Think Tank?

[Captain Zymmer]

Has anyone made a write-up on these guys?

------------------
Captain Zymmer
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Visit Star Trek:Lexington at;
http://www.usslexington.net
=-=-=-=-=-=

[Dan Gurden]

Not yet... If ou like I can look into creating the NPC's concerned, and if you ask REALLY nicely Brian K could do a writeup for their ship, but I have backlogged him for the next decade at the moment!

I will not however be able to get much of a species template for the various species represented though, not quite enough information...

------------------
DanG.

"Hi, I'm Commander Troy McClure, you might remember me from other academy training holo-simulations as, Abandon Ship, the quickest way out, and I sense danger, 101 things you dont need a Betazoid to know..."

http://www.theventure.freeserve.co.uk

[Capt.Hunter]

No, but I did try to create a sort of Alpha Quad version of the group (they were a tad more altruistic though) lead by a genetically resequenced "jack of all sciences", with an expert in space sciences and warp field theory, a top medic and a skilled engineer. They'd actually developed a semi-working quantum slipstream drive, but were keeping the tech secret until perfected and they thought the cultures of the Alpha Quad were ready for it.

------------------
"Spatial anomalies, energy beings, telepathic echoes. You know, sometimes I really miss the Dominion War. At least then all we had to worry about was where the next polaron beam was coming from...": Capt.Hunter, USS Tempest

[Anarchy Bob]

Actually, mactavish has made a pdf file about them. Don't know what happened to it.

[mactavish]

The Think Tank

The Think Tank is a group consisting of five individuals that travel together throughout the galaxy in search of clients with complex problems in need of equally complex solutions. These individuals are Kurros, a humanoid that acts as a spokesman for the group; Fenim, another humanoid with speech patterns so complex that they are incomprehensible to even a universal translator; Bevox, a bioplasmic lifeform thousands of years old who founded the group approximately a century ago; an unnamed artificial intelligence; and an unnamed female marine lifeform similar in structure to a Terran radiate whom Kurros has suggested might be the most gifted of the group.

Each member of the group studies a variety of subjects in order to solve a variety of problems. These studies range from temporal physics and quantum mechanics to exosociology and xenopsychology.

Though they are willing to assist in the neutralization of a fleet, a starbase, or even an entire planet, they make it their policy not to engage in the elimination of entire species or develop weapons of mass destruction, though these actions are well within their abilities.

The Think Tank lives and works on a large spacefaring vessel. This vessel is superior to many technologies of the known galaxy including Starfleet and the Borg Collective. It is composed of a neutronium alloy giving it superior defensive capabilities. Further it is capable of submerging itself in subspace and remaining their indefinitely, completely undetectable to most sensor technologies. When dealing with clients away from their vessel, members of the Think Tank utilize isomorphic projections – highly advanced holographic recreations complete with full tactile interfaces. Further, when clients visit the Think Tank’s ship they are asked to refrain from bringing scanning devices and are usually limited to one or two individuals at a time.

Kurros and his companions have traveled the galaxy for many years solving problems. They do so not only for the payments they earn, but also to reach closer to perfection. A few of their successes include: locating the subspace mesomorph pet of a Lyridian child by inventing an entirely new scanning technology, curing the Vidiian Phage, and assisting the population of Rylos V in repelling a Borg invasion. In return they have asked for payments ranging from transgalactic star charts to soup recipes to unprocessed ore, depending on what strikes their fancy at any particular moment. They choose payments that represent what is unique from each individual, group, or culture that they assist.

Despite their apparently benevolent façade, the Think Tank is in fact a very selfish group acting only in their own best interests. When the leader of a client planet attempted to alter payment arrangements after the group secured his planet’s geological stability, Kurros threatened to deactivate the containment field allowing the planet to tear itself apart.

The Think Tank’s strategy worked against them when they unsuccessfully attempted to coerce 7 of 9, a former Borg drone, to leave her position on the Federation starship Voyager and join the Think Tank. They hired a race of bounty hunters, the Husari, under false pretenses to track and capture Voyager. When Captain Janeway and her crew exposed the Think Tank and its true motives, the Husari assisted Voyager in disabling the group’s vessel in the hopes of capturing and collecting a bounty on them.

Despite the extreme differences in physiology and psychology, the group communicates telepathically using an item of advanced technology. This device, imbedded in their vessel, allows direct mental communication between members of the crew. When this communications array was temporarily disrupted by the actions of the U.S.S. Voyager in 2376, the group was unable to communicate and thereafter came under fire from a group of Husari ships.

This encounter nearly destroyed the Think Tank, but, after reestablishing their mental communications, Kurros and his crew managed sufficient emergency repairs to retreat into subspace.

Despite this setback, the Think Tank managed to repair its vessel and relocate to a different part of the Delta Quadrant. Though it suffered its first and only defeat at the hands of Voyager, the group as a whole bears them no ill will. They realized that they were defeated in a contest of wits and accept that as part of their quest for perfection. Nevertheless, Kurros in particular harbors at least mild animosity towards Voyager in general and Captain Janeway specifically.

