USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0900​

It took some time to rig a shuttle per the Captains orders but it was done. And then Dark Fire piloted it out of the shuttle bay to a safe distance from the ship itself. Using its entry hatch as a scoop the shuttle maneuvered towards one of the alien boarding parties and took it aboard.

Moments later the entity was trapped inside a forcefield and the comm system engaged.

Reeves:​

“Captain, we have one of the alien attackers. And we lost Security Chief Aegeri in the fight. He took one of the aliens with him out a hull breach.”

“He was dead before he could be beamed back aboard. The Alien blew a hole threw his chest with it’s weapons.”

L’Sa:​

Stepping onto the bridge she held a data slate with the injuries and fatalities received by the Dark Fire crew.

The Marines and Security had taken the brunt of the damage, but a few others of the crew had also been injured during the initial attacks.

The enemy seemed to be using a plasma based weapon primarily with some using hard light – lasers – or sharp melee weapons, basically swords. But the swords were extraordinarily sharp, slicing through muscle, tendon, and bone with a simple stroke.

Collecting one of the melee weapons they determined it had a monomolecular edge. With it steel would part like warm butter before a hot knife.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The permission of the captain brought forth various hypothetical questions for Xiana to present. She couldn’t just rely on impulse; tossing inquiries at random with a creature that would kill her given the chance would only complicate things further. The counselor needed a strategy to create an in, not an interrogation. In her entire career, she didn’t have much experience in deciphering beings of that inclination. She had helped criminals rehabilitate, tested those who needed mental clearance for their duties, but hadn’t touched something so menacing.

There was a first for everything, she supposed. “Thank you, Captain. I’ll make sure any potential risks aren’t in vain,” Xiana replied with a firm nod.

The news of the security chief’s death made her exchange her determined look for one of sympathy. Xiana looked at the others, concerned. She was yet to integrate herself with the crew, but knowing the captain’s solidarity MO, she was sure there would be grief. If she hadn’t met Aegeri herself and felt bad, she could only imagine how those who knew him intimately would be doing.

“I’m so sorry,” she mourned.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

In the damaged and dimly lit corridor of the Dark Fire, Lt Zosh Sol stood silently watching Aegeri body drift in space. His thoughts were heavy and filled with mixed emotions. Aegeri had been tough on him when he first came aboard. He was a warm blood, so in Zosh’s culture, his life did not matter. Why then, was he so sad. Their relationship was complex, a tangled web of admiration and frustration.

Aegeri was a stern, no-nonsense leader who demanded excellence from Lt Sol. He did not yield his standards, when Lt Sol tried to bully him. Yet, beneath the gruff exterior, there were moments of unexpected kindness and wisdom that Zosh couldn't ignore.

Now, with Aegeri gone, Zosh felt strange. He realized that despite their differences, he had learned to respect and even appreciate Aegeri. He had fought side by side him. Zosh had suggest he use a sword against the Parasite. It had worked, but cost Aegeri his life.

“Greewk, Lakuka frma moawk, tpo Jukkwag, mokka vekka” Rough translated from Croco-Lamia “Rouse revenge from my ebony hearts! My teeth sinking into your throat will speak justice.”

Hora

Hora was looking stern and silent as she received the word of Aegeri death. It was another life this Parasite had taken. She felt every death. All the pilots that had been killed, the marines, and Aegeri. But in fighting an enemy like the Parasite, she knew people would die. She knew she had to look at it in a different way. Did the battle, the ship, attain its objective. By destroying the enemy ship, they had saved all the lives on Dark Fire and Deep Star Nine.

Her angry and resolve was focus on the real cause of their deaths, The Parasite. Thoughts about the federation replacing her had been washed away. She was not going to let them replace her before she killed this Parasite.

“Thank you, Aegeri was a good man.” Hora said back to Dr Marlowe.

“Commander Reeves, I’ll need recommendations on his replacement. I also wish to discuss options on taking the offensive. Sitting around here and taking a beating is getting old.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Overhearing the captain’s words towards the commander, Xiana’s jaw threatened to drop in disbelief. She knew she couldn’t expect every species to operate as humans did, but given her past conversations, she at least had to try.

