Deep Star 6 - Game Thread

The Stardate is 99111.45. The USS Bannockburn is on route, at Warp 6 to Deep Star 6, a frontier station recently acquired by Starfleet.

Nestled between the Romulans and the Gorn in what has become known “the Jentris Corridor”, Deep Star 6 has spent many years in the hands of the Orion Syndicates. Starfleet, needing an outpost in the area, fearing a possible war brewing between the Gorns and Romulans, has decided to make the station operational under the guise of it being a trading and deep space supply station for explorers heading through the corridor.

In reality it will also serve as a listening post for Starfleet, so they can monitor Gorn and Romulan ship movements along the Corridor. Starfleet Intelligence refers to the Jentris Corridor as the 2nd most likely place for a General War to begin (the number 1 is the Triangle). Starfleet Commander remains not wholly unconvinced and as such the Bannockburn will also remain at that station as her first line of defense.

We open with a table in the reception area of the Bannockburn. The Captain’s Table. A dinner is in full swing and seated at the table are Captain Matthew Elias Grimm, CO of the Bannockburn. His XO, Commander Jonn Worphin, an Alpha Centauran male. Dr. Emile Jacoby, CMO of the Bannockburn, a human male from the New Paris colony. Commander Theodore Rostoff, the new CO of DS6. Lt. Commander R’rssar, his female Caitian CMO. Lieutenant Commander Alejandra Romero (Call her Alex), his Flight Control officer. Lieutenant Savannah Fields, his Chief of Operations (read Station Maintenance/Engineering) and lastly Lieutenant Liam McKeown the station’s Strategic Operations Officer.

The dinner has been polite and pleasant. Cookie Jones has done an excellent job of making a fine 3-course meal, complete with Saurian brandy and 2 different wines (one white, one burgundy). As the group settles in for desert, (2 choices a crème brulé or mocha mousse) and coffee, the conversation begins to become more familiar.

Dr. Jacoby lights a pipe (non-Cancerous Apple tobacco), pours himself another glass of wine and says “So Commander Rostoff, we will arrive at Deep Star 6 in the morning. Are you anxious?”

[Feel free to begin conversing, as you will. I will join in with the NPCs comments. Please take a moment to describe your character and what they may have gleaned from the past 5 days together. If you wish to choose an actor that you envision playing your character, feel free. The following actors are already assigned in the UST Universe and therefore are not available for choice. Laurence Fisburne, Julia Roberts, Gabriel Byrne, Ben Browder, Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, Treat Williams, Brendan Gleeson, Martin Sheen, Charlize Theron, George Clooney, Esai Morales, Gillian Anderson, Jennifer Connelly, Dana Delany, Claire Daines, Lance Henriksen, James Marsters, Gwen Stefani, Charlotte Lewis, Claire Forlani, Harrison Ford, Michael Dorn (or any of the other Star Trek casts) If any others comes to mind I will let you know, but I think we are okay here. To add two more to the mix… Jonn Worphin is played by Sean Pertwee and Dr. Jacoby will be played by Tchéky Karyo.]

Description
R'rssar is 1,72m (5'8") tall and slender. Her red and beige colored fur stands in strong contrast with her dark-brown, almost black, mane, which she wears long and straight, much more resembling human hair than a cat's mane.
Due to her tail she prefers to wear skirts (instead of specialy tailored trousers) and goes barefoot, as standard unifrom boots would never fit her feline legs.
R'rssar moves with a grace that seems quite natural and uses hand and arm gestures only sparingly, using tail and ear movements instead.

(An image of her can be found here: http://forum.trek-rpg.net/showthread...5&pagenumber=4)

Information
It's no secret that R'rssar served the last two years as CMO of a light cruiser, the USS Vancouver, and that she has been in Starfleet for 13 years.
Apart from that most of you will know little about her, as R'rssar has kept to herself during the last 5 days, only leaving her quarters for meals, official meetings and to spend at least two hours a day in the ship's gym.

During the dinner
R'rssar has concentrated on the meat served during the dinner, clearly betraying that Caitians are carnivores. She samples the mocha mousse, but then sticks to coffee as desert.
Her contributions to the conversation have so far been as polite as can be expected, but she has not initiated any conversation herself.
Even in the more familiar and relaxed after-dinner atmosphere R'rssar seems content to just listen, only speaking in her low purring voice when spoken to.

Rostoff is a man of average build and height (180, 6"0") with dirty blonde hair and receding hairline, but retains much of his boyish good looks from youth. He is middle-aged, looking a bit old for being a commander most would think. His personnel file would be available to most, relaying information about a quick learner and an up-and-coming officer who stood out from most, but his advancement had been curtailed of late with no reason listed. And its fairly common knowledge that if you aren't a captain before becoming a station commander, you aren't likely to make it.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

"Anxious? No, not really; relieved is more like it. I've spent too much time out near the Cardassian border and on deep space assignments that I'm glad to be one spot for awhile and still present a challenge. Don't get me wrong, I love being on a starship but it was time for a change," says the new station commander. He face fell a little in reminiscence of recent events, but disappears as quickly as it came on. "So doctor, is this your first time in this neck of the Federation woods?"

