Randal Shayne

It’s almost impossible to divide the vast variety of personalities in the world into relatively solid, distinguished chunks. There will always be wiggle room, and ways to break the mold. I myself was skeptical about the Myers Brigg test when I first heard of it; the claim that a simple test could categorize me into one of sixteen subgroups was difficult to take seriously. Nevertheless, I attempted it, and was quite surprised at the accuracy of the results. It wasn’t too long before I began to wonder how my 118 character would fair on such a test. This, by extension, led to curiosity regarding the results of my comrades in quill. So this leads us to this week’s question; what Myers Brigg category would your character fit into? For those unfamiliar with the test, or unsure of the results, there’s a surprisingly enjoyable free test available online that can be found here. I would strongly recommend answering the questions as your character would for maximum effect. For those of you that already know your character’s category, let us know in the comments section below!

@Quentin Collins III; giving this fleet a good name since the day he started. ((Interior. Faculty of Classics. Cambridge University. Cambridgeshire, England)) Note: This takes place shortly before The Slow Blade Penetrates the Shield. Angelique: Now I know exactly what you are all thinking. “Well, she certainly doesn’t LOOK like a witch!” ::A nervous but genuine laugh broke out amongst the lecture hall. It was always better to try and disarm them first. Catch them off balance. Something she had grown quite adroit at during her long years in academia. Everything about her presentation today was designed to charm. From her burgundy colored tweed suit to the loose curls her thistled hair hung in around her shoulders, she aimed to make the best possible impression on the “stuffed shirts”, as her beloved referred to them. Jamison wasn’t particularly thrilled about the idea of her living in England for the incoming weeks, on loan to the college’s Classics department to help inventory a newly discovered cache of texts, thought to be stolen from the archives of St. Thomas Aquinas. But he wasn’t about to keep her from her books or from teaching new students. Any more than they could have kept their son away from the stars.:: Angelique: Trust me, I have heard it all before. And I’m sure the things I didn’t hear were twice as bad. But here is the question I pose...what if I was? ::the expected Murmur of dissension rattled the room. And the wolfish smile that usually accompanied it from her came as well.:: Angelique: think about it. Truly, think. We will in wondrous times. I look around this room and see a world of academia idealized. Races and creeds from behind the very fold of space now sit among us and learn of us just as we of them. We enjoy a society free of the ugly prejudices of before. A wealth of food for every table. All of this? At one time? Thought impossible. ::he raised her hands in contrition and crossed downward on the stage.:: Angelique: Now I know what you thinking here now as well. “You mean to tell us love gives you the power over matter?! Poppy[...]!” My husband has given me all forms of this argument I assure you. ::more laughter and a wider smile from the Professor. Time to finally reel them in.:: Angelique: but I, like you all, have seen incredible, groundbreaking things. Things that decades ago would have been indistinguishable from magic. I myself have stood upon a leyline and felt it’s charge. I have walked upon the moors of Loch Loroma and cast bones in the moonlight. We cannot be so close minded as to Ignore the mysteries that still await for us here in the hidden parts of the world. Angelique: how can we call ourselves Scholars if we are not willing to seek out the knowledge beyond knowledge? That is what I intend to seek here with you. Now if you’ll allow, I would like to give you a bit more background as to my “school” of thou- ::she never finished the sentence. In its stead a vision pierced though her skull, sending her eyes rolling into the back of her head and her frame bucking at the knees.:: ::Quentin. He was far away. Further than he had ever been from her. Blood coats his hands. The metal god looms underneath him. The frightened keepers hover above the Bird of Prey. She tries to reach for him but he fades. Further still, The Eyes fix on her son. Calling for him again and again and again and again and again and again.:: ::When she awakes, she realizes she’s crying. The assistant given to her by the university, Lucie, stands in front of her, clearly also shaken.:: Angelique: My boy...something’s happened...to my boy. ::is all she manages.:. END PROFESSOR ANGELIQUE BOUCHARD-COLLINS PROFESSOR OF PARAPSYCHOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY EMERITUS SALEM U. BANGOR, MAINE As simmed by LT jg. QUENTIN COLLINS III SCIENCE OFFICER U.S.S. EAGLE NCC-74659 E239512QC0

