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To Boldly Go... (a Starfleet quest)

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To Boldly Go... (a Starfleet quest) Starfleet Ship Design Bureau, Refit ("To Boldly Go...")
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I can't believe it took us 1.5 million words to finally stumble on Space K-Pop (C-Pop?) boy bands.

Fuck

This is so perfect.

Send help.
 
75% Certain said:
Alright, the TVTropes page is up. It has a YMMV page, but no character page yet. Feel free to put some eyeballs on it and edit/correct as you feel inclined. I'm sure there are some inaccuracies that need to be ferreted out... in addition to the hundreds of things I've just outright missed, of course.
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Uh, you got the Batman Gambit example backwards.

Halkh assumed that while he would be leading from the front on the super-badass ship, your average admiral would probably lead from the rear and let the badass ship take point and tear the enemy apart for them. So he quantum torpedoed the ship in the back, when the ship in the front was in fact the Enterprise.

Also, for "Curb Stomp Battle," the Licori emperor was actually on one of the LAST ships to be destroyed, as I recall...
 
Zerohour said:
Damn you. Damn you to hell.


Currently topping the charts in Cardassia is N'Step, A group of five rising stars in the Cardassian military. While they primarily act as morale boosters for the soldiers, they have each served a full tour of duty on the front lines, earning several commendations along the way.

Jasad: The firstborn son of a prominent military leader. He's born and bred to be a leader, and takes to that role with gusto as the front man of the band.
Seltan: A commoner who rose to prominence during his basic training. A patriot to the core, his strength is capable of matching even the fiercest of enemy soldiers, and is only matched by his undying loyalty.
Russol: A former rebel who finally saw the error of his ways. While he still doesn't follow the rules, every action is dedicated to glorifying the Ashalla Pact
Urist: Willowy and bookish. Rumors abound that he is in the fast track for the Obsidian order, but he always claims he's more interested in stellar cartography than anything else, and says nothing more, just offering a smile that makes the ladies swoon.
Farris: A lover of history, his favorite songs are ancient ballads reminding people of the past glories of Cardassia, and how they must always strive to reach beyond them in pursuit of glory!

While these five make up the core of the band, there are a number of auxillary members of the various species composing the Ashalla Pact. Each of these auxillaries has their own support band when performing for their own species, often accompanied by their Cardassian Counterpart to further demonstrate their unity under their flag.

Their multi-platinum newest release includes such hits as:
-Match my step and Feds we'll wreck
-I love you, but not as much as Cardassia
-The Siren Song of Space Service

Millions of fans wonder what course their next major tour will take. There are whispers that at least one performance will take place at Enio, both as a solemn thanks to all those that died fighting for their sovereign state, and as a reminder to the Federation that Cardassia is not beaten.
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@OneirosTheWriter @OtherAwesomeGms

Hmm, would it be ok to have a spin-off quest for the boy-band, as they go around trying to be positive role models* and raise morale** in the Ashalla Pact? It could be focused on the interpersonal relations and trials and of boy-band life in the Pact, with side bits for ship failures, and emergencies, and occasionally touching on how the Cardassians interact with the other members of the pact****.

*"positive Role Model" Like Aaron Wolfe*** is an intelligence "analyst"
** See: *
*** At least one of the band should be, like Aaron Wolfe, a suspected Klingon, despite any and all evidence to the contrary.
**** All non cardassian band members are in fact Leccare*****.
***** Including the Leccare members. Yes, even the one that likes upholstery and working with fabric.
 
So.... the TVtropes link isn't working for me, and when I try and google 'tvtropes to boldly go starfleet quest' it doesn't appear. Suggestions for my weak google skills?
 
BeepSmile said:
@OneirosTheWriter @OtherAwesomeGms

Hmm, would it be ok to have a spin-off quest for the boy-band, as they go around trying to be positive role models* and raise morale** in the Ashalla Pact? It could be focused on the interpersonal relations and trials and of boy-band life in the Pact, with side bits for ship failures, and emergencies, and occasionally touching on how the Cardassians interact with the other members of the pact****.

