The Dominion War is over. The Treaty of Bajor has been signed and the Federation Alliance emerged victorious. But war is never without consequences. The Klingon Empire and Cardassian Union, despite their victorious status, have been bloodied beyond measure. It will take decades before they are willing to re-assert themselves to the extent they did pre-war. The United Federation of Planets and the Romulan Star Empire stand victorious and unchallenged in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, but whilst nominally allies, their pact has been built upon a mutual enemy, it is prone to break any day now. The Dominion has returned to the Gamma Quadrant, and an unsteady peace has settled over the galaxy.

But the Bajoran Wormhole remains open, and for as long as there are Strange New Worlds, there are those willing to document them. Accords signed between the victorious powers have seen Federation and Romulan expeditions passing through the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant. Whilst not peacekeepers, the vessels sent are undoubtedly more militaristic than their more traditional exploratory counterparts. The Defiant class has not been shuttered, but repurposed. It is through the Bajoran Wormhole, into the Gamma Quadrant, upon the very doorstep of the defeated but not broken Dominion, that the USS Stalwart sails. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Peace is uneasy between the Alpha Quadrant powers, but their uneasy alliance holds for now. The Klingons and Cardassians may not have the power to exert themselves, but they have negotiated limited access to Romulan and Federation ships. Each exploratory vessel in the Gamma Quadrant must have at least one allied attache. These vessels are often staffed with skeleton crews, lest the Dominion grow weary. Never before has Starfleet’s journey of discovery been so fraught with hostility. But you do not fear.

This is your journey.

>>6234208 (OP)
Captain Paul Nwaigbo examined the file in front of him, downing his espresso in one go as he did so. This journey into the Gamma Quadrant would serve as the basis of much in the way of discovery for the Federation. Truthfully, he did not know how he felt about having such a man thrust upon him as Second Officer. He had much in the way of control over his crew, but the most senior of staff, that had been a decision coming from San Francisco.

One of whom now sat across from him. Thin, as far as Tellarite women went, but with the deepset eyes and permanent scowl that seemed to plague her people, Commander Cossa Trollif had held three pips for less than two months. She had come highly recommended, but it had not been by recommendation that she had ended up on his staff. Much like the Second Officer, it had been a dictate.

“Commander,” His voice was rich, deep and booming, heavily accented, “What do you know of the Lieutenant?” He pronounced the word in the archaic fashion, left-en-ant.

The Tellarite snorted derisively, “As much as you do, sir. His file is here and he’s due to arrive to assist us with deciding the remainder of the Stalwart’s crew in t-minus 10 minutes. Why? Second guessing Starfleet’s orders?”

“No, no,” Paul made a dismissing gesture with his hand as he continued to read, “I am just not familiar with him. I know we are to keep the bare minimum complement, but I admit to curiosity as to why it is a Lieutenant would be recommended as Second Officer.”

“It has happened before.”

“In the Delta Quadrant.”

“Gamma isn’t going to be much different, Captain. Hostile.”

Paul sighed deeply, finishing the last of his coffee before setting aside the diminutive cup, “There is little to be gleaned from his pre-service history, that much I know, at least.”

>Player Origin
>Your father was in Starfleet, and his father before him. You were born for this life, raised into it. Following in the footsteps of your family was no brainer, you applied as soon as you were eligible. [Legacy]
>Humanity has countless colonies, each with a specific purpose. You never quite found that the purpose of your own suited your desires. Starfleet was a way off of the rock, a way to actually make something of yourself beyond being merely a colonial son of a colonial father. [Colonist]
>Earth may have achieved post-scarcity, but that didn’t mean that you didn’t want to explore the stars. Sure, the cradle of humanity was gorgeous, and your family wanted you to remain, but the call of the stars saw you buck tradition. The first in your family to serve in Starfleet. [Earthborn]

Hello, one and all. Welcome to Star Trek Quest: Stalwart. For this first thread at least, I will try to get a post out at least once a day. Things may change from there, but let us go where no man has gone before.

Also, I have not seen Picard or Discovery (and have heard nothing but had things) so we are pretending they aren't canon to this quest. Savvy?

>>6234209
>Earth may have achieved post-scarcity, but that didn’t mean that you didn’t want to explore the stars. Sure, the cradle of humanity was gorgeous, and your family wanted you to remain, but the call of the stars saw you buck tradition. The first in your family to serve in Starfleet. [Earthborn]

>>6234209
>Humanity has countless colonies, each with a specific purpose. You never quite found that the purpose of your own suited your desires. Starfleet was a way off of the rock, a way to actually make something of yourself beyond being merely a colonial son of a colonial father. [Colonist]

>>6234211
Based

>>6234209
>Earth may have achieved post-scarcity, but that didn’t mean that you didn’t want to explore the stars. Sure, the cradle of humanity was gorgeous, and your family wanted you to remain, but the call of the stars saw you buck tradition. The first in your family to serve in Starfleet. [Earthborn]
The Terran's Burden, it is up to us to make the galaxy a better place.
>>6234211
Picard? Discovery? What are you talking about? There hasn't been a new Star Trek since Enterprise.

>>6234209
>Humanity has countless colonies, each with a specific purpose. You never quite found that the purpose of your own suited your desires. Starfleet was a way off of the rock, a way to actually make something of yourself beyond being merely a colonial son of a colonial father. [Colonist

>>6234209
>>Earth may have achieved post-scarcity, but that didn’t mean that you didn’t want to explore the stars. Sure, the cradle of humanity was gorgeous, and your family wanted you to remain, but the call of the stars saw you buck tradition. The first in your family to serve in Starfleet. [Earthborn]

I haven't seen anything after the end of Voyager so your good.

>>6234209
>Player Origin: Earth may have achieved post-scarcity, but that didn’t mean that you didn’t want to explore the stars. Sure, the cradle of humanity was gorgeous, and your family wanted you to remain, but the call of the stars saw you buck tradition. The first in your family to serve in Starfleet. [Earthborn]
“Of course there’s not much to be gleaned, he’s one of a billion,” The first officer chirped, tapping on her own data pad as if for emphasis. “Or billions, however many of you humans there are on Earth. I don’t think I could find a more generic representation of a human upbringing if I tried. Father’s a veterinarian, mother’s a lawyer, good solid careers, two younger sisters, both still on Earth… Says here that holidays were spent fishing. No history of service in his immediate family, no glaring red flags that stuck out to the recruiters.”

“The man is as Earther as Earther can get. Honestly, sir, I’m not sure why they even included it on the file.”

Nwaigbo inhaled deeply, the back of his head already aching from the argumentative nature of the commander. He held no ill will toward the woman, but by the Virgin Mother, it would take some time to get used to her desire to debate every single point. Of course, he had more than ample experience dealing with Tellarites but that did not make them any less frustrating at times.

“Commander,” He opined, “I appreciate your candour. In fact, I welcome it. But please, try to keep an open mind. Truly, I do not see how you could take issue with his background at all.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Trolliff replied, “I’ve no issue with the lieutenant’s childhood being as bland as unseasoned radish, what I take umbrage with is the fact the brass thought we needed to know it. It’s a waste of resources, truly.”

“Right,” Was the single word response from the captain. “And you have the same issue with us being provided the details of his service?”