Since that time, the Think Tank has managed to finish repairing its vessel and has again begun “assisting” others with their problems… for a price.

Think Tank Members

Kurros and his crew are all exceptional individuals possessed of vast intellectual capabilities. Each is undoubtedly an extraordinary example of his or her race. Kurros himself was taken by the Think Tank as payment for saving his world because of his broad intelligence.

Kurros
Fitness 2
Coordination 3
Intellect 5
Logic +2
Presence 3
Empathy –1
Psi 0*

*Kurros and his companions possess the equivalent of Psi 3 with Projective and Re-ceptive Telepathy while on their vessel only.

Skills

Administration (Logistics) 2 (3)
Command (Think Tank) 2 (3)
Computer (Programming) 4 (5)
Diplomacy (Negotiation) 5 (6)
Dodge 2
Energy Weapon (Phaser) 1 (2)
Language
Harkelian 3
Life Sciences (Biology) 2 (3)
Merchant (Consulting) 4 (5)
Personal Equipment (Tricorder) 3 (4)
PADD (4)
Physical Sciences (Physics) 4 (5)
Chemistry (5)
Mathematics (5)
Planetary Sciences (Geology) 4 (5)
Planetary Tactics (Ground Warfare) 4 (5)
Starship Tactics (Various Species) 4 (5)
Shipboard Systems (Sensors) 3 (4)
Flight Control (4)
Social Sciences (Political Science) 4 (5)
Economics (5)
Psychology (5)
Sociology (5)
Space Sciences (Astrophysics) 3 (4)
Astrogation (4)
Subspace Field Dynamics (4)
Systems Engineering (Computer Systems) 4 (5)
Isomorphic Projection Systems (5)

Advantages/Disadvantages

Curious (+1)
Innovative (+1)
Multitasking (+2)
Shrewd (+1)
Tactical Genius (+3)

Arrogant (-1)
Greedy (-1)

Courage: 3

Renown: 24

Aggression: 0 Discipline: 5 Initiative: 6

Openness: -4 Skill: 9

Wound Levels: 2/2/2/2/2/2/0

Background: Kurros is a native of Harkeli IX, a small M-class planet orbiting a large white star. When Kurros was a small child, his planet was is dire straits, close to destruction. Bevox and his group offered to save the planet at the price of Kurros himself. Upon joining the Think Tank, Kurros quickly became their spokesman. For several years he has been the middleman between the Think Tank and its clients.

Kurros is a medium-sized humanoid with long hair and a large forehead. He typically dresses in long dark robes with a black tunic underneath. Though generally mild mannered, Kurros becomes irate when things do not go his way. He is not above threats and coercion to solve his problems.

Fenim

Fitness 3
Vitality +1
Coordination 3
Intellect 5
Perception +1
Presence 2
Psi 0*

*Fenim and his companions possess the equivalent of Psi 3 with Projective and Re-ceptive Telepathy while on their vessel only.

Skills

Administration (Logistics) 2 (3)
Computer (Research) 4 (5)
Dodge 2
Energy Weapon (Phaser) 1 (2)
Heavy Weapons (Design/Construction) 3 (4)
Language
K’lik’tik 3
Life Sciences (Bioengineering) 4 (5)
Ecology (5)
Genetics (5)
Material Engineering (Metallurgical) (3 (4)
Personal Equipment (Tricorder) 3 (4)
PADD (4)
Physical Sciences (Chemistry) 4 (5)
Planetary Sciences (Meteorology) 4 (5)
Shipboard Systems (Sensors) 3 (4)
Tactical (4)
Social Sciences (Sociology) 4 (5)
Systems Engineering (Weapon Systems) 4 (5)
Particle Synthesis Systems (5)

Advantages/Disadvantages

Curious (+1)
Innovative (+1)
Multitasking (+2)
Shrewd (+1)
Tactical Genius (+3)

Arrogant (-1)
Greedy (-1)

Courage: 3

Renown: 9

Aggression: 0 Discipline: 2 Initiative: 3

Openness: 0 Skill: 4

Wound Levels: 2/2/2/2/2/2/0

Background: A member of the K’lik’tik species native to the Gamma Quadrant, Fenim joined the Think Tank approximately thirty years ago when Bevox saved his ship from attack by a Dominion fleet. A noted scientist in a variety of fields, Fenim agreed to join the Think Tank when offered the opportunity to expand his knowledge.

Fenim is a tall humanoid with distinctly insectile features. His face is long and covered with breathing holes and topped by a large crest on the back of his head. He dresses in a long jacket covered with pieces of equipment. Fenim’s speech pat-terns are too complex to be understood by other species, even with the assistance of a universal translator.

