Jo Marshall

Welcome to the fleet, dude! 🥳

With a laundry list of accusations, enemies, nicknamed "The God of Lies", Guinan doing the cat claws, described as "obnoxious", "interfering", a "pest", and Picard's glowing character reference of "devious and amoral and unreliable and irresponsible and... definitely not to be trusted," how could we not cover the most wonderful, the sublime, and the irresistible charms of Q? As a powerful, almighty, and divine-like entity from a race of [...]-celestial beings known collectively as the Q, Commanding Officers of starships were briefed on the existence of this super influential race. Q would usually appear in humanoid form, dress in the uniform of a Starfleet Captain, and in every instance where he appeared, Q immediately commanded the stage. The obnoxious and sometimes dangerous being turned up on the bridges of the USS Enterprise, USS Voyager, and appeared on Deep Space Nine, to hassle the Captains with an underlying guise to better understand the human race for their folly and their actions, all with the best interests for the survival of Humanity kindling beneath. Star Trek has in him one of the finest antagonists ever known, who eventually — through much, much trial and error — becomes a friend. This week, we'd like to know... What is your favourite moment of Q throughout the Star Trek series? ...and would you or your characters ever want to meet a Q?

Over the years, science fiction has become synonymous with the weird and the wonderful, and the downright spooky. Twinning with the likes of horror and thrillers, such as the X Files and Doctor Who, during its run, each series of the Star Trek franchise has found something creepy and fantastic about exploring the edges of our understanding, our universe, and where the fringes of our reality lie. Week on week, Star Trek explored these ideas in sometimes fun and frolicking episodes, sometimes whimsical, sometimes philosophical, and now and then, we all had to get a cushion ready. The horror effect is brought to bear in the movies, too. In The Wrath of Khan, parasitic ear bugs are used by Khan to crawl into the victim's brain, wrap around the cerebral cortex, and turn the unwilling host into a compliant slave, going as far to inflict merciless pain on the victim if they fought against the subdermal orders. Frightening to think about. Gross to watch. First Contact ensured many of us developed an adequate fear of the Borg when Lieutenant Hawk became one with the collective, succumbing to the attacking Borg, and returns in Borg form to attack Picard. From traditional horror to the more psychological in Voyager's episode "The Haunting of Deck Twelve", as Neelix gives a Halloween campfire-style ghost story to the young Borg kids to feast their fears upon. A strange tale for some, a gas nebula cloud for others, the space alien roams the deck, seeing the next victim. Or there's the Next Generation episode, "Night Terrors", with plenty of the tropes we like to see in a good sci-fi horror, such as Dr Crusher hallucinating the morgue stuffed with corpses all sitting up, the crew of the USS Brattain who murdered one another coming through the communication, and the persistent themes of insomnia. Honourable mention: While it didn't make it to the final list of spooktaculars, Voyager's "Scientific Method" is, perhaps, one of the best episodes there is. Aliens doing scientific experiments are all over the ship, all over the crew, and people are dying. If you've not seen it, I won't spoil it for you, because honestly, it's one of my favourite episodes of Voyager, if not Star Trek, ever. Strong acting performances all round make it superb. Go watch it. You won't be disappointed. Dishonourable mention: Of course, we can't let this slide past us without mentioning the actual ghost story (kinda), TNG's "Sub Rosa", where Dr Crusher fornicates with a ghost in a candle. There. It's in here, it's had a mention, let's just move on, nothing to see here... Considering this is the final leg before Halloween, I've selected a couple of my favourites which sent my pulse racing the first time I saw them, so, this week we'd like to know: Which of these episodes gave you the frights, jitters, and jumps? If you're celebrating, have a fantastic Halloween!

Ro is blowing it out of the water here 👀 What made her so popular?

We'll do DS9 too!

Following on from last week's poll for Best Male Character of TNG , this week we want to explore what made the women of TNG special and which of these wonderful women captured your attention week on week. Were you a devoted fan of Beverly Crusher? Most often the soothing voice in troubled waters, our forthright Doctor Crusher could whittle the woes in the medical world with nary a scalpel spent in the process. In the series, she slipped into the role of the ship's Chief Medical Officer with ease, providing the contrary opinions to Picard, and the sole parent of Wesley. Arguably included to have some of the most unresolved sexual tension on screen to date, Beverly remains a firm favourite among Star Trek fans the world over. Or maybe you were a Troi fan? Our non Starfleet uniform wearing half Betazoid Counsellor has inspired Counsellor characters in our Star Trek setting and continues to do so. From her affable attitude and easy way with patients, to her motherly attention to Alexander, her relationships with Worf and Riker, and the unforgettable holodeck simulations of the "Wild West" (she rocks the Stetson, 😉), perchance for poker nights and a love of all things chocolate, Deanna lives up there with the greats. We'd be remiss if we didn't include the wonder that is Guinan in this list, and for good reason. Far more than just the bartender (or bar keeper?) on the Enterprise, she was the sage advisor to all who came seeking wisdom for their problems, and those who didn't realise they had any until they walked through the doors of Ten Forward. She could frighten a Q at twenty paces, or melt Worf on the phaser range, and did all of it with a calm smile, a cheeky grin, and a trusted demeanour. And then there's the wrong side of the tracks. Who liked Ro Laren? A Bajoran Starfleet officer raised in a refugee camp during the Cardassian occupation, Ro had a tough childhood growing up, watching the atrocities of the regime first hand. Initially assigned to the Enterprise as part of a conspiracy (I won't spoil it, the storyline is really good), she left in the end to join the Maquis. With extremely strong characterisation and acting, the character became a firm favourite overnight. The "rebel with a cause" captured the hearts of everyone and devastated more when she didn't come back. However, she paved the way for the wonder of Kira Nerys, which, fear not, we'll explore in another poll! So, this week, we want to know - Who is your favourite female Star Trek: The Next Generation character and why? Drop a line in the comments to show off which of these wonderful women inspired you on your Trek journey! P.S. Don't worry, @Theo Whittaker, we will be doing a Voyager one, too!

