USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1135

Reeves:​

“Through my years of Service Both in the MACO and Starfleet I’ve discovered that those that are stupid are more dangerous than those that are deceptive.”

“But no I don’t trust them. Their creators have been gone for a hundred thousand years and they don’t care? And the claim of a fleet able to defend them as well as their own defenses? Leads me to determine that they need a lot more observation. And how many more forms of entertainment do they have?”

“I’ve recommended extreme caution and slow progress, but the Captain will do and order as she wishes. I’m only allowed to advise, but yes.. they seem off.”

“I wasn’t aware that poker was classified as a board game. Is that a personal distinction or have I been away from Human socialization for so long that terms have changed?”

“Oh, how was the advice on the Vulcan you’re trying to date? Any progress?” Reeves asked grabbing a pair of shorts and putting them on before he started drying off.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Part of me wonders how much of individual creatures they are,” Araiza added, keeping a respectful gaze and looking away when necessary. He was quite comfortable as he was, but given his sexuality, he didn’t need reprimanding for trying to look at certain areas. “I don’t think it’s normal to be that clueless, unless they were made that way. And assuming that, then they’re an extension of whatever they are. For all we know, their creators are spying on us with that half-horse we brought.”

“Kinda makes you wonder what else they can replicate,” he went on, settling on looking at the floor while the commander dressed. “If whatever they’re made out of is so flexible, maybe they have more in common with the silver parasite than we thought.”

He rolled his eyes. “Board game, card game, same concept. You sit for two hours and lose money if you want." Araiza pressed his lips together at the mention of his latest fling. He contemplated both his answer and the strangeness of having a guy he would’ve traded for extra shelf space now being comfortable enough for personal banter. Time really could inflict some change.

“I’d say there’s progress, but not enough to cement anything,” he replied. Seeing the man was covered from the corner of his eye, he fully faced him. “She’s fantastic, but after a lot of thinking, I don’t think I’m cut out to date anymore, not seriously anyway. I can do casual no problem, but I think my pursuit of a relationship is in the past. It’s a bummer to accept, but I’m better suited to running solo.”

He laughed lightly, albeit a bit forced. “I was a loyal husband for over a decade. I think it’s fair to just have fun now.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1140

Reeves:​

“Tomorrow’s Wind Blows Tomorrow,” Reeves said calmly. “Humanoids are drawn to relationships, even Vulcan’s and Klingon’s. But your choice is your own. You’ll make your own decisions on your personal life. But I wish you long life and prosperity in your pursuit of happiness, whichever way you decide.”

“Sometimes those relationships are fleeting, sometimes they are not. After I die I’m sure L’Sa will wait awhile and mourn, and then be pragmatic and logical and find a second mate.”

“After all I should be dead before another Seventy years has passed, and L’Sa will be only middle age by then. At Least another Hundred Years will pass after my death before hers.”

“But yes, they are very similar to the Parasites in a way. They could be a Hive mind, or the individuals are like fingers and eyes of the central brain. Dark Fire’s sensors are working on the planet as we speak, testing and probing and scanning continuously to determine it’s safety.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza’s mouth twisted. “You really know how to bring the romance, huh?” he said sarcastically. “Should have been a poet.”

His fingers drummed on his arm. His awkwardness couldn’t be more blatant. “I think that’s the difference. You married knowing she’ll most certainly outlive you, and that’s something you have to make peace with. I married thinking I’d retire in some beach house with my wife, all gray and with grandkids visiting every summer.” Araiza took a few moments. “It’s hard making peace with something you never saw coming.”

“And if I ever felt like it could happen again… I think I’d need more than sexual compatibility or just having things in common. There are plenty of people here who will happily have sex for the sake of sex. You met the bartender at R&R? She does this thing where—“ He cleared his throat. “Not the point.”

“I don’t think I can find that again, much less on here. I’m already angry at the reality that I might lose friends every other day. Add a partner? No thanks. Once was enough.”

The man wondered how much time had passed. He looked around, hoping to locate a clock, and shifted his weight from leg to leg. “Anyway, I guess the team will notice anything alarming. You think they might want to share their findings with our guys? They might serve as inspo.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora nearly jumped out of her green skin. “Oh wow—where did you come from?” she gasped at Dr. L’Sa. Then, realizing the danger of asking a Vulcan an open‑ended question, she added quickly, “Don’t answer that.”

