This becomes a very murky issue when you ask bodies like the IOC to take a stand politically outside of its clearly stated aims.
Whose politics exactly are they meant to endorse i mean different people believe different things and whilst these days yes alot of the western world is pro gay rights as i personally believe they should be.
My point is in the hypothetical situation where the IOC steps in and says no russia this is unacceptable your conduct means your not allowed to host the Olympics. Not only would they then need to move and the cost of that would be more than i dare to think about (and i dunno about you but i cant think of anyone willing to foot the bill). What happens if the Olympics is being bid for by a middle eastern country lets say Saudi or something. They dont exactly have a stellar reputation on women's rights (never mind gay rights) so should the IOC again step in and say im sorry your cant have the olympics you dont meet the standards that we have set for what a country should be as you dont cover the bases on human rights.

Whose morality would we use here i mean for example where i come from healthcare is considered a basic human right everyone can access for free. Does that mean the US should be off the list aswell?


The general gist of all this is just that it feels to me like we are using the IOC as a scapegoat here russia passed these laws and the rest of the world didn't really do much beyond go through the motions. Now suddenly we realise the Olympics are there we are getting mad at the IOC for not going out of its way to censure russia on this when nobody else was willing to.

Just makes me sad and angry that the IOC has not said or done anything. LGBT people are being tortured, imprisoned, publicly beaten, and killed. And Aikune seems to be more concerned about his job and the organization and being called a few names.

Moving it, without the avid support of the IOC and the host country (maybe rabid support would be better) isn't really feasible. My fear is what's gonna happen if someone is wearing a rainbow pin. Are they going to be arrested by the Russians or are they going to be kicked out by the IOC?

Quote by WhiteOnmyoji

Non starter, next topic.

What a dick. *kisses*

Non starter, next topic.

Why not move the Olympics to a former host city? They have the facilities and housing already. Russia does not deserve to host the games.

Quote by NicholasJohn16

Falling Skies is an amazing show! I love it. This season was a bit of a let down imo. I don't think it was as good as the previous two, but I'm still very addicted! I can't wait for the fourth season to start. These shows with only ten episodes per season kill me, but they're soo good!

There will be 12 episodes next season!!!!!!!! :-) And this season was kind of a snoozer. Especially the finale.

Falling Skies is an amazing show! I love it. This season was a bit of a let down imo. I don't think it was as good as the previous two, but I'm still very addicted! I can't wait for the fourth season to start. These shows with only ten episodes per season kill me, but they're soo good!

updated: today 08/08/13

Patch 2.3 is now live, and with it comes a new way to get around the landscape! :woohoo: Tauntauns are now available for purchase from "vendors" at Aurek or Dorn Base (depending on your faction) on the planet Hoth if you don't have the time or incentive to try to acquire your own. You can go out and acquire your own tauntaun using lures that can be purchased from those vendors. "Dulfy.net" also has an article showing where the taun fawn nests are for you to use the lures. The "lures" are reportedly 500 credits each and give you a chance to attract an adult tauntaun in the nest who you then have to help protect the nest for a period of time in order to get the prize of "Tauntaun Domestication Data". It takes 15 of these "Domestication Data" for the subscriber only Tundra Tauntaun, or 20 for the Mountain Tauntaun. (Photos and details are at the above link.)

Introduction

Ding! You're level 50! Now, what are you gonna do in game?
If you're like many Fleeties, you may want to participate in space PVE runs like Azure Nebula or Fleet Alert or Elite space STFs. Perhaps you want to go head to head with your fleetmates in PVP. Whether you first hit 50 a while back or just a few minutes ago, you may be apprehensive about joining one of these events if you feel your shipbuild isn't up to par. Don't worry! Many seasoned players have shared your concerns at one point.
Before we begin working on our first build together, though, let's consider the five stages a STO player can go through in regards to their ship build. Keep in mind that not all players need to progress through all the stages!