Welcome to the fleet, guys!

“No, forget the glass, just give me the pitcher. For I am a sinner in the hands of an angry God. Bloody Mary, full of vodka, blessed are you among [...]tails. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death, which I hope is soon. Amen.”

For all Star Trek is a science fiction series, one reason it draws such a diverse range of fans is the episodes center on the characters and the relationships cultivated on the journey the characters take throughout the run. viewers go on this journey with the characters and see how their natural chemistry works on screen, how they form strong bonds with one another, and over time, have become as iconic as the starships they live on. From The Original Series through to Enterprise, we saw these relationships develop. From on screen tension you could cut with a bat'leth, to emotional connection forged in the fires, to mentors who impart their wisdom and learn something new about themselves. We wouldn't be anywhere in the Star Trek world without the double of Spock and Bones — so iconic in its inception that it's replicated to full effect in later series, giving us such delights as Bashir and Garak, Neelix and Tuvok, and Data and Geordi. This week, we'd like to know which of these pairings brought you back every week for a new episode? Who's one liner and well delivered zingers left you roaring? Which was the most iconic duo of our Star Trek universe?

Written by @Jona ch'Ranni - a beautiful jigsaw piece falling into play that prompts as many questions as it answers. A perfect cherry on top of a great mission. -- MSNPC Chief Scientist Hankins & NPC Coorg - Pact? ((Crew Quarters, USS Triumphant)) Hankins sat in the single lounge chair of the annoying cramped quarters he had been assigned. He held a tumbler of dark liquor in his left hand, slowly swirling the glass and watching the light refract off the container's faceted sides. He brought it to his lips and took a slow draw from the cup. Its fiery aftertaste did little to lift his mood. Hankins: oO Who do they think they are? Starfleet can't just come in and take over! If they're such a force for order why is my invention in the hands of godless pirates? Oo The seething anger ebbed and flowed over him like the waves of Tueno's single ocean. Normally he could compartmentalize his feelings and look at things mechanically. He knew the Federation wouldn't bully its way into BetaGen's venture. Sure, they might restrict travel or provide a warning about the park, but they wouldn't take over. Still, it felt nice to have something to target with fault - someone other than himself. That was the real issue. Bert blamed himself. It was his Reclassifier that had brought the vultures in. He should have insisted on greater security and more intense protocols to prevent all that had happened. He had boasted to the Starfleet security officer that it would take twenty different system malfunctions to create a true threat to Dinosauria. Well, either the universe had his number or someone had loaded dice. A chime at the door went unheeded. Bert didn't want visitors. He took another burning sip and the door chime sounded again. Why didn't people take a hint? Hankins: Come! The door whooshed open and Bert shot out of his chair. Coorg stood in the doorframe, carefully studying his employee and sometimes friend. Hankins: Coorg? What a pleasant surprise! Come in, can I get you anything? Coorg: I'd take a Slug-O-Cola if you don't mind. Bert ordered the Ferengi's drink from the replicator hurriedly and offered him the lone chair, but the short man waved the offer away. The scientist sank back in the chair slowly, wondering at the reason for his boss's visit. Fortunately, it didn't take long for the businessman to reveal his intent. Coorg: Bertrand, what do you think of the future of Dinosauria? Hankins: What future? Coorg: ::stabbing the air:: Exactly. We're sunk. Without the Fed's endorsement, we're unlikely to turn a profit in the foreseeable future. Hankins: ::with knitted brow:: So, are you pulling out? What about the animals, the staff, the amount of research alone that we've gathered - Coorg: ::interrupting:: Pulling out? No, of course not! The middle-aged man tilted his head to the side slightly, not sure if he followed the Ferengi's thought process. Hankins: I'm not sure I understand. Coorg set his glass bottle on the tabletop and began counting on the fingers of one hand as if he were a teacher trying to simplify a particularly difficult equation. Coorg: Bertrand, you're not thinking like a businessman. That's always been your problem. We have a great opportunity here. Opportunity plus instinct equals profit. That's Rule of Acquisition number nine by the way. Shaking his head slightly, Bert was still in the dark. He didn't subscribe to the same belief tenets as his boss and he wasn't sure what that had to do with their current circumstances. But Coorg plodded on anyway. Coorg: We have the opportunity. And I possess the instinct. It will all work out. Hankins: But the Reclassifier ... Coorg: A tragic setback. But also an opportunity. I've already graciously offered the technology to the Daystrom Institute. They've gratefully accepted and agreed to work with us in continuing our research. Of course, they will cover a portion of our expenses on Trueno. The Romulan Republic has also expressed interest in a future partnership. With the technology available to the major political powers, the device and its plans become less valuable on the black market. It's still a setback - but less of one. Hankins: ::staring at the blank wall:: Subsidize the research ... go public ... Coorg: There you go! Spread the wealth, spread the cost. Hankins: ::with eyes squinting slightly:: And what's in it for BetaGen? Coorg: Well, of course, the genetic entities we've already created will continue to be the property of the company. And you'll have full access to all our resources to continue your work. Think of it, Bertrand! I'm sure the Federation Science Council is already recommending you for their Scientist of the Year award. Bert sat back in his chair and let out a slow breath. That's all he'd ever wanted - to be recognized for his work. He stood on the shoulders of giants, though. It wouldn't just be his own recognition but that of Rich Galen and the Ancient Humanoids that started it all, too. Could he really pass up the opportunity to advance the sciences decades through his continued research? He hesitated for a second. Coorg stood there watching him expectantly. But Bert's mind drifted to the faces of the Starfleet team that he'd spent the last day with. What would they think of all of this? He didn't have to wonder - he knew each one of them would be appalled. But why did he care what they thought? Morality and Science were two different things. Weren't they? Draining his glass and setting it heavily on the desk, Bert stood up with his mind made up. Hankins: Coorg ... END -- MSNPC Bertrand Hankins Chief Scientist, BetaGen Inc. and NPC Coorg CEO, BetaGen Inc. as simmed by Lt. Jona ch'Ranni Chief of Operations USS Gorkon (NCC-82293) C239510JC0

