Task Force: Gamma

Captain David Brennon · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 1:27 pm Post subject: Outsider

OOC: I'm just starting the thread, allowing everyone to talk and stretch their Role Playing legs a little. I'll push the story along once everyone's had a chance to get into character a little.

Stardate 54258.5 (April 5, 2377)
Ship Time: 0830 Hours

ACTION

It was the middle of Alpha Shift and the Senior Officers were all at their posts at the beginning of a typical day. The Captain sat at the center of the Bridge, Qech to his right and Lioy to his left and the rest of the Bridge crew at their stations as the Captain spoke (at length) of the significance of the day.

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

"...to be honest, I think it was one of the pivotal moments in galactic history, or at least in terms of all the races represented here on the Hartington. Without First Contact, I doubt that any of us would be working together, and it's likely that some of us wouldn't even be alive. Alter that one event and all of our history unravels."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech listened to Brennon speak at length about the importance of First Contact as she sipped at her orange juice. While she completely agreed with him, and was enjoying the discussion, she found it difficult to stay focused on the topic. After all, she was having her brain picked by one person, and her abdomen repeatedly kicked by another. It was a distraction she was getting used to, but she couldn't help but wonder whether or not she had an odd look on her face. She certainly did not want the Captain to think she thought his statement was funny, but it was difficult not to smile.

"...to be honest, I think it was one of the pivotal moments in galactic history, or at least in terms of all the races represented here on the Hartington. Without First Contact, I doubt that any of us would be working together, and it's likely that some of us wouldn't even be alive. Alter that one event and all of our history unravels."

She nodded at this statement, fighting to keep her expression straight. "While I know many members of the crew, Calodan and Croft to name two, owe their very existence to first contact, I also have to wonder how civilizations would have developed having never met the humans. The Trill would probably have stayed in their own little corner of the universe, content to be left alone."

She knew her first host, Selara Qech, was contributing some useful memories to this subject. She remembered a time when the Trill still clung more viciously to their secrets as they do even now. "I think our meeting humans was good for us. Brought us out of our hole. What is the point of living for lifetimes if you're too afraid to step outside?"
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Marek · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 1:47 pm Post subject:

Croft sat at the helm, listening to the Captain's...well lecture came to mind, although it was more interesting than most of the lectures he had at the Academy. He smiled as Qech mentioned his name, Never really thought of it that way, next time I see Zefram Cochrane's statue I'll have to give it a hearty salute He smiles even wider remembering that Lioy would hear that.
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Cory Drake · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 1:48 pm Post subject:

Lt. Cory Drake
USS Hartington
Bridge

Drake turned his chair slightly away from his console as in brought in information on the space around the Hartington as it traveled. "Excuse me Captain, I'm just curious. Currently Starfleet does survey missions -- sometimes hidden -- on planets before making First Contact and study the culture indepth before making the contact. Do you believe the Vulcans would still have made contact with us if they would have studied us more indepth before touching down to meet Mr. Cochran after the first warp flight?"

Drake had thought about this since his time in the academy, having done his final paper on Cochran and First Contact and the first Vulcan science missions to Earth.

"If so, I wonder how much longer First Contact would have taken between the two species," Drake questioned.
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 2:01 pm Post subject:

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

The Captain turned to his Science Officer as he spoke, listening to his question. A smile crept up the Captain's face as he formulated his answer, the whole exchange reminding him of his time on the Academy Faculty.

"If you look at the historical record, Vulcans had already surveyed the planet and decided to not make contact. I think a part of them expected humanity to blow itself up -- which it very nearly did. Had Doctor Cochran not made his flight, or the Vulcan survey ship not been in range to witness it I think it would have been a very long time before we would have made contact.

"Think of what First Contact did for the Human race. We went from a war ravaged, poverty stricken people to a paradise in two generations -- but only with the help of the Vulcans. Humans were not always the way we are today. We needed the kick in the rear, the wake up call that meeting our first actual alien species gave us, to jump start us into a golden age.

"It's very likely that had events not unfolded just right, as they did historically, that we wouldn't be looking at a United Federation of Planets but rather a United Earth; a Vulcan Confederacy; an Andorian Empire and countless others. Its easy to see the Federation today and think that our people have always been such good friends... but the Vulcans, Andorians and Tellarites were at each other's throats in the decades before the Federation. Sector 001 was a veritable warzone for much of the 21st and early 22nd centuries."
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Cory Drake · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 2:28 pm Post subject:

Lt. Cory Drake
USS Hartington
Bridge

Drake nodded and then posed his next question, now recalling his academy arguments with ths professors. "But Sir, I don't believe we humans really learned anything. Aren't we still getting to wars and battles? Like the Dominion War and skirmishes like we recently had."