>Player Service Background
>Wanting to work on a spaceship was more important than the theory of command and other such academic pursuits that would have been offered in the Academy. You were an enlisted man, you worked for a living. But even a good NCO runs the risk of being noticed during war. A field commission granted during the Dominion War was cemented through your attendance at the Academy as an older student. [Enlisted]
>It was the love of science and learning that drew you to Starfleet. The finest minds in the Federation, near boundless resources, and countless opportunities to learn and debate. You signed up for the Academy to pursue your intellectual passions, the naval aspect was always secondary. [Intellectual]
>Leadership, academics, sport, whatever you attempted, you seemed to excel at. It drove your classmates up the wall at the Academy, to be sure, but there was no doubting that you possessed natural talent and aptitude. Every graduating class from the Academy has a star pupil, and you just happened to be yours. [Golden Boy]

>>6234862
Secondary Vote
>Where on Earth are you from? Write-In

>>6234862
>Wanting to work on a spaceship was more important than the theory of command and other such academic pursuits that would have been offered in the Academy. You were an enlisted man, you worked for a living. But even a good NCO runs the risk of being noticed during war. A field commission granted during the Dominion War was cemented through your attendance at the Academy as an older student. [Enlisted]
>>6234863
Northern territories of what used to be Canada before the federation formed

I'm a big fan of classic Star Trek (I'm an unironic lover of Enterprise, even if the time war stuff sucked)

>>6234862
>Wanting to work on a spaceship was more important than the theory of command and other such academic pursuits that would have been offered in the Academy. You were an enlisted man, you worked for a living. But even a good NCO runs the risk of being noticed during war. A field commission granted during the Dominion War was cemented through your attendance at the Academy as an older student. [Enlisted]
>>6234863
The former Soviet Union. Growing up we idolised the old pioneers of space exploration like Gagarin, Titov, Leonov, and the like.
The USSR dissolving or reforming seems to be a grey area in the lore, but I like the idea of a very old school eartling.

>>6234925
I also really liked Enterprise. Agreed that the Temporal Cold War stuff sucked and the Xindi fell flat a bit for me but season 4 was genuinely great, Shran is one of my favourite characters in all of Trek.

>>6234218
>>6234239
>>6234249
If I ever reference the Mycelial Network, I give you all permission to take me out back and put me down like a rabid dog.

>>6234931
>>6234925
It's a shame that Enterprise was canned right as it was finding it's footing. It would have been nice to see how the federation slowly building it's structure, establishing it's system, and creating the utopia that it is in modern trek.

>>6234862
>Leadership, academics, sport, whatever you attempted, you seemed to excel at. It drove your classmates up the wall at the Academy, to be sure, but there was no doubting that you possessed natural talent and aptitude. Every graduating class from the Academy has a star pupil, and you just happened to be yours. [Golden Boy]

>>6234863
buenos aires

Also, feel free to discuss and come to compromises with country of origin. The secondary vote will remain open for the duration of the "backstory setting" portion of the votes. It will also lead into the name of our dear Lieutenant so that can also be discussed before we get to that formal secondary vote.

>>6234862
>>Wanting to work on a spaceship was more important than the theory of command and other such academic pursuits that would have been offered in the Academy. You were an enlisted man, you worked for a living. But even a good NCO runs the risk of being noticed during war. A field commission granted during the Dominion War was cemented through your attendance at the Academy as an older student. [Enlisted]
>>6234863
The old territory of Texas, USA

>>6234863
>Nairobi, Kenya

>>6234862
>Leadership, academics, sport, whatever you attempted, you seemed to excel at. It drove your classmates up the wall at the Academy, to be sure, but there was no doubting that you possessed natural talent and aptitude. Every graduating class from the Academy has a star pupil, and you just happened to be yours. [Golden Boy]

From
>Buenos Aires

>I'M FROM BUENOS AIRES AND I SAY FUCK EM ALL

>>6234930
+1

>>6234862
>Wanting to work on a spaceship was more important than the theory of command and other such academic pursuits that would have been offered in the Academy. You were an enlisted man, you worked for a living. But even a good NCO runs the risk of being noticed during war. A field commission granted during the Dominion War was cemented through your attendance at the Academy as an older student. [Enlisted]
>>6234863
>You hail from Novosibirk, a large city in the Russian Federation, known for its academic institutions and various cultural attractions.
I hope the other anon who suggested Russia initially doesn't mind me fleshing out the write-in a little more.

>>6234862
>Player Service Background: Wanting to work on a spaceship was more important than the theory of command and other such academic pursuits that would have been offered in the Academy. You were an enlisted man, you worked for a living. But even a good NCO runs the risk of being noticed during war. A field commission granted during the Dominion War was cemented through your attendance at the Academy as an older student. [Enlisted]

“No, of course not,” Trolliff answered, “That’s actually useful to knowing the man we’ll be serving with. Although…” She pursed, accentuating the minute tusks that extended out and over her bottom lip, “I did not expect Command to have so much faith in an enlisted man. Does he have any experience serving on the bridge? As a senior officer?” Her voice contained no derision, Tellarite argumentativeness replaced with trademark Starfleet curiosity.

“Some,” Nwaigbo answered, “One tour on the Raal. Distinguished himself by all accounts. Before that-”

“Field commission,” Trolliff cut him off, but there was no malice in her voice, “Appointed to acting XO of the Hobart during the Battle of Chin’toka. Assisted in the ground battle as well? Well I’ll be damned, not quite so green. May have only been an officer for a scant bit but he’s probably got more years in service than most Lieutenant Commanders. I see they fast tracked him…” She continued under her breath, flicking through pages on her data pad with renewed interest.

[1/2]

>>6235743
“Commander,” Nwaigbo chastised, drawing the woman’s attention back to the matter at hand, “May I take it that you have no issue with that aspect of his service history then?”

She waved a hand, “No. None. I was worried they were foisting some alleged prodigy upon us so he could pad his resume. This mission won’t be easy, we don’t have time for those whose experience is entirely theoretical. Especially not if he’s expected to take command.”

“Good,” The captain nodded, “Then we are in agreement. Although, I do have thoughts about the reason as to why he has been ‘thrust upon us’ as you so eloquently put it.”

>You didn’t just get a field commission during the Battle of Chin’toka, you excelled. War makes the best of some men, it is said, and you hardened under pressure. Your grades at the Academy were lacklustre, but you’d already been a made man through your courage under fire [War Hero].
>Your old captain took a shine to you immediately, she saw potential in you where most would have seen just another boot. Perhaps you were groomed for leadership, but whatever the old woman wanted to achieve, she did. You not only made a lifelong friend, she helped you achieve career goals you’d thought out of your hands [Mentor].
>You were never anything special. You couldn’t make it to the Academy, you lacked the raw skill or aptitude to excel at things you attempted first go, but dammit, you have heart and grit. You worked yourself to the bone as an NCO, you earned your commission, then you worked yourself to the bone at the Academy to prove you’d earned it. Somewhere, someone notice [Grindstone].

[2/2]

>>6235744
>You didn’t just get a field commission during the Battle of Chin’toka, you excelled. War makes the best of some men, it is said, and you hardened under pressure. Your grades at the Academy were lacklustre, but you’d already been a made man through your courage under fire [War Hero].
Would be nice to have a non PTSD-ridden war hero for once.

>>6235744
>You were never anything special. You couldn’t make it to the Academy, you lacked the raw skill or aptitude to excel at things you attempted first go, but dammit, you have heart and grit. You worked yourself to the bone as an NCO, you earned your commission, then you worked yourself to the bone at the Academy to prove you’d earned it. Somewhere, someone notice [Grindstone].
Persistence is key in any grand endeavor.

>>6235744
>You didn’t just get a field commission during the Battle of Chin’toka, you excelled. War makes the best of some men, it is said, and you hardened under pressure. Your grades at the Academy were lacklustre, but you’d already been a made man through your courage under fire [War Hero].

>>6235788
Preach. Mental healthcare must have advanced a fair bit since our time, right? This is after Bajor, so what, 2370 something? There's got to be some kind of super advanced therapy.

