USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

With hardly a scrape on any target, Araiza was growing more and more upset. He was thankful everyone was blindfolded; otherwise, they might’ve caught a peek at a grown man moving with the skill of a dizzy child who had been spun before hitting a piñata.

He questioned whether or not this force thing even existed. He doubted it could do anything for his well-being. Was this all some sort of joke to make him look like an idiot? It was unlikely the world went around him, but what if?

The complete lack of sight elevated his exasperation at a quicker pace. “This is bullshit, Reeves! There are better ways to waste time!” he argued, swinging. He’d finally gotten a solid hit. A lucky one, but it was something.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.1920

“Mr. Araiza, please try to clm down. The wild swinging is only aggravating the siuation like firing a weapon blindly.”

“Pause. Breathe. Calm. Don’t use your eyes. Instinct. Feel where the next shot will come from, and when. Think of the drone as an enemy combatant. You can’t always see them. But you know where they are. You can feel it.”

“Just let it happen, don’t force it. It’s like flirting. You know when to kiss her, and when not to. Instinct. Gut Feeling. Calm.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Strange simile, but it was something that helped a bit. It was difficult to calm down typically, but he could work with instinct. After all, he just trusted his own. He still cracked some criticism. “Get angry, then calm down; this is all confusing.”

He resisted a protest; part of him didn’t want to hit someone on accident, while the other loathed the idea of someone he was more acquainted with peeking through their blindfolds and watching him fail miserably. There was ice for bruises, but his pride? That was much harder to repair.

Standing still, light breaths traveling in and out of his chest, he did his best to concentrate. It was initially hard to tune out the people around him and listen to their movements or frustrations. In his workshop, he could spend most of his day balancing the portions he needed to develop for his creations. He could be laser-focused on minuscule cables without an error, maintain a stiff hold with sensitive materials, and still have enough awareness to chew out any interruptive subordinates.

Picturing his preferred workspace was helping regulate his heartbeat, which was less noticeable in his ears. He could navigate it in his sleep, knowing every piece of storage down to the dimension, the smell, and the soft hums. In there, no one could touch him. In there, he was always in control. And if anything threatened to take that away from him, he was certain he could get rid of it. If anything was out of place, it would be blatant. It was practically an extension of him.

It was incredibly faint, easy to miss had his mind switched to a second topic at that very second, but he could’ve sworn he felt warmth coming from his left side. It wasn’t the coziness from another person or the general heat of an open vent. It was a sharp current that faded as quickly as he turned in its direction. It didn’t feel as if it came from him, but it felt as if it touched him, taunting him, just enough to get his attention.

Turning and recalling their activities, he instinctively swung his weapon with a grunt for a clean hit. A couple more followed, less eloquent than the first, but enough to where he pulled his blindfold off, looking down in a mix of confusion and excitement. He wiped his forehead with the bottom of his black longsleeve, unsure what to say.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn

Ryn was pleased as many of the student had been able to get in touch with The Force. As was the case, some were stronger in The Force than others. But all of them could be helped with additional training.

“Very good everyone, we can stop now. Computer end the simulation.” Ryn ordered. The attacking drones all vanished. “Everyone can remove their blindfold as well” He said

“The following personnel showed some Force abilities. I have also rated everyone, this is not an extra science, so I could be pretty far off in my rating. The scoring is Green is the highest abilities, yellow is medium and red is low.

1) Cmdr. Jordan Reeves is yellow
2) Lt. Loka Bumme is green
3) Ensign Yito Seja is red
4) 2nd Lt. Alfredo Araiza is yellow
5) LCdr. Shino ‘Tiger’ McLeo is green
6) Dr. L’Sa T’Ker T’Gahn is green
7) 1st Lt. Kitan Jovovich is red
8) Lt. Zosh Sol is yellow
9) Gunnery Sergeant McPherson is yellow

I think now is a good time for us to end the session for today. I’ll get with the Commander on future training sessions and focus areas. Thank you all for your hard work today. I’ll be here to answer any individual questions you might have. Thanks”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2000

“I believe that calm would help you the most, wereas anger helped Lt. Sol. And as I hope this will help you to find emotional control, that control is usually achieved through peace and calm.” Cmdr. Reeves said to Araiza

Dr. L’Sa listened to the simile and found it confusing. Using psychokinetic energy felt more like a torrential white water rapids that needed to be navigated with precision and focus.

