I blame Greece...Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Actually I thought Graham would not think 'reporting' was a big deal - unless Onn were to make a bigger deal out of it.
At least he didn't throw her under the bus... :angel:
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I blame Greece...Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Actually I thought Graham would not think 'reporting' was a big deal - unless Onn were to make a bigger deal out of it.
At least he didn't throw her under the bus... :angel:
Heh. Maybe, if he were informed of the circumstances, he'd find it good karma for Collins to get busted for doing the same thing he did back on OCIII that pissed Collins off. :devil:
Yeah, Collins has a very short memory. Talk about flawed.
I do want to complement you, choie, on how completely different your characters are.
I think she's flawed in a very consistent way, which makes it good characterization and writing. Real people (and interesting characters) are flawed, and they... we... tend to make the same mistakes many, many times before we change. I can't tell you how many writers I've worked with who give their characters--usually the main ones, their "darlings," so to speak--pseudo flaws that are kinda humblebrags. "She cares too much, she works too hard," etc. You know, stuff you'd tell a prospective employer when asked for your weaknesses. :D Or, any mistakes they do make turn out to be someone else's fault.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
It's my job as a developmental editor to get these (usually inexperienced or never-before-edited) authors to create bone-deep flaws that are damn tough to get rid of, and create genuine problems for the protagonist or those s/he cares about. Sometimes good people, the ones we root for, do ugly things. Real screw-ups. Its those stories that readers fall in love with, wanting to see multidimensional characters learn and grow and mess up and change and defeat the enemies within themselves as well as the villain (however that's defined).
Anyhoo, all this is to say that we're doing a good job if our characters repeat their mistakes. God knows Kylah screws up in the same ways. She lies, she's scared, she makes choices she knows are ethically wrong in order to find an easy escape, she has some pride but abandons it in a rather pathetic need to find approval, she has shockingly poor judgment, and she's so defensive it rolls round to being offensive (e.g. she's experienced some prejudice so now she mistrusts just about all humans).
I haven't worked with Nia enough to really get a handle on what her biggest flaws are, although offhand I'd say her tendencies to take things too lightly and to be judgmental are up there.
Thank you! (I hope that wasn't being snarky? :)) Yeah it's a pleasure to have someone who has a sense of humor, isn't awash in insecurity, is mature, and--while she certainly has some troubles--hasn't let them define her the way Kylah does. And of course, she has a healthy attitude toward sex, which we know is hardly the case with Kylah.Quote:
I do want to complement you, choie, on how completely different your characters are.
The biggest thing, though? I can use contractions!!!!! With Nia I get to talk like a person who's way more comfortable with the English language. I know technically there's a Universal Translator, but I'm assuming Kylah is actually speaking English, hence her excessive formality, to the point that even the narrative from Kylah's POV doesn't use contractions. Nia, OTOH, has been with the Federation for 14 years, and she's also not a princess, so she talks like one of the guys. Frickin' relief, that is.
Which reminds me, Nia also knows how to curse. :)
CIAS does a great job between Johnson and Velir, too. If he wrote a scene between them, without using any dialogue tags or names, there's no way anyone would confuse who's speaking each line.
Sorry guys, life is busy and will be for the next few days. Will try and keep up as best I can
no, it wasn't snarky, and yes, CIAS did that very well, as well.
I doubt, if Dobson were to make a more consistent appearance, you'd be able to distinguish her from Collins without assistance. Which, considering how different my characters are when I am acting, is kind of odd that I can't convey that when I am writing.
Oooh, c'mon Collins, Suspicious and Snarky Rangin (TM) is doing such fantastic job :bravo: making taking him to the floor and cuffing him if he tries to leave seem entirely reasonable ... :devil:
An actual working communicator will soon go on sale. And about time, too!: http://www.startrek.com/article/firs...or-coming-soon
Hand to FSM, I never knew that a Phaser I actually fit into the Phaser II!
Collins then sits back, folds her arms, and props her feet up on the table in a don't-mess-with-me manner :dance:
Nicely done! :bravo:Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Graham's ears perk up. Did I hear "measuring contest?" He hails the bridge to ask where the measuring contest is being held. :lol:Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
If I were Velir I'd listen to that message from Nia already. Once a cop claims he should be "ordered" to answer means that it's way past time he was represented by legal counsel. The old "oh just tell the truth if you have nothing to hide" is pro-prosecution b.s. He needs to say the magic words "am I free to go?" If he's not, then he's effectively in custody and he doesn't have to say jack without an attorney present.
...Unless the law is significantly different in the 23rd century or for Starfleet.
Party pooper! :PQuote:
Originally posted by choie
I vote Rangin just keeps pissing both Lunnd and Collins off! :hist:
HEY mister, you know I'm an avid fan and cheerleader of the "Velir acts/looks guilty" plot. By now even Collins should have her doubts.
Nevertheless, I just like things to be kept nice and kosher. :) Besides if Velir asks for an attorney, won't that piss Lunnd and Collins off even more?
OK, yeah, so Collins, Lunnd, and Graham having a drink discussing the fact that "this pain in the ass just lawyered up" would be awesome.... :DQuote:
Originally posted by choie
So...so...tempting
Collins may not be book smart, or have much common sense, but she knows love when she sees it.
Seriously, Collins had better get to Sickbay, because she's got what seems to be a terminal case of Meta Information Syndrome.
In-game, Collins has no idea what Velir's feelings are about Kylah. (For that matter, neither do we: Velir's never used the word "love" when describing his feelings to Kylah either to her or in his own brain.) All she knows is that Kylah says she had hopes for a relationship w/him (acc. to Kylah's statement). Also, Collins has inferred correctly that he's the colleague for whom Kylah bought the infamous black dress. But Velir's side of the equation should be utterly unknown. In fact, Velir himself has displayed nothing but contempt for Kylah over the past couple of hours. Hell, Collins was in Sickbay when he lashed out at Kylah, wasn't she? I'm surprised she's not displaying any curiosity and concern over Velir's bizarre and suspicious behavior, if not as a Security officer, then as a friend?
Given her highly emotional behavior during a crime investigation, maybe Collins's displaying those mood swings she was complaining about? And maybe projecting a bit, regarding her wishes for her own relationship w/Cooper?
Re: the above -- if Collins thinks a guy calling a woman "broken" when she's lying in a hospital room is "love," she's got some really weird ideas on how people in love act.
She spoke with Rangin on Anubis during the crime scene investigation. She knows he cares for Kylah, or did at some point. And like she said - you don't have negative feelings of that intensity for someone for whom you have no feelings.
I'm still trying to write another chapter in Snipets from Collins' Life, and you'll see some more of her dysfunctional relationship history. I'm just having trouble framing it within the canon I've already established.
And yes, she may be projecting. But it's only been a few hours since she spoke to Cooper and he said he's got a project. She has no reason to think anything is wrong there. [yet?]
Also, she really doesn't like what a hard-ass Lunnd has become since their first meeting, but he's not the enemy, so she can't yell at him.
I kind of like the fact that Collins has jumped to "the woman you love." It's a little demented :D but I think it is consistent with her character.
Conversely Graham has seen only enough to 'think maybe there's something between them' - but given his nature to jump to the worst possible conclusion on the slightest hint of evidence.
Why is everyone out to get Rangin? What has he done but be sullen and unapproachable?
eta - and when is Kylah going to stop acting like a victim and stand up for herself?
Well, first, after Kylah was pronounced missing, Rangin didn't pass along any information that he knew (as in, he didn't reveal that he'd been down on the planet with her, or left her down there alone). This only became known after the fact, and he admitted it very reluctantly.
Next, acc. to Graham, Rangin was grabbing onto Kylah in sickbay while Kylah accused him of reneging on his promise not to hurt her. (Graham doesn't know that she was still half-dreaming.)
Fast-forward: Rangin then let out a rather vicious flood of insults toward Kylah, in public, revealing a never-before-seen mean side that anyone should've found alarming and very out-of-character. This last part was observed by Collins.
Later, Kylah admitted to Graham that she and Velir had a bad argument and that previously he had disappeared from the bar and she has no idea where he was during the time she was talking to the money changing guy.
Now Velir's refused to answer some important questions, rather than assisting the cops.
As far as Nia and Graham's last scene: Nia's reacting to Graham's recitation of events, and Graham's reacting to what he saw in sickbay and what he's seen all day from Rangin--a lack of cooperation and truth-telling.
Most people who possess all these facts, or even most of them, would find it suspicious when investigating a particularly cruel attack on a woman, one that seems to have a curiously mean-spirited element to it (the stolen uniform and the destroyed zither). Our characters, however much we wish them to, are not omniscient and don't have the knowledge we do.
Of course, Graham's methods of attempting to communicate and find out from Rangin didn't help much either, which have just exacerbated the situation in Graham's eyes and how he relates it to the rest of the crew. Notice how to everyone else who has approached him calmly, like Collins Or Onn, he has been quite reasonable and open depending on the information being passed around.
