Re: Lover
Thank you for posting this. It made me cry.
yezar
Lover
(Invalid video video code)
"Lover" tells a story very rarely told: of the loss endured by partners of gay servicemembers who are killed in battle.
The video features Goss as the bereaved partner of an army soldier (DC actor Ben Horen) killed while on duty in Afghanistan. Among those playing medics who come to the aid of the wounded soldier are several former servicemembers who were discharged under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy: Mike Almy, David Hall, and Danny Hernandez, all of whom are active members of SLDN. Keith Bryant stars as a fellow soldier.
The video, Goss's fourth, was filmed in DC and Alexandria. is being directed by DC residents Aram Vartian and Michael Key of DC; Dylan Comstock is director of photography.
"Lover" tells a story very rarely told: of the loss endured by partners of gay servicemembers who are killed in battle.
The video features Goss as the bereaved partner of an army soldier (DC actor Ben Horen) killed while on duty in Afghanistan. Among those playing medics who come to the aid of the wounded soldier are several former servicemembers who were discharged under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy: Mike Almy, David Hall, and Danny Hernandez, all of whom are active members of SLDN. Keith Bryant stars as a fellow soldier.
The video, Goss's fourth, was filmed in DC and Alexandria. is being directed by DC residents Aram Vartian and Michael Key of DC; Dylan Comstock is director of photography.
trehes
Re: Commission: "The Stonewall Resistance"
I got to recruit zep! *snicker*
I loved every word of it, well worth...umm...well, what ever it was that I spent on it. 3 zillion tribbles I think...
I loved every word of it, well worth...umm...well, what ever it was that I spent on it. 3 zillion tribbles I think...
Angelsilhouette
Re: Design The Next Enterprise Contest
I think perhaps there is an even larger group that has been disenfranchised than the international folks who are upset that they cannot participate in the contest.
They are a silent majority who take it as read that they cannot participate and do not complain one bit.
I am, of course, referring to the acutely untalented. Yes, that's right, those of us who have trouble with even the simplest smiley faces and stick figures are completely out of the running before we even start. We accept our fate gracefully and don't complain that the contest is rigged so that only the most talented will win. :3
xD
Just playing, I'm sorry. ^.^
They are a silent majority who take it as read that they cannot participate and do not complain one bit.
I am, of course, referring to the acutely untalented. Yes, that's right, those of us who have trouble with even the simplest smiley faces and stick figures are completely out of the running before we even start. We accept our fate gracefully and don't complain that the contest is rigged so that only the most talented will win. :3
xD
Just playing, I'm sorry. ^.^
Re: Commission: "The Stonewall Resistance"
Thanks Eric!! The story was amazing and I've loved every minute of it!
Zepari
Re: Commission: "The Stonewall Resistance"
I loved it too! I want to see it published so everyone can see. Thanks Eric!
chemkarate
Re: Commission: "The Stonewall Resistance"
((Oh wow, thank you! That's an amazing compliment to receive, especially since one of your characters was among those I had to portray. I'm very glad that you liked the story!))
Unknown Person
CapnBranFlakes
Re: Commission: "The Stonewall Resistance"
((BRAVO!!! This has been the best Trek lit I have ever read. 100% honest. Amazing job, Eric! What a fantastic adventure :)))
chemkarate
Re: Commission: "The Stonewall Resistance"
Fleet Admiral’s Log, Stardate 86107.6. It has been a week since the battle with the Borg fleet. Since then, most of our ships have returned to Earth Stardock to undergo repairs, though a few have remained to assist with helping Vega Colony recover and analyze the wreckage of the Borg vessels. I would have rather that this new fleet be born without such bloodshed and loss, but at least it was successful in defending the Federation from what could have been a devastating attack. Now the only question is what our next move shall be.
Nick looked out one of the large observation windows the reception lounge and let out a small sigh. Over a month ago, he had been standing in this very same room after being promoted to the rank of rear admiral. His idea to restart the Borg Task Force had been met with skepticism by his peers. Though he took little joy in being proven right on this matter, he was at least glad that his efforts since his fateful discussion with Quinn had not been futile. He looked over his shoulder at the room, which was now full of captains and senior officers from the ships that made up the week-old Stonewall Fleet, and grinned. There was a lot of work to do, but at least this time he would have a lot of help.
