Post by Judith Eastman on Jul 28, 2020 4:17:38 GMT
Well, you folks know the drill. This time, we have a record 8 nominations for you. Oh my!
So, with so many noms to read, I won't burden you with more of my words. Let's get to yours!
Voting will remain open for 47 hours, that is, until 8 PM Pacific Time on the 29th. If no post wins a majority of the votes, we will have a runoff ballot.
So, with so many noms to read, I won't burden you with more of my words. Let's get to yours!
{Submission #1, by Elijah Azaria , is from the Mission}Here's what the nominator had to say:
Here's the post itself:
Read the post in context here.
This was an interesting change of pace for the character. Here we got glimpse of Elijah's past. And despite all his growth throughout the years, he was still vulnerable to a ghost from his past. Masterfully illustrated and heartbreaking at the same time.
Here's the post itself:
[Deck 5 - Elijah's Quarters]
Elijah watched in silence, feeling as though he physically couldn’t speak. It wasn’t until his throat burned that he realised he was screaming as he watched his Mother’s face crumble and rot. He backed away and hissed as he caught the edge of the table, tears burned in his eyes but he didn’t have to contemplate how many years it had been since he’d cried. He gagged as though he was about to vomit but there was nothing on his stomach, nothing inside of him; he was hollow. He turned at the sound of his Father’s voice, and within seconds he was transported to another room; leaving the carnage of his Mother behind.
Edward Azaria was a tall, wide man with an attractive face but soulless eyes. He always wore suits, even on Sundays, but Elijah had always known when his Father was angry. He would enter his bedroom, sleeves rolled up; tie missing - with this look on his face. The same look he now wore as he stood in the centre of the living room, blood splatter on his shirt, dripping from his knuckles. Elijah’s blood, he knew. He remembered that time when he was eight and he’d gone out into the street to play without his parent’s permission.
“I knew it was you making that racket,” he said, loosening his tie.
“It wasn’t,” Elijah found himself saying, pleading to be believed. He could feel the bruises highlighted on his body as if it were just yesterday he’d received them. “It wasn’t me.” Please don’t hurt me. Please don’t hurt me. His mind was spiralling. He couldn’t work up enough stability to remind himself he was just dreaming. He wasn’t like this anymore. The Elijah he was now was strong, physically, emotionally. He could easily throw hands with his Father and win, he knew that, but in his timid frame, his timid mind had shrunk every self-defence maneuver he’d learned. “I’ll be good,” he promised. Please don’t hurt me.
Read the post in context here.
{Submission #2, by Sven Aune , is from the Event}Here's what the nominator had to say:
Here's the post itself:
| Security offices, Promenade || lt. jr.grd Sorrin Mar'kin || Crewman Alice Duff || Crewman Vvverrk Sslith |
lieutenant junior grade Sorrin Mar'kin was, the quintessential Vulcan. With the idyllic pudding bowl hair cut, to the swooping brows, to the neutral expression on his face. He had worked hard to learn how to repress all emotions. Bottle them up and do with them, what ever it is that Vulcan do with their emotions. He was now working hard on how to be condescending without seeming to be emotional about. He was tall, and a bit top heavy, like an iron man that had gone slightly to seed filling out his uniform. Next to him stood little Alice Duff.
A spitfire with flaming red, curly hair that seemed to be untamed and unmanageable. It was just a big frizzled mess but it worked well with her bright smile and freckled face. She had a phaser rifle strapped to her back, that was almost as tall as she was.
And next to her was Vvverrk Sslith. About as tall as the average human male. With a complexion that would suggest he was a human male, along with a face and proportions hat made him look like he was a healthy young human male. And if one were to have access to his medical file they would find that he is, in fact 100% human. And a male. His parents were an eclectic bunch and decided to name their only child something as strange, as unique as the most unique name possible. But mostly because they found it funny. They were professional comedians back on Risa.
He stood, a little more timid then the rest of the group, mostly because he was the newest member to the "Whomping Wombats." or so that was the unofficial name to their platoon. But despite the name, there were quite an effective group and these three were called up to employ their trade.
Sorrin took the device offered by the security chief and gave it an impassive look. "It would be most logical to use this device and stun the hostages if it incapacitates the terrorists." he said in a dry monotone. "They can be taken to sick bay for any minor injuries they may have incurred."
"Oh, don't be like that Sorrie!" Alice's voice was surprisingly deep. "No one likes getting hurt. If we can get in without using it, we should."
Vvverrk shifted his feet. "I think the order is to use it and get it over as soon as possible."
"Agreed" said the Vulcan. "The next logical course of action is to head to the computer core and take it back."
"Right!" Alice said cheerfully, "Goooooo Wombats!" she put her hand in the middle and raised it.
Sorrin ignored it and Vvverrk gave an embarrassed chuckle but made no move to put his hand in.
They made their way down to the core and was found to be locked.
"Take positions." the lt. jr.grade ordered as the other two stood next to the door. They knew he was about to override it.
