USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Very well, as I do this you will feel the pulling as other nerves and tissues are shifted, but there should not be any pain.” She told him. “If there is I need to know.”

Using a pair of scissors she cut the undershirt off so that he wouldn’t be bothered by it. Sticking the needle in his shoulder to make sure he wasn’t feeling anything she started working at suturing the injury closed, making two levels. Internal and external sutures as the injury was deep. Not to the bone or she would have required Doctor Grissom and staff to get involved, but bad enough he’d be moving slower than expected for a few days.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He was relieved at the ceasing of the pain and relaxed under her touch. Staying as still as he could, he watched as the Vulcan worked. He’d had the disgrace of seeing worse wounds, making him thankful of the sizing of his own.

“Thanks again for helping me out, and sorry for interrupting. Thought you guys had your meetings later in the morning,” he explained, looking up at the doctor.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“We are taking part of ‘The Captain’s Breakfast’ or senior staff meeting will be after wards. The breakfast event is an informal gathering of staff requested by the Captain to join her in the morning for breakfast.” L’Sa explained.

Once she was done suturing him, she used a dermal re-generator to increase the healing process and at least stop him from bleeding on his clothes without bandages.

After that she cut his t-shirt the rest of the way off. “If you experience any discomfort please inform the medical staff,” she told him as she held out a couple pills. “For the pain after the hypospray wears off.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“The informal gathering sounds a little formal, but hey, breakfast is nice,” he added. “Must be a lot of fun to bond with everyone.”

Araiza took the pills and slipped them into his pocket. He’d see if there was a chance he could work without them and save them for a future migraine.

“You’re the best, Doctor. Thank you, seriously,” he insisted, carefully slipping his top back on before pausing. “Can I uh… trust this will stay between us?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“I was working under the hypothesis that you desired Doctor-patient confidentiality,” L’Sa replied.

“So, I will not reveal the nature of the injury, though why you don’t want it reveal is not clear to me. But I will keep the information from anyone else. Though you may be questioned by everyone in the room. Including the Engineering Chief - Lieutenant Frye.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He could handle the chief. It was getting reprimanded from outside sources for neglecting his duties that worried him. “All good then. I guess I’m a little sensitive about stuff like this.”

Araiza finished dressing himself, rolling his shoulder slowly. He’d miss the lack of pain. “Anyway, I’ll let you get back to your stuff. I owe you one. How about some pastries? I’m one hell of a baker.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Thank you, but that is not necessary. Doctor Grissom already complains that I eat to many sweets for a Vulcan.” She told him. “Though I think he’s jealous that I expend enough energy to not gain weight.”

“You should get with chef and make some pastries for one of the morning breakfasts or meetings.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Playing caterer wasn’t an activity Araiza found appealing, but he humored it with a smile. “Maybe.”

“If you ever change your mind, you let me know. Sugar lung’s bound to get me before old age does,” he said as he headed to the entrance. “And I don’t blame Grissom’s envy. You look stunning.”

“‘Til next time, Doctor,” Araiza called out as he disappeared into the hallway, thankful to be in better conditions.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Returning the breakfast Doctor L’Sa considered his comment. Was he stating the an opinion or was he attempting to flirt with her. Humans were an unusual species, her husband was proof of that.

He was the opposite end of the spectrum as L’Sa had had to tell him that she was interested in a relationship.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Breakfast Part 2

The food arrived for everyone. Most of it pretty normal, with the except of Major K’alena and Lt Sol. The Klingon had ordered Gagh - alive. A kind of blood worm. The mass was squirming on her plate. Her blood pie also did not look good to eat. Lt Sol had what looked like a blacken human arm on his plate. There was a gray mush next to it.

Lt Sol picked up the arm with his big clawed hands. Hora was surprised how delicate, maneuverable, his hands were. Given their size, and his formidable frame. Then he started to rip the flesh from the blacken arm. The blood was dripping on to his plate. It was like watching some nature film.

“LT Sol… what are you eating?” Hora asked

“Seared Begguk & Lulma. Begguk is a naked ape species on the dyson sphere, taste better than human flesh, or so I have been told, and Lulma is made from Begguk’s brains”

Hora gave Lt Sol a look. Clearly, he had ordered something to upset and shock the other officers at the table. Everyone was smart enough not to fall for his tactic.

“You and K’alena win the most interesting breakfast items today.” Hora announced. She turned her attention to First Lieutenant Jovovich.

“Lt Jovovich, tell us something not on your resume. Do you have a mate? What are your hobbies? Who is your all-time favorite star fleet captain?” Hora asked him with a wink. That was when she noticed Xiana nodding head

“Dr Marlowe, did you have trouble sleeping last night?” Hora asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870527.0730

When the food arrived Doctor L’Sa simply raised an eyebrow, the food choices of two showing the moral superiority that Vulcans had over others. Slowly sipping her hot soup, she listened to the others talking.

