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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: okay
Doouble post is up.
Post number one continues the current Drake/Zai interaction. Post number two tags Haemis, and pushes us to 0800.
Whether or not Eol and I get this current interaction wrapped, I'm going to try to get a post up for 0830, and the Captain meeting with the CSO.
Let's roll, folks!
Posted on 2016-10-07 at 00:59:35.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty
Subject: making nice...
Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain's Ready Room - 0800
The door chime sounded precisely on time, and at Drake's admonition, the hatch slid open to reveal Lieutenant McTavish. There's something to be said for punctuality, Silas mused.
The Captain stood and offered his hand to the big man, then indicated the seat across from his desk. Taking his own seat, Drake spoke.
"Thank you for joining me, Lieutenant McTavish," he began. "As you may have gathered," he continued, "I'm not much of one for subtlety or silken phrases. As such, I would prefer to cut right to the chase."
The Captain paused for a brief moment. "First off, we need to go ahead and make it formal - you are no longer the acting Chief Engineer, but simply the Chief Engineer of the USS Peregrine. From what I understand, Commander Thorson may be on extended medical leave, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that he will never again serve as Chief Engineer of a starship. It won't do for you to feel like you are simply keeping your seat warm for someone else; I believe that you will do your best work when you - and your people - understand that you are permanently in charge." A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well, as permanent as anything in Starfleet, at any rate. Speaking of which..."
The Captain paused for a moment, allowing his gaze to drift along the ship models mounted on the walls of the Ready Room before looking McTavish in the eye once more. He opened his mouth as if to speak, closed it again, then frowned. "Lieutenant," he finally spoke, "the second thing we must discuss is that I absolutely owe you an apology. Yesterday was truly the most trying day I have endured as commanding officer of this vessel; in the span of twenty four hours, I literally lost every single department head outside of Lieutenant Zai. Then, when I heard that you had come from the Coronado... well, I assumed a few things. In compliance with at least part of the old saying, in assuming I did at least make an ass of me."
Drake chucked slightly and held up a hand to forestall any response from McTavish. "It is the truth, and I am sorry for not welcoming you warmly to begin with. Now then," Drake gestured to the PADD on his desk, "I have taken the liberty of reviewing your personnel file - which I should have done before I met with you yesterday. It seems that you left the Coronado on less than ideal terms wth Captain Jacobs?"
((OOC: assuming that McTavish responds in the affirmative))
Again, the wry grin tugged at the corner of the Captain's mouth. "If you haven't already heard, the scuttlebutt will reach you soon enough; it is no secret that Captain Jacobs and I are not exactly the closest of friends." The Captain gave a self deprecating chuckle.
"More accurately," he continued, "Jacobs has never liked me, neither on a personal nor professional level. He makes no secret of the fact that he does not believe me fit for command of any vessel. As such, my initial thought was that he had pulled strings to plant you as eyes and ears aboard my ship." Drake paused, and a twinkle touched his eye for a moment. "Of course, that was before I learned that you struck him, which led to your transfer."
((OOC: allowing a response from McTavish, if desired))
"Now then," Drake continued, "I could certainly never officially condone such an action. But then... I was not there when it happened, so I will not pretend to be capable of passing judgment on the situation - nor will I pretend to not understand what could lead one to such an action." The Captain cleared his throat. "We've all made mistakes, mister McTavish; what is important is how we conduct ourselves going forward. So then, with your permission, I would like to wipe the slate clean, to start over. Welcome aboard the Peregrine, Lieutenant McTavish. Go make the Engineering department your own, and enjoy the break before I ask you to work some miracle of technology."
((OOC: any response, if desired))
Drake stood and offered his hand once more. "Dismissed Lieutenant."
Posted on 2016-10-07 at 00:57:50.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty
Subject: doubletalk and intrigue
Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain Drake's Quarters - 0015
Drake was hardly surprised when Zai accepted the brandy, neat - after all, the Trill had excellent taste (and multiple lifetimes worth of memories to develop it).
Soon, the first officer was sharing his concerns. "At the reception tonight, we couldn't help but notice that one of the ambassadors doesn't seem to be as enthused, shall we say, about the prospects of this summit as he professes to be. Outwardly, of course, he expresses commitment to and even desire for peace but there's something behind that façade that plucks a sour note."
Silas gave a tired sigh and nod. "Ambassador Threel, of course," he spoke by way of response.
