Post by Felicity Ellis on May 29, 2020 22:39:22 GMT
Good evening, Players!
The nominations for Post of the Month have been submitted, and we're now ready for our second ever vote. This month we have received five nominations, all equally worthy of your consideration. Click on each submission to find the post, a link to the thread and reasons for nomination.
The poll will stay open for two days, closing on 31st May 2020, 7PM GMT. In the event of no majority, run-off votes will be utilised.
Click on each submission to see all the details. Happy reading!
We know they're all immense posts, but please vote for your favourite!
The nominations for Post of the Month have been submitted, and we're now ready for our second ever vote. This month we have received five nominations, all equally worthy of your consideration. Click on each submission to find the post, a link to the thread and reasons for nomination.
The poll will stay open for two days, closing on 31st May 2020, 7PM GMT. In the event of no majority, run-off votes will be utilised.
Click on each submission to see all the details. Happy reading!
{Submission #1 is by Sven Aune } Here's why:
You can read the post in context here.
| Park, Deck 6 || lt. Sven Aune | npc-Xander Mcgrath |
_____
Interactions at a glance:
lt. Sven Aune -> Kova
lt. Sven Aune -> Avi
Xander McGrath -> Michael
_____
The smoking Bolian had placed her dirty napkin into his Sven's hand and started to push around him. He quickly spoke to the Kova,
"Acquaintances. Alright." he said to the Andorian. She then tried to jab the security officer with a quip about his poker skills, "Well, I guess you wouldn't want a pink skin to show you would you up in a simple card game now would you? That's okay, I understand. Andorian pride and all that." before stepping around her and blocking Avi's path with his large frame.
Without saying a word he popped the cigar out of her mouth. He stuck out his tongue and snuffed the red hot cherry ember end upon his tongue. It sizzled for a moment with a foul stench then died out. He then took the dirty napkin he was still holding, wrapped the cigar in it and stuffed the package into one of her pockets and gave it a nice pat.
"No smoking. And the garbage can is over there." he pointed to the trash receptacle.
He gave a sigh and turned away from the duo of malcontents to look for Xander. That was when Judy announced the arrival of the delegation. To him, they looked like Caitans and wondered if maybe they were long lost cousins, like Vulcans and Romulans.
That Bolian cigar was some strong nasty stuff. Like turpentine wrapped in some sort of foul tasting rubber. His stomach turned and swallowed hard. He began to make his way back to Xander knowing that the arrival would make him even more apprehensive.
_____
Meanwhile Xander had looked over in the direction that Michael had pointed. There stood the station commander. An aging woman. What is holding that woman together? he thought. "That's your Nan? I bet she bakes the best cookies, doesn't she?"
Just then she announced the arrival of the delegation. Cat people. I wonder if they smoke cat nip. Man how I could go for a good doobie right now. he had to interrupt his thought. I'm not doing that stuff anymore. he sighed and glanced over his shoulder and saw Sven returning. Xander frowned. Sven was looking a bit green.
| Park, Deck 6 || npc-Opal Peridot |
_____
Interactions at a glance:
Opal peridot -> Ozu Saya
_____
Opal sensed that Saya had squatted down. Many humans liked to do that. "Hun, It's okay, squatting is uncomfortable. You don't have to do that if you don't want to." she rumbled a bit as she spoke. "I don't like to gossip," she admitted, "But things were right hell around here under Parsnips administration. I, for one am glad for the turn over."
"Your father made a very nice ear-ring. And I love how he recycled materials. It's very beautiful and well crafted." she said. Even though she didn't have eyes, she had other senses that allowed her to experience the world around her. "He was a skilled artisan. I'm sorry for your loss." she had concluded that he had passed away due to Saya's use of past tense.
"Any little ones yet?" she asked. That was when the delegates were announced. "Oh, my dear, look how regal they look!"
