Sorry about my second post. I could hear some of you groaning through my computer and wanted to make sure I apologized and reassured you it would not become a regular occurrence. It was a single piece of writing, when Just X and I were working on it. I broke it into two, making my first post, the first part and my second post the second part. I was afraid if I split the second post again, it would be more difficult to decipher...what with all the "so and so beget so and so's" and "in this time line" and "in my time line" and Katras and ticked-off Vulcans and stolen DNA...it might have become more confusing. I wanted to keep the momentum in the second postâ€"FYI, it will be my last looooooong post. And I don't think I will ever be able to post every day of the week. But, if something has to be split (because of it's length), I will post on consecutive days, to make sure the story gets placed as close together as possible.
So, do as I say not as I do everyone. ;) Bad Jen...Bad Jen! :-[
LOL. Yeah!
I liked the post.. it was to the point and not horribly long.. I don't want to discourage people from posting long posts.. we just have to keep them to a minimum. This post was all story, it wasn't filled with details after details of stuff that doesn't move the story along. Long posts are fine if they contain info that moves the story along.
That's what I always thought...but several have expressed their opposition to length no matter if it contains story or flat detail. I want to read more story so I don't mind the length of the posts. But, I will be keeping them to a minimum, to make everyone happy. :)
Hey, I was cool with it, it was very interesting.
"Ticked-off Vulcans" XD :laugh:
Besides Jen, your post will seem small when I post my 10,000 word essay on the story of why Isaac is soooo cool and why everyone should make him Captain of the ship.
:-X :laugh: :laugh: :cheers :laugh: ;D
King Linksr
:D
Hey Quinn (er . . . Kenny), I'd like to get a timeline on when the Tiberius is going to leave space dock and get underway. Maybe you could introduce it in your next in-character posting. With my character, timing is going to count for a lot, but I think we all ought to have some idea about the status of the mission. Also, now that we're well into page two and many characters are still hanging around in 5F drinking and fooling around, it might be time for the crew's duties to start up before we're all too drunk to stand. Except for the Klingons, of course. They'll just stagger a little more than usual.
Well that's the great thing about this RPG game.. there is no timeline. I'm not one for structure, that is why Jen and I make a great team. She likes outlines and structure. I like starting something and seeing how everyone reacts and go from there, we have found a happy medium.
Will start the mission soon.. but I can't give you a specific day or time. It will happen when it happens.
I think the next step should be a staff debriefing. But Admiral Talbot has to board the ship first. We'll wait for Rico before we do that. He likes to post on the weekends.
And whats wrong with drinking and fooling around??? lol
Duffster
Quote from: Duffster on October 04, 2007, 12:22:50 PM
And whats wrong with drinking and fooling around??? lol
Yea, what he said. Besides, who else wouldn't want to read about "rodents" running rampart on the ship? *laugh*
King Linksr
Well, the length of the thread doesn't necessarily mean much after the changes we've made to the rules and the additional players who have joined. There are more players this season and we've increased the number of posts each member can make. The more players, the more posts. The more posts, the more pages.
Also, as I mentioned above, I think we should wait for Rico. This is Admiral Talbot's mission (and the story is partially Rico's idea) it wouldn't be right for us to jump into the story without him. ;)
My advice would be to progress your sub plots and meta stories in the mean time...There are a lot of things that can be set up now, for the main story. Check out the outline in the Think Tank thread within OCC, for ideas. For example, the evil doctor Lucas needs fleshing out. He's an NPC...you guys can share him if you want. But please consult with me or Kenny if you have ideas for his evil deeds.
Folks can also use this time to explore the ship, or trade dialog with other characters while we wait for Admiral Talbot to arrive and call for the debriefing. Add some color and flavor to your characters. I'm really enjoying reading about the evolution of Margon and Starstriker. And I think the writing is improving as well. Good job everyone.
During the trip to Romulus we will be exploring side stories. So have fun and be creative. There's no set time line to any of our seasons. That's the beauty of Simming.
The folks in Five Forward are character building, which I believe is just as important as the main story. :)
Yes, and also remember 3 Ducks is that we also have school/work so rushing the story makes it difficult for many people to keep up. If we get too far down the story, people are going to be discouraged from writing because they are behind due to RL things. Also, some people are talking with other people and colaborating on how to make the story better for their characters and others.
So have patience. In the end, it will ROCK.
King Linksr
Yeah, I'm sort of with the others on this. I don't see a need to rush or a need for a timeline. In all honesty, I don't see how you can come up with a detailed timeline with a dozen different perspectives contributing to the story.
I agree that some clarifications would be nice. I thought that the trip to Romulus was supposed to be kind of off the books, but recent posts have suggested otherwise.
I think that all of the logistical issues will work themselves out once we start to gel a little more in presenting ideas. Perhaps we should get together soon for another Skype meeting and trim the course as we have new characters entering the story and might better serve the story by attempting to intergrate them into what is suposed to be happening this season.
Good suggestion X. I was going to do that myself. I won't be available next weekend...if this weekend isn't too short a notice, I can participate. Otherwise, you are all free to meet with Kenny and Rico next weekend. :)
I think the last meeting helped. Maybe that's all we need to do is get together and share ideas.
I don't have Skype or know how it works, but I'm sure I can get briefed somehow. Anyway, I wasn't trying to rush things. I just wanted to know a rough time when the ship might start moving. I guess that got answered, though.
I am good for this weekend.
We can help you set it up Ducks. It's pretty easy. You just need a head set with a mic. The rest is free to download. We walked a few members through installing last time. Let us know if you want to participate we can help you.
Just set a time and I should be able to make it.
King Linksr
Sorry guys.. this is the weekend that we move to our house.. won't be around all weekend. I'm sure Jen will update me on what goes on.
I am available when ever!
Unfortunately I am out of town this weekend visiting my parents...
Duffster
Just to update people, I've made a change to my character's last post to acknowledge a request made that the Vulcan female be named. I made further changes to explain how he knows. It shouldn't change the story or affect the posts that came after it, though.
