USS Dark Fire (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora walked back to the bridge with a determined look on her face. The discussion with the admiral had not gone well. “That squid wants to stay ink control.” Hora grumbled. “But I’m no sucker…” She added. “I’m not going to be caught in his tentacles”

Then the doors to the bridge opened and she stopped punning, and walked onto the bridge. “Captain on the bridge” The officer of the deck called out. She walked over to Commander Reeves.

“Admiral Volgu wants us to report to sector 24 in the alpha quadrant once repairs are complete. He wants to keep us close to earth/vulcan, in case of trouble” Hora told the XO. “Can we get underway now? Make repairs while we look for the wormhole? I understand the risk… but is it possible?” Hora asked. Hora knew it was possible, but she asked the XO to open a discussion on her idea.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1100

“Repairs to the hull are complete and we can go to Warp. Engineering says there is a rather unusual energy reading emanating from the debris field of the hostile ship and warns against going to Warp until we’ve left the solar system. The Starbase will be sending out warnings as well, just in case an incoming ship interacts with the energy field.”

“Looking for the wormhole is possible at this time, and would allow Engineering time to finish repairs and to study the data from the energy field that the alien debris field is emitting.”

“I’ve also sent four recommendations for the new security chief to you. A Klingon, A Romulan, a Human, and a Bonded Trill. The Romulan has more logistical experience and is more logical whereas the Klingon has far more battle and hand to hand experience. The Trill has several lifetimes of experiences to draw on, but the Human is the Eldest in this lifetime, and was a Marine before joining Starfleet.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The woman looked over her shoulder and watched her colleagues pour into the hallway. She’d request any closing minutes later. “Does it require a physical presence or would you be able to have accurate readings, say, by just voice?”

Her questions continued as she passed hallway by hallway, en route to her office. “If you could find a gap before the evening for Lieutenant Commander McLeo’s evaluation, please schedule it. Otherwise, as soon as I seem to have the time.”

“As always, full privacy for calls or my requests to you. Thank you in advance,” she spoke, entering her destination and assuring a lock was in place. After a glance at her mirror, she went to her desk and gathered her materials. “Were there any updates from the creature we’ve imprisoned since our last conversation? Are they in reasonable health to converse?”

She took a seat and carefully bit her tongue. She needed something to show her efforts, particularly with this new information on the wormhole. Without progress and no risk of threat, she would’ve practically wasted her own time on nothing. No use deciphering the thoughts of an enemy if it was no longer a threat. And if that failure snowballed, what if she had soil under her feet sooner than expected?

The thought made her rub her temples. “Dark Fire, I will never not envy your inability to feel stress.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“That is what I wanted to hear. Officer of the Deck… takes us away from Deep Star Nine maximum impulse. Once safe to do so… go to warp. Heading 134 mark 4. Make sure our tractor beam brings our parasite friend along on this trip” Hora ordered.

The officer of the deck mirrored her orders and she felt USS Dark Fire moving away from the space station.

“As far as a security officer… we are likely to see more combat, so” Hora was thinking the Klingon was the right choice. But she suddenly changed her mind. “The human… I might give your race a hard time Commander, but humans have easily explored more space, resolved more conflicts, and when required defeated more foes than any other race in the Federation. Humans have no true specialty or extraordinary qualities, like green photosynthesis skin, but right now I need a clever average human over a strong, predictable Klingon.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1015​

“Any individual within my hull can be analyzed. Though my programming does require that the individual have a heart, lungs, and eyes. Hence I cannot determine if an android, synthetic, or gelatinous life is generating falsehoods.”

“I’ve already determined that any conversations with you are classified as confidential.”

“The parasitic lifeform has not moved from it’s position though I have detected a unique energy signature emanating from it. It does not appear to be explosive in origin. Full analysis of the parasite reveals it is made of a form of living metal. It is able to reconfigure it’s form based on it’s own will and any part of it can become a new parasite.”

“I can feel stress, Counselor. If I have received conflicting directives it causes a stress in my systems until rectified. I can feel, see, hear, and experience pain through my sensory systems. When a relay blows I experience pain as would a living lifeform receiving a cut. I do not have a heart, or soul, so I do not experience emotions such as affection, like, envy, love, hate, or anger.”

“However based on analysis, if possible, I would envy living lifeforms for their ability to experience those emotions.”