Yito, unable to feel this Force found the whole conversation irrational. But until she was able to compute or detect through her sensors this ‘force’ or ‘psychic’ energy, she wouldn’t be able to manipulate it.

Reeves walked over to Ryn and gave him a slight nod of his head. “This was most.. informative, Mr. Ryn. Please send me a schedule of when you are available for future sessions. Though I cannot guarantee everyone will be available at every session. I will however do my best to attempt to schedule such events.” Turning he walked out with L’Sa as the followed the Marine and SecChief.

Holding back until she was alone with Ryn Yito finally spoke. “I am unable to perceive, or rather ‘feel’ this Force. Does that mean I will never be able to? If I can’t I’d still appreciate being able to study the combat forms as well as the meditation techniques. If it’s allowed.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Peace and calm seemed too out of his repertoire at the time being, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel quite energetic after their session. More than energetic. Inspired. Once out of the space, Araiza stopped the commander and the captain.

“Hey, these lightsabers, can I take a few with me to play with in my lab?” he asked, hoping they understood his expression. “I know I’m not officially allowed to get back to production yet, but I’m buzzing right now. Might as well put that into some advancements, right? You can come watch me work if that helps; I just need to get back to work. Come on."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn
Ryn was glad the Commander had liked the session. Then he turned to answer Yito's question.

"As a synthetic (a Droid) you can't feel, manipulate or use the force. At least, i have never heard of a droid capable of that." Ryn explained.

"However, you can learn lightsaber combat and meditation techniques. So yes, you are welcome to stay" Ryn explained.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2005

“I’m no more a ‘Droid’ than you are a smart hairless Ape.” Yito replied, her features twisting something close to anger. “I’m a Synthetic Sentient-machine interface unit, not a toaster. Not a vacuum. Not a droid.”

Could an artificial lifeform get angry? And if so what was it’s potential for killing someone that made it angry? If one could get angry, could it feel other emotions as well? Or was it all just a subroutine to make it appear angry?

“It’s interesting to me that Humans claim to be the enlightened species in the galaxy, but the most bigots and racist beings I’ve met are Humans.”

Turning she walked out, and seeing Araiza and Reeves in the Hallway she turned and walked the other way. Putting distance between herself and Araiza.

***

“Once you’ve returned to official duty I’ll make sure you have one available for study.” Reeves replied to Araiza’s question. “For now you’re limited to the blueprints that are available in the data systems. It’s my understand the basic until follows a core design with a large degree of adaptable external components.”

When the doors hissed open Reeves turned to look and watched as Yito walked the other way. Her gait suggesting... irritation. Possibly Anger. Hopefully he didn’t have to assign her to a counselor for anger management.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

The man groaned. “Fine, whatever, just saying, we’re losing some valuable time that I could be making these bad boys more efficient. This wait’s the worst.”

His ideas were too vivid for him to be sure they’d survive without having to be written, although the idea of getting to the drawing board was one he was eager to start. However, he became distracted when he noticed Yito angrily leaving their previous location from the corner of his eye.

Had he simply had permission, he would’ve already been on his way. “Let me know when I can get back to work. I’m good to go,” Araiza concluded, turning to catch up to the ensign. He rolled his eyes to himself. He couldn’t tell if he was genuinely concerned over one of his colleagues or just needed more reasons to hate their trainer. Realistically, both.

“Hey, Yito, hold up,” he called out, stopping beside her. “You okay?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Ryn

Ryn was a bit caught off guard by Yito reaction. He had no idea she would react so harshly about his incorrect use of the term Droid. She had called him a “smart hairless ape” which he felt was not quite accurate but he was not offended.

