Post by Thea Baker on Dec 5, 2021 13:46:40 GMT
Apologies for the slight delay but I give you our POTM submissions. The proceedure is as normal. We have 3 nominations and 1 honourable mention.
{Submission #1, by Kova Sh'qaleq , is in Event Bang}Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
You can read the post in context here
I enjoyed Kova's reaction to what had happened & the whole I'm done now, let's go home vibe, like she'd had enough. I also liked having Zyri around too and how she's adjusting to life outside of the Ellipse.
Here's the post itself:
[Kova Sh'qaleq - Promenade, Front Ear Station ]
Kova watched as the Vulcan was escorted away without further incident. And at that point... that was it. Despite moving towards the conflict, Kova hadn't actually engaged in any way. Nor had she truly been involved in its resolution. In many ways, the Andorian felt more marginalized than ever. It was a feeling that Kova had not experienced for quite some time: feeling useless. Regardless of her reputation as an isolationist, the Andorian had found ways to be an active participant in her community. At least... until today. It wasn't a sensation that she cared for.
Of course, she did have a sense of pride. There would be no crawling back and seeking the position that she once held before. It was possible that she could always leave. In fact, it had been a thought she'd been entertaining for some time. Her feet began to carry her back to where she left Zyri. Along the way, she revisited the thoughts she'd entertained sense she had severed her working arrangement with Starfleet. There was always the Gamma Quadrant, but Kova didn't care for that idea. Someone may find a way to actually collapse the wormhole and she'd find herself stuck thousands of light years away. She had also given Serenity some serious consideration. As Kaya would point out... they did have beer.
As she finally approached the are outside the Blue Beta, she could see Zyri was there with Staz of all people. The Andorian rolled her eyes. The Ochiran probably wasn't the best influence for Zyri. Still, she remained cordial... or at least what passed as such for the Andorian... with a nod. She then turned her eyes to Zyri. "After all this excitement, your father is probably concerned. It may be best to calm him with your presence." She then gestured with her head towards the turbolifts. "Staz." It was bout as close to a goodbye as the Ochiran would get.
Regardless of what came next, Kova was certain of one thing: It was time for a change.
[NPC - Zyri Zh'raal - Promenade, Front Ear Station ]
Zyri wasn't entirely certain if this woman, Staz, fully grasped the difference between suggestions and orders. Still, it wasn't her place to correct the woman. As her father had told her often, things were very different hear on the station compared to how she'd grown up on the Mac. When asked if she was Kova's sister, Zyri wasn't entire certain how to answer. "Um... no," she said shaking her head. She definitely wasn't Kova's sister. Yet, Kova had proven to be a rather private person. So, perhaps this wasn't her story to tell. "I suppose you could say we're... distant relatives."
That wasn't a lie. Biologically, Kova Sh'qaleq was her shreya, but not this Kova Sh'qaleq. Before she could stretch the extent of the truth any further, Kova returned and appeared to be unharmed. A sigh of relief left Zyri's lips. Of course, Kova was quickly all business and pointed out the concern her father likely experienced when everything had gone down. That was certainly one possibliity. "You may be right," she replied. "But he knew I was with you. So... he may not be as worried."
Zyri began to collect the rest of her belongings. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Staz," the young hybrid said as she began to move in the direction that Kova had indicated.
Tag: Anastazia Volkova
Kova watched as the Vulcan was escorted away without further incident. And at that point... that was it. Despite moving towards the conflict, Kova hadn't actually engaged in any way. Nor had she truly been involved in its resolution. In many ways, the Andorian felt more marginalized than ever. It was a feeling that Kova had not experienced for quite some time: feeling useless. Regardless of her reputation as an isolationist, the Andorian had found ways to be an active participant in her community. At least... until today. It wasn't a sensation that she cared for.
