Post by Judith Eastman on Jun 27, 2020 19:42:21 GMT
That's right, the time has come to vote for the Post of the Month. This month, we have received 4 nominations. Below, you will find each post, a link to it in the thread (so you can read it with its surrounding context), and the reason that the nominator gave for it.
The poll will be open for 2 days. If no one post gains a majority, we'll have a runoff vote between the top two vote-getters.
So, here goes. Click on each submission to show all the details.
As usual, voting will remain open for two days. If no post wins a majority, we'll have a runoff between the top two.
The poll will be open for 2 days. If no one post gains a majority, we'll have a runoff vote between the top two vote-getters.
So, here goes. Click on each submission to show all the details.
{Submission #1 is from Kaya Som}This post is from the Mission. Here's what the person who nominated it had to say:
The post itself:
With the speed and determination of three fugitives fighting for their freedom, maybe thier lives, Benor, Malko, and Cheron made their way across Deck 9 to the access shafts. They'd tried a turbolift and found it inoperable, so it would be a climb.
First Cheron and her encyclopedic knowledge of ship schematics, then Malko clinging possessively to the phaser, then Benor at the rear.
Benor spoke, explaining the plan. "It won't be long before they find out we're gone. But by the time that happens, we'll have tekn the Computer Core. We'll ride out the storm from there."
"We're going to need more than this shitty phaser," Malko replied.
"We've done worse with less, haven't we Benny?" Cheron said with less conviction than her words might carry.
"They're mercenaries making a delivery. But there's no greater fighter who has their freedom to lose," Benor said. "For the moment, we have the advantage."
As they arrived on Deck 8, the announcement rang out.
[...]=/\="All stations, all departments, security alert. Secure all consoles not immediately required and physically disable doors to restricted areas from the inside if possible. Bridge out."=/\=[...]Cheron just laughed. "Oh, they're trying"
"Don't get cocky," growled Benor as Cheron led the way out of the access hatch.
[ Computer Core | Deck 8 ]
Again, the Arkarians moved as one, skirting down corridors, checking around corners. So far they'd encountered no one, but they knew what they had to do once they got to the computer core. Benor and Malko would control the crew, Cheron would claim the place as their own.
With the help of their lone phaser, they pried open the doors of the computer core and emerged on the top level. The chamber was actively in shambles, debris everywhere. Benor picked up a piece of railing and Cheron disappeared at a run. Immediately, Malko fired three shots on stun at the backs of the first three people he saw, providing cover from above. Benor descended the stairs and moved like tank. She saw two Starfleet on the ground by some debris; she didn't hesitate. She stormed over, grabbed the one in medic blue (Baker), and hit her in the face.
You can read submission #1 in context here.
because of the relationship and conversation between the three prisoners as they reached the computer core. Not to mention that I enjoyed how they took my character hostage.
The post itself:
First Cheron and her encyclopedic knowledge of ship schematics, then Malko clinging possessively to the phaser, then Benor at the rear.
Benor spoke, explaining the plan. "It won't be long before they find out we're gone. But by the time that happens, we'll have tekn the Computer Core. We'll ride out the storm from there."
"We're going to need more than this shitty phaser," Malko replied.
"We've done worse with less, haven't we Benny?" Cheron said with less conviction than her words might carry.
"They're mercenaries making a delivery. But there's no greater fighter who has their freedom to lose," Benor said. "For the moment, we have the advantage."
As they arrived on Deck 8, the announcement rang out.
"Don't get cocky," growled Benor as Cheron led the way out of the access hatch.
[ Computer Core | Deck 8 ]
Again, the Arkarians moved as one, skirting down corridors, checking around corners. So far they'd encountered no one, but they knew what they had to do once they got to the computer core. Benor and Malko would control the crew, Cheron would claim the place as their own.
With the help of their lone phaser, they pried open the doors of the computer core and emerged on the top level. The chamber was actively in shambles, debris everywhere. Benor picked up a piece of railing and Cheron disappeared at a run. Immediately, Malko fired three shots on stun at the backs of the first three people he saw, providing cover from above. Benor descended the stairs and moved like tank. She saw two Starfleet on the ground by some debris; she didn't hesitate. She stormed over, grabbed the one in medic blue (Baker), and hit her in the face.
You can read submission #1 in context here.
{Submission #2 is from Isaiah Quinn}This post is from the Mission. Here's what the person who nominated this post had to say:
Here's the post:
"Shields up at maximum. Tracking sensors are back online via the backup links. I'm receiving reports of minor casualties ship-wide. Weapons are operational and available if needed, but aft torpedo bay is reporting an issue with the feeding system when the relay I had issues with earlier blew completely. Time to repair... not known."
And when he looked from his board, he noticed that one thing had not budged: his coffee cup. The spill-proof lid had done its job, and the magnetic bottom had kept it just where he'd left it. Well, at least one thing didn't get rattled around, and when he reached for it, there as a very distinctive metal-on-metal sound as his prosthetic connected with the container, before he brought it to his lips.
