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You are here: Home --> Forum Home --> Recent posts by t_catt11
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Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty
Subject: meeting of the minds


((OOC: In the interest of keeping the main plot rolling, I am pushing on to the staff meeting. If you are involved in some scene earlier in the day, feel free to backpost to wrap it up!

Also, note that I am assuming that all department heads are present and on time for this meeting. If that is not the case, please let me know, and I will edit. In all cases, I'm assuming that Drake will receive positive responses to direct orders.))


Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine, Captain's Mess - 0930


Captain Drake sat at the head of the rectangular table and let his gaze drift to each officer seated there. To his right was Lieutenant Zai - his Executive Officer - followed by Lieutenant Chell and Doctor Synklar. To Drake's left was Lieutenant Rockastansky - his Second Officer - followed Lieutenant Tesenblen. Lieutenant Commander Thorson, busy with the escape pod, had requested permission to attend via videoconference, and so was not physically present. There was room for one more person at the table beyond the Engineering chief, but since there were no other department heads on board, the foot of the table remained empty.

The Captain's Mess was a cozy little space tucked away on deck two, and it served two functions. First, it was the space reserved for private meals hosted by the Captain; most often, these would be handpicked officers, guests, diplomats, or other VIPs. Second, it was used to host meetings such as this.

On larger ships, staff meetings would typically take place in larger observation lounge, but a Saber class vessel had no such luxury.

One of Drake's first acts as commanding officer was to have a tabletop holographic projector installed here in the Captain's Mess. He had originally intended to mount a proper viewscreen, but the cramped quarters prevented doing so in any spot where at least a few people would not end up with their back to it. So, instead, he had gone with the tabletop unit, and it had proven to be wise decision.

Everyone was present and on time, not that Silas was surprised; discipline and punctuality had not been issues since he had assumed command. Silas knew that he differed from his predecessor in that he did not believe in daily staff meetings; such gatherings of the senior staff were usually reserved for shipwide efforts, the discussion of new mission orders, or other matters of wide import. The Captain felt that officers senior enough to be qualified to run a department should be trusted to do so without endless meetings and red tape, believing that his department heads would come to him if anything required his personal attention. Instead, he chose to meet with each in one on one situations every two or three weeks to stay caught up. However, Drake made it a point to stay very well informed about the state of the ship; he read every bridge watch log, daily department summary, incident or exception report, and kept a close eye on all of the critical system readouts. When the time came for one of the "face to face" meetings with a subordinate, Drake almost always knew exactly where a given project stood. The joke around the ship was that the Captain had unseen eyes everywhere, and truth be told... Silas liked it that way.

Clearing his throat, the Captain started the meeting. "Thank you for joining me. As you have certainly heard by now - and surmised by our course change - Starfleet Command contacted me at oh seven fifteen this morning to give new orders to the Peregrine."

"Our new assignment," Silas continued, "is to proceed to Starbase 118, where we will rendezvous with the USS Coronado, a Miranda class diplomatic vessel. We will escort the Coronado as she flies to the Gamera system in an attempt to broker peace between the Kuldar and Rytain peoples." As he spoke, the holographic projector came to life, displaying a three dimensional model of the Gamera system in relation to Starbase 118.

From what we understand, the Kuldar and Rytain have been at war for generations. Peace will not only serve humanitarian ends, but also potentially make a new source of Dilithium available to the Federation - so our mission is considered to be very important. I have been told that we will not have any direct contact with the foreign diplomats; that is the sole purview of the Coronado. We are here strictly in escort capacity, to show some Federation muscle."

Silas paused for a moment, and the holographs changed to depict Kuldar and Rytain vessels, along with tactical readouts for each. "From my preliminary investigations, it would seem that both the Kuldar and Rytain are close to a century behind us, technology-wise... at least in terms of combat effectiveness. Their primary shipboard armaments appear to be laser cannons, and their shielding is likewise inferior to our own. Our presence should be enough of a deterrent to ensure that both sides honor the truce for at least the duration of the summit."

