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Jarred Thoran

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Posts posted by Jarred Thoran

  1. Welcome to the final day of the awards ceremony. So far this week we’ve announced the recipients of the Staff, General, Length of Service and Special awards. Today we present the Duty Post awards. Each award focuses on a different department from the major ones such as medical, operations or engineering to the more unique - like diplomacy, intel or marines. Even civilians have a chance to be recognised for the valuable contributions that can be made to our stories by those who prefer the path less worn. Each of these awards recognises a player for excellence in simming their duty post. Since only one award per duty post is given each year, only the very best are chosen and they are highly coveted awards. You’ll see from our spread of winners – who range in rank from Ensign to Captain – that every player has a chance to be considered for one of these by consistently simming to the best of their ability and striving to improve their craft.
     


    The Prantares Award - Medical
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    The Prantares Ribbon is a duty post award and is awarded to those medical officers who have moved beyond competence to display a true gift for the healing arts in the context of space medicine. The officers given this award should display the ability to keep a steady hand in the often hazardous conditions in which they must practice, as well as the willingness to risk their own life to save the lives of others.

    Genkos Adea, USS Gorkon

    Presented by Quinn Reynolds: “From the moment he arrived on the ship, Genkos Adea left a deep impression on everyone around him — though sometimes he wished he hadn't! A throwaway comment on a Romulan colony had terrible consequences, and became one of the formative incidents in this medical officer's career as he tended to the aftermath. It's something that he still refers to now, and it's wonderful to see how his early experiences have and continue to shape his character.

    We have had the pleasure of watching him grow from an inexperienced young ensign into a skilled department chief, the writer expertly weaving Adea's skills and abilities into the story when the spotlight is upon him, all the while supporting other members of the crew to ensure they have their chance to shine, too. A recent mission is a fine example of this; when his team were infected with the deadly Rushton's Disease aboard a broken and failing ship, he made sure that their quest for a cure provided plenty of opportunities for non-medical members of the team to have some fun. It was very well done; a delight to read and I know a lot of fun to sim, reminding us all exactly lucky we are to have him as our Chief Medical Officer!

    And so, I am so very pleased to present Genkos Adea with the Prantares Ribbon. Congratulations, Elliot!”


    The Natasha Yar Pin - Security
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    The Natasha Yar Pin is a duty post award and is awarded to those security officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in protecting and preserving the lives of their crewmates, even at risk to their own.

    Blaidd Vescori, USS Eagle

    Presented by Oddas Aria: “When Mister Vescori first appeared on the Eagle he immediately jumped in and began playing a security officer in the finest tradition of the fleet. Given his character’s size and background he could easily have played the role of a sort of overbearing cop. As he plays he not only shows himself to be a capable security officer, but one who goes out of his way to job professionally, while competently.

    The crew has seen Blaidd take to a role that would be relatively minor on the ship, and expand it to something fitting his large physical size. On Away missions he has written very well written sims full of action and suspense resulting in the completion of the mission in very realistic ways that have long lasting consequences.

    It is my very great pleasure to present Blaidd Vescori with the Natasha Yar Pin! Congratulations and keep up the amazing work!”


    The Voyager Medallion - Ops
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    The Voyager Medallion is a duty post award and is awarded to those operations officers who have shown great skill in keeping a starship in working order despite near-impossible circumstances. The officers receiving this award have advanced the field of Operations, making sure duty rosters, provisions, gear, and even recreation time are available... no matter what.

    Esa Darkkdust, USS Atlantis

    Presented by Brell: “Lieutenant JG Esa Darkkdust the Atlantis' Trill operations officer has since coming aboard has shown a dedication to a role that is not always easy to be sure just what it is you should be doing. Be it managing power levels, assigning crew quarters, or overseeing the installation schedule of a replacement warp nacelle, Darkkdust embodies what is is to be an operations officer.

    Those little details about their job and what it entails are common in their sims adding depth and sense of reality into our game. Being able to imagine the day to life onboard Atlantis is enriched with nearly every sim Darkkdust posts.

    For these reasons and many more it is my distinct pleasure to present Esa Darkkust with The Voyager Medallion.”


    The Sisko Tactical Cross - Tactical
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    The Sisko Tactical Cross is a duty post award and is awarded to those tactical officers who have shown cunning and bravery in battle. Master strategists, and experts in targeting and shield power distribution, these officers have done the impossible to save their ship and the lives of its crew.

    Lystra, USS Constitution

    Presented by Jalana Rajel: “When you are a tactical officer on a ship like the Constitution, your life is full of challenges, since we don't do much in regard of battles or space fights. Rameses has taken on that challenge when he joined us with his Secondary Character Lystra. He has shown that you don't need space battles to be a kick-butt Tactical officer, even though under his fingertips we performed one of our first Space fights on the Constitution. Rameses is never afraid to push the envelope, throw in twists and turns for the crew, but also work with them to solve the issues. Rameses is so great in his role, that he did not only get one but two nominations for this award.

    "Lystra is one of those officers that you expect is already much higher rank than they are. She is on point and always looking out for the greater good and safety of others. In our recent mission, Lystra stayed in a situation that put herself in danger in order to protect civilians and her superior officers. This type of behavior is a great example of a good, strong, tactical officer."

    "Lystra's tactics, whilst sometimes unorthodox, are always interesting and her descriptions of battle scenes are vividly imagined, bringing the story to life." I can only agree with these heartfelt comments and am happy that Rameses found his way onto the Conny.

