USS Dark Fire (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

McLeo

“It's been gnarly, Doc. When I first stopped. Nip, Nip, NIP was on my mind. The grip was totally brutal. I really wanted more! But it is more mellow now. I fly better without it… and if I wanna chill with Ensign Cook, so gotta be straight up clean, Doc.

Ensign Cook, she is a real surfer babe. MEOWWWW.

I’m riding the no Nip wave… and I’m doing it for me and for a chance at her.” Shino answered

“You ever been caught on a bad wave? Addicted to something?” He asked Dr Marlowe.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Her hand moved smoothly over the paper, her head raising with every few words. Ensign Cook… she was unfamiliar with her as well. By the sounds of it, however, to be an inspiration for someone’s sobriety likely made her a kind person.

Xiana chuckled at his expression. “Well, I do hope you and Ensign Cook can continue to flourish. I’m also very proud of your sobriety. Addiction is such a difficult thing to overcome. I hope you’re giving yourself props for being able to defeat it.”

She shook her head as she turned a page. “No sir, luckily I haven’t. It’s always wise to have precautions, though. On that note, how have you been managing any triggers or stressful situations now that you are sober? Any standout coping mechanisms or new ones?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

McLeo

"The scent totally gets me gnarly. It’s like a total mind wave, doc. Crazy stuff like combat? Not so much, but personal drama? For sure. I’m thinkin’ if I chill with some catnip, I can ride the wave better. I’m craving it hardcore, man.

For coping, I jam on my guitar, do some journaling, and hang with my babe Ensign Cook. Gonna hit her up for a legit date soon. Fingers crossed she’s down for it!"

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I actually think you’re on the right path as is,” she said, motioning to his guitar. “Music is an incredibly therapeutic activity. Composing art is excellent in not only distraction, but release. To journal and be social is fantastic as well. I’m cery happy that you turn to healthy mechanisms when it gets hard.”

“And I’m sure she will be,” Xiana smiled, writing. “What about physical side effects. Have you noticed anything unusual now that you feel sober? Do you think you’d be able to operate in your work environment just fine?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

“The nip ain't too gnarly on the body. I’m still stoked to shred, I mean fly!” Shino said with a chill vibe. “I used the nip to mellow out. My main struggle without nip is getting laid-back without the juice.”

“Before I go… one last query. How do you ride the waves of your worries?”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana nodded. “I just want to make sure any stress or unpleasantness on duty won’t lead you to relapse. In theory, it can be easy to state we’re ready, but in action? It’s best to be cautious.”

“So far, however, you seem to be ready to join your team once again. Please do maintain regular counseling or seek help whenever you feel tempted.” Xiana extended a hand to the floor and lifted herself back onto her feet. “Recovery isn’t linear, so never feel ashamed or frustrated at having to ask for assistance.”

She brushed some dust that had stuck to her pant legs off the black material. “I find breathing is an excellent way of soothing oneself. Exercise is, as well. I’m not too artistic myself, but activities like art and other creative outlets are wonderful. Communication, and confiding in others can help decrease stress as well.”

“But it all comes down to personal preference,” she concluded. “I do think you’re ready to return, and assuming all goes well with any other labwork or testing you might have, I wish you luck on your first day back on board,” Xiana smiled.

Shortly after escorting the lieutenant out of her office, she asked Dark Fire to notify K’alena that she’d waiting for her at the same bar they had met prior. Xiana didn’t take too long to arrive, order herself a plain drink, and get lost in thought while she waited for her comrade.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1200

Sliding into the seat next to her K’alena grunted. “So they’re bringing that thing aboard.” She said. “How are things on your end?”

Sipping a coffee she smiled at the Doctor. ”Or is this a professional meeting?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana turned fully to K’alena, prepared to share some of her own frustrations but instead gave the Klingon’s first comment priority.

“And this is how I find out?” she complained, breathing out with exasperation and a hint of humor. “I know I’m new here and I’m still getting a hand of everything, but would it be so hard to communicate with me or give me a heads up? I know no one gets points for effort, but so help me every God there is and ever was; K’alena, I’m trying.”