Thanks for doing that Ducks...I just thought that you could use the Vulcan that was already in the room (Sevryll's mom) instead of inventing a new one (the engineer), when you described the scene with the Sugar Gliders. I didn't mean that you had to mention her by name. Firrak doesn't have to know her at all. But he is a spy so anything is possible. ;)
Well, looks like the Skype Meeting will have to be held on another weekend. If you all decide next weekend works better—talk to Rico and Kenny about setting that up. I'll be out of town for the entire time, so post your notes from the meeting here to keep those of us who can't attend up to date. :)
Argh, I almost had a new RPG Post up for Isaac and the website crashed or something....and I did most of the editing on the site...grrrr. I'll have it up later today. Still have to make a recording for Rico in time.
Oh, and I'm up for whenever next weekend.
King Linksr
Try typing up your posts in Microsoft Word or some equivalent software. That way you can save it. I find the thesaurus feature very helpful, and I can also take my time in typing my posts.
Yeah. I do my story posts in Word first, too. Besides allowing you to save your side of the story, it allows you to weed out at least the most glaring spelling mistakes.
Well, here is the thing, I type it out on Onenote 07 then I'll edit it, etc and then retype it online (to hopefully find any last mistakes). Problem is, is that IE will sometimes crash and I'll have to retype it. I'm just lazy ik.... :-\
King Linksr
Use Firefox. IE bites. :)
Ouch! That hurts Jen...*cry*
King Linksr
Oh..don't cry. Here, take this tissue...blow your nose. There you go. That's a big boy... :D ;)
>.>....for the first time in my life, I have no way to retort to that.....dangit!!!!!
*cry* *cry*
King Linksr
Hey guys! Just made my first post on the game!
Hope you guys have fun with a trigger happy MAKO on board. :)
Quote from: Chief on October 08, 2007, 06:03:15 AM
Hey guys! Just made my first post on the game!
Hope you guys have fun with a trigger happy MAKO on board. :)
Woot on the first post!!
King Linksr
Good first post, too.
Kinglinksr: What about copying and pasting instead of retyping?
Hey Kinglinksr since IE (and even Firefox) will sometimes crash, what I do is copy every once in a while. Doing that has saved me some time and grief.
Oh and Chief, Johnny Manrique would probably sometime like to meet your character when he's not on duty. :)
Yea, I'll be doing a better job from now on. As for meeting, sure, I'm up for that. Not sure when though, but thats up to you isn't it? lol
King Linksr
Alright, due to a really bad week, I haven't been able to think about the next part of the story much. HOWEVER, I noticed that Aeric is going to the staff meeting...does that mean Isaac goes? Because he is the head of OPS whereas Aeric is just the Conn officer. I'm just making sure I'm clear on this because my brain isn't working and the ranking system is over my head right now :)
King Linksr
As far as I know, both Conn Officers and OPS do attend Senior Bridge Meetings. Think Voyager. I'm sure that there are people with rank higher than Harry Kim, but he was in on the senior staff meetings as well. For me, OPS has always been an odd position and after Rico's TNG podcast, I think it was only invented to get Data into a gold uniform, but I'm sure he should attend.
Quote from: Kinglinksr on October 12, 2007, 12:31:07 PM
Alright, due to a really bad week, I haven't been able to think about the next part of the story much. HOWEVER, I noticed that Aeric is going to the staff meeting...does that mean Isaac goes? Because he is the head of OPS whereas Aeric is just the Conn officer. I'm just making sure I'm clear on this because my brain isn't working and the ranking system is over my head right now :)
King Linksr
Hey King.. go ahead and sim your character into the meeting.
alright, I'll have something up by Sat afternoon. Nothing huge.
King Linksr
Oh, are we going to have a skype call this weekend? It would be a great thing if we did.
King Linksr
I can do something this weekend..
Me too. Which day? What time? I'm open to any and all.
Quote from: Jen on October 16, 2007, 08:11:08 AM
Me too. Which day? What time? I'm open to any and all.
/agree
King Linksr
ditto
Test post to Jen. Thanks for all your help on the RPG!
Tis nothing. :)
It worked Rico. Thank you for testing it for me. :)
Oh, are we setting a date/time for the skype call?
King Linksr
How does Saturday sound?
Sounds great!
King Linksr
I won't be around on Saturday, but maybe someone could be so kind as to post a general overview when it's over?
If Saturday doesn't work for everyone, Sunday will work for me. But I know Rico edits his podcast that day and Rick Moyer is working.
There are always individuals who can't make the meetings so I post the meeting notes here in the OOC. Please send me any questions or points you want me to bring up in the meeting if you can't make it.
I'm good for sat and nowish
Nowish being what? Mid morning? :)
well I was open all weekend, but now I'm going to my uncles birthday party Saturday, I'm not sure what time that will be. If we can do it early on Saturday say 9am PST, I should be able to make that. I'm also available after 1pm PST on Sunday
ugh, thats 6 in the morning over here, I'm sure my roomate would be upset. But I could try and make it.
King Linksr
King.. I think you might be mistaken... where are you? I said 9am PST (west coast). That would mean 12 noon on the east coast and some time in between in middle US.
Gah, call me a noob again, I could have sworn you said Eastern time. That would work for me. (West coast is hwere I live)
King Linksr
To change the subject a little, I have removed my post about killing the Romulan agent (Brandt). It appears that it was too early for it, as evidenced by the zero amount of recognition. Once we're a little more underway, I'll repost.
Thanks for doing that... it should be a much bigger deal then it turned out to be.
Ah...I have been working on a post that addressed that incident. It just happened at a time when we were dealing with a few other side stories...Are you reposting it later? I'll save my response till then.
I think it works better later.. this happened a few days before the breifing.. and no one has made any mention of it...
Yeah. I'll just have my character get good and drunk on Romulan ale and then kill her in a drunken fit of passion.
(a joke)
Seriously, though. I will repost when it looks like the time is right. I have all my entries saved in a folder as Word docs, so I can just cut and paste, adding in any modifications as necessary.
I think that part of the issue is going to be the nature of the murder. If he pulled it off so perfectly, then there will be no investigation. IF there is an investigation, there are only a few characters that will have the authority or necessity to participate in an investgation.
Speaking as someone that has written a few yards about secrets and murders, if a character has the skill to pull it off undetected, there will be little chance for true interaction about the incident.
However, there is really no fool's proof method to kill someone on a starship and even the lack of evidence can become evidence in the face of the constant monitoring that happens on a starship.