Captain's Log: Stardate 99111.45. The Bannockburn is en route to Deep Star Six, ferrying the station's commander and senior staff to their new post. Once there, we will become the Starfleet's roving presence in the Jentris Corridor, keeping an eye on the Romulans and Gorn as the corridor continues to grow more strategically important to Federation interests.

After over 18 months in spacedock, the crew and I look forward to getting back to work...

Description
Matthew Grimm isn't a physically imposing man, being of rather average height and weight (6'0", 193lbs.); his charisma often makes him appear larger than he really is (played by Laurence Fishburne). He keeps his hair very short, and wears a neatly-trimmed beard that frames his rounded face. The captain is always seen wearing his Academy class ring, a symbol that he admits brings him "no small amount of pride."

A study of "public" knowledge shows that the captain has been a fast riser in Starfleet, often receiving promotions ahead of schedule. A member of the Kragite Order of Heroism, Grimm is known throughout many circles as an excellent pilot and tactician, and a more-than-capable leader.

At Dinner
Matthew keeps an ear on the interplay between Cmdr. Rostoff and Dr. Jacoby as he quietly talks shop with his XO, between sips of Saurian brandy. He knows the doctor can be a bit cantankerous at times -- Jacoby certainly never holds back with him -- and he doesn't want the dessert conversation to get out of hand.

Jacoby shakes his head. "No, no sir. When I was a younger man I ... how do you say? Galloped the Galaxy." He takes another sip of his Brandy. "And you Doctor?" He directs his question to the Caitian. "Certainly being a station Doctor will present its own set of challenges."

Quote:

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Originally posted by AslanC
Jacoby shakes his head. "No, no sir. When I was a younger man I ... how do you say? Galloped the Galaxy." He takes another sip of his Brandy. "And you Doctor?" He directs his question to the Caitian. "Certainly being a station Doctor will present its own set of challenges."

---

R'rssar seems to carefully consider the question for a moment, taking another sip of coffee, (but her expression is difficult to read for anyone who hasn't had any previous experience with Caitians). When she lowers the cup her answer sounds as soft and purring as during all the dinner conversations.

"It may be a little different from my previous posts, but I have served on enough starbases and planetside hospitals to make this seem not so different at all."

R'rssar takes another sip of coffee before she looks directly at Doctor Jacoby and asks: "That aside, isn't our first and foremost task as doctors to help and heal? I don't think it makes a difference where we do it."

Quote:

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Originally posted by Lancer
R'rssar takes another sip of coffee before she looks directly at Doctor Jacoby and asks: "That aside, isn't our first and foremost task as doctors to help and heal? I don't think it makes a difference where we do it."

---

Commander Worphin lets out a burst of laughter. "My dear Doctor R'rssar, our Dr. Jacoby's first and foremost task is to constantly remind us all how smart and cultures he is and we are not." His smile is one of commradery. It would seem these two have an old friendly-rivalry. Dr. Jacoby for his part simply smiles and takes another puff off his pipe.

Quote:

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Originally posted by AslanC
Commander Worphin lets out a burst of laughter. "My dear Doctor R'rssar, our Dr. Jacoby's first and foremost task is to constantly remind us all how smart and cultures he is and we are not." His smile is one of commradery. It would seem these two have an old friendly-rivalry. Dr. Jacoby for his part simply smiles and takes another puff off his pipe.

---

For a moment R'rssar's ears and tail stop any motion - something that hasn't happened during the entire dinner - and her eyes dart from Jacoby to Worphin and back again.

When her gaze finally comes to rest on Commander Worphin's face R'rssar raises her tail and her whiskers start to quiver, but it's the only sign of emotion as she replies: "If that's good enough for you that's fine by me."

She puts down her cup, still looking at Worphin and adds: "And before you ask; I recognize a joke when it's made. I am Caitian, not Vulcan. I just think there are things that one shouldn't joke about under any circumstances."
As difficult as her voice might be to read, there is a seriousness in it no one present has heard from her before. Something has obviously touched a nerve with her.

R'rssar leans back in her chair and falls silent again.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Lancer
She puts down her cup, still looking at Worphin and adds: "And before you ask; I recognize a joke when it's made. I am Caitian, not Vulcan. I just think there are things that one shouldn't joke about under any circumstances."

---

Grimm politely clears his throat to attract everyone's attention before things get caustic. "Well, one of the best things about the Space Service is that we get to learn about the variety of cultures within Starfleet itself, as well as the chance to explore new territories.

"Despite any perceived notions of Dr. Jacoby's motives," he continues. "I like to think that Starfleet officers, in general, embrace the challenges that come with a new assignment. Isn't that why we enlisted in the first place?"

(ooc: McKeown is played by Viggo Mortensen.)

Lt. Liam McKeown is a tall, broad-shouldered man in his early 40’s, with a hard face that attests to 20 years of service in Starfleet Special Ops. His dark hair is beginning to gray at the temples— lingering vestiges of a not-long-ago military cut are still evident. His keen blue eyes seem to encompass the room in a single glance. Liam is usually soft-spoken if not simply, and overtly, silent. He stands 1.88 meters tall, with a mass of 85 kilos. (6’2”, 188 lbs.)

