Genkos Adea
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Posts posted by Genkos Adea
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This was supremely cool and @Talos Dakora is too
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When hot water is poured over ice, there is a cracking sound as the frozen water yields too quickly to melt uniformly. Hiro was pretty sure his stomach just made a similar sound.
@Hiro Jonesthis is my new favourite metaphor
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17 hours ago, Tahna Meru said:
Gnaxac, no! @Genkos Adea
Gnaxac, yes!
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It’s November, which means that no man is allowed to shave. Well, actually, Movember is a men’s health awareness campaign; designed to raise awareness (and sweet latinum) for men’s health issues and causes. But it did raise a conversation in the Poll of the Month Discord chat - who has the best beard in all of Star Trek?
There are plenty of options - the first, and most obvious, is that of Captain Sisko - for not only does the beard make Sisko look like an absolute bad-ass, but it also marks the point at which Deep Space Nine becomes a top tier show, instead of a weird TNG spin off.
Speaking of TNG, the other famous beard is that of William Riker; a beard that Frakes still sports to this day (and still looks fabulous in, might I add!). Again, TNG’s greatness can be tracked alongside the development of Riker’s beard, a bizarre metric, but a metric nonetheless.
Then we have some more oblique beards - the less obvious or less permanent ones. The beard that O’Brien grows in Hard Time (the one where he spends twenty years in a prison despite only being in there a few hours) is arguably the hardest won beard, but it is very unkempt. But perhaps that floats your boat. The scruff that Tom Paris grew in the Voyager episode Alice deserves an honourable mention (but is nothing compared to Robert Duncan McNeil’s current face fungus).
My personal favourite beard, and the image below, is the one Leonard McCoy sports after he leaves Starfleet (but before he comes back). Affectionately known as Disco Bones, the whole ensemble is tied together by a magnificent beard of thick hair.
Finally, because we have to have a joke answer on these things (it’s my stipulation for doing them), there is always Bashir’s beard. Ezri Dax was her name. Ay-o!
Or perhaps you have another favourite follicle (perhaps from the Mirror Universe) - let us know in the comments!
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QuoteMarshall: It doe snake me wonder if they were expecting some kind of imminent attack
Jo makes a typo and makes up some kind of Dr Moreau-type hybrid - the doe snake!
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Schooooooool's out for Genkos
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1 hour ago, Vitor S. Silveira said:
MARINER
Obvious choice because she's a hard-working officer who
nevercutscornersproblems, always obeys authority and hasneveralways deserved any of her promotions.We can say that because it's not true. An incredibly hot mess, Mariner is a fantastic officer with an amazing intuition and drive, but possibly without ambition.Sounds very relatable
There's almost certainly a likeness to a certain someone, yes...
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As we make our way through the third season of Lower Decks, we thought we'd look back at the first two series and ask you all who your favourite of the main characters is. Obviously, there an absolute plethora of characters to choose from if we expanded the choice (although the correct answer is obviously T'Ana) so we're limiting ourselves to the main four Lower Deckers.
First up, Brad Boimler (or Boims to his friends); arguably the POV character for the first season, Boimler is the _ "the laziest, most corner-cutting officer in Starfleet history" _... or is he? Certainly that's how he's remembered in the far far future, but in the show we're shown an incredibly eager and ambitious young man who is also very cautious and only does things to further his career.
Secondly, Beckett Mariner. What can we say about Mariner that hasn't been said before? She's a hard-working officer who never cuts corners, always obeys authority and has never deserved any of her promotions. We can say that because it's not true. An incredibly hot mess, Mariner is a fantastic officer with an amazing intuition and drive, but possibly without ambition.
Thirdly, D'Vana Tendi, the endlessly optimistic science officer. Someone with boundless optimism, Tendi is "not one of those Orions" and is fiercely devoted to the rest of the group. She adores Rutherford most of all, and their friendship is one of the most wholesome relationships in all of Trek. Arguably the most knowledgeable of the group, she is also the most naïve; refusing to see the corruption of Dog when it's blatantly opposite to everyone else.
Finally we have Sam Rutherford - the officer who has flitted from department to department (and settled back at Engineering again). He is a brilliant officer, and his implants give him extraordinary powers (and also dangerous side effects). Like Tendi, he is full of enthusiasm and a massive Trek nerd (building his own Deep Space Nine model) - hence their glorious friendship.
Which is your favourite, and why? Let us know in the comments.
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We all know that Captain Picard is a lovelorn captain - he manages to find romance in most missions, whether he wants to or not. But which one is your favourite? There's only one correct answer, but I'd like to hear your opinions anyway!
Let's start with the problematic one - Kamala. There was a very odd power dynamic with this one, and it's aged like an episode of Friends. Kamala was built to be "the perfect mate" (ew) and fell in love with Picard purely out of him being there and spending time with her.
Vash was an archaeologist with her eye on the prize - the Captain of the EnterPrize, as well as all the black market treasure she could sell. Vash was a great character in her own right, turning up in several episodes of TNG and even a DS9. She and JL had a fabulously antagonistic relationship when it came to their conflicting opinions on what to do old relics, until Q came and tempted her away.
Q - whilst I don't think it's necessarily a "romantic" relationship, I'm going to include it anyway - Q was _obsessed_ with Picard, and that smacks to me of love - plus the finale of season two of Picard - if that's not love, what is?!
Finally, the correct answer is Beverly Crusher. The CMO of the Enterprise, Bev had a will-they-won't-they relationship with our beloved captain. The chemistry between the two was palpable, and if they don't kiss in season 3 of Picard, I will riot.
What do you think? Who did I forget? Drop us a line in the comments
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2 minutes ago, Vitor S. Silveira said:
Oh thank God.
I thought it was this one:
MAGNIFICENT
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"Yalu: I’m okay. You know where Hallia, Genkos and I ended up during the CloQ debacle. ::beat:: What I didn’t put in my report was that the heir to the throne of France became rather– ::beat:: enamored of me. As far as I can tell, the timeline played out exactly as history recorded it, but there’s now a triptych of me and the Duke of Orléans hanging in a museum of European history in Toulouse."
A bloody promotion to the first person who draws this
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Welcome to Day Three of the Annual Awards Ceremony 2022!
The Staff awards are only for those members who have achieved the rank of Commander or higher. Just like last year, we asked the first officers of the fleet to vote on the nominations for each staff award, providing recommendations to the EC about who should receive each award. We’re so happy to have this valuable feedback and guidance for our staff awards!
These awards recognise the hard work of our community members who go above and beyond to ensure that everyone has a glorious experience here. There's so much behind-the-scenes work required to keep the engine of our community running, and these folks are a central part of that.
Honor of the Admiralty
Awarded to Staff Members who have served for a minimum of five years in a multitude of disciplines. From facilitating our task forces, engaging with the Captains Council, and leading with the utmost dedication, these writers volunteer their time, effort, and skill to building our game and community and have comprehensively earned the respect and loyalty of members. This is the highest award that can be conferred upon a StarBase 118 PBEM RPG staff member under the rank of Rear Admiral.