It will be interesting to see the reaction when this happens again because it happens on a starship and there are things in place that can quickly turn the perfect crime into perfect exposure.
Yeah. That was the general idea. It's not so much about this particular killing or the evidence (or lack thereof), but about how they come into play the closer we get to Romulus and the more the conspiracy/spy subplot heats up. That is, what happens when the Tal'Shiar can't contact it's agent? Will the identity of the Romulan agent (Brandt) be made public to the crew, or will the 31 agent or the admiral cover it up for some reason? Will Enoch go on the warpath, unsatisfied until he finds the true killer? And what happens if he does? There are a dozen questions that can further this subplot and even affect the main plot. Even if the killing goes off without a hitch and there's no evidence of foul play, there's no such thing as an unexplained death on a star ship, as Just X pointed out. Remember that my character cut off the sensor readings to that section of the ship while he confronted and killed Brandt. So she just happens to die in a random power surge while the system is in diagnostic mode? Doubtful. The main idea I had when killing off that character was to make things interesting in the long term, not to just have a short and sweet murder investigation.
So, yes. I really did leave that end of the subplot very open ended. I'm pretty sure I could simply repost once everyone's ready.
EDIT: PS: If anyone has any ideas they'd like to share--perhaps collaborate on a long-term subplot--let me know in a PM, so I don't get too carried away doing my own thing while everyone else goes, "WTF, mate?"
I have a really drastic idea about the direction of the story that we can discuss in the meeting. I mean it could be very interesting, but it's a big leap.
I'm going to watch Nemesis and try to solidify the ideas.
Quote from: 3 Ducks in a Man Costume on October 18, 2007, 10:31:22 AM
To change the subject a little, I have removed my post about killing the Romulan agent (Brandt). It appears that it was too early for it, as evidenced by the zero amount of recognition. Once we're a little more underway, I'll repost.
I agree with this completely. Besides 3 Ducks, Isaac pwned you by distracting the officers with him problem XD XD lol jk
But yes, move it to a different part of the story where it will have more recognition.
King Linksr
I could make 9 am (west coast) on saturday.
9am Saturday is actually a great time. :)
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on October 18, 2007, 10:17:42 AM
King.. I think you might be mistaken... where are you? I said 9am PST (west coast). That would mean 12 noon on the east coast and some time in between in middle US.
11 AM Central :)
is it official?
Are we getting together at 9 a.m. West Coast time, tomorrow morning?
I need to put it on my calendar, otherwise... I will plan something else!
Are we doing this???? :) :lamo :phone
I say aye!
Yes.. I'll make it official.
RPG Skype Chat:
Saturday Oct. 20th at 9am PST
Yay! 9 it is! Lets do this!
King Linksr
Well, that was great guys! Need to have those more often. Rick I may go with that story line for the holodeck, but I'll try and iron it out because its either 1 of 3 things:
1. Isaac works it out himself. Not very interesting. lol
2. Isaac goes the Just X route and breaks into the area with the Aurora. Etc etc
3. Isaac goes the counselor way which I'm thinking of doing that.
I'll iron out the details over the weekend and send someone a message. I'll state here who it will be.
King Linksr
NOTES FROM RPG SKYPE MEETING TWO...10-10-07
Everyone attending the meeting said they're really enjoying the story so far. Keep it up everyone.
Just a few Tips and Reminders:
-Be mindful of what is possible in the Trek Universe.
-No all-powerful super heroes or super villain characters permitted.
-Write in third person.
-A word processor application is suggested to type up your replies. Just copy and paste your post—easy peasy.
-Please make sure the people you include in your posts are not busy doing something else, when referencing them...Take your time and catch up on the story before you post. It keeps the continuity in line and the story easier to read and reply to.
-Feel free to team up with other writers for joint posts. It's a lot of fun and sometimes stories are more rounded when more than one person contributes to an idea.
-Be creative with your side stories...but be careful to keep them just that—side stories.
-Have fun!
1. Because of the pattern with which people tend to post their replies to the story (takes a week for people to reply), the overall story could take two months total (real time). One month for the trip to the neutral zone and one month to write about the mission on the surface.
2. Time Line is *after Nemisis*. The year is 2379.
The Romulan Government is weakened after the war. A message must be sent to the Romulan underground (supporters of Unification) to let them know we are coming. Ideas regarding technology needed to send this message are needed. Engineers help us figure this one out. ;)
3. A Camelot Holoprogram side story, on the way to Romulus, involving a few crewmembers is in the planning stages. Ensign Took (Kenny's NPC) will program the story and introduce it to the Captain...then Quinn will invite other crewmen to enjoy the program.
4. A fleet of Starfleet vessels is headed to the Neutral Zone to negotiate peace—headed by the Titan, captained by Will Riker. We will have limited contact with this fleet.
5. The Tiberius will be in that fleet long enough to get its crew closer to the Neutral Zone. Then she'll take "the back roads" to avoid detection. The Aurora will slip in, under cover, to ferry the away team to the surface. Holoemitters on the hull of Aurora will mask it's appearance.
6. Our mission to recover Krell is officially unsanctioned and only a couple of brass in Starfleet know of Admiral Talbot's plans.
7. Enoch and Abby Brandt need to be detailed further during this mission. Include them in your posts as friends if you want. Give them some personality.
8. We need to find a way to fit in the spy without making the mostly psychic crew seem inept. Ideas are welcome. Post them here if you have any thoughts.
9. How the Cardassian learned of our mission needs to be addressed at some point.
10. We need to backtrack the killing of Abby Brandt to show how the spy got the access to the systems to preform the sabotage. The old murder post, involving Three Duck's character and Abby Brandt, was removed and will be reposted after the away team is well into it's mission on Romulus. This gives him a window of opportunity to commit the crime and gives the crew, still on the Tiberius, something to do.
11. To avoid detection, another character should be implicated in the crime (maybe Doctor Lucas). He could be the scapegoat used by the spy to avoid capture. Tain and Manrique will investigate the crime. The fall guy can be arrested or killed by security. But don't do it over night. Make it an on-going investigation. Question people, involve science officers in the investigation. Spies, hold off on future murders to prevent discovery. If you want your character to be captured, post here to let us know.
