RyonOlson

Confederacy: 2784- The Legend of the Gatekeepers (Open)

James entered Steven's office and sat down. He quickly dismissed the salute; he hated most of the formalities of command. "Please, no saluting. It makes me uncomfortable." He made a quick look around the office and noted that Steven was already well-situated aboard the ship. "The Enterprise may be an old ship, but our recent refit has brought it up to the standard of some of our newest vessels. Even our newest Z-19 series destroyers fall behind on some level or another."

James could see that Steven was slightly confused by his rambling. That was good, since it gave him a chance to find out what kind of person Steven really was. Sure, he had an extremely impressive resume, and his scores were off the charts, but a true test of character happens person-to-person, not by reading a few sheets of paper.

"What is your impression of the ship so far?" he finally asked. He waited for Steven's reply.

Confederacy: 2784- The Legend of the Gatekeepers (Open)

After the crew had dispersed, James decided to make his first proper introduction to the head of Engineering. He watched as Commander Hewlett entered the turbolift and descended to engineering. 'Better give him a few minutes,' James thought as he walked towards the turbolift. He entered the turbolift and waited for the doors to close. "Destination, Captain?" the AI's voice asked. James remembered that the ships AI was personalized to each crew member.

"Engineering, level three," James stated. The third level, situated below the control stations and ship systems were located, was where the Enterprise generated all its power. Housed in massive transparent cylinders sat the four quantanium-fueled reactors, known as quantum cores. Each reactor operated as a particle generator, drawing small amounts of exotic matter from another dimension where it would be sent into a particle collider. From there the energy released in the particle colliders was channelled into massive receptors, where it was used to power the entire vessel.

James exited the turbolift and stepped onto a large, railed catwalk. On each side sat two of the quantum cores. He watched as swirls of blue and purple appeared in the black mass that was active quantanium. He made a close survey of everything and found it to be in perfect working order. Feeling satisfied, he moved onward to the particle colliders. Each were surrounded in a forcefield, so every time a particle collided with another James had to shield his eyes. He felt no more of a need to continue forward on level three, so he once again stepped into the turbolift. He had it move up two levels to where Engineering operations was. He stepped out of the turbolift into chaos.

Crew were scrambling everywhere, trying to find their stations. A lieutenant was barking orders at several other officers, and nearly got knocked over when a large hovering crate went flying at him. James peered across the room and found Steven. He pushed his way through the chaos and stood mere meters from Steven.

"Hello, Commander Hewlett. What do you think of the Enterprise?"

Confederacy: 2784- The Legend of the Gatekeepers (Open)

Accepted Characters

Steven Hewlett

Name: Steven Hewlett

Age: 21

Profession: Engineering

Strengths: Incredibly gifted, mentally. In just six years, he has earned two PhDs - one in Hyperphysics and another in Starship Engineering.

Weaknesses: Worthless in a close encounter fight. Can't help but observe: he may be inclined to approach a collapsing star in order to get a better view.

Special Skills: Steven was number one in his class at Mars University, he has two PhDs and he has made one of the most prominent leaps in technology, in the last two centuries, with his development of the Hyper Nacelles.

Brief Biography: Steven's mother is from China while his father is from Australia, and they were not the wealthiest of familes.

He had always been a curious child, building his first quantum computer in his early teens. Not long after, he graduated from primary education at fifteen years old and began taking classes on Mars.

Not long before graduating primary school, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. He tested out of most of the preliminary classes, that first and second year students had to take. Within the first year and a half he had earned his bachelor's in Physics and Engineering.

He was quickly accepted into the University's Masters programs, completing those in the same amount of time with research done on hyperspace and the start of a project on the engineering side of it, he began his PhD work.

His final project for both PhDs were the same, he was developing the Nacelle to replace the Ring Drive as the method to access Hyperspace. He'd been in the military academy portion of the University, studying to join the Confederacy in order to explore and get funding for his projects.

He recently graduated and was assigned to the C.S.S. Enterprise as the Chief Engineer. He was given a field promotion to Lieutenant Commander to fit his new position.

