USS Dark Fire (IC)

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0525

“I’ve spoke with McPherson, he believed the data he obtained was worth the risk. The fighter configurations have been uploaded as well as the chemical make-up of the alloys used by the Scarrans. As such we have a 97.5% chance of identifying Scarran ships.”

“Ensign Yito is Fleet, Captain. As such is in your Chain of Command.” Reeves commented subtly reminding her that technically the Ensign was off-limits for ‘observation’.

“Ten percent is rather high Captain. The proposed changes would have been 0.01 percent per week, which would result in a 0.3 percent increase in the Gravity plating over the course of thirty Terran weeks. And all departments submitted their assessments which I forwarded to Captain Marcus, Last Year. I’ll resubmit them to you unless you feel the need for a new assessment based on the Andromeda Galaxy?”

“If there will be no security detail, are you at least willing to allow phasers? And tricorders for data acquisition?”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora

“Sorry, I miss understood your proposal. Once we leave this planet, you can start to adjust the gravity adjustments according to the plan.” Hora agreed.

“Away team will be equipped with phasers and tricorders. Let me know when you are ready to run a sim. Priorities of the mission are:

• Do no harm. In other words, don’t make more enemies.
• Find out what we can about the silver parasite. Weaknesses, etc
• Find new allies to help fight the parasite
• Establish positive relationships
• Learn about the andromeda galaxy/races/cultures/etc
• Don’t screw with the timeline too much.

I think our story, if asked, is we are explorers from a different part of space. Don’t want to disclose our location for our safety. We have had trouble with the silver parasite. Looking for a peaceful way or non-peaceful way to have them stop bothering us. Thoughts?” Hora asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0530

“How do you want the holodeck set for our simulations, Captain?” Commander Reeves asked. “Replicate the planet surface? Or something new?”

“We don’t have enough information to create the population or languages on the planet, but we could populate it with known species and disengage the universal translators.”

“Or would you like to dismiss the training exercise?” Reeves said looking over at Captain Hora.

***

Sitting in the lounge Kavela slowly ate. She’d gone for Plomek Soup, a Vulcan dish. With an energy and caffeine infused beverage. A simple black skinsuit covered her form, though she’d pulled her hair back into what humans called a ponytail, with her bangs still hiding her brown ridges even as the hair style revealed her very pointed and Vulcan-like ears.

She listened to the conversations in the room without even trying. The gravity boots slowed her enough that she wasn’t running whenever she tried walking, though they did make her seem to be a half inch taller than she truly was.

She’d spent hours in meditation last night tying to understand the Human and his actions before she’d finally gone to sleep. The Klingon whose bed she’d shared had been more than capable of filling her need. At least for a while, she’d finally left him exhausted and sleeping.

***

Resetting the emitters in the multiphase rifle Yito ran a systems check before moving it to a storage crate and working on the next weapon.
​

 

[sereneotter00]

“…and I don’t know. I just freaked. And I know I was overstaying your little dinner thing, but I just didn’t wanna, yknow…”

“Didn’t want to what?”

“I don’t know, be alone.”

The tech adjusted in his seat, uneasy. He had never liked being too vulnerable, but it was simpler knowing such things as client-patient privilege existed.

“And when the doc brought up Bree, well…”

“She didn’t mean any harm,” Xiana couldn’t help but insist.

“No, I know that,” Araiza acknowledged. “I mean, it’s not like she could know she’s dead, yknow? It just came out of nowhere.”

Xiana wished the cushions would swallow her up. It had been her fault, after all. “What did you do after you left?”

“Will you snitch if I tell you?”

“Did it put you or others at risk?”

He snorted. “No! I mean, not like their life or anything. I went into the workshop after hours. Got a little inspo after my disaster with that girl I told you about.”

“The Vulcan.”

Araiza nodded. “Yeah. I wanted to make a few changes to my suit. I know I’m gonna need some help, especially with the molecular parts of what I’m trying to do, but—“

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but before you go off topic,” the counselor cut in, “are you well aware you’re not supposed to be working?”

“Is it really working if it’s in my free time?”

