USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Kinda sucks, doesn’t it? Having to follow something ‘cause you can and not ‘cause you wanted. I stayed in service ‘cause it was what I had, you got this gig ‘cause it was what you knew. Even your counselor didn’t wanna be a counselor.” Which was something he wasn’t sure he was supposed to share, but whatever. He was the patient after all.

Araiza didn’t want that for himself. He’d already escaped one environment he hated; he didn’t need another one. “Fine is one thing. Would you have been happy?”

He snorted at the incoming question. “You’re a nosy one, aren’t you Reeves?” he asked childishly, a smirk on his lips as he took a shot of his own. It was a yes, but a yes he wouldn’t elaborate on. His face twisted in disgust. “Fuck, what was that?”

“Have you been with a human or was the Doc your one and only?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2040

“Would I have been happy? No. I didn’t find that until later in life.” He replied calmly.

“Nosey? No. Curious yes.” He added before he was asked another question. “Blood wine. Klingon. I can tell from the consistency and color. If you don’t inhale or taste it, it’s fine. After I’m drunk.”

“I was with multiple human females in my younger years, before I met L’Sa. But since her she’s the only one I’ve been with. And my only non-human.”

“That was four questions by the way.” He commented offhandedly before he threw his punch to the gut. “Do you still hear the screams at night? In the dark when you’re alone?” His expression said he’d been there for too many nights. Too many dark nights with the horrified screams of the dead.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Maybe drinking wasn’t a great. He had enough buddies to where alcohol was numbing. He’d never seen the opposite. The mention of screams made his chest feel tight. Not an ounce of him wanted to dwell on that, but he wondered if it was something the other man needed.

“We can cut the game off here, man,” he said. He could handle drinking further, but he didn’t want to agitate the commander. “Why don’t I walk you to your place?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2045

“I wear a dermal patch that’s required of all MACO’s and Senior Officer’s. I can drink alcohol until a Klingon drops dead and it won’t affect me.” Reeves commented not moving from his seat. “Neutralizes the alcohol content before it hits my liver.”

“Drink... or answer?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“I don’t give a shit, Reeves,” he answered, serious. “I don’t have you out here to fuck with your psyche or some shit, so if you’re not having good thoughts right now I’d at least want you to be somewhere less public.”

“I don’t say it to just blow you off, I just…” Araiza sighed. “I know it can be heavy.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2045

“I meditate and mind meld nightly so I won’t go off the deep end. That and years of therapy. I’m lucky, I suppose, some of the people that went through it never came back to fleet. They just couldn’t. But the strong willed ones survive and push through it. We come out better people.” Reeves told Araiza.

“You’ve gone this long without shipping out. You’ll make it. Just one step at a time.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

His face took on irritation, but he wasn’t angry or bothered. He was tired. “I don’t need a pep talk, man. I don’t even like the military. I don’t like titles or all this systematic crap. I tolerate the order it brings ‘cause it’s necessary, but everything else? My dead friends or all the people who died because I couldn’t use my head for something else?”

He sank into his seat. “I felt powerless on Earth. You’ve seen that shit firsthand; it’s brutal. To me, to you, every kid and parent and spouse. I saw enough blood for a lifetime, and even that was brief. Knowing I’m responsible for innocent people dying… I can’t outlive that.”

“It’s why I’m better for ships like this. At least I know we’re not targeting people for no reason. So when we have little priority for the little guys… it makes my blood boil. It’s not fair. I can’t live the rest of my life going to funerals.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2050

“What makes you think every living breathing entity is not prioritized? I get daily reports of everything that happens on this ship. A paper cut, a plasma burn. All of them. I can hear the irritation in the Ships hologram when he stands at my desk and tells me how everything is running. Because I’m prioritizing people over the ships hull or force fields.”

“When we accept that people have been dying for thousands of years and in the end we also are dust, it’s just a matter of time until then, it gets easier. My last night terror was almost a year ago.”

