USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The counselor listened patiently, her excitement of recommendations coming down as the doctor shared her anecdote. She was impressed that she was so familiarized with her family line, although both dismayed and proud at the reaction to L’sa’s features.

“Others can be so unnecessarily cruel. I’m very happy you came to dismiss that teasing. Artificial judgments like that should never be entertained,” she continued, then raised a shoulder. “Although I do give a personal pass for artificial comments. There are too many kinds of beauty as to never acknowledge them.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0820

“All sentient species are cruel in their early developmental years, Vulcans are no different. We, as a general rule, simply learn to overcome this distraction and suppress those hostile attitudes into a more constructive manner.”

“Why do you give a pass for artificial comments? Are they not lies? I would find an individual in your field of expertise to be less tolerant of lies, not more tolerant.”
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana shook her head. “I wouldn’t say all. Unpleasant, perhaps, but cruelty is intentional. One thing is to be hurt by accident; another is to be hurt with want. Cruelty comes from the desire to hurt others. Ignorance or being misled also plays a part, particularly in the youth, but it might be something a philosopher could contribute to better than I could. Any chance you have one of them on board?”

“I also reject that all lies are bad, although I understand not everybody shares my morals. There are lies to protect each other, to uplift each other, sometimes simply to not cause more turbulence,” she explained, sitting up. She did a quick straightening of her top. “Naturally, I don’t endorse pathological lying or harmful deception, but beings internalize everything—whether they like to admit it or not. Here and there, a false compliment to make them more at ease can help.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0825

“I’ll amend my statement to all Sentient species I have so far encountered on a personal level. As for verbal deception, lies, I find them to be irrational. An individual that deceives, regardless of motive, is by their very nature untrustworthy. Even ‘white lies’ are a deception. Saving someone ‘feelings’ does them no justice. If someone asks me if a dress makes them look fat telling them no opens them to further ridicule to their face and conversations when they are not present.”

“But there are ways to answer questions that speak the truth without being hurtful.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I’d argue lies are too circumstantial to label them equally irrational or automatically warrant someone being untrustworthy. What if you had to lie to an attacker to save a loved one? The persecutors would label you untrustworthy, and it might lead to further consequences, but would you sacrifice your loved one for the sake of honesty or to appear reliable to somebody seeking to harm you? Whether lying or not is immoral is incredibly subjective.”

“Personally, if you lied about liking how an outfit looks on me to spare my feelings—opposed to, say, lying about a critical point in my investigation, for example—I’d be much more lenient to the first deception. On one hand, you seek to protect me. On the other, you seek to harm me. Context is crucial.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0830

“Words are fluid enough to be truthful with an individual without being honest or precisely factual. I believe Humans use the term ‘wiggle room’ when it comes to honesty.”

“I read a series of books by a human author from the twentieth century a quote from it - ‘An Aes Sedai never lies, but the truth she speaks may not be the truth you think you hear.’ Hense, one can always speak the truth, without lie or insulting an individual. Vulcan’s do not lie, but that does not mean we are rude or offensive. There is always ‘wiggle room’ when using words, either spoken or written.”

“Is a code a lie?”

Looking at The Counselor, Reeves gave a chuckle. “You’ll lose this argument. L’Sa has had a number of years dealing with Humans and other species. She can dance the edge of a truth like a tightrope walking ballerina.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Then, if words are so versatile, can we agree that lying could be considered organic?” Xiana continued, pausing to take a sip of water. “If we expand on the truth, that too isn’t expressed or even perceived in a black or white manner most of the time. Misinformation, ignorance, or simply a lack of resources lead to different variations of truth. If you’d like to argue facts are undeniable, that’s one thing, but that ties to objectivity. If you told me humans need to be hydrated to survive, I would be in no place to question you; it is an undeniable fact.”

“Now, we agree we’re not very well acquainted. Let’s imagine you had been in charge of informing me of the hour of this meeting but had purposely given me the incorrect timing. My truth in the moment is different than yours. In that moment, despite any malicious or accidental intent, my actions will be modified to the information I know. I have no reason to question you, just as I have no reason to trust you. I have no concrete idea of what your behavior or reputation with the staff is. I can only assume.”

