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Sotak
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4 hours ago, Ava Lacey said:
Maybe I just like this because I’ve always liked when they did this is LOTR.
I also liked this aspect of the Klingon language appearing so much in the show. Star Trek and LOTR are very unique in that kind of world-building, and even if some may complain that having it being there so explicitly for so many scenes is just a strategy to appear clever (because I've found that complaint for some reason?), I believe it adds to that richness and that they should actually exploit it. Back when I was deciding which of the main three Elf languages that Tolkien invented to learn, I researched about fictional languages in media, and I was surprised how few actually have a made-up-start-from-scratch one, and not combinations from existing ones and then encoded to sound unrecognisable.
Basically, I'm glad they didn't skip over their own mine of gold. TEN POINTS TO DISCOVERY!
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7 hours ago, Roshanara Rahman said:
I liked that teaser a lot! Thanks for sending it!
I'm very thrilled about everything that's going to be covered in s2. I hope they do a great job with everything they're creating, and I can't wait for it to come.
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Is there a link to the news?
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9 hours ago, FltAdml. Wolf said:
I love this question because, to me, it really underpins the whole reason that Star Trek is utopian in the first place. It's not Starfleet that makes this vision of the future compelling, it's the economics, which influence everything else.
It's strange to think that such a basic aspect of the Federation affects everything else we see in Star Trek and yet it's something not many people understand and are confused by.
10 hours ago, FltAdml. Wolf said:The point is, there are lots of motivations we can't understand from where we are right now because we're enclosed in a system that creates perverse incentives. But things are so entirely shifted by the lack of want for anything, it will totally reconfigure our outlook on what's worthwhile and what's not. The simple fact of having – let's say, for the sake of what we know of Star Trek life spans? – 120 years of healthy life to "fill up" with something will give everyone a sense that there's plenty of time to get to all the things you want to do, and there's no reason to work yourself to death early in life or spend all that time doing one single thing. Why be a doctor for 80 years when you can be a waiter, a doctor, a librarian, an artist... ?
So many fun things to imagine
Thanks for bringing this up!
It's really a utopian society isn't it? I also began to wonder that for example, it's really common for people before going to university to want being something that is in their heart's desire but end up studying something much more economically convenient because what they want doesn't matter unless they want to starve. And it really is unfair, because if you're not developing your skills as much as you can and fulfil your goals, what is there to live for?
It's also mentioned many times that we are capable to change our system into something similar to Star Trek, but I don't think humanity as it is has the mindset for it. We have the resources, we have the power to change, but I don't personally believe the change would be smooth at all even if it happened, which I also highly doubt. If it ever is attempted, it will probably crumble in the first few years.
Or maybe not? I mean if communism is a thing after so many years even if it's proven to be ineffective and highly damaging to a society, who's to say a system like the Federation's won't be attempted, fail to stand for a few years, and then prove to be good for everyone? Will globalisation poison a nation with said system or will its development with proto-post scarcity need to be parallel to every nation in the world? Maybe it's not necessary. Maybe it's like the Federation isn't "poisoned" by the Ferengi, for example. They're just used to different things. Maybe there is hope for humanity yet.
5 hours ago, Valin Dermont said:Totally separate fact...I am very glad that this subject was brought up. A large piece of my character's backstory is the fact that he owes a large sum of latinum to a Ferengi lender for a loan from his pre-Starfleet days.
And actually, part of the reason I've been thinking about this subject is precisely the issues Dermont is having with money. Since I was under the assumption that the Federation was sort of a communist-capitalist society in which money doesn't exist but you still have free will to choose your career paths and such, I was slightly confused by your character arc, but dismissed my questions for some time believing that I really didn't comprehend anything about economy in Star Trek and everyone was informed on the subject. I'm glad to see there is actually quite a big explanation for my questions, because it really is much more complex than I originally thought.
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45 minutes ago, Roshanara Rahman said:
Likewise, say you want to see the stars and travel in class aboard a Galaxy class starship. What if you don’t want to go to (or can’t get into) Starfleet Academy and you don’t want to enlist? Joining for a tour or two as a civilian bartender or waiter in Ten Forward doesn’t seem like such a bad gig then. Work a few shifts and then enjoy the rest of your time aboard the Enterprise! I’m sure there are plenty of us who would sign up to pour Picard’s drinks.
