Some Ideas on the Diplomatic Area

[Joy 0]

Sorehl and I lurked a bit longer than most after the sim, and threw ideas around about the design of the diplomatic section. I don’t suggest that any of the following should be considered best and final, and would be eager to see other suggestions and flaws with the following. Still, I thought I'd throw together my own thoughts while stealing from some of the other good ideas being bounced around. Anyone else with ideas should feel free to build on this thread.

 

The diagram we started working from is...

 

http://www.stsf.net/forums/index.php?act=a...post&id=350

 

We were thinking of using the top most of the three saucers on the second pylon. This would limit the number of points of entrance, making security’s job easier, and also gives us the scenic possibilities of a big common room on the top floor. (The Control Tower people and the Vips and Dips can wave at each other from across the gap.) Sorehl suggested we might want a second midway joining the top two saucers, providing a second connection and better over all structural strength.

 

We estimated the saucers as being 220 meters in diameter. There are five wide decks which extend for most of this diameter, with smaller decks above and below. I would like to propose the five wide decks might be given to the five Aegis signatory powers -- Cardassia, the Federation, the Ferengi, the Rihannsu and the Klingon, with the smaller decks divided into smaller suites for other powers as needs arise. As things start out, the big decks seem much larger than there is a current need for, so much of the space within a given deck might be left semi-finished, but available for future expansion.

 

I also suggested a semi-open central lobby running the height of the top saucer. There is a computer core located on the central axis. I’d propose an empty space around the core, then circular walks around the open space, essentially circular balconies. I can see stair arrangements and turbo lift access connecting said balconies. The main entrances to the various embassies might open onto the center balconies.

 

The diplomatic lounge might be on the top level, and might include a conference table (round or not), a lounge area for less formal discussion, and a few general purpose computer consoles that might be configured for research, communications or science related tasks.

 

Security is currently escorting diplomats about. To the degree this continues, there might want to be a place in the diplomatic saucer for security people to lurk while waiting to attach themselves to diplomats. Where? If we do have another midway connection, putting it on one end of the midway makes sense. Alternately, somewhere on the center core lobby. If the Federation embassy is on the level where the new midway enters, said room might well be more or less part of the Federation complex.

 

I have been leaning towards one floor per power, but a pie slice arrangement is another possible scheme.

 

I propose the existence of a multi layered absorbent material designed to make passive scans very difficult and require such high powered active scans that such can be detected fairly easily. I’d propose that such materials be used heavily between decks or embassy complexes. A few inner rooms with double lining and active jamming between layers might be an option, though each power would likely want to build their own secure rooms.

 

If one looks under “Assorted Security Concerns” and “Answering the Mail’ one can find a few more issues Joy raised a few weeks back, though the most important have been covered above.

 

For the most part, I see the Fed embassy being fairly straight up office space. I’d see a front lobby, several big formal offices, a larger assortment of smaller practical offices, a few conference rooms, and perhaps a mini cafeteria. At this point, there would be room enough for quarters for embassy personnel. The following is a rough absurdly preliminary and hardly finalized proposal for a basic lay out of the Fed floor.

 

 

As Joy deals on occasion with sentient holograms, she would like the lobby and several of the offices holo equipped. (I also believe that holodecks can be programmed to serve as quite excellent eavesdrop resistant “cones of silence.”) Joy also does not trust the security of public or Starfleet LCARS systems, so she has a pair of her own mini computer cores reserved for embassy use, connected to the Aegis optic net in a highly controlled and monitored fashion. One core is based on LCARS and standard Federation holodeck designs, and is intended to be used by visiting sentient holograms only. (Identity Theft has a whole new meaning to holo sentients, who take computer security far more seriously than most organic beings.) The second micro core is based on the hardware and operating system of The Makers, the ancients that brought the Mudd androids from Andromeda, which uses an entirely different and little known architecture.

