You know who I really miss?

Jack MacTavish!

That's right... Good ol' Mac! Chief Tactical Officer of the USS Discovery. I've been thinking more and more about ol' Mac here in recent week and, given the recently increased activity on the site, I thought it might just be a good time to gage interest in taking another run at the galaxy Star Trek style. I had intended to get this game running about a year ago, actually, and got a pretty decent response, too, but we all know how it goes... Things happen, one thing leads to another, etc, etc, etc...

Anyway, like dear ol' Mac, "I'm not gonna let me bloody ship go doon wi'oot a fight, lads!" and we're going to give this another shot. Here's the deal:

Star Trek: Flight of the Cerberus is more or less a Discovery spinoff (much like TNG begat DS9, DS9 begat Voyager, so sayeth the Roddenberry, amen) set several years in the future from the present Discovery storyline. As far as timelines go, the game will “start” shortly after the fall of Betazed in the Dominion Wars (August of 2374) so, in this one folks, the Federation is actively at war, thus, Cerberus will lean a bit more to the military side than Discovery does. Yes, there will be MACO (Marine) units involved and posted aboard the ships… I’ll be posting more information as things progress, of course, but for the time being, let’s just start off with basic stuff shall we?

What kind of ship are we working with?
My initial concept was to use a single Steamrunner Class starship (the USS Cerberus) but, as I developed the concept/idea, I started thinking that a two ship team might be more appropriate (and, quite honestly, more believable) for the mission(s) we’ll be tackling, so I’m tacking on a second ship as well (a Saber Class vessel tentatively dubbed the USS Charon). And, yes, that means that there’s the possibility that we’ll actually be “staffing” both ships. This, of course, is based on the level of interest… If response is mild to medium, I’ll want to focus on staffing the Cerberus first, possibly relegating the Charon (and her crew) to an NPC-like role; however, if response is good enough, it would be great to actually get both ships loaded out with PC crew members…

What kind of characters are available or needed?
All of them! I need department heads, I need marines, I need engineers, scientists, and medical staff. I need counselors, I need security and tactical, I need a handful of Romulan “exchange officers” (PM me for details on the Romulans if you’re interested)…

What positions are already filled?
Hardly any… I’ll be handling the “Big Chair” of the Cerberus with the “future version” of Jack MacTavish and I may already have my TAC and/or SEC chief filled. Otherwise, I’ve got an empty ship and plenty of pips to pass out… As I mentioned, if interest is good enough, I may even be looking for another soul to “captain” the Charon and crew to fill the berths on that boat as well… Get to conceptualizing and wing those character ideas my way!

What are posting requirements going to be?
Much like Discovery, actually. It’s not necessary that you write novels but you will be expected to come up with decent posts at a minimum of once per week (more than one a week is great but keep the “quality vs quantity” thing in mind).

Okay, that takes care of the “bare bones” kind of stuff… As I mentioned, I’ll be posting updates and more substantial information as time goes on and I get a feel for what kind of interest there is in the game. Watch for a related Q&A thread to go up in the next couple of days…(or the next few minutes, depending on how ambitious I get)… in the meantime, feel free to post any questions, comments, or character concepts here. You can also PM me or send me an e-mail if you prefer. I look forward to hearing from you.

Interest Expressed Momma!

That was quick! Rock on, Grugg!

The in game intro post has already been made so, if you want to get a peek at the situation before conceptualizing and such, go have a read.

I'll be posting more about department positions, etc as I get time so be on the look out for updates. In the meantime, if you've got any questions, post them here, PM them to me, or drop me an e-mail.

That's a long post.

*commences a most epic a reading*

...that this game also has a theme song?

Note: The "theme music" accompanying this page is "Doxology" by Weavers of the Tartan and was acquired as a free mp3 download from caber-records.com. My personal thanks to Weavers of the Tartan for use of this wonderful tune.

I'd love to give this a go too, as long as I can be the helmswoman

I'll draw up a character concept and pm it to you Eol.

I'll pencil you in at helm. Looking forward to your concept.

Q&A thread coming soon...

Pick me, pick me!

I call tactical officer!

Will PM a character concept as soon as this question is answered and I get the time: This is freeform right?

And I call one of the First officer positions.

I can't see Lt. Bob N'doog on a warship. Violence just was not in his nature. Remember this is the man who converted his standard issue phaser into a toaster on the way down to a planet.

Happy hunting though.

Never Plaayed Starfleet before but, I want to play a female Romulan Marine Officer.

Gung Hoy, Opps that is for Chinese New Years.

GUNG HO.