12. Rick Moyer will play Tomalock (NPC Romulan Captain) to appear while near the neutral zone, during an altercation with the Tiberius.
13. Evil doc (Doctor Lucas) needs to be fleshed out and addressed. Why is he evil? Three Ducks maybe you can consider writing about your character meeting with him from time to time. Set up Lucas to be a slime-ball (he has been mentioned at the beginning of Season two, if you need to research his past I will send you a link to that specific page)...maybe he's the scapegoat for your murder? We're also thinking of using him to create a virus that may infect Krell (Sevryll's father, the Vulcan diplomat we are going to rescue). Feel free to kick some ideas around here regarding that.
14. Enoch needs a puppet master. I see him as a recurring character on Tiberius (don't kill him). If you don't have an NPC that you regularly use, consider Enoch and let Kenny and I know if you want to drive him.
15. Donatra, a future key in Romulan future should have at lease a cameo in the story because in two years she becomes empress.
16. Sela (Tash Yar's daughter) will make an appearance on Romulus. Anyone wanting to play this character PM me or Kenny. Should possibly someone who is not apart of the away mission.
Quote from: Kinglinksr on October 20, 2007, 10:51:56 AM
2. Isaac goes the Just X route and breaks into the area with the Aurora. Etc etc
If he wants to get in trouble for breaking into a classified project, go for it! If you are looking for a storyline, I can give you something better.
How about Starstriker asking permission to become a backup crew member of the Aurora? Or an actual member? Only two living people on the ship actually know how to fly the Aurora. A third wouldn't be a bad idea. It would have to be cleared with certain people, but I think it's doable.
We already discussed that, *Jen and I* and we are thinking of keeping Isaac on the ship due to the 2nd part. But I might change my mind.
**EDIT** 2nd story. Its between Isaac and the Doc. I'll keep thinking about it though.
King Linksr
As far as the Doctor-virus-spy issue is concerned, I think I can get on board with that, and I have a few ideas. The way I've written my character, he may be a spy and a killer, but he's not particularly evil. That is, he's doing what he needs to do to get home to Cardassia. I'm thinking that I'll start out this subplot with my character drinking a little too much Romulan ale and needing something for his head when he wakes up hungover. He'll go to sickbay and start talking to the doctor. I'll need to review the doc's character, but I'll write in that the two strike up a rapport, so my character will return often to chat. I'm thinking of revealing my character's true identity to the doctor, who will use it as a talking point to try and convince Remor that, being a Cardassian, he should have no love for the Romulans or their allies. The best way the doctor sees to destroy the Romulans is by implicating them in the murder of a Vulcan diplomat, hence the virus. Remor will play along, but he'll be a bit conflicted because to get home, he needs the Tal'Shiar distracted, but he needs the peace to hold, as well. The destruction of the Romulans would provide cover, but he would be inevitably swept up in any resulting conflict within the Federation. He'll come to the conclusion that the doctor's plan must fail, but being the only one who knows about it, the doctor will start gunning for him if the plan fails. The only course of action is to rid himself (and everyone else) of the evil doc. Brandt's murder will somehow implicate the doctor, who, for some reason or another will be killed, either by my character, by the other spy, or by Enoch.
This is a rough idea. Suggestions are welcome.
That sounds interesting. There really isn't a bio on this doctor because I was the one who actually invented him. sorta. If you look at last season's posts about when Isaac is "out of it" you'll see I constantly refer to a "doctor". That was mostly because Peterson was gone and I didn't feel like making up another doctor name. So I just constantly refered to a "mysterious" doctor. I'm lazy, ik. ;) As far as anyone is concerned right now, he's just a conviently made spy aboard. :)
However, the only issue I have with this story, is that it will interfere with my story. I just don't see how the both of us can do the story. I'll keep thinking and have something. But we will have decide between me and you. However, My story is a little more flexible because you can't go on the away mission. Its something we will need to decide soon.
King Linksr
Quote from: Just X on October 20, 2007, 04:26:47 PM
How about Starstriker asking permission to become a backup crew member of the Aurora? Or an actual member? Only two living people on the ship actually know how to fly the Aurora. A third wouldn't be a bad idea. It would have to be cleared with certain people, but I think it's doable.
This of course would be the second story line if I choose it. Though I'm afraid, unless we think of something, that this won't be nearly as interesting as the one aboard ship. Of course, this is not to shut you down 3 Ducks. We'll keep brainstorming. Maybe Jen and Kenny have ideas?...
King Linksr
Quote from: Kinglinksr on October 20, 2007, 05:24:24 PM
We already discussed that, *Jen and I* and we are thinking of keeping Isaac on the ship due to the 2nd part. But I might change my mind.
**EDIT** 2nd story. Its between Isaac and the Doc. I'll keep thinking about it though.
King Linksr
Actually, what I was suggesting would require him to stay on the Tiberius. He wouldn't be involved in the mission because he isn't trained. He would need to spend several hours a day in the Holo flight sim to learn the control of the Aurora and how to work with her systems. He would also need to deal with adjusting to some of the more expermental parts of her technology.
It is very possible to pull it off, but it will take some time and could be a rich avenue for story for him.
As for second storylines. I don't think that the two stories are incompatable. I don't think that there is a go with one or the other need.
Quote from: 3 Ducks in a Man Costume on October 21, 2007, 09:33:52 AM
This is a rough idea. Suggestions are welcome.
I have a few suggestions and questions.
With the death of the Obsidian Order, why hasn't he gone home before? With the Order destroyed an a new democratic government in place on Cardassia, what prevents him from returning home?
How did/will he get the computer access and security codes to setup the accident that will deal with the other spy?
With Romulas dealing with their own internal issues, what is the motives behind his assignment?
Personally, with everything that is going wrong with his two "orginizations" and the potential for advancement in the changes in Cardassia, I wonder why he hasn't taken steps to secure his own place or maybe even attempt to make in roads to rebuild the order into something that can protect Cardassia.
I have a few suggestions, but I need to know what exactly is motivating the guy to do what he is doing.
I think that selling out the Romulans to better the trade deals with Cardassia and the Federation by revealing other "sleeper" agents might better serve his true people. This path might also save him and allow him to continue to other seasons. A "former" spy becoming an advisor to a Federation ship might actually be a more fulfilling story for the character because by going any other way, I can only see the character leaving or dying at the end of this season.