    It's my pleasure and honor to present to him the The Sisko Tactical Cross for the great portrayal of a Tactical Officer and I can't wait to see where he'll be taking us next. Congratulations Rameses!”


    The Phoenix Award - Engineering
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    The Phoenix Award is a duty post award that recognizes engineers. Named for the vessel that legendary engineer Zefram Cochrane piloted during his historic first warp flight, this award goes to those Engineering officers who continue this tradition of excellence in the field of engineering. By performing their tasks with enthusiasm, imagination and diligence, by managing to make their equipment perform above and beyond its rated capacities, the officers meriting this award further the mission of their ship by their superior know-how. In short, miracle workers.

    Tasha MacFarlane, USS Gorkon

    Presented by Quinn Reynolds: “A miracle worker indeed! The winner of this year's Phoenix Award writes an engineer who is as ingenious as she is enthusiastic, using her engineering know-how to solve desperate situations, such as shutting down a breaching warp core, to spending her free time building a shuttle — from scratch! — to satisfy her own curiosity and personal goals.

    Engineering can be a tricky department to play, and it's not always easy to find a way to contribute to the plot without first breaking something. Tasha adroitly manages to do just that, finding all kinds of different ways to use her character's skills to do bring something new and interesting to our stories. We've seen her tinker with the artificial gravity to protect her team from advancing assailants, and most recently, create an incredible holographic disguise for the Gorkon's bridge and crew while they were masquerading as pirates. She has a deft touch, and it's always entertaining to see what she's doing to do next.

    For all of that, and more, I am delighted to be present Tasha MacFarlane with the Phoenix Award. Congratulations, Theo!”


    The Cochrane Award - Science
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    The Cochrane Award is a duty post award and is awarded to those science officers who have contributed greatly to the advance of science in the midst of their Starfleet career, by staying knowledgeable about their field, participating in the community of science, but most importantly, by placing their knowledge at the service of their ship and its mission.

    Kayla Drex, USS Eagle

    Presented by Oddas Aria: “Kayla Drex epitomizes the Science Officer role. During missions she easily interweaves the mind of a curious scientist throughout the narrative, offering suggestions and information appropriate for her position.

    Both IC and OOC Drex continually impresses, providing details and thoughts to improve writing, and realism in the science aspects of both the Ship and the Fleet. Participating in cross-fleet activities, such as SIMSCON and the SJAS, she gladly imparts her knowledge, time, and talent to the fleet as a whole, and we are lucky to have her.

    For all of these reasons I am very pleased to be able to present Kayla Drex with the Cochrane Award.”


    The Pilot's Sextant - Helm
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    The Pilot's Sextant is a duty post award that recognizes helm officers. An award named after an old Earth navigational tool, the Pilot's Sextant is given to those Helm officers who have proven themselves to be the best of the best. From finding a safe route home to flying an emergency atmospheric landing, pilots who have earned the right to this award know the importance of staying focused, and puts their ability to make spectacular maneuvers at the service of their ship and its mission.

    Chloe Waters, USS Eagle

    Presented by Oddas Aria: “Sometimes players write in such a way as to make you believe they have been doing that job forever. Mister Waters writes this way, making you believe you are alongside her as she pilots The Eagle, or whatever she has been tasked to fly.

    Chloe adds detail, action, and thought to her writing, making it a joy to read. Reading how the Eagle responds and works is a joy through her writing, and never feels redundant. It is amazing to have Chloe Waters with us, and an absolute pleasure to present her with the Pilot’s Sextant.”


    The Order of the Valiant Heart - Counseling
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    This award is given to those ship's Counselor who have shown great skill in protecting the mental health of their crewmates, clearly demonstrating superior ability to care, assist, and comfort those in need. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty in assisting their crewmates with their problems, and in preventing future problems from occurring.

    Alexander Brodie, Embassy of Duronis II

    Presented by Toni Turner: “At the Embassy Brodie performs a multitude of functions ranging from standard psychological evaluations to the more complex counseling needed when the traumas of battle become overwhelming. Due to the "head shrinker" stigma, Counselors have been a much maligned duty post, but  Counselor Alex Brodie takes his patients in a new, less threatening direction - he counsels by NOT counseling, but is adept at getting people to talk to him, and his powers of observation are excellent. He has skillfully crafted a fatherly tone whose words are consistently measured, poised – and above all – supportive both inside and outside of the consultation room. We are very fortunate to have him at the Embassy for his professionalism and caring. Congratulations, Alex!”


    The Semper Fidelis Award - Marines
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    For those StarFleet Marines who have shown great skill in protecting their crew, accomplishing their mission, avoiding tragic loss of life in the line of duty, and upholding the values of the UFoP in times of crisis.

    Gogigobo Fairhug, Starbase 118 Ops

    Presented by Sal Taybrim: “When Major Fairhug first came onboard StarBase 118 Ops, despite his character having a strong security background he was worried about taking on a marine role because he felt that marines could too easily turn into "violence first ask questions later" sorts of characters. But after thinking about it Gogi decided that he could really shape the role to his own character's pleasant. optimistic personality by emphasizing all of the special functions that marines can play from intel gathering to specialized security to search and rescue. He's done amazingly well in continuing the proud tradition of SB118 Ops' Marine force as a complex and multi-faceted force that thinks first and shoots only when necessary.