Sven's strategy for keeping the peace took the Cigar Incident to an unexpected place that only Sven could have accomplished.
| Park, Deck 6 || lt. Sven Aune | npc-Xander Mcgrath |
_____
Interactions at a glance:
lt. Sven Aune -> Kova
lt. Sven Aune -> Avi
Xander McGrath -> Michael
_____
The smoking Bolian had placed her dirty napkin into his Sven's hand and started to push around him. He quickly spoke to the Kova,
"Acquaintances. Alright." he said to the Andorian. She then tried to jab the security officer with a quip about his poker skills, "Well, I guess you wouldn't want a pink skin to show you would you up in a simple card game now would you? That's okay, I understand. Andorian pride and all that." before stepping around her and blocking Avi's path with his large frame.
Without saying a word he popped the cigar out of her mouth. He stuck out his tongue and snuffed the red hot cherry ember end upon his tongue. It sizzled for a moment with a foul stench then died out. He then took the dirty napkin he was still holding, wrapped the cigar in it and stuffed the package into one of her pockets and gave it a nice pat.
"No smoking. And the garbage can is over there." he pointed to the trash receptacle.
He gave a sigh and turned away from the duo of malcontents to look for Xander. That was when Judy announced the arrival of the delegation. To him, they looked like Caitans and wondered if maybe they were long lost cousins, like Vulcans and Romulans.
That Bolian cigar was some strong nasty stuff. Like turpentine wrapped in some sort of foul tasting rubber. His stomach turned and swallowed hard. He began to make his way back to Xander knowing that the arrival would make him even more apprehensive.
_____
Meanwhile Xander had looked over in the direction that Michael had pointed. There stood the station commander. An aging woman. What is holding that woman together? he thought. "That's your Nan? I bet she bakes the best cookies, doesn't she?"
Just then she announced the arrival of the delegation. Cat people. I wonder if they smoke cat nip. Man how I could go for a good doobie right now. he had to interrupt his thought. I'm not doing that stuff anymore. he sighed and glanced over his shoulder and saw Sven returning. Xander frowned. Sven was looking a bit green.
| Park, Deck 6 || npc-Opal Peridot |
_____
Interactions at a glance:
Opal peridot -> Ozu Saya
_____
Opal sensed that Saya had squatted down. Many humans liked to do that. "Hun, It's okay, squatting is uncomfortable. You don't have to do that if you don't want to." she rumbled a bit as she spoke. "I don't like to gossip," she admitted, "But things were right hell around here under Parsnips administration. I, for one am glad for the turn over."
"Your father made a very nice ear-ring. And I love how he recycled materials. It's very beautiful and well crafted." she said. Even though she didn't have eyes, she had other senses that allowed her to experience the world around her. "He was a skilled artisan. I'm sorry for your loss." she had concluded that he had passed away due to Saya's use of past tense.
"Any little ones yet?" she asked. That was when the delegates were announced. "Oh, my dear, look how regal they look!"
{Submission #2 is by Caroline Riordan } Here's why:
You can read the post in context here.
[NPC Merie Bryn - Tarot Shop, Promenade, Front Ear Station]
From outside the shop, a slim pale hand with long tapered nails painted deep red could be seen as it flipped over the hand lettered sign in the window from Closed to Open. Not much else could be seen through the dark curtains, unusual in the bright and cheery Promenade. The shop had seemingly popped up overnight, and kept strange hours,
sometimes closed for days then steady streams of people flowing in and out once most other businesses had closed.
The interior of the shop was colorful, although dimly lit. Candles in odd places gave a flickering ambience, their dancing flames casting shadows in the corners. Jars and bottles of unidentified liquids gleamed on the shelves, amongst seemingly arcane artifacts. A ‘window’ of sorts at the back gave the room an almost ethereal glow.
Long skirt swished around Merie’s ankles as she quickly walked to her seat in front of the window. Her elaborate costume was as much set dressing as the crystal ball on the table. Her clients had an expectation of how these things were done, and she would not disappoint with her services. She sat down at the table and began to shuffle her cards. If she were correct, her first customer of the day wasn’t too far away.