*ahem*, it's been a long road, getting from there to here... @Genkos Adea and @Cory Stoyer - Really enjoyed this! The pinnacle of their grievances and great character development. Well done guys! -- JP: LCDR Genkos Adea & (PNPC) LT Cory Stoyer - Mending Bridges - Parts I & II ((Stoyer Ranch, foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Earth)) Cory finished packing his bags up and tossed them on the bag. His bereavement leave was over soon and he was headed back to the Gorkon. The time away from there and the time to process everything had done wonders for him. He realized that he was the biggest idiot in the universe. Putting barriers against his friends and those he considered family. He knew that he would have to work hard to get those friends and family back. Looking around to see if he missed anything. Cory saw MacPurple bound through the hallway toward the kitchen. Lesu must be back from the back 40. The beagle had taken a liking to her. Must be the attention and mainly the treats. The feeling was mutual. He already decided to leave the puppy here with her. Sitting down at the computer, Cory entered his credentials and keyed up the communications. He would start repairing the bridge today. Stoyer: Contact Lieutenant Commander Doctor Genkos Adea onboard the USS Gorkon…. Computer:.......Unable…...Lieutenant Commander Doctor Genkos Adea is not stationed on board the USS Gorkon. oO What? Oo He never thought that doc would leave the Gorkon ever…...Cory looked up at the ceiling. He hoped he wasn’t responsible for another person leaving the Gorkon. Stoyer: Computer….locate Lieutenant Commander Doctor Genkos Adea and establish communications. Computer: Stand by…..Connecting…..Establishing connection. The symbol for the USS Resolution appeared on the screen. Cory smiled, his stomach was doing backflips. He treated Doc like garbage even when Cory was in the wrong. He had a lot to make up for. Then Doc Adea’s face appeared. Stoyer: Hello Doc. Genkos sat on his bed cross-legged, his mind meditating whilst his eyes drifted, unfocused, around the room. The sudden beeping from his communication screen brought him back to space with a jolt, and he blinked rapidly. Seeing it was a call from Earth, he answered, swiftly pulling a white and turquoise striped gown over his bare body. He was just tying up the rope and sitting down as Cory Stoyer’s face came on screen. The briefest flicker of confusion ran across his own visage; the last time they’d spoken, Cory had been less than cordial. He spoke with as much enthusiasm as he could muster, although it was tempered by caution. Adea: Cory! ::he brushed his grey forelock out of his eyes:: What can I do for you? Stoyer: I..I...I see that you transferred to the Resolution. How are you doing? Adea: I’m well, thank you. Settling in nicely. Stoyer: I am glad. Ahhhhh…..the reason I called is….::a sigh::....I wanted to apologize to you. Adea: Apologise? ::he smiled softly:: Cory, that’s really not necessary. Cory returned the smile, his stomach still in knots. Stoyer: No, I have to. I blamed you for everything that happened when it was all my fault. You did what you were supposed to do, something I would have done in your situation. Genkos ran a tongue around his top teeth as he listened to Cory; it seemed that this was something Cory needed to say, even if Genkos didn’t feel he needed to hear it. Before Cory had undermined his authority on Væron, Genkos had counted him as one of his closest friends aboard the Gorkon. After that little misstep, Cory had gotten himself demoted, and blamed Genkos for that. Genkos had been confused at the time, but with hindsight understood that Cory had an external locus of control in the immediate aftermath of an event - nothing was ever his fault. However, it seemed that Cory had grown in the past few months and seen his actions in a new light. Hindsight was twenty-twenty, he’d heard a human say once. Genkos assumed that was a reference to the year, which he’d heard had been a catalogue of catastrophes on Earth. Stoyer: I have had time to think and process everything. I ruined too many great friendships, ours included. Adea: Our friendship isn’t ruined, Cory. It was merely… put on hold. Cory paused for a bit. The speech he had in his head was not coming out properly. He had rehearsed this over and over, but he was stumbling. Stoyer: I understand if you will not forgive me. I really do. But I did not want things to continue without saying, how sorry I was on how I treated you. Adea: Cory. What you did was unacceptable; you questioned my authority in front of lower ranked officers, and made me feel very uncomfortable in my leadership role. However, it was a very stressful situation and I understand why you felt what you did was necessary. I will admit that I felt anger at you both at the time and after, and therefore this apology is very much appreciated. Thank you. Cory hung his head in shame at those words. He described the incident in detail. But as Genkos accepted Cory’s apology, he looked up at his friend. Stoyer: Thank you. I don’t deserve it, but thank you. So… Now the hard part; repairing their friendship. After all of the anger and silence, what to talk about and catch up on. Stoyer: So…...OK, I will talk about the elephant in the room. Why are you not on the Gorkon? Genkos furrowed his brow; "elephant in the room" was one of those dreadful human expressions that he understood, but didn't like. His face softened as he thought about the Gorkon and the friends he'd made there, including Cory. Adea: Ah, now that is a question. ::he steepled his fingers and leaned back in his chair:: Well, to be completely honest with you Cory, I hadn't been happy on the Gorkon for a long time. Going back to the Skarbek universe turned me into a drunken monster and that dependency carried on when I returned. Then Ghant's betrayal and the fallout from that, coupled with everything that happened on Væron, well… He shrugged and let out a sigh at the same time, his whole physical presence seeming to deflate. He brushed the silver lock of hair out of his eyes. That was a surprise to Cory, Doc always seemed happy onboard. Yes, the Skarbek mission messed a lot of people up onboard. Him included. Now, Ghant’s betrayal? That was something he never heard about. But that was a story for another time. Stoyer: Yeah, the Skarbek missions were a mess, believe me I know. Does the silver in the hair a gift from the Gorkon? Adea: This? This was the final straw. Looking in the mirror I saw someone much older than I and I knew I had to get out. I love the crew very dearly, I speak to them most weeks, but I'm afraid of that ship. Stoyer: Afraid of the Gorkon? Doc, that boat saved our lives more than once. How, could you be afraid of it? Adea: I don't know Cory, I wish I did. There were simply too many bad memories on that ship and I was running to keep up. But still, I kept my dual role as CMO and Second Officer aboard the Resolution, and it's a much smaller ship. ::he grinned cheekily:: You wouldn't like it my friend - the whole thing would probably fit in the Gorkon's hangar bay. Cory smiled at the joke. The Gorkon was the second Sovereign class he served on. Stoyer: Well….maybe. I did serve on the Victory and she was small. I know the Gorkon can be a train wreck, believe me I know. The Skarbek missions were a mess for those involved. It ruined my life and started me on the path I am on now. Maybe a fresh start onboard a different boat would be best, but I can’t leave things the way I left them. I have to go and mend fences. Genkos frowned; he remembered the saga of the Cory-Petra-Ayiana triangle, but he had thought that was behind them all. Cory seemed to have moved on, so had Ayiana and Petra had, well, literally moved on to a different ship. Adea: ::raising a pale, slender finger to create a pause:: How many fences did you tear down? Stoyer: Jo and I were at each other's throats, I ghosted off the ship without talking to anyone. I am sure Ayiana will kill me when I get back. Once again I made a mess of things. Plus, I have a “half pip” to earn back. Mainly I have the skipper’s trust to earn back. He looked Doc in the eyes when he said the last part, and Genkos' ebony orbs stared right back. He twirled his grey curl round one finger. Adea: Well, when you put it like that… It's good of you to go back. The galaxy's a big place and you could have transferred anywhere you like so going back to the Gorkon is brave. Confronting your past mistakes and missteps. Stoyer: Thanks Doc. I am glad to be heading back. Adea: I think the fact that Quinn has accepted your request to come back shows that on some level she trusts you to be onboard. She's not one to hold a grudge. Stoyer: I know. I am ready to face whatever happens. Adea: Incidentally when you see her, do give her my love. Well, the whole ship really; Quinn, Jo, Erin, the whole gang. That's what I miss; the people. Stoyer: I will. That is what I missed while I have been home. The people. That is what makes a boat a home. Genkos’ eyes creased into a smile and a sad tear trickled briefly down his face. He quickly brushed it away and turned it into a hair pat. He had belonged on the Gorkon but now he felt that he belonged to the Resolution. The smaller ship had swiftly become home and he had realised he was definitely a ‘fleeter at heart, and it was glorious to be enjoying it again. He remained silent however as Cory seemed to want something else. Stoyer: Doc, I want to say, you are a hell of an officer. I was happy to serve with you and under you. Cory’s mind flashed to Nassau and Doc shouting “Stun her!!” to Kyrrha and him. That brought a smile to his face for more than one reason. Adea: And the same goes for you my friend. Cory, if you ever need an ear or a friend, I am always here. ::a chirrup signalled he was being contacted on his ship:: But, I must go. In good faith, Cory. ::he winked at Cory as he ended the transmission. The screen went blank, and he spoke quietly as he faced himself in the black mirror.:: In good faith… Stoyer: Take care Doc. ----------------------- Lieutenant Commander Genkos Adea MD Second Officer & Chief Medical Officer USS Resolution G239502GS0 & (PNPC) Lieutenant Cory Stoyer Helm/Comms/Ops USS Gorkon simmed by Lieutenant JG Ian Kerensky Helm/Comms/Ops USS Gorkon C239111CS0

