THREAD REPURPOSED:
I'm gonna repurpose this thread a bit.
Since I've had fun writing them, I'm opening the floor to anyone who wants to write their own Enigma Vision story. This is an opportunity to write about your characters in a... unique storytelling format.
But a few notes on how Enigma's threat rating works (assuming you want to give your characters one).
Threat rating is based on these criteria in order of importance:
-Knowledge of Enigma itself.
-Resources.
-Skills.
Some examples of how this works:
A threat rating of none is for those with either unremarkable skills and who have no idea Enigma exists.
A
low threat rating is usually applied to those showing extraordinary skills and who have no knowledge of Enigma. These people can be upgraded to moderate if they become of aware of Enigma.
A
moderate threat rating is reserved for those with extraordinary skills and who have been/could become aware of Enigma.
A
high threat rating is reserved only for those with access to a plethora of resources (heads of state), and/or are aware of Enigma. If not Enigma itself then some important aspect of its plan.
A
critical threat rating is reserved for those who have become a direct and real threat to Enigma, requiring immediate extermination.
These examples are just guidlines, but I wrote them because I don't want to end up seeing everyone's characters get classified a high or even critical threat rating when it might not be justified. Even getting a low threat rating can be significant enough as the character has to have done something that stands them apart form everyone else.
Now, who's caught Enigma's eye?
Original post:
Can't seem to stop thinking about this idea, so I'll see what y'all think of it.
The idea is a story that would involve the following factions in one way or another:
- Starfleet Security
The security force as depicted in Gorgonops' SSF series.
- Enigma
The mysetrious antagonist from Omnitabula. (I'm serioulsy considering making a detailed write up explaining just what it is).
- Ask'kaar
Because their weapons development program hasn't gone unnoticed.
- Iconians
Not the antagonists, T'ket notwithstanding.
And here's the story:
The Iconians have left the galaxy at peace under the condition that they, their servants, and their homeworld are to be left undisturbed. But an entity known only as "Enigma" by intelligence services, still believing the Iconians are an intolerable threat, seeks their total destruction. It needs a powerful weapon to achieve this aim, and the technology needed to construct it has been found in the Ask'kaar Republic.
The destruction of the Iconians however is not Enigma's only objective. It also seeks the elimination of those it deems a threat to itself. Those aware of its existence. Those with the means and skills to stop it.
Discuss?
Comments
"Critics who say that the optimistic utopia Star Trek depicted is now outmoded forget the cultural context that gave birth to it: Star Trek was not a manifestation of optimism when optimism was easy. Star Trek declared a hope for a future that nobody stuck in the present could believe in. For all our struggles today, we haven’t outgrown the need for stories like Star Trek. We need tales of optimism, of heroes, of courage and goodness now as much as we’ve ever needed them."
-Thomas Marrone
As depicted in Omnitabula, Enigma is a secretive force comprised of soldiers and ships which are really parts of the same, single being.
Enigma itself, the actual "program" that controlls all these ships and soldiers like its own hands and feet.
ha... ha... ha...
Sounds great! As the resident Starfleet Security expert here I'd say their interest should be peaked by attempts to intrude on Iconian space first. That probing would work well as a first foray by Enigma and it would allow for some neat points to be made about the current state of Iconian/Galaxy relations (and how Starfleet's come to deal with it.)
However by this time in the STO timeline (ie. post Iconian war) the SSF team has actually split up. Itrex and Bailey would be in a position to investigate this but Graves and Ji'Goro are definitely elsewhere (if you haven't played Entropy yet just connect the dots with the SSF-4 character cameo thread. ) We could bring Ross out of "retirement" and either team him up with the other two or have him handle this solo...or I could premier another idea I've been toying around with since downtime (the DS9 to SSF's TNG, ie. new crew. :P)
Whatever you'd prefer to involve works for me.
Notable missions: Apex [AEI], Gemini [SSF], Trident [AEI], Evolution's Smile [SSF], Transcendence
Looking for something new to play? I've started building Foundry missions again in visual novel form!
I believe the proper response is *puts on sunglases* YEEAAAAAHHHHHHH...