Time being a constraint right now; when are you planning on leaving port? Gavison may very well be in charge of the Charon? Wouldn't that be interesting...

Gavison captaining the Charon... that would be interesting!

I figure crewing up will take a few weeks, at least, and the game may get underway for sure towards teh end of December or so (possibly sooner but it could be worked out that the Cahron doesn't come into play until then... Cerberus was planned to creew up (for the most part) at SB 10 and then ship out for DS9 where she'll meet up with Charon before heading for the Gamma Quandrant.

Glad to see such an interest

To answer a few questions:

DemonDavyJones - Yes, this is freeform... sort of... I will assume the role of the captain, and will lay the most basic foundations for the plot. However, as in the episodes of that series, it will largely be the rest of the crew that determine the outcome of various missions. You will be given almost free reign to form the story, within reason. However, "god moding", plot hijacking, and controlling of other people's characters are all strictly prohibited, and will be cause for dismissal from the game.

If you are interested in joining, you will first need a concept for your primary character. I say primary due to the fact that a starship of this size holds approximately one thousand crew, counting all of the officers, enlisted crew, and civilians on board. Naturally, our gaming group will be MUCH smaller than this! In order to tell the story, it often becomes necessary to introduce minor characters or NPCs - you will have the freedom to create these, as long as it makes sense for you to do so.

For instance, let's say that you are playing the role of our chief engineer. You will be responsible for setting duty watches, maintaining the various systems, etc. Naturally, you'll need many engineers and technicians, so you will be encouraged and expected to give some of these names and (at the very least) cursory descriptions.

This is not to say that, as chief engineer, you would never have cause to speak with an NPC science officer. If need be, create one! But you should probably check with the head of that department before doing so.... Prett much freeform, you see, just with some stipulations.

DragonMistress - I hadn't envisioned RGF (or Romulan Marines) being posted to the Cerberus... I had planned a small group of Romulans being aboard for other purposes, though (primarily to oversee the cloaking devices that are on loan to Starfleet for the Cerberus/Charon mission that may or may not work) Whip me up a concept for your Romulan, though, and we;ll see what we can come up with.

Coming soon... a list of Depts and positions that may help with concepts and, as soon as I doctor it up a bit, an 'example' of what I'm looking for in character write ups.

All right, since this is a Discovery spinoff, I'd like to have character creation follow along the lines that were established for those games. Here's an example using Commander Mac (still updating this a bit to fill in some history but...)

Commander Jonathan R (Jack) MacTavish Player: Eol Fefalas
Current Assignment: Commanding Officer; USS Cerberus Gender: Male
Date of Birth: 2334-05-20
Birthplace: New Edinburgh, Caldos IV
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 168 lbs
Eyes: Gray
Hair: Dark Brown (graying)

Physical Description: While there is something imposing (and vaguely threatening) about Jack MacTavish it is difficult to pin-point exactly what it might be. Standing just at six feet tall – give or take an eighth of an inch – and weighing in at a lean 168 pounds, the USS Discovery’s Tactical Officer is far from the largest crew member on board and, if he went toe-to-toe with a Klingon of roughly the same age and experience, some might mistakenly be lead to believe that the wiry human would be hard pressed to hold his own against the “son of Kah’less.” Those who would appraise more than physical stature and appearance, though, would invariably find themselves wondering what it was about the Caldos IV native that made them worry more about how the Klingon might fare… Perhaps the way the Tac Officer carries himself with air of confidence (as if he were twice his actual size) and an authoritative bearing (as if he were Admiral of the Fleet as opposed to a recently pipped Lieutenant) has something to do with it. Or, maybe, it’s the impassive, hawk-like glint in his eyes and the close-cropped severity of his dark hair (already showing a peppering of gray at the temples) that likens him – at least in the minds of many Starfleet personnel – to “that one, relentless, taskmaster, son-of-a-bitch” drill instructor that no rank-and-filer will ever forget even if they live to be 300!

Family and Background: Eldest son of Robert and Bronwyn MacTavish (both employed with the Planetary Engineering Department at the University of New Edinburgh (?) – Robert as a professor/researcher in the Nanotechnology branch and Bronwyn serving as a professor of Ecology). Younger brother, Ian (disappeared from Caldos IV on 2356.07.08 )suspected of being affiliated with the terrorist organization known as the Maquis; current location unknown. ((updating))

Education: University of Edinburgh, Caldos IV (2351-2354): majored in History (excelled at Military History)

Starfleet Academy(2354-2358 ): History/Tactics major; minored in Security Forces Logistics and Starship Gunnery. Excelled academically but records indicate several incidents where Cadet MacTavish was reprimanded for “insubordination,” “failure to carry out orders as directed by his superior officer,” “Striking a fellow Cadet,” and other, similar infractions.