[...]
"Did you take us to yellow alert?" she asked, her tone not at all accusatory. She didn't mind initiative, but she needed to know what was going on on her bridge; even if Saya wanted her to get her injuries taken seriously, and had a direct line to her hubby, she had a job to do, and she was doing it.
"Regardless of that, we need to make sure that if there's more coming, we're ready for it. Let's start by rerouting some power to the inertial dampeners, whatever we have. Feel free to cannibalize the torpedo bays, considering I don't think we'll need, or have any use for, those," she ordered. "Any other ideas?"
Judy gave an extra look to Lieutenant Quinn, and then, at last, examined her foot. There was some swelling, and a bruise in a regal shade of purple. She'd suffered worse.
It was with perfect timing that Mabel showed up. She looked concerned about what had happened, and for her boss. Certainly, the shoe on the floor wasn't a reassuring sign. Despite the First Officer's fondness for sandals off-duty, and her regular pedicures, it was unheard of to see her barefoot on-shift.
"Can I get you anything?" she asked the older woman.
"Yes, my dear. A little stool to prop my legs up on, preferably with a magnetic attachment, and an ice pack," Judy requested, and Mabel headed to the replicator to get those, piecing together what had happened.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Elijah replied to Chief Baker. He nodded once at Brody who was now standing nearby, and swifty took his leave. He had to take the turbolift down to sickbay to retrieve a medical kit before heading to the bridge; he was swift in pursuit, only slowing once to check on a woman sitting on the floor but another medical officer attended within seconds. Upon reaching the bridge, he approached the station closest and asked, “Who needs medical attention?” while surveying the environment for possible hazards.
There, Saya said to the medical officer, gesturing toward Judy. And don’t let her put you off. She offered the first officer a severely raised eyebrow before tapping her combadge to respond to the report from engineering.
=/\= Acknowledged, engineering. Keep an eye on the warp core. Get auxiliary power to the brig, and reroute extra power from the holodecks to supplement. Also reroute power from the torpedo systems to inertial dampers. Prioritize the rest of the repairs and get me a list as soon as possible. =/\=
Saya blew out a breath and glanced around at the other officers, impressed that the young men at tactical and science seemed to be weathering the unusual circumstances well. Her gaze caught an unusual flash of metal as Joshua reached for his coffee.
Brow furrowing, Saya grabbed her tricorder and approached the tactical officer. Ensign, do you need assistance? she asked, gesturing to his cybernetic arm.
[Lt. (j.g.) Isaiah Quinn - Bridge, USS Mac]
As Isaiah worked at his station, he listened at the flurry of information spouting from every corner of the bridge. Hearing that shields were still active was of some comfort, of course there was still some question of how effective they would be against... whatever it was they were dealing with. Engineering had things in hand, rerouting power where it was necessary. Hopefully, buffering the inertial dampeners would keep anyone else from taking any further spills. His eyes fell towards Commander Eastman once again, hearing her ask the bridge for any other ideas. Oddly enough, he felt the question was directed towards him.
He welcomed the arrival of Dr. Azaria, as it tended to give him a bit more time to examine the situation. He stared at the data displayed on his console. How it appeared familiar and yet something he'd never seen before. Scan after scan, nothing seemed to stand out until, he noticed something. Commander, I think I have something," Isaiah stated from the science station. He continued to work at his station, attempting to confirm his theory before sharing it with the acting captain.
"These distortions don't appear to be static," Isaiah reported. "We've had trouble trying to chart them because we assumed they were stationary. The distortions appear to be moving like... a meteorological storm cell." Isaiah took a deep breath before continuing. "I believe if I can expand the reach of our sensors, I will have a better chance of predicting the potential of the distortions, as well as how it may have originated." At least as well as anyone had ever been at predicting the weather. And given that this was a spatial phenomenon, it would be increasingly difficult.
Isaiah continued to study the readouts, even as he widened the parameters of the sensors. "I would need to run scans from the source, but it's possible that solar winds traveled through the Barzan wormhole and supercharged some of the particles within the wormhole itself," Isaiah theorized aloud. "The solar radiation would explain why it's reeking havoc on our systems. And the charged wormhole particles could flare from time to time, ripping holes in subspace. Isaiah looked across the bridge. "For now, it's just a theory, but if we modify our shields to emit a metaphasic field around the ship, it may take some of the sting out of flare ups."
Just as the brig doors opened, the ship lurched and Kaya was toppled across the corridor into the wall. She ended up on her arse on the ground. She grunted and stayed put for a moment; she'd had her bell run.
S'Riia asked if she was alright.
"Hah-de-zhi..." she groaned then nodded. "Yeah, fine. The hell was that?"
As she got herself to her feet she looked around. No announcement, no red alert. No, 'prepare for battle stations'. They hadn't been knocked out of warp, she figured that.
She followed S'Riia into the brig and logged into a panel.
"Bridge isn't sure yet," she called to S'Riia who'd gone to the cells. Kaya craned her neck to see if she could see them, her curiosity not abated by the bump in the road.
