiles as he moved to Araiza. As he moved he realized he was limping, Looking down he saw several barbs in his lower leg, but adrenaline was still pumping through him so it didn’t hurt. Yet.

“Everyone, status report.” He ordered, turning his gaze to the first two locals.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza couldn’t have been more thankful for the Commander’s quick thinking, especially once he noticed his aim start to go crooked. His vision was blurring, his head not taking the toss well. The blood exiting his abdomen from four new pierced gaps was likely worsening it.

Confident the creature was gone, he pulled in his elbows and let the top half of him fall on the grass. The greenery was more comforting than expected. My, what a fantastic opportunity to have tested his first aid bodysuit. He wasn’t sure how much he was craving a second one.

He did his best to regulate his breathing and, looking up at the treetops, raised one of his hands with a thumbs-up. “Alive and kickin’. Just need a second.” Considering his inability to do as much as sit up, he’d need a bit longer than that. He huffed through his sentences, trying to press his left forearm against his injuries. “Check on the lovebirds…. Are our hosts okay?”

“I don’t want them to think… we’re just here to… kidnap their fauna or… something. You good?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Fawn Centaur​

At Araiza’s firm command—“No fun right now. We are in danger. Go somewhere safe.”—both fawn‑centaurs wilted. They gave a mournful little “beep‑gleep” and trotted back into the jungle, glancing over their shoulders like scolded puppies.

Lt. Sol and Lt. Bumme​

“Commander, we’re safe. No injuries,” Sol reported, sliding his phaser back into its holster. His tail twitched with lingering adrenaline. “That thing was skimming the treetops. Our scanners didn’t catch it until it was practically breathing on us.”

Loka frowned at her tricorder. Zosh’s comment had sent her double‑checking the readings. “I’ve got two more genetically engineered life‑forms incoming,” she announced. “Small ones. About the size of a terrier.” She pointed toward a dense patch of foliage where the jungle wall trembled.

Zosh immediately drew his phaser again. “Yeah… I think I’ll keep this out for now.”

The brush rustled violently, and two rat‑like creatures—each roughly ten pounds—scurried into view. They split up, one scampering toward Commander Reeves, the other toward Lt. Araiza. Their tails wagged enthusiastically, as if greeting old friends.

“I have a clear shot,” Sol said, bracing himself, waiting for the order.

“I’ve got the other one,” Bumme added, raising her weapon.

The creature approaching Commander Reeves darted right past Sol—close enough to brush his leg—and still showed no aggression.

“I don’t think they’re dangerous,” Sol murmured, uncertain but hopeful.

He was wrong.

Both rats skidded to a stop in front of their chosen targets and—faster than a blink—projectile vomited directly onto Commander Reeves and Lt. Araiza.

Sol reacted instantly, firing a stun blast that dropped the rat in mid‑retch.

The foul‑smelling fluid splattered across Reeves’s wounded side, and Araiza’s as well. Both officers recoiled instinctively.

“Wait—!” Loka shouted, eyes glued to her scanner. “The vomit… it’s some kind of healing agent.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora​

Captain Hora listened to Commander Reeves’ clipped, chaotic report:“Two locals, possibly low intelligence. One local hostile. Carnivorous. Under attack. Medical required. Beam my comm badge to a holding cell!”

There was a beat of silence.

“Tranport complete, Orders, Captain?” Lt. j.g. York asked.

“Send a medical team to the holding cell. ASAP. The commander’s hurt,” Hora jumped to the wrong conclusion.

Twenty seconds later, the medical team chimed in—far too calmly.

“Captain… there is a huge lion with wings in the holding cell. We do not see Commander Reeves.”

Hora shot upright. “HOLY SUPER NOVA—where is his comm badge?”

A beat later. Then: “Inside the lion.”

Hora slapped the console. “THE COMMANDER HAS BEEN EATEN! GET HIM OUT!”

Another pause. A longer one. The kind that suggested someone was scrolling through a tricorder going, huh.