“You said twenty‑four hours?” Hora continued, recovering her composure with a mischievous tilt of her head. “I could have a lot of fun in that time. The little stag might not even want to go back. He might decide he’d rather live in my cabin—be my cabin centaur. Like the old sailing ships’ cabin boys.” She gave a slow, wicked smile. “He’d handle my errands, attend to my needs, all of them.”

Then she blinked, snapped herself out of it, and waved a hand. “I’m daydreaming. Not serious.”

Her tone shifted again—this time into the thoughtful, analytical cadence of a scientist slipping back into the lab. “But I do find it fascinating that the Esox species and the Fawn‑Centaur species are distinct. I’ve been forming a theory.”

She paced a step, hands clasped behind her back. “Imagine humans indulging in pleasure the way Orions do. Suppose they built a pleasure planet. They might populate it with mythical beings—elves, nymphs, fairies, vampires, mermaids, nagas—creatures designed for courtship or sex.”

She glanced at L’Sa, gauging the Vulcan’s reaction. “Two advantages. First: exotic appeal. Mythical creatures are usually depicted as impossibly beautiful. Second: they’re not ‘real’ in the sense of long‑term emotional entanglement. No guilt. No heartbreak. They’re programmed to enjoy the encounter, then move on to the next guest.”

Hora folded her arms. “So. What do you think of my theory?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1145

Reeves:

“Everyone dies eventually. T’s a fact of nature. We can slow and delay, but it is inevitable. I’ve been fortunate to not have lost L’Sa, but everyday that risk is here. An Attack. A breach in the force-fields. A warp Core Breach. Disease. Accident.”

“We serve on a Warship of The Federation. Stepping on board is acknowledgment of the limit of life. It doesn’t make it easier. In fact I believe it could be said that ‘it sucks’. But dwelling on what has happened doesn’t allow oneself to progress and move forward.”

“And I was once told, as soon as I stop looking I’d find what I need most. As soon as I return to my office I’ll have a copy of the reports sent to you, all the reports. I saw nothing considered to be classified in them, but most people find them boring.”

***

Raising an eyebrow at the Captains question and then her denial of needing an answer L’Sa waited for her to speak again.

“I would hope you were not serious, that’s what a Yeoman is for, and cabin boys were indentured servants.”

“Your theory is irrational. Humans outlawed Slavery nearly a millennia ago. Holograms provide the equivalent pleasure stimulus without any potential emotional, physical, or psychological trauma.”

“It would be more probable for an Orion Society to create such an environment, not a Human one.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Case in point. Why expose himself to that risk? His method seemed to work just fine. “Well, if it finds me, it finds me. I rest my case.”

“Yeah, they’re boring as shit,” Araiza couldn’t help agreeing, “but they might be useful. I want better protection for any teams heading out down there. If I can get a better picture of what they’re made out of, then maybe I can deconstruct it and work backwards into a proper defense.”

“The fewer open wounds that rats can vomit on, the better,” he added with a slight shudder. He wouldn’t call the trip a total waste of time, but it was certifiably unpleasant.

“On that note, can this count as my required conversation to get back to work, or is that something I have to look forward to later today?” he asked, hoping for the former. “Marlowe already signed off on my evaluation. I went to all the sessions.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1150

Reeves:

“If you wish this to be considered as the conversation over lunch later, then that’s fine. Lunch wasn’t required. It was desired. Socialization. However the Captain will be speaking with you later as well. I wasn’t sure you were going to be going on the away mission, so she will be talking to you about that matter instead.”

“I ask that you remember she’s not Human, and the Orion Culture involves a lot of innuendo. She’s getting better, but it’s taking time.”

“Personally I’m not concerned about your personal or sexual lifestyle or habits. I just desire more calm in your team, and for you to speak with and to people with the respect they they deserve. Whether you like it, or them, or not.”

As the lights turned white he raised an eyebrow and stood. Opening a locker he removed a new and clean uniform and dressed, including Gravity boots for the lighter deck pressure.

“I’ve read Dr. Marlowe’s report that you’ve attended all her sessions. And No I don’t know what you talked about. I don’t want to or need to. That is still Dr. and Patient confidential.”

“It’s my opinion and judgment that you have made sufficient improvement that you can return to duty starting tomorrow. But the Captain has final say.”

“Good Luck.. Alfredo.” Reeves replied holding his hand out. It was unusual for him to be informal, even more so for him to have physical contact with anyone other than his wife. Perhaps shaking hands was harmless.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He held in a groan. He’d wished to have been magically set back to his labor. Although he’d do anything to return to his duties, it was hard not to complain about the expectations for his approval.