Personality: Steven is the type to get along with everyone he meets. But when it comes to work, he is very serious - there was no other way to manage getting two PhDs in six years in the academy. He can usually be found explaining how the universe functions to those who don't know, studying in the lab or watching old Star Wars movies.

Lyngia Starev

Name: Lyngia Rhyne Starev

Age: 24

Place of Birth: The Scandinavian Sector

Profession: Pilot

Strengths: A mind well-suited to the workings of a starship – no one knows their way around ship controls better than Lyngia. Can be quite intimidating and is quite formidable in most all types of combat, be it on the ground or in space.

Weaknesses: Lyngia is a bit….off. The diagnoses ranges from slightly touched to positively insane, but there is absolute agreement that the woman is off her rocker. This makes her unpredictable and often rather irrational. Her preferences and opinions change on a whim, with only a few constants – her loyalty to the Confederacy, her love of flying, her loyalty to the planets of the Scandinavian Sector, her love of food, and her love of the colors pink and turquoise. She is also extremely violent.

Special Skills: Capable of executing a barrel roll in any ship (regardless of size), and able to move and maneuver even extremely large ships quickly and with ease. Her insanity makes her absolutely fearless, but also a bit reckless.

Bio: Not much is known of Lyngia’s childhood, as she refuses to talk about it. All that is known for sure is that she was born in the Scandinavian Sector, and that she adores the system and will tolerate no insult to it. At the age of 20, the woman showed up at the Star Navy Academy and quickly found herself at the top of all of her classes. She showed herself to be adept at everything involving starships and space, but her true talent lay in flying – she could fly rings around even her instructors.

As soon as she graduated, Lyngia joined the Star Navy as a pilot. Many people wondered (and still do) why someone so obviously unstable would be allowed in the military, but the superiors merely stated that she was more useful than anyone thought, and her slight insanity would be an asset and not a problem.

Lyngia is well-known in the military, both for her insanity and her flying prowess; and everyone knows her on sight – a tall woman, with magenta hair and a turquoise/light pink uniform. Also something that many people question, but the general consensus is that the colors help keep the woman calm and focused, and less likely to lash out at anyone.

Personality: Generally cheerful and happy-go-lucky, but extremely susceptible to mood swings. She does her best to stay smiling, because happiness tends to keep the worst of her ‘episodes’ away, but she is very easily angered, and her anger can be triggered by even the smallest of things. When Lyngia becomes angry, you had better get away as quickly as possible. The woman isn’t called “Lady Berserker” for nothing. She is quite intimidating when she wants to be, and you really don’t want to be on her bad side.

James Langley

Name: James Daniel Langley

Age: 31

Place of Birth: Earth; Cody, Wyoming

Profession: Captain

Strengths: Level-headed and calm, James rarely gives in to anger. He is a master at character judgment and deductive reasoning. He is a trained diplomat, thus making him the perfect candidate to lead deep-space exploration missions that might bring new worlds into the Confederacy. He has a doctorate in both astrophysics and archaeology, and minors in starfighter engineering, mathematics, and literature. He is also a master of the sword, having proven himself in combat numerous times. He is one of only a few people who are capable of using a Gatekeeper artifact device known as the Gauntlet. Most who use this device go insane within fifteen minutes of using it.

Weaknesses: Tends to get overly attached to those who he works with, which can lead to disaster. He is also uncontrollable when angry, so he may end up making rash decisions. His sense of doing what is right sometimes interferes with his ability to properly command the ship in certain scenarios. Large-scale engineering projects that are not authorized by him tend to continue, even if they are horrible ideas. (Could also be a strength)

Special Skills: Deductive Reasoning, Swordsmanship, Command, Artifact knowledge, Navigation expert

Bio: Born in Cody, Wyoming and raised by a wealthy family, James had little knowledge of the rest of the universe until the age of eleven when he took a trip to the factories on Luna. It was there that he realized his life of luxury would not be the one he pursued in the future. He quickly took charge of his education, and by the age of twenty-two he already had his doctorate in astrophysics. He joined the Confederate Officer Program not long after, and received his first posting on a starship, the CSS Shield, at the age of twenty four as a navigation officer. During the year he was on the Shield, he continued his studies. When he returned to the Academy, he took up classes in archaeology and engineering, finishing degrees he had started years before but never continued.