Read the post in context here.
Sven came up with a group of entertaining and humorous NPCs that I hope we'll get to see more of in future. This was a great intro post for them.
Here's the post itself:
lieutenant junior grade Sorrin Mar'kin was, the quintessential Vulcan. With the idyllic pudding bowl hair cut, to the swooping brows, to the neutral expression on his face. He had worked hard to learn how to repress all emotions. Bottle them up and do with them, what ever it is that Vulcan do with their emotions. He was now working hard on how to be condescending without seeming to be emotional about. He was tall, and a bit top heavy, like an iron man that had gone slightly to seed filling out his uniform. Next to him stood little Alice Duff.
A spitfire with flaming red, curly hair that seemed to be untamed and unmanageable. It was just a big frizzled mess but it worked well with her bright smile and freckled face. She had a phaser rifle strapped to her back, that was almost as tall as she was.
And next to her was Vvverrk Sslith. About as tall as the average human male. With a complexion that would suggest he was a human male, along with a face and proportions hat made him look like he was a healthy young human male. And if one were to have access to his medical file they would find that he is, in fact 100% human. And a male. His parents were an eclectic bunch and decided to name their only child something as strange, as unique as the most unique name possible. But mostly because they found it funny. They were professional comedians back on Risa.
He stood, a little more timid then the rest of the group, mostly because he was the newest member to the "Whomping Wombats." or so that was the unofficial name to their platoon. But despite the name, there were quite an effective group and these three were called up to employ their trade.
Sorrin took the device offered by the security chief and gave it an impassive look. "It would be most logical to use this device and stun the hostages if it incapacitates the terrorists." he said in a dry monotone. "They can be taken to sick bay for any minor injuries they may have incurred."
"Oh, don't be like that Sorrie!" Alice's voice was surprisingly deep. "No one likes getting hurt. If we can get in without using it, we should."
Vvverrk shifted his feet. "I think the order is to use it and get it over as soon as possible."
"Agreed" said the Vulcan. "The next logical course of action is to head to the computer core and take it back."
"Right!" Alice said cheerfully, "Goooooo Wombats!" she put her hand in the middle and raised it.
Sorrin ignored it and Vvverrk gave an embarrassed chuckle but made no move to put his hand in.
They made their way down to the core and was found to be locked.
"Take positions." the lt. jr.grade ordered as the other two stood next to the door. They knew he was about to override it.
Read the post in context here.
{Submission #3, by Isaiah Quinn , is from the Mission}Here's what the nominator had to say:
Here's the post itself:
[Lt. (j.g.) Isaiah Quinn - in a Living Nightmare]
The moment never seemed to come. The sensation of the tritters' claws and teeth tearing at his flesh. Isaiah opened his eyes to find himself on the floor. Not of the turbolift. No, this time, he was on the Bridge, just behind his station. Confused as to how he had gotten there he pulled himself to his feet. There were a few panels blinking, a brief flash of sparks from a distant console, but no people. At least until his eyes fell upon....
"Thea!" Isaiah planted his hand on the railing and leapt over it onto the lowered floor of the Bridge. He made his way to the center where Thea lay unconscious. He instantly slid to her side, seeing the horrible gash upon her head, just as it had been before when they were near the Nebula searching for the Orunmila. "Oh my god, Thea! Help! Someone help!" Isaiah called out to the empty bridge. He reached up to tap his comm badge and called into the air. "Medical emergency, to the Bridge!"
There was no reply of any sign, and no evidence that help was on the way. He looked down at Thea's unconscious form. He reached to check a pulse, and there didn't seem to be a sign of one. His eyes widened with horror. "No." He quickly raced to get the medkit tucked away near by. He returned to Thea's side and began scanning her with a tricorder. There didn't appear to be any life signs. "No. Nononono," he mumbled as he scrambled through the kit looking for the proper cartridge of medicine as he mentally calculated the dosage.
Then, there was the scratching at the turbolift door. That accompanied with the muffled shrieks of the tritters. They were coming? He looked back at Thea, her appearance more pale than she had been mere seconds ago. He had to work faster... faster. His fingers scrambled, fumbling as he struggled to load the cartridge. The shrieks were getting louder. The sound of their claws tearing through metal was agonizing. Another look at Thea seemed to suggest that her body had deteriorated further. It almost appeared as if she'd been lying there for hours, perhaps days instead of minutes. His brow furrowed. What was happening?
It didn't deter Isaiah from his efforts. He pressed the hypospray into her neck. He took the tricorder and scanned again. However, this time before his very eyes, Thea's body... her corpse deteriorated before his very eyes. It seemed that as the seconds ticked past, her body degraded by years instead. "What?! No! Thea, no!!" As he reached to grab hold of her, he could feel her remains crumble under his touch. It may not have been real, but it felt as real as ever. The scientist was too distraught and distracted to acknowledge a distant feeling that he was being watched. After all, what did it matter now?
You can read the post in context here.
