Gunther

Star Trek: To Boldy Go

That makes sense, Gowi. I never had a lot of experience with hand to hand combat until after I retired. I had more MOUT experience than HTH. Most of my HTH experience comes from personal martial arts training, but that is as a civilian, not a soldier. Which bodes the question. Does a soldier really ever become anything but a soldier? If you ask my wife, she would say no.

Star Trek: To Boldy Go

I’m 100% American in nationality, actually. As far as I know CQC is just how it’s always been explained to me in digital media (video games like Metal Gear Solid, certain televised dramas and films, etc.) so that’s where I picked that up on. So I’m not sure where the line of convergence between military and non-military with the terminology starts truthfully.

@Gowi

This is what I assumed. Often times the civilian world gets military jargon just a little bit wrong. For example, any time I see the acronym for "As Soon As Possible" mentioned in a television show, the actor pronounces each letter, A-S-A-P. I roll my eyes or shake my head silently in a resounding anguished Nooooo! It is not spelled out, is said as a two syllable word, ASAP! Kind of like the stuff drawn from Maple trees in late Winter but with the article "A" preceding it.

Yes, Wikipedia calls it CQC and undoubtedly so do the other forms of media entertainment you mention. But the Infantry community calls it CQB for Close Quarters Battle. I did think that was a British thing. Maybe it is? I don't know.

Star Trek: To Boldy Go

@Gowi I must admit, I often enjoy reading your prose. I recall reading some of your IC posts about 3-5 years ago on the old forums, but for whatever reason, I do not believe we ever wrote in the same thread together. Irrelevant now. Here we are.

Haruhi is a good read. I had a similar personal experience as she had with her father. When I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenat in the US Army, my father was there to pin my "butter bars" on me. But due to his poor parentage and lack of presence in my life as a child/teen, I felt only contempt for him. I could empathize with Haruhi up through that part of her life. Fortunately, for me, dad was not killed by some Alien Life Form while on patrol in the outer reaches of space and our relationship improved greatly during adulthood.

As I read your description, I felt you nailed it pretty well. I look forward to working with you. I know you write exceptionally well regardless of the substance. I'm sure your Star Trek is not as rusty as you may imagine. Like anything else in this hobby, there are massive tomes written on this subject and the research is half the fun.

On a side note, are you British? I ask simply because you use the term CQC for Close Quarters Combat. I spent 21 years in the US Army, mostly in the Infantry and we always referred to it as CQB, Close Quarters Battle. CQC could also be a civilian thing, what do I know.

Star Trek: To Boldy Go

I've been reading up on the Miranda Class Starship. It is a hearty little support ship with all its new upgrades. I like that "rollbar" looking number above the saucer section with its Megaphasers and Photon Torpedoes. The upgraded phaser banks pack a lot more power than phasers on larger ships. They have a 360 degree capability to engage targets fore and aft of the ship. Also there are two photon torpedo tubes angled to the front and two toward the aft of the ship. This provides the relatively small cruiser a bit more flexibility than most Federation Starships.

Star Trek: To Boldy Go

Rank change to Jovar. When I created my character I noticed no one had chosen the position of Second Officer, which is what Lt. Commander Data served as in ST:TNG. Therefore, I selected Jovar to be a Lt. Commander and hold the position of Second Officer. Then, when Xiril Poxx was selected as Helmsman and holding the rank of Lt. Commander, it contradicted everything my military mind knows. I cannot unlearn what I know. Since the Helmsman and Tactical Officers serve in the same department, there can only be one Lt. Commander. It does not jive right to have two department heads. I chatted with DeadBeatWalking about this. His character, Lt. Commander Xiril Poxx will serve as Helmsman and Second officer of the ship (third in command). My character Lieutenant Jovar will serve as Tactical Officer; maintains all weapon systems and uses torpedoes and Phasers when ordered as well as hailing frequencies and sensor arrays. I have adjusted his rank on my CS to reflect that he is a Lieutenant, not a Lieutenant Commander. Pardon me. It may appear anal retentive to some of you, but I am a retired Infantry Officer and it would be very wrong if I left it like that.

