USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I wouldn’t know if there is a right man, for me anyway” she admitted. She enjoyed the growing comfort among her colleagues. It was unexpected. “In my personal experience, too many men have resulted emotionally unavailable, already in a monogamous relationship, downright incompatible, or, in my last case, imprisoned.”

“Frankly, I’d rather not risk encountering one of the four, much less in my place of work,” Xiana sighed, her eyes lowering to her dish in search of another berry. “And since women aren’t in the repertoire, and I’d prefer to be with someone of the same species, I’d rather not waste my time.”

She raised her gaze, eyebrows furrowed. “Anyhow, where is the Captain? Is this all of us?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0920

“I prefered Humans myself, until I didn’t anymore. What about someone humanlike, perhaps a Betazed, Bajoran, Klingon, Romulan or Vulcan? Or is it strictly Human? Or does is a Terran Birth required?” L’Sa asked, the xenobiological aspect curiosity piqued.

“You could simply ask Dark Fire to find someone compatible by listing the parameters. And no one on this ship is an ex inmate. Though certain Caitain pilots push that limit on occasion.” Reeves commented. “The Captain should be along shortly. More than likely she’s resolving any overnight complications that may have occurred.”

“Anything Engineering needs to know about?” Kaylee asked.

“Any new attacks?” K’alena asked.

“No to either, nor am I amare of any situations needing the Captain’s attention. And as long as she doesn’t ask me to get involved, I try not to find out.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Actually, if we could discuss anything else it’d be greatly appreciated,” Xiana cut rapidly, attempting her best not to sound rude. “I appreciate it, I’d just rather let my lack of pursuits be put to rest.”

Grateful that the topic fluctuated, she listened to the others’ takes and silently continued with her breakfast, visibly uncomfortable.

“I hope things are better, as much as they can be anyway,” she said after swallowing. She left her seat with her glass in hand, shuffling across the room to pour herself another glass of water. She’d give a kidney for a mirror right about now.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0930

Switching topics to some conversation about some of the pilots, they still hadn’t decided on a CAG, Commander of the Air Group. Being the CAG wasn’t just the most senior pilot it was also skill, kills, and ‘friendliness’, the ability to get along with those under and around you in combat and out.

So far Shino ‘Tiger’ McLeo was in the top three, but his Nepeta cataria issue had been holding him back for a while.

“Counselor would you be able to give the Lieutenant Commander a psychological evaluation? See if he’s finally given up the Nepeta cataria?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Refilling her glass, the woman nodded. “Yes, of course. I could schedule an evaluation hopefully this week, although perhaps in the evening if—“ Xiana went silent, looking at the wall with a perplexed look. Here and there she forgot a feline on Earth, and a feline beyond still shared aspects beyond appearance.

“I’ll revise my schedule,” she answered, returning to her seat. “Would it be out of place for those of you who are not humans to be asked a few questions? I’m attempting to become well-rounded with every species on board. The psychiatric aspect is already vast enough with humans—I don’t want to allow a lack of perspective lead to a poor job.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0935

“Of course, Doctor,” Dr. L’Sa replied spearing a piece of fruit before eating it.

“Sure, anything you’d like,” Kaylee replied. “I’m on my third lifetime so I’m always getting asked things.

“Battle tactics?” K’alena asked. “You might not like a Klingon’s perspective.”

“You do realize that the crew of the Dark Fire is approximately 65 percent non-human, yes?” Reeves asked, sipping his potent Klingon brew.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Which only makes being well-rounded all that more important,” she noted. She debated taking notes but didn’t want her colleagues to feel like they were being dissected. At the same time, a casual approach would also be ideal. Rarely did counseling take on an incredibly formal tone.

A third lifetime? Battle from the get-go? She had a lot to learn. “We could do group answers to save time; thank you for agreeing. A hiccup I have often with counseling is initial approaches or introductions, particularly because as a human I’m conditioned to maintaining sole professionalism and a hint of friendliness. For your race, what is the ideal way of being greeted or of engaging with everyday interactions, beyond your personal interests? What behavior tells you ‘I can trust this person’?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0935

“Vulcan’s avoid physical contact when possible. The basic greeting for us is "Dif-tor heh smusma" which is ‘Live Long and Prosper’ with the proper response being ‘Prosperity and Long Life’ with the appropriate finger positioning.” L’Sa replied.

K’alena smiled and pounded the table. “Klingon’s smash head’s together to demonstrate superiority and strength. We have no words for greetings in our language. Our only greeting is ‘nuqneH’ which translates as ‘What do you want?’ Most of our language is based on needed words without Human politeness or false concern.”

“I don’t know about anyone else, but there isn’t any hey I’m friendly and can be trusted’ gesture or phrase. Trust is based on experiences.” Kaywinnet commented. “Kaywinnet is my first name, Lee is my biological family name, and Frye is my Symbiotes name. Most everyone calls me ‘Kaylee’ or ‘Fry’.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora entered the Captain’s mess and saw all the invited guests enjoying breakfast. It was good to see the senior staff getting along. Then her eyes fell on the Orion finger foods and wing-slugs. She was going to warn them about the spice and aphrodisiac effects but she had been called away. Oops!

