Post by Judith Eastman on May 27, 2021 15:51:48 GMT
We present to you four POTM contenders, and one honorable mention, for you to peruse and vote between.
As usual, voting will be open for two days (we will close it at 9 AM Pacific time this Saturday), and if need be, we will conduct a runoff.
We also got a post from last month, so that's ineligible (it's also from an admin, so it's doubly ineligible), but that's okay. It's still a good post.
As usual, voting will be open for two days (we will close it at 9 AM Pacific time this Saturday), and if need be, we will conduct a runoff.
{Submission #1, by Jonathan Hunt, is in the mission}Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
“Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!” Dr. Hunt entered the pool area. He walked into the pool area with a regular long sleeve shirt, which has the color blue. On his hands, they were plenty of chips, ranging from black, gold, and purple.
“This party is kinda a lame; time to spice it up! Carpe Diem!” the Doctor yelled as he tossed the chips into the pool. As he tossed the ship, the reaction was somewhat predicable as people would dive into the pool to retrieve some of them. It was not long after that a lifeguard approached Hunt and said, “Excuse me, Sir?”.
“Yes, do you know who I am?” Hunt replied as he looked at him with a confident smile.
“I don’t normally say this, but please do not toss Casino Chips onto the Pool,” The lifeguard said.
Hunt pulled out another chip and place it on his hand. “And you don’t have to be such a party pooper. Here something from your troubles” As he handed the chip, he walked away.
The man headed to the bar in which he told the bartender, “Buy a round on everyone. Charge it to Suite 515, I am here to have some fun and forget about my ex-wife, got it?” He hoped that by buying a round a drink someone would approach him from the mission and thank him. So he could introduce his character.
You can read the post in context here.
I don't think it needs much explanation about Hunt's entrance and how he got our attention.
Here's the post itself:
[Hotel Extravaganza – Pool Area]
“Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!” Dr. Hunt entered the pool area. He walked into the pool area with a regular long sleeve shirt, which has the color blue. On his hands, they were plenty of chips, ranging from black, gold, and purple.
“This party is kinda a lame; time to spice it up! Carpe Diem!” the Doctor yelled as he tossed the chips into the pool. As he tossed the ship, the reaction was somewhat predicable as people would dive into the pool to retrieve some of them. It was not long after that a lifeguard approached Hunt and said, “Excuse me, Sir?”.
“Yes, do you know who I am?” Hunt replied as he looked at him with a confident smile.
“I don’t normally say this, but please do not toss Casino Chips onto the Pool,” The lifeguard said.
Hunt pulled out another chip and place it on his hand. “And you don’t have to be such a party pooper. Here something from your troubles” As he handed the chip, he walked away.
The man headed to the bar in which he told the bartender, “Buy a round on everyone. Charge it to Suite 515, I am here to have some fun and forget about my ex-wife, got it?” He hoped that by buying a round a drink someone would approach him from the mission and thank him. So he could introduce his character.
You can read the post in context here.
{Submission #2, by Jovireh Velal, is in the event}Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
Riyo had rejoined his family a couple hours before, after his anger had simmered to a dull ache in his chest. Lea had been, understandably, worried about him... But he'd done what he could to reassure her that he was managing, and he would talk to her about it later after the kids were asleep and they could be alone. After leaving the shore, he'd gone back to their condo to shower and change in attempts to rid himself of the lingering smell of death and chemicals. He was wearing another traditional Bajoran outfit, only a slightly different shade of red than the one he'd been wearing previously. Now he stood, half listening to the Vedek's speech, rolling three stones between his fingers. He had initially only been planning on leaving two in the water, to represent the faces that had haunted his dreams for so many years. But knowing there was now a third face that would likely start haunting him as well, it seemed only appropriate to attempt to leave that burden behind with the others.
You can read the post in context here.
