Kallah Ramson

WINNER: Images.

I just found that NBC.com has episodes of the original Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers. One problem though is the "brought to you with limited commercial interruptions" line is the biggest lie you'll hear this year...and yes I know it's an election year so ponder that for a moment. The Buck Rogers episode has a commercial, then the quick flashes of scenes from the episode, another commercial, opening credits, commercial, THEN we finally get into ACT one. Did I mention it's the SAME commercial Every time!

 

They also seem to only be showing a limited number of episodes at a time, like it's on a weekly schedule or something. So, even though I like both series I've yet to stick through one whole episode.

I had a good one but can't find it now... and I've used kid photos too many times before.... and I've just changed computers and have not switched all my files over....soooo, let's see what we can do with this one then.

 

My daughter's name is Calla. Yes, I first had a sim daughter named Kallah then I named my real life daughter Calla.

 

Sim Kallah is currently a fighter pilot and the C.A.G. on Excalibur.

 

While watching a PBS special on life on an aircraft carrier the other night Calla, who isn't even 2 yet, froze right in her hyperactive little tracks when they started showing fighter launches. She sat right down and was glued to the TV and going "Wow" and "Vroom! Vroom" as the jets streaked across the screen and went into barrel rolls.

 

So, I guess fact and fiction aren't always that far apart. Seeing as I first heard the name as the princess on The Gummy Bears, I'm keeping my eyes out for bouncing technocolored bears and pygmy ogres..... just in case.

Proof of the existence of Red Neck Borg.

Not sure if it's been mentioned but you can view the Original Series episodes now on CBS.com, under classics. They also have The Twilight Zone, Hawaii 5-0, and others.

"For heaven's sake, would you Please stop letting the counselor take the helm!"

The film will be more enjoyable to watch if entered with the frame of mind that this will be a whole different Trek "Cannon".

 

And after seeing several sim plots show up on DS9 and Voyager, I would not be surprised to learn they've borrowed ideas from us in the past or will do so in the future.

First reported case on the effects of Second Hand Steroid Abuse.

"I meant to do thaaaaatt!!!!"

"Everybody remember where we parked."

"Hail to The Geek" by the Deaf Pedestrians

 

 

I got a spiderman t-shirt

I got Converse that are rotting off my feet

I got a bad mustache

a reoccurring rash

and not a lot of cash

I spend it on my stash

Man it's good to be a geek

 

Well it's good to be a geek

It's good to be a creep

It's good to draw my pictures

that no one will ever see.

It's good to be a geek

It's good to be unknown

It's good I'm never waiting

right beside the telephone

Cuz no one ever...

 

I play dungeons and dragons

I got a 13th level halfling fighter thief

got seven hit die on my backstab

sometimes you know it's good to be a geek.

It's good to be a geek

It's good to play the freak

It's good to comb my mullet once every other week

As far as I can see

It's good to play the Wii

Then stay up painting miniatures til 2 or 3

Cuz no one ever...

 

Chorus:

Someday I'll learn to play guitar

Start up a band and be a star

And when you wind up pumping gas

Just fill 'er up and kiss my a$$...

 

I'm addicted to Star Trek

I'm a Klingon speaking federation freak

I find I'm more inclined

to spend the bulk of my time

on the starship enterprise

than talking to girls I meet

 

it's good to have a plan

it's good to be the man

it's good to download p0rn0 from a website in Japan

cuz no one ever...

 

Chorus:

Someday I'll learn to play guitar

Start up a band and be a star

And when you wind up pumping gas

Just fill 'er up and kiss my a$$...

 

Ninth grade is when I got the swirlie

tenth grade is when I got the indian burn

four years of continuous wedgies

wore nine pairs of briefs so they could all get a turn

someday I'll buy a fancy condo

someday I'll drive a car that's more than your house

someday you'll kiss my a$$

 

It's good to make some noise

it's good to scream outloud

it's good to feel immortal

like your last name is McCloud

it's good to be a geek

its good to be unseen

its good to watch the Wrath of Khan on a plasma screen

it's good to be a geek

it's good to be the man

it's good to download p0rn0 from a website in Japan

It's good to be a geek

It's good to be unknown

It's good I'm never waiting

right beside the telephone

Cuz no one ever...

