USS Dark Fire (IC)

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“There’s certainly been other situations,” she agreed, “but I think my lack of… intense concern comes from not having had other established relationships. I’d say, other than the two of you, K’alena and one of the Red Section barkeeps might be my closest confidants.” She nearly counted her pet, as depressing as it sounded, but had recently rehomed him to one of her patients. It seemed that animal therapy was more fruitful for a family on board

Xiana resisted the urge to look around the room, quickly realizing what a mistake it was to have a more intimate place be exclusively for work. She would be revising that. The woman swallowed. “If I haven’t taken it yet, it’s from an excess of concerns. I guarantee it’s not from a lack of affection.”

The new figure in the facility had caught the counselor’s eye, primarily from her not being familiar. “But that is something we can discuss an evening sometime. Who is that woman lifting weights? I do not recognize her.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Dark Fire, any chance you can ask Cook if she wants to grab a drink?”

The display, naturally, answered literally, to which Araiza reworded his statement until the AI confirmed it would send the request to the ensign. Araiza didn’t have suggestive intent—sure, he wasn’t blind, but he knew it’d likely be more chaotic for his ultimate goal.

As he counted another of the 481 bolts he had sprawled on one of the metallic tables in his shop, he could hardly keep his desperation in. Every passing day of his leave was more torturous than the previous one. He itched to be able to create again, with all tools or resources at his disposal. His computer’s memory was becoming overwhelmed with his consecutive ideas that were yet to see the light of day.

Ideally, he’d be back by now, but the continuous ship occurrences delayed his process to the point of desperation. He was more than ready to get back to work. One more senseless day would be catastrophic.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0635

Glancing over at the other women L’Sa took in the grey skin suit clothing the women wore as she looked at her face. Not recognizing her L’Sa looked back at Xiana. “I don’t know. Which is not unusual as there are approximately 30,000 personnel aboard including all pilots, Officers, Crew, Combat, Chiefs and Star Fleet Support staff. Not counting civilians or attached family.”

“How may I, or Jordan, alleviate your concerns?” She asked. “Also you have not returned for your martial arts or language lessons. Is that due to your concerns?”

***

“Dark Fire, inform Lt. Araiza that I will meet with him later today,” Reeves said as a message displayed informing him that Araiza’s Emergency Medical Leave was ending today. “He and I will have drinks and food for lunch.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Having become a routine athlete—and attempting to become better informed about those in her usual spaces—Xiana did desire to know more. Recognition finally widened her eyes when the woman’s familiarity came in, having seen her entering an abode with one of her more infamous patients. She averted her eyes at the realization, returning them to L’Sa’s face. “That’s reasonable.”

Xiana cleared her throat. “The two of you have gone to great lengths in my consideration, but I think my qualms are something only I can solve for the time being. Aside from that, I’ve actually been reaching out to other lessons or sources to work on material arts and linguistics as well.”

“I’ve also developed an interest in intergalactic law. It has taken up my free time as of late,” she shrugged. “I know it isn’t my field, but I think I like management. I like having a sense of authority.”

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Upon receiving the message from the commander, the man briefly wondered if he was being secretly spied on for use of the facilities off duty. The commander likely had something else to do, though. Who would be mad at a man doing inventory and cleaning?

He asked for a time and place but maintained the latter offer with the woman. He did have a few questions on the away trip.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“I agree—no need to violate the Prime Directive,” Hora said, though her tone suggested she really wanted to. “But we can still take a look. Let’s cloak and check it out.”

she squinted at the sensor readout.“My gut says if this planet was colonized, whoever did it had warp capability. I mean, yes, there’ve been exceptions, but those are usually the ‘oops, we accidentally uplifted a civilization’ kind of stories.”

She zoomed in.“Those structures you’re scanning—they’re organic. A living house. That’s either brilliant engineering or the world’s worst homeowner’s association.” She tapped the console again. “And there are barely any of them. If this was a settlement, it might’ve been abandoned. Or everyone moved because the houses kept trying to photosynthesize on them.”

Ensign Cook

“Dark Fire, remind me never to have so many HiiKii drinks again,” Riley groaned. “I swear those things should come with a warning label. Or a priest.”

“Yes, Ensign Cook. I will remind you,” the AI replied. “You also have a new message: a request from Second Lieutenant Alfredo Araiza to meet you for drinks. What shall I send as your reply?”

Riley blinked. “Second Lieutenant Araiza? I don’t think I know him. What does he want?”

“To go out for drinks with you,” Dark Fire said, in the same tone one might use to announce the weather.