Gene Roddenberry cut to the bone for science fiction fans across the world when he created a small starship show about a "Wagon Train to the stars" and, arguably, helped to usher in a new attitude for the modern times. Inspiration took hold in many hearts when they heard those opening lines of the first Star Trek episode, explaining to viewers his vision for the future we could have, stretching ever forward, and Trek has continued to deliver hard-hitting moments of wisdom and wonder to motivate and inspire ever since. Star Trek has inspired multiple generations; from the cast and crew attending the rollout of the Space Shuttle Enterprise with NASA, Nichelle Nichols inspiring recruitment for the space program encouraging a new wave of talent into the industry and a young Whoopi Goldberg to act, DeForest Kelley inspiring young people to start medical school, and countless astronauts who cite Trek as their motivation to reach for the stars — including Terry Virts, who had the auspicious honour of delivering the Vulcan salute to Earth from the International Space Station on the day of Leonard Nimoy's death. There are plenty of inspirational quotes throughout The Original Series to list here. Under the direction of Roddenberry, every episode delivered a moral tale to the viewer, to show how humanity has infinite potential to move past contemporary cultural realities of human rights, commerce, religion, sexism, war, and instead strive for peace, equality, abundance, and pursuing technological and scientific advancement. This has spread across the vast catalogue of Star Trek, giving us a space adventure that explores strange new worlds and new civilisations, boldly going where no one has gone before. What's your favourite inspirational quote from these Star Trek legends?

I really liked the episodes with cake. But yeah, agreeing with Zanti, all about the human experience for me, and how even 400 years from now, they're still fundamentally flawed but *striving* to be better.

