Star Trek RPG - Setup thread

[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:



Hell no:



(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. ) 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?)

[anyrose]

I don't like glammed up Cote at all. She played an Israeli on NCIS, that's what made me think of her

[Elendil's Heir]

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....

[general_urko]

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.

[CatInASuit]

I've got no problems with amending the scene slightly. I don't think it would change Rangin's actions in any way.

[choie]

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.

[anyrose]

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.

[general_urko]

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...

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

[general_urko]

The top picture of Cote de Pablo looks pretty much exactly as a I picture Kylah.

[choie]

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.

[general_urko]

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.

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.

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.

[anyrose]

I also thought of Felicia Day for Collins.

[choie]

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.

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.

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.

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!

I also thought of Felicia Day for Collins.

She's so cute and perky--can she do hard and bitchy?

[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!

If Graham does kill Rangin he'll do it in a more satisfying way than a phaser--maybe a sword... (Not a bad Graham)

https://www.technopat.net/wp-content...r-3-Geralt.jpg

[CatInASuit]

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'm sure Mr Wilson on OCIII would disagree if he was able.

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.

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.

[choie]

I'm sure Mr Wilson on OCIII would disagree if he was able.

DAMN. Why do you get all the good comeback lines? And Wilson wasn't even a suspect of anything at the time.

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.

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?

[general_urko]

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?

Yeah that was tough, I could see that coming ...


But (much like not-drawing-the-phaser ) 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...

[Elendil's Heir]

I agree with anyrose. I think I'll just let the scene stand as is, and we'll move on. Thanks.

[choie]

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.

[general_urko]

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.

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... )

[choie]

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.

[Elendil's Heir]

Works for me.

Hmm. 1107 ship's time now - suit everyone?

[general_urko]

Works for me.

Hmm. 1107 ship's time now - suit everyone?

No! I will fight to the death for 1109!

[Elendil's Heir]

I yield to your chronofervor.

[CatInASuit]

Really enjoying the different opinions Rangin and Graham have of each other.

[anyrose]

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."

[Elendil's Heir]

anyrose, you made my day. The slash fanfic writes itself!

[general_urko]

The two are right on time. The door will not open unless either gets closer to it.

Graham picks Rangin up and throws him at the door.

[CatInASuit]

The two are right on time. The door will not open unless either gets closer to it.

Rangin has already pressed the chime for the door and is awaiting Vargas to admit them.

He is in his office, isn't he?

[Elendil's Heir]

I must have missed mention of the chime. Thanks.

[choie]

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!

[general_urko]

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!

Ouch - I will say that I have been very deliberate in Graham not making any explicit accusations or even challenging Rangin's accounts.

[CatInASuit]

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...

[choie]

Ouch - I will say that I have been very deliberate in Graham not making any explicit accusations or even challenging Rangin's accounts.

Sticking up for the boss, huh? What exactly did these lines mean, then? Bolding mine:

"I observed what, in the totality of circumstances, appeared to be unwanted physical contact with Mr. Kylah initiated by Mr. Rangin. I instructed him to desist."

Mr. Rangin had hold of Mr. Kylah, whose hands were on his chest in what I believe was an unsuccessful attempt to push him away." This time he does look at Rangin. His voice is flat. "Then, as previously, she was in a--highly agitated state."

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:

"Then, as previously, she--" he chooses his words carefully. "Insisted she did not need any assistance at that time."

He shrugs ever so slightly. This part at least isn't personal.

"Given the initial distance between us and what I perceived to be an, ah, altercation, had there had been an attempt--by either party--to strike the other that the use of light stun was at least an option to have on the table, sir."

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.

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!

[anyrose]

* Or I would be if we hadn't already seen just how the Yorktown security crew works!

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?

[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!

Well he thinks Rangin is a manipulative jerk of a sort he finds especially vile.

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

[anyrose]

I've been trying to parse "trophy feelie" for the last hour.


I mean I know what you meant, but the phrase just opens a Pandora's box of imagery.

[Elendil's Heir]

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.

[general_urko]

I've been trying to parse "trophy feelie" for the last hour.


I mean I know what you meant, but the phrase just opens a Pandora's box of imagery.

Argh different Form Factor x OS x Browser combinations seem to have different levels of how aggressive their spellcheck is, takes me by surprise sometimes

[CatInASuit]

Trophy-Feelie - what happens during shore-leave on Risa...stays on Risa

[choie]

Collins hopes by telling Kylah this, she can bring those two back together.

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?

[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.

[choie]

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.

[anyrose]

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.

[anyrose]

That was actually kind of hard to write. Totally on the fly.

[choie]

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!

[general_urko]

Collins is playing Graham like an Elasian zither...

[anyrose]

Collins is playing Graham like an Elasian zither...

Too soon.

[Elendil's Heir]

I'll say. What an angsty crew we have!

[choie]

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!