USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1140

“It will have to do,” Reeves conceded. Three feet was better than a miss. “Any other weapons or developments?”

Looking at Kaylee he told her to start production on the first weapon, and equip the Marines first.

“Lieutenant, what’s the chance of modifying the weapons on the fighters to be able to launch these devices?” The Major asked.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Shouldn’t take too many adjustments. I’ll go ahead and forward all the instructions. I already prepared my department to have an isolated section for working with the liquids, but other than that, those are my three. Get anyone carrying by hand their ring size for their Halos so we can get on top of them and so that there’s more than enough time for them to get familiarized. They can keep them too. Extra jewelry isn’t too bad.”

“Those are my three, but I do have something else that isn’t completely done yet, pending some tweaks,” he said, reaching for the smaller case. “And just trust me on this, alright?”

Upon opening the safe, he stepped back so the others could see the inside. There was only an x-acto knife, quite a sharp one at that.

“I’m not done with this yet since I need a few things and to propose a collaboration with medical and forensics, but I have some undergarments in development. It’s essentially a smart bodysuit for those on the front lines. Excuse me,” he said. Araiza then unbuttoned his uniform top, tossing it onto the table. Underneath he had what appeared to be a black long-sleeve shirt, tight enough to accentuate his molded arms but comfortable enough to where it didn’t seem to limit him.

“I should let you in on a little personal project. I’ve been working to create our own intelligent clothing fibers that are functional beyond vitals and the like. With this case in mind, I managed to coat the outside with teflon, so if some stuff splashes on the soldiers’ bodies, they’ll be just fine. I’ve actually been testing the cloth on myself. Check it.”

He stood straight and took the exacto knife. “Watch,” he said, running the blade of the knife for a couple of inches across his chest. He tried not to show the pain of the action; his excitement about the demonstration helped.

“To avoid running out of material during reconstruction, I made sure to layer a few times when sewing. When I tell you these fibers took a long-ass time, I mean it. Then again, it was just me working on it.”

The cut couldn’t have been deeper than a millimeter or two, but it left a slit on the shirt, and blood soon made an appearance. Before Araiza had even lifted the blade, the attire was already busy. Something moved under the shirt. While the slit on the material was still present, the exposed skin was quickly being covered. As soon as it was firmly in place, the shirt material began to come together once again. The patched line of cloth was visible to anyone close enough, but otherwise undetectable.

“Got a bit inspired by the thing we have on board, but decided on just going with black for safety reasons. What it does is that it detects wounds and reacts accordingly. Say you got shot in your thigh. Not only would it compress the wound to prevent blood loss in a way that avoids infection, but it would immediately notify the appropriate departments of the wounded’s name, how critical the injury is, and their vitals, and use the shape of the gap in the cloth and the injury outline to analyze how exactly they were wounded. If it’s an injury dire enough that none of the material can compress it, I was looking into adding emergency stitch capabilities. With movement it’d be amateur work, but the binding would be good enough to prevent more damage up until the wearer can see a medic.”

He put the knife down and pointed at himself. “You see these bands at the sleeves, collar, waistlines, and thighs? They’re able to slide autonomously if needed. One on the outside, one inside. The one pressing on my cut is from my neck. They’re crafted to avoid friction issues or temperature discomforts. The suit should be worn as the first layer before the person in question puts on the rest of their protection.”

“I’m in the middle of getting it comfortable yet stiff enough so that the suit could help wounded soldiers be able to move without compromising their injuries. That way, even if critically hurt, they could still have a chance to escape or at least hide safely.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1140

“Size ten for me and five for Dr. L’Sa,” Reeves replied almost instantly before looking at the EngChief. “Start producing all of them, even the skin suit as fast as you can. Marines get the weapons and Suits. Bridge Crew the Suits, just in case. Then security, then everyone else. Get Bio’s from Medical. Without the Captain here and still in her meeting with the Admiral I’ll give preliminary Authorization, Unless she orders otherwise.”

Returning his gaze to Araiza he nodded, “Good work. And again, sorry for the delay in the meeting. I know we just added another list of things for you, but do your best. Anybody, anything, you need, just say it.”

“And I’m sorry about what the Captain is asking for, but at least you can shunt the approved items to others to create and assemble.”

Looking at the Major and the SecChief he added, “As soon as anyone gets the weapon, they start practicing. I want everyone with a weapon at seventy-five percent or better before we encounter them again.”