 

I got a bad mustache

a reoccurring rash

and not a lot of cash

I spend it on my stash

Man it's good to be a geek

You know I don't intend

To look like Boba Fett

I got my helmet set

Although it makes me sweat

Man it's good to be a geek!

Night shift was coming quickly. It was only their third day into the new shift rotation but Crewman Reese was already getting his internal clock comfortable with the change. With a stretch of all his limbs he got up and went to get a drink. A low mumble from the other bunk was his less than adjusted shift partner attempting to wake up. He was probably going to need the same old encouragement and pep talk to get going this morning as he'd needed the last two mornings. Reese usually tried to use his calm and gentle manner before the Chief had a chance to implement the sound Andorian tongue lashing she was so known for. Reese had so far avoided catching the Chief's wrath and he just wished his partner could say the same.

 

Mora was a good crewman, don't get me wrong. Reese couldn't have asked for a better partner. They could read each other's minds... almost literally. Mora's species were base empaths. Not anything fancy, just emotional readings and a few suggestive thought transmissions. But, it had worked so well in Reese's favor. For Reese's part there was the problem with the universal translators. They were rather ineffective with his own species native language. He understood others quite well for the most part. Ever the student of body language Reese could sum up what another was getting at quick enough or at least know when the subject matter was well over his head. He was, after all just a security grunt. Getting his message across had on the other hand been troublesome. But not with Mora. Mora was a good man and Reese was proud to work with him.

 

And currently their work was patrolling the USS Challenger while in drydock. Construction on the ship was 24 hours... or however many hours were in these Martian days... but night shift was a little more quiet. It was a lot easier to know and remember who belonged and who didn't. Mora had managed to shake hands with about every single being on night shift and Reese had memorized them all by sight, sound, and smell...which was quite easy for some of them. Not all species have the same bathing practices it seemed.

 

Which was the first thing Reese noticed. He stopped for a moment as a tangy smell crossed his nose. Then he heard something. He didn't have to say a thing, Mora stopped too... feeling his partner's raised caution. With a brief exchange of silent hand signals and thoughts the two devised to split up and come in from both sides. Reese crouched low and continued forward while Mora swung around the corridor to come in from the other side. Whoever was there seemed to be up the access hatch to the secondary computer and no one on night shift was supposed to be anywhere near there right now.

 

Both in place Mora stepped forward first. "Come out of there."

 

There was a sudden clang from the access hatch as the startled occupant jumped from the surprise. "You scared me," a nervous voice returned.

 

"Come out now."

 

The man inched out of the access hatch. "I'm sorry, we're in the middle of calibrating something. I don't really have time..."

 

"There is no activity in this section scheduled. Let me see your pass. Who's your commanding officer?"

 

"Yes, yes... I understand...but I have to make this one adjustment right now or we risk blowing out the whole.."

 

"Your pass, Now! Sir." Mora quickly but obviously switched the safety off on his phaser. The other man just blinked nervously.

 

"Here's his pass." Along with the voice from behind him Mora could feel the end of a phaser pressing into his back. "Now if you'll...."

 

The thought was cut short as Reese leapt from his spot. He tackled the man behind Mora by the arm and sunk his teeth into the man's wrist. "AHH!, get this dog off me!!" The man struggled but Reese bit and pulled violently throwing the man to the ground and sending the phaser flying across the corridor.

 

Mora acted quickly too, stunning the other man as he tried to flee. Then he was quickly at his partner's side. "On the ground!", he yelled at the other intruder while gripping Reese's harness tightly and pulling the German Shepard back. Reese let go but made sure the intruder understood his displeasure with a loud series of barks and growls. Mora joined in as well, repeating, "On the ground, on the ground Now!"

 

 

 

Chief Th'laka nodded at the two crewmen. "It looked like those two men were trying to implant a transmitter into the computer system. Who knows what trouble they could have caused. It's good you stopped them. I am though concerned that the one got the drop on you, Crewman Mora." Cold Andorian eyes squinted at Mora. "But, as usual your guardian angel came to the rescue." She turned and stepped back. Picking up a padd, "I'm putting a note of commendation in both of your records." She then stepped over in front of where Reese was seated. "Oh, and crewman Reese," she smiled as the dog's ears twitched up in response. "I'm adding a recommendation for a promotion in your record. Good job." She then turned to Mora. A blue antenna twitched for a moment. After a short but purposefully painful pause she smiled lightly, "That is all. Dismissed."

