USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“And here I thought you were too busy.”

“In my defense, I’m basically on vacation.”

A woman left the lieutenant’s sheets, fixing her hair at a nearby mirror before she began to collect her clothes strewn on the floor.

Araiza watched from the comfort of his mattress, admiring the frame of his recent lover. The woman, feeling his eyes on her, looked over her shoulder, a hairband in between her teeth.

“Some of us have to go back to work,” she reminded him, bending over for her blouse.

“It’s the middle of the day; who the hell is going to be drinking so early?” the man asked.

The woman jumped a few times as she slid on her pants. While thin, her ass led to some struggle. “You’d be surprised. Cohl was wondering why you went to that other place. He says you were with the captain.”

Boy, did he hate gossip. “Cohl needs to mind his business.”

“Losing regulars is his business, remember?” The woman smirked, buttoning the last of her clothing. Despite being fully dressed, she returned to the bed, crawling slowly. “Did you fuck?”

“Cohl? Bolians aren’t really my type.“

She grabbed a pillow and lightly hit him with it. “No, you jerk. The captain.”

Araiza laughed lightly. He considered lying to see the other’s reaction but knew better than to risk that getting out. “Nah.”

“But you wanted to, didn’t you?” The woman asked, inching closer and straddling him. “Would you have fucked her right there at the bar? What if I was watching?”

“You’re crazy,” he answered, looking up at the woman, although his lips’ shape said otherwise.

Araiza had first met Tala when she had joined around five months ago—truth be told, he still wasn’t sure Tala was her actual name. A new bartender at one of the watering holes in the Red Section, it wasn’t difficult to tell why she was a star employee. She was outgoing and alluring but held just enough mystery to keep patrons coming back. Of course, it was primarily so she could make a living off drunk clients who thought a smile deserved an excessive tip, but occasionally she did partake in private rendezvous with some… if they could afford it.

​

It was different with Araiza. They had organically hit it off, come to mutual terms of casualty, and had their occasional fun every now and then. She didn’t ask questions, and neither did he. It seemed to work so far. It was certainly a pleasant pastime when he had so much time to kill.

Her place of employment wasn’t nearly as glamorous as the higher levels, but she didn’t mind. She could do as she wished, go where she wanted to go, and any run-in with trouble seemed to always be handled. It wasn’t pretty, but it was hers. Araiza would insist time and time again that he could get her a similar job outside the noise and lewdness, but she always refused.

“That’s your opinion,” Tala grinned, getting off the man and back on her feet. She was prepared to say her goodbyes when she noticed a gadget in process nearby, a blatant button at the top. She reached for it and tapped it. “Is this another vacuum?”

“Wait, no!” Araiza exclaimed, rushing to pull the item away. As his movements were too late, the woman yelped in pain. The item returned to normal upon hitting the ground with a loud thud, but Tala’s hand had been badly burnt.

He rushed to her side, his companion in shock as she looked at her hand. “I told you not to touch my stuff! Shit, okay, let’s go to a doc—”

Even in severe pain, holding her wrist up with her quickly blistering palm upwards, Tala still had some sense in her. “No!”

“No?!”

“No!” Tala repeated. “Do you have any idea what a mess it’ll be if some of these guys see me?! Some of them have been clients! They’ll fuck me over!”

“Well, it’s not worse than frying your hand!”

“Yes, it is!” she insisted.

Araiza ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t plan to just let her go back, knowing she’d practically have no medical attention. He also didn’t want to compromise her safety.

“Dark Fire, just send me to—“

“No,” Araiza interrupted, continuing despite the woman’s angry eyes. “Dark Fire, get Dr. L’Sa here. Tell her it’s urgent, but I can’t leave my place.”

“Freddie!” Tala hissed.

He turned back to the woman. “Look, I’m friends with her husband. I’ll figure it out, okay? You’ll be fine. Just trust me.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Having spoken with Dr. Grissom and his assistant L’Sa resumed her duties in her lab. She had several projects going at the moment. One was the Living ship DNA sequencing, and the other was a molecular break down of the Parasite.

Testing the protein chains of the living ship against biological samples, was proving most informative. The DNA of the ship rewrote the DNA of the subject material, making the sample DNA into Alien DNA. But it also adapted to add the sample DNA to its matrix, so the new organism was mostly alien, but had some of the sample DNA as well.

Adapt and overcome. But it was more than that is was more adapt and infiltrate.

