Intrusions

Posted on Mon Apr 22nd, 2024 @ 4:12am by Lieutenant Commander Lyra Cassiel & Lieutenant JG Orion Wolff

Mission: In-Between (S1:E7-S1:E8)
Location: Holodeck
Timeline: Date 2371-09-28 at 0030
3508 words - 7 OF Standard Post Measure

ON

While Orion was wholly capable of being a social butterfly, rubbing elbows with the most wealthy and elite of Terran society, he was also quite delighted being in a lab studying a new micro-organism or alien pathogen and being able to watch the effects upon a living creatures body, while also attempting to figure out how to perfect it. Was it dangerous? Yes, most certainly. Was it thrilling? Perhaps only to another scientist, but it was something that drove his passions as he moved through the holodeck recreation of the biological warfare labs of the Terran Applied Sciences Academy situated on Terra's single moon, where if a breach in containment happened, it wouldn't immediately be able to threaten the homeworld.

He was dressed in a sterile white lab coat as he watched a Klingon suffering from exposure to Deinococcus radiodurans Orion lupus, a name he'd given to it to honor his family name and tie it to him as his discovery. He watched in fascination as the alien's extremities were drained of their heat and nutrients, quite literally becoming desiccated and frozen by the progression of the bacterial invader. He watched with a certain dispassion as the Klingon writhed in agony on the table as his arm broke away and shattered on the sterile floor, being immediately evaporated. While he wasn't using the actual bacterium since that would be entirely too reckless, he did it for the reality of his time on the holodeck.

He was busy taking notes as he watched the alien convulse on the bed. His vitals became erratic as his physiology tried to fight off the infection, but it only made it worse as it fed the bacteria more energy. He barely looked up from his PADD as he heard the doors to the holodeck open. "I still have half an hour; come back later," he commented distractedly, too engrossed in his experiment to care who had come in.

"No, you don't."

Lyra's voice was quiet but firm as she spoke from behind Orion. She was standing inside the lab, looking around with a passive interest. She'd heard the screams of the Klingon but truthfully paid them no mind. Dressed in a black athletic tank top and yoga pants, both of which had pops of bright neon green accents. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and she held a water bottle in one hand. The clothes hugged every curve of her body, putting her shape on display but leaving the details quite modestly covered.

Orion was experimenting when he heard a woman's voice, which immediately grabbed his attention. He felt a shiver run down his spine, but then he caught sight of Lyra and a warm smile formed on his lips. He paused the program by pressing a button on his PADD. Meanwhile, his Klingon subject was trapped in torment for an agonizing eternity. His eyes didn't miss her tastefully revealing attire as the Terran man took a moment to admire the beautiful woman. A woman who deserved someone who could truly appreciate her, though he knew that Andrei was also quite possessive of what he saw as his, and Orion knew he would need to bide his time and plan carefully.

His attention drifted briefly from Lyra to his PADD as he brought up the timer for his holodeck time. He saw it was blinking a steady red set of zeroes. "Ah, so it would seem," He admitted to the mistake as he set about making sure his research was saved, which would take a moment to copy to his private storage in his office and quarters. "Completely unintentional, though having another chance to speak with you is always a pleasure; just give me a moment to back up my research."

"I'm sure," Lyra said, seeming unconvinced that this was a coincidence. She moved closer to him and inspected the scene before her, including the frozen Klingon and its expression. Her brows raised slightly, and her dark eyes moved to Orion again. "What exactly have you been doing here?"

"Ah, I'm running some experiments with an energy-devouring bacteria I discovered while on the Gladius," he answered, stepping a few steps back and closing the distance between them. We discovered the bacteria living on the surface of an asteroid, and our captain at the time saw potential in it as a weapon since it indiscriminately devours any energy that it comes in contact with."

"When introduced to a living organism, it attacks the nervous system's electrical impulses, draining away all the heat produced by the body as it spreads. From what I've observed, the progression is quite unbearable." The Terran man seemed quite proud of the organism and its potential. "I started running tests on the biology of the various species known to the Empire. Would you be interested in hearing what I found?"

