USS Dark Fire (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I’m as well as I can be.” Hora replied to Dr Marlowe question “I have ways of finding peace. If you go to any of the holo suites, you can order up the workout equipment you like. The nearest holo suite is on deck 4.” Hora explained as she bid the counselor good bye.

As the door to her room closed. She ordered Dark Fire to lock it. She headed for her bedroom.

“Do I have ways to find peace…” Hora mumbled under her breath “Computer… I feel like three Gamorreans tonight. Make them extra horny.”

Gamorreans are a race of bulky humanoid boars. They were known for their strength and fierceness in battle. Many other races saw them as mindless brutes, which Hora made sure was true for her holo-simulations.

Three large, naked, Gamorreans appeared in her bedroom.

“Why hello boys… are you ready for some fun?” Hora asked as she pulled off her star fleet uniform.

Jinx Whisper

Jinx was back in The Paradise Lounge. There were only a few customers in the place.

She had ordered another Andorran Rum. She sipped it. She had dropped off the chicken in the kitchen. Ped Iddet had asked her to wait in the Lounge.

A human man with purple hair and a handsome, but time-worn face, walked over to her table. He had a Romulan ale in his hand.

“So, you want to join our team?” He asked as he sat down.

Jinx studied his face for a moment. She noticed a small scar just under his left eye.

“Yes” She replied.

“Why?” He asked

“I have my reasons” Jinx said

“How’d you manner to find a Terran chicken?” He asked

“Some genetic research requires chickens. I’m a civilian researcher on USS Dark Fire. I told them I needed it for some research, and took one” Jinx replied.

Her answer surprised the man “You are from Dark Fire and you want to join our team?” He asked

“Yes” she replied.

“That is either true or the dumbest cover story I have ever heard.” The man said shaking his head.

“I don’t need your fucking group. I can take out the Captain on my own.” Jinx replied.

The man leaned in and whispered “Hey, keep your voice down.” Then he added “If you can, then just do it. I’ll enjoy seeing the report.”

Jinx face grew very cold. “I need an escape route” She admitted “I was hoping some assistance. Your group exposure is low. Just get me away from that ship… and this space station”

The man stared at Jinx for a bit. Then he stuck out his hand “Victor Hunt. I’m the leader of the sympathizers”

“I thought Ped Iddet…” Jinx started to say, but was interrupted.

“No, he works for me” Victor replied. “Just in case you were setting us up. We’ll talk more in three days” As he started to get up to leave. Jinz asked one more question.

“What are you going to do with the chicken?” She asked

“Once I have three eggs, I’m going to make the best omelet you have ever tasted. I’ll serve it to you when we meet again” Victor said with a smile.

 

[sereneotter00]

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Ninety-six.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Ninety-seven.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Ninety-eight.

The near-white tresses Xiana had put up into a high ponytail were drenched, slapping against the back of the woman’s black bodysuit. She thrived on her own, but she knew better than to become an actual recluse. Too much solitude was never ideal, even for someone as comfortable with it as herself. After settling in her new quarters and making more attempts at memorizing the layout of the ship, Xiana had opted for the suite as the designated place for her daily cardio. It was the most consistent way she knew to expel her troubles, anxieties, and concerns—including the discomforts in the dragged-out process of making a new home familiar.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Ninety-nine.

She always sprinted in the last portion of her running. Years of conditioning gave her speed and stamina that she always sought to increase. Now, as her face was crimson and the superior part of her garment was soaked with sweat, she was determined to end on a higher note.

Onetwothreefourfivesixseveneight. Ten.
Onetwothreefourfivesixseveneight. Nine.

Her lungs began to reach their limit. Xiana wanted to break her record, but not at the expense of her respiration. She stopped the treadmill and elongated her steps as the machine slowed down to a full stop. She put her hands on her hips, beads of sweat dripping off the tip of her nose. Her mouth chased the breath her chest was missing, leading to her torso raising and lowering repetitively.

Noticing the longer time it took for her to find oxygen again, she leaned against the machine, gripping onto the security handles for stability. Despite the exhaustion, she had been so close.

She could do better.

---

https://i.imgur.com/0L1zHGg.jpeg
◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

It wasn’t easy sending requests for new security guards, especially considering that just yesterday they’d attacked the very Starbase they were resupplying from.

But it was happening. New crew were coming aboard to replace all the ones lost to the parasites. Not the ones they needed, medical and engineering, but ones they needed. Security.

Unfortunately, the Starbase didn’t have any marines. Standing in the transporter room with Lt. Ægeri, Reeves met and welcomed each of the new personnel aboard.

And each of them was scanned for the silver parasite before leaving the StarBase and after arriving on the Dark Fire​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

As the last new person came aboard USS Dark Fire and Commander Reeves finished welcoming them. Lt Sol step out of the shadows and walked toward the Commander. Walked was not the best description… more like he was stalking his prey. His head was slight down and his tail was out. One of the new personnel, a human male, gasped as he approached.