“In a location not owned by you with materials that aren’t yours? Lieutenant—“

“Araiza.”

Her eyes were a syllable away from a roll. “If you want me to make an argument that you should maintain your job and help you avoid legal repercussions, you need to be more rational.”

Araiza looked exasperated. “I am! I’m here talking to you, aren’t I? And who cares if I work off the clock? Isn’t that what these people want? Going above and beyond? Fuck, doc.”

His voice elevated, Xiana immediately glared at her patient. She didn’t make a habit of being firm or upset, but it manifested in a minatory look. It seemed like the more time she spent on board, the more her patience thinned out. “Watch it.”

Araiza felt small. It seemed to reset the man, who mumbled an intimidated apology. “I just can’t sit around and do nothing until this sabbatical is over. I hate that.”

“Then invest that energy into finding something enjoyable. Perhaps a hobby.”

“I did, remember?”

“Sex is not a hobby.”

“I beg to differ.”

After her session with Araiza, the counselor requested for Sergeant McPherson to pay her a visit to her office at his discretion, citing a lack of emergency but a few queries.

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

At the counselor’s request, Araiza avoided his workspace. It proved ten times more difficult than he expected. Pouring his concoctions into a computer wasn’t enough—his hands were begging to create.

He found himself passing time by strolling through the ship, at least wherever he could relax. In passing, he glanced into the lounge, swallowing as he decided to approach a familiar figure.

“Mind some company?” he asked, stopping beside Kavela.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0535

Looking up at the summons to the Counselors Office McPherson raised an eyebrow before sighing and putting his gear away. Heading for the door he grabbed a med kit, and some mild pain killers in case she had another ‘headache’.

Stopping outside her door he tapped the door alarm and entered when she indicated it was acceptable.

****

Continuing her spoon from bowl to mouth, Kavela swallowed the hot Plomeek before gesturing with the now empty spoon to the space opposite her.

“Your choice,” she said without looking up. Surprised he was even bothering, with her ears showing and his obvious lack of interest in interspecies relations.

Raising her hand she pointed him out to the server. And then went back to her soup as she watched him.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Looking up from some notes, Xiana put her pencil down at the man’s appearance. “Come in, please take a seat.”

Remaining at her desk, she noticed the man’s supplies. “Oh, I’m sorry, I should’ve clarified. I don’t need any medical assistance.”

“It won’t be long,” she assured, putting some sheets together. “I’m sorry if I interrupted anything.”

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He figured jokingly turning away wouldn’t better his first impression. Araiza took a seat as motioned. He shook his head once he had the server’s attention. “I ate already, thanks.”

Drumming his fingers on the table, he contemplated what to say next. Never had he welcomed being nervous, but he also couldn’t find a right angle to even open a conversation. Small talk was too awkward. In-depth questions were too much. A reference to the previous night could go every which way. For someone as social as himself, he was troubled.

Choosing to trust himself, he blurted the first thing that came to mind. “One time when I was little I accidentally set fire to my mom’s roses.”

Nailed it.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0535

Sitting in one of the chairs he set the med kit next to it. “Wasn’t sure if that was just a cover in case anyone was listening.” He replied smiling. “What can I do for you, Doctor? It’s not time for my physical, nor am I do for a psych Eval.”

“And no I wasn’t busy, just routine stuff.” He added. “Looking for a workout partner?” He hated doctor’s offices. Especially head shrinks. The people were nice enough, except went they went all psychoanalyst on him and wanted to now why he did what when he was three. Or why he was standing a certain way, or sitting this way or that.

***

Her drink almost paused half way to her mouth, but continued it’s course. After taking a sip she looked at him. “Why? One doesn’t accidentally set fire to a living plant. The water contained within would prove to be difficult to ignite without an accelerant. Do you find floral arrangements offensive, or just Roses? Perhaps it was the color.”

Continuing to eat her soup she finished it after a few more spoonfuls. Pushing the bowl to the side she looked at him. Her skin wasn’t as green as most Vulcan’s, the tone being slightly paler and she wasn’t as aquiline either. Her face was still severe, but more ‘rounded’ without being round.