Quote from: Just X on October 21, 2007, 11:42:52 AM
I think that selling out the Romulans to better the trade deals with Cardassia and the Federation by revealing other "sleeper" agents might better serve his true people. This path might also save him and allow him to continue to other seasons. A "former" spy becoming an advisor to a Federation ship might actually be a more fulfilling story for the character because by going any other way, I can only see the character leaving or dying at the end of this season.
That was very well said X
Just X: "A "former" spy becoming an advisor to a Federation ship might actually be a more fulfilling story for the character because by going any other way, I can only see the character leaving or dying at the end of this season."
This could work. I like this idea, and I'll keep it in mind.
To address some of the questions you had, just for clarity's sake:
Q: With the death of the Obsidian Order, why hasn't he gone home before? With the Order destroyed an a new democratic government in place on Cardassia, what prevents him from returning home?
A: The presence of the black ops Romulan agent (Brandt) literally threatens his life. The Tal'Shiar doesn't entirely trust its agents (I'm just making this up as I go, but it sounds reasonable), so it occasionally sends "black mask" types to ensure that everything goes smoothly. These agents are typically on longterm assignment in order to fully integrate into the target society. The reason they aren't used to carry out spy missions is because they are so skilled that to blow their cover on a routine assassination, sabotage, or intel mission would be a waste. So, long story short: he knows he is being watched, but until he recognizes Brandt, he doesn't know by whom, so he has to keep on looking like a Romulan.
Q: How did/will he get the computer access and security codes to setup the accident that will deal with the other spy?
A: He's a seasoned and entrenched spy, who has been successfully disguised as a Tal'Shiar agent for several years. Garak was able to sneak past Tal'Shiar guards, onto a Romulan senator's shuttle, and plant a bomb without being caught (DS9 "In the Pale Moonlight"), and the Romulans are paranoid about security. If Garak can do it (and he was out of practice, remember), I'm sure my character can access Federation engineering codes. It shouldn't be too hard to write once I get to it. Yes, I realize I'm assuming that Federation security is somewhat more lax than Romulan security. On the whole, this is pretty mch true. However, don't forget that there is a 31 agent on board. This could be a prime opportunity for our characters to meet or at least learn of each other.
Q: With Romulas dealing with their own internal issues, what is the motives behind his assignment?
A: The Romulan Empire is notoriously chaotic--more so than any other. There are times when the Tal'Shiar and the Senate/military don't exactly see eye to eye. In this case, the premise I've created through some of my back story is that the Tal'Shiar (or at least someone high up in the agency) wants this to fall through. They want things to go back to the way they were. If you look closely at our history, you'll notice that many spy agencies (KGB, CIA, etc) design their covert ops around keeping the status quo. When things and governments change, spies are often the first to lose their jobs--often the first to be put up against a wall and shot. Again, long story short: it's in the Tal'Shiar's interest to have a spies trying to undo this peace because this can only lead to larger, more sweeping changes.
I hope that clears a few things up. I realize that I may have touched on those issues within back stories and my earlier posts, but I didn't exactly spell them out so that everyone would know where I was going with my character.
Oh, and Kinglinksr: if you would like to collaborate on a storyline with the doctor, I'm game.
Quote from: 3 Ducks in a Man Costume on October 21, 2007, 12:24:05 PM
Oh, and Kinglinksr: if you would like to collaborate on a storyline with the doctor, I'm game.
That's a good idea Ducks. King, Side stories shouldn't interfere with the main plot...but if they can work together, it's all for the best. See what you two can come up with, it's a lot of fun to work collaboratively. I know Just X has some pretty good ideas for Starstriker too...He passed them my way for input. I think some of his suggestions give Starstriker a lot more depth than what I suggested to you last season. Mull them over, I think it would be cool to eventually see Starstriker helping with Aurora. :)
Ducks, let me know when you want to collaborate on a post involving my Section 31 agent. I'm game. :)
lol we need another skype call just to figure all this out. But its great stuff. I don't know, at this point I would like to get to the main story part, but I also know that the second one be just as good if not better. This is very interesting...
Another post incoming.
King Linksr
Quote from: Kinglinksr on October 21, 2007, 03:24:40 PM
lol we need another skype call just to figure all this out. But its great stuff. I don't know, at this point I would like to get to the main story part, but I also know that the second one be just as good if not better. This is very interesting...
Another post incoming.
King Linksr
I was thinking about offering to Skype with anyone that I'm working with on story or other things because it seems a bit faster than PMs and it has a chat feature to log the written ideas you come up with in something closer to real time.
Well, I'm actually glad--even though I missed the Skype meeting--that we have something roughly hammered out. My main concern was that I would have to wait for y'all to do something and then interact with that, but it looks like I've got a lot to work with now.
Alright, I'm still jammed up on what to do with Isaac and I would like to chat with you guys including Jen and/or Kenny. I'm open for anytime in the afternoon this week. Or even this Saturday/Sunday. Skype would be a nice way to go.
Up to you guys.
King Linksr
Geez, another Ferengi getting into our system codes? Oh well :) Its time we got a new race. And this one is resistant to the telepaths aboard. <.< >.> <.< *except Isaac* :) :)
King Linksr
I would appreciate that no one "find" Isaac unless you have PMed me. This includes telepaths. ;) I'm still working out how Isaac will be healed by this mess.
Thanks.
King Linksr
Remember that I said that the Ferengi is not aboard. He's just a previous acquaintance.
Ok, i've figured out a story. I've sent messages to the appropriate people. lol
Thanks!
King Linksr
I'm glad that you came up with something!
Can someone link me to the posts that deal with the (evil) doctor? I've been looking for them, but can't seem to find them. I'd like to include that character in my next post, so I need to know more about him.
I'll find them for you and post them here.
Here you go
Season 3 Reply #23 by Kinglinksr (this post doesn't mention doctor Lucas by name but explains why this doctor is in Sevryll's scene)
Season 3 Reply#27 by Iceman (the first time the doctor is mentioned by name)
http://www.treksinscifi.com/forum/index.php?topic=2625.15
Season 3 Reply# 30 by Jen (I set him up for future conflict with Sevryll—she thinks he's up to something)
http://www.treksinscifi.com/forum/index.php?topic=2625.msg25261#msg25261
Yes, I set him up PURELY because I couldn't think of another doctor name and was too lazy. Lucas is indeed in that scene, I just never figured out a name for him.