Of course, she did have a sense of pride. There would be no crawling back and seeking the position that she once held before. It was possible that she could always leave. In fact, it had been a thought she'd been entertaining for some time. Her feet began to carry her back to where she left Zyri. Along the way, she revisited the thoughts she'd entertained sense she had severed her working arrangement with Starfleet. There was always the Gamma Quadrant, but Kova didn't care for that idea. Someone may find a way to actually collapse the wormhole and she'd find herself stuck thousands of light years away. She had also given Serenity some serious consideration. As Kaya would point out... they did have beer.
As she finally approached the are outside the Blue Beta, she could see Zyri was there with Staz of all people. The Andorian rolled her eyes. The Ochiran probably wasn't the best influence for Zyri. Still, she remained cordial... or at least what passed as such for the Andorian... with a nod. She then turned her eyes to Zyri. "After all this excitement, your father is probably concerned. It may be best to calm him with your presence." She then gestured with her head towards the turbolifts. "Staz." It was bout as close to a goodbye as the Ochiran would get.
Regardless of what came next, Kova was certain of one thing: It was time for a change.
[NPC - Zyri Zh'raal - Promenade, Front Ear Station ]
Zyri wasn't entirely certain if this woman, Staz, fully grasped the difference between suggestions and orders. Still, it wasn't her place to correct the woman. As her father had told her often, things were very different hear on the station compared to how she'd grown up on the Mac. When asked if she was Kova's sister, Zyri wasn't entire certain how to answer. "Um... no," she said shaking her head. She definitely wasn't Kova's sister. Yet, Kova had proven to be a rather private person. So, perhaps this wasn't her story to tell. "I suppose you could say we're... distant relatives."
That wasn't a lie. Biologically, Kova Sh'qaleq was her shreya, but not this Kova Sh'qaleq. Before she could stretch the extent of the truth any further, Kova returned and appeared to be unharmed. A sigh of relief left Zyri's lips. Of course, Kova was quickly all business and pointed out the concern her father likely experienced when everything had gone down. That was certainly one possibliity. "You may be right," she replied. "But he knew I was with you. So... he may not be as worried."
Zyri began to collect the rest of her belongings. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Staz," the young hybrid said as she began to move in the direction that Kova had indicated.
Tag: Anastazia Volkova
You can read the post in context here
{Submission #2, by Jovireh Velal is in DT Wyvern Tales} Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
You can read the post in context here.
We don't only do missions, events or little 1 on 1 personal side plots, we also love some serious character development that is run by the players and has the potential to impact on our site lore. In Wyvern Tales, Selene is giving up her time and putting effort into crafting a mission that will assist another character in a rehabilitation of sorts. Here we see her weave multiple character POVs and threads into a story for another player, and subsequently showing everyone how much value she brings to our world and our crew.
Here's the post itself:
[Ens. Tobias Reed - USS Wyvern - Briefing Room]
Ensign Reed looked up as the new security Lieutenant fell in step beside him. He didn't say much, but listened as the other man spoke, his eyes shifting uncomfortably. "Aye sir," was his only response, and he quickly typed in the suggestions on his PADD as he walked.
[Lt. Cmdr. Pierce Taggert - USS Wyvern - Transported Room]
Once the entire team had assembled, they piled onto the transporter pad and turned to face forward. "Energize," Taggert ordered.
[Kaus Borealis Colony - Town Square]
The square had been cleared for the arrival of their guests, and Director Sihu stood waiting to greet them. When the team materialized, he stepped forward. "Welcome. Thank you for coming, though I wish it were under better circumstances." Pierce stepped forward with a warm smile.
"Perhaps we'll arrange our next shore leave here. Is everyone ready to begin?"
Sihu nodded, shifting his gaze to those waiting behind the Commander. "They are, though I'm afraid we couldn't afford to take the day off work. Feel free to wander, there aren't any places forbidden to you. Anyone you see should be happy to help with whatever you need."
Taggert nodded, and turned back to face his people. "Let's get started. We'll meet back here in an hour to regroup."
Tag Joshua Niles
Ensign Reed looked up as the new security Lieutenant fell in step beside him. He didn't say much, but listened as the other man spoke, his eyes shifting uncomfortably. "Aye sir," was his only response, and he quickly typed in the suggestions on his PADD as he walked.