Was she a fat Vulcan? A lazy Vulcan maybe? She still wasn’t wearing any uniform or rank or anything that said what she did on the ship. Was she a civilian? A scientist? By why was she in Cryosleep then? Maybe a linguist for the new Galaxy? A Specialist of some kind?

An Enigma wrapped in a riddle…​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

“Well, the consideration is appreciated,” Xiana said with a small grin. She put her sheets away. “I actually wanted to ask you about when you went rogue on that last mission.”

Before he could speak, or worse - shut it down-, she raised her palm. “I want to clarify that no one asked me to talk to you, nor am I interrogating you for your health, or anything formal or related to your position. Nothing is being documented and no one knows I asked you here.”

She glanced at her door, then back to the man. “I’m just… curious.”

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He seemed elated to talk. Truly, if the man could perpetually hear himself speak, he would never have a bad day. “Okay, so my dad had just gotten this pair of glasses with a crazy-high prescription. Some afternoon in the summer, I took them while he was asleep and was playing in our backyard. The house next door had a kid and he called me over from the brick wall that separated our yards. I didn’t notice the angle I put the lens in and, well,” he shrugged, amused.

Reliving the silly anecdote had Araiza lit up, almost as much as the accidental arson he had committed at eight years of age. He could get lost in his stories. His vivid memory could be his downfall, but in sharing playful tales such as these, he found it to be a delight. His eyes were bright in retrospect. “Thankfully the fire didn’t spread before my mom came outside and put it out with the hose.”

“Just recently I’ve been trying to sharpen some of the manufacturing lasers we have to make some projects easier. It’s really brought that experience back,” he beamed. Observing the woman’s reactions, hoping for some degree of interest or even merriment. “And you? Ever accidentally lit something on fire? Or just human men?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0540

“New Galaxy. New Species. New Technology. Frankly I’m surprised more haven’t gone rogue as it were.”

“Though technically I didn’t go rogue. I was never directed to stay with the patient. Nor was I directed to not enter the alien ship. And with finding out that ship was the big bad ass ship of the hated and or fear Scarran’s, getting what information I did may prove crucial in any further contact we have with them.”

“The Chief Xenobiologist interrogated me about their physical appearances and has me assisting Dark Fire with holographic imaging of them based on external appearance in conjunction with the DNA scans I took. If I’d known she’d get that worked up I’d have brought her back a skull.”

****

“I’ve never set anything on fire accidentally. On purpose a number of times. No Human males, yet.” She replied sipping her beverage. “You’ve already eaten, but do you want anything to drink? This is something called a Fire Dragon Slays the Paladin. It contains a bunch of chemicals that sound disgusting, and I’m sure someone with a science degree would disagree, but it has a lot of caffeine.”

“Did you ever set more roses on fire, on purpose? Or do you just go around setting fires inside women so you can dampen the flames?” She asked, curious, as her left arched eyebrow lifted.

“I’ve worked with lasers before. They don’t have stun settings and usually just punch holes through the targets.”

“I don’t have any family, family experiences, or family memories,” she admitted. How could she explain that aspect of her life? After her birth she’d been given over to the Empire and raised to be a soldier. Her intellect had gotten her reassigned to the Tal’Shiar. Then came Unification. Peace with the Federation. She was still Tal’Shiar of a sort.

The server came over and took her empty dishes and she asked for something that sounded Klingon. When he returned she started eating it, while it was trying to squirm out of the dish it was in. Not a vegetarian then.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Hora
“Why do I even have a staff?” Hora sighed dramatically, gesturing to the empty air like it had wronged her personally.

The ship’s AI, Dark Fire, responded with textbook enthusiasm. “A staff enhances operational efficiency and ensures mission objectives are met. It also provides a sense of camaraderie and coordinated purpose. Your role is to inspire and manage the staff—"

“Okay, Dark Fire, reel it in. I was being rhetorical.”

“Ah. Noted for future reference: sarcasm detected.”

Hora pinched the bridge of her nose. “Fine. You want to talk about staff? I’m starting with you, Dark Fire. Simulation parameters are hitting your inbox in one hour. The Counselor wants a simulation, so we’re doing one. Commander, I need the Away team at holodeck three. One hour.”