 

The two exited the office. Mora looked down at Reese. "Don't even start."

 

Reese simply waged his tail.

Set your screen saver to Photos and have it use the Star Trek inspirational pics. That's what I've seen done.

 

As for warp effect, no clue...sorry.

What's scary is that looks like my neighborhood.

Is it finally out? They missed it's original release date and I thought I read something about it coming out in segments.

 

I've been a little worried about this project because the clips don't seem to present any idea what the plot is except Mirror Universe is involved...somehow. And while yes, it's cast with lots of Trek veterans...they all seem to be the folks who have nothing else to hang their hat on except Star Trek.

To: Command Staff, Chief of Operations

From: CAG

 

 

I wish to submit a proposal to cross train ship's personnel in fighter craft operations. While this will include combat pilot training the primary goal is to allow the fighters to be utilized for multiple scientific and exploratory missions. This will be a voluntary training course offered outside of crews current duty shifts. I await approval.

 

-end message

 

 

 

To: Chief of Operations, Chief Engineer

From: CAG

 

 

Be advised launch bay 1 and landing bay 1 will be engaging in manual launch and recovery drills on stardate 0712.22. These two bays will be out of service. Power and gravity to these decks will be interrupted (locally). Containment walls will be raised between these and the other bays and much of the operations will be conducted in zero-G, zero atmosphere.

 

-end message

 

 

To: Major Makisu

From: Lt. j.g. Ramson, CAG.

 

I was wanting to make sure you were properly advised on the location of the Normandy hoppers. They are birthed in launch bay 3, section 3. I am interested in your training schedule and when we can perform practice launches. I am also interested in your thoughts on uses of the other hoppers. The Normady's can transport 30 troops at a time. If I've been advised properly this would include your entire detachment. If you wish one of the hoppers to be reconfigured as a mobile command center or another as a heavy equipment transport then let me know and I'll have my deck crews see to it.

 

-end message

Dude, you totally messed up. Where do you hear an "H" in scool?

Psionic Verbalizer:

 

 

 

 

For sometime communication with telepathic species have been problematic. Psionic tricorders used in the late 2250-60's were crude and generally geared towards lie detection and mental health aids. Standard universal translators could be modified to pick up telepathic signals but only from powerful sources limiting their use to primarily energy based life forms.

 

Development of the Psionic Verbalizer began as Minarans, Thaichians, and several other telepathic species with no audible language became more numerous within the Federation. Independent research was started by the Ferengi but was abandoned because of lack of willing research subjects.

Early versions of the device were bulky and prone to verbalizing every passing thought and emotion of the wearer. The most major advancement in the device came from an ancient Minaran technology. They had developed a means of forming soluble crystals which would react to their telepathy and record specific thoughts as the crystals reformed. Using the base materials for these crystals Federation scientists were able to synthesize a liquid crystal gel that could pick up telepathic communications of a specific type and present them in a form easily readable by common audio technologies, and in a small and light package.

 

Use of the device requires a fair amount of training. Instead of picking up every thought and emotion the device must be purposefully fed the desired message. This limitation actually prevents the device and audience from being overwhelmed by the telepath’s normal stream of consciences thought patterns. It has proven to aid the telepath when dealing with species who are more reserved with their personal thoughts and emotions.

Long term usage however does impose an amount of mental stress on the user. Headaches and fatigue are the most common side effects. Monthly retuning of the device is recommended to maintain a reasonable level of comfort.

Minaran Information:

 

The Minara Star System was originally the home of three sentient species prior to it’s supernova in 2268: Vians, Empathic Minarans, and Proto-Minarans. Emapthic Minarans are the only known species to have survived.

 

Vians: Little is known about these people. They were telepathically and technologically advanced humanoids with an enlarged cranial capacity. Data is limited to two specimens encountered by the crew of the USS Enterprise. The uniform physical appearance of these two have led to a theory of cloning or other genetic engineering processes.

