USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1325

Yito Seja:​

Squinting one eye as the other lifted Yito scowled. Her disciplinary reports were becoming commonly published?

“It was not an error, you interrupted my work while I was still inside the console. And since you crawled in afterI was completed with that part, you prevented the replacement of the cover. Your logic is flawed.”

“If you will excuse me, you are in my way. Unless you plan on replacing the hatch cover?” She asked, irritated.

Reeves:​

“Have you been rated for the HUD system? It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to familiarize yourself with the basic system. And a Plasma Cannon is definitely an excessive use of force. A phaser rifle may be more prudent, less aggressive, and less antagonistic.”

Listening to the Doctors response to his query Reeves looked at the Captain. “Excuse me, this is a matter I need to deal with. Urgently.”

“Dark Fire inform the Doctor I’m on my way.” He added. A couple minutes later he was outside the Doctor’s office tapping the buzzer. The perks of being the Commander gave him priority use of the turbo lifts. And site to site transport.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

To be frank, Xiana didn’t expect an early visit, given how occupied people of the commander’s rank were as of late. She saved her work, removed her glasses, and instructed for her doors to open.

She got on her feet, beginning to speak after the entrance shut. “Good afternoon. What seems to be the problem? Is everything alright?” The rapidness had caught her a bit off guard. She took some steps towards the center of the room and stood patiently, hoping for something mundane rather than tumulative. Then again, the context indicated otherwise.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1330

Reeves:

“I apologize for the suddenness of my arrival but I’m seeking to alleviate the conflict as quickly as possible, and amicably.”

Sighing he pinched the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes for a moment and refocused. “The Captain and I have both spoken with Mr. Araiza on separate occasions. However, I feel that we have made missteps, and had miscommunication, in handling his situation.”

“Part of this problem is that neither of us, to my knowledge, has ever consulted with you on how best to resolve the situation and aid in his return to duty, with a reduction in his hostilities and disrespectful nature towards other crew and staff.”

“As such I am here now in an attempt to reach out to you for guidance in resolving the situation. Do you have any advice? Other than chastisement for my neglect in not seeking you out earlier.”

“I acknowledge my skills as Commander of this Vessel and an Officer of Starfleet are capable, and that my interpersonal skills are… lacking.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Quietly, she was grateful it wasn’t a life or death matter, but Xiana understood the gravity. She had to answer in a way that didn’t give away any specifics she knew. An opinion without examples. Being helpful would have to be vague.

Her hands tucked lightly in her coat. “I don’t blame either of you for not asking for my input. My duties with the Captain and yourself are suggestive rather than decisive.”

She took a moment to select her words. “His… social carelessness is undeniable, and in such a rigid environment I understand it’s more sensitive than he registers. He’s very defiant and oppositional. He’s a creative, and creative types struggle with traditional work dynamics as-is. I think a starting point is realizing that this type of behavior is more based on his expectations rather than doing so out of spite.”

“People, humans at least, normally develop hyperindependent perspectives and hostile reactions as defense mechanisms. They’re habits born out of feeling unsafe, whether physically or emotionally. Physically it can manifest as flinching, trying to appear bigger, yelling, backing up. Emotionally it can manifest as shutting others down, being too passive, isolating oneself, sarcasm.”

“Now, this doesn’t mean any of these defense mechanisms are excused if they affect others,” Xiana clarified, moving her head slightly to emphasize the point. “He is a grown man and a relevant figure in his field that demands professionalism. But it’s helpful in trying to understand how to deal with him.”

“You’re not going to change him with one conversation, much less a threat,” she spoke. “People aren’t so easy to mold, especially when their beliefs are rooted in first-hand experiences. I heard of your latest mission. I think it was a good idea to include him in a group setting tied to work. He cares profoundly for the people he sees as his equals, whether he’s prepared to admit it or not. Unfortunately, he seems to define ‘equals’ as anyone outside, well…” The woman made a circle with her right palm, angled towards the commander, as if saying, people of your status.

“Reminding him of productive links from good behavior would be what I would do. He works to help others, not just to answer to people. He’s respectful so others feel seen, not just to bow to a title.”