The Five Stages of Builds

Stage One: The First Build

“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything, it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few”
― Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

STO tells you precious little about constructing an effective build. Unless you've researched builds extensively or asked a Fleetie for advice, you're likely to be flying a Stage One build at level 50.
Stage One builds are created using random drops from the story missions. They do not follow the established guidelines of effective shipbuilding, mostly because the player doesn't know about them yet.
If you intend to play only the story missions/some story-based Foundry content in STO, your Stage One build may meet your needs.
Note: if you are still building ships at Stage One, do NOT spend your EC on ship components! Once you figure out what you want to do with your ship, you can buy all you like. Save your EC until then! Also, do not worry about C-store items as they are purchased with real money. The last thing you want at the beginning is buyer's regret!

Stage Two: The Basic Build

“When something dies is the greatest teaching.”
― Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

When a player begins to learn and implement the basic rules of effective shipbuilding, they graduate to Stage Two. Stage Two players begin to curate their ship's components to increase their build's effectiveness. These builds still tend to use stuff from drops as well as items from the fleet bank, with a few purchased off the exchange.
Stage Two builds are moderately effective in shorter PVE queue events like Starbase Defense, but they may have trouble in Elite Space STFs. Still, the challenge may be what many players need to boost them to Stage Three. If you would rather just play casual space missions, Stage Two may be a good stopping point for you, though you may find yourself slipping into Stage Three before you know it!

Stage Three: The Elite Basic Build

“Nothing we see or hear is perfect. But right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.”
― Shunryu Suzuki, Wherever You Are, Enlightenment Is There

The difference between the Stage Three build and the Stage Two build is one of mindset. Both builds still utilize the same components sourced from drops, the fleet bank, and the exchange. However, a Stage Three player begins to consider their playstyle and desired role in team events. Do you prefer to tank or heal? Do you want to feel the power of pure DPS or run crowd control? A Stage Three player begins to seriously consider their build around these questions.
Once the player begins refining their build around these questions, they may be fully ready to jump into the Elite STF pool. They can also start to spend their hard earned Fleet and Reputation marks on specialized gear to make their build even more effective.

Stage Four: Optimized Builds

“Each of you is perfect the way you are ... and you can use a little improvement.”
― Shunryu Suzuki

When a player reaches Stage Four, they are crafting their build using a very specific role in mind. Here's where things start to get very expensive, my lovelies, because Stage Four builds often use Fleet, Reputation, and C-Store items to increase their effectiveness.
Stage Four builds are some of the heaviest hitters, healers, and crowd controllers in Elite STFs. Many experienced, effective players find most of their enjoyment at builds of this level.

Stage Five: Elite Optimized Builds

“When you do something, you should burn yourself up completely, like a bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.”
― Shunryu Suzuki

Stage Five builds are among the most effective in the game and represent a thorough understanding of game mechanics. Of Stage Five builds, I have identified two subtypes.
The first are Min/Maxed builds. With these, every component has been tweaked and refined to be as effective as possible in either PVE or PVP scenarios.
The second are 'Creative' builds. With these, a player may attempt to 'break' a generally accepted rule and still maintain effectiveness. These are the Picasso paintings of the shipbuilding world, and are only effective when the game mechanics are understood by the player.

To Close

We will be talking about 'rules' when we begin our adventures in shipbuilding next week. However, it's clear that all rules can be (and often are) bent or broken. In the end, we are all playing a game about virtual spaceships together, with the ultimate goal being 'fun.' If what you're doing isn't fun, consider other options.
You don't have to do any of this, either, though you may find that refining your build to accomplish your goals (whether they be enjoying the stories told on the Foundry, running Elite Hive with other suicidal idiots like me, or shooting up your friends in PvP) increases your enjoyment of the game. But if it's not fun anymore? Stop. Take a breath. And figure out how to make it fun again.