Service Record: 2354: Accepted to Starfleet Academy
2358.05.15: Graduated Starfleet Academy, commissioned Ensign.
2358.05.29: Assigned to USS Vigilance, Security Forces
2359.04.19: Promoted to Lieutenant (jg)
2361.03.05: Transferred to Starbase 375, Security Forces
2362.01.21: Demoted to Ensign (Disobeying a direct order, assaulting a superior officer, improper treatment of detainee).
2362.03.21: Assigned to Tactical Station, Starbase 375
2363.01.12: Promoted to Lieutenant (jg)
2363.09.13: Instrumental in repelling Cardassian assault on Starbase 375
2364.01.15: Assigned to USS Warden, Security Forces/Junior Tactical Officer
2364.11.04: Assumes Chief Tac Officer duties aboard USS Warden after Lt. Oliver Tahn is killed in the line of duty.
2365.02.04: Promoted to Lieutenant
2366.03.12: Assigned to USS Discovery, Tactical Officer
2366.03.26: Establishes “First Contact” with a sentient species (Lt MacTavish refers to them as ‘Racooleemurs’) on Gavin III.
2366.10.21: Designated Second Officer of USS Discovery
2366.11.18: Kills BTF cell leader, Ian MacTavish during an attempt to thwart a terrorist plot involving a shipment of vaccine to Aldor V.
2367.06.26: Marries Chantelle Hemlos
2368.07.01: Promoted to Lt Commander
2371.01.21: Transferred to Akira Class Heavy Cruiser USS Warden as Chief Tactical/Security Officer and 2O
2373.09.13: Designated XO of the Warden
2374.05.17: Promoted to Commander2374.08.31: Assumes command of Steamrunner-class Light Cruiser USS Cerberus

Medical History: 2354 – Starfleet Academy Entrance Physical: Scans show Cadet has been treated for several fractures, a number of lacerations, and numerous other bodily injuries throughout the course of childhood and adolescence. Compression fractures to hands and microfractures to facial portions of the skull would suggest injuries were largely the result of physical confrontation (fighting).
2363.09.14: Treated for injuries from energy weapon discharge, multiple abrasions and contusions, removed shrapnel resultant of computer panel explosion from right cheek. (Updating)

Commendations and Reprimands: 2355.11.10: Reprimand: Starfleet Academy - “Striking a fellow Cadet,” “Conduct unbecoming a Starfleet Cadet”. Confined to quarters (7 days), Transporter privileges suspended (30 days)
2357.10.13: Reprimand: Starfleet Academy – “Insubordination,” “Failure to carry out orders as directed by superior.” Confined to quarters (14 days), (Record indicates that Cadet MacTavish was originally supposed to repeat the Tactics program; however, in “disregarding the orders as issued” Cadet MacTavish provided a more efficient and effective resolution to the simulation scenario. Requirement to repeat the program was suspended.)
2360.06.20: Commendation: Meritorious Service Award
2362.01.21: Reprimand: “Improper treatment of a detainee, Disobeying a direct order, Striking a Superior Officer” – Demotion to Ensign, 60 days confinement, Reassignment from SF to Ops.
2363.09.15: Commendation: Medal of Valor – for conspicuous gallantry and actions beyond the call of duty during the Cardassian assault on SB375
2366.08.22: Commendation: Nova Star – for actions taken in safeguarding civilian and diplomatic personnel (Zellog Prime)

Special Skills/Ratings: Expert Qualification – Close Quarters/ Hand-to-Hand Combat (Jeet Kun Do Stylist)
Expert Qualification – Starfleet Small Arms (Type 1 and Type 2 Phasers, Phaser Rifles)
Marksman Qualification – Starfleet Heavy Arms (Phaser Cannon)
Certification – Zero G Combat Operations
Pilot Rating – Class B
Skilled Stratagem Player