“False alarm, Captain. The creature only swallowed the comm badge. Commander Reeves is not inside the monster. He’s still on the planet.”

Hora sagged back into her chair. “Thank goodness. I do not have the paperwork for ‘Commander eaten by mythological wildlife.’”

“Captain,” the medic added, “the monster is stunned, but… I’m worried about what happens when it wakes up.”

“Me too. Keep it stunned. Keep it very stunned. And don’t tell Commander Reeves about this. I don’t need him adding it to the list of ‘Captain Hora’s Leadership Moments.’”

She opened a channel to the surface. “Lt. Sol, what in the blazes is going on down there? Do you need medical backup?”

“Captain, situation’s under control,” Sol replied, sounding like someone who knew the situation was not under control. “Just a few puncture wounds. Lt. Bumme can patch everyone up.”

Hora pinched the bridge of her nose. “Wonderful. Perfect. I love it when away missions turn into veterinary chaos.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0950

Clenching his jaw in a rare display of emotion Reeves looked down at his leg and the stunned creature then limped over to Araiza and tapped his comm badge.

“Someone please send down a new comm badge for me please? Or the old one if it’s salvageable and cleaned. Third species non-hostile, small, approximately 10 – 15 pounds. Looks like a New York Sewer Rat. First species has left area. Lt. Araiza and I will require decontamination upon return. Also could someone send down a kit so we can take samples.”

Turning he looked at Bumme and Sol. “Lt. Bumme, take holo-images of the structures and send them to the Dark Fire. Mr. Sol, maintain combat alert and stun everything except the naked centaur creatures. For now I believe they may be some sort of advanced herbivore. But they aren’t the intelligence behind the structures or lifeforms on the planet.”

“I am going to reiterate, do not go into the structures and avoid the center structure. I still have a feeling about them. Hopefully I’m wrong but I’d rather not have to make a report that someone got consumed by a house or giant plant.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Three things kept cycling in his head: one, how much he’d rather have dealt with the painful but more dignified trip to medical; two, how the bile in his wounds had guaranteed a trip to decontamination, further delaying his return to work in such a disgusting manner, one where he had to accept that some residue was somewhere inside his body; and three, how he had wondered if he had been asked to join to change his perspective on their leading team, and how it had only intensified his opinion.

In between demands, his pain subdued, Araiza sat up, taking the badge for a brief message. “Araiza would also prefer to be excluded from future excursions, or at least the ones where rats don’t throw up on him. Thanks,” he groaned, returning the badge so the commander could finish speaking.

After the last instructions had been delivered, Araiza slowly got back on his feet, brushing off any dry residue. To his dismay, enough of the wet healing item had also stuck. He was thankful he was better—it had been more of a close call than he would willingly admit to—but the smell was terrible. To make matters worse, there were four slits on the right side of his top, exposing his chiseled center. Any cut was gone, but he didn’t find any degree of exposure to be an option in such an unexpected location.

He combed his fingers through his hair, pulling out a blade of grass or two from his waves. “What’s the chance you got something on you to wash this shit off my clothes?” Araiza asked. What was supposed to be comical came out with more indignation than he intended. He took a beat. “You alright? Your leg still looks rough. I mean, it looks like a rat on steroids threw up on it, but you need to get that stuff out.”

“Sit down real quick,” he instructed, pointing out a smooth boulder nearby. He’d worked with thin, precise material long enough to be able to get rid of it. His nails were practically filed for it. “You’re gonna slow us down if you keep those barbs there, and I really wanna take a bath as soon as I can.”

"I know you're not happy with how this is going, which is my job," he continued, "so get it out of your system now so we can finish this mission and go home."

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0955

Reeves:

“Your request is rather unusual. I would have determined you’d want to avoid vomiting rats. But your statement indicates you only wish to be on away missions where you will get vomited on. Very peculiar. Is there a psychological reason for this? Or do you find the vomit to be appeal or pleasant?” Reeves said as he moved to the indicated boulder.