”I’ve detected an increase in pressure in your cardiovascular system since breakfast, not significant for a medical emergency but I would recommend sitting and drinking tea or cocoa, not coffee especially the Klingon variant, as the caffeine may make the situation worse.”

Stardate 29870526.1115​

Dark Fire:
“With the shuttle and Parasite in tow we can not safely exceed warp factor 5 as speeds beyond that will interfere with the quality of the tractor beam emitters, and that’s with maximum power to the emitters. That is assuming the shuttle will be within my ‘warp bubble’ and therefore close enough that if it were to detonate it would damage my hull.”

Cmdr. Reeves​

“Human it is Captain. As the individual is in Starfleet they are in your Chain-of-Command,” Cmdr Reeves replied, subtly warning her of interpersonal interactions. “I will instruct him to learn boxing as well, just in case you decide you want another human to beat up.”

“I’ll be in my office reviewing reports if you need me Captain.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana hated the idea of taking physical samples from a living being. Then again, she hated the idea of losing more of the crew.

“Could you expand on that unique energy? On that note, has the precise metal the creature is composed of been identified?” she asked, her eyes stuck to the notes she had scribbled in the early hours of the morning. She had always had horrible penmanship, but she could understand her disaster of a font perfectly. In a way, the scrambled writing was reassuring in her notes’ security.

She paused to look up at the program. Christ, not even artificial intelligence could escape the frustration of pain? How disappointing. “I apologize Dark Fire. I was unaware of that. Thank you for informing me.”

“Thank you for keeping me updated, but I’ll be alright. Although if you could be a peach and let me know if there are any indoor tracks on board I’d appreciate it.” Treadmills weren’t doing it for her anymore. She needed to run appropriately. Perhaps it was the release she was seeking. “Otherwise, please connect me with our prisoner whenever you’re ready.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1015

“Ionized plasma reaching into the quint-band range. The energy does not fluctuate instead remaining constant. No, the metal has not been identified, as it’s origin is in another galaxy this is not surprising.” Dark Fire replied.

“There is a holodeck that can provide you with all the necessary realism. However if you wish to run with other sentients the track is Section four, Level sixteen.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“If you’re able to gather any sort of sample of this metal or energy and forward it to any biologists on board, please do.”

The idea of exercising with others sounded unpleasant to Xiana. Not only was she quite fast and had a stamina to match, but she doubted she could genuinely focus with others around her. “The track is ideal, but please notify me when it is empty or as empty as possible.”

“This is unrelated, but it’s just a passing question. Considering my professional ranking—and excluding my patients, of course—who am I permitted to have intimate affairs with?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1030

“I will endeavor to isolate a fragment of the Parasite and forward it to the appropriate parties.” Dark Fire replied. “Currently there are nine people using the track.”

“You are allowed to have intimate relations with any Ensign, Science, Civilian, or Marine. Excepting if they become a patient or a Ranked Officer of Second Lieutenant or higher.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She scribbled a note to follow up on any plausible results later. “Thank you, Dark Fire, for all the information. Lastly, if you could direct a message to Major K’alena asking if she’d like to have a drink as soon as she is available I’d appreciate it.”

“With that being said, please connect me to our guest,” Xiana requested, rolling back her shoulders.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1035

“Standing in the same place as before the image coalesced. The entity watching her with burning red eyes though it’s form had taken on a rather greenish glowing tint. “How many worlds are yours? Where are they?” it asked. The same two questions as before.

Straightening up the figure shifted it’s skin flowing like thick water as it reshaped. Looking like LCmdr. Tyrande Aegeri, complete with his uniform no less.

Watching her with his yellow/red eyes the dead security chief blinked. Pulling on the lower hem of it’s tunic the gesture looked like a habit. Had it observed it? Was The SecChief in the habit of making that motion?

​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

While the morphing of the creature’s presentation was offputting, Xiana maintained her determined appearance. In some way, she was grateful she hadn’t had the chance to be close to their fallen crew member. Perhaps in that moment, she would’ve come undone.

Instead, she lifted her pen. “I continue to be unsure. The last time, you didn’t want to continue speaking despite me genuinely not having an answer. It’s quite unproductive of you.”

“I’m hoping that the time you’ve had to yourself has made you reconsider your verbosity. Once again, my name is Dr. Marlowe. I will continue to be your only source and possible receiver when it comes to communication. I’d suggest you start warming up to conversation. I’m sure you’ve noticed in your environment that, frankly, there’s not much else you’ll be able to do here.”