 

While the above paragraph features would be focused towards things unique to Mudd, Joy intends the complex to serve as a general Federation embassy as much as a Mudd embassy. I anticipate handling questions from the public related to immigration, visas, trade, tariffs, scientific and legal problems and opportunities. Such questions could be handled with fairly mundane office space. Joy anticipates staffing from a number of races, rather than having androids handling everything. Joy anticipates having offices and quarters available for Sorehl and any other similar Federation traveling diplomats drifting through.

 

While many embassies would have offices set up for police, military and intelligence liaisons, this won’t be an immediate priority for Joy. I’m assuming Starfleet already has people doing such things over on the other pylon. Joy would make room for anyone who might show up to do such stuff -- double and triple checking anyone from Starfleet Intelligence -- but at least to start she wouldn’t be setting up any special facilities for that sort of thing, unless Sorehl or Starfleet requests otherwise.

[Kith Inorom Ghemor 0]

<<having problems getting images to show up, will edit the post later when I get it figured out.>>

 

I've made a 3D model of Aegis and the saucer width was 200 meters.

 

 

I've also done a cross section showing decks.

 

 

There's not any real detail to the internal arrangement beyond the decks.

 

 

I think the pie section set up would work better. With this each power has an identical space with no one being above or below another.

 

The extra midway would be good, allowing a little more docking area (realisticly, this type of station should be limited to shuttles and very small transports and nothing bigger "physically" docking), more secure diplomatic docking, and better access between command and diplomatic levels.

[Capt Muon Quark 0]

Greetings fellow Aegians,

 

I like the idea of this thread to work out the technical specs of the diplomatic corps area. We can even make it a long term project for the sim if you want, letting everyone have a chance to get involved and post suggestions. I will need put some guidelines in place so that we can make progress and actually come up with a finished product.

 

1. Time limit. Let's all decide on a time frame, say by the end of the year? Or earlier if you want.

2. Majority rules - If there are several ideas on the table about one thing, and it can't be decided which one to use, let's have a vote. The idea with the most votes will be the one to use.

3. Keep in mind (this is important) that this diplomatic area will be for ALL diplomats, not just one. No one diplomatic area will have more space or priority over any other. We're trying to create an atmosphere where all beings are represented equally and fairly. <<Ok, ok, Drankum can have his massage area! :-)>>

4. I absolutely require that you all have fun with this!!! :-)

 

So let the creative process begin!!

[Capt Muon Quark 0]

Ok, here's my contribution. I found another graphic of the tower. Here it is...

[DJ McKinny 0]

I'm so glad this topic came up. DJ would love to see a fully equipped mini-Sickbay somewhere in the Dips section of the station. That way, if an emergency arises, the medical facility will be close by and much easier to secure considering the status of its patients. :(

[Joy 0]

With Muon wanting each embassy equal in size, and both Ghemor and Sorehl saying they are leaning towards a pie partition, I won’t push the by deck approach.

 

Some basic questions and possible answers...

 

How many full size embassies we might want to support? I know we want at least five at full size, the Aegis signatory powers: Cardassia, The Federation, The Klingon, the Rihannsu and the Ferengi. If no other powers are likely to set up full fledged embassies, we could cut the pie into six 60 degree slices, give the five signatories 60 degrees each, with 60 degrees left over from the midway corridor, turbo lift shafts and other infrastructure.

 

If we want to leave the door open for two other local powers of similar stature to expect equal space, I might recommend an eight slice 45 degree partition. We could keep going with a ten slice 36 degree partition, but I’d nudge towards 60 or 45.

 

Do we want smaller facilities appropriate for more distant lesser nations who want some representation but don’t need dozens of people in residence? How many decks are given over to the big five? How do we partition the other decks to allow a reasonable space for others? How many smaller suites might we guesstimate as being sufficient?

 

Do we see the security and medical areas as part of the Federation embassy, or as service areas supporting all equally? I’d lean towards the latter, but wouldn’t argue with anyone if they have an opinion. I just thought the question should be asked. Also, does Security and Medical have ideas as to where they would like their areas located?