>>6236251
>super advanced therapy
Nah, enjoy your hologram Frank Sinatra.

>>6235744
>>You didn’t just get a field commission during the Battle of Chin’toka, you excelled. War makes the best of some men, it is said, and you hardened under pressure. Your grades at the Academy were lacklustre, but you’d already been a made man through your courage under fire [War Hero].

>>6235788
agreed. i cant wait for night terrors and angry outbursts.

>>6235744
>You didn’t just get a field commission during the Battle of Chin’toka, you excelled. War makes the best of some men, it is said, and you hardened under pressure. Your grades at the Academy were lacklustre, but you’d already been a made man through your courage under fire [War Hero].
Hear me out, we were actually the Enlisted equivalent to Wesley Crusher, got a waiver to join up early and ended up in the Dominion War
Also, I'm about midway through DS9 and I loved it so much I made a Bajoran character for STO that I headcanoned into belonging to a Bajoran Cult that worships Sisko as the one true prophet and join Star Fleet as a religious pilgrimage.
>>6236360
>inb4 O'Brien tier PTSD

>>6235744
>Player Distinguishment: You didn’t just get a field commission during the Battle of Chin’toka, you excelled. War makes the best of some men, it is said, and you hardened under pressure. Your grades at the Academy were lacklustre, but you’d already been a made man through your courage under fire [War Hero].

“The lieutenant is a war hero, sir,” Trolliff stated, as if it were the most matter-of-fact thing in the world, “That causes you concern?”

“This is not a ship of war, Commander, no matter what the specs may demonstrate. The Defiant-class may have been built with the intention of defending the Federation, but we are at peace, and we will need to maintain that peace when we go through the wormhole. There is already so much riding on these initial forays into the Gamma Quadrant, so much risk with how the Dominion may take our approach. It does not much matter if we fly under a flag of peace if our actions are those of war. I have concern with any man who was forged in the fire of battle.”

The captain steepled his hands, eyes narrowing as he stared at where his fingers meant, an old centering trick, although he could not quite remember from where he picked it up, “It is not the Lieutenant who concerns me. It is is those who decided he was an appropriate fit.”

Trolliff raised a bushy eyebrow at that, “His record is exemplary, and there is no indication that he is anyone’s pet project.”

“No,” Nwaigbo said flatly, “But he has shown his skills are most apt when under fire. Fire is exactly what I wish to avoid.”

“Crisis comes for us all, captain,” Trolliff’s tusks twitched at a smile, as if she were sensing an imminent opportunity to start an argument, “You cannot hope to keep your idealism entirely in check-”

“Peace,” Nwaigbo interrupted, “Peace, please. We’ve no time to debate the merits of hawk nor dove diplomacy, at least not at this junction. We are about to meet our new Chief-”

>-of Security. It was a natural fit with your background. You served aptly and with due credit prior to the War, then distinguished yourself when your duties changed from watching over errant Ferengi criminals to killing Jem’Hadar. [Security]
>-Conn Officer. It was as a fly boy that you earned your glory. Taking the helm and assisting with command of the ship was not an easy task, but your manoeuvring not only saved the lives of countless members of your crew, it saved at least two other ships. [Conn]
>-Engineer. You always liked making this work, making them tick. It just turns out you were equally good at disassembling them. You’d started as a mechanical engineer, a proper wrench monkey, but the Academy had seen to ensuring your skills were more well rounded [Engineering]

>>6236388
Russia seems to be in the lead for origin but I will admit to a tiny bit of concern with a single post ID swaying it so, taking the two top options. Player hometown:
>Novosibirsk, Former Russian Federation
>Buenos Aires, Former Argentina

Tertiary Vote: Player Name
>Write-In

>>6236382
>>6236360
>>6236354
>>6236251
>>6235788
In order to stave off any and all PTSD, you must go and fight in the Battle of the Alamo in the holo deck once again. Your Japanese wife will understand.

>>6236388
>-of Security. It was a natural fit with your background. You served aptly and with due credit prior to the War, then distinguished yourself when your duties changed from watching over errant Ferengi criminals to killing Jem’Hadar. [Security]
Feels like it fits our build
>>6236390
>Novosibirsk, Former Russian Federation
>Aleksandr Belbogatyr, reporting for duty Sir

>>6236388
>-of Security. It was a natural fit with your background. You served aptly and with due credit prior to the War, then distinguished yourself when your duties changed from watching over errant Ferengi criminals to killing Jem’Hadar. [Security]
A war hero security officer. I can't wait for our suggestions to be ignored and for us to job to the latest alien of the week.
>>6236390
Do we at least get to bring our 100% straight partner to help us in the battle?

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>6236388
>>-of Security. It was a natural fit with your background. You served aptly and with due credit prior to the War, then distinguished yourself when your duties changed from watching over errant Ferengi criminals to killing Jem’Hadar. [Security]
>>6236390
ill roll for the origin
1=russia
2=Argentina

>>6236390
>name
Gedeon Orlov
First name means 'Mighty Warrior'

>>6236388
>-Engineer. You always liked making this work, making them tick. It just turns out you were equally good at disassembling them. You’d started as a mechanical engineer, a proper wrench monkey, but the Academy had seen to ensuring your skills were more well rounded [Engineering]

Much as I WANT to go with Sec like >>6236395 , >>6236396 and >>6236407 , I think it'd be best if we knew our way arkund any explosives and fabricators. If Sec is the way of it then by all means, but I'd advise some heavy lean toward machinery and such. I wanna be as knowledgeable in security as an Orion is at Piracy. The future is the thinkin man's battlefield.

>>6236388
>>-of Security. It was a natural fit with your background. You served aptly and with due credit prior to the War, then distinguished yourself when your duties changed from watching over errant Ferengi criminals to killing Jem’Hadar. [Security]
Sometimes a shoe just fits.
>>6236390
>Novosibirsk, Former Russian Federation
>Gedeon Orlov

>>6236390

>security
>novosibirsk

I’m agnostic to the actual name, but I like the idea of playing a no-nonsense Russian security officer. Bonus points if we invert expectations and hate violence in general

>>6236502
that was my second choice to be honest, i hope we can have a little technical expertise as a compromise

>>6236502
I'd assume that we would have some knowledge on how to jury rig or operate stuff like fabrication machinery and weaponry, the Federation relied heavily on them during the Dominion War.

>>6236388
>-Engineer. You always liked making this work, making them tick. It just turns out you were equally good at disassembling them. You’d started as a mechanical engineer, a proper wrench monkey, but the Academy had seen to ensuring your skills were more well rounded [Engineering]
>Novosibirsk, Former Russian Federation

>>6236388
>Novosibirsk, Former Russian Federation
>-of Security. It was a natural fit with your background. You served aptly and with due credit prior to the War, then distinguished yourself when your duties changed from watching over errant Ferengi criminals to killing Jem’Hadar. [Security]
>Character Confirmed: Lieutenant Gedeon Belbogatyr. Chief of Security and Second Officer of the USS Stalwart. Background Traits: [Earthborn] [Enlisted] [War Hero]
“-of Security,” Nwaigbo said, and as if by divine providence, the door chimed, the Lieutenant making his presence known. The captain looked to his first officer, shared a nod, and spoke, “Enter.”

The door opened up before you, and you stepped through the frame with a steady gait, that of a career soldier. Your eyes flickered over the two seated figures, a dark-skinned human male bearing the four pips of captaincy, and a rather diminutive (at least for her people) Tellarite female, three pips upon her collar. Captain Nwaigbo, Commander Trolliff, both names had meant nothing to you before a few days ago. You had known reassignment was coming, but you’d not known under whom you would serve, only that you’d be sent to a Defiant-class vessel and you would be expected to undertake command duties in addition to your more typical security portfolio.