I chose this post because of the emotions it invokes as Isaiah not only encounters the very creature that almost cost him his life, but also how he deals with potentially losing Thea. It shows how much the pair have grown and also how real his fears are.
Here's the post itself:
The moment never seemed to come. The sensation of the tritters' claws and teeth tearing at his flesh. Isaiah opened his eyes to find himself on the floor. Not of the turbolift. No, this time, he was on the Bridge, just behind his station. Confused as to how he had gotten there he pulled himself to his feet. There were a few panels blinking, a brief flash of sparks from a distant console, but no people. At least until his eyes fell upon....
"Thea!" Isaiah planted his hand on the railing and leapt over it onto the lowered floor of the Bridge. He made his way to the center where Thea lay unconscious. He instantly slid to her side, seeing the horrible gash upon her head, just as it had been before when they were near the Nebula searching for the Orunmila. "Oh my god, Thea! Help! Someone help!" Isaiah called out to the empty bridge. He reached up to tap his comm badge and called into the air. "Medical emergency, to the Bridge!"
There was no reply of any sign, and no evidence that help was on the way. He looked down at Thea's unconscious form. He reached to check a pulse, and there didn't seem to be a sign of one. His eyes widened with horror. "No." He quickly raced to get the medkit tucked away near by. He returned to Thea's side and began scanning her with a tricorder. There didn't appear to be any life signs. "No. Nononono," he mumbled as he scrambled through the kit looking for the proper cartridge of medicine as he mentally calculated the dosage.
Then, there was the scratching at the turbolift door. That accompanied with the muffled shrieks of the tritters. They were coming? He looked back at Thea, her appearance more pale than she had been mere seconds ago. He had to work faster... faster. His fingers scrambled, fumbling as he struggled to load the cartridge. The shrieks were getting louder. The sound of their claws tearing through metal was agonizing. Another look at Thea seemed to suggest that her body had deteriorated further. It almost appeared as if she'd been lying there for hours, perhaps days instead of minutes. His brow furrowed. What was happening?
It didn't deter Isaiah from his efforts. He pressed the hypospray into her neck. He took the tricorder and scanned again. However, this time before his very eyes, Thea's body... her corpse deteriorated before his very eyes. It seemed that as the seconds ticked past, her body degraded by years instead. "What?! No! Thea, no!!" As he reached to grab hold of her, he could feel her remains crumble under his touch. It may not have been real, but it felt as real as ever. The scientist was too distraught and distracted to acknowledge a distant feeling that he was being watched. After all, what did it matter now?
You can read the post in context here.
{Submission #4, by Kova Sh'qaleq , is from the Event}Here's what the Nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
[Kova Sh'qaleq - Sickbay, Front Ear Station]
Kova's eyes turned towards the Bolian as she made the comment about wasting time with Harmon. "What is this?" the Andorian asked as she watched Avi work. Was this supposed to be some sort of sage advice? An attempt to bond as she tried to prevent Kova from selling her soul to some Starfleet devil? "For the record, I don't give a damn about Harmon," she protested. Of course, Avi seemed to follow up with the comment that Kova was wasting her time with 'all of them.'
Kova's eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you doing?" Kova asked, making no attempt to hide her annoyance. "Just open the damned door!" This was a hell of a time for the Bolian to attempt to have a Hallmark moment. Or perhaps, was this just Avi's way of trying to get under Kova's skin? Though, the Andorian thought it was best to make things very clear between herself and the Bolian. "You don't know me, so stop acting like you do. I'm not looking for validation from Starfleet or anyone else. Got it?"
The sound of an explosion caused the Andorian to jump, clearly startled. However, the source of the explosion was more than evident. Kova continued to stare in the direction of Avi as the Security team did their own job.
Tag: Avi Moz
[NPCs - Ens. Bishop , Ens. Dolan & PO3 Swann, Sickbay, Front Ear Station]
The pair of security stared between each other as they listened to the pair of blue-skinned women bicker. Well, it was actually the Andorian that was doing most of the talking, but Avi definitely seemed to be pushing her buttons. Bishop arched an eyebrow at Dolan who merely shrugged. Clearly neither of them understood this was the best time or place to air their drama.
Dolan held up a hand to signal the rest of team to listen. "Make sure all phasers are set to stun," Dolan stated. "Three hostiles. Take 'em down hard and fast. Swann?"
Swann knelt down a few meters from the door at an angle. The scanner over her eye glowed as she blew a bubble. "Ready," she said after it popped. And no sooner that she made the comment had the door opened after the explosion. The scanner helped her see the targets through some of the smoke that was billowing. She could hear the Kurjarian warning them not to enter. She had him, dead to rights. Center mass. Though, she lowered her aim slightly. This jerk deserved a gut punch. She pulled the trigger as the pulse moved across the distance in barely a blink at her target.
With the opening volley, and the first shot of cover made, Dolan and Bishop moved inside. Bishop ducked as the body of a Kurjurian soared through the air and against the bulkhead just to the right of him. "What the hell is that?!" Bishop said seeing the holographic monster.