 

Joy has been aiming to set up a Federation embassy, while Muon sometimes refers to it as the Mudd embassy. If a duly accredited representative from Andor or Risa shows up on Aegis, does he or she get an office similar in stature to Joy’s and Sorehl’s in the Federation Complex, or does he or she set up an Andorian or Risan embassy equal in stature to Mudd’s and Vulcan’s? I’ve sort of been assuming Joy should be ready to support visiting Fed representatives in the style to which they have become accustomed. Should we be reserving space for multiple Federation member planets? I would assume no?

[Einya trAeolix 0]

The Rihans don't have a full delegation at this time, they have a smaller contingency of a junior ambassador and his aides. Previously, they had a full staff, including a small detachment of Galae guards. It would be prudent, though, it keep that in mind. Because the Romulans, for example, would have slightly different needs than say the Klingons.

 

It'd say that, realistically, you'd have the primary signatories, like Romulus, Qo'Nos, Ferenginar, Cardassia, and the Federation with a full "complex" with room for a large staff. Then you'd likely have a separate section for any other ambassadors, like Mudd, etc that are members of the Federation (they seem to at times operate both as a single entity and also as individual states) but that would have a interests in Cardassia, and other Ambassadors, like those of say Tholia or the Gorn that aren't aligned with any of the "Great" Powers, but also aren't signatory members of the Treaty.

 

So maybe you have a deck dedicated to "signatory" members that would be much larger and have the capability to support very large staff and other VIP, and then a second deck dedicated to "visiting" Ambassadors who wouldn't need the space that other members would need.

Edited April 14, 2008 by Einya trAeolix

[Kith Inorom Ghemor 0]

As the player of the former Gorn ambassador I'd have to first give a good grunt to the idea that the Gorn aren't a "Major" power but honestly Aegis should be the diplomatic interest of the powers involved in the war. Cardassia should have moved on enough that they can interact with other nations without having to go through the occupying powers first. So, having a presence on Aegis would just duplicate existing embassy's. That doesn't mean they would never come to Aegis just that they do not need a permanent presence there.

 

As for the Romulans, I can not say it's realistic that they have pulled so much out of Aegis. But, we have to deal with the OOC reality of not having a regular player to represent them. It's a shame the idea of the crew itself being made up of all the allied powers didn't last. I imagine the Romulans as a presence and active just not visibly. Cardassian space is probably just far enough away not to be of interest for taking territory but close enough to wish to make stable. In that manner they would support the same ideas as the Federation for Cardassia, if just for a more pragmatic reason.

 

The Federation embassy should represent all Federation worlds but also be open enough for each member world to pursue their own agendas. From something said in an TOS episode the member worlds act on their own but are required to end aid to one another. I think that this could be extended to foreign policy in that each world can interact with other powers as long as it doesn't endanger other members or infringe on their rights.

[Einya trAeolix 0]

As the player of the former Gorn ambassador I'd have to first give a good grunt to the idea that the Gorn aren't a "Major" power but honestly Aegis should be the diplomatic interest of the powers involved in the war. Cardassia should have moved on enough that they can interact with other nations without having to go through the occupying powers first. So, having a presence on Aegis would just duplicate existing embassy's. That doesn't mean they would never come to Aegis just that they do not need a permanent presence there.

 

As for the Romulans, I can not say it's realistic that they have pulled so much out of Aegis. But, we have to deal with the OOC reality of not having a regular player to represent them. It's a shame the idea of the crew itself being made up of all the allied powers didn't last. I imagine the Romulans as a presence and active just not visibly. Cardassian space is probably just far enough away not to be of interest for taking territory but close enough to wish to make stable. In that manner they would support the same ideas as the Federation for Cardassia, if just for a more pragmatic reason.