To be made a captain in Starfleet is to be recognized with trust, respect and appreciation. Despite a variety of episodes in which our heroes encounter less scrupulous colleagues, for the most part, Captains Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway and Archer performed their duties with honor, dedication and courage. Emphasis on the "for the most part." Even the best of us slip up or do something we regret from time to time. The pressures of commanding a starship and protecting ones crew can lead to a variety of ethically grey areas. No captain has been immune to this. Captain Kirk’s (somewhat understandable, if not commendable) bigotry toward Klingons was well documented. Captain Picard’s strict and uncompromising adherence to the Prime Directive lead to deep, lasting consequences on several occasions, and on one occasion, his refusal to order his tactical officer to donate blood to a Romulan doomed said Romulan to a slow and painful death. Captain Sisko was the first to engage in conspiratorially illegal actions, which included becoming an accessory to murder and a blatant violation of the Prime Directive. He was also responsible for utilizing a weapon of mass destruction on a civilian Maquis population. Captain Janeway’s decision to destroy the Caretaker’s array left the entire crew of Voyager stranded in an unfamiliar quadrant, and her obsession with exploration brought incalculable danger into their midst. Captain Archer’s often entitled attitude underlied actions with potentially disturbing implications, such as his refusal to give an entire civilization the cure to a mortal disease, and a desperate attack on an innocent alien vessel when diplomacy failed. Horatio Hornblower summarized it best when he said, “each of us may find a maggot in our past that would happily devour our future”. It seems clear our captains chose to move forward with their lives after these incidents, and maintained their strong moral compass. That said, which captain do you believe was the most morally dubious? Give us your vote, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Congratulations to you all!

It can be difficult to imagine a Starfleet that is even more advanced than what it is today. Already, ships can fly at preposterous speeds, massive arsenals can be unleashed, and vast starships can be protected from seemingly anything that can be thrown at them. Humanity has proven that collaboration can bring about an age of prosperity and progress hitherto undreamt of. Even now, that progress continues, highlighted by the introduction of the Warp XV engine and the designing of new vessels at the hands of our Advanced Starship Design Bureau. Even so, it seems that despite our capabilities, there are a plethora of mitigating factors that can throw crews for a loop. The shields are never quite strong enough, or are easily circumvented. Phasers, though powerful weapons, barely put a dent in some of the stronger foes the fleet has faced. Ships are constantly suffering from hull breaches, explosive decompressions, and rocks being blown out of consoles. The list goes on and on. Fortunately for us, the research division of Starfleet is always in motion, bringing new and better technologies to our fingertips, but they need your help! Your experiences in space are absolutely vital, and they want to hear from you. With that said, this week’s poll asks you to name the area of technology you want Starfleet R&D to study most urgently! Do you think our ship designs and materials need to be advanced? How about our weapons? Perhaps amenities aboard need improvements- nothing like a holodeck failure to take you out of the moment! Or maybe you want to fly past even Warp XV. Give us your vote, and let us know in the comments section below!

Starfleet has always been about exploring, and looking for similarities among differences, and embracing that which is unknown. As a result, from time to time, Starfleet officers are offered a rare opportunity- the chance to serve, in a temporary capacity, aboard a ship or instillation from another power. This is a truly special opportunity- representing the best of the Federation, while working on bridging cultural divides, is a prospect suited to only the finest officers. Naturally, your characters would all qualify (wink). So the question I have for you is this; what alien service would your character be most interested in joining? Would the confined, barren darkness of a Klingon warship suit their fancy? How about the spartan interiors of a Jem’Hadar beetle? Perhaps you’d prefer to serve with a species not listed below? Give us your vote, and explain away in the comments section!

Congratulations! Starfleet Command has seen fit to request and require you to take command of the illustrious USS Insert-Overly-Used-Starship-Name-Here. This is a proud moment for us all, but the challenges are just beginning. Your first command decision must be the selection of a crew from scratch, and what crew selection could begin without bringing on an executive officer? You have a variety to choose from; each is willing to serve under you. Spock, a half Vulcan, is renowned for his effective performance and coldly logical approach. Will Riker maintains that devotion to duty, but appreciates much more informal surroundings. Kira Nerys, a former Bajoran freedom fighter, is known for her quick temper and tough-as-nails constitution. Chakotay, though having resigned previously from Starfleet to fight with the Maquis, is a kind soul wrapped in a stern countenance. T’Pol, a Vulcan woman, has begun to explore her emotions, and attempts to integrate them into her otherwise uninhibited reasoning. This week’s poll asks you to name your choice. It should be a decision that reflects your personal idea of what a first officer should be, and how you’d want yours to behave and look at situations. Give us your vote, and let us know your reasoning in the comments section!