“Treat every moment as your last. It is not preparation for something else.”
― Shunryu Suzuki

Coming up!

We'll head out to the shipyards at Qo'noS and meet our test ship, the IKS Garbage Scow. It's a Risian Corvette with a lot of problems. We'll look at the basic rules for an effective build, and move the Garbage Scow from a Level One to a Level Two ship!

Welcome to Zen and the Art of Starship Maintenance! This is intended to be a guide for players new and old to think about building the perfect ship for them.

As this guide gets updated, links will be placed below to each of the chapters.

1. Introduction
2. The Two Commandments (of Energy Weapons)

I started watching at beginning of season 2 and 3 just end I totally love it can't wait til next season :)

Captive Captain
When we entered my quarters I was surprised to find that the table had been set up for a meal for two. There were several dishes to choose from some of my favorite dishes and apparently some of Rufus' as well. I had a surprised look on my face. I looked at Rufus: "Did you? Do this?" I asked.

"No." he replied.

"Well someone...Brighton to Bastion" I tapped my comm badge. Double time to my quarters!" I ordered.

"I smell a conspiracy." stated Rufus.

"I doubt it Fitz, I think I know who is the cause of this." The door chimed. "Enter!" The doors opened with a swish. "Bastion did you do this?"

"Captains, I can explain?" Bastion started.

"Do you remember when we first met? How did you like scrubbing cargo bays? I am thinking that it is time for you to have a refresher course!" I smiled when I said that.

"Sir, I...have been at your side for many years now. Never before today have I sensed what I sense in you now. Don't you think it's time you give someone a chance?" He asked.

"He's right Xavier." Stated Rufus.

"Bastion, get out. I'd better see those cargo bays sparkling by the time we get to the Badlands." I ordered. "As for you, Captain Fitzroy. Sit down!"

We ate slowly and discussed several of our adventures while in Starfleet. Rufus was a kind and gentle soul, but I also sensed a darker side to him. Little did I know I would see this side of him albeit briefly. We finished dinner and I prepared a traditional Vulcan tea. We took tea in the lounge area and spoke of the current mission at length. I entered the plan into the ships computer. We would be entering the badlands in about 4 hours. I tapped a few commands into the computer console in front of me restoring Fitzroy's comm badge. When I hit execute the computer responded with an error. "Captain Fitzroy's Comm Badge is functioning within normal parameters" stated the computer. Busted trying to restore it, "Aden, I fixed my badge hours ago." He stated dryly. I sat back and sipped my tea.

We both sat in silence staring out into space. The blue hue surrounding the ship barely allowed us visibility to the stars beyond the slipstream. "Rufus? What are we doing here?" I asked quietly.

"We are going to go blow shit up" he stated.

"No I mean, here, right now? What is this?" I asked "Are we on a date? A mission briefing? I am confused at this point." I stated.

"I think this is a mission briefing date" he replied.

We talked more at length about our backgrounds, he being a very young man of 29 and me and Octogenarian. He inquired further about my upbringing on Earth and why I had chosen the path I did. The ship suddenly dropped out of warp and came to a complete stop.

"Bridge, Report" I ordered.

"Propulsion offline, Shields are offline, Tactical systems offline." the comm officer stated.

The ship rocked and began to drift. Power began to fluctuate.

"Fitzroy to the Ruane" Rufus called into his comm badge.

"Ruane here sir." Replied his comm officer.

"Status?" ordered Rufus.

"Cruising at warp 15, on approach to the Badlands. ETA 1 hour sir!"

"Damnit! You are an hour ahead of us. We are stranded and under attack get back here!" ordered the Captain. "We'd better figure out what is going on and get this ship back together!" he cried out as we headed for the door.

The ship rocked violently again as we made our way to the bridge. The ship whirred back to life and straightened out. As we entered the bridge Bastion started spitting out the status of the ship. "All systems are back up Sir. I am not sure what hit yes but we are about to find out."