    Gogi has also gone above and beyond in reaching out to other players both who have marine PCs and pNPCs as well as players in other departments. He’s established himself not only as a strong marine, but as a leader on the crew and a character that others love collaborating with. He’s also a terrific mentor who helps groom other players to continue in his footsteps as he moved onwards towards command ensuring that StarBase 118 will not only have great leadership but a strong complex marine force that focuses on great stories for years to come. I am so proud and so happy to present this award to Major Fairhug!”


    The Black Cross - Intelligence
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    This award is given to a member of the Intelligence community that strives to accomplish the goals of Starfleet Intelligence, while simultaneously upholding the ideals and structure of Starfleet command. This person has the cunning to gather intelligence by means of deceptive dialogue or espionage, as opposed to force drawn confessions. While matters of intelligence are often game changers, this person strives to attain those goals within the boundaries of their Commanding Officer, and the regulations of Starfleet.

    Rune Jolara, USS Columbia

    Presented by Theo Whittaker: “I am extremely proud to present this award to Rune Jolara. Given to those who are adept at playing the role of Intelligence Officer. Kait, the player of Columbia’s chief of intelligence, has spent a great deal of her time with the fleet operating from the shadows. After all this time, she still manages to write the role in a realistic and engaging way. She is not a super-spy a la James Bond but nor she is an unethical operative undermining the core values of the Federation. She is instead a master analyst who can parse a situation with relative ease yet still throw up roadblocks for us to surmount. Skilled at threat assessment and getting to the truth, there is nobody I trust more to suss out the hidden dangers of the Sagittarius Reach both IC and OOC. Rune has become a close adviser to Theo and an integral part of the Columbia’s voyages in the distant Sagittarius Reach.”


    The Lwaxana Troi Medallion - Non-traditional roles
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    This award is given to a member who takes a unique role outside of the normal StarFleet positions and creates a colorful and engaging character.

    Toryn Raga, USS Atlantis

    Presented by Brell: “Lt Commander Toryn Raga, has in his role of Mission Specialist shone amazing adaptability in filling this multifaceted position. Mission Specialist is a little of this and a little of that working with any department on the ship. Raga was well prepared for this being formerly the head of security and for short time acting chief of Atlantis' Marines detachment.

    His dedication to moving plot forward and facilitating the writing of others using his position is displayed in his sims time and time again. His character is the core that stays with him from position to position and always colors his actions making for richly detailed lively reading.

    It is my pleasure and honor to present him with The Lwaxana Troi Medallion, Well earned Raga!”


    The Strange Medallion - First Officer
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    Named after Commander Sally Strange, widely known as one of the most creative and dedicated First Officers in the fleet's early years, this award is given to those who perform above the call of duty in the position of First Officer.

    Jarred Thoran, USS Columbia

    Presented by Theo Whittaker: “Where, oh where, do I start with Jarred Thoran? Saying that Jarred performs “above the call of duty” is an understatement of galactic proportions. I have been proud and privileged to watch this outstanding officer grow and thrive as Columbia’s first officer (and before that, on the Blackwell). A dedicated man of honour and duty, nothing is ever too much trouble for him: whether it be leading a rescue of a certain starship captain from the clutches of augments, leading the charge against mercenaries or willingly leading a team in to danger against near-omnipotent espers changed by their exposure to the galactic barrier. He has won the respect of every member of the Columbia’s crew complement and everybody looks up to him as an inspirational leader. One day, he is going to be an extraordinary commanding officer- of that I have no absolutely no doubt. But for now, let us celebrate the career of this remarkable man. Congratulations, Jarred!”


    Please join us in congratulating these talented players!

    • Like 3
  2. Congratulations to you all - some truly inspiring write ups there!! 

    @Luna Walker & @Kelrod 15 years is an absolutely mind blowing length of time to have been here - I can only imagine the things your characters have seen during their tenure here.

    @Groznin Smith Again - congratulations and thank you for all you do to bring in new members. 

    @Jo Marshall Don't think that this recognition in any validates you always turning the class into a Lovecraftian horror tale :D

    @Theo Whittaker You never cease to amaze me in everything you do!

    @Kali Nicholotti Wow, congratulations - that is one legacy to leave behind, and i'm sure countless members are grateful to have the opportunity to have such beautiful avatars - all because you set up the Image Collective!

    • Like 1
    • Haha 1
  3. A wonderful reunion - truly a joy to read from @Sal Taybrim & @Theo Whittaker

     

    ((Ready Room - Deck One - USS Columbia))

    ((Time Index: Two days after Columbia leaves the Spiral Nebula))

    ::From the porthole in his ready room, Theo watched the Columbia slipping into orbit of Delta Vega I, slowly gently rolling into place  until the orb of the red-brown planet appeared as a slim crescent across the bottom of the narrow window. He sipped his chamomile tea as he felt the tension of the past day evaporating from his body. Kaironn was in custody, the ancient Tkon relics were back in the hands of those who would not abuse them (although the question of where they would be studied- aboard Columbia or on Dehner Base) remained ‘up in the air’) and he had reached an understanding with Professor Sellards- albeit a tenuous one. Yet he had not been able to relax until that moment.::

    ::He could, in short, rest easy again.::

    Pran: =/\= Bridge to Captain Whittaker. We have entered orbit of Delta Vega I.=/\= ::came the voice of the Security Officer. =/\=And I also have Fleet Captain Taybrim on subspace.=/\=