[Lt. Cmdr. Pierce Taggert - USS Wyvern - Transported Room]
Once the entire team had assembled, they piled onto the transporter pad and turned to face forward. "Energize," Taggert ordered.
[Kaus Borealis Colony - Town Square]
The square had been cleared for the arrival of their guests, and Director Sihu stood waiting to greet them. When the team materialized, he stepped forward. "Welcome. Thank you for coming, though I wish it were under better circumstances." Pierce stepped forward with a warm smile.
"Perhaps we'll arrange our next shore leave here. Is everyone ready to begin?"
Sihu nodded, shifting his gaze to those waiting behind the Commander. "They are, though I'm afraid we couldn't afford to take the day off work. Feel free to wander, there aren't any places forbidden to you. Anyone you see should be happy to help with whatever you need."
Taggert nodded, and turned back to face his people. "Let's get started. We'll meet back here in an hour to regroup."
Tag Joshua Niles
You can read the post in context here.
{Submission #3, by Rin Zakir is in DT Safety Brief} Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
You can read the post in context here
Rin Zakir is having his Dr. Grant moment with a tritter claw. This is a DT, but I love the nods to previous missions and how established lore is tied in. Well done!
Here's the post itself:
[Lt. JG Rin Zakir - Multipurpose Room C - Front Ear Station]
Everyone looked bored, but he supposed he didn't blame them. It must have already been a long day for them, and now they had to listen to him drone on. Except that his 'droning on' could save their lives. Despite best efforts, there would always be someone who didn't take these kinds of threats seriously, who wound up in trouble and either dead or needing to be rescued.
and there they were, he suppressed a sigh as some kid piped up that there were bigger dogs going down to the surface. Instead, he blinked, making brief contact with the young man before once again glancing back at the picture. . Yeah, time to get out the big guns.
"Why should we worry about those things? An excellent question, and one that hopefully I can answer to your satisfaction", he began before pulling out the tritter claw that had been gifted to him after a particularly close call.
"This is the claw from a tritter", he began his explanation, "Just one claw. Now, imagine an entire swarm of these things, each with several of these claws each. We're talking hundreds, maybe even thousands at a time. They're always hungry, but these things aren't content with just a few leaves. Nope, these things like fresh meat, including people.
Where they getting the hint yet? He hoped so, but he continued matter of factly, every now and again making direct eye contact with the young man who had called out.
"So, imagine hundreds of these things, maybe thousands, coming at you in one big swarm. Sure, they can't fly, but you're not safe in the trees either. They'd have no problem taking out a large dog, it would take them seconds, and that would just be the appetiser! After that, they'd come for you, swarming you from head to toes, all those claws tearing at your flesh as they did so. Then the feast would begin, even sharper teeth devouring you while you were still alive! By the time anyone heard your screams, it would be too late. There would be nothing left, flesh, bone or any proof you were even there at all."
Had he gone a little too far? There were a few pale faces in the audience now, and the guy operating the slides seemed to turn a shade of green he wasn't sure he'd even seen on an Orion! Way to go traumatise most of the audience, but bright side? Maybe he wouldn't be asked to do this again! He just hoped that satisfied the kid's curiosity.
Joshua Niles (Oz Delaney) and open to any and all!
Everyone looked bored, but he supposed he didn't blame them. It must have already been a long day for them, and now they had to listen to him drone on. Except that his 'droning on' could save their lives. Despite best efforts, there would always be someone who didn't take these kinds of threats seriously, who wound up in trouble and either dead or needing to be rescued.
and there they were, he suppressed a sigh as some kid piped up that there were bigger dogs going down to the surface. Instead, he blinked, making brief contact with the young man before once again glancing back at the picture. . Yeah, time to get out the big guns.
"Why should we worry about those things? An excellent question, and one that hopefully I can answer to your satisfaction", he began before pulling out the tritter claw that had been gifted to him after a particularly close call.