“I am surprised, Nicholas. I have always observed you to be much more social than this.”
Nick looked to his side and saw T’Rehes and T’Laris standing there, both in typical Vulcan stoic fashion. When Nick didn’t immediately answer, T’Rehes tilted her head in her usual sudden, staccato manner.
“Is something wrong?”
Nick shook his head. “No, I’m just tired. Since we returned to Earth, I don’t think I’ve had more than ten minutes to myself.”
T’Laris raised an eyebrow. “Is that unexpected? You and Admiral T’Rehes took command of a battle that was not only a success, but perhaps vital to the survival of the Federation. From what I have observed of most cultures within the Federation, including your own, this normally entails a great deal of attention.”
Nick only chuckled at the Vulcan’s analysis. “Not unexpected, just... overwhelming. Especially when there’s also the matter of organizing the new fleet.”
“Regarding that topic,” interjected T’Rehes’, “I have a number of reports and requests you should read that have come in from our member crews. A statistically high number of ships lost their commanding officers in the battle, and there is a particularly interesting report from one such ship, the Pandora, regarding the behavior of the Borg boarding par--”
“Is this really the time for this? Let him enjoy this bit of celebration!”
The three looked over at Zepari, who had interrupted T’Rehes and thrust a drink into Nick’s face. Nick eyed the glass suspiciously, but Zepari shook his head.
“Don’t worry, it’s a standard synthehol drink.”
Nick could have sworn he then heard Zepari mutter something about the ‘good stuff’ being kept somewhere. He looked past Zepari and noticed, in the rear corner of the room, Quinn and Ethan speaking. He made a mental note to ask them about it later, as he had a feeling it had to do with a some more... unspoken... matters. Zepari followed his glance and frowned.
“I wonder what that's all about," muttered Zepari.
Nick had a feeling it might be about what he had discovered with regard to Terev and Gallagher, but he said nothing. It wasn't for public discussion, even with the other captains.
T’Laris took the ensuing silence as an opportunity to ask a question that had been on her mind.
“Admiral, I have been meaning to ask you. After our ships returned to this time through the temporal distortion, why did you order us not to destroy the gate, even after the Pendragon succeeded in coming through?”
Nick took a rather prolonged sip from his drink. The only two people he had explained this action to were T’Rehes and Quinn. He noticed T’Rehes studying him as he tried to come up with an answer that wouldn’t violate the Temporal Prime Directive. Finally, he looked at T’Laris and grinned.
“Let’s just say that one day you’ll thank me for my restraint.”
The cyptic answer prompted an eyebrow raise from T’Laris, but she took didn’t inquire further. Zepari, on the other hand, rolled his eyes Nick just shook his head with a grin in response and looked back out the window at the blue planet below.
“It will be nice to have a day of shore leave. I’m thinking a day at the beach. If I don’t get some natural light soon, I might have to start taking vitamin D supplements.”
T’Rehes tilted her head slightly. “Actually, Admiral, the lighting on all Starfleet starships is designed to provide the wavelengths necessary for the human body to produce that vitamin.”
Nick was about to tell T’Rehes it was a bad joke when a chime sounded throughout the lounge, which drew everyone’s attention to a podium at the front, behind which Admiral Quinn was standing. He cleared his throat and spoke.
“As you all know, we are there today to commission the new Stonewall Fleet. It has already enjoyed an important success in the defense of the Federation and, indeed, all sentient life in the Alpha Quadrant. However, instead of listening to me speak, I think it would be best if we heard from the Fleet Admiral himself. Admiral Ford, would you care to say a few words?”
Everyone in the room looked back at Nick. He looked over at T’Rehes, who immediately caught what he was thinking and gave a quick, terse shake of her head.
“I appreciate the offer, Nicholas, but I believe it would be best if you were the sole speaker.”
Nick looked at her for a moment, then nodded and walked to the podium at the center of the room. He looked out at the faces of captains and officers looking back at him. Save for a few admirals, most were members of the new fleet. They were now, to some degree at least, under his command. He realized that in the same way he through of his ship as home and his crew as his family, he would likely come to think of the fleet the same way. The thought brought a soft smile to his face as he spoke.
