USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0800

Stepping off the shuttle onto the dirt and grass. Thankfully the planet was far enough away from the stars that it wasn’t a baked dry desert planet. But the light was rather bright. Thankfully one of the suns was low in the sky from their viewpoint.

They’d landed near several other ships capable of orbital flight. But without warp capability, at least according to their sensors. But they could use a warp field technology that didn’t use.

Their ship didn’t even draw so much as a blink from the People around them, except one creature that was walking towards them, it’s blue skin and white hair setting it apart.

With his tricorder held low and in a nonthreatening manner Reeves stepped to the front, making sure The Captain was obscured from view. Just in case. Hopefully the translation program worked fast.

The alien held a tablet, or computer interface, as it chattered rapidly, it’s body language indicating it was angry. Or irritated.

“I believe he may be the Ship yard controller, Commander.” Yito said. “A Harbor Master if you’d like. He may be demanding information and payment.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
The universal translator operated through a sophisticated blend of inputs—archived speech patterns, written linguistic databases, induced psychological cues, and most critically, the neural signatures of humanoid lifeforms. It was remarkably effective across most species, though a few outliers had proven... problematic.

Today, fortunately, was not one of those days.

After a brief delay, Hora heard the translated voice of the shipyard master from her translator.

“What sector are you from, and why didn’t you file an arrival plan? AND WHAT ABOUT PAYMENT?” The speaker, a blue-skinned figure with a shock of white hair, was directing his ire at Commander Reeves.

Hora stepped in smoothly.

“Greetings. We’re explorers from a distant region of space,” she said, voice calm but diplomatic. “We weren’t aware an arrival plan was required. If you’d like, we can complete one now.”

The shipyard master narrowed their eyes.

“What about payment?”

Hora didn’t flinch. “What forms do you accept?”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The same nostalgia that had encountered the counselor on the last lunar trip was starting to find her yet again. She knew better than to linger far from anyone, but the temptation was there. Tightening her hands behind her back, she didn’t move a muscle and simply enjoyed the reminder that she stood on solid ground…. even if the gravity made her feel peculiar.

Hand over her eyes, she scanned those nearby, wondering how often they had visitors if they weren’t moved by their appearance. Outright attacks was a good start, but she hoped reasoning was in talks.

“Ensign,” she mumbled to Yito, “how technologically advanced do you think this civilzation might be, in comparison to us?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0805



“Imperial script is the only official payment allowed. However if you want to stay off record I’m willing to accept payment in precious gems or metals.” The Alien said looking at the group. “And you look like people that want to stay off the records.”

Turning Ensign Yito looked at Counselor Marlowe, “Slightly below us, but roughly comparable. From my estimation. Possibly more advanced in others that I can’t see.”

“Medically or scientifically that is. Though this planet may just be on the outskirts of their society, which considering it’s location is quite probably.”

“The designs of the ships in the area don’t look like they are interstellar craft and could be shuttles. Though our own shuttle is capable of Warp Travel, so these may be as well.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“I wonder how far their society expands.” Mostly she wondered how their customs were compared to her own. The bribery was already quite the start.

Eyeing her colleagues, Xiana reached for both of her earlobes, removing two decently sized studs. She at least wanted to cooperate. “These are pure gold and red beryl, no mix-ins or fabrications. You can check their legitimacy if desired.”

She hoped her offer would be more alluring than the Halo ring she had sneaked into her pocket. Holding the jewelry in her palm, she awaited an answer. If valuable enough, perhaps negotiation.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0810

“I believe the report from the Dark Fire’s scan’s indicate at least a hundred different species of life, they it wasn’t specified if any of those was livestock. Also, most of these ships are of different designs and markings.” Yito commented as she watched the Dotor remove her jewelry.

Looking at the items in Xiana’s hand the alien scowled. “You insult me with such small and cheap items!?”

Looking back and forth amongst the group he was obviously not pleased the group didn’t have something bigger and more expensive to offer him.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana wasn’t sure how to react. Part of her feared an altercation, while the other part felt aggravated. Looking firmly at the being before her, she pocketed the earrings and continued to speak, her voice relaxed. Almost soothing.