 

Actually it's a plot point that they pulled most of their ambassadorial staff out of the Cardassian Region, as well as the joint Federation-Klingon-Romulan-Dominion Project Camelot in the Gamma Quadrant, as they're in a period of instability on the homeworld. Given the Romulan tendency to occasionally go into near complete isolation, it would be feasible for such an occurrence. :(

 

However, as stated in my own earlier post, it wouldn't be prudent to assume that would continue to be the norm. It could be possible, if the Romulan government so chooses, that a larger ambassadorial staff could be sent. Till then though, the IC reality is somewhat similar to the OOC ;)

[Kith Inorom Ghemor 0]

Actually it's a plot point that they pulled most of their ambassadorial staff out of the Cardassian Region, as well as the joint Federation-Klingon-Romulan-Dominion Project Camelot in the Gamma Quadrant, as they're in a period of instability on the homeworld. Given the Romulan tendency to occasionally go into near complete isolation, it would be feasible for such an occurrence. :(

 

However, as stated in my own earlier post, it wouldn't be prudent to assume that would continue to be the norm. It could be possible, if the Romulan government so chooses, that a larger ambassadorial staff could be sent. Till then though, the IC reality is somewhat similar to the OOC ;)

 

While it's nice that sims can share events and such I'd hate to make this prevent someone from taking the Romulan lead on Aegis just cause it doesn't "mesh" with what another sim is doing.

[Cptn Corizon 0]

While it's nice that sims can share events and such I'd hate to make this prevent someone from taking the Romulan lead on Aegis just cause it doesn't "mesh" with what another sim is doing.

 

 

Don't see why it would, as noted in the log, they could simply change their mind--they've been highly erratic ;)

[Capt Muon Quark 0]

Ok, getting slightly off topic here. Let's just say there's a chance for any species to set up an embassy on Aegis. Now on with the design ideas!! ;)

[Joy 0]

Cross sim stuff can be amusing. A while ago, Joy Twelve and USS Republic pulled into orbit around Cardassia Prime at a time when Joy Two and Sidega were down on the surface and Joy Eight was up on Aegis. I couldn't resist a log where they interacted. I've been playing the Joys for about 14 years now. There have been two other times when ships with Joys aboard have been in orbit around the same planet at the same time, once at Bajor, and once at Earth. It's a big galaxy, but it happens.

 

But I think one has to be flexible with time. A while ago, at slightly different times, both the Excalibur and Republic sims shut down the Bajor wormhole. Excalibur was fighting a war over the Gamma side wormhole exit, while the Republic's helm officer tried to enter the wormhole at warp, much to the dismay of The Prophets. Clearly, every sim in STSF can't cease to use the wormhole every time some other sim is abusing it. Similarly, there have been times when Sorehl has been active on both Aegis and Camelot, and at a time when the wormhole was allegedly closed.

 

I'd suggest we just be a bit flexible with time. There have been several characters Joy Two has met recently on Aegis that Five had encountered before on Camelot or Excalibur. I assume relationships formed in one sim might be continued when characters meet elsewhere, but it seems prudent to be vague on just how long ago prior meetings took place. Players might also take a little care in not explicitly inserting major events from one sim's time line that would impact another sim's politics too much. It might be amusing to have two characters talking about their experiences in the Scorpiad War, but should we force all Aegis diplomats to play their star nations consistently with the politics that fell out of an Excalibur plot line? I would say not. Any old war stories might be mentioned as long ago and far away, rather than as dominant recent events shaping current politics.

[Rachel E Garrett 0]

::head spins::

[Capt Muon Quark 0]

Again, let's keep this thread for ideas about the diplomatic area ONLY.

Thanks.

[Sorehl 0]

I opened a folder in the General Board area under the subject of On Cross-Sim Continuity, so we can stay on topic here regarding the Diplomatic Hub.

 

On that topic, here's my attempt to summarize and throw in my own opinions:

 

Location. Based on last week's post-sim and the above artwork, it seems like people are leaning toward the top (Primary) saucer of Pylon 2. This would let the top deck serve as a shared large conference area. The embassies would comprise the immediate decks below?

 

Shape. For the Hub, it sounds like the wedge configuration has gained some traction.

 

Number. Six wedges has a certain symmetry, one for each of the main signatories -- Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, Federation, and Ferengi - plus one wedge for diplomat security, medical, shuttles or some other such infrastructure. Eight also works and is easy to draw, but I'd vote for six major sections. Other powers can object to being placed some other, possibly smaller, location but this just represents that they didn't fund or assist in the station's development.