Then again, Lt Onn just bought Graham's story wholesale despite her previous interactions with Rangin. Nice conclusion jumping there about one of your own crew. :p
It would be very easy to make Rangin appear innocent, if only he had been totally upfront about everything and talked. But then given what happened, it's understandable he hasn't.
Hey, Nia has no reason to think that Graham would lie or leap to the wrong conclusion as quickly as he did when he saw Kylah shrink away from Rangin (and in this case, the conclusion was easy to leap to)--she doesn't know about the bad blood between Rangin/Graham. Plus, she doesn't buy it wholesale--she says if what Graham says is true, then Rangin's a jerk and Kylah's had pretty lousy luck with men today. She still doubts it ("could it be true?" Nia can't be sure...), but nevertheless she thinks he should tell Lunnd what he knows. Seems reasonable enough to me, since she's not infallible and I don't expect her to be.
As an aside, writing as both Nia and Kylah at the same time led me to make a rare screw-up in Kylah's formal speech patterns--she tells Thalen that she "didn't" just wake up--just as I was talking yesterday about how much I was trying to keep both of them consistent. Geeze, I finally get to use contractions with Nia, and that makes it easier to mess up Kylah's speech. Argh!
I was joking :fishbeat: - I know she is only reacting to the poor info in front of her. :pQuote:
Originally posted by choie
Hmmmmmm. Well okay. :hug: And good on Velir for finally remembering to play the "counsel" card!
Well, if Collins had been able to get a word in, before Rangin offered his compromise, for lack of a better term, she'd have said "You dope, she did that because she thought you no longer cared! Any idiot could see that!"
Well then hold on to that and use it after the scene is complete. I you think your character would do something about it, then have her do something about it.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Also, since when did Detectives decide that they had to have an answer for every question they ask, especially given a right to silence?
Actually I think you were wise to hold off on that. Collins is a professional, and if she keeps yelling about all this touchy-feely stuff Lunnd is gonna think she's a teenager focusing more on other people's romantic lives instead of a professional ACOS trying to help a fellow LEO.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
...Or you can do this. :) But Collins has usually erred on the side of non-interference.Quote:
Well then hold on to that and use it after the scene is complete. I you think your character would do something about it, then have her do something about it.
Three things (assuming a U.S.-based system), and of course EH should correct me if I'm wrong here (also, Starfleet may have different rules for officers, and Thoth could have its own laws too):Quote:
Also, since when did Detectives decide that they had to have an answer for every question they ask, especially given a right to silence?
1) In Rangin's situation, a detective can ask anything he wants, and imply that Rangin is doing something wrong by not answering every single question, and basically be as intimidating as hell short of getting violent*. Mainly because police will take advantage of the fact that most people don't realize that just because a cop asks a question doesn't mean you have to answer. So Lunnd is being true to form, implying every question must be answered, and using intimidation by contacting Roble. If Roble's a good superior officer, he'll likely tell Rangin to speak up, but also tell him that he doesn't have to and might want to talk to counsel.
Why counsel? Because right now, without being under arrest or detained, anything Rangin says is allowed to be used against him. Which, BTW, is why that's the question he should be asking--"Am I being detained/free to go?" rather than "am I a suspect?" Lunnd can pretend Rangin's not a suspect and lie about it, and then turn around and arrest him using the material witness loophole. (More on that below.) But if Rangin asks if he's free to go, and the cop says no, then he's officially being detained (doesn't matter where this happens). And that means Lunnd had better read him his rights if he wants to be able to use anything Rangin says past this point.
2) Lunnd is certainly implying very strongly that Rangin will be arrested for not answering questions, but he can't -- unless Lunnd uses b.s. obstruction charges, even if those are unlikely to stick. But Lunnd has a way around that...
3) Right now, Rangin is greatly at risk of being arrested as a material witness; Lunnd can legitimately believe that Rangin has information that relates to this case, either as a "mere" witness or someone Lunnd strongly suspects of being involved.
This is why almost every attorney, ex-cop, and anyone else who isn't an active cop or prosecutor will tell average folks to cooperate by giving ID, but otherwise do not talk.
EH, how'd I do? I realize jurisdictions differ, of course.
* Uh, ideally speaking.
HEE!! Given Rangin's very British demeanor, I am rather suspicious of the true meaning behind those two fingers. :devil:Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
I plan to have Collins attempt to talk to Rangin once this police interview is done. I don't expect him to be responsive, but she will try.
[QUOTE=choie;249966]Could you mean this?Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
http://girlpoc.cdn.pressified.com/wp...3/03/Spike.jpg
Jurisdictions differ, and although Anubis is a Federation member, none of the ship's crew know the ins and outs of its planetary criminal code. That said, choie gives a pretty fair summary of things. Thanks!
This point has already been passed. Rangin asked it at the end of the first set of questions. :DQuote:
Originally posted by choie
As for the two fingers: I couldn't possibly comment.
Heheheh.
I'll be out of town for the next week, so I may be posting a good bit less often here, FYI.
Welllll he asked "are we finished." Anything other than the magic words might be manipulated by a police officer who can (and almost certainly will) simply claim he was saying the questions were not finished. That didn't mean if Rangin had got up, he would have been detained or prevented from leaving--Lunnd seems to have successfully used Rangin's innate politeness and his Starfleet-trained obedience to perceived rules in order to pull a fast one.Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
I know it sounds pedantic but in such a scenario, when dealing with the police, there's all the difference in the world between the dialogue "Are we finished?" / "No" and "Am I free to leave?" / "No."
Standard disclaimer being that this is using my general understanding of U.S. law, which varies from jurisdiction, and of course as EH confirmed, Thoth/Anubis laws can be whatever the heck EH wants 'em to be. :D
:D I did enjoy that!Quote:
As for the two fingers: I couldn't possibly comment.
Rats! I hope it's for a fun reason--if so, have a great time!Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Crew, fight amongst yourselves... :DQuote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Collins glances around the Mess, sees it is empty save for her and Lunnd. As he taps the panel for his coffee, she quickly sets her phaser to heavy stun and drops him like a nine point buck. "Gee, I guess he was just really tired." she'll say to anyone who asks
LOL. You made my day!Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
I'm on the beach in the Outer Banks with my family. I'll still try to post at least daily.
Enjoy the holiday - may it be sunny and clear for you all.
We've had rain, thunder and lightning as well as beautiful clear skies and bright sun. A little more of the latter, fortunately.
I think what Kylah and Rangin need is a little "Much Ado About Nothing"* action from their friends. Perhaps Dobson will play matchmaker.
* and if you haven't seen Joss Whedon's 2013 version, you should. If only for the cavalcade of Whedonverse stars.
As Collins sits, slowly and carefully, keeping her hands below the table and out of view of the others, she sets her phaser to light stun and aims, she hopes, at Lunnd's legs. "Detective! Are you okay?" she'll say as he loses his support and crumbles onto the table.
Very cool images from the New Horizons mission to Pluto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Ho...of_Pluto_flyby
It's pretty astounding that we can finally see little Pluto. Which should still be a planet, darn it.
Can someone throw me a helpline regarding what time it is in-game? Last time I asked it was about 3:30, right? It seems that most of the PCs have mutually agreed to go off-duty, but isn't there some kind of... I dunno... official method by which they punch their virtual time-cards? I'm lucky in that Kylah's obviously off the clock, and Nia had an official watch that finally ended at 4PM. But how do we normally go about deciding it's time to eat and recreate and so-on?
Pluto is, and always will be, a planet.
I think its all done in watches, so when the watch ends, everyone on that watch can stand down and go and relax. On watch means you're on duty, off watch means you can go and relax do what you want. I'm guessing the watch changes will be announced through the ship over the intercom.
Sound reasonable?
You lot may enjoy this. One of my favorites (and Neil deGrasse Tyson's as well), by Jonathan Coulton: "I'm Your Moon," a love song for Pluto by its moon, Charon:Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3cDdGKqp8E
Yep, definitely. I get that, but... remember, the whole ship was basically given shore leave for four hours, with the exception of the Bridge crew (and presumably other important folks like down in Engineering and so on). What happens now that they came back? Doesn't the schedule revert to what it was originally, just delayed by four hours? So after shore leave, our gang should've returned to an eight-hour-long watch. Am I making any sense?Quote:
I think its all done in watches, so when the watch ends, everyone on that watch can stand down and go and relax. On watch means you're on duty, off watch means you can go and relax do what you want. I'm guessing the watch changes will be announced through the ship over the intercom.
Sound reasonable?
There is indeed every probability that I'm overthinking it. I know, you're thinking: CHOIE?? Overthinking something?!! Hard to imagine, but yes. :D
We'd already been on watch for an hour or two when we were granted the short break, so we came back to half a watch or less. So I'm guessing it's closer to 1730 or 1800 by now. I'm allowing time for actually searching for Kylah, the investigation, and the interrogation. I don't think watches are announced like class bells in high school; rather they depend on personnel to know when they're supposed to be where. Punctuality is expected in the military.