“Am I excused if I don’t think they deserve respect?” he asked rhetorically. “I’ll clean up on my teaching methods with my techs, fine, but that’s also case by case. Either way, I don’t really care about her not being human. My problem isn’t anyone’s race. My problem is how they act. Do with that as you will. I’ve been here much longer than she has, and I’ve delivered. At some point, if I’m not allowed back, you have to question more than my methods. Like maybe who should or shouldn’t be in leadership.”

As the lights shifted, he began to dress himself. A shame, really—he’d found the lack of material restraint rather relaxing. He’d add sauna treatments to his new hobbies. Done, he combed his hair with his fingers.

Turning back to the commander, he looked at his hand for a beat prior to shaking it firmly. “Hearing my legal first name is weird. Friends call me Freddie.”

He let go once the doors came apart, taking a few steps backwards as he exited. “For what it’s worth… thanks for the help. Sorry I didn’t wanna play your dorky board games. I’d say next time, but you’d have to shoot me before I ever agree to that out of pleasure.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1155

Reeves:​

“Referencing her race was not my intent, but more her species. They are different than us, culturally. Her species finds things normal an acceptable that makes most Humans uncomfortable, and Humans do things as well that Vulcan’s uncomfortable. Different is not always wrong.”

“In informal circumstances I will call you Freddie if you wish, as for Dorky board games, try Kal-Toh, it teaches patience and logic. It’s not about striving for balance, but about finding the seeds of order even in the midst of profound chaos.”

As he stepped through the door following Araiza he paused for a moment. “Be the water in the river. Ever constant, but ever changing. Allow things to flow, adapt with change, but without changing your fundamental nature.”

"Good Day, Mr. Araiza. And Good Luck, Freddie.." he said as he turned and walked towards the Bridge.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Hora didn’t respond to Dr. L’Sa’s dismissal. The Vulcan’s opinion was noted—filed away, even—but it didn’t actually address the question gnawing at her. Why hadn’t the Esox, a four‑legged, two‑armed species, populated their pleasure world with other Esox? Humans built holodecks that allowed intimate encounters with holo‑generated humans. The parallel seemed obvious.

The Esox were clearly masters of bio‑engineering. But they likely hadn’t invented anything like a holodeck before setting up this planet. In biological terms, the fawn‑centaur was essentially a living holodeck program—bio‑coded for courtship, designed to experience no emotional attachment or distress from the encounter.

If the Esox had created Esox‑shaped companions for the same purpose, the logic would be identical. But for a species with emotions, ethics, and a sense of personhood, the optics would be disastrous. It would look like exploiting an Esox with a cognitive impairment. No wonder they’d chosen a non‑Esox form.

Dark Fire’s AI interrupted her thoughts. “Captain, Commander Reeves is out of decontamination and en route to the bridge.”

“Thanks,” Hora replied.

She turned back to the xenobiologists. “Sorry, Dr. L’Sa, Dr. Ta Penu—I need to speak with the Commander.” She was already halfway out the door before finishing the sentence.

Two minutes later, she strode onto the bridge.

“Commander,” she said, sliding into her chair, “any thoughts on what we should do with the fawn‑centaur and the winged lion?”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I expected for you to let go of the bleaching. It’s the cut that’s surprising.”

“Does it look too bad?”

“Stay still and it won’t.”

The woman couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment when she had started finding her long mane so tiresome. Perhaps it was the constant retying of her hair during hologram duels. Perhaps it was the time and energy it took to care for. Perhaps she simply needed an easier change from a piece of herself that she had spent so much of her life valuing.

Tala’s casual scissors would do just fine for the duty. Xiana hadn’t asked for a detailed cut, merely a trim a few inches down from her chin. With less of a massacre to her hair, she could hope it still had a life of its own after years of bottle mistreatment. She was also set on letting her natural hair color return.

She had found more crucial things to micromanage.

The bartender had expected to part ways with some split ends at most. She couldn’t have looked more shocked when the counselor asked for over a foot to be removed. But she was there to be helpful, and a dozen confirmation queries later, she was trimming the other woman’s hair.

As it fell to the floor, Xiana fought the urge to grab the dead strands, to ask Tala to stop in what might be a huge mistake. Sensing both her friend’s tension and need for the change, Tala would reassuringly place a hand on the counselor’s shoulder, who was seated before her in the doctor’s quarters.

“You’ll save so much effort and product… less styling issues… what will you do with all that free time?”

And here she worried she never had enough of it.

