USS Dark Fire (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

On the Bridge — USS Dark Fire​

“Gavrik has volunteered,” Khar’zul announced, his voice carrying the weight of an order. “He requires no escort. He is a skilled pilot and navigator. You may find use for him on your bridge or among your smaller attack fighters. He is very capable.”

Hora nodded, pleased. “Excellent. Have him report to Commander Reeves and me as soon as he’s available.”

“I will send for him immediately.” Khar’zul pressed a control on the bracer at his sleeve, the gesture sharp and military.

Hora turned toward Reeves while the Luxan transmitted the summons. “While we wait—what’s the schedule once the Luxans depart? Who’s next in the diplomatic queue? Nebari? One of the minor delegations? Or do we prioritize returning the Soul Stones?”

Reeves opened his mouth to answer, but the turbolift doors slid apart with a soft hiss.

A younger Luxan stepped out.

He had Khar’zul’s broad shoulders and iron posture, the same carved-from-stone jawline, but carried himself like a soldier fresh from training grounds. His stride was purposeful.

“Oh, he is handsome. I hope his tongue is as skilled as yours” Hora whispered to Khar’zul.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.2100

Reeves:​

“I hope his tongue skills influence his diplomatic abilities in a positive manner.” Reeves replied dryly. “By his look I’m calculating that his related to you.”

“As for our route, it would be more expedient to deliver one of the minor delegations before the Aeldari or the Nebari. The next closest population would be the Inari, though they are on the edge of Magog space. And the Magog are a hostile species. They lay eggs in other races, or eat them.”

“Space faring, interstellar capable, so they have a type of warp drive. They have a language but don’t negotiate with other species, they make threats and demands for food. Always living food.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Khar’zul’s tongue snapped out like a whip, curling around Captain Hora’s comm badge and plucking it clean off her uniform.

Hora jolted backward—late, and startled. “Stars above, Khar’zul! I forget how fast your prehensile tongue is. I still can’t believe it extends several feet and can grab objects!”

She snatched the badge back, wiping it on her sleeve with theatrical disgust.

Khar’zul tilted his head, unbothered.“It can also deliver an adaptive venom that stuns a victim.”

Hora froze.“WHAT.”

Her mind replayed everywhere that tongue had been earlier in the day. She immediately decided she did not want to revisit any of those memories and pivoted hard toward the new Luxan officer.

“Gavrik, welcome aboard the USS Dark Fire.” Hora said, regaining her diplomatic poise. “The commander and I will go over your duty assignments shortly. But the real purpose of an officer exchange is cultural immersion. Learn about us, and let us learn about you. So mingle. Explore. Ask questions. There are a lot of species aboard—check in with the ship’s AI for any do’s and don’ts before you accidentally insult someone’s ancestor or trigger a mating ritual.”

She turned back to Commander Reeves, already shifting gears. “Inari sounds like a solid choice. But let’s make sure the bio‑scan can detect Magog eggs. I don’t want any stowaways.”