She hesitated for a second. “He takes death very personally, so making him realize that good behavior will yield better safety could spare some trouble. As well as emphasizing that you’re on equal footing. Highlighting that titles are more so responsibility labels than social or personal entitlement. Shifting interpretations. Are you understanding what I’m saying?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt Doji Fay

“You may replace the cover, I have other technicians to inspect. Good day” Lt Fay said with no emotion and walked away.

Captain Hora
Captain Hora’s inspection of the EV suit inventory ended the moment she spotted the Federation Combat Environmental Suit. Her eyes lit up.

“Oh, this is perfect,” she murmured, already imagining herself in it.

The specs were impressive: 43.2% reduction in physical and kinetic damage, 5% reduction in all energy damage, 43.2% radiation resistance, and 21.6% toxic protection. Add in reaction thrusters, short‑range spacejump capability up to 45 meters, and blindingly bright EV lights, and it was practically begging to be worn into danger.

There was, however, one problem.

“I might need to adjust the suit to fit my figure,” she said to herself, hands on her hips as she eyed the armor plating. Then she spoke to the ship's AI. “Dark Fire, prepare two Federation Combat Environmental Suits. One tailored to me—and it needs to show off my figure. The other fitted for Lieutenant Sol. And i want the color to be white. We are the good guys after all.”

“Captain,” Dark Fire replied, sounding like a machine trying very hard to be patient, “the suits are designed for protection. The armor does not allow for a form‑fitting silhouette. Alterations will degrade defensive integrity.”

“I understand. Do it anyway. Mold the chest armor so my chest is comfortable.”

A beat of silence. Then: “Yes, Captain. That would be alot of adjusting. Do you wish the suit to accommodate Lieutenant Sol’s tail?”

“Yes,” Hora said, firm and unbothered. “And stop trying to talk me out of this. We need armor for the next away mission, and I want us to look good. Understand?”

“…Yes, Captain,” Dark Fire answered, resigned to her aesthetic priorities overpowering its engineering ones.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1330

Reeves:​

“We should be blamed for not asking your input. Both knew you had insight into his thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. We should have consulted with you before having any meeting with him.”

“After all, we are not simply logic, but intuition and emotion. We are not gears or cogs in a machine, but individuals with wants and needs of our own.”

“As for Rank and Title, it is a recognition of duty, and achievement, and an obligation to do more. Just as A doctor or Nurse have titles, it is a recognition of specific achievements and abilities.”

“But I believe I understand what you are intending. He is still in pain and emotional conflict over a great trauma that occurred in his past, and has not yet learned to accept and cope with it. So he reacts without intending to.”

“I will recommend that he continue his sessions with you on at least a weekly basis, but he will be allowed to return to duty.”

***

Yito:​

“The day is neither good not bad. It’s just a day.” Yito replied as she replaced the cover. “Asshole.” she added once he was far enough away, and under her breath.

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“He requested a session per week indefinitely, so don’t concern yourself with his continuation of counseling being penciled in,” she offered with a half smile. “I haven’t concluded whether he’s in pursuit of great change or just likes to hear the sound of his own voice, but only time will tell.” The man kept himself fit, but surely his vocal cords were the most exercised fragment of himself.

“I would like to remind you not to treat his return to duty as a reward, rather as an ultimatum. Opinions on what happened aside, final opportunities should be carried out,” Xiana added. “Trauma and our past don't excuse our unpleasant behavior.”

“Is there anything else I can help you with?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1335

Reeves:​

“Thank you, Doctor, but no I believe that will be all.” Cmdr. Reeves replied as he turned to the door. “We’ll be arriving at a new system in the morning. From what we’ve determined it’s occupied, and they maybe aggressive. Your office and quarters are closer to the hull than L’Sa’s Lab and the primary medical facilities. You may be needed to help calm the injured if we get into combat.”

“A squad of MACO will also be assigned to the location to defend the injured.”

***

Heading back to the Bridge he gave his report to the Captain. Seeing the displat for the Combat Suits he raised an eyebrow,but didn’t comment on it.