Personal Bio: Despite the scientific and academic leanings of their parents, Jack MacTavish and his brother Ian were ‘typical Scottish lads’ in the early years of their childhoods on Caldos IV – boisterous, mischievous, rough-and-tumble boys, all but inseparable, who were always up for fun and/or trouble where ever and when ever it could be found but overall ‘good lads who loved and respected their Ma and Da” and were fiercely proud of and loyal to their family. Both of the MacTavish boys showed an early and rather interesting penchant for strategy and tactics and often easily bested other children they played with in games such as Capture the Flag, King of the Mountain, etc. As they grew into adolescence, they also became somewhat notorious for being two off the toughest scrappers in New Edinburgh – never turning from (and, more often than not, winning)a fight even if it appeared the odds weren’t in their favor. This strategic and tactical awareness, though, wasn’t only limited to the physicality of game-playing and fisticuffs – especially in Jack’s case. While Ian was perfectly happy to be in the thick of things, enjoying the rushes of adrenaline and the frantic energy of combat and competition, Jack also found himself intrigued by the more cerebral aspects of conflict and confrontation. On days when Caldos IV’s weather put a damper on any goings on outdoors, Jack would entertain himself by reviewing historical data archives, reading accounts and reviews of battles of all ages, and recreating them in computer simulations (often taking on the role of the historical loser of the conflict in question and “rewriting history” by figuring out how the tables could have been turned on the documented victor).The pursuits and interests of his childhood led Jack to enroll in the University of New Edinburgh where his major course of study was History (with a focus on military history, strategies, and tactical operations). He also studied boxing, fencing, and other forms of personal combat while attending the University and held the title of Caldos IV Intercollegiate Stratagem Champion for the last two years of attendance at UNE. It was during Jack’s years at the University that he and Ian began drifting apart. While Jack found his interests and abilities focused and directed by his education, his younger brother had seemed to allow his to be directed by the ideals and precepts of political extremists whom he had befriended in Jack’s absence. This philosophical parting of ways continued and intensified when Jack applied for admission to Starfleet Academy.During the first two years at the Academy Jack flourished (aside from a few minor incidents where his temperament and respect for authority were called into question) but, in his absence, Ian further aligned himself with “political extremist and special interest groups of questionable intent.” Cadet MacTavish, of course, was questioned extensively by Federation and Starfleet officials in regards to his brother’s affiliations and investigated at length to determine if he, too, demonstrated any such similar leanings. When the investigations concluded – and it was determined that Jack did not, in fact, have any leanings toward or associations with any of these organizations aside from his brother – Jack contacted Ian and “read him the riot act” over the trouble Ian was causing (and likely getting into), promising to “discuss it further” with him when Jack returned home on furlough. Ian, of course, was indignant about the whole thing and railed against the Federation and Starfleet in return, and swore to be more than prepared for that ‘discussion.’ However; on 2356.07.08, when Jack MacTavish returned to Caldos IV on that furlough, his brother Ian also seemingly disappeared from the planet, severing all ties with family and friends. (It is presumed that he left in the company of several other persons of interest monitored by Starfleet Intelligence and, after departing Caldos IV, wound up working as an agent for any number of radical organizations. Ian MacTavish has been spotted several times since, but intelligence cannot confirm that he has settled in any particular location, neither can it determine for certain if he still maintains affiliation with any particular group(s) from his youth. The most recent sighting of Ian MacTavish, however, places him in the company of two known Maquis operatives.) Jack and Ian still haven’t had that “discussion;” a fact that seems to weigh heavily on the elder MacTavish’s mind at times. This familial rift may account for Cadet MacTavish’s handling of his final Tactics examination in which, during a simulation of an historical starship battle, Jack blatantly disregarded the orders of his “Captain,” arguing tactical wisdom with the other Cadet while simultaneously employing his own (repeatedly recommended) tactics to resolve the re-created conflict. While MacTavish’s tactical decisions proved more effective and efficient than did the ‘Captain’s’ – in fact, setting a record time for resolution of this particular scenario – Jack was still reprimanded for his insubordination and appropriately punished (the mandatory failure of the Tactics course, however, was waived due to the Cadet’s outstanding performance, otherwise).In 2358, Jack MacTavish graduated from the Academy and was assigned to the Security Forces detail aboard the USS Vigilance – a military vessel alternately assigned to patrol the border of the Neutral Zone between Romulan and Federation space and the contentious region of space along the Federation/Cardassian border. His outstanding performance aboard the Vigilance – helping to organize and deploy the Security teams more effectively – earned him a fairly quick promotion to Lieutenant (junior grade) and gained him some notice among the Starfleet Security/Tactical Operations Community. Shortly thereafter Jack was re-assigned to the security forces contingent aboard Starbase 375 (at the installation commander’s request) as aSEC.His career aboard SB375, at first, seemed as promising as his career aboard the Vigilance had been. Upon arrival, Jack immediately set about re-organizing and restructuring the Security details, quickly bringing them up to the performance and efficiency levels of his squads aboard the Vigilance, and even though his ‘gruff, hard-nosed, should-have-been-a-marine’ reputation preceded him, he gained the respect of his superiors and subordinates alike – though, among the subordinates, that respect was paid somewhat begrudgingly. There were some, too, among the Senior Officers aboard SB375 who cringed or curdled at MacTavish’s attitude – he was known to speak his mind in a brutally blunt manner at times and never let rank or protocol prevent him from doing so if he felt it was called for; “Beggin’ yer pardon, Sir, but that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” was not an uncommon thing to be heard from Lt (jg) MacTavish in staff meetings (or in the corridors for that matter) – but, for all intents and purposes, they considered him to be an outstanding officer.In 2362, a team of Cardassian saboteurs were discovered and captured aboard SB 375. The Cardassians – who were far from cooperative – were taken to detention for questioning. MacTavish was ordered to postpone questioning until the CSO and the installation Commander could arrive as it was suspected that one of the infiltrators was the son of a Cardassian Gul of some repute – protocol dictates that one of such standing may not be questioned by one of lesser standing. Despite those orders, MacTavish began a cursory debriefing of the suspects during which time, several verbal and mild physical exchanges took place between MacTavish and the Cardassians. In the end, the Cardassians’ lit the fuse to Jack’s temper and he was goaded into throwing the son of the Cardassian Gul a good, sound beating. When the Commander and the CSO arrived, Jack was in the midst of pummeling the Cardassian – who had suddenly stopped fighting back – and, when the Commander tried to intervene, he found himself in the path of Jack’s right cross and a flurry of expletives. The incident, much to the delight of the Cardassians, saw MacTavish arrested, sent to the brig, and demoted to Ensign. MacTavish was also required to submit to s psychological evaluation and counseling sessions for anger management. The result of this was to find Jack reassigned, upon his release, from security forces to Ops (thankfully, they at least assigned him to the Tac station) the idea being that he might be less volatile if kept distanced from the hustle and bustle of Security. Again, MacTavish excelled in his position at Tactical Ops and very little that occurred on or around SB 375 escaped his attention. Had it not been for his attention to detail and quick, adaptive thinking at the Tac Station, SB375 might very well have fallen to the Cardassians when they staged an assault on the installation in late 2363. While SB 375 did sustain damage and suffer a handful of casualties in the assault, MacTavish was able to quickly and efficiently direct the defenses and counter assault, despite being wounded himself. He was awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions that day.A few months later, MacTavish was transferred to another military vessel, the USS Warden, at the request of the Warden’s Chief Tactical Officer (who turned out to be none other than Jack’s dorm-mate at the Academy, Oliver Than). The details of the USS Warden’s mission are still classified and under review; thus they are only available to persons with proper clearance and need to know. It is known that Lt Oliver Tahn was killed in the line of duty aboard the Warden and, upon his demise, MacTavish assumed the post of CTO and was promoted to Lieutenant shortly thereafter. Upon completion of the USS Warden’s tour, the crew was disbanded and reassigned while the vessel entered drydock for repair and refitting. Jack was somewhat disappointed to find himself transferred to a Science and Exploration vessel christened the USS Discovery, but manning the TAC station aboard a Galaxy Class Starship does hold a certain appeal.((Updating to reflect elapsed time from post on Discovery))