His career in the Confederate Navy continued when he turned twenty eight. He served as the first officer aboard the Enterprise for three years under Captain Jamison Pierson. When Pierson was promoted to Admiral, he requested that James be given command of the ship. The Navy agreed, and he soon after received his captain's commission. Although Pierson was the captain during the year the ship was in refit, James was the one who was present for most of the operation. This led him to having an understanding of Enterprise on the same level as the engineers.

During his second year as first officer his parents were killed in a bizarre shuttle crash. Being the oldest living family member, the family fund was turned over to him. He organized a meeting with his uncle, Lawrence, and his sister, Kaylee, to determine how best to maintain the fund. They all agreed to joint ownership, and to making sure more money was put into the account that was taken out each year. James rarely mentions his wealth, since he prefers being known for this own merits, not his money. He has, at times, used the money to help the crew acquire less-than-legal goods if it meant a mission would be completed that benefitted the Confederacy.

Personality: James is a very calm and mindful person, which allows him to interact with most every culture either in the Confederacy or otherwise. He does have a temper, though, that usually flares up when nothing plays out correctly.

James would rather sit back and observe an enemy instead of attacking them head-on, determining everything about them before striking. He has the tactical knowhow of how to outmaneuver an enemy, take them down, and escape with nothing worse than a small scratch.

He is also known for having a caring personality, and actively engages with the crew on a daily basis.

James sometimes will disobey the law if it means doing something for the good of his crew and the Confederacy.

Confederacy: 2784- The Legend of the Gatekeepers (Open)

Note:

You may choose to join the Star Navy or the Marine Corps. The Marines are part front-line soldiers, part ship security. They rarely are involved in the direct operations of the ship. The Navy operates all starships in the Confederate Navy. There is no exception. As you go along, you may receive a promotion, and if this RP lasts long enough, you may find yourself in command of a starship or battalion of soldiers.

Confederacy: 2784- The Legend of the Gatekeepers (Open)

Imagine a world where people live in harmony with each other, working for a common goal of expanding their understanding of the universe. A world where poverty, famine, and disease do not exist; one where the government works for the people, not itself. One where its military is for peacekeeping and exploring, not conquering and subjugating. This world exists in the Confederacy of Free Worlds, an organization of thousands of species and even more worlds working together peacefully.

The year is 2784, and a bright and promising future awaits. Each of you are a crew member aboard the Confederate Starship Enterprise, an Enterprise-Class Fleet Carrier and Exploration Vessel. You are the best and brightest the Confederate Space Academy has to offer, and have been offered a chance to serve aboard the fleet’s flagship. Your journey starts as you have just arrived on the ship, your graduation conducted only the day before and your assignments given.

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“Captain’s log, Stardate 2784.235. This being my first log as captain of the Enterprise, I feel I should have something grand and profound to say. But, no words come to mind other than ‘Why me?’ Yes, I accepted the promotion with gratitude and humility, as any officer should, but it is intimidating to know that I, James Langley, am the captain in charge of the largest ship in the fleet.”

James Langley paced his cabin, trying to find the words to say that would best portray his thoughts. But, few other words came. He decided to finish with his views on the day’s upcoming events.

“I have just completed my inspection tour of the ship, making sure the refit went as expected. The engineers at Starbase Antares have done a marvelous job at making this ship state of the art. Propulsion, shield, and weapon upgrades, along with a wholly new science lab that will allow a wider variety of studies as we carry out our deep-space missions. I feel that this ship will continue to be the pride and joy of the fleet.

“Finally, I must say that I am anxious to meet the new crew. I admit I only scanned their profiles, but nonetheless I remain impressed. I look forward to meeting them personally and seeing if they hold up to their reputations.”

James made a cutting motion with his hand, and the recording stopped and saved. He waved his hand again and a holographic display appeared in the center of the room, showing the Enterprise, Earth, and Luna. He spread his fingers apart, magnifying the Enterprise itself. He watched as three shuttles approached the ship’s fore end. ‘The new recruits,’ he thought.