Sal Taybrim, StarBase 118 Ops
Presented by Roshanara Rahman:
One of those strange quirks in life is that despite the years I have known Jamie, the writer behind Sal Taybrim, we’ve actually never simmed together (or if so, just barely during someone else’s IC promotion ceremony). And yet because of many parallels in our “simming career” here at StarBase 118 PBEM RPG and shared milestones, I’ve always felt a kinship with her. Jamie joined StarBase 118 in 2013 and was posted to the USS Excalibur-A under then-Fleet Captain Kali Nicholotti. Over the next year, she rose up the ranks and moved to science officer and then chief diplomatic officer before being named First Officer of our namesake installation, StarBase118 Ops in late December 2014. This meteoric rise was due in no small part to the extensive wealth of knowledge and expertise that Jamie brought to her ships and our community from her roleplaying experience beyond StarBase 118. While I had begun to notice this new rising star as her character was highlighted in quotes and highlighted sims, it was when Jamie joined the Captains Council as Ops’s First Officer that I had the pleasure of seeing just what a skilled roleplayer and gamemaster could bring to our game and community.
Jamie is indisputably a die-hard Trekkie like the rest of us, but through the conversations that were had on the Captains Council and then later on the Executive Council when she became a commanding officer, one could easily see that Jamie always approached a topic from the viewpoint of, “What does this mean for the game and us as players?” The 2010s saw our community begin to shift its focus and emphasis towards higher writing quality, and that’s not a bad thing. The sims written today and expected of players of even lower ranks are more developed, have fuller narration, and just generally read more like the kind of writing that you would find in a novel or fleshed-out fan fiction work compared to our earlier script-style writing that mirrored screenplays (indeed that’s where our dialogue formatting for instance originates).
Yet we all owe enormous gratitude that Jamie has made sure the group recognizes that there is a distinction between good writing ability and good simming ability, and that they are not replacements for one or the other but complements that fundamentally require different skillsets and training. During her interview with the Executive Council for her captaincy, then-Commander Taybrim wrote some of the most in-depth and thoughtful answers and reflections on both her time in StarBase 118 and on simming and roleplaying. It is not an understatement to say that in some ways, that interview was much like Jamie presenting a PhD dissertation-level of analysis on simming and what we as a group and as COs do well, what we could work on, what we should always remember, and what possibilities lie ahead.
Jamie was promoted to Captain on April 23, 2016, several months before my own promotion to that rank later. Because of that, I’ve told her many times I consider her my fellow “Class of 2016” alumna. I must also admit that part of the fondness I feel for her is that we both were a bit of the “troublemakers” as Jordan aka Fleet Admiral Wolf might say during our “lower decks” years. As Jamie herself noted in her captaincy interview, “Because I wasn't married to the game yet, I wasn't afraid of poking the bear - or my mentor, and calling things out.” And yet we both recognized as we continued to advance that having good ideas or questions is not enough; you have to be able to communicate effectively with others and approach your mentors, COs, and the administrators with that same collaborative attitude and collegial spirit that we ask for in the game itself. I’m sure Jamie finds it just as ironic now as I do that today we are on the “other side” of the equation, now faced with finding ways to take and respond to feedback from the next cohort of simmers while upholding our responsibilities as the community’s stewards, tasked with ensuring that we continue the work done by the fleet’s previous leaders who carefully guided its growth over nearly three decades.
I want to end this presentation by highlighting one goal of Jamie’s that she has always been particularly passionate about and continues to push for: finding ways to engage and reward good players who have no interest or are not able to command. Just as Jamie reminded us of the difference between good writing and good simming, she has helped broaden the fleet’s view of what it means to contribute at a fleet-wide level. Previously, the group’s main emphasis was on developing command candidates, and while COs and future captains are certainly vital for our fleet to grow and function, Jamie has worked tirelessly to ensure that strong Lt. Commanders who do not enter the command pathway yet are just as vital to their ships’ health feel validated and nourished by great stories and OOC opportunities to help our fleet function.
When I see Jamie’s passion on this and other topics during our discussions in the Executive Council, I can still see that rambunctious ensign from all those years ago. I am delighted to consider her a friend and colleague and to present her with the Honor of the Admiralty. Thank you, Commodore Taybrim for all you have done for the fleet!
Staff Member of the Year Award
Awarded to Staff Members who have contributed tirelessly to the organization through any number of Out of Character channels, while maintaining excellence in simming on their vessel. This is an award granted to any staff member, regardless of rank.
Jalana Rajel, USS Constitution-B
Presented by Sal Taybrim:
In her ten-year tenure on StarBase 118, Jalana Rajel - who started as Jalana Laxyn, and was joined as Trill often do, was recognized as an experienced simmer and steadfast staff member even early on. She had experience moderating a German-language Star Trek sim before she dove into StarBase 118. Oh yes, did you know that Jess, the writer behind Jalana Rajel is not only an incredible writer (and published author!), but that English is her second language? She’s so profound at writing in English that she has excelled in simming with many of her fellow players only learning that she lives in Germany as they made friends with her! She has maneuvered through many difficult situations in her path towards command, including stepping up as the acting commanding officer of the USS Apollo-A when her CO went AWOL after her Commander’s exam. Shortly afterwards she moved to her one true love in a ship, the USS Constitution-B
From there she has commanded the Constitution-B for over seven years, creating a most remarkable place to play. There is a stability and familiarity to the Constitution’s game (lovingly called the ‘Conny’ by its players), enhanced by Jalana’s love of her favorite series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, which perfectly matches the ship. You would expect a Galaxy class ship like the Conny to feel like the Next Generation, and for over seven years that is exactly what it has felt like. Congratulations, Jalana, you’re on your eighth season now and going strong! There is a warm nostalgia and welcoming feeling to Jalana’s game, matched by her calm and wise leadership and her compassionate portrayal of her character. Her crew lovingly calls her ‘Mama Bear’ and sometimes “Commodore Hugs-a-Lot” and she embodies both of these aspects in and out of character.
As a Commanding officer and member of the staff on StarBase 118, Jalana has always been patient and considerate. She is a joy to work with out of character and always presents a calm, considered viewpoint. She’s unfailingly honest, hardworking and balanced. She can mediate heated discussions with a calm and level head and approaches players new and old with an open friendliness that is unmatched. She is also a wonderful mentor, helping her staff members grow and develop into taskforce leaders, and her newer players grow into staff members.
Furthermore, she’s one of the longest taskforce leaders in the Fleet - directing the Image Collective for almost her entire ten years on StarBase 118. She’s a strong graphics artist who has helped with character portraiture for years, and she was a driving force behind many of our badges, award images and fleet graphics. She’s incredibly dependable in her role on the Image Team, and looking back at the amount of graphics she has created, especially the badges and other templates that we use so often and don’t think about much, is overwhelming. Jalana is always quick to get requests done and always puts care and effort into every creation.
Consistency, warmth, openness, friendliness, dependability. All of these perfectly describe Jess as a Commanding Officer and as a staff member of StarBase 118. While she may not be a brash voice, or a big personality, her steady contributions over time have grown into an incredible body of work. She has improved the simming experience for countless players and is a wonderful person to work with as a staff member and an incredible friend. I am so utterly ecstatic to be able to present Jalana Rajel with 2399’s Staff Member of the Year Award!
Strange Medallion
Awarded to First Officers in the fleet who are consistently dependable, perform above the call of duty in their position, and excel not only in simming, but also in their dedicated Out of Character activities. Those awarded are regarded as leaders who excel in their facilitation of their crew, raising the bar and lifting up simmers to the podium. Named after Commander Sally Strange, widely known as one of the most creative and dedicated First Officers in the fleet's early years.