“No, stop. I understand the urgency, but multiple members just died,” she reminded, verbally setting her foot down… as much as she could with limited authority anyway. “I’m not trying to distract you from your pursuit, but if you—all of you—could give yourselves a millisecond to grieve the lives that were just robbed from us before returning to your duties, I’m certain it could at least make a small difference.”

She motioned around the room with her arms. “I’m not insinuating that you all are not experiencing a plethora of thoughts and emotions right now. I’m not asking any of you to abandon your responsibilities. Just…” Xiana dropped her arms to her sides. “Take a beat whenever you can, one that isn’t damaging. Please.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0915​

Reeves:
“She may be correct captain. The battle seems to be over. Perhaps a moment of silence for those we lost?”

“Doctor, we have an audio/visual commlink open to the alien, when you’re ready, of course.”

Turning back to the holo-display he directed the retrieval of fighters and the remains of anyone that was no longer alive.

He hated this, the people they kept losing. The people under his command. It was like being in a warzone on a planet all over again. Bodies piling on bodies. They’d lost so many already and were probably going to lose a great many more.

Clenching the table top he slowed his breathing, not quite entering a meditative state. But close enough for him to regain composure.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Now, I’m unsure of most cultural traditions of everyone on the ship, but if celebration of life customs are embraced, maybe that could offer some comfort,” Xiana proposed. She wasn’t one to typically host events—nor did she think she could flawlessly conduct these—but she knew what loss felt like. Perhaps other species had customs different than funerals, but consciousness equaled internal turmoil at one point or another. Hopefully, it could bring some solace.

“I’d like more time to come up with an elaborate questioning for the creature, but I do have a handful of comments to start with. If this isn’t too much to ask, would it be possible for me to communicate with it on my own?” She asked, turning to Reeves, particularly about his grip on the furniture. “Given the… aftermath, I think it would be best if you weren’t exposed to it so soon.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Bridge team sorry for my shortness. LCDR Aegeri had been on this ship a long time. I think many of you had emotional connections with him. On Orion, we say good bye to a loved one in 4 steps. Step 1 we tell them we love them. 2 we thank them for all they did for us. 3. We forgive them and 4. We ask that they forgive us. This process is simple, but it might help you as well.” Hora suggested

Then she turned to Dr Marlowe “Doctor, after losing a shipmate, we conduct appropriate burial/death rites for them. Eh… Fun-alls… as you human’s call them.” Hora could see in Dr Marlowe’s face she had said the wrong word again. “Sorry, I meant Funerals. Please make the arrangements for the recently departed.” Hora directed the Doctor. “And doctor, you can talk to the Parasite from your stateroom if you wish.” Then, she turned to the bridge team again.

“Commander Reeves and any other bridge team members, if you need some time off, please take it. Dark Fire and I will stand the watch for the next few hours.” Hora offered.

She moved to 3D holo display. “Dark Fire, develop and run three possible offensive courses of action against the Parasite.”

Hora knew the best way for her to grieve was to figure out a way to stop this parasite.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0930​

“I’m fine Captain,” Reeves replied as he called in the beta team. “Bridge crew Beta will be here in a few minutes to replace those that need replacing.”

“The security teams will be most affected by his death.”

Dark Fire:​

“Of course, Captain Hora. Do you wish me to announce the death reports?” For a computer AI the Dark Fire sounded starngely empathetic for the loss of so many crew members. The Pilots had suffered the worst of any group, their numbers reduced by the Alien mother-ship and it’s fighter pilots.

Tractor beams and transporters were both used to recover pilots and debris from the battle. Though none of the alien debris was brought aboard, it was analyzed by engineers that went out in shuttles, and the sensors of the Dark Fire itself.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana made a mental note to check in on more Orion customs. The final part of the captain’s statements, particularly with forgiveness, was something she wasn’t accustomed to touching on with grieving ceremonies. “That’s an excellent idea, thank you for sharing, Captain. I’m sure individuals will grieve or celebrate their colleague's life as they see best. I’m also not confident in being able to organize a flawless honorary event, but I will try.”