As she stormed toward the turbolift, she threw a final line over her shoulder. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go yell at the ship's AI in my quarters!”

Dark Fire waited until the doors hissed shut before murmuring to Commander Reeves, “I believe I’m being managed with hostility.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0530

“Lt. Shino McLeo, Dr. L’Sa, Dr. Marlowe, Ensign Yito Seja Report to Holodeck Three at 0630 Hours. That is all.” Reeves ordered glancing at the Holo-image. “You are.”

Stardate 29870607.0545

With the last of the Fleet weapons repaired Yito turned her attention to a new item. The Silver Parasite’s weapon. The weapon had been under extensive examination and several dozen scans over the last several days so she knew how the weapon assembled, but the purpose and capabilities of the weapon were what she was supposed to determine.

Slowly, piece by piece she began to disassemble the weapon.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Simulation

Captain Hora walked out of the long ranged shuttle and looked at the world of Yaran. In comparison to worlds like Earth, Yaran had a darker sky, the air was warmer and more humid, both most likely reflecting the thinner atmosphere and the high O2 content. The surface conditions Dark Fire had generated was best described as a lush. Yaran’s climate varied from dense jungles to wide canyons and cliffs. Many of the major continents were dotted with lakes. They were near a city as Hora could see many structures on the next hill side.

“Welcome to Yaran, everyone” she said to the away team as they came out of the shuttle. Lt Mcleo was the last person out of the shuttle and pulled out his tricorder and started scanning. “Dudes and Dudettes, life forms are cruisin' in!” He warned everyone.

Out of the jungle around them 8 humanoids similar in appearance to humans came out of the brush with weapons drawn.

“AHSHHH, akkes” One yelled. It took a few seconds, and then the universal translator translated “Drop your weapons, invaders”

Hora stood still and said “Hello, we are not invaders. We come in peace. Our weapons are not active.” Hora replied and signaled Lt. Shino McLeo turn off his tricorder which he did.

“Peace? Prove it. Kill one of your party” The leader of the 8 aliens demanded

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0630

Looking up at the group Dr. L’Sa raised an eyebrow. “That statement is illogical. How would killing one of our group prove our intent of Peace? The act of Murder for no purpose would indicate we are here for a hostile intent. By conclusion of your requirement we could easily determine that you have a callous disregard for life and are a Hostile species yourself.”

“We aren’t going to be killing anyone, much less a member of our group.” Reeves commented stepping forward slightly.

Yito continued scanning the Aliens discretely with her tricorder. If they turned hostile she could react faster than them so she wasn’t concerned for her own well being. The others however were far to slow.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Alien Leader smiled with a measured calm. “Actually, it’s entirely logical. This is a test—one that gauges how deeply you desire peace. Real peace demands sacrifice: control, territory, resources. If you seek it with our planet, then prove it. Words are empty. You must relinquish something meaningful. In this case, since we don’t yet understand your values, I’ve chosen for you. Kill one of your own.”

Captain Hora kept her stance firm. “In our culture, life is sacred. As our doctor has emphasized,” she gestured to Dr. L’Sa, “the death of a crew member is an act of hostility—not compromise.”

She stepped forward. “Instead, we propose an alternative. One of our members will live among your people. It’s a loss for us—an emotional and cultural sacrifice—and if you accept, it becomes your gain. We meet your demand through absence. You meet ours by rejecting violence.”

The Alien Leader’s brow furrowed. “We have never considered such an exchange.”

“Peace demands more than tradition,” Hora replied. “It demands compromise.”

A long pause. Then the Alien nodded slowly. “You are a tough and wise leader. I accept your solution.”

“I know,” Hora said with a smirk. “Computer, end simulation.”

The hologram dissolved, and the lights returned to normal.

Lt. McLeo quickly asked. “Yo, Dark Fire, the Cap’n totally set that wave up, didn’t she?”

Dark Fire’s voice buzzed. “Affirmative. She anticipated the correct resolution and required me to acknowledge her… commendable leadership.”