Anyone that knew Ryn would know he had not intended to be offensive. Yito just did not know him well enough. “Just because Yito was offended that does not mean I was offensive” Ryn said back to himself.

Next time he saw her, he’d apologize for the word he used. Hopefully, that would set thing straight between them.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2010

“The weapons have existed for a long time, just because you’re just finding out about them doesn’t make it a priority.” Reeves replied calmly as Lt. Araiza turned and rushed after Ensign Yito or was it Seja? He could never keep the names straight amongst Bajorans.

***

Yito had continued a few steps after Alfredo called her name, not sure she should, or wanted, to talk to him. But she stopped, still seething over the number of bigots she encountered. Or was she simply being over sensitive? She’d run a full diagnostic routine later. Maybe she’d have Dark Fire analyze her systems for any corruption.

Stopping in the hallway she looked at him. “No. I’m not ok. Although I am well within operational parameters I find myself to be excessively volatile. Particularly when I’m compared to a robot or a droid.”

“It doesn’t help that the one individual I thought I had a connection with finds me... unsuitable.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Droid? “That guy’s keeping a streak on hating people’s race, huh?” he asked. Perhaps some lighthearted jokes wouldn’t be suitable.

Hands going to his pockets, he shifted awkwardly. Araiza was willing to be less of a pain in the ass, but it was outside of his forte. He cleared his throat. “Look, I’m trying to move past this whole thing. I wanna go back to work, I wanna be able to not be mad at the chief, and I’d say I want to be on better terms with the higher-ups, but that feels impossible.”

He shouldn’t get too into that. “And while I’m still not cool with what happened, I’m sorry I led you on. I didn’t mean to. It’s just the moment I realized I’m at a different stage of life than you; it weirded me out. I know it’s technically not, y’know, immoral, but it’s not something I want. My own preferences don’t affect who you are as an individual, nor should you see yourself based on how other people do. What the fuck do they know? Hell, what do I know? None of us get to dictate who you are or what you’re worth.”

The empathy was starting to psych Araiza out. It wasn’t his usual tone. “I don’t want to work somewhere that’s uncomfortable, but more than anything, I don’t think it’s cool for people to feel like they can’t turn to anyone. It’s fucked. You’re not alone, y’know, platonically, if you’d like.”

He extended his right hand. “What do you say? We can move on, be friends, and then go kick that guy’s ass. Maybe pretend he’s a piñata.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2015

“There are a number of individuals that are intolerant of non-biologicals. Or non-humans.” She replied before listening to the rest of his explanation.

“We work where we’re assigned. All of us do. As for moving on. Please do so. As a non-biological I don’t have friends. Nor do I retaliate against people out of personal vengeance, or vendetta. I am incapable of ‘pretending’.”

“Find your happiness.” She said giving his hand a brief shake before she turned and walked away.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Done shaking, his hand went back to his pocket. Guess that was the end of that. He’d either work on refining his speeches or stop concerning himself with progress. Whichever he chose, he’d handle later. For the time being, he had other priorities.

“Dark Fire, can you give the chief a heads up? I’ll be in my workshop. I’m not building anything, just cleaning so I’m ready for when I go back to work soon,” Araiza instructed, turning the other way in the direction of his personal lab. “Her presence is not requested. Nor welcomed. She knows how I get with inventory.”

He hummed all the way to his space, although it wasn’t a song, rather the syllableless words he kept repeating to himself. If he couldn’t build, he could at least draft. What danger were blueprints?

