USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1335

L’Sa:​

“There are several Vulcan’s aboard ship other than myself, but they are not in my field, so we have never interacted.” L’Sa replied. “No, I would not hurt a child, especially my own. In the event that Jordan is not available for Pon Farr in seven years I would consult with the other Vulcan’s aboard to aid in a mind meld. Or use a holo suite program if absolutely necessary, though it would be lacking in it’s... emotional and physiological connection.”

“As for daily life circumstances, Jordan and I Mind Meld and meditate daily. There are also martial art styles that aid in this.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She wrote the information, glancing at the questionnaire. “Tell me about your family and Jordan’s. Do you think both sides will be welcoming to the child? In a few words, how is your relationship with them like?”

Naturally, Xiana figured Vulcans weren’t as affectionate as close humans were, so she prepared herself otherwise.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1340

L’Sa:
“My father is a diplomatic aid and my mother is a teacher at the interspecies Education Center on Vulcan. She teaches the students of Diplomats and their aids.”

“But they had doubts about the mating until Jordan crossed the Forge. Since then they have been welcoming.”

“Jordan’s parents are on Earth and hoped for grandchildren, but as it is not as easy for Human/Vulcan relationships to conceive they gave up hope ten years ago. I believe they will be happy.”

“Jordan’s sibling will be less happy. His brother does not like ‘aliens’ polluting the blood of humans. His sister died before he joined the military.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

Lt Sol laughed at the Commander’s statement about females. “It funny about females, here we are the bigger, stronger sex and we are controlled by them. Loka is a tiny, squishy creature with no claws, no scales, and absolutely no bite. How has she managed to take so much control of me? And it not that their brains are bigger… or they are not more clever. I don’t get it.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1250

Reeves:​

“You have a heart pumping blood through your veins.” Reeves replied. “It happens to almost everyone.”

“Will you be eating another arm at anymore Captain’s Mess?” He asked without preamble as he adjusted a few settings.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol
Part of Sol wanted to laugh about eating the arm. But a much larger part of him knew he had made a mistake.

"Sir, I messed up. I acknowledge my actions during breakfast were unnecessary and damaged morale. I feel remorse for acting out. And I take full responsibility for my failure.

I would like to make amends if possible." Lt Sol stated. He was being sincere. He felt bad and wanted to make thing right with the people he had caused discomfort.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1300

Reeves:​

“Make amends… Alright at the next Captain’s mess you will eat fruit and a salad. No meat.” Looking over at the walking lizard he said “I want you to start seeing the counselor about your anger issues, and the lack of respect you have for ‘warm bloods’. Your female is helping, but the the incident at breakfast ells me she’s not able to do enough. So.. Counselor. Set an appointment and keep it.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

So drastically away from Earth and ridiculous human prejudice still seemed to find a way into people’s lives. For the sake of neutrality, she held in her verbal distaste. “I’m sorry you have to deal with that behavior. I’m grateful that you have a support system in place.”

“One final question, as far as your verbal input is concerned,” Xiana carried on. “Why do you believe you should be given permission to be a mother?” She couldn’t believe the entire barricades of family expanding were in place. It felt wrong to ask.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

“Fruit and salad? My teeth are not designed for plant life” Lt Sol started to protested. His comment was partially true, as he had only canine teeth. But he could eat just about anything and gain energy from it. He just preferred meat. He knew his protest was bullshit so he stopped. He took a moment and nodded in agreement. “I agreed, No meat. Fruit and salad.”

“I’ll also make an appointment with the counselor, but she needs to understand I’m a carnivore. I’m a predator. It is in my genes to find weakness in prey and exploit it.” Lt Sol warned the commander.

The computer beeped to show the probe had completed a full diagnostic check. “The probe looks clean” He reported to the Commander.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1300

Reeves:​

“It’s in my genes to assign insubordinate junior officers to cleaning latrines in the red section. I understand that several species have fumes that are most unpleasant, and require extra scrubbing. With a fine bristled instrument to get all the particulates from crevices.” Reeves commented as he set in the course. “Explain your feeling at your first session. And have her inform me when you actually attend. Don’t care what you talk about. Don’t want to know. Just talk.”

Stardate 29870605.1345

L’Sa:​

“Because every living species desires procreation. It’s biological. To be deprived of this basic need and desire is illogical. There are multiple species that reproduce without restraint, nor safeguards in place. I simply desire the opportunity to care for and bring into being a union of myself and Jordan.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana inhaled quietly at the Vulcan’s first half of her statement. If the people who set these hurdles were concerned with common sense, she doubted they’d find objective opinions swaying. She relaxed at the second sentence. She could most certainly work with that.

Finally, her writing came to a stop. She returned her full attention to L’Sa. “That’s all the questions. I have to submit this with a letter of my evaluation, but I do hope you’ll have an answer soon enough.”