In the grand scheme of things, Xiana could’ve always cut it shorter, but it was quite the obvious change from hair that once reached her waist. Her head felt lighter, as did another part within herself that she hadn’t noticed had gone neglected.

After her friend’s departure and a shower to get rid of strays, Xiana found her preparation time cut much shorter. It felt wrong to not care for each follicle on her head, almost like neglect. At the very least, she was happy with what she saw in the mirror.

​

“Dark Fire, please ask the xenobiology department if I could restart my interactions with the Silver Parasite, assuming it is still under our custody,” she said, gathering the last of her items for the workday prior to entering the hallway.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1200

Reeves:​

“Well Captain, I agreed to return the Fawn-Centaur within twenty-four hours. To do otherwise would make me a liar and could potentially break potential benefits in the future.”

“As for the creature that attacked us, no agreement was made on that one. Hough I do recommend returning it to it’s native habitat before we leave orbit.”

****

Dark Fire:​

“The entity is in custody. Cargo Bay 14. Defensive Grid level 12. Dr. L’Sa has given you clearance with Commander Reeves approval since the item was detained. This has not been rescinded.”

“Did you wish a clarification and confirmation of your access?” The Ship asked with it’s typical monotonous tones.

“May I ask, why did you alter the length of your pilus capitis? I’ve also noted that you transferred ownership of the Mus musculus even though you specifically asked for permission to bring it aboard. Is the creature no longer capable of making you happy?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Pausing momentarily to double-check an archive she held, the woman continued. “If I have access to that knowledge, have there been any developments with the creature since our last encounter? Anything that might be helpful in interrogation or conversing?”

Despite the hallway’s emptiness, Xiana’s words were still carefully picked. “My hair is easier to care for if it’s shorter. The mouse was lovely, but he serves a greater purpose and will be much happier as a therapy animal.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1205

Reeves:​

“There has been no interaction with the individual since you left it. No Personnel have been granted access. Commander Reeves felt this was best to prevent corruption of any progress you have initiated.”

“I believe I understand. You’ve chosen physical comfort over emotional happiness. Will you be obtaining a new comfort animal? Or have you ceased that experiment? Are you intentionally isolating yourself from other biologicals?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She’d make sure to thank him when she had the chance. “Very well then. Thank you for the update, Dark Fire.”

“I’d argue physical comfort leads to more emotional happiness,” she proposed, the soft clicks of her shoes echoing as she walked. What once seemed like intimidating pathways felt more soothing by the day. Her eyes had better adjusted to the blue lights, and her body struggled less with gravity adaptations. She’d nearly dare to say her surroundings were starting to feel like a second home, one that she did have to keep learning of regardless. “No, I will not get another pet. I find myself with less and less time for one. I’m not isolating from anything—quite the opposite, actually.”

She waited for her office doors to open. “You’re very inquisitive today, Dark Fire. Is anybody else on board showing similar behavior?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora​

“I like the plan. Once Xenobiology finishes collecting samples, send them back to the planet.” Hora’s tone sounded like she needed the centaur tempation removed from the ship. “As for the offer of shore leave—I don’t think we should accept. We have holodecks, and those environments are safer and tailored to our species. But if you believe I’m misjudging the situation, I want to hear it.”

She flicked through her schedule, her expression tightening for just a moment.“I see Lieutenant Araiza is on my calendar. I’d like to discuss his situation with you—privately—when you have a moment.”

Ensign Cook​

“Dark Fire, has Second Lieutenant Araiza scheduled a date and time for drinks yet?” Riley asked, leaning back in her chair with theatrical exasperation.

“Not yet,” the AI replied. “He has only just returned from an away mission.”

Riley groaned. “How am I supposed to plan my evenings when he leaves me hanging like this?”

“Ensign Cook, ninety‑seven percent of your evenings are currently unscheduled,” Dark Fire observed with perfect sincerity.

“I like to keep my schedule flexible,” she countered, lifting her chin.

“I understand. I will remind you not to drink too much on your date with Lieutenant Araiza.”

“You sound like my mother,” Riley muttered. “Now stop bothering me until Araiza actually invites me out.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He didn’t have to pass by his place of work, but he chose to, as some sort of private manifestation that he’d be inside soon, being able to do something with his proposals or blueprints. It had only been a brief rest, and here he was going crazy. He could never understand how people preferred to take vacations or even his own desire for one once upon a time.

He greeted his coworkers as he ran into them. He wasn’t a social recluse, which was a big part of why he tended to get away with so many things. Either you were on his good side or his bad side. It was, plain and simple, a system that had made things easy to approach his entire life. He could have fantastic loyalty or gruesome disdain—whatever side his peers were on, in his opinion, was more so their choice.

