USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1310

“I find no discomfort in sharing memories or speaking about them Doctor. But I have served for quite some time under both of them, so I have a great many memories. Through meditation I have learned to compartmentalize any emotional attachment to memories. In some ways I am like the ship and am able to disconnect from any pain that I could experience.”

“However, I will do my best to share memories as they become appropriate. I have also taken to greeting the bridge crew as they arrive for shift, individually as per your suggestion.”

“Most of them find this to be unsettling as this has not been my habit.”
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana didn’t know what to respond to the commander’s anecdote, particularly since she didn’t love the idea of dismissing emotions in that manner. She’d investigate in her own time. Yet, she couldn’t help to reply with a simple, “Oh dear.”

“Habits take a second. Don’t let it discourage you. A good way of maintaining relationships is with intrigue,” she began, then shook her head. “No, I didn’t invite you over to work. I know that despite sharing our race we have incredibly different approaches of socialization. I want to find one that works for you, all of you.”

“I don’t… want to one day hear of any of your passings and regret not knowing you. Mourning is so brutal, but I’d rather miss someone who I valued than feel remorse for not even trying.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1320

“I understand, Doctor. And given enough time I’m sure we will have many memories that we’ve shared together. Commander Aegeri was an interesting individual, I’m sure you would have found him.. fun.”

“His replacement has been selected and should be at the next Captain’s Mess or the next full briefing. You may wish to review his file as he is one of the individual’s that will be coming to you for consultation.”

“The Chief Engineer is preparing to bring the hostile aboard so that we can go to a higher warp and provide a better defensive and offensive stance if needed. I’d recommend you still use your current method of communication with the individual.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

And she was complaining about being unable to get to the parasite. “Yes, yes, I know Commander.” Late, but she’d have the topic for another setting. “When was the last time you talked about yourself unprompted?”

“I don’t mean to sound rude, and I know it sounds counterproductive in some situations, but it’s important to think about yourself sometimes. Your position is crucial, but you’re not a robot. I’m trying here, man.”

Xiana got back on her feet and wiped her pants clean. “I’ll look over the file.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Captain, Dr Marlowe wishes to have dinner with you. She has ask that you pick the location.” Dark Fire told Hora.

“What?” Hora asked

“Dr Marlowe wishes to have…” Dark Fire started to repeat

“Stop… I heard you the first time. I was just surprised by this is interesting turn of events” Hora said to Dark Fire. “Very interesting!” She added. Could it be true, that Dr Marlowe was interested in a sexual relationship with her?

No, that was not likely. Dr Marlowe had made it clear that was not in the cards. But cards can be changed. Hora could release some of her Orion female pheromones and make the Doctor delirious with lust. Forcing Dr Marlowe into a sexual relationship she did not want. That was highly illegal and might not work. The pheromones did not always work on human females. Hora was not serious about that thought… just a little fantasy that popped into her head.

No, there was something else going on. Whatever it was, Hora was not going to play along.

“Dark Fire, inform the good Doctor, that the dinner will be in holodeck 2. I shall set up the room myself… and I want real food served via the replicators. But everything else will be holo-images. Oh, this is going to be fun!” Hora declared in glee.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1330

“I think about myself a great deal, Doctor. I just don’t brag or talk about the things I’ve done. You wouldn’t like me very much if you knew.” Reeves replied as he stood up. “And I prefer sitting in a chair, not on the floor.”

Stopping at the door he looked at her. “Sometimes the past should stay were it is.”

Leaving her office the Commander returned to the Bridge. Walking in as the Captain finished her conversation with the Ship.

“...Oh, this is going to be fun!”

“Is everything alright Captain?” he asked, then remembering her question from the night before he asked. “How are you doing today, Captain?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I’m doing well, thank you.” Hora replied. “I probably need to fill you in on my instructions to our new security officer.”

Hora thought back to her quick meeting with the man. She liked him right away.

“I’m GLAD to meet you” Hora had said back to him, with a warm smile on her face. “I’m planning on working very closely with you.” She added with a wink.

Then she told him “I’d like you to examine a few new ways to increase our security. First off, I understand the need to some security officers to be visible. However, more covert and under cover security personnel might be able to catch more trouble makers. Everyone behaves around security people, but as soon as they move on, they act differently. Might be a bad idea, but look into it.

Also, I’m totally open to any other ideas you might have to enhance security. Finally, Lt Sol is a unique asset. But he is a handful. Talk to Commander Reeves, he seemed to have figured out a way to deal with the big dinosaur.”