Fear, Lt Sol thought, I love it. This put a grin on his face, which scared the human even more. Lt Sol gave out a little growl and the human quickly walked away.

“Sir, can I have a word with you in private?” Lt Sol asked Commander Reeves

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1400

Lifting an eyebrow Reeves glanced at Lt. Sol as he scared off one of the new personnel.

“Sir, can I have a word with you in private?” Lt Sol asked Commander Reeves

Nodding to the transporter officer, who left at the unspoken order, Reeves turned to look at the Security officer. “Of course, Lieutenant, how can I help you?” he asked sincerely.

The Draco lamia had a ways to go, but he had progressed from his excessively hostile nature, and as such the Commander was more polite than he had been in the past. Plus the favorable report of the Star Base incursion. Granted the Lieutenant didn’t have access to it, unless it was shown to him by himself or Captain Hora.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

The dinosaur wiped the smile off his face. He was not sure if the Commander was going to be happy or really mad. He centered himself and reported everything they had learned so far.

“Ensign Cook and I have been working on that assignment you requested. We have found a group of sympathizers. Not sure how large, at least 5 members. They pass paper notes to each other via the “Drug Dealer’s” handshake. “Drug Dealer’s Handshake” is an old earth term. I assume you know what it is. The group has conducted reconnaissance on both you and Captain Hora. They are more active when either of you two are on the station. They also have done some searches on the Vulcan Ambassador, but that seems to be a backup target.

The group seems confident and I’m concerned they have an inside agent working for them. I was worried it was in security, so only Ensign Cook, you and I know these details. Their leader is Victor Hunt and Ped Iddet, a Cardassian. We are gathering more names, that is all we have so far.

I uncovered all of this, by placing Ensign Cook undercover. Her alias is Jinx Whisper. We can move on them now, but they really have done nothing wrong. However, if we allow Ensign Cook to kill Captain Hora, we’d have loads of evidence against them… aiding and abetting a crime... stealing a space craft, etc.

Looking for your orders, Sir” Lt Sol requested

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1415

“Lt. Sol, Continue with the assignment, find out how big the cell is and verify that Victor Hunt is in charge. If he’s not find out who his boss is. Get them on every charge possible. Write a report. On paper. No digital record at this time. Detail everything and hand it to your new contact. From this point on there is to be no digital record of any kind. This way you can’t be hacked and uncovered. The Dark Fire is a secure system, but I’m not taking chances. Find out if we have a leak on this ship. I don’t care who it is.”

“While you’re here I want you to speak with our new counselor, pass messages to me through her. She’s been assigned to help all upper staff. Remember, hand written. Sealed so she can’t pry.”​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1430

Stepping into Dr. Marlowe’s office Commander Jordan Reeves wondered if he should get her involved. He didn’t need her as a counselor, Mind Melding with his wife resolved any weakness he might have and allowed him to partition it off and not affect him in a professional manner.

“Dr. Marlowe, I hope you don’t mind. But I have a mission for you. In addition to your normal duties you’ll be a contact point between myself and at least one operative. They will pass a sealed letter to you, you will pass it to me and vice versa. We suspect an infiltrator on the ship and as the newest personnel you are least likely to be a spy.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana's once-focused eyes slowly made their way from her writing and up to the commander. She knew better than to expect her position to be limited to one firm task, but the instruction (while she was sure it could be helpful) was starting to inch towards a category she wasn't a fan of: large conflicts outside her expertise.

She would keep that to herself, of course. The last thing she desired was to be let go due to noncompliance. Her reluctance was given away by the concerned look she was currently sporting. "The likeliness of not being a spy is accurate," Xiana acknowledged. Being involved in security measures like that was far from her desires.

Fixing her posture, she put her pencil down and lightly clasped her hands together. "Please don't interpret this as me questioning you, Commander, but given the delicacy of the situation, are you sure I'm the best person to relay this sensitive information?"

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1445

“You are absolutely the best person for this assignment. You won’t even need to leave your office. No digital interface so you won’t be tied to it. You’ll do just fine doctor.”

“And we may at sometime request your assistance in analyzing the intents or possible intents, the behavioral nature of an aliens, or at least their potential intent. Whether they may be hostile or combative or peaceable.”

“I understand this isn’t your field of expertise, and we won’t base our actions solely on such evaluations, but any insight you could provide would beneficial.”

“I’d also like to be evaluated for my inability to interact in a sociable manner with the crew. My reviews indicate that I am efficient and competent in my duties, but that I am.. stiff and unsociable.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The woman pressed her tongue against the inside of her cheek in contemplation. Even with the commander's assurance, she still wasn't fully on board. Maybe it was her quiet anxieties of safety that she had to undo herself. In her defense, it had not been included in her job description. She would choose to trust the commander—or at least try to. "Very well then, as long as it is nothing but physical exchanges. I do not wish to know anything else unless brought up by a patient."