He got the hour from a passing member of their cleaning crew. If his precious shop’s full accessibility would be off-limits until the earliest the next day, then he had to distract himself. Maybe even with his own responsibilities.

“Dark Fire, is Cook free right now for lunch?” he asked, accepting intoxication at midday wasn’t the best idea. He also knew better than to get drunk in front of one of Frye’s second-in-commands so close to his return. “Tell her I’d like to chat if she is. Her choice of place.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1210

Dark Fire:​

“Perhaps you should get a companion then. I can easily generate a holographic one of your choice that will replicate a biological without the need for sustenance.”

“There are currently 285 individuals that are exhibition isolationist behavior. Do you require a listing?” She ship asked a hologram of the ships avatar appeared walking beside her. At it’s/his side was a canine.. mastiff probably.. that was like him, burning fur and skeleton. “This is a simple construct, any species desired or appearance can be manifested.”

The dog shifted become a Klingon Targ and then a Vulcan Sehlat, a rather large brown bear looking creature it had 6-inch fangs and claws with 6 toes on each paw. The Muzzle was slightly longer than a bear and less than a canine.

Easily over a half ton the creature if real, would be very angry if fed late. And this was supposed to be a pet for Vulcan Children, and L’Sa had claimed to kill one with her bare hands during Pon Farr.

Reeves:​

“I agree with your assessment Captain. Use of a lesser intelligent biological lifeform for physical pleasure is morally wrong in my opinion.”

“Yes, He’s on your calendar. Before I went on the away mission, you did agree to speak with him.” Following her to her office he waited for the door to close before anticipating she would speak. She did want to talk in private after all.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Being surprised at the first projection was normal. Being startled at the second was inevitable.

After the surprise, the counselor shook her head and made a beeline for her desk. She knew the projection wouldn’t be allowed to harm her… but she’d rather not risk it.

“I’m not looking for a companion, but thank you for the offer, Dark Fire,” Xiana replied, shuffling between her chicken scratches that she referred to as her notes. The more the piles in her safe grew, the louder the idea of switching to digital information got. Someday, but not today.

“If you could please inform any necessary parties that I will stop by to engage with the silver parasite at sixteen hours later today,” she spoke, slipping her glasses on. “That will be all. I sincerely appreciate your assistance. You are dismissed.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Bridge Team​

“I make one comment about banging a centaur and you just can’t let it go,” Hora grumbled as she followed Commander Reeves toward her private office.

The moment the doors slid shut behind them, Lt. j.g. Ren York slid back into the command chair with the casual confidence of someone who absolutely should not have that confidence.

“I’d pay to watch the Captain with a centaur. That would be something.”

Ensign Mary Miller didn’t even look up from her console. “You’d pay to watch the Captain do anything. Now get your mind out of the gutter.”

“You’re right,” York said, utterly unashamed. Twenty seconds later—because York had the impulse control of a toddler with sugar access—he added, “Hey, Miller… you ever think about the Captain, romantically?”

“I’m straight. I like men.” She paused, then shrugged. “But with her? Yes. All the time.”

They both burst into laughter, the kind that only happens when the commanding officer and XO are safely behind a closed door.

Hora​

“Thanks for coming,” Hora said once they were alone. “I wanted to talk directly about Lieutenant Araiza.”

She leaned against her desk, arms folded—not defensive, just tired of pretending she wasn’t bothered.

“I’m willing to give him another chance. I’ve made plenty of mistakes myself, and I’ve been lucky that people gave me room to grow. But after his comments… I’ve lost faith in him. I need to hear from him directly—whether he still stands by what he said, whether he understands his leadership, and whether he actually believes in this ship’s mission.”

Her voice softened, but the steel underneath didn’t go anywhere.

“Am I wrong to insist on that? Do you think he’ll actually say the words?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ensign Cook​

Ensign Riley Cook was buried up to her elbows in the guts of a simulated shuttlecraft nacelle, wrist‑deep in warp‑coil calibration when the ship’s AI cut cleanly through the hum of the holodeck.

“Ensign Cook,” Dark Fire announced, “Lieutenant Araiza would like to know your availability for lunch.”

Riley froze mid‑adjustment. “Now? Lunch? Seriously?”

“Those were his questions,” Dark Fire confirmed, perfectly literal.

She sighed, withdrew her arms from the nacelle, and wiped imaginary grease from her hands—old habit, even in a simulation. “Fine. Tell him to meet me here in Holodeck Three. And yes, now is fine.”