"With that said," Silas noted, "neither society is a stranger to conflict, so we need to be on our guard. While the Rytain are somewhat sympathetic to the Federation, the Kuldar do not share that sentiment."

Drake clasped his hands. "We will be at Starbase 118 in around eight hours. I doubt that we spend much time there, so don't expect any furlough. This is supposed to be a milk run type of mission... which is why I want us prepared for worst case scenarios."

The Captain turned to his left. "Lieutenant Rockastansky, I want you do further research the capabilities of the Kuldar and Rytain vessels, any known battle tactics they may employ, that sort of thing. If this thing does go south, I want us ready; put together a tactical assessment and a recommended attack plan, in case it does come to that. Be sure that we plenty of torpedoes available on standby."

((OOC: assuming some reasonable response))

Next, he looked to his right. "Lieutenant Zai, I know that you are still short handed. I have asked Starfleet Command for another helmsman; in the meantime, what is the status on Petty Officer Owen?"

((OOC: assuming mention that she is getting close))

Drake nodded. "I wonder if we can accelerate her progress any. Perhaps allow her to sit a helm watch or two when you have the Big Chair? Assuming, of course, that you felt she was ready enough in terms of piloting. I obviously do not want us sacrificing our standards, but if her impact skills - such as actually flying the ship - are ready, but she's working on supporting coursework... well, perhaps some on the job training is in order. As it stands now, we're running Tactical and Operations short handed, and I'd like to have relief where we can get it."

((OOC: assuming some reasonable response))

"Lieutenant Chell," he spoke to the Bolian Ops chief, "once Lieutenant Rockastansky has his threat assessment, I'd like you to look it over to see if we need to do any special modulation with the shields to maximize our resistance to a potential attack. Also, please review your Damage Control plan to be sure that we are ready, and coordinate that with Commander Thorson."

((OOC: assuming some reasonable response))

His eyes darted back across the table. "Likewise, Commander, I want your people ready, just in case the talking turns into shooting. Also, I noticed that our total power output numbers were about three percent lower than we've been running - is that something that can be addressed?"

((OOC: assuming some reasonable response))

Drake nodded. "Doctor Synklar, while we're on the theme of worst case scenarios, I'd like you to put together a plan for dealing with high casualty and injury numbers. Assemble a list of non-medical personnel that may have cross training as corpsmen, or even those with first aid training, as well as a plan on how to employ their skills. How would you triage large numbers, how you could handle sickbay overflow, that sort of thing. Keep your fingers crossed that we never need it, but let's be prepared."

((OOC: assuming some reasonable response))

He glanced to the Chief Science Officer. "Mister Tesenblen, there are no immediate scientific goals on this particular diplomatic mission. Until we get to Starbase 118, I want you to focus your efforts on the anomalies around the escape pod we picked up this morning. It appears that the Serapis is currently docked there, and seeing as they are a science vessel, they will be better equipped for long term study of the pod than we will be. Once we transfer the pod, continue your normal duties, but please make yourself available should Doctor Synklar or Lieutenant Chell require your assistance."

((OOC: assuming some reasonable response))

The Captain sat back in his chair, and the holographs dissolved. "All, right, then. Are there any questions regarding our new orders?"

((OOC: if you have something to ask or discuss in character, let's insert it here. Once that is done...))

"Very well. Now then... who wants to get me up to speed on this escape pod?" Drake asked.








Posted on 2016-03-07 at 02:11:28.
Edited on 2016-03-07 at 17:49:57 by t_catt11

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: duty shifts?


lol

Oh, my. Yes, we - i.e. the super duper, way too deep Trek nerds - have actually worked this out.

All personnel work five eight hour shifts per week, save The Captain, Executive Officer, and Second Officer - who each work six. We have it worked out which people stand watches on the bridge at each station, Sunday through Saturday (if you care, it's currently a Sunday in our game).