    ::That brought a warm smile to Theo’s face and he turned from the porthole and set the tea cup down on his desk. Word had reached him courtesy of a subspace data burst from Starfleet Command that his former Captain, mentor and close friend had recieved a well deserved (and much overdue, in Theo’s eyes) promotion to Fleet Captain. Even after a year, Theo missed the Betazoid commanding officer of StarBase 118. Given Columbia’s distant assignment, the chances for the two of them to talk were limited. But this was one conversation that he would have moved heaven and earth to have.::

    Whittaker: =/\= Thank you, Lieutenant. =/\= ::he replied, sinking in to the comfortable, high backed chair behind the desk. =/\= Transfer the Fleet Captain through to my ready room.=/\=

    Pran: =/\= Aye sir. =/\= :: she closed the channel at the same time that his desktop monitor activated, the symbol of Starfleet’s Communications Research Division displayed up on it.::

    ::The symbol was very quickly replaced by the smiling visage, ginger hair and twinkling black eyes of a man that Theo respected as one of the fleet’s greatest captains and loved like a brother. His smile, already wide, transformed into a proud grin as his eyes fell on the thin gold bar below the four rank pips attached to the red collar of his uniform.::

    Whittaker: Hello Sal! ::he said, his joy and pride drenching his every word.:: Congratulations!

    Taybrim: =/\= Hello Theo! =/\=  ::Sal has that same open, warm smile that Theo remembered::

    Whittaker: ::with a snicker, he could not help but add:: Does this mean Mirra can punch you in the face now?

    ::Two years before Mirra- never one to hold back with her opinion- had struck Commodore Allan Kinney, the corrupt Sector Commander who had been spreading disinformation against the crew of StarBase 118. He had been in the pocket of the resurgent Orion Syndicate who were attempting to gain a foothold in the Trinity Sector and once uncovered, Mirra had taken matters into her own hand. It had become something of a local legend in that part of space- not to mention a running joke between Taybrim, Theo and his Diplomatic Officer.::

    Taybrim: ::Sal clicked his tongue at Whittaker:: =/\= I’m not a Commodore… yet =/\=  ::Dark eyes sparkled, he was amused by that.:: =/\= But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit! =/\=

    Whittaker: If only I could, old friend. Columbia is exploring the very edge of the galaxy and we don’t have a transport ship due to visit Dehner Base for two weeks I’m afraid! We are even too far out to use real-time holo-communication technology. ::he said ruefully, remembering how Captain Brell of the Atlantis had utilised it to great effect for his own promotion party.:: So I’m afraid, good old fashioned subspace communications will have to suffice for now.

    ::Sal gave a soft smile.  He understood the limitations - which was regrettable and yet realistic.  Then again he had largely eschewed a party as well. He had attended many ostentatious parties and despite the fact that he was a social butterfly, Sal Taybrim was also not an attention-seeking personality.  A small formal affair was enough.::

    Taybrim: =/\= Subspace communication works fine.  Though I still think you should come back and pay a visit.  Not for an occasion, just for old times sake. =/\= ::He smiled gently, light sparkling in his dark eyes.::

    Whittaker: I promise that the next time I take shore leave- forced or voluntarily- I will pay you visit on my way to wherever I end up. ::he chuckled.:: How is the station doing these days? Scuttlebutt around the fleet is that you got an invitation to go targ hunting? ::he had a hard time picturing Sal Taybrim hunting the small Klingon beasties.::  Was Admiral Hauke punishing you? ::he added with a smirk.::

    Taybrim: =/\= Oh, no.  We were targ hunting by invitation. =/\=  ::he smiled mysteriously:: =/\= You know all that fancy diplomatic stuff including gagh and bloodwine and targs.  It was invigorating!=/\=

    Whittaker: I’ve seen images of targ hunts in books before and… the smell alone…. ::he said with a mock shiver.:: Maybe I transferred elsewhere at the right time. ::his eyes twinkled with mirth.::

    Taybrim: =/\= Well, yes it did take a few sonic showers to get the smell of wet targ out.  But with enough bloodwine you start thinking that eau de targ is a good combination!=/\= ::he grinned merrily.::

    Whittaker: You know that bloodwine and I do not get along! ::this time the shiver was authentic. StarBase 118 had a Klingon drinking establishment known as The Bat’leth and there had been one rather heavy night there…… he didn’t like to think about it.::

    Taybrim: =/\= You know scuttlebutt around the fleet says you are dealing with more pirates…=/\=

    ::Not just pirates.  More pirates.::

    ::Theo sat back in his chair and nodded. It had only been a few days since the situation with Kaironn had come to its conclusion and while life aboard Columbia had all but returned to normal, the events of New Years Day were still fresh in everyone’s minds.::

    Whittaker: Sometimes, Sal, I fear that my lot in life is to spend my days rounding up marauding criminals. ::beat.:: The scuttlebutt is correct, although there were nowhere near the level of Chennel, thank goodness. They stole some archeological samples from Dehner Base and ambushed us. Took out a fair few of our systems before we could respond.

    ::That got the ginger Betazoid’s brows perked.  Archaeological samples? Who stole Archaeological samples?  That was something he thought of as quite the mystery to be solved.::

    Taybrim: =/\= What happened after you engaged? =/\=

    Whittaker: We managed to retrieve the samples after we chased them to a nearby Nebula and we’ve now got their Captain in our brig. ::it felt good to be able to say that.:: All is well that ends well, no?