“Lieutenant Gedeon Belbogatyr, reporting for duty,” The words were not unfamiliar to your lips, even if you still found yourself disbelieving at the officer’s rank before your own name.

“At ease, Lieutenant,” The captain offered an easy smile, before gesturing to the seat next to the commander.”

As you took the seat offered to you, you could not help but feel like you were being examined, as if you were being put to auction by Orions. Your head turned to Trolliff at that, her beady eyes glaring into you, judging you against what was very evidently your personnel file opened on her datapad. She did not offer any words to you as you seated, nothing in the way of greeting nor question. Was she expecting you to make the first move? Or was she just deferring to the commanding officer?

Any questions you had were temporarily put on the back burner as the captain spoke once more, “You come highly recommended, Lieutenant. I am sure the details of your transfer were made known to you?”

“They have,” You answered, voice cautious.

“Specifically suggested as Second Officer, despite no evidenced formal command experience. The ‘bug’ for command has not shown up on your file before, Lieutenant, so I do hope you will not take offence at this question, why accept? This will not be a typical security posting, nor will you only be serving as chief tactical officer, it is expected that you will not only brief the senior staff but lead them.”
[1/2]

>>6237006
“Why accept the posting?”

>”If I can be honest, sir, because it’s the best way to advance my career and further develop my skill set. I could take a number of more traditional roles, or continue to serve only within tactics and security, but it is my intention to one day captain my own ship.” [Ambitious]
>”To see the Gamma Quadrant. I joined Starfleet because I wanted to see the galaxy, to travel to strange new worlds. There isn’t anything stranger than a quadrant on the other side of the wormhole. This is the best way to see what’s out there.” [Explorer]
>”You said it yourself, sir, this will not be a typical security posting. This will test me, this will serve as a challenge by which I can develop. I want to learn, I want to be challenged, this assignment is perfect for that.” [Challenge Seeker]
[2/2]

>>6237007
>”To see the Gamma Quadrant. I joined Starfleet because I wanted to see the galaxy, to travel to strange new worlds. There isn’t anything stranger than a quadrant on the other side of the wormhole. This is the best way to see what’s out there.” [Explorer]
To boldly go where no man has gone before.

>>6237007
>>”To see the Gamma Quadrant. I joined Starfleet because I wanted to see the galaxy, to travel to strange new worlds. There isn’t anything stranger than a quadrant on the other side of the wormhole. This is the best way to see what’s out there.” [Explorer]

>>6237007
>To see the Gamma Quadrant

>>6237007
>”To see the Gamma Quadrant. I joined Starfleet because I wanted to see the galaxy, to travel to strange new worlds. There isn’t anything stranger than a quadrant on the other side of the wormhole. This is the best way to see what’s out there.” [Explorer]

To find new alien life, punch em in the face, say sorry, let then get a good shot in and then laugh about it later over drinks and a good game of chess. I call it the Novgorod Exchange.

>>6237006
>”To see the Gamma Quadrant. I joined Starfleet because I wanted to see the galaxy, to travel to strange new worlds. There isn’t anything stranger than a quadrant on the other side of the wormhole. This is the best way to see what’s out there.” [Explorer]

”To see the Gamma Quadrant. I joined Starfleet because I wanted to see the galaxy, to travel to strange new worlds. There isn’t anything stranger than a quadrant on the other side of the wormhole. This is the best way to see what’s out there,” You do not hesitate with providing the response.

You’d signed up with Starfleet to see the galaxy beyond your homeworld, to meet strange people and creatures, to set foot on worlds that no human being had ever touched down on before, to take after the great names of history like Magellan, Archer and Kirk. You were security, yes, and you’d transitioned with unsettling ease into the role of a soldier, but at heart you were an explorer. It was the great unknown that called to you, the question of what it was in the milky blackness of night that inspired you to board a starship and take off.

Captain Nwaigbo, for his part, seemed genuinely taken aback by the answer. His thick black eyebrows rising in surprise, the corners of his lips curling into something resembling a smile. Evidently, he had formed an image of you in his head upon your entrance into the room. One that you seemed to be dispelling, at least in part.

Commander Trolliff was not quite so impressed, “Interesting motivation for a tactical officer.”

You cast a cool blue gaze over her, “I have a skillset that naturally lends itself to tactics. That does not take away from my personal desire to see the galaxy.”

“Ah,” Her voice raised, tone edging on mocking, “So you’re one of those then. A proper human type, a true believer in the Federation and her mission? Engaging in peaceful diplomacy and bettering all species? I expected different from a solider boy.”

Was she testing you?

>“Yes. Again, my aptitude in security does not mean I do not believe in the ideals of the Federation. Will we have a problem, ma’am?” [Idealist]
>“I believe in exploration, I am from Earth, and I am a fine officer. Starfleet is the natural choice.” You left the rest unsaid, you had joined to see the stars. Maybe you had believed in the meaning of the uniform once, but that had been before the war. [Cynic]
>“I believe in the mission of Starfleet.” It was Starfleet you served, after all, not the Federation. Politics bored you, you were a military man. [Loyalist]

>>6237592
Can we do a write-in?

>>6237592
>>“I believe in exploration, I am from Earth, and I am a fine officer. Starfleet is the natural choice.” You left the rest unsaid, you had joined to see the stars. Maybe you had believed in the meaning of the uniform once, but that had been before the war. [Cynic]

>>6237599
A response, yes, but code it using one of the "personality options": Cynic, Idealist, Loyalist. Once we are out of the character creation/establishment phase, write-ins will be welcome at any point.

>>6237603
>>6237592
Aight, thanks. I guess I'll go with
>“Yes. Again, my aptitude in security does not mean I do not believe in the ideals of the Federation. Will we have a problem, ma’am?” [Idealist]
The main force in man is the power of the spirit.
Was tempted to go with [Loyalist] for the full evil Starfleet officer trope.

>>6237592

>”Exploration is a necessity, putting my curiosity aside. When great powers jockey for advantage, new discoveries and allies can tip the balance. Starfleet must therefore explore the Gamma Quadrant, assess threats and make new allies, before our rivals can do the same. The old Romans said it best: si vis pacem, para bellum.”[Cynic]

>>6237592
>“I believe in the mission of Starfleet.” It was Starfleet you served, after all, not the Federation. Politics bored you, you were a military man. [Loyalist]

It will make it all the more sweet when starfleet betrays us And we have to flee into the gamma quadrant to pick up mercenary soldiers along the way with similar origins, ultimately forming a mercenary company with the same mission but looser morales.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoYXgdHafBA

BUUUT if it comes down to it, I'll also +1 >>6237620 The Idealist here. Much as Space Revolver Ocelot sounds cool, we'd still need our Space Big Boss for it tk make sense.

>>6237592
>>“I believe in the mission of Starfleet.” It was Starfleet you served, after all, not the Federation. Politics bored you, you were a military man. [Loyalist]

>>6237592
>“Yes. Again, my aptitude in security does not mean I do not believe in the ideals of the Federation. Will we have a problem, ma’am?” [Idealist]

Never back down from a Tellarite. They'll take it as either a character fault in you or an insult to them.

>>6237592
If I am counting right we have:
- 2 Cynic
- 2 Loyalist
- 2 Idealist

No update tonight, I am going to be out and have only just realised how little time I actually left myself after knocking off work. Votes will remain open for a little over 24 hours. I will make time to do an update tomorrow.

Alright lads, what do we do? Should we argue our case for our choice?
>>6238089
2-2-2-, a real Mexican standoff right here.

