USS Dark Fire (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Bumme
Lt. Bumme knelt beside one of the structures, her tricorder humming softly.“Commander, these plant‑structures are absolutely engineered,” she said, awe edging into her voice. “At first glance they mimic ordinary botanical anatomy—roots, stems, leaves, even fully developed organ systems. They have vascular tissues for transport, ground tissues for support and photosynthesis, and dermal layers for protection. All perfectly normal… until you look at what they actually do.”

She stood and gestured toward the dwelling‑shaped growth. “These organisms were designed as living shelters. They don’t appear to age or die naturally. Nothing on this planet’s food chain can digest them. And while they can reproduce, the process only initiates when another structure is destroyed. Not from senescence—just from external damage. A fallen tree, a landslide, something like that.”

Bumme tapped her tricorder again, shaking her head in disbelief. “Whoever created this ecosystem wasn’t just advanced—they were operating at a level of genetic engineering far beyond current Federation capability. If I had to guess, Commander, the species that built this place had mastered warp technology long before they ever planted these living habitats.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1010

Reeves:

“That is a logical conclusion, but without proof they are still a non contact species. If you show me evidence of warp technology I will revise my conclusion. But a number of species have developed significant biological advancements without warp technology, including Humans which were cloning and modifying genetic strains before leaving their own solar system.”

“The Eugenics Wars set the human race back several centuries, it was only after recovery that they developed Warp Drive. And that was due to the work of one man, Zefram Cochrane. And the accidental presence of the Vulcans. Otherwise Humans wouldn’t have been included for several centuries.”

“Bumme, get an intensive scan of the center plant organism, Mr. Sol... keep your phaser in hand, and shoot the plant if it makes any move of aggression towards the Lieutenant.” He couldn’t believe he was actually ordering the Giant Aggressive Lizard to be more aggressive.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Bumme
Lt. Loka Bumme studied the towering central structure—a living pagoda, its tiered layers draped in thick, looping grapevines. The whole thing breathed gently, as if aware of her attention.

“Well… let’s see what happens,” she murmured, stepping forward with the confidence of someone who had already decided curiosity was worth the risk. The rest of the away team held their breath. Lt. Sol kept his phaser raised, eyes locked on her back.

As Bumme approached, the plant’s entrance unfurled like a blooming flower, widening to admit her. She crossed the threshold—and the structure chimed.

A bright, cheerful ding.

Sol nearly fired.Bumme immediately lifted a hand. “Everything is fine,” she said, eyes already scanning her tricorder. Her voice echoed softly inside the chamber.

From above, two seed pods descended on thick tendrils. They split open with a soft hiss, releasing clouds of shimmering, pollen‑like motes. The particles swirled, gathered, and began knitting themselves into a shape.

A creature emerged—an intricate hologram woven from living dust.

It resembled a mammal, though not one from any Federation database. Two arms, four powerful legs, and a long, muscular tail. Six eyes blinked in perfect synchronization, arranged to give it extraordinary depth perception. A broad mouth and elongated nose lent it a perpetually irritated expression. Long, drooping ears framed its face, and two short horns curved from its skull. Thick, durable skin—lightly furred with coarse hairs—shifted in shades of bronze and deep blue. It even wore clothing, though the style was unfamiliar.

The projection lifted an arm and began to speak, its gestures deliberate and theatrical. The universal translator struggled, catching fragments—until finally, a full sentence emerged:

“…it is a classic play, but we do hope you enjoy it.”

The pollen dispersed, then reassembled into two additional figures. Behind them, the plant’s inner wall rippled and transformed into a vivid backdrop: a sunset over a world with three blazing suns.

“Stop the performance,” Bumme said.

Instantly, everything froze.

She smiled and said in an excite bubbling voice. “Commander… I think this is a theater.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1015

Reeves:

“Biological holographic generators. Fascinating. Bumme, take an image of the holo. Dark Fire can compare the image to known astrological locations. That may be the origin planet of the creators of this place.”

“We need to collect samples of the plant, but without damaging it. Surface cells only. Pollen that falls. Extensive scans of everything.”

