USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0600​

“Time to arrival, twenty-two minutes, Captain,“ Commander Reeves called from his position at the holo display. Eight days at Transwarp was a long time at Warp speeds, and many generations at sublight speeds.

“Any course corrections, Captain?” He asked watching readouts flashing before him. They’d requested the Counselor be present on the Bridge as well as several other people, just in case something happened, or someone was waiting for them.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

While it had been tragic initially, Xiana seemed to be growing a liking for raktajino. It was very cutthroat by ever means of the word, but it kept her alert. A mug in hand, the counselor paced behind the crew. How does one dress for the end of a journey… or the beginning of a new one? She had opted for a turtleneck under her coat and skirt to match.

Bringing her cup to her lips, the woman stopped to look over the various screens, far enough from each member as to not disturb them. She wondered if any of them were as nervous as she was.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Captain Hora stood behind the helm as the ship prepared to drop out of their incredible transwarp velocity and return to normal space. The bridge worked perfectly, with synchronized precision, as they completed each task.

She turned and smiled at Commander Reeves. He was the big reason this team worked so well together. Then she also glanced over to the counselor. Xiana deserved some credit too. People were handling the stress better and seemed more relaxed.

Hora finally looked over to the engineer station. The engineers had repaired the ship in the 8 days! USS Dark Fire was at full combat power. Well, except for the fighters. They were at 50% combat power.

She grinned to herself as well. The crew and the bridge team might not know it. but they were thriving under her unique, but effective command presence.

“Status check,” Hora said, her voice steady. Each watch station report they were ready.

“Commander, let’s go to yellow alert. I want tactical to confirmed no immediate threats when we enter normal space”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0622

Tagging a control Reeves spoke, “Attention. Yellow Alert! This is not a drill. Repeat, Yellow Alert! This is not a drill.”

Across the ship lights along the floor edges turned yellow and started pulsating as pilots readied their fighters and shuttles. All of them were ready to destroy or die for the ship and it’s crew, and civilians.

Assault and Defensive guns powered up, ready to engage anything that attacked them.

And the ship transitioned into real space, the worm hole to another galaxy open and ready to transport them, or anyone else, 2.5 million lightyears away to the Andromeda Galaxy.

“Negative contact,” The Tactical Officer called as Reeves watched the Holo display. “No energy emissions, no contacts, Captain.” He added calmly.​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0622​

Walking into Alfredo’s work area, Yito ignored everyone else as she approached her target. Stopping in front of him she waited until he looked at her then she put her hands on his face and kissed him, her eyes closing as she experienced the moment.

Breaking free she stepped back and looked up at him. “If I’m going to die, I wanted to know what a kiss was like.” she said as she turned and walked out.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza had been double-checking the last of their physical reinforcements. He had the peace of knowing he did as much as he could with the time allotted, plus his recent contributions seemed to be holding up well. He had just finished inputting his confirmation when he felt someone’s presence before him.

“Did something hap-“ He didn’t have much of a chance to ask. He froze as she kissed him, his eyes wide in surprise at how sudden it was and horror at how all his officers and present colleagues had front row seats to the spectacle.

After she pulled away, he could only get himself to ask a confused “What?” He watched Yito walk away, unsure on how to proceed when the surrounding people stared at him.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Good. Remain at yellow alert. Let’s send a probe through the worm hole. Let’s make sure this is the right hole.” She said to Commander Reeves with a naughty smile. “It is important to put the right probe in the right hole, don’t you agree commander?”

After her little joke she said “Have the science team start finding the right frequency for the phase-conjugate graviton beam to collapse the worm hole.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0630

Reeves:​

“I’ve never had a problem getting any probe in the right hole, Captain.” Reeves replied, his expression neutral as he looked at her. “Do you have problems in that area often?”

Dark Fire:​

“Do you require me to repeat Ensign Yito’s statement?” The ship asked Araiza.

Yito:​

Returning to her station Yito watched the intermix Chamber for any signs of fault or irregularity. If anything happened she’d go into the chamber if needed and manually fix the problem, if the computer station couldn’t do it. Granted that was a last resort as she be vaporized by the energy, but it’s what she was for, to protect the living crew at all cost. Especially Araiza.

Touching her lips she softly smiled. The kiss had been nice, soft yet firm. She hoped that he would allow it to happen again, and that she had not offended him by her actions.

She’d apologize later, Maybe with a batch of cookies.

Tactical Officer:
"Probe is away," the Tactical Officer called out as the probe appeared on a number of view and Holo screens. Seconds later it entered the wormhole.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“She’s making a dirty joke, Commander,” Xiana clarified. She didn’t know how they could handle playful banter at the moment, especially as the very people handling so many responsibilities at once. It was something to admire.

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

It took a moment for Araiza to respond to the ship. “No, I’m good Dark Fire. Just let the Chief know I’m done with that last review. All our new additions should be good to go.”