This opening post is simple, yet atmospheric. When I read it I not only envision the scene, but I want to *be* there. It's also a really nice, off-beat idea.
From outside the shop, a slim pale hand with long tapered nails painted deep red could be seen as it flipped over the hand lettered sign in the window from Closed to Open. Not much else could be seen through the dark curtains, unusual in the bright and cheery Promenade. The shop had seemingly popped up overnight, and kept strange hours,
sometimes closed for days then steady streams of people flowing in and out once most other businesses had closed.
The interior of the shop was colorful, although dimly lit. Candles in odd places gave a flickering ambience, their dancing flames casting shadows in the corners. Jars and bottles of unidentified liquids gleamed on the shelves, amongst seemingly arcane artifacts. A ‘window’ of sorts at the back gave the room an almost ethereal glow.
Long skirt swished around Merie’s ankles as she quickly walked to her seat in front of the window. Her elaborate costume was as much set dressing as the crystal ball on the table. Her clients had an expectation of how these things were done, and she would not disappoint with her services. She sat down at the table and began to shuffle her cards. If she were correct, her first customer of the day wasn’t too far away.
{Submission #3 is by Kaya Som as her NPC Avi Moz } Here's why:
You can read the post in context here.
[ NPC - Avi Moz - Park, Deck 6, Station ]
A stocky Bolian sauntered down the way, one hand in the pocket of her heavy trousers, the other holding a rank cigar. There was a fuss today, she thought to herself. Like a little party. A little barbecue. Some Starfleet Mandatory Fun. Avi Moz snickered. Starfleet was obnoxious in their optimism but there was food. Never a Bolian to turn down a buffet, Avi strolled through towards Kova, and Andorian she'd seen sulking aboard the station. A cloud of rancid smoke followed her.
"What do you reckon, Kov," Avi addressed her with more familiarity than she'd earned. "Deck cleaner, Cardassian arsenic, or ... mayonnaise?"
Avi stuck her finger in it.
As entrances go, Avi's is unbeatable, and set off a very entertaining side-plot. An immensely disruptive, somewhat repulsive presence, Avi brought smiles to our OOC faces as much as she did wrinkles to our IC noses.
A stocky Bolian sauntered down the way, one hand in the pocket of her heavy trousers, the other holding a rank cigar. There was a fuss today, she thought to herself. Like a little party. A little barbecue. Some Starfleet Mandatory Fun. Avi Moz snickered. Starfleet was obnoxious in their optimism but there was food. Never a Bolian to turn down a buffet, Avi strolled through towards Kova, and Andorian she'd seen sulking aboard the station. A cloud of rancid smoke followed her.
"What do you reckon, Kov," Avi addressed her with more familiarity than she'd earned. "Deck cleaner, Cardassian arsenic, or ... mayonnaise?"
Avi stuck her finger in it.
{Submission #4 is by Joshua Niles } Here's why:
You can read the post in context here.
[ Ens Joshua Niles - Bridge, USS Mac ]
As more ideas to confirm what was going on within the nebula were being tabled, Joshua kept an eye on the Captain. He did not know her. Had not been formally introduced to her just yet either. But, such was life on an active starship: there was not always time to observe all the niceties of tradition and formality. In a way, he liked it: it meant there was an emphasis on getting the job done. He could live with that.
But on the other hand, there was this thing about tradition and the way things were supposed to be; he had been taught that even in a crisis, as much normality must be maintained, and that as an officer, it would be his job to keep non-commissioned and enlisted members of his crew working; to maintain their morale and promote good order and discipline even when things were so bad that all would be impacted, and the chain of command could be disintegrating from casualties or breaks in communication.
So odds are, in due course things would settle down...
And then, she addressed him. Instantly, Niles straightened at his position, and it was only through all of his willpower that he didn't stand at attention like some first-year Cadet in front of their basic officer's training course instructors. And she had a job for him.