Hora returned to the present and smiled at Commander Reeves “First off, I like First Lieutenant Jovovich. He is a smart man. Second, I asked him to innovate on our security processes. I also told him to talk to you about Lt Sol.” Hora explained.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870526.1400

“Of course, Captain.” Reeves replied. “I’ll have a follow-up meeting with him after shift. We may need to start including The Counselor and Engineering in on meetings. With everything going on they’ll need to be kept in the loop so they can be prepared for emergencies. And the Doctor may be able to assist with psychological and emotional trauma in the medical bays if we start taking heavy injuries, or casualties.”

“And I’m sure Lt. Jovovich will be quite capable in handling the Security Division of the ships crew. Is there anything else I should speak with him about during our meeting?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“You make a good point. I’ll brief everyone at the next breakfast.” Hora replied as she moved next to Commander Reeves. She did not touch him, as he disliked that, however her lips were very close to his ear. “There are some secrets just between you and me” She whispered in a very lusty voice.

“Now, I’m off to holodeck 2 and some fun!” She giggled and walked off the bridge.

Holodeck 2

The holodeck was configured to be an old western (Texas) saloon. There was a thick oak bar, with a large mirror, beer taps, and bottles of hard liquor on shelves. The walls of the room were brick, with numerous stuffed animal heads, such a deer, bears, etc. There was wood-beamed ceiling. In one corner was a small band playing music. There were round tables, with various holo customers such as fur trappers, cowboys, miners, and gamblers.

Hora was dressed as a saloon girl in a Victorian dress. Her shoulders were bare, and she showed as much cleavage as possible.

“Dr Marlowe is from Texas… she is going to love this” Hora thought to herself.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Dressed in casual evening wear, Xiana had figured granting the captain the option of location could lead to conversing more at ease. Frankly, she hadn’t known what to expect of the venue. As she entered Holodeck 2, she realized she genuinely hadn’t considered what approach Hora would have.

Was it catered to her? Xiana felt conflicted. She appreciated the effort, but she hadn’t been raised in a country environment, much less one traditional enough for the arrangements. She didn’t have the heart to tell the captain, it was very considerate after all.

She didn’t take long to find Hora, surprised at her ensemble. In a mere black pencil skirt and blouse to match, she felt strangely underdressed. “Captain Hora, thank you for meeting me tonight. Would you like to take a seat?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

1st Lt. Kitan Jovovich

Going over the files Kitan rubbed his face. He never thought about promotion, just wanting to be a good security officer or a Marine. All the paperwork was more challenging than he’d ever thought it would be. Ty had kept meticulous records so that had helped a lot, but it was still challenging.

It didn’t help that Kitan had always been a shooter, not a detective. And apparently he had to be both for this job. At least he didn’t have to investigate the Captain’s death or even Tyrande’s.

That would have been too much.

Opening a drawer he saw a deck of cards. Grinding his teeth against the pain he remembered the first game he’d ever played of poker with the Chief. The Xabraxian had had a smile that had unnerved him, that combined with those eyes had almost made him piss himself when they’d met.

Would he continue the tradition of poker night? Running the last game over in his head he tried to think if the Chief had been trying to tell him anything? Had he known the attack would come? Had he known about his own death?

Probably not, the computer had notes on the main screen and when he’d notified Dark Fire of his acceptance of the position one of them had opened. A congratulatory note from a dead man. According to the time stamp he’d prepared them a year ago, when he’d taken over, and then updated it as time went on.

Taking the cards out of the deck he shuffled as he read the letter.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I’ll be right over, ma'am” Hora said in a pretty good western cowboy accent. She, of course, did not know that much about earth. But she did pick up a few things going to the academy which was located in San Francisco, a large city on the planet.

She had done her research on the job of a saloon girl. She was to dance with the men, sing to them, talked to them, and otherwise kept them in the saloon buying drinks and playing games. Some of these activities naturally also resulted in sex for money. The job was similar to an Orion slave girl, and if done properly, the saloon girl can control and manipulate the men in the saloon.

Now, would that also work on Dr Marlowe. She was about to find out.

She dropped off some whiskeys to another table. One of the men she’d been flirting with slapped on the ass as she turned away. “Ohhh, you are so naughty” She replied to the customer “I love that” She added

Then she was at Dr Marlowe table.