He did agree that the removal of the barbs would be best, they weren’t deep enough to cause life threatening injury if they were removed, and they could contain a neurotoxin that could be hazardous.

Sitting down he watched as Lt. Araiza worked. “Unfortunately I do not possess any liquids for vomit removal. I will recommend all further away missions contain such liquids.” He replied with a raised eyebrow. He’d check with Dr. Grissom when he returned to find out if such a liquid existed, but doubted it. Plus he meant it a humorous expression, but wasn’t sure if Araiza understood that. But explaining it would only make things more awkward.

“What is your job?” He asked confused. “To not be happy on an away mission? Why are you not pleased? So far the mission has gone well, as we haven’t violated Starfleet General Order One.”

“Either the barbs or the vomit has a mild numbing agent so it doesn’t hurt as much as it should. Although adrenaline could also be a factor.”

“If it’s any consolation, both of us will have to go through decon.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Dropping down before the other man, Araiza reached for nearby leaves, rolling each individual one soft-side in. The rough underside would provide good grip while also keeping his fingers from touching any residue. He wanted to be a good teammate, but he had standards. “It’s less about the grammatical order of what I said and more about how I’m not having a whole lot of fun or enjoying any of those nasty parts. Don’t move; let me know if it hurts.”

He began to take the sharp items one by one. His fingers were quite precise, making it a painless duty. “If he could hook us up with them, that’d be—“ Saying it out loud made the humor click. He chuckled. “Look at you, cracking a joke for once.”

He was gathering a small pile beside him, eyes squinting here and there. He made sure to look out for swelling or bleeding, but the barbs looked to come out cleanly—at least as cleanly as they could. How peculiar. “My job is to be the upset person in the room. And I don’t know how you define ‘well,’ but I think getting our ass kicked, getting back-to-back surprises, and just having a general expectation of something about to go wrong any second yet again isn’t what I’d call ‘well.’”

He pulled a barb out. “Are you pleased with that?” He pulled another. “Because I’m not. I don’t like not having a plan. I know mistakes are normal and nothing’s predictable all the time, but I think I’m allowed to bitch about it before I keep going. I want to get stuff done for Sol, Bumme, and us to get back safe. I don’t want an excursion. If you’re gonna have me out here, then actually give me something to do.”

“I know you’ve been looking forward to seeing me naked,” he teased, tossing the last barb and leaf aside before getting on his feet after a last check. Araiza extended his hand out to help the other stand. “But I wanted to go back to work, and now who knows how long that will take. So I wanna get this job done as best as I can, as fast I can, because I cannot, for the life of me, tolerate one more day with nothing to do.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1000

Reeves:

“Away missions are always an unknowable situation. The inhabitants of the planet could be scientifically more advanced than we can anticipate. This could be a game preserve. Or they are more primitive than stone age inhabitants of Earth.”

“But that’s why we explore. To learn. To experience. But no, I am not pleased with the way this situation has developed. Tricorders will need to be adjusted to detect and analyze at a longer range. And since you are experiencing what an away mission goes through, you can understand the need for such devices.”

“Decon shouldn’t take more than an Hour, unless unforeseen circumstances alter that. Activities of an intimate nature would do so. You are allowed to use the Holodeck, so you can learn, study, experiment. Just not with anything work related.”

Taking the man’s hand he pulled himself up. “As for what I want you to do, to learn.. I want you to learn to work with others. To be more patient when failure occurs. Failure and mistakes always happen, that is a fact of nature. Yes, we attempt to limit and reduce those mistakes, by learning from them. Even though we are not always successful.”

“Mr. Araiza, Alfredo, I hold no I’ll will for you. And I understand the need for activity. To take ones mind away from one’s troubles. The need to not be alone with one’s thoughts.”

Testing his leg he gave the man a look. "Perhaps you should consider the Medical Field."​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Well, there’s a reason I don’t go on missions. There’s people like you, who like a little adventure and the unknown, and there’s people like me, who want to make sure people like you come home or are safe out here. I’m perfectly fine spending the rest of my life in a lab. Making things is more exciting to me than finding them.”