It could be her excuse to not only learn more about each of the departed’s customs but also to check in with their loved ones. Xiana didn’t hold any disdain for her job, but these were the times that proved difficult.

Before exiting, she took a step towards the captain, placing her hand cautiously on her shoulder. “I understand your methods, but your condition is just as important. Come the time you need to talk, you know where to find me,” she said, turning to the commander, “and it goes for both of you. You can’t untie knots by avoiding them.”

With that, she left for her office, attempting her best to not linger on the aftershock of the attack. She swallowed as she passed members, damage, and the all-around heaviness from hallway to hallway. Selfishly, she missed the freshness of the outdoors on Earth. It was just what she needed to be able to think clearly.

Once back in her office, she hurried to her pet mouse, verifying that he was alright and scratching the back of his ears in an apology. After safely putting him back in his enclosure, she locked her office’s door and took a seat at her desk, taking a deep breath. “Dark Fire, could you put me in contact with… our prisoner? I would like to view them as well. Make sure they too can see and hear me clearly.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

"Thank you Doctor" Hora said as Dr Marlowe walked off the bridge.

"What knots is she talking about?" Hora asked Commander Reeve.

Then Dark Fire asked the question about causality report.
Hora felt she had made enough mistakes concerning the dead in this battle. “Consult with Dr Marlowe on whether to release the names or not.” Hora ordered the AI.

Next, she turned back to Commander Reeves

“I was thinking attrition, blockade, maneuver, and maybe hybrid-warfare scenarios for dark fire to run. What are you thinking?” Hora asked Reeves

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0945​

Reeves:
“Knots of stress. It’s a human colloquialism.” Reeves replied. “Guerrilla tactics, hit and run, siege warfare, overwhelming force.”

“We’ll need a complete analysis of their combat capabilities and styles as well. Offense and defensive capabilities. Armour type, shield type and modulation frequencies”

Dark Fire:​

“Of course, Doctor.” Dark Fire replied. “You’ll see and hear a holographic image of the Intruder so you can properly assess it’s intentions and capabilities.”

“The Alien will receive a bi-dimensional image and audio of you.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Oh, I like hit and run. Let’s hope the simulation shows that is an effective strategy” Hora commented. Then she returned to Dr Marlowe comments

“She said both of us needed to see her. Is she suggesting couple’s therapy?” Hora asked. She meant the comment as a joke, but a little part of her thought maybe Dr Marlowe did want both of them in her office.

Lt Zosh Sol and Lt Loka Bumme

“Zosh” Loka said as she opened her stateroom door. She gave Zosh a big hug. “I heard what happened” she told him about Aegeri death. “Do you want to talk about it?” She asked him.

“No” Zosh replied as he started to rub his head against Loka’s

She knew what that meant. It was not long before they were again in her bed. She was a little worried that he would fuck her roughly, because of his anger over Aegeri’s death. But just like last time, he was a gentle and caring lover.

He also knew not to fuck her for too many hours. He stopped after an hour and a half.

“Wow, that was great.” Loka told him as they cuddled on the bed. “Do you want to talk about what happened?” She asked him.

“No” Zosh replied and he fell asleep.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1000

Reeves:​

“From what I’ve observed she prefers to engage communications in one on one sessions as opposed to group sessions. Although I would recommend that you inquire of her if that type of session is necessary for us as we work so closely together since your assignment to the ship.” Commander Reeves replied as L’Sa left the bridge, her report completed. Perhaps this evening he’d make love to her. It had been a while since they’d had the time. And she had expressed an interest in becoming a mother. With the new alien conflict would this be an appropriate time for such an event?

“I’ll have the list of potential replacements for Lieutenant Commander Tyrande Ægeri, by tomorrow’s shift start.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Thank you, Dark Fire. One final question… does anybody on this ship have access to our conversations with you? For example, if I had a request I would prefer superiors or other staff to not be aware of, would that be possible?”

She eyed her door, making her way over to double-check she had locked it. Triple checked. “On that note, if you can, please incorporate anything you’re able to so our conversation cannot be heard by passerbys. Please connect me to the alien ,” Xiana said, returning to her chair.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ltjg Shino Mc’Leo and Ensign Cook

Shino walked purposefully into USS Dark Fire large engineering bay. Past all the machinery, glowing anti-mater containment field and various control panels. His eyes were locked on to Ensign Riley Cook.