"This is the claw from a tritter", he began his explanation, "Just one claw. Now, imagine an entire swarm of these things, each with several of these claws each. We're talking hundreds, maybe even thousands at a time. They're always hungry, but these things aren't content with just a few leaves. Nope, these things like fresh meat, including people.
Where they getting the hint yet? He hoped so, but he continued matter of factly, every now and again making direct eye contact with the young man who had called out.
"So, imagine hundreds of these things, maybe thousands, coming at you in one big swarm. Sure, they can't fly, but you're not safe in the trees either. They'd have no problem taking out a large dog, it would take them seconds, and that would just be the appetiser! After that, they'd come for you, swarming you from head to toes, all those claws tearing at your flesh as they did so. Then the feast would begin, even sharper teeth devouring you while you were still alive! By the time anyone heard your screams, it would be too late. There would be nothing left, flesh, bone or any proof you were even there at all."
Had he gone a little too far? There were a few pale faces in the audience now, and the guy operating the slides seemed to turn a shade of green he wasn't sure he'd even seen on an Orion! Way to go traumatise most of the audience, but bright side? Maybe he wouldn't be asked to do this again! He just hoped that satisfied the kid's curiosity.
Joshua Niles (Oz Delaney) and open to any and all!
You can read the post in context here
{Honourable Mention, by Kaya Som is in Mission Road to the End"} Here's what the nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
You can read it in context here
I just love this opening post for this mission. It sets a scene so beautifully; it has information without it being overwhelming, it has detail that helps us paint a picture of the setting in our minds and we're introduced to a new Captain. Admins cannot win POTM, but this is such a great start that I think it would make a useful template for future missions.
Here's the post itself:
[ Stardate 2381.11.09 | Orbit around B-975 III ]
[ Mission Log - Captain Oberon Vega ]
The USS Mac is in orbit around the third planet of the star system B-975 (Federation Designation). We are here to assist Ferengi Alliance science ship Gall-Laj in recovering their crash-landed light shuttle from the third planet in the system, where the Ferengi had been studying the outer levels of the atmosphere.
Our mission is complicated by several factors. The first is B-975 III's unique atmosphere, the upper portion of which is irradiated in such as way as to terminally disrupt electromagnetic waves. The Ferengi also inform us that similar limitations to our communications and scanning technology will hamper our work on the surface as well.
The exact location of the crashed shuttle is unknown, but the Gall-Laj has their last-known coordinates which should place us within a three-days' journey to the crash site. Probes or any other sub-atmospheric aerial survey have not been authorized by the Federation due to the second primary complication:
B-975 III is inhabited by a pre-warp sentient people and the Prime Directive is well in affect. The Ferengi have somehow managed to avoid contact in this remote region, and we will take every precaution to keep it that way.
When the away team and the Ferengi crew arrive on the surface, we will be able to hone in on the location of the crashed ship by tracking a signature ion trail. We will have at their disposal two light ground transports. We will travel during the day and make camp at night. When we find the crashed ship, we will assist the Ferengi in recovering their people. Starfleet point-to-point transporter pattern enhancers will provide the signal stability needed for all personnel and equipment to return to the ship.
[ Science & Engineering Report ]
Approximately 3 million years ago, the star at the center of the B-975 system experienced a massive flare which irradiated the outer atmosphere of the third planet. Irradiated particles in the atmosphere disrupt patterns embedded in electromagnetic radiation, scrambling and making this method of data transmission impossible.
The Away Team should note that the following capabilities will not be available from the ships in orbit: communication to the surface; transporters; scientific scans of the surface from orbit.
According to the Ferengi data, this phenomenon persists on the surface to a lesser degree. Electromagnetic waves remain clear across short distances, but quality begins to sharply fall off at about the distance to a flat horizon.
The Away Team should note that the following capabilities will not be available on the surface: communication to ships in orbit; long-range surface communications; long-range surface scans.
The Away Team has been equipped with vehicles, clothing, and survival equipment suited to an arid, sand-desert environment.
Based on data gathered by the Ferengi about B-975's atmosphere, transporters will safely function if a transporter pattern enhancer array is erected on the surface.