“Naturally, I can’t disclose what I’ll write nor am I in charge of the final decision, but for what it’s worth, I do hope things conclude happily.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1350

L’Sa:

“Thank you,” L’Sa replied as she stood. “This meeting has been most informative. I appreciate your time with this matter.”

Leaving the Counselors office L’Sa returned to her own office and reviewed the analysis of the bio-ship and the parasite aliens.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Pushing her hair behind her ears, Xiana reviewed her notes, reorganized them, and began to compose her final opinion. While she didn’t jot it down, it was hard not to be nervous on her friend’s behalf. What if they said no? What if her argument wasn’t good enough? What if she was letting herself be blinded by wanting her friends to be happy? And if they did say yes, what would happen if there was danger?

She finished her review, uploaded it, and turned it in before she could dwell on it to the point of hesitance. Once her notes were destroyed, she removed her coat, locked her office, and disappeared into the hallways. Luckily, she had some time to spare before diving into her consecutive appointments. She needed a breath—no, she needed a drink—no, she needed a jog.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol

“Yes Commander” Lt Sol replied. He was not sure if the Commander had just ordered him to clean all the latrines in the red section. He was sure he needed to see the counselor. He was not looking forward to that encounter, but he’d try to be on his best behavior.

The shuttle craft re-entered the wormhole. Again, the passage was dizzying. The massive gravitational pull of the black hole was all around them. But as along as they stayed in the middle of the spinning blackhole, the ship would not be crushed. That much gravity around them produced strange light patterns and the ‘tunnel’ seemed to roll and twist.

Then they emerged on the other side. They were back in the milky way galaxy.

He noticed the minefield. “Computer, minefield completion percentage?”

“The field is 74% complete” The computer replied.

The commander flew the shuttle into Hanger Bay 6 on the starboard side of USS Dark Fire.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1330

Reeves:​

“I expect her to inform me you’ve met with her, by end of day.” Reeves commented as he exited the shuttle and headed for the bridge and the waiting data. The star charts were sent to Astrometrics for assimilation into the system.

Stardate 29870605.1350

Yito:​

Walking into the lab Yito gave Alfredo a salute as she came to attention. “Ensign Seja reporting as ordered, to assist you as required. Sir!”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza pushed some goggles off his eyes, creasing his forehead. “I didn’t request any assistance.”

“Nor would I want it,” he followed up, stepping away from his current project to input some notes into his computer. He had already done some demos for the weapons manufacturers. Things seemed to be going smoothly in their construction of the new devices. Now, he was working on the reinforcement of his suits. “Why the hell would I want help from someone who called me an obstinate bastard?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1355​

Yito:

“Because you like someone that’s honest.” Yito commented from her saluted stance. “Plus, it came from the Chief Engineer and The XO agreed.”

“And I don’t have emotions that can be wounded by your comments and rage.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Except you decided that the best way to respond to my honesty was getting me insulted at the one bar I like on this thing and bothered when I’m supposed to be working, so if you could make your way out I’d appreciate it,” he finished, pulling his goggles back on and returning to a nearby table.

With a powerful magnifying glass to aid him, he held tiny tweezers on each hand. To the blind eye, it might even look like he was sewing. “If the Chief says anything, tell her I’m happy to talk with her.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol
Lt Sol marched down the brightly lit passageway, his clawed feet striking the floor with sharp, deliberate force, leaving faint scratch marks in his wake. His powerful tail lashed with each heavy step, betraying his barely contained frustration. The Commander’s order to see the Counselor was an insult, a waste of time.

He had poured over every scrap of Federation intelligence on interrogation techniques. He knew all the tricks—subtle manipulations, prying questions disguised as casual conversation. He had built walls within his mind, fortresses impenetrable to even the most skilled psychological operative. Whatever game the Counselor planned to play, she would find herself grasping at shadows.

As he reached her door, the voice of the ship’s computer chimed his arrival. He squared his shoulders, his expression hardening into an unreadable mask. Let the Counselor try. She would learn nothing.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana hadn’t expected any nonscheduled guests for the upcoming days. She didn’t mind them typically, but as she sat in her office, her hair was wet and wavy after a wash following a quick exercise break that didn’t allow much time for beauty adjustments. She had figured it was alright since she only had paperwork to file for the rest of the day. She was already frustrated as it was.

At most, she glanced up to the male. “Lieutenant, if this is about your apology, I do want to state that I accept it and forgive you.”

Her glasses-covered gaze returned to her writing. “If you do pursue therapeutic help in the future, I won’t be the one to give it to you. I compiled a list of three counselors from my network that you can access via video appointments; two are of your same species, and one is a human with experience in Croco-Lamia psychiatry and studies.”