Riley was with Lt Fay and they were engrossed in a discussion about fine-tuned the ship's warp core. Shino walked right up to her and interrupted their discussion. Riley looked up and into his cat eyes.

Without a word, Shino leaned in and kissed her, a tender and passionate kiss. Riley's initial surprise melted into a smile as she returned the kiss, her heart racing.

LT Doji Fay laughed “Attractive human females…” he said to himself.

As Riley and Shino ended their kiss and Shino said “Riley, you totally stoked my life with those engine tweaks. You are like the best wave ever!”

https://www.deviantart.com/utauradon/art/Anthro-Tiger-Star-Trek-Captain-940980660

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

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1015​

Dark Fire:
“The Captain and First Officer have access to conversations, However it is allowed for you, as a counselor, to have conversations restricted.” Dark Fire replied. “You simply need to tell me which conversations are restricted.”

“When you lock the door to a room a buffer is placed to prevent anyone in the hall from overhearing anything in the room. This is standard practice for privacy.”

As she sat in her chair the holo emitters engaged showing her a three dimensional image of the alien in the shuttle outside the Dark Fire. The shuttle had already been outfitted with an antimatter detonator, which would implode the ship and leave no residue if the alien became a threat.

Turning, the alien looked at her, it’s eyes glowing an eerie green. “You will be destroyed.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The woman nodded. “I want every conversation between our prisoner and me restricted, including this one. Thank you, Dark Fire.”

As she fixed her posture, Xiana looked at the projection with mixed feelings. The ability—no, the desire—to kill other creatures was something she couldn’t comprehend no matter how much she studied it. Things like self-preservation, aid, or even war seemed reasonable. Death was organic, but craving it rarely was.

The alien’s words snuck into her mind unwelcomed, but she bit her tongue for a moment to ground herself. Finding firmness was difficult but possible.

“My name is Dr. Marlowe. Going forward, all communications you will be receiving will be with me at my discretion. If you attempt to harm anybody or cause an interruption of any sort, including contacting outside support or rescue, I have been assured that you will be terminated.”

She reached for a journal in her drawer, followed by a pencil. “As far as anybody on this ship goes, I am the only person who will extend any humanity to you. Everybody is rattled by your attack, reasonably so, but their pain will manifest in justice, not intrigue. If you have any plan for you or your species to survive, you will be cooperative and cordial. I will make sure you are granted the required supplements for your survival if they are not compromising to anybody on board. Otherwise, I will request any chemists on board for an alternative.”

“Now, I don’t support torture, so it will be in your benefit to work with me in future questioning. I am, however, only human. Everybody has their limits, and you may try to push them, but I can promise you that it will only damage you and your comrades tenfold. Be mindful of your words.”

“This will be your only chance from here on out to be inquisitive. You may ask three questions. Otherwise, I will be ending our conversation.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1015

Cocking it’s head slowly the creature/entity stared at her. “How many worlds are yours? Where are they?” It finally asked, not that it really cared. It had fewer emotions than a computer, and less empathy than a rock.

“Doctor, the entity is using Federation Standard Human. American English. I am not translating.” Dark Fire reported.

Pressing against the force-field in the shuttle the entity forced the shield to glimmer against the pressure. It’s clawed feet tore grooves into the floor as it moved.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Thank you for the clarification, Dark Fire,” Xiana replied. How many languages was this creature familiar with? And if so, what was their education like? She took a couple of quick notes she planned to expand later on, including one for herself to find a few tutors on board. With so many different beings, she felt it necessary to start brushing up in other languages.

“I am unsure,” she answered plainly. She raised her head back up to the hologram. Swallowing, she put her pencil down. “You have one more question.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1020​

Necron:

“Questions are irrelevant. You do not answer them. You will be eliminated. Soon the Galaxies will be ours once more.”

The creature said, small ‘bugs’ running across its skeletal frame. Wherever they moved the metal became polished, made new again, as they repaired it from the battle.

The force field began to spark where they claws made contact, then the entity stopped and stood still it’s eyes watching her.