@DeadBeatWalking@Blue Demon@Ruby@HalfOfLancelot@bluetommy2@MiddleEarthRoze@Chev@POOHEAD189@McHaggis

On another note, as i read your Character Sheets, I am writing notes on relationships and perceptions Lt. Jovar has of your character. It should help me in keeping track of his reactions to your characters in character. It is a habit I picked up from HeySeuss many years ago; a tool that works very well for me.

Life in the Guard

@tal0n At least he didn't ask us to bare with him. That would be uncomfortable.

Star Trek: To Boldy Go

My character isn't even all that important unless notTashaYar dies.

@Gowi

If notTashaYar dies, the Klingon Tactical Officer moves to Security. ;)

Star Trek: To Boldy Go

Name: Jovar, son of Pradag

(pronounced with a soft j, almost a zh sound) Nick: "Jo"

Age: 35 (birth year: 2339)

Rank/Position: Lieutenant /Tactical Officer

Race: Klingon

Appearance: Jovar stands 6' 5" tall (195.5cm) and weighs 275 lbs (124.7Kg.). He prefers his heavy dark brown hair matted and sculpted into what can best be described as heavy dreadlocks. He wears stylistic mutton chops and a soul patch to give himself a traditional Klingon appearance. As most Klingons are, Jovar is quite physically intimidating in appearance with a high musculature constitution. He is very strong and can endure great physical pain.

Jovar

Courtesy: Star Trek Online Character Generator

Personality: Jovar is a Klingon in behavior. Honor is important choosing the honorable course of action in all cases. He disdains crewmembers who prefer deception over honesty. He understands the small white lie tactfully employed to protect someone's feelings. It helps morale and keeps the ship running smoothly. He enjoys anything physical, especially, hand to hand combat; being very aggressive on the holo-deck. Any combat sport has a natural calling to this large Klingon warrior.

History: Jovar was born on Archanis IV, a multicultural planet along the Klingon-Federation border, where in 2339 was controlled by the United Federation of Planets. Although, Jovar grew up in Klingon society on Archanis IV, he chose to join Starfleet when he was old enough. Many of his Klingon friends chose to join the Klingon Defense Force, but Jovar was curious of the cultural diversity of the Federation of Planets and was instinctively drawn to the Earth-based organization. He shared the benefit of having human friends as well as Klingon friends on Archanis IV, which helped his decision. Besides, Jovar appreciated going against the grain from time to time.

Having spent time around humans on his home planet, it was not a difficult fit for the oversized Klingon warrior to feel comfortable at Starfleet Academy. In 2360, Jovar graduated and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Security branch. He was initially posted to the USS Lantree where he served for four years, gaining the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade after three. Nothing remarkable happened during his time aboard the Miranda-Class Starship other than becoming familiar with this class of starship as well as the various systems aboard ship. He was most curious about the tactical station.

In 2364, Lieutenant Junior Grade Jovar was reassigned to the USS Cochrane, an Oberth-class starship as a Security Officer. While aboard ship, Jovar cross-trained on Tactical. After three years aboard the Cochrane, Jovar was a qualified Tactical Officer and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He remained aboard the Cochrane for an additional three years, until 2370.

In 2370, Jovar was reassigned to the USS Orion, another Miranda-class starship as the ship's Tactical Officer. The addition of Photon Torpedoes on the Orion, made the transition slightly different but he welcomed the challenge. It was not too much for him and he quivkly mastered the position on the Orion's bridge.

Being of Klingon birth, yet raised on a planet inhabited by both Klingons and Humans, Jovar has found his relationships with other humans amenable as well as the other Federation races. He makes friends quickly and is able to maintain them without much difficulty. Other races find Jovar's honesty accommodating, as he is very consistent and dependable. He is very easy to get along with. He has gained the respect and admiration of the remainder of the crew especially those he works closely with on the bridge. He feels proud of his accomplishments and proud to be a Starfleet Officer. He has never felt shamed by any Klingons his ship encounters. Any who may perceive his position in Starfleet in a shameful manner are quickly convinced their ideas are completely inappropriate.

