USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2050

“I can speak with Dr. Marlowe and Ensign Yito if you wish me to. Though technically The Ensign is an Officer and under your influence. But I have spoken with her in the past and she may be more comfortable explaining her reasoning to me. If you’d like to speak with the Doctor, I can speak with the Ensign. Or I can do both.”

“Your logic concerning the administration style building is logically sound. But on an away mission regulations dictate you should have been accompanied anyways.”

“Your method of processing is illogical, but in a group it could be beneficial. And I will be more communicative in the decision-making process.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
"Commander, You can talk to both... please be extra gentle. Also I agree with you, I was foolish. Thank you for trying to understand me. I will strive to do better. One last thing" Hora said "Can I get a hug? Or if that is too much... how about a pat on the shoulder?" Hora asked. She needed the physical contact to know that they were both ok again.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2055

“I will speak with both of them, Captain.” Reeves replied. “I find that a hug would be inappropriate, but..” he said, setting his hand on her shoulder. “A pat on the shoulder is acceptable.”

“And a question. That.. individual that assisted with the tactical engagement with the starbase. I’d like to speak to them. Can you arrange this?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
"I think you are talking about team 2. Conor Maxwell, Ryn Gaelston, Brooke King. But Ryn was the young man that believed in that old "force" religon." She explained.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2100

“Yes, Ryn Gaelson, that sounds like the individual. I’d like to speak with him, unless you’d rather I didn’t.” Reeves said as he stood up. “If there’s nothing further I’ll retire for the night and see you in the morning.”

***

After the group meeting Ensign Yito wandered the halls before going to a holodeck and setting up a training program. Utilizing hand to hand combat as well as weapons she ran the program for hours. Avoiding everyone, especially herself.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I think he is the son of the bar owner in the red section. So he is not a crew member. But you are free to talk to him.” She told the Commander.

Then he departed the conference room. She was glad they had come to an understanding, but the whole experience had been draining. She decided going straight to bed was a great idea. She got up and headed to her quarters and a good night’s sleep.

On the way she spoke to Dark Fire “Dark Fire, remind me every morning from now on to inform Commander Reeves when I’m making a joke.” Hora told the ship’s AI

“Yes Captain” Dark Fire told her. Then after a slight pause “Have you considered your jokes might not be funny?”

“My jokes are funny” Hora told the AI

“Perhaps it is the way you are telling them. Be relaxed, vary your voice, and signal the punchline with a little pause.” Dark Fire explained

“Dark Fire, it is not the way I’m telling the jokes, it’s my audience. I’m telling them to Commander Reeves. It is like he is half Vulcan” Hora explained

“Oh, understood” Dark Fire said in complete understanding

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0500

Stepping onto the bridge Reeves made a greeting to each person, walking around and checking to make sure each person was on station. The stares he got would have shocked a Vulcan, but he ignored them. He was used to it.

Taking his station he reviewed the night reports before submitting his own reports to the various chiefs. And sent a request Ryn Gaelson through Dark Fire to meet him when possible. He also scheduled a meeting with Ensign Yito to discuss her after action report.

When the Captain stepped onto the bridge, he greeted her as well. Stiffly as usual, but he greeted her.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

After a deep sleep that she had been chasing for too long, Xiana was ready to get to work the moment her eyelids came apart. She hadn’t felt like herself lately and had longed for her energetic productivity. She couldn’t have been happier.

Realizing she could only outrun physical trouble for so long, she had developed a new interest in her strength and reflexes. Speed, flexibility, and balance were helpful, but realistically she couldn’t win a fight by being able to do a handstand.

Her thin frame made it easy to carry herself around, which could be a problem of its own. To begin tackling the issue, she was determined to develop at least some muscle. As much as she respected bodybuilders, Xiana didn’t crave a large frame—but maybe a little something helpful, especially with her newfound interest in combat. She was in the middle of a third set of pull-ups at her nearest exercise center when she called on the ship’s AI. “Dark Fire, I need you to give me information on three activities.”

She huffed as she continued. “One: is there… anyone on board who has the availability… and permission to train me… on using general… weaponry such as a phaser? Two: I would like… more information on any diplomats… in charge of the ship that… I am yet to encounter. Three… I would like a list of… two self-defense methods that I could learn on board… in less than… three months and two… offense-focused methods. Their teaching should… be accessible via either a… trainer or a… simulation.”

She dropped down from a pull-up, hanging still from the bar as she went on, her arms nearing fatigue. A black tank top and matching leggings continued to be her go-to outfit—she was extra thankful now that she was drenched with sweat. Strays of white hair stuck to her gleaming forehead, liberated from a ponytail that loosened by the minute. “I also would like to know the three most spoken languages on board, excluding my own.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora walked onto the bridge and was surprise by Commander Reeves stiff greeting. She wanted to be snarky and shiff back, but remember her promise. So she was pleasant back.