"What'll ya have to drink tonight, ma'am?" She asked. "We got all the finest brews and spirits." While Dr. Marlowe pondered her drink, she mentioned the grub. "As fer eats, tonight’s special is BBQ brisket, steaks, with all the fixin’s. We got stew too, real cheap-like."

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana had to admit to herself that these simulations’ reality was fascinating. The detail, the reactions, the realism of it all… she was somewhere between impressed and nervous, mostly out of being unsure of how to break into conversation. The fact that the ship’s captain was joyful playing waitress was, by no means, anticipated.

She took some reluctant steps to a nearby empty table, the croaking of her chair being the only thing to bring her back to reality, or at least this version of it. Posture straight as usual, she let her hands rest on her thighs while she waited for the Orion.

Visibly uncomfortable, she was wary of asking her captain to provide her customer service. She shuffled in her seat. “Just, um, just water is alright. If we could put off eating for a moment so we could speak for a second I’d much prefer that.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

"Yessiree, ma’am… I’ll fetch ya a cold one. This water here’ll make ya feel right poorly." Hora said. She strolled over to the barkeep, who filled her mug. Then she came back to Xiana’s table. placing the ale in front of her. "I’d be glad to chat! Anythin' with ya would sure be a treat!" She winked. "I can even dance or sing fer ya if yer keen." Hora added. "What’s on yer mind?"

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana brought the mug to her nose and took a sniff. Very much not the water she sought out. She put the dish back on the table. “This is a serious conversation to me. Please just take a seat and listen to me.”

She’d run over her words a thousand times leading up to their gathering. While rehearsed, she truly meant them. “I’ll keep this brief: I don’t want to be in a position where I feel as unfamiliar with your crew as I do now, and that includes you. I don’t know if I’ve underperformed or done something to warrant not being a priority in new information - such as the wormhole or the hosting of the creature onboard - when it relates to my project, but if I’ve done anything to offend you, I apologize.”

“I don’t want to feel foreign to my own colleagues. I thought I did, I figured it’d simplify things, but this isn’t an environment like Earth. I don’t get to go home and forget it all. I’m here, all the time, and I want to build an environment that feels united.” She contemplated sipping from the drink and eyed it for a moment, ultimately deciding to continue, fearing hesitance. “I know it can sound melodramatic, but I find it important, at least for the workplace. Sincerely, sometimes I feel like you don’t like me in general. I know I’m a human, and our different customs can cause some friction, but it’s something I wish to work through, or at least collaborate with. I do care for you and your well-being.”

With seriousness in her look, she took a beat and continued. “Whatever your impression is of me, it doesn’t deteriorate the tremendous amounts of respect and admiration I have for you.”

Xiana took a deep breath, almost as if she was confirming with herself the words that would follow. “If you’re open to it still, I’d like to sleep with you. I’m trying to let go of many human customs or expectations to have the most well-rounded perspective for everyone on board. I’ve always known sex isn’t inherently bad, but I hope you understand that it was taboo with superiors back on Earth.”

“Yet… we’re not on Earth anymore. Nor are we both humans. So… I’m on board if you still are, and will be alright otherwise. I know the change could seem sudden, but noticing some stress could be relieved in other ways helped me jump over those first opinions.”

“If you’d like, I do want to disclose that I’m not seeking commitment or something established. Just pure sex that we both find pleasure in. If it’s not too forward, I’ve read about the pheromones Orion women can produce. I’m unsure if you can manipulate the dosage but I’m curious what it would be like to receive them, just to be more at ease. I’d be consenting to it, but considering your status I wouldn’t want to risk being too… stiff.”

Her chest raised and fell at the last of her words. Now, she could only hold out for a respectful response. She moved her mug from hand to hand, not eager for a sip. “So… what do you think?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora reached over and pulled Dr Marlowe to her feet.

“Computer… end simulation.” Hora ordered without the western accent. Suddenly the room was a big space with thick yellow grid lines on the walls and floors. There was only a table in the corner with real food and drink on it.

Hora was still in a Victoria dress and Xiana was holding a mug of beer. Hora grabbed the beer and walked it back over to the table with the other food and drink. Placing it down. As she did that she said “Wow, Doctor, you have caught me completely be surprise.” Hora was thinking about how to respond to her comments.

As she walked back over to Xiana she said “I respect you and believe you are a value asset to this crew. You have provided excellent advice to me and this ship multiple times. If I led you to think otherwise, I’m sorry.”