Caught off guard at being thrown into the spotlight Kalen groaned internally. He hated being the center of attention, so much so that when he died if he was allowed, he’d stand in a distant corner of Heaven, happy to just be there. He wasn’t one of the Glory Hounds that bragged all the time, hell he’d often let others take credit just so he wouldn’t be the center of everyone’s attention.

Glancing at the Doctor, who seemed to be a little off, but he didn’t know her well enough to actually make that determination, he figured she needed a moment, so he answered the Captain’s questions.

“No, I’m not with anyone. My hobbies are old battles from history. Earth, Vulcan, and Klingon are the easiest to research and experience in the holodeck. And I don’t have a favorite Captain as I’ve not had enough interaction with Captains to make that determination. But if I was forced, I’d have to say Captain Eckland of the Roanoke.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“A bit, but nothing caffeine won’t cure.” The idea that her kind could be on the menu was starting to get to the counselor. Finding her meal less appealing, she compromised for drinking her tea, listening.

She was still astonished at the capabilities of the holodecks. The night prior it appeared so realistic. While she wouldn’t seek a historical battle herself, she wondered how precise the recreations could be. “I’ve been meaning to ask, how are the projections developed? They truly blur the line of reality. Are the displays obtained from general descriptions or models, or can current personal perspectives or anecdotes come into play as well?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Looking over from his position Commander Reeves replied, “Any and all information available is used to construct historical battle including information from the same time period in other locations.”

“If desired a battle at the Alamo can take place but replacing the Texans with Klingons and Mexicans with Ferengi. The base model is historical but can be altered at will by the participant.”

“This is how combat simulators are developed. A base model is constructed and then ‘user’ input is received, and the base model is altered accordingly.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“And how long would a new simulation, say, an entirely unique environment that had not been implemented or considered before, take to be developed for use?” Xiana asked, placing her cup down.

Her question came from half curiosity, half homesickness. It worried her slightly, blurring the lines between reality and simulations. Some could get addicted to those false concepts of reality. Hopefully, there hadn’t been incidents of that kind.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Well it depends on the nature and how much detail. A room? A week. A building a month or more. A city maybe a year?” Reeves told her as he ate, occasionally sipping his orange juice.

“Some things can be extrapolated from existing data. Say.. a random city in twentieth century earth, population 50 thousand. A couple minutes. Now if you want New York City, 1932. That would take an hour for the data to be compiled and processed. And for the simulation to be generated.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Every time she thought she couldn’t be further impressed by the ship’s technology, she’d find herself corrected. “Hypothetically speaking, if I wanted a recreation of, I don’t know, a small, non-chain grocery store I frequented in my youth. Would small locations like that be able to be recreated as well? Would they need things like pictures or personal anecdotes?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“The Dark Fire can use recorded data already in its systems if needed. If you can provide a location and a date it should be able to reconstruct the location based on CCTV, Satellite images, and any photographic images taken at, or around, the same time. And then fill in any missing data based on algorithms of known information.”

“If it’s a place you’ve personally visited on Earth then all the information needed is already available.” Smiling he added, "The Dark Fire is very smart."​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“How interesting,” she added. She’d look into how to make a request soon. Perhaps if it wasn’t exact, it could prevent any illusions. The mechanics of the model must be more fascinating than she imagined—after all, this was the first time she had ever seen the man smile.

For now, however, she pushed clumps of oatmeal around her plate, arranging them into poor geometric shapes. “This ship is full of surprises, is it not? Having the intellect for all these innovations… it’s inspiring.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“No girlfriend? Well, ladies, Lt Jovovich is available.” Hora replied to the Kalen’s answer. “Now as far as old battles… you should re-enact my combat maneuvers in the battle of Gas Giant Delta three seven against a combined Klingon/Federation fleet. Pure brilliance if I say so myself”

“That is not a very old battle” Lt Sol pointed out as he broke off pieces of the arm bones like it was a candy cane. He swallowed the bones whole.

“Good point, then look at a classic Orion battle. Orion navy versus Pirate near Beon 5B4. That was amazing combat and luck. Similar to earth’s Battle of Midway, only with starships.” Hora suggested

There was a grunt of disapproval from Major K’alena.

“You don’t agree?” Hora asked

“Orion’s fight like drunken whores. You should study Klingon Battles!” The Major suggested to Lt Jovovich.

“I can’t agree more. Study The Feira incident. Orions beat the Klingons so badly, their general was dishonored.” Hora countered.

“Captain, you argue like a drunken whore.” Major K’alena replied

“Why thank you for that compliment” Hora replied and suddenly the Orion and Klingon were laughing.

Hora turned to Dr Marlowe.