Yes, Pluto is a planet. Without it, we couldn't have "My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles".
I know watches aren't announced like high school, but I figured officers have to report to their superiors and so on. Like, to take a purely hypothetical example, are Collins or Graham expected to report to Vargas about the investigation in which they've been participating, and tell him that the Thoth police seem to have ended their involvement? (Assuming they have, that is.) Shouldn't Vargas know if Lunnd would like them to stay in orbit, especially if Kylah might be asked to identify either Lez or the other guys who were captured?
Just seems like Lunnd left without giving any indication what his next moves are, or if he still suspects Rangin, or... anything. Maybe someone should follow up with him?
Sorry, Collins is a little busy right now, playing Cupid; and Graham's torn between two fantasies, so we can count him out for the next several hours.
Perhaps Nia (aka Deus Ex Machina) could take care of that. :devil: :dance: :popcorn:
Hardy har har! :D Nia just knows how to do her job and report to people, and has sense/objectivity enough to see the bigger picture, which is likely because she's on the Command track and has been in active duty for 10 years.
Meanwhile, Collins is rewriting history if she thinks she's the only one to apologize. I also think dismissing others' feelings as "high school" is rather unfair; it's not like they're the ones who re-enacted a typical afterschool special storyline: Accidentally Pregnant, or The Jeremi Collins Story: Oops We Forgot Our Birth Control. :dance:
Short, selective memory. Remember? I'm just keeping her in character. Yeah, that's the ticket. :D
:D Hmm, the elephant smilie wouldn't work for her... Is there a better one for someone with a 5-second memory? A goldfish smilie, maybe? :)
Oh how I would love for Velir to snap back: "Well, last night she got naked in her bed, told me she loved me and begged me to screw her, is that the sort of thing you mean?"Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
While Bennett is exercising, Onn might pop in for a swim. They might start to fight over Graham, and then Graham would have to separate them, and then....Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
#comfortablewithmymentalgeof13
Nonplussed, Collins replies with her own question. "Did you?"Quote:
Originally posted by choie:D Hmm, the elephant smilie wouldn't work for her... Is there a better one for someone with a 5-second memory? A goldfish smilie, maybe? :)
Oh how I would love for Velir to snap back: "Well, last night she got naked in her bed, told me she loved me and begged me to screw her, is that the sort of thing you mean?"Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Yowsa. XP for roleplaying Velir as patronizing and self-righteous. :D How gracious to say that Kylah might be feeling a little regret! Ditto with "Perhaps wait awhile until she has recovered and is of a calmer mind." He's the one who blew up at her, twice, with some nasty insults. And Velir doesn't even have the excuse of being beaten to a pulp! (Well, the night's still young and Graham's walking around on the prowl. :D)Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
Dang we have some messed up PCs, don't we? Props for our willing to show their less pleasant sides.
Watches are typically eight-hour periods in Starfleet. The crew is divided into thirds, so that one-third is always on duty throughout the standard shipboard "day." When you're off-duty, you're free to do what you want for 16 hours. Watches may change day by day, depending on the needs of the senior officers, other assignments, special tasks, [whim of the GM], etc. Yellow Alert means the next watch scheduled to go on duty immediately reports; Red Alert means everybody goes on duty. Obviously you won't have people standing three-deep at every duty station - everyone's cross-trained, and many go to damage-control or Security assembly points throughout the ship, ready for reassignment as necessary. However, your characters are all assigned to the Bridge for a typical watch, and during both Yellow and Red Alerts.
I'll post a time update in the game thread.
I'd like to end this shipboard day and jump ahead to the next morning. Please make any more posts you want by noon EST Weds., and I'll take it from there.
Just how bad is Graham's singing? :oQuote:
Originally posted by general_urko
*whew* Finally. Now, is Rangin too proud to apologize?
You mean to Graham??? :DQuote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Well, Kylah first. We'll see how long that takes, then we'll worry about patching the Rangin/Graham bromance back up.Quote:
Originally posted by general_urkoYou mean to Graham??? :DQuote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Offline for a few days because of severe weather and its impact. Internet is up and running again. I will do my best to catch up with everything. :)
Thanks, WES. Hope you came through the storms safe and sound.
I wonder if Rangin will ever acknowledge how insightful Collins was the day before?
Probably around the same time Graham stops giving Rangin grief. :pQuote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Oh how sad Graham's patrol route hasn't taken him to get a look over Rangin's shoulder while he does creepy e-stalking of Kylah...! :o:(:lol:Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuitProbably around the same time Graham stops giving Rangin grief. :pQuote:
Originally posted by anyrose
And this coming from the man who had no problems using security cameras to spy on Kylah. Tut, tut, tut. :dubious:Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
Have you seen Rick and Morty? I just started watching. Kind of like The Simpsons crossed with Futurama. R-rated and very funny:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90wG8ObCBE0
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_and_Morty
If you liked Christopher Nolan's Interstellar, you might also like EMIC: An Interstellar Time Capsule Film. Nolan curated this short film from public submissions about what humanity would want to remember about Earth when we someday venture forth, out among the stars.
Deeply touching and evocative, I thought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fqf2jQ6CQU
Part 4/4 of Tapas for Two is now up.
Feel free to enjoy.
Va-va-voom! Things are heating up for our medico and her favorite chef. Thanks!
Good. Now if we can just get Kylah and Rangin talking again.
Meanwhle
"Helm, set course for the offices of YKYWI." Collins declares from the big chair. "Tactical, I want a full spread of photon torpedoes once we're in range."
Indeed! - so, just a question though: because this is in Apocrypha does it mean this all happened in the past? Or is it just "off camera?"Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Just off-camera, I'd say. Perhaps CIAS and WES have a different timeline in mind, though.
That should be a fun pair! Nice work, guys. I'm guessing it must be a bit earlier or later in the timeline--we know Johnson was cooking for the Captain, Brold & guests last night, unless the T'Var/Johnson date was much later in the evening.
Meanwhile, speaking of T'Var, I was wondering who'd win that game of "hot potato" that she and Noel were playing regarding "who gets the crummy job of following up on Fujishiro?" Very amusing to see each of them come up with excuses as to why someone else should deal with it. (Kinda scary that the ship's psychologist was asking a Vulcan for the best way to talk to the crew about grief. :D)
Am I the only one who cannot grok a single word of that science chick said to Graham? Yipe! That was one impressive display of technobabble, EH!
Really? Hmm. Didn't seem that technobabblish to me. But thanks!
Suddenly, Collins' spidey sense tingles. "Red alert! Shields! Fire phasers!" she declares as her inner Kirk takes over.
If she fires at some other ship than Chorell it would be truly awesome...Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
If she fires at some other ship than Chorell it would be truly awesome...Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
It's my 25th wedding anniversary!
On this day in 1990, on a very hot summer day in Vermont, my true love and I were married in her hometown's little Episcopal church, surrounded by family and friends. We'd met five years earlier on a college semester abroad in London, and almost immediately felt the attraction. And now a quarter century has passed - hard to believe! My wife and I have had our ups and downs, of course, but we are and have been so very blessed - we have our good health, three fine sons, a dopey dog, an ornery cat, a nice house and so many other good things in our lives - including my friends here.
Happy Anniversary!
Happy anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. EH!
Congrats to you both. :dumbo:
Congrats on 25 yrs! May the next 25 be filled with many more blessings. :)
Many thanks! It was a good day.
I'm confused by how the roles are divided on this ship. Acc. to Memory Alpha, TOS-era security officers didn't deal with tactical stuff: weapons/shields systems were handled by Helm and Navigation. (Sulu and Chekov shared the "tactical" role, as Helmsman and Navigator, respectively.) Not true on the Yorktown?
Hmm that's a really interesting point. Meta, TNG created meaningful bridge times for Yar/Worf, in TOS no such high profile Security characters. Also meta but IMO think about naval vessels dedicated weapons officers make more sense. I suspect Gene R wanted to de-emph military side of Fed....Quote:
Originally posted by choie
The stations are there on the bridge. We've already established there is a security console for Collins to sit at. de la Paz is there now. Maybe what g_u said about Papa Gene is right and maybe Singh is a more efficient captain, having trained people handle specific functions, rather than having a skeleton crew of jacks-of-all-trades
Hey, we all know the Yorktown's motto is Security Uber Alles--I mean, damn, there's gotta be a reason why Collins has gotten first dibs at leading every mission/adventure four times in a row, and when it's not her it's Graham--but I figured the Enterprise and canon job roles mattered at least a little now and then!
After Onn (who had a stint as BCDO not long ago), Collins is the ranking PC. Graham is the second-ranked Security PC, and the situations when he assumed command or was named CO of a party were when Security issues were predominant. As it happens, I have been thinking for awhile of giving another PC a turn in command - once we leave Anubis it is likely to happen.