 

Empathic Minarans: Telepathic humanoids with an advanced empathic system. This system is so tuned that it can transfer physical wounds from another. They lack any type of vocal cords nor signs that they ever had any during their evolution. In groups they form a communal conciseness.

 

Proto-Minarans: Only surviving data of this species is from brief orbital scans obtained during the placement of the Federation Minaran Research Station. They were generally hominoid in a stone age technological period.

 

History:

Vian society was the oldest in the Minara Star System. Their technology was centered around the amplification of their own mental abilities. It is believed that as these grew their own thinking patterns became more mechanical and logical. Unlike Vulcans who actively repressed their emotions, Vian emotions seemed to naturally atrophy though time.

Empathic Minarans had an unusual developing history. Their communal nonviolent nature, empathic healing, shared thoughts with the rapid spread of information, and understanding of multiple viewpoints saved them from wars, famines, and many elements of social discord. Unfortunately these problems are the basis of most social and technological development in humanoid species. They were therefor totally unprepared technically to save themselves from the impending supernova of their sun and sociably unable to actively ask for help from anyone they could contact.

Proto-Minarans are sadly just one of many examples of a sentient species being wiped out by natural or artificial catastrophes.

 

In 2268 the Minara star became extremely unstable. The Federation research station in the system was ordered to evacuate just 6 months after it’s settlement. When the USS Enterprise arrived to take the 2 man science team to safety they found the facility abandoned. The ships command crew eventually located an Empathic Minaran, the remains of the two scientists, and two members of the Vian race.

What followed was a Vian experiment into the nature of the Empathic Minaran. The Vians had the technological knowledge to save only one species from the impending supernova. Empathic Minarans were peaceful and nonviolent but their empathic nature did not make such behavior unselfish. The Proto-Minarans were savage and brutal but at such an early level of development that such behavior did not truly indicate any eventual norms for the species. The Empathic Minaran was tested to see if she had the ability to perform an unselfish act by giving up her own life to save another. With the help of the Enterprise crew the Empath proved herself, and the Vians were persuaded that her death was not needed to complete the study.

 

Using their technology, the entire Empathic Minaran species was transplanted to a new star system. The Proto-Minarans were destroyed by the supernova. The fate of the Vians has never been established. Theories suggest that they were incapable of saving themselves or chose to save others rather than themselves.

After the transplantation the Minarans became suddenly aware of other species in the galaxy. While lacking the technology to make interstellar contact their shared telepathy reached out and contacted Betezoid shipping near their new home. With this first contact they became instantly an interstellar species. The Federation took them in as a protectorate planet due to their unique situation.

 

 

The Vian Centered Supernova Theory:

This theory postulates that the Minaran Supernova was caused by Vian technology. Minara was a stable sun, scans showing no instability during any prior surveys or during the research base’s construction. The supernova pattern and residual radiation readings have hinted that the cause may have been triggered by an unstable tapping of the suns inner core.

Since there is no evidence that the Vians survived the supernova it is theorized that the sun was a primary key to their technology and power. Their mental abilities and technology were so linked that it is possible the one could not exist without the other. The Vians may have been doomed with their sun one way or another.

If the Vians were the cause of the supernova then they would be compelled to sacrifice themselves to save others, the same self sacrifice they were looking for in the Empathic Minarans. If they could not save themselves and only had the ability to rescue one other species then the logic would be to perpetuate a species with similar traits.

For a basic avatar you can use SecondLife. It's an easy download and free service. If you want more detail for about $5 you can buy enough inworld currency to purchase more realistic looking skins, hair, and starfleet uniforms. Here's what I actually just did this morning.

 

 

"You are no match for me and my Chest Face, and he is not pleased!"

"Bajoran system traffic control been informed?"

"Yes Ma'am. We are all cleared for go."

"Good." Ramson looked around the TIC, generally pleased. She looked over at the master astronautics board and could see the Bajoran system closing in quickly. "Alright, here we go."

 

The Excalibur dropped out of warp. Within an instant 3 fighters shot from the port launch bay followed quickly by 3 from the starboard bay. As the second flights launched a runabout launched from the center bay. In quick order Alpha and Beta squads, 2 runabouts, and Epsilon squad were launched and away. The orchestrated dance all playing out on the master status board in front of Kallah. She nodded and looked over at the launch status boards. Gamma and Zeta squads we already moving into place. She was pleased.