>>6238089
>>6238136
Pic rel. No reason we can't be loyal to the cause but real about its faults and hopeful for what it can be. Real Captain America type vibe. Captain Federation if you will.

>>6238145
That would be nice, yeah. A man who saw the best and worst the Federation has to offer, like a non-insane Eddington. Not sure if the QM will allow for that, though.

>>6237705
>>6237592
>“Yes. Again, my aptitude in security does not mean I do not believe in the ideals of the Federation. Will we have a problem, ma’am?” [Idealist]
Changing to this. A man's got to have ideals.

>>6238136
>>6238145
I'll vote officially for the Captain Federation vote

>>6238089
Writing now. It has been something of a two days. I will do it as Idealist but as discussed, you will be aware of the faults and hopeful. You believe in the Federation and its principles but you know the organisation itself is not perfect.

>>6238622
Hell yeah. Sounds like something that would be very common after the Dominion War, especially with people that actually fought in the war and not just faffing about in the inner Federation systems. I'm looking at you, Enterprise E.
I'm looking forward to meeting the possibly disillusioned Klingon and Cardassian attaches on our ship.

>>6237592
>Write-In [Idealist]
“I am aware of the Federation’s flaws, Commander,” Your voice raised, blue eyes narrowing as you met her gaze. You knew better than to back down from a Tellarite, that would be even more insulting than meeting her aggression with that of your own, “That does not mean that I do not believe in it.”

She wiggled her porcine nose, causing her tusks to shift as well, but her eyes did not leave you as she finally spoke, “Elaborate, Lieutenant.”

“The Federation is founded on principles, not on baseless nationalism or pride. Liberty, equality, justice, progress,” You pause, “Peace. Those are all good things, things worth fighting for, things worth dying for. But it’s a made up of people, and people are flawed, and when you’re in a foxhole, you don’t have much time to think on the ideals that saw you don your uniform.”

“We did terrible things during the Dominion War, I did terrible things, things I did for the good of the Federation. I can’t pretend that there was much in the way in belief in progress guiding my actions there… But the dream of the Federation, that’s something worthwhile.”

“So yes, Commander, I am a believer. But I will not pretend to be blind to the faults of the Federation nor of Starfleet.”

“Save me,” Was her exasperated response, “Debate and philosophy, I may as well have remained on Tellar Prime-”

“Enough, Commander,” Nwaigbo finally interjected, “Stop toying with the man, you can bait whoever you want into philosophical debate on your own time.”

Trolliff raised her bushy eyebrows, as if in mock indignation, then nodded.

“Now that our first officer has ceased trying to ‘find out what you are made of’ and before we finally discuss the crew complement, there is one matter I do wish to raise with you.”

Nwaigbo turned his datapad around to you, tapping his finger on a particular entry. The most recent one in your personnel file. That one. An incident on Deep Space Nine, not two days prior. The Stalwart remained in drydock, but you would be through the wormhole in less than a week. Shore leave on a space station had resulted in a few run-ins with the locals and other travellers, and that incident had evidently been reported up the chain.

>The bar fight wasn’t your fault. The Klingons started it, and you just had to back up the poor ensign who bit off more than she could chew. Besides, the Klingons had shared their blood wine with you afterward. [Ruffian]
>Evidently station security had not taken your offer to pull extra shifts in good faith. You’d not expected them to report it, but maybe you’d insulted them, it was hard to tell. [Workaholic]
>You were negotiating. The Ferengi had some extra decouplers and you’d little need for the old set of tools. They weren’t Starfleet issue, and you weren’t exactly aware of rules against being a people person. [Negotiator]

>>6238629
>You were negotiating. The Ferengi had some extra decouplers and you’d little need for the old set of tools. They weren’t Starfleet issue, and you weren’t exactly aware of rules against being a people person. [Negotiator]
We're starting to sound like space sheriff now instead of just security.

>>6238629
>>The bar fight wasn’t your fault. The Klingons started it, and you just had to back up the poor ensign who bit off more than she could chew. Besides, the Klingons had shared their blood wine with you afterward. [Ruffian]

>>6238629
>>The bar fight wasn’t your fault. The Klingons started it, and you just had to back up the poor ensign who bit off more than she could chew. Besides, the Klingons had shared their blood wine with you afterward. [Ruffian]

>>6238642
Backing this. No need to double down on ruffian, we're already a friggin war hero. Plus, with Negotiator, I think we'll be able to defeat aby soldiers greatest enemy...

logistical indiscrepencies

>>6238629
>You were negotiating. The Ferengi had some extra decouplers and you’d little need for the old set of tools. They weren’t Starfleet issue, and you weren’t exactly aware of rules against being a people person. [Negotiator]

This is a good mindset for someone on the frontiers, actually.

>>6238629
>You were negotiating. The Ferengi had some extra decouplers and you’d little need for the old set of tools. They weren’t Starfleet issue, and you weren’t exactly aware of rules against being a people person. [Negotiator]

“The tricorder was personal property and wasn’t Starfleet issue, I do not understand why this is even on my file,” You stated simply, “It was an old device I traded for, then I intended to trade it on. I noticed some of the ships needed replacement decouplers and the next shipment wouldn’t be coming for a few weeks. The whole thing is a non-issue.”

“The tricorder was Starfleet issue,” The captain stressed, “Even if it wasn’t assigned to you.”

“It was thirteen-odd years out of service, and I got it from an Orion. That hardly counts as property to be duly returned to requisitions, does it? Besides, the logistics of the Yogyakarta and Calcutta seemed more important… I did explain this to the station staff.”

“As they noted in their report,” Nwaigbo pinched at the bridge of his nose, “I am pleased that you did not engage in some foolish bar brawl but officers of Starfleet are supposed to conduct themselves with a degree of dignity.”

“Sir, if I may speak freely,” You offered, to which he gestured with an open hand, “I would have thought an enterprising spirit and desire to trade would serve well in the Gamma Quadrant, I do not quite follow as to why this would cause concern for my placement on your ship.”

“It doesn’t, Lieutenant,” He sounded almost as exasperated with you as he did with his first officer, “I merely ask for restraint from my officers.”

You opened your mouth to speak, but thought better of it. Part of negotiation was knowing when not to push your luck.

[1/2]

>>6239241
“Now,” Nwaigbo sighed, his voice approaching exhaustion, “We can finally get to the point of this meeting. Starfleet has approved the crew complement for the Stalwart. A retrofitted Defiant-class, I take it you are familiar with the vessel type?”

“I am,” You confirmed.

“Good. Some of the military and tactical systems have been stripped, replaced with scientific quarters and research bays. While it may be a gunboat, our primary mission remains exploratory. Crew quarters and amenities remain limited, there is no holodeck, nor will you have a private bunk. Whilst the captain may be afforded that luxury, it was not extended to even Trolliff, nor the rest of the senior staff. The Stalwart is a good ship, but she is not the Enterprise nor the Titan, the softness afforded to the flagship or her ilk will not serve us well in the Gamma Quadrant.”

“Our allied attaché also has their own private quarters,” the first officer interjected, but it was a minimal insertion, as if solely to bring you up to speed. The captain paid no mind to it.

Nwaigbo tapped his fingers absentmindedly as he continued to list off the minimal changes to the warship-like nature of the Defiant class, “Some crew quarters have been replaced with lounges and the mess hall is no longer quite so utilitarian, there have been tokenistic attempts at turning the Stalwart into a vessel of peace. But she remains built for war. God willing, it shall not find us in the Gamma Quadrant, but it is still hostile territory.”

“I won’t bore you with the details of the Defiant-class, your service history indicates you understand the role required of you. Just know that your security contingent shall be less than it was during the war, I take it that won’t be a problem?”

“Never, sir,” Was your response.