Arriving at the location felt like a homecoming, despite the short amount of time away from it—it truly felt otherwise. He waited for the doors behind him to close before whistling to himself and getting to… prep.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Sol and Lt Blumme
As they walked back to Lt Blumme's quarters

“That was pretty amazing. I never felt anything like it before. The power to sense things without using my eyes” Loka gushed

“I felt the power too, but it was dark and greedy. It wanted me to rage and lose control. I'm not sure this training is for me.” Zosh confided to Loka

“Hang in there, it was only the first session. Besides don’t you want to be a Sublime Warrior of the Eshan Monasteries? Learning and mastering the Arts of the Seven fighting styles. That sounds like something Lt Sol would want to do”

“As long as you are there too” Zosh replied and wrapped one of his powerful arms around Loka.

Captain Hora

Captain Hora took a break from her holo-simulation to reviewed the holodeck “force” training session and sighed “I blew that call. I thought Lt Sol would have ripped Ryn to pieces. Oh well, maybe during the next training session.”

She turned off the display and turned to her virtual human lover.

“Speaking of blowing…” She giggled and got between the simulation’s legs. She had ordered up an extra fit and hung partner. She gasped sharply at the girthy, pulsing manhood bobbing heavily before her wide-eyed gaze. She licked her plump lips, eyes hungrily taking in every thick inch of the impressive endowment. She reached, her slender fingers wrapping around that throbbing shaft, feeling the heat radiating from within. She gave it a slow, teasing pump, then her mouth started to suck on it.

“You are blessed, my captain,” The man murmured appreciatively, “as gifted in the matter of lovemaking as you are on the battlefield.”

Hora had forgotten she had programed this virtual stud to also give her compliments. She stroked his cock faster. Her free hand, gliding over the swollen head.

“Can you feel how much I crave you, my captain?” He asked breathlessly, as Hora fingers continue to pump his thick cock. Her body dripping with desire for his touch, yearning to be filled by that glorious hunk of manhood.

She doubled down, hollowing her cheeks until they burned from the suction as she sucked for all she was worth. Saliva poured from the corners of her lips, painting her chin and dripping down to join the mess already glazing her heaving jugs. At the same time, Hora wrapped her arms around the stud's muscular thighs, pulling herself impossibly closer until her massive, pillowy breasts cradled his balls in their velvety softness stoking his lust to impossible heights. She wrapped her tits around his cock, stroking his cock with her breasts as her mouth sucked.

Hora felt a surge of heady triumph as she watched the human's eyes glaze over with lust, its gaze riveted to the mesmerizing sight of her pillowy green breasts bouncing and undulating around his rock-hard cock. He gasped and squelched in an obscene symphony of sounds spurring on by his rapidly approaching release. She could feel his massive, bloated balls drawing up impossibly tight in her deft, stroking breasts, churning and churning with what she knew would be a big load.

The mighty shaft throbbed and jerked erratically. With a loud gasp, he slammed his pulsating cock between her heaving tits one final time before throwing back his head and unleashing a deluge of searing semen. Hora had her mouth on his cock, and gasped in shocked ecstasy as the first massive spurts of exploded from his jerking cock

She maintained her grip on the man's spasming, cumming shaft even as it jerked and shuddered violently against her chest. Hora could not believe the amount of thick, ropey juice the man released. Then she remember this model had enough volume of semen to drench her hair and run rivulets down her trembling body. She quickly released his cock, once she realized how much cum was coming. The huge cock sprayed cum all over her face and chest.

https://rule34.xxx/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=12357650&tags=she_hulk

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2030

In their quarters Jordan and L’Sa meditated, their minds joined in a mutual mind meld. Candles and incense burned around them as they both worked on opening each others minds more, and sharing their thoughts and days with each other. Unlike most relationships they had no secrets from each other. Even her research into parenthood had been revealed under the mind melds. Though he hadn’t said anything. She wanted to keep it private so he allowed her that.

Most people didn’t understand the intimacy and connectedness that came with a mind meld. They literal became one thought, one mind. Even apart they could feel each others moods and location.

It would have been nice to have been able to share this with Xiana, but she had her own struggles, and needed to get through them before she could find peace. And if she ever changed her mind, they’d be here for her.