“I was at the tactical station on the Norway. I didn’t give the Captain information fast enough. We took a hit to the bride and the fore port section of the saucer. Three thousand dead in seconds. Another couple hundred injured from debris or burns. The didn’t finish us off, but they could have easily. No weapons. No shields. It took a miracle for us to to limp towards Vulcan on sub-light. If we hadn’t come across a Vulcan cruiser that towed us, we’d have all died out there.”

Looking over at the other man he sighed. “Life sucks until we die, just make the best you can of it until then.” As he finished, he took another shot glass and downed it. “I think that was Denobulan.. Slug Secretions..”

“Just remember, you’re not alone. If and when you need to vent, scream, cry, or punch. Just tell me, I'll be there. I’ll make it happen.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He gave him a look as if he already knew the answer. “Come on, man. You started somewhere. You know what it’s like being treated before being bedazzled and how rough it is when you’re just starting out.”

“I know everyone calls it discipline, but I don’t think anything can convince me otherwise. It doesn’t mean that you yourself don’t care; it means that the mentality of some of those in your status treating our guys as collateral is exhausting. Signing up for service shouldn’t be an automatic death wish. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t buy that deaths should be assessed per capita.”

“I didn’t mention it then, but it did irritate me when you asked for Halo rings for you and your wife,” Araiza admitted. “Not ‘cause I want you guys to die or anything, but if I’m being honest, I don’t have anyone on that bridge in mind when I make these things. I don’t mean you should be refused protection, but if the ones at the very front aren’t given the best we can afford before others, I just feel guilty. I did enough harm. The least I can do now is this.”

He chuckled when he took the drink. It was a nice distraction from the somber topic. “An acquired taste. It’ll grow on you.”

He had to be honest with himself, he still found the commander’s new approach strange, but he didn’t know how to go about it without sounding dismissive. “Be honest: are you reaching out ‘cause you want to or just ‘cause Marlowe said so?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2055

“I haven’t spoken with Dr. Marlowe since breakfast, so no she did not ask or direct or inquire about me speaking with you in any fashion or manner.” Reeves answered honestly. “As for the Halo rings, distribute as you think best. Though I suggest the M.A.C.O. first as they will have the most front line contact.”

“I don’t like the way Starfleet does some things myself. And everyone that dies is another death on my hands. As the X.O. I’m responsible for all of them. Every civilian, scientist, teacher, student, engineer, soldier. Everything on this ship including the ship itself is my responsibility.”

“I just hope I never get used to the amount of blood, and I hope to never write another letter.”

“I’ll arrange for the MACO’s and Security to get their party. It will probably be on the otherside of the wormhole, or back at Deep Star Nine. But it will happen.”

Standing up he held out a hand to Araiza. “Next time, no drinking, and no somber talks.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza stole a look to the drinks, only one which had touched his lips. He wasn’t fond of touchy subjects, so it felt odd that he had won. He was truthful while sober. It was strange.

“The least we owe them is to not forget them,” he agreed, getting on his feet and shaking his hand. “Don’t cheap out on the booze: lord knows they deserve it.”

He pushed in his chair and tucked his hands into his pockets, rolling his shoulders back. “It’s a date, friend. I’m still open to that holodeck thing. I’ve actually never been in one recreationally all this time. Creeps me out.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2100

“I’ll have the Chief fire up the still, as long as she keeps it low key. I don’t need the MACO’s finding out she has one. They’d never leave Engineering.”

“I’ll go easy on you, the first time. After that..” reaching down he picked up each of the remaining shot glasses and downed them. One by one. “Good thing I ate or that combo would make me hurl.”

“Until next time,” he said as he motioned for the door. “I better get to bed before my wife sends out a hunting party.” The fact that she was waiting for him and wearing very little helped.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Hopefully they felt as spoiled as they deserved. “I’m sure they can keep a secret or two.”

He took a quick glance around the room, wondering if anyone else was watching their commander down multiple shots. Maybe that’d make his image more approachable. “Woah, save some for the banquet, man.”