The shipped rocked again only not nearly as bad and the inertial dampeners went into overdrive. As we arc'd up and to the left a Cardassien Keldon Class ship came into view. It fired a volley of Photons.

"Return Fire!" I shouted. "Damage Report!"

"Hull breaches in sections 7-12 on decks 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Force fields weak but holding" another barrage of torpedoes smashed into the hull. The force fields dropped. Shields dropped. A barrage of phaser fire struck the ship. One of the nacelles was destroyed. Rufus took over tactical in a shower of sparks and plumes of smoke. "Reroute power to weapons" I ordered. Rufus released a spread of quantum torpedoes followed directing phaser fire to the Keldon's shields. 2 more ships appeared and began to fire as the first Keldon exploded.

Destruction and Doubt
The other Cardassian Keldon ships continued to pummel the Belfast. I had managed to send out a distress call before communications were obliterated. The Ruane was 15 minutes away and pushing itself to the limit. Fitzroy was trying his best to launch everything he could at the Cardassians and was continuing to fire phaser barrage after phaser barrage. I crossed over to the now vacant science station to check on the deflector. It was still online! I managed to increase power to the graviton generators and particle generators and released a gravity well in the vicinity of the two ships. It overpowered their engines and soon their shields dropped. They would be crushed in moments. They managed fire off another round of torpedoes, the aft section of the Belfast was shredded. We were done for. I called for abandon ship and the remaining crew made way for the escape pods. As the pods detached from the ship the Ruane warped in fired a few shots at the Cardassian ships taking them out and beamed an away team to my bridge. The station I was working on exploded I was thrown back across the bridge divider and landed just in front of the Captains chair. All went black.

Note that this is just me banging some words onto a page and I don't know if I'll actually finish it. It was just fun writing a little snapshot of action for Fitzroy. I also apologise profusely for the terrible pun in the thread name.





“Incoming!”

The shout rang above the alert klaxons and the rumbling of the straining engines. Through the smoky haze, I saw the Ferengi helm officer brace herself against her console. A moment later, the deck lurched, throwing the bridge into further disarray.

“Return fire!” My words were almost lost under a loud detonation from behind me. Spinning in my seat, I saw the aft station ensign thrown to the floor in a shower of sparks, the console he had been operating now burnt out and ruined. The bridge medic rushed to his side and began treating the ensign’s burns.

I swung back around to face the tactical plot on the viewscreen. We were almost through the line, sprinting the U.S.S. Ruane down the throat of the True Way blockade around Melos. For a moment, I felt a swell of pride in the ship and her crew; we were barrelling into the belly of the beast and we were holding together.

I punched the comm control on the arm of my seat. “Bridge to Engineering. Shaï, we’re going to need your signature move.”

The line crackled slightly as the response came back. “Alright, Cap’n, but don’t expect it to last long under these conditions.”

“Anything will help. Signal direct to the helm when you’re ready.” Jabbing the comm control again, I called out to the helm. “Sezo, when you get the signal from Engineering, let her rip.”

“Aye sir,” called the lieutenant in a steady voice. I noted to myself to consider a promotion for her; courage under fire and all that.

As I thought this, a green light flashed on the helm controls. “Punching it!” announced Sezo, as she hit the flashing control.

I was immediately pressed back into my seat by the acceleration. On the tactical display, the ship’s speed almost doubled as emergency power was roughly forced through the impulse engines. Another shudder shook the ship as a torpedo detonated on the shields, and then we were through the line.

“Nice! Get us into the radiation belt.”

“Aye, sir. Ten seconds to belt’s edge.” Sezo adjusted the ship’s heading a fraction.

“Let's see it.”

The display cut to a high-altitude view of Melos, a lush planet with swathes of purple-green forest across its continents. A shimmering band encircled the planet, high above the equator. It was into this band of radiation that the ship now plummeted at full speed.

“Five seconds.”