“Mr. Sol you can lower your weapon, begin scans as well. Mr. Araiza, please assist in scans and tissue collection. No cutting. No burning. Respect the life forms.” Reeves ordered as he moved towards the giant butterflies and began collecting samples that could be wiped from the skin and wings, and with detailed genetic scans.
​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Away Team’s Final Visitor
Everyone was busy collecting samples just as Commander Reeves had ordered. For nearly an hour the away team worked in focused silence—until Lt. Sol suddenly emerged from the massive pagoda‑like plant, phaser drawn and eyes sharp.

“Commander,” he called out, voice tight with urgency, “we have two more genetically altered creatures approaching—one riding the other.” He checked his tricorder again, then pointed out across the water.

Skimming low over the waves came another of the enormous butterfly creatures, its iridescent wings scattering prismatic light across the shoreline. Perched on its back was a fully formed, living version of the pollen‑generated being they had seen earlier—two arms, four legs, six unblinking eyes.

Lt. Sol held his fire, though his stance remained coiled and ready. Only when the butterfly settled gently onto the sand and its rider dismounted did he ease his finger away from the trigger.

“Commander Reeves, Lt. Sol, Lt. Bumme, Lt. Araiza—welcome to Moby‑X1,” the alien said, its voice resonant and unexpectedly warm. It turned its six eyes toward Reeves. “I am the caretaker of this place. I’ve only just realized you do not understand what you’ve encountered.”

It swept its arms wide, encompassing the strange structures, the engineered creatures, the entire tranquil compound.

“This world is designed to amuse you,” it explained. “To entertain you.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1020

Reeves:

“Fascinating,” Reeves commented as he arched an eyebrow and watched the alien. “How do you know our names?” He asked calmly.

“This was designed for us specifically? Or anybody that visited in general?” he asked.

He noticed Lt. Sol’s stance and didn’t correct him, which was possibly unspoken permission to keep his phaser at the ready.

“Your bio-engineering capabilities are interesting but we have certain protocols for first contact and until those protocols are satisfied we cannot possibly partake of this places… entertainment value.”

“Is your species responsible for the Bio-engineering or are you simply a representative of another species?”

He had a great number of questions to ask, but asking them was a slow and delicate process.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

“Let me try to answer your questions, Commander,” the caretaker began. “I learned your names by analyzing your conversations while you examined this facility. Was it designed specifically for you? No. My… builders constructed this complex long before your visit. I am a bio‑engineered replica of the race that created it.”

It paused, as if choosing its next words with care.

“My makers traveled the stars using faster‑than‑light technology. But they ceased returning to this world roughly one hundred thousand years ago. Since then, my programming—and that of every engineered plant and creature within these grounds—has continued without interruption, maintaining the environment and awaiting their return. Our directives do not permit us to do anything else.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1025

Reeves:

“Interesting,” Reeves replied. “Is this the origin world of the species? Or did they originate elsewhere and colonize this planet and star system?”

“And from your statements. It sounds like your slaves of a sort. Unable to make a choice to leave or do something else.”

“What if the builders of this place never return?” He asked. “What if the visitors don’t want to experience what’s offered?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Caretaker

“This is not the origin world,” the caretaker replied. “What you see behind us—the backdrop in the play—is the origin world.”

He tilted his head, studying the questioner. “You ask if I feel like a slave. I do not. It is… an odd comparison. Do you feel enslaved by the need to breathe? Or to eat? These things are simply part of what you are. My purpose is part of what I am.”

He spread his hands, palms open. “We have little influence over whether the builders ever return. But we do take pleasure in providing enjoyment to all visitors. If someone does not wish to experience what we offer, we adapt. If adaptation is impossible, they are free to leave.”

The caretaker’s tone warmed, almost enthusiastic. “Play is important. The more advanced a species becomes, the more essential play becomes. So—what experiences would you like?”

He gestured toward the enormous butterflies. “We offer amusement rides. Many forms of sport. Courtship rituals. Hunting simulations—this clearing, for example, is where the winged lion-creature once chased the builders. They delighted in being pursued.”