And I hadn't thought of that, actually. It does make sense for some people to do that, and yeah there are plenty of people in the Federation. And if their ideals are those of free determination and self-improvement, which would be the necessary incentive for people to learn and do things with their own lives instead of expecting any other reward. Makes sense, while it also ensures there is no corruption or theft because there is not even a need for it. Win-win situations are always the best.
Again thanks for the answer! It sure got me thinking, while it also made me a little better how to handle things from now on. Very insightful.
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56 minutes ago, Roshanara Rahman said:
One of my favorite articles about this subject that we actually ended up sharing a link to on the 118 Facebook page:
https://medium.com/@RickWebb/the-economics-of-star-trek-29bab88d50
Pretty deep on the analysis of the subject. I think I have a much better view of how this works now. We really only see capitalism against communism in the world, and since I'm not really knowledgeable about economics at all, it was specially informative. Thank you so much for sharing that, I think I'll use it for reference throughout my entire life
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So it's been mentioned quite a lot in Star Trek media that by the time of the 22nd century, human kind no longer uses currency at all. It's a perfect society where hunger, need for acquisition and disease have been eradicated.
It's strange. We don't know what it's like to live in a society like that. We want to eat? We pay. We want go on vacation? We pay. The system may make many people corrupt and so but it works to be just in what you receive.
But if we try to imagine it... If you were in the Federation you go to a restaurant and what? You leave without giving anything? Why would people even want to work? I mean for example those waiters in the restaurant... were they born wishing to be waiters? I doubt it, but then what's the incentive?
I'm not complaining about the system at all, but it does seem a bit unrealistic. I realise Star Trek is this perfect utopia where people dance in rainbows, but using in-universe reasons, what's the logic behind it?
I recently found myself simming in a situation where in this century you would normally pay but supposedly in the 24th you wouldn't, and I didn't know what was the correct way to proceed. Any insight on this is appreciated.
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On 28/2/2018 at 6:42 PM, Evan Delano said:
I'd have the same attitude that I had watching the recent reboot movies. I wouldn't be super excited, but I'd still probably go see it. No matter how bad it was, Insurrection and The Final Frontier would (probably) still be worse.
I think this is basically my attitude toward the whole thing. And I haven't personally seen anything from Tarantino, so I can't give my opinions on him, but if you asked me if I would want another reboot I would say no thanks. We don't need another flashy star trek film. But still, I'll just hope for the best.
10 minutes ago, Hannibal Parker said:Quentin does have his own style, but it should be interesting as to what he is going to come up with. At the end of the day, if Star Trek had not been done for the first time in 1965 and was starting out for the first time, most likely it would be sexier, grittier, more gruesome. It's all about the eyes on the product, with Rodenberrys' vision second.
I agree with this as well, but I don't want just another senseless sci-fi film with no meaning and only becomes popular because of its violence like it's trending these days. If however, those elements you mention can be added without losing Roddenberry's vision, I would find the balance very appealing (like Discovery is trying to find its footing with this balance), but since it's very difficult to nail that, I don't think I would like the end result of the attempt. I don't even know if they intend to try and nail it from the start, and that's my main concern.
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5 hours ago, Gogigobo Fairhug said:
I have to say, as Discovery went on I began to just accept it for what it was. It did take a few episodes, but I got used to it.
The Klingon thing still annoys me though. 🤣
As I said, loved that they explored Klingon culture more and the season finale was great, as you say Sotak.
I also liked the fact that they weren't afraid to make big decisions and kill off big characters. The whole Lorca twist was fantastic!
Very much looking forward to seeing Captain Pike! Does anyone know when season 2 is due to air?
I know, the Klingons are simply unforgivable, but it's really not that important to the plot, so you manage.
And short answer to your question is that there is no release date yet, but I found a very interesting article regarding Discovery's season 2, if you'd like to read it.
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7 minutes ago, Oddas Aria said:
I don't disagree, but I do think it was an interesting choice for a pilot (The Cage) for your Captain to be all bored with space travel and thinking about giving it up .... :)
Now that you say it, I guess it doesn't make much sense. But at the time I was just focused on how much I'd loved how he viwed his situation, his respect for Vina, and how his conflicts were laid out, tired of space or not. I guess it was even a part of said conflicts, how he realised that an ordinary life wasn't in fact for him.
I wasn't complaining about Kirk or the rest of TOS at all, but I do have a certain special appreciation for Pike, even if it's not completely logical. I hope DSC makes a great Captain Pike
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12 minutes ago, Oddas Aria said:
I liked DSC and can't wait for the second season (they just cast Captain Pike if you haven't heard http://www.startrek.com/article/meet-discoverys-captain-pike).