[ Command Report ]
The Ferengi Alliance have shared all data gathered to date concerning B-975 III. They have provided a shuttle capable of navigating the atmosphere, and a pilot. The shuttle and Ferengi side of the mission will be overseen by Ferengi ranking officer Gabar.
Starfleeet Command has sent Captain Oberon Vega to command the away team. Starfleet will provide an Away Team escort, and transporter pattern enhancer array, and act as representative of Federation interests in the system.
[ Prime Directive Orders - Starfleet Command ]
The USS Mac, in the course of its mission to assist in the rescue and recovery of the Ferengi ship Gall-laj crew and shuttle, is hereby directed to avoid contact with the sentient population of B-975 III in adherence to the Prime Directive.
The B-975 system is located outside of Federation space and is protected by several inter-galactic treaties. Among other things, the treaty details strict rules concerning warp activity in the system and contact with the local people. The Ferengi Alliance is party to this alliance and the Federation has been designated steward. The Ferengi requested assistance insomuch as to make use of Federation transporter technology in their rescue operation.
While in orbit, in transition, and on the surface, the USS Mac and Ferengi ship Gall-laj will conceal their presence from the local population, remove any trace of movements on the surface, and recover any material objects that may be on the surface. Furthermore, no attempt shall be made to contact the local population or interact with them in any way.
We begin with the Away Team and Ferengi partners safely on the planet, preparing to get underway. Gear must be transferred from the Ferengi shuttle to the rovers, the shuttle must be concealed, and the ion trail that will guide them towards the crashed ship detected.
There's no time to stand around. The less time on the planet the better.
It's 5 in the morning, local time and the vast sandy desert is still cold awaiting the sunrise.
[ Capt. Oberon Vega (bio) | Landing, B-975 III ]
Captain Oberon Vega, a human of some height and enough years, was the first out of the Ferengi shuttle's bay doors. He strode out, totally sure-footed, into the sand as if B-975 III was his own chunk of earth. He'd spent the journey down from orbit standing directly behind the Ferengi pilot (called Rol), watching everything he did. Only when he wanted to bark some reminder at one of the Mac's crew did Vega take his eyes off the pilot's maneuvers and readings.
"Th'zhaar, move faster," he barked at the Andorian/Orion science officer, who may or may not have been moving at an acceptable pace to Vega's liking.
Vega had raised binoculars and was taking a slow, steady turn around the cool blue horizon. Dawn was coming from the east. Otherwise, the landscape was featureless. No hint of the crashed Ferengi vessel or its trail was visible. Just sandy desert in every direction, peppered with sparse vegetation.
"And someone make sure the cadet remembers its gear."
Felicity Ellis , William Waring , Syl O'Connell , Eliska Bremmer , Left Ear to-Ennien , Shavan Th'zhaar , Isaiah Quinn
[ Mission Log - Captain Oberon Vega ]
The USS Mac is in orbit around the third planet of the star system B-975 (Federation Designation). We are here to assist Ferengi Alliance science ship Gall-Laj in recovering their crash-landed light shuttle from the third planet in the system, where the Ferengi had been studying the outer levels of the atmosphere.
Our mission is complicated by several factors. The first is B-975 III's unique atmosphere, the upper portion of which is irradiated in such as way as to terminally disrupt electromagnetic waves. The Ferengi also inform us that similar limitations to our communications and scanning technology will hamper our work on the surface as well.
The exact location of the crashed shuttle is unknown, but the Gall-Laj has their last-known coordinates which should place us within a three-days' journey to the crash site. Probes or any other sub-atmospheric aerial survey have not been authorized by the Federation due to the second primary complication:
B-975 III is inhabited by a pre-warp sentient people and the Prime Directive is well in affect. The Ferengi have somehow managed to avoid contact in this remote region, and we will take every precaution to keep it that way.