Tochi expanded on his thoughts, wondering aloud at the disposition of the remainder of the delegations, and musing on Jacobs' mandate and how it impacted the mission.
Silas chuckled mirthlessly. "The problem with Captain Jacobs' mandate," he began, "is that the esteemed Captain is not here to manage it. After all, we can't very well be expected to ignore our guests; as such, we will by necessity have some contact with them. It is our duty to not only conduct them safely to the summit, but to ensure their comfort along the way."
The Captain took a sip of the amber liquid, savoring it for a moment before continuing. "I noticed some of the same things at the reception; while I lack your grace and diplomatic aplomb, I did not rise to this rank without having some talent at reading people. No, Ambassador Threel practices a good speech, but something about him does not sit well with me. D'Lar is more than a bit of an ass, there is little doubt as to that - but I feel that his dedication to the peace is genuine. Threel, on the other hand... I wonder at his agenda."
Drake fixed Zai with his gaze. "Your need to know about the situation aboard the Coronado is noted, Lieutenant, but I wonder how we could accomplish such a thing? While I can justify interacting with the Ambassadors aboard the Peregrine, I can't exactly hail Jacobs and ask if the rest of Threel's contingent seems as disingenuous as he does. I have no means to covertly observe those souls aboard that ship, nor do I have any agents there to do so for me. I share your worries about the success of this mission, but my position is currently rather impotent."
Silas sat his snifter down on the desk, frustration written all over his face. "Hell, even if I had proof that the rest of the Rytain were all as insincere about this peace process as we fear that Threel is - what, then? It's not as if I can round them up at phaser point and demand that no, they not play lip service only, but instead making a genuine effort toward peace!"
The Captain pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes for a moment. "I truly despise doubletalk and intrigue, Tochi. If you have any ideas as to how we should proceed in this matter, I would gladly hear them."
((OOC: okay, I don't want to get too far ahead. Tagging Tochi...))
Posted on 2016-10-07 at 00:56:45.
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Topic: Tann’s NFL U Pick em Game 2016-17
Subject: I can't even
The NFL is even crazier this year. What is going on???
San Francisco
New England (poor, poor Cleveland)
Philadelphia
Chicago
Tennessee
Baltimore
Minnesota
Pittsburgh
Denver
Dallas
Buffalo
Oakland
Green Bay
Carolina
Posted on 2016-10-06 at 11:38:16.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: well
Don't look now, but I'm actually a post ahead! 
I have the post for the Drake/McTavish post written; I may hold off to allow completion of the Tochi/Drake late night interaction, or I may go ahead and put it up, and just let Eol and I backpost to finish that earlier bit.
Posted on 2016-10-06 at 00:42:54.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty
Subject: not yet a good night....
Stardate 2365.02.09
USS Peregrine, Captain Drake's Quarters - 0015
It had been one incredibly long, eventful day. Silas sat, slumped, in a chair by his desk; the lights in the cabin were dimmed, but he had a few loose ends yet to tie up. Sleep - limited as though it would be - would have to wait a bit longer. The Captain held a PADD in his hand, though his focus was more on his thoughts than on the display.
The "highlights" of the day played themselves through his mind. The initial meeting with Jacobs and the ambassadors, and the sudden discovery that they would be aboard the Peregrine. The rushed preparations for the ambassadors. Thorson's injury and sudden evacuation. The turmoil and turnover involving his crew, culminating with the secret arrest of Lieutenant Tesenblen. The evening's reception, and the necessity of playing against his own strengths in such a political setting.
Any one of these items would have been large and demanding of Drake's time and energy; all coming in one single day was borderline overwhelming. Silas was bone tired, yet when he closed his eyes, it felt as though his skin fairly tingled, that the room slowly rotated. Perhaps a call to Doc Moore was in order, to request a mild sedative? But no, it was after midnight; there was no way that Silas would give a second thought to disturbing the poor woman... nor did he crave looking weak in front of his officers.
His gaze rested for a moment on the doctor's birthday gift to him. With a bit of a grin, Silas stood up and grabbed a snifter from a small cabinet. Perhaps a little self medication was in order.
The Captain poured a healthy dose of the amber liquid, then gave it a deep sniff before taking a sip. The good doctor had clearly spared no expense - this was top shelf alcohol that clearly had some serious age on it. Silas would have to make a point to compliment her selection. Elements of dried fruit, of flowers, of spices competed for his attention behind a wonderfully smooth alcoholic warmth. Replicators and synthohol had nothing on this.