I understand some of the grips in terms of look and feel, but honestly, I just couldn't get too worked up about it, it would have been too weird to see cardboard sets and things. I think we probably have the same thoughts about that @Sotak
I will say I wish they had kept the Klingon makeup 'TNG' style (for lack of a better description), but I can't say it detracted from my enjoyment of the show at all.
Yes, I read about that, and I was in fact going to mention the series finale and how much I loved it, but I didn't want to give too much away. But oh damn, am I excited. I can't wait for season 2.
Pike may have had only one episode in the prime timeline, but I have very fond memories from him. I remember watching The Cage without a clue of what to expect from Star Trek at all (I barely knew of Spock and Kirk's existance, I'm ashamed to say) and I was like "Oh, he's nice and respectful and the pilot has a very deep meaning, I can't wait to see more", and then Kirk showed up next episode and I was like "what? Where's Christipher Pike?" and wikipedia provided the answers I needed. It was disappointing to have him for only one episode, and I'm very thrilled to see him back.
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4 minutes ago, FltAdml. Wolf said:
Did you try doing the form here on the forums? If so, sorry about that – the forums just pull in the news from the front page, but any forms embedded in posts won't work here. They'll only work on the front page of the site. Use this link: https://www.starbase118.net/2018/join-team-april-2018/ That's confusing!
Ohhh, that makes sense, sorry about the confusion. I'm headed there now, thanks.
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Update: I've decided on joining the FNS but I tried to submit the form and it said there was an error? How do I proceed?
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2 minutes ago, FltAdml. Wolf said:
Absolutely. We'd love to have you @Sotak
Okay, thank you very much! I'll just have to decide which one to join first and then I'll send the application.
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If I'm an ensign can I still sign up? I read in the wiki that I needed to be at least Lieutenant JG to join, but if not, I'm very interested in joining the FNS or the Community News team.
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All of your points are actually mentioned a lot by people who've watched it, and they are all valid. I completely understand what you're getting at.
The Klingons are very different, everybody noticed that, and as far as I know there is no in-universe reason for it. What I did like about the Klingons in Discovery is that they were fleshed out more than I'd seen regarding their houses and social structure, and the show addresses some very interesting themes (most notably xenophobia) which are affecting life today, something that Star Trek has been known to do continually through the years. It doesn't do it in its regular way, especially because Starfleet - our good guys - is not necessarily the only victim, but it does it. Some people like it and some people don't, and they are both entitled to their opinion.
Also, the feeling in itself is much darker than we're used to. Like I said, Starfleet is not necessarily the good guys anymore simply because they say so. (I'm not giving away any spoilers, as you've probably already noticed some aspects of what I am referring to). It was a twist of storytelling I particularly did like.
And as for the futuristic stuff, yeah, I also frowned a lot (especially in the third episode) because I was wondering if they should have been able to do certain things at that specific time. I mean, I understand why it looks much more futuristic than TOS or "The Cage", because really I wouldn't want to see the same kind of sets and costumes and hairdos from the 60s so I get to feel like they really are linked together. No. So I get the look. But the content seemed to me to be a bit advanced, yes, but I eventually learned to get over it and just enjoy the show.
But overall I really did enjoy it a lot. I was really surprised about how deep into their characters they went, and I was glad. In my opinion, that was the best aspect of the show, their characters and their relationships and growth and how deep they went into their emotions. I also like the story arc, it did have me wondering what was going to happen next and hate having to wait a week to find out.
I hope that gives you some insight as to one person's opinions on the show, and I hope you continue to enjoy it. If you don't, then like I said, you're entitled to that, but I do think you should finish watching it. Good luck
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Thank you, everybody, it's great to have such a warm community where we can express our love of all things Trek, but more than that, as I have discovered in my experience of SB-118 so far, is the kindness and love this community has shown. Thank you very much for having us and letting us share into the magic of this place :))
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Thanks for bringing this up!
JP Lt.JG Kayla Drex and Ensign Maddi Hyden: Out of the Ashes Rises A Phoenix
in Appreciations
Posted
@Kayla Drex and @Maddi Hyden this was a great read, I really enjoyed it, good work
((239109.14 - Starfleet Academy - San Francisco, CA - Earth))
::Kayla hadn’t been in the gym long, but her heart rate was already well over 130 bpm. The beating she was giving the holographic sparring partner looked like he’d said something particularly offensive about Kayla’s mother. The door to the gym hissed open, but Kayla didn’t register the sound at all, focusing instead on her training.