If you like, I'll put this in a web friendly form per character, and post this to the QA.

Posted on 2016-03-06 at 23:02:22.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: awesome


I won't be on tomorrow until the evening - unless I hop on my phone for a bit - as I'm taking my son skydiving for his 18th birthday, and I have to drive out of state to do so.

But we'll get that meeting going.

Posted on 2016-03-06 at 02:37:24.
Edited on 2016-03-06 at 02:37:39 by t_catt11

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: awesome


Sorry, I must have overlooked that. Thanks for the correction.

So... I guess the answer is "nothing"?

Posted on 2016-03-06 at 02:23:40.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: well


A couple of people have loose ends to tie up, I think.

Though, really... the Doc/Science officer thing can be handled in backpost, if need be. If Horatio is too ill to attend the meeting, his aCSO could attend in his place.

Hmmm... is there any other escape pod stuff that I should wait for?

Because, really, I want to keep things hopping. My experience has been that when we let Trek get slow, that's when it goes off the rails.



Posted on 2016-03-06 at 01:52:50.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: oi


Guys, it's killing me to hold off on the staff meeting post. I am dying to move this game forward.

I'll hold as long as I can, but it won't be much longer. lol

Posted on 2016-03-06 at 00:33:42.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Recruitment
Subject: and we are set...


After exchanging PMs, we've come to a decision - Arcani will be joining us soon, assuming a role that has not yet been publicly introduced.

Posted on 2016-03-06 at 00:14:13.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Recruitment
Subject: we canmake that work!


We'd love to have you, Arcani. Check your PMs.

Posted on 2016-03-05 at 22:51:08.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: okay


Any further communications about the Red Sector situation, please keep to PMs.

Red, my offer stands - we'd love to have you still, even if it's in a different role.

As for changing of titles or whatever... the roster is what it is. The only edits we do are to NPCs that haven't yet been in the game. Otherwise, roster changes happen by transfers in and out - I try to avoid retcons of plot.

Posted on 2016-03-05 at 22:43:43.

Topic: Tann's B-Day
Subject: another circle around the sun...


Happy birthday to Tann, who we know is the man....

Posted on 2016-03-05 at 22:19:19.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Recruitment
Subject: Also...


We will be adding a shuttle pilot when we reach the Starbase. I'm pretty certain that the player for our doctor would love to have a PC nurse to bounce things off of.

Posted on 2016-03-05 at 11:35:08.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: awesome!


I just put a bow on the Zai/Drake melodrama. I'll give folks a bit more to interject whatever else they want to do, then we'll skip ahead to 0930 and the briefing. If we need to do more pod related stuff, we'll have roughly eight in-game hours to get it covered before we get to Starbase 118.

Posted on 2016-03-05 at 02:20:31.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty
Subject: wrapping up the head shrinking...


Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine, Captain's Ready Room - 0805


Commander Silas Drake, captain of a Federation starship, was normally a private man. His career had been built on crafting an image of competence, of resourcefulness, of control. Normally, the largest chink in that armor was when he lost his temper; now, he found himself pouring out his soul to his executive officer, sharing self doubt and weakness that he liked to pretend didn't exist in the first place.

It had been three and a half years since that fateful day on the Alexander. He had spoken to professional counselors several times since then - immediately after the incident, then again after he elected to not have the scars removed (and had to practically fight for the right to make the decision), plus a couple of Starfleet-mandated follow up appointments. One of them had even been an empath.

Yet, for whatever reason, he had never truly opened up to those people the same way that he was doing with Tochi Zai. Perhaps the passing time was entering into the equation, allowing time a chance for the wounds to heal somewhat... but Silas knew that a great deal more had to do with the fact the his XO seemed to genuinely care, yet had no expectations at all of him.