"Not seeing any damage reports. No major injuries."
[ Arkarians | Brig ]
Back in the cells, the Arkarians had been rocked just as much as everyone else. Benor's teacup had fallen and shattered. Malko and Cheron were picking themselves up off the ground.
But then, Cheron froze and looked up. The lights had flickered. Just once. Benor picked up the shards of ceramic.
"Fate's coming for us."
It was then the security officer came into view. Cheron straightened up and Malko approached the force field. They could hear someone else's voice coming from the front.
"What do you think?" he asked S'Riia. Some transport. Can't even fly straight."
[NPC - PO1 S'Riia - Brig, Deck 9, USS Mac]
S'Riia's immediate concern was put to rest when Kaya announced that she wasn't hurt. However, the Engineer was quick to get other answers as well, including pointing out that they didn't seem to Bridge had yet to ascertain if they were under attack. Though, given that no subsequent disturbances had occurred, it stood to reason that they weren't. The other good news was that it appeared that there were no major injuries or damages reported.
As S'Riia turned her attention to the prisoners, they also appeared to be in good health. As one of them approached the field, instinctively, S'Riia's focus fell upon Malko. He made some snide comment about the ship not flying straight. "Don't worry, it'll get you straight to Arkaria soon enough," was her comment. She moved back towards Kaya and lowered her voice. "As good as it is to see you, I suppose this wasn't a social visit," she posed knowing that there had likely been another reason that Kaya had come down to the brig.
You can read submission #2 in context here.
You can't have Trek without Treknobabble, the made-up science that underpins so much of what goes on. In this post, Quinn gave us some nice Treknobabble to justify the storm plot device. This, like many of his other posts, is thoughtful, sensible, and helps give the mission more depth.
Here's the post:
And when he looked from his board, he noticed that one thing had not budged: his coffee cup. The spill-proof lid had done its job, and the magnetic bottom had kept it just where he'd left it. Well, at least one thing didn't get rattled around, and when he reached for it, there as a very distinctive metal-on-metal sound as his prosthetic connected with the container, before he brought it to his lips.
"Did you take us to yellow alert?" she asked, her tone not at all accusatory. She didn't mind initiative, but she needed to know what was going on on her bridge; even if Saya wanted her to get her injuries taken seriously, and had a direct line to her hubby, she had a job to do, and she was doing it.
"Regardless of that, we need to make sure that if there's more coming, we're ready for it. Let's start by rerouting some power to the inertial dampeners, whatever we have. Feel free to cannibalize the torpedo bays, considering I don't think we'll need, or have any use for, those," she ordered. "Any other ideas?"
Judy gave an extra look to Lieutenant Quinn, and then, at last, examined her foot. There was some swelling, and a bruise in a regal shade of purple. She'd suffered worse.
It was with perfect timing that Mabel showed up. She looked concerned about what had happened, and for her boss. Certainly, the shoe on the floor wasn't a reassuring sign. Despite the First Officer's fondness for sandals off-duty, and her regular pedicures, it was unheard of to see her barefoot on-shift.
"Can I get you anything?" she asked the older woman.
"Yes, my dear. A little stool to prop my legs up on, preferably with a magnetic attachment, and an ice pack," Judy requested, and Mabel headed to the replicator to get those, piecing together what had happened.
=/\= Acknowledged, engineering. Keep an eye on the warp core. Get auxiliary power to the brig, and reroute extra power from the holodecks to supplement. Also reroute power from the torpedo systems to inertial dampers. Prioritize the rest of the repairs and get me a list as soon as possible. =/\=
Saya blew out a breath and glanced around at the other officers, impressed that the young men at tactical and science seemed to be weathering the unusual circumstances well. Her gaze caught an unusual flash of metal as Joshua reached for his coffee.
Brow furrowing, Saya grabbed her tricorder and approached the tactical officer. Ensign, do you need assistance? she asked, gesturing to his cybernetic arm.
As Isaiah worked at his station, he listened at the flurry of information spouting from every corner of the bridge. Hearing that shields were still active was of some comfort, of course there was still some question of how effective they would be against... whatever it was they were dealing with. Engineering had things in hand, rerouting power where it was necessary. Hopefully, buffering the inertial dampeners would keep anyone else from taking any further spills. His eyes fell towards Commander Eastman once again, hearing her ask the bridge for any other ideas. Oddly enough, he felt the question was directed towards him.
He welcomed the arrival of Dr. Azaria, as it tended to give him a bit more time to examine the situation. He stared at the data displayed on his console. How it appeared familiar and yet something he'd never seen before. Scan after scan, nothing seemed to stand out until, he noticed something. Commander, I think I have something," Isaiah stated from the science station. He continued to work at his station, attempting to confirm his theory before sharing it with the acting captain.