A beat. Then, with the resignation of someone who knew she needed a mood reset, she added, “Oh—and run my Risa 3.1 relaxation program.”

The nacelle dissolved. The walls melted away. A warm breeze rolled in as the holodeck shifted into a sweeping coastal vista: turquoise water, white sand, palm trees swaying like they were flirting with the wind.

Riley’s uniform shimmered into a Risan‑style ensemble—a white, Roman‑inspired bikini paired with a gold‑trimmed wrap that caught the sunlight just right. She exhaled, shoulders dropping as the simulated warmth soaked in.

“Much better,” she murmured, already bracing herself for whatever version of Lieutenant Araiza was about to walk through the doors

https://rule34.xxx/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=7655459

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza should’ve known what he was getting once he was told to meet at a holodeck. He didn’t know exactly what he was walking into, but he liked to be optimistic occasionally. The first slap of salty air decided to prove him otherwise.

He hoped his previous stress for Dark Fire to relay a casual business conversation had been delivered. Otherwise, he’d personally find a way to anthropomorphize the artificial intelligence long enough to kick its ass.

“Cook, thanks for meeting me on… a short notice,” he started as the doors behind him blended behind them. Eyeing her attire, he continued. He sported the usual uniform, with the top replaced with a sole black-sleeved undershirt. “Might be a bit overdressed.”

“You look good, though,” he offered. What, was he supposed to lie? He could multitask when discussing business.

“Anyway, I wanted to ask about the latest HiiKii interaction. I heard you were on the ground for the rescue mission. I’m trying to make better protection for our guys, and I wanted to ask point-blank for the biggest threats you guys had out there.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1215

Reeves:

“You’re always making comments about banging someone, or something.” Cmdr. Reeves corrected gently.

“Talk to him. Maybe you’ll get a different response than I do. Based on the conversation I had with him on planet and in decon, I’m not encouraged by his responses. Perhaps he was putting up a front and has reconsidered his actions in truth, but doesn’t wish to appear to be weak. Even though it takes strength to change.”

“Putting on a brave face, stoicism. Whatever term is desired. I can only recommend that you speak with him. As he’s an officer the ultimate decision rests with you. I was hoping to keep his behavior under the radar and controlled. Repairable. But unfortunately that has not been possible.”

“But no I do not believe you are wrong. He seems to have forgotten that the entire ship is his family. That we all work together. He’s focused on himself and his small team. I believe he feels that any failure is his responsibility, any mistake is his fault. He’s harder on his team than he needs to be. He’s.. arrogant.”

“He forgets, or refuses to acknowledge, Rank and respect. Everyone deserves respect until the prove they don’t. I don’t believe he’s a lost cause. Not until the day he dies.”

“But we’ll see. It’s your decision as to what happens to him.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ensign Riley Cook
The moment he asked about “the biggest danger during the battle to defend the HiiKii research ship,” Riley’s stomach dropped. Oh. This wasn’t lunch. This wasn’t drinks.This was Lieutenant Araiza mining her for tactical insight—while she stood in a bikini on a holodeck beach.

She pasted on a smile. “I think I’m the one who’s underdressed. Computer, return to previous simulation.”

The beach dissolved, replaced by the half‑disassembled shuttlecraft nacelle, access panel open, tools scattered exactly where she’d left them. Riley, unfortunately, was still dressed for Risa.

“And my uniform, please,” she added, irritation slipping through.

A shimmer later, she was back in regulation attire. She brushed imaginary sand off her sleeves. “You’d think the computer would know no one calibrates warp coils in a bikini. It should really screen that out.”

A thought struck her, wicked and irresistible.

“Unless,” she said, eyes narrowing playfully, “a certain green‑skinned captain has a kink about making love to the USS Dark Fire.”

The mental image hit her all at once—Captain Hora straddling the nacelle like some kind of starship‑riding demigod—and Riley burst into laughter. She had to brace a hand on the nacelle to steady herself.

“Sorry,” she managed between breaths. “That just… wow. Okay. Serious mode.”

She straightened, meeting Araiza’s eyes with a more professional expression.

“Biggest danger? Honestly, a hull breach. If you get blown into space, you’ve got maybe ten seconds. Pressure drop, no oxygen, freezing temperatures—it’s over fast.” She shook her head. “I never saw any of the attackers up close, and hand‑to‑hand combat in space is pretty rare. So yeah. Hull breach is the real killer.”

She folded her arms, finally settled, finally centered.

“Ready for you next question?”