USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Yes sir,” Xiana dismissed. She needed some time with a mirror as soon as possible. “For what it’s worth, Commander, I’m proud of your initiative.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870525.1530

Back on the bridge Commander Reeves made it a point to ask three random people how they were feeling.

Returning to his quarters he meditated on the Doctor and the crew and their responses.​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0600

Standing on the bridge Reeves, watched the people around him. He’d already greeted four of them. And gotten rather strange looks from them. Perhaps asking them how they were so early in the morning was not beneficial to socialization?​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0600

Lt. Aegeri had been instructed to speak with the counselor as a matter of course. Even if he saw no point to it. He’d lost men before during conflicts with the Borg, and the silver parasite. As well as fringe elements of the Klingons, Cardassians, Romulans, Andorians, Orion syndicate, and a slew of others. And the criminal element aboard the Dark Fire had already taken 10 of his men since he’d been aboard the last few years.

Losing staff was a matter of course that he tried to eliminate, but it happened anyway. Dwelling on the emo/psych aspect was useless. He instead spent time in security drills and holosuite programs.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻
​

With no sessions scheduled for the day, Xiana, despite wanting to be as helpful as she could, knew everyone needed rest every now and again. Xiana was continuing with her exploration of the ship. She wasn’t having the easiest time memorizing the many locations on board, but she treated getting lost like an excursion, one she enjoyed by pacing calmly in awe at the surroundings.

Right now, dressed in workout attire, she had been searching for an area to complete her cardio. Stubbornly, she was determined to find a treadmill on her own… if only she could remember. In her confusion, she had ended up at the bridge. Reeves was the person she was best acquainted with in the area.

She held back the temptation to greet the commander, instead standing back to observe his demeanor. Xiana’s vision stayed put on the man while she tugged on two ends of her hair to tighten her high ponytail. Hair on her face while sweating? Tragic.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0605

When one of the security officers pointed her out Reeves raised an eyebrow and walked over. “Good morning, Counselor. Is there anything I can do for you?” he asked, taking in her skintight and body revealing attire. Not regulation Starfleet, it looked like exercise clothing.

There wasn’t anything critical happening and if she was going to be on the bridge more often to help understand any potential conflicts he might as well get her started.

Showing her various stations, he introduced her to the crew of the alpha team bridge. “We won’t having any drills today, so you may acclimate yourself. The Captain normally stands here,” he told her indicating, “and myself over here.” His place was closer to the internal holo diagram whereas she was closer to the bridge crew with the exterior holo-projection screen between them.

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask,” he told her. She was formed much like L’Sa, and except her hair was lighter in shade, more white than blonde. “May I ask? Is your hair of an artificial color or is it natural? Is that a rude question?"

With the temperature and gravity of the ship outside his quarters, Commander Reeves wore weighted boots and thicker clothing. Otherwise he’d be shivering or sweating in one environment or the other.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She surely needed to brush up on her stealth tactics… or at least step a little further from the crew. “Good morning, Commander. I’m sorry to interrupt you; this ship continues to be a maze.” He hoped he didn’t question why she didn’t use the handful of resources at her disposal to make navigating easier—admitting her stubbornness so soon in the day was less than ideal.

Xiana did, however, welcome the commander’s presentation of the crew and stations. She politely introduced herself to those she was unfamiliar with and gave sincere greetings to those she had already begun seeing in her office. What seemed to capture her attention the most at the moment was every nook and cranny in her vision that helped operate the ship. She had to cross her arms around her chest tightly just to resist the urge to feel a console with her hands and will herself to keep following the commander after ogling at the devices.

Xiana didn’t have any questions beyond the childish “What does X do?” so she instead relaxed her arms. “Not at this given moment, Commander, at least beyond instructions to where I might complete my exercise for the day.”

The question about her hair did surprise her. At the mention, she instinctively reached for one of the loose strands being held up. “It is not a rude question, but I appreciate you verifying. No, my hair is naturally brown. I have been lightening it to this shade for years now. Were you debating a hair change, Commander?"

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0610

After explaining the various positions and equipment she got to her latest question.

“No Counselor. I was not considering a hair color change. It was simply an observation that your hair color is lighter in shade than L’Sa’s.”

“When you are ready the security guard will show you to the Exercise facilities closest to your quarters. Unless you would prefer I show you?” He asked, without any hint of emotion.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Oh! I just find her hair color marvelous. If it is natural, then she’s truly blessed.” Xiana could spend days discussing hair appearance and care. She heavily doubted the commander would be interested, though.

“Thank you for your help. I’ll ask them shortly. Now that I have you for a few moments, I wanted to propose a type of team-building outing. I know you mentioned your inability to invite others due to your position, so consider this being my invite to you instead,” Xiana spoke with a grin. “Now, my issue is I’m unfamiliar with the entertainment on board. What do your officers usually enjoy?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0615

“Now, my issue is I’m unfamiliar with the entertainment on board. What do your officers usually enjoy?”