"These distortions don't appear to be static," Isaiah reported. "We've had trouble trying to chart them because we assumed they were stationary. The distortions appear to be moving like... a meteorological storm cell." Isaiah took a deep breath before continuing. "I believe if I can expand the reach of our sensors, I will have a better chance of predicting the potential of the distortions, as well as how it may have originated." At least as well as anyone had ever been at predicting the weather. And given that this was a spatial phenomenon, it would be increasingly difficult.
Isaiah continued to study the readouts, even as he widened the parameters of the sensors. "I would need to run scans from the source, but it's possible that solar winds traveled through the Barzan wormhole and supercharged some of the particles within the wormhole itself," Isaiah theorized aloud. "The solar radiation would explain why it's reeking havoc on our systems. And the charged wormhole particles could flare from time to time, ripping holes in subspace. Isaiah looked across the bridge. "For now, it's just a theory, but if we modify our shields to emit a metaphasic field around the ship, it may take some of the sting out of flare ups."
**********
S'Riia asked if she was alright.
"Hah-de-zhi..." she groaned then nodded. "Yeah, fine. The hell was that?"
As she got herself to her feet she looked around. No announcement, no red alert. No, 'prepare for battle stations'. They hadn't been knocked out of warp, she figured that.
She followed S'Riia into the brig and logged into a panel.
"Bridge isn't sure yet," she called to S'Riia who'd gone to the cells. Kaya craned her neck to see if she could see them, her curiosity not abated by the bump in the road.
"Not seeing any damage reports. No major injuries."
[ Arkarians | Brig ]
Back in the cells, the Arkarians had been rocked just as much as everyone else. Benor's teacup had fallen and shattered. Malko and Cheron were picking themselves up off the ground.
But then, Cheron froze and looked up. The lights had flickered. Just once. Benor picked up the shards of ceramic.
"Fate's coming for us."
It was then the security officer came into view. Cheron straightened up and Malko approached the force field. They could hear someone else's voice coming from the front.
"What do you think?" he asked S'Riia. Some transport. Can't even fly straight."
S'Riia's immediate concern was put to rest when Kaya announced that she wasn't hurt. However, the Engineer was quick to get other answers as well, including pointing out that they didn't seem to Bridge had yet to ascertain if they were under attack. Though, given that no subsequent disturbances had occurred, it stood to reason that they weren't. The other good news was that it appeared that there were no major injuries or damages reported.
As S'Riia turned her attention to the prisoners, they also appeared to be in good health. As one of them approached the field, instinctively, S'Riia's focus fell upon Malko. He made some snide comment about the ship not flying straight. "Don't worry, it'll get you straight to Arkaria soon enough," was her comment. She moved back towards Kaya and lowered her voice. "As good as it is to see you, I suppose this wasn't a social visit," she posed knowing that there had likely been another reason that Kaya had come down to the brig.
You can read submission #2 in context here.
{Submission #3 is from Isaiah Quinn}This post was in our Event. Here's what the person who nominated this post had to say:
Here's the post itself:
Costa shoved the pad back into her pocket once she'd obtained Leanna's thumbprint, and gave her a nod when she said her people would be ready. Business was concluded, but she didn't rush off quite yet. She found her interest certainly piqued by this Colonel Vasser, who knew a name that held quite the sentimental value to Costa. She'd heard of the Ganymede, and something told her that this woman likely had a story or two worth listening to. "Fairest bossmang I've ever had," she confirmed in agreement with Vasser's assumptions regarding Torngate. Costa continued to watch the woman as she worked the group.
[...]
"Na sure wha' gratitude am due, but if im¹ in the form o' more rowm², will take im," Costa muttered when the Colonel stated her intent to thank them all. "Gut luck." Costa watched the woman make her polite exit and head toward the mezzanine, her expression predominantly detached.
It shifted somewhat when Halgerdur commented on her new line of work suiting her better. "An' what kinda personality would tha' be, Halgerdur?" Some people were more likely to engage their brains before they spoke; in her experience Fells had never been one of them. But then, on a good day, neither was she.
"Come see the Dog some time," she offered then, including both of them. "Ever need ta hitch a ride, let me know."
[...]
When her Fiance then whispered and asked, how long she would need him for and if an hour would be enough. Lea turned to him, knowing why he had asked that. " Sure an hour is good with me, then you can pick up Ari if you want and I'll meet you back at home" she replied quietly, as he then engaged Costa in conversation.
Lea knew that they once served together, so it was nice to hear them talk, as Costa then offered to show him the Dog, before including Lea in the offer of to let her know, if they ever needed to hitch a ride.
" Thanks, Costa, I'm sure we'll take you up on that sometime".
He was glad that Lea told him she only needed him for an hour. For now he was good behind the bar talking to his former colleague.
"The way she still adressed him by his last name was either some tough girl act or military style. The former suited her, the latter not so much.
"You can call me Fells. It's easier and I'm no longer part of Starfleet either. Just a civilian now."
Then she offered a ride in her ship, which caught his interest. "I was training to be a pilot a while ago but Lea sold her ship....any chance for a training flight?"