“That small space of doubt and hypotheticals—the same one that keeps beings wondering if they could’ve done differently, if they were perceived appropriately, or something as minuscule as wondering if somebody else trusts you—is something fed by compulsion, theorizing, and so unique to every single creature. The fact alone that you and I have differing opinions on this topic proves it; it’s wonderful and terrifying.”

“But I digress. I believe in facts, but I do not believe in an absolute truth. After all, Doctor, history alone shows how malleable even the most mundane things can be. Would science not be fueled by the refusal of absolute truth as well? Was the inspiration that brought us this very ship we are in not sourced from brilliant minds that rejected the idea that things, as they knew them, were the only way there was?”

“Oh, I’m not seeking to win anything, nor am I here to discredit the doctor’s experience or viewpoints. I insist morals are subjective, and I’m sure you’d agree, Commander, that humans could take a note or two on the Vulcans’ approach to knowledge.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0835

“Many morals are subject. Human, Klingon, Andorian, and Romulan beliefs in combat and death are different than Betazoid and Vulcan.”

“But I do access that you will be a very capable and competent addition to the crew. I am in agreement with the Commander on your transfer to the ship.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Well, I’m thanful we touched base on that, so if you’ll humor my human traditions,” she smiled, raising her glass carefully in the doctor’s direction and motioning to cheer.

“I really appreciate your endorsement. Both of you. It’s truly an honor to be working alongside staff of your caliber.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0835

Raising her own glass of orange juice in reply L’Sa replied. “The Honor is ours, to be graced with your assistance and cooperation in our journeys through life.”

Lifting his own cup of Raktajino Reeves touched both Doctor’s glasses before sipping. “To long life, and Prosperity.”
​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0840

Keeping silent during the moral discussion of lying and honesty Kaywinnet Frye, First Lieutenant watched the trio give each other a toast.

She hadn’t been to one of these in a while as her schedule kept her rather busy, but out of recognition to the Captain she’d come this morning.

“Morning, Doctor’s, Commander. Never expected a morality discussion before coffee.” Catching a whiff of the Commander’s drink she shook her head. “Never could tolerate the Klingon Stuff. To strong and I can’t shake in my job.”

“Sorry we haven’t met before Doctor. I’m Kaylee the Spanner extraordinaire.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Likewise! I tried a taste recently and my tongue was practically begging for a rinse,” Xiana agreed compulsively, then gave a quick apologetic look to the commander. “No offense.”

“It’s a pleasure,” the counselor greeted, polishing off the last of her water. She was yet to touch the colorful bowl of fruit before her, but her stomach still felt a bit unsettled. She’d have a nibble soon. “Have you attended one of these gatherings before?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0845

“No Offense taken, Doctor.” Reeves replied. “The taste isn’t for everyone.”

“I’ve attended several of these events with the past Captain. Though he held his breakfast earlier in the morning. This is nice, I was able to get my morning briefings done with before having breakfast.”

“The chef does good work and tries to use fresh ingredients for as long as possible, and the hydroponics lab helps a lot. Will you be a regular attendee?” Kaylee asked as she ate her french toast.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She admired the different meals presented and nodded in acknowledgement. It all looked mouth-watering. “Kudos to them, it’s exquisite. I’m wondering if I can sneak some of these strawberries back to my office. I have never seen a shade of red that vibrant on Earth.”

“I hope so. Were these meetings a daily occasion, or reserved for updates on a longer span of time?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0850

“Captain Marcus had them daily,” Reeves interjected. “They were more of a social event than a business meeting.”

“Though occasionally business was discussed,” Kaylee said. “Sometimes we’d give reports and talk about repairs, others we just ate and talked about family.”

“Whatever we don’t eat just gets recycled through the replicator system So I’m sure you can take them back to your office with you.”

​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana was still rather fresh onboard, but it continued to be uncommon to hear the staff of her level and above being personal beyond a session or a passing comment. She had a hard time picturing those around her such lively circunstances.

“You know,” she began, picking up a cube of watermelon with her fork “the bit I know of Captain Marcus is purely professional. If it isn’t too much to ask, what was he like? Accolades aside.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0855

“Captain Marcus was a human,” K’alena replied. ”He served his crew well. To speak dishonor upon him would be dishonorable in and of itself.”