“Dr. L’Sa, Lt. Araiza needs you in his quarters for a medical emergency. It’s urgent and he is unable to leave his quarters.”

Pausing her motions she locked down her test, ensuring everything was where it should be. A rampant DNA monster was not something she’d like to explain, to anybody.

Then she grabbed a medical kit and was beamed directly into his quarters.

Looking around she noticed the human female and the damage to the hand. A quick step and she stabbed a hypospray into the girls arm. “That’s for the pain,” she explained as she removed a tricorder from the bag and analyzed her hand.

“This is not critical. Why didn’t you go to the Medial Facility?” she asked, already pulling out a dermal re-generator and using it on the hand.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Tala immediately jumped. She appreciated the relief that followed but was still bothered by the startle. “You don’t have to be such a—“

“A considerate person stopping by with your busy schedule,” Araiza interrupted with a large smile and a glance at the other woman. Tala rolled her eyes but stayed quiet.

The man had scrambled to get dressed before the woman appeared. A closer look would give away that he had put his shirt on backwards. For now, however, he stood with his arms crossed, watching the woman work.

Tala, while appreciative of the attention, was still bitter that the incident had happened at all. She gave a bothered look to the male. “Shouldn’t you put away your toys when you’re done?”

“Shouldn’t you avoid things that don’t belong to you?” He answered immediately.

“I’m sorry, normal people don’t keep bombs in their bedroom.”

“It’s not a bomb!”

“I don’t care!” Tala called out, roughly pulling her hand away from the doctor. It still had some healing to go, but she’d deal with it on her own. She was too annoyed to stay any longer. “I’m leaving.”

“Let her finish—“

The bartender didn’t wait for him to finish. She requested for Dark Fire to send her to her place of employment, a glare being the last thing she left him with. Araiza rubbed the back of his head as he watched her leave, then turned his attention to the doctor with a nervous grin.

“Sorry about that,” he said, taking a few steps to pick up his now-cold model off the ground. “Had some… malfunctions. I can’t tell you why we couldn’t go somewhere else, but I’m grateful you came.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“I will assume she couldn’t go the the Medical Facilities because she’s not supposed to be on board, or you didn’t want anyone to know of your sexual relationship with her.”

“There is also the probability that due to the origin of her injury, an unclassified device, you did want an investigation.”

“I shouldn’t have to remind you of the protocols surrounding such a device, and or weapon, but I will have to inform security. Unless the device is relocated to the proper place for such an item.”

Putting the instruments back into the case, she stood up. The white lab gear more like a second skin than clothing. “Might I ask what the device is for and should do? Your shirt is on backwards.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Oh, I don’t really care if people know,” he answered. It wasn’t as if she ever made an appearance around more elevated sections of the ship, but he also didn’t like the idea of sharing her business in detail. “Personal… stuff. Nothing illegal, promise.”

He didn’t like the idea of the report. “C’mon Doc. I was just working from home. Shouldn’t it be something good? I’m doing work without billing. Can you let it go this once?”

“Huh,” Araiza said, looking down to his shirt. He began to remove it.

“It’s not a weapon, either,” he assured as he pulled the top off and switched it, speaking while he put it back on and tugged on some wrinkles. The man seemed to have an endless supply of black undershirts. “I’m trying to come up with some temperature regulators for missions and stuff. It’s supposed to organically absorb heat and preserve it for cold environments for long periods of time. It does the opposite for hot ones.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Captain Hora stood on the bridge, eyes scanning the report detailing the calculated time displacement.

“Captain, AA1 is within long-range sensors,” Lieutenant Harris announced.

“AA1?” Hora queried, raising an eyebrow.

“A temporary naming convention," Harris explained. "The first 'A' represents the Andromeda Galaxy, the second 'A' denotes Andromeda’s Alpha quadrant, and '1' signifies the closest star to the wormhole."

Hora nodded. “That’ll do for now—until we can map these earlier stars to known ones.”

Harris continued his analysis. “Class M star. The system contains eight planets. The fourth is a large gas giant, and one of its moons is roughly Earth-sized—primarily covered in water and forests, but seismically active.”

His voice suddenly shifted with excitement. “Captain, I’m detecting ruins—space station debris, derelict ships. Signs of a battle.”

“Shields up!” Hora commanded. “Red Alert.”