With a slight mope, she rested her head on her arm angled on the surface. “I’m sorry. I invited you here and automatically jumped into complaints. How are you?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1202

“I found out on my way here.” K’alena replied. “I’m sure you have a notification in your office.”

“I’m not injured and I’m healthy. Nor am I insane. Would I know if I was insane?” She asked as she sipped her hot coffee.
​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1202

“I found out on my way here.” K’alena replied. “I’m sure you have a notification in your office.”

“I’m not injured and I’m healthy. Nor am I insane. Would I know if I was insane?” She asked as she sipped her hot coffee.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“It’s not just that,” she said, leaning back in her seat. “I didn’t know about the wormhole’s approach as well. I don’t want to come off as being ungrateful, either. But being in the dark on subjects I’m currently doing my best to work with, being quite literally pushed away, and then having to be assigned to ceremony planning of all things, knowing I’m still not entirely familiarized with each species’ traditions or approaches… I want to do better, I truly do. At this point, I’m not sure if my attempts are taken seriously. At the same time, it isn’t as if the entire ship revolves around me. It’s an odd sentiment.”

She shrugged. “You don’t appear to be insane. Then again, insanity isn’t as common as the word is used, nor is it always obvious by observation. You’d be surprised at the amount of people that have to internalize their severe issues, particularly if they’re aware of them.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1204

“We’re going to a wormhole? News to me.” K’alena commented. “Everything has been a bit khaotic lately. Everyone is still getting used to the new Captain. She’s been here less than a month.”

“Have a drink and don’t stress it. Just ask Dar Fire for guidance, the thing watches everyone and knows habits and customs and fleet regulations. Or just organize shipping the bodies to their home worlds and families and let them decide, and we hold a Starfleet Ceremony. It won’t be the first time.”

“Gr’thor a few bodies got vaporized so they can’t be buried. And their superiors write the letters to next of kin.”

“And don’t you need to check and see if they have last wishes? Maybe they don’t want a ceremony? Most of the Marines don’t. The just go to Sto’vo’kor and regroup.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She had a point. There were always causes and there were always solutions. She couldn’t help but be thankful for K’alena’s input. The mere fact that she now had someone to talk to proved more fruitful than her determination to take on her new position by herself. It wasn’t that she disliked company. She just figured it would be simpler.

“You’re right, K’alena. And thank you for the suggestions. They’ll really come in handy,” she answered with honest gratitude. “It’s just strange to have the label of a doctor and be assigned to event coordinator activities I suppose. But I’d rather infer that I was granted that due to some assumption that my expertise somehow makes it easier than the opposite. Maybe I’m just jealous.”

“What do you mean by regroup?” Xiana asked, sipping from her drink. “What is Sto’vo’kor?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1206

“Sto’vo’kor.. is.. ah.. Warriors go there when they die an honorable death.” K’alena tried to explain. “If you die with honor.. Sto’vo’kor. If you die in Dishonor Gr’thor.”

“Kah’less awaits all true warriors in Sto’vo’kor. We will eat, drink, and make war on the enemies of the Empire in Sto’vo’kor.”

“Ferengi go to Gr’thor….” she added knowingly.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Who was she to deny the Klingon’s beliefs? For all she knew, they were right on the dot. She took in the information and acknowledged it respectfully. To think a day ago she’d be alarmed.

“Well, whatever you’re destined with, I’ll need it to be delayed for some time. So far you’re the only person I seem to stick with in this ship,” Xiana expressed with a kind smile.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1206

“The Commander and his wife and Lieutenant Skye seemed to get along with you? Or do you not like them? Oh a new Head of Security got assigned. Human, Male, First Lieutenant, so you’ll end up meeting him.”

Grabbing a slate from the bartender she pulled up Kitan’s file and showed it to the Doctor. “I was hoping for a Klingon.” she sighed. "Never get a Klingon.."​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“They’re all wonderful people. The Lieutenant is quite refreshing. The Commander is very compassionate, although I’m unsure he allows himself to realize that. And frankly, I can’t wait for my next conversation with Dr. L’sa - I’m enamored with the way she articulates her knowledge. I just haven’t reached that degree of… trust I have with you. You know, the kind you develop when you risk alcohol poisoning in front of the other person.”