Shayne isn't quite as brave, but just as happy to leave the fancy getups to all of y'all.

LtCmdr Pavlova: "No" and other long-winded responses I chuckled.

Not even Starfleet officers can be brilliant at everything. The years upon years of schooling Academy cadets undergo are grueling to be sure, but, upon graduation, the vast majority of new ensigns are qualified for one department alone. Beyond the fact that the education required to succeed as an officer on a Federation starship or facility is extraordinarily demanding, cadets almost always have some sort of personal preference that helps them decide what path they want to pursue. Skills, goals, and demeanor all have a bearing on what service the ensign will end up providing. This week’s poll asks you to name the department or position that your character would be least adept at. Would their brawny, combative nature make a career in the medical department a struggle? Perhaps their dislike of violence would lead away from the security team? Give us your vote, and let us know in the comments section below!

Ah, that most pervasive of internet staples. It seems that every show and every character has been featured on these loose personality organizers at least once, and Star Trek has been of particular focus. Though I personally believe that trying to shove an entire individual into nine categories is all but impossible, the struggle to pick between separate and distinctive parts of a personality can lead to some fantastic insight. This week’s poll asks you what alignment your character would best fall under? Are they a chaotic individual, striving for good? Perhaps they have a more detached personality, and appreciate lawfulness over all else. Whatever you decide for your character, give us your vote and explain away in the comments section below!

((OOC: I cackled at work. Confound your ability to make me laugh, Mr. @Quentin Collins III!)) ((Interior. DECK 2. SCI Lab 1. After SB281)) ::It had been and long and thankfully boring day of specimen inspection for Ensign Quentin Collins. As was Science Officer protocol after a ship engagement, all of their current experiments and stowed research materials had to be inspected and uncatalogued in case of damage or containment failure. So far they had only lost a rack of fungus for a study Mr. Terumak had been cultivating and Quentin wasn't going to be the one to tell him. But it was steady work and welcome to boot for Collins. Especially after the fiasco that was getting his books back on the 281.:: Collins: oO Not exactly our best moment...Oo ::He winced, closing up another cold storage and marking it "INTACT" on his PADD. God, what if it interfered with the upcoming awards ceremony. What if it just cost him rank?:: Collins: oO is my career over before it even starts? Oo ::The chirp of his comm jolted him from the edge of melancholy.:: Anders: =/\= Commander Anders to Ens. Collins. =/\= ::Just what he needed. He tapped his badge, setting the PADD down on a nearby work table.:: Collins: =/\= Collins here, Commander. What can I do for you?=/\= Anders: =/\= I was wondering if you had a few minutes to stop by Crypto, I am having an issue that I could use your help with. =/\= ::He felt himself brighten. Crypto was the flash new designation that lab up on the Bridge had now. He had done a quick duty shift in there, but he hadn't seen it since CMMD. Anders had moved in and put it to the actual purpose it was built for. If anything it would be worth just a look around.:: Collins: =/\= Absolutely, Commander. I'm on my way.=/\= ::The line cut and Collins turned toward the main doorway of the Lab. He started to step forward, but saw the unmistakable frame of Mr. Terumak. The spiky Tellarite was in the middle of resetting a workstation, damaged in the ship contact. Quentin sighed quickly and stepped in time. Might as well go ahead and rip this bandage off now. He slipped in next to the petty officer on his way to the doorway and cleared his throat. After his instinctual huff when realizing who was talking to him, he continued his work.:: Terumak: Yeesir? Collins: I need you to finish up the materials inventory, Commander Anders needs me upstairs. ::He said pushing the PADD into the crewman's hand. He took it and started to look it over, surely scrolling for his mushrooms.:: Also, your mushrooms are dead. ::He started to look up to Quentin but he had already started stepping toward the door. Quentin heard only a sad scoff as he stepped.:: Collins: ::Calling over his shoulder:: I'm so sorry! When you mourn we all mourn! ::The silence of the corridor was a tonic.:: ((Interior: DECK 1. CRYPTO)) ::All awkwardness from his last encounter was blasted away as soon as he stepped into the lab. It was like a whole other compartment. Somehow sharper and keener, as the equipment gleamed and warbled silently, gathering intel. He instantly spied Commander Anders hunched over one of center consoles. He approached and stood at a loose attention.:: Collins: Commander. How may I assist? ::Maybe a touch formal, but it was better safe than sloppy.:: Anders: I am trying to get the sensors from all the different science departments to link with the Cipher so that it can analyze all data in an extreme situation and for some reason it will not stay linked. It will start the sync and then bump off. ::Quentin furrowed his brow.:: Collins: Well, that's frustrating. ::He motioned toward the console:: May I? Anders: RESPONSE ::Collins nodded and stepped up. Keying in his access codes, he quickly acclimated himself to the new streamlined interface. the Commander really had done a number in here and it was a sight to behold. Even better to actually work with it. He pulled up the synchronization reports and confirmed the Commander's assessment. But even more curious...:: Collins: It looks like all the labs' data streams have linked properly, but something keeps weighing down the whole sync Anders: RESPONSE Collins: I know, stating the obvious, right? Let me try and isolate the specifically unpaired system and then we can work from there. ::He pulled up all the available data streams to CRYPTO. The sheer amount of information was staggering. Almost intoxicating. But even it seemed to miss something to Quentin...:: Collins: Wait... Anders: RESPONSE Collins: I think I have something, sir. ::He tried to access Astrometrics and the computer blerped a denial.:: There we go! It's Astrometrics. My guess is the main scope arrays haven't been updated since you set up shop Anders: RESPONSE Collins: We can try to reboot remotely, but I'm guessing to get you and Astrometrics fully paired we would have to restart the whole eyeglass. But that's not really my school of thought as it were. ::As if by magic, Mr. Hayley stepped into the space.:: Collins: Ah! Mr. Hayley. Perfect timing! Anders/Hayley: RESPONSE TBC ENSIGN QUENTIN COLLINS III SCIENCE OFFICER U. S. S. EAGLE NCC-74659 E239512QC0