Riley sighed. “Sure, fine, I’ll go out. But remind me not to have too many drinks this time.”

“Yes, Ensign Cook. I will remind you,” Dark Fire said. Then, after a beat:“For efficiency, would you like me to create a standing reminder titled ‘Stop Making Questionable Beverage Decisions’?”

Riley groaned. “Just… stick with the usual reminder.”

“As you wish,” Dark Fire replied. “Though statistically, the usual reminder has not been effective.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0640

Reeves:​

“The civilization could have developed on one planet and moved to others in the same system without developing warp technology.” Reeves said as the Dark Fire cloaked and moved in system as it approached the planet with the most lifeforms.

“There are a number of potential probabilities Captain. Without further data they are simply theories.”

Kavela:​

Increasing the gravimetric pull of the weights, Kavela continued her workout through several more repetitions before moving to a treadmill and going for a run. With the settings she had it was an upward run on a heavy planet. Her native planet was heavier than Earth, but less than Vulcan, so she was working at maintaining the discipline she had before her long sleep. And increasing her endurance and strength.

Watching the Klingons working out was annoying with their planet being heavier than Romulus they were naturally stronger than her.

L’Sa​

“As you wish, but the offer of language and martial arts is still open as well if you ever desire a more personal approach. Though the holodeck is quite capable of teaching you as well.”

“If you’d like, you are welcome to join us for meal this evening.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“The holodecks have been splendid, so I think I’ll maintain that method for now. I’m able to practice or train when I wish,” Xiana explained, quickly bending over to grab a few things she had left on the mat on the ground.

Straightened, she tucked her bottle under her arm. “I’d love to. Please let me know the time. Ideally after eighteen hours. I have to make some progress with my studies if I want to be fully caught up with my work tomorrow. Dif tor heh smusma,” she said, although her busy hands didn’t allow for the farewell gesture. With that, she left for her quarters.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0645

“Long Life and Prosperity,” L’Sa replied with her hand up as Xiana left.

Turning she looked at the previously mentioned female before departing. Finding out who she was wouldn’t be difficult. There weren’t many Romulans aboard the ship.

***

Sending the Captain’s breakfast meeting out to the standard compliment Reeves left the Bridge in the hands of the Deck Officer.

***
Captain's Mess
Waiting for the others Reeves stood looking out the window as they moved at sub-light speed to the planet. Minutes later L’Sa, K’alena, Grissom, and Jovovich arrived.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Hora stepped into the captain's hall saw Reeves, L’Sa, K’alena, Grissom, and Jovovich gathered around the long table.

“Good morning, everyone,” she said warmly, then angled a smile toward Commander Reeves. “Our Science Officer, Chief Medical Officer, MACO Commander, and our new Security Chief—all in one place. Quite the assortment you’ve assembled.”

She gestured for them to sit. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. Before we begin, a few ground rules for this breakfast. This is a social gathering, not a briefing. You’re welcome to talk about work, but I encourage you to wander further—hobbies, ambitions, political philosophies, embarrassing childhood dreams. Anything is fair game. Just try not to provoke your fellow officers… like a particularly dinosaur I know did.”

A few eyebrows rose. Hora continued, unfazed.

“Now, in Orion culture, we have a saying: ‘Something must be given if something is to be received.’ We’re a transaction‑minded people. Not in the crude sense of currency—value can be anything. Pleasure, reputation, beauty, revenge, a well‑timed compliment, a secret, a favor owed. We don’t accept charity, and we don’t offer it. Everything has meaning to someone.”

She shot Reeves a sly look. “If I had my way, I’d have arrived in one of my more flattering outfits. Sadly, Starfleet frowns on captains dressing like dancers from the Orion Syndicate. So instead, I’ll offer something else: one of my passions.”

She lifted her chin. “Pool. An Earth game. A delightful one.”

“Dark Fire, display a standard pool table.”

A holographic table shimmered into existence beside them, full‑scale and perfectly rendered.

“As you can see,” Hora said, circling it with the ease of someone who’d spent many hours leaning over its rails, “the table has six pockets. The goal is simple: strike the white cue ball so it hits an object ball and sends it into a pocket. But the variations—eight‑ball, nine‑ball, ten‑ball, straight pool—each have their own strategies, their own rhythms.”

She tapped the holographic rail affectionately. “I’ve even competed in tournaments. My best finish was seventh place on Jupiter Station. Not bad for someone who learned the game in a bar where the tables were usually missing at least one leg.”

Her smile widened. “Now—your turn. What passions are you bringing to the table?” Hora giggled at her play on words.