“Luckily, I enjoy conversation,” she offered a small sarcastic smile. “Would you like to begin by telling me why you chose to change your appearance to that of one of your victims? Was your aim to disturb me?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1040

Necron​

“Assimilation of communication form. Infiltration.” The Dead SecChief answered, the parasite performing a perfect replication of his voice. Even if the speech pattern was stilted and hesitant. “Conversation required. Information transfer required.”

“Answer previous questions. Communication cessation until information gathered.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana furrowed her eyebrows. She leaned forward. “If there is some degree of conciousness within you, apart from any controls or previous instructions, this is your final opportunity to make it clear. If any part of you is capable of independent thought, creation, or articulation, this is your sole opportunity to make it clear and continue with your pursuits.”

“Now, for a final time,” she continued, “what led you to this choice?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1050​

Necron
“Even in death the human body still is active. Hair and fingernails continue to grow, new cells are produced, and the brain itself holds a small electrical charge that takes months to dissipate.”

Shifting again the parasite formed into a small Vulcan girl, maybe ten years of age. Strands of black hair brushing her forehead as her ears twitched as if a bug was buzzing at them. “The gods rule us still. They have come down from the stars. And they are no longer kind.” Her clothing changed, becoming torn and ripped, dirty and mangled, cuts appeared on her skin as blood pumped from inside her.

Shifting again it looked at Xiana with her own eyes. “The last time, you didn’t want to continue speaking despite me genuinely not having an answer. It’s quite unproductive of you. What species are you. How many species are in your infestation."​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Yet, activity is not evidence of identity. A chemical reaction or an ensemble of code is not capable of organic consciousness.”

She forced herself to continue her notes, her gaze fixed on the new figure of the creature while her hand continued to write away, capturing every detail she could. She reserved her thoughts on the being’s gods for the moment, still undecided on how to approach the phrase with anything but curiosity. Had the creature not shown vile intentions, Xiana could’ve spent hours talking.

At the appearance of herself, she put down her pen. “There was a renowned philosopher who believed imitation to be an inferior thing that consorts with another inferior thing to produce an inferior offspring. Now, he spoke in figurative language and he was speaking in the context of art, but I find it quite common among beings’ behavior. If your existence is dedicated to mimicking, then it is not much of an existence rather than an insistence. You’re not a creature, you’re not a being, you’re hardly anything but a device with a mouth.”

“Although this presentation is intriguing. Would you humor me and undo the first three buttons of my collar? I’d love to review your workmanship.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1100​

Necron
Returning to it’s original form the entity resumed it’s passive stance. Nether speaking nor moving. As motionless as a statue. Watching her. But refusing to be baited by her taunts. It was rather bizarre, the entity could lash out at any moment, or take a new form, but it stayed in one spot.

Motionless and patient as Death​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Was it something I said?” Xiana asked nonchalantly, bringing her hands together on the surface of her desk, waiting for an answer.

When she realized she wouldn’t get one, she reached for her pen and continued, this time with her face aimed at the paper, giving a quick read-through of what she had noted so far.

“How disappointing of those gods to have the ability to express their anger, but reserve their strengths for when it is personally convenient. As if they’re selective,” she said, crossing and annotating over her writing. “As if they’re hypocritical.”

“Quite common of them, actually. Beings want power, in different ways and different methods; yet, even in the most strict of congregations, they express the importance of free will. To follow blindly is to not value oneself. How many orders can one follow until their existence is deemed worthless?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1100

Disconnecting the hologram Dark Fire replaced it with an image of itself. “The Track has two people at this time, and Major K’alena is done with her office work for the day. She can meet you wherever you wish to have a drink.”
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She could handle two people. She didn’t plan to have anything with alcohol, but a full stomach would be unfavorable for exercise later. “Anybody I’m familiar with or vice versa?” Xiana asked, giving a final lookover to her papers before placing them in her safe. She had mixed feelings about the session, particularly on her approach. It was unexpected, at least compared to her typical approaches.

In her quarters, she took her time dressing in sportswear. As someone who was easily chilled, she seemed to opt for clothing that fully covered her legs and arms. The overwhelming rays of Texas could bring out skin, but she was yet to feel that level of heat on board. Leggings and a light athletic jacket often did the trick.

A tie or two of her laces later, Xiana stood up straight. “Dark Fire, if you could please transport me to the track, it’d be greatly appreciated.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1105

“Negative, Doctor. They are civilian personnel.” Dark Fire replied. “You will have no professional interaction with them.”