He waved his hand and the hologram disappeared. He stepped to the cabin door, and placed his hand on the panel next to it. The door unlocked and slid open. He walked the corridors, nodding to and shaking hands with the crew as he passed them. After a short turbolift ride he was on the executive hangar level, where the new officers would arrive. As he reached the secondary barrier the shuttles were passing through the first atmospheric barrier. They spun around one-hundred and eighty degrees and landed in unison. Their rear ramps lowered and the new crew stepped out. He waited for them to finish lining up before he stepped up to the makeshift podium placed in front of him.

“Everyone, welcome aboard the Enterprise. I am your captain, James Langley. You can call me Captain, Mr. Langley, James, or whatever suits your purpose. Please, no nicknames.”

His comment elicited a chuckle from everyone, and he watched the tension ease away. After a few moments he continued.

“You may be asking yourself, ‘Why me? Why did I get chosen for this assignment above all other candidates?’ Frankly, you are the best and brightest the Academy has to offer. Graduating at the top of your class, showing good leadership skills, being curious and intuitive, and above all having a sense of exploration that most others don’t have. Don’t let that get to your head.” Again, more laughter.

“You will be challenged, in someways beyond your your current abilities. You will know fear, anxiety, anticipation, pride, and amazement. That is what it takes to be an officer in the Star Navy. With that said, I am glad to have you all here. In forty-five minutes you will report to your specific departments. In the meantime, feel free to mingle and get to know each other. You will be spending a lot of time together.”

James stepped down and watched as everyone broke rank and began to talk with each other. Nearly a dozen different races were present, representing civilizations all across the three galaxies that made up the Confederacy.

Confederacy: 2784- The Legend of the Gatekeepers (Open)

Imagine a place where people live in harmony with each other, working for a common goal of expanding their understanding of the universe. A world where poverty, famine, and disease do not exist; one where the government works for the people, not itself. One where its military is for peacekeeping and exploring, not conquering and subjugating. This place exists in the Confederacy of Free Worlds, an organization of thousands of species and even more worlds working together peacefully.

The year is 2784, and a bright and promising future awaits. Each of you are a new crew member aboard the Confederate Starship Enterprise, an Enterprise-Class Fleet Carrier and Exploration Vessel. You are the best and brightest the Confederate Space Academy has to offer, and have been offered a chance to serve aboard the fleet’s flagship. Your journey starts as you have just arrived on the ship, your graduation conducted only the days before and your assignments given the following morning.

Your profession should parallel that of the crews of ships in Star Trek. Please inform me of your choice before posting.

Rules

1.) Contact me with a Character sheet before you join. I must accept it before you can post. Your character must have a full description and some level of backstory.
2.) When you post, please make it beneficial to the plot. The length of the post is unimportant, only quality matters.
3.) NPCs should be used only as needed. Consult with me or the creator of a NPC if you choose to use one that is not yours.
4.) If you want to introduce something plot-changing, please run it by me first. Small plot twists are fine without consultation
5.) I will actively work with players to keep the story fresh and exciting. I will also have a PC active in the plot.
6.) Have fun. Be adventurous. Explore. The universe awaits you.

The Bureau: Supernatural Division (Always Open)

Only moments after Farris cleared him Garrett was inside the facility. He checked around him, making sure everything was as secure as Farris had said. He didn't trust trust anyone's judgment other than his when it came to safety. He unholstered his .32 caliber Webley revolver and wove his way through the towers of crates in the room, some even reaching the room. Some had fallen during the fight, and had spilt their innards out onto the floor. Ammunition, firearms, grenades, and electronic warfare devices sat strewn everywhere. Garrett went over and retrieved one of the rifles, an Israeli Galil, and shouldered it. He grabbed up a couple mags worth of ammo and placed them in a bag he found. None of the Bureau's military said anything about it. They were used to Garrett keeping weapons from raids.

Garrett rounded a corner a few minutes into his exploration and found two tech officers kneeling before a massive projector in the center of a large clearing. He looked up and saw it was projecting a massive hologram of Earth. The planet spun slowly, and was intersected by red lines crossing from one continent to another. As he watched, the hologram spun to their location. A red line was leaving the facility area and was headed north.