King Linksr
Wow....I just looked at those posts and we all need to go over them and edit them...thats going to be really difficult though as several of those ppl no longer participate. Ah well, make do with it for now.
King lInksr
Thanks for the links.
Woot, I just made Commodore rank. Does that mean you guys want me to shut up? Cause I was Captain less than a week. LOL
Sorry guys about the slow reply of messages. A few too many lousy things happened today. I'll send them out tomorrow when classes are finished.
COMMODORE King Linksr
Congrats Commodore. :)
O.o woah, isn't this a little fast Iceman? idk, maybe I'm just paranoid :)
King Linksr
Just so you know that post was removed because it attempted to explain a few things that are not known in the story yet. Also it may have been partially my fault because I didn't tell him exactly who was in sickbay—I thought it would be obvious when I said that he was the same Vulcan Man she had seen in sickbay earlier in the day, but there may been several Vulcan men Sevryll could have seen in Five Forward at any given time...and any of them could have been Ensigns. But this one wasn't— I was specifically referring to ThreeDucks Character and ThreeDucks had placed him in Sickbay before I mentioned him in my post.
Just a reminder, if anyone has confusion on how to respond to another writer's posts drop them a PM and ask what's up. ;)
Also, don't fill any blanks in for other writers on their characters or solve any on-going stories for everyone without asking in OOC.
Whew. I've been so busy lately, it looks like I missed something. Oh well. I'm fixin' to post in the story in a few minutes.
Hey Just X,
How old is Aria? I don't know if you ever mentioned that detail.
King Linksr
She physically appears to be around a 16 - 17 year old human, but she is in her mid 20's. Mentally, she's a young adult.
Ok, just thought I would ask.
King Linksr
What brought about the curosity?
Oh, nothing much.
King Linksr
Just A Heads Up.
You may have noticed strange happenings, erratic behavior and emotional displays in this season as well as the last season. There is currently a psionic virus (a virus that only affects telepaths) infecting a few of our players. This will be a minor issue that will not come into effect until next season, when it will become the main plot. It will not be discovered or described in the story until next season. Only one character has noticed this odd behavior in Sevryll and that character will be the person to do so this season. ;)
Here's the gist of what's going on:
Ensign Isaac Starstriker was infected with a virus by Doctor Lucas during Season One when the Ensign reported for his physical. All crewmembers were required to have one, but Starstrker's genetic make up was closest to Doctor Lucas's intended target. The "half baked" virus had to mutate within Starstriker before it was "ripe" enough to pass to the Vulcans.
Starstriker carried the virus through Season one, two and three until he began to show the first symptoms. You may recall that he collapsed, out of the blue, in Five Forward which subsequently caused him to fall into a coma. It was at that time that Dr. Lucas knew the virus was ready for it's next host, Sevryll. He insisted that she meld with Lucas, to bring him out of his "mental state" and when she did so, she was infected. Sevryll displayed a few strange symptoms last season when she started having more trouble maintaining emotional control—a major symptom in Vulcans.
At the start of this season Ensign Starstriker got into trouble when he probed the minds of the crew. At that point, he spread the virus to the telepaths aboard—it did not jump to any individuals who do not have this ability. The telepaths will not exhibit the same symptoms as Vulcans... they will only have trouble reading others as well as a few other minor issues (slight headaches etc). They may see this as a stress related problem this season. FYI, the telepaths will not be harmed, yet they will be unwitting carriers of the virus.
Why would Doctor Lucas do this? He is a zenaphobe (sp?) or a racist. He doesn't particularly care for alien species... we're still working on his story but that's the basis. Unbeknownst to him, he is being used by traditionalist Vulcans who do not want the Unification to proceed for fear that their culture would be dissolved with the introduction of Romulans. These traditionalist Vulcans think they have a way to stop the virus from spreading beyond Romulus... but they will be wrong.
And so that's why things seem strange—just wanted you guys to know there's something going on in the background that will be tied up at the end of next season.
If you're not a telepath, ignore the symptoms...so, in a nut shell, it doesn't exist as far as you're character is concerned. Out of sight, out of mind. :)
If you're a telepath, take it slow...don't go crazy with it. Remember it took several seasons to start bothering Starstriker and Sevryll. You maybe a twinge irritable or tired or something very minor and unnoticeable. Chalk it up to stress and leave it be until next season when more will be revealed. :)
Very good posts guys. Had me reading for a good 1/2 hour! (Yea, a little slow....) anyway, keep it up!!
King Linksr
Our Story's Direction Thus Far
The Tiberius is on it's way to the neural zone. We discussed in a previous Skype meeting that she will briefly meet with the Titan, Captained by Will Riker. The Tiberius is only using the caravan of star ships, headed for peace negotiations with the Romulans, as a front to get to the neutral zone. Then the Tiberius will break off and deploy Aurora and her escorts. These ships will head to Romulus, disguised, and drop off the away team.
Currently Sevryll is putting together a team of vulcans for the awayteam (the Admiral's stipulation was that the members be vulcan). There are only two on her own team so far and she hasn't met with Quinn or Talbot to discuss.
Aria is one of her team members. She will pilot the Aurora and accompany the team. There is one other vulcan currently on her list, a nurse... let me know if you want to try your hand at writing as a Vulcan, you could play the NPC. Talbot and his two marines will also be on the away team.
Lieutenant Aeric James has been working with his escort ships and running various deployment and extraction scenarios on the holodeck.
Lt. Tain, Manrique and the marine, colonel Khev (section 31 operative in disguise) are working on an intense training program for the away team. They will be training the small group very soon.
The suggestion was made that the Tiberius would run into a Romulan patrol ship while the away team is on Romulus (see previous notes in this thread). A murder is also supposed to take place on the ship when the team is away.
The virus that the telepaths have will not play a large roll until next season.
Should I assume that this murder is Brandt's and the hands of my character? Or is this something else?
