USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0915

“Ok Everyone, Lower gravity means your faster and stronger here.” Reeves warned. “Thin atmosphere means you’ll tire easily. So maintain a calm pace. Resist the urge to run and jump.”

Looking westward he started walking towards the structures. “Stay vigilant, in particular for anything moving. The Delvians are a plant based species this may be another one. Don’t assume a lack of heartbeat means it’s not alive or intelligent.”

Maintaining a constant eye on the tricorder in his hand and the surrounding area he picked his way slowly and carefully.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

A few times Araiza had looked rather uncomfortable around others, which was a presentation he preferred to reserve for the privacy of his own home. Whether it was from his timespan away from land or his lack of having a responsibility among his peers was anyone’s guess, but the man shuffled plainly behind the others. He could handle himself if conflict decided to find them, but having no real duty or space for a distraction left the lieutenant with a straight face. Not necessarily mad, not necessarily joyous. Troubled at best.

His uneasiness made it hard to appreciate the gorgeous surroundings. For what it was worth, he likely wouldn’t have appreciated it extensively without it. He missed the mute comfort of his usual areas on board. The man could at least appreciate the warmth of the light rays on his tan skin. Other than a mumble of acknowledgement at every other instruction, the man kept quietly to himself.

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Away Team​

Zosh felt the shift in gravity the instant they materialized. He was not being pulled to the ground. It seemed like he was buoyant, as they advanced toward the alien structures. He tested the planet’s pull with a couple of light, controlled skips—just enough to gauge how far he could launch himself if things went wrong.

His tricorder hummed steadily. No threats. No energy signatures. Only the faint life‑signs of small animals and bird‑like creatures flitting through the canopy.

Ten minutes later, “Commander… I see the structures,” Loka whispered. She eased aside a cluster of broad, fern‑like fronds and pointed.

Nestled in a shallow cove lay a settlement so seamlessly woven into the landscape it was almost invisible. A carpet of vibrant moss spread across the clearing, broken into soft pathways by hedges of flowering shrubs. Each hedge framed a separate dwelling, their shapes organic and elegant, as though grown rather than built.

At the center rose a towering plant formation—tiered like an Earth pagoda, its layered surfaces draped in thick coils of grape‑like vines. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, catching on the glossy leaves and making the entire structure shimmer faintly.

“The structures are genetically engineered,” Loka murmured, awe softening her voice. She took in the settlement with a scientist’s fascination and a traveler’s wonder. “Whoever lived here… they shaped this place to grow itself.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0930

“Looks like an Elf village,” Reeves commented. “Blending and one with the surrounding flora.”

Raising his tricorder he scanned the area slowly. “Do not go inside any of the buildings and avoid the center structure. Those vines might be feeding tendrils and the buildings might be the equivalent Venus fly trap.”

“Split up, stay close to each other and make sure you stay in line of sight as much as possible.”

***

On board the Dark Fire Dr. L’Sa reviewed the data she’d collected from the HiiKii. They had extensive medical information on their own species but converting it into Federation had taken more time than expected.

Compiling the data into a non-medical or scientific report for the Captain was going to take longer.

***

Crawling through jeffrie tubes Yito changed bio-gel packs, the damaged ones would be refurbished and used elsewhere later. But for now it was grunt work that kept her occupied.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The away team spread out across the clearing, careful to keep one another in sight. Lt. Sol and Lt. Bumme were already scanning one of the plant‑grown “houses,” its walls pulsing faintly with bioluminescent veins.

“Elf village? Like where Santa makes his toys? I thought that was supposed to be in an arctic environment,” Zosh muttered to Loka, clearly baffled by Commander Reeves’s earlier comment. They were well outside the commander’s hearing range.

“He meant elves from fantasy literature,” Loka said gently, correcting her boyfriend with a small smile.

“Oh. I have not read many Earth books involving human sexual fantasies about elves,” Zosh replied thoughtfully. “But Vulcans do resemble elves. Perhaps that is why the Commander made the reference.”

Loka nearly choked. “No, Zosh. Absolutely not. Do not say that to the commander. He’ll put you in the brig before you finish the sentence.”

The Twi’lek stepped closer to the structure’s entrance. As she approached, the broad leaves forming the “door” unfurled and peeled back, revealing a dim interior.

She tapped her comm badge. “Commander, the door‑like plant structure opens when approached. The one we’re scanning just responded.”

A sharp chirp from Zosh’s tricorder cut through the moment. He glanced down, and his expression tightened.

He hit his badge. “Lt. Araiza, a large animal is moving toward your position.”

Even as the warning came through, Lt. Alfredo Araiza heard a soft, musical “Gleepeep… Gleebeep…” behind him. He turned slowly.

From the brush, a small creature stepped into view—a fawn‑like centaur, delicate and wide‑eyed, staring straight at him.

“Gleepeep… Gleebeep,” it repeated, tilting its head.

https://rule34.xxx/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=9647437&tags=lillia_(league_of_legends)

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

“Araiza’s just fine,” the man answered instinctively, having only paid slight attention to the other male’s words. He was too consumed in his own thoughts. He had spent the last few minutes of their separate ways wandering aimlessly, albeit conscious enough to not accidentally get himself or his team killed, on whatever was before him at least.

Still outside the fixtures, Sol’s words finally registered, as did the accompanying noise. He felt the inclination to reach for his phaser but remembered the commander’s warning. He was sure he could react quickly if necessary. Perhaps it’d be the ideal excuse to return.

Yet, once he faced the direction of the creature making soft noises behind him, he relaxed. It was unlike any creature he had seen before, but certainly not the strangest he had encountered. He reached for his badge, not making startling movements. “Thanks for the lookout, Sol. Reeves, we got some company. Hybrid, half animal, half person. Ixionidae. Likely female. Best case scenario, we have a little chat. Worst case scenario, I get some hoof marks on my face.”

Ending his communication, he raised his open hand towards the creature, signaling that he didn’t want to cause any harm. “Greetings. I am not here to cause or contribute any damage. I am a human. Are you able to understand me or communicate with me?” Araiza didn’t expect much, but it was worth a shot while they deciphered whatever language was used. He spoke slowly, in a soothing tone.