 

Shared Space. I think a multi-story central lobby would be classy. Not essential, but I can visualize it, which always add to my personal enjoyment of the sim.

 

Midway Connection. I've heard mixed opinions on one or more additional Midways. I don't think this is an essential step at this phase, although I like the idea of having additional routes between the pylons. I don't see it as adding much docking real-estate, but that may be a topic unto itself. My ulterior interest in adding Midways is that it would reduce the need to amend Jupiter Station artwork when representing Aegis, but then again, that might take away from the uniqueness of our station. I recommend holding off on this change for now.

 

Those're my votes. Anyone else?

Edited April 18, 2008 by Sorehl

[Joy 0]

Location... Shape... Number... Shared Space... Midway Connection....

 

I'm with Sorehl across the board. I've few thoughts that I don't feel strongly for, and wouldn't think less if they don't happen...

 

I like the open central lobby, essentially a free area at the center of the saucer that all the embassies open onto. I'm missing the grand entrance. In some of my original ideas, one end of the midway could open onto the central lobby. With the midway connecting the central saucers and the diplomats in the upper saucer, I'm at a loss for my grand entrance. Innovation might be neat. Alternatively, security is easier if no one can get in and out. ;) Perhaps the only bank of turbo lifts programmed for the general public should open opposite the security lounge?

 

I'm also thinking that around the outer rim of the diplomatic saucer, might we have one docking point per signatory embassy? These would be reserved to couriers, ships carrying VIPs, or Ferengi mega yachts?

 

None of this seems essential.

Edited April 19, 2008 by Joy

[Capt Muon Quark 0]

Here's the diagram I did a while back. I submit it again for review. :-)

[Kith Inorom Ghemor 0]

Here's the diagram I did a while back. I submit it again for review. :-)

 

 

How about going with the 8 wedge shown here but only 6 are occupied by diplomats. Suite 1 could house security and suite 8 medical. Either 1 or 8 could also house a diplomatic dedicated transporter room. Thoughts?

[Joy 0]

 

This is my version of the main deck using the 60 degree wedge scheme. Note the scale. The diameter of the disk approaches the length of two football fields. The above lay out makes the security and medical areas fairly small supplemental areas rather than duplicating Pylon 1's main facilities. If larger areas are required, there are more decks available, but I thought to put small support areas near the center of the diplomatic area while not diminishing the importance of the original main security and sickbay areas.

 

This scheme is different from Muon's in that you have to go back to the main lobby to move between embassies. I did this for security reasons. Some of the Romulans really might be spies!

 

Each embassy area has several decks and could be partitioned inside as desired. One question not firmly answered is how many decks the signatories would need given the scale of the saucer. I would allocate several decks for the 'signatory' powers. There are other decks available for other powers to take space, but they couldn't have entrances from the main level.

 

I put in a diplomatic VIP dock on the main level rather than the midway corridor as the midway crosses between the middle saucers, while the diplomatic wing is in the top saucer.

 

The current Aegis lay outs show big computer cores in both pylons. One thing Star Trek got wrong was huge mainframe computers. Ships and stations in canon trek show huge amounts of space given to mainframes. Do we really need to keep that huge computer core in the middle of the lobby? Actually, I think the core on my diagram is undersized compared to the Aegis lay outs. The hole in my donut should properly be larger.

 

And, no, this isn't intended to label diplomacy as a radioactive hazard. And, no, I don't see that there is clean room for a McMuon's franchise on this deck.

 

Edit : Second thoughts... Half way between the docking bay and the computer core there might be at least two options. 1) A small McMuon's franchise kiosk with a scattering of tables. 2) A much larger than life sized statue of the founder and chief financial figure most responsible for the construction and continued profitability of Aegis. If we choose 2, we could borrow that fine tradition that it is good luck to rub a carefully selected part of the statue's anatomy...