BLURB
Here's the post itself:
[Lt. Paawin Riyo - Kerelia Colony - Plaza]
Riyo had rejoined his family a couple hours before, after his anger had simmered to a dull ache in his chest. Lea had been, understandably, worried about him... But he'd done what he could to reassure her that he was managing, and he would talk to her about it later after the kids were asleep and they could be alone. After leaving the shore, he'd gone back to their condo to shower and change in attempts to rid himself of the lingering smell of death and chemicals. He was wearing another traditional Bajoran outfit, only a slightly different shade of red than the one he'd been wearing previously. Now he stood, half listening to the Vedek's speech, rolling three stones between his fingers. He had initially only been planning on leaving two in the water, to represent the faces that had haunted his dreams for so many years. But knowing there was now a third face that would likely start haunting him as well, it seemed only appropriate to attempt to leave that burden behind with the others.
You can read the post in context here.
{Submission #3, by Kaya Som, is in the event}Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
A breezy pavillion has been erected in the green space of the settlement town square to serve as venue for one of the central moments of the Ha'mara festival of lights. It is a ritual known as the Unburdening where all are asked to relieve themselves of the heavy loads of resentment, fear, jealousy, regret, and anger. In full view of the Prophets, symbolized by the local solar noon, Bajorans and visitors alike may place one small stone or many into a basin of water as a symbol of what they are letting go, so that when night falls and the fast is over, they may celebrate new beginnings.
Now, the Vedek Dima Emmari is speaking.
[ Vedek Dima Emmari ]
"... and upon each stone we can place our grief and regret and all that weighs us and bends our backs to the wisdom and will of the Prophets. Only when we shed our burdens can our Pagh rise follow our true path."
He was a tall man, the Vedek, and even though he seemed to be speaking softly, his voice carried unassisted in a most steady baritone and his peculiar rolling accent.
He continued, for the benefit, mostly, of the young or non-Bajoran visitors.
"Long ago, these stones were not so small and this basin not so shallow. We waded into rivers carrying rocks pulled from our fields or rubble from fallen buildings. And into that rushing current we gave up what dragged us down to the steady and unrelenting erosion of the water. The water, like the will of the Prophets, always finds a way to cut its path, and even the sharpest stones are rounded smooth, becoming part of the river itself."
He went on like this a little longer, telling a parable of a man who carried an unjust burden.
"One day, a man was walking a rough and remote road when he came upon a Cardassian. The Cardassian was starving and liable to die of thirst. In his arrogance, he believed he needed no food or water for the dangerous journey. The Cardassian begged the man for help. 'Please, you must carry me. Is it not the way of your Prophets?'"
The Vedek lifted his eyebrows as if to ask all who listened what they would do.
"But the Cardassian did not realize that his face was known throughout the region, and that he been a cruel and ruthless magistrate during the Occupation. The man had a choice to make. If he left the Cardiassian where he lay, he would surely die. But if he took him upon his back, they could both fall.
"The Cardassian, seeing the conflict in the man's eyes, continued to plead with him. He said it was the will of the Prophets that they'd both be on this road, that the Prophets demanded mercy for all."
The Vedek paused again and continued suddenly gentle.
"Finally, the man relented, for the man wanted to serve the Prophets. He lifted the Cardassian on his back and began to carry him."
And then the gentleness ended abruptly and the Vedek ended his tale matter-of-factly, no more sadness in his voice.
"But the sun was hot and the dust was choking. After many hours, the man fell to his knees in exhaustion and both he and the Cardassian perished on that deserted road.
"In this time of Ha'mara, we are invited to Unburden ourselves. But do not carry the burdens of others, do not weigh yourself down by those who'd bring you to harm."
And with that strange tale, the Vedek smiled and called for the Unburdening to begin.
You can read the post in context here.
Once again, Iz has painted a beautifully culture-rich picture of an alien race. She never fails to disappoint in that regard and has down so masterfully here. Giving the Bajoran race, in addition to her characters, more depth and the opportunity for other players to explore that culture as well.