“As far as my recent orders, I did not think to include you because I’m a fool. You should have been part of the decision. When we were unsure of who was being controlled by the parasite, I only trusted a few people on this ship. That is no longer the case. Commander Reeves has advised me to include more of the ship’s officer in future decisions. I will do so.” Hora explained.

“Now” Hora’s eyes glowed with carnal desire “I love sex, and would love to pleasure you. However, I want to give you a few options just to make sure you really want this. You told me during our welcome, sex was against your principals. So here are a few options. I set up a sex simulation, here. I have a few really good ones… role playing, BDSM, watching, romance, … I did one recently with multiple partners, Three large, dumb and very horny Gamorreans!

Another options, is I join you in the simulation. We could have a threesome for example. The male is simulated… and we both have fun with him.

Lastly, we have sex just as you requested. I believe you are outside the military rank system… so it might be ok. However, it still looks bad to humans. Nevertheless, sex therapy is an approved treatment for both our conditions… so consider it therapy.”

Hora waited for Xiana decision.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Once on her feet and with her hands free, Xiana crossed her arms and let them rest against her torso. The explicit exposure, despite only being verbal so far, was still something uncommon for her. Yet, she meant every word, so she continued.

After taking a good look at their adjusted surroundings, she returned her attention to Hora. “I appreciate the consideration moving forward, thank you.”

She thought of her options in silence. Sure, a simulation could work, especially since she wasn’t seeking any emotional commitment. Then again, if she only wanted pleasure, did it have to be so elaborate? Or would it be more helpful than expected?

Xiana tucked some of her hair behind her ears and clasped her hands behind her back, pacing while she decided. When resolved, she slowly walked back to the captain.

“I don’t want any simulations. At least not yet.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“I’m sorry, were you tasked to turn our materials into garbage? How can you screw up something so simple?"

“But I—“

“I asked you a question,” Araiza interrupted, taking the poorly built aft cone and shaking it vigorously with one hand before the officer under his direction. He dropped the creation on the floor. If his booming voice didn’t grab the attention of nearby people in the room, then the high-pitched clank of the item hitting the ground certainly did.

The one thing Alfredo Araiza had requested once he was granted a position on the Dark Fire was a separate, more private unit where he conducted new developments, research, and overall upgrades. A large, well-lit room with a massive variety of instruments and materials, he had deemed it “the Workshop.” It had been his safe haven for a while. Normally, he kept it locked and prohibited to others. Now, after the Dark Fire’s most recent attack, the other weaponry production sections of the ship were scrambling to replenish their lost artillery and improve what they already had available. Taking note of his subordinates that had the best proposals, he had gathered ten of them to join him in the workshop, hopeful that a more quiet environment could lead to more breakthroughs.

Araiza should’ve known better. Now he had an imbecile polluting his Eden.

He took advantage of having the floor and looked around, pointing directly at his mortified officer. “Did anyone here instruct this man to try arts and crafts with the materials? Speak up! Which one of you is under the impression that we can waste our resources with science fair experiments?”

The room was painfully silent. Araiza sharply turned back to the younger man, whose eyes were watering.

With a sham of surprise, he gave him a gasp. “Now, who would’ve thought? Everyone else knows they’re not here for fun!”

“I’m sorry—“

“Oh, you’re sorry? You’re sorry? Do you think your 'sorry' means anything? What do you expect us to say next time there’s an attack and your incompetence causes more deaths, huh?” He quickly switched to a sarcastic tone. “Hi ma’am! I know your pilot husband’s remains are disintegrated because his missiles failed to implode, but don’t worry! Stephens from weaponry is sorry! Your children are fatherless, but at least Stephens is sorry!”

“If I ever see this pathetic degree of work again, I will personally replace one of our test dummies with your doughy body!” He screamed, his eyes fixed on the mess of an officer before directing himself back to the pity-eyed workers. They knew better than to linger too long on the scene and went back to their projects.

He began to make his way to the door. “Finish up here, leave your workspace impeccable, and be here at seven A.M. sharp. And so help me, if I have one more person wasting the oxygen in this room, I will not be as nice as I was to Stephens. You’re dismissed.”