Silas had turned that day over in his mind again and again in the time since those fateful events; indeed, rarely a day went past that he didn't think of the incident, at least briefly. Whenever he allowed himself to dwell on it, he inevitably came to the same conclusion - if he had it to do again, he would have acted in the same way. For some twisted reason, rather than give him comfort, that knowledge made him feel terribly guilty. He had caused her death, and he wouldn't change things? How sick was that?

But the XO's words spoke directly to the heart of the matter.

"What if," the Trill proposed, "someone else had been in your position aboard that ship, Captain? And what if they had made decisions that were radically different to those you made? Would it have saved more lives or, perhaps, would it have cost more lives?" He shrugged in answer to his own question. "We don't know," he said, "and neither does anyone else."

"What happened, happened, Silas," he continued, "and regardless of what anyone thinks of it or, in hindsight, suggests that it could have gone differently, nothing changes that. You did what you thought to be the right thing, then, and, now, all these years later, as you look back, you still know that your actions would be the same and that you would still feel right in pursuing that course of action."

Tochi rose from the seat, then, reached across the desk, and clasped the Captain's shoulder. "Who can question that? Who can claim that, in a moment that they didn't experience, that they would have done differently?"

As Silas listened, an odd notion pushed itself into his consciousness. He had done the absolute best he could in the situation. No matter how he re-examined the scenario, no matter what sort of "what if" games he played, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that there was truly nothing more he could have done.

Was it, then, possible that he could actually forgive himself for doing his best? The very thought seemed to remove a great weight from his shoulders.

Tochi referenced the Captain's ancestor - once again, making terrible amounts of sense - and professed his friendship as he moved towards the door.

"If you'll excuse me," Zai smiled, "I've got reports to gather from Science and Engineering. See you at the briefing, sir."

"Understood," Silas replied. "0930 it is. Oh, and Tochi?" he queried.

Drake paused for a long moment and cleared his throat.

"Thank you."


Posted on 2016-03-05 at 02:18:35.
Edited on 2016-03-05 at 02:21:43 by t_catt11

Topic: Gladiator QnA
Subject: so... we are starting?


do we have a game thread for this? Just post here?

Posted on 2016-03-05 at 00:32:33.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: hmmm


Yeah, as I re-read Tann's post, I see that he included dialogue from Horatio, but it was only words you had already spoken. In that case, he's just filling out his side of the conversation.

Now, had he put new lines in Horatio's mouth... THAT would be a problem.

Posted on 2016-03-05 at 00:06:45.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: ...


Very minor timeline hiccups, we can handle. That's the entire reason we do the logbook on the Trek tools, to help keep things straight.

Whose post needs an edit to account for the time?

Now, you are 100% correct - in no case should a player EVER post dialogue or actions for another player. For that matter, it's considered to be polite check with the owner before you do so for someone else's NPC.

Eol posted dialogue for the aCSO because you were idle and we didn't want to hold the game up. To me, that was an acceptable exception - but even then, he did not post dialogue or actions for a PC (Horatio).

You see how I handle this. Even when the captain is issuing direct orders - which MUST be followed - I still use things like:

((OOC: assuming a positive response))

That allows me to finish a post without every minor interactions requiring days to post, but allows the other player the chance to interject their "own words" when they post.



Posted on 2016-03-04 at 23:53:38.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: well


I shall send you happy birthday wishes. Which cost nothing.

Also, are you not a liar? By my clock, you still have twenty minutes until your birthday.

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 23:40:15.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: liberty?


It looked to me like you were playing your character, Astrid. The replicator can make just about any food you ask it to; I see no reason it couldn't make "authentic" Caitian cuisine.

Folks, I am *super* impressed! This first week or so of posting had rivaled the glory days of the original Discovery cruise. Give yourselves a hand!

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 22:23:45.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: muy caleinte


Excellent job, Duncan. Great read.

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 18:20:57.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: crap?


Please, I've enjoyed your posts so far. Glad you're liking the melodrama.