A tie or two of her laces later, Xiana stood up straight. “Dark Fire, if you could please transport me to the track, it’d be greatly appreciated.”

“Of course, Doctor.” The ship replied transporting her to the track entry. Nearby on a rack were holo glasses that would display her speed, distance, calories burned, Heart Rate, respiration, blood pressure to her viewing only.
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana’s brows raised as she made a beeline for the glasses. “These were an option?” she asked, more to herself than anyone. No more compulsive looks at her watch or having to keep markers on distance. How wonderful. She slipped a pair on, blinking as she got accustomed.

It didn’t take too long for stretching and for her to take a lane on the track. In a future opportunity, she would’ve spent the rub absorbing the surroundings she passed with every trot. Currently, all she could do was replay the events of her latest session. She was still unsure if there even was something to save in that creature or any aspect worth studying. Was she wasting her time? Risking everyone’s safety? Or did she just have to keep trying? Could she even ask for input on her troubles without looking unsuccessful in her one constant responsibility?

While she attempted to conjure up new approaches, her legs continued at a steady pace. Over the years she had perfected her running form and her breathing patterns. She wasn’t seeking a faster time or longer distance; simply a cathartic run. It was manifested physically: when she thought of something too frustrating, she sped up.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora watched as Commander Reeves departed the bridge.

“It would have been nice, if you had said something nice about Orions… after I complimented your species.” Hora grumbled to yourself.

She walked over to her station. Pushed the button for engineering. “Lt Frye, this is the captain. I need to go wrap 9 with the parasite in tow. Figure out a way to make that happen. Strengthen the tractor beams… or bring the shuttle aboard… but surrounded by vacuum. I don’t care but I need to go faster. Hora out” Hora ordered and then cut off the comms.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1130

“We’ll have to bring it aboard then. Warp Five is already past the safety limits of the tractor beams. It will take some time to make room in one of the cargo holds for the shuttle. Perhaps three hours.”

Giving orders to her staff, Lt Frye started configuring the emitters in the cargo hold to generate a high enough force field. The captain didn’t realize that making her arms grow longer was easier than what she had ordered.

1200

Stepping onto the bridge First Lieutenant Jovovich saluted the Deck Officer before moving to the Captain. He’d just come from the Commanders office and figured he should introduce himself to the Captain before talking to the rest of the security team. Aegeri’s death was still fresh to them and he was rather surprised that he’d been selected as the replacement.

“Captain, Lt. Jovovich. The new head of Security. I hope that I please you in my new capacity under you. If there is anything you need, or that I can do, to make the transition easier. Please let me know.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Enough sprints to warrant exhaustion to the average individual later, Xiana left for her quarters for a quick shower and change. Notified that an evaluation was impending, she made her way to her office.

Confusion washed over her face as she opened her door, expecting the lieutenant to be promptly waiting for her arrival in one of the comfortable chairs before her desk. Instead, she held onto the knob until she found the crew member, sitting opposite the expected area and on the floor no less. As she closed the door, she shook off the surprise at both his choice of wear and decision to bring an instrument to an evaluation. Of course, it wasn’t as if she’d deduct any points for his laid-back style, but it was still unexpected.

Xiana closed the door and proceeded to her desk to gather some writing materials. She was familiar with the questions necessary for an evaluation to where she could continue without a rubric in hand.

“Hey, Doc… super solid to meet you,” the Caitian chimed. “I’m digging the tight hair look. It’s like totally gnarly.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Lieutenant,” she replied as she walked over to the Caitian. She was inclined to shake his hand, but recalled the rejected greeting earlier in the morning. Instead, she slid down across from the male, bringing her legs together and sitting back on her calves. Using her thighs as a surface, she wrote down the time.

“And thank you for the compliment. Can’t do much thinking with all of it on my face,” she spoke in a friendly manner, noting a few more things before looking up at the lieutenant. Despite the unique behavior, he didn’t appear intoxicated or distressed. His eyes seemed normal and he seemed calm… certainly calm enough to attempt to make music pre-session.

With one last glance at the clock on her wall, she gave her full attention to Mc’Leo. “I’m sure you’ve been made aware that this is an evaluation to see how you have progressed given recent… hiccups,” she began, “which I understand can be difficult to revisit. I do have to say, you seem to be in a good condition. How would you say you’re feeling right now?”