[Vox]

Vox, that's kind of what I was getting from the deck layouts Eagle posted, so I'd say we go with that.

Small question: as regards "supporting cast" NPCs, in this case the other fighter pilots. Should I just come up with quick "name and rank" for the other seven pilots and leave it at that?

That's what I was thinking too, just wanted to make sure we were all in agreement first before writing anything.

[Eaglesg]

Okay, I quickly read your posts guys, you're making me believe I was gone for two months! You're definitely the best crew in the Internet.

Anyway, just a quick message to keep everyone informed: I have a s*** ton of work at the museum right now (my IRL job, now you know), almost finished all of it so I'll be back by the end of the week (Thursday normally) to start my post (with all the TAG answers that I may have to do), my first (finally) captain's log, posting the fighter documentation file (Generator and Vox, if you have any suggestions please send me a joint PM) and of course debate with you about the story! Also PM discuss about my job for those interested haha

I'm really looking forward to do this "fight" and continue the story with you! (But now I'm exhausted and really need my bed)

Your Captain

[KaiserKirk]

Sleep well Eaglesg hahaha.

We could not have been the best crew without you as our captain!

[Scarlett]

@Joshua- I saw this a few weeks ago. Althoigh it's mostly historical, there is some current time mentions

https://youtu.be/lFCP9MJILtc

[Silynn]

In regards to this...

((Eagles, I'm gonna send this to you via PM. Mind if you fill in as intel?))
[[Will edit with completed post]]

You, Joshua, may want to speak with Allan Hood and Nesta. They are SIMS Officers and are here to help with moving the story forward/etc. They are resources to utilize.

[Vox]

So I was wondering, is there are rule on creating non essential NPC's? Cos I was thinking Logan, although being the chief fighter technician couldn't do all of it himself and would more than likely have a small team under him, can I make some up when needed?

[Josh Broughm]

@Joshua- I saw this a few weeks ago. Althoigh it's mostly historical, there is some current time mentions

https://youtu.be/lFCP9MJILtc

Watching as I speak.

In regards to this...
You, Joshua, may want to speak with Allan Hood and Nesta. They are SIMS Officers and are here to help with moving the story forward/etc. They are resources to utilize.

I LITERALLY just read that. LOL Its fine. I'll keep that in mind.

I have an idea that the True Way could ambush us in a small-ish battle scene.

[Generator]

Someone is going to have to take us to Yellow Alert before those of us on the lower decks can react.

[Scarlett]

So I was wondering, is there are rule on creating non essential NPC's? Cos I was thinking Logan, although being the chief fighter technician couldn't do all of it himself and would more than likely have a small team under him, can I make some up when needed?

Was waiting for more official feedback on this, yet my hope is that we could make subordinates characters whose express purpose is to fill in story, yet not be directly involved with other characters from the main cast list (unless it were absolutely necessary).

In other words, tertiary characters should be made to keep authors involved. In my humble opinion.

[Silynn]

As I wanted to see what exactly a "Yellow Alert" entailed, I looked it up on Memory Alpha.

Yellow Alert usage:

In this status, a ship's defense fields were energized, and/or the deflector shields were brought to full power, but the weapons systems remained off-line. Depending on the situation, the captain could order a reduction in the closing speed between itself and any potential incoming threats.

A yellow alert could either be activated manually by the commanding officer in preparation for a tactical or environmentally hazardous situation, or automatically upon detection of unknown or hostile spacecraft, or upon detection of certain system malfunctions. If the situation escalated, the commanding officer or the main computer would order a red alert.

Suffice to say, that blurb (minus the show references) doesn't exactly say who is brought to that status. Trying to use some rational and logic, I assume that those "on duty" will be put in a more "alerted" status by checking systems/ensuring everything is good to go. Those "not on duty" are not pulled to active status (yet). I imagine all non-essential systems and activities are ceased (Holodecks, concerts, group recreation stuff).

So would an order be given, by the Captain/XO/Chief Tactical/Ops to bring a group (i.e. fighter pilots, damage control, security teams), individually to those groups?

EX: "Ensign, notify the Fighter Squadron and have them move to Ready 1 status." (i.e. Prepared to launch in a minute of notification)

Would this be a correct assumption?

- - - Updated - - -

Was waiting for more official feedback on this, yet my hope is that we could make subordinates characters whose express purpose is to fill in story, yet not be directly involved with other characters from the main cast list (unless it were absolutely necessary).

In other words, tertiary characters should be made to keep authors involved. In my humble opinion.

Totally agree with you on this Scarlett.

Also, if this moves forward, perhaps we can start an 'official' unofficial roster of these crew characters, less the authors can more readily keep track of them? If mini-bios are done, even other authors may use them perhaps?

[Scarlett]

Also, if this moves forward, perhaps we can start an 'official' unofficial roster of these crew characters, less the authors can more readily keep track of them? If mini-bios are done, even other authors may use them perhaps?

I considered that as well. Would it be "better" that these super-side characters not have personalities to take into consideration thought? I mean, should they only be available for "disposable" story needs?

Am I thinking too much on this?

[Generator]

I'd figure there's only a certain depth they need. Names, ranks and positions are probably enough to start. Just enough that your character isn't "shadow boxing" when they go about their daily routine. Less is more here, IMO, lest the whole thing gets bogged down in too much detail.

Am I thinking too much on this?

Give me six hours with my Excel and I'll get you an answer.

[Vox]

Yellow Alert in most situations was basically Shields up, weapons powered down. Defend yourself but not appearing hostile. I would imagine that Fighter pilots that would most likely mean suit up and prep them for launch just in case. Red Alert would be power them up and wait for the okay to launch.

[Generator]

Fighters could very well launch in Yellow Alert; I'd wager it depends on what the Ares' current RoE are (for instance, at Yellow Alert, the squadron might launch but not engage).

[Vox]

Fighters could very well launch in Yellow Alert; I'd wager it depends on what the Ares' current RoE are (for instance, at Yellow Alert, the squadron might launch but not engage).

Maybe but that might also be considered an aggressive action, like powering weapons. Unless the opposition also had their fighters out defending their ships too.