“Newt?” I called.

From my right, Cmdr Newton Harrison shouted, “Ready, sir.”

“Entering radiation belt now.”

“Hit it, Newt.”

“Yes, Captain. Matching our energy signature to the belt’s radiation.” He tapped furiously at his station controls, and I was almost sure I could hear the background hum change tone ever so slightly.

“Okay. We’re through the line and hopefully hidden from their sensors temporarily, but we need to make this rescue a quick one. Helm, take us into position above the colony. Newt, get the away teams assembled in the hangar. I’ll meet them there.”

Newt threw me a disapproving look, but unfortunately for him, I’m one of those captains. Always got to lead the way in person.

“Aye, sir, and please try not to make paperwork for me by getting shot up.”

I laughed as I rose from my seat. “You know me better than that, Commander. You have the bridge.” I strode over to the turbolift, barely waiting for the doors to open before ordering, “Main hangar.”



Melos was home to a small Federation colony. It was some distance away from the edge of the Badlands, and the blockading ships above had come far out of their way. They were after something—or someone. The bulk of the colonists had evacuated as the blockade fleet approached, but a science team had been trapped in the hills outside the main colony. Our job was to get them out and find out what the True Way wanted.

The radiation belt the ship was hidden in would pose no threat to the Ruane’s crew provided exposure was limited, but it had a scattering effect on sensors and transporters. The armed away teams were prepping their equipment when I arrived in the hangar bay, from where we would launch an orbital insertion on the ship’s runabouts.

I spied my chief of security easily. Despite the war, there are still more Klingons in Starfleet these days than there were twenty years ago.

“Mr Kuhr.”

“Captain.” The towering figure nodded toward the squads. “They are almost combat-ready. I have also taken the liberty of preparing the Captain’s Special.” He indicated a nearby bench with my preferred armour and weapon prepared.

“Excellent, thank you. Now finish getting suited up yourself and let’s get this show on the road.”

I strapped on my combat armour and holstered my weapons: twin pistols and a mek’leth sword gifted to me by Kuhr's mother the year before. The armour had a personal shroud that I suspected would come in handy on this mission.

The teams were prepped, Kuhr was armed to the teeth and I had my Captain’s Special. It was time to launch a rescue.

As the transport beam lights faded, I was left sitting there staring out the window. Growing up around humans and by not following the Vulcan ways I was one of the more emotional of the species. I WAS Vulcan through and through but I was not afraid of my emotions and had learned to control fear and anger. I had no control over the other emotions at all. I had, in fact, been known to cry on occasion. This was not such an occasion. Instead I wanted to learn more about this Captain Fitzroy....Rufus. I replayed our very brief conversation to see if I had missed anything and I hadn't. He had said I was cute but had a bad haircut. Instinctively I reached up to head and 'straightened" it out. I had the typical Vulcan cut. I also had blond hair. This was due to a gene that dated way back in my lineage. At some point one of my ancestors was in fact a Romulan.

1 hour later - on the bridge

I sat in the Captains chair for the first time.

"Sir the Ruane is hailing" the comm officer said.

"On Screen"

"Ahh Captain, good. How are operations going?" asked Captain Fitzroy.

I looked up at the screen. "Good Captain, we are prepared to leave now." I replied, slightly flushed. I hoped no one noticed.

"Good lets plan on leaving DS9 as originally scheduled. You look a little flushed, is everything alright?" He asked.

"Fine. Belfast out!" I said and the screen went dark. He had made it fairly obvious to my bridge crew that while I was perfectly fine before he hailed I was now a little flushed! Great! just what I needed. "I'll be in my ready room!"

The doors slid closed behind me. I crossed the room to replicate a coffee and try to collect myself. The door chimed. This ought to be interesting. "This better be important, Come in" I barked.