At 9 PM? The guy really did live and breathe structure. Araiza’s out of lines habits contrasted, but maybe that’d be okay. “Regards to the missus,” he chuckled, hitting the man’s shoulder twice before he left the establishment.

In the walk home, he pondered over the last hour, and the entire day in general. It had been too quick paced for his liking, but it was over. Now, as he got home and crawled into bed, he found it hard to sleep. Then again, it wasn’t urgent. He had a whole day of nothing ahead of him. He’d be able to polish off his projects.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora walked back towards the bridge, her mind still turning over her conversation with the Admiral. There was a lot to unpack. He had reviewed her record, seen the truth buried beneath the false rumors, the innuendos, and the cultural missteps—both hers and those of other Federation officers.

Instead of assuming she had schemed or seduced her way into her position, he had looked deeper. He must have seen her as the officer she truly was—capable, creative, and tough. He understood now that when she pulled her command paperwork and transitioned to the science officer field, it had only been after being blocked jealous, petty, officers.

"Someone finally sees me," Hora murmured as she reached the turbolift.

Yet, the Admiral’s sudden shift in attitude was striking. Too striking. There had to be something more behind it. Then it hit her.

He knew.

He knew she had called him "fishface."

"Dark Fire!" she gasped, her voice sharp with realization. "Stop the turbolift!"

The lift obeyed, halting mid-motion.

"Dark Fire, has Admiral Volgu been asking about my performance aboard this ship?" Hora demanded.

"Yes, Captain," the ship’s AI responded in its characteristic cool tone.

"And what did you tell him?"

"That you have outperformed new captains by 2.3 sigma. That from the moment you stepped aboard, you recognized there was something wrong within Deep Star Nine’s command structure. That your decision to leave the space station early prevented disabling damage to this vessel—and to me. That your instincts regarding Captain Marcus' death were correct. Both battles—against fleet units and Deep Star Nine—were resolved with casualties far lower than modeling had predicted."

Hora folded her arms. "I messed up first contact. Lost numerous fighter pilots. There are people on this ship who can't stand me."

"Compared to your peers, this crew reports one of the highest morale levels in any fleet unit. Space exploration is inherently dangerous. You have exceeded expectations in minimizing losses." Dark Fire’s response was matter-of-fact, devoid of emotion.

Hora huffed out a breath, feeling the weight of her choices settle in her chest.

“Well, after your glowing review, I think I know why the Admiral trusts me. Any chance I can seduce you as a thank you? I’m phenomenal in bed.” She shot the AI a wry grin.

"This ship is not designed for copulation," Dark Fire stated without hesitation.

"Too bad," Hora replied, lips twisting in mock disappointment. "Resume turbolift."

As the lift resumed its journey, Hora allowed herself a moment to savor the unexpected validation. The Admiral’s praise, coupled with Dark Fire’s analytical assessment, sent a surge of dopamine coursing through her veins—the neurotransmitter Orions craved most. Pleasure and motivation intertwined. That simple chemical reaction fueled her drive to push forward, to continue proving herself, watch out Andromeda Galaxy USS Dark Fire is coming!

The turbolift doors slid open.

Captain Hora stepped onto the bridge.

"We are ready to enter the wormhole," reported the officer of the deck.

"Good." She nodded, then pressed her communication link. "Commander Reeves, report to the bridge."

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2105

Reeves:

Stepping into his quarters, Jordan sighed. As he placed his forehead to L’Sa’s their connection melding together. Exhaling he felt the calm wash over him like a comfortable blanket. How L’Sa stayed so calm all the time was a blessing and a curse.

He was happy she was still wearing the see through robe she’d worn at dinner. She wanted him inside her, and he wanted it as well.

As they separated he felt a lingering of a half thought, a yearning from her. She dropped to her knees and had his breaches open before he knew what she was doing. Her warm and wet tongue and throat eagerly taking him in. He felt her sliding down his shaft, her tongue working magic until his short and curlies were brushing her nose.

