Lower Decks Interview: Lieutenant Junior Grade Ghant Xerix, USS Gorkon

StarBase 118 Staff · October 19, 2019

We’re here with another interview with a newer member of our community. The title of this column is “Lower Decks,” hearkening back to the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode titled “Lower Decks,” in which junior officers aboard the Enterprise-D speculate on the reasons for recent unusual actions taken by the command crew near the Cardassian border.

This month’s interview is with the writer behind Lieutenant Junior Grade Ghant Xerix playing a Betazoid/Risian male Helms Officer assigned to the USS Gorkon.

GALVEN: Thank you for allowing me to interview you! Could you tell us a little about yourself for our readers out there?

Xerix: My name is Johnny and I write for Ghant Xerix, a young officer from a noble house of Betazed. I’m also an entrepreneur, husband and father of two children.

What has been your favorite moment writing for UFOP: StarBase 118?

Probably a joint post between myself, Ukinix and Rahman involving some dancing with a Betazoid noblewoman. They are great writers and it was a lot of fun.

Do you take any inspiration from movies/TV/books when writing for your character?

Lwaxana Troi, rather heavily. She is a wonderful canon resource for the race, and the nobility. I also model Ghant’s love life after hers.

Also a book called the Battle of Betazed. Wonderful exposition on the culture, particularly during a dark time. No spoilers, but the decisions they made about fighting the enemy showed such determined compassion in the face of a cruel enemy. Really sets them apart as a race.

Out of all the number of duty posts, you chose helms officer. What advice can you give new and older members who want to choose that particular duty post?

Do a bit of research on attack patterns. Learn the terms like port, starboard etc. Helm, and especially HCO is a wonderful position.

How do you set your writing style and where do you improve most on Xerix’s character development?

I have a pretty poor education, so my writing has come via trial and error, and aping better writers than myself. Since I’ve joined the Gorkon, it’s really pushed me to improve my characterization of Ghant. Everything is very well thought out aboard the Admiral’s ship.

And lastly, do you personally have aspirations in the fleet? Are there any OOC activities you’re associated with, or any you’d like to join?

I’ve recently written my second article for FNS. I’m also a newbie in the ASDB and I greatly enjoy cross-ship joint posts. SB118 is really one big family. I do have aspirations to make command one day, but I’m just enjoying where I am now.

Thanks for your time, Lieutenant Junior Grade Ghant Xerix!

You can read more about Lieutenant Junior Grade Ghant Xerix on the wiki.

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