“I can understand these devices just fine. I know how they work. Hell, I could remake one with enough time out here. They’re just not my points of interest. I’m great working alone. Working on teams just leads to disaster. At least if a tech gets hurt under me, I can solve it from the get-go and do something about it, whether that’s punishment or precaution. Here? You and I could die any other minute, without us having any reason. I don’t like that. I don’t want it.”

He crossed his arms, shrugging lightly. “I don’t think you and I will ever agree that teamwork is always the best option. I know how important it is—it’s why I’m always trying to fight for the quality of life for our guys on board. It’s why I don’t think they should ever go under appreciated. It’s why I get angry when my guys don’t do their jobs properly. But it’s not for me. I’m sick of losing people, man. I can’t do my work if I’m always scared I’m going to lose someone else, and that’s better translated into giving them a fighting chance, not being next to them and watching them die.”

“They trust the machines I put in their hands and that’s something I can keep in check and that they can keep in check if they please. Anyone at the little table your people have your fun breakfasts at every other morning could completely throw you under the bus at any given moment, and you’d have no clue leading up to it. I’ll stick with my chemistry.”

“Medical? No way. I’m too spiteful for healthcare.” Once he was sure his leg was alright, he turned and began to walk. “Freddie works fine off the clock, but I’ll break the jaw of anyone else who uses it. Let’s go find the others.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

A communication badge and sample kit shimmered into existence on the moss beside Commander Reeves.

Lt. Bumme moved methodically around the strange organic structures, capturing holo‑images and transmitting them to the Dark Fire. Lt. Sol maintained a wide, protective stance—phaser ready, eyes constantly sweeping the treeline and flicking back to Bumme to ensure nothing slipped past him.

Two minutes later, Sol stiffened.“Commander—two flying life‑forms inbound, coming in low over the water.” His tail twitched as he adjusted his scanner. “Cold‑blooded. Not the same signature as the lion‑thing we beamed up. I’ll stun them as soon as they’re in range.”

They emerged from the ocean mist like living kites—two enormous, iridescent butterfly‑creatures gliding effortlessly above the waves. Each wingspan was broad enough to carry two adults with room to spare. They were bigger than a shuttlecraft. Their flight was smooth, unhurried, almost serene.

“Sir,” Sol said, lowering his weapon a fraction, “their approach isn’t hostile. With your permission, I’ll hold fire unless they make a threatening move.”

Reeves gave a curt nod.

The creatures continued forward without aggression. They touched down on the beach in perfect unison, folding their wings as they settled into the sand. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, they bent their legs and lay down—side by side—like beasts presenting themselves for riders or awaiting instruction.

They weren’t attacking.They were… waiting.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1005

Reeves:

“The object of the breakfast gathering is to form a closer bond than simple work. At times we also discuss ship matters. Much like junior officers and NCO’s engage in poker parties and illegal drinking. And anybody that would throw someone under the bus as you say, wouldn’t be in a position to be at the Captain’s Mess.”

“Alfredo, everyone on this ship is respected and appreciated. Granted not all of them are liked or appreciated to the same level at the same time by everyone. To declare otherwise would be a radical assumption and thus a lie.”

“I’ve been on the front lines in a number of ground force assaults and defenses. I’ve learned by being there. Reading reports and requisitions taught me nothing other than that a person is capable of writing in the most boring way possible.”

“And as you are not on the front lines when you or your people make a mistake they have a chance to fix and adjust. No one dies in a lab, unless gross incompetence is involved. And I don’t see that happening around you. I’m not asking that you stop being hard. I'm asking that you just be... less angry. Meditation could help. It helped me.”

Pausing he looked at Sol as he puled his phaser back out. As they touched down Reeves looked them over as he raised an eyebrow. “No one goes riding and climbing on them. Aerial mounts they might be, but caution is the word of the day.”

“Although it is interesting that we’ve encountered four alien species in a short time, but not of a level of technology to indicate warp travel.”

“Bumme any information on the habitations?”​