“Thank you, and good day to you as well” Hora replied cheerfully. She felt good and well rested. She was ready to take on new challenges. She walked over to the Commander.

“When do we reach the next trade station?” She asked.

Ryn

The handsome, cheerful Ryn came on to the bridge as Commander Reeves and Captain Hora were talking. He was wearing a white robe, but was not carrying his old-fashioned light saber.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4644405859342435/

He stood quietly waiting for the commander and the captain to finish.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0505

“Nine hours fourteen minutes,” Reeves replied. “I’ve been reviewing some of the technical data that was retrieved from the other starships, and forwarded it to Chief Kaylee. I’ve never seen the specifications before. And they don’t use Dilithium. But something called Coaxium.”

“I’ll have more information once Chef Kaylee has finished reviewing the information and sent me a report on her findings.”

Looking over at Ryn he said. “Excuse me Captain, I need to speak with him.”

***

“I’d like to apologize for not speaking with you earlier, but things have been busy of late.” Reeves said to Ryn. “What should I call you? Ryn? Gaelson?”

Leading the way to his office Reeves let the other man in before he closed the door. “Let me start with I don’t believe in your religion. But I believe you have skills that may be of use to us.”

***

Walking into the armory Kavela looked around the area before walking over to Alfredo’s work station.

***

Looking over the schematics and data that Kaylee had sent to her Yito realized that this was going to be harder than simply glancing over them.

Stepping into a holodeck she started giving Dark Fire directions on what she needed.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn
“I prefer to be called Ryn,” he said calmly, his gaze steady as he answered the Commander’s question.

“As for my belief in the Force—it’s not a religion, not in the traditional sense. There’s no doctrine, no sacred texts. It’s a discipline, really. A fusion of philosophy and spiritual practice that centers on inner peace, the pursuit of knowledge, and selfless service. I see it as a way of life. A compass, not a creed.”

He paused, letting the words settle before continuing, his tone shifting slightly.

“The Captain did ask me to join the space station mission. But let me be clear—she didn’t manipulate me. There’s talk, rumors that she used her ‘Orion charms’ on me, to include her pheromones to sway me. That’s nonsense. I wasn’t seduced or coerced. I volunteered. Freely.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0510

Reeves:
“If I had concerns you had been manipulated by her pheromones I wouldn’t have allowed you on the mission.”

“During the mission you remained calm and in control of yourself, but I've found no evidence of you using any Vulcan techniques or any Vulcan heritage.”

“How did you manage this? You’re level of self control was extremely remarkable, especially during the brief moments of interaction the starbase personnel.”

“And if you’re willing I’d like for you to begin.. teaching others your peace. Some are unable to restrain themselves to the Vulcan path, as I have.”

****

Canceling the program and leaving the Holodeck, Ensign Yito changed clothes before going to the Gym. She didn’t need to exercise and couldn’t alter her body structure, but running gave her the ability to do something while prioritizing mathematical computations.

***
DarkFire:
“Dr. Marlowe, any security officer has the ability and permission to train you with a phaser, or any other weapon of choice. There are also several holo simulations that are capable of the same.”

“Dr. L’Sa is capable of training you in Vulcan martial arts if you desire a biological trainer, there are also several other individuals with such training, as well as many Holoprograms covering such training including Bolian, Vulcan, Klingon, Human, Romulan, and Andorian.”

“Ensign Yito is on the track and is qualified for Weapons and martial arts training.”

“Major K’alena is qualified for Weapons and Klingon Martial Arts.”

“Chief Security Officer - First Lieutenant Jovovich, is Trained in several Martial Arts forms, including Xabraxian.”

“Gunnery Sergeant McPherson is Trained in Weapons, including all M.A.C.O. weapons and the MACO Martial arts forms, which are a blend of multiple species.”

“There is currently no Diplomatic Liason on board ship. Ambassador M’Chel and her attache disembarked one hour fourteen minutes prior to your arrival on board ship.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Dark Fire told Dr Marlowe
"One final note, Lt Sol is the strongest fighter on the ship. However, his fighting style does relay on his size, strength, teeth, and tail. Nevertheless, there is 93% probably that you will learn something important about fighting from him"

Ryn
Ryn seemed to relax after the commander stated he felt he was not manipulated by the captain’s charms. Ryn had been teased relentlessly in the red section about having sex with Captain Hora. He was sure the commander must have heard the rumors. He was glad the commander has seen through the charm rumors. To be clear, Ryn did feel the captain was extremely charming. It was hard for most human males not to desire her. And as a young man, he was extra vulnerable to her looks. But his training and discipline helped him maintain proper decorum around her.