“And the rest of you, get back to work!” he screamed, thankful to be able to get himself back. The way his officers scurried assured him that none of his respect had been lost… yet, at least. “If a single man dies today because of a malfunction I’ll personally make sure you’re next.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Captain Hora knew she was considered attractive and desirable to almost everyone on the bridge team. Even many of the female member wanted her. Her thick brunette hair, plush red lips, smooth green skin and the way she filled out her uniform drew their attention. She could tell from the way her male bridge officers looked at her that they all would love to have a tumble in the sack with her.

Except Commander Reeves. He was a rock. Everything she did had no effect on him. It was probably the main reason she continued to flirt with him. She just wanted some sign he found her desirable, a lusty remark… or longing looks, or an endearing smile.

She turned to face him. Then walked seductively over to his station. One foot stepping slow in front of the other, her long smooth legs in full view, her hips moving back and forth, as her chest jiggled with each step. A small toss of her head to one side, caused her thick hair to flip over her shoulder. As she arrived within a foot of Commander Reeves.

“You must show me some night how you handle your probe so skillfully.” Hora whisper to him in a very lusty voice. “In my experience, some holes are better at accepting probes than others. Particularly, if it is a large probe.”

Hora leaned in closer “Want to do something naughty?” She asked “I’m thinking, if the probe reports everything is clear in the Andromeda galaxy, we take Dark Fire through and have a quick look around? I’ll call a staff meeting to discuss the idea… but what do you think?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0645

“Yes, the humor was perceived,” Reeves replied calmly glancing at the Counselor before returning his gaze to the Captain.

Leaning back as she leaned in, his expression remained neutral as always. “I concur that an investigation of the far side of the Worm hole would be prudent, Captain. And all of the Probes are of the same size and general mass, within a certain margin of error, hence there are no ‘Large’ probes.”

“You are of course aware that your pheromones do not affect some individuals, including those in a dedicated relationship, or those more in control of their carnal natures.” Reeves replied softly so that only she could hear.

“I believe the Denebola Medical Conclave is performing research on the phenomenon to determine precisely which individuals would and are immune or resistant to the Orion Female.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora laughed.

“I’m not using any phenomenon and since you are with a Vulcan, they would not work anyhow.” Hora said with a smile. “But the real question you need to ask yourself is why do you deny yourself pleasure? I do not seek to control you, simply to pleasure you. Pleasure you with my looks, my smells, my attitude, and my desire for your attention. I’d think it would be flattering for you to have a female show interest in you. I don’t wish to get between you and Dr L’Sa in a physical way, unless you both agree of course. I just hope my appearance pleases your eyes.”

Hora paused for a second “Dr L’Sa is not here, so there should no issue with allowing your eyes some pleasure. If I’m not your type… perhaps some other person on the bridge” Hora glanced at Dr Marlowe.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0700

“Regulations would prevent us from having any sort of sexual or interpersonal relationship, Captain.” Reeves replied. “Also, I do not find you attractive. I’m sure many others do, but unfortunately for you, I do not.”

“Nor is there any person on the Bridge crew that interests me. If, my wife dies before me, I will remain alone for the rest of my life. It’s the way I am.”

“Probe data is coming in,” he said stepping closer to the display as information from the other side was revealed. “No artificial constructs of any kind. No ships, no satellites, no other probes or bases.”

“It’s safe to travel through, Captain,”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora listened to Commander Reeves answer to her question about simple pleasures. He missed the point she was trying to make. However, she could tell she’d bought up something that she should not have. When he said “I do not find you attractive” that hit her pretty hard. But her face did not show it. She just laughed it off and added “Ouch!”

“We’ll table this debate for a better time” she said as Commander explained the probe had made it through the wormhole and was transmitting data back about the Andromeda galaxy.

“I think we’ll make sure we can close the wormhole first, before going through it. We should have a full breakfast meeting to discuss this idea. I’ll invite the staff. In the meantime, let’s figure out the right frequency to close the wormhole.” Hora ordered then turned to the counselor.

“Dr Marlowe, you have been strangely quiet. Any thoughts about going to another galaxy?” Hora asked as she looked down to her computer display to figure out a staffing meeting invite list.

Executive Officer: Cmdr. Reeves
MACO: Major K'alena
Chief Security Officer: 1st Lt. Kitan Jovovich
Chief Medical Officer: Lt. Gil Grissom
Counselor Xiana Marlowe
Chief Engineering Officer: 1st Lt. Kaywinnet Lee Frye
Chief Helm/Navigations Officer: Ensign Miller
CAG: Lt. Jensen Ackles, call sign “Storm Crow”
Chief Science Officer: Dr. L'Sa

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Any thoughts? She was certain she was having them all. “A bit of nervousness, but nothing out of the ordinary,” Xiana answered. She chose to keep her elaboration on her fear to herself; it wouldn’t be very productive for the current setting. Reminding herself that this wouldn’t be the first or last time the ship would be involved in a critical event was soothing, but the calm was abruptly cut off when she realized there’d be a plurality to such events.