*ahem*
Entropy was a great mission. And that twist, honestly didn't see that coming. The team being split would work for my story idea (might need to actually give a name now) as Enigma will see Starfleet Security as being weakened, and thus more easily contended with.
On a related note, I've also played the mission "ASK The Betrayed" so I'm also aware that the Ask'kaar Republic is currently having a... internal disagreement. This leaves the Republic more vulnerable to Enigma's operations than it otherwise might've been and is an opportunity it can't let by.
The new crew idea sounds very interesting, although it just seems like Itrex would be the one who discovers Enigma's activities. Perhaps it could be a case of the "old guard" whipping the "new guard" into shape while under fire, assuming your new crew is indeed green.
Otherwise, I think the bringing Ross out of retirement temporarily with Itrex and Baily would be the best option for this story.
Now here's something that was a little fun to make, I've written a little something that gives a glimpse into what Enigma's "mind." And yes, Person of Interest inspired me.
Activity detected near replishment site.
Type: secured subspace transmission
Area: Ba'aja sector, Beta quadrant, Gamma-Eta 355 system.
Origin: U.S.S. Validus, Captain Ansgar.
Destination: Starfleet Headquarters, Admiral Quinn
Accessing transmission....
Captain Ansgar: "...and that is all the information we have."
Admiral Quinn: "So you're saying someone or something just abducted an entire refuge camp?"
Ansgar: "Yes sir."
Quinn: "What about the Sukhoi, they were supposed to be assigned there."
Ansgar: "We found no trace of them sir."
Quinn: "..."
Ansgar: "..."
Quinn: "All those people..."
Ansgar: "..."
Quinn: "Could we have done anything?"
Ansgar: "The camp was remote and relatively unknown, which made it an attractive hiding place during the war.
Whoever did this knew it was all too isolated. Amd based on our preliminary findings, it happened all too quickly."
Quinn: "..."
Ansgar: "..."
Quinn: "Why would anyone do this? Do we know who did this?"
Ansgar: "I don't know, but my crew and I will find out."
Quinn: "Contact me as soon as you have something."
Ansgar: "Yes sir."
TRANSMISSION ENDS
Subject: U.S.S. Validus
Threat level: Moderate
Action: Monitor
Unit deployed...
Subject: Admiral Quinn
Threat level: High
Action: Monitor (Priority)
Units deployed...
...
Who else would Enigma be keeping tabs on...
P.S. < My initials XD)
P.S.S. You have my consent to use the Ask'kaar and anything else that has, was or will appear in any of my foundry missions.... bla bla bla bla Fluffy bla bla bla Awesome bla bla bla I'm British!
There's also some other stuff going on that Entropy alludes to.
Basically in justifying the plot for Entropy Ross quits because the leadership at Starfleet Security has backed off from principle and is more pragmatically handling potential threats to the Federation (thanks to all the wars). That means they may be willing to let things slide (ex. a genuine threat to the Iconians) if it means an overall advantage to the Federation. Enigma seeing a weakened SS should probably come from an established, systemic weakness with Graves leaving the team (which actually occurred at some unspecified point before Entropy) and Ross's and Ji'Goro's recent departures as merely a further sign of the trouble.
A Ross+Itrex+Bailey story would probably work best.
Notable missions: Apex [AEI], Gemini [SSF], Trident [AEI], Evolution's Smile [SSF], Transcendence
Looking for something new to play? I've started building Foundry missions again in visual novel form!
The Ask'kaar are the brainchild of P_Sutherland. They're a matriarchal society that is very much an empire with a military to match.
I'd give you more details, but I feel that's best left in the hands of Sutherland.
Here's another of what I'll call "Enigma Vision" entry. I'll write more of these when I have the time to give y'all something to read and hopefully be entertained by while we wait for the foundry to be reactivated.
Enigma Vision 2
Secured Transmission detected.
Area: Vulcan Sector, Sol, Earth
Origin: Earth Spacedock, Unidentified User
Destination: Unknown, tracing outbound signal...
Accessing transmission...
Failed.
Adapting decryption suite...
Accessing transmission...
Success.