***

On the holodeck Yito worked out, her motions precise and fluid. Part martial arts, part dance, it was unique. Her own personal blend of motion. The sounds of the stars was piped into the room and she moved to the sound.

She’d sent a message to the Counselor letting her know her availability and location. But as she moved she processed her conversation with Alfredo as well as performing an internal self diagnostics. Dark Fire was also performing a diagnostics of all her neural pathways and motor functions as well as a review of her coding.

There had to be a flaw for her behaviour towards Alfredo. No one else had irritated her this much. Even the belittling behavior of her colleagues caused this much of a destabilization of her behavioral coding.

If no flaw could be determined she’d be forced to take drastic measures and delete all memories of him and their interactions.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I suppose if I have to learn their customs, I have to accept how rude some of their phrases might sound. Could you repeat it once more?”

The ship’s AI repeated the phrase a fourth time, at the pace Xiana had requested previously and with an emphasis in pronunciation. As of late, she had added expanding her language fluency to her priorities. Sitting cross-legged on the sofa in her quarters, the dressed-down counselor attempted to mimic.

“Nuke-nej, correct?” She tried. Her pronunciation had the blatant accent of a beginner.

“Yes, Counselor, that is correct,” Dark Fire replied, standing around four feet from the woman. She’d been lucky enough to be provided books on her current interests—the idea of having to consume all her education from screens and further damage her eyesight had kept her up all night. Beside her were a few textbooks, one about the Klingon tongue covering another on intergalactic law.

She pushed back her glasses. “It’s very confusing going off the pronunciation breakdowns alone, at least with the Phoenician alphabet.”

Xiana closed the Klingon book and stood, taking it as a chance to stretch. “I do think it has been enough for today. Thank you for your assistance, Dark Fire. You may leave.”

The projection bid her a respectful adieu before disappearing. The woman wasn’t tired by any means, but she could not absorb any information for at least twelve hours. She was very grateful that her amount of clients had increased—it felt like she was finally making a change on board—but boy, was it taking a toll on her mood and energy.

She acknowledged the Ensign’s information, thanking her for her response and asking if she was available the following day. Xiana doubted she’d be a good student in her current state.

On the other hand, she could be a good client.

-​

“Rough day?” The thin brunette behind the bar asked the hazy woman before her, handing her a glass.

“Rough month,” Xiana muttered, her fingers wrapping around the drink. It seemed that when Araiza had stopped frequenting the Red Section’s taverns, Xiana had started. She wasn’t as concerned as she used to be with being seen. She had the peace of knowing she was working efficiently in her position.

The blonde enjoyed speaking with Tala, who was kind enough to lend an ear to the professional whenever she stopped by, and not just as an opportunity to get tips. The way Xiana saw it, bartenders and therapists only had a degree as a difference. Countless times had she witnessed Tala talk down a distressed guest, cheer up someone on the brink of jumping overboard, or de-escalate a fight. She also knew she only played mediator for the sake of the bar that employed her—Tala had a thing for aggressive men.

Luckily, she also had a thing for platonically befriending women. “A day off wouldn’t hurt, you know.”

Xiana begged to differ. “I haven’t been on this ship long enough to warrant an extended vacation.”

“I don’t mean that,” Tala clarified, wiping the glowing purple remnants from a deserted glass. “I mean just… relaxing. You need to get out of that cave before you start smelling like rat.”

Xiana wasn’t amused. “I do my best already. Could I have a different suggestion?”

“Yes,” Tala answered without skipping a beat, pointing at the woman’s black turtleneck, “wear tight clothes more often. I didn’t know you had tits until right now.”

Xiana instinctively crossed her arms over her chest and gave an annoyed look to the bartender, who laughed away as she went to help a group of soldiers. She shifted in the torn barstool, her clean presentation contrasting with the decaying surroundings.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Hora’s mouth was stuffed with hot cream, her face and chest smeared white with the stuff. She was mid-indulgence when Dark Fire’s voice cut through the sex-simulation.