*"positive Role Model" Like Aaron Wolfe*** is an intelligence "analyst"
** See: *
*** At least one of the band should be, like Aaron Wolfe, a suspected Klingon, despite any and all evidence to the contrary.
**** All non cardassian band members are in fact Leccare*****.
***** Including the Leccare members. Yes, even the one that likes upholstery and working with fabric.
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Fuck yeah, spinoffs!
 
khan2012 said:
So.... the TVtropes link isn't working for me, and when I try and google 'tvtropes to boldly go starfleet quest' it doesn't appear. Suggestions for my weak google skills?
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the boldly go tv tropes link in the informational threadmark is active and working
Adhoc vote count started by Thors_Alumni on Mar 7, 2018 at 8:07 AM, finished with 171 posts and 29 votes.
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Oh my God, I can't believe it. Space K-Pop is happening.

And every good boy band needs a fan army name...

N'Steppers... Unite!
 
Did people want me to change to getting more teams from the Gaeni Institutes rather than additional Starfleet Security teams? They're the same cost.

The Gaeni are like, "What's in the mystery box?"
 
All right, changed Security detachments to Gaeni institute attachments since absolutely no one seemed enthused about more Starfleet Security.

Briefvoice said:
[X][COUNCIL] Briefvoice 2322
  • Request Mining Colony Sael II, 7pp 20 (35) sr/year, 4 turns
  • Request Mining Colony Sigma Delphi, 7pp 20 (30) br/yr, 4 turns
  • Request Research Colony Pure Intent Array, 6pp, 5rp (8) rp/yr, 4 turns
  • Request Research Colony Ariya Minor, 6pp, 5rp (8) rp/yr, 4 turns
  • Request new Starbase I [Horizon Border Zone] 20pp
  • Request focused Diplomacy on a potential member species, 20pp (Bajoran Diaspora) [Can be taken up to five times]
  • Request focused Diplomacy on a potential member species, 20pp (Vermillions) [Can be taken up to five times]
  • Request focused Diplomacy on a potential member species, 20pp (Gorn) [Can be taken up to five times]
  • Request focused Diplomacy on a potential member species, 20pp (Muuyozoi (Outer Space Alliance)) [Can be taken up to five times]
  • Request focused Diplomacy on a potential member species, 20pp (Licori) [Can be taken up to five times]
  • Reorganise a Starfleet Command from a Rear Admiral position to a Vice Admiral position. Pick one: 30pp for Personnel
  • Deploy Improved Listening Posts to a Border Zone to gain a 25% chance of generating +1 Intel report for powers on that border. (Romulan Border Zone), 20pp
  • Request allocation for new Engineering Team, 25pp, will allow 2 x Engineering Ships to be built in Starfleet line yards.
  • Support additional Task Force attachments from Gaeni Institutes, 35pp, 1 year
Total = 256

I feel like this is a good split of diplomatic resources. The Bajoran Diaspora and the Vermillions become affiliates, meaning that we start to get a trickle of crew income from them and they get auto-rolls every year. The Gorn at least lets us make a little progress this year and ideally a mini-intelligence report. Then the OSA and the Licori help our diplomatic efforts. I know we need to do the Felis too, but clearing Horizon tags faster on the OSA and Licori helps free up ships to concentrate on the Felis. Beyond that, we get our long-delayed listening posts for the Romulans, an additional Gaeni attachment will no doubt be useful, and finally do the Personnel promotion we've been discussing for a decade. Finally, I am jumping on those additional engineering ships!
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The Dictator's Ball was really interesting....

Iron Wolf said:
This has raised eyebrows across the Quadrant, particularly as the Harmony of Horizon, a similar Federal democracy, begins to assert itself with saccharine vigour. It's not so much the democracy that bugs these grumpy and illiberal states -- the ISC receives little comment, as they keep to themselves. But for states that rely on authoritarian government, that repress the lives of their citizens, the Federation and the Harmony of Horizon continually challenge what might be charitably described as their way of life. Or less charitably, their hold on power. The two federal states integrate others into their political structures, and by doing so have forged impressive governmental, industrial, and cultural blocs. Ones that cannot be easily toppled by war fleets or secret police.
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For all we see the Harmony of Horizon as a rival, everyone else seems to see them as pretty much the same as the Federation. I guess we knew that logically would be the case, but we didn't know it before.