Unidentified 1: "...Quinn just recieved word that a refugee camp in the Gamma-Eta 355 system was just abducted. The U.S.S. Validus is investigating."
Unidentified 2:"Sounds like Starfleet has this one in hand, why contact me? You of all people should know there are policies when using this frequency."
Unidentified 1: "I've also intercepted the data Validus sent to Quinn. According to this intel, the attack bears similarities to the attack on Research Station Sigma 201, among others."
Unidentified 2: "..."
Unidentified 1: "..."
Unidentified 2: "Monitor the situation. And we will no longer use this frequency."
TRANSMISSION ENDS
Signal trace failed.
Analyzing voice patterns...
Complete.
Matching voice patterns to database...
Users identified.
Subject: Esther
Alias: Lieutenant Traynor Zhang
Threat Level: Low
Action: Monitor
Redeploying unit...
Subject: Franklin Drake
Threat Level: High
Action: Locate and Monitor (unchanged)
Something I made up while waiting for Cryptic to add Tholian npcs to the foundry.
Unit in position.
Accessing Deep Space Nine sensor feeds, Quark's Bar.
Data type: Audo/Video
Access timer: 25 minutes, starting countdown...
Conversations detected: 24
Conversation 8...
Conversation 9...
[Conversation 10]...
Conversation 11...
Conversation 12...
Starfleet Ensign: "... and you're not going believe this next story."
Morn: "..."
Excited Ensign: "Have you heard about the explosion at Utopia Planitia?"
Morn: "..."
Excited Ensign: "You did? Well I'm here to tell you that the explosion was not the most exciting thing that happened. Apparently they almost lost someone, Ensign Elyos I think was his name, nearly lost when he was thrown off the Defiant."
Morn: "..."
Excited Ensign: "Until one Lieutenant Whetu did something absolutely crazy! So get this..."
Morn: "..."
Excited Ensign: "She took the Defiant, the Defiant!, the whole thing and, get this..."
Morn: "..."
Excited Ensign:"...she used it as a scoop to rescue Elyos! The whole ship, a scoop! Ha! You can't make this stuff up!"
Morn: "..."
Excited Ensign: "Well that's what I heard anyway. We sure live in interesting times don't we."
Morn: "..."
ExcitedTardy Ensign: "Anyway, I got to get going. My shift starts in a few minutes and I don't want to be late again. It's nice to finally meet you Morn."
Morn: "..."
Bartender: "That's the fourth person who has told that story today, not to mention yesterday. Don't you ever get tired of it?"
Morn: "..."
Subject: Tardy Ensign
Threat Level: None
Action: None
Subject: Morn
Threat Level: ?
Action: Monitor
Subject: Lieutenant Whetu
Threat Level: Low
Action: Monitor
Unit arriving at destination.
Iconia Sector, Iconia.
Accessing Iconian communications network...
Attempt failed
Adapting decryption suite...
Attempt failed
Adapting decryption suite......
Attempt failed
-
Switching to alternate access point
Accessing...
Attempt failed
Adapting decryption suite...
Attempt failed
Adapting decryption suite......
!ALERT! ICONIAN VIRUS DETECTED
Disposing infected unit...
Disposed.
Adjusting entanglement system...
Complete.
Initiating self diagnostic....
Results: Virus not found.
Threat: Contained.
-
-
Assessing alternate surveillance methods...
Unit in position
Activating decryption suite...
Accessing Ask'kaar communications relay...
Success
Monitoring communications traffic...
Traffic total: 5879
Total encrypted: 34, prioritizing...
!ALERT!
Warp signature detected.
Source identified: Ask'kaar Runabout
Subject's course set to rendezvous with comm relay.
ALERT! ACTIVE SENSOR SCAN DETECTED.
Sensor scan target: Communications relay.
Chance of detection: 24%
Subject: Ask'kaar Runabout
Threat level: low
Action: Monitor (temporary)
New warp signature detected.
Source identified: Ask'kaar Frigate
!ALERT!
Weapons charged.
Subject's course set to intercept runabout.
ALERT! ACTIVE SENSOR SCAN DETECTED.