His gaze slid to Lt. Sol. “I sense your people are a predator race. If you wish, we can arrange hunts suited to your abilities.”

He continued, ticking off possibilities with gentle precision. “We have all forms of art: plays, singing, storytelling. Or, if you prefer, we can simply serve you. You may rest on the beach while we provide food and drink.”

A faint smile touched his lips. “Whatever brings you joy, we will try to create.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza had opted out of listening to the conversation the second their supposed host explained their lack of information on their bioengineering. Quite the shame, as he was curious about how it could be implemented into his own works. In theory, he could play with a few microbuildings, but it could take far too long to get it down.

The idea of taking a dip in the body of water before them was seductive, both by his realization that he hadn’t touched actual body of water in two years and by his wish to clean himself up. Granted, for all he knew it wasn’t water at all or could land him a longer stay in decontamination.

Since the commander had stressed the importance of protocol, he figured suggestions weren’t worth entertaining.

He did have a question, though. “Hold on. You keep saying ‘visitors’ and stuff, continuously. What other visitors have you had? How long ago? Had anyone tried anything harmful?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1030

Reeves:

“Before we allow anyone to partake of your facilities we’ll need to perform extensive biological and chemical testing and analysis of the planet. It’s within our primary habitation zone, but until we confirm we cannot safely allow access in mass.”

Glancing at Araiza Reeves gave an approving nod, “Also we are seeking information on warp capable species, as we cannot contact those that have not achieved that level of technology. That would be something a great many of our people would enjoy. In particular a species that looks like liquid silver but is able to take on solid form as well.”

“But I will give my recommendations to the Captain after our assessment.” He added. If the Captain approved, he’d suggest no more than a hundred at a time. With the Counselor, The Captain, Sol, and Araiza in the first group.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Caretaker

“We have hosted three faster‑than‑light species before you— the Scrug, the Erkens, and the Kenkrols. None ever attempted anything harmful. You are, in fact, the first visitors to suffer injury here. Of the three, the Scrug were the most inclined toward conflict.

“The Scrug arrived 1,046 years ago. Bird‑like in form, they possessed four immense, muscular wings and two small clawed legs. Around their beak‑mouth clustered a ring of agile tentacles capable of remarkable precision. They did not remain long; most of our amusements were ill‑suited to their physiology.

“The Erkens came 246 years ago. Reptilian, with four eyes, two arms, two legs, and a short, heavy tail. Their males were far smaller than their females, yet considerably more cunning. They stayed for some time and found many of our experiences enjoyable.

“The Kenkrols visited forty years ago. Octopus‑like, with numerous long, powerful tentacles and a tall dorsal frill crowning their heads. They had only two eyes, and those were poor—touch was their dominant sense. They lingered here as well, delighting in our venues and especially in our oceans.

“We have never received visitors of liquid silver.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

The man gave a quick look at the commander, as if silently asking if he was also not certain of what was being told to then. To Araiza, who had seen people so willing to take and conquer even the most mundane things like some leftover cookies it seemed unrealistic. In an ideal universe, sure, a vacation planet with bizarre healing properties and outright hospitality would be a blessing.

As far as he knew, he wasn’t in an ideal universe. He’d remain quiet on the topic, but he reached two of his own conclusions: either they were being misled or a nefarious guest had ever unnoticeably come and gone or they were on their way. Skin exposed and with only a phaser at his disposal, Araiza didn’t want to stick around long enough for the second hypothesis.

He did have another question, mostly on whether their samples would do any good away from their territory. He was tempted to ask how their matter acted outside the planet, but he didn’t want to appear in a threatening manner. Instead, he simply listened, arms crossed against his chest.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1035

Reeves:

Reeves was pretty sure information wasn’t being divulged. Those three species had probably been here, but there had been more likely a great many more over 100,000 years.

Hell, the Silver Parasite may have been here or even been the ones to populate and create the planet. Didn’t seem likely, but he didn’t trust everyone easily. It was part of his issues with the Captain. Keeping his face calm Reeves returned Araiza’s look.