“You don’t have to accept them. We evidently have unique tastes in what we deem valuable,” she spoke, turning back. “It is interesting that you have the nerve to be disappointed in an offering we clearly could not have prepared. The mere fact you want something in return when it can easily compromise your livelihood or, depending on your regulations, your life if you let the wrong people in… well, you must be struggling. Smaller jewels are an insult, yet you’re the one who lets himself be bribed.”

“We’re not going anywhere and we’re not giving you more jewels or metals. You either take the ones I offered you or make another proposal. You’re bound to get caught taking bribes soon. Do you want protection? A disguise?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Hora inserted herself into the conversation between the harbor master and Dr Marlowe.

“Dr Marlowe, please remember priority 1 of our mission” she reminder the counselor with a whisper. Then she turned to the Alien. “Our society no longer uses currency as a means to buy services. However, if you provide me a list of the gems or metals you require as payment, they can be delivery in a few hours. I can provide the ship as collateral until payment is made, or perhaps there is something else you see, that you would like?” Hora offered. There was a lusty look in her eyes when she said “something else you see”.

“I’m Captain Hora, and who might you be?” She asked as reached out and touched his hand.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0815

Ignoring Xiana’s rudeness the Alien turned to Hora. “I’m called Durka, from Nebari Prime. The color of you skin is rather interesting, are you for sale?” He asked looking at Reeves. “I’ll take this one in trade for the dock fee, and if you throw in the pointed eared one, it will stay off the records.”

“Otherwise I require Imperial Credits, or Diamonds, Platinum, Etherium, Adamantium, or Unubtanium.” He finished with a smile as he looked at the shuttle.

“Our females are not for trade, or sale.” Reeves replied firmly, his jaw tightening at the idea of slavery. “The Captain is my superior in rank. And I ask that you forgive our misunderstandings of your cultures and norms. We are from far away and are simply seeking information.”

“You won’t get anything until payment is satisfied.” Durka snapped. Looking at Xiana he said. “I don’t need protection, This is Hutt space. And bribery is expected, often required, for anything to be done here.”

In the distance a cloaked figure watched the group, the design of their shuttle was new in this region, and had drawn some eyes. And their biological form was marked as different as well, especially to those that knew those things. And watched for them.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Before Xiana could conjure up something to say, primarily something that wasn’t critical, she decided to keep her mouth shut. Clearly her suggestions weren’t contributing, but she trusted neiher the commander or the captain would succumb to such absurd expectations. She wouldn’t worry.

Instead, she fell back to the group, once again finding Yito. “Realistically, can any parts of our ship be withdrawn to use for trade that are valuable? That won’t compromise our safety? Or is everything critical?” she murmured. She couldn’t sworn she saw something from the corner of her eye, but ultimately dismissed it. “Or what are the chances that we could give up those metals and replace them with other items in this place? It won’t be simple, but I’m desperate to get rid of this imbecile.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0820

“I Don’t know what an Imperial Credit is, or it’s approximate value. But the food replicator on the shuttle can be adapted to create the diamonds or Platinum. The other metals maybe, but we’d need a sample of them first.”

“And no, we can’t take parts from the shuttle to get the metals he’s asking for. The technology may be something they don’t have and that might violate the prime directive, even if they are close to use technology wise. We’ll need to observe more and see if they have warp drive. But it is probably that they do.”

“Interesting that they have slavery here, the Orions practiced that until they joined the federation. I’ve heard they still do it, just more discreetly.”

Blinking Yito pressed her fingers into her ears for a moment before looking at Xiana again. “I think a storms coming, I just felt a major pressure wave.”

As the group tried negotiating with the dock master several different species of life walked past and climbed into one of the other ships. Yito’s tricorder was held at her side as she scanned the aliens for dna and linguistic information.

“Since you won’t sell or trade the females, how about if you gift me the mouthy one as a bribe?” Durka sneered. “Or depart from this dock immediately.”