Wes Greaves, USS ‘Oumuamua
Presented by Ossa V’Airu:
It’s my genuine delight to recognize Jacob, aka Major Wes Greaves, with this year’s Strange Medallion for his stellar simming as XO of the Thor and, now, the ‘Oumuamua. He’s far from the first XO I’ve had the privilege of working with, but he’s easily one of the kindest, most capable, most responsible, and, well, one of the best!
I was excited to see that his nominations for this award came not only from his fellow simmers on ‘Oumuamua, but from friends and colleagues across the Starbase 118 fleet. That, to me, is one of the marks of a great XO, because they need to take those steps into becoming one of the staff members for the Starbase 118 fleet as a whole, and in so doing shift their perspective from a single ship to the whole fleet. Jacob has done so strikingly well, while at the same time showcasing his skills and realizing the responsibilities that make him this year’s Strange Medallion winner.
In addition to coming from around the fleet, Jacob’s nominators include a cross-section of the fleet’s newest simmers and its most experienced. “Minutes after I first logged onto Discord, he had set me up with my roles and welcomed me to the Thor channel,” wrote one of our newest simmers in their nomination. From a more experienced simmer: “He has raised the bar for simmers on the Thor and does it all with a smile, a joke, and a staunch leadership that can't be denied.” High praise indeed!
Jacob’s leadership is something that nearly all his nominators commented on, and it’s something that I value a great deal in him as an XO. Some noted his leadership skills as a part of ‘Oumuamua, while others highlighted what a joy he’s been for cadets and trainers alike in the Academy. Still others noted how present he is around the fleet, whether on the forums, on Discord, or in another venue.
As one nominator concluded, “Jacob has written his role with care and tact and acknowledges the character's faults, uncertainties and imperfections which serves as a fantastic example to other writers. I firmly believe that Wes Greaves will one day be a name we associate with command.” I do as well, and I can’t say enough good things about Jacob, this year’s Strange Medallion winner!
Chief’s Citation
Awarded to essential Staff Members whose determined work has benefitted the group In Character, and/or Out Of Character, even while their primary service was not as the Commanding Officer of a simming installation. Inspired by the non-commissioned and enlisted personnel who are the backbone of any starship but were rarely recognized in Star Trek lore in favor of the officers.
Jo Marshall, USS Gorkon
Presented by Ossa V’Airu:
My goodness, what *doesn't* Em do around here?! From handling these awards to running the writing challenge, from actively contributing to everything that comes up in the Captains Council to volunteering to be the temporary magistrate, it often feels to me like Em is the glue that holds so much of what we do together. I can't imagine what this last year would've been like without her at so many different helms!
I wrote most of the above in my nomination for Em for this year’s Chief’s Citation, and I was thrilled but not surprised to see that she was similarly nominated by many other members of the fleet – and while those nominations were similar, I learned a little more about how much Em does and how well she does it with every one. “In many ways,” wrote one nominator, “Jo Marshall is and has become the face of this fleet. She's got a hand in damn near everything that goes on, and her energy, leadership and enthusiasm is matched only by her infectious desire to make things run as smoothly and as ‘fun’-ly as they can.” Another nominator wrote “I'm not sure that words can really define everything that Jo does for us collectively,” and still another wrote that there’s “no doubt about the amount of contributions Jo makes to the community.”
Beyond what I mentioned above, Em is an active and enthusiastic participant around the fleet – the Image Collective, the FNS, the Training Team, regular contests, including the Writing Challenge – and I wrote above that I can’t imagine what the last year would’ve been like without her, but honestly, I can’t imagine what the fleet would be like without her now, in the past, or in the future, and every time I see her name on the forums or on Discord, I thank our collective lucky stars that we have the gift of Em’s kindness, ethic, and service. She not only earned the Chief’s Citation, she defined it with all she did. Thank you, Em, and congratulations!
The Sarek Star
Awarded to Commanding Officers who show great diplomatic ability in working with members and staff, related to conduct Out of Character. Organisation, collaboration, mentorship, and ultimately making our game tick can be challenges in every respect, but those Staff Members awarded with this have a clear ability to walk those lines.
Oddas Aria, Denali Station
Presented by Quinn Reynolds:
The ability to communicate with a variety of people is an essential skill for any of the staff in our fleet, but there are those who can elevate that skill to heights we all would like to emulate. This year, it’s my very great pleasure to present this award to someone who has worked tirelessly to improve communications throughout the fleet.
As Captain-At-Large, Nick has kept the CC updated on the EC’s activities each month. He also holds office hours, giving our captains the chance to share their experiences, discuss any topics of the day (from campaign settings to how we each handle the OOC administration of the ship), and take advice on how to tackle difficult situations. Nick facilitates these discussions with a dab hand, ensuring that everyone walks away having learned something new.
Beyond his role as CAL, he mentors and guides members of the training team as one of our Deputy Commandants, on hand to help them navigate through difficult situations, setting a fantastic example to our aspiring community leaders. Likewise, his crew talk about how much they appreciate his feedback; clear, helpful, and leaving no doubt that his aim is to support and encourage better simming. When dealing with difficult situations, he’s fair, compassionate, but firm when needed.
We appreciate everything he does, and so I’d like to offer my thanks and congratulations as I present Nick with the Sarek Star!
Christopher Pike Pendant
Awarded to Commanding Officers who command their ship with honor and dedication, and help to provide a creative atmosphere which fosters outstanding simming. Not only do they lead by significant and exceptional example, but they engineer their vessels to be inspirational and creative powerhouses for all who sim on board.
Kali Nicholotti, USS Excalibur-A
Presented by Tristan Wolf:
This award is reserved for Commanding Officers who have reached the pinnacle of their role – being able to deftly manage a plot, mentor their crew, and lead a ship "the StarBase 118 way." You can almost think of it as the "experienced captain of the year" award – in contrast to the Kirk award, for new captains – and it's really so lovely to award this in recognition of someone's focus and determination to be the best game leader they can be.
Nicholotti – Marissa – has really earned this award over her tenure of more than five years in command spanning more than 10 years as a member of our community! She started in 2009, and first earned the rank of captain in 2012. Since then, she has simmed as the CO of StarBase 118 Ops, followed by four separate commands. It might be a little hard to imagine that now – when six of our nine COs (including Nicholloti) hold the rank of Commodore, which denotes more than five cumulative years in command – when our leadership team feels so stable and long-lived! But Marissa earned her stripes in a more volatile period when there was more turnover in staff ranks. Through all that, she has been a dedicated, loyal, and creative member of the staff who's focused on growing the community and running the best ship she can.
All that hard work shows in the nominations she received for this award: "Phenomenal, inclusive, inspirational, fantastically imaginative," were just some of the words that people used to describe her leadership. I get the sense from reading the nominations that many of her crew feel deeply seen and cared for under her command, where their creativity is fostered and the game is exciting and welcoming for everyone. And if it's not the nominations telling that story, it's definitely the sim rates! Excalibur is consistently at or near the top of that leaderboard every month.
It's not easy to spin all those plates at once. Until you've been a CO, it's really hard to imagine just how much skill it takes to not only DO it but BE REALLY GOOD AT IT; to maintain that creativity that keeps people engaged while also leading people in a way that doesn't feel punitive or fake. But Marissa's authenticity and love of Star Trek shines through, making command look a lot easier than it is!
And so I speak for us all when I say "many thanks, Marissa," for the time, effort, and joy you put into the game. It's a wonder to behold, and your participation is a treasure for our community. You very much deserve this long-awaited award.
Please join us in congratulating these members of the staff!
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Welcome to Day One of the annual Awards Ceremony!