“I wish there wasn’t a need for this fleet. I wish that we didn’t need a special force to fight the forces that work against the Federation and its ideals of equality, mutual cooperation, and independence. Unfortunately, that is not the galaxy we find ourselves in. There is a need for this fleet, possibly more so than ever in the Federation’s history as we find ourselves facing threats from all sides. All that said, I am proud to find myself in this endeavor with all of you, who have already demonstrated your exceptional ability and dedication. All of us represent so many different species, worlds, and cultures... and I believe that, in the months to come, we will be able to face any challenge with the strength that comes from that diversity. Thank you.”
The assembled captains and officers broke out into applause as Nick finished his short speech. He looked at the gathered fleet members, then to T’Laris, Zepari, and T’Rehes, then finally out at the stars that shone behind them all. He found himself smiling again and realized that the future of the galaxy looked just a little bit brighter.
Space. The final frontier.
These are the voyages of the Stonewall Fleet.
It’s continuing mission, to draw strength from diversity
To defend the ideals and peoples of the Federation
And to boldly go where no one has gone before!
((That's a wrap for "The Stonewall Resistance"! I'd like to thank Mandy for commissioning me to write this story back in June. Holy crap, it's been five months. Sorry this took so long, Mandy! I'd also like to thank Mandy, Nick, Zep, Bradley, and Brandon for sitting down me with for interviews about their characters so I didn't go off half-cocked. Finally, I'd like to thank you for reading this story. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.))
Nick looked out one of the large observation windows the reception lounge and let out a small sigh. Over a month ago, he had been standing in this very same room after being promoted to the rank of rear admiral. His idea to restart the Borg Task Force had been met with skepticism by his peers. Though he took little joy in being proven right on this matter, he was at least glad that his efforts since his fateful discussion with Quinn had not been futile. He looked over his shoulder at the room, which was now full of captains and senior officers from the ships that made up the week-old Stonewall Fleet, and grinned. There was a lot of work to do, but at least this time he would have a lot of help.
“I am surprised, Nicholas. I have always observed you to be much more social than this.”
Nick looked to his side and saw T’Rehes and T’Laris standing there, both in typical Vulcan stoic fashion. When Nick didn’t immediately answer, T’Rehes tilted her head in her usual sudden, staccato manner.
“Is something wrong?”
Nick shook his head. “No, I’m just tired. Since we returned to Earth, I don’t think I’ve had more than ten minutes to myself.”
T’Laris raised an eyebrow. “Is that unexpected? You and Admiral T’Rehes took command of a battle that was not only a success, but perhaps vital to the survival of the Federation. From what I have observed of most cultures within the Federation, including your own, this normally entails a great deal of attention.”
Nick only chuckled at the Vulcan’s analysis. “Not unexpected, just... overwhelming. Especially when there’s also the matter of organizing the new fleet.”
“Regarding that topic,” interjected T’Rehes’, “I have a number of reports and requests you should read that have come in from our member crews. A statistically high number of ships lost their commanding officers in the battle, and there is a particularly interesting report from one such ship, the Pandora, regarding the behavior of the Borg boarding par--”
“Is this really the time for this? Let him enjoy this bit of celebration!”
The three looked over at Zepari, who had interrupted T’Rehes and thrust a drink into Nick’s face. Nick eyed the glass suspiciously, but Zepari shook his head.
“Don’t worry, it’s a standard synthehol drink.”
Nick could have sworn he then heard Zepari mutter something about the ‘good stuff’ being kept somewhere. He looked past Zepari and noticed, in the rear corner of the room, Quinn and Ethan speaking. He made a mental note to ask them about it later, as he had a feeling it had to do with a some more... unspoken... matters. Zepari followed his glance and frowned.
“I wonder what that's all about," muttered Zepari.
Nick had a feeling it might be about what he had discovered with regard to Terev and Gallagher, but he said nothing. It wasn't for public discussion, even with the other captains.
T’Laris took the ensuing silence as an opportunity to ask a question that had been on her mind.
“Admiral, I have been meaning to ask you. After our ships returned to this time through the temporal distortion, why did you order us not to destroy the gate, even after the Pendragon succeeded in coming through?”