“While I’m putting what you said behind me, I still have enough dignity to not provide my services for somebody who bluntly attempted to intimidate me in front of my superiors,” she continued, giving another look to the lieutenant. Although still tired, her eyes reflected coldness. She had wondered if his approach had come from her being a human, but considering there were two other humans in the sitting—one being equally, if not newer than her—she had dismissed the hypothesis.

“I do believe firmly that anyone who cares to do better can change, and if that’s what you want, I sincerely hope you do, but I refuse to be the one to lead you through it,” Xiana explained, her tone calm. “I also want to clarify that I don’t do this out of intimidation or as a vendetta. I simply value myself too much to entertain targeted cruelty. My job here is to help, and you decided to treat me like a punching bag.”

As if nothing, she returned her attention back to her notes. “I won’t be attending the Captain’s Mess meetings any longer either, so don’t worry about any awkwardness or discomfort. Do you have any questions?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1400​

Yito:
“I didn’t get you insulted, I insulted you. After I tried to be nice and polite and bring you the Data Padd you left behind. You choose to start the argument by being rude and hurtful. Calculating that that was the manner you desired to be spoken to, as you use it for everyone else, I replied in kind.” Dropping her hand from the salute she turned and walked out.

Stardate 29870605.1430​

Chief Engineer 1st Lt. Kaywinnet Frye:

Walking into the lab The Chief Engineer glared at the rest of the room and pointed at the door, leaving the two alone.

“It wasn’t a recommendation that she work with you, it’s an order. Or you can go to the brig for disobeying a direct order from a Superior Officer.”

Sitting on a stool she watched him. “I’ve tried to be nice, understanding, tolerant, and even accommodating. I’ve looked at your file, and I understand why, but it has to stop. See a counselor. I don’t care if it’s on a holodeck. But see one. You’re relieved of duty until you do so.”

“The security guards will escort you to your quarters – where you can make an appointment, or a holodeck, or the Brig. Your choice.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was this seriously his consequence for being genuine in a fucking bar? Was he actually being punished for not accepting help he didn’t even need? He had never raised his voice or talked back to the Chief, and he didn’t plan to, but the implications of a possible cause for his behavior made his heart sink. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a while, one he didn’t want to or anticipate.

He didn’t say anything. He wasn’t about to disrespect someone he looked up to. Instead, the male removed his eye protection, followed by his jacket.

“Don’t worry, Chief. I quit,” he answered plainly, his face blank. He didn’t bother with a second look as he headed to the door.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1435​

Chief Engineer 1st Lt. Kaywinnet Frye

“That wasn’t an option, and as we are about 400 lightyears from the nearest starbase you won’t be disembarking. Nor are you allowed to quit. You’re an Officer. Act like one.”

“You need help. You keep lashing out at everyone around you because of what happened. You have to learn how to… adapt to what happened instead of just bottling it up inside until you explode.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Then I’ll figure it out,” he answered, turning to the woman. He still maintained a leveled tone. Despite being upset, he truly had no desire to yell at the chief.

“I’ll take your criticism on how I talk to my officers, ‘cause I sure as hell have been trying. I was able to do that without a shrink, and a lot of it came from being left alone to do what I do best.”

His tone raise slightly. Araiza couldn’t prevent the distaste. “You know, it’s just crazy to me that the last few years of my work can just be dismissed and because of what? Because of titles of a crew that doesn’t care enough if my colleagues die? Because while I’m here exhausting myself to find a way to avoid another funeral they’re all having little breakfast gatherings? Because I’m forced to work with a person who not only kissed me without consent but who decided me being earnest was rude, all after I have worked alone perfectly fine? Because of this very ship I missed being with my wife when she died and now you’re throwing it on me?”

He shook his head with a tired smile. “No. I’ve been acting like an officer. And I don’t lash out at everyone; I lash out at people who deserve it. I tried. Thanks for confirming that I had it right the first time.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.1445​

Chief Engineer 1st Lt. Kaywinnet Frye

“Because of respect for the work you’ve done you’ve been given leniency, but you’ve taken it to the level of insubordination. I don’t care if you hate the XO, he gets on my nerves too, but he has the rank, use it.” she said softly. “I’m not trying to throw anything in your face, I’m letting you know why I understand. I’m telling you why we’ve been tolerant.”

“Yes, your wife died, everyone dies. Fuck I’ve buried wives, husbands, and children. I get the grief, but you haven't been figuring it out. You've been ignoring it, and that isn't healthy."

“And I’ll speak to Yito about kissing you, but she is the most qualified to work with you. Unless you have something against her other than a kiss.”

“And Engineering isn’t being ignored, we’re in the deepest part of the ship, so we’re last. The closer to the hull, the higher the priority. The critical area’s are first. Like the Bridge and Main engineering.”

“If you want, I’ll assign you to working on the force field emitters for the shields.”​