It was simply an excuse to continue speaking with Lyra, trying to establish more of a connection with her and being non-threatening. However, he doubted that would be possible as long as she was with Andrei. However, it always helped to attempt to lay the groundwork. Plus, this was research related to a potential weapon, and being the chief of security, he felt she should be aware of all possible solutions available to her.

"Hm." Again, her eyes drifted to the Klingon, and she considered what was before her. It sounded exciting but hazardous, which, contrary to popular belief, wasn't always a good thing. Something too virulent to either technology or biology often was only worth investing in if it could be kept away from the general population.

Though they did have that Vidiian ship… it had the bonus of having one of Andrei's former lovers on it—one of his favorites. What a terrible shame if something were to happen…

"Sure, why not."

"Klingons have always been one of our most resilient enemies, mainly due to their particular biology, though they also produce more available energy for the bacteria to feed off of." He began, trying to ensure he kept it easy to understand since he knew that scientific babbling tended to turn off anyone, not a scientist. He pulled up the charting of the progression for a Klingon and a Vidiian; she could see at the same time markers that the Klingon's infection was progressing quite aggressively compared to the relatively steady pace of the Vidiian. "With the Klingon, you can see it become much more aggressive due to their redundant biology. Essentially, what makes them such formidable opponents is their Achilles heel. With this pathogen, death occurs relatively quickly once the bacteria spread into the torso as it essentially can cause a simultaneous collapse of both the cardiac and respiratory systems."

"Lieutenant Urso and I were able to find an engineering application for the bacteria as a power source for emergency batteries with quite secure housing," he shared with Lyra as he seemed to notice a certain gleam of interest, thoughts, or questions?"

While Lyra was no scientist and had minimal interest in the topic, this type of science was one of the only exceptions. While she didn't smile and her arms remained under her chest, her eyes communicated her interest clearly. "It seems risky to use it as a battery, though I know you people were rather desperate in your situation."

"It was a matter of inspired desperation," he confirmed to Lyra before he continued speaking. "Before she would approve it, Commander Faulkner made sure that I found a way to treat a bacteria infection, but we did our best to ensure that the batteries that held the colony of bacteria were secure and sturdy since it wouldn't do to have it end our trip prematurely."

"If I were ever to propose live research with the bacteria, it would have to be off the ship, somewhere expendable if there was an outbreak, something that wouldn't necessarily be missed." He added as he took away the displays, pausing momentarily as he looked at the Klingon again. "I have found that Andorian biology does seem resistant to the infection. I haven't found the cause yet, but I believe it relates to their evolution in a frigid environment."

"You should put more time into species from the Delta quadrant," she pointed out slightly sourly. Everyone on the ship was still relatively fresh about their failure with Sikarian technology. "Is your data done backing up?"

"I have data on the Vidiians, Kazon, and a few other minor species we encountered on the Gladius." He confirmed while checking his PADD before shutting down his program. "Everything has finished; Kazon are boringly unremarkable, the Vidiian medical science is quite intriguing, and I'm still reviewing the rest of the data that the Vengeance has on the other species you've encountered,"

"I'm sorry for running over my time," he smiled while pulling up his holodeck schedules, transferring an extra forty-five minutes to Lyra. I just transferred some of my holodeck time to you to compensate for what I ran over."

Lyra quirked a brow at the apology "gift," which was wholly unnecessary, and he knew it. Still, she wasn't shocked by it, given the look he was still giving her. He wasn't subtle about it.

"Maybe set an actual alarm next time, hm?" she offered, gesturing toward the still-waiting arch.

Orion smiled as he shifted away from Lyra and took a parting glance before turning to leave her to her time. The nobleman had given her a gift, not because of the value of the gift itself, but because, from personal experience, Orion knew Andrei tended to be entirely centered on his world. Despite being a power couple, Orion wondered how much attention Andrei gave that didn't revolve around something involving him or his desires. He hoped that the gift he had given would show Lyra that there was someone who was willing to make a sacrifice from his resources and that he appreciated her company. Before leaving, he thanked her for entertaining him and said, "I'll keep that in mind. I hope you enjoy your time."