“Wait, Captain,” Harris interjected. “Sensors indicate the debris is ancient. The battle happened about a century ago. The wreckage is extensive—thousands of tons scattered in orbit, ranging from pebble-sized fragments to hundred-meter sections. There are also large remnants on the moon’s surface.”

Hora considered this. “All right—stand down Red Alert. Keep shields lowered.” She turned to Ensign Tyson Copeland. “Standard orbit around the moon, but keep clear of the debris field.”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” Copeland affirmed.

Harris continued, his attention locked on the readouts. “There’s a structure on the surface, near the largest debris chunk. Life signs are abundant, but nothing I’d classify as intelligent—no evidence of tool usage.”

Hora straightened. “Send a cloaked fighter to explore the debris field. As for the surface mission, I want Commander Reese leading the away team—he can select the rest of his crew.”

https://forum.literotica.com/threads/uss-dark-fire-ooc.1611930/page-7#post-101082851

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1245

L’Sa:​

“I will inform the Commander of this, if he wants the report then I’ll write one. Otherwise I’ll just make a note of it in my log.”

“Also, you should not be working on projects of this nature outside of the security or you lab. You should know this by now, Lieutenant.” she wasn’t being rude, sarcastic, or even snarky as she spoke. She was just simply stating fact with all the passion of a computer. If anything, Yito had more passion in her wiring than the Vulcan Scientist did.

“And I’ll need her name. Or I can take the time to find her in the ships Identity base. Her purpose here is not my concern, but from the smell it was sexual in nature. I also do not care what her employment is or was.”


Reeves:​

“Lt. Jovovich(WA), Lt. Sol (MM), Lt. Bumme (MM), Ensign Seja (WA), Ensign Cook (MM), Meet me in Hanger bay 4, at 1300hrs.”

“Lieutenant Commander Mc’Leo (MM) prep your fighter for escort detail. Dr. Marlowe (Serene) if you’d like to put your feet on ground meet us in Hanger Bay 4, but your presence is not required.”

“Major K’alena, We’ll need one Marine Medic. Not you. Please have an assault detail prepped for emergency deployment. Just in case.”

“Acknowledged, Commander,” The Major replied. Moments later a Marine was on his way, his medical kit and weapons ready to go.

By the time the XO got to the shuttle Bay the Marine Medic Lt. Jovovich (WA) and Ensign Yito Seja were already there. Looking over the gear as The Commander entered the Bay she stood and gave him a salute. “Continue what you were doing Ensign.”

“Yes Sir,” she replied glancing at him and Jovovich trying to decide which was more attractive. She have to say Jovovich had a better body but the Commander looked really good. She’d happily let either, maybe both, have a sleepover. Sighing she took her gear and stowed it in the shuttle, securing it just in case things got bumpy.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Doc, it’s really not that big of a deal,” he insisted, hoping he was being persuasive enough.

He crossed his arms, glancing at the device. “I promise, I have everything under control here. I probably work here better all by myself. If I swear to let these little work from home projects go, can we skip a mention?”

The smell? Right, those Vulcan supersenses. He considered his options: tell the doctor about his buddy’s identity and risk Tala being more mad at him, or lie.

Maybe there was a middle ground. “You know what, I’m not really sure. Raincheck?”

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana was quietly ashamed at how quickly she had gone through her documents to be present in the bay, but she was there sharply at the time indicated. The lingering fear of the unknown was still holding onto the back of her mind, but the idea of something beneath her feet that wasn’t metal or a projection was simply too alluring, just enough to shut it up.

By the look she had on her face, one might’ve guessed she had won the lottery. She knew she wasn’t on board for entertainment, having brought a few items herself for a worst-case psychiatric scenario. She had added a Halo ring to her left hand, a small token of appreciation from the weapons technician.

“Where do you need me?” Xiana asked.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt. Sol, Lt. Bumme, and Ensign Cook

Lt Sol, Lt Bumme and Ensign Cook all arrived at the shuttlebay at the same time. It looked a little like Hugh Hefner arriving with two sexy playboy bunnies! Lt Bumme and Ensign Cook were very attractive, while Lt Sol was well… let’s just say he is an acquired taste. Lt Bumme and Ensign Cook were in front and reviewing notes on the moon’s atmosphere, geological structures, flora and Fauna. Each of them also had tricorders and other science equipment. Ensign Cook even laughed at Lt Bumme’s joke about hoping to encounter a few more reptiles on the moon.