Nick took a rather prolonged sip from his drink. The only two people he had explained this action to were T’Rehes and Quinn. He noticed T’Rehes studying him as he tried to come up with an answer that wouldn’t violate the Temporal Prime Directive. Finally, he looked at T’Laris and grinned.
“Let’s just say that one day you’ll thank me for my restraint.”
The cyptic answer prompted an eyebrow raise from T’Laris, but she took didn’t inquire further. Zepari, on the other hand, rolled his eyes Nick just shook his head with a grin in response and looked back out the window at the blue planet below.
“It will be nice to have a day of shore leave. I’m thinking a day at the beach. If I don’t get some natural light soon, I might have to start taking vitamin D supplements.”
T’Rehes tilted her head slightly. “Actually, Admiral, the lighting on all Starfleet starships is designed to provide the wavelengths necessary for the human body to produce that vitamin.”
Nick was about to tell T’Rehes it was a bad joke when a chime sounded throughout the lounge, which drew everyone’s attention to a podium at the front, behind which Admiral Quinn was standing. He cleared his throat and spoke.
“As you all know, we are there today to commission the new Stonewall Fleet. It has already enjoyed an important success in the defense of the Federation and, indeed, all sentient life in the Alpha Quadrant. However, instead of listening to me speak, I think it would be best if we heard from the Fleet Admiral himself. Admiral Ford, would you care to say a few words?”
Everyone in the room looked back at Nick. He looked over at T’Rehes, who immediately caught what he was thinking and gave a quick, terse shake of her head.
“I appreciate the offer, Nicholas, but I believe it would be best if you were the sole speaker.”
Nick looked at her for a moment, then nodded and walked to the podium at the center of the room. He looked out at the faces of captains and officers looking back at him. Save for a few admirals, most were members of the new fleet. They were now, to some degree at least, under his command. He realized that in the same way he through of his ship as home and his crew as his family, he would likely come to think of the fleet the same way. The thought brought a soft smile to his face as he spoke.
“I wish there wasn’t a need for this fleet. I wish that we didn’t need a special force to fight the forces that work against the Federation and its ideals of equality, mutual cooperation, and independence. Unfortunately, that is not the galaxy we find ourselves in. There is a need for this fleet, possibly more so than ever in the Federation’s history as we find ourselves facing threats from all sides. All that said, I am proud to find myself in this endeavor with all of you, who have already demonstrated your exceptional ability and dedication. All of us represent so many different species, worlds, and cultures... and I believe that, in the months to come, we will be able to face any challenge with the strength that comes from that diversity. Thank you.”
The assembled captains and officers broke out into applause as Nick finished his short speech. He looked at the gathered fleet members, then to T’Laris, Zepari, and T’Rehes, then finally out at the stars that shone behind them all. He found himself smiling again and realized that the future of the galaxy looked just a little bit brighter.
Space. The final frontier.
These are the voyages of the Stonewall Fleet.
It’s continuing mission, to draw strength from diversity
To defend the ideals and peoples of the Federation
And to boldly go where no one has gone before!
((That's a wrap for "The Stonewall Resistance"! I'd like to thank Mandy for commissioning me to write this story back in June. Holy crap, it's been five months. Sorry this took so long, Mandy! I'd also like to thank Mandy, Nick, Zep, Bradley, and Brandon for sitting down me with for interviews about their characters so I didn't go off half-cocked. Finally, I'd like to thank you for reading this story. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.))
DavidJHarmon
Re: Stonewall Role-Playing Application
=/= Stonewall Fleet Role-Playing =/=
Real-Life Biographical Data
Name: David J Harmon
Age: 49
Forum Handle: DavidJHarmon
STO @Handle: @cyberkopia
Character Biographical Data
Name: Murini (Rufi Dewi M'Urini)
Age:
Species: Caitian
Gender: Tom Cat (Male)
Career Path (Tac/Sci/Eng): Tac/Diplomat
Ship Positions Applying For:
Character Questions
Give a brief background of your character. Please try to keep it to a few sentences.
1. Describe your character’s personality.
Easy Going, like to think thing out, not like his brothers. But his bigges weakness is nice looking Orion Women, he love to watch them dance, Murini sometimes goes into a trance just looking at them.