Dolan took aim at the last remaining Kurjarian, exchanging fire and was eventually joined by yet another blast from Swann, who had taken aim at her target. There was a brief pause as Dolan looked around, trying to assess the area. "Are we clear?" Dolan asked. The monster roared again. Deactivate EMH!" The creature faded from view, leaving only living beings in Sickbay. The security officers continued to search about to make certain everyone was accounted for. "Dr. Lunn?"
You can read the post on context here.
Kova's response to Avi was funny and in-character, and the post was a good mix of that character interaction and the plot-moving actions of the NPC security team. The whole thing flowed great in a fast-moving event.
Here's the post itself:
Kova's eyes turned towards the Bolian as she made the comment about wasting time with Harmon. "What is this?" the Andorian asked as she watched Avi work. Was this supposed to be some sort of sage advice? An attempt to bond as she tried to prevent Kova from selling her soul to some Starfleet devil? "For the record, I don't give a damn about Harmon," she protested. Of course, Avi seemed to follow up with the comment that Kova was wasting her time with 'all of them.'
Kova's eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you doing?" Kova asked, making no attempt to hide her annoyance. "Just open the damned door!" This was a hell of a time for the Bolian to attempt to have a Hallmark moment. Or perhaps, was this just Avi's way of trying to get under Kova's skin? Though, the Andorian thought it was best to make things very clear between herself and the Bolian. "You don't know me, so stop acting like you do. I'm not looking for validation from Starfleet or anyone else. Got it?"
The sound of an explosion caused the Andorian to jump, clearly startled. However, the source of the explosion was more than evident. Kova continued to stare in the direction of Avi as the Security team did their own job.
Tag: Avi Moz
[NPCs - Ens. Bishop , Ens. Dolan & PO3 Swann, Sickbay, Front Ear Station]
The pair of security stared between each other as they listened to the pair of blue-skinned women bicker. Well, it was actually the Andorian that was doing most of the talking, but Avi definitely seemed to be pushing her buttons. Bishop arched an eyebrow at Dolan who merely shrugged. Clearly neither of them understood this was the best time or place to air their drama.
Dolan held up a hand to signal the rest of team to listen. "Make sure all phasers are set to stun," Dolan stated. "Three hostiles. Take 'em down hard and fast. Swann?"
Swann knelt down a few meters from the door at an angle. The scanner over her eye glowed as she blew a bubble. "Ready," she said after it popped. And no sooner that she made the comment had the door opened after the explosion. The scanner helped her see the targets through some of the smoke that was billowing. She could hear the Kurjarian warning them not to enter. She had him, dead to rights. Center mass. Though, she lowered her aim slightly. This jerk deserved a gut punch. She pulled the trigger as the pulse moved across the distance in barely a blink at her target.
With the opening volley, and the first shot of cover made, Dolan and Bishop moved inside. Bishop ducked as the body of a Kurjurian soared through the air and against the bulkhead just to the right of him. "What the hell is that?!" Bishop said seeing the holographic monster.
Dolan took aim at the last remaining Kurjarian, exchanging fire and was eventually joined by yet another blast from Swann, who had taken aim at her target. There was a brief pause as Dolan looked around, trying to assess the area. "Are we clear?" Dolan asked. The monster roared again. Deactivate EMH!" The creature faded from view, leaving only living beings in Sickbay. The security officers continued to search about to make certain everyone was accounted for. "Dr. Lunn?"
You can read the post on context here.
{Submission #5, by Avi Moz , is from the Event}Here's what the Nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
[ Avi Moz | Security Office ]
'Ms Moz?' Avi curled her lip and looked again at Kova as if this was all her fault, somehow, for encouraging Starfleet. 'Look favorably,' now was it? Avi began fighting the fantasy of setting a demonstrative fire right before finding Harmon and pulling his arms off for making literally any person on this gotdam station imagine she could be imagined as 'helpful'. Her natural Bolian charm was going to make people like her if she didn't put a stop to this immediately.
"Just flood the whole room with dark noise. Energy pulse. Radiation drag. Negative pressure. Kessian vapor. Fire ants. Seamus's cooking."
Avi found a chair and had a seat like she was at home. She rattled off her hostage negotiation strategies to Melihn with such deftness you'd think she hadn't only just heard of it, as if it was all obvious.
"Don't you have a human size of - ?" Avi gestured up up up. "What's he called?"
You can read the post on context here.
Avi continues to be the lovable belligerent that she is. Her crass overt nature is a such a pleasure to read, but under that hard seemingly uncaring demeanor is an insecure woman who is hiding a heart as big as her Bolian stomach!
Here's the post itself:
'Ms Moz?' Avi curled her lip and looked again at Kova as if this was all her fault, somehow, for encouraging Starfleet. 'Look favorably,' now was it? Avi began fighting the fantasy of setting a demonstrative fire right before finding Harmon and pulling his arms off for making literally any person on this gotdam station imagine she could be imagined as 'helpful'. Her natural Bolian charm was going to make people like her if she didn't put a stop to this immediately.