Hora gave a sheepish shrug. “What can I say? Being tough and wise is just part of the job description.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0635

The simulation reset to the group on the outskirts of a community of naked individuals. Multiple species and genders walked around completely naked their male and female attributes bare for everyone to see. As they approached the community several members approached the group, scowling at them, though they had no weapons.

Scans indicated Dr. L’Sa was within the community and possible injured.

“Clothes, no entry,” no community members said as they spread out preventing the crew from passing.

“One of our crew is in your community,” Reeves said. “Once we have them, we’ll leave.”

“Clothes, no entry,” they repeated.

“Captain, I don’t mind getting naked. I can collect the Doctor and bring her out, then we can deal with her medical issues.” Ensign Yito volunteered.

Reeves hesitated, he didn’t mind getting naked, but it would just give the Captain more reasons to try and torment him the on the bridge, and anywhere else.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The counselor nodded as the man went on, her wrists tingling with the urge to take notes. She resisted nonetheless.

Clasping her hands together on the surface, she ran the words over her head, hoping enough repetitions would make her recall it all. “I appreciate you sharing with me.”

“If you recall anything else, let me know, if you’d like to,” she clarified. She found it intriguing. Maybe even fun.

•​

Xiana, reserved to being observant during the first trials to soak in the others’ approaches in conflict, hadn’t had a word to say until the second attempt. She figured she still wasn’t in a position to negotiate or make other careful arguments, so she was more than eager to learn.

She had become well acquainted with simulation, for recreational purposes primarily. Despite any nostalgia or calmness a faux environment could bring her, it was never long-lasting. The realism was difficult to absorb when she knew, at the end of the day, it was all nonexistent. Her microscopic amount of sleep and recent stressors weren’t helping her tolerance.

It led to her frustration in the current event. Embracing a bodysuit like many of her colleagues, she uncrossed her arms and decided to voice her thoughts, stepping forward with her blanched hair swaying with each heavy step. “Okay, this is ridiculous.”

“I’m not saying it’s not plausible, but it’s unnecessary,” she complained, her tone still leveled as she addressed her colleagues. “If it happens on the ground, these simulations can help us prepare for psychological or physical challenges that may lead to this, but my submersion into this training is interrupted by having to take my clothes off in front of my colleagues for no urgent reason.”

“If others are comfortable with it, so be it. Them being alright with it isn’t an issue,” she clarified, anticipating a verse and a half about being a prude or overly conservative about nudity, “but I’m not undressing. If that makes me unfit for this mission and this simulation laced with narcissism, then so be it.”

She could feel a headache growing. Turning to the projected individuals, Xiana continued. “Can you prove to us our companion is safe? If you expect us to trust you enough as to be unprotected in your presence, then the least you can do is assure our companion is in perfect condition. Any hostility will be prevented if you are equally flexible.”

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

He wasn’t sure if admiring her reversal would be well received or if arguing it was even worth it. Instead, Araiza chuckled. “Touché.”

“Actually a lot of plants can be fire retardant, but I tried not to accidentally set my family in danger again. You know, normal kid stuff.”

His elbows on the table, he leaned forward. “Most of our lasers are used for carving. Sure as hell saves us time, but we could do so much with more refined ones. I just worked on some rings that took me way too long to form, even with magnification or tweezers. If I nail these things, we can have our more intricate parts done way faster and have our defenses prepared quicker.”

He tried his best not to give the woman a confused look when he noticed the meat. He snuck a glance at her features, then the food again, then her features again. She was gorgeous, and she could eat as she wished, but it was new. “I’ve never seen a Vulcan not eat like a rabbit. Not that you have to; it’s just odd.”

“Not that you’re like, odd,” he said quickly, eyes growing and words pouring. “You’re sick. I mean, not the bad sick, like bad. You know, like the good kind of sick. The cool kind of sick. Like when someone makes some innovation and you say, ‘That’s so sick.’ Well, that’s what humans say, at least.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Captain Hora
“Dr. Marlowe, allow me to clarify this simulation. It's clever—ridiculously clever.