If there was a single recurring character that (at least at first glance) seems to embody the very antithesis of Star Trek’s sweeping vision, it would be Quark. The scheming, capitalistic, sexist Ferengi is truly despicable from the very beginning of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and shamelessly displays his materialistic mindset at every turn. Even so, over the course of seven seasons, Quark managed to work his way into the hearts of viewers. His development throughout the series is undeniable and one of the many treats audiences were able to enjoy. What was once a mostly shelved idea for a villainous species was given life through Quark and his fellow Ferengi characters. His popularity is best exemplified by the numerous episodes that had Quark as a focus. Though some of them were truly malignant (looking at you, “Profit and Lace”) the vast majority were effective, meaningful, and often hilarious. This week’s poll asks which Quark moment or episode you found most enjoyable! Give us your vote and let us know your thinking in the comments section!

Ah, @Chloe Waters, you never disappoint.

OOC: This brutalized my feels. IC: ((Kayla's Quarters, time signature: immediately after the mission concludes)) ::Kayla walked around her quarters, reflecting on how completely different her life had been than she expected since joining Starfleet. She wasn't complaining really - The Eagle was incredible, as was the crew. She was glad that this latest mission was over. She'd found the whole situation exceedingly unsettling. ::As she picked up the delicate teacup with steaming oolong from the replicator, her console beeped, alerting her of an incoming transmission. Kayla walked to the small desk, sat down and tapped to complete the connection. To her surprise, it was the face of Michael, one of her brothers, that filled the screen. His customary rakish grin was not in place however. Its absence told Kayla immediately that something was wrong. Very wrong.:: Michael: Hey, K. Drex: Hi, Mikey. What's wrong? Michael: Can you come home? It's Mom. She's ... she's not doing well, K. ::It was like a punch to her gut. Kayla felt the breath leave her lungs, and wasn't sure she had the strength to refill them. Forcing herself, the breath came in a shudder as her vision blurred with immediate tears. Michael was not one for exaggeration or drama.:: Drex: ::choked with emotion:: Michael, what do you mean? I just saw Mom last Christmas. She was fine. Michael: I know, K. She's not sick. There was ... an accident. The doctors stabilized her, but they ::he paused for a steadying breath:: ... they say she doesn't have long. Drex: What? Michael, no! Please tell me this is a VERY bad joke. Michael: I wish I could, sis. I so wish I could. ::now openly crying:: Can you come home? Now? Drex: ::also crying:: of course. I'll leave as soon as I can arrange a shuttle. Oh God, Mike.... Momma. Michael: I know ... send me a message when you know when you'll be arriving. I'll make arrangements for you on this end. Drex: mkay. Thanks for telling me, Michael. Love you. Michael: Love you too, sis. ::The connection was cut. Kayla felt as though the inertial dampeners had just failed catastrophically. The whole room spun. She clutched the edge of the desk for support. Her left hand caught the saucer of her teacup. piping hot oolong tea poured out onto her hand. Swearing loudly, she picked up the delicate china cup and hurled it across the room. As it shattered against the far wall of her quarters, the sound seemed to give voice to her heart breaking into seemingly too many pieces to ever be repaired. ::Kayla collapsed onto the floor by her desk and sobbed for what felt like an eternity. Eventually though, she was able to compose herself enough to tap her badge. She knew her voice would sound raw and muddy, but that didn't matter now. The only thing that mattered was getting to Earth ... before it was too late.:: Drex: =/\= Drex to Commander Oddas =/\= Oddas: =/\= Oddas here =/\= Drex: =/\= Sir, I've just received news from home. My ... my mother is dying. I need to get to Earth as quickly as possible. =/\= Oddas: =/\= My Condolences, Lieutenant. :: pause :: Take the time you need and keep me apprised. =/\= Drex: =/\= Thank you, Commander. =/\= ((timeskip: on the transport ship back to Earth)) ::She sat with her head against the wall of the long distance shuttle, drifting in and out of sleep. She hadn't slept properly in days. Not since the communication with Michael. Any time she closed her eyes, she saw her Momma's face. She was so pretty. Far too young to die. ::Kayla didn't even notice the tears sliding silently down her cheek now. It had become the new normal to be crying. As sleep took her briefly, she