Reeves looked at the Captain, unsure if she was willing to bribe this man with the gems and metals they could supply, or if she wanted to try a different location. Possibly one away from dock masters. It would be hard though with the number of ‘people’ on the planet. What wasn’t city seemed to be forest, mountain, or desert.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“The mere fact it exists is a shame, and we’re not conceiding to it,” Xiana answered.

The fact that the replicator could be adapted piqued her interest. She returned her attention to the blue creature, arms crossed over her chest. “New proposal, since you’re very attached to your method of bribery. I’m sure you understand why we’re not about to give up our Captain, as if treating a living creature as property has ever been acceptable.”

“Regardless,” she continued, “if you’ll allow the crew some time and space to provide heaps of diamonds for you, I’ll stay with you as collateral. If they fail on our promise, either way you walk away with something.”

She certainly was speaking out of place. She was just a counselor, after all. If she was reprimanded for it, she’d accept it. She couldn’t name every piece in a ship or decide on which weapons were most effective, but people were her turf. To her dismay, and likely the others’, Xiana was tired of going in circles. She was tired of people who made things more difficult. She was, in short, just tired.

“However, you must be reasonable with timing. Whether you gather a treasure or not depends on the crew’s efficency that will be at its best without anyone disturbing them. Do we have a deal?”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

Sometimes, having a seven-foot-tall dinosaur at your side was useful. Hora lacked Lieutenant Sol’s towering intimidation factor, but she still felt confident in her decision to leave him behind for this away mission.

“Commander,” Captain Hora said, her voice low and deliberate, “on Orion, who is slave and who is master is... fluid.” She reminded Commander Reeves of this nuance after he flatly refused the trade proposed by the man from Nebari Prime.

Then, unexpectedly, the counselor stepped forward and offered herself as collateral until the diamonds could be delivered.

“Well, Dr. Marlowe,” Hora said, arching an eyebrow. “Color me impressed. You go girl... learn as much as you can.”

Turning to the blue-skinned trader, she added, “You’ll have your diamonds shortly, Durka.”

“Lieutenant McLeo,” she called out, “generate a bag of diamonds—and make a few extra. We may need them again.”

“Aye aye, Captain,” McLeo replied, heading back to the shuttle.

“Dr. L’Sa,” Hora continued, “scan for any silver parasites. I want to be sure we’re not being watched.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0825

Durka listened to the group speaking and then turned back to Xiana. “Deal. If your friends fail to deliver you’ll bring a nice price in the markets. Never seen your species before, you’ll bring a very nice price indeed.”

Off to the side, Dr. L’Sa was already scanning. Her hand held device gathering as much biological data as it could.

Frowning Durka looked at The Captain. “What is a Silver Parasite? Are you contagious?” he asked stepping back slightly. The green female would bring a nice price as well, but the pointed eared one was unique as well. So many unique species, so much money in the proper market. Hopefully they didn’t have enough currency.

Using her own scanner Yito stayed near the counselor, just in case the Nebari got greedy and tried to take her as well as the diamonds. Speaking softly she told the Counselor, “We’re being watched. Against the wall, they haven’t moved for quite some time. At least as long as we’ve been here. Body posture indicates they are watching us, but trying to not be obvious about it.”​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The counselor wasn’t worried one bit. She trusted her colleagues would have the items sooner than later and wouldn’t hover too far off. She deeply hoped the man wouldn’t see her species again.

With Durka occupied with the Captain, Xiana focused on Yito, matching the volume of her voice. “If they’ve been watching us for a while, would that make all this wasted time? By that I mean, could this man just have been stalling and working with others?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0830

“There is a possibility that they are working together, and the Nebari’ian, Nebari? Nebaru? Whatever the proper pronoun is, is simply waiting for backup.”

“Or they are watching us for another reason altogether, but doubtful.” Yito replied, “They act to shady for my comfort.”

Using her fingers she tapped out a message on her tricorder and then sent it to Dr. L’Sa’s unit. Without security or Marines this situation seemed to be going from bad to shitty as fuck.