The assessing of other passengers was something she could work with, though, to some degree. "I could be observant and, with time, be able to set a good profile on those you inquire about, but please consider that even the most aggressive people could be entirely different in private. A man who has been captured would hardly have the same approach as a man who rests at ease with his loved ones. This could take time, and by extension, resources," she spoke. She was sure the commander understood this, but she didn't want to leave any surface untouched.

Xiana couldn't keep her forehead from creasing at the man's final request. Already having started her rounds with the crew, she had noticed Reeves' lack of participation. She couldn't force anyone to partake in these activities, but when even the Captain had been open to participating, she had simply accepted Reeves as an exception. It wasn't his interest that surprised her; it was his reasoning.

"Commander, I'm more than happy to pencil you in for a discussion, but I would like to reaffirm that being 'stiff' and 'unsociable' is often stemmed from personality, rather than faults. If you'd like to change your presentation, that would be one thing, but it tends to be reserved for those with harmful characters. Your crew," at least a majority of it, "respects you. I have been on board for a limited time, but your formality hasn't seemed to attract conflict. Factors like being introverted or unsociable aren't always something to look down on. Your genuine existence being unique to others' doesn't mean you're broken."

"You don't have to elaborate, but why do you crave change now?" Xiana asked, her shoulders gliding back as she gave the commander a look over, trying to spot any changes in his body language. Her palms lay flat against her desk's surface, the faint click of her fingernails against the metal locking her into focus. "Did something happen recently?"

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1445​

“Resources are not a problem.” Reeves replied. “I fully understand some people have private and professional personalities.” Laying a data slate on her desk he stepped back. “That’s my MACO and Starfleet file. Mostly unrestricted. Some things I can’t let even my wife, or Captain, know about.”

“When I’m not on duty I do not socialize with other crew. As a senior officer I cannot ask them to join. But have never been invited either.”

“During the parasite incursion we lost a great deal of crewman. Perhaps if I had been more sociable I could have recognized or noticed the irregularities in their behavior sooner.”

“If you desire it you may follow and observe me on the bridge or outside of my quarters as I perform my duties.”

“You could of course attempt to observe me in my quarters but the environmental settings would be, uncomfortable for you. They are set higher and heavier than Vulcan standard, with a thinner atmosphere as well. It’s for the comfort of myself and my wife, Dr. L’Sa. Her file is included on the data padd.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana reached for the slate, listening attentively while running her fingers over the corners. Something about edges was physically appealing to her, the equivalent of twirling hair around your finger or picking at your cuticles. She traced the item over and over while she waited for the commander to finish, nodding politely every couple of phrases.

"Grief is something you and your crew are drowning in, Commander. I'm not trying to discourage you from wanting to repair any previous mistakes—it's the only way we learn—but I pray you're doing your best to escape any thoughts of hypotheticals. It's true, more camaraderie leads to better communication, but you're not at fault. Captain Lay-". Xiana stopped herself, shaking her head slightly in dismissal. "Excuse me, Captain Hora is having to process those similar feelings. She's an incredibly resilient woman, but for you two as leaders... To put it plainly, your responsibility for your men is nonexistent if you can't take responsibility for yourself. Responsibility for yourself isn't just trying to do better; it's being able to spend those last seconds before you fall asleep in peace."

Selfishly, she was intrigued to follow him in his duties. Of course, she'd do everything in her power to help him, but she privately adored getting to see the more intricate mechanics of ships. It was a museum that she couldn't understand but fascinated her anyway. "Taking note of your nature would help develop a guideline for your..." Healing? Recovery? "...needs. I do appreciate the warning of your quarters' environment. Dr. L'Sa's and your comfort, especially in such an intimate place, are always a priority."

"I assume, of course, she will be present when I am. I would hate for there to be any misinterpretations when it comes to our work, you know, from nearby observers." Not to mention, she could ask L'Sa about her hair maintenance. She was yet to meet her, but her specific shade of blonde was divine. Was beauty supposed to be Xiana's actual calling? "Do you happen to have a few moments, since I have you here? I'd like to try something."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

The last Gamorrean shot off one last squirt of cum and then collapsed on the bed. All of them were done, their balls empty and their loads sprayed over Hora's gorgeous features. They lay there on her bed, their cocks dripping and limp. They were all drained, exhausted, gleaming with sweat.

The only sound was everyone’s heavy, labored breathing.

Hora sat up and said “Computer, end program”. The Gamorreans and their seed disappeared. Then she sank back on the bed and closed her eyes. “I have found peace” she told herself and she drifted to sleep.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1450

“It would be grossly inappropriate for you to be in our quarters without my wife or another present.” Reeves agreed. “My standard duty rotation is 0600 until 1600 hrs. I start on the bridge.”