continued crying. The tears continued into her sleep - into her dream. ((dream)) ::Kayla was about 6 or 7 years old. It was dark - nearly 10 o'clock at night, and little Kayla sat at the end of the family dock, crying by herself. Leanna, her Momma, walked to the end of the pier, and without saying a word, sat down next to the sad child.:: Leanna: What's wrong, Sparks? Drex: Phillip and David were teasing me because I'm puny. ::The look on Leanna's face was like a lioness, turning on another animal that messed with her cub.:: Leanna: Do you know why they tease you, Kayla? Drex: No. They say it's because I'm a runt, and that I - Leanna: ::cutting Kayla's words in mid-sentence:: Stop. They tease you because you're bigger than they are. Drex: ::looking at her Momma through confused, tear-puffy eyes:: That's silly. I'm not bigger than them. Leanna: Not physically maybe, but look at me, Sparks. ::She lifted the little girl's chin gently so the child's watery eyes met her own, which to Kayla's surprise also had tears in them. Leanna: You are the biggest person I've ever known. You have a universe inside you - a universe of excitement, curiosity, possibility, hope, love, compassion, and beauty. That's what they see when they see you. Whether they know it or not, they see what you can become, and they can't figure out how all that can fit inside such a little person. Drex: Really? ::sniffing:: Leanna: Really. And it's what I see too, but I know better. I know you're going to do incredible things. Everywhere you go, every person you meet, everything you touch will be touched by your universe, and you know what? This universe will be better for it, baby girl. ::Kayla broke into new tears, but this time it was tears of love for her Momma. The one who showed her her universe.:: ((shuttle)) ::Kayla awoke to the gentle touch of the Betazoid co-pilot's hand on her shoulder. He had been very kind to her this trip, being able to feel her pain.:: Nolan: We're nearly to Earth. I thought you would want to collect your things so you can be off more quickly. Drex: ::wiping her tear-stained face:: Yes. Yes of course. Thank you, Mr. Nolan. You've been very sweet. ::Nolan inclined his head slightly, indicating the compassion he'd shown was the least he could do for her, and walked back to his chair at the front of the shuttle.:: ::Kayla took a deep breath and looked around the cabin. She hadn't even opened her bag during the flight. She walked to the small head in the back of the cabin and closed the door behind her. She let cool water run over her hands into the sink basin. That was life, she supposed. You can try to hold onto it, but the harder you cling, the more slips through your fingers. Maybe it was best to just try to enjoy every moment as best you could. There was never a way to know when it would stop flowing. ::She splashed her face clean with the refreshing water, patted her skin dry, and went back to her seat.:: ((Leanna Marsh-Drex's bedside (timeskip: 239604.29))) Drex: Momma? Dr. Antares: She's sleeping now. I'd like to wait to wake her until the rest of your family is here. Drex: Of course, Doctor. Michael: ::putting a comforting arm around his sister:: You alright, K? Drex: No, Mikey. I'm not. Michael: Yeah ... Me either. ::They sat in silence, hardly looking away from the peaceful face they'd known all their lives. Within the hour, The rest of the family had congregated around the bed. Gulliver sat by the head of the bed. He hadn't been able to speak more than a few words of welcome to his children. They all shared his pain.:: Dr. Antares: If you're all ready, I can wake her now. ::Dr. Gulliver Drex - the brilliant scientist - merely nodded and scooted slightly closer to the bed containing the object of his love for so many years.:: Leanna: ::her eyes slowly fluttered open and looked at each of their faces:: Well, darn. I guess this is it, huh? Drex: Momma ... I love you Leanna: Oh baby, I will always love you. I'm so proud of the woman you've become. Don't ever forget that. You are going to do so many great things. I just know it. ::One by one, Leanna said her final goodbye to her family. The tears flowed freely from all of them. Gulliver looked at his children, silently asking for a moment alone. They quietly got up and left the room. In the hall, the five children held each other, holding each other up. ::When they re-entered the room, Leanna had passed. Gulliver was sobbing, his face buried in her hair. Kayla and her brothers moved as one to his side, embracing him, and crying with him.:: NT __________________________________ Lieutenant Kayla Drex Chief Science Officer USS Eagle, NCC-74659 Image Collective Writer ID: E239510KD0 Science is life, art is soul, love is home Wiki: Kayla Drex