“My recommendation is that Mr. Araiza be returned to duty, but assigned to the Bridge Port Weapons Officer position until such time as he’s proven himself capable of returning to his normal duties.”

“This will allow him to not feel useless, since he isn’t, but also allow us to have direct observation of his behavior and mannerisms.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Captain Hora’s tone carried that mix of command presence and Orion lusty-naughtiness, that always made the Commander sit a little straighter.

“That sounds like a good idea. I’d like to discuss it with him—but first, he needs to reply to my letter,” she said, clearly still irritated about the Araiza situation. "In the meantime we have an away mission to preper for"

“I have a slight complication with the Federation Combat Environmental Suits. Lieutenant Sol doesn’t think he needs one.” She lifted a hand, ticking off each objection. “He says the helmet hides his fearsome teeth—he’s right. He says the suit slows him down—also right. And finally, he says he looks stupid with his tail covered.”

Hora sighed, exasperated but not defeated. “I don’t think that’s true. Dark Fire did a good job. The suit is form‑fitting. Lt. Sol claims it looks like he has an arm growing out of his butt, but I think it clearly looks like a tail.”

She leaned forward, eyes narrowing with the seriousness of someone discussing tactical doctrine rather than alien fashion.

“What do you think, Commander? Tail… or arm‑butt?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1340

Reeves:

“As the atmosphere is not indicated to be of a hostile nature what is the purpose of using environmental suits? Aren’t we attempting to procure allies with a peaceful mission?”

“If you feel the need for armour wouldn’t it be logical to take Security that can fit in the armour?”

“As for Lt. Sol’s appearance, I will refrain from making a personal opinion as to his appearance, though I do find the suit to be excessively cumbersome for one of his species.”

“How many personnel are you planning on for this away mission? Also, I’ve directed Counselor Marlowe to be in the Medical area when we exit Warp. She may be able to help calm any injured parties, if they occur.”
​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“How many people for the away mission? I can’t make heads or tails of it,” Hora joked, tail‑puns already spilling out of her like a breached plasma conduit. “I’m sort of chasing my own tail… flying by the seat of my EV suit, as it were.”

She kept going, unable to resist the momentum. “Counselor Marlowe can tuck her tail between her legs and hide. That’s fine by me.”

The Commander’s frown cut through her playfulness like a phaser on low stun. Hora stopped mid‑breath.

“Sorry about that,” she said, the apology quick but sincere. “Counselor Marlowe is very brave.”

She inhaled, steadied herself, and answered his original question with the seriousness he’d been waiting for.

“I think a culture that wears armor in public—when they don’t need to—is doing it for a reason. These Cadians are making a statement with their armor. So I thought we should meet them on equal footing and wear ours as well. I’m still deciding how many people we need for the away team. And honestly, I think it’s better to have Dr. Marlowe in sickbay, helping the crew.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.1345

Reeves:
“I only recommended and asked for her to be there in the morning when we exit Warp. I didn’t order her. As a civilian she doesn’t technically fall under our authority, though she does carry an equivalent authority in Starfleet as a Civilian, just as L’Sa does, of a Sub-Commander, and is under Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grissom’s direct Authority.”

“The armour they wear does limit any biological data we can obtain, so we can’t identify species, or DNA, or any biological weaknesses.”

“We don’t even know how many Genders they have, if they are biological, mechanical, synth, plant, or anything. As far as we know they could be clones and use the armour as identification. Though the ones in the bar did wear identical armour. Though they could be an energy based lifeform that uses thearmour as a containment unit.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“Sometimes you don’t get the luxury of perfect intel—you make the call with your gut,” Hora said, fingers drumming once against the arm of her chair. “The suits are there if we need them, and working on them keeps the crew focused while we’re en route. But yes—once we reach the system, we gather everything we can.”

She rose smoothly, the decision already settled in her posture.

“I need a solar bath,” she added, the edge of fatigue softening her tone. “I’ll be collecting light in my quarters. Call me if anything changes.”