@Jona ch'Ranni - I'm not the only one on the Gorkon who's been watching the steady progress of Bert's character arc throughout the mission, and this felt so satisfying to read. Like a culmination of it all into one blowout. Brilliant stuff. --- ((Weather Net Control Room)) Bert flicked the activation switch on the now bug-free weather station console and held his breath. The batteries on the floor still cast a small bluish glow as the final creatures entered the power cells. He didn't know how long they would last but he hoped it was at least a second longer than what they needed. Hankins: I think it's starting up. Not only the central console, but the entire room was reactivating. At least the stations that still functioned after the earlier pyrotechnics. Seconds crawled by as the system ran through its initiation process and Bert glanced up at a screen at the edge of the room that had been spared from the overloads. The station cycled through feeds from secure areas of the park - the Aquatic Exhibit's Command Center, an exterior of the Weather Net station they were occupying, a view from his own lab. The color drained from the middle-aged man's face and the expression on his face made it look like he'd been sucker punched in the gut. Hankins: My god ... Thornton: What's wrong? Hankins: ::steadying himself against the console:: The Reclassifer. It's gone. Loxley: How could it be gone? The rest of the interplay between the Starfleet officers and the few BetaGen people they had in tow was drowned out by the dissonant violins screeching in his brain. Bert's vision grew dim at the edges and he had to remind himself to take a breath lest he pass out. Leaning forward on the console, the scientist noticed clinically that his left hand was shaking. He clenched his fist shut and brought it to his mouth. How could this have happened? Why was someone targeting his life's work? The video loop from his lab lasted a few scant seconds but it was enough to show the reality of the situation. The Reclassifier was far too large to move by one person. And yet the connections to the room had been cleanly disconnected. How it had been moved at all was a miracle - though, not really. Even now he was realizing the device could be stored in a portable transporter buffer and rematerialized later. The droning words from the others reached his ears, but not his brain. Here they were prattling on about the storm's intensity lessening when the storm in his mind was raging and pounding even more. And what was that about a message received and finding a way to a landing pad? Who cared? The greatest breakthrough in the past hundred years was now in the hands of some nefarious criminal who would probably sell it to the highest bidder. The thought made him sick and he had to use all his willpower to keep the surge of bile down. Hankins: oO How dare they! I'll make them pay for this. Oo The words from those around him slowly began to make their way through the cloud mass of hate and anger. Vargull: There's a short path, maybe twenty metres, through the bushes out back, it opens out into the parking area. Hankins: Shut up, Vargull! Thornton/Neathler/Fortune/Loxley/Any: Response. Hankins: Shut up, all of you! Anyone: Response. Hankins: ::cutting off the reply:: You don't understand. The Reclassifier is more powerful than you know. With the right tweak someone could use it to unleash ungodly hell on an unsuspecting planet. ::tone changing from anger to pleading:: We have to recover it. ::beat:: You have to recover it. This entire sector is in danger if it falls into the wrong hands. Thornton: Response Bert buried his face in his hands and slowly moved his palms back across his smooth head to the back of his neck. Hankins: I'm sorry. Yes, I understand. Of course, we have to get out of here first. I'm sorry ... so sorry. Bert couldn't tell if he was apologizing to the group standing around him or to the galaxy itself. Hankins: ::reasserting his control:: What's our plan? Neathler: Response Bert nodded his head but was only half-listening. He was far too busy with counting the many ways he could exact revenge. Currently he was all the way up to 22 but that number was steadily climbing. Loxley/Fortune: Response -- MSNPC Bertrand Hankins Chief Scientist, BetaGen Inc. as simmed by Lt. Jona ch'Ranni Chief of Operations USS Gorkon (NCC-82293) C239510JC0

The Federation News Service (FNS) — our sister site and for all in-character galactic news reports — takes a chunk of time and creativity. From writing articles on Current Affairs, Science and Technology, Trade and Business, to editing mission reports submitted by every ship in the fleet, the FNS team makes sure there's up-to-date news flowing every week for everyone to enjoy. And so, in recognition for all their hard work in bringing the FNS to life on a monthly basis, here's a small thank you to our team! Congratulations, everyone! FNS Editor Presented to those who have earned the title of FNS Editor. Must have offered constructive feedback to at least 5 articles written by other team members and edited at least 5 ship reports from the StarBase 118 fleet. Each additional five earn multiple citations. Elite, 20+ Articles Edited @Roshanara Rahman @Samira Neathler @Ceciri Ariadust @Randal Shayne @Nalni Gold, 15+ Articles Edited @Geoffrey Teller Silver, 10+ Articles Edited @Genkos Adea FNS Writer Presented to those who have earned the title of FNS Writer. Must have five articles published on the FNS website. Each additional five earn multiple citations. Elite, 20+ Articles Published @Roshanara Rahman Silver, 10+ Articles Published @Randal Shayne @Ceciri Ariadust @Moonsong @Blake Standard, 5+ Articles Published @Nalni @Anath G'Renn Thank you for all your hard work, folks!