“Are any of the lifeforms able to leave the planet? Perhaps go to our ship for a short visit so we can better understand what was done to you and how? There will be no invasive examinations.”

They needed a lot more information about these people and the planet. “We apologize for being cautious but we’ve had encounters with other pleasure planets, including Riza, and Rubicon III with the Edo people. That planet almost resulted in a major conflict because information had been withheld. Information all the Edo took for granted, but we knew nothing about.”

“Can you communicate with the other planets in this system, or outside this system? Are you able to travel to other planets in this system? What do you eat? Do you gain nutrients from the sun or from consumption?”

“We met another species of photosynthetic biological. That absorbed sunlight and were able to eat proteins.”

“Please understand that our primary purpose is to learn and explore. To study other lifeforms.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Caretaker

“So many questions!” the caretaker said, sounding genuinely delighted. “Yes, you may take a sample back to your ship. I would recommend a Fawn Centaur. They are here for courtship rituals and possess a pleasing degree of intelligence.”

He folded his hands behind his back, almost apologetic. “I cannot communicate with the other planets in this system, nor with anything beyond it. I cannot travel to them, either. My function is bound to this world.”

He gestured toward the lush vegetation around them. “I eat only the plants that grow here. My builders were careful not to disrupt the natural evolutionary path of this planet. Our presence is intentionally minimal. The genetically altered life forms—those created for play, study, or companionship—hold no interest for the native species. We coexist without interference.”

A faint smile touched his features. “That was the intention of my makers. A light touch. A small footprint. And a world allowed to grow as it was meant to.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza was all too quick to object to the creature suggestion.”Yeah, I don’t think it’s a great idea to bring people who were trying to cop a feel five seconds into knowing us. I don’t really care if that’s their custom. Are there any other people open to it, or can we at least be assured they’ll keep their hands to themselves?”

It was quite difficult for the man to buy most of what was being said, solely based on common sense. His eyebrow slid up. “Okay, but… you do realize not wanting interference isn’t and has never really been a defense for people looking to colonize, right? Don’t you guys have some sort of set protection? Wouldn’t you benefit from some allies? You’re obviously not alone in this galaxy, and a few lions aren’t gonna stop anyone.” Were they truly this naive, or were they lying? He hated not having answers.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt. Bumme worried the Caretaker might be uneasy under Commander Reeves’ and Lt. Araiza’s probing. Their questions weren’t unreasonable, but to an alien intelligence bound to a single world, they might have sounded like suspicion. She stepped forward, choosing her words with care.

“Commander, Lieutenant… consider the scale we’re talking about. The Andromeda Galaxy holds roughly one trillion stars. Even if only a fraction host planets—and we know many do—and even if five hundred warp‑capable civilizations each surveyed a new world every single day, it would still take them around five million years to catalog the entire galaxy. A world like this, with no obvious technological signatures, would be overlooked by most explorers. Nothing the Caretaker has said contradicts what we know about galactic exploration patterns.”

Her tone stayed calm, but there was a quiet firmness beneath it. “I don’t think we should be so quick to doubt its answers.”

The Caretaker inclined its head, bioluminescent patterns rippling faintly across its surface—gratitude, perhaps, or something more complex.

“Your caution is understandable,” it said. “And the Commander and Lieutenant are correct in one regard. We rely on the Builders and their fleet for protection. But should they fail…” The pause was deliberate, almost theatrical. “There are additional defenses.”

A subtle shift in the air suggested that whatever those defenses were, no one present wanted to see them demonstrated.

The Caretaker’s tone lightened again. “And if a centaur does not suit your needs, you may select another of the altered species.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1040

Reeves:​

“I’m fully aware of the potential number of populated planets and how spread out they are astronomically, Lieutenant. We are simply asking questions. And many civilizations would be all to willing to prey on a technologically inferior species.”

“Your builders have a fleet? How would they know if you were attacked? We are seeking allies as well as information, is it possible the Builders as you call them would be willing to help? What are the builders called anyway? The Name of their species?”