Each captain has presented the General (Ship) Awards to their crew. The fleet’s commanding officers choose the winners, (or where the commanding officer was also nominated, we called the first officer in to decide) from the nominations made by you! This is your chance to see how each of the other ships did and see who picked up what award.
The Order of Starfleet Merit and Achievement (TOSMA)
Awarded to members who show great dedication in their behavior and simming abilities. A candidate for TOSMA gives strong, solid ideas to the storyline and character development on a regular basis. They also take the time to edit and proofread their sims to guarantee that their writing is of high quality.
- Bryce Tagren-Quinn, USS Gorkon
- Cade Foster, USS Constitution-B
- Connor Dewitt, USS Arrow
- Ikaia Wong, Amity Outpost
- Jack Kessler, USS Oumuamua
- Kettick, Denali Station
- Noa T'Nessa Levinson, USS Chintoka
- Talos Dakora, USS Excalibur-A
- Trovek Arys, StarBase 118 Ops
The Genesis Award
Awarded to officers who show conspicuous effort in notably improving their simming skills.
- Jacin Ayemet, USS Arrow
- John Carter, Amity Outpost
- Kettick, Denali Station
- Meidra Sirin, USS Gorkon
- Noa T'Nessa Levinson, USS Chintoka
- Rachel Flores, USS Constitution-B
- Ulasso, USS Oumuamua
- Vitor Silveira, USS Excalibur-A
Scotty Cross
Awarded to an officer who shows extreme creativity while solving a plot dilemma or in character plot twist.
- Ayiana Sevo, USS Gorkon
- Chloe Waters, USS Arrow
- Karrod Niac, USS Excalibur-A
- Kettick, Denali Station
Neelix Award
Awarded to officers who go above and beyond the call of duty by displaying additional, Out of Character commitment. This includes assisting fellow officers in need of simming assistance, facilitating Out of Character discussions with the crew, maintaining wiki articles, and more..
- Addison MacKenzie, USS Excalibur-A
- Alora DeVeau, USS Oumuamua
- Artinus Serinus, USS Arrow
- Dekas, Denali Station
- Edward Spears, USS Constitution-B
- Samira Neathler, USS Gorkon
- Scotty Reade, Amity Outpost
Nebula Bar
Awarded to a simmer who has demonstrated great imagination in creating or expanding upon planets, stars, stellar phenomena, and other physical environments and settings, such that these settings create a convincing, descriptive, realistic environment that inspires other simmers or improves the flow of a given plot.
- Etan Iljor, USS Excalibur-A
- Jacin Ayemet, USS Arrow
- Tahna Meru, USS Gorkon
- Toryn Raga, USS Chintoka
- Wil Ukinix, Amity Outpost
Laudean Commendation
Awarded to those who have shown great creativity in many facets of species creation or expansion, including physiological, psychological, cultural, social, and more, their creativity will inspire their fellow simmers. The Laudean Commendation can cover many aspects of species development, such as an expansion of the species on the wiki and documenting their history, but should primarily be based on In Character simming.
- Alieth, USS Gorkon
- Ar'Gorvalei, USS Arrow
- Dekas, Denali Station
- Hallia Yellir, USS Excalibur-A
- Kivik, Amity Outpost
- Shedet, USS Constitution-B
- V’Len Kel, USS Oumuamua
Silver Palm
Awarded to individuals who are renowned to offer that spark to a plot when it is lagging, or for consistently bringing fun or a touch of humour to the sim, while keeping such sims current and realistic. They constantly raise their crew's morale in a variety of methods, including Out of Character.
- Anton Richards, USS Oumuamua
- Keneth Nakada, USS Arrow
- Quinn Reynolds, USS Gorkon
- Sleepy Tiberius, USS Excalibur-A
- Talia Ohnari, USS Constitution-B
- Tomas Falt, Denali Station
- Wil Ukinix, Amity Outpost
Sheathed Sword
Awarded to individuals who choose to inflict mental and/or physical suffering on their character, then dig into the following feelings and decisions in a realistic manner. The term is derived from a passage in a Robert Jordan novel in which a warrior must be prepared to 'sheath the sword' in their own body, i.e. incur a painful wound to attain one's objective (in this case, more realistic simming) rather than a genuine aim of the character.
- Aine Sherlock, StarBase 118 Ops
- Ceciri Ariadust, Amity Outpost
- Cory Stoyer, USS Gorkon
- Dekas, Denali Station
- Elizabeth Snow, USS Chintoka
- Lystra, USS Constitution-B
- R'Ariel, USS Arrow
- V’Len Kel, USS Oumuamua
- Vitor Silveira, USS Excalibur-A
B-Plot Award
Awarded to simmers who, despite the demands of the core storyline, illustrate a substantial portion of the character's life. Their sims convey the journey of their character while bringing their fellow crew members along for the ride, allowing for collaboration and making their world feel as though their fellow writers are a part of it.
- Amuro McKnight, USS Chintoka
- Atan T'Seva, USS Constitution-B
- Corliss Fortune, USS Gorkon
- Hallia Yellir, USS Excalibur-A
- Kalia Qinn, Denali Station
- Quentin Collins, USS Arrow
- Rebecca Iko, Amity Outpost
- Vitor Tito, StarBase 118 Ops
The Russ Bar
Awarded to a writer who possesses an exceptional grasp of Trek mythology. Named after Tim Russ, the actor who portrayed Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager and was a huge Star Trek fan before landing the part.
- Addison MacKenzie, USS Excalibur-A
- Cassandra Mason, USS Arrow
- Kammus Corelli, USS Oumuamua
- Rivi Vataix, Amity Outpost
- Sera, Denali Station
- Tahna Meru, USS Gorkon
- Trovek Arys, StarBase 118 Ops
Pathfinder Award
Awarded to individuals who have taken great care in mentoring other members during their early stages of simming and beyond. They are great communicators who continuously find ways to motivate and inspire their mentees.
- Alieth, USS Gorkon
- Alora DeVeau, USS Oumuamua
- Jaelyne Isa, USS Chintoka
- Lazarus Davis, USS Constitution-B
- Quentin Collins, USS Arrow
- Genkos Adea, USS Excalibur-A
Khan Award
Awarded to a simmer who thoughtfully develops a three-dimensional villain over the course of a mission or more. They create well-rounded and grounded villains, who may be moustache-twirling murderous maniacs or the hero of their own story. A superb villain should be a formidable and deserving foe to your heroes. They should neither be so weak that they are easily defeated nor should they be so powerful that they can only be defeated by chance.
- Genkos Adea, USS Excalibur-A
- Jocelyn Marshall, USS Gorkon
- Maz Rodan, USS Arrow
- Toryn Raga, USS Chintoka
Q Award
Awarded to a simmer who keeps their team guessing with unexpected, clever plot twists throughout the year. Though they may be sudden, unexpected, and even dramatic changes in direction, the twists must be realistic and sensible. The twists should never happen in such a way that people feel misled, fooled, or embarrassed. Great narrative twists always increase, not decrease, other simmer’s participation in the story.
- Karrod Niac, USS Excalibur-A
- Loxley, USS Gorkon
- Quentin Collins, USS Arrow
- T'Lea, Denali Station
O'Brien Award
Awarded to individuals with the rank of Lieutenant or Lieutenant Commander who assist the ship's command staff by mentoring crew, arranging missions, updating the wiki, and performing other activities critical to the successful operation of our sims. These officers serve as the backbone of their ships and stations, assisting in making simming enjoyable for everyone on board. Named after one of Trek's most devoted and tenacious support personnel.