“I don’t know. There are several facilities on board in the Red section where individuals partake of alcohol and.. other activities.”

“Whether any of the Bridge crew goes there is left to the discretion of the chief of security. In the event of a potential reprimand for activities then I am involved. Although the Captain oversees the Officer and warrant staff formally and I oversee the rest of them.”

That puts the Captain in charge of over 1400 Officers and the Commander in Charge of nearly 13000 crew and junior officers.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

It might not have been the brightest idea to ask a man who wasn’t typically social for social hotspots; that one was on Xiana. If she was able to organize something to not only help boost spirits but encourage companionship, she knew she’d be looking outside in. Xiana enjoyed the planning of any event more than the participation; a therapist being inebriated with her own clients was a credibility death sentence.

On that note, she didn’t want to feed her patients into intoxication at such a delicate time. She’d keep the idea in the back of her head, or at least until she could propose it to the captain. “What do you do for leisure, Commander?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0620

“I meditate,” Reeves replied to her question. “Sometimes I activate holoprograms and practice combat techniques for exercise and relaxation.”

“I’m assuming you're not inquiring into intimate activities between my wife and I.” He stated, lowering his volume so others couldn’t hear.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana nodded in approval at his mention of meditation and physically cathartic options. She made a mental note to ask about holoprograms herself; a self-defense class or two could be helpful in her present environment.

Her already pale face quickly went crimson with the commander's final phrase. "No! I was—I—I meant—I mean, it's healthy to—if you're into— Xiana finally snapped out of her stammering and took a deep breath to compose herself, finding it difficult to look at the man in her flustered state. After shutting her eyes, she continued, "Christ, excuse me. I apologize if I made it seem like I was indulging in your intimate business."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora was in a good mood. The sex holo-simulation and the good night’s rest were just the ticket to rebalancing her gloom outlook on her future. She decided to go to the bridge, check on things and float her next idea with Commander Reeves.

As the turbo lift doors opened. A sharp “Captain on the Bridge” was called out. She saw the officer of the deck preparing to brief her, but she waved her off.

“Not staying long” she told the female officer and headed over to the new Counselor and Commander Reeves.

“Well, I see you two are already hard at establishing a work-play relationship.” She stated as the commander with dressed in a uniform and the counselor’s outfit suggested play. Neither of them thought her comment was a very funny.

“Ok, that was not funny. But I have been researching old earth limericks. Maybe that is more your style.

There once was a star fleet man named Reeves
Who worked until he heaves.
But they got him a shrink
Who worked out his kinks
By scheduling him some needed shore leaves."

Both of them did not know how to react to her limerick.

"This one is a little dirty...." She said in a whisper to them.

"There once was a star fleet commander
Who ignored all the crew’s slander.
Because he was helping the shrink
Satisfy all the crew’s various kinks
By scheduling her clients like a pander."

“Ok, I can see I need to work on my material.” Hora grumbled. She handed Dr. Marlowe a data tablet.

“Study this, it contains most of the important treaties. Like Bajoran-Cardassian Treaty, Federation-Cardassian Treaty, Federation-Cardassian Armistice of 2367, Khitomer Accords, Treaty of Bajor. Etc.”

Then she turned to Commander Reeves

“Commander, I think we need to try to establish a treaty with the parasite. I know we failed earlier, but this time we have Dr. Marlowe try. What are your thoughts?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0625

“As a therapist I would expect such a conversation. I just wasn’t sure the Bridge of the Dark Fire was the most reasonable locations.” Reeves replied clarifying. “I apologize if this has made you uncomfortable.”​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0625

“Such an action is hopeful, and with a biological sentience I would recommend such an action. But with the Parasite I see no positive outcome. But I have been wrong before, the counselor adds a new prospective to the outcome.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana avoided eye contact during the captain’s more… open comments, mostly out of embarrassment and with a minuscule thought that the captain could be slightly right. That was for Xiana to overthink in her chambers. She fixed her stance and took the data tablet, giving it a quick scan before running her fingers over the edges. “Thank you, Captain. I’ll make sure to study this rigorously.”

The woman remained quiet while her two superiors discussed the parasite and perspective theories, their joint agreement on her involvement making her take a wary step back. “Excuse me, Captain, Commander; how exactly would I be participating? Would it be beyond my work so far?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“No, just think of them as another client” Hora answered Dr Marlowe when she asked if negotiating a treaty was within her current duties. She smiled to herself, that answer was total dark matter. There was a reason Orion's were known throughout the Alpha and Beta quadrants to be deceptive and untrustworthy, though they often first appeared to be very friendly and hospitable.