Lt Sol was behind them. You would never have guessed he was dating Lt Bumme. He was totally serious and focused on providing security for the away team. He wore armor and had a phaser pistol holstered on his hip. He pulled the phaser out and examined it as he walked to the Shuttle. He pulled the power pack from the grip of the weapon and ensured it was undamaged and charged. He slid it back into the phaser. He charged the weapon and checked the display. He flipped the safety switch, disarming the weapon, and slid it into the holster. All done with the speed and skill of an expert.

They boarded the shuttle and took their seats. Again, you would have never guessed Lt Sol and Dr Marlowe had exchanged some heated statements to each other in the past. He recognized her with a nod of his head and a “Counselor”

Lt Bumme and Ensign Cook however; both introduced themselves to the new counselor.

After checking everyone Lt Bumme told the Pilot, “Commander Reeves everyone is ready to depart”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt McLeo
Lt McLeo’s fighter slipped out of hangar bay four, cutting a sleek path beneath the aft section of the massive hull. As he banked, the craft pitched to one side, angling toward the moon below. Brilliant blues and vivid greens stretched across its surface—endless oceans and sprawling grasslands glowing beneath the ethereal light of the gas giant that loomed beyond. The deep blue-purple of the planet painted the horizon in eerie contrast, swallowing the darkness of space around it.

Flying was the only thing that still brought him joy. The hum of the engine, the weightless glide through the stars—it was the one place where nothing else mattered. But tonight, his focus sharpened. Somewhere on the shuttle craft below, Ensign Cook was making her descent. She had rejected him, but that didn’t change a thing. His feelings for her ran deeper than pride, deeper than the ache of unreturned affection. If danger found her, he would protect her. With his life, if necessary.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1250

L’Sa:​

“As an individual was injured, you obviously don’t have things under control. I will give you the consideration that this was an unprecedented accident and will file this without notification to security or the Commander.”

“Raincheck? It’s not raining aboard ship except in the designated areas of the Arboretum and Hydroponics labs.”

“Ah, Human colloquialism, what are you wanting to postpone until later? I made an observation; there is no need to postpone it until later.”


Stardate 29870606.1300

Reeves:​

“Just take anywhere you want Counselor; there aren’t any windows except in the cockpit.” Reeves replied as he stood to the side as everyone climbed on board the shuttle, mentally check off each of the people until he spotted the Marine and the Ensign coming over and board. “You’re late.” he said.

Snapping a salute Ensign Seja reported. “Other end of the ship, Sir. Monitoring the engine, had to wait for replacement to show up.”

Lt. Jovovich, the Marine, also saluted, “Had to get the Gear and come from The Darkside sir.”

“Very well get aboard,” he said without returning the salute. Only Marines and the new Officers saluted him Everyone else got used to not doing it aboard ship.

Stepping on board Reeves closed the hatch looking over everyone and making sure both people and equipment had gotten secured.

“Ok everyone, we’d normally take the transporter down, but I chose to take a shuttle, for nostalgia. There is a field of debris in orbit, and we’ll be doing a flyby to get some scans of the debris. It looks like a battle took place in orbit, and some of the debris feel to the moon. We’ll be landing near some of the bigger pieces for additional scans.”

“Buume, Sol, Marine are Squad Two. Everyone else with me and are Squad One. Counselor if we come upon any ruins of civilization I want your impressions of the people. I know you're not an Archaeologist, but I want your psychological viewpoint. Especially if we come upon any sentient beings. Ensign Seja find any markings and do your best to translate them. Lt. Sol, set your weapons for stun. Don’t kill anything. We’d like to have living specimens to study or talk to depending on its level of sentience.”

Taking a seat in the pilots position he called Seja to the Co-Pilot position. Moments later the shuttle lifted from the Hanger deck and slipped soundlessly into the darkness of space.

“‘Tiger’ this Midnight Rose, we’re leaving the ship now, please stick close and watch for any automated defense systems that may still be active. We don’t anticipate it, but it could happen.”

“Dark Fire Actual this is Midnight Rose, we have left the Deck, please watch our backs.”

Aboard the Dark Fire defensive guns swiveled and locked into position ready to fire on anything that attacked the shuttle, or to destroy any mines that could still be floating around.

Reorienting the ships ‘down’ to coincide with debris ‘down’ it made the planet sized moon tilt at an unusual angel for anybody not used to flying in space.

Moving in close external lights came on and played along the surface looking for any writing or indications of hatches, hand holds, or anything that might have a clue as to the sentience of the people that built it.