"Oh, there was one other thing. Orion," Lyra said and turned to face him. Her dark eyes were intense and maybe even slightly amused by what she was about to say. Andrei said the two of you should catch up sometime. I thought it was an excellent idea."

"Did he now?" Orion seemed amused by the idea as he paused at the door and turned to face her. "That does sound like an excellent idea; it has been donkey's years since we've had a chance to catch up,"

"Where would I be meeting my old friend?" Orion asked, his tone friendly, as he stood there as if this was just an ordinary invitation between old friends and not between near-peer rivals.

"I wouldn't know, love. I don't arrange his meetings." Lyra shrugged and brushed her ponytail over her shoulder. "Computer, switch program to Cassiel 1724."

The scene shifted from the lab to a tropical beach from Terra. There were no identifying structures around, but given the sand, color of the water, and relatively flat terrain, it was likely on the east coast of North America or the Gulf of Mexico somewhere. "I would broach that subject with him or, at the very least, his yeoman."

"Then I'll reach out to find out," he replied, taking in the breathtaking vista of the program. He let his mind wander a little and pictured Lyra in something that was a little more beach-appropriate. A sly smile formed on his lips as he continued to imagine what she might look like before tucking it away. "Quite beautiful here; it looks quite like Vista Azul."

"Honeymoon Island in Florida, actually," Lyra said, putting her water bottle in the sand. She started to move and stretch, first with her arms, though she was still watching Orion. "A hurricane tore through here centuries ago before we had weather control and demolished everything that had been built. It was never rebuilt and eventually purchased by a private party who continued to keep it as is."

"Mmmm, quite the enlightened choice. There is something to be said for embracing natural beauty," Orion replied as he focused on Lyra's eyes for a moment. "Have you ever been there or just enjoyed the privilege through the holodeck?"

"I've been here. I spent a few spring breaks here during the Academy." After stretching her arms, she began to twist at her core. She was aware he was standing there purposefully looking at her, and she allowed it. What harm was there in letting him look, after all?

Orion's mind wandered as he tried to picture the Security Chief on Spring Break. He found her an intriguing paradox—incredibly sensual and no-nonsense. He thought about the typical Spring Breaks that most Terrans took part in, but then his attention shifted towards the idea of a private beach for Academy Spring Break, which sounded like a luxury beyond compare. "Those must have been interesting Spring Breaks, given you don't seem the type to engage in such things."

As he watched her stretching, he couldn't help but admire her toned physique. He wondered how his dear friend Andrei hadn't yet messed things up with Lyra. He had to admit that the two seemed to have chemistry, but Orion suspected it was only a matter of time before something went wrong. He had even spent a good sum of money to bet on it. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny that Lyra was a stunning woman and admired how Andrei kept her interested.

Lyra just chuckled at that. There was amusement in her dark gaze, but something so much deeper, darker, and more dangerous there too. She looked into Orion's beautiful eyes for just a moment. She placed both her hands on one thigh and then started to slide them down, her body bending to follow the motion of her hands down to her ankle. She wasn't facing away, so he didn't get the "best" view of her, but it was certainly something. She slowly righted herself and flipped her ponytail back behind her.

"You don't know anything about me."

"Well, you win this round," he confessed, his eyes locked on her as she moved with effortless grace. He couldn't help but imagine how she might look from a different angle, but he was too distracted by the delicious morsel he had just received. The fact that he was denied the chance to appreciate her fully made him crave her more, like a tempting treat just out of reach. "I must admit, I've scoured the rumor mill and the archives, and it's so barren of anything personal. It's frustrating, really. I'd love to know more about the woman who has captured my attention completely."

Orion was recklessly bold, akin to Icarus flying too close to the sun. He needed to avoid this fate if he hoped to win against Andrei.

"Really? That isn't what I have heard." She challenged, her expression suddenly becoming much less amused. "I hear you aren't exactly choosy with what you chase."

"A man can't look?" He countered, tilting his head towards her and taking in her darkening expression.

At his response, Lyra rolled her eyes, not responding and instead repeating the motion she had just done but on her opposite leg. Once she had righted herself again, her dark eyes settled on Orion. "Looking is one thing; salivating and chasing like some lovesick puppy is another. I hear you're especially fond of green-skinned girls."