To Kaylee he said, “Get a report of all this to the Captain by noon. Full credit to the Lieutenant.” Wincing he sighed and touched his ear. “Massive Brawl, red section. That’s you two.” he finished looking at Jovovich and K’alena.

“Anything I can do, or get you, at this moment?” he asked looking at Araiza as he headed for the door with Dr. L’Sa following.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza gave the commander a weird look. Anything, anybody? An apology? It was odd. He didn’t take long to forward the details of each device, confirming their arrival before he started packing up and took both of them in his hand. On his way out, he stopped before the commander.

“You wanna do something for me, man? Dial down the butler talk and be more proactive. You iced out most of us over here already, least you can try is to keep more of my guys alive,” he answered. Without waiting for a follow up, he headed out the door, excusing himself as he passed a hurried Xiana.

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I am so, so sorry. I had a session that was very heavy and I genuinely couldn’t cut it short,” she explained, out of breath. She stopped shortly after entering as she noticed everyone heading out. “Did I miss it all?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1145

“Yes, Doctor. Sorry. I was running late myself and the demonstration and review wasn’t very long. But from what I’ve seen there shouldn’t be any issues of unnecessary trauma to the hostiles.”

Looking at the departing Weapons Specialist he raised an eye. “What’s butler talk? And his phraseology is confusing. I haven’t ‘iced’ anyone nor do I know what that means.”

Shrugging he sighed. “This is why I don’t socialize.”

“Counselor,” Ensign Seja said by way of greeting the Doctor as she cleaned the residue from the demonstration. “Would you like me to send you a report about the events, or would you prefer someone else’s report?” She asked.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Icing out would be ignoring people or not interacting with them beyond the absolute necessary, but anyway, that’s a relief,” she expressed, then gave her attention to the other woman. “I’d appreciate it. I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Dr. Marlowe.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora sat in her quarters reliving the words Admiral Kikoem Volgu.

“CAPTAIN, DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW TO FOLLOW ORDERS!!” Admiral Kikoem Volgu yelled at her.

“Of course, I understand how to follow orders. But I also understand the intent behind those orders.” Hora replied calmly.

“MY INTENT!!!” Volgu continued to yell “WAS TO PROTECTION OF THE FEDERATION MOST IMPORTANT PLANETS!”

“Yes” Hora said “and if I close this wormhole, it will be a huge blow against the parasite. You can win your war of attrition. My actions comply with the intent of your orders. This action protects the federation.”

“DON’T JOKE WITH ME CAPTAIN!!” He yelled back. “DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PARASITE WIPES OUT THE FEDERATION HOME WORLDS!! ITS OVER… !!! THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS!!!” He screamed. He turned his back on her, trying to get a hold of himself. It took over a minute. In the meantime, Captain Hora just sat still and waited. Admiral Volgu turned back around.

“I’m pulling you from command and putting you behind a desk to ROT for this stupidity” he said pointing at her.

“Admiral,” Hora purred like a sexy kitten, leaning forward to show off her large chest “I have been the most successful captain you have against the parasite. You need me on this ship and in command” Hora countered

“Don’t try your Orion sex slave tricks on me. Captain” Admiral Volgu barked “You have taken risk and been successful, I will admit that. However, you take too many risks!! And soon it will catch up to you, and then the federation will lose its best ship” He countered.

“And its best Captain” Hora added with a smile.

“Get USS Dark Fire back here” Admiral Volgu ordered

“Since we are here, can I at least close the wormhole? Or if unsuccessful, mine the entrance?” Hora asked

“Since you are there, yes, but make it fast. It should take no more than a day.” Admiral Volgu

“Thank you, Admiral, you will not regret your decision.” Hora replied “Many people say I look like the human goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, the Roman goddess Venus. Venus was associated with love affairs, passion, but also with victory in battle and prosperity. Venus was seen as a protector of the home and gardens. I will follow your orders as if I was Venus, and bring victory in this battle” Hora stated

Admiral Volgu just grunted and then said “End transmission”

“Dark Fire, where is commander Reeves?” Hora asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1200

Yito:​

“Oh, sorry, I’m Yito Seja, Ensign. Engineering. Um.. which report did you want? You said yes, but didn’t say which one the yes was for.” Yito replied looking at the floor in case she missed any debris, not likely, but it helped her to adapt these mannerisms to blend in better.

Dark Fire:​

“Commander Reeves in in Section Two Level 1. His office. Did you want me to tell him to come to you? Or will you be going to him?” The ship asked.