As to who does what on the Bridge, those roles have some flexibility (and Singh obviously encourages cross-training), but I want everyone to have a chance to shine, if possible.
....Sitting in a chair far away from the action. :P She was really just doing Kylah's job--all she did was relay communications back and forth from various people who were actually being proactive, including Collins, who had the lead role in the hunt for unconscious Kylah. That's okay, I certainly didn't expect Nia to jump into the lead position right when she was being introduced. Now that she's been around for two months (or one day, in-game!), that might be different. ;)Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Oh absolutely re: Graham and OCIII! That's a natural, the mission had turned into a murder investigation by the time Collins had her miscarriage necessitating someone else taking over. (I would've thought Vargas would get involved, but apparently he's really worried about getting killed due to the "two weeks from retirement" curse.)Quote:
Collins is the ranking PC. Graham is the second-ranked Security PC, and the situations when he assumed command or was named CO of a party were when Security issues were predominant.
But the mission didn't start as a murder--it was a diplomatic/legal/contract sort of thing. Putting a security officer who's... erm, not the most diplomatic or legalistic-minded person, shall we say?... was an odd choice on Singh's part. It'd be like Picard putting Worf in charge of a similar mission.
Similarly, before that, Collins led on Sakath even though it was primarily a medical/scientific mission, where T'Var or even Rangin--maybe especially Rangin, considering the whole experiment focused on xenobiology--were more appropriate leaders.
(Sure, Rangin was only an Ensign, but he's a specialist and it was odd that he played so little a role there. But maybe that was due to the changeover in players from Appleciders (sp?) to CIAS?)
The next two adventures have been the Kylah hunt (understandably led by security) and now this, which was by default handed to Collins only because Singh behaved strangely--i.e., after Kylah happened to ask for a private talk and they were done, Singh decided to stay in her office and left Collins in charge, even though the watch had only just started and they're expecting word from the Thoth cops any moment. Thus ensuring Collins would be in the chair during the... whatever the heck is going on with the Chorell.
That would be awesome! It's just getting a bit samey and--with due respect to Collins--not really logical on Singh's part considering the character's record, her just having recovered from her miscarriage (and still suffering the effects of it), and her withdrawal/addiction. (Does Singh even know about that? Geeze, T'Var threatened to have Kylah reported as unfit for duty when she just complained about having some nightmares before the OCIII mission!)Quote:
As it happens, I have been thinking for awhile of giving another PC a turn in command - once we leave Anubis it is likely to happen.
It's really cool to want to give the mission/adventure lead role to a PC. But I wonder... why must one of our PCs be the official mission leader at all? With OCIII, for example, I might be wrong but I don't think any of us would've objected if you'd had an NPC like Thalen in charge (maybe with Rangin as a backup) during the hours that led up to Wilson's death. After the murder, security would've taken the lead, of course. Would've been a good fake-out, in fact!
Since we're playing junior officers (except for Nia), it makes sense for us to wait before we get to lead a mission, realistically speaking. Although, obviously splitting up teams or disabling the NPC-in-charge is a good idea so the PCs have their own choices to make instead of always being ordered around. (Then again, even when a PC is mission leader, it means the rest of us are ordered around, so it doesn't make that much of a difference except for the one anointed leader.)
Maybe the problem is that promotions are in order, since Collins is the top-ranking PC. That's a fluke due to player changes, isn't it? IIRC, the original group of PCs were all promoted at the same time--and there were some weird circumstances surrounding that, I believe--so originally everyone in the game was pretty much equal, IIRC (at least I'm pretty sure Pourtash, Delaney, Fujishiro & Collins were). So maybe someone can pull some strings and start handing out some sleeve-bars?
Don't worry, I know it makes no sense whatsoever to promote Kylah (unless Aldaan finds someone as crooked as Hardin to bribe!). She's been on board for little over a month and hasn't done anything to merit a promotion (well, she basically solved the Wilson murder, but no one's given her credit for that officially and one solved case isn't promotion-material anyway). She's made so many mistakes she'll probably end up as a cadet again.
FWIW, I'm bucking for Rangin for promotion. He should've gotten a purple heart--if they still give those out--for his multiple injuries back on Sakath; then on OCIII he did a great job counseling Collins, investigating in general (he found the infamous files that proved Hardin's guilt), and taking down Palver. Now he's also responsible for a) finding Kylah and b) identifying Lez via doing the DNA scanning and figured out how to ID the criminal via the zither's crystal particles on the guy's shoes.
And he's doing a whole heckuva lot of work with this HUBRIS* device as well... not that I understand a single thing out of his mouth, but that technobabble sure sounds impressive! :D
T'Var and Rangin are definitely overdue for shineage. :) As for Kylah... well, heh, aside from the freak occurrence of Graham temporarily giving Kylah lead over in OCIII, I can't see any circumstance where she will ever shine, or should be trusted to, for that matter, unless everyone else on board has been overwhelmed by some neurotoxin. I imagine she'll hail the hell out of ships, though!Quote:
As to who does what on the Bridge, those roles have some flexibility (and Singh obviously encourages cross-training), but I want everyone to have a chance to shine, if possible.
Anyway I'm glad to hear that the wealth will be mixed around a bit, and maybe some of the above ideas will spark something useful. Thanks for listening.
* One of these experimental devices that only exist to screw up despite the fact that the creator always insists nothing could ever go wrong! Hence: HUBRIS. In this case, it stands for "Hathor University Brold Reconnaissance and Identification Sensor." :devil:
Hey this is Kylah--it's purely psychosomatic/psychic blaring. :DQuote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
So...what happens next?
We chase the Chorell to the other side of the planet and stop them from receiving weapons from an enemy of the Federation? Can we blow them up in the process, please?
Dang, does Collins have a bug up her ass or what? I can't think of a PC who's less bitter than Nia, unless it's T'Var or A.J. How can she possibly argue with the recommendation to talk and get a better gauge of their intent, if possible? Does Collins really think we should blow them up?
Collins subconsciously sees herself as the alpha and bristles when confronted by an actual alpha
Ha! A fair assessment, although Nia's clearly not an alpha if she's spent ten years at the Helm instead of getting her own command. Maybe it's just the self-confidence Collins senses? I'm looking forward to their relationship developing over time, if it's able.
Whatever it is, Collins feels threatened, but doesn't consciously realize it. Ben hasn't mentioned his prior involvements, in fact the two have not really talked since they met.
Given all that's occurred between Cooper and Collins, you would have hoped they had done some talking.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
They talked about things of the here and now, but little if anything about each other's past
Great. Now choie's talking to herself. WES, g_u, we need to get second recurring characters. :devil: :dance:
Oy, please don't joke, Nia basically almost got sent into oblivion because of that! She only exists because we were down to only four PCs (during WES's absence) and things were moving so slowly, plus I post 150% more than anyone and am always online already, so I figured maybe I could add a 2nd PC so I could participate more & we could mix things up a bit; EH graciously agreed.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
But recently I was told that Nia should, um, absent herself. If Collins hadn't called the Yellow Alert and the rest of the crew weren't asked to go to their next watch stations, Nia wouldn't be on the Bridge or participating at all. (Notice how quiet Kylah is while Nia is around.)
Well A.J. won't be doing anything unless someone goes and talks directly to him.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
I only added that bit in because it's good to show how the entire ship responds to the Yellow Alert. Nice touch EH.
She wasn't before, actually! The newly created Kendin is a full Lieutenant and was dissed by Singh. :D So now that's two ranking officers Singh's chosen to skip in favor of Collins. Proper little teacher's pet!Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Hey general, has Graham ever made it to the Bridge?
Missed the edit window--also, Helm and Nav are in front of the Big Chair, so if Nia is still on the Bridge and has taken over for Kendin, she'd be in front of Collins. She'd have to be staring daggers at the viewscreen and hoping they'd rebound and hit Collins that way. :D
Here's a condensed version of that Bridge map:
http://www.danhausertrek.com/Animate...idgeLayout.gif
Collins had the conn before the Yellow Alert; the Captain simply returned it to her.
The Yorktown's Bridge is a little different than shown in that chart (for which, our thanks, choie). #10 is Life Sciences, IIRC, T'Var's usual Bridge post. There's also a door between #10 and 9, opening out to the subsystems access corridor that rings the Bridge, with access there to a head (small bathroom), and a gangway (steep staircase) down to Deck 2. The Captain's quarters and office are close by on Deck 2, so she can get to the Bridge in a hurry when she needs to.