As he sipped, Silas fired off a couple of meeting invitations for the following morning - Lieutenant McTavish at 0800 hours, and Lieutenant Sh'iraolnas at 0830. He owed them each an official welcome and briefing, and it was best to do so sooner rather than later.
Both of them had handled themselves well at the reception, though Silas felt that his new Chief Engineer was probably closer to his own heart in terms of making nice politically than was the new Chief Science Officer. Fortunately for them all, Tochi had been there, acting and looking every bit the diplomat, himself. For a brief moment, the self doubt he had shared with his XO crept into Drake's thoughts; clearly, Lieutenant Zai was better suited to head up a diplomatic mission than was he. However, he did not allow himself to dwell on that fact for long; Silas was in a diplomatic position out of temporary necessity only - both he and Starfleet understood that he fit a different niche in the grand scheme of things.
With a rueful grin, Silas dove back in to the various daily reports. With all of the turnover and chaos considered, everything was actually pretty quiet, but one item did leap out to him - a log entry from Security.
Apparently, one of Berk's men had delivered an evening meal to Chief Petty Officer Lauren Crane, who was confined to quarters. In a larger ship, such a footnote would have likely gone unnoticed, but with only sixty odd souls to account for, the entry stood out.
Drake's eyes narrowed as he tried to recall Chief Crane's face. Laura, Lora... Lauren. That was it. She was a researcher or technician in the Science department, if he remembered correctly. Drake called up the woman's service record, which confirmed his impression - there was not a single disciplinary entry to be found.
The Captain found himself idly wondering about the circumstances. Was this a matter of an indiscretion around the quick shore leave at Starbase 118? Or was it perhaps a situation of the new sheriff in town making sure that it was fully clear that things would be done to her satisfaction? It certainly would not be the first time that a new officer felt the need to make an example over some minor infraction.
Drake closed the personnel file, deciding to give Lieutenant Sh'iraolnas an opportunity to bring it up during their meeting the following morning. If she chose not to do so, the Captain might ask about it... though according to tradition, intra department discipline was left to the department head, and stayed beneath the Captain's notice. By that token, he should perhaps not pry into the situation; there was no need to embarrass the chief or make his new CSO feel as if she were being undermined. Silas decided to just play the situation by feel when the time came.
Silas found his glass to be half empty, and considered dimming the lights the rest of the way, when the chime rang. Will this day never end? he mused. "Yes, who is it?" he asked, hoping that he had managed to disguise both the fatigue and traces of irritation in his voice.
=/=It's Lt Zai, sir. We're sorry to bother you, Captain,=/= Tochi replied to Silas' acknowledgement over the comm, =/=but we made some observations at the reception, this evening, that we would like to discuss with you if you have a few minutes.=/=
Drake sighed. It won't keep until morning? he inwardly grumped, but he swallowed the thought. After all, Tochi would not have come simply to chatter - the Trill clearly felt that he had information of importance to discuss. It was no wonder why so many Captains went gray prematurely - the job was quite literally never done.
"Certainly, Tochi; as usual, I haven't managed to turn in yet. Come in, please," he answered.
Silas stood as the hatch hissed open to admit the first officer. Clad in regulation gray undershirt and briefs, the Captain indicated the partially full snifter on the desk. "Absolutely fabulous brandy, there, compliments of Doc Moore," he stated. "Care for a glass?" he asked, reaching into the cabinet for another snifter. "Though if you say yes," he continued with a sideways glance, "I'm going to either demand that you drink it neat, or that you settle for something from the replicator - I'll not ruin a treasure like this with melting ice," he offered with a grin.
((OOC: Drake will serve a drink if Tochi accepts; if not, that's fine, too.))
"All right then," Drake spoke as he took a seat and gestured for Zai to do the same. "What's on your mind, Tochi?
Posted on 2016-10-05 at 01:25:58.
Edited on 2016-10-05 at 01:40:17 by t_catt11
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: blarg
If work cooperates, I'll have a post up soon.
Posted on 2016-09-30 at 09:39:20.
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Topic: Tann’s NFL U Pick em Game 2016-17
Subject: ick
Hope I manage to get better at this soon.
Cincinnati
Jacksonville
New England
Seattle
Detroit
Carolina
Baltimore
Houston
Washington
Denver
Arizona
San Diego
San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Minnesota
Posted on 2016-09-29 at 13:20:05.