2. Describe your character’s appearance.
3. Why did your character join Starfleet?
One. To get off of Cait, I hate farming.
Two. Wanted to see new place and different races
Three. Tired of seeing cat people
Role-Playing (RP) Experience Questions
1. Have you done any RP in a real-time chat setting? This includes chat rooms and other online games. If you have, please briefly describe your experiences.
Not with STO before that with WOW and little with EVE
2. Have you done any RP in a Star Trek setting? If so, please briefly describe your experiences.
No. but yes with Star Wars RP Table Top
3. Please describe your familiarity with the universe of Star Trek and Star Trek Online. This would include which shows you’ve watched with some regularity and how knowledge of the game’s story.
Started when I was in grade school, I use to watch ST before my father came home
Real-Life Biographical Data
Name: David J Harmon
Age: 49
Forum Handle: DavidJHarmon
STO @Handle: @cyberkopia
Character Biographical Data
Name: Murini (Rufi Dewi M'Urini)
Age:
Species: Caitian
Gender: Tom Cat (Male)
Career Path (Tac/Sci/Eng): Tac/Diplomat
Ship Positions Applying For:
Character Questions
Give a brief background of your character. Please try to keep it to a few sentences.
1. Describe your character’s personality.
Easy Going, like to think thing out, not like his brothers. But his bigges weakness is nice looking Orion Women, he love to watch them dance, Murini sometimes goes into a trance just looking at them.
2. Describe your character’s appearance.
3. Why did your character join Starfleet?
One. To get off of Cait, I hate farming.
Two. Wanted to see new place and different races
Three. Tired of seeing cat people
Role-Playing (RP) Experience Questions
1. Have you done any RP in a real-time chat setting? This includes chat rooms and other online games. If you have, please briefly describe your experiences.
Not with STO before that with WOW and little with EVE
2. Have you done any RP in a Star Trek setting? If so, please briefly describe your experiences.
No. but yes with Star Wars RP Table Top
3. Please describe your familiarity with the universe of Star Trek and Star Trek Online. This would include which shows you’ve watched with some regularity and how knowledge of the game’s story.
Started when I was in grade school, I use to watch ST before my father came home
SiranNataan
Re: Design The Next Enterprise Contest
Then there are no content contests at all. And to make things equal, no MMO or similar based in any country should have any content contests at all, since, as has been pointed out, this isn't just about US copyright/trademark law, but is also law in other countries.
Copyright laws and such can be a pain, to be sure. But, I mean, they could set up the contest so that anyone from any country could enter, and then there'll be the nice huge lawsuit that shuts down STO outright.
I'd rather that everyone be able to participate, but I'd also like to keep the game from getting shut down.
Copyright laws and such can be a pain, to be sure. But, I mean, they could set up the contest so that anyone from any country could enter, and then there'll be the nice huge lawsuit that shuts down STO outright.
I'd rather that everyone be able to participate, but I'd also like to keep the game from getting shut down.
Seannewboy
buzz999
Re: Design The Next Enterprise Contest
If the competition is not open to all than they should not run it, simple as.
chemkarate
Re: Design The Next Enterprise Contest
-reads his own post again-
Where exactly did I say that my reasons for playing STO was to design the new enterprise or to win the competition? Where did I say that this would effect my ability to enjoy the game?
The reason it feels like we're second class subscribers is because this is a perk of being an STO fan. If you have a problem with my terminology because people without an active subscription can use it then pretend I said "second class fans". The point still remains.
The fact that you consider this contest to be part of what you are entitled to as a subscriber is where I inferred that you considered it part of your reason for playing the game. I would argue that your use of terminology actually does change the direction of your argument, as 'subscriber' carries far different meanings and implications than 'fan'.
Additionally, as I said before, I understand your frustration. As a US citizen who has been locked out of a number of very awesome contests from European and Japanese publishers and companies because I'm not located in those respective territories, I understand. (Shocking, I know, it's not just us mean ol' Americans blocking everyone else out.) These include companies of which I have been, and will continue to be, a long-standing fan because I realize they need to make appropriate business decisions based on trade laws over which they have little control.
However, it seems that we'll have to agree to disagree on this, simply because I just don't care about a contest as much as you apparently do and cannot relate to getting so frustrated about it.