“Sorry, everyone, I was called away by Admiral Kikoem Volgu” Hora explained as she grabbed wing-slugs and moved them to her seat. Then she looked over to Commander Reeves “I explained our wormhole plan to him. I thought he was going to squirt an ink-cloud!” Hora laughed. She realized not everyone knew who Admiral Volgu was. “The Admiral is a Mon Calamari. Amphibious race that resembles squids, at least in their face, but they are humanoid, and have only 4 limbs. Anyhow, he did agree I had the authority to close the wormhole if needed. He did not wish us luck on our mission” Hora reported.

“Anyhow, this is a social event. I really would like to get to know everyone better. A quick warning… these finger foods are Orion. Spicy and aphrodisiacs. First fun fact about me. These” Hora pointed to the plate near her “are wing-slugs… most races find them total disgusting, but Orion’s love them” she grabbed a slug and ate it.

“Yummy. I love them. Now Lt Frye, please tell us something about yourself and a few of your past lives?” Hora asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0940

Put on the spot, much like they had accidentally put Xiana on the spot minutes before Kaylee blushed and looked at her plate. “Um, I’m not sure what to tell. I.. that is Kaylee... has always been into mechanical engineering. Frye was a scientist the first time and he studied Biochemistry. Specifically the Symbiotic-host relationship and the neural connectivity.”

“My second Host was a painter. Sceneries and landscapes. I could never get the hang of faces and hands.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Your… wormhole plan?” Xiana inquired, her face reflecting some confusion before she directed the look to the commander. With the conversation ongoing, she put away her additional questions for when the chance was granted.

Out of respect, she took one of the finger foods offered. She could handle her spice, but whether she’d risk any heightened sexual senses was still up for debate. For the meantime, she placed it on her dish.

“Kaylee, mechanical engineering sounds so intriguing. What is the most interesting or challenging project you’ve ever worked on?” Xiana asked, hoping the question could ease her colleague’s discomfort.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora's expression softened with a hint of a smile as she answered Dr Marlowe question. "The Parasite came from the Andromeda galaxy. Came here via a wormhole. That massive ship that attacked us and the station probably came through that same wormhole. The Commander and I have a plan to find the wormhole and possibly close it. I think finding it will be easy. We have data on the last ship to go through the hole, and a debris field from when the ship came back… and blew up.”

“But enough about work. Lt Frye most difficult, or most interesting engineering project?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.0950

Coughing softly Kaylee told the group that the most interesting and challenging project she’d ever worked on was the Dark Fire design and implementation team. A hundred and fifty years ago she’d helped to design the Dark Fire. It was one of the reason’s she’d requested to work on the Dark Fire again, to see her project be launched.

She even explained that it was against the rules for her to re-engage in any previous hosts lives or relationships, but the Dark Fire was a ship, not a relationship. And since everyone she’d worked with before had died or retired and was no longer on board the Dark Fire, she’d been able to come back.

Plus the AI hadn’t been active when she’d been with the project before. So Frye hadn’t met the AI until her return as Kaylee.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana listened quietly, moving around some of the fruit around her plate as she kept her gaze on Kaylee. How fascinating to have an existence such as hers. And here she thought her sole life was already exhausting. How wondrous.

“To contribute to designing this very ship… it’s phenomenal,” she said sincerely. Presence aside, a history of one hundred and fifty years was incredible. She wished she had the expertise to make technical questions, but for now she’d marvel.

“It puts things in quite the perspective, doesn’t it?” she said, sipping her water and clearing her throat. “As in legacy. Personally, as a human I’m unlikely to see past a century, but if anything it just fuels the desire to do something of importance, as I’m sure you all have felt at some point. To think we’re all here, in this moment, chasing after the greater good is nice.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Being on this ship, we are fated for importance things.” Hora said adding to Dr Marlowe comments. “I think it is interesting that the assistant CHENG also has a long-life span. He is a Sephi. They can live up to 400 years. I think that combination means we have a very experienced officer team in engineering.”

“Dr. L’Sa, Major, or Counselor, any interesting items you’d like to share? Fun hobbies? Life goals?” Hora asked.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1000

“I have achieved my life goals, as for hobbies I play Strategema.” Dr. L’Sa admitted.

“It’s an interesting practice, but I prefer blood on my blade and screams of pain in my ears.” K’alena retorted. “My life goal is to die in battle with honor and join Kah’less in Sto’vo’kor.”

“To bad these new attackers don’t possess a soul, it’s like ripping apart machinery, no glory, no honor.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

In a way, Xiana was grateful to have met K’alena after hours. Otherwise, she would’ve had an alarmed reaction to her answer. Instead, she considered what to share. Was fitness too generic? Pet care too obvious? Beauty too narcissistic?