When the away team and the Ferengi crew arrive on the surface, we will be able to hone in on the location of the crashed ship by tracking a signature ion trail. We will have at their disposal two light ground transports. We will travel during the day and make camp at night. When we find the crashed ship, we will assist the Ferengi in recovering their people. Starfleet point-to-point transporter pattern enhancers will provide the signal stability needed for all personnel and equipment to return to the ship.
[ Science & Engineering Report ]
Approximately 3 million years ago, the star at the center of the B-975 system experienced a massive flare which irradiated the outer atmosphere of the third planet. Irradiated particles in the atmosphere disrupt patterns embedded in electromagnetic radiation, scrambling and making this method of data transmission impossible.
The Away Team should note that the following capabilities will not be available from the ships in orbit: communication to the surface; transporters; scientific scans of the surface from orbit.
According to the Ferengi data, this phenomenon persists on the surface to a lesser degree. Electromagnetic waves remain clear across short distances, but quality begins to sharply fall off at about the distance to a flat horizon.
The Away Team should note that the following capabilities will not be available on the surface: communication to ships in orbit; long-range surface communications; long-range surface scans.
The Away Team has been equipped with vehicles, clothing, and survival equipment suited to an arid, sand-desert environment.
Based on data gathered by the Ferengi about B-975's atmosphere, transporters will safely function if a transporter pattern enhancer array is erected on the surface.
[ Command Report ]
The Ferengi Alliance have shared all data gathered to date concerning B-975 III. They have provided a shuttle capable of navigating the atmosphere, and a pilot. The shuttle and Ferengi side of the mission will be overseen by Ferengi ranking officer Gabar.
Starfleeet Command has sent Captain Oberon Vega to command the away team. Starfleet will provide an Away Team escort, and transporter pattern enhancer array, and act as representative of Federation interests in the system.
[ Prime Directive Orders - Starfleet Command ]
The USS Mac, in the course of its mission to assist in the rescue and recovery of the Ferengi ship Gall-laj crew and shuttle, is hereby directed to avoid contact with the sentient population of B-975 III in adherence to the Prime Directive.
The B-975 system is located outside of Federation space and is protected by several inter-galactic treaties. Among other things, the treaty details strict rules concerning warp activity in the system and contact with the local people. The Ferengi Alliance is party to this alliance and the Federation has been designated steward. The Ferengi requested assistance insomuch as to make use of Federation transporter technology in their rescue operation.
While in orbit, in transition, and on the surface, the USS Mac and Ferengi ship Gall-laj will conceal their presence from the local population, remove any trace of movements on the surface, and recover any material objects that may be on the surface. Furthermore, no attempt shall be made to contact the local population or interact with them in any way.
We begin with the Away Team and Ferengi partners safely on the planet, preparing to get underway. Gear must be transferred from the Ferengi shuttle to the rovers, the shuttle must be concealed, and the ion trail that will guide them towards the crashed ship detected.
There's no time to stand around. The less time on the planet the better.
It's 5 in the morning, local time and the vast sandy desert is still cold awaiting the sunrise.
[ Capt. Oberon Vega (bio) | Landing, B-975 III ]
Captain Oberon Vega, a human of some height and enough years, was the first out of the Ferengi shuttle's bay doors. He strode out, totally sure-footed, into the sand as if B-975 III was his own chunk of earth. He'd spent the journey down from orbit standing directly behind the Ferengi pilot (called Rol), watching everything he did. Only when he wanted to bark some reminder at one of the Mac's crew did Vega take his eyes off the pilot's maneuvers and readings.
"Th'zhaar, move faster," he barked at the Andorian/Orion science officer, who may or may not have been moving at an acceptable pace to Vega's liking.
Vega had raised binoculars and was taking a slow, steady turn around the cool blue horizon. Dawn was coming from the east. Otherwise, the landscape was featureless. No hint of the crashed Ferengi vessel or its trail was visible. Just sandy desert in every direction, peppered with sparse vegetation.
"And someone make sure the cadet remembers its gear."
Felicity Ellis , William Waring , Syl O'Connell , Eliska Bremmer , Left Ear to-Ennien , Shavan Th'zhaar , Isaiah Quinn
You can read it in context here