She leaned over and scanned over the slate. “Head of Security… was that Aegeri’s position? My, it’s only been a day. I forget that urgency is the default on board.”

“I’m certain he’ll do a fine job. Perhaps you could personally recommend some Klingons you’re familiar with moving forward? I’m sure the Captain would be open to your input.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1208

“Yes, that was Lieutenant Commander Aegeri’s position. I’d put a name for a Klingon forward, lots of experience, but there was a Trill and Romulan on the list as well. I’m guessing the Captain and Commander made a decision. All four on the list were in charge of sections of the ship.”

“Wanna try the poisoning again?” She asked with a challenging look in her eyes. “We’ll start out with stronger stuff this time.. Bloodwine and Romulan Ale.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She really needed to increase how much of the ship she had explored. “May he succeed in his new position, then. We undeniably need every helpful person we can find.”

Xiana giggled lightly. “Goodness, no. At least not back to back. I felt so miserable yesterday that I had to request a medic from the Marines to save face. Those drinks you recommended were severely underestimated.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1210

“I underestimated nothing,” K’alena commented with a smile. “And if you believe you are not the right person for the funeral service, I’m sure the Commander can assign someone else to do it. He did arrange for Captain Marcus after all.”

“And I still don’t know the whole ship, just the major parts of it.” Tapping the bar she got the bartenders attention and ordered a Prune juice. When it arrived she sipped carefully.
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Oh please, you left your balance in the entrance to the Red Section,” she joked. Of course, the suggestion was tempting, but the memory of acid reflex and low self-esteem were doing an excellent job at diminishing the impulse.

“With how the Commander must be doing, having to-“ Xiana paused with realization. Idiot. Of course, she was the best person for the task - she hadn’t known the crew enough to make technicalities difficult.

“I should go take care of something,” Xiana spoke, getting on her feet. She gave the Klingon a brief side hug “Thank you for spending some time with me darling. I’ll see you soon. I’ll be expecting your top five drinks to kill sobriety when I do.”

The counselor closed her tab and left the establishment, requesting Dark Fire’s assistance as she walked. “Dark Fire, could you ask Commander Reeves if he’s available to speak in my office? Could you also send a message to Captain Hora, inviting her to an evening out, just the two of us? She can pick the location.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1215

“Of course, Doctor.” Dark Fire replied. “The Commandeer can be at your office at 1300 hours.”


1300​

Tapping the control at the Counselors door Commander Reeves waited until she called for him before entering, his eyes quickly assessing the layout of the office and her position.

“How can I help you, Doctor?” he asked.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana looked up from the handful of papers she had reviewing. After storing them, she didn’t return to her desk. Instead, she walked up before the commander and took a seat on the floor.

“Sit,” she instructed, pointing at the floor he stood on. She hadn’t realized how comfortable she had felt sitting in such an irregular way when Mc’Leo had been there earlier. It was still a working theory, but she owed him for the inspiration.

With no writing materials, Xiana let her hands rest on her lap. She took a deep breath. “Commander, I don’t trust you. Do you trust me?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1305

“That’s a rather unusual question, Doctor.” He replied looking at her as he sat on the floor. “I do not know you enough to trust or distrust you. I trust you enough to fulfill your capacity and duties and to keep confidentiality amongst your patients. But I do not trust you enough to share my deepest secrets or thoughts with you.”
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Nor do I expect you to. I don’t expect anything from you personally in general. But I do want to at least attempt be your friend.”

Xiana took a moment to breathe. “I know it can’t be easy for you to continue seeing your colleagues dying. I don’t think it ever will be. You can argue it being common or you being accustomed or how it should be expected, but it’s never going to stop hurting. Aegeri, Captain Marcus… I know you carry on because you have to. I’m no one to tell you how to act. I just want to extend my support and tell you that I’m so sorry.”

“I was wondering if you’d be open to sharing some happy memories you have of both, if you’re comfortable.”