- Alieth, USS Gorkon
- Alora DeVeau, USS Oumuamua
- Cadfael Peters, USS Chintoka
- Edward Spears, USS Constitution-B
- Yogan Yalu, USS Excalibur-A
- Ikaia Wong, Amity Outpost
- John Kendrick, Denali Station
- Maz Rodan, USS Arrow
Vega Award
Awarded to individuals who bring the worlds of their crews to life with art, videos, and all kinds of artistic endeavours. Named for one of the Federation's earliest colonies.
- Aine Sherlock, StarBase 118 Ops
- Artinus Serinus, USS Arrow
- Jocelyn Marshall, USS Gorkon
- Rebecca Iko, Amity Outpost
- Talos Dakora, USS Excalibur-A
Combs Cross
Awarded to individuals who bring their ships to life with well-rounded PNPCs, enhancing plots and character development, without detracting from the main story and characters of the sim. They add depth and colour to the universe, and make the journey the experience. Named for Jeffrey Combs, guest star of a thousand faces.
- Alora DeVeau, StarBase 118 Ops
- Jaelyne Isa, USS Chintoka
- Jalana Rajel, USS Constitution-B
- Karise Indobri, Denali Station
- Kivik, Amity Outpost
- Maz Rodan, USS Arrow
- Quinn Reynolds, USS Gorkon
- Wes Greaves, USS Oumuamua
- Yogan Yalu, USS Excalibur-A
Please join us in congratulating these talented players!
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With over 800 television episodes and films, an objective ranking of on-screen Star Trek content would be impossible. However, within each series, a consensus has coalesced around a handful of episodes that are often regarded as the finest. "The Measure of a Man," "Improbable Cause/The Die is Cast," and "Deadlock" are particularly good episodes from their respective series' earlier seasons, and symbolise each series coming into its own.
Even so, admiration for each series' so-called "best episodes" isn't always universal, and fans' rankings of a series' finest episodes might range as much as their selections for the worst. For ardent Trek fans, evaluating episodes on their merits can be challenging since what we appreciate most about our favourite episodes is frequently impossible to measure. The nostalgia of having grown up with these programmes raises the question of their most acclaimed episodes: “Do we love them because they’re good, or are they good because we love them?”
For this month's poll, we chose two episodes from each of the first five series, as well as one TOS feature and one TNG film that are widely regarded as the best of the best. Only series with completed original runs are represented; we'll have to wait for history to weigh in on the series that are currently in production.
Choose the episode or film you believe is the worst and tell us why. Is there an episode we missed you believe deserves to be the worst "best" episode? Don’t see what all the fuss was about “The Inner Light,” “The Visitor,” or “Equinox”? Tell us what and why!
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Congratulations all, but especially to @Corliss for her fantastic story!
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Everything I just said about Brian could also go for Ryan here - again, a tiny timescale to whip up a realistic MSNPC based on a real person and man did he deliver - thank you @Hallia Yellir
((Edo Castle, Japan, 1859))
In moments that felt like raging storms, there were small times like these where everything seemed to be seemingly dealt with. In spite of the weighing politics that were ever-present in Ii’s position, swarming outside the walls of this grand castle — the monument of his leadership and power. One of the few bastions of power left within the Shogunate.
Marching through his castle, Ii took every step with a metallic ‘thunk’. The iron plating of his armour rattled with seemingly every step he took. Despite it being lightweight, there was an odd chafe around his neck he could never quite get over. But on this particular day, despite everything being taken care of, for the most part, there was one thing he needed to find. An old heirloom, that had been long forgotten in the underbelly of this grand castle. One he perhaps may have placed, and simply forgotten about long ago.
Ii slid open the door, there was the unmistakable stench of stale air. With the little illumination from a dying paper lantern, the outline of figures graced his vision. At first, he wrote them off, simply as servants, but upon closer inspection, he wrapped his hand around the hilt of his weapon. With narrowed eyes, he shouted.
Ii Naosuke: Intruders. Identify yourselves!
Given the recent unrest and suspicion within the other of the Shogunate, Ii had perhaps a small shadow of a doubt that these intruders may wish harm upon him. But… they didn’t look like the people he would recognize. Most of them shared features of the Dutch and Americans he had dealings with.
Silveira: How did we get here? What are you talking about? And where is my bra?
Etan: What’s going on? ::he blurted out, looking at each of the other officers in turn.::
Tiberius: I think we need just need to stay calm and talk this out.
His anger only seemed to boil with the lack of explanation. Nothing came of his simple order and that frustrated him. They were, after all, in Ii’s domain, and it was foolish of these… interlopers to enter the bowels of his castle, his home, without even asking for his hospitality.
Nicholotti: Let's work the problem. What do we know, and what do we think we know?
Ii Naosuke: Have you no honour?! You will face me when you speak. You all trespass on my domain.
The group huddled and whispered in hushed tones as if contemplating their next move and Ii observed closely. Some of them seemed dressed… strangely, one was dressed much like the Europeans he had passingly spoken to and heard of, and another had… odd ridges on the bridge of his nose. The other two seemed normal for the most part.
After a few moments he took a step downwards into the room, tugging on the hilt of his katana and half pulling the blade from its heavy sheath.
Ii Naosuke: You cowardly foreigners conspire amongst yourselves, and you do no acknowledge and bow before he, who is in your presence?
Silveira: My Lord, you have been provided with false information. I am not a baka gaijin. I am Vitor Silveira. Count of Marmelos and I assure you neither my servants ::he gestured to Jor and Tib.:: nor my wife ::he gestured to Kali:: have done anything dishonorable or wrong.
Silveira: I do not wish to insult you, but those accusations stain my honor. And that is something both your people and mine take in the highest account. But out of respect for you I might consider it as a misguided act.
There was a pause in Ii’s thought process. This foreigner spoke perfectly in such a way that had caught the Damoyo completely off guard.
Ii Naosuke: You have entered my castle, my home without my acknowledgement. I wish to know what ‘misguided’ act caused you to do so. After all, it is difficult to miss where my domain starts and ends.
Nicholotti / Tiberius: Response.
Etan: My master speaks the truth, My Lord. ::beat:: We have no reason to seek a quarrel with you. ::he said with a low bow. He didn’t know why exactly he did so, but it seemed to feel right.:: We were set upon during our journey last night and brought to this… place.
Silveira: Response.
Ii Naosuke: How? Did you wander in, caught in some drunken stupor?
Nicholotti / Tiberius: Response.
Etan: If you will permit me, my lord, might I enquire as to where we are? We are most disorientated. ::he waved a hand towards the Commodore and Tiberius.::
Silveira: Response.
Now the gears were really beginning to turn. These people seemed genuinely confused as to where they were, and that only seemed to rile up Ii even more. Either he was being made a fool of by some practical joke, or his guards were so incompetent, that four drunk foreigners managed to sneak into the very base of his castle without so much as turning a head. He returned his weapon into the sheath, but still kept a hand on the hilt.
Ii Naosuke: You’re in Edo Castle. The beating heart of my domain.
Nicholotti / Tiberius: Response.
Etan: The people of… Marmelos- ::he looked to Sil with deference, hoping that he had gotten the name of the place he had said correct:: -have no desire to interfere with the cultural affairs of your people, My Lord. We simply wished to view your… domain.
Silveira: Response.