Command/CONN There are a total of 15 available slots in the Command/Comm Section aboard Cerberus. Some of those postions are:

• Executive Officer (First Officer/XO)
  
• Chief Flight Control Officer (aCFCO, and "standard" FCO (Helm) positions are also wide open)
  
• Chief Communications Officer
  
• Runabout/Shuttle Pilot
  
• Chief of the Boat - This in an "enlisted postiion"
  
• Captain's Yeoman
  

Diplomatic There are a total of 8 slots available in the Diplomatic Corps Section. Among them:

• Chief Diplomatic Officer
  
• Diplomatic Officer
  
• Ambassadorial Representative
  

Engineering There are allowances for a total of 45 Engineering Crew aboard Cerberus. Available positions include:

• Chief Engineering Officer (aCEO also available)
  
• Engineering Officer
  
• Communications Engineer
  
• Matter/Energy Engineer
  
• Warp Drive Engineer
  
• Warp Systems Specialist
  
• Sensor Maintenance
  
• Transporter Chief
  
• Shuttlecraft Maintenance
  
• Damage Control Specialist
  
• many more...
  

Intelligence There are 16 slots available in the Intel Section:

• Chief Intelligence Officer
  
• Intelligence Analyst Officer
  
• Infiltration Specialist
  

M.A.C.O. There are a total of 37 Marines assigned to the contingent aboard Cerberus:

• Platoon XO
  
• Squad Sgt(s)
  
• Grunts (Fireteam Marines)