Here's Franz Joseph's take on it, c. 1975:
http://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/lcars...m/01-06-10.jpg
http://www.rocketfin.com/images/enterprise_bridge.jpg
Thanks for the greater detail of the outer structures leading from the Bridge. I'm glad you described it because my old eyes can barely make out any of that text! :D
One thing (well, more than one) wasn't mentioned in the exposition just now:
a) since Collins was tracking the Chorell's usage of its transporters, and I'm assuming Kylah was also in touch with the Sarapis Freight Yard, do we know if the Chorell picked up its cargo? and
b) what happens to the extra personnel now that two hours have passed and the Yellow Alert is gone--do people like Graham and Nia and Rangin, et al., go back to their former positions? Or has the watch changed? (Actually... are watches staggered, so that there's some carryover from one hour to the next rather than a complete turnover?)
Reason I ask about the personnel is that Kylah's instinctive reaction to the cop's question is to want to consult with Graham, but I don't know if she should just turn around and ask him (if he made it to the Bridge) or if she should use her communicator. Either way she'll have to talk with a superior but she wants Graham's advice anyway.
I found an easier to read version, but the colors are reversed
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...aa4e0b437c.jpg
Thanks! Wow, y'know, it might've just been Shatner's charisma that distracted me :D but I never noticed that there were handrails on the original TOS-era Enterprise. I thought they were created for the TNG-era. Maybe because in one episode Worf vaulted over them to attack, er, some intruder who'd appeared in front of Picard, maybe Q?... and ISTR various cynical fans saying how stupid it was to have handrails blocking the captain's chair, as if this were a new design element. Does that sound familiar to anyone else?
Anyway, it's interesting to see the Bridge from various images and angles. Easier to picture us when we're there. For example, if Rangin were ever on Bridge duty at the same time as Kylah, the fact that their consoles are adjacent--which I never noticed till now--will make things rather awkward. (Or nice, if they ever patch things up.) Ignore, apparently that was the Enterprise configuration, not the other one we're using. So where is the Science area? All I see is environment, and now EH mentions the Life Sciences panel. Would people like Roble and Velir hang out at the Library/Research area (which I don't see on this new version--or is that what's now called the Command Intelligence station)? If not, what position would be placed at the Command Intelligence station?
Edited a billionth time to add: I'm not actually as stupid or as blind as I sound, honest. I only just now realized that there are two links in EH's post up there. I could've sworn there was only one, the Rocketfin version, which is blue & white and has very blurry text. That's what I was talking about when I said I couldn't read it. The first link is huge and very clear. Sorry for missing it!
Except for possibly the pilot(s), the handrails were always there and always red
Eta. I'll see what I can do about the rocket fin one with Photoshop, later, during daylight
Just for Note - Tapas for Two took place on this night.Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
It happened off camera and fits in with continuity. Perfect time to make spare food when cooking proper stuff for the Captain.
The Chorell was about to beam up its cargo, last we heard, but no one asked if it actually had.
Graham and Rangin remain on duty; Onn was off-duty before the Yellow Alert, I thought.
The Command Intelligence panel in Franz Joseph's diagram is indeed what is commonly called the Science console, where Spock worked. To its left, as you face it, is the Science II console (#6 on choie's chart in post 3906) on the Yorktown.
Kylah could contact Graham using the intership comm function on the Communications panel, or excuse herself and use her communicator elsewhere. It's not expected that any Bridge officer would remain glued to his or her seat for an entire watch. With the permission of the BCDO, personnel come and go as needed to attend to other duties, get a snack, use the head, stretch their legs, run errands, etc.
And yes, the ST:TOS Bridge always had handrails, even in the pilot "The Cage":
http://tos.trekcore.com/gallery/albu...thecage012.jpg
http://www.trekmate.org.uk/wp-conten...3/IMG_0666.png
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LleeMp9aJH8/hqdefault.jpg
http://s158.photobucket.com/user/sha...n_026.jpg.html
Please excuse my use of an image from "Spock's Brain." I'm really sorry.
Thanks, EH!
I think people are misunderstanding me re: the handrails! :) I didn't say I didn't believe they existed--I saw them in the sketches and then checked the images over on Memory Alpha myself--but just that until I saw the sketches I never noticed them. Plus, I do remember reading fan stuff snarking about Worf jumping over handrails in TNG, which implied (at least to me) that they thought the then-new TNG set was poorly designed. (It might have been in one of Phil Farrand's Nitpicker's Guide to ST:TNG books, now that I think of it. I loved those books but yeah, they were picky! As were fans at the time, some of whom viewed TNG with a bit of a jaundiced eye compared to their beloved TOS.)
But anyway, all the maps and charts etc. are very helpful, thanks! I'm also newly learning that the Enterprise had a bowling alley. Nia was on duty, at least I assumed she was since she was working with engineers in the shuttle bay. Maybe she just does that stuff on her off-hours. She seems the type.
Re: the Chorell, if we'd shown more of the timeline, at some point during the two hours, Kylah would certainly have checked with the freight yard to see if the ship completed the transaction. Nia would've suggested it too, and probably she'd've asked Collins about it as well. Gotta say that I'm saddened that because of the time jump, they all look negligent by not doing something so basic.
Be prepared for Nia snark, because she ain't letting that lie before she leaves the Bridge.
Yay, Graham made it after all! Though this cracked me up:
I think Sidonian Gall is what Nia shows when she's bitching about Vargas and Singh. :devil:Quote:
Reason: d'oh ninja'd by Sidonian Gall
Quote:
Originally posted by WES
I see Rangin's sudden PSI powers are spreading! :devil:Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
DAMMIT! Meta knowledge sucks
EH Please edit my entry thusly:
Before Collins can answer Onn, she hears Kylah's conversation. "Well, there you go then." She smiles at Onn. She says to Kendin "Please keep the shields up, Lieutenant, until we know this matter is under control." Collins feels her communicator vibrate with a message. She reads what T'Var has sent and replies: I am unable to get there just now as the Captain has given me the Bridge. But I will get there as soon as I can.
She'll have her emotional crisis later.
Heh, I know, it's hard to separate what we know from what our characters do! Sorry hon, if I'd been home I'd've caught it so you could edit yourself within the new, luxurious half-hour edit window. (Have you noticed that yet? Pretty sweet, nu?)
yes, it is. but in this case I wouldn't have known til now anyway - I was deep in a facebook game, rather obsessively so
Yes, the Franz Joseph deck-by-deck blueprints do show that, although What Exit? once told me he was convinced it was a U.S. Navy in-joke. (Noob sailors used to be sent to look for the bowling alley on their aircraft carrier - but there was none to find). In any event, the Yorktown has no bowling alley. I'm not convinced that bowling will still be around as a really popular sport all those years from now - and if it is, I highly doubt it will be worth giving it so much square footage on a starship.Quote:
Originally posted by choie
anyrose, I'll make that change for you.
BTW - and I'm sure our fearless GM knew this, but did you all know that Hathor was the given name of the Golden Calf?
I did not! Thanks. A bit of Ancient Egypt trivia that escaped me....
I'll be out of town over the weekend. I'll next post on Sunday evening.
Have fun, and thanks for fixing my post
Sorry I haven't posted recently. Still having internet issues. I'm trying to switch everything over to a new Chromebook. Also having lots of life issues to deal with. Will try to catch up. Thanks!
{{{hugs}}} for the life issues and good luck with the new 'puter
Seconded on both!Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Best wishes WES! Hope everything works out.
If Kylah was already given the choice of on ship or on planet by the Thoth authorities, why does she want to leave the locale up to them? She needs to grow a pair! :devil: :dance:
She doesn't know which is better for her--she knows what she wants to do, but she's not sure what's better legally speaking. Also, it's up to Vargas (assuming he still has his job) and/or Singh to decide who beams up to the ship or not.
But yeah, of course she needs to grow a pair. It's amazing how insecure/afraid you can get after you've been assaulted, one way or another, five times in less than two weeks. (Jan, Hardin, Palver, muggers, and Velir--the latter emotionally, of course.)
Well, that's good to know....
Damn, I am dying to find out what the Chorell situation is all about. It's lasted for weeks now, getting built up as a risk only to be knocked down and assured it's no danger. Plus there's the tease that Collins and Roble may have heard of it but apparently both have temporary amnesia. Tenterhooks here!
Mindwiping for criminals? I didn't think the Federation went in for that on ethical grounds?
It does seem extraordinarily un-Federationlike, but I rather like it, because... well, I like when the Federation shows its unpleasant underbelly. :devil:
But there are precedents in TOS, it appears, although interestingly, both uses (or similar processes) were shown primarily because they were abused:
- The "Rehabilitation Chair" in Whom the Gods Destroy, which is where our gang beams down to a penal colony and learn of a new "treatment" for mentally ill criminals. Of course the chair is then modified to create pain/torture, and is used on Kirk and others.