Ii Naosuke: And yet, do the people of Marmelos view status as nothing but a floor to walk on?
Nicholotti / Tiberius: Response.
Ii Naosuke: This… ‘Marmelos’ this is from Europe, correct?
Etan / Nicholotti / Silveira / Tiberius: Response?
Ii Naosuke: Then give me one reason why I shouldn’t simply cut you all down as we speak?
Etan / Nicholotti / Silveira / Tiberius: Response?
______________________________
Ii Naosuke
Daimyō of Hikone
Tairō of the Tokugawa shogunate
As Written by…
Lieutenant Hallia Yellir
Chief Engineer
USS Excalibur-A
G239409EK0
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@Karrod Niac is a freaking genius. I gave him maybe 30 minutes notice that he was playing an MSNPC this mission, and that they were a real person from history and oh, by the way, here's some tags and a long as heck wikipedia page for them... And he comes out with this beauty. I adore him so much.
(( Palace of Versailles – 1715 ))
Of late, Louis had tired greatly of the affairs of state. Those things which had so enchanted his mind and embroiled his spirits as a youth had turned sour as he had passed into his seventh decade under God. Endless decades of war to expand his Empire had bourn him successes for decades but much like his vigor, those successes had fled him of late and the latest war with the bedamned English, barely five years gone, had nearly robbed France of all that he had built across his long reign. Though he still had the comforts of his mistress Françoise, the Marquise de Maintenon and mother of his only child for which he still bore affection, he increasingly felt the world grow small and dim and tiresome. His enemies seemed to grow in strength as he diminished and there were none alive who would rule well in his sted. The damnable Protestants, worthless Spainards, and endlessly loathsome English held his ire nearly as well as his pitiful younger brother, Phillipe, whose designs on his divinely proclaimed throne had long been spoken of.
Still, even with all the matters of the realm in turmoil, his court had convened for yet another ball. Though he had sworn them all to propriety many years past it seemed that his advisors had grown fat and comfortable, suckling upon him like leeches all these years. Were he a younger man he would've expelled the lot of them and wrapped his fist tight around the reigns of the nation as he had when his mentor Mazarin had died, but he was no longer as he had been. So his nobles fritted away wealth and spoke of him in glowing terms which rang false to his ear. And still, they danced. He'd nearly nodded off in his throne, too much wine and too little sleep for one of his failing vigor, when a commotion went up from the dance floor and drew his attention. Of course it was Phillipe, hated Phillipe, who was first to raise his voice.
Phillipe, Duke of Orleans: Who are you all?
The orchestra halted mid-note as a murmur of confusion and shock spread around the room. A small group of strangely dressed foreigners seemed to be the loci of the courts attention. Louis squinted through failing eyes to catch a better look at them but could hardly make them out.
Yalu: Your Royal Highness, we are visitors. ::beat:: From the Czech lands. A great flood has ravaged our noble home and we have been cared for warmly by your loyal subject, the Bourgmestre of Poitiers.
Yellir: We apologize for our sudden appearance, but we wished to meet you so very badly, Your Royal Highness.
Adea: And thank you for your hospitality.
Jolara: Response
Phillipe, Duke of Orleans: ::turning to an elderly man on a throne:: Uncle, who are they?
Louis cast the man a scornful sidelong glance before turning his attention to their unusual guests.
Louis XIV, the Sun King: We, ::He always used the Regal We when speaking as King:: welcome those displaced of Bohemia...or are you of the Moravian Czechs?
Jolara: Response
Yellir: ::whispering:: Are we certain that was even the correct title?
Yalu: ::whispers:: I don’t know, it just seemed like the right thing to say. ::beat:: I’m going to need someone to help me get up.
The Czechs, possibly lowlanders of questionable stock, seemed to be whispering to themselves in his presence, which rankled his good humors.
Louis XIV: Odd that this is the first We are hearing of your presence. Tell Us, of what sort of Nobles are you? Some cousin of the Habsburgs?
Yalu: We make towels, Your Majesty. Soft, absorbent towels. Suitable for any occasion.
Jolara: Response
His eyes narrowed. Merchants of linens who claimed nobility? Had the Habsburgs fallen so low of late?
Louis XIV: Surely the Czech lands are poor indeed if towels could astound them so.
Yellir: Your Most Eminent Highness, they are so soft one could use them as pillows, and you would not even know the difference.
Adea: No sire, and if you did, you could take this ::he pointed to his head:: from this ::he pointed to his chest, before looking over at the rest of the group and whispering:: What… too soon?
Yalu / Jolara: Response
Louis was quickly losing what small measure of patience he had for these imbeciles.
Louis XIV: Your japery is quite buffoonish, and you have not yet introduced yourselves in Our presence. What are your names? Where is the Bourgmestre of Poitiers? Bring him forth immediately to account for the behavior of his guests.
Hallia kept her voice low whispering to any who would lend their ear.
Yellir: ::in a low voice:: I really don’t enjoy being surrounded as we are, where even are we?
Adea: ::matching Hallia’s whisper:: I want to say… Earth?
Yellir / Yalu / Jolara: Response
Louis had officially lost his patience. He raised a craggy hand towards the Captian of the Guard and the man snapped to even stiffer attention.
Louis XIV: Guards, take these people from my sight at....
Phillipe extended a bony finger and pointed at them, before letting out a loud guffaw.
Phillipe: Uncle, these must be the delicious new comedians we have ordered. They are so so funny with their towels!
He laughed, and raised his arms for the court to laugh with him, which they did as one. Genkos chuckled nervously.
Adea: What the… Definitely Earth… Old old Earth.
Yellir / Yalu / Jolara: Response
Louis scowled in anger, confused and more than a bit befuddled. He felt he was being mocked but he did not understand how. Phillipe must have been behind it all somehow. Yet another attempt to make him look the fool. He lowered his hand and his guards stepped back to their waiting but tense positions.
Louis XIV: Czech clowns, Phillipe? Are you so bereft of diversion that you would have it imported?
Phillipe: Response
Adea/Yellir/Yalu/Jolara: Response
Louis felt exhaustion creeping back into him and he leaned back heavily upon the throne, the momentary distraction losing what little appeal it had.
Louis XIV: Very well, Phillipe, very well, if you wish to waste the courts time on these antics, so be it. Go on with your performance, clowns.
Phillipe: Response
Adea/Yellir/Yalu/Jolara: Response
Louis XIV: Well it seems you've amused my court although We are not so readily jocular. Nor should you be, Phillipe.
Phillipe: Response
Adea/Yellir/Yalu/Jolara: Response
Tags/TBC
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His most Resplendent and Anointed Majesty
King Louis The Fourteenth
Louis The Grand,
Louis The Grand Monarch,
Louis, The Sun King
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It's April, it's Spring (at least in the northern hemisphere) and it's starting to warm up (again, only for those of us up north). This means only one thing to many people - birth, growth, renewal. All of this can be summed up in the Christian celebration of Easter - the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. To many who celebrate (and a lot of people who, like myself, don't), Easter is symbolised in the form of an Easter egg.
Now we could have asked you all about your favourite forms of chocolate (correct answer: all) and maybe we'll do that next year, but instead we thought we'd ask about that other type of Easter egg - the in-joke, the reference, the little nugget of gold that's only there waiting for the fans to leap upon and write about on countless internet forums... And our Discord, of course.
Fair Warning: This post contains some spoilers for the new series of Star Trek: Discovery, Picard, and Star Trek: Lower Decks. We have warned you!