    Taybrim: =/\= Hopefully! =/\=  ::he said optimistically:: =/\= My curious question would be - why did they want archaeological samples?

    Whittaker: They were intending to sell them on the local black market, I imagine.

    ::He worded himself carefully, not entirely sure whether he should divulge the nature of Professor Jev’s relics. He knew that Sal would not go off shouting his mouth about the discovery of several artefacts from one of the galaxy’s most advanced races- but had still yet to hear from Starfleet Command about how they wanted to proceed with them. If they wanted to suppress their true nature (Theo could not blame them given how fearsome Tkon technology had been)- then he did not want to get on their bad side by detailing everything to Sal.::

    Taybrim: =/\= Curious, indeed. =/\= ::he nodded, considering the information:: =/\= Maybe I’m paranoid because of that big imposing intel tower in my attic. =/\= ::he took the opportunity to laugh a little at himself.  He wasn’t by nature a paranoid person, but he never did trust criminals - especially after Chennel.::

    ::He smiled at that, thinking about how Aitas- 118’s current Chief of Intelligence had managed to integrate the Intelligence Tower into the daily life of the station, rather than remaining hidden in shadows. Of course, operational security was a necessity and those not cleared to enter the tower did not gain access but the Tower worked much closer with Ops than ever before.::

    Whittaker: Aitas is not that bad. ::he chuckled.:: How is the station? Any big developments? Is Mrs. Anders still prowling about? ::he suppressed a shiver at the memory of the terrifying woman who had almost become his mother-in-law.

    Taybrim: =/\= Oh, not too much has changed =/\= ::he chuckled:: =/\= Taelon returned to us… after a sticky trip through time.  El-Aurians… =/\= ::he shook his head::

    ::Theo straightened in his chair at that little morsel of information. He and Taelon had been almost involved prior to his assignment to the Blackwell, although it had ended prematurely- not to mention poorly, as Theo had no idea how to broach the subject.::

    Whittaker: Oh...

    Taybrim: ::Carefully, speaking gently:: =/\= He has a daughter now… =/\=

    Whittaker: ::he blinked several times before responding.:: Oh… ::he repeated.:: I did not see that coming. ::he shook his head.::  H-How is he….? ::he almost did not want to know.::

    Taybrim: =/\=He is OK.  Surprisingly good for living on a Klingon ship for a decade.=/\=  ::Sal’s tone said there was more to that story, but it was more in the sense that it was likely better said face to face with strong drinks.  Which was a luxury that wasn’t always available to Starfleet officers.::

    ::A Klingon ship for over a decade. Theo knew there was more to the story that Sal was willing to let on, which made him wonder whether Taelon had been treated well by the Empire… he hoped that he had, but realised that it would not be as cut and dried as that.::

    Whittaker: I see.. ::he said slowly.:: Send him my best when you get a moment, would you? I know that I did not treat him well after my departure from the station-, but I want nothing but the best for him and his daughter. ::he meant that- every word.::

    ::Sal smiled gently at that::

    Taybrim: =/\=I know, and I will tell him=/\=  ::he paused and allowed the moment to linger before spekaing:: =/\= How have you been, Theo?  How is the Columbia? =/\=

    Whittaker: There is plenty new with Columbia besides pirates.. ::he said, glad to be moving on from the topic of Taelon.:: Uprated sensors, new laboratories… she’s practically a whole new ship. She’s a testbed for the Nebula-class becoming long range exploration and reconnaissance vessels. ::beat:: No wonder they put me in the big chair, being an engineer. ::he chuckled.::

    Taybrim: =/\=I’m so very glad that the Columbia is a leading ship in the fleet again=/\=  ::he smiled fondly. They both had good memories of the Columbia, though the ship had always been Theo’s baby.::

    Whittaker: As am I, Sal. As am I. I still have to pinch myself whenever I think that Starfleet gave her to me- but I’m sure that will pass. ::he smiled.::

    Taybrim: =/\= But, more to the point, how are you, Theo?  Personally how are things? How is Mirra treating you?=/\=

    Whittaker: I don’t think she likes the fact that she’s no longer cleared to tamper with my replicator now she is serving as a diplomat. ::he chortled at that.:: I’m doing well on the whole. I feel more comfortable in the centre seat than I ever have before- even if I could do without Professor Sellards from Dehner Base breathing fire every time we clash. ::that made his smile falter.:: But I am hopeful that we’ve reached some sort of understanding.

    Taybrim: =/\= Oh, really? =/\=  ::he prodded gently for more information.::

    ::He sat back in his chair and looked away from the screen for several seconds before he looked back at the ginger haired man on his desktop monitor.::

    Whittaker: She doesn’t trust us and she kept some rather crucial information about the archeological samples hidden until one of her colleagues revealed their true nature. ::he hesitated for a moment, wondering whether he should divulge the situation with Sellards- deciding he needed to vent to a neutral party, he pressed on.:: Her uncle was involved in the Pegasus disaster and lost his life. It essentially tore her family apart and she has spent a great deal of time resenting Starfleet. We’ve clashed a number of times over operational concerns, although I’m hopeful that our encounter with the pirates has made her see that Starfleet isn’t just a group of moustache-twirling villains who operate in the shadows.