Here's the post itself:
1300 hours, solar noon at Landing Zone 2 | Ha'mara Pavillion in the Square
A breezy pavillion has been erected in the green space of the settlement town square to serve as venue for one of the central moments of the Ha'mara festival of lights. It is a ritual known as the Unburdening where all are asked to relieve themselves of the heavy loads of resentment, fear, jealousy, regret, and anger. In full view of the Prophets, symbolized by the local solar noon, Bajorans and visitors alike may place one small stone or many into a basin of water as a symbol of what they are letting go, so that when night falls and the fast is over, they may celebrate new beginnings.
Now, the Vedek Dima Emmari is speaking.
[ Vedek Dima Emmari ]
"... and upon each stone we can place our grief and regret and all that weighs us and bends our backs to the wisdom and will of the Prophets. Only when we shed our burdens can our Pagh rise follow our true path."
He was a tall man, the Vedek, and even though he seemed to be speaking softly, his voice carried unassisted in a most steady baritone and his peculiar rolling accent.
He continued, for the benefit, mostly, of the young or non-Bajoran visitors.
"Long ago, these stones were not so small and this basin not so shallow. We waded into rivers carrying rocks pulled from our fields or rubble from fallen buildings. And into that rushing current we gave up what dragged us down to the steady and unrelenting erosion of the water. The water, like the will of the Prophets, always finds a way to cut its path, and even the sharpest stones are rounded smooth, becoming part of the river itself."
He went on like this a little longer, telling a parable of a man who carried an unjust burden.
"One day, a man was walking a rough and remote road when he came upon a Cardassian. The Cardassian was starving and liable to die of thirst. In his arrogance, he believed he needed no food or water for the dangerous journey. The Cardassian begged the man for help. 'Please, you must carry me. Is it not the way of your Prophets?'"
The Vedek lifted his eyebrows as if to ask all who listened what they would do.
"But the Cardassian did not realize that his face was known throughout the region, and that he been a cruel and ruthless magistrate during the Occupation. The man had a choice to make. If he left the Cardiassian where he lay, he would surely die. But if he took him upon his back, they could both fall.
"The Cardassian, seeing the conflict in the man's eyes, continued to plead with him. He said it was the will of the Prophets that they'd both be on this road, that the Prophets demanded mercy for all."
The Vedek paused again and continued suddenly gentle.
"Finally, the man relented, for the man wanted to serve the Prophets. He lifted the Cardassian on his back and began to carry him."
And then the gentleness ended abruptly and the Vedek ended his tale matter-of-factly, no more sadness in his voice.
"But the sun was hot and the dust was choking. After many hours, the man fell to his knees in exhaustion and both he and the Cardassian perished on that deserted road.
"In this time of Ha'mara, we are invited to Unburden ourselves. But do not carry the burdens of others, do not weigh yourself down by those who'd bring you to harm."
And with that strange tale, the Vedek smiled and called for the Unburdening to begin.
You can read the post in context here.
{Submission #4, by Kaya Som, is in the event}Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
Fellin had better luck than Riyo in getting between the Gul and the Vedek, who was stooped from the Gul's kick but not at all quelled. Fellin supported him by the arm and shouted at the Gul to stand down, but the Vedek wasn't finished. He pulled away from the wiry Fellin and moved towards the Gul once more, bellowing in Dahkur-accented Bajoran. Something about bloody hands and bloody mouths, something about dead roads and empty nooses, something about angels and demons.
Emmari was familiar with anger. It was an emotion that needed action to dissipate, it could be righteous or destructive. Some things had been so much simpler before, when there were no Bajorans holding him back from defending a religious ceremony. Now he must, what? Smile? No, he thought not.
"Vedek!" Fellin tried again, placing both hands on the larger man's chest. "Not here!"
Perhaps the Vedek slowed a little.