::She didn’t hesitate as a large Hirogen fist barrelled toward her stomach. Deftly stepping aside, she used the momentum to swing up onto the back of her would-be assailant, wrapping her legs around his midsection and landing a flurry of punches to the base of his skull. The padding armor he wore made it impossible to reach her, and her legs were too strong to disengage in front.
::A final jab resounded with a loud crack, and the hologram dissolved, dropping Kayla to the mat. She lay there panting and rubbing her bruised knuckles. Only now did she look toward the door.::
Drex: ::panting:: Hi
Hyden: ::Shyly:: Hello
:: The unexpected hello threw Maddi for a loop she didn’t expect, usually, when she came to the gym it was empty. She realized she was wearing a top that revealed her tattoo something she kept hidden. The person saying hi seemed to be very athletic from what Maddi observed, but she still didn’t know what she should do. She knew most people would say more, but she wasn’t most people. She just stood there awkwardly. ::
Drex: ::Getting to her feet:: Um … how much of that did you see?
Hyden: Well um….I saw you murder that holographic Hirogen like he did something to you...kinda frightening, as a first impression.
Drex: See the thing is, I'm not usually so, er, decisively violent when I train. I just had a really trying morning.
Hyden: I don’t normally do this, but what’s wrong?
Drex: There’s this guy in one of my classes… German Galven. He’s been getting on my nerves, which is no small task.
Hyden: Ahh well I have found the best way to take out my aggravation is doing the same, like you, but if you’d like a sparring partner I’d…….I’d join you. ::she said hesitantly.::
Drex: I think that'd be fun! I um … won't do what I just did to the Hirogen
::Kayla laughed a little embarrassed add she toweled off, got a drink of water, and tightened her gloves.::
Drex: What are you in the mood for? Is there a particular martial art you practice?
Hyden: Well to start I feel an introduction is in order I’m Cadet Maddi Hyden. Also, I don’t think you’d get the chance with me that you got with that Hirogen. ::She laughed.:: Where do I start?
I am a 10th Degree Black Belt in Judo, Karate, Jujitsu, Kenpo, and Tai Kwon Do, but I’m still learning more. The real question is what do you want to practice?
Drex: You're absolutely right! Where are my manners? He must have gotten to me more than I realized. I'm Kayla. Kayla Drex. ::The two shook hands:: It sounds like you're very well-rounded, Maddi. Do you want to just improvise? My primary art is Jiu-Jitsu, but I've got a few others in there too.
Hyden: I don’t usually talk to someone this soon, but I can say it’s great to meet you Kayla quite a stunning person if that’s ok to say. Improvisation? Hmm, what do you have in mind?
Drex: Mix it up! You know, a bit of this, a bit of that.
::Kayla assumed a standard defensive Kung-fu stance, but arranged her hands in a Karate ready form.::
Hyden: I see if that’s the case.
::Maddi assumed her cover down position and got serious. She immediately lunged at Kayla, but not how she was expecting instead she swept her legs and took her to the ground. A slam could be audibly heard as Kayla hit the mat. She let out a small groan as she hit the mat. Maddi stood up and motioned for Kayla to get up.::
Hyden: Ok I’ll admit that was dirty, but you did say mix it up. ::she winked.::
::Kayla stood up and smiled. Ok. She’d underestimated this new girl. Best not to do that again.::
Drex: Maybe a little dirty, but that’s part of improvisation, right?
::She watched Maddi as the pair began slowly circling. Kayla became instinctually aware of the smallest twitches of muscles in the girl’s arms and legs. She had scars on her arms that looked like she’d learned some hard lessons from weapons that weren’t exactly blunted for practice session.
::Kayla shifted most of her weight to her right foot, leaving just the toes of her left in contact with the mat. Her hands assumed a ready aggressive form. She assumed Maddi would not make the same attack twice, but assumptions are what landed her on the mat last time. When Maddi lunged this time, Kayla didn’t defend. She took the punch full in the stomach, flexing her abdominal muscles to absorb as much of the impact as possible. The wind was still knocked from her. She had the opening she needed though. Her ready left leg hooked between Maddi’s and arced upward.