"Commander Reeves, report to the bridge." came Captain Hora over the intercom.

Curling his fingers as L’Sa pulled back and kiss the head, her tongue slowly swirling around it, as her fingertips caressed his inner thighs and rather full balls.

“I’m going to kill her.” Reeves groaned, as his neck twitched in desire. “Dark Fire, please inform me the next time the Captain is in the act of sex. I’ll find a reason to summon her. Even if it’s to watch to rabbits fucking!!”

Taking a deep breath he pulled his pants up and fastened them, adjusting his uniform back into position as L’Sa stood, the transparent blue robe opening enough for him to see the swell of her breasts and the curls between her legs.

“Why me?!” He groaned as he stepped back into the hall and made his way to the bridge.

Minutes later he stepped out of the turbo lift and onto the Bridge. There were no alarms that weren’t at any alert status.

“Captain,” he said as he moved over to the holo display. “Something happen?” he asked looking at the chronometer and the Beta squad. Perhaps she was running a surprise drill?​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
"You better believe something happened!" Hora exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement. "But first, a question—have you ever felt the urge to make love to the USS Dark Fire?" She smirked, not truly expecting an answer. "Well, you just might after I tell you what Dark Fire did."

She leaned in, eyes gleaming. "The Admiral has been keeping tabs on us, and guess what? Dark Fire gave us a staggering 97.8% approval rating! And that’s not all—the Admiral mentioned you specifically, calling you out by name. Said you were a good man."

Hora practically glowed with pride. "This crew—this family—has earned this. I’ll prepare a proper announcement and an award worthy of the ship and its remarkable people. And that high rating? It’s why the Admiral wants us to enter the wormhole. He’s entrusting us with exploring the Andromeda Galaxy—carefully, methodically, but boldly.

Oh, and one last thing…" She grinned mischievously. "He asked us to stop calling him ‘Fish Face.’ Isn't this incredible news!"

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2110

Reeves:​

“No,” Reeves replied dryily before she started rambling with excitement. “As I have never met the Admiral his theories about my qualities are speculation based on performance reviews.”

“You’re going to make an award.. for yourself?” He asked mildly confounded by her behavior.

“I have never called any individual, much less an Admiral, ‘fish face’. Though as you have the conclusion would indicate that there is a spy on board reporting your activities to the Admiral, or to Starfleet intelligence.”

“You do realize that all of this could have waited until morning as it is currently after twenty-one Hundred hours… nine pm for the civilians on board.”

“Are you willing to wait until morning shift to go through, when we’ve all had rest and can properly anticipate negative developments, or will you be wanting us to go through now?”

“In either Case I’m sure the Counselor would wish to be here to observe, and to better understand the situation to deal with any negative repercussions.”

“Perhaps it’s because of her work you got such a glowing review? She has been working long hours to help the Senior Staff.”

"And I'm already in process of arranging an event for the Security Staff and the M.A.C.O., due to the recent conflicts as they need a moral boost."​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Hora sighed, at the realization that Of course, Commander Reeves wouldn't display any emotions—not about their achievements, nor the praise they had received. She should have expected as much.

"Commander, the commendation wasn't just for us as individuals—it was a recognition of this ship's collective accomplishments. I was thinking a Federation Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) Pennant. It's typically awarded for exceptional valor and meritorious service by a unit or vessel."

She paused, then nodded. "The party is a great idea. I had been considering entering the wormhole now, but you're right—I'll wait until the counselor is awake.

Sorry for bothering you, Commander. Have a good night," Hora said, offering a final glance at the commander.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870605.2115

Reeves:
“An award for the ship should come from the Admiral or above, not from the Captain of said ship. I believe it’s the equivalent of ‘patting on-self on the back’.”

After listening to her final comments Reeves gave the Captain a salute, “Goodnight, Captain. Sleep well.” Turning he left the bridge and finally yawned once in the corridor when no one could see him. This day had been more exhausting than he’d imagined it would be.