“The… parasite. Have there been any developments since I stopped working with it?” she asked the crew.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0715

“Negative Counselor, it hasn’t moved since your last interaction according to all reports,” Commander Reeves replied glancing at the latest report on the hostile subject.

“Is your report on the Hostile ready?” he asked watching the Counselor.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana nodded. “Yes, Commander. It should be uploaded by now, although I did forget to ask Dark Fire to notify you all who I shared it with.”

“I wish it had been more extensive, but it proved difficult to converse with.” She had written a detailed account of every interaction they had. Without her scribbles, symbols, and disasterous penmanship that she saved for note taking she would’ve had too hard of a time recalling everything down to the moment. Words were fast, but Xiana’s wrist was faster. She was confident that none of her recollections were inaccurate and left no gaps.

“I genuinely doubt that creature holds anything within them to react to psychiatry. It’s all yours.” It was something she was disappointed to admit. She previously believed every creature fully capable of conciousness could have some moral or reaction. The fact that destructive beings like that existed terrified her.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I take it from your comments that you believe the parasite is not one creature, but multiple. This is important, because we might have been negotiating with the wrong parasite. We have some evidence that the creature can communicate over long distances, such as difference parts of this ship… and between ships during the Gas Giant Delta three seven battle.” Hora pointed out.

“How the creature is communicating might also be important. Perhaps the communications can be jammed? Or at least overheard.” Hora added. “Counselor, can you ask the parasite, who we can negotiate with?”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Wel, no, I do believe the parasite is a sole entity, but its kind does operate on behalf on something larger, with plurality. I would like to stress again that there wasn’t negotiation efforts, just investigative ones.”

She took a moment to sip her beverage. The amount had been small in the cup as is. “I’m unsure if it was communicating, but I am sure that attempting to negotiate is unlikely to be fruitful. They don’t care about mutual benefits. They care to destroy.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0800

“Do you have any idea of their intended targets or reasoning behind why they want to destroy,” Dr. L’Sa inquired.

“I looked over the report, It doesn’t appear that the entity spoke much other than to ask How many worlds were ours and their locations. Do you believe it was asking out of curiosity or another reason?” Reeves asked.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I’d say a totalitarian intent. Rather than glory or power, likely an instilled entitlement. It certainly had a fierce devotion to whatever entity it preaches to and an ego to match.”

“Frankly, I doubt it was out of curiosity. Actually, with its regenerative abilities I was wondering if those creatures that help it change appearance could have memory or possibly leave a trail in lieu of a possible reunion,” she theorized. “It could’ve wanted to retrieve information as much as I did, but it’s hard to believe it’d be for any reason that isn’t harmful.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora's expression softened with a hint of a smile. "Impressive work, Counselor. Your analysis lines up with my experience as well. Next star we are near, I’m going to dump it overboard." Hora stated

She moved closer to the large viewscreen and peered at the wormhole. She studied the tunnel to another galaxy with a mix of fascination and respect. There on the other side of the wormhole was so much to learn, so many people to help, countless missions to accomplish, this was what the federation was truly about. The federation was about working together to explore and discover new worlds and life. Sure, the planets worked together to defend themselves from attack, but most of the time, the fleet explored and helped people.

“Call me when you have found the right frequencies. I’m going to tell old fish face what we are planning.

What does everyone think about earth pancakes for breakfast? People can top them with their own dishes if they want”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0815

“Pancakes will be fine for me,” Reeves replied as he looked at the Counselor. “The entity refered to ‘Star Gods’. Do you think it actually believes in Gods, or are they another species that it may serve or work for. Like a Slave species?”

L’Sa also agreed pancakes would be acceptable as long as she had fruit as well.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“If you could just put out some yogurt for me, I’d appreciate it.” It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy pancakes or wanted to be conflicting. She hadn’t been able to stomach heavier meals in the days following up to the journey. For someone with a doctorate in psychiatry, she had a hard time managing her own anxiety.

“Considering how unlikely they are to experience typical disorders like psychosis, I do believe the entity exists. I wouldn’t refuse the idea of them being a slave species either. Its devotion is too intense,” she explained, finishing the last of her beverage. It still had its bitter residue. “I sincerely doubt it’s even capable of organically having the emotions necessary for actual religion.”

“Hope, desperation, fear… I didn’t see any of it. There’s nothing in that creature but cruelty.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.0820​

“After breakfast I’d like to meet with the Weapons Specialist, see a demonstration of his new and modified weapons.” Reeves said looking over at The Chief Engineer. “Please arrange it. We should have anything viable in production before entry into the Andromeda Galaxy, Captain.”

“I know you’ve already reviewed them Kaylee, But I’d like to see for myself.”

“Of Course, Commander.” Kaylee replied, already sub-vocalizing the orders to Lt. Araiza. “I’ve asked the Major to attend as well, since her troops may be taking the brunt of the damage.”

“Have Mister Araiza start looking at the alien's weaponry, and possibility of armour and or shielding to compensate.”

“Of course, Commander. Any suggestions Captain, or requests?” Lt. Frye asked.​