Garrett holstered his revolver and stepped forward. "They knew we were coming. We aren't going to find the trident here." He watched as the hologram continued to rotate, and he started to make connections. What they saw was a representation of air traffic around the globe, or at least part of it. He grabbed his radio and called up Walcott.

"Boss, weren't we going to send out one of our artifacts to the London facility today?"

After a few moments of silence, Garrett got his reply. "Yeah, we did. It should be halfway there."

Garrett shook his head. "Hold on for a moment." He walked around the hologram until the Atlantic Ocean was dead center above him. He saw a trail headed from Manhattan, on a route directly towards London. "This is not good," he murmured. He pressed the call button again.

"Boss, we're in trouble. Apparently our shipment is being tracked, as is every other one around the globe."

Walcott cursed. "How? That was supposed to be a top secret flight. No one but us and the destination facility knew about the shipment."

"Seems like they knew more than they were supposed to. That's not all. I think I found a map of every artifact that is currently known and in transit. Whoever we are dealing with, they've got a bigger operation than we first suspected."

Garrett heard footsteps behind him and he turned around to see who it was. It was Nathan McCoy, finally recovered from his flight, and Alice Weaver.

"Alice, Nathan. Any idea on what we are looking at? I'll give you a clue. It's big, and it involved a world-wide network of artifact smuggling."

The Bureau: Supernatural Division (Always Open)

Garrett straightened as the Admiral neared the Huey, and got out of the cockpit before the Admiral got within speaking range. "Admiral Thompson, what a pleasure it is to see you here," Garrett said, the sarcasm dripping off the words. Admiral Greg Thompson ignored his comment, but stopped walking and turned to Garrett.

Thompson looked Garrett in the eye. "You know why I am here," he said. Garrett did, and he hated having this discussion. Overtime the head of the Elite Command's Navy division showed up, he had to endure a lecture about safeguarding the ancient artifacts. This was going to be just like the rest.

"You want me to secure the artifact and hide it away in our secret facility in Alaska, don't you?" Garrett said, more of a statement than a question.

Thompson shook his head. This surprised Garrett, and he raised a questioning eyebrow.

"I want you to destroy it," Thompson said, his face stoic but his eyes betraying his willingness to do whatever it took to take care of the trident.

Garrett shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. Not without the approval of the Bureau. Biermann wouldn't allow it."

Thompson finally let his emotions out. "Biermann be damned! That artifact is too dangerous to be kept intact! One slight mistake with it and the entire world is going to be drowning in tropical storms like civilization has never seen."

Garrett didn't back down. "We don't even know if it can be destroyed. For all we know, the trident is made of a neutronium alloy, just like that gauntlet that we found last year. Besides, if we destroy it without properly studying it first, we might just unleash the same horrors as if we didn't. No, not this time, Admiral. Too much is at stake."

Thompson was furious, but he tried to get his anger control. That much was obvious to Garrett. When Thompson spoke again, his voice was more level, but still had a level of irritation in it. "You owe me, Foster. I'm calling in the favor."

Garrett was worried this was going to happen. "No, I'm afraid I can't this time," he stated, standing his ground. When Thompson didn't respond, Garrett determined he needed to explain why. "Listen, we've worked together a long time. We've helped each other out in dire situations. But, the Bureau needs a chance to study this artifact before we decide its fate. If used right, we could do good with it. All we need is a chance to prove it."

Thompson didn't speak for a long time. When he finally did, it was in a doleful tone. "I see. Well, then, Mr. Foster. It seems like you have made up your mind. I will be in the area if you change your mind. This is a device not left in the hands of ordinary men. Remember that."

Garrett grinned slightly. "We're anything but ordinary, Greg."

Thompson's mood seemed to lighten slightly. "Indeed, you are. Very well. If you need anything, give me a call. But, don't expect backup when the trident unleashes its fury on the unsuspecting." Thompson turned around briskly and walked away, headed off to a distant V-22 Osprey helicopter that sat waiting for his return. Garrett watched as the Admiral boarded the helicopter and flew off, its giant rotors kicking up dust and leaves as it took off. Garrett turned around to see the passengers of his helicopter standing behind him.