Also, I'm about to post. Just FYI, my character is going to find out about the existence of a 31 agent on the ship. I'm going to leave it open-ended--no names, locations, or anything like that--so those involved (even peripherally) with the spy plot can figure out what they want to do.
(Sorry I've been away for a while. I've had a few pressing engagements.)
Yes it's Brandt's but I read your post and if you want to offer her in trade, we can do that too. I've been working on several joint posts with Just X... it involves the side story we're working on but also works into the main plot. We'll be making the posts over the next day or so. In the mean time Talbot, Sevryll and Quinn can still meet to finalized the mission. I'm going to write Sareth into that meeting, since she needs to be filled in.
Great posts Jen, Just X, and Rico.
I have a question though and that is this:
Who is all going on this away mission and who is not? *Not characters but the actual forums members* I'm just tiny-bit confused and would like a list. :)
Thanks!
King Linksr
All Vulcans and Romulans except one... K'Tan who is taking one of Talbot's aides' place (Colonel Mowambe).
That's:
Sevryll
Aria
Khev
Talbot
K'Tan
The rest are flight crew and control tower. Everyone who remains aboard Tiberius has to deal with a Romulan ship that we spoke about in our last meeting, a spy and a possible murder.
Ok, Thanks Jen!
King Linksr
Briefing on the story if you've been out:
The away team is on Romulus. They've met with Spock. There is a captured Romulan betrayer who is about to be interrogated by K'Tan (tactical officer ) and Sevryll. They're proposing a "good top/ bad top" senerio (they're a bit confused as to what it's actually called).
Aboard the ship, there's a Cardassian spy and a Romulan ship is on an intercept course with Tiberius.
Isn't the tiberius with the fleet still though? So, that would mean its on an intercept course with the Titan, or am I just confused.
King LInksr
No. When Kenny posted he had it cross into the neutral zone.
well I needed to get the ship away from everyone for us to encounter the romulan ship.. so I had us depart the the caravan move into the neutral zone, send off the away team and then head back to the caravan .. now we are heading back to the caravan and the Romulan ship is about to intercept us.
Does that make sense.. did I screw something up?
The way I always understood what we were going to do was meet up with the Titan travel with them a bit then sneak away into the neutral zone. We had to start the away mission sooner then later so us leaving the caravan and entering the neutral zone was never really fleshed out. But in order for us met up with the Romulan ship (which I thought was the plan) we had to be by ourself and this was the only way I could explain it.
Ok, well, you didn't do anything wrong Kenny, I merely missed that we had left the fleet. My bad ;)
King Linksr
Its called: Linksr is a blind fool ;)
King Linksr
Nope, you didn't mess anything up. I was trying to let him know why the ship was intercepting Tiberus and why it would be a big deal (since it's not with the fleet of ships and it crossed into the neutral zone... that would be an issue for them).
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on December 13, 2007, 12:37:06 PM
well I needed to get the ship away from everyone for us to encounter the romulan ship.. so I had us depart the the caravan move into the neutral zone, send off the away team and then head back to the caravan .. now we are heading back to the caravan and the Romulan ship is about to intercept us.
Does that make sense.. did I screw something up?
The way I always understood what we were going to do was meet up with the Titan travel with them a bit then sneak away into the neutral zone. We had to start the away mission sooner then later so us leaving the caravan and entering the neutral zone was never really fleshed out. But in order for us met up with the Romulan ship (which I thought was the plan) we had to be by ourself and this was the only way I could explain it.
Well I did kind of screw up because a Romulan ship would be cloaked until the last second.. this one is not.. have to come up with a reason why.. it's one of those happy mistakes.
Just say that its because the cloaking device malfuctioned or something ;) They use that in Trek verse a lot.
King Linksr
Oh I'll come up with a better excuse... :)
Here are a few posts that will help you catch you up if you haven't been reading the RPG lately. You can jump into the story after reading these posts.
STORY ON THE SHIP
The Tiberius crossed the neutral zone and has been intercepted by a Romulan ship. Here's one post that Kenny (Captain Quinn) wrote that should explain all that you need to know if you are an officer still on Tiberius:
Last post by Startrekfanatic5:
Quinn stood on the bridge as the red lights flashed and the familiar klaxons of Red Alert could be heard. Quinn turned back to the Romulan who was still on screen. "We are going to beam you directly to the bridge so we can further discuss this situation." The Romulan nodded as Quinn glanced over at Ensign Starstriker with a quick nod of his head. Moments later the Romulan materialized on the bridge. The Romulan looked around suspiciously as he said in a low voice, "is there somewhere private we can talk?" Quinn gestured towards his ready room and followed the Romulan in.
As soon as the Romulan entered he turned and gave his hand to Quinn to shake. "I am Ejiul D'varo" Quinn shook his hand and gestures for him to sit. Ejiul shook his head, "There is no time for pleasantries Captain, there is a spy aboard your ship." Quinn looked a bit confused by this news "How do you know this?" he asked. "We intercepted a transmission from your ship to the warbird out there. We have been shadowing you since you entered the neutral zone. Ambassador Spock ordered us to make sure everything went as planned for your rescue mission. When the transmission was sent from your ship we followed it to it's source and found the two cloaked warbirds. We managed to destroy one of the ships but we were no match for two. We have sustained heavy damage to our ship but our primary goal was to return to you with this news." Quinn sat down behind his desk "So you are saying the Romulans know about our secret rescue plans?" Quinn asked with dread in his voice. "No Captain, this isn't a government ship it's the Tal Shiar.", Ejiul said with panic in his voice. "I thought the Tal Shiar were no longer a threat and have been dispursed." Quinn asked, "There are still members out there and though they might be a small group they still hold a lot of power." Quinn relaxed slightly " So the government of Romulas still has no idea of the rescue mission." Ejiul smiled, "That's correct and we have to keep it that way. We mustn't interfere with these negotiations talks that Captain Riker is heading up. We can not let this warbird make it back to Romulas. We have managed to destroy their communication array so they won't be sending any messages, but our ship is too heavily damaged to battle the warbird." Quinn stood, "Of course, do you know who the spy is on board my ship?" Ejiul started to follow the Captain out of his ready room, "No Captain, all we know is that it's a Tal Shiar agent. " Quinn walked back to his Captain's chair and turned toward his bridge crew. "I need suggestion on how we are going to locate this cloaked ship... and I need them now"
STORY ON THE GROUND
The awayteam is still on the surface. The individuals on that mission are Commander Sevryll, Admiral Talbot, Lieutenant K'Tan, Colonel Khev aka David Lock and Aria James. They have interrogated a Romulan who infiltrated Spock's group and turned over Krell (Sevryll's father, Talbot's friend and diplomat working with Spock towards Reunification). The interrogation involved a "beating" which Sevryll reluctantly authorized after the prisoner revealed he was trained to resist forced melds. K'Tan carried out the "encouragement" and the Romulan finally submitted to a meld. You can read about that on page 12 of Season 4. If you want to read those two posts specifically they are Reply 166 and Reply 167 (which can be found under the title of the post).