@Alleran Tan, loving these snippets into the life of the previous Tan symbiont host and partner in crime / cruise liners / civilian travel / escapades. Looking forward to reading more! -- (( Passenger Compartment, YanCo Liner 33 )) Safine always hated civilian space travel. Compared to the expansive Starfleet vessels, civilian travel was cramped and crowded, and there was no control — the ship loaded, plodded along the designated route, arrived, unloaded, returned. Then again that was what Starfleet vessels did too, just with more shooting. And fewer screaming babies. The crying made sleeping difficult. Still, the open space for disability access at the rear of the ship left her pretty far away from all of that. She felt sorry for Vaala, crammed in at the tiny chair at the back like a Klingon sardine, but her Klingon friend seemed happy enough to read, hunched over a PADD, scrolling through some trashy novel or something. Rael, by contrast, had the whole disability section for herself. She could have stretched out if she could move her legs. She had tried, for some time, to sleep, but it just wouldn't come. Nerves at heading to the Tyrellian Sector, to the Gorkon. Nerves in general. Hunger gnawed at her. Time to get something from the galley. Safine pushed herself up out of her seat and to her feet, stretching out her arms, and — No. She stood there dumbfounded, staring about the passenger compartment. Standing on two legs. Standing. It was wrong. This wasn't right. She couldn't stand, it was— Vaala: Hey, wake up. Rael's eyes flew open. She jerked awake, blinking as the passenger compartment's lighting flooded in. She was still in her chair. Of course she was. She must have dozed off. Confusion, drowsiness, elation, disappointment. All evaporated and turned to mild frustration. Rael: I was sleeping. Finally. What? Vaala's voice became a strangled whimper. Vaala: I... I think that's Mikali sh'Shar over there. At the f-front of the ship. Mikali sh'Shar? The Andorian Menace? The Blue Terror? Banshee? Here? Safine craned her neck, trying to see. All she could spot were a pair of blue antenna poking out above a seat. Definitely an Andorian. Maybe a shen. Maybe not. It honestly could have been anyone. With her symbiont removed, exactly what sh'Shar looked like was something of an enigma. They had never met. Rael rubbed her sleep-encrusted eyes. Everything was still kinda blurry. Rael: Mgg. I thought she was dead. Vaala: Dead? ::her eyes widened:: Wait, really? What happened? Rael: Nothing. I just kind of... assumed, given her poor decision-making abilities that she'd be dead by now. You're sure it's her? Vaala: Mmm hmm. Yeppers. I got up to get a cookie from the replicator. I... I looked her right in the face. She didn't recognise me but I'm pretty sure it's her. Vaala whimpered again, holding her little PADD up as though it might hide her face. Goddammit. Rael: Okay. I'll go see if it's here. Stay tight. If the ship blows up, you know who to blame. It was said in jest, but Vaala's scared mouse-like face became a mask of sincere worry. Rael just patted her on the arm, then carefully manoeuvred her chair out into the narrow walkway. It was too small for her to turn around in, so she went down backward, rolling her wheels and looking over her shoulder. She made her way down past rows of sleeping, snoring passengers, down to the front of the ship. Closer she got to those twin antenna. Closer. Slowly she realised. The snoring wasn't coming from everyone else. It was coming from the Andorian. Nobody else was snoring. Everyone else was trying to sleep despite the noise. Like a malfunctioning engine in the otherwise quiet passenger compartment. A bad feeling settled in her gut. A loud, obnoxious, lazy, snoring Andorian... could it really be...? Rael wheeled up to her row, backward, and saw her face. Mikali sh'Shar. In the bluey flesh. Slumped to one side in her chair, snoring like an idling chainsaw and drooling messily on the arm of the passenger to her right. The passenger, obviously exhausted, met Rael's eyes. He wiped off some of Mikali's saliva. Passenger: She's been like this for hours. Hours. Every time I move her... He demonstrated, pushing sh'Shar upright. She slumped over immediately, resuming her previous position, sleepily wrapping her arms around him. Typical. Rael: Hey, Mikali. Wake up. You're making a scene. No response. Rael reached over and poked her. Rael: Hey Mikali. Hey. Hey! Poke. Poke. Poke! sh'Shar jerked awake, her antenna spasming wildly. She looked around in a panic, as though having lost her luggage. sh'Shar: Benna!? Rael blinked. The name Benna was vaguely familiar to her, but she couldn't place it. As though it were some musical piece she could not quite identify. Familiar. More missing memories. Parts of her experience that had been yanked out of her, now living inside another. Rael: Hi. It's... been a while. Seeming to recover some measure of her composure, sh'Shar wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and then narrowed her blue eyes at her. sh'Shar: Who the hell are you, Trill? I don't know you. I was bloody asleep. Rael: So was I. Safine smiled awkwardly. Rael: It's me. Safine. Mikali squinted at her in frustration. Confusion. sh'Shar: Wha? ::she glowered:: Whattd'ya want? Rael rested her hands on her wheels. Rael: I just noticed you back there. You were snoring, and... I thought I'd come to say hello. sh'Shar: Wait, you interrupted a stranger's nap to say hello? Stupid Trill. ::she made a shooing motion:: Go away. Slowly it dawned. Mikali didn't recognise her. Rael: Mikali, it's me. Safine Rael? ::she brushed back a strand of her hair:: I'm sorry. I really—I just wanted to see you again with my own eyes, Mikali. I wasn't expecting you here. sh'Shar's antenna jerked bolt upright. She sat up in her chair, her hand going to her far hip. There was something there Safine couldn't see, but the action triggered her security training. sh'Shar: How the hell do you know my name? Are you following me? Rael: Following you? No. No! I had no idea you were here until I saw you just now. ::she took a deep breath:: I used to be Safine Tan. sh'Shar's whole face scrunched up. Her fingers danced down by her hip, out of sight, a gesture that made Safine's Security-Sense tingle again. Some habits died hard. sh'Shar: Wait. No, no, that can't be right. The other one... she was old. Super old. And super dead. Safine scowled. Rael: God, you're dumber than a bag of hammers. I'm not Marlee Tan, I'm Safine. I was the one after Alleran. We met five years ago. When Alleran was... after the symbiont was implanted into me. sh'Shar just stared blankly. Rael: You were there! You were at my joining! ::she waved her hands around angrily:: You bet me two strips of latinum that I would "die" on a Starfleet vessel, then you demanded Serren pay up after I was hurt! We have met multiple times, Mikali! Finally, finally, Mikali's eyes widened like moons. sh'Shar: Alleran? Wait... wait, is that you, spots? Rael grimaced, closing her eyes a moment and looking away. Rael: Yeah, um. Not... exactly. Mikali sh'Shar squirmed around in her seat, glaring at the insolent Trill that had woken her up from her nap claiming to be the very person she was taking a journey across all these sectors of empty boring space to see. And then claiming not to be. sh'Shar: What the hell are you saying? "Not exactly"? Safine Rael nibbled on her lower lip, avoiding eye contact. Mikali always hated people that didn't have the guts to look at her. Rael: The symbiont... it was taken from me after I was shot. ::angrily:: Again, you were there for this, Mikali. Mikali had a fantastic memory. For people who owed her latinum. And it was crappy for people to whom she owed latinum. Fuzzy, sometimes, on the details about if the payment had been made. Being raised on a Ferengi ship totally didn't show at all. sh'Shar: Look, I've been really... sick for the last few years. My noggin' sometimes forgets people, okay? Rather than be annoyed, the Trill — whose face, you know, she was starting to actually recognise — seemed somewhat understanding of this, shifting in her weird wheeled chair. Rael: Yeah. I, uhh, get that a lot. Mikali released the handle of the knife by her hip and carefully eased up her hands, folding them in front of her. sh'Shar: So. You haven't got Alleran's weird slug in you anymore? Rael rolled her eyes. Rael: It's not his slug, it was, and not weird, and... No. sh'Shar wrinkled her nose. sh'Shar: Aren't you meant to be dead then? I'm pretty sure the stupid doctor explained to me in his stupid way that when the symbionts get removed... ::she made a throat-slitting gesture:: Gluck! Uggk! Blarg! Bylat. Slug out, dead. Rael half-lidded her eyes. Rael: Yes. That is mostly accurate. ::she was getting mighty sick of telling this story:: I had a chemical blocker that reduced the join. It meant I didn't imprint properly on the symbiont, and all its memories vanished when it did. Between the getting shot, and the getting half my brain ripped out, I barely survived. Hence the wheelchair. Mikali stared at the metal contraption. If she ever had to live in one of those things, she would definitely put a phaser to her head. sh'Shar: Didn't you always have that thing? For a moment, Rael seemed confused, even a little annoyed, then the emotion became...something else. Rael: ::softly:: You really don't remember me, do you? sh'Shar straightened her back, inhaling indignantly. sh'Shar: Hey, I do. It's just coming back to me slowly. Rael rubbed her hands along the wheels. Rael: Okay, if you say so. ::she coughed:: So, anyway. What are you doing here, Mikali? You're a long way away from DS-17. sh'Shar brushed down her clothes. Some [...] had drooled on her. She shot an angry look at the passenger beside her. sh'Shar: Gross. That's just gross. Passenger: Hey, it wasn't me, it was— sh'Shar loudly, and rudely, yawned over him. Passenger: You're the drooler, you— Yawn. Yawn. YAWN. The passenger grunted and looked away. Rael reached out and touched her knee. Rael: Mikali. You're deflecting. Maybe she was, and maybe she wasn't. sh'Shar: I... have to talk to the new Tan. The silly Trill's face became a creased frown. Rael: Serren? What could you possibly want from him? He's an Ensign in Security. Just like... just like I was. sh'Shar chortled. sh'Shar: Oh, rough. ::she leaned in a bit:: You tell me first. Why're you going to this ship? To that, the spotty wheelchaired Trill seemed to have no answer. Mikali crowed victoriously. sh'Shar: ::mockingly:: Going to the goldneck's reunion? Assuming they'll even let you onboard... Rael: Hey! ::she scowled darkly:: I'll have you know, I served with distinction, and I'm proud of my time on the Gorkon. I'm... sure at least Quinn remembers me. sh'Shar: Who? Rael: The Captain, you idiot! Idiot, huh? sh'Shar's eyes flicked to the gold pip on the Trill's civilian collar, denoting an Ensign. sh'Shar: Yeah, well, I don't really care who the Captain is. And neither should you. I mean, just look... you couldn't even get busted to LT before you ended up face down on the deck plating. ::she sneered:: That's so pathetic. Just a broken goldneck living out their "glory days". How many days were you there? Like, a week? Rael's face hardened, becoming a stony mask. Rael: You know, I sometimes struggle to remember things, but I remember something from Alleran... he knew you were the queen of deflection, and that most of the time your abrasiveness came from pain... but sometimes, it was just you being a colossal bi- A chime came over the ship's public address system. Computer: All passengers are advised that we have crossed into the Tyrellian system. Be sure to check out the nearby Bratax system, the home of the incredible Dinosauria, coming soon! We are now commencing our exit from warp flight in preparation for passenger disembarkation. All passengers are required to take their seats once more in preparation for landing. This is YanCo Liner 33. YanCo — for all your conglomerate needs. sh'Shar grinned cheekily. sh'Shar: Saved by the bell, spots. Rael made an angry face. sh'Shar did the same thing. Rael: You haven't changed a bit. You're the worst. sh'Shar tried to make a snappy comeback, but all that came out was a dismissive scoff. sh'Shar: No, you're the worst you, you... you Trill. Rael made another face and began wheeling herself back toward her seat. Mikali angrily called out after her. sh'Shar: You suck, Rael! Her eyes flicked to the other familiar face cowering at the back of the shuttle. Ensign Vaala, the unmistakable Klingon. Mikali's face split into a wide grin as Vaala hid her head below the headrest of the seat in front of her. Wasn't every day one was able to intimidate a Klingon. Even though Vaala barely counted as one. Mikali's victorious feeling was short-lived, though, as she resumed her seat, absently wiping more of the drool off her arm. She missed the dream about Benna. Bee-nut... At least the annoying exchange with the ex-Tan had revealed the one thing critical to her plan. Serren Tan was indeed aboard the Gorkon. Everything was going to be okay. -- Lieutenant (j.g.) (ret) Mikali sh'Shar Civilian simmed by Ensign Serren Tan Security/Tactical USS Gorkon O238704AT0