“I’m honored you feel I can help. The training is simple and complex. Much of the control you see, is learned via combat. Students must fight with light sabers. I can simulate this on the holodeck, so it is safe. It is during these fights they learn control over their emotions.” Ryn explained. “I warn you however, some may not make it through the training. Those that make it, must then find a mentor to continue their development. I believe I can advise them on forces issues, but the mentor will teach them advance reasoning and control techques. Some of the officer on this ship, such as yourself and the Captain would be great mentors.” He suggested. “Lastly, the force has two aspects. The light side and the dark side. Those students that develop a connection with the force can be tempted by the dark side. This can be very bad. Whether you believe in the force or not, all mentors must watch for any student using the dark side of the force."

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0515

Reeves:
“Please explain this force as you call it. A higher being? Perhaps a member of the Q Continuum?”

“I’d also like to see a demonstration of your combat styles. Security and The MACO may benefit from such knowledge.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn

Ryn sighed at the Commander’s question about what the force is. The Force was a difficult concept to explain, and when explaining it, most people would think you are crazy.

“Commander, it is best to experience the force, instead of me explaining it. But it can take years of training before some feels the force. So, I will try to answer your question, however, I’m not an expert on the force and this is just what I have read.

The Force is created by life, and resided in all life forms. It was especially powerful in a select group of individuals. These people are deemed Force-sensitive, and are capable of consciously sensing the Force. With this conscious sense of the Force comes an ability to harness it, allowing Force-sensitives to access various Force powers.

I know that sounds like magic, not science. But you need to withhold judgement until you can sense the force yourself. I hope I answered your question” Ryn concluded.

"Oh, and yes I can put on a demonstration. I don't know all the fighting forms... but the few I know, I know well."

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0520



Raising an eyebrow Cmdr. Reeves asked, “Force powers?”

“How does one experience the force?”

“Also If I believed you were crazy for your belief system I’d have you examined by one of the ships psychiatric teams. And since that hasn’t occurred, I don’t believe your crazy. Are these abilities like the psychic abilities of various species?”

“Is it possible for you to teach these force powers to anyone else?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn

“Force powers are rare and take a lot of training. I know only a few of them. I’m pretty good at Psychometry or Force Echo, where I can acquire information about people or events associated with an object or a place solely by touching or entering it. But to demonstrate would be underwhelming to you. However, I can perform low level telekinesis. Here, I will cause that rock on your desk to move.” Ryn closed his eyes and soon, the small rock Commander Reeves had brought back from Vulcan rose up in the air about a foot and just hung in the air.

“I’m channeling the power of the force to lift that rock. It is sort of tricky to learn this ability, because if you think that is impossible to lift a rock with your mind, then you can’t lift the rock. But if you believe in the force and believe you can lift the rock, it happens.” Ryn caused the rock to slowly return to the commander’s desk.

“I can try to train people in the force, but only a few will be able to accomplish the force powers”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Reeves:

“What you’re talking about is psionic abilities. Including telepathy, telekinesis, and Psychometry. My wife is a touch telepath, most Vulcans have the ability, it just needs to be trained. It’s the basis of the Mind Meld.”

“And a few alien races have the telekinetic ability. So yes I believe the abilities exist and training is required to develop them. It’s why Vulcan children begin learning at a young age.”

“There are even historical records of psionic abilities in humans dating back to the 17th century.”

“And I would advise that you never try psychometry.. Force Echo.. as you call it on anything that’s mine or me. You may not like what you experience.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn

“Thanks for the warning, Commander. Generally, I don’t use that ability unless I have been asked to investigation something.” Ryn stated. The commander comment about his past of course got his curiosity going, but like with Captain Hora, his disciple was strong. He would not look into things when he had been told not to look. In the red section, you needed to be careful, poking around, can get you killed.

“If that is all, Commander, I’d like to get back to my duties” Ryn said “When can I expect my first set of trainees?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0530

“Possibly as early as tomorrow. How many can you handle at one time?” Cmdr. Reeves asked looking at the man as he stood up and escorted him to the door.

Entering the bridge once more he walked over to the Captain. “Captain I’ll be putting together a team, volunteers only. I’m hoping they can be trained in this.. religion that’s not a religion. Unless you object to it.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn​

Ryn’s pulse quickened as he stepped out of the Commander’s office. Permission to train crew members—despite not being officially part of the crew—felt like a big deal. He’d never set foot in Starfleet Academy, never worn the uniform, but now he was being trusted to teach. That trust was big to him. Confidence surged, but he had some fear too. He couldn’t afford to let the Commander down.