The authoritarian states have taken notice of this new threat. On Trill, representatives from the Romulan, Cardassian, Bajoran, Imelak, Goshawnar, Dylaarian, Konen, Gorn, Dawiar, Ittick-Ka, and even Bolian and Licori governments descended into the petal-swept streets of the capitol, Leran Manev, the spectacle rounded out by the rare sight of a Tholian in a silk-draped encounter suit.
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I had honestly not realized that the Bolians were an authoritarian state.

Conspicuously absent are the Breen, who refuse to let anyone know what kind of government they practice anyway.

They, of course, also invited representatives of the powers that threatened said culture, the Harmony and the Federation. The latter delegation arrived in vessels from two separate species, ostensibly a happy coincidence. Ambassador Nethellies of Larcasis should be given a medal for his incredible ability to stay inscrutable as panel discussions on the sickness of his people were held, blustering speeches about Federation Evils were given, and 'bilateral meetings' were held between senior officials in every meeting room and on every staircase landing.
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The article mentions the Hamony sent representatives as well. I wonder what they thought about all of this? Observing only?

The Goshawnar hosted perhaps the most interesting panel, "Building A Mighty Machine Of Industry To Sweep Aside The Pests Who Have Beset Your Productive Bosom," mostly because of the subject matter and the gusto with which their host, Flight Lead Tulip, hammered home his points. Fighting the Federation and Horizon industrial advantage obsessed many at the conference, particularly the Gorn, who listened to Tulip with rapt attention. But the panel became more lively when the floor was opened and members of the Bolian delegation challenged some of the Flight Lead's assertions at length. This exchange briefly caught the attention of the United Earth representative, before he continued his game of Tetris 2500 against a Romulan. The Ittick-Ka gave the impression of having some smug confidence about the issue, much to the surprise and annoyance of many.
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The Ittick-Ka are very confident about their industry, eh? Of course they're confident about everything, so it's always hard to know how much it's justified. And the Romulan in the room was... playing a game and paying no attention. Says it all.

The soft illustrations he painted with his words -- 'friendship' 'mutual respect' 'single blooms, one meadow' -- belied the fact the Prince keeps thousands in brutal semi-slavery, tilling his family farms and dying in his factories. During his time as Executor of the Collegium of Secrets he has ruthlessly disappeared thousands of activists and dissidents, highborn included, killing in the name of his aging King for stability. Erzsesh of course had wonderful words for his 'new but great friend, the King of the Dawiar,' praising the 'humble' tradition of Dawiar Kings to cast aside their old names and titles when they took the throne. No words were spoken of the suspected seven thousand dissidents killed in the last five years, the thousands more that remain imprisoned, or the grave-silent settlements left in the wake of the King's Daggers and their Obsidian Order handlers. Finally, the dapper, killer Prince made a rousing call for further dialogue, and warned that if they could not find common ground in containing the 'acidic nicety' of the Federation and Harmony then All Was Lost.
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Ouch. Really twisting the knife on that decision, aren't you?

Undermining to the entire premise of the conference was the indifference of the Romulans and the complete absence of the Klingons, the most famous and successful challengers of the Federation. Indeed, a Klingon delegation was on Alukk of all places, attending the Economic Development Conference. Led by General Berst, one of the new Chancellor's top advisors, there were ripples of shock throughout the conference when it was revealed the Empire's new Producer-General was an Arin'Sen by the name of Hu'ey. Berst himself is not what many expect from a Klingon -- his hands shake, and he is smaller in mass and height than other Klingons. But his eyes are filled with intelligence and determination, and his address on logistics in wartime was pointed and effective. Unlike the flowery, concealing language of Erzsesh, he spoke bluntly about the brutal costs of war, the slow grinding halt of industry, and the starvation that followed. He then met with several key leaders of shipbuilding in the Orion Union, and rumors have begun to swirl that he and Hu'ey were there to poach economic dissidents.
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Omake characters, sighted! If Orion Union shipyards start building ships for the Klingons that will certainly be... a thing. One gets the feeling that Renhadd is laser-focused on rebuilding the Empire's economy and has no time for anything getting in the way of that. "Anything" including the usual Klingon prejudices about letting subject peoples anywhere near the levers of power.