"What are you waiting for? Let's get going!" Garrett led the way to the facility, the others close behind him. He approached Captain Farris. "What's the status of the facility?" he asked. He waited for Farris to respond.

The Bureau: Supernatural Division (Always Open)

"3, 2, 1, drop!" came the voice over the headset. Garrett pressed a button on the Huey's control panel, and the rear doors of the airplane opened. He switched to internal communications.

"Make sure you are buckled in. This is going to get rough, and I don't need anyone flying around back there." No voices replied, but he knew the message got through. The Hueys started to roll back out of the hangar, carried by a conveyor belt beneath them. A moment of weightlessness, and the helicopter dropped into free fall. Garrett watched as Roy Evan's helicopter did the same seconds later. He checked the altimeter and noted that it was at 35,000 feet and falling. "Wait until 10,000" Garrett thought as they continued to fall.

Roy's voice came over the headset. "Foster, what are you doing? Do you want to get yourself and your team killed?"

"I know what I'm doing," was all that Garrett managed to say as the g-force of the fall prevented much else from coming out. He checked the altimeter again. 15,000 feet. He fired up the engine, and the helicopter roared to life, the twin turbine engines of his signature UH-1N Huey fired to life. A special project created by himself and Nathan McCoy, the helicopters were designed so they could activate in free fall.

The helicopter came to a stop in midair at 10,500 feet. Garrett pushed the stick forward and the helicopter shot through the air, headed to the warehouse. He got on the comm. "You impressed yet?" he asked.

"Yeah, actually, I am," replied Roy. Garrett laughed quietly and set to work finding a safe landing zone. As he was about to activate the navigation display, an alarm went off on the control panel.

"Missile lock! Evasive maneuvers!" Garrett watched as four Surface-to-Air missiles shot into the sky. He veered left as the missies approached. They turned to track, but two collided. Garrett brought the Huey down to tree level and began to weave in and out of the tree-tops. Roy was doing something similar, just less flashy. As the missiles neared their targets, an idea came to Garrett.

"Roy, don't ask questions. Run straight at me." Roy did as asked and flew his Huey straight at Garrett's. Garrett turned to do the same, and as they nearly hit Garrett peeled off. Roy did the same, and the missiles crashed together, a fireball in the sky. Garrett allowed himself a moment of relief. "That was close" he said. Realizing that the crew might be hurt, he quickly got on internal. "Everyone alright back there?"

"Yeah, I think so," came a voice, weak with stress and fear. It was McCoy. Garrett spared a glance over his shoulder, and was relieved to see no notable injuries on the crew.

"That was some crazy piloting," Roy said, pulling alongside Garrett.

"Yeah," Garrett stated. "Now, for my next trick..." He trailed off as the crew laughed. He checked the navigation panel and found them nearly above the facility. "OK, time for landing approach. Thank you for flying Bureau Air. I hope you enjoyed your flight and will join us again soon." Garrett signed off and brought the helicopter for a landing. He saw that the facility was already cleared, and he was being approached by several military officers, one wearing the rank of Admiral.

"Oh, this is not good," he said, slumping forward onto the control panel.

The Bureau: Supernatural Division (Always Open)

Garrett made a slight nod towards Biermann as he left the room, then turned to Walcott. "Yes, this is the trident. At least, as far as we know. From what I understand, centuries ago, people found a way to contain it inside an orb. This orb, after all this time at the bottom of the ocean, has begun to crack apart, allowing the power from it to seep out and affect the world around it. The incidents involving it that I have researched have shown the orb to have exactly the same powers as the trident, and all descriptions match historical documents. We can only assume we are dealing with the real deal here. My only concern is whether this truly is a supernatural device, or a piece of ancient technology that is beyond our understanding."

Garrett paused for a moment to let everyone take in what he said, then spoke again. "Dr. Osamu, make sure your drones scan for electromagnetic radiation. From what little we have learned about the orb's properties, it definitely has a lot of energy contained in it." Garrett then addressed everyone else. "I don't have to remind you all that the trident is one of the most powerful artifacts in Earth's history, but I will. It's that dangerous."

He quickly changed his tone. "So, anymore questions? I'd like to get out of here as soon as possible."