The Admiral hadn’t given the ship any orders so the ship was allowed to ignore the orders given to the Captain.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I’m sorry, I should’ve clarified,” Xiana replied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and yes, if you could give me the report, I’d appreciate it. Although given the Commander seemed okay with the ethics of the results, I’m unsure if my input is necessary. I just hope it works.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1205

Yito:​

“It’s always acceptable to give ones input from a medical or scientific viewpoint. And if you were invited then they obviously wanted your input.” Yito replied putting the cleaning supplies into a corner of the room.

“Did you want the report to be verbal or should I send it to your office?” Yito asked. Unlike most Starfleet officers she wore a white hazmat uniform instead of the normal uniform of an Engineering Officer, but it did still mold nicely to her body.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She waited until everyone but Yito had deserted the room before continuing. She looked exasperated. “Verbal, please. I don’t think I can handle reading another word for the rest of the day.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1210

Yito:​

Step by step, and in rather great detail she explained everything that had happened as well as resulting questions and answers given, down to words used and lack of rank, and although she didn’t mimic their voices she did include inflections and tones. “Sorry, I have a very good memory,” she finished.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana was impressed with Yito’s ability to recall information and thankful there were helpful developments, despite the social hiccups. “Thank you for recounting everything. Shame I didn’t get to meet Lieutenant Araiza. He has cancelled every session he schedules enough times for me to wonder if he actually existed or if I was being pranked.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1215

Yito:

“Yes he exists,” Yito confirmed. “We had lunch the other week when I was assisting him with the development of the weapon system.”

“He had Capellini de Angelo with the mushroom Bolognese while I had Lasagna with Garlic bread. At Mama Capone’s, one of the Bistro’s located on the ship. He said It’s like he was in Heaven. But as I’ve never been there, I don’t know if that statement was correct or not.”

“He’s interesting,” she said blushing slightly.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

They had an Italian bistro on board? She’d see if she could stop by sometime. “He meant it figuratively. He must’ve enjoyed the food.”

Xiana observed the other woman. At this point in time, she knew better than to assume anyone that resembled humans was actually one. The speech made her curious, but it wasn’t her place to ask. “Interesting is a word for it,” she said. She couldn’t disclose specifics, but his name kept coming up during sessions with the officers. Some with admiration, some in passing, but most in frustration. “Anyhow, if you could persuade him to actually attend his appointments I’d appreciate it.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1220

Yito:​

“Oh, I thought maybe it was a restaurant, off ship.” Watching the woman for a moment Yito calculated she was being appraised, but why?

“Appointments? Is he ill? I saw him lean on the counter earlier, which I’ve never seen him do before. I’m sorry I never asked what your Doctorate was in. Medical. Scientific. Are you the xenobiologist on board? I thought about studying xenobiology, but I’m more of an engineer at heart.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Definitely not human, then. “I can see why you’d think that.”

“Psychiatry. I do therapy on board and take care of mental-adjacent medication,” she explained. “He’s not ill,” as far as Xiana knew anyway, “he just wanted to use the counseling services.”

“No, Dr. L’Sa is the xenobiologist. If it interests you as a hobby, you should speak to her. She’s a wonderful educator.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1225

Yito:
“Oh, that explains his mood at lunch then.” She replied, “Oh I don’t think I could get into xenobiology now. I already have to many numbers and specifications running around in my head dealing with everything on the Dark Fire.”

“Adding Xenobiology this late would just give me a headache.” Pausing she looked at the Doctor. “Is Heaven like the Celestial Temple?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Knowing your limits is good, too. Hopefully someday you’ll have the time to explore it, if you’d still like to of course,” Xiana smiled.

She hummed for a moment. “Somewhat. I do have to get going, I have another appointment in five minutes, but it was a pleasure to meet you! Thank you again for the summary.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1230

Yito:​

“Of course, Doctor. I hope they have a nice session with you.” Yito replied walking out the door with the doctor before she herself headed down a different hallway, presumably for Engineering.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I’ll be going to the Commander’s Office. Please warn him I’m coming” Hora ordered.

She headed out in the passageway and over to the turbolift. It did not take long, before Dark Fire announced to the Commander, she was outside his office.

The door opened and she entered.