“Dark Fire Actual, I think we should bring some of the bigger pieces aboard and look for their technology, see if they’re still at the wire stage or evolved past that.”

“‘Tiger’, We will be doing a full Circumference of the planet before setting down near the largest debris we find.”

“Be ready to come in guns blazing for air support if we need it.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Good enough for him. “You’re the best, Doc, thanks. I’ll put these things back right away.” He wouldn’t, but he’d be more careful about how he handled them in his quarters.

He decided not to continue on putting off mentioning Tala by name. The more they worked past that, the better. He had just come up with a new modification to the very device that had caused said mess.

“Anyway, you must be really busy and all that,” he chirped, his words fast as Araiza walked over beside his door as it opened. “Again, thanks for everything!” Motioning towards the exit, he smiled grandly, his cheekbones as raised as they could be.

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana found her placement, keeping her hands clasped as her head turned every which way, taking in the aircraft and every person entering it. She gave Lieutenant Sol a nod back. Hopefully he was doing better.

She greeted the two women, having noticed them previously in passing, but happy to have a formal introduction. She wished never to get to a point where any staff’s faces weren’t memorable. It helped motivate her.

The counselor listened to the commander’s directions, nodding in acknowledgement as she kept to herself for the time being. When the time came, she’d get to work, but for now she knew it was best to stay out of the way. Silently, she observed the others’ expressions, wondering if they were as amused as she was internally.

The darkness was nothing new to her, but the announcement of their proximity to the target caught her attention. She was enamored, wonder in her eyes at even the smallest celestial particle that her eyes could catch. She couldn’t believe one could just get accustomed to such fascinations.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1330

Sitting back in his seat Lt. Jovovich glanced at the Counselor for a second before he secured his weapon against his chest and promptly fell asleep. There was nothing he could do if the ship was attacked, so he figured he might as well catch some shut-eye.

Tapping on her Data-tablet Yito linked into the shuttle sensors and cameras as she watched what the cockpit crew were looking at. Seeing the counselor wide eyed and marveling at everything she held the tablet so the Counselor could watch as well.

“Commander this chunk of debris would be perfect for further analysis, I think I saw a form of writing on it,” She called to the cockpit as she kept watching.

Tapping a control Reeves tagged the debris with a transporter enhancer for retrieval. “We’re heading for the Moon.” He called back to the passengers as the small ship slid down into the atmosphere, reorienting to the planets up/down.

After performing a full sweep of the planet/moon they moved to land near a large chunk of debris, it was about the size of an old earth nuclear powered carrier, but without any of those features. But it was spread across a stretch of ground just over a mile long.

“Ok, everybody, the atmosphere is breathable, but it's higher in oxygen and nitrogen, and much lower in carbon-dioxide, than were are used to so keep your breather masks close in case you get lightheaded.” he called over his shoulder. “And the gravity is just a little lighter than the ship so you’ll be a little bit stronger, faster, and your jumps will be higher than you’re used to. We’ll spend about five minutes outside the shuttle acclimating before we head out.”

“Does anybody have questions?” He asked as they circled towards the debris field.

“Yes, Sir,” Yito called. “I’m showing a small sentient made structure near the end of the debris could we land there? It may be a temple made by the locals or some such. Depending on their evolutionary level.”

“Ensign Cook,” Reeves said, “After we’re acclimated, I want you checking the debris. Complete scans of anything you think might be interesting. Is it all one ship or several?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Squad Two: Lt Bumme, Lt Sol, Lt Jovovich

As Squad Two stepped off the shuttle, Lt Sol’s gaze locked onto Lt Jovovich. His brow furrowed as he instinctively squared his broad shoulders, expanding his chest and baring more of his formidable teeth.

“Lt Jovovich, I’m Lt Zosh Sol,” he growled, his voice deep and deliberate. “We haven’t met yet. I’m a security officer—on your staff.”

Lt Bumme, sensing the escalating tension, reached out and placed a firm hand on Lt Sol’s upper arm. Her tone was equal parts authority and amusement. “This isn’t some reptilian dominance contest about who has the biggest teeth. Just congratulate Lt Jovovich on his new assignment and let him know you’re here to help him succeed.”

“But if I don’t challenge him, he won’t respect me,” Lt Sol protested, his growl low and insistent.

“You’re a six-foot-seven hulking dinosaur with a jaw full of massive canine teeth. Trust me—he respects you,” Lt Bumme countered, smirking slightly before turning to Lt Jovovich.