Drake paused. "Don't get me wrong, Captain, I completely agree with you, but I don't think we've come as far as some think we have, to be honest."

Drake didn't mean to start an agrument of any sort with the captain, it was just something he used to do in the academy as it was all coming back to him. "I take it your study of the Eyoia went well, sir?"
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 4:38 pm Post subject:

The Captain's smile grew as Drake swiftly changed the topic. One had to admire the Lieutenant's convictions.

"Well deflected, Mister Drake. You don't have to worry about disagreeing with me though, I was an educator and a Starship Captain -- not to mention the fact that I've literally sat in your seat. I can appreciate a differing point of view.

"The war with the Dominion was one of survival. Had we not fought, our way of life would have vanished from the face of the galaxy. The same can be said about our ongoing conflict with the Borg. Look at the history of the Federation, we've never once been the aggressors of any conflict.

"Am I saying that Humans aren't violent? No, of course not. Every species has the capacity for violence from the most peaceful and logical Vulcan to a Klingon or the Jem'Hadar. Humanity has struggled for a very long time to control those impulses however, much like our Vulcan allies.

"Our humanity is a work in progress, Lieutenant. A road that will never be completely traveled. After all... what's the fun in perfection?"

After letting his words sink in for a moment he turned again to face the science officer and offered, "And I enjoyed the study of the Eyoia very much, thank you for asking."
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Davynn Qech · Graphics Chief Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 809

Qech used Drake's question as an opportunity to get up and refill her orange juice at the replicator. She smiled as she heard Drake speaking behind her, clearly worried that his argument might ruffle the Captain's feathers. The Captain's response was one she expected. She knew him well enough. One little known fact about Brennon was that he loved to debate, especially in the categories of history and science, and always appreciated a good counter-argument.

On her way back to her seat, the Commander stopped by the science station and leaned in toward the Lieutenant, speaking quietly.

"And with that, his respect for you just shot up ten points." She grinned, gave him a clap on the shoulder, and returned to her chair with her drink.
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Aria · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:18 pm Post subject:

Aria quirked a smile a Croft, picturing him giving a jaunty salute to a statue. She sent a wordless image back at him, sparking with laughter...him sweeping a deep bow to the stone man, while dressed in nineteenth century clothing and a top hat...an era of extreme politeness in human history. She made sure to add excessive ruffles to the image Croft.

"Am I saying that Humans aren't violent? No, of course not. Every species has the capacity for violence from the most peaceful and logical Vulcan to a Klingon or the Jem'Hadar. Humanity has struggled for a very long time to control those impulses however, much like our Vulcan allies.

Aria leaned forward. She loved a good debate as well. Not necessarily even when she disagreed with a position. Actually, she felt the Captain had a very good point. But every statement could be examined and expanded upon, and what better way than to look at the opposing side?

"Let me play Devil's Advocate here," she said. "You say every species has the capacity for violence. In my experience that's true. You also say Humanity has struggled for a very long time to contain that violence. Well, compared to the Vulcans, no you haven't. As was pointed out, Humanity transformed in a mere two generations from a vicious, war-strewn populace to an ordered civilization. That seems very quick. Maybe humans aren't as 'civilized' as they like to think. Maybe they just hide it better." She kept her tone calm, even whimsical as she spoke. That way, hopefully, her speech would be taken in the spirit it was intended, as a debate point, and not as an insult aimed at the Captain about his species.
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Cory Drake · Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 8:01 pm Post subject:

Lt. Cory Drake
USS Hartington
Bridge

Drake nodded at the commander and then chuckled slightly at Aria. "I agree with you, Lieutenant," Drake said towards the ship's new counselor and continued, trying to add humor to the debate. "I know I can hide things pretty well."

Drake smile in her direction slightly, he didn't know much about her yet except that she was the new ship's counselor. He hadn't had the time to research her file yet through Starfleet, but already found her captivating, interesting and a wee-bit feisty. Mmmm, not too bad., Drake thought to himself.

Drake quickly snapped back to the current conversation and turned to the captain, before anyone noticed he was "checking out" the newest officer. "Captain, when you have a moment, I'd like to discuss with you the Eyoia and find out what you thought about them, I've always been curious about other species and how they behave."