The most recent, and arguably the greatest Easter egg ever made by anyone ever (because it references my favourite Star Trek film) was the momentary reoccurrence of Kirk Randolph Thatcher in Picard. He originally played the "Punk Dude" who is accosted by Kirk and Spock in the masterpiece film, The Voyage Home, and memorably appears in the Picard episode "Watcher".
Another little Easter egg is the delightful appearance of the famous Vasquez Rocks in pretty much every episode of the Original Series, as well as many other appearances in plenty of other Trek series (and a few other non-Trek films and TV shows including the A-Team, the Muppet Movie and the live action Flintstones).
The one that cannot go without mentioning is the use of Majel Barrett-Roddenberry as the voice of the computer in almost every series since the Next Generation; for me, when I write my sims I can always hear her responses as the computer. It's like she's still with us every time.
Who hasn't simmed their character climbing through the Jefferies tubes on board their ship? Those maintenance crawl spaces have more in common with the nautical vessels, where space is at a premium and tubes are the way forward. These maintenance shafts on board our starships are named Jefferies Tubes, after the Starfleet Engineer W.M. Jefferies, who was named in homage to the real designer of the original Enterprise - Matt Jefferies!
And of course, absolutely every episode of Lower Decks features a ridiculous amount of Easter eggs in every scene, and to list them here would take up an entirely new poll! But suffice to say, I'm going to pick my favourite, which is the only canon appearance of the Spock Helmet toy from the 60s in Ensign Mariner's stash of contraband.
But what's your favourite? One of the above, or a completely different egg altogether? I'm egg-cited to hear your answers!
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Can we all take a moment to appreciate the title of @Addison MacKenzie's sim "So You Wanna Form a Union"?
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@Etan Iljoralways plumbs some fascinating depths when exploring emotions, and this one is no exception.
(( Ship’s Library, U.S.S. Excalibur ))
In the fourteen or so months since he had been assigned to the U.S.S. Resolution (and subsequently the Excalibur), Iljor had found himself utterly intimidated by Commander Addison MacKenzie. She was one of the most forthright people Iljor had ever met and carried herself with a sternness that reminded Iljor of several of his strict professors at Starfleet Academy. Meidra had often spoken about the XO’s dressing downs and had also been present for many disapproving looks and comments. In short, Iljor prayed frequently to The Prophets never to get on the wrong side of his imperious superior. So far, he had been doing well.
As MacKenzie lowered herself into the chair opposite his own, Iljor hoped that she was not about to grill him on the subject of his reading matter. Fortunately, she seemed to ignore the fact that he had been reading what amounted to poorly written Klingon erotica (indeed, it was more comical and - in places - disturbing than erotic).
MacKenzie: I think you had attempted to engage in a fairly important ethical conversation, but your timing was perhaps… poorly chosen.
Drawing a breath, Iljor nodded his head embarrassed. She was, as usual, correct. Attempting to debate the ethical implications of their efforts to remove technology from the Demesian people in the middle of what had amounted to a jail break had not been one of his finest nor well chosen moments. He had not planned to do so but had found himself unable to stop himself.
Etan: I see. ::he said, slowly.:: I guess bringing that up in the middle of breaking somebody out of an asylum wasn’t the best time. ::he admitted.:: How is Tina, if I may ask? ::he added a moment later.
The fate of Tina Kuppasoop had been playing on his mind ever since the Excalibur had retrieved him, Karrod and Sil from the emergency shelter a dozen or so kilometers outside of Jupe. Since their second return to the ship aboard the Gawain, Iljor had left a polite request for updates from the ship’s medical staff- but nothing had come of it.
The shake of MacKenzie’s head and the looks of concern that etched itself across her face told Iljor everything that he needed to know.
MacKenzie: I don’t have an answer. She is… not well. She looks like Tina Kuppasoup, but she insists that she is someone called Mary Daniel. There is no evidence in her file of any kind of multiple-personality disorder, and even if there were, there’s no evidence of multiple personalities at this point… ::she paused briefly, long enough for her eyebrow to rise:: only one.
Iljor nodded sadly. It was an awful situation with very little ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ to borrow from an expression from MacKenzie’s homeworld. From the sound of it, there was little that the medical department could do and that psychological services would need to intervene. Unfortunately that might prove difficult.
Etan: Oh dear. ::he said, after a moment of reflection.:: It is just our luck that our counseling department is… lacking.
Iljor pursed his lips slightly in annoyance. That Meidra Sirin would transfer to the Gorkon without warning in the middle of a shift was unfortunate. Although he was not about to stop his friend from doing what she felt was important for her career- that she had not even bothered to say goodbye had stung Iljor. He was supposed to be her best friend, after all. He knew he was probably reading far too much into the situation and tiredness was probably influencing his emotion- but it felt as though she had simply discarded their friendship in the name of advancing her career.
Etan: oO I guess you just don’t know somebody like you think you do. Oo ::he mused, recognising the bitterness of the thought.::
MacKenzie: It is an… annoyance that our chief counselor chose this time to make such an abrupt departure. Timeliness and consideration were never the Vulcan’s strong suits, in my opinion.
Iljor nodded in agreement. As much as he cared for Meidra, the XO was right. Her enmity for the Excalibur’s former head of mental health services had been known to most aboard. That MacKenzie could work with Meidra despite her dislike was something that Iljor could respect- but also led him down an unwanted path: did she like Iljor or did she hold him in resentment? The fact that he couldn’t tell was another reason why she intimidated him so.
Etan: I’m not going to disagree with that. ::he said, quietly.::
MacKenzie: At any rate, no sense in worry about things we can’t change for the moment. I’m sure Commander Adea and the others are more than capable of figuring out just what’s going on with her. If I recall correctly, you started to ask me about the ethical implications of what we were doing on Demes II, but you never really got to finish your inquiry. Is that a conversation you’re interested in having?
Iljor straightened in the chair, feeling his shoulders tense in anticipation. He bobbed his head slowly to indicate his willingness to pick up their conversation from the asylum.
Etan: I’d… like that, yes.
MacKenzie: Response.
Iljor put his hands on the desk in front of him, intertwining his fingers as he did so. He took several moments to compose his thoughts and drew in a breath.
Etan: My concern is that what we’re doing is papering over the cracks. ::beat:: The Demesians have grown used to using Starfleet technology and they’ve shown a… startling aptitude for reverse engineering it. I mean, I read your reports: they managed to create their own approximation of an industrial replicator. If we take away this technology, we risk affecting their culture just as much Regillensis did when he abandoned that listening post.
MacKenzie: Response.
Etan: I don’t think removing the technology is the answer. The cultural contamination and damage to Demesian society is done. Short of going back in time and making sure the Rampart never visits the planet- we cannot change what happened. I think we have a fundamental responsibility to help these people adjust to a new phase of their development.
To do anything else felt like covering up Regilensis’ crimes- and Iljor was worried that was exactly what Starfleet Intelligence and Starfleet Command were trying to do. Both departments had a frightening number of skeletons in their respective closets but in recent years there had been a fundamental shift in their approach to their litanies of renegade officers. Instead of being open and honest with the citizens of the galaxy and working to better themselves, Starfleet had taken to coverups and deflection.
MacKenzie: Response.
Etan: I won’t disagree that the Demesians were not ready for Starfleet technology but they have it. I’m not suggesting nothing so grandiose as bringing them into the Federation, maybe something more akin to what Second Contact crews do. Help make them sense of what has happened and prepare them for whatever lies ahead. ::he sighed, unsure of whether he was making sense or not.:: Am I making sense?