The younger of the two ranjen monks was involved now, young and bored in his orders. He rolled upp his long sleeves and posted up to support the Vedek in a fighting stance learned from books.
You can read the post in context here.
Here's the post itself:
[ Vedek Dima Emmari, Apazi Fellin | Ha'mara Pavillion ]
Fellin had better luck than Riyo in getting between the Gul and the Vedek, who was stooped from the Gul's kick but not at all quelled. Fellin supported him by the arm and shouted at the Gul to stand down, but the Vedek wasn't finished. He pulled away from the wiry Fellin and moved towards the Gul once more, bellowing in Dahkur-accented Bajoran. Something about bloody hands and bloody mouths, something about dead roads and empty nooses, something about angels and demons.
Emmari was familiar with anger. It was an emotion that needed action to dissipate, it could be righteous or destructive. Some things had been so much simpler before, when there were no Bajorans holding him back from defending a religious ceremony. Now he must, what? Smile? No, he thought not.
"Vedek!" Fellin tried again, placing both hands on the larger man's chest. "Not here!"
Perhaps the Vedek slowed a little.
The younger of the two ranjen monks was involved now, young and bored in his orders. He rolled upp his long sleeves and posted up to support the Vedek in a fighting stance learned from books.
You can read the post in context here.
We also got a post from last month, so that's ineligible (it's also from an admin, so it's doubly ineligible), but that's okay. It's still a good post.
{Submission #π, by Charlie Fox, is in last month's mission}
Here's the post itself:
[L'Sho - Temporary Primary Command, Sector 1A, Prime Camp]
Why could this individual not take him to Captain Judith Eastman? "No", "can't" and "won't" were certainly not words the Primary was used to hearing. "I'm sorry" was a little more common, that usually came with tears and pleas for life, but the others? No. Not acceptable.
"Open a communications channel to the USS Mac."
A minion almost tripped over themselves to action the clipped order, and once completed, nodded toward the Primary.
=//= "This is Primary L'Sho to the USS Mac. Captain Judith Eastman, please explain why you have sent me this useless message via this useless Petty Officer." =//=
He expected a prompt answer. What he got then instead was someone else. Someone who knew more about this science, but the finer details were lost on L'Sho, because nobody had been updating him. There had been that other one, the Security officer who was stiffer than even L'Sho himself, what was his name...? Lt. Smiles.
"Yes, yes, they have been evacuated." Mostly. Some of those evacuees were still winding their way toward Prime Camp, despite efforts to direct them elsewhere. "Why would the storms stop!?"
His voice was sharp, his tone becoming angrier by the nanosecond. =//= "USS Mac! You will explain what you are doing to my planet, immediately!" =//=
You can read the post in context here.
Here's the post itself:
[L'Sho - Temporary Primary Command, Sector 1A, Prime Camp]
Why could this individual not take him to Captain Judith Eastman? "No", "can't" and "won't" were certainly not words the Primary was used to hearing. "I'm sorry" was a little more common, that usually came with tears and pleas for life, but the others? No. Not acceptable.
"Open a communications channel to the USS Mac."
A minion almost tripped over themselves to action the clipped order, and once completed, nodded toward the Primary.
=//= "This is Primary L'Sho to the USS Mac. Captain Judith Eastman, please explain why you have sent me this useless message via this useless Petty Officer." =//=
He expected a prompt answer. What he got then instead was someone else. Someone who knew more about this science, but the finer details were lost on L'Sho, because nobody had been updating him. There had been that other one, the Security officer who was stiffer than even L'Sho himself, what was his name...? Lt. Smiles.
"Yes, yes, they have been evacuated." Mostly. Some of those evacuees were still winding their way toward Prime Camp, despite efforts to direct them elsewhere. "Why would the storms stop!?"
His voice was sharp, his tone becoming angrier by the nanosecond. =//= "USS Mac! You will explain what you are doing to my planet, immediately!" =//=
You can read the post in context here.