    Taybrim: =/\= Starfleet is a very varied organization and you have the chance to show her the very best side of it =/\=  ::he said with a smile of encouragement.::

    Whittaker: If she will let us. ::despite their acrimonious beginning, Theo remained hopeful that he could prove to her that Starfleet was not the organisation she thought she was.

    Taybrim: =/\= Of course it will take time.  But if she values honestly, and steadfast support she’ll find no better crew than you and yours.=/\=

    Whittaker: That’s most kind of you to say so, Sal. ::he was about to reply when a message flashed up in the corner of his screen. With a frown and a sigh he realised that he was needed elsewhere and that he would have to end the call with his dear friend.:: Looks like I have a staff meeting I need to oversee. I hate to cut this short, but you know what it’s like at the top. ::he smiled at the Betazoid.:: Next time I’m back in Federation space- I’ll be dropping by to see how the old girl is doing. Take care of yourself, Sal.

    ::Theo leaned forward and terminated the call. For a second, he thought fondly of the man who had helped to mould him into the Captain he was. How far he had come since Sal Taybrim had lured him to the darkened engine room of the Columbia and asked him to jump off the proverbial cliff! They had been through much together and out of it had blossomed a wonderful, much cherished friendship. Theo was proud for his dear friend. Fleet Captain… nobody deserved it more.::

    ::And with that moment passed, Theo got to his feet and headed to his staff meeting, and wondered what misadventures the twinkling black eyes of Sal Taybrim would find themselves in next.::

    --

    Captain Theo M. Whittaker

    Commanding Officer

    USS Columbia

    NCC 85279

    ID: C239203TW0

    &

    Fleet Captain Sal Taybrim

    Commanding Officer

    StarBase 118 Operations

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  4. I've enjoyed Discovery from the get go, and particularly enjoyed the season 2 premiere (did anybody else get chills at the end of season one when the Enterprise appeared?). I also really like the new aesthetics and technology they've implemented. I understand it seems more advanced that what we've seen on screen previously, but look how far technology has come since then (I read recently The US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has unveiled a computer capable of handling 200,000 trillion calculations per second, whereas Data stated he worked at 60 trillion operations per second. Admittedly his brain is much smaller than the supercomputer, but still). That and we have smart phones/tablets etc, all inspired by Trek.

    I was a little confused at first, when Pike beamed aboard the Discovery. It gave me odd vibes, and the officers with him were, to me at least, acting strange, for example the smug science officer. I did wonder if they were going to be Klingons or similar. Thankfully that was not the case.

    I'm also looking forward to seeing how the Burnham/Sarek/Spock plot will come together - especially as it will mark the second time we've been introduced to one of Spock's never before seen siblings (the first being Sybok - seriously, Sarek gets around!).

    To me it made sense that the Enterprise wasn't around for the war, it only lasted a year and as they stated it wasn't 'logical' to call it back from it's five-year mission as it would have taken too long. The Enterprise-E also had very little involvement in the Dominion War, at least not that we saw on screen (I believe First Contact and Insurrection took place whilst the Dominion War was going on.)

    I am also a fan of the Enterprise uniforms, although I think the Discovery uniforms make Starfleet look more like explorers than a military (as much as I love the DS9 era uniforms, they do look a little 'militaristic'). And there are plenty of examples of two different uniform styles being in service at the same time, both on Trek and in real life militaries .)

    I also cannot wait to see Georgiou, I thought Michelle Yeoh absolutely nailed it. I'm just sad we likely won't see her this season :(

    • Like 2
  5. Damn! Right in the feels @Kali Nicholotti & @Randal Shayne

     

    ((Sickbay, USS Columbia))
    (Time Index: Shortly After Returning from the Planet’s Surface)
     
    ::He was haggard, and miserable, and ill, and spaced out to degree he’d not experienced since the night he’d graduated the Academy, but there were duties to attend to. It was this that allowed him to proceed from hour to hour since his most timely return to the ship. A mission as hectic and fraught as the one he’d just undertaken (and failed, by most honest recountings) would have taken the spark out of anyone, and the radiation still had yet to leave his system entirely. But the subspace information packet he’d found in his quarters upon his return made him wonder if hallucinations were joining his growing list of symptoms.::
     
    ::Dear god, he was being transferred.::
     
    ::His focus on the orders was kept to an absolute, so that he might not have the mental freedom to consider their implications for him down the line. He liked it here. A good ship, with a good crew, on a good mission. He trusted these people, worked with them for years in some cases. His best friends were here- and it was that, more than anything, that left him absolutely gutted. But orders were not negotiable, and though it was not a habit conducive to maintaining relationships, Shayne had a habit of going where the fleet needed him, whether he was asked or not.::
     
    ::So, with his gear prepped, he steeled himself for the most crippling part of this effort- saying goodbye.::
     
    ::Quietly, he approached MacKenna’s bed. He’d heard of her actions on the planet below- nothing could quite describe just how painful the thought of not being there to defend her was. With a kind smile that belayed his unhappy news, at least for the moment, he spoke, in a voice just loud enough for them both to hear.::
     
    Shayne: It is so good to see you. How are you feeling?
     
    ::Like her normal self, Ash hadn't been paying attention to anything or anyone approaching. When she heard him, she finally looked up with a smile the likes of which hadn't graced her face since, well, she didn't know how long.::
     
    MacKenna: A little lopsided.
     