“But he was acceptable in the bedchamber, a little on the fragile side, but acceptable.” K’alena roared, with laughter.

“He was friendly with Lt. Aegeri. I know they placed 4d chess a lot as well as talked about shipboard tactics.”
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The woman listened and brought the grape to her lips, the sweetness coating her tongue. She felt similarly at the anecdote shared by K’alena, hoping that if she found her own demise her colleagues would someday speak of her that way.

Until the explicit details, that was. She coughed, nearly choking on the fruit. “You win some, you lose some,” she said, her voice hoarse. She cleared her throat, blinking away a few tears before continuing. “Sex among staff is truly less frowned upon here on the Dark Fire compared to Earth’s standards, is it not.”

The reminder of Aegeri brought a twist to her stomach. To think it hadn’t been too long. She still had to sort the honorary events, take action for anyone mourning, and still find a breakthrough for the parasite. What a day she had ahead of her. “They must’ve been incredibly sharp, then, if their positions didn’t already give that away.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0900

Raising an eyebrow Reeves spoke up. “Sex amount those within chain of Command is against regulations. Major K’alena is a Marine assigned to the Dark Fire and cannot be promoted or demoted by the Captain, though he may take place in her grade and conduct review schedule.”

“If I had been made aware of the impropriety I would have spoken to the captain about it. Although it was not against regulations it was improper.”

“It was before we both assigned to the ship, and we weren’t in chain of command then either. Once we both came aboard we stopped.” K’alena responded.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“These regulations will the the death of me,” Xiana mumbled. She understood the severity of appearances and didn’t crave partaking in crossing a line herself, but keeping a solid grasp on the Dark Fire’s ambient kept her constantly on her toes. She knew she was still fresh, but she wondered if she’d ever have enough time in her position to actually be well rounded on its details.

Knowing her curiosity could lead to more intimate territory, she decided to segway. “Well, it’s nice to have more clarity to avoid or recognize any trouble in the future.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0905

“The regulation on a Starfleet ship aren’t much different than a Starbase. As a civilian you have more leeway than an Officer. You obviously cannot have relations with any patients, or anyone in your department. So as long as you restrict any interest to another civilian or a non-officer, you should be fine.”

“If you have any questions about a particular individual being allowed, or available, Dark Fire knows all the regulations and can guide you wisely.” Commander Reeves advised her as Kaylee rolled her eyes and sighed.

“Sometimes I think he’s either an android or a Vulcan, but I’ve never gotten enough courage to actually check.” Kaylee commented.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Oh, that won’t be a personal concern for me, Commander. Any intimate relationships are on hiatus until my feet touch the grass of Texas once again,” Xiana guaranteed. “I appreciate the information nonetheless.”

Her chest raised with a chuckle at Kaylee’s comment. “He’s been doubling as my own personal therapist lately. I certainly hope not. Otherwise, he’s overdue some comission.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0910

“I was not aware that grass grew in Texas? I was informed that Texas was much like Vulcan.” L’Sa stated looking at Xiana. “Was that information incorrect?”

“You are aware that relationships are a biologic as well as psychological necessity for a stable mind and body, yes? Humans are noticeably less emotional or volatile when in a healthy partnership.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana hummed. “You’re not entirely wrong. Texas is quite large. Some areas are incredibly dry. I’m blessed to have grown up closer to the ocean,” she informed, the nostalgia lacing her voice with some tenderness. “It was quite humid, which was excellent for my lungs but catastrophic for my hair.”

“I understand the importance of socialization, and I’m not entirely opposed to romantic or sexual endeavors,” she explained, leaning back slightly on her chair. “Perhaps I’m just too picky. Either way, being on my own hasn’t affected me for most of my life; why would it now?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0915

“You haven’t found the right man,” K’alena laughed slammed her empty cup on the table.

“Or woman,” Kaylee replied. “Don’t be judgy.” he said looking at K’alena.

“It’s better to say she has not found the right individual,” L’Sa commented. “I was in my late fifties when I met the Commander. The Doctor is still fairly youthful.”​