“A centaur, as you call it, would be acceptable. They will be contained inside a force-field while aboard ship, at least until it can be verified that they don’t pose a biological hazard.”

“The individual should be returned within a 24 hour span.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Yeah Bumme, except they already had at least three visitors as of the last millenium, according to this guy. As soon as forty years,” Araiza pointed out. “Plus those time gaps keep shortening, don’t they? A two-hundred-year gap versus a forty year gap is a little too quick of a change.”

“I wouldn’t know about no obvious signatures, ‘cause we’re here, aren’t we?” the man shrugged, then gripped his materials yet again. At the end of the day, he wasn’t into research or in a place to diplomatically confront, but he had been involved in enough conflict to sense something was off, whether with or without intent.

“Anyway, I’m gonna finish with those butterfly samples. Holler when we’re headed home or a half-jaguar with a six-pack shows up or something,” he called over his shoulder, walking to the creatures nearby.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Caretaker

“The builders’ scientific name is Esox axelrodi, though they simply called themselves Esox,” the Caretaker said. “They once governed this region of space. I never communicated with them directly—visitors arrived, and we provided the experiences they desired. That was the rhythm of things.”

His expression dimmed, almost apologetic. “But roughly one hundred thousand years ago, they stopped coming. Perhaps they evolved beyond the need for diversion. Perhaps another species destroyed them. I cannot say. My records hold no answers.”

He folded his hands behind his back. “My purpose is to maintain these facilities until their return. I am not authorized to form alliances or treaties.”

A rustle of foliage drew attention as a male Fawn Centaur trotted into the clearing and halted beside him. The creature dipped its head respectfully.

“Your sample is prepared,” the Caretaker said, gesturing toward it with quiet pride.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1045

Reeves:

“Thank you,” Reeves said to the Caretaker. “We’ll perform our analysis and return the subject unharmed in 24 hours. We’ll also provide you with answers as to whether we can, and will, take part in your facilities at that time.”

Calling everyone back he had them beamed aboard the Dark Fire, with the Alien subject transported to Xenobiology and contained in a level 10 medical field.

“Everyone thank you for your patience, skills, and time. I’ll be in contact with some of you later. Also I’ll need everyone to make a report of your experiences on the planet. As much detail as you can recall.”

Leaving the group he headed for the Bridge and gave a summarized report to the Captain.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza was internally overjoyed to be back on the ship, a feeling that ended all too soon when he was led to decontamination. He tried to talk himself out of it, but no one seemed to want to entertain his weak excuses.

In his isolation, the man paced around the room, silent. He hadn’t received the treatment in ages, and part of him was upset that he’d been exposed in the first place. He hadn’t asked to go on a mission. His perspective may have budged, but it was ultimately still intact. He wondered how much progress in his work he could’ve made in the wasted time, but he also knew it was useless to fantasize. He hadn’t been allowed back yet, after all.

At least politically he was stagnant, but his curiosity was shaken. He still had dozens of questions for the beings they had encountered, but he doubted they’d be able to supply proper answers. If they could properly defend themselves from threats, how could they do so? How could they operate with such a large gap in their knowledge? And whatever they were from in the first place—how could he incorporate it for the defense of his own folks?

On top of that, but less importantly, the commander had gotten away with avoiding decontamination from the get-go. Dick.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora lounged in the captain’s chair as Commander Reeves wrapped up his debrief.

“So the planet was an amusement park,” she repeated, savoring the old Earth term. “Adorable. Honestly, it sounds tame compared to Orion. The stories I could tell you—just from the dorms at the Science Academy—WOW. And don’t give me the propaganda about Risa. Yes, yes, beaches, resorts, friendly people with no inhibitions. Cute. But Orions live for pleasure…”

She was mid‑gesture, about to launch into a truly scandalous anecdote, when a security officer and a medic marched onto the bridge and seized the commander by the shoulders.

“Commander, you need to report to decontamination,” the medic said briskly.