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Star Trek: Discovery has been enormously polarizing, both for critics and the dedicated fanbase. The controversy stems from almost every part of Discovery itself; the appearance, the story, the characters, and much more. For all the debate it creates, Discovery is hardly the first Star Trek series to stimulate some level of discord. The Original Series was the first of its kind, both in story style and in presentation. The racial equality, ethical musing and divisive political perspectives presented made it a bold and, in some cases, threatening television show. The Animated Series generally featured decent stories, but the animation itself was a turnoff for some of the audience. The Next Generation was greeted with disgust and apprehension from many old school fans, who couldn’t believe that it would match the original. Deep Space Nine’s grungier, darker tone bucked the utopian staple that Star Trek so firmly clutched. Voyager and Enterprise are both loved and hated by various fans, mostly for the content and direction of their stories. This week’s poll asks you to pick the series you thought was most controversial. Give us your vote, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section!

Hey, don't blame me! I didn't make the movies! 😂

The best soundtracks in films are those that match and enhance the ambiance and themes presented on the screen. In this regard, Star Trek composers have had a particularly difficult job- how do you compress wonder, mystery, and beauty into small auditory snippets? Fortunately for us fans, it seems that each movie in the Star Trek franchise has been graced with a phenomenal musical accompaniment. Whether it’s the introspective, grand and powerful themes from the Motion Picture, or the pulsating, action-filled tunes from the nuTrek movies, there’s something for everyone. This week’s poll asks you to name your favorite movie soundtrack. Give us your vote, and let us know what you chose in the comments section below!

I'd forgotten about that one! Well remembered!

Weddings. Whether you’re throwing rice at the bride and groom or beating them over the head with Ma’Stakas, they are generally happy occasions, and symbolize a sacred union between two people. From the first (aborted) marriage of Robert Tomlinson and Angela Martine aboard the Enterprise NCC 1701, to the long-awaited conjugation of Deanna Troi and William Riker, Star Trek has a long tradition of showing such ceremonies on the screen. Each has taken a different tone, different visual style and, of course, different participants. This poll asks you which of the many marriage ceremonies shown on screen was your favorite. Did you enjoy the Japanese-styled ceremony of Miles O’Brien and Keiko Ishikawa? Or were the somber, aggressive overtones of Worf and Jadzia Dax’s wedding more to your taste? Perhaps the less than romantic civil union imposed upon Quark by the widow Grilka struck the right tone. Give us your vote and explain your choice in the comments section below.

It’s rather surprising to realize just how many relationships in Star Trek are principally parent/child based. In most cases, these connections between beloved characters has yielded fantastic character building episodes, while often posing intriguing philosophical questions. Since the first episode to feature an example of this trend, TOS’ “Journey to Babel”, in which Spock must confront the burden of command and the needs of his family, a long standing tradition has been maintained. Whether the relationship exists for a short time (such as in the TNG episode “The Offspring”) or for the length of an entire series (Benjamin and Jake Sisko), they almost always manage to add heart to a show that can sometimes feel clinical and dry. This week’s poll asks you which parent/child relationship in Star Trek you found most interesting. Give us your vote, and let us know your reasons in the comment section below!