After looking at her Tricorder and reading the message in Vulcan, she leaned into the Commander and touched his temple with her fingers, acting as if she was brushing hair from his face. The telepathic message was quick, silent, and easy.

Durka frowned when he saw the touch, “Ah, the pointed eared one belongs to you, yes? Good price I give you for her. Very good price.”

“She’s not for sale, but if you wish to negotiate with the Captain, the Green one, fer her personal services, you’re more than welcome. But the pointed eared one, is not for sale, gift, or trade. Period. Ever.”

Yawning Reeves glanced around the docking facility, taking notice of everyone’s position, including Xiana and Yito’s. Having the cat out here would help in a fight, but if they could avoid that by just paying a docking fee it would be best. Hopefully this wasn’t a slaver, but was just someone to take notice of.

When Yito shifted to speak with the counselor she noticed that the watcher was moving away, but talking into something like a communication device. She could hear what was said, but there wasn’t enough to translate it’s speech.

Looking over at the Alien ‘Durka’, she said. “I’m sorry but I don’t know what some of the things your speaking about is. “What is Imperial Credit? Is it paper, coin, or something else? And Etherium, Adamantium, and Unubtanium are also unfamiliar. Maybe we use different names for them. If you could show me, I might know what your talking about.”

“Are you a scientist, a gemologist, and meteorologist?” Durka snapped, his irritation with this group growing.

“No, but I am an Engineer, even if I’m only an Ensign. The lowest rank there is.” Yito replied with a shrug.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

“The Silver Parasite is a species from this part of space. We don't knowe their actual species name. We are not infected. I guess you have not heard of them before?” Captain Hora asked.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0835

“No I’ve never heard of anything called Silver Parasite before.” Durka replied to Captain Hora before looking at Ensign Yito. “Everyone knows what they are, So I don’t need to show you anything.”

“It’s like asking what air is, or Tylium.”

“As I said, we may know them by different names. So I was simply curious what they looked like.” Ensign Yito commented.

“I’ve never heard of Tylium before either, nor the other items the Ensign asked about.” Reeves commented.

“Tylium is the fuel every ship uses for interstellar flight.” Durka snapped his impatience growing. “Where is my payment for your ships docking fee?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lt. McLeo

By the mid-23rd century, synthesizing technology had advanced to the point where diamonds could be manufactured effortlessly and in abundance. Their rarity had plummeted, but their brilliance remained. Aboard the USS Dark Fire it would have been simple to whip up flawless gems on demand.

Lt. McLeo had reprogrammed the shuttlecraft replicators to churn out diamonds instead of food. The results were dazzling—each stone was large, impeccably cut, and gleamed with pristine clarity. He’d filled three satchels and now strode confidently back to the Captain, the bags slung over his shoulder like loot from a cosmic heist.

“Captain,” he said, grinning as he handed over the first bag, “the rad diamonds you asked for. Tubular and totally gnarly!”

Hora accepted the bags with a nod, then turned to Durka, the blue-skinned alien who had been waiting not so patiently. She handed him one bag, her fingers brushing against his as she preformed the transfer. The contact was deliberate—just enough for a trace of her pheromones to transfer. A subtle test.

“Durka,” she said smoothly, “thank you for your patience. It’s been a pleasure getting to know such a handsome and powerful man.”

She watched his reaction closely, her expression unreadable but her curiosity piqued.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0840​

Durka accepted the diamonds gleefully, but when the Captain’s hand brushed along his skin he was even more pleased. Straightening up even more he puffed out his chest. “You may remain parked for a week. No more.”

Looking at Hora he smiled. “Unless you’d like to negotiate for more time. In private…” he said with a leer, as his eyes rested on her chest for a rather long moment. “You’ll find your clothing to be rather warm and out of place here. You’ll want to change into something, more comfortable, back in my office where I can show you what Imperial Credits, and other things are.”