::The move was a good one. It had landed even Philip (Kayla’s brother) on his butt countless times in their training. Kayla was therefore surprised to see Maddi roll backward and up to her feet with alarming speed.::
::Though Maddi didn’t expect the move she expected something, but she brushed that off and got back up. The speed and reaction seemed to shock Kayla. Good it might let her understand just what Maddi knew. Maddi noticed her eying the scars on her arms. The truth was still as painful as when it happened. Abuse and pain from her childhood. The thoughts fueled Maddi’s adrenaline. She stood straight with feet facing forward. A usual fatal flaw in fighting. Kayla cautiously started an attack, but she had left her side open. Maddi immediately got into a defensive posture and threw a roundhouse quick with precision and speed that showed hours of training. Kayla faltered slightly, but didn’t fall.::
Hyden: Your form is good actually the best I’ve seen in awhile, but sometimes you have to know your opponents move. I know that sounds crazy, but it can be done. I see you’ve been looking at me quizzically why?
oO Though need I actually ask. Oo
Drex: Honestly? I’m trying to figure you out. I hope that doesn’t sound weird….
Hyden: Well, I don’t exactly know what you mean.
::They circled once again as Kayla continued::
Drex: Your scars - they don’t look particularly fresh, but they clearly happened over quite a span of time. My best guess if you’ve gone through some … difficult times. If they’re from training, your trainer was kind of a jerk. Still … the fact that’s all you have means you’re a formidable opponent, and a quick learner.
::Though not unexpected it threw Maddi off the way Kayla seemed to guess correctly in a way.::
Hyden: What are you trying to get at?
Drex: Well, there aren’t two scars too close to each other. That means you didn’t make the same mistake in defense more than once.
oO It means I can’t use the same attack twice Oo
::Kayla dove just to the right of her sparring partner as Maddi’s foot came swinging down in response. This time, Kayla responded correctly. Catching the foot with her crooked legs, she used her own momentum to unfoot her.::
::Maddi fell to the floor, but instead of getting up tears starting running down her face. The past seemed to haunt her.::
Hyden: These scars are not from training. They have come from something much much worse. A pain and a fear that I still seem to cling too. ::She rubbed her fingers over the scars feeling ashamed.:: Abuse and bullying were a big part of this, but that’s two of the reasons the last well it’s the deepest secret I have and it’s the darkest moment of my past.
::Kayla didn’t really know how to respond to that. That was a lot of honesty from this otherwise quiet girl. Kayla rolled up to her knees next to Maddi, gently picked her hand up in her own, and simply held it. The two girls’ eyes met, and Kayla hoped that all the feelings coursing through her were conveyed.::
Drex: You’re here. Your past happened. However bad it was, you rose from the ashes. Is … is that why you have the Phoenix?
Hyden: ::wiping a tear from her eye:: Yes, but it also reminds me of the fire I’ve brought in my life. My past has built me to be strong and take nothing from no one. Those ashes are numerous and they still reappear. I feel like I can trust you. My deepest pain is something I hope no one has to ever go through.
::Maddi pulled down her top revealing scars that explained just what she was hiding.::
Hyden: There’s more of these on my body and it has ruined my body. All the beauty of my body is now defiled and there’s nothing I can do about it.
Drex: Maddi …
::Kayla paused for a moment to consider her words. The other girl said she trusted her. That spoke volumes about her strength of spirit. To go through such pain, but still retain the ability to trust - that took incredible fortitude. Kayla just couldn’t figure out how to convey this to the tear-stained, broken but rebuilt girl before her.::
Drex: You can trust me. Always. And not that you need it,::rubbing the spot where Maddi’s fist had connected:: but I’ll have your back, ok?
Hyden: Thank you I’ve never opened up to anyone with this. It’s the one thing that haunts me and it seems like that will never go away. I’ll reverse your words and say I’ll have your back. This secret is something I hope we can keep between us.
:Maddi’s face changed from the tear touched face to a face of resolve and strength. She stood to her feet and helped Kayla up. She embraced her in a hug something that entwined Maddi’s trust in her forever.::
Hyden: Well after that what should we even do?
Drex: I think there’s only one option. We need brownie sundaes.
::The two chuckled as they walked, an arm each still around the other, out the door toward the smaller of the two dining halls on campus.::
~ End ~
Simmed by:
Lieutenant JG Kayla Drex
Science Officer
USS Eagle, NCC-74659
Image Collective
Writer ID: E239510KD0
Science is life, art is soul, love is home
Wiki: Kayla Drex
~ and ~
Ensign Maddi Hyden
Security Officer
USS Atlantis - NCC 74682
A239511MH0
There is no real security except
for whatever you build inside yourself.