It wasn't like he needed to followca certain routine anyway. Maybe he could get some valuable training.
That's when Aven suddenly let out a loud burp, left some spit on Fells shirt and then made a brief tiny baby whiney sound.
"Oops...are you okay, buddy?" He ran his hand over his back and the baby calmed down.
[NPC - Colonel Helena Vasser - Blue Beta Bar - Promenade, Front Ear Station]
"Well, for a start, consider your next drink on me," Vasser said to Costa. She had every confidence that while she had the woman's interest, she likely had her curiosity as well. Usually, when people were thanked it was for something specific. With them not having dealt directly with one another in the past, it likely hinted that she was after something. Vasser wouldn't deny it, and she wouldn't get pulled into a long explanation either. At least not right now. "Let me get back to you on that, Fells," she said as she took note of how he wanted to be addressed.
As she left the others and ascended the mezzanine, Vasser shared a few words with her subordinate before she moved into the limelight. She never cared for making speeches, but she enjoyed making points. She enjoyed a lively debate. It was now her chance to help others see things they way they were and not as society would have them accept them to be.
"Good evening, everyone. First of all, let me thank you all for coming. I'd also like to once again thank the Blue Beta Bar and her staff, without them, none of this would be possible. And finally, I'd like to thank our station hosts. Captain Ellis and the members of her crew have made us feel nothing short of welcome." She paused a moment and led the applause herself. Her eyes took a moment to focus in Ellis' (last known) direction, confident she may have earned the Captain's eyes and ears.
"The main purpose of this evening is to heartily welcome our new recruits to the Nyberrite Alliance. Now, I know the reputation the Alliance has in the eyes of many. That we're a collection of misfit mercenaries. That our masses stem from penal colony parolees to unruly officers drummed out of Starfleet. That our morals fall low as the price of our services increase. Vasser paused as she stared out at those gathered. "But I challenge you to look around this room. The people gathered here aren't misfits. They are your friends... your family. They are simply trying to find a way to meaningfully contribute to their community where they won't be ostracized for choices they made in their pasts."
"People seek out the Nyberrite Alliance for a second chance and we welcome them all. Perhaps it's also time that everyone else gave the Alliance a second chance as well. The Alliance is looking to extend its services to better serve our community here. Now, safety and security matters of this station are solely Starfleet's responsibility, and we would not dream of infringing upon our neighbors' sovereignty," Vasser said. "However, we do want to do our part. We want to help local businesses deter piracy and theft by making their association with the Alliance known. We want to ensure that freighters and transports know they can depend on assistance from the Alliance in any form through their association with the alliance."
"When I first joined Starfleet, I wanted to be an explorer," Vasser began. "Though, shortly after the Dominion War, I realized what I really wanted to do was protect the concept of piece. Starfleet's first priority is to seek out new life and new civilization. The Alliance would like to support that continuing mission by protecting the piece we have from those that would threaten it. Talents of all sort are welcome in the alliance: those with security experience of course, but medics, engineers, pilots even scientists." Vasser took a deep breath before concluding.
"The Nyberrite Alliance pledges to being an open book," Vasser smiled. "Within reason of course. I'm asked that you enjoy yourselves for the evening. You're welcome to engage myself or any of my officers and recruits on why they've chosen the Alliance. I'm also opening my ship, the N.S.S. Soteria to be toured. My staff tells me we'll be prepared to entertain the first groups within the hour. I only ask that you keep an open mind and an open heart. Thank you, and please... enjoy yourselves."
Vasser descended from the mezzanine amid some applause, shaking a few hands once she reached the bottom. She did her best to make it back towards the bar, towards the small gathering she had left only moments before. However, the sporadic handshakes made it a much longer walk than it had been before. The one thing she didn't do was seek out Ellis. If the Captain had anything to say, she knew where to find her, but she doubted a lot of what she said was honey to the captain's ears.
As she reached the bar, she gestured for a drink. "I'll talk one of what she's having. Anyone else is welcome," she said offering to buy another round of drinks. She then faced the others she had left moments ago. "You may have questions or you may simply want to take your leave. However, you have my money and you have my booze. I'm only hoping that you'll consider hearing me out before writing me off."
Tag: Leanna Mazal , Fells Halgerdur , Alexa Costa
Soft Tag: Felicity Ellis , Matthew Harmon , Sven Aune , Ozu Saya (Ryah), Dugris Zaman , Shavan Th'zhaar , Kova Sh'qaleq , Others at the Blue Beta (that I may have missed. S'sorry.)
You can read submission #3 in context here.
Expertly wielding multiple NPCs to tell this story, this player and their posts have been the main focus of all characters involved. This post in particular is a prime example of how many people Colonel Vasser has managed to engage with one speech. Very nicely done.
Here's the post itself:
[...]
"Na sure wha' gratitude am due, but if im¹ in the form o' more rowm², will take im," Costa muttered when the Colonel stated her intent to thank them all. "Gut luck." Costa watched the woman make her polite exit and head toward the mezzanine, her expression predominantly detached.