Araiza heard the opening of their affirmation, but the doors closed behind him before it ended. Not like he would’ve turned back anyway. As he absentmindedly walked hallway through hallway, his steps heavy, he pinched the bridge of his nose. He was used to stress headaches, but they seemed to be getting worse lately. He’d been prescribed medication, but it appeared to weaken the more trouble he encountered at work.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Last time I had fun in my quarters, people found out. I believe this is the best spot for our activities. And since I’m dressed kind of like a Princess, I think we can use that” Hora said “Computer an English castle setting, inside a spoiled princess bedroom. Secure the holodeck doors for our privacy” Hora told the computer.

Suddenly they were inside a princess’ bedroom. There was a beautiful white marble floor, with thick rugs in places. The center piece of the was the extra-large bed, with multiple pillows with gold trim. The white sheet and comforter also had gold trim. The tall windows show the lush green fields at surrounded the castle. The curtains were pulled back and had impressive needlework and gold leaves.

“I’ll play the princess… I have feeling for you, my handmaiden, and this is the first time I seduce you” Hora explained.

"Xiana, help me take my gown off? Please?" Hora urgently asked Xiana as she turned her back exposing the clasps holding the dress closed. Hora was beautiful as seen from any direction. However, from her back, Xiana saw her smooth green skin, the strength and grace in how she carried herself. Her classic hour glass figure was enhanced by the tight bodice of the dress. Her wonderful curves were deeper and more pronounced. Due the size of her breasts, even from behind, Xiana could see the side of each of them. What was hidden by the dress was below her waist. But Xiana had seen Hora in her standard star fleet uniform and what she had seen, was prefect.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

So much for avoiding simulation. Xiana inhaled. She didn’t know about sexual roleplaying, nor was she sure she could learn it quickly. Truthfully, she had expected at most a quickie, something solely physical, rather than a build-up.

She took careful steps towards the captain until she was right behind her. Xiana knew the captain was alluring, although her current ensemble was very out of the ordinary. Slowly, she undid the clasps from top to bottom, at most allowing her fingertips to lightly touch the Orion’s back. Progressively, she could feel a warmth emerge from her torso, her senses heighten a tad bit, and her heart racing, all tied with the small craving of wanting more.

Done with the last of the clasps, she tugged the top of Hora’s dress down to her waist. Xiana surprised herself by slipping her hands leisurely down the captain’s shoulders, tracing the sides of her torso, and meeting on top of her core. She couldn’t help but pull Hora into her, the other woman’s back against her still-covered body. Resting her head on the captain’s shoulder, her hands continued to delicately trace her green skin, as if attempting to absorb any hint of the pheromones she was releasing. Perhaps it was Xiana’s complete lack of exposure to them, but they already felt potent.

“Oh God,” she sighed. Her patience was wavering. She directed her hands back to the captain’s sides and turned her around, cupping her face with her hands soon after. Xiana brought her lips against Hora’s, a silent moan emerging from her mouth as she heatedly kissed the captain.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

After clearing out Tyrande’s personel effects, Kitan put them in Ty’s quarters. Technically they were his quarters now as head of security. But it felt weird to take the office and the quarters.

He’d have the bed replaced because he certainly couldn’t sleep in a dead man’s bed.

An hour later he was in Ten forward, sipping beverages from Earth’s twentieth century. He wanted a slug of whiskey, but he was on duty so that wasn’t happening.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

A walk wasn’t enough—he needed a drink. To be candid, he likely needed something stronger, but in active hours he’d take what he could get. Wandering into the nearest watering hole, he was thankful to find it considerably empty… if not for another person. An unfamiliar one at that.

“I will give you an obscene amount of money if you go drink your juice anywhere else,” he said as he reached the bar, only offering a judgmental lookover before the bartender found him. With a nod, the employee knew Araiza expected his usual. Never drank anything else.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“I was here first,” Kitan replied smoothly. “I got a promotion because my boss was killed in the attack. You?”

Looking over at the other man Kitan raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Maybe he should have a whiskey anyways. Maybe he’d get demoted and someone else could have the headache.
​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“I got my promotion because I earned it. We have an epidemic of handouts, don’t we?” he replied without hesitance. Perhaps the other meant his reason to be there, but disclosing he just needed a distraction out loud would make him feel childish.

He thanked the bartender for his drink. Araiza never let alcohol get the best of him, but he found an odd comfort in one glass after a rough day. Nothing elaborate, just a rusty nail without garnishing. The man took a small sip, unflinching to the familiar taste.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Yeah,” Kitan replied. “Isn’t it wonderful?” he added sarcastically staring into his glass. Fuck he still had to get the weapons down to engineering for realignment of the emitters.

“So what do you do on this floating city?”
​