"Just flood the whole room with dark noise. Energy pulse. Radiation drag. Negative pressure. Kessian vapor. Fire ants. Seamus's cooking."
Avi found a chair and had a seat like she was at home. She rattled off her hostage negotiation strategies to Melihn with such deftness you'd think she hadn't only just heard of it, as if it was all obvious.
"Don't you have a human size of - ?" Avi gestured up up up. "What's he called?"
You can read the post on context here.
{Submission #6, by Kova Sh'qaleq , is from the Event}Here's what the Nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
[Kova Sh'qaleq - Promenade Security Office -> Sickbay Corridor, Front Ear Station]
Pontification. Thus far, it was the one thing that Kova had deduced that Harmon was remotely competent at. It was rather impressive how effortlessly he stroked his own ego. It didn't surprise her when he found time to rave about his azure goose, and how she would use her skills to infiltrate the Alliance to discern their motivations, if any, where the Kurjarians and Caldonians were concerned. She was starting to wonder if he had a sociogram in his quarters. Something that eerily tried to connect any and every conspiracy. She was pretty certain that he did.
He then actually mentioned trying Kova's plan. She was surprised he'd actually had time to hear any of the details. It seemed he actually wanted Kova to put her plan into action. With Avi's assistance as well, though only so she could get back to her infiltration of the Alliance. There was a slight roll of Kova's eyes. It seemed Harmon really had a hard-on for this strange bedfellows game he was playing with the Bolian and the Alliance. As he moved closer towards her, he commented that if Kova got into the Alliance's network, that they could talk.
"You assume two things," Kova teased. "One, that I haven't done so already. And two... that I'm still interested." She shut her computer and lifted it, and started to retreat from Harmon as he gave a parting order for the two of them to hurry. Clearly, he wanted his shiny, blue toy playing soldier once again. "Hey, Blueball. You heard the man. Hustle!" Kova collected a few more items from her station and quickly made her way out the door.
It was a slight sprint that carried the hacker from the security office to the turbolift. After a quick ride to Deck 10, it was a short brisk walk along the corridor towards Sickbay which revealed a security team already in wait. Kova's eyes weren't upon them, but on the wall. Once she saw the panel she was looking for, she knelt down and pulled the cover away. From one of her pockets, she produced a pair of isolinear rods connected to a wire, which she quickly connected to her computer. She then removed two isolinear rods from their slots in the relay and connected the wired ones. "Record and replay four second time index starting now," Kova said aloud. After a few moments there was an acknowledging chime. At least this way, there was less of a chance for them to be detected advancing any further without actually peeking outside the door, now that she'd reconfigured the external sensors with the looped feed.
Kova then nodded at the security team, making them aware it was okay to move forward and position themselves at the doors into Sickbay. Kova then began to press the panel on her computer. Once she found the EMH program, she began to upload the character program and modifying the necessary subroutines. Why someone had ordered this creature to look like a pissed off Klingon-Naussican baby tragedy she'd never know. Whatever the reason it paid the bills. Once the upload was complete her eyes moved towards Avi. "Looks like you're up." Kova gestured towards the access panel one of the guards had removed adjacent to the door. Kova was tempted to tease Avi by asking if she wanted the Andorian to hold her hand, but thought better of it. Of course, that wouldn't stop her from telling the story that way later on. Either way, it was up to the Bolian to get them inside. Meanwhile, Kova waited a few seconds before activating the hologram inside Sickbay... that had a penchant for playing wall ball with Kurjarians (as the ball.)
You can read the post on context here.
Kova's posts through this event were consistently exquisite, but this one stood out to me for two reasons:
First, Kova's distaste for both Harmon and Avi was very much a natural outgrowth of her character. It's also not easy to handle IC dislike of this sort with grace, and these writers handle it very well, so extra kudos (to all three) for that.
Second, Kova's solution for liberating Sickbay had me in stitches (if you'll forgive the medical pun). Brilliant, and fully within the realm of the character.
First, Kova's distaste for both Harmon and Avi was very much a natural outgrowth of her character. It's also not easy to handle IC dislike of this sort with grace, and these writers handle it very well, so extra kudos (to all three) for that.
Second, Kova's solution for liberating Sickbay had me in stitches (if you'll forgive the medical pun). Brilliant, and fully within the realm of the character.
Here's the post itself:
Pontification. Thus far, it was the one thing that Kova had deduced that Harmon was remotely competent at. It was rather impressive how effortlessly he stroked his own ego. It didn't surprise her when he found time to rave about his azure goose, and how she would use her skills to infiltrate the Alliance to discern their motivations, if any, where the Kurjarians and Caldonians were concerned. She was starting to wonder if he had a sociogram in his quarters. Something that eerily tried to connect any and every conspiracy. She was pretty certain that he did.