MacKenzie:
--Lieutenant Etan Iljor
Chief Science Officer
USS Excalibur
NCC - 41903 - A
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We've had a right old journey in this mission, and apart from the excellent Mary Daniel, we've had an unsung hero written by @Karrod Niac who's final sim here is a beaut. I can even forgive the ENT reference.
((The Outskirts of Yanthi Village, A Simple Tent))
It had been days since the strangers had so abruptly departed her city but they had left behind ideas that were as indelible as the scars on her hands. She regarded them as the wind whipped around her tattered home, so far from the Emberhearth and all she had known only a short time and whole lifetimes ago. Her mottled hands had once been a mark of pride, of her faith, devotion and piety. Now they looked ugly, the relic of a foolish devotion that she could no longer fathom. The wind picked up and cut through the tent like a chill knife, finding her and her small fire, wrapping her in a bitter cold that threatened to steal the breath from her lungs.
She had returned to the Emberhearth after the strangers had vanished but the place that had once so filled her with warmth and purpose seemed entirely devoid of both. She tried to explain what she had seen and been told to the Upper Cleric but he had called her addled and, when she would not recant, had the skraats of the Morality Patrol strip her of her few vestments and eject her from the village as either a heretic or a lunatic. Practically speaking there was little difference in their eyes. Ulst had once looked to them for kindness and guidance but in her hour of greatest need she'd found only cruelty and small minded fear. Rather than listen to her or inspect their own beliefs, they had cast her out into the cold, never to return. They assumed the frost would put an end to her 'ravings,' but Ulst Rekaa had survived the frost before and would not be a victim to it now. Not when she had such truth to guide her.
She realized after the first horrible night that her ejection had been a blessing in disguise. Had she remained in the Emberhearth she would've come to doubt her own mind, setting aside that which she had seen and known to be true for the comfortable illusions of the Ember. She'd known so many to do so, even taught and guided so many in the means of doing so that she knew well it's seductive power. After a time it would've consumed her truth and she would have remained small, and unimportant, and quiet. Now she would be so much more.
The flap of the tent opened and the first of her new disciples entered cautiously. Ty'sen, the largest man in the village and the strong right arm of the Morality Patrol himself, had been greatly troubled by their shared strange evening. Though he had awoken with barely an injury minutes after the strangers had departed, the memory of their might and fury lingered in him. A man who had never known defeat before, who had never known fear before, had tasted of both. He needed truth to make that bitterness palatable and had come to Ulst for it. Others came as well...some who had been there that night. Others who had seen the odd goings on in Yanthi in the weeks leading up to that night outside the barn. They knew not what had happened but were no longer satisfied, if they ever had been, with the Emberhearth's narrow philosophy. Within a span of minutes there were nearly a dozen in the small tent, huddled for warmth and sharing food, drink and blankets with one another in a charitable display. It was affirming to all she had done so far and spoke of all she would do in the days, months and years ahead. For she had been Blessed...and now she must share the great truth with as many as she could. The travelers settled and even the wind quieted as Ulst stood and looked to each face with a passionate glint in her eye.
Ulst: Brothers...sisters. You risk much to come here, yet you do so gladly because you are brave. You are wise to doubt, clever to listen and noble to spread the Truth to others. Our congregation has grown so much already that we will soon need to find a new meeting place. But we'll discuss that at the end of our evening. First though, let us begin what we came here to do.
To a one her flock stepped outside the tent and into the chill night air, turning their faces skyward. It was hours pre-dawn and her tent was situated on an outcropping on one of the tallest hills in the area. The view below was of nearly undifferentiated white but skyward, when the clouds shifted just right, there was the new Enormity. It took her breath every time she looked upon it now and she wondered how its magnificence could've gone so unnoticed before. Delicate motes of light against the unfathomable deepness of shaded blue and darkest black. Tears of joy froze to her cheeks as she looked upon it and she knew she was not alone in it.
Ulst: Look upon the Enormity and let your hearts be glad, brothers and sisters, for what is our First Great Truth?
Ulst spoke in unison with all assembled.
All: We are not alone!
Ulst: Though we struggle, though we suffer, there are those among the deepness who are friends to us. And that is the Second Great Truth!
Again, they spoke as one.
All: They have come unto us!
Ulst: Yes my friends, yes! They have come unto us, hidden among us, to learn and do justice, but not to harm. For that is not their way. No, theirs is a way of service! Theirs is the path to righteousness!
It was the Third and Fourth Great Truth.
All: For They Are Just! They Are Righteous!
Ulst: And we must prepare ourselves for their return, my friends. We know not when but we know that they are watching and waiting, their hand ever gentle, guiding us ever towards them. So live justly! Harm none! Move and act with deftness and in secret until the day comes when they return! And how shall we know them, friends?
All: It Points the Way To the Stars!
Ulst knelt and began drawing against a large stone nearby. Her mutilated fingers traced the lines from memory now, wet snow contrasting against the light stone in the torchlight. Though they had tried to hide it from her she had seen this symbol upon their strange devices and others had seen it upon magical machines brought to the village foundry. It was their mark, their symbol, and she would ensure all her people knew it so they'd be welcomed upon their return. She stood back and the congregation grew silent, following the flowing lines to the sharp point at it's zenith, pointing towards the stars above. She did not know it was called the Delta, or what Starfleet was, but she knew this symbol meant divinity and it would on her world forever more.
[End for Ulst Rekaa!]
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Ulst Rekaa
First Prophet of the Enormity
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Oh man, I came here to post the exact same thing. Wonderful work by our wonderful Yalu.
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Poll of the Month: New Year, New Me!
in Poll of the Month
Posted
Happy New Year! Have you made your resolutions yet? I have; to do better at the poll of the month! How am I going to do this? By considering which duty post I would like to do, if I wasn’t already a doctor… and I’m going to urge you to do the same! New year, new me and all that.
So, let’s start off with the red-shirts! Helm/Com/Ops offers a chance to explore the galaxy as a pilot, whilst also being the first to hear the goings on at the bridge, and keep in touch with the life of the ship at Ops. It’s really the catch-all role; one to suit all your variable needs!
Security and Tactical is more than just going pew-pew; it’s also about preventing the need to go pew-pew on in the first place. You’ll also be the first to lead investigations, defend away teams and make sure that everyone is up to date on their training; there’s more to firing a phaser than just pointing and shooting (not much, but still!)
Engineering is critical to making sure the ship doesn’t fall apart (literally), and perhaps crawling around in Jefferies’ tubes, getting down and dirty in the bowels of the ship could be your new jam!
Science; the final frontier (that’s the saying, right?) - do you look good in blue? Or do you just really like tricorders? Science is a great place to discover new things about the galaxy, and about yourself.
I may be biased, but everyone should be a doctor - then nobody would get injured, and if they do; at least we are sorted! We also get cooler tricorders than Science, with removable doohickeys, and cool teal coats.
Want to make sure the ship doesn’t fall apart (metaphorically) - join the ranks of Starfleet’s counsellors. Are you a friendly ear; a good listener; do you give good advice? Then perhaps you can avoid the dangers of the front lines (well, sometimes) and listen to those that do’s problems?
Now there’s a few roles that I can’t go into as much detail for; Intelligence, the Marines, civilians, but if you are thinking of doing a new character, or swapping your existing character, into one of those, or any of the above; we want to hear about it in the comments below!