Edited on 2016-10-01 at 00:33:48 by t_catt11
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: cool
I should have a post up tomorrow, which will technically flip the calendar to the next day. I'm ready to get things rolling forward.
Posted on 2016-09-28 at 23:56:20.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: yep
That's exactly what happens. A post is made, last post ID on the topic is updated, post is deleted, topic doesn't get updated. Whoops.
Usually doesn't matter, but it does if there is only one post on the last page.
Posted on 2016-09-27 at 15:59:48.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: cool
I enjoyed the read. Poor Lauren, indeed.
One note - alcohol is not illegal. Different Star Trek episodes have handled it differently, so this is my ruling:
This is up to the discretion of the commanding officer of a ship. Drake is okay with alcohol use, provided that it is done with moderation, during a crew member's off duty hours. Now, if the ship is in a position where there is a reasonable possibility of crew being called to duty in an emergency basis (i.e. we're touring the neutral zone, the ship is already at yellow alert, etc), or when there are other compelling reasons, then alcohol use is not allowed. Drunkenness is not allowed on board at any point - save that for shore leave. If you have too much to drink, you'd better be sleeping it off in your bunk.
A few drinks at a card game during off duty hours would be no problem.
Posted on 2016-09-27 at 00:21:27.
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Topic: Tann’s NFL U Pick em Game 2016-17
Subject: fudge
Edited my post for the rest of my picks. New England winning, okay... whatever. Winning 27-0 in a game that wasn't that close?
Whoa.
Posted on 2016-09-23 at 11:21:54.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: That'll work
I'm okay with a retroactive edit.
Posted on 2016-09-22 at 19:10:59.
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Topic: Tann’s NFL U Pick em Game 2016-17
Subject: hrm
Texas
Arizona
Denver
Green Bay
Tennessee
Miami
NY Giants
Carolina
Baltimore
Seattle
Tampa Bay
Indianapolis
Kansas City
Pittsburgh
Dallas
Atlanta
Posted on 2016-09-22 at 11:14:36.
Edited on 2016-09-23 at 11:21:18 by t_catt11
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: yep
I'd say that they are not only acceptable, but encouraged. We get that live can get busy, but that you had a cool scene that you would still like to share. We'd like to read it!
Posted on 2016-09-20 at 12:29:38.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: no problem
I will probably be pushing us on to the next fay very soon. If you don't get a reception post up and still want to do so, you can always backpost.
Posted on 2016-09-20 at 10:54:52.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: well
The ambassadors are NPCs, but they are also plot devices. I'm okay with others posting for them, but I'd appreciate you running it past me or Eol first, just to make sure that we stay on the same page.
Posted on 2016-09-17 at 11:28:22.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: well
I've put Drake's perspective pretty clearly out there. He'll keep things to polite chat; he won't ignore any of the officers, but he will intentionally have little of substance to say. Mostly, he's doing his best to play nice in a role that he's really not terribly suited for.
More than anything, the reception was an excuse to give another little look in to the personalities of the ambassadors.
Posted on 2016-09-17 at 00:22:56.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: sure
I think that after the reception would be better than waiting until the next day.
Posted on 2016-09-15 at 14:22:19.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: sweet
Fun reads, as always. Love the intrigue.
And yes... D'Lar is perhaps more clever than some might suspect from the reputation that his people have. I find him to be a very interesting character.
Posted on 2016-09-15 at 13:11:31.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: yep
Captain Blair would have done okay at the reception. Drake, on the other hand, would likely prefer some sort of interrogation/torture combo.
Posted on 2016-09-14 at 09:23:01.
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Topic: Tann’s NFL U Pick em Game 2016-17
Subject: maybe a good year for me this time?
I've stunk it up the last couple..
Buffalo
Carolina
Baltimore
Detroit
Kansas City
New England
N.Y. Giants
Pittsburgh
Dallas
Arizona
Seattle
Denver
Oakland
San Diego
Green Bay
Philadelphia
Posted on 2016-09-14 at 09:21:49.
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: reception
Okay, rather than make any attempt to cover this from beginning to end, I decided to simply include an interesting snippet from the event. Feel free to fluff this out as you like; if you need input from me as to what else might go on with the ambassadors (not a lot of note), feel free to post a question here or shoot me a PM. If there are interactions involving our officers, of course, feel free to post!
I don't want to dwell on this too long, as I'd like to bump the game date up - and truth be told, I'd like to get us to the summit date as soon as we can do it without rushing things too much.