He then actually mentioned trying Kova's plan. She was surprised he'd actually had time to hear any of the details. It seemed he actually wanted Kova to put her plan into action. With Avi's assistance as well, though only so she could get back to her infiltration of the Alliance. There was a slight roll of Kova's eyes. It seemed Harmon really had a hard-on for this strange bedfellows game he was playing with the Bolian and the Alliance. As he moved closer towards her, he commented that if Kova got into the Alliance's network, that they could talk.
"You assume two things," Kova teased. "One, that I haven't done so already. And two... that I'm still interested." She shut her computer and lifted it, and started to retreat from Harmon as he gave a parting order for the two of them to hurry. Clearly, he wanted his shiny, blue toy playing soldier once again. "Hey, Blueball. You heard the man. Hustle!" Kova collected a few more items from her station and quickly made her way out the door.
It was a slight sprint that carried the hacker from the security office to the turbolift. After a quick ride to Deck 10, it was a short brisk walk along the corridor towards Sickbay which revealed a security team already in wait. Kova's eyes weren't upon them, but on the wall. Once she saw the panel she was looking for, she knelt down and pulled the cover away. From one of her pockets, she produced a pair of isolinear rods connected to a wire, which she quickly connected to her computer. She then removed two isolinear rods from their slots in the relay and connected the wired ones. "Record and replay four second time index starting now," Kova said aloud. After a few moments there was an acknowledging chime. At least this way, there was less of a chance for them to be detected advancing any further without actually peeking outside the door, now that she'd reconfigured the external sensors with the looped feed.
Kova then nodded at the security team, making them aware it was okay to move forward and position themselves at the doors into Sickbay. Kova then began to press the panel on her computer. Once she found the EMH program, she began to upload the character program and modifying the necessary subroutines. Why someone had ordered this creature to look like a pissed off Klingon-Naussican baby tragedy she'd never know. Whatever the reason it paid the bills. Once the upload was complete her eyes moved towards Avi. "Looks like you're up." Kova gestured towards the access panel one of the guards had removed adjacent to the door. Kova was tempted to tease Avi by asking if she wanted the Andorian to hold her hand, but thought better of it. Of course, that wouldn't stop her from telling the story that way later on. Either way, it was up to the Bolian to get them inside. Meanwhile, Kova waited a few seconds before activating the hologram inside Sickbay... that had a penchant for playing wall ball with Kurjarians (as the ball.)
You can read the post on context here.
{Submission #7, by Matthew Harmon , is from the Event}Here's what the Nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
[Lieutenant Harmon - FNN Office --> Security Office]
Harmon took note of the journalist's apparent signs of suspicion. He could hardly blame her, but didn't really have the time to do anything to dissuade her of that view. His grey undershirt also hardly helped, no doubt.
"And I don't ask for your type's help very often," he joked back, though his tone remained flat and serious, possibly making it difficult to tell.
He led Charlie to the Security Office on the Promenade, walking at quite a brisk pace. He quickly got through security, being Officer of the Day and having the grey shirt helped expedite the usual checks. She was made leave her recording devices at the door with Security before he continued to lead her into the building. He stood outside the door of the room where he was told Eastman and the Chief were meeting and briefed Charlie. "First, I must warn you that all information you receive or come across in this building is classified. The information you are about to be briefed on is technically an intelligence briefing. Any stories about today or discussion of it with any third parties must be approved in writing by my office, or the Executive Officer of this station. Given the nature of our request, we are prepared to be more lenient and forthcoming regarding this particular instance. However, if you fail to gain approval before discussing aspects of what we are showing you in here you may be charged under the Espionage Act and subjected to a prison term or severe fines. If at any point you wish to discontinue the operation we are requesting you aid us with you may opt out and be free to go, however the confidentiality requirements remain," he hoped his mandatory explanation would do more to pique her curiosity and ambition than to scare her off. "Now before I explain to you what the operation that we wish to involve you with entails, I will give you some background."
"As I'm sure you are aware we were receiving a delegation of Kurjarian tribesmen for a cultural exchange today. These tribesmen have seized control of the Blue Beta Bar and Grill and are holding its occupants hostage," he said getting straight to the point while avoiding providing any information not pertinent to her job, such as the breach of Sickbay or the Computer Core. "We believe there is at least one injured civilian in there and we have no reason to doubt the tribesmen's resolve or capacity to begin killing hostages as they have declared an intention to do so if we do not give in to their demands," he paused. "What I just told you is not classified and you may write about," he offered as a gesture of good will. He didn't have to and could have kept it confidential, but while it would come out publicly anyway in due time, him telling her this gave her the opportunity to get in on the first scoop of the story. "What will now happen is we will brief you on the specific operation we are implementing and what your role is to be. You may then chose to participate or not, in which case you will be released. What we will ask of you may put you in danger, however it may prove critical to saving the lives of those innocent hostages in the Bar. I will give you some time to think while I have a brief conversation with Commander Eastman."