Skills: When Jovar joined Starfleet seventeen years ago, he pictured himself a security officer, forever. It was a branch he was well suited for given his heritage; hand to hand combat skills, and skills with various laser and bladed weapons. But, he soon discovered mastering the armaments aboard a starship to be equally challenging. As a Lieutenant Junior Grade, Jovar sought out training and experience as a Tactical Officer, responsible for manning the ship's tactical station; maintaining weapon and shield readiness status along with executing firing solutions. He has learned to use the Phaser banks in conjunction with plotting firing solutions for the Photon torpedoes quite well. It is a skill set he takes pride in.

As a result of his experiences at Tactical, Jovar has learned strategy from observing his two mentors, the First Officer and the ship's Captain. He enjoys a strong friendship with the ship's Chief Security Officer who trains with him on various combat scenarios on the holo-deck. The two have learned quite a bit from one another, with a dash a cross-training of skill sets.

Other: Jovar tends to be somewhat reticent, accentuating the professional Starfleet officer. During his off duty time, he enjoys socializing with the other crew members who have become his friend. If someone strikes Jovar has having a warrior mentality, he takes to them quickly. Most of the security team are respected by the large tactical officer, especially the chief tactical officer who has quickly become one of Jovar's best friends. In regards to professionalism and protocol, Jovar prefers to follow the book. He demands junior officers and enlisted personnel to refer to him as either sir, Lieutenant Jovar or Lieutenant while on duty. Officers of the same rank or station aboard the ship are permitted to call him Jovar or his nickname, Jo. Off duty, his friends call him Jo or Jovar. No one refers to him as Lieutentant Jovar during off duty hours.

Jovar enjoys a variety of food at mealtimes and will try a wide assortment of recipes from different cultures. Jovar's favorite dishes include Rokeg Blood Pie, Jumbo Romulan Molusk and Ratamba, a Bajoran stew. His favorite beverages include Bloodwine, Romulan Ale and Vulcan Brandy. Jovar can hold his liquor quite well, due to his size, but if he consumes a sufficient quantity, as with anyone else he loses inhibitions. While sober, Jovar is willing to fight, but while intoxicated Jovar is willing to become mischievous, playful or to sing, yell and play games involving a lot of laughter or acting out roles.

Jovar does enjoy playing games with friends off duty. He will play anything available, from card games to strategy games, to playful parlor games. Trivia is one of his specialties.

Although, he does not consider himself a diplomat in the least, it is something of interest to him. He observes his mentors and is learning diplomacy. When the ship makes contact with Klingon ships, occasionally, he is called upon to communicate with the other ship, not only because he speaks Klingon fluently, but also because he understands their customs and traditions, which is a diplomatic boon for the USS Orion.

Sample Post: 'Personal log, Lieutenant Jovar. the Captain has asked the First officer to instruct me on diplomacy. I am willing to learn and optimistic of the future. I believe this skill set will aid me in becoming a First Officer and one day commander of my own starship. It appears having a knowledge of cultures, understanding how a society interacts with one another is key to diplomacy. It is something, I have never considered a skill I inherently possess. To be honest, it is one of the few things I fear. Although, I enjoy the company of good friends, I would just as soon as punch a stranger's throat than negotiate a peaceful settlement. Jumping into battle always gets the blood flowing and makes my senses tingle. It is when a Klingon truly feels alive. There is nothing finer.' Jovar paced in his quarters while dictating to the computer, his thoughts on the upcoming diplomacy class with the First Officer. The tone at the portal indicated someone was attempting to gain access.

"Come in!" Lieutenant Jovar announced in his deep booming voice.

The door slid open, revealing the ship's First Officer, who stood at least half a foot shorter. The human officer looked up at him, "Jo, are you ready for your class?"

"Yes Commander," Jovar responded. "Allow me to sign off here. Can I meet you in the Ready Room?"

"Sure Jo. I'll see you there in five?"

"Yes sir! if not sooner," Jovar answered and the Commander left. He verbally signed off from his personal log, picked up a datapad and headed out the portal. He ran to catch up to the First officer. "We can walk together. I'm ready now, Commander."