“Why don’t we go visit The Parasite now?” Hora suggested.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0645

Standing inside the security cell the Klingon Security Guard glared from inside. Turning it paced for a moment before punching the force field. “Fleshling of meat. What do you want? You will be eliminated."

Looking at Xiana the Klingon bared his teeth. "A new toy to play with?"​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora and Dr Marlowe

As Hora walked towards the brig.

“I came up with a limerick for myself. Tell me what you think?” Hora ask, then she recited her limerick.

“There once was a federation captain named Hora,
Who fucked everything like she lived in gomorrah
She gang-banged her whole crew,
Until her cunt was oddly askew
Now men say “her evil box is like pandora’s”

Dr Marlowe looked at the captain and tried to give a diplomatic reply

“It must have been hard to find words that rhyme with Hora”

“It was” Hora said with some pride as they approached the brig.

“Do Orions always talk about sex so much?” The doctor asked with some curiosity

“Well, yes. But Orions have a saying. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I think there are a few Humans on this ship… that will never forget how I made them feel. And they will always be loyal to me because of it.” Hora explained as they walked into viewing area next to The Parasite holding cell.

The parasite greeted them with

“Fleshling of meat. What do you want? You will be eliminated."

Looking at Xiana the Klingon bared his teeth. "A new toy to play with?"

“Parasite. Now might be a good time to ask you, what is your preferred name? For example, we would like to be called by our names or ranks. Not Fleshling of meat. I’m Captain Hora as you are aware.

On a different topic, you are losing the war… and I thought, it might be a good idea to talk about a truce or an armistice. I have Dr Marlowe here to help develop the terms of such an agreement. What do you think? You agree to never invade sentient being’s bodies again and we won’t wipe you out?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0650​

“I have no name. I am One.” All the prisoners said from their cells. “Why should I Believe you?”

As one all the prisoners looked at the group through the force fields. As one the prisoners reached out and touched the force-fields, pushing until the skin of their hands shimmered from the energy discharge. “Fleshlings lie.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“One… that sounds pretty egocentric. You believe the whole universe revolve around you too?” Hora replied.

Dr Marlowe could not help but interject. Name calling would not help this situation. So she just cleared her throat as a warning to Captain Hora.

“Ok” Hora said looking at her counselor. “One. Why should I believe you? You attacked us. Hide inside host bodies, and lie ALL the time.” Hora barked back, getting angrier as she completed her thought.

Dr Marlowe experience in counseling told her that Hora and One were not saying or doing the right things to come to an agreement. So she stepped in.

“Captain, if I may,” Dr Marlowe said “Trust is not expected. Both sides need to have a way to verify that any truce or agreement is being followed. For example, should One agree to leave our area of space, the federation could check for the presence of One. If we find One somewhere it had agreed not to be, then that is a violation. These types of verifications will be written into the agreement.

“I don’t just want One out of our space, I want One agree to never invade sentient being’s bodies again. How are we going to verify that?” Hora asked Dr Marlowe.

“That might be hard… but that is why the agreement will take time to write.” Dr Marlowe explained to both of them.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Dropping all pretense of rage or emotion all the prisoners kept staring at Xiana. “I am one. I will destroy the fleshlings.”

Reaching up the prisoners, peeled the skin from their faces revealing metal skulls with gleaming red eyes.

Punching the force-fields simultaneously they started to overload the emitters. “Force field integrity failing. Rerouting additional power.” Dark Fire reported. Generating one of it’s holograms Dark Fire looked at the prisoners. “They are mutating the biomatter into metal at a subatomic level.”

The pieces of flesh ripped off from the faces turned into the silver metal and flowed into the feet of the prisoners.

“I recommend removal of the entities from the ship.”

“The ship will become One. The crew will become One. All will become One.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“YES!!! EXPEDITE” Hora yelled as she pushed Dr Marlowe back out of the brig and sealed the door. Then she screamed “Gisjacheh!” at the top of her lungs. (an Orion profanity)

She caught her breathe and ordered “Dark Fire, send an urgent priority message, federation wide, warning about this new Parasite ability.”

Hora headed for the turbo lift in a hurry. She remembered she had left Dr Marlowe standing by the brig and called back to her “Great job back there, sorry I about my missteps.”

She stepped into the turbo lift, as the doors closed Dr Marlowe heard “Bridge”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Things were happening too quickly for Xiana to process. The sudden morphing, the captain’s rescue, and the dawn of realization of what was going on was making her head spin. With the seriousness of the situation, she knew that wasn’t an option.

It seemed to drive those first few seconds anyway. She saw the doors close before her and banged on them, despite knowing she couldn’t exactly provide any help. What could she do? She didn’t have any helpful knowledge for these situations, but her concern was overpowering. “Captain! Commander!” Xiana called out desperately.