Bastion entered the room with a big grin on his face (Another humanish Vulcan trait). I motioned him in so the doors would close. I sat down on the couch and looked out into the space beyond DS9. I picked up a PADD and started re-reading the ships specs. "What is it Commander and I use the term loosely?"

"Aden...are you ok?" Bastion asked taking a seat on the couch.

"I am fine. What is it that you want?" I asked.

"Aden, I have known you far longer than you care to admit. I know when something is wrong." He stated.

"Now is not the time Commander." I stated. "I am fine, the ship is ready to leave for the badlands for a mission with a Captain that..." I was cut off.

"With a Captain you apparently have fallen in love with, or at least extreme like" He finished.

"That will be all Ensign!" I barked and motioned for him to leave. "Love" I said quietly as he departed.

Bastion knew all too well that I would not demote him to Ensign. As he walked towards the bridge he turned and looked back at me with concern. After he left I went to my desk and picked up a PADD, it seems a Captain and his PADD’s are not soon parted. It just so happened to be Bastions tactical logs. I skimmed through them looking for anything out of the ordinary when my comm badge started to buzz.
“Brighton here.” I stated

“Ahh good…Captain, the Ruane is ready to depart lets head to the Badlands” said Captain…err…Rufus.

“Very good Captain. Bridge disconnect from DS9 and depart.” I ordered. “Take us to the Badlands warp 8.”

“So Aden, I thought a little dinner, perhaps some Romulan ale aboard the Ruane might let us get to know each other a little better.” Said Rufus.

“I have a better thought, you come over to the Belfast and we will dine here.” I stated. With a flash of light Rufus was standing before me. “Damnit I hate when you do that!” I said. I stood up and motioned him towards the door. We stepped on to the bridge and I saw Bastion smile a little as we walked over to stand in front of the view screen.

“Ruane, Ahead to the Badlands, Warp 10.” Rufus said turning to look at my reaction.

“Helm, advance to warp 13, execute.” I ordered. “Comm cut all communications with the Ruane. Comm silence until we get to the Badlands. Disable Captain Fitzroy’s comm badge for everything other than ship communications.” With that said I turned and walked to the Turbo Lift. I glanced at Fitzroy and shot him a quick wink. He was now captive aboard my ship.

I only just got into the series. I tried watching the first episode ages ago, but got turned off by the first 5 minutes of it and turned it off. Decided to try again, last week and Amazon helpfully offered to let me resume viewing from the point where I got annoyed and turned it off (so I could avoid the part that annoyed me) and I quite liked it.

So much that I had to binge watch it until I got up to the end of the current series. (Yay for Video On Demand).

Now I'm jonesing for the next series and it doesn't start until next summer. >.

the whole issue is vexing though *bangs head*

My career through the ranks at Starfleet is a very bland story. Needless to say once I hit the rank of Captain it was a slingshot trajectory to Vice Admiral. I spent a great deal of time fighting Nausicans, Klingons, Romulans and Remans. A very small amount of time fighting the Cardassians and Jem'Hadar. I spent most of my days between ESD and DS9. This particular part of my tale starts at DS9.

I was sitting at a table on the Promenade sipping coffee. This was a beverage I was introduced to on earth during my youth. I was particularity fond of strong coffee with a dairy product known as cream. It was heavier than milk but not as heavy as the cream you would use to make various other confections of Earthen History. I digress, I was enjoying my coffee and catching up on some duty logs I had neglected when across the way I spied him. I had no idea who he was but I knew he was Starfleet and slightly higher rank than I. It never fails I always wanted that which was out of reach.

"Sir?" I heard the voice speak

Half in daze I responded, "Yes what is it?" then I looked up to see Bastion standing before me. "What is it Bastion?"

"Sir the new ship is ready for inspection. When you are ready. Sir" Bastion explained excitedly.