Drake glances at his science console -- nothing out of the ordinary yet. For most that would be a welcoming sign, but Drake enjoyed exploring the unordinary.
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Aria · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 12:39 pm Post subject:

"I know I can hide things pretty well."

"I'll keep that in mind," she said, amused. "And not take things you say at face value." She could feel his interest towards her and didn't know whether to be more flattered or surprised. After all, she'd barely spoken to the science officer so far.

((OOC: BTW, if anyone wants to have a conversation w/ Aria, I've got a thread in Secondary Storylings started where she starts counseloring. Yes, this is indeed a shameless plug.)) Smile

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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 6:34 pm Post subject:

OOC: I'm going to respond to this tomorrow, moving the scene forward. We've had a bit of bad luck today (as anyone who's seen my Facebook will know) and my mind isn't really on the game. Someone hit our car as it was parked safely outside of our house... worst of all all of the evidence points towards one of our neighbors! Anyhow, we'll get the story moving in the next 24 hours, with any luck Mark will be back by that point too and he'll be able to join in on the moral conversation the Bridge crew seems to be having. Good work to all thus far, I look forward to this week, it should be fun!
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Captain David Brennon · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:44 pm Post subject:

OOC: Waiting on Uvek to get into the conversation, his character has some info we'll need to start the action.

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

"Let me play Devil's Advocate here, You say every species has the capacity for violence. In my experience that's true. You also say Humanity has struggled for a very long time to contain that violence. Well, compared to the Vulcans, no you haven't. As was pointed out, Humanity transformed in a mere two generations from a vicious, war-strewn populace to an ordered civilization. That seems very quick. Maybe humans aren't as 'civilized' as they like to think. Maybe they just hide it better."

"I think the important word to look at here is 'hide'. Every race that claims civilization or some form of utopia are hiding their baser natures. The fact remains that we are able to live the way we do. Take away our creature comforts and we'll devolve, but I'm fairly certain that the same could be said for the Vulcans.

"The real question is this: do we retain our civilization in the face of adversity? I think that peace says a lot about of culture, but what happens to us in the face of catastrophe will say a lot more."
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uvek · Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 8:33 am Post subject:

"The real question is this: do we retain our civilization in the face of adversity? I think that peace says a lot about of culture, but what happens to us in the face of catastrophe will say a lot more."

Uvek had listened quietly to the bridge crew. It was at times a failing of his in his mind, that he did not interact more but truth be told, 20 years of solitude and secrets taints a man's social agenda.

He nodded his head and cleared his throat for the first time. "I say our civilization is realized more fully in the face of adversity captain." He leaned back, surprised at his own voice and thoughts. But he let them play out.

"Since my time aboard Hartington, I have been able to observe this crew in some very..trying circumstances. Even in the worst of those moments I have witnessed the very character of the races represented here, and I am very impressed. Given my history with Romulus, you would have thought I would have been a better study of humans and humanity, but I find I focused more on the work than on the people. Now, however, I have seen what I can consider the best in those I observed, oftentimes coming in the worst conditions." He nodded to Commander Qech and smiled. "In point of fact...." His long-winded dissertation was cut off by a bleeping sound.

"Captain, I have received a signal. It's coming from a system not far from us. It does not appear to be directed necessarily at us. It seems to be a status report." He frowned, his fingers flying over the board for a moment more. "Captain...It does appear that the signal is in Klingon!"
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Live a life of action...not reaction.

Captain David Brennon · Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 9:30 pm Post subject:

Location: Main Bridge, USS Hartington

As the Captain listened to his tactical officer offer up his opinion, Yeomen M'Rowl handed him a PADD for review. After entering in a few commands he nodded and passed the device over to Qech, showing her a piece of detailed shipboard information from their daily activities. Brennon's head drew up as Uvek cut short his side of the discussion with a report.

"In point of fact... Captain, I have received a signal. It's coming from a system not far from us. It does not appear to be directed necessarily at us. It seems to be a status report. Captain...It does appear that the signal is in Klingon!"

At that, Captain Brennon shook his head, a slight smile parting his face as he looked to his right.

"You know Commander, why is it that while we're out here to meet new and interesting people, we keep finding hidden pockets of one's we've met before?"

Wish a shake of his head Brennon turned to face the front, calling out his orders.

"Mr. Uvek, relay the transmission coordinates to the helm. Lieutenant Croft, lay in a course and engage at warp 8."
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