 

A beep caught her attention. "Lt. Ramson, we have a shuttle on approach vector, requesting to dock."

 

She looked at the transponder information circling around the approaching blip on the board. One type 11 shuttle, Starfleet registry, assigned - Starbase 405, flight path origin - Canar system. A quick reaching outward of her senses and it was confirmed. "Clear them for landing bay 2." Kallah double checked the status of the fighter operations. "Continue the operations as planned. I will great the shuttle personally."

 

----

 

Kallah just entered the landing bay area as the shuttle touched down on the deck. Moving safely around the crew and deckhands preparing to receive the fighter squads back on board, she reached the shuttle as the doors opened and it's occupants were stepping out. The first was a beautiful green skinned officer in Medical blue's holding the hand of a young boy. Two more children followed eagerly after, both around 10 years old, a boy and a girl. And last a tall and strong officer with Commander pips and a psionic verbalizer like Kallah's. After several years the Ramson family as a whole was together again. Their minds like old times melded and flowed seamlessly together with the only words being to her Orion mother keeping her in the loop, but her smiles and hugs spoke equally clear as any telepathic thought.

 

After several moments the landing bay duty officer approached the group from behind. "Lt. Ramson."

 

Kallah turned. "Ensign Sirleaf, I'd like you to meet my family. My father, Commander D'Mysus Ramson. My mother Doctor Saraina Ramson. The young one is my brother K'Syia. And then there's my twin brother," motioning to the 10 year old boy, "N'Rhyse." The ensign blinked but as he was still mouthing in question the word "twin" Kallah continued. "And this is myself at age 10." The ensign was totally confused now and starting to think this was some odd joke. Kallah, both of them, smiled sweetly. "Time portals, not always the best child's playtoys."

 

N'Rhyse, "I haven't even down anything...yet...and you're still blaming me for it?"

 

"Yes." both Kallah's said in unison.

 

"Um, nice to meet all of you." The ensign tried to recollect his thoughts. "Will you be staying long or shall we prep your shuttle for launch?"

 

Commander Ramson spoke, "If it is alright with your Captain we would like to catch a ride to Camelot. We've been posted there for temporary duty."

 

"It should be okay," Kallah said. "Have their shuttle stored if you will Ensign Sirleaf."

 

"Yes Ma'am."

 

"Come, the landing bay should be getting very busy shortly. Let me show off my office to you all." Kallah beamed.

Kallah looked around her office with a smile. It was a blank bare room, seeing that all her possessions were still on Camelot, but it was her office and that was enough. Deck operations were going smoothly and had settling into a reliable pattern in the first 3 days of their maiden voyage. As she had mentioned to Zorn before their departure, carrier operations were a lost art in todays Starfleet. But, things were going well so far. She was going to begin at-warp launch practice and that's when things should get interesting. The transit from Earth to Bajor and then again from there to Avalon were too good of opportunities for such practice to simply pass up.

 

The one thing that was troubling her... simply because it was troubling to her crew was the lack of names for many of the craft they had on board. She had looked over the ancient Excalibur legend for ideas, as seemed to be normal both here and on Camelot. Much of the legends being Welsh in origin she had compiled a list of 6 Welsh rivers for the runabouts; Severn, Wee, Dye, Towy, Usk, and Teifi. She would have to see what the Captain thought of those. As well she was growing a list of names of Knights from Arthurian legend for the other auxiliary craft.

 

The fighter squads were another issue. She didn't want to discard the ancient Excalibur legend nor the fame the ship had earned in these modern times. But, it was time for them to earn a name for themselves. It was time to add to and not simply borrow famous names of the past. The Lancelots would be Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta squads and the Gueneveres Epsilon and Zeta. Time would give them proper names and they would give those names to all times to remember.

 

Kallah honestly found the whole thing odd but understandable. For Minarans names were nothing more than the thought "I am me", "that is that", or "they are them". For a mute telepathic race names weren't really that needed. But she had lived among many different races and understood the meanings. Where something could not be summed up in a thought a name served well. And it would soon be time to make a name for themselves...again.

"Maybe we shouldn't all try sitting in the front."