“Excellent,” Nwaigbo answered, before hastily shifting to the next topic, “Now, it is time to discuss the reason we actually brought you here. The Senior Staff. Here is a list of their names. Some of the assignments have not yet been confirmed and as such, we can make minor adjustments, with your suggestion. Read their personnel files, get to know them. These men and women will be under our command for the duration of our time away from home, and I need to know any potential issues now.”

>Select one senior staff member from each type. This will be the person who fills that role on the Stalwart.
>You may also designate one person to in-character be the person put forward by Gedeon. You will have a pre-existing working relationship.

[2/2]

>>6239243
We don't know what's waiting for us in the Gamma Quadrant, so I propose we get a crew with a diverse range of abilities and/or certified geniuses.
>L.j.g Destha
Not only is she a good pilot, she's also a telepath. Telepathy might come in useful in some area where visual sight might be a detriment.
>Lt. Kieli Somphonpadee
A tech genius would be insanely useful since I doubt we'll get that much chance to return to port for repair.
>Lt. Ni-Yaleii
A proven war medic. They probably learned a bunch on how to keep someone alive during the war.
>Dr James Singh
He's a Singh. What could possibly go wrong.
>Alien Attache
This is a tough one. I'm torn between the Klingon and the Cardassian. This would be a fun choice for the Gedeon pick though, like someone he befriended during the war or during the Cardassian reconstruction effort.

>>6239243
>Ensign Lachlan Black
>L.j.g M'rassu
>LT Ni-Yaleii
>LT T'Las - Gedeon Pick
>K'Dahn

>>6239254
I'll vote for the Cardassian then. Gedeon Pick.

>>6239243
Forgot to clarify it in the image but Ni-Yaleii is an Efrosian

>>6239254
+1 on this

>>6239243
Flight Control
>L.j.g Destha
Chief Engineer
>Lt. Kieli Somphonpadee
Chief Medical Officer
>Lt. Ni-Yaleii
Science Officer
>Lt. T'Las
Alien Attache
>K'Dahn

Above all others, take the Klingon. Please for the love of god, take the Klingon. I want our boy and K'Dahn to have fought and nearly kill each other multiple times during the short Fed-Klingon War AND THEN fight together and save each others lives multiple times during the Dominion War.

I don't even really care too muc for the other positions, just this one has to be like this. I can already see the amount of bullshittery that those two will get up to. It's too good to pass up.

>>6239243
No update tonight. This will also let votes trickle in, if they will, for another day or so.

>>6239947
>I want our boy and K'Dahn to have fought and nearly kill each other multiple times during the short Fed-Klingon War AND THEN fight together and save each others lives multiple times during the Dominion War.
I had the same idea and I feel you, I really do. I would love to have that kind of story as well. But my heart desire Garak-lite, plus, the possible story potential with a (maybe) ex-Obsidian Order member traveling around the Gamma Quadrant, butting head against the races of the Dominion is too interesting for me to vote otherwise. I wish we could have both K'Dahn and Zenro, that would be really interesting.
On the topic of alien attache, I'm kinda surprised that we got a *female* Ferengi as an option instead of a Romulan. I wonder what QM is planning with that.

>>6240687
Well, they did only gain rights recently by my count, if this is after the dominion war it's not even been a few years. I imagine she's on some kind of entrepreneurial ferrengi rite of passage? What better way to prove your worth in ferrengi culture than to establish a monopoly on new trade routes?

>>6240803
I can see why she's doing it, yeah, but the first post said:
> The Klingons and Cardassians may not have the power to exert themselves, but they have negotiated limited access to Romulan and Federation ships. Each exploratory vessel in the Gamma Quadrant must have at least one allied attache.
Maybe I just forgot about it, but I don't remember the Ferengi ever entering the alliance during the Dominion War. Maybe it's in one of those post-war novel or something, I can see them signing more treaties with the Federation with Rom in charge.

>>6240803
>>6240981
Roms will show up, they're just in a better spot than the Spoonheads or Klingons so don't need the attache spot.

To pull back the curtain, I just wanted to give you guys a Ferengi option had you wanted it. There is no formal alliance with the Ferengi, but they're relatively ascendant with power vacuums, and as a female, dealing with hu-mons can be easier than fellow Ferengi.

>>6241186
And I apologise for the delay. I will be writing this up within 24 hours.

>>6241234
You good bro! Long as we get our Star fix. I guess I was misremembering the Ferrengi contribution to the war on account of Rom and Quark being so prevalent in my mind for DS9. Can y'all believe they made that mf Grand Nagus? Good on him.

>>6239243
“Lieutenant Junior Grade Destha,” You looked at the first name on the list, reading the file as quickly as possible, “Andorian?”


“Ainar,” Trolliff corrected, “Same, kind-of, but different.”

“Subspecies, to be specific,” Nwaigbo clarified, the earlier exasperation replaced entirely with steadfast studiousness, “Blind, but that’s actually a benefit to her as Conn Officer. She’s a telepath, a rather potent one, and that more than makes up for the lack of sight. Not to mention the enhanced abilities of her other senses. Unlike their more prominent cousins, the Ainar rarely serve in Starfleet, she’s something of a rarity, and comes highly recommended?”

“Previous deployments?” You asked, workmanlike.

“Served on the Nara fresh out of the Academy, then transferred to the Courageous. The latter of which never saw active duty in the war, the former was mostly support detail. She’s green, if that is what piqued your interest.”

“It did,” You responded plainly, “But her previous captains vouch for her?”

“They do, and her record is spotless.”

You nodded, “I’ll be glad to serve with the lieutenant.”

“Not the most talkative, mind you,” Nwaigbo’s fatherly voice had made its return, “But moreso than our Chief Engineer. Lieutenant Sompohnpadee was… not well liked by her former CO.”

You read her file, shifting your datapad, “Captain Hu? Of the Resilient?”

Trolliff snorted, “The same.”

“Permission to speak freely?” You asked, to which Nwaigbo only nodded.

“The man is hardly personable himself, a real shtel,” The Cardassian slipped out, causing an eyebrow to raise from both senior officers.

“Ha,” Trolliff broke the silence, “I knew I’d like you.”

“In any case,” Nwaigbo interjected, “Her duty roster is nigh impeccable, and her Academy record is a dream. Were it not for her utter inability to communicate with creatures of flesh and blood, I’d say that she’d be the perfect Engineer. As is, she’s only near-perfect.”

“And this Ni-Yaleii?” You asked.

“War-time doctor,” Evidently, Trolliff had decided it was her time to speak, “Much like you, Lieutenant. Hard man, bred in hard times. Came up through the Academy as a would-be star Command Officer but got bloodied during the Cardassian War and found his calling in saving lives. Blunt, is the word people have used to describe him, but they use the same for me.”

“With good reason,” Nwaigbo’s subtle ribbing was delivered with all the flair of a book report, “Nevertheless, he knows frontier medicine. And we shall be on the frontier.”

>>6241990
“Next, however, we do have something we wish to query you on…” The captain continued, “The Romulans are sending a few ships through the wormhole. It is… concerning, to say the least. An ascendant Star Empire that wishes to leave her blessed isolation? Starfleet and her allies are concerned. And, simply put, those allies are not in the position we are. The Klingon Empire remain our allies, as they have for years, but they are weakened, civil war has a tendency to do that. But, mind you, they remain in a better spot than the Cardassians.”

Trolliff nodded, “The cardies are lucky to even still be a functioning state, and they really are barely. Federation aid is propping them up for the moment, the Klingons and Romulans have fallen behind on that front, but the civilian government is trying to rebuild. Make no mistake, given time, they are poised to bounce back. But we would prefer them to bounce back as allies…”

“Which is why we are taking one of our allies into the Gamma Quadrant,” Nwaigbo explained, “Good will. And, to be blunt, you have greater links to any such power than us. You served with them.”