Anyone inquiring about McKeown from his former superiors and colleagues is left, unvaryingly, with reports of an irreproachable service record and tireless sense of duty.

___________________________________


McKeown’s eyes dart between Worphin and Jacoby and R’rssar, during the banter-gone-awry. He does not otherwise move.

Upon hearing Grimm, McKeown inclines his snifter of brandy slightly toward the captain, and speaks.

“Well said, Sir.”

Description:
LTCDR Romero is a small, fit woman of Medeterranian complection, with a hint of Spanish accent to her speach. She seems to be a bit on the young side for her rank, but her serious, professional demeanor quickly dispells most questions about her suitability. Whenever possible, she favors uniform pants over skirts, though for a formal event such as this meal she will endure wearing one. ;) For an image, you'll just have to do with a "mirror universe" image here, at least until someone produces an appropriate Ultimate Trek version. :D

Information
Alejandra is a decorated pilot from some of the fiercest fighting of the Genesis War, and has risen rapidly in rank the past five years. Her last posting was as second officer/chief of helm, USS Magellan. She might also be known to some (especially followers of sport) as a medalist in the 2252 Olympics (track & field) durring her Academy days.

As the Bannockburn has drawn closer to Deep Star 6 over the past couple days, she has seemed to grow quieter and more withdrawn (one might even say guarded), occasionally found at strange hours of the day and night gazing out at the stars streaking past, or in the gym running relentlessly.

At Dinner:
Durring the meal, she has apparently been more like herself, happily chatting away with anyone about her last few assignments, her time at the Academy (a few colorful stories continue to follow her, only some of which she expends effort dispelling), and some of the interesting places she has visited. Her eyes do seem to keep returning to CDR Rostoff throughout the evening, as if still taking the measure of her new CO.

She is in the middle of relating to LTs Fields and McKeown a story about a trek up Kilamanjaro when the uncomfortable silence following Dr. R'rssar's comment flows down the table. All eyes turn to Captain Grimm as he politely redirects the conversation.

Quote:

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"Despite any perceived notions of Dr. Jacoby's motives," he continues. "I like to think that Starfleet officers, in general, embrace the challenges that come with a new assignment. Isn't that why we enlisted in the first place?"

---

Captain Grimm's eyes sweep around the table, meeting everyone's gaze briefly. As they meet Alejandra's, she nods quickly in affirmation.

"Indeed, sir. And rise to them."

An unexpected weariness comes over Rostoff, possibly stemming from the events of the evening or maybe his drink and decides to call it a night as it is his last night before taking on his first command. Standing he raises his glass, "To the stars and what the unknown may bring us." Downing the rest of his drink, "If you will all excuse me, but my first command awaits and a good night's sleep is what I need. Capt. Grimm, please extend my compliments to the chef; I will have to ask him for the recipe sometime," he says with a smile. "Good evening." With that, he departs for his temporary quarters burdened by memories of Korda and Bajor.

"I'm going to have to put a stop to the alcohol... too much pain," he thinks as he drifts into restless sleep.

---------

Later in the middle of the night, Rostoff awakes sweating. Unable to return to sleep, he goes to the observation lounge and sits up with a cup of coffee watching the stars pass by at warp.

Quote:

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Captain Grimm's eyes sweep around the table, meeting everyone's gaze briefly. As they meet Alejandra's, she nods quickly in affirmation.

"Indeed, sir. And rise to them."

---

Liam, in turn, inclines his glass to Lt. Cdr. Romero, and nods with a smile.

Quote:

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An unexpected weariness comes over Rostoff, possibly stemming from the events of the evening or maybe his drink and decides to call it a night as it is his last night before taking on his first command. Standing he raises his glass, "To the stars and what the unknown may bring us." Downing the rest of his drink,

---

"To the stars," McKeown echoes, finsihing his own drink.

Quote:

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"If you will all excuse me, but my first command awaits and a good night's sleep is what I need. Capt. Grimm, please extend my compliments to the chef; I will have to ask him for the recipe sometime," he says with a smile. "Good evening." With that, he departs for his temporary quarters burdened by memories of Korda and Bajor.

---

"Good Evening, Sir," the lieutenant bade Rostoff. After an appropriate interval, he returned his gaze to Romero.

"Commander? I believe you were telling us about Kilamanjaro..."

Quote:

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Originally posted by GandalfOfBorg
Later in the middle of the night, Rostoff awakes sweating. Unable to return to sleep, he goes to the observation lounge and sits up with a cup of coffee watching the stars pass by at warp.

---

Some time later, the doors part with the requisite sibiliant of the hydraulic. No other sound is heard, no footfalls, such that if Rostoff does not look to see who enters, he finds his Strategic Operations officer standing next to him with his own cup of coffee. Gazing out at the stars, he inquires,

"A fellow insomniac, sir?"

OOG - Let's not have two divergent timelines break-off. Hold the observation deck chat until such time as the dinner chat wraps up. Not every player has checked in on the scene yet. :)