- Then there's the somewhat similar Dagger of the Mind episode, where a Neural neutralizer is used to implant suggestions and empty certain thoughts. This too turned out to be abused. Acc: to Memory Alpha:
Interestingly this episode is apparently the first use of the Vulcan Mind Meld, which Spock used to get access to the psychiatrist who'd been tortured into silence.Quote:
The neural neutralizer was somewhat effective as a means of implanting suggestions. It created in the patient a profound sense of loneliness, also described as an "emptiness". Anything said to the patient while he was in this state would become his own thoughts. The effectiveness varied according to the complexity of the suggestion, the number of times it had been repeated, the volume of the beam, the strength of the patient's will, and the degree to which the suggestion was opposed by his own desires. Long term or repeated exposure could produce profound mental illness and synaptic damage. Additionally, the "emptying" effect could be immediately lethal; Dr. Tristan Adams was killed by accidental, unsupervised exposure to the beam.
Of course, mind-wipes were used "beneficently" in both TNG and DS9, at least twice. In TNG: when Data broke the Prime Directive and had conversations via radio w/that little kid on a doomed planet. As if that weren't bad enough, he then brought the girl up to the ship. In order to hit the reset button, Picard had Pulaski do a mind-wipe on the girl... of course, Data fucked up a third time by risking the Prime Directive and giving the girl a present he stole from Pulaski's desk. Actually, that's four times, if you include the thievery.
In DS9: The whole deal with Worf's brother, who was mind-wiped so he could start a new life under a false name.
I had Kylah be virulently against this procedure for her own reasons, since it just feels so wrong to me, and surprising in a Federation context. We're learning a lot about their slippery ethics, which I think makes the Feddies more interesting than in strict TOS canon.
Even though it's a retcon, for example, I have no doubt Section 31 is mind-wiping its former agents right and left, not to mention enemies.
BTW, does Section 31 exist in our canon? Since DS9--which says Section 31 has existed for centuries IIRC--is considered canon, but ENT (which depicts Section 31) isn't... what does that mean for us?
Oh, I was so hoping Rangin would see Kylah in the corridor. Thank you.
The mind wipe in TNG didn't always work, though. In a later season episode wherein Worf encounters his brother (son of his Terran parents) helping a tribe of pre-tech humanoids, and one finds his way off the holodeck, Crusher tried to memory wipe him but it didn't take.
:D Pure serendipity--I didn't even realize Science was on the same deck as Conference Room #2 until Kylah was leaving the room! Hence her taking a breather near Science. But I didn't expect Rangin to get--um, concern-blocked, shall we say?--by this Jenezite chick! Glad Rangin appeared soon after, nice one, CIAS.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
I always suspected Pulaski was the better doctor--I bet she could've gotten it to stick! :D But seriously, I didn't even connect the fact that Worf's approved of mind-wiping both his brothers. That's screwed up!Quote:
The mind wipe in TNG didn't always work, though. In a later season episode wherein Worf encounters his brother (son of his Terran parents) helping a tribe of pre-tech humanoids, and one finds his way off the holodeck, Crusher tried to memory wipe him but it didn't take.
If you're looking for another take on mindwipes - watch "Passing Through Gethsemane" from Babylon 5 that, while being an excellent episode, has the added bonus of Brad Dourif guest starring.
No comment as to Section 31. Heheheh.
Mindwiping is authorized under Anubis law and apparently not forbidden under Federation law, judging by the two TOS precedents choie aptly noted. Tech and methods would surely have changed in the near-century between TOS and TNG.
"Jenezite" is the name I've chosen to give the wide-eyed race of humanoid aliens from the first J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie (as represented by the doctor aboard the USS Kelvin): http://en.memory-alpha.wikia.com/wik...rsonnel#Doctor
Oh damn, she's creepy! No wonder Kylah scurried away from her. If I were already dizzy and saw that freak staring down at me, I'd assume my eyesight was turning everything into a funhouse mirror!
(It's a tad unfortunate that "Jenezite" kinda sounds like "Genocide," heh!)
Now my question is: I understand Singh is into rotating positions and all, but why the heck is she changing the Conn person every fifteen minutes? So far during a single watch, it's been Singh (very briefly), Collins, Singh, Collins again, Kendin, Collins yet again and now Roble. And it's not even lunch yet!
Non sequitur - Amanda Seyfried as Kylah and Karen Gillan as Collins?
Gillan looks good (although I can't imagine Collins with such an accent! :D) but Seyfried.... only if she had extensive melanin injections. Remember, Kylah may be adopted but I'm pretty sure there's no way that
this chick
https://pmchollywoodlife.files.wordp...-bio.jpg?w=300
could've passed as being related to
this one
http://i500.listal.com/image/1202119/500full.jpg
Even the stupidest of Elasian nobles would've figured that adoption out! :D
Preferring a more South Asian vibe, I had to send a casting call out to Bollywood. Meet Priyanka Chopra:
http://www.picshare.ru/uploads/13102...3T7G_thumb.jpg https://pp.vk.me/c627316/v627316655/...O66wBDCYwg.jpg
(I love how in the 2nd image, she's in almost exactly the same pose/facial expression as Elaan.)
Here she is in Starfleet red (the color, not the uniform), although her hair's got some highlights in it that Kylah's wouldn't:
http://cs619630.vk.me/v619630948/13829/1nBTahG4UZA.jpg
What really amuses me is that I spotted a pic of her in THE dress!
http://img.scoop.it/WXumBJ5h4VAot5j1...4QGRtDb3Sbc6KY
What are the odds? (Well, in Bollywood, probably pretty good.)
Collins' accent would be faintly Boston with maybe a hint of Irish, so someone would have to loop in all of Gillan's dialogue.
But I thought of Seyfried because of how delicate she looked in Les Miserables. Chopra would have to be a helluvan actress to convince me she's frail. For some reason (maybe because I am from a family full of them) I never think of brunettes as frail.
Oh dear, all that ADR will be awfully expensive, not to mention that Gillan's price has probably risen given her increased fame. Boston/Irish isn't that inconceivable for a British actress, she might be able to pull it off.Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
On the plus side, I'm convinced that Vargas's actor is having some long-running serious problems in renegotiating his contract with the producers--notice how he's been tacitly threatened with permadeath (remember Kylah's dream?) and imminent retirement, plus his dialogue and screentime have been severely reduced? A clear hardball negotiation tactic. I think he's asking for too much $$$. And we know formerly named costars have now dropped to recurring (Delaney, Pourtash, Hayes...) and we're about to lose one entirely (Fujishiro).
So what I'm saying is, looks like there might be more room in the budget for Gillen, plus the cost of the ADR. :) Heck maybe I can actually get Gina Torres for Nia!
I think she seems like she could play delicate, if not frail. Her accent would be an advantage for Kylah, whom I do envision as having a light Mediterranean, Indian or Middle Eastern lilt to her voice. One big downside is that this gal is 5'7"--four inches too tall! We'd have to put her in a trench whenever she stands next to Rangin. She's also not as curvy as Kylah, but that's easily fixed by forcing down some pasta and stuffing her bra. :DQuote:
But I thought of Seyfried because of how delicate she looked in Les Miserables. Chopra would have to be a helluvan actress to convince me she's frail. For some reason (maybe because I am from a family full of them) I never think of brunettes as frail.
In any event, heck yeah brunettes can be frail! If you watch Downton Abbey, Jessica Brown Findley, who played youngest daughter Sybil, looked like a strong wind could blow her away.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud7abdPXvj...nson+Sybil.png
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXDnKQ6pb7...dlay_Photo.jpg
She was the first person I thought of earlier, actually, when imagining Kylah actresses. But she's just too British rose-esque to be believable. Also we'd need dark contact lenses.
My second thought was another Brit, the ridiculously lovely and talented Sierra Boggess, who's played Christine in Phantom, Fantine in Les Mis, and every other damsel-in-distress soprano heroine in musical theatre.
http://www.sierraboggessfansite.com/...roadway_01.jpg
But she too would need a tanning bed and contacts--and she'd definitely cost too much.
Really, Kylah's actress needs to seem vulnerable more than frail, I'd say. Like, think of Troi: Marina Sirtis wasn't a sylph but I, at least, bought that she wasn't very strong (she was tossed around like a beanbag by that creepy empath who mind-raped her). Kylah's problem... uh, one of the incalculable number of problems... is her fear, which is really what makes her seem so weak. At times she can be feisty, such as when yelling at Collins, fighting the slime devils or even making an attempt to fight two muggers. But when her fear takes over she loses all confidence and goes into paralysis mode.
Girlfriend also needs to eat more. She's skipped more meals than she's eaten over the past two weeks!
Y'know, I liked Jessica Brown Findley on Downton Abbey. Didn't think she seemed too frail.
In the alternative, maybe Emmy Rossum as Kylah?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y_Rossum01.jpg
Or perhaps Gemma Arterton?
http://static.screenweek.it/2013/3/1...ilm-25_mid.jpg
Mrwowrrrrr.
Sorry EH, one of these days I will remember it's watch and not shift.
Oh, how I wish there were a transporter room on deck two where all the action is happening.
