USS Dark Fire (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Bumme
Lt. Bumme knelt beside one of the structures, her tricorder humming softly.“Commander, these plant‑structures are absolutely engineered,” she said, awe edging into her voice. “At first glance they mimic ordinary botanical anatomy—roots, stems, leaves, even fully developed organ systems. They have vascular tissues for transport, ground tissues for support and photosynthesis, and dermal layers for protection. All perfectly normal… until you look at what they actually do.”

She stood and gestured toward the dwelling‑shaped growth. “These organisms were designed as living shelters. They don’t appear to age or die naturally. Nothing on this planet’s food chain can digest them. And while they can reproduce, the process only initiates when another structure is destroyed. Not from senescence—just from external damage. A fallen tree, a landslide, something like that.”

Bumme tapped her tricorder again, shaking her head in disbelief. “Whoever created this ecosystem wasn’t just advanced—they were operating at a level of genetic engineering far beyond current Federation capability. If I had to guess, Commander, the species that built this place had mastered warp technology long before they ever planted these living habitats.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1010

Reeves:

“That is a logical conclusion, but without proof they are still a non contact species. If you show me evidence of warp technology I will revise my conclusion. But a number of species have developed significant biological advancements without warp technology, including Humans which were cloning and modifying genetic strains before leaving their own solar system.”

“The Eugenics Wars set the human race back several centuries, it was only after recovery that they developed Warp Drive. And that was due to the work of one man, Zefram Cochrane. And the accidental presence of the Vulcans. Otherwise Humans wouldn’t have been included for several centuries.”

“Bumme, get an intensive scan of the center plant organism, Mr. Sol... keep your phaser in hand, and shoot the plant if it makes any move of aggression towards the Lieutenant.” He couldn’t believe he was actually ordering the Giant Aggressive Lizard to be more aggressive.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Bumme
Lt. Loka Bumme studied the towering central structure—a living pagoda, its tiered layers draped in thick, looping grapevines. The whole thing breathed gently, as if aware of her attention.

“Well… let’s see what happens,” she murmured, stepping forward with the confidence of someone who had already decided curiosity was worth the risk. The rest of the away team held their breath. Lt. Sol kept his phaser raised, eyes locked on her back.

As Bumme approached, the plant’s entrance unfurled like a blooming flower, widening to admit her. She crossed the threshold—and the structure chimed.

A bright, cheerful ding.

Sol nearly fired.Bumme immediately lifted a hand. “Everything is fine,” she said, eyes already scanning her tricorder. Her voice echoed softly inside the chamber.

From above, two seed pods descended on thick tendrils. They split open with a soft hiss, releasing clouds of shimmering, pollen‑like motes. The particles swirled, gathered, and began knitting themselves into a shape.

A creature emerged—an intricate hologram woven from living dust.

It resembled a mammal, though not one from any Federation database. Two arms, four powerful legs, and a long, muscular tail. Six eyes blinked in perfect synchronization, arranged to give it extraordinary depth perception. A broad mouth and elongated nose lent it a perpetually irritated expression. Long, drooping ears framed its face, and two short horns curved from its skull. Thick, durable skin—lightly furred with coarse hairs—shifted in shades of bronze and deep blue. It even wore clothing, though the style was unfamiliar.

The projection lifted an arm and began to speak, its gestures deliberate and theatrical. The universal translator struggled, catching fragments—until finally, a full sentence emerged:

“…it is a classic play, but we do hope you enjoy it.”

The pollen dispersed, then reassembled into two additional figures. Behind them, the plant’s inner wall rippled and transformed into a vivid backdrop: a sunset over a world with three blazing suns.

“Stop the performance,” Bumme said.

Instantly, everything froze.

She smiled and said in an excite bubbling voice. “Commander… I think this is a theater.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1015

Reeves:

“Biological holographic generators. Fascinating. Bumme, take an image of the holo. Dark Fire can compare the image to known astrological locations. That may be the origin planet of the creators of this place.”

“We need to collect samples of the plant, but without damaging it. Surface cells only. Pollen that falls. Extensive scans of everything.”

“Mr. Sol you can lower your weapon, begin scans as well. Mr. Araiza, please assist in scans and tissue collection. No cutting. No burning. Respect the life forms.” Reeves ordered as he moved towards the giant butterflies and began collecting samples that could be wiped from the skin and wings, and with detailed genetic scans.
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