“Lt Sol is still adjusting to human interaction,” she explained with a wry smile.

As the squad, which consisted of Lt Bumme, Lt Sol and Marine Gunnery Sergeant McPherson, ventured deeper into the jungle, leaving the shuttle and squad One behind. Lt Bumme suddenly halted, her sharp eyes catching something unusual. “Everyone stop!” she called, excitement in her voice. She quickly raised her tricorder, sweeping its sensors across the dense vegetation.

Lt Sol stopped immediately, his instincts kicking in as he pulled out his phaser.

“Some of these plants are moving,” Lt Bumme announced, shifting her tricorder’s focus. “See that vine-bush over there? It’s not just a plant—it’s a complex ecosystem, comprised of a master organism and symbiotic insects. The plant appears to be directing the insects’ behavior. Fascinating.”

“Is it dangerous?” Lt Sol asked, his grip on the phaser tightened.

“Maybe… but it moves pretty slowly,” Lt Bumme admitted. “Let’s back away from it—for now.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt McLeo

Ensign Cook moved toward the massive chuck of space debris. But an observer would not be faulted if their eyes studied her moving form before looking toward the debris. She was a natural, flawless beauty with an almost ethereal quality to her. If you got to know her, like Lt McLeo had, she was also beautiful on the inside. A smart, loving, giving, person, who radiated happiness. Captain Hora might be the most sexy, erotic woman on USS Dark Fire, but Ensign Cook was the purist beauty.

Lt McLeo flew high overhead in a lazy orbit, as he watched her head toward the debris.

Ensign Cook

Ensign Cook’s tricorder was showing the debris was about one hundred years old. As she drew closer, she could see that it was a starship. She imagined that whoever once owed it, it was their prized possession. The flag ship of their fleet she thought. Now, it was in awful condition; The bow and half the stern had been blown off. One of the primary engines in pieces. It was quiet, lifeless, and in an open-air grave. The local plants had started to grow out of various sections. She spotted a few bird-like animals also nesting high up.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1345

“Mr. Sol,” Jovovich replied as he looked at the individual. Another thick necked bully. Great. Listening to Sol and Bumme exchange words before she turned and spoke to him.

“I don’t respect bullies,” he replied. “But everyone starts with respect. They lose that respect quickly when they bully, try to bully, or disrespect anyone else.”

“Let’s move out,” he finished turning his back to the reptile and letting him figure it out whether Jovovich was brave, stupid, or capable of taking care of himself.

Holding up a transponder the Marine, Gunnery Sergeant McPherson, tapped the control unit, pinging the geo-location for further study later. If there was a later. “Relax, Sol. You’re jumpier than a cat on a hot tin roof.”

***
Moving through the trees, Reeves held his tricorder out scanning the surrounding terrain for any biosigns. The Shuttle hadn’t detected any in the planetary sweep. But some things were to small to detect. Like insects, he thought slapping his neck as something landed on him.

“We're going to need decon when we get done. Bugs are hell.” He grunted.

Yito just looked at him for a moment as she walked along, “Yes, sir. Hell.” she absently commented watching her own scanner.

Jovovich looked like he’d rather be anywhere but stomping through a forest, swamp, jungle, or anything other than an air-conditioned starship. Constantly slapping at his neck and arms he was probably gonna need a week in decon. And a slew of antibacterials and anti-infection creams and gels.

When something fast came in flying over their heads, he didn’t think he just reacted, his weapon out and stunning the creature.

Falling to the ground the thing flapped it’s wings a few times before laying still, paralyzed by the weapon.

“Jovovich! Good shot, but relax, it looks like some form of bat. Probably operates on echolocation.”

Tapping his badge he called to everyone. “Keep an eye out they have something like bats. About four foot wing span mass three-ish pounds.”

“Sir… I have movement. Ahead. Two degrees left. Eighty feet. Large. Not moving very fast. one-point-four miles per hour?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

If there was a middle ground between dread and beguilement, Xiana was ruminating in it. Adjusting to the new gravity had been odd but quick to overcome, luckily. She stuck close enough to her group to not be split but far enough as to not interrupt their duties. She was, after all, more of a guest. The counselor had no complaints; it gave her more time to marvel.

Thankful for her hair pulled back, her head took in the environment. On Earth, she had never encountered a similar biome. Yet, she relished the firmness of the ground, the smell of the exotic flora, and the lack of harsh overhead lighting. As much as she desired to give one or two plants a touch, she knew better than to indulge in her curiosity. Museum rules would keep her safe.