To report to the Observation Lounge and... what?! To be the Captain's liaison to the Princess, whose existence he only knew because of the notification that had flashed across his board while securing from Red Alert? As an Ensign, let alone one who was not diplomatically trained? His mouth opened, but instead of objecting, three words came out crisply and smartly. "Aye-aye, Captain."
As soon as he'd acknowledged the order, he made use of his console to request an immediate relief, as well as send a message to his department head briefly explaining the situation. Clearly, he'd been relieved of Bridge duty for this watch, but what would it mean for later ones? "Captain, one question if I may: will I still be expected to stand future Bridge watches, and do I assume my battle station remains unchanged?" After all, changing Bridge watches would mean reworking the watch and station bill altogether, and if he could be spared from is current non-bridge duties, that did not necessarily mean there was personnel available to take over his watch here permanently. And, frankly, he did not want to lose his Bridge position once that particular task would be over, whenever that would be!
For a moment, his heart hammered in his ears. After all, he had just questioned his Captain, though once the answer came, without tearing his head off, he waited just long enough for his relief to arrive before he made for the Observation lounge.
[ Ens Joshua Niles - Observation Lounge, USS Mac ]
Standing outside the door for a moment, Joshua took a few deep breaths. This was just one more task, one that he needed to take care of, and one he would discharge to the very best of his abilities. Already, the guards at the door had been notified of his arrival, and they just nodded at him when he finally approached the door and entered...
Just in time to see a young lady, in the sort of clothing he'd never thought he'd see someone wear anywhere but a fancy dress ball, refer to a red-headed Petty Officer as a servant, and then hug her while gushing away at what she expected their relationship would be like. Even though another individual present, a male, human, this 'Captain Jett' according to the minimal information he had, tried to explain things, Niles had to make every effort to not smile, let alone laugh.
A few more deep breaths steadied him, and finally he spoke. "Your Highness, I am Ensign Joshua Niles. First and foremost, please allow me to offer my sympathies for the loss you and your people have suffered today. Captain Ellis has assigned me to be her personal representative and liaison to you and your people. I... ah... understand you have some needs that need tending to, and I aim to do everything in my power to see to it they are addressed as best as possible, within the confines of onboard resources."
I enjoyed reading about how he was torn between leaving and wanting to stay, how he was being tested. Also how he initially handled meeting the Princess. Plus Enterprising Young Ensign is one of my favourite nicknames.
[ Ens Joshua Niles - Bridge, USS Mac ]
As more ideas to confirm what was going on within the nebula were being tabled, Joshua kept an eye on the Captain. He did not know her. Had not been formally introduced to her just yet either. But, such was life on an active starship: there was not always time to observe all the niceties of tradition and formality. In a way, he liked it: it meant there was an emphasis on getting the job done. He could live with that.
But on the other hand, there was this thing about tradition and the way things were supposed to be; he had been taught that even in a crisis, as much normality must be maintained, and that as an officer, it would be his job to keep non-commissioned and enlisted members of his crew working; to maintain their morale and promote good order and discipline even when things were so bad that all would be impacted, and the chain of command could be disintegrating from casualties or breaks in communication.
So odds are, in due course things would settle down...
And then, she addressed him. Instantly, Niles straightened at his position, and it was only through all of his willpower that he didn't stand at attention like some first-year Cadet in front of their basic officer's training course instructors. And she had a job for him.
To report to the Observation Lounge and... what?! To be the Captain's liaison to the Princess, whose existence he only knew because of the notification that had flashed across his board while securing from Red Alert? As an Ensign, let alone one who was not diplomatically trained? His mouth opened, but instead of objecting, three words came out crisply and smartly. "Aye-aye, Captain."