Think Tank Vessel

Class and Type: Think Tank research vessel (Unique)

Commissioning Date: Unknown

Hull Characteristics

Size: 6 (cylindrical shape, approximately 350 meters tall and 50 meters in di-ameter; 15 decks)
Resistance: 8
Structural Points: 250 (Neutronium-plated hull)

Operations Characteristics

Crew/Passengers: 5/200/1,200 [7 pwr/round]
Computers: 4 [4 pwr/round]
Transporters: 2 personnel, 4 cargo, 4 emergency [5 pwr/round]
Tractor Beams: All (720 degrees) [2/rating used]

Propulsion and Power Characteristics

Warp System: 7.2/9.2/9.99975 (6 hours) [2/warp factor/round]
Impulse system: .7c/.9 c [7/9 pwr/round]
Transwarp System: 3,000 light year range [1/10 light years traveled]
Power: 300

Sensor Systems

Long-range Sensors: +2/20 light-years [6 pwr/round]
Lateral Sensors: +2/2 light-years [4 pwr/round]
Navigational Sensors: +3 [5 pwr/round]
Subspace Cloak: 12 (completely undetectable to standard sensors) [6 pwr/round]
Sensor Skill: 5

Weapons Systems

High Energy Disruptors
Range: 10/30,000/100,000/300,000
Arc: All (720 degrees)
Accuracy: 4/5/7/10
Damage: 24
Power: 24

Other Weapons possible

Defensive Systems

Variable Frequency Deflector Shields
Protection: 80 (100)
Power: [80]

Description and Notes

The Think Tank’s research vessel transports the group through space. Not only is it possessed of advanced technologies but it is also of exceptionally sturdy con-struction. It’s neutronium hull plating make it nearly impervious to traditional weaponry and its subspace cloaking device make it impossible to track. Addition-ally, its superior weapons systems make it a devastating opponent.

Besides the obvious amenities, the vessel is equipped with a telepathic communica-tions system that allows instant direct mental communication between members of the crew. The vessel also contains a number of laboratories and research facilities in addition to a technically advanced computer network. Crew quarters are spacious and extremely comfortable.

Rather than standard replication systems, the Think Tank makes use of advanced par-ticle synthesis technologies that are far more specific in what they produce. In fact they can synthesize far more materials than normal replicators and can even produce copies of living beings (though this is rarely done).

Though nominally commanded by Kurros, the ship is, in fact, almost completely con-trolled by its advanced computer systems. It functions quite well despite its small crew compliment.


[This message has been edited by mactavish (edited 08-18-2001).]

[Brian K]

Great stats Mactavish.

Think Tank is one of those plot elements that could harass players anywhere, anytime.

[This message has been edited by Brian K (edited 08-18-2001).]

[Captain Zymmer]

Thanks Mac...you da man...again...and again...and again...Man you are like a LUGTrek God, I swear

------------------
Captain Zymmer
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Visit Star Trek:Lexington at;
http://www.usslexington.net
=-=-=-=-=-=

[Paul]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Captain Zymmer:
Thanks Mac...you da man...again...and again...and again...Man you are like a LUGTrek God, I swear </font>

I wonder what Don, Steve, etc... would think about this?

------------------
"...and more controversial than Oolon Colluphid's trilogy of philosophical blockbusters Where God went Wrong, Some More of God's Greatest Mistakes, and Who is this God Person Anyway?"
- The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams (dec.)

[Captain Zymmer]

Hey they are part of the Pantheon...Don is like Zeus, Steve like Vulcan and the rest...well you can figure those out for yourselves

Pokes Paul - Quit trying to stir up trouble

------------------
Captain Zymmer
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Visit Star Trek:Lexington at;
http://www.usslexington.net
=-=-=-=-=-=

[This message has been edited by Captain Zymmer (edited 08-18-2001).]

[Paul]

Ow! Quit poking me!

Only the good wife can poke me and get away with it!

------------------
"...and more controversial than Oolon Colluphid's trilogy of philosophical blockbusters Where God went Wrong, Some More of God's Greatest Mistakes, and Who is this God Person Anyway?"
- The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams (dec.)

[Captain Zymmer]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Paul:
Ow! Quit poking me!

Only the good wife can poke me and get away with it! </font>

A little more info than I was looking for there Paul

Now back to Trek. What are some possible uses for the Think Tank in an Alpha Quadrant campaign?



------------------
Captain Zymmer
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Visit Star Trek:Lexington at;
http://www.usslexington.net
=-=-=-=-=-=

[mactavish]

Forthcoming Borg invasion, but the Federation is still reeling from the losses of the Dominion War. The AQ is in shambles and there seems to be no way to stop the approaching fleet.

A group of itinerant geniuses (i.e. Think Tank) approaches the PCs and offers to "neutralize" the swiftly approaching fleet of Borg ships in echange for the android called Data (which they learned about from Voyager's databases).

This is prior to the return of Voyager to the AQ, so the weapons and defenses from the future Janeway are unavailable.

The truth is that the Think Tank is responsible for the so-called Borg invasion which is nothing more than a phantasm produced by Kurros and company. Of course, the prospect of invasion by ten billion drones might cause Starfleet to consider such an exchange...

...or perhaps the Think Tank approaches the Dominion, the Breen, and/or the Cardassians, offering assistance in destroying/subjugating the UFP as revenge against Janeway, planning for her and the Voyager crew to return to an assimilated Federation.

Just some ideas.

mactavish out.

[Commodore 2]

Very good write-up on these folks!
--------------------------------------------
Best speed to Gallifrey!
Commodore Horatio Richard Jaeger
CO USS Audacity,NCC-85901