Posted on 2016-09-14 at 00:46:49.
Edited on 2016-09-14 at 09:22:08 by t_catt11
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty
Subject: repection...
Stardate 2365.02.08
USS Peregrine, Captain's Mess, 19:25
So far, so good, Silas mused inwardly. Lieutenant Lasad and the Operations crew had done a bang up job considering the ridiculously short timeline and lack of proper facilities to work with. Rather than attempt to directly reproduce any native dishes from Kuldar or Rytain - and knowing the near-infamous issues that replicators had with trying to duplicate the subtleties of certain cuisine, this was quite wise - he had overseen a spread of mostly Terran dishes that coincided with the preferred tastes of the diplomats' cultures. There were tasteful decorations, and the Ops staff were gracious and helpful; in fact, they seemed to genuinely enjoy the experience.
Drake, on the other hand, found the entire affair to be rather grating. Escorting diplomats was one thing, but entertaining them was quite another... what he wouldn't give right now for some pirate vessel to shoot at! Silas knew full well that he had a tendency to be direct (Michelle would have accurately called him blunt), and polite chitchat did not come easily to him. But such were the perils of command, he supposed; the commanding officer of the Peregrine did his best to smile politely and conduct acceptable small talk while he ate from a plate that contained carefully measured portions representing both parties equally.
Truth be told, Silas had to consciously focus on the task at hand. There were quite a few items that rightfully demanded attention - even with his earlier "hide and do paperwork" session, there were still administrative items that needed his involvement or approval. His new Science and Engineering chiefs needed to be properly briefed on the mission. He wanted to draft a new framework for a policy on external personnel, and had some homework to do to see if there was any aid that he could render for Tesenblen. And, much to his shame, Silas had discovered just as he left his quarters that he had missed an earlier missive from Doctor Moore to update him on Commander Thorson's status. Silas mentally kicked himself for that one; he felt like he had not only let down his friend, but put a poor foot forward with his new Chief Medical Officer, who he owed a full acknowledgement (and sincere thanks) to.
It had been a long day, of course; the meetings could wait until Alpha shift tomorrow. For now, the most important duty was to play nice, smile, and laugh politely at jokes of questionable comedic value.
Tochi seems at home here, he thought to himself. Of course, that was no real surprise - the affable helmsman was more of a social butterfly than Silas would ever be... and he had a bit of a built in advantage, what with one of his previous hosts having been a diplomat herself (himself?). Indeed, Silas pondered wryly, if Lieutenant Zai managed to not let his association with his current Captain torpedo his career too much, the man had immense potential as a commanding officer in his own right.
The Captain shook his head with a near silent chuckle and allowed himself to return to the conversation that he had only been half paying attention to.
"...this is, of course, our nature," Threel pontificated. "and why the Ryatin are such an ideal fit for the Federation. We believe in the sanctity of all cultures, in the value of all viewpoints..."
The Ryatin ambassador was cut off with a chortle from D'Lar of the Kuldar. "Please, Ambassador - do not sully this room with such pt'lagh," the fierce representative growled. Threel wore a look of shock as D'Lar continued.
"The Ambassador here is a liar," D'Lar declared with as much emotion as one might use when declaring that the Terran sky was, in fact, blue. "Have a care to not listen too closely to his flowery words." Threel made a motion as if to protest, but D'Lar held up a hand. "Of course," he allowed, "I am also a liar. What diplomat could ever hold such a post if this were not the case?" He laughed at his own words, and wore a huge grin. Threel's expression relaxed into a bit of a sickly smile, though a cold glint remained in his eyes.
D'Lar's own expression grew more serious for a brief moment, and he uttered a cryptic statement. "Then again, at least I freely admit what I am."
The Kuldar took in the expressions around him, laughed out loud, and raised his cup. "A toast, then, to putting the best foot of our peoples forward. Perhaps when this is all complete, Ambassador Threel will have me visit his home for a holiday, and he can regale his family with tales of my own falsehoods!"
That provoked some laughter, and seemed to bring levity back to what had felt to be a dangerous moment. Silas did notice, however, that Threel did not seem to let the laughter reach his eyes.
Posted on 2016-09-14 at 00:43:09.
Edited on 2016-09-14 at 09:25:39 by t_catt11
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Topic: Tann’s NFL U Pick em Game 2016-17
Subject: oh yeah!
1st place, baby!!!
Posted on 2016-09-13 at 23:27:24.
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