“All flesh-lings will be purged from the galaxy.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana tilted her head forward by a centimeter, observing the creature’s self-preservation. She felt a chill run down her spine as their unpleasant guest spoke once more, forcing her chest to not give away her newly quickening breath.

Keeping her composure was a challenge. “If that is all you have to comment, then so be it. Dark Fire, please end the transmission.”

Once the image was gone, she leaned back on her seat, running both her hands up her head by her temples. She stared at the ceiling, perplexed on how to approach such a vile being. Was psychology even useful with such a thing? Was she just wasting her time?

She needed a rest. No—she needed a drink, if available. She sat back up, taking a few additional notes before standing to store her documents away in her safe. “Dark Fire, I should’ve asked this prior, but do you have recording capabilities? By any chance, were you able to record our prisoner's regeneration during our conversation?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1025

Dark Fire:​

“Of course,” Dark Fire replied. “The individual was being repaired on a molecular level by the secondary entities. The secondary entities and the Primary share metallurgical similarities to the organism designated as the ‘Silver Parasite’. Hypothesis, they are so same life form.”

"Do you wish to observe the recording of the repairs?"

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I do not, but I would like for you to clip that repair portion—solely that portion—and forward it to any bioengineers or anyone in an adjacent position. Please include a message asking if they can identify those entities further or confirm them.” This portion wasn’t her forte, but it did make her curious.

“Could you give me a brief explanation about the silver parasite you speak of? As for the other entities aiding, are they likely to be conscious?” Xiana got on her feet, pausing at a small mirror to let her hair loose from its tight hold. The grip combined with the day’s events was starting to give her a headache. “Unrelated, are there any places on board similar to a bar or cantina like those on Earth?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1030

Dark Fire:​

“I will forward the relevant images and date so far compiled to the appropriate individuals, Counselor. Or do you prefer Doctor?” Dark Fire inquired. “The information is not in your file.”

“The Silver Parasite is an intrusive parasitic entity that infiltrated this vessel as well as several others in a recent attempt to infiltrate and annihilate the United Federation of Planets.”

“Their external appearance is that of liquid silver or mercury. They are capable of infiltration of a living host and animating said host via a neural connection. Testing determined said parasite could not access deep interpersonal memories of an emotional nature.”

“While inhabiting a host form the parasite was able to continue without observation for several days, possibly weeks, without detection.”

“They are believed responsible for the death of the Previous Caption of this vessel, Captain James Marcus. Medical report 29870508-ZGY6798.”

“Security Chief Aegeri investigated the death, it was his assessment that it was the result of an accident. Further investigation altered that conclusion to be a conspiracy to commit murder and, in an attempt, to circumvent Chain of Command and take over this vessel.”

“There are several locations aboard that serve the purpose of a bar and or a cantina. The safest location is ten-forward. However, if you are looking for something more hostile and seedier, those locations are in the ‘red section’ of the ship near the primary engines. A security or Marine escort is recommended, in the Red Section.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“‘Counselor’ is just fine, thank you,” she spoke, her eyes stuck on her reflection absentmindedly while she absorbed the AI’s information. Although she tried her best to prioritize the objective information, the mention of Aegeri made her stomach churn. She had forgotten that she had been assigned the honorary ceremonies for the departed, a task she was nervous to work on. Perhaps she could convince the captain to reassign it. Perhaps she could suck it up and deal with the discomfort.

Her attention was dragged back with the mention of the conclusion, leading to a crease on her forehead. She didn’t ask questions when she was assigned to the ship, much less on its history, and was naturally unaware of the previous captain’s whereabouts. If anything, it was her alert to be more curious. In their environment, it could pay off in her future endeavors.

“Thank you for the information, Dark Fire. You continue to be a wonderful asset,” Xiana turned. She debated her options—on one hand, there was no reason to go somewhere that could put her at risk solely for a beverage. On the other, would she lose the respect of her patients or colleagues if, heaven forbid, she lost sobriety? She bit the inside of her cheek in contemplation.

“I understand this is not a priority, but if there is anyone available to escort me to the Red Section, could you please put me in contact with them? Do clarify that this is not an urgent manner.”