"Get on board then and prepare the troops I will be along shortly." I replied

I got up from the table having finished my coffee and he was still there at the Kiosk. It appeared he was trading various items. I walked over to the Kiosk and began browsing the various items that were set out. I got a glance of his name plate on his uniform. I tapped my com "Brighton, ready to beam up" I stated within his hearing range. I vanished in a quick flash of light.

I stepped off the transporter pad and entered the corridor. Bastion knew me well enough to know that I did not like all the pomp and circumstance of announcing my arrival, so met me in the hallway. We walked in silence towards the science section. He knew I would start there and then work my way through engineering and finally tour the crew general quarters. I would receive shift reports in my ready room at 1800 hours and review them with the senior members of my bridge officers. I preferred complete silence when going through the routine inspections and would send my reports to the department chiefs 2 days following (that would give them time to fix anything before my report came out). I glanced around the three labs and moved on towards engineering. In the last Intrepid star ship I Captained they were in close proximity to one another. Bastion corrected me by guiding me to the nearest turbo lift. It seems in this ship Engineering was located a few decks down.

I entered engineering and marveled at the newest version of warp core installed into my ship. I glanced around the area as the Chief and his team stood at attention.

"Chief, you have a rattle somewhere, find it and fix it." I said as I walked out. "Bastion, if you don't mind show me to my quarters now." I stated

"Sir, your quarters are now on Deck 2 below the bridge. In fact Deck 2 is basically yours. If you don't like the configuration we set up please let me know I will correct it." he stated.

-to be continued, shortly-

I entered my quarters and found them to be quite sufficient. I replicated a coffee and sat down at my desk to begin pouring over the plethora of PADD's sitting on my desk. My combadge buzzed: "Sir, incoming transmission from DS9" stated the voice. "Put it through" I replied

"Captain, Kurland here. I don't suppose you have time to assist in a mission? I know you haven't had a proper shakedown but there is a problem in the Badlands. I wonder if you might assist Captain Fitzroy with the Cardassians there. Apparently they have staked out claims on several moons there and have Orbital weapons protecting them."

My jaw dropped. How could this be possible? I literally just stalked him on DS9 and now I am being thrown into a mission with him. I hadn't even the time to look up his Starfleet records.

"Captain?" queried Kurland. And again a few seconds later, "Captain, can you hear me?"

"Yes...sorry. I will contact Capt. Fitzroy shortly, Brighton out". I replied.

No sooner had I ended the com with Kurland (whom I secretly despised, yes a Vulcan can despise something) when a flash of light appeared and there before me was Capt. Fitzroy. As the transport beams abated I could see he was facing the wrong direction which gave me a moment to compose myself.

"Captain? What an interesting entrance." I stated as he turned around to face me.

"Well you know, some of us do like to make an entrance. Call me Rufus." He replied quietly crossing to the replicator.

"So I have just been informed we are going to the Badlands. This ship hasn't had a proper shake down but according to my crew it's ready to fly." I stated.

"What are your thoughts on the mission?" I queried. I stood up and approached Cpt. Fitzroy. "Didn't I just see you on the Promenade? You were looking at explosive devices, if I remember."

"Yes and your blatant beam up gave me an idea. Yes, I noticed you looking at me as you said, and I quote "Brighton, ready to beam up". I knew it was more than just the typical beam me up Scotty routine. I immediately told that twat Kurland I wanted you on the mission with me...besides your cute with all that straight blond hair and blue eyes. Too bad you can't get a good haircut."

I sat down on the couch staring at him. He had known I was 'stalking' him! I was quite beside myself.

"Let's see what this bucket of bolts can do. We depart in 3 hours" with that said he tapped his com badge and disappeared into a zillion lights.

Quote by Lars2510

Looks very nice!

I would almost apply just out of enthusiasm!
However, I don't play STO every day or every week and also don't know enough about the game mechanics to be a help to those who need to know more than just the basics :(

Still, good luck Geo and everyone else who joins the committee!

You dont really need to be an expert just willing to help and share any tips, advice or tricks you've picked up along the way :)