Ensign Haydd - Tiny Voices

[Gila Sadar]

As a general rule, NPC usage during missions require skill to be done correctly. We don’t want to oversaturate our writing with NPCs, as our PCs are supposed to be the core crew, and the NPCs are just there for flavor.

But masterful use of a one-off NPC can sometimes elevate a mission arc, and that is exactly what I feel Ensign Cecil Valo accomplishes over on the Ronin with this sweet Sim.

In the midst of a violent battle with the Lattice Alliance, we’ve seen Ensign Haydd comduct his duties as a counselor in what ways he could, and in this Sim, we see him further humanized as he engages in banter with friends in a grim moment. Not only is the implications of a boardgame centered around Caitians eating Betazoids hilarious, but in typical Ronin fashion, this Sim uses humor ti effectively communicate the idea that your bonds with your friends provide a safe haven in even the darkest of times.

Capital Sim, Ensign Valo!!

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((The 47 Lounge - Section 7 - USS Ronin))

 

The trio sat leaning against the large pagoda in the middle of the three-story lounge. There was something about random explosions and violent ship rocking that made them feel it might be a good idea to remain on the bottom floor. Haydd crouched over a blonde woman in teal as he continued to swallow down a rock of despair, his tears only barely in check.

 

Haydd: ::Speaking softly:: Nora, I need you to listen to my voice. You have to stay awake.

 

Nora: Just get - ::She lifted her hand in time to cough into it, a bit of blood along for the ride.:: Get out of here. It isn’t safe here, we’re too close to the windows, and loose furniture could -

 

She coughed again and winced through a groan that cut her off. Haydd looked at the Bolian woman approaching as she brought a glass down to Nora’s lips and offered her an unsteady sip.

 

Haydd: Thanks Jolce.

 

The Bolian woman nodded and rubbed Nora’s forehead gently. Haydd let his eyes wander to one of the many windows circling the lounge as he sat back, trying not to make a show of the brutal pain in his side. The silence here was an eerie contrast to the kaleidoscope of emotions that the sight beyond elicited. The destruction was devastating, death was everywhere. Explosions rocked the sky. Debris, bodies, and dormant ships floated listlessly. At the same time, hope. Vessels of various allegiance went streaking past, spitting fury and clinging to a victory that would be the only hope of survival for themselves and the people they were risking everything for. 

 

Nora grunted away another drink from the Bolian and gripped Haydd’s arm, pulling his attention back to her.

 

Nora: You don’t have to be here. It's pointless. ::Desperation crept into her voice, her eyes welling as she yelled:: GO!!

 

Haydd only shook his head calmly as Jolce walked back toward the bar, careful to keep steady as they had no idea when they would need to brace for another impact.

 

Haydd: Nora, it’s okay. ::He smiled softly.:: We are going to stay with you, you aren’t in any condition to be left alone.

 

Nora: You're too nice, it’s about time someone told you that. ::She glared at him through a mild cough.:: And it isn’t a compliment. So just leave me alone.

 

Haydd: Hmm ::He took a moment of mock consideration:: Nah. I’ll do some reflecting on that though. Maybe you can give me some examples once medical fixes you up.

 

He wasn’t sure where the tiny human woman found the strength but she grabbed him by the collar and pulled him forward. His eyes widened in response.

 

Nora: I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN LETTING ME WIN!!

 

He pulled her hands down and held them in his own.

 

Haydd: Easy Nora, you're in a lot of pain. You need to try to stay calm and regula-

 

She interrupted him with another coughing fit. He frowned, they were getting worse. Jolce picked up on it too, she was coming over with a warm cloth to help wipe the blood from her chin.

 

Jolce: She’s right you know, you do let her win. Every game night.

 

Haydd: ::Incredulous:: Wha?! This is hardly the time to…::He furrowed his brow.:: Is this about Settlers of Catullan?

 

Nora: ::Weakly:: Obviously…

 

Jolce: Last game you traded her a Zorsulte card even though everyone knew you needed it to build your last shipyard.

 

Haydd: Fine. ::He smirked.:: Busted. Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?

 

Nora: No. ::She shook her head softly.:: Only if you finally agree to play Hungry Hungry Caitians with us next week.

 

Jolce: Yeah right. ::She smiled and glowered at him.:: Here it comes.

 

Haydd: Yes, here it does come! You know I can’t morally justify the ethical implications of gobbling up little Betazoids. It would be inse-

 

Nora & Jolce: ::Talking over him, monotone. :: Insensitive to my Betazoid patients and the stigma it places on Caitians as a cultural entity.

 

Haydd: You know what? ::Frowning playfully:: I just need more evolved friends.

 

Jolce: On that we can agree.

 

The group chuckled, their soft voices a tiny beacon of hope amid the whirlwind of horrors all around them.