The sound of the aviary creature being struck by the man broke her out of her enchantment. She stepped towards the animal with caution, a slight hunch as she looked at the dying being. The poor thing must’ve been frightened.

She didn’t have time to mourn. Eighty feet? Xiana could feel her mouth go dry. “Commander, what’s the plan?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1400

“Moving slowly, we don’t want to startle it. It may be carnivorous.” Reeves replied looking at his own tricorder. “Strange, I’m getting unusual biological signatures. I may be a carnivorous plant in the process of digesting it’s meal.”

“Counselor, please stay behind me,” He added as he lifted his phaser and set it for a light stun. Moving forwards through the alien trees and brush he made sure to watch his tricorder for the creatures location. “It stopped moving he said as he gestured for Jovovich to circle and come at it from another angle.

Yito had her phaser out as well, opting for a slightly higher setting but still in the stun range. She could switch to lethal with a thumb stroke so she wasn't worried.

Approaching the creature from three different angle they watched on tricorders as the creature moved away from all of them like it could sense their presence.

“Commander?” Yito called, gesturing with her fingers and he nodded, she took off running at the creature which started moving very rapidly as it too started running, away.

But she ran rather fast, taking no caution as she charged the creature and vanished from sight through the trees and brush.

Jovovich was running as well doing his best to keep up while watching his tricorder for the creatures location.

A moment later He called out, “Commander, you need to see this.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She followed his instruction, wandering behind the man and doing her best to keep at the careful pace. A plant seemed a tad bit less harmful than a creature with legs. She relaxed for a moment.

Attempting to look over the man shoulder, she watched quietly while the others took action. Concern filled her face at the new directions.

Xiana wasn’t at their level of tactic, so she knew there was likely a good explanation on their approach. Still, she was curious. “Most species don’t take kindly to being pursued without a reason, and we’ve already killed one of their creatures. I understand needing to be alert, but are you sure this is the best course of action?” she asked in a hushed voice.

Her head turned towards Jovovich’s anouncement, hoping for some kind of wonderful discovery. While levelheaded externally, she was sure her stomach was being tied into a braid.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1405

“Not exactly but being able to move away from all three of us simultaneously indicates an advanced level of awareness, and sentience.” Reeves replied, but he knew she was right about chasing it.

Reaching up to tap his comm and call off pursuit he paused when Jovovich called out.

“This way Counselor,” he said softly. “Just remember to stay behind me.”

Moving through the trees he approached the transponder signals from his two crewman and found Jovovich huffing on his air tank after the run.

Ensign Seja was standing there her weapon lowered but watching a tree. “Ensign?” Reeves asked.

“It’s right there sir, it has a blending ability, not quite cloaking, but close.”

And then the tree moved and split a figure stepping away from the tree. Bald and bluish-white and dotted with light green patterns and blue eyes it watched them. Looking at his tricorder Reeves spoke “It’s a biological plant?” he said startled by the information. “Fascinating.”

“Well counselor, I believe the likelihood of it understanding us is slim. And it will take a while for hand held translator units to lock onto it’s syntax.”

Turning he looked at her. “Would you like to give it a try? You’re the only one of us not brandishing a weapon. Maybe it will think you’re the leader or something. Or a scientist..” he said, trying to sound hopeful, and not succeeding at all.​

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1400

“Captain,” One of the Science Officer’s called. “There are multiple different alloys in the debris field. I believe we’re dealing with a multi-species conflict. And none of them bear any resemblance to the Silver Parasite.”

“I’m also detecting several... corpses in the debris.” The woman said shrugging, not sure what else to call the dead. “A couple thousand actually. No living bio-signs. Do you want transporter control to start bringing some aboard for analysis?”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

She had certainly come to conclusions too soon. Her curiosity getting the best of her, she stepped aside from behind the commander, parallel as she looked at the creature. Never had she seen something—or someone—that ethereal.

“I…” she wavered. She knew the likelihood of them speaking the same language was practically microscopic. She was also afraid of having a conflicting interaction. Yet, she stepped one, two feet forward, avoiding stepping on any plants as she did. She couldn’t live with hypotheticals. With what-ifs.

Xiana opened her palms and raised them gently, hoping it conveyed that she didn’t mean any harm. She stared at the being, taking slow breaths until she was as calm as she could be.