That you did. You had spilled blood against the Spoonheads and with the Klingons, then the Cardassians had wisened up to the conquest coming from beyond the wormhole and turned to the side of good. You’d watched good men die to protect their home, and those men had just so happened to be from Cardassia. But it was not the grunts to whom you turned your mind, it was to the information that had trickled in from those within the Cardassian government, from those who had turned against the Dominion early and fed positions to the allied fleets.

“Are you familiar with Cotan Zenro?” You asked plainly.

Nwaigbo furrowed his brow and searched through the list of candidates, “Vaguely. His name has been put forward for consideration… Department of Infrastructure… Civilian government… Many ties to Federation diplomats… Seems to be a favourite of some of the older reformists in the government,” He paused, “A very light file.”

“He was an asset during the war,” Was all you said, but what went unsaid may as well have been a thesis.

“You know the man?” The captain asked.

“I do. Slimy, a creature of intrigue, but likeable in his own way. A Cardassian sense of honour.”

The captain sighed ran a hand over his beleaguered brow, “I suppose knowing we have a spy on board is better than not knowing. And…”

“It is the Cardies,” Trolliff finished for him.

“Quite. You’ll vouch for him?”

You nodded, “Zenro has no love for the Dominion. He’s a creature of Cardassia, but he is knowable, understandable.”

“God forgive me,” Nwaigbo noted something down, “I shall make the request.”

“And that just leaves the last of our senior staff. Science-”


New vote to tie-break
>Lt T’Las
>Dr James Singh

>Lt T’Las

>>6241992
I vote T'Las, simply because she seems like she'd be more professional.

>>6241992
>Dr James Singh

Like the other anon said, what could possibly go wrong?

>>6241992
>>Lt T’Las

>>6241992
>Lt T’Las
>I have realised you have chosen a lot of Lieutenants. Curious.

“Science Officer. Lieutenant T’Las, Vulcan,” Nwaigbo stated, as if the last word alone would carry all of the information it needed.

You frowned at that, mind casting back to any information you had on fellow Vulcan officers. You’d not interacted with them much, truth be told, but there was always a reputation that preceded them. Hyper competent but painfully smug, had been the rumour that had permeated the core of the enlisted ranks for as long as you could remember. Vulcans didn’t engage with the grunts, they were too busy controlling their emotions to do an Alamo recreation on the holodeck or to guess how much Danielson could drink before he collapsed. They were Starfleet, at least the ideal that seemed to be put forward.

“Service history?” You queried.

“Nothing peculiar,” Nwaigbo answered, “Well researched, many publications in journals. An apt scientist, a xenobiologist, rather excited to visit the Gamma Quadrant. Her history upon vessels is less than exciting, competent science officer on numerous craft, competent junior science officer before that. She is, well, Vulcan.”

Trollif snorted, a positively porcine sound, “Yet she was salivating at the mouth at this assignment. I know the woman. All prim and proper in person, but behind the scenes, her emotions run rampant at the idea of learning about aliens.”

Nwaigbo raised an eyebrow, but did not dismiss her out of hand. Finally, he spoke, “Quite.”

With that said, he shut off his datapad and steepled his fingers, “An eclectic mix of senior staff. Rather… sullen, would be my estimation, a very professional crew. No doubt that was what San Francisco intended. That said, I will be relying on you both as my first and second officers to ensure that such a professional air is maintained. Starfleet vessels have had little chance to explore the Gamma Quadrant, with the war, and this mission shall be delicate. I expect the best, and I know you will both give it to me. That means-”

He turned to Trolliff, “No arguing nor baiting.” And then to you, “No needless bartering.”

“We are a Starfleet vessel and we shall act like it. I will be candid with the both of you, but my orders are to be my orders. You both served in the War, you know what that means.”

The nod was near in unison.

“Excellent,” His fatherly demeanour returned, “Dismissed. You have two days. Enjoy the station.”

And you did, at least to your abilities.
>A little bit of bartering wouldn’t hurt. You tried to engage the local Ferengi population to acquire extra supplies [Negotiator]
>You studied the Gamma Quadrant, trying to prepare yourself for the mission ahead, learning of the species that lay just beyond the border [Explorer]
>You introduced yourself to the lower deckers. Best to know your Security team before take off [Idealist]

>>6243770
>female Vulcan
Alright, who wants to bet that she's a romulan agent?
>You introduced yourself to the lower deckers. Best to know your Security team before take off [Idealist]
Small ship, small crew. Best make sure we're all friendly.

>>6243770
>rather excited to visit the Gamma Quadrant.
>Excited
>Vulcan

An excitable Vulcan? This can only mean good things.

>>6243770
Also
>You introduced yourself to the lower deckers. Best to know your Security team before take off [Idealist]

OpSec people, OPSEC! Part of security is being able to parse out who is friendly and who is TOO friendly. In a galaxy full of shapeshifters, aliens counting on human race blindness, and advanced cloaking technology, it pays to be cautious but optimistic.

>>6243993
And the mirror universe counterparts, the body snatchers, the time travelers, the aliens who can cloak WITHOUT technology, the microscopic lifeforms, and a host of other potential threats. You're not safe anywhere you haven't background checked and thoroughly swept, and even then just to be safe, sweep again. Twice. Goin full Section 31 counter intel on this mf.

>>6243770
>>You introduced yourself to the lower deckers. Best to know your Security team before take off [Idealist]

>>6243770
>You introduced yourself to the lower deckers. Best to know your Security team before take off [Idealist]
And now to roll. Can I get 3 rolls of 1d100? Taking the highest.

>DC 65
> Base 75
>-5 War Hero
>-5 Enlisted Man

Let's see how charming our LT can be when speaking to the ranks.

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>6244480
How do you do, fellow enlisted men?

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>6244480
Does anyone like Cheeseburgers?

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>6244480
Hey fellas, how's it hanging in the L.D.?

>>6244480
Being an enlisted man gives you a penalty when talking to lower deckers?

>>6243770
>a very professional crew. No doubt that was what San Francisco intended.

Hell yes. I hate it when every Star Trek quest becomes a bunch of spunky sparklies running around and giving the badge a bad name. The end-point of that shit is just the Section 31 show.

>>6244701
No, it lowers the DC so it's easier.

>>6244703
Excuse me? Aren't Section 31 supposed to be the super spooks?

>>6245140
Alex Kurtzman is a hack. He turned them into his super cool Guardians of the Galaxy OCs.

We will return to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow. Close roll there

>>6245152
By regularly scheduled programming, I mean I will get an update out over the next few days. Life has been too busy to commit to daily updates. Apologies.

>>6243770
Finding the first of your Security Team had been as easy as checking the duty roster. The Stalwart may have been in drydock, but that didn’t mean things didn’t need to be checked over one final time. The crew had been afforded the luxury of visiting the sights of Deep Space Nine, and of being taken advantage of by enterprising Ferengi, but that did not mean they were entirely free from their obligations. No one would be sleeping on the ship as of yet, but that did not mean the ship did not require work. Stocktakes needed to be finalised, working in conjunction with the supply department and the local logistics team, and you’d heard rumour that at least one of your officers had also enjoyed taking the extra 0pportunity to familiarise himself with the ship.

Ensign Oscar Stoakes was relatively fresh out of the Academy. Yet he’d been a model student, at least as far as you could tell from reading his file. From Alice Springs, in Australia, apparently, with a keen interest in history and some obscure Torothan sport. You didn’t quite know where the man had learned about it, but apparently he’d grown quite fond of the sport. In any case, he had taken to his first posting with all of the rigour that you’d grown to expect from fresh officers.