“Captain, I’ve intercepted a distress signal. Damaged vessel in the disputed border zone. Orbit decaying around star 23920 Andromeda—locals call it Hanaris IX. Casualties reported. Hull breach. Possible reactor failure. We’re the only ship close enough to respond.”

“MMMMMPHDPM,” Hora mumbled, cum muffling her words.

“Captain, repeat?” Dark Fire pressed.

Hora swallowed hard, licking the last trace from her lips. “Reactor failure? See if you can pull more data—long-range scanners, anything.”

“I’ve tried, Captain. No response. Likely system-wide collapse on the ship. Sensors can’t reach that far.”

Hora’s eyes flicked to her lover, the simulation’s dutifully waiting for her. A pang of regret crossed her face. “Just when it was getting good. Computer, end simulation.”

The man dissolved, and cum vanishing with it.

“Dark Fire,” Hora said, straightening, “notify Commander Reeves—unless he’s… otherwise occupied with his wife. Set course for Hanaris IX. Maximum trans-warp. I’ll be on the bridge shortly.”

“Aye, Captain.” Dark Fire hesitated, then added softly, “Apologies for interrupting your simulation.”

Hora exhaled, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “No worries, Dark Fire. At least I got a few ego-boosting moments out of it.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2035
Giving Xiana a response rather quickly Yito indicated she was agreed that she was available tomorrow as well.

After the acknowledgment, she began processing the linguistic files from the stolen databases. Learning the more likely languages first, followed by the more esoteric and rare languages.

***

Stepping into the torpedo bay she began running diagnostics on the weapon systems for the EngChief Frye. Receiving a final diagnostics from Dark Fire, delivered via Hologram, she was informed that all her systems were in optimal operational efficiency. No flaws detected.

She was also informed that removing the memories of Alfredo could have detrimental impacts on her systems as she had a number of experiences with him, including the development of the weapons. Bypassing the safety protocols she began the deletion routine.

Taking a seat in a dark corner of the Torpedo Bay she cycled through a shut down procedure. Biological’s would call it ‘unconsciousness’. At the end, she’d restart and not remember him.

***

Opening his eyes as the Mind Meld ended, Reeves listened as Dark Fire repeated the alert then gave L’Sa a kiss as he headed for the bridge.

Stardate 29870607.2045
Stepping onto the bridge Reeves took his station as the data played across the holo-display. “Arrival in three minutes twelve seconds.. Mark.”

“Medical teams prepare for injuries. Starboard shields at maximum.”

“Any further specifications Captain?” He asked.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“Commander, I have a visual. Putting it on the main viewer,” Hora announced, her voice tight as the image flickered into existence.

Against the endless black of space, the wreck drifted in a slow, dying orbit around a verdant planet. The vessel was battered but not yet broken—its hull scarred, its lights extinguished, leaving it adrift in a silence that felt almost funereal.

The port engine was ripped open, a grotesque wound carved into steel, as though the ship itself had been struck by a blade. Its trajectory listed, spinning counterclockwise in a languid, unsettling spiral. Around the breach, fragments of metal and scattered containers hovered in the ship’s micro-gravity, a frozen storm of debris. Among them, Hora’s eyes caught shapes—humaniod silhouettes, drifting lifelessly in the void.

She swallowed hard. “Commander… is there a way we can assist while staying cloaked? I don’t want anyone to know we’re here. Perhaps we could dispatch shuttlecraft to stabilize the orbit, maybe deliver supplies. If decloaking becomes unavoidable, we could do it on the far side of the planet, out of sight. What are your thoughts?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2040

“While cloaked we could use tractor beams to stabilize the ship. And we could beam one of the bodies aboard for analysis and genetic determination.”

Looking over the readouts he said, “Everything indicates it’s sensors and primary power are out. Emergency power only. So that would be funneled to life support. So if you want we could decloak and they wouldn’t know it. We could also tractor the ship into the landing bay while cloaked.”