Excerpt from one of the last away mission posts (by Jen):
With great effort, Sevryll managed an impassive expression as she debriefed the Admiral on her findings. The Reunification movement had been infiltrated the Tal Shiar, but there was more to this than it appeared. The diluted Romulan intelligence organization was now employed by a group working outside the Romulan Star Empire. "Unfortunately, the agent I interrogated did not possess the clearance necessary to know who he worked for. The only solid information I obtained from him was the location of my father. He was taken to the Administration District and is being held within the prefect's home, in a chamber above the main dwelling." She paused before continuing, " I have not shared this information in its entirety with the team members. I leave that for you to determine Admiral."
LAST AWAY TEAM POST (by Jen):
The commander watched the admiral's distinguished features gradually transition to display concern, as she debriefed him on the information she discovered during the meld. Talbot was anxious to find Krell, and if his expression was not a clear indication of this fact, the trench he wore into the stone floor as he paced was a telltale sign. His boots clacked lightly with each long stride, and ground the grit into the floor as he pivoted in place and retraced his steps. Commander Sevryll watched the low light from the wall-mounted lamps, travel over Talbot as he walked back and forth before her. She found his proclivities curious, but pacing the floor seemed to facilitate the admiral's ability to think. Apart from that, the vulcan could not deny that there was some logic in dispelling nervous energy through such movements. In fact, she was tempted to join him in forming his trench in the floor, for she found herself wringing her hands restlessly in a tightly bound vice of unease. The meld was not without its side effects, she thought to herself, and she separated her hands and placed them on the arms of the chair she sat within.
As he walked, the admiral exchanged ideas with the vulcan woman concerning their next move. With each step, his mind wove together the strands of strategy in an effort to form the greater details of their course of action.
Just as they finalized their plans, the commander received a communiqué on the PADD, resting in her lap. The soft chime called her attention away from the admiral, and she raised the device to view the message. A wash of dread assailed her crumbled ramparts, which typically restrained the emotions that were considered detrimental to her people. She lifted a single brow and turned a concerned eye towards the admiral. "They successfully delivered the Romulan to the medical facility and are on their way back to the safehouse. But their mission was not without casualties. Your aide has sustained an injury that will require immediate attention upon their arrival."
To read about what happened to the aide (Colonel Khev) read replies 175 and 176 on page 12 of Season Four.
In closing... We hope to wrap this season up very soon (within the next week or so). If you've been out because of the holiday or because you are too behind in the reading, just read Kenny's post that I included here (if your character is not an away member)... That's all you need to know to begin posting again. Captain Quinn needs his crew.
Thanks for your great efforts on the RPG Jen. I just put up a post to get us moving on the rescue mission. Hope to see others chime in as well soon.
Posting in just a few minutes....took a while due to vacation. But I'm back for a week then finally returning to college (shiver).
King
Reminder to current RPG members:
We're ending the season in a week (next weekend to be precise). Please check out the RPG and help progress the story so that we can end this season and start a new one.
I'm going to post again to move the story on Romulus along. We're nearing the home stretch folks, keep the ball moving towards the in-zone.
Reminder Number Two:
We're ending Season Four this weekend. So, if you have any last words about your character or the action we just wrote about t—please feel free to add it—we're cool with pretty much any descriptions you want to include (if it's off the wall drop us a line first). FYI, we're going to lock the thread on Sunday afternoon and call it good. Season Five will start soon after. We'll send the noobies who have enlisted, as well as you veterans a PM to let you all know when... Make sure you check the OOC for details as well.
FYI, Season Five will be shorter but it will have a BIG ending. You'll want to be involved in it... In addition, I hope to start recording the last few seasons as audio dramas. Lots of stuff coming down the pike. Stay tuned!
Well, I think the only loose end is the fact that Enoch found out from "that Vulcan" that Brant was a spy. Won't that put Remor on the spot?
I wanted to write one more small part but I have to leave very soon and I won't have access to the net till Sunday night. See ya'll next season!
Quote from: PepperDude on January 11, 2008, 03:23:18 PM
Well, I think the only loose end is the fact that Enoch found out from "that Vulcan" that Brant was a spy. Won't that put Remor on the spot?
I wanted to write one more small part but I have to leave very soon and I won't have access to the net till Sunday night. See ya'll next season!
He already wrote that he was going to trade her to the Section 31 Agent. Threeducks hasn't written anything in a while, although he recently mentioned he was coming back. I figured Remor was the best way to rat her out. I'm sure that Remor could come up with some lie as to why he knew she was a spy
Okay guys.. there is a day and a half left for you guy to finish up your rpg posts. Jen and I will post a final joint post Sunday afternoon and then lock Season four thread.
Jen, Chris and I had a skype call today and discussed some fun things for Season Five and beyond. Jen will be posting a rough outline for season five so everyone knows what we have planned. For all you newbies who want to join in.. this is the time to either create a new character or pick up one of the in-active characters. If you feel like you fell behind this past season this is the time to jump back into the fun.
Thanks for letting us know Kenny.
King
>.> I might post again. You never know. ;)
"It has just begun." Lets hear it for Season 4 and prepare for Season 5!
King
I am so excited about the future of the story. I really can't wait to jump onto the waters of Season Five.
I think that these stories keep getting better and I can't wait to see what comes next!
AWESOME job guys in Season Four.. it was the best season yet...
Just wait for season five.. big plans lie ahead and the biggest surprise of all will turn everything upside down. :)