“Dr Marlowe, your stateroom has holo-emitters. You can experiment with different environments and setting without leaving your room. Might be useful for your therapy sessions. People might open up more in a Eden like setting… or a prison interrogation room.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870527.0735

“Dark Fire is not smart per se. It simply has a far greater processing power than any currently known sentient being, excepting perhaps ‘The Continuum’.” Doctor L’Sa commented.

“Either way, the Dark Fire is capable of creating a virtually any environment or setting you could wish. Simply state your parameters.” Reeves said.

“It comes in handy when you wish to be alone but want company. You can go to a park and have it filled with families, and none of them are real and wont bother you.” Kalen told her.

“I prefer training programs, to feel the blood of my enemies on my face and hands.” The Major said.

“I use it for testing engineers, to see if they are ready for a promotion or to make sure they know what they are doing.” Kaylee added.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She felt like she was yet to know her patients closely enough to determine their ideal environment, but she would surely consider it. “It could be helpful in the future.”

Xiana rested her spoon again her dish. “Sorry, I should clarify. I don’t mean the ship has intellect on it’s own. I was referring to the intellect of all the individuals that contributed to all these assets of the ship. To come together and make all these additions is just… incredible!”

“With all honesty, I wish I could have even a fragment of your knowledge,” she continued, turning to Kaylee with a sincere smile. She had a sparkle of amusement in her eye, no different than a child’s when they were taken to a zoo or aquarium. “My respect for your work is tremendous.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Well, I’m glad you think we are smart.” Hora said getting ready to change the subject. But Lt Sol jumped in before she could.

“If she is the dumb one in the room… then does her opinion really have much weight?” Lt Sol asked

“Lt Sol, you know I find you charming. However, and please don’t take this the wrong way, but I need to brief the senior staff. I can’t have you in the room for these discussions. Lt Jovovich can brief you afterwards.” Hora said

“Aye, Aye, Captain” Lt Sol replied. He nodded to everyone at the mess, but gave Dr Marlowe a smile. Which was quite frightening. Then he departed.

“Lt Jovovich, Lt Sol is a huge asset to this ship… but he takes special handling. Good Luck with him” Hora told the new security officer.

“Now, everyone. I have a few thoughts about what we should do next. However, this is an open discussion. Please feel free to voice different options/opinions/etc. In fact, Commander Reeves does this quite well. It is an important rule in leader not to fall into group thinking. In other words, present me, with options to choose from.

As you are aware the parasite comes from another galaxy. It arrived here on a Klingon ship that traveled through a wormhole. The ship blew up, but one person survived along enough to infected Commodore Daniel MacPherson. Based upon this information, Dark Fire ran multiple combat simulations.

The option where we close the wormhole had the highest success rate to contain and then destroy the parasite. Closing a wormhole is a big deal… a massive waste of a great natural resource. It really is the only way to travel the Andromeda galaxy.

At the same time, we are attempting to negotiate with the parasite. And by we, I mean, Dr Marlowe.

It will take a few days to find the worm hole and a while to find the right frequence to close it. Therefore, Dr Marlowe has some time, but not much. If you remember your training on successful negotiation… step one is to establish a foundation for collaboration.

Dr Marlowe can provide details… but so far, I don’t we have accomplished step one.

There you have it. Looking for thoughts and ideas. Either on battle strategy, the wormhole, or negotiation. Please don’t all speak at once. Did I miss anything Commander Reeves? Dr Marlowe did I summarize the status of your negotiation correctly?

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Unappreciative of the insulting behavior—mainly from how unwarranted it seemed—Xiana didn’t entertain it with a reaction. She sipped more of her tea, thankful for the energy it had granted her. Based on the captain’s new topic, it appeared just in time.

She furrowed her eyebrows when Hora mentioned negotiation but held her comments until she was done speaking. Xiana straightened her posture. “Excuse me, Captain, I don’t recall any specifics that my interrogation was anything close to negotiation. My field isn’t made up of compromising; it’s in deconstruction. I didn’t request this creature to be held for the sake of coming to an agreement; I requested its presence for research that could be helpful in our pursuits. I don’t think I implied otherwise.”

“On that note, while I know we don’t have the luxury of time, I do have to stress that it has only been a couple of days. We have a creature we know virtually nothing of other than what has been perceived and physically experienced, one that is very reserved.” She was still yet to make a full conversation as it was. She didn’t enjoy contradicting her superiors, but how could she not advocate for herself? The case was eating her up as it was. Some exasperation laced her voice, but the volume and delivery remained leveled. “If you’re seeking a negotiator, I can guarantee there are multiple officers trained in that exact duty. I, however, am not one of them, nor would I endorse an attempt of negotiation to begin with.”