I really loved this delve into the mind of a survivor on the asteroid; beautifully written as always, and pulls out some real emotional moments. Panic being one of the biggies. Well done, @Samira Neathler! -- (( Weather Complex - Trueno )) She didn’t hear them. Well, maybe she did. Murmurs sounded in the background. Voices she did not recognise, well except for one. Bertrand Hankins. Not that she knew the man. He was the big shots, the scientist all other science people looked up to. But the man only had eye for his creations and not those who took care of those achievements. She was just one of the many responsible for feeding all those creations. But she had made some promotion. Her first years she had been feeding the hatchlings, later on, the now grown hatchlings had been moved to the paddocks outside and so her own work territory also changed to the outer fields. And it was in one of those paddocks she had been in when the call came to evacuate. Just like her colleagues, the first thought she had was that it was just another drill. One of the so many. So she was in no rush to walk to the meeting point. Instead, she continued feeding the azure feathered quaking goosauruses, the animals already anticipating that she was in their paddocks with new grub. It was only when she left the paddocks through the dinolocks she had noticed something was off. One of the animals kept following her through the forcefield. First, she had paid no attention to it. Until, she encountered some small herbivores on her path. With a scream, not from seeing the herbivores, those were harmless. It was more a cry of realizing that this was not an ordinary drill, she dropped the now empty food container while one of the evacuation shuttles passed overhead. In the shuttle's wake, purple looking clouds, covered the normally blue sky, gradually taking over the firmament above her. Following the path, she rushed to the meeting point, only to find it empty. The emergency vehicles taking them to the shuttle area had already left. It was at that very moment, she felt the first raindrops falling. Panicking, having no idea what to do next, she stood there for a while. Hoping others that had been too late would join her. Only no-one did. She was there all alone, the cry of something or maybe someone made her move again, towards the transportation hubs, her last chance of getting to the shuttles. Retracing her steps was next on her list, and at the following crossroads she went to the east. Which was a mistake she realized when the supply building doomed up in front of her. Soaked by the rain that was now pouring down, she turned around, ran in the dim light towards the next transporter hub. Yet the device was unresponsive, no matter what she tried. Over the sound of thunder, she heard another shuttle approaching and waved towards the sky vehicle, but it was in vain. Finally, footsteps approached her and she turned around, glad that she was no longer alone. She was about to call her colleagues, when a velociraptor emerged from out of the shrubs, pouncing on the man. Another raptor showed up and with joined effort and in a matter of seconds the two raptors dragged the man into the woods. She screamed and ran into the shrubbery in the opposite direction as fast as she could. She ran and ran, between branches and twigs, battering her, the same as the raindrops falling from the sky, trying to get as much distance between her and those raptors. Coming at a crossroads, she stood there for a moment trying to catch her breath. And so did one of the creatures that was now roaming free on the asteroid. She never saw what it was that grabbed her by the arm, scratching her, she hardly felt the pain. She would never figure out how she got out of the animal's grip and she disappeared into the woods until she reached the building she was in now. These four people had helped her inside and now she sat there, the look of the now tied hemegret terrified her. The murmurs still going on, she stood up and walked towards the one closed door in the room. Silently she opened the door exposing a dark staircase leading to a lower floor. She descended, the sound of thunder diminishing as she proceeded. Some peace and quiet, the animals wouldn’t follow her down here, would they? She reached the bottom of the stairs, hearing a faint voice, further in the corridor. Next something heavy and sharp hit her temple. The last thing she heard before her body hit the floor and everything went dark was a voice calling out. Voice: It’s one of ours. --- Cedre Vanham BetaGen Employee Trueno Simmed by: Lieutenant Commander Samira Neathler Chief of Security&Tactical USS Gorkon G239508SN0