Thinking back on it, he had been a bit forward with Revana, but it had been a bit of fun, nothing more as far as he was concerned, but that wasn't likely to be an answer that would fly with Lyra. "A bit of fun on an otherwise uneventful assignment that was little more than flirting, nothing more."

Lyra closed the distance between them with alarming speed. She invaded his personal space and got right into his face. Her dark eyes were intense and ruthless. "Fine then, Orion. I will teach you two facts about me right here and now. First, I find that absolutely revolting. Second, I take faithfulness in a relationship very seriously, both my man's and my own."

"Then it deeply surprises me that you are with a man like Andrei; he's the epitome of faithlessness," The Terran man countered, standing his ground against her sudden appearance in front of him, only his own trained reactions stopping him from flinching at her being so close. She is more than capable of harming you, he heard his father's deep baritone in his head as he looked his eyes with her terrifyingly dark orbs. She is more than capable of slipping a blade between your ribs, leaving you bleeding out right here like a sacrificial pig.

Keeping his expression stoically even, Orion held himself to his full height as he considered the woman before him. Despite the danger, he found that it added something erotically alluring to the moment as he spoke softly to her since there was just the air and the thin layers of clothes separating them. "He's never put anyone before himself; any relationship has been about his gratification, needs, and wants, with little afterthought to anyone else."

"He plays the role well; he'll say the right things and make you feel like you are the center of his universe, but it's only ever superficial."

"Perhaps I did cross a line." He admitted with a slight self-awareness, accepting that he had indeed crossed a line and needed to ensure that didn't happen again. "I need to act more like the noble son of Terra that I am," he continued to hold her gaze before he spoke again. "I do admire your devotion to Andrei. He does seem like a different man to me in some ways, but I've also seen him wear masks to get what he wants, whoever he wants, but eventually, the mask slips, and he shows everyone the selfish little prick hidden beneath."

"When that happens, he'll throw away something he was never worthy of." He shared with her, letting some of the more noble Orion out, the one who dueled at court, who stood tall with pride in his name and his heritage. "I have work to do on myself, but I intend to show you that I am the man truly worthy of an incredibly singular woman like you, Lyra."

"No man would openly admit it, but the Terran Empire was always at its zenith when we had an empress leading it; it's always been the folly of men to become stagnant, content with our successes that we let the fruits of our labors rot away."

Lyra remained precisely where she was. Orion standing to his full height did nothing to intimidate or dissuade her, given her height and presence. Her intense gaze never wavered from his, but she didn't interrupt him as he lambasted Andrei to her face and declared himself to be the superior choice for her. The estimation of Andrei's character wasn't exactly off base—at least not the Andrei he had been before he had made the choice not to be that way anymore.

Not with her, at least.

She wasn't a fool. Andrei was fiercely intelligent and sly, but they had grown very close over the past few months. He could try to lie to her, to play her, but with how much they had let each other in, it would be difficult for either of them to really do anymore. They'd still be capable, though, which was the crux of everything. They had to trust; that was a near-impossible ask for people like them.

"You're eating into my run time." She finally replied, giving him no other response to his speech. Her relationship was none of his business.

"Then I will leave you to it, Lyra; enjoy your run, and I'll reach out to Andrei to arrange a visit." Orion smiled as he moved to step away, accepting what little acknowledgment she had given to his words. He knew it might not change anything, but Lyra was an intelligent woman, and while what he'd heard of this new Andrei gave him a moment's pause, he knew deep down that a leopard never changed its spots.

He hoped that it didn't turn into something ugly between her and Andrei because there was a part of him, a small part of him, that thought Andrei had the potential to be more than the booze-soaked womanizer who was attempting to rival Gregori Rasputin in the number of women he slept with. Though he also knew that his ambitions wouldn't be satisfied merely playing second fiddle to the man, it irritated him in the worst way possible as a small idea popped into his head for the meeting Andrei wanted.

He smiled as he stepped out of the holodeck to leave Lyra to her time.