Without waiting for acknowledgment, she stepped off the bridge, the doors closing behind her with a quiet hiss—leaving the faint impression of a captain who trusted her instincts, her crew, and the sun to recharge her.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

The rest of the day was moderately calm, Security was only involved in a few incidents in the Red Section. And those were during the night.

Stardate 29870611.0500

Reeves:

Stepping onto the bridge Reeves gave the Duty Officer a nod as he took his normal station. 97 minutes until they exited Warp.

Pilots were at the ready, MACO Squads were ready to defend the ship from boarding parties in conjunction with Security Teams.

Long Range scans determined they were on schedule for arrival, and would be at the far edge of the Solar System.

There did seem to be a high concentration of metals, refined as well as raw, especially for the size of the planets, moons, and asteroids.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Captain Hora was on the bridge a full hour before they were scheduled to reach the target system. She wore her standard uniform—crisp, immaculate, and doing absolutely nothing to hide how striking she looked. Her skin had deepened into a rich, dark green, the unmistakable sign she’d spent time photosynthesizing. It gave her an almost regal glow under the bridge lights.

“Commander,” she said, leaning slightly toward Reeves, “can you run an additional analysis on the refined metal signatures in this system? Something about them feels… off.”

Reeves arched a brow but nodded and began adjusting the sensor arrays.

As he worked, Hora added quietly, “Lieutenant Araiza still hasn’t replied to my letter.”

She said it with the same calm tone she used for tactical updates, but the slight tightening of her jaw betrayed her irritation—or concern, or both.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0530

Reeves:
“Scans have been running constantly since we achieve range. Several of the compounds are not in the known metallurgical table of elements.”

“As we get closer we may be able to ascertain more data.”

“We’ve set course to exit at the far reaches of the star system, once out of Warp we’ll immediately activate cloaking device and shields.”

“Personnel are prepared to repel boarding parties and for a massive assault against us in case it happens. The armour they wear concerns me in that we can’t penetrate it with sensors. If their ships are the same way we may have difficulties.”

“If the situation warrants it, and if the opportunity arises, do we have permission to collect a member of the population for analysis?”

“It would technically be kidnapping, hense you should be aware, but it may be the only way to gather information.”

“The Major is Ready for hostilities, As is Security, and the Pilots. Gunnery crews are in position. I recommend Yellow Alert before we exit Warp.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
Hora shot a glance at Commander Reeves, a gave him a warning smile. “Time to give the crew a heads‑up.” She tapped the all‑ship comms channel, straightening instinctively as her voice carried across every deck.

“Crew of the USS Dark Fire, this is your Captain. I know there’s not a faint heart among you, and I know you’re just as eager as I am to make a strong first impression. We’ll be entering Cadian space in about an hour. From what we’ve gathered, they’re warlike and technologically advanced. This encounter will test our nerve, and discipline will matter just as much as courage.

“Remember our mission objectives:

1. Don’t make more enemies.
2. Learn everything we can about the silver parasite.
3. Find allies willing to help us fight it.
4. Build positive relationships where possible.
5. Study the Andromeda galaxy—its cultures, its people, its history.
6. And try not to break the timeline.

“When we arrive, the bridge team will lead with peace. We’ll reason, persuade, and—if absolutely necessary—intimidate the Cadians into friendship. We will exhaust every option to keep this encounter calm. But there is always risk, and this ship is our home. I want everyone clear on the plan and ready for whatever comes.

I am bringing the ship to Yellow Alert. That is all. Hora out.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0600

Reeves:

“Seven minutes, Captain.” Reeves said as he watched readouts. “No new information on the unknown metals. There are four extra-planetary sources of metal. Probability of Capital Class ships is 96.7 Percent. Remain probabilities is groups of ships clustered close together, mine field, or wreckage.”

As soon as the ship exited warp the cloaking field engaged dampening energy signatures as well as visual possibilities even scanners from other ships wouldn’t perceive the Dark Fire.

“Confirmation Captain.” Reeves reported. “Three Capitol class ships each comparable in size to the Dark Fire we have not been detected at this time. No vessels are moving in our direction.”