You hear that, Tann? That's two players that specifically need a post from Rock...

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 17:36:43.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: cool


We are getting close to page three, folks. Nice start!

I promise to ratchet down the "Captain Emo" now.

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 17:06:51.

Topic: Gladiator QnA
Subject: cool


Actually, I'm going light/light... so we should get some variety here.

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 17:03:47.

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty
Subject: get a load off...


Stardate 2365.02.07
USS Peregrine, Captain's Ready Room - 0800


Lieutenant Zai's initial response to Drake's rant caught the Captain a bit off guard.

Tochi grinned; "If it comes to that; I suppose so."

The unexpectedly blithe answer caused Silas to double take, with his original frown at the insolence melting away to a bit of a genuine grin. The small nugget of levity had been perfectly placed.

The Trill helmsman leaned forward, then, resting his elbows on his knees and lacing his fingers together as he regarded the Captain and began giving a measured response. Silas found himself listening carefully to what he (they?) had to say.

By the time that his XO was done speaking, Silas already found himself measurably more calm... and feeling a shade foolish.

"Tochi," Drake replied with a hint of a grin, "if you ever decide that this whole 'flying starships' gig isn't for you anymore, you should consider a career in counseling. Apparently, a couple of hundred years of shared experiences help to bestow a shocking amount of wisdom and insight."

Calmer now, the Captain focused for a moment on the back of his left hand, to the scars that the XO had referred to. Those scars extended all the way up his arm, across his chest, and were barely visible above his collar. Lieutenant Zai knew why Drake refused to have the scars removed, though few others did. As he stared at the hand, his expression darkened a bit.

"The fact of the matter, though," he continued, "is that it's more than a question of someone doubting me. After all, what sort of officer would I be if a few words were enough to rattle me? I won't deny that the conversation left me angry, but there is more to it..."

The captain trailed off, pausing for several long moments as he stared at the hand. "What if they are right?" he asked before meeting Zai's gaze again.

"My very first real command led to the death of several people, Tochi. Including Michelle's." He held up a hand to forestall any interruption. "I know what you are going to say. The matter was investigated, it was concluded that I did everything possible, that I chose the correct course of action. I know what they say; they gave me a frilling medal for it."

Drake shook his head. "You know what haunts me about that day? If I was put in the same situation, knowing what I know now... I would still make the same choice. In my mind, I know that it was the only course of action. That doesn't help me sleep at night, though. It doesn't make the ache go away." It doesn't erase the sound of her screams, he left unsaid.

The Captain stared off into space. "Tochi," he spoke, "at some point, my actions will almost certainly lead to the deaths of more people. Operating on the sorts of missions that we draw, it's likely only a matter of time. I've come to peace with that fact, as much as I can. But again... what if they are right?"

He made eye contact with the Trill once more. "I believe that I make the best choices that I can. But what if I'm not fit to make those choices to begin with? Who's to say that someone more qualified than me might not have made things different aboard the Alexander? Would more lives have been saved?"

Silas chuckled ruefully. "That's the rub, isn't it? No matter how hard you train, no matter how much you study... so much of what we do comes down to gut calls. One must possess conviction in their decisions, else you open yourself to second guessing and ineffective command. But that same conviction can blind you to other options if you aren't terribly careful."





Posted on 2016-03-03 at 17:00:28.
Edited on 2016-03-03 at 17:01:13 by t_catt11

Topic: Star Trek: the Edge of Duty Q&A
Subject: agreed


Just nailed that one! Fun to read, worked in some good Treknobabble, and placed the ball firmly in Rockastansky's court.

This is the way that good Trek roleplay is supposed to work; you reveal things about your character, and by your actions, you involved other people.

Bravo.

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 16:01:12.

Topic: Gladiator QnA
Subject: fishwife?


rofl... that's amazing.

Posted on 2016-03-03 at 15:42:30.

 
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