Aside from the dazzling array of handsome, gloriously naked aliens—which, I admit, is a bonus—the real test here is whether you can stick to the mission priorities. Let’s review, shall we?

1. Do no harm. Which means: don’t make enemies we don’t absolutely need.
2. Investigate the silver parasite. Weaknesses, behavior, threat level—whatever intel we can get.
3. Recruit allies. Someone’s got to help us squash the silver parasite.
4. Build positive relationships. Diplomacy over gunplay.
5. Learn about the Andromeda galaxy. Cultures, races, customs, awkward nudity rituals.
6. Minimize timeline disruptions. Let’s not butterfly-effect ourselves into oblivion.

Now, if we assume these hosts are sincere, then Priority One is crystal clear: do no harm. Which means—brace yourself—someone should absolutely strip down and rescue Dr. L’sa. Nudity here isn’t just self-sacrifice, it’s diplomacy. Bonus points: it helps with Priorities Three and Five.

But... there’s a complication. What if this is all a façade? What if they’re compromised by the parasite? And the second we’re weaponless and bare-skinned—boom. Surprise ambush. Mission terminated.

So, the smart move: your team needs a strategy to rule out that possibility... or at the very least, find a way to undress while keeping your weapons.”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0545​

“I wouldn’t know what normal kid stuff is. As I never grew up as a Human. Why are you making Rings, are you getting married? Or are they for someone else? Wouldn't your time be better served doing you duties, than making jewelry?” She asked, confused and pausing in her eating.

“And I’ve never seen a Vulcan eat like a rabbit either. But I don’t know what a rabbit is. So I might have without fore knowledge.”

“Your manner of speech is confusing,” Kavela admitted. “And contradictory. Do you try to speak in riddles?”

“And I’m not Human, so the idioms that Humans use are unfamiliar to me. And unusual. I would think if one was sick, then they are sick. Not cool.” She commented returning to the Gahk.

Stardate 29870607.0640​

“Of course we can prove your companion is safe, she’s in the village. Once you come to the place set aside for her, you’ll see she’s safe.”

“We won’t hurt you, nor do we have a desire to do so?” The leader of the group said. “We have no weapons, as you can see.”

“We live a simplistic lifestyle that is more in harmony with nature. As such we don’t harvest anything we don’t require, and clothing isn’t a requirement.” He added shrugging. “At least we have found that we don’t need it.”

“Food, Water, Air, Shelter. Everything else is optional.”

Yito shrugged as well. “I don’t mind getting naked. I can go in and ascertain the Doctor’s well being while everyone else stays and negotiates.”

“I’ll go with the Ensign,” Reeves replied. He couldn’t let an Ensign show him up.

Before he lost his nerve, The Commander stripped down as Ensign Yito did the same. Doing his best to allow the Captain as little visuality of his parts as possible, which unfortunately meant others had a better view.

Giving anyone else a moment to decide whether to get naked and go or stay and negotiate, Reeves started walking forwards.

Yito and Reeves each carried Tricorders, which they used to discreetly scan the area and inhabitants as they followed one of the females.

Running as many mathematical computations as he could in his head, Reeves tried his best to not have a physical reaction to the naked females. It was all about discipline.​

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ ALFREDO ARAIZA ▻​

Araiza couldn’t seem to nail the woman down. She always answered in ways she didn’t anticipate. It was frustrating, but alluring. “No, they’re these rings I’m working on for better readings on our guys and better connection. I’m trying to make it as light as it can be but getting the gold and the like’s a little hard. I’m sure I’ll get it down, though.”

He couldn’t disagree with how contradictory it sounded. “They’re definitely unusual. I think that’s the fun of it though. If we understood everything all the time, there wouldn’t be anything new to learn or experience. What’s the point of living then?”

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

Xiana avoided looking at the two naked figures, her stomach in knots with envy she was desperately trying to supress. After all, she didn’t have a right to have it.

Instead, she focused solely on the villagers. If there was anything she could do, it was inquire. “You seem very kind. I apologize for my blunt behavior.”