“I haven’t quite had the time to maintain it as of recently, but I do enjoy tumbling,” she shared. “I started appropriately in my late teens and it has been great for my posture and balance.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1000

“Tumbling?” Kaylee asked. “What’s that?” It sounded like a controlled fall, but why would anyone fall on purpose? Was it part of an exercise routine? A martial arts thing? How would it affect posture or balance?

“I should show you how to drink like a Klingon, it will give you courage and teach you to walk on an unsteady ship deck.” K’alena said with a smile.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She attempted to come up with a simple way to explain it. “In short… if you’re familiar with the sport of gymnastics, it would be movements similar to floor drills. More on the acrobatic field, I suppose.”

Xiana gave a firm, but quick look at K’alena, her widened eyes practically screaming Let’s-Not-Discuss-Anything-That-Can-Allude-To-Last-Night until she turned back to her breakfast.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1000

“So learning to fall and roll on the floor?” K’alena asked smiling. “Like a drunk Ferengi!” she laughed slapping the table with her open hand. “After shift we all Drink and practice tumbling!”

"Do you have any hobbies, Captain?" Kaylee asked, hoping to avoid that subject. As a trill she didn't drink much as the alcohol could have an adverse effect on her symbiote.
​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora laughed at Lt Frye’s question “Lt Frye… that is a dangerous question to ask an Orion. Some of my favorite hobbies are not to be discussed over breakfast.” Hora answered with a naughty smile. “However, my less x-rated hobbies might be of interest to everyone. As Commander Reeves is aware, I enjoy boxing… although on Orion, we have different rules than Terrans use. I also enjoy an earth game called pool or billiards, and I do practice all dance forms of the orion slave girl tradition.”

“I appreciate Dr Marlowe’s hobby of tumbling. Dancing, Fighting, Sex, and Tumbling all involve control over one’s body. The activities build confidence, improve focus and concentration, enhance self-esteem, require discipline, and done right, can be fun.

Now, Commander… I believe you have not told everyone about your skill at boxing? But since I have… what else do you enjoy in heavy gravity?” Hora asked in a lusty voice.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The last portion led to Xiana clearing her throat and raising to her feet. Acclimating would be slow, she figured. “Excuse me for a moment, I did forget to feed my pet. I will be back,” she explained, not allowing for a response while she left the room. Her mouse had his breakfast, but she’d rather not participate in the topic at hand. If that made her appear disrespectful, she was willing to handle the feedback.

Instead, Xiana paced casually through the hallways, not staying too far away as she did plan to return. Her hands clasped behind her back, she thought about her responsibilities for the day, the click clack of her kitten heels following her in the emptiness.

Pausing, her posture straightened. “Dark Fire? I have a question. Does this ship have any systems or devices that might operate like a polygraph?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1005

Cmdr Reeves:​

“All of my activities are under heavy gravity as our residence is climate controlled to simulate Vulcan and when not in our residence I wear gravity boots and thermal clothing. Although my clothing is not as appealing as my wife’s.”

“And my skill is not at boxing as your skill is. My skill and training is in hand to hand combat and mixed martial arts.”

Dark Fire:​

“I am fully functional in that regard. The Holodeck can also be set up to replicate the equipment, and location, if desired.”

​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora’s commlink buzzed. She activated it “Captain, there is a priority call coming in from Admiral Volgu”

“I’ll take it in my quarters” Hora replied.

She turned to the table “I want to thank everyone for attending this breakfast. But duty calls. Please enjoy the food. But try to get some work done today.” She joked as she stood up and walked out of the mess.

As she walked back to her quarters she thought about the breakfast. In Orion society, there was a saying “Something must be given, if something is to be received”. A principle which meant that no self-respecting Orion would accept, nor offer something as charity. The Orion concept of value extended beyond monetary gain, and was also assigned to intangible goods. Pleasure was considered to be a very valuable commodity, as were concepts such as reputation, beauty, revenge and countless other motives, some having no obvious value to anyone aside from the individual interpreting it.

Hora was reviewing what she had given and what she had gained from the breakfast. Over all the breakfast was a positive for her. She knew more about the senior officers and they knew more about her. She liked the CHENG and respected the counselor more for her hobby.

Then her mind switch to Admiral Volgu. “What does that squid want now” She thought.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1015

With the Captain’s informal dismissal everyone remaining left the breakfast with the Commander and his wife pausing a moment to be alone and share a kiss before they went to their respective departments.

“Wuh pyllora nam-tor sos’eh, tun-bosh t' wuh flekh. Tonk'peh ko-kan sos'eh wuh veh tor el'rek wuh khart-lan.” L’Sa commented.

“Etek dungau gla-tor, T'nash-veh k'diwa." Reeves replied softly.

Walking onto the bridge several minutes later Reeves took the deck officer’s report and ordered that the hull take the most focus. Integrity of the ship took priority over the paint.

He’d scheduled meeting with the potential security chiefs for later in the day so for now he just stood his post and watched the bridge.​