Unknown Person
Re: Design The Next Enterprise Contest
-reads his own post again-
Where exactly did I say that my reasons for playing STO was to design the new enterprise or to win the competition? Where did I say that this would effect my ability to enjoy the game?
I didn't say anything of the sort. Do you honestly think my feelings are purely because I won't be able to win? I have absolutely no chance of winning. I'd be putting myself against major Star Trek geeks with a lot of talent, somebody will design something great! The problem is that we won't get the opportunity.
Star Trek Online sold the game Worldwide on a subscription bases. They have a responsibly to treat every subscriber exactly the same because we're all paying customers. Cryptic is a US company and if they wanted to run a competition like this they should have found ways to include everyone or made the prises something that can be awarded to anybody, anywhere!
If you read the official forums there's quite a few people who have said this; Why don't you give us the opportunity to enter the competition and if we win don't give us the prises? Getting something we created into STO would be reward enough and I agree with that although it still isn't right it's better than going "You guys outside of the US. Sorry but you're not allowed".
The reason it feels like we're second class subscribers is because this is a perk of being an STO fan. If you have a problem with my terminology because people without an active subscription can use it then pretend I said "second class fans". The point still remains.
And yes this is a problem I've experienced before from US based games which is why I mentioned in my post that I'd vowed to play on US servers of any game that didn't give us equal service.
All of this is a problem Cryptic has made for themselves. Why did I get sent the email of an amazing competition twice? Yeah thanks for that, I was really excited for a while. I forgot that I wasn't American and should just accept my place and go "aw nuts".
I feel better now.
Wrote this very quickly before work. May improve it later.
Where exactly did I say that my reasons for playing STO was to design the new enterprise or to win the competition? Where did I say that this would effect my ability to enjoy the game?
I didn't say anything of the sort. Do you honestly think my feelings are purely because I won't be able to win? I have absolutely no chance of winning. I'd be putting myself against major Star Trek geeks with a lot of talent, somebody will design something great! The problem is that we won't get the opportunity.
Star Trek Online sold the game Worldwide on a subscription bases. They have a responsibly to treat every subscriber exactly the same because we're all paying customers. Cryptic is a US company and if they wanted to run a competition like this they should have found ways to include everyone or made the prises something that can be awarded to anybody, anywhere!
If you read the official forums there's quite a few people who have said this; Why don't you give us the opportunity to enter the competition and if we win don't give us the prises? Getting something we created into STO would be reward enough and I agree with that although it still isn't right it's better than going "You guys outside of the US. Sorry but you're not allowed".
The reason it feels like we're second class subscribers is because this is a perk of being an STO fan. If you have a problem with my terminology because people without an active subscription can use it then pretend I said "second class fans". The point still remains.
And yes this is a problem I've experienced before from US based games which is why I mentioned in my post that I'd vowed to play on US servers of any game that didn't give us equal service.
All of this is a problem Cryptic has made for themselves. Why did I get sent the email of an amazing competition twice? Yeah thanks for that, I was really excited for a while. I forgot that I wasn't American and should just accept my place and go "aw nuts".
I feel better now.
Wrote this very quickly before work. May improve it later.
CapnBranFlakes
Re: Star Trek: The Journey
:com:
Episode 97 - The Animated Series - "The Pirates of Orion" - 09/07/1974
Parts 2-3:
Found from the above link in the related videos section
Enjoy!
chemkarate
Re: Design The Next Enterprise Contest
I believe my response would be to go "aw nuts" and move on because designing the new Enterprise and winning contests weren't my reasons for joining the game in the first place. I understand why you'd be disappointed, but being angry and acting like it will affect your ability to enjoy the game seems to be going overboard.
elegantsin
yezar
Re: Design The Next Enterprise Contest
We understand the laws when it comes to contests like this, but at the end of the day it is our right to get frustrated and angry about it. I also feel a little let peeved about it. This is a big thing don't forget, this is a new Enterprise not just some unknown ship.
Now you can say you don't really see a problem with it, but how would you all really feel if the shoe was on the other foot? I'm sure the STO forum server would have crashed and burned by now...
Now you can say you don't really see a problem with it, but how would you all really feel if the shoe was on the other foot? I'm sure the STO forum server would have crashed and burned by now...