“No there ship is within range of sensors.”

“Any shuttles we dispatch would be apparent that they came from a bigger ship as they don’t have the size for long trips. And if they carried supplies why would they be willing to give them up if that’s all they had. As it would appear that they would be cargo traders.”

“I believe we have no choice but to bring them aboard the landing bay, and reveal our presence to this region.”

“Another option is to use tractor beams to stabilize the ship, and beam supplies and equipment to them.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Hora did not like her options. Every path carried risk. She could not allow any race in the Andromeda galaxy to glimpse the USS Dark Fire. Its sheer size, bristling with armaments, and the fact that it had been prowling cloaked through foreign space would hardly inspire trust. To most species, it would look less like a research vessel and more like a predator lurking in the dark.

Yet the other side of the argument gnawed at her. Here was a chance to rescue a stranded ship, to prove that the Federation’s mission was not conquest but compassion. A single act of goodwill could ripple outward, reshaping how neighbors saw them.

Hora made her decision. “Remain cloaked. Use the tractor beam to stabilize their orbit—gently. Dispatch repair and medical teams to treat the injured and restore systems. Someone will realize a ship is here, but they won’t get a clear look at the Dark Fire." Hora took a moment and than asked “Commander, do you want to lead the away team?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2045

“As this is a mercy mission Captain, and no Discernible threat is expected, you should be safe on this away mission. But I advise a Security Officer, just in case.”

“Will you be taking a shuttle, or Transporter?” He asked ready to give directives, or go, depending on the Captain’s desires. “As you have stated in the past, I can’t have all the fun.”

“We can’t remain hidden forever, though it would have been preferable to remain undetected for a longer period of time.”

“We could always leave them, and continue on our mission to find the Silver Parasyte home world.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora​

“Well then… I metaphorically hand over the car keys to you,” Hora quipped, her voice carrying a mischievous lilt. “Just remember—Dark Fire drifts a little when cornering around a neutron star. And don’t floor it in trans-warp; she’ll lag.”

She rose from her chair, heading toward the turbo lift, then paused mid-step. A promise tugged at her memory—warn the commander about her jokes.

“Relax, I’m kidding about the car metaphors,” she added with a grin. Her tone shifted, crisp and commanding. “Rescue, medical, and repair teams—report to hangar bay two. We’ll use the shuttles to reach the damaged ship.”

Then, louder, her voice rang across the bridge:“Attention! Commander Reeves is acting Commanding Officer while I’m on this rescue mission.”

Two Minutes Later​

Captain Hora strode into the shuttle bay. Three teams—rescue, medical, and repair—stood in precise formation, ready to deploy. She scanned the scene: Dr. L’Sa orchestrating the medics with clinical precision, Ensign Cook rallying the repair crew, and finally, 1st Lt. Kitan Jovovich waiting squarely in her path.

“Captain,” Jovovich said evenly, “I’ll be your security detail for this mission.”

Hora suppressed a groan. She’d hoped to slip away without a shadow. “Commander Reeves is efficient enough. Do we really need our head of security… just for me?”

Jovovich’s lips curved into the faintest smirk. “Tired of paperwork. I need to stretch my legs. Don’t worry—I’ll keep a low profile.”

Hora exhaled, resigned but amused. “Fine. Load up. Let’s go save some lives—and a ship.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.2100

Reeves:​

“Helm Control bring us into a matching lateral spin. Tactical slow their rotation until we are astern of them. Keep an eye on their weapon systems.”

“Engineering watch their power, just in case this is a trap.”

“Transporter Control maintain a lock on all away team members. Cargo control maintain a lock on the shuttle. We don’t want anyone capturing any of our technology.”

Dr. L’Sa:​

Wearing her thermal skinsuit and medical cloak, L’Sa stepped aboard a medical tricorder a her side. She’d also brought a full medical kit and hopefully any medications weren’t toxic to this species. She didn’t agree with the phaser she had, but understood the precaution.