“I’m sure your friends can find their own arrangements.”​

***

“Just stay next to me Counselor,” Yito said softly. “I’ll keep you safe.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Oh, I plan to take you up on that offer. But on Orion we have a saying “Waiting and longing are often the cheap fuel of desire”. We’ll wait and that will make the experience so much better.” Hora explained to Durka

“Alright team, let be off. Commander, please take the lead. Lt McLeo, I hope you locked up our ride?”

McLeo nodded that he had secure the shuttlecraft.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0845

Reeves and Company take a Holiday:​

Walking forwards Commander Reeves led the way. Once outside the docking area it was like a massive market place filled with different lifeforms. And nothing was recognizable. Even the languages were more bizarre than anything he’d heard before.

But at least a market was a market and recognizable everywhere and anywhere. In the first five minutes the group saw a minimum of a hundred distinct and separate races, not all of them bipedal.

“Captain, Commander, that building seems to be a hub of data flow. It may be an administration building,” Yito said looking up from her tricorder.

“The written language on the buildings seems to have a baseline language and then other languages as secondary. Possibly a trade or common language.” L’Sa commented as she continued scanning the aliens around them. “Captain, I’ve Identified a species from the DNA taken from the space wreckage. “Luxan. That one there.” She said gesturing to an individual with protruding brow ridges that extend around to the sides of the head, shell- or plate-covered noses, long chins that come to a point (males only), and approximately eight tentacles that hang down from the back of the head. Males are bald but have beards that run from beside their noses to above the area where ears would be. Mustache-like portions of the beard hang down to the chest and are braided. The exposed skin of the chin and head is often tattooed. Chin tattoos may denote military rank.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Had they not had their mission as their priority at the given time, Xiana would’ve been more outright on her awe of the surroundings. Unique people of all kinds, distinct dialects, scents, appearances… it was a choir of stories.

She focused on L’Sa’s findings, practically inhaling the information. Trying to restrict herself from speaking out of place once again, she turned to the ensign, staying true to her word to not be out of sight for too long. Tightening her hair, she asked quietly, “With the currency giving away a universal economy, how do you think their government operates? Goodness, I wish they had some sort of seminar or the like.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0850

“The Currency may not be an indicator of Universal Economy. It may simply be a regional currency. Such as the American Dollar or the British Pound Sterling as they were used until the mid-22nd Century on Earth. Or even the Klingon Darsek. Good only in their territory and worthless metal, or paper, or whatever outside of it.”

“Although I would surmise that Imperial Credits hold value and that we are at least nominally, inside Imperial Space. Though how far or the extant of such coverage remains to be seen.”

“As for a seminar, you could always write one once we get back to the ship, you can use our scans to generate holo-images of the local specie for reference, as well as the currency they use. I’d really like to get examples of what the other materials are. Are they geological and mineral in nature, or are they refined metals?”

“I have a question, if you don’t want to answer you aren’t required of course. But, why do you keep pulling and adjusting your hair? Is it a nervous habit in general or are you uncomfortable around me?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Prefect! First contact with an advanced space faring race. Easy peasy!” Hora told Dr L’Sa. “The commander and I will handle these negotiations!”

Hora and the commander walked towards the Luxan. Hora strode with purpose and confidence, chest out head back. It was a little bit sexy, only because everything Orion women did was sexy.

“Remember the 4 step* process for negotiations from the academy” She whisper to Commander Reeves. The first step was to develop a rapport.

“Hello, my science officer tells me are a Luxan. We are excited to meet such an important and powerful species. My name is Hora, I’m a Orion, this is my executive officer Reeves, a human. If you have a moment, we love to learn a bit more about you, and this region of space. We are not from around here”

Hora ended with a smile.


*4 Step process
• Build Rapport:
Spend time getting to know the other party, even if it's just a few minutes of small talk.

• Positive Attitude:
Approach the negotiation with a genuine interest in finding a mutually beneficial solution.

• Respectful Communication:
Use polite language, engage in active listening, and show empathy for the other party's perspective.

• Emphasize Shared Interests:
Highlight common goals and values to create a sense of partnership.