It shifted somewhat when Halgerdur commented on her new line of work suiting her better. "An' what kinda personality would tha' be, Halgerdur?" Some people were more likely to engage their brains before they spoke; in her experience Fells had never been one of them. But then, on a good day, neither was she.
"Come see the Dog some time," she offered then, including both of them. "Ever need ta hitch a ride, let me know."
When her Fiance then whispered and asked, how long she would need him for and if an hour would be enough. Lea turned to him, knowing why he had asked that. " Sure an hour is good with me, then you can pick up Ari if you want and I'll meet you back at home" she replied quietly, as he then engaged Costa in conversation.
Lea knew that they once served together, so it was nice to hear them talk, as Costa then offered to show him the Dog, before including Lea in the offer of to let her know, if they ever needed to hitch a ride.
" Thanks, Costa, I'm sure we'll take you up on that sometime".
"The way she still adressed him by his last name was either some tough girl act or military style. The former suited her, the latter not so much.
"You can call me Fells. It's easier and I'm no longer part of Starfleet either. Just a civilian now."
Then she offered a ride in her ship, which caught his interest. "I was training to be a pilot a while ago but Lea sold her ship....any chance for a training flight?"
It wasn't like he needed to followca certain routine anyway. Maybe he could get some valuable training.
That's when Aven suddenly let out a loud burp, left some spit on Fells shirt and then made a brief tiny baby whiney sound.
"Oops...are you okay, buddy?" He ran his hand over his back and the baby calmed down.
"Well, for a start, consider your next drink on me," Vasser said to Costa. She had every confidence that while she had the woman's interest, she likely had her curiosity as well. Usually, when people were thanked it was for something specific. With them not having dealt directly with one another in the past, it likely hinted that she was after something. Vasser wouldn't deny it, and she wouldn't get pulled into a long explanation either. At least not right now. "Let me get back to you on that, Fells," she said as she took note of how he wanted to be addressed.
As she left the others and ascended the mezzanine, Vasser shared a few words with her subordinate before she moved into the limelight. She never cared for making speeches, but she enjoyed making points. She enjoyed a lively debate. It was now her chance to help others see things they way they were and not as society would have them accept them to be.
"Good evening, everyone. First of all, let me thank you all for coming. I'd also like to once again thank the Blue Beta Bar and her staff, without them, none of this would be possible. And finally, I'd like to thank our station hosts. Captain Ellis and the members of her crew have made us feel nothing short of welcome." She paused a moment and led the applause herself. Her eyes took a moment to focus in Ellis' (last known) direction, confident she may have earned the Captain's eyes and ears.
"The main purpose of this evening is to heartily welcome our new recruits to the Nyberrite Alliance. Now, I know the reputation the Alliance has in the eyes of many. That we're a collection of misfit mercenaries. That our masses stem from penal colony parolees to unruly officers drummed out of Starfleet. That our morals fall low as the price of our services increase. Vasser paused as she stared out at those gathered. "But I challenge you to look around this room. The people gathered here aren't misfits. They are your friends... your family. They are simply trying to find a way to meaningfully contribute to their community where they won't be ostracized for choices they made in their pasts."
"People seek out the Nyberrite Alliance for a second chance and we welcome them all. Perhaps it's also time that everyone else gave the Alliance a second chance as well. The Alliance is looking to extend its services to better serve our community here. Now, safety and security matters of this station are solely Starfleet's responsibility, and we would not dream of infringing upon our neighbors' sovereignty," Vasser said. "However, we do want to do our part. We want to help local businesses deter piracy and theft by making their association with the Alliance known. We want to ensure that freighters and transports know they can depend on assistance from the Alliance in any form through their association with the alliance."
"When I first joined Starfleet, I wanted to be an explorer," Vasser began. "Though, shortly after the Dominion War, I realized what I really wanted to do was protect the concept of piece. Starfleet's first priority is to seek out new life and new civilization. The Alliance would like to support that continuing mission by protecting the piece we have from those that would threaten it. Talents of all sort are welcome in the alliance: those with security experience of course, but medics, engineers, pilots even scientists." Vasser took a deep breath before concluding.
"The Nyberrite Alliance pledges to being an open book," Vasser smiled. "Within reason of course. I'm asked that you enjoy yourselves for the evening. You're welcome to engage myself or any of my officers and recruits on why they've chosen the Alliance. I'm also opening my ship, the N.S.S. Soteria to be toured. My staff tells me we'll be prepared to entertain the first groups within the hour. I only ask that you keep an open mind and an open heart. Thank you, and please... enjoy yourselves."
Vasser descended from the mezzanine amid some applause, shaking a few hands once she reached the bottom. She did her best to make it back towards the bar, towards the small gathering she had left only moments before. However, the sporadic handshakes made it a much longer walk than it had been before. The one thing she didn't do was seek out Ellis. If the Captain had anything to say, she knew where to find her, but she doubted a lot of what she said was honey to the captain's ears.