Edited April 21, 2008 by Joy

[STSF NDak 0]

Well one of the things I'd note is that each "embassy" is likely unique, that is the "general" space design of Joy's is an excellent idea, because I am sure they'd each want it setup differently. For example, I bet the Ferengi wing is far more hedonistic than anyone elses, I am betting it has like a massage parlor in it. Where the Klingons is likely far more... simplistic.

 

I like the idea of having a main entrance that you'd have to go through to get into the wing. Likely there's lift access to the various parts, but you'd have to have clearance for thats specific wing.

 

Attached are my sketches for the Romulan Wing, based on Joy's version.

[Joy 0]

I like N’Dak’s internal partition. I see the Federation partition set up similar, but using more decks. As we are on a Federation station there would be far less space dedicated to military and classified purposes, but while Joy and several Alyces are in residence, there might be an android oriented lab and an extra computer area. I think I see an initial set up of say the 3 largest decks set up as working space, the two upper and therefore smaller decks as living space. The lobby deck would be for ‘public’ functions from research to visa questions and whatever. The second deck would be more government to government coordination and diplomacy. The third might be more technical working areas.

 

I’m thinking the ‘lobby’ wedge might use one or two decks. Above the lobby we might want a grand ballroom, a big two or three deck high open space that might be configured for performances, balls, large banquets, or exercise space depending on the need of the moment. I noted N’Dak’s ballroom and found myself wondering if each embassy really needed its own. Instead of or in addition to each embassy having its own small facility, one large common area available to all might be appropriate.

[STSF NDak 0]

I imagine the "ball room" to basically be a dining area where they could use to hold small "formal" events. More akin to cocktail parties than a formal state dinner.

[Joy 0]

I imagine the "ball room" to basically be a dining area where they could use to hold small "formal" events. More akin to cocktail parties than a formal state dinner.

 

Agreed. I suspect I'll want a medium small 'room with a view' for the Fed complex as well, but unless and until we have more planets looking for space than we have space, perhaps one big common room over the lobby wouldn't be amiss. I don't see it being used all that often other than as an exercise space.

 

That should be very low on Engineering's priority, though. A luxury, rather than an essential.

[Sorehl 0]

This is my version of the main deck using the 60 degree wedge scheme. Note the scale. The diameter of the disk approaches the length of two football fields. The above lay out makes the security and medical areas fairly small supplemental areas rather than duplicating Pylon 1's main facilities. If larger areas are required, there are more decks available, but I thought to put small support areas near the center of the diplomatic area while not diminishing the importance of the original main security and sickbay areas.

 

This scheme is different from Muon's in that you have to go back to the main lobby to move between embassies. I did this for security reasons. Some of the Romulans really might be spies!

 

Each embassy area has several decks and could be partitioned inside as desired. One question not firmly answered is how many decks the signatories would need given the scale of the saucer. I would allocate several decks for the 'signatory' powers. There are other decks available for other powers to take space, but they couldn't have entrances from the main level.

 

I put in a diplomatic VIP dock on the main level rather than the midway corridor as the midway crosses between the middle saucers, while the diplomatic wing is in the top saucer.

I really like the approach of having a single central point, a Lobby or Embassy Hub, to control access for security purposes. I can imagine a circular, two-level area with the flags of each embassy, honor guards, and a central fountain. (The only thing I wonder about is turbolift access in and out - but maybe the areas are small enough that you step off in the Lobby and have to walk inside your embassy. Or maybe there's a biometric key that allows pass-through.) I also like having the sixth wedge be the location of the security substation, diplomatic medical area, a dedicated transporter complex, McMuon's, and some kind of shuttle landing or airlock area.

 

My initial drawings put the Diplomatic Hub towards the top of Pylon 2 on Decks 2 and 3, so its narrower up there. The overall width would be about half, closer to 100 meters. This eliminated the Computer Core from the center - it doesn't start till Deck 3 - and keeps it close to the Main Conference Room at the top. If we need more than two decks, a third (or fourth) could go below where it's wider, using the same access restrictions.

 

Any thoughts?

Edited April 29, 2008 by Sorehl