There are an enormous number of inter-series cameos in Star Trek, and more often than not, they’re delightful treats, designed to connect and further flesh out a universe so massive it might otherwise become tangled and unfollowable. Quark and William Riker have enjoyed a number of these appearances, but for this particular poll, we’ll be focusing on those moments where characters from the original Enterprise were featured. Dr. Leonard McCoy’s tour of the Enterprise D is the first of these shown in the pilot episode for TNG, later followed by Ambassador Spock and his attempts to reunite the Romulan people with their Vulcan brothers in “Unification Parts I and II”. The discovery of Montgomery Scott’s shuttle on the Jenolan Dyson Sphere was the focus of the TNG episode “Relics”. Additionally, Sarek (featured in the aforementioned episode, shortly after appearing as a titular character in the previous season of TNG) helped to connect the old to the new, and to pass on a well-known legacy. Finally, in one of the most popular episodes of Voyager, Hikaru Sulu, shown in a memory as the captain of the Excelsior, and Janice Rand, provide excellent background information into Tuvok’s past, while adding some much need variety to the show’s stories. Of these appearances, which was your favorite? Give us your vote, and explain away in the comments section!

For all the work they do exploring and saving the Federation from endless threats, it seems our beloved crews don’t get anywhere near enough shore leave. Nevertheless, when it is shown, more often than not, the results is excellent television. With the first episode to fit this bill- aptly titled “Shore Leave”- a precedent was set, one that episodes following it would generally honor. “Shore Leave” itself is often lauded by fans as a fun romp, and a standout of TOS’ first season. “Captain’s Holiday” features uptight and work-addicted Jean-Luc Picard become embroiled in a time-bending adventure on Risa. “Family”, another offering from TNG, this time hailing from the fourth season, follows the events of “The Best of Both Worlds”, and gives the audience a rare and cherished glimpse of characters dealing with the consequences of previous events. Incidentally, this is the only episode in all of Star Trek canon that does not include a scene on the bridge. Enterprise follows this trend twice- once with the episode entitled “Two Days and Two Nights” in its first season, and another entitled “Home”, which features Enterprise crew members dealing with the personal issues following the conclusion of the Xindi conflict. While there are other episodes that mention or feature shore leave, these are those predicated around it. With that in mind, which shore leave episode is your favorite? Give us your vote, and let us know your reasons in the comments section below!

Which Position Carries The Most Risk? Let’s face it- space travel is a risky business. Swimming through a void specifically designed to kill any organic life as we understand it is no mean feat, and that’s not even mentioning the various dangers that the political climate can bring to bear. If the vacuum doesn’t boil your character’s blood, the Romulan disruptors pointed at them will. If the hostile natives don’t run a spear through their body, the flesh-consuming bacteria they picked up will finish the job quick enough. No matter what position and department they fill on a ship or a station, there is always immense risk. But while some of that risk is universal, others are more specialized. A security officer is the first line of defense against enemy incursions. A doctor runs the greatest risk of infection by plagues, due to their exposure to them. Engineers constantly effect repairs in dangerous and less than ideal circumstances. Counselors deal with potentially violent or disturbed patients. This poll asks you which duty post/department carries the most risk overall. Give us your vote, and explain away in the comments section below!

Emblems, flags and symbols are ubiquitous in the universe of “Star Trek”. Civilizations across the galaxy, be they powerful empires or miniscule entities, are easily identified by their particular sigil of identity. These designs are generally eye-catching, descriptive and easily discerned from one another. The Federation’s has undergone several changes over the shows and movies, but all have maintained the peaceful colors, olive branches and starfield that exude an air of serenity and cooperation. The brazen, barren trefoil design of the Klingon Empire strikes perhaps the opposite note, effectively displaying their imperial approach and aggressive stance to their allies and enemies alike. The Romulans employ a wide-winged raptor, announcing their commitment to their roots and a desire to dominate. The list goes on and on, and for the eagle-eyed viewer, it can provide a seemingly endless source of interest and world-building potential. This week’s poll asks you to tell us what your favorite civilization emblem is. Consider aesthetics, effectiveness and uniqueness in your answer, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!