4th April 2012: Captain Vesso & His Boffs
Star Trek Online is pretty much in last chance saloon right now because of all its annoying bugs and the ludicrously boring missions I keep getting lumbered with. Still, the game does have something going for it that no other MMO does, and that is the quite customisable crew of your starship. In addition to all the skills and gear you can kit them out with, you can also give them all their own little biographies. As I can't resist the temptation to develop characters and make up little stories, these are the ones I've made up for mine:
Macan Vesso
Balseph, born in 2376. Most Balseph are more than content to remain on their home planet, but Macan's parents were travellers, looking to learn more about the galaxy and the other species that inhabit it, a passion their child inherited. Macan was not successful in his first application to Starfleet, but his scores were high enough that he was allowed a second chance the following year, and he made sure he did not fail again. From then on, he aced every exam Starfleet threw at him, and even pursued extra tutoring from older, more experienced students. He has developed into a very smart and considerate member of Starfleet. Some might say he is too quiet and introverted to be a captain, but he is aware of his weaknesses, and his very clever choice of officers has almost negated these completely. With his ship and crew, Macan is proving himself a great success.
He is the captain.
Meiden
Andorian, born in 2377. Meiden has literally known Macan all her life. Her parents were friends with his, due to them serving on a ship that Macan's parents were long-term passengers on. It is indeed due to Meiden's parents that Macan could even join Starfleet, as his race the Balseph is not part of the Federation. The pair have always been great friends, playing together as kids, and studying at the Academy together. Macan was surprised when he was offered a command before her, but asking her to be his first officer was a blindingly obvious choice, an offer she quite joyously accepted. Not only is she very smart and a brave soldier, she also interacts with the crew much more than the quieter Macan. The captain knows very well that most of his success has been down to her support and friendship, and firmly believes she has it in her to be a far better captain than he.
She is the first officer and the chief tactical officer.
Ja'nalora Andera
Trill, born in 2383. Ja'nalora grew up never knowing her mother, who passed away very soon after she was born. She was an extremely shy child, and sometimes felt a little overshadowed by her more popular and confident half sister. She instead found solace in study, which helped her to almost breeze through her basic Academy training, and helped immensely as she pursued her scientific studies. During this time, she found herself becoming quite popular as she was always willing to help her fellow students. This helped her come out of her shell somewhat and she found more self confidence. She is now a very friendly, confident, trustworthy and competent adult, crew member and friend.
She is the second officer and the chief science officer.
Karynna Andera
Half-Trill, born in 2385. She is Ja'nalora's half sister, as they share the same father. When they were growing up, she proved to be much more confident and outgoing than her older sister, but she also displayed a brasher, cockier attitude. She has changed little over the years, and in the very rare occurence that tension develops between two officers, it's a sure thing that Karynna is one of them. Despite her attitude, she is fiercely loyal and protective of her crew mates, especially her sister and the captain. Her combat training is extensive, and she is one of best markswomen in Starfleet. With her cockiness and stubbornness comes a whole cargo bay full of bravery, and she is always, without question, the first into dangerous situations in her attempts to keep everyone else safe.
She is the security chief.
Nine Of Thirty Four
Human, born Peta Sailin in 2374. While at Starfleet Academy, she met Macan, who was in his first year, and occasionally helped tutor him. She was assimilated by the Borg in 2398 at the age of 24 when her ship was on a deep space survey mission. Macan, who was an ensign at the time, took the news badly, as he had been quite enamoured with her. She spent 10 years as part of the collective, until she was liberated by Macan and his crew during one of their first missions in the U.S.S. Codan, helping to fight off a Borg incursion in the Sirius sector. Her extraordinarily technical brain has only been enhanced by her Borg implants, and she excels at fabrication and construction. Intellectually her potential as an officer is plain to see, and she is now working on finding her full human side again. There is no doubt that Macan is extremely relieved she is once more free and safe.
She is the chief engineering officer.
Azra Neema
Klingon, born 2385. Azra is not your typical Klingon. Despite being six and a half feet tall and an extremely powerful and competent combatant, she would much rather exercise her mental muscles than her physical ones. She is an exceptional scientist, and though she does not share the typical warrior ways of many Klingons, she still feels torn as the current war rages on, desiring peace more than any other member of the crew. Yet her loyalty to the Federation, and Captain Vesso in particular, is not and has never been in question. The current state of affairs only strengthens her desire to see the war end as soon as possible, and she will do whatever is necessary to make it so.
She is a science officer.
Vizna
Caitian, born 2388. Though well aware she is physically able, she has always considered herself somewhat behind her peers when taking intellect into consideration. So surprised hardly describes the emotion Vizna felt when approached by Macan to join his crew, knowing as she did just how smart his other officers were. But Macan could see her true strengths - her loyalty, physical prowess and compassion - and she has not disappointed him. Around her friends and allies, she is a very sweet, gentle being, utterly devoid of any kind of negative emotion or aggression. In combat, she is entirely different person all together. An expert hand to hand fighter, she rarely ever uses ranged weapons. Instead, she launches herself hissing and snarling at her foes with fangs bared, striking out at them with blinding speed, and relying on her incredible agility to keep herself free from harm. Her crew mates always feel safer going in to dangerous situations when she is present.
She is a security officer.
Mila "Jade" Jenlo
Unknown species and birth date. The baby Mila was discovered by Federation explorers drifting in a stasis pod in 2391. Though physically no more than a year old, she could have been born decades or even centuries before. Her birth race and planet of origin have yet to be discovered. She was raised on Earth, where she gained the rather unimaginative nickname "Jade", which she nevertheless is quite fond of. She enlisted at Starfleet Academy where her rapid cognitive functioning helped her to excel, before being handpicked by Macan Vesso to be part of his crew. She has become one of Macan's integral officers despite her youth, due to her razor-sharp mind, friendliness and her sense of humour. At just 4'6" tall, she does not look particularly threatening, but many opponents have already learned this is not the case.
She is the chief of operations.