As soon as he'd acknowledged the order, he made use of his console to request an immediate relief, as well as send a message to his department head briefly explaining the situation. Clearly, he'd been relieved of Bridge duty for this watch, but what would it mean for later ones? "Captain, one question if I may: will I still be expected to stand future Bridge watches, and do I assume my battle station remains unchanged?" After all, changing Bridge watches would mean reworking the watch and station bill altogether, and if he could be spared from is current non-bridge duties, that did not necessarily mean there was personnel available to take over his watch here permanently. And, frankly, he did not want to lose his Bridge position once that particular task would be over, whenever that would be!
For a moment, his heart hammered in his ears. After all, he had just questioned his Captain, though once the answer came, without tearing his head off, he waited just long enough for his relief to arrive before he made for the Observation lounge.
[ Ens Joshua Niles - Observation Lounge, USS Mac ]
Standing outside the door for a moment, Joshua took a few deep breaths. This was just one more task, one that he needed to take care of, and one he would discharge to the very best of his abilities. Already, the guards at the door had been notified of his arrival, and they just nodded at him when he finally approached the door and entered...
Just in time to see a young lady, in the sort of clothing he'd never thought he'd see someone wear anywhere but a fancy dress ball, refer to a red-headed Petty Officer as a servant, and then hug her while gushing away at what she expected their relationship would be like. Even though another individual present, a male, human, this 'Captain Jett' according to the minimal information he had, tried to explain things, Niles had to make every effort to not smile, let alone laugh.
A few more deep breaths steadied him, and finally he spoke. "Your Highness, I am Ensign Joshua Niles. First and foremost, please allow me to offer my sympathies for the loss you and your people have suffered today. Captain Ellis has assigned me to be her personal representative and liaison to you and your people. I... ah... understand you have some needs that need tending to, and I aim to do everything in my power to see to it they are addressed as best as possible, within the confines of onboard resources."
{Submission #5 is a second by Kaya Som as memorable NPC Avi Moz } Here's why:
You can read the post in context here.
Avi Moz had not, in fact, read the Starfleet communication in any detail at all. No alcohol was probably best if you knew humans. Their blood could hold what, less than one percent of alcohol before they started being funny?
The arrival of the delegation caught Avi's lazy attention, just enough for her to turn her head. It was the Sivaoans! Or something. Avi was unimpressed. She turned back to the line-up of food which was impressive in its quantity and diversity and none of it looked replicated.
And then along came Lieutenant Sven Aune. Hell. Avi rested her eblow in her arm and gave him a bare-faced look over. He extended his hand.
"Avi Moz," she answered and placed the napkin in his open hand. The man could absorb a direct hit from a photon torpedo, Avi was one-hundred percent sure, but it just wasn't in her nature to say 'yes' to a uniform.
"Nah, I'm good, Sven. Thanks." Then she bit down on the cigar, still lit and smoking, clapped him on the arm and moved past him.
Kaya did an excellent job of introducing us to a rebel you can't help but cheer for. A snarky Bolian that puffs smoke in the face of authority. Despite staring down a massive, walking, talking wall of the law, she barely batted a lash as she disregarded his request to extinguish her cigar. It was the perfect mixture of chaos and class. It easily earned a little chuckle and makes me look forward to future anarchy in the wake of this Bolian on the Front Ear.
The arrival of the delegation caught Avi's lazy attention, just enough for her to turn her head. It was the Sivaoans! Or something. Avi was unimpressed. She turned back to the line-up of food which was impressive in its quantity and diversity and none of it looked replicated.
And then along came Lieutenant Sven Aune. Hell. Avi rested her eblow in her arm and gave him a bare-faced look over. He extended his hand.
"Avi Moz," she answered and placed the napkin in his open hand. The man could absorb a direct hit from a photon torpedo, Avi was one-hundred percent sure, but it just wasn't in her nature to say 'yes' to a uniform.
"Nah, I'm good, Sven. Thanks." Then she bit down on the cigar, still lit and smoking, clapped him on the arm and moved past him.
We know they're all immense posts, but please vote for your favourite!