As she reached the bar, she gestured for a drink. "I'll talk one of what she's having. Anyone else is welcome," she said offering to buy another round of drinks. She then faced the others she had left moments ago. "You may have questions or you may simply want to take your leave. However, you have my money and you have my booze. I'm only hoping that you'll consider hearing me out before writing me off."
Tag: Leanna Mazal , Fells Halgerdur , Alexa Costa
Soft Tag: Felicity Ellis , Matthew Harmon , Sven Aune , Ozu Saya (Ryah), Dugris Zaman , Shavan Th'zhaar , Kova Sh'qaleq , Others at the Blue Beta (that I may have missed. S'sorry.)
You can read submission #3 in context here.
{Submission #4 is from Matthew Harmon}This post is from our Event. It was submitted by two people, and here's what they had to say:
Here's the post itself:
[Intelligence Office]
Harmon returned to his office and quickly began compiling brief dossiers on certain possible recruits with the help of Hudson. It didn't take long with them working together. She made some comments on the dossiers when she insisted she 'proof read them' and once the changes were made he sent them to the Captain. The messages were coded to self wipe after 6 hours. Unfortunately, he sent the wrong file attachment and instead of sending the final copy sent the unedited files with Hudson's comments.
Hudson nodded and went to go find an undercover camera before doing a double take, "Wait...," she said seeming genuinely hurt. "You think my career is going nowhere?" She spoke softly and without her usual bubbly persona. Despite all the teasing and hard time she gave Harmon, she liked working for him and cared about his opinion, though she'd never admit it.
"Just go, hurry up!" he said with frustration. After a moment he noticed, especially given the lack of a quip back from her, that he'd upset her. He got up and followed her. "I'm sorry. Your career is going fine, you're an ensign who drew the short straw on postings. In fact, its going brilliantly. You're doing more complex and more meaningful tasks, and you're being given more responsibility than any other ensign I know. You're going places, you'll be Admiral in no time," he smiled nervously. He did mean what he said, he wasn't one for giving out undeserved compliments. She smiled slightly and then went back to work with Harmon leaving her in peace and returning to his office.
He activated his communicator. "Harmon to the cap'n. I've run those system diagnostics you requested. They've been sent to you."
You can read submission #4 in context here.
Please note that I had to adjust the formatting so that Harmon's dossiers would display properly.
It was an innovative critique of several characters all rolled up into one. Definitely a rare look at other characters in-game through the lens of Matt Harmon. It painted a picture of his brilliance, and his ego through the running commentary. An excellent piece of writing.
It's not every day that an RPer can so thoroughly insult six other characters, and have it end with those characters' players not only laughing, but wanting to nominate it for Post of the Month. This was a well-timed, scene-stealing, plot-moving post that deserves to be recognised for the discussion it provoked.
Here's the post itself:
Harmon returned to his office and quickly began compiling brief dossiers on certain possible recruits with the help of Hudson. It didn't take long with them working together. She made some comments on the dossiers when she insisted she 'proof read them' and once the changes were made he sent them to the Captain. The messages were coded to self wipe after 6 hours. Unfortunately, he sent the wrong file attachment and instead of sending the final copy sent the unedited files with Hudson's comments.
NAME: Fells Halgerdur
FILE No.: 1
CRIMINAL HISTORY:
Found guilty of accepting a bribe, corruption, criminal negligence occasioning death. Found not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. Guilty of being annoying.
PRESSURE POINTS:
Appears to be close to and care greatly for his partner, Lea and his kids. Seems to be repentant, could appeal to his desire to rehabilitate himself and leverage that
CHANCE OF JOINING ALLIANCE:
High. Cast out from Starfleet, suspected by many on the station. Carries at great deal of stigma. Fits profile of Alliance recruits perfectly. Would likely not join if it meant separating from his family, however.
SUITABILITY AS ASSET:
Pros: Security training. Doesn’t seem to like me.
(Note from Hudson: Why is that a pro?)
Cons: Untrustworthy. Impulsive. Moderate probability of blowing cover.
NAME: Avi Moz
FILE NO.: 2
CRIMINAL HISTORY:
Various minor charges. Suspected of more serious crimes.
PRESSURE POINTS:
Targeted by a number of organised crime elements. Wanted by several governments, including the Romulans for freelancing with rebel groups.
CHANCE OF JOINING ALLIANCE:
Low-Moderate. Criminal past, resents Starfleet, has skills useful to the Alliance. However, she seems to enjoy her freedom and the quiet stability of Front Ear.
SUITABILITY AS ASSET:
Reliable if properly motivated. Annoys Security, which amuses me.
(Note from Hudson: Is that really relevant?)
NAME: Dugris Zaman, Blah, Blah, Blah, Nerd
FILE NO.: 3
CRIMINAL HISTORY:
None that we know of, but the man seems to have done every other profession in the galaxy so it's possible.
PRESSURE POINTS:
Hemorrhaging money. Collected almost as many ex-wifes as post nominals, many of which he pays alimony too. Could potentially make money troubles worse (audit? Freeze assets?).