Stepping into his quarters, finally, he found L’Sa’s robe laying on the floor outside the bedroom door and wasted no time locking the corridor entry and finding his wife.

Stardate 29870606.0500​

Rising Reeves sent a message to Lt. Araiza to join him, if he wished, for morning exercises. He’d be in the forward supersize room. Once there he started o the treadmill, his rather tight shorts and shirt showing off his muscular form and gathering more than a few gazes from admirers. But everyone that wass a regular knew he was there to work out before his shift, and he was married to a rather attractive female. One that could rip their arms off and beat them to death with it.

That didn’t stop dreamers from dreaming though.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza took a deep breath, his eyes stuck to the mirror. His lack of sleep was evident under his eyes, but if his latest demo was successful, he’d consider the redness worth it.

The man took a hammer he had in his quarter’s emergency toolbox—he never knew when an idea would arise—and, with some strength and reluctance, quickly brought it right to his face.

A faint glow surrounded him, disappearing as soon as the head of the hammer bounced back off a nearly invisible film that rested against the man’s face. The material could double as a veil with how thin it was, but Araiza had merely felt some light pressure. By no means was his creation indestructible, but the fact that it could withstand a hammer now? He was excited.

He returned to his bedroom, the ground and surfaces covered with stray materials, bolts, and a handful of items he had snuck from the workshop. He hated not having something to do, but he was growing fond of just being able to continue with his projects. Could he elongate his sabbatical?

He removed the film from his head, inspecting it carefully before he stored it away. With enough time and sources, Bilateral Enclosure and Transmitter of Health, or BETH for short, would be sewn into his suits and provide more security when it came to head protection. Replacing heavy helmets would likely be formidable.

But now he had to attend to his health and friendships. He didn’t take too long to freshen up and find the commander. If not in a team, he wasn’t accustomed to being with others when exercising. There was a first time for everything, he supposed.

Dressed in athletic wear, he strutted to the commander. “Barbecue Reeves! Fancy seeing you here,” he joked, hoping the other male would be polite enough to avoid literal interpretations.

He was quite bulky, but not to an intimidating degree. The heaviness of the items he dealt with on the daily was made clear by his arms, shoulders, and core. “Starting with cardio?”

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

When Xiana was younger, she loathed her grandmother taking pictures of her. A woman who wanted to captivate everything in a 5 by 7 frame, every image taken on her property had a skinny brunette scowling at the lens. The woman learned to appreciate them once she was older. She learned all over again when she had been feeding said images time and time again to the holodeck’s processors in an attempt to recreate the backyard she grew up in.

Enough images had brought her to this: a near-exact replica of the same outdoors she missed dearly. The house had been passed down to Xiana, but the owner was light-years away. The grass was never as manicured as her grandmother had kept it. As the counselor lay on the makeshift green blades, it felt like they were back to their glory.

She knew the sky was a facade, the sounds of passing car engines a misdirection, and the smell of wet soil an illusion, but for the time being, she adored it. She had found that going to her simulated Eden was helping her clear her mind. The counselor could spend hours resting on the grass, counting clouds and bird calls of a day that, if she wanted, would never end.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.0510

Reeves:​

“Yes, I prefer cardio first before weights. Some find the track more beneficial. However I prefer the stationary position in case I’m needed on the bridge this position allows easier access to the doors.” He said gesturing with a head nod in the direction of said doorway.

“Dark Fire, Inform Dr. Marlowe her presence is requested on the bridge at 0700, If you could, Please.”

“Of course, Commander.” the Ship replied, even as it was relaying the information simultaneously to the Doctor.

“I hope I didn’t wake you up,” Jordan said looking at the man. “Did you even sleep last night?”

Dark Fire:​

Stepping out onto the back porch Xiana’s Grandmother held a plate of cookies and milk. “Xiana, Dear, The Commander has requested you come to the Bridge at 0700.” The ship said as it place the nourishment on the small wooden table. “Best get a snack in before you go. And yes you can take them with you.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Arms crossed in observation, the male waited for the instruction to be done to speak. “Are we officially dying at 7 or what’s going on?”