Relationships with Crewmembers:
Guy Merritt, Chief Medical Officer @bluetommy2 - When Jovar first met Doctor Merritt, he viewed the man with controlled disdain. Granted the man was a pensioner serving a noble profession as medical officer. For that reason alone, he afforded the gentleman the benefit of the doubt. As he grew to know the senior human aboard the USS Orion, he gained respect by observing how he dealt with adversity. Doctor Merritt has an inner strength that transcends his physical limitations. As Chief Medical Officer, Lt. Commander Jovar would lay down his own life for the ship's doctor. He considers the elderly gentleman a friend aboard their ship.

Illyria “Lyra” Jadan Kan’Dosha @MiddleEarthRoze - Lieutenant Kan'Dosha is someone Jovar trusts. She is physically and mentally adept at her position as Chief Security Officer. Being someone who places a lot of value in physical abilities, Lieutenant Kan'Dosha is a true warrior, in this Klingon's eyes. He enjoys her company and considers her one of his best friends. They share experiences and occasionally train and spar with one another on the Holo-deck. She is a worthy adversary.

Neil Edwards @POOHEAD189 - Having spent time in a warrior culture, such as the Federation Marines places Neil in good standing with the Ship's Second Officer, but the man himself has not yet proven himself to Jovar. He must survive a sparring match in the Holo-deck in order to attain the respect he desires. Jovar still casts a dim light upon Ensign Edwards.

Nick Tylin @Teddyinahat - Jovar respects Commander Tylin for he is his superior officer and mentor. Jovar has learned much from the Ship's First Officer and remains professional around him. Commander Tylin's most endearing quality is his candor during confrontational situations. The Commander has never backed down. Jovar does however look forward to a sparring match on the holo-deck if the First officer is up to it.

William T. Hackett @HalfOfLancelot - Lieutenant Hackett wears the blue uniform of a science or medical officer. Therefore, he does not merit the same respect afforded to warriors. Aside from information provided for a scientific nature, there is no reason for Commander Jovar to interact with Lt. Hackett.

Captain Vashara Vaella @Ruby - Captain Vashara Vaella's reputation is well known in the Starfleet officer's circle. Some people develop a reputation early for doing the right thing at the right time. This is the case with Captain Vaella. Being of mixed Vulcan ancestry she appears youthful relative to humans and may give the uninitiated the sense that she is more inexperienced than she really is.

Lt. Jovar read all he could on her performance with Gold Squadron and how she took command of a tenuous situation ending up destroying a hostile Breen ship. Jovar felt comfortable with taking orders from someone Starfleet believed was capable of making the right decisions at the right time. He would do as instructed, she earned enough respect for the Klingon officer to do as he was told. After all, he is a professional officer.

When he read about her family's heritage, his stomach turned a bit. As a Klingon, he truly hated the Romulans in a general sense. They were not to be trusted. But Jovar was a professional Starfleet officer with 17 years in service. He would do what she said and would remain loyal to the Chain of Command. He would afford her the courtesy of a Starfleet Captain and his commander.

Secretly, he wanted to spar with her just to get a sense of her fighting style.

Some commanders possess an intuitive "fly by the seat of their pants" method of commanding a Star Ship. This was Captain Vaella. It worked for her and Jovar was ready to learn from her directives aboard the Orion.

The Romulan connection did not bode well with the Klingon. Jovar is mildly torn regarding the new Ship's Captain. Fortunately, he is something of an optimist and willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. After all, she is half Vulcan too.

Sta'l Haliv @Chev - When Lt. Jovar first met Lt. Haliv he got that tingling sensation in his spine, only a Klingon could have upon meeting a Romulan. It was not a pleasant feeling, fortunately he possesses sufficient quantity of self discipline to not do anything irrational. As he got to know the Engineering Lieutenant, the Klingon and Romulan became close friends. He appreciate's Sta'l's brutal honesty and has come to realize Sta'l is more like a Klingon in his demeanor. They have discussed the Romulan Senate and the Dominion; both officers are in agreement on those subjects and they enjoy socializing with one another.

1920's Gangsters

Who's turn is it? I thought it was your turn, Sterling?

1920's Gangsters

@Sterling