He certainly left with more than anyone at the Kharhazad conference did. The Romulans looked equal parts bored and lost, less of a meeting and more a social function they felt obligated to attend. The Ittick-Ka boasted of conquests to all who would listen, and spoke of the Seven Sages in reverential tones, but didn't seem to be interested in making friends as much as awing them. The Cardassians were predictably equal parts stand-offish and smug, closely minding the representatives of their 'alliance of the willing'. The Gorn and the Dawiar were always at each other's side, grinning like a newlywed couple. There was almost always a Gorn and Dawiar representative speaking to someone from the Federation, and they spoke at length to others about how they had 'beat' the Federation at their own game. One began to gain the impression they had hosted the conference not for its intended purpose, but as an ego boost to the Dawiar and a galactic re-debut for the Gorn.
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Yeah, yeah... yuck it up.

No grand alliance will be born at this year's conference. Or probably, at any of them. While the autocrats may yet give up their fiendish designs on each other's territories, the fact is that Federation has never taken planets by force of arms, so the dictators lose nothing by warring among each other. They could gain territory from the Federation by some war of conquest, but then it would become a question of how to divide the spoils, and how to prepare for the Final War that would settle the balance of power for good. They could perhaps ask the Romulans and the Klingons how that went.
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The sickest burn.

What they need to strengthen is their 'culture,' but their idea of culture is so inherently chauvinistic they cannot contemplate building it in alliance with others. In short, they cannot be the Harmony or the Federation. Something like the Federation requires trust, flexibility, openness, and a belief that things can get better, that maybe even one day we can even turn back the heat death of the universe. It is an ideal based on open hands and open borders, on mitigating zero-sum, and if you'll forgive me, often on love. On one thing the leaders of the Federation and the many who chattered in the Palace can agree -- this ideal could someday be something worth fighting over.
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And even the writer seems to view the Harmony of Horizon as apiece to the Federation. Nice closing though!
 
Alastor Mobius Toth said:
Says them as they go back to being productive Federation affiliates, playing latest version of Tetris with their Human friends.
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Actually, it's more that the Romulans and Klingons have already done what the conference is ostensibly about: Making a solid cultural identity that the feds can't subvert with meme-war.
Random Member said:
The Romulans and Klingons are already at Stage 5, Acceptance, while everyone else has only just reached Stage 3, Bargaining.
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This.

They also realize that the Feds don't do military expansion because they elect not to, not because their fleet isn't capable of it. It's really the ground invasion and occupation end of conquest the UFP is militarily incapable of. And that doesn't matter if the feds are playing defense.
 
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pheonix89 said:
Actually, it's more that the Romulans and Klingons have already done what the conference is ostensibly about: Making a solid cultural identity that the feds can't subvert with meme-war.
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This an interesting line of thought. Perhaps it explains the Klingon cultural shift following the end of the cold war.
They realized that being a generic authoritarian state wasn't memetically robust enough to withstand the Federation's cultural pressure. So they used the martial leanings, and celebration of honour and glory that had likely always been a background part of Klingon culture to construct a sort of neo-romantic cultural revival. The result being memetically strong enough to prevent much dissent to the new norms in Klingon society.

If this is true however it does mean that the Klingons have some scarily good social scientists.
 
Dirtnap said:
We got pretty good at it during the whole Orion stuff though.
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We had popular support on the ground, and were reinforcing the local authorities. The issue is that we don't have anything like the numbers or doctrine to occupy, and will never have the political will to change that.
 
Dirtnap said:
We got pretty good at it during the whole Orion stuff though.
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We were shutting down an oppressive terrorist organization and had governmental backing, public support of the Federation people as a whole, and we pulled off a masterful hearts and minds campaign. Yet even then it was still a pretty tough slough.

The occupation of territory with a hostile populace is orders of magnitude harder. Especially one with as strong a martial tradition as the Romulans and Klingons.
 
Ato said:
If this is true however it does mean that the Klingons have some scarily good social scientists.
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Or self-seeking crisis was nearly blowing over anyway because "killing, robbing and subjugating for the sake of killing, robbing and subjugating" can get pretty old pretty fast in any normal society. It usually didn't mean that people stopped - but they either gone all honor justification or all We Are Civilization They Are Savages followed by science/philosophy/culture bend... or, well, collapsed.
 
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