Jeez, did he look that bad? Here he thought he could pull off a bag or two. “Yeah, I slept.” An hour, but not technically a lie. He made his way to the threadmill beside the man, starting to warm up.

“How many minutes you got in?” he asked, his voice strained as he for the sky with his hands clasped together. His abdominals decided to peek under his sleveless shirt.

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The foreign voice alarmed the counselor, making her sit upright faster than her head would’ve liked. When she noticed it came from a projection of her grandmother, her stomach twisted.

“Dark Fire, end simulation,” she said, disturbed by the sight. “In the future, just project this environment. Exclude any people, especially any in the images.”

Once her fantasy was gone, she wiped her attire clean. She had left her coat in her office, the one she dreaded to return to. She was happy to help and didn’t regret one bit of it, but with how quickly she had garnered patients she valued her own time more.

She had already contacted the captain and commander that she would be missing the morning gatherings, citing her amount of work as her reason. Why was she needed?

“Dark Fire, could you ask the Commander why I am needed?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.0515

Reeves:​

“Apparently the Admiral has changed his mind and has ordered us into the wormhole, and we are to ‘discreetly’ scout the Andromeda Galaxy.” Jordan replied as the treadmill shifted, and he started going ‘up an incline’.

Running along he wasn’t sweating to hard yet, but he was wearing his gravity boots to make it a little harder, and to even the playing field for everyone else.

“I’m at fifteen minutes. I get here at 0500. I’ll go to weights next, and then if you’re up to it we can go into the ring, unless you want to just keep it lighter for today.”

Dark Fire:​

“I apologize. I used the image to allow an easier interaction. But your biological response indicates that I was in error. I will not project any more personal as per your orders. The Captain and Commander request your presence for our entry into the wormhole. The decision was made late last night by the Admiral for us to go to the Andromeda Galaxy.”

“Your presence is requested to keep you informed and in case there are any adverse effect on the crew, you will be instantly aware as all communications will go to the bridge, and as part of the communications protocols to keep you updated and aware of any and all pending situations. I will be able to Transport you to any location instantly if needed.”

“Did you still need to speak with him? He’s currently in gymnasium C4. It’s in the fore section of the Ship, Deck Section C Deck 4 Corridor Blue. I can patch you directly to him if desired.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He was tempted to ask what had changed the admiral’s, considering he apparently was against it. Then again, he doubted the commander would have all the answers he’d want. “Cool. Maybe I can fit breakfast in before we get murdered.”

Araiza pressed a few buttons, bringing his own machine to life at a slow, starting pace. His head turned back to the other man. “What’s with you guys and boxing? I feel like there’s more subtle ways to want to beat the shit out of someone.”

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The woman inhaled deeply and released through her mouth, her hands on her hips. She’d expect her numbers to double. “It’s okay, Dark Fire. I appreciate you trying.”

She might as well be better rounded. She wouldn’t be seeing them until a later time, anyway. “Yes, please transport me.”

It was a few moments before she made her appearance in the gymnasium. In her professional attire, she felt rather overdressed. Her hair still had waves in it. “Commander. Lieutenant. Have I caught you in a bad time?”

“Araiza works just fine, Doc.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.0520

Reeves:​

“I’m sorry I should have been clearer. I utilize Martial Arts, not Boxing. I use Sha’mura as well as several Klingon and Human forms. I only practice Tal-shaya on the holodeck as it’s more deadly. The Captain likes to participate in boxing, I don’t.”

“No, the timing is not bad, Counselor.” Jordan replied as he looked over at her. “Did you have further questions?” he asked, as the pitch and pressure changed in the machine ‘leveling out’ as he continued his run. "I was notified about the change in the Admiral's decision late last night. As I did not see the point in awakening you with the information I waited until this morning."​