Hora blinked. “Ahh—wait—hold on—I’m the Captain.”

“Sorry, Captain,” the medic replied, already dragging Reeves toward the turbolift. “The commander can finish his debrief via his comm badge.”

The doors slid shut.

Hora stared at the empty space where her authority had just been manhandled away. “But what am I supposed to do with the sleeping winged lion… and this deer‑centaur?” she asked the closed doors, baffled.

Ten Minutes Later — Xenobiology Lab​

Captain Hora stepped into the Xenobiology lab, instantly soothed by the familiar hum of scanners and the glow of holographic life‑form displays. The place buzzed with scientific activity—exactly the kind of environment that reminded her she had once been a scientist before Starfleet decided she was captain material.

She spotted the winged lion and the deer‑centaur, both suspended inside a level‑10 medical containment field. She waved over Ta Penu, the civilian xenobiologist, who looked up with her usual serene, unreadable expression.

“Captain,” Ta Penu said with a polite nod.

Hora smiled at the tall, elegant Kaminoan. She remembered—regrettably—that Kaminoans didn’t engage in sex. A shame. That could’ve been fun.

https://rule34.xxx/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=9208317

“Ta Penu,” Hora said, hands on hips, “any reason I can’t talk to the deer‑centaur?”

“The species currently has the designation Moby‑X1 AG1202,” Ta Penu replied in her perfectly flat tone. “Lt. Bumme and Commander Reeves referred to it as a fawn‑centaur.”

“May I talk to the fawn‑centaur?”

“Yes. But it is very friendly. It is designed for courtship.”

Hora’s eyebrows shot up. “You don’t say.” A slow grin spread across her face. “Well, as Captain, I think before we risk any other crew member in such a hazardous encounter… I should be the first.”

Ta Penu blinked once. “Hazardous?”

Hora winked. “You never know.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1130

Reeves:

Walking into the decon chamber Reeves glanced at Araiza before scowling at the medic and security guard. “I get it. And no I didn’t touch anyone.” He grumbled as the door closed and he started peeling off his clothes. The pants were ruined by the barbs and the cutting to examine the wound.

Once disrobed he took samples of the vomit and the wound before stepping into the shower and removing all the dirt and grime from the planet as well as residue of the healing vomit from the rat bioform.

Stepping back out of the shower a few minutes later he took samples of the wound again and put everything in the sample chamber for the medical team to examine.

Now it was a waiting game. He loved first contacts, but despised it for the decontamination routines. Once the planet was deemed safe for visitation it wouldn’t happen again, but until the samples were analyzed and crosschecked against every known genome, it was an expected hazard.

Looking over at Araiza he shrugged. “Tri-Chess? Pyramid? Or Poker? While we wait for results…”

***

Stepping around the corner Dr. L’Sa looked at the Captain. “Once we’ve determined that the alien species not a biological hazard to any genome on the ship I’ll let you partake of whatever the alien is willing. With the understanding that Commander Reeves did agree to return the Fawn-Centaur to the planet within twenty-four hours. So any activity would undoubtedly be required to be.. brief.”

“With as little as we know of the culture failure to comply with an agreement may be grounds for insult and retaliation.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Alright, perhaps there was an inch of justice. The man turned towards his new companion, making a slight sour face. “No thanks. I don’t really like board games unless I’m in a bar.” Truth be told, even then he found them to be quite the bore. Perhaps they spared a few years of cognitive decline, but he wouldn’t miss too much anyway.

He did a quick glance around the room, then continued with a low but understandable tone. “I wanna talk about these things we met. I’m not buying any of their bullshit. I know it’s not my project or whatever, but are you gonna tell me there’s not something off about them and that place? They’re either a different breed of stupid or lying by omission, and either way, I don’t think they’re good news.”

Araiza’s natural state was more often than not to distrust, but the concern in his blue eyes didn’t have it’s typical hint of self-perservation. Instead, it was pure worry. “I know you guys are just gonna keep probing and it’s not like you’ll be trusting from the start, but you need to be extra careful, man. I don’t like them.”