Collins rounds the corridor and sees the melee. Surprised, she drops the package she's crying causing the contents to shatter even further.
ROTFLQuote:
Originally posted by anyrose
She wasn't too frail, just frail enough. :) It wasn't an insult at all--Findley's Sybil is my favorite Upstairs character (ignoring various husbands and anyone not played by Maggie Smith :D) and I like the fact that her delicate exterior belied her strength of character and impassioned beliefs.Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Heh, I also thought of Rossum--mainly because of her fantabulous hair, which isn't naturally that blandly tame (damn Hollywood's straight hair obsession!)--but she too is a bit whitey mcwhiterson for how I envision Kylah.Quote:
In the alternative, maybe Emmy Rossum as Kylah?
I've never heard of/seen her before, amazingly enough considering how many things she's been in! She's an interesting one, because judging from the panoply of photos of her online, she sometimes looks right for the role, and at others looks totally wrong. (Her Tess look, for example, isn't great; her Prince of Persia look, OTOH...)Quote:
Or perhaps Gemma Arterton?
But boy, do you have a type or what? :D "Anyone who's played Lizzie Bennet." If Jane Graham were still alive I suppose she'd be played by Jennifer Ehle (the one true Lizzie for me!)!
Speaking of which, since Keira Knightley is surely the reason our budget is so damn small, maybe the producers can cut Knightley loose and go with Gemma for Lt. Bennett? Especially if she's going to be making more appearances. Then maybe we could've had enough in the FX budget to go to battle with the Trimalchio! :devil:
I'm standing firm on whatshername up there until I can find a shrimpier actress. Casting call for short (5'4" or less) curvy actresses with dark coloring and olive skin, preferably Greek, Israeli, Indian, Arab or similar background. Light accent a plus.
Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
:bravo: Well, Collins could change her mind about dropping off the package and instead ask the computer to locate Kylah (did TOS computers have that ability?) and bop on down to Deck 2 to surprise her personally.
As an addendum, I hope y'all appreciate how much effort CIAS and I are putting into making Rangin and Kylah's dialogue ambiguous. Take the dialogue out of context, hear only certain sections, and it's an entirely different conversation--one that fits Graham's preconceived notion of what their dynamic is:
KYLAH: No, I do not want to go, I told you. You cannot make me. I can stand on my own now! Please, Velir, I just want to be left alone!All so that Graham can easily cherry-pick any of that to identify Rangin as abuser and Kylah as his victim!
RANGIN: There's no use arguing as we've had this argument before, I was right then and I'm right now. You need looking after and it seems I'm the only one who really cares for you. You're going to have to trust me, it's for your own good.
KYLAH: Oh--do not blame Velir, Mr. Graham, please. It is all my fault... he is trying to help. He wants what is best for me, I know he does. He said so.
Cote de Pablo hasn't done much since leaving NCIS. And she can play frail as in the season seven opener "Truth or Consequences"Quote:
Originally posted by choie
Ooh, hmm, Cote de Pablo... another one I don't know! (I lose out on a lot of pop culture by not having TV, unfortunately.) But she's a pretty good option! Although she's also someone who can vary from heck yeah to hell no depending on the pic.
Heck yeah:
http://www.celebheightweight.com/wp-...e_de_Pablo.jpg
Hell no:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IW-t5j_sJc...lo_retouch.jpg
(Also, at 35, she's pushin' the age limit for playing a 23-year-old, bless her! We might need to bring out the Vaseline for the cameras soon. :devil:) But her younger, less glammed-up look (and non-highlighted, non-straightened hair) works nicely. She can sing, too! That helps for our All Musical Episode. (We are doing one, right?)
I don't like glammed up Cote at all. She played an Israeli on NCIS, that's what made me think of her
Hmm. Cote's face looks too broad for Kylah, somehow, in my mind's eye.
choie, your Tess link was the same as your Prince of Persia link. How's this?: http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/e...cd6a3978bd.jpg
And yes, I definitely have a type. Guilty as charged. But you did say she was a beautiful curvy brunette, I thought....
Hm - hi all, I didn't intend for Graham his sidearm here (or break leather, as we used to say back in the day, now breaking space velcro or whatever Starfleet uses...):
Reflexively his hand snaps to his sidearm and he shifts slightly into a shooting stance, even though consciously he knows he won't need it to separate them and arrest Rangin...
Rather this hand was on his phaser, and his body was positioned to draw and fire.
Most of the dialogue would work with minor edits as this posture would still be damned threatening - a question for the group and EH if it's possible to revise slightly?
If my post was too unclear, ok, but from a character perspective even if Rangin were obviously hurting Kylah, Graham would definitely have used his body not his phaser to intervene.
I've got no problems with amending the scene slightly. I don't think it would change Rangin's actions in any way.
Yes, sorry, I guess it was a bit confusing. To me a "shooting stance" means, well, he's about to shoot. ;) Either that or he's pointing his finger like a gun. Which would be kinda funny but definitely not threatening.
Changing Kylah's lines about the weapon to "Let go of your phaser" or something like that would be fine. Well, she'd probably react with less fear and protectiveness than if he were actually pointing his weapon, and she would likely have left Velir's side more readily, but I'm not sure how to easily rewrite that at this point without affecting CIAS's post.
I don't think a rewrite is needed. The gist of the scene was clear as far as I'm concerned, and well played, to boot.
I agree that hardly anythingat all needs to be changed: IMO Rangin would think Graham just as much of a goon for putting his hand on his gun, and @choie - maybe she'd react with less fear and protectiveness, but in contrast to the scene in Sickbay this time Graham is clearly pissed...he's not only armed but also moving toward them...Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Sorry to be neurotic about it, but to me drawing his weapon is as out of character as if I'd instead missed a couple posts and written something that implied that he went on his merry way without intervening :o
The top picture of Cote de Pablo looks pretty much exactly as a I picture Kylah.
See, I just figured that considering Graham had just been w/Kylah as she identified the guy whose goons nearly killed her, and Rangin was already seen as a threat, Graham's finding someone--much less Rangin--grabbing a barely-sentient Kylah would be the last straw that'd make Graham lose it enough to go for his phaser. So I didn't bat an eye when I thought that's what you meant. But obviously I was off, so CIAS or EH, if you could edit Kylah's text to the above that'd be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Meanwhile I was kinda hoping to have Kylah go with Graham, since discovering Ferguson's at the transporter controls.
de Pablo is pretty good, certainly. But I'm stuck on the Bollywood type. I found two more young women who are terrific for the role. Samantha Ruth Prabhu or Kajal Agarwal (that picture basically shows Kylah's expression 80% of the time! But here she is less stern, and here she's actually smiling).
Having only scratched the surface of crazy beautiful Bollywood actresses, I can only imagine there are dozens more who'd work too. I guess we can all have the Kylah we imagine best. :)
Oops...well he's not running away if you want to have her say she wants to come with him...I'm not batting 1,000 for clarity this week, my intention was that he basically turns to go w/o trying to convince her (bc he thinks it's hopeless at the moment), and starts to walk.Quote:
Originally posted by choie
You're not off at all that it was the last straw... But for all his physicality and aggressiveness he doesn't do/like like the 'cowboy' waving your gun around type of behavior.
I also thought of Felicia Day for Collins.
That makes sense! But I think she has to stay with Velir--if she goes with Graham she'll piss Velir off again. And we're doing so well! At least he's touching her! Besides, there's enough drama in Kylah's life right now, Ferguson can wait I suppose. I'm sure EH will plant him somewhere if an encounter was intended. :angel:Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
Gotcha. It's hard to tell, he seems like such a loose cannon! Pun not intended. Or maybe loose cannon's the wrong word... burning fuse/ticking time bomb, choose your metaphor!Quote:
You're not off at all that it was the last straw... But for all his physicality and aggressiveness he doesn't do/like like the 'cowboy' waving your gun around type of behavior.
She's so cute and perky--can she do hard and bitchy? :devil:Quote:
Originally posted by anyrose
If Graham does kill Rangin he'll do it in a more satisfying way than a phaser--maybe a sword... (Not a bad Graham)Quote:
Originally posted by choie
https://www.technopat.net/wp-content...r-3-Geralt.jpg
I'm sure Mr Wilson on OCIII would disagree if he was able. :PQuote:
Originally posted by general_urko
Well it would annoy Velir just a tad, if Kylah did go with Graham. Like, wash his hands of her annoyed, although I'm sure Graham would appreciate that.Quote:
Originally posted by choie
DAMN. Why do you get all the good comeback lines? And Wilson wasn't even a suspect of anything at the time.Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
At least my instincts were right on that. But I felt Kylah's little heart break when Graham just walked away without speaking to her. It's exactly what Velir would've done. Kylah lives under so many threats where people give up on her completely (or threaten to destroy her life or career). Is it any wonder she's a neurotic, low self-esteem wreck?Quote:
Well it would annoy Velir just a tad, if Kylah did go with Graham. Like, wash his hands of her annoyed, although I'm sure Graham would appreciate that.