“Could you tell us more about your species or civilization? As I’m sure it’s been noted, we are not from here. We seek education above all.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Captain Hora

Captain Hora angled her body slightly, avoiding a direct view of Commander Reeves as he undressed. She respected him too much to stare — though the temptation gnawed at her. As he walked away, however, she turned. Her eyes flicked to his retreating form and lingered on his undeniably sexy backside.

Then her gaze snagged Ensign Yito, she looked good too!

Lieutenant McLeo, cleared his throat. “Captain, I totally think it’s not cool for a Federation bro to show up... totally bare."

Hora turned to him with a teasing smile. “Oh, come now! A big, strapping cat like you? I've seen what you're hiding under that tactical uniform. You've got nothing to be shy about.”

McLeo’s ears flattened slightly. Whether it was embarrassment or indignation was anyone’s guess.

Alien from Endite

“There are several distinct species living in this colony,” the alien explained to Dr. Marlowe, his voice smooth with effortless charm. “I’m from Endite.”

He was arresting to look at — golden hair, meticulously groomed, gleamed like burnished metal beneath the sun. His aquiline nose and high cheekbones gave him the air of sculpted nobility, and his physique was all sharp muscle and quiet power, reminiscent of ancient warriors.

But it was his eyes that held her. Deep blue, luminous and alive — like stars scattered across twilight. They didn’t just sparkle. They laughed.

“My people embrace a deeper connection with the natural world,” he said to Xiana. “Our society became too loud — urban, mechanical, numb. So we rebelled. We believe real connection demands vulnerability.”

He stepped forward, unselfconscious and deliberate. “To connect,” he said, “one must be naked.”

 

[sereneotter00]

◅ XIANA MARLOWE ▻​

The counselor couldn’t shake the seed of facade in the back of her mind. Arms crossed over her chest, she simply listened. Had she made a bad pitch?

She couldn’t put on a face that wasn’t irked, despite her efforts. “I respect your opinions. You have a right to practice anything that is not harmful or derogatory. I’m no one to argue your preferences.”

“But precisely because you understand the significance of personal practice, I hope you’ll respect the signficance of mine.” Of course, had she been in the actual environment she would’ve undressed in a heartbeat, especially with L’Sa being split from the group. However, the more she remembered her surroundings were fake, the petitions were unnecessary, and every concern seemed to travel in and out of ears, the more she wanted to tighten the zippers of her attire.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0550​

“Gold is heavier than most metals, and easily replicated by the computer.” Kavela commented as she finished the Gahk. “Do all Humans speak that way, or just you?”

“Try Titanium. It’s almost as conductive as Gold, but lighter.”

“The purpose of living is to live. Learning new things is beneficial, but we won’t live long enough to learn everything.”

Stardate 29870607.0645​

“You are respected, but our way will not allow you into the community clothed. You may remain here if you wish. Or use force to do as you wish. We have no weapons, nor do we want them.”

 

[milkmaiden38]

Captain Hora

Hora walked up to the golden hair alien “you said to connect, one must be naked. My species has a similar belief… we enjoy “connecting” sexually. Does your culture also connect in this way?” Hora asked in a flirting way.

“Once we removed many of the trapping of industrialized society, we realized we had no free time for any connecting. We spent our days cleaning, feeding and building structure to protect ourselves from the elements. This no tech approach did not allow us to connect with nature. So we have adjusted our approach. We now use some minimal technology to achieve a balance. This balance has returned a lot of leisure time to our schedule. We explore arts… nature… and many of us enjoy sex. You are welcome to join us, but we require you to remove your clothing before entering our village.”

“A tempting offer, but I’ll stay here with my crew” Hora replied. Everyone could tell that was a hard decision for the captain. She really wanted to bang the golden hair guy.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0650

Walking out of the community Reeves carried Dr. L’Sa, although she was still clothed, she’d apparently injured her leg sufficiently that she couldn’t walk. After setting her on the ground, he’d quickly dressed as Yito continued working on stabilizing the leg with equipment from the medkit.

“No more nudity simulations.” Reeves commented as he returned to his wife and took over for Yito so she could dress as well.

“They aren’t needed, nor appropriate.” He added. “If we’re done with this simulation?”​