“Commander, I’m sorry about missing the weapon’s demo. I’m also sorry about breakfast. Can you fill me in on both? I hope everyone is ok with going into the wormhole?” Hora asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1200

Reeves:​

Sipping his Raktajino as the Captain walked in and sat down he wondered how bad things were, she hadn’t made a sexual comment, suggestion, or thinly veiled innuendo in fifteen seconds.

“We both had things to do, I got there late and the Lieutenant was a bit abrasive about it. As for breakfast, you don’t know or understand Vulcan customs or norms, so it’s acceptable. Just avoid that topic, its from their darker past and they don’t like talking about it.”

“As for the weapons,” he said as he began his verbal report, which was basically a copy of what he’d just finished and sent to the captain.

“In essence we have a potentially viable ‘Magnetic Acid’ weapon for use against the parasites. I plan on taking the prototype to test it on our subject.”

“And a ‘healing armour’ that I also approved, both are pending final approval from you of course.”

“As for the wormhole, no one has expressed any opinion, for or against, to me. Personally I recommend traversing the wormhole, eyes are better than scanners in my opinion, except when they see things in frequencies Humankind cannot.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“So we’re already packed, but I keep trying to convince him to leave the trophies at his parents’.”

“Because of the charge of the weight?”

“No, because I don’t want to decorate my new house with B-honor roll awards from twenty years ago.”

Xiana laughed, mirroring the sound that filled her office. She couldn’t go more than a couple days without speaking to her best friend, Jayda, who was still back on Earth. The sight of the other woman’s backdrop, filled with a luscious garden and a brick wall, made Xiana feel a pang in her chest. No matter how many simulations she experienced or how many humans she met on board, none of it could appease how homesick she would get.

Through her screen, Jayda took note of her friend’s sad smile. “The other upside to taking less junk with us is that our guest room will be more cozy for all your things when you come visit.”

“That’s a good point,” she answered. Whenever that was. The more she thought of it, the more her eyes watered. “Jay, I have to go. I have so many papers to review.”

“Fine, but I’ll send photos of the new house once it’s decorated. You’re going to love it!”

“I’m sure I will.”

After saying goodbye and disconnecting, Xiana sank into her chair and wiped her eyes. It felt ironic to miss her home planet considering how fast she had accepted to leave it.

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Freddie, what’s going on? Why’re you here so early?”

“I needed a little distraction, I guess. Don’t worry, I just want water,” Araiza explained to the bartender, taking a seat at one of the watering holes in the Red Section. He’d become acquainted with most who frequented, but he typically saw them in the evening.

He had a difficult time coming up in a few days, and with him no longer having a specialized project and having to overlook the developments instead, he didn’t have to laser focus anymore while the materials were gathered and instructions presented. He hated having time to kill. He hated thinking on his own.

“Imane?”

Araiza lightly shut his eyes, impatient. “Can you just get me the water, man?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“That is good to hear, no major objections to going through the wormhole.” Hora replied. “And yes, you have my approval on all the new weapons and armor.” She paused for a moment

“Reeves, we’ll be the first ship to make it to another galaxy. We’ll go down in history, one way or another.” Hora commented. Then she took a deep breath.

“I have promised to be open with you, and I need to tell you about my call with Admiral Volgu. He wants us to return to a more central point within federation space. This would allow us to react to any Parasite attack on federation core worlds. It is a good defensive strategy. I talked him into allowing us to remain here to close the wormhole, before re-deploying. I tricked him into giving me one Venusian day. A day on Venus lasts for 243 Earth days. But he’ll notice pretty quickly that we are not returning. My trick will not prevent me from being relieved of command.

So, I think we should go through the wormhole. We’ll be out of communication with the federation and have a quick look around. We’ll mine the wormhole, with intelligent mines, which will be harmless to those with the correct code… deadly to anyone else.

We are not just looking around… we are looking for information or an ally. Someone that is fighting the parasite and knows its weaknesses. The Makers… or Kelvin empire… someone.

I believe this is the quickest way to victory against the parasite. It is risky. Both to the ship and crew, but also to us, personally. Do you agree with the plan?” Hora asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1200

Reeves:​

Replacing his Raktajino with his third he got one for the Captain as well while she spoke. Sitting down he sipped his and slid one over to her.

“Sounds good, But I do recommend sending a shuttle first, to take a visual look around. It wouldn’t be the first time an alien used a deception filter and sent back false images.”

“We should send a security officer or a MACO, they’d be armed in case they ran into trouble.”

“And we really need to find allies to fight the Parasites. Hopefully there aren’t hostiles as soon as we go through.”​