Everything she did was being watched. She was nervous, habitually running her hands along the edges of the date padd. His military record, for those that had seen it, made people nervous.

“And yes, I have a few minutes.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

"I'll be right back. Please wait here."

She left her office but returned shortly after with a hand delicately covering the other. She separated them enough to show that she was holding a small, white fancy mouse that couldn't be more than a year old.

“This is Scuti. He has been my closest companion during my transition into this ship. When he isn’t enjoying a pet or two on my behalf after a tiresome day of work, he enjoys exploring his large tank in my chambers. Luckily for me, the quartermaster was kind enough to construct an enclosure that regulates that rodent smell. He is very acclimated to being held and petted, so don’t worry about him jumping.”

Without a second word, she cautiously handed the rodent to the commander, motioning for him to place his hands in a scooping position and slowly handing off the mouse. Scuti was curious but typically didn't take too long to get comfortable and curl up in the hands of whoever was handling him.

"Do you know why mice were the main creatures used for experiments or research among humans, access to them aside? Mice are so similar to humans—from sharing an amount of around thirty thousand genes each to things as blatant as us both being mammals. Thanks to mice, humans have been able to reach unimaginable discoveries, such as the development of penicillin or the polio vaccine. Luckily, Scuti will get to spend his life keeping a rather quiet counselor company."

For someone who was raised with low resources, mice were the ideal pet for Xiana while she grew up. Extremely cheap to purchase and not too sensitive to maintain. She hadn't had one in years and had been overjoyed when her request for one was accepted. Even as she shared things as plain as facts about mice, a tiny smile stuck to her lips with beaming eyes to match.

"What do you feel when you hold Scuti, Commander?"

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1455​

What was he supposed to feel? Did she mean physical or emotional? “Mild warm, soft fur, claws scratching my palms.” Reeves replied raising an eyebrow. “Or did you mean on an emotional level? I have formed no attachment to this creature.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana nodded at his descriptions and leaned against her desk, watching intentively. “I asked for how you felt, whatever that, well, felt like.”

The woman fixed her stance, her kitten heels tapping the ground. “If one of your superiors came into my office just now and ordered you to throw Scuti against the wall, would you do it?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1500

“Yes. The creature could be infected. Diseased. Or a silver parasite. Or any number of other potentials. It is also a lower lifeform of a nonsentient species.”

“However if you asked me to kill my wife I would argue against such action and require a reason.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Let’s practice changing our approach. I know it can feel foreign, but establishing relationships isn’t based on technicality—it’s based on the need to feel perceived. If you killed Scuti without as much as a second thought, I would be devastated because I value him beyond practical uses for mice. I would not only be angry and lose any respect for you, but I would likely seek to transfer out of this ship.”

Yes, this was all theoretical, but she couldn’t help but grab the mouse back from the commander. “I understand Vulcans have a more intricate way of thinking, but I’m certain Dr. L’Sa would also run the risk of disappointment at hearing a ‘why’ instead of a ‘no’ outright. I don’t believe in blind loyalty, but I do believe in instinctive concern.”

“Now, let’s try again,” Xiana repeated, caressing the back of the rodent in her palm. “One of your superiors asks you to hurt my pet. What are three things you think I might feel at the order alone?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1500

“Fear. Rage. Sorrow.” The Commander replied. “Although I would argue that the parasitic infection used pet rabbits as hosts to infiltrate the ship and it’s crew.”

“We were forced to transport them into space, killing them, to save the crew.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I didn’t ask for you to argue; I asked for three words,” Xiana reminded him sternly, her face tilting down with just a hint of authority. “Beings don’t develop genuine connections based on logic, Commander. If we did, we’d be stagnant. Caring about your crew is emotion. Wanting to change comes from emotion. You could provide a thousand arguments on why killing Scuti would be a better alternative, and even if I understood or agreed with your reasoning, not one of them would make it any easier to look you in the eye.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1505

“I understand,” He replied. “Then I can only assume you would feel Hate, rage, and sorrow.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I understand it can be difficult to readjust your way of thinking, Commander, but it ultimately will result in a better relationship with your staff. The fact that you’re married alone demonstrates that you’re capable of more than a few technical exchanges.”

A move of her head notified Xiana that the collar of the black turtleneck underneath her lab coat was uneven. She cringed to herself as she fixed it with a spare hand. “For your next few interactions, why don’t you try asking a simple ‘How are you doing?’ You don’t always have to provide feedback, either—many of us just need to feel listened to.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1510

“Very well, Doctor. I’ll do my best.” Reeves told her. “Is that the end of the experiment?” He asked, but didn’t raise his eyebrow this time. Though it was probably a conscious choice to not do so.​