In a moment of improvisation, she reached unhurriedly into her left pocket, then extended her hand out with her palm upwards. In the middle of it, she held a couple of sunflower seeds. She had given her mouse a snack before she departed and wondered if a being of flora would have any reaction to it. Xiana stayed still, her hand out to the being, silent and patient.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol​

Lt Sol took a cautious step back, eyes locked on the bush as its tangled vines shifted and curled like searching fingers.

“A moving plant?” Zosh muttered to Loka, his voice caught between fascination and alarm.

Loka nodded. “These plants have enslaved insects to do their bidding. It’s an evolutionary advantage: better access to water and sunlight, efficient seed dispersal, even protection against predators and harsh weather.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, but the gleam in her eye betrayed excitement. “Earth has a rare example—there’s a fungus that hijacks an ant’s brain, kills it, and turns it into a zombie.”

Gunnery Sergeant McPherson didn’t wait for further explanation. He pulled out his phaser, jaw tight. “Not letting any plants turn us into zombies.”

Zosh smirked, about to quip Now who’s jumpy? but Lt Bumme caught his arm.

“Don’t,” she whispered.

Zosh sighed. “Gunnery, I like your sensiment. Nevertheless, Commander Reeve wants phasers on stun.”

Lt Bumme leaned closer to Lt Sol. “Team building,” she murmured with a smile.

Sol scoffed. “Sounds like ass kissing to me,” he grumbled under his breath to Loka.

Loka grinned, leaned over, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “He is your teammate.”

“Mate? Does that mean I have to sleep with him?” Zosh joked.

Loka giggled. “Bad joke.”

Lt Bumme straightened. “Let’s move. We need more data.” She gestured in a new direction and Squad 2 continued their exploration, steering clear of the shifting vines.

Ensign Cook​

Ensign Cook pushed through the undergrowth and stumbled upon a clearing. At its center stood a weathered stone, a dull metal placard bolted to its surface. Odd script crawled across it, looping and jagged, unreadable—but she could make what she thought were dates.

She activated her scanner, sending the image up to Dark Fire for translation, but even at a glance, something caught her attention.

Two distinct scripts.

Two languages.

If she was right, this was like a Rosetta Stone, a bridge between two alien tongues.

Too engrossed in recording, she didn’t notice the thick root beneath her boot until it twisted.

A larger root exploded from the ground with terrifying force.

"AHHH!"

She barely had time to register the movement before it struck her, hurling her ten feet into the bushes. Leaves and branches cradled her fall.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870606.1410

Watching as Xiana moved the alien didn’t seem afraid, just curious about the intruders into it’s domain.

Until Xiana showed the seeds, then she, it was obviously female with a pair of tits that looked to be in the C-cup range. She stepped forwards, the green moss between her legs releasing a scent as she moved, familiar – but not – at the same time.

Reaching out the alien took Xiana’s hand in it’s own before turning her hand over to drop the seeds on the ground.

Within a minute the seeds were sprouting and growing. The large sunflower plants reaching 6-feet in record time.

“Doctor, you were supposed to get it to speak. Not let it touch you.” Reeves commented dryly. “You’ll need a full decon sweep for that.”

Jerking backwards at the sound of his voice the alien looked ready to run, or attack. “Commander,” Dark Fire said over the comm badge. “Ensign Cook uploaded images of two distinct languages. Then her comm became non-responsive. She may need assistance. A larger sample of the languages is required for translation purposes”

Tapping the Comm Reeves ordered the other team to report their status.

“Cook may need assistance. Jovovich, go help her out.” He hated splitting the group and sending the man alone, but he was competent and skilled. He’d manage. He hoped.

Turning back in time to see the sunflower plants as they grew he stepped forwards. Just two steps.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I’m sure I’ll be okay,” she added, her tone soft to not startle the creature. Perhaps she didn’t enjoy seeds. Or men. Xiana returned to the stranger before her.

The commander had a point. Verbal communication was the goal. She had to at least give it a try. “Anybody with similar attire as mine comes with me,” she spoke slowly. “We do not come with the intent to hurt anybody. We want to know more of you.”

In her speech, she had neglected to notice the flowers growing. Catching the top half, she watched with awe. It had been a long time since she had seen a flower bloom, much less so quickly. If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve taken it with her.

She pointed to herself. “My name is Xiana. Sigh-anne-uh. What is your name?” The counselor asked, pointing to the person.