CHANCE OF JOINING ALLIANCE:
Low. In financial trouble, but doesn’t appear to be the type to join a mercenary outfit.
SUITABILITY AS AN ASSET:
Wide range of skills. Surely some are useful? Seems eccentric but reliable. May mess things up but can probably talk his way out. He isn’t a criminal (that we know of) and seems more trustworthy and less likely to turn than most candidates.
NAME: Thomas Jett
FILE NO.: 4
CRIMINAL HISTORY:
Treason (the man deserves the death penalty not a corrupt pardon. Wonder what blackmail he had on the Prez). General pretentiousness. Insufferably self righteous victim complex. Criminal fashion sense.
PRESSURE POINTS:
He’s looking for something. Could offer to give him that (and then snatch it away from him when he’s done, he deserves no reward. Ever. Perhaps he could go missing after mission…).
(Note from Hudson: Since he seems to have forgotten this is going to you, Captain, let me just stress that Harmon’s joking... he’s just got an odd sense of humor. He isn’t seriously planning on throwing Jett out the airlock. I think. The waterboarding joke he made to me is probably a joke too.)
CHANCE OF JOINING ALLIANCE:
Low. He seems to be after something here and does have his own ship and freedom. His intentions are unclear and hard to say given his erratic nature.
SUITABILITY AS AN ASSET:
Poor. The definition of a loose cannon. Unlikely to accept instructions sufficiently. I will airlock myself before I work with him.
(Another Note from Hudson: Why did you include him on the list then, boss?)
NAME: Alexa Costa
FILE NO.: 5
CRIMINAL HISTORY:
None on record. Suspected of smuggling. ‘
PRESSURE POINTS:
I dunno, could probably find something to charge her with.
(Hudson: You’re really scraping the bottom now aren’t you? Quality candidates not quantity!)
CHANCE OF JOINING ALLIANCE:
Low. Seems to like her freedom I guess. Don’t know much about her, record post-Starfleet is scant. Perhaps she would only do contract work for Alliance.
(Hudson: Why does everyone who likes their freedom so much end up in this backwater hole?)
SUITABILITY AS AN ASSET:
Well I can’t understand her, which is a problem (Hudson: Are you allowed to say that? I don’t think you are.). Appears to have an aversion to authority. Probably not a good idea.
NAME: Kova Sh’qaelq
FILE NO.: 6
CRIMINAL HISTORY:
Various computer nerd stuff. Hudson explained it. I didn’t understand. Or rather didn’t listen (Note from Hudson: HEY!)
PRESSURE POINTS:
Keeps getting let off on lack of evidence. Could find evidence or perhaps evidence could appear...Hudson’s good at computer stuff (Note from Hudson: I’m not planting evidence if that’s what you’re hinting at.)
CHANCE OF JOINING ALLIANCE:
Moderate. Has skills they would be glad to have. They might make lucrative offers. Supposedly likes adventure and the Alliance likes feeding people that bullshit line.
SUITABILITY AS ASSET:
Competent. Used to not getting caught. Would mainly be a matter of finding ways to motivate her. CONCLUSION:
Avi Moz is my recommended asset. I have a guy who can tamper with her Tal Shiar record to leverage her. She seems competent, less of a likelyhood of blowing the op than others. Other than her, Doug is an unconventional choice, but I trust him at least relative to the other candidates. Kova could also work, but I am unsure how to leverage her in ways the judicial system would approve of. Jett and Fells are too unreliable. I don't have enough information on Costa. Once that was sent, unknown to either Intel officer that they'd sent the wrong one, he gave Hudson an assignment. "Our war criminal merc friends are putting on a tour and meet and greet. Take one of our hidden cameras and have a look, pretend you want to join because you're career isn't going anywhere and you're stuck in this shithole." Hudson nodded and went to go find an undercover camera before doing a double take, "Wait...," she said seeming genuinely hurt. "You think my career is going nowhere?" She spoke softly and without her usual bubbly persona. Despite all the teasing and hard time she gave Harmon, she liked working for him and cared about his opinion, though she'd never admit it.
"Just go, hurry up!" he said with frustration. After a moment he noticed, especially given the lack of a quip back from her, that he'd upset her. He got up and followed her. "I'm sorry. Your career is going fine, you're an ensign who drew the short straw on postings. In fact, its going brilliantly. You're doing more complex and more meaningful tasks, and you're being given more responsibility than any other ensign I know. You're going places, you'll be Admiral in no time," he smiled nervously. He did mean what he said, he wasn't one for giving out undeserved compliments. She smiled slightly and then went back to work with Harmon leaving her in peace and returning to his office.
He activated his communicator. "Harmon to the cap'n. I've run those system diagnostics you requested. They've been sent to you."
You can read submission #4 in context here.
Please note that I had to adjust the formatting so that Harmon's dossiers would display properly.
As usual, voting will remain open for two days. If no post wins a majority, we'll have a runoff between the top two.