Yeah that was tough, I could see that coming ... :(Quote:
Originally posted by choie
But (much like not-drawing-the-phaser :D ) it was totally clear to me that's what Graham would do: of course, he's not angry or disappointed in her (though she doesn't know that). He's kind of sad and needs to re-group and figure out a new approach...
I agree with anyrose. I think I'll just let the scene stand as is, and we'll move on. Thanks.
Well, nothing has to change from now, that part is over with. But I think if general_urko objects to the way his character was perceived--as doing something that out of character for him--I think it's only fair to make the change. Because if it stays, for example, Rangin will have to report the use of a weapon (or threatened use, anyway) and that makes things hugely serious. If that's not what g_u intended, I think that's a big deal.
Of course I understand you might not have time, it's a pain in the neck. :) But is it okay if I ask CIAS to make the change in Kylah's dialogue for me if he has the time? I trust him, he's written Kylah before. Just have her ask him to remove his hand from his weapon (both times) instead of asking him to lower the phaser, and that should be fine.
I think in fact the only changes are Kylah & Rangin.Quote:
Originally posted by choie
Everyone else's reaction was ambiguous (Ruthen tensed but did not go for her weapon, which she could certainly have done if Grahams hand went to his; the Science dudes look alarmed, as well they could have been - if I walked around the corner and saw a really pissed off cop with her hand on her holster, I would be too... :) )
Well, in the meantime I'm going to retcon that mentally so that there was no phaser-pull, so just avoid having Graham mention it to Collins and it'll be like the 18-minute gap in the Watergate tapes. Erased from history, man.
Works for me.
Hmm. 1107 ship's time now - suit everyone?
No! I will fight to the death for 1109! :hist:Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
I yield to your chronofervor.
Really enjoying the different opinions Rangin and Graham have of each other.
Vargas opens the door and Rangin and Graham enter to find a boxing ring and two pairs of well worn leather boxing gloves. "The protective gear is on the table" Vargas says as he points to assorted paraphernalia from the ancient sport "This will be a ten round bout with Marquis de Queensbury rules."
or alternately
Vargas opens the door and Rangin and Graham enter to find the room strewn with flower petals and ringed with sweet smelling candles. In the center of the room is a mattress covered in satin sheets. "There's a fine line between love and hate," Vargas tells the two stunned ensigns, "It's up to you to figure out which side to land on."
anyrose, you made my day. The slash fanfic writes itself!
Graham picks Rangin up and throws him at the door.Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
Rangin has already pressed the chime for the door and is awaiting Vargas to admit them.Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
He is in his office, isn't he?
I must have missed mention of the chime. Thanks.
Oy veh! So, a security officer accuses another crew member of manhandling/accosting a female officer (not for the first time, acc. to Graham), and the Chief of Security/First Officer's reaction is not "Hmm, I'd better look into this rather serious accusation further," but basically "oh, I get it, you're fighting over a girl, and what a surprise, it's the Elasian. Well, you boys better deal with it civilly yourselves so I don't have to hear about it."
Yipe. Looks like nothing will be changing in the military for the next two centuries! :D
Ouch - I will say that I have been very deliberate in Graham not making any explicit accusations or even challenging Rangin's accounts.Quote:
Originally posted by choie
Heh, my first reaction to Vargas's final comment was exactly the same as G_Us. Couldn't resist but put it in.
Yup, Vargas has to be retiring soon, if he's hoping to get away before Graham and Rangin start up again. Maybe's he's leaving it to Collins to tidy up...
Sticking up for the boss, huh? :) What exactly did these lines mean, then? Bolding mine:Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
He then re-emphasizes that this isn't the first incident, although Kylah claims she didn't need assistance, although it seemed like an altercation to him:Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
Although if you remember correctly, in Sickbay, Kylah didn't say anything about Rangin's grabbing hold of her because she didn't remember it; she just insisted that he couldn't mean her any harm.Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
In any event, I'm just as curious about Graham's behavior as I am about Vargas's.* If he genuinely thinks Rangin's a psycho, why is he just letting it go with a "whatever you say, boss" without explaining exactly what his suspicions are to his senior officer?
* Or I would be if we hadn't already seen just how the Yorktown security crew works! :devil:
:dubious: are you referring to Graham always thinking the worst of Rangin and feeling responsible for Kylah's chastity? Or to the fact that Collins constantly loses it at the smallest tweak of her emotional strings?Quote:
Originally posted by choie
Well he thinks Rangin is a manipulative jerk of a sort he finds especially vile.Quote:
Originally posted by choie
But:
1 That's not a crime that he can do anything formal about
2 If he's all that and worse (physically, not just verbally) abusive, if Kylah just withdraws that's really bad
3 Vargas isn't exactly the trophy feelie type who could help #2 :D
I've been trying to parse "trophy feelie" for the last hour. :D
I mean I know what you meant, but the phrase just opens a Pandora's box of imagery.
I assume he meant "touchie-feelie," which, of course, Vargas is not.
As for the First Officer's reaction, remember there were other witnesses from whom he has probably heard, and that Kylah herself has made no formal complaint about the latest incident. Not to say that Vargas is necessarily handling this well, just that he may have his own (to him) valid reasons.
Argh different Form Factor x OS x Browser combinations seem to have different levels of how aggressive their spellcheck is, takes me by surprise sometimesQuote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Trophy-Feelie - what happens during shore-leave on Risa...stays on Risa :devil:
Dang, is Collins under the impression that after Velir's vitriolic outburst yesterday, and Kylahs' pleading with him to accept her gift despite his calling her broken, that Kylah is the sticking point in this grand reunion? :DQuote:
Originally posted by anyrose
Not at all - she'd already given Rangin a piece of her mind on the topic. Now, according to Collins, each knows what the other hasn't been willing to say aloud - that they truly love each other.
Aw that's cute! Collins is a bigger romantic innocent than Kylah! :) Kylah and Velir have only been "involved," such as it is, for about a week, if that long: Remember, OCIII only lasted about three/four days, and we've only been back about three or four days since then. (I don't remember how long it took to get from OCIII to Anubis.) Scary but true!
Kylah, who has the emotional maturity of a 15-year-old, is confusing her first major crush with love. Meanwhile, Velir's reluctant to acknowledge any romantic feelings at all. I think we've got some ways to go before True Love enters the picture.
In spite of the fact that she's well into her 20s, and has had more than a few relationships of varying intensity, Collins still hearkens back to how her first love felt: sweet, gentle, almost chaste, as in her apocrypha. Her real life, with lots of physical passion does not register on her love-ometer. Witness her involvement with Cooper. It's more than 90% physical, at least for her. He's more emotionally invested in it than she is (EH, I trust you'll keep this knowledge out of Ben's head ... ;) ). Collins is a long way from finding the balance in her life that will allow her that kind of love again.
eta - not to mention the fact that she had buried her emotions in a hallucinogen for a while there, they're still recovering - it's almost like she's starting from scratch.
That was actually kind of hard to write. Totally on the fly.
It was very well written. Despite her crying and breast-beating, Collins remains... Collinsy. She left enough out and changed in that story to keep the truth from Graham; she included just enough excuses to make it seem like she's being too hard on herself and beating herself up over nothing. And Graham will almost certainly say exactly that, because that's the kinda guy he is with women.
(In addition to the Porr/Mrs. Porr thing, her claim that she went up to the shuttle to beam the rest of us up wasn't true. The shuttle had no transporter, that was the whole problem; Delaney was beaming people up via the lab transporter, and in fact was going to sacrifice himself since originally someone had to remain behind to manually operate the lab's transporter. I think it was either T'Var or Rangin who came up with the idea of a timer. Also, Collins beamed herself up right before the Sakathians burst into the transporter room to attack the rest of the gang, but once she'd proven the transporter worked and the shuttle was fine, she certainly never suggested Delaney beam her back to help in the fight.)
But what makes this a great bit of writing is that all this is perfectly in character--it wouldn't be right for her to suddenly do a 180 and become Miss Self-Aware 2270! I think in the end there's a hole in Collins's psyche where she's semi-narcissistic and doesn't truly connect with others (there's Ben, as you mention above, and also notice how she doesn't really wonder about/consider Fujishiro as a person, just as a failure on her own record) but tragically, Collins has just enough awareness to know there's something wrong with her. Maybe that's why she needs those drugs.
As an aside, Graham had better not cancel his date with Nia in order to play Daddy with yet another screwed-up colleague! :D
Collins is playing Graham like an Elasian zither...
Too soon. :devil: :dance:Quote:
Originally posted by general_urko
I'll say. What an angsty crew we have!
Very true. Nia's a pleasure to play precisely because she's so unneurotic!
Edited to add: Oh EH, pleeeease let either Bennett or Cooper walk into this friendly little hug!