USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0615

Reeves:

“Logically sounds, Captain. However.. how do we make first contact?” he asked. “I have a feeling anybody entering their space will be treated with hostility and fired upon.”

“Most likely before any communication is made.”

“Excuse me Captain, Commander,” Dark Fire said as it materialized beside them. “I am making some headway in the lingua code translation. There are what appear to be proper names or place names in use. CADIA. CUSTODES. ADEPTAS ASTARTES. Much of the communication is automated via a sophisticated system dedicated to import export traffic. The phonetic response cycles indicate Artificial Intelligence. Not as sophisticated as my own processes, but still effective.”

“Another ship has been dispatched to our location, Call Sign: Obsidian Seraph.”
“I recommend running silent as further infiltration into the asteroid belt.”

From the Far side of the system a new ship began to move, painted in such a way as to be imperceptible to the naked eye, only The Dark Fire's scanners were able to pierce it's camouflage.

"I find it necessary to inform you that none of the ships in this star system have shields. The Appear to be relying solely on Armor plating."


​

New: Obsidian Seraph

 

[milkmaiden38]

“Ensign Miller, ease us closer to the asteroid belt,” Hora ordered.

As the helm responded, she pivoted toward Dark Fire’s interface and Commander Reeves. “We’re already skimming the edge of the belt. Any closer and the micro‑meteorite drift might give us away. Is there a moon we can tuck behind? Or an outer ice ring we can use as cover?”

She folded her arms, eyes narrowing at the distant warships. “As for making contact… we have options.”

Hora ticked them off with a measured cadence.

“First: an automated probe. Low risk, minimal signature.”

“Second: Dark Fire could attempt a direct conversation with their AI—compare protocols, find common ground, maybe even get a recommendation on how to approach their command structure.”

She hesitated, then allowed a more daring edge into her tone.

“Third option—riskier. We modify a shuttle to pass as a merchant vessel and let them think they’ve stumbled onto a harmless trader.”

“And the highest‑risk play…” Hora’s gaze lingered on the small fighter craft weaving patrol arcs. “We capture one of those fighters, talk to the pilot face‑to‑face, and ask them directly what the smartest approach is.”

She exhaled slowly. “Plenty of choices. None of them boring.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0620

Reeves:

“Although a logical suggestion, any automated probe we send would be easily identifiable as short range.”

“I apologize Captain, the time it would take to retrofit any shuttle into a Merchant Vessel would take seven days at the minimum, with a team of six working around the clock.” Dark Fire replied as it continued scanning the imperial Ships.

“If you wish I will attempt direct communication with the incoming Capitol Class Vessel, as none of the smaller vessels contain an A.I.”

“Capturing one of the Fighters, or the pilot, could and would be seen as an act of hostilities or outright war.”

“There is also the alternative of Firing upon the Ships as they are unaware of our position or status. This is not recommended however, though the option is always there.”

“There is also the option of departing this system and trying a different one,” The Ships Avatar advised looking at both of them.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“I think you dismissed my recorded‑probe idea a little too quickly,” Hora said, leaning forward. “We could anchor a probe on one of these asteroids, then slip behind a moon or an ice fragment. The probe delivers a simple message: We propose an exchange—knowledge for knowledge. No obligations, no treaties. Just an opportunity for both our peoples to walk away wiser.”

She tapped the console lightly, thinking aloud. “They must trade with someone out here. No warlike species survives in isolation. All we’re asking for is a single, one‑time trade.”

Then her eyes lit with a new spark. “Actually… that gives me another angle. What if we use a third‑party species? Whoever they already trade with. We approach them, and they deliver our offer on our behalf. A familiar messenger might lower their guard.”

Hora straightened, satisfied with the shape of the plan. “And the closing line stays the same. It’s the heart of the message: Any species can win a battle. Only the strongest can choose not to start one. We hope your people are among the strong.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0625

Reeves:

“I apologize for not anticipating that line of thought Captain,” Reeves replied as he considered her alternative Probe Idea. “That is feasible, ut the probe will still be recognizable as short range, indicative of our presence in the System at least at one point in time.”

“I would recommend finding one of the species that they do trade with, and negotiating with them for a first contact and trade agreement.”

“Captain, Commander, I’ve Isolated one of the languages as Nebarian. The language database indicates the language and species information ws collected by Ensign Yito Seja during her illicit information gathering exercise.”

“Primary Imperial Language encoded into LinguaCode Translation matrix. Liguacoding will remain to provide contextual support of Imperial Language. Secondary Imperial LinguaCode translation still in process, probability of Secondary language as a battle complex abbreviation is High.”

“Nebarian species communication frequency has been isolated. No AI capabilities detected on Nebari Vessel.”

“Incoming Vessel designated Obsidian Seraph is 3000 Meters in length with comparable tonnage. Power signature unknown. Warp Capability unknown. Warp Speed probability High. Energy output unknown. Biological Signatures … 100 thousand. High concentration in the engine and weapons sections. Species identification is not possible due to alloys of external hull plating.”

“Imperial A.I. system is a Class 2 in comparison to my Class 12, if you wish I can bypass It’s security protocols with three percent chance of detection.”​