As alt universe, yes! Third one coming up 👀 That was a cool twist they did well!

Congratulations, guys! You did a great job! Have much fun!

Star Trek throws the viewer into a universe of boundless hope and optimism for the future, striving for patience, compassion, exploration, forsaking bloodshed and violence for logic and knowledge. A universe in which humanity is learning from mistakes and endeavouring to be better. Way back in those heady days of the 1960s, the writers of Star Trek: The Original Series threw this concept and theme into the ether as the familiar faces and beloved crew of the Enterprise headed into realms unknown — into a mirror universe, where bodies were scantly clad, facial hair was proliferous, and hedonism reigned supreme, all with a tasty agony booth to top off the experience. Barring Voyager and TNG, each series indulged in a little MU of their own, giving the viewer a glimpse into the universe where the Terran Empire reigns with a golden sword of glory; a theme later explored to a further extent in Star Trek: Discovery. While some episodes utilised the trope to explore different themes and reflect on the alternate personalities of the characters and situations, like Archer's paranoid determination to take control of the Empire in "In a Mirror, Darkly", others took a comical view of it, playing for the advantage of the one-off "special". Who can forget the incredibly confused Rom in DS9's "The Emperor's New Cloak"? Taking the theme a step further after the completion of the series, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager both got to indulge in their inner mirror, each with a comic book miniseries. Picard heads out to battle against the Klingon-Cardassian alliance, while Janeway becomes the Pirate Queen of the Quadrant. This week, we'd like to know about the Mirror Universe you enjoyed the most. Did you take to Intendant Kira like a duck to water? Or revel in Kirk's impassioned speech to Spock to let them return to their own universe. Do you long for the days of uninhibited goatee growth and unregulated agony booth access? Which of the Mirror Universe episodes was your favourite?

That'd be a cool spin off. Gritty detective noir in a former Federation colony. @Geoffrey Teller Wouldn't it?

The eyes are forever watching

I knew I'd forgot something... wait, wait, wait...

*coughs* https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Holographic_programs *coughs* Looking back on that list, there were so many and I don't remember them all 😄 rewatch might be in order...

Star Trek has provided us with a chance to delve into the future of technology and discover what could lie in store for us in the next 400 years. We've explored the variety of technology that we want to see earlier, rather than later, and every day, scientists and engineers make new discoveries fuelled by dreams of reaching those heights. Holosuites, however, could be a closer reality than once believed. Introduced in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the holodeck quickly became a fan favourite, allowing the writers to expand on the entertainments available to those posted on ship for long stretches of time as starships became mobile stations, and storytellers to explore the lines between reality and fiction, created by a perfect simulacrum. Taking a nosedive into the world of the holodeck, the series has shown us a variety of holoprograms to entertain and thrill, and to train and educate. We can slide through the scuba-diving in Hanauma Bay, or jumping into the training simulations of Operation: Fort Knox, experience the Klingon Rite of Ascension or take coffee in Café des Artistes. They recreated simulations of great Earth battles; the Hirogen sought the holodeck for Klingon war games, while training simulations allowed Doctors the independence to learn without harm. The holodeck also allowed the viewer a glimpse into the private life of the characters we know and love, with unforgettable moments. Picard role played as the eponymous Dixon Hiil in detective noir, Tom Paris as Captain Proton, Julian Bashir as a secret agent listening to the crooning melodies of Vic Fontaine, Data as a Deadwood gunslinger and Sherlock Holmes, while Janeway liked to kick back in Leonardo da Vinci's workshop. This week, we'd like you to have a think about what holodeck experiences you and your characters would like to indulge in. What could tempt you into the holodeck, or what does your character like to simulate? What's your favourite holodeck simulation from the series, and why?