    ::It was a joke, though she was markedly horrible at humor. She rarely shared it with anyone around her, but for whatever reason, he was different. She looked up at him, reaching with her remaining hand, wanting to feel that he was actually there. So much was running through her mind, it was hard to just let it all settle, but when she caught a glimpse of his eyes it instantly faded into the background. There was something there.::
     
    ::But what was it...?::
     
    ::He’d heard of her injury, but had no idea her hand was mechanical before asking about her. It was common knowledge, so he wasn’t violating any level of privacy, but it still felt intrusive. Still, upon hearing that her hand had nearly been torn off, he’d been happy to hear it was a mechanical apparatus, and not a sudden amputation.::
     
    Shayne: Will you be alright?
     
    ::It wasn’t a question he originally wanted to ask- for if she wasn’t alright, he’d be compelled by affection and care and decency to do everything he could to alleviate her suffering. But orders wouldn’t permit him to stay long.::
     
    MacKenna: I will be okay. They are already working on a replacement for me.
     
    ::She still couldn't really handle looking at what used to be her hand, so she didn't. Instead, she tried to delve deeper into his eyes to figure out what was really going on. And maybe it was nothing, she hoped it was nothing, given her inability to read people. But something in the back of her mind told her it wasn't. No, he had the same look in his eyes then that Radi had given her...::
     
    ::It wasn’t fair to keep the truth from her. If he didn’t tell her now, he’d never get another chance. And from the way she was searching through him, rifling through the files of his mind with her eyes, she knew something was amiss already.::
     
    Shayne: Ash. I’ve… been transferred.::
     
    ::He didn’t think he’d ever referred to her by her first name, and it felt right. But it also filled him with heaviness- when would he get the opportunity to do so again?::
     
    ::There is was. Ash was stunned, but not at the same time. Something deep inside knew that was what was coming, but the majority of her mental capacities were trying desperately to keep it from being thought of. Now that the words spilled out into the distance between them, there was no hiding from it. The worst part of it was that this was the life she had chosen.::
     
    ::Internally, her mind began its own meltdown. She did not give her feelings easily, and she did not grow close to many people. Somehow, this man had found a way in, and quickly. It had taken her by surprise in so many ways, on so many levels, but the current had been so strong, so determined that this was the correct path to take that she’d not been able to fight it for long.::
     
    ::A future she longed for, but would never have, flashed between thoughts of how inadequate she had to be. The universe had to see her as unworthy. Everyone left, and the changes that followed were impossible to deal with. It made her more than uncomfortable, it made her want to scream, cry, throw things, or just hide. She didn’t know how to cope. She didn’t want to cope. Her mind saw only impossibility and loss.::
     
    ::Internally the idea of the looming loneliness festered, the meltdown gathered momentum, her insides screamed with her inability to do anything about this. Behind her pools of emerald green, tears welled up and threatened to unleash a flood. Yet, outwardly, she barely managed to hold it all together.::
     
    ::Barely.::
     
    MacKenna: When?
     
    ::She barely managed to get the word out and even then it sounded more like a squeak, like a forced question just to divert his attention away from the fact that she was falling apart.::

    ::Shayne quite nearly shattered at that single utterance. It was so filled with hurt, with disappointment and longing and pain that he simply couldn’t process it. His empathetic nature felt like it was dissolving him whole, and there was nothing he could do. His chest felt like it was collapsing in on itself. It took about ten seconds for him to force his lips and voice to provide an answer.::
     
    Shayne: I just found out a few hours ago. I leave today. Soon.
     
    ::A million thoughts raced through her head and she fought them all. What was the right thing to say?::
     
    oO Don’t leave. Don’t go. Stay here, stay with me. What about the things you’ve said? The look in your eyes? The feel of your touch? What if I loved you? What if I wanted you? What will I do without you? Oo
     
    ::It wasn’t fair. He, more than anyone else, had made this feel like home. She’d not been aboard long, but his words, his actions, they had all made her feel as if she belonged right where she was.::
     
    ::Now that would be gone.::
     
    MacKenna: But…::The fight against her tears turned in favor of the tears. A single one escaped and rolled down her pale face.:: What about…?

    ::The sight of the single tear unraveled him. If his body followed the example of his mind and his heart, he would have collapsed into a puddle of sorrow and misery. He’d often seen people saying goodbye in films, in holodeck programs, and had wondered why each had been so consistently overacted. Now he knew- they weren’t overacting at all. This is how it felt to leave a soul mate, a partner, a friend. A dream. The will to get over the pain quickly faded, and he let it wash over him, years of repression leaking forth as his own tear began a downward trend.::
     
    ::She couldn’t get the words out. Yet, at the same time, she needed to know. Had they been headed on the path she had been imagining in her mind? What would happen now? She didn’t know about them, but she wasn’t able to just turn off the feelings and the needs and the wants.::
     
    Shayne: I have to.

    ::He’d wanted to say so much more, but his throat was tightening like he was suffering an allergic reaction. If he had any sort of choice, he wouldn’t be taking off now. He was happy here! Columbia was a home- his home! He knew the crew, knew the ship, saw a future to be sought after within these walls. Now all he saw was dust and broken promises, both of his making, spread eternally before him.::
     
    ::Reaching out, with her remaining hand, she pulled herself up and to the edge of the bed. As soon as she’d gotten his hand in hers she gripped it harder than she probably should have.::
     
    MacKenna: I don’t want to give this up.
     