With that, he left her outside and entered the room where the Commander and Chief were planning things, along with Moz. He was surprised to see that she had been so visibly summoned to Security, something which could not possibly bode well for her ongoing undercover operation if the wrong people saw her. He also did not want Charlie to see her as that could prompt her to investigate Moz's connection with Starfleet, something that would be very dangerous for Moz and destroy Harmon's operation. "Please be wary of how publicly you meet with my assets in the future, Chief," he warned, his tone not rude or upset but still stern and serious. The urgency of the present situation took priority however, and he quickly moved on. "I have Charlie Fox outside. I'd like to bring her in and brief her on her role in this operation with the Commander and the Chief as soon as possible so we can get her in there before they start shooting hospital," he stated. "I have briefed her on the classified nature of what she will be doing and informed about, and informed her of the proper channels for her to gain approval to begin writing about today's events."
You can read the post on context here.
This post was Harmon being Harmon. Call him a spook, call him Nixonian, call him an asshole, or call him all of those, it's always amusing to see his attitude, and just as amusing to see the pitfalls that soon follow.
The character of Matt Harmon is not a person I would enjoy working with in real life, but that's part of why his posts are such a delight.
The character of Matt Harmon is not a person I would enjoy working with in real life, but that's part of why his posts are such a delight.
Here's the post itself:
Harmon took note of the journalist's apparent signs of suspicion. He could hardly blame her, but didn't really have the time to do anything to dissuade her of that view. His grey undershirt also hardly helped, no doubt.
"And I don't ask for your type's help very often," he joked back, though his tone remained flat and serious, possibly making it difficult to tell.
He led Charlie to the Security Office on the Promenade, walking at quite a brisk pace. He quickly got through security, being Officer of the Day and having the grey shirt helped expedite the usual checks. She was made leave her recording devices at the door with Security before he continued to lead her into the building. He stood outside the door of the room where he was told Eastman and the Chief were meeting and briefed Charlie. "First, I must warn you that all information you receive or come across in this building is classified. The information you are about to be briefed on is technically an intelligence briefing. Any stories about today or discussion of it with any third parties must be approved in writing by my office, or the Executive Officer of this station. Given the nature of our request, we are prepared to be more lenient and forthcoming regarding this particular instance. However, if you fail to gain approval before discussing aspects of what we are showing you in here you may be charged under the Espionage Act and subjected to a prison term or severe fines. If at any point you wish to discontinue the operation we are requesting you aid us with you may opt out and be free to go, however the confidentiality requirements remain," he hoped his mandatory explanation would do more to pique her curiosity and ambition than to scare her off. "Now before I explain to you what the operation that we wish to involve you with entails, I will give you some background."
"As I'm sure you are aware we were receiving a delegation of Kurjarian tribesmen for a cultural exchange today. These tribesmen have seized control of the Blue Beta Bar and Grill and are holding its occupants hostage," he said getting straight to the point while avoiding providing any information not pertinent to her job, such as the breach of Sickbay or the Computer Core. "We believe there is at least one injured civilian in there and we have no reason to doubt the tribesmen's resolve or capacity to begin killing hostages as they have declared an intention to do so if we do not give in to their demands," he paused. "What I just told you is not classified and you may write about," he offered as a gesture of good will. He didn't have to and could have kept it confidential, but while it would come out publicly anyway in due time, him telling her this gave her the opportunity to get in on the first scoop of the story. "What will now happen is we will brief you on the specific operation we are implementing and what your role is to be. You may then chose to participate or not, in which case you will be released. What we will ask of you may put you in danger, however it may prove critical to saving the lives of those innocent hostages in the Bar. I will give you some time to think while I have a brief conversation with Commander Eastman."
With that, he left her outside and entered the room where the Commander and Chief were planning things, along with Moz. He was surprised to see that she had been so visibly summoned to Security, something which could not possibly bode well for her ongoing undercover operation if the wrong people saw her. He also did not want Charlie to see her as that could prompt her to investigate Moz's connection with Starfleet, something that would be very dangerous for Moz and destroy Harmon's operation. "Please be wary of how publicly you meet with my assets in the future, Chief," he warned, his tone not rude or upset but still stern and serious. The urgency of the present situation took priority however, and he quickly moved on. "I have Charlie Fox outside. I'd like to bring her in and brief her on her role in this operation with the Commander and the Chief as soon as possible so we can get her in there before they start shooting hospital," he stated. "I have briefed her on the classified nature of what she will be doing and informed about, and informed her of the proper channels for her to gain approval to begin writing about today's events."
You can read the post on context here.
{Submission #8, by Joshua Niles , is from the Event}Here's what the Nominator wrote:
Here's the post itself:
[ Ens Joshua Niles - Blue Beta Bar, Front Ear Station ]
When Commander Eastman's voice sounded over the channel, Niles barely managed to suppress a sigh of relief. She was there, and she was on top of things. Perhaps, at first, he had thought her overly cautious, but his opinion of her during the events of the space weather that had nearly crippled the Mac and the escaped prisoners running about had changed drastically. In fact, he'd found there might be much he could learn from her, such has moderating his youthful desire to act with the need to think and consider what was actually going on.