You found him by the brig, studying a datapad intently.

“Ensign Stoakes,” You greeted, drawing his attention away.

His eyes met yours, then cast to the pips on your lapel and he stood to attention, “Lieutenant Belbogatyr, sir. Pleasure to meet you.”

“At ease, Ensign,” You responded, offering a hand in greeting.

>>6246734
The young man took a moment to do relax, as if fighting the urge to remain at attention for as long as possible. He was an officer, that was for sure, the kind with rigid edges and an even more rigid posture. You’d chafed under a few in your days as an enlisted man, but you’d also learned that at least some would blossom into fine lieutenants given time and chances. You hoped the young man would prove the same. His brown-green eyes shot to your hand, and lingered for a moment, before he finally relaxed and took it in an earnest shake.

He was an attractive young man, in that teen heart-throb kind of way. Tanned skin, brown-gold hair, and a pleasant smile, no doubt he’d been the talk of the town in the Academy. You knew how coeds were. But he was in the service now, and that meant he had to earn his keep like the rest. No doubt the pressure was getting to him, so you decided to play the part of older brother. It was a role that was natural for an older enlisted man and a younger officer, it just so happened you also were his immediate superior.

“First deployment?” You asked, making it clear you didn’t mean it as an insult.

“Is it that obvious?” He chuckled sheepishly, “Yes, sir. I keep worrying I will do something wrong and get us stranded in the Gamma Quadrant without phasers.”

You pulled up your datapad, running your eyes over the inventory, “Phasers seem to be in order.” With a smile, you clapped a hand on his shoulder, “First deployment is never easy, Stoakes, but it will come with time. I’ve read your file, you’ll be a fine officer. Pre-deployment jitters are normal, especially for your first runabout. Checked the inventory what, four times?”

“Five,” He admitted, running a hand over the back of his neck.

“Good man,” You responded, “But no need for a sixth. Get some rest, I’ll work you to the bone when we actually leave spacedock.”

He chuckled at that, “Aye, sir.” Before he caught the serious look in your eyes, and as you brushed passed him, you couldn’t help but chuckle yourself knowing that you’d left him utterly clueless as to whether you had meant what you said.

>>6246735
The enlisted men had proven just as easy to find. Quark’s bar was an institution, and while the owner may have been away on business, what seemed like a dozen enterprising Ferengi moved about between dabo tables and regular tables, topping up drinks and hustling for latinum. The three specialists in yellow uniforms had not been difficult to spot, especially with how loudly they were laughing. An Andorian female, Petty Officer FC Tala Sh'vohlir, a human male, Crewman SC Irfan Markovic, and a Bajoran male, Crewman FC Ujild Ahec. Sh’vohlir and Markovic had served together aboard the Concepcion, while Ujild was a local to DS9, but that he’d evidently bonded with the two of them rather quickly. Ale, a classic human drink, seemed to be their method of such joint comradery. You didn’t know if it had been imported (you doubted it) or if some Ferengi had taken to homebrewing in his quarters (much more likely), but the scent of hops filled your nose before you even approached.

Sh’vohlir was boasting about something to an inebriated and quite impressed Ujild when you approached, evidently cutting Markovic off before he could cast doubt himself.

“I didn’t realise Jem’Hadar got that big, Petty Officer,” You drawled, your accent growing even thicker as you pronounced the foreign word of Jem’Hadar.

The Andorian blinked, evidently having been shocked to see you approach. “Oh, uh, sir.”

Markovic was forced to hide a laugh, while Ujild straightened to attention. Evidently the Bajoran was not quite so drunk as he had first seemed.

“Easy, Sh’vohlir, just busting balls,” You flagged a Ferengi, ordering four more drinks, on your own dime, “We’re all off the clock and I wanted to introduce myself before we took off. Glad to see you all getting along.”

“Of course, sir,” Sh’vohlir answered, sniffing away her fluster, “Just regaling our Bajoran friend with war stories… I’m sure you’d have a few of your own of course.”

“Petty Officer,” You chastised, grabbing the drink you’d ordered and downing half of it in a single swig, “I know the sucking up to the officer routine. I did it. I was you.” Your icy blue gaze assuaged her for a moment before you visibly relaxed, “I’m just here to say hello, honest as honest can be. Enjoying the station?”

It was Markovic’s turn to answer, “It is nice enough. Somewhat dirty but I suppose that is to be expected this far in the middle of nowhere.”

“Middle of nowhere?” Ujild seemed almost offended.

“Indeed. Far from civilised space.”

The Bajoran opened his mouth to retort before the laughter of the Andorian cut him off, “Irfan is messing with you, boot. He’s from a backwards colony world with about three people in the Beta Quadrant. Don’t let him get to you.”

>>6246737
You watched the continued exchange for a moment, a pang of envy striking you for your own days as a more relaxed member of the enlisted corps, before a question shook you out such nostalgia.

“I wasn’t sucking up though, sir, I’m sure you do have good stories of the war.”

You looked at the Andorian, before shrugging and finishing the last of your drink, “We all do, Petty Officer. But that was then, this is now. You all ready to ship out?”

There was a chorus of affirmations, which you responded with a nod, “Good. Enjoy your break while you can. But if any of you show up to duty hungover,” The threat was left unsaid.

It was a good-natured ribbing, but they understood. They were Starfleet after all.

The Security team numbered five, with a clear chain of command. Yourself, Ensign Stoakes, Petty Officer Sh’vohlir, Crewman Markovic, Crewman Ujild. You’d read each file, made yourself aware of those under your command. They were all relatively green, Markovic and Sh’vohlir less so, but they seemed a good sort. And, thankfully, they seemed to respect you.

With social calls done, and with only a day left until you slipped through the wormhole, you took care of the last of your unfinished business. In the morning, you would pass into the unknown.
>You paid your respects to the memorial in the plaza. It hurt, it still did, but you would never forget those you lost. How could you forget her?
>A final call home. You had half a dozen younger siblings who thought your journey into the unknown was the coolest thing in the world, even cooler than your younger brother going straight into the Sciences division at the Academy.
>You organised a final run-down with the captain. You didn’t have much in the way of connections, best make sure the ship was running smoothly.

>>6246739
>A final call home. You had half a dozen younger siblings who thought your journey into the unknown was the coolest thing in the world, even cooler than your younger brother going straight into the Sciences division at the Academy.

Hope our lil bro graduates with flying colors.

>>6246739
>A final call home. You had half a dozen younger siblings who thought your journey into the unknown was the coolest thing in the world, even cooler than your younger brother going straight into the Sciences division at the Academy.
Who knows when we'll get to talk to our family again.

>>6246739
>A final call home. You had half a dozen younger siblings who thought your journey into the unknown was the coolest thing in the world, even cooler than your younger brother going straight into the Sciences division at the Academy.

>>6246739
>>You paid your respects to the memorial in the plaza. It hurt, it still did, but you would never forget those you lost. How could you forget her?

>>6246739
>You organised a final run-down with the captain. You didn’t have much in the way of connections, best make sure the ship was running smoothly.

>>6246739
>A final call home. You had half a dozen younger siblings who thought your journey into the unknown was the coolest thing in the world, even cooler than your younger brother going straight into the Sciences division at the Academy.

>>6245140

Sorry for the significant delay. Life got in the way, as it does. Going to put this on hiatus and pick up hopefully when I can.

Accidental blank post as well

>>6251853
No problem qm. Thanks for not trying to feed us any bullshit stories involving giant green hands or Abraham Lincoln that are clearly just coverups for you screwing around planetside.

>Start Rack