“You’ll have to excuse my candor, but unless you took an approach of torture or the like, a prisoner isn’t exactly likely to cough up information—and even that could still result in silence. Countless times have captured beings preferred an answerless death to a confession.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870527.0800

Commander Reeves:
“I concur with the Counselor, Captain. And this individual may not have the authority to make negotiations. As much as this thing declares itself ‘One’, I don’t believe that is fact. From what we’ve seen in the battle they are individual’s with self-preservation instincts.”

Doctor L’Sa:
“The Medical and Security teams review the footage from the Biomass entity and it’s escape. From the Security Guards mannerisms we believe it may have limited Telepathic capabilities and directed the Guard to release it. The Guard was killed and consumed by the biomass before it was teleported from the ship.”

“As for the Silver Parasite we’ve been able to determine that it’s individual ‘cells’ are made up of nanites. The Parasite, given it’s mass, is calculated to be made up of 400 quadrillion individual cells. An average adult human is made of 30 trillion cells. And each of those cells is capable of recreating a new Parasite form from surrounding matter. Biological or mineral. Mineral composition does seem to have an effect on it’s coloration.”

Chief Engineer Frye:
“In my lifetimes I have never experience this lifeform, the closest I’ve ever heard of is the Borg Collective, but this isn’t them. And we’re having problems making any type of hand held device that works against them. The frequency modulation and strength burns out any power packs after a single discharge.”

Major K’alena:
“Physical weapons such as bulkheads, piping, and a Batleth have some effectiveness against them. Their shielding seems to be focused against energy weapons, but ineffective against slower moving projectiles and melee weapons.”

SecChief 1st Lt. Kalen Jovovich:
“I would recommend that if we do destroy the worm hole that we do it from the otherside. Preventing any potential Parasites on board from establishing a foothold in our galaxy. It would be a suicide mission, but a necessary one.”

Commander Reeves:
“I would agree with the Security Chief,” Reeves said before looking at Lt. Sol. “And Lt Sol, your comment is insubordination and uncalled for. Calling anyone dumb, wether you were implying the Counselor was stupid, and grounds for a court martial if you were calling the Captain or any other Officer in this room Dumb. You are the lowest Ranking individual in the room. You comments will be noted in your file.” The Commander said, his smile gone and although he was calm, anyone that knew him (The Bridge Crew) he was livid with rage at the Lt’s disparaging comment. “If anyone decides to file a complaint I will proceed with one.”

Doctor L’Sa:
Reaching out she set her hand on the Commanders upper arm, calming him and reassuring him that everyone was safe. For the moment at least. And the fact that she was initiating physical contact, in public, was an indicator of the situation.

Commander Reeves:
“Considering the Parasite I recommend we eject it from the ship for the safety of the crew, once The Science, Engineering, and Security divisions have determined they have gathered all the information they can.”

Dark Fire:
“Excuse me, but I have noticed a cartouche or glyph on the alien subject classified as the Silver Parasite.” Above the table the image appeared slowly rotating so everyone could see it. “I have not yet determined what the symbol means. Possibly rank, name, duty, classification, designation, or artwork – similar to a tattoo.”

​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Doing her best to absorb everyone’s input on the creature, she considered how she could implement their knowledge into her queries and then proceed to share her own anecdotes. “The parasite’s regeneration being adaptable could prove to be a risk as well. I’m unsure of how long exactly Aegeri—may he rest in peace—was exposed to the creature, but it was able to recreate him with some disturbing accuracy, at least of his general presentation. I’m not certain of how precise these recreations are,” she recalled having unsuccessfully gotten the parasite to unbutton its collar when it mirrored Xiana, as she had been attempting to see if it had included the tattoo she normally hid with her attire, “but with this ability, they could be conflicting in interaction.”

“It stresses the importance of knowing our colleagues. I wouldn’t be the right person to suggest the approach to the wormhole, but the less contact with those creatures, the better. Just the idea of them getting their hands on our people and inflicting painful false portrayals of their loved ones or comrades…,” she trailed off, taking a sip of her beverage. It was growing cold.

She was surprised at the commander’s defense, more so at the delivery of it. Not wanting to push the matter further, she mouthed a quick “thank you” and returned her attention to the matter at hand.

Inching her face towards the image, her head tilted a few millimeters. “It reminds me of a coffin. Quite the morbid symbol for someone of my species, but it could easily have a distinct meaning.” Did they share human symbolism? They were obviously fond of death, but were they in awe of it? If they enjoyed coffins, Xiana wondered if their unpleasant guest felt right at home in his tight restraints at the moment.

She sat back up. “I’m sorry, and please let me know if I speak out of place; I know I don’t have any expertise in attacks or weapons. With their regenerative abilities, have we tried an approach such as, you know, ” Xiana scrambled to find a good example for her train of thought, snapping a few times before a term came to her. “Like the bees?”