And, this particular situation was indeed a great chance to put that example to the test!
However, before he could speak, both Jeren and Lieutenant Aune had something to add. However, the big man's comment was most definitely going to be counterproductive, especially if the idea was to keep him under the radar, and possibly find a way to get him out the door as soon as possible. A Security officer who'd been within the room, being able to give a first-hand account, would be a powerful asset... but only so long as he was still breathing.
"Mister Aune, please, I would advise to remain calm and do nothing to increase the tensions in here. Too many people are hurt already, let's not add to that count." It was... interesting for Josh. Of course he had been polite, but he had remained firm; he knew he had no authority to issue orders to the Lieutenant, but if the charade could be maintained that he was a civilian then, at the worst, he could remain an ace in the hole within the bar... but only if he understood what the young Ensign was trying to do here.
Turning his attention back to Jeren, the Ensign nodded. "Sir, I'm a Starfleet officer; I was assigned to be your contact for your visit here, and this... really changes nothing. And, as part of my oath, my duty is to protect these people; the two aren't mutually exclusive. As for Commander Eastman, she is most reasonable, but I would advise you not to push her. Your threat to execute hostages unless your conditions are met will lead to the sort of response you do not want to contemplate; I don't know what grievance you want to address, Sir, but should you start killing hostages instead of talking it out, my understanding is she will make sure your actions do as much damage to your cause as she can manage."
Crisis negotiation had not been something he had been trained for; in fact, that tended to be the sort of training that came later in one's career. However, Security was also trained to deescalate tense situations, so this was not entirely an alien task. "Please understand we cannot compel Miss Fox to come in here if she does not wish to, but Commander Eastman will see to it you have access to her in some way, but only if you meet her immediate terms. She requests you call your men away from the Computer Core, and release every young, elderly and injured hostage you and your people are holding. And if she says she will not bend, Sir, I would take her on her word if I were you. From my point of view, Sir, I would suggest you indeed make this show of good faith, and I would also recommend you also free Mister Aune; the last thing you need is someone as angry and as worried as he is in here, not if you want to prevent more violence."
You can read the post on context here.
Josh was put in a very difficult situation, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his posts as Josh tried to keep it all together and maintain peace and balance between Sven and Jeren while also trying to negotiate a peaceful conclusion. It was hard picking a post, but I think this one was my favourite because it shows Josh struggling to keep it together and him trying to calm Sven while also negotiating with Jeren.
Here's the post itself:
When Commander Eastman's voice sounded over the channel, Niles barely managed to suppress a sigh of relief. She was there, and she was on top of things. Perhaps, at first, he had thought her overly cautious, but his opinion of her during the events of the space weather that had nearly crippled the Mac and the escaped prisoners running about had changed drastically. In fact, he'd found there might be much he could learn from her, such has moderating his youthful desire to act with the need to think and consider what was actually going on.
And, this particular situation was indeed a great chance to put that example to the test!
However, before he could speak, both Jeren and Lieutenant Aune had something to add. However, the big man's comment was most definitely going to be counterproductive, especially if the idea was to keep him under the radar, and possibly find a way to get him out the door as soon as possible. A Security officer who'd been within the room, being able to give a first-hand account, would be a powerful asset... but only so long as he was still breathing.
"Mister Aune, please, I would advise to remain calm and do nothing to increase the tensions in here. Too many people are hurt already, let's not add to that count." It was... interesting for Josh. Of course he had been polite, but he had remained firm; he knew he had no authority to issue orders to the Lieutenant, but if the charade could be maintained that he was a civilian then, at the worst, he could remain an ace in the hole within the bar... but only if he understood what the young Ensign was trying to do here.
Turning his attention back to Jeren, the Ensign nodded. "Sir, I'm a Starfleet officer; I was assigned to be your contact for your visit here, and this... really changes nothing. And, as part of my oath, my duty is to protect these people; the two aren't mutually exclusive. As for Commander Eastman, she is most reasonable, but I would advise you not to push her. Your threat to execute hostages unless your conditions are met will lead to the sort of response you do not want to contemplate; I don't know what grievance you want to address, Sir, but should you start killing hostages instead of talking it out, my understanding is she will make sure your actions do as much damage to your cause as she can manage."
Crisis negotiation had not been something he had been trained for; in fact, that tended to be the sort of training that came later in one's career. However, Security was also trained to deescalate tense situations, so this was not entirely an alien task. "Please understand we cannot compel Miss Fox to come in here if she does not wish to, but Commander Eastman will see to it you have access to her in some way, but only if you meet her immediate terms. She requests you call your men away from the Computer Core, and release every young, elderly and injured hostage you and your people are holding. And if she says she will not bend, Sir, I would take her on her word if I were you. From my point of view, Sir, I would suggest you indeed make this show of good faith, and I would also recommend you also free Mister Aune; the last thing you need is someone as angry and as worried as he is in here, not if you want to prevent more violence."
You can read the post on context here.
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