    ::Whatever this was. Oh how hard it was to keep from wrapping herself up in his arms in some grand attempt to physically keep him there. It would be impossible, given her size versus his, but she certainly wanted to try. Her mind was screaming all of the reasons he should stay, but she didn’t dare want to say any of them for fear that he would either take them as her being too much, or in speaking of them they would become real.::

    ::And the only other time she’d fallen for anyone, he’d been transferred and killed in combat.::
     
    ::A shiver ran down her spine. It was like history repeating itself, only this time she had been given a small opportunity to say what she felt.::
     
    ::But could she…?::
     
    ::He gave a slight gasp, and he wanted to believe it was the strength of her grasp, but he knew it was the sensation of finally being wanted, and knowing that, in a few hours, he’d likely lose that sensation permanently.::
     
    Shayne: I don’t want to either.

    ::Truer words had never been spoken. He had touched the face of peace, of hope, of sanity and of kindness, and it was hers, locked behind a curtain of flame red hair, held back by bright, shy eyes. He genuinely didn’t know if he had the strength to go. At this point, it almost seemed like the battle was being lost.::
     
    MacKenna: I think… ::squeezing his hand more tightly, her voice shook enough to show how difficult all of this was for her. Still, she had to get it out.:: I think I’ve fallen for you. You can’t leave.
     
    ::As the statement was made her voice trailed off into almost a whisper. Had he heard her? And how would he take it? And where would they go from here…?::

    ::Shayne died.::

    ::It was as simple as that. One moment, he was a man, a Starfleet officer, a proud cog in the finest machine ever devised, and a lonely, disheartened figure, kept warm by the glow of his love for the Federation. The next moment, that man was replaced. The most important thing in his life was no longer to be found behind the helm of a starship. It was here, on this biobed, clutching his arm like a drowning angel. How could he leave this? For the first time in his entire life, he just didn’t give a damn about orders.::

    ::Almost as if he was in a trance, with his free hand, he slowly reached up past his torso, up to his chest. His clammy palm gently caressed the sigil that had defined him for his entire life.::

    ::He clenched it.::

    ::And with one final, mighty effort, removed it from his chest.::

    ::He was free. He was free now, to love this woman the way she deserved, the way they deserved. He’d not wanted to say anything, for fear of jumping the gun. But they were too close not to care for each other, to similarly handicapped to not cling to each other. Orders be damned! The scrawl of some ancient, withered admiral was all that was preventing Shayne from staying, and sharing with MacKenna the care and affection he showed to the people who mattered. The badge was off. For this moment, he was not an officer. Now he could stay with her, happily and joyfully, perhaps as a civilian, watching her increase in rank and supporting her on her journey to greatness, all the while adoring her.::

    ::And then the vacuum swallowed him.::

    ::Even as he watched MacKenna’s gorgeous, vulnerable, deep green eyes, he felt… wrong. Almost as if he was taking advantage of her. He knew what it was, but didn’t want to admit it. The combadge, still clutched firmly in his hand. It gave him purpose, direction, drive. Without it, he was a shell- hardly the man MacKenna had come to know.::

    ::If he stayed now, he’d be a broken man- emptied and spiritless, even with such beauty by his side. Ash deserved better. She deserved someone with life!::

    ::Bracing himself, and digging deep for whatever strength he had remaining, Shayne grimaced, and shoved the combadge back on, almost like he was driving a stake through his own soul. Another tear rolled down his contorted features.::
     
    Shayne: I have to.

    ::He righted himself, and overshadowed her, and placed an adoring, affectionate kiss on her forehead.::

    Shayne: Because I love you too.

    ::He gave a sharp exhale, and prayed that no one was watching them- he’d never been so vulnerable.::

    Shayne: This is not the end. I promise you that.

    ::He could almost feel the universe itself capitulate to his decree, and he wouldn’t have accepted anything less. Now that’d he’d found joy again, nothing short of Judgement Day would keep him from the other part of his spirit.::
     
    ::The sheer ferocity of the emotions struck her deeper than anything ever had before. She could feel it shoot through her like lightning. Words, feelings, nothing was left unsaid. Nothing was left unknown. And when the smoke had cleared it became apparent that even now, even as protocol stole him away, maybe she wasn’t alone in the wide and all encompassing darkness that was.::
     
    ::Knowing that these moments would be all that she would have for the time until they met again, she stood in his shadow and drank it all in, committing each and every detail to memory. The feeling of strength that came from a connection deeper than words could possibly define was not something she would soon forget, or let go of.::
     
    ::No, this would not be the end.::

    MacKenna: I refuse to say goodbye.
     
    ::Her voice trembled slightly. She would not say it. No. The universe had brought them together once. The distance would only be temporary. It had to be.::

    Shayne: We will see one another again. BE with one another again. If I have to swim the Empty myself, then so be it.
     
    ::Taking in the warmth of his proximity, the overly shy and normally silent red-head looked up and for a moment lost herself in his gaze. Putting every little bit of resolve behind her next words, Ash knew he would believe her. He’d have to, as she’d never been so sure of anything else in her life.::

    MacKenna: I’ll be waiting for you.
     
    ::Then, she pulled him closer and kissed him, letting her actions tell him all that her words could not.::


    TBC!
     
    Lieutenant Commander Ash MacKenna
    Chief Science Officer
    USS Columbia
     
    And
     
    Lieutenant Commander Randal Shayne
    Chief Engineering Officer
    USS Eagle

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