3) Regarding a character, I've spoken a little bit with Chris, and this is what I have so far: Science officer, specializing in the cultural and physiological implications of the common genetic background evident in all humanoid species. Essentially, he's an anthropologist in the broad sense (physical, cultural and archeological). What would that be? Comparative humanoid anthropology? Xenology? ;) My thought is that he will be on the old side, having served in his youth in Starfleet in some capacity, presumably to fund his education. Afterwards, like many young college student-veterans, he retained nominal ties to Starfleet (in the form of some sort of reserves, perhaps--like many reservists, he wanted to take advantage of the monetary and other benefits of continued association with the military without really expecting to have to give anything in return beyond perhaps a little consulting). After more than a few years as a professor and researcher, he was surprised but not concerned when Starfleet contacted him to act in a minor advisory capacity in the construction and preparation of a new starship class (giving suggestions on the outfitting of laboratories, necessary information for the database, etc). His surprise turned to shock, however, when he was moved to active duty status and assigned to one of these ships (if I remember correctly, the Marco Polo?) as her science officer. This being the case, I'm imagining someone who's able, but not entirely thrilled with Starfleet (after years on the other side of the lecturn, I expect the refresher courses in starship operations that accompanied his new status were less than welcome, let alone the PT necessary to get him back into shape). His passion for his studies (which, if I understand, fit entirely into the overall mission of the ship), however, should make him adequately malleable (I'm imagining someone whose objections and difficulties with military/shipboard life are as much cosmetic as substantive--rather like someone who likes to complain but gets the job done). I presume that the specificities of translating these images into the game system will be discussed on Saturday. I'm looking forward to meeting you and the rest of my fellow players. Just let me know when and where you plan to meet. Michael ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Wed, 11 Oct 95 17:53:52 CDT From: Michael Robert Bathgate To: John Hanju Kim Subject: Re: Star Trek Game [...] What I have in mind is a youngish, bookish fellow who, if you can get his attention, is easily fascinated by a variety of projects, and who, because of his mental abilities, is able to synthesize the findings and suggestions of those in his department. I suppose that makes him a decent commander in the sciences, but he doesn't see it that way. Frankly, I think he spends so much time fascinated by stuff that he really hasn't realized how smart he really is (unlike, say--and I can only say it with gagging--Wesley Crusher, who was really damn smart but was equally obsessed with his smarts). More than likely, he hands off his significant syntheses and developments on the ideas of those below him as THEIR ideas, even when they would no longer be able to identify them as such. I suppose the best way to describe him is utterly un-self-conscious. He's unconcerned with his Star Fleet career as such; its only his mental abilities and love of study that has enabled him to rise anywhere above an ensign (and, of course, in the past, he may have had his "family friend" the Commodore to guard him from the depredations of more career-minded officers who would be foolish not to take advantage of him). Of course, on this long-term mission, such protection would not be available, and he would no doubt be quite vulnerable. He's the kind of person who would really set off the maternal instincts of females around him. If he wasn't almost grotesque in appearence (6'3" 135 lbs and equipped with a futuristic, full-body equivalent of the leg braces Polio patients used to wear), as well as somewhat socially deficient (by which I mean his small-talk skills), he'd probably be rather popular in a social or even romantic way, but as it is he's more comical, although his enthusiasm is probably rather infectious in his dealings with his staff. Michael