“I think ten trainees for now,” he’d said, voice steady, hoping that was the right number. “I’ve never run a class like this before. I want to start small—build the foundation before scaling up.”

Walking briskly through the corridor, he was already sketching out lesson plans in his mind. Combat drills, philosophy, maybe even meditation techniques.

“This is going to be awesome,” he muttered to himself, a grin tugging at his lips as he reached his quarters.

Hora
“Religion that’s not a religion?” Hora raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism. “You’re speaking in riddles now?”

Then it clicked. The Commander had been talking to Ryn—the guy who believed in The Force. She’d heard about it: ancient weapons, mystical energy, and something about swords. Real swords. Not simulation blades or stun batons. Swords.

“Teaching people to fight with swords? Seriously?” she scoffed. “Why not start with sticks and stones and work your way up?”

The sarcasm slipped out before she could stop it. Her eyes widened as she realized the Commander and humor. She straightened, clearing her throat.

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “That was a joke. I didn’t mean any disrespect. I’m actually curious—really. I’d like to see how this training plays out.”

Her tone softened, but her mind thought about Swords. Ryn. The Force. This ship was about to get a lot more interesting.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0535

“I am curious as well Captain, how this will conclude.” Reeves replied ignoring her joke and the apology. Acknowledging either would cause, or create, embarrassment for both which was best averted by not acknowledging either event.

“Swords will be effective in hand to hand combat and silent for infiltration missions. Whereas phasers, disrupters, and blasters make to much noise and would draw attention, Captain.”

“Also the probability of finding sticks and stones is unlikely on a ship action, or counter action. And we are not attempting to break bones. Simply to continue a mission quietly.”

“I would recommend Lt. Sol, the training may help him with his anger as I understand some of it involves meditation and self reflection. I will be asking several others from security and the MACO to attend, but it will be limited to ten maximum and volunteer only.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“Lieutenant Sol?” Hora nearly choked on the name, as if it were a bone lodged in her throat. “Oh the stars, I’m requesting Dark Fire record that session. And someone alert sickbay!”

Lt. Sol was Croco-Lamia, a species bred—or maybe bio-engineered—for war. Towering, armored, and terrifyingly resilient, he had two hearts, four lungs, and when triggered, he could enter a blood rage so intense he’d ignore pain, injury, to keep fighting. Rumor had it you could cut off his head off and he’d still keep swinging.

The enhancements weren’t just physical. His mind was wired for conflict. Every interaction was a contest, every glance a challenge. He’d once tried to intimidate his boss, the security chief. Lately, Commander Reeves and his girlfriend Loka had managed to calm him down—but Hora knew that one look at young Ryn, and Sol would see prey.

“You think any of the other officers should take this class?” Hora asked “Should we take Ryn’s class?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0540

Reeves:

“The class will be limited to ten individuals, Ryn believes that he will be able to successfully train that many at one time.”

“I see no complication from either of us taking the classes,” Reeves commented. “Everyone can learn from meditation and self-control.”

“I’ll be compiling a list from those interested. If you wish to take the time to study with Mr. Ryn, just let me now and I’ll add you to the list. But remember Marines and MACO will be involved as well.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Raising herself, her upper arms trembling, Xiana breathed through each option. Surely, she could rely on documentation or audio sources to learn the basics of languages and eventually practice with native speakers. Physical education was less simple. As much as she craved to only depend on herself to learn, realistically it could be a waste of time—or worse, result in an injury.

She slowly lowered herself, this time allowing herself to drop from the bar. Her arms felt as if they were on fire, and her palms were a vibrant red to match. Perhaps she could start using some gloves, especially with her preference of data collection in mind.

Xiana adored K’alena, but with her strong approach, she wasn’t sure she’d be the best guide just as she was learning. She did find interest in Lt. Sol’s expertise, yet knew they were still in muddy waters.

The blend and proximity of two of the mentioned staff were alluring. Hands on her hips, she continued. “Please ask Sergeant McPherson if he has any availability for martial arts training, based on my free hours post-work.” Air fully back in her chest, she noticed the woman across the room in an exercise of her own. “This second part is not urgent, but later on when I’m back in my office, please inform me of any continuing education offered on board focused on political affairs. Thank you, Dark Fire.”

Awaiting the system to acknowledge her orders, Xiana quickly cleaned up the machinery and took off to catch up with the Ensign. What she lacked in strength she casually made up in stamina. Enough years of taking out frustration on her soles blessed her with good breath control.

“Ensign, I’m sorry to interrupt you,” she cut in, pulling up beside Yito. She alternated between looking at her and before them, a bottle of water in her other hand. “Do you have a few minutes to chat? I’m interested in martial arts training, and I was informed you have the capacity to teach such a thing.”