On the holo display the star system appeared with the primary planet in blue with star ships in red. Three large ones in stationary orbit with dozens of smaller ships moving between planet, ships, and asteroids.

“We are picking up transmissions and running through the translation matrix as we speak. Fourteen languages detected.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

There weren’t any doubts in her mind that she could ever adapt to the possibility of victims, but the woman liked to believe she was growing thicker skin because of it. Slowly, but surely. She prayed it would never affect her judgment.

Having rescheduled her morning sessions—although the yellow alert would’ve forced a change in appointment regardless, knowing a conversation could wait if danger was imminent—Xiana stood still, on standby as requested by the commander. Opting for white minimalist attire, she knew she likely wouldn’t be needed, if at all, so quickly—wishing for no need overall. She still firmly believed continuous absences of incidents were luck, and luck had a nasty habit of running out. Being hopeful yet realistic was a difficult line to balance on.

Not wanting to get tangled in her own worries, she turned to the nearest MACO-adjacent member. “As far as occurrences like these, how often are there casualties?” A morbid icebreaker, to her dismay.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Glancing at the Counselor the female MACO shrugged. “Depends on how you calculate time.”

“Usually whenever there is ship to ship combat. But the Transporters are always locked onto pilots so if one can be retrieved before their ship explodes.. ?implodes?.. the Medical Bay will get those as well.”

“Pilots are usually grabbed quick enough but they suffer oxygen deprivation, and or shrapnel damage.” Sighing she looked around. “On board injuries will be the majority of any injuries. But hopefully that will be reduced by knowing beforehand about a coming potential conflict.”

“I’ve lost fifty-seven teammates over the last few years. Four when we encountered the Parasites.” Giving a small shrug she added, “You get used to it after a while.”
​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“I pick a pleasure planet and you pick this place? You really need to re‑evaluate your priorities,” Hora said, eyes fixed on the three massive warships hanging in formation. A beat later she winced—right, her no‑jokes-without-warning policy. “I’m joking,” she added quickly. “If anyone knows anything about the silver parasite, it’ll be these people. And if we’re lucky, we might walk away with a powerful ally.”

She let the silence stretch as she studied the ships—predatory silhouettes against the void. They were nice looking ships. When she finally spoke again, her tone had shifted into command mode.

“I think we stay put. Let the translator finish mapping their language and gather every scrap of data it can. If this turns into a fight, I want a read on their weak points before they power up their weapons.” She glanced toward Commander Reeves, her expression all business now.

“And what about bringing the counselor in?” Hora continued. “Have her start profiling their psychology, cultural markers, negotiation patterns—anything that helps us walk in with a strategy, instead of just my sexy figure and a optimistic smile.”

She folded her arms, still watching the warships as if they might blink. “What’s your take, Commander?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870611.0605

Reeves:
“There was no information indicating this level of activity in this star system, Captain.” Reeves replied calmly as his eyes scanned across the data displays continuously.

“This may be a primary system for this species. Or a very large base. One Capital Class ship would have been expected, but three is unusual, except for a primary system.”

“I concur with the stationary position, Captain. We’ll be able to collect a great deal of information even from this range, though I would recommend moving closer to the Asteroid belt here.” He said tapping the holo-image. “We don’t need to enter the belt, but we’ll be able to shield any of our scanners as background radiation from the asteroids.”

“Have you listened to their language, Captain?” He asked. “There does seem to be a primary language with a few others. I’d say they use one for all traffic control, but the pilots are using their own languages to communicate between themselves.”

Tapping a control they could hear the language over the comm system:

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Praesent viverra eget lorem pellentesque ultrices. Donec iaculis, mauris eu scelerisque laoreet, dolor erat volutpat elit, in sodales nunc felis ac nibh.

“The cadence sounds like pilots and docking control. Maybe a harbor master or load control.”

“Captain, Commander, we have ships moving in our direction.”

“Multiple single occupant fighter craft, and a larger multi-occupant craft. Possibly a shuttle or Recon vessel.”

“No warp signature capabilities. Short range.”​