Sensor scan target: Runabout.
Chance of detection: 30%
Weapons charge detected on runabout.
Monitoring battle...
Key relays successfully accessed.
Uploading program...
.
..
...
Upload complete.
Program deploying...
.
..
...
Deployed
Countdown initated...
Proxy 12: Active.
Monitoring progress...
Accessing Space Station Mizar Echo 5 internal sensor suite...
Accessed.
Turbolift 2
Turbolift 3
[Turbolift 4]
Safe room
Dining room
Ferengi 1: "So what exactly is in this box, er safe? Is't dangerous?"
Ferengi 2: "Ha! Who cares? With the latininum we're going to get paid for it I see no reason for silly questions like that."
Ferengi 1: "When you put it that way..."
Ferengi 3: "We're almost there. Can't wait to spend the rest of my life in paradise!"
Ferengi 2: "Show time fellas!"
Ferengi 1: "He he he!"
*turbolife swoosh*
Turbolift 3
Turbolift 4
[Safe room]
Dining room
Club 42
Ferengi 2: "Get on the ground now! Hands where I can see 'em!
*energy whip crack*
*cries of surprise*
Civilian: "Don't hurt us!"
Ferengi 2: "Stay down and maybe we won't. Kri- Kriv! Get over to the safe!"
Kriv: "Yeah, Yeah, don't you think I know what I'm doing Luxo!"
Luxo: "No. Get it open and I might."
Kriv: "..."
Luxo: "Hey! You! Female! I told you along with everyone else to-"
Civilian: "That's a nice energy whip you have there."
Luxo: "What does it matter to y- URK!"
*thud*
Ferengi 3: "Hey!"
*whip crack*
Kriv: "Hey!"
*whip crack*
*thud*
*thud*
Comm link detected.
Accessing...
Deploying decryption suite...
Civilian: "You were right, someone was after the device."
*safe opens*
Comm link accessed.
Tracing...
Civilian: "I have it."
Unknown: "And the Ferengi?"
*faint groans*
Civilian: "Giftwrapped for local security, in a manner of speaking. I don't work like my former employers remember? Oh, I should probably get out of here while everyone's still a little dazed."
*comm link terminated*
Trace failed.
Proxy operation status: Failure
Subject identified: Amanda Atalanta
Threat level: Moderate
Action: Monitor
Subject: Unidentified
Threat level: High
Action: Identify, locate, monitor...
This is going to be cool.
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
Since I've had fun writing them, I'm opening the floor to anyone who wants to write their own Enigma Vision story. This is an opportunity to write about your characters in a... unique storytelling format.
But a few notes on how Enigma's threat rating works (assuming you want to give your characters one).
Threat rating is based on these criteria in order of importance:
-Knowledge of Enigma itself.
-Resources.
-Skills.
Some examples of how this works:
A threat rating of none is for those with either unremarkable skills and who have no idea Enigma exists.
A low threat rating is usually applied to those showing extraordinary skills and who have no knowledge of Enigma. These people can be upgraded to moderate if they become of aware of Enigma.
A moderate threat rating is reserved for those with extraordinary skills and who have been/could become aware of Enigma.
A high threat rating is reserved only for those with access to a plethora of resources (heads of state), and/or are aware of Enigma. If not Enigma itself then some important aspect of its plan.
A critical threat rating is reserved for those who have become a direct and real threat to Enigma, requiring immediate extermination.
These examples are just guidlines, but I wrote them because I don't want to end up seeing everyone's characters get classified a high or even critical threat rating when it might not be justified. Even getting a low threat rating can be significant enough as the character has to have done something that stands them apart form everyone else.
Now, who's caught Enigma's eye?
Edit, Message added to OP.
Unit deployed in the Arawath Sector.
Location: System 45-AI (Ask'kaar-Cardassian Boarder)
Target of interest: Third planet in System 45-AI
Unit redeployed in high orbit of 45-AI.
Planet: Z341A
Life signs detected
Threat: low
Cardassian: 3
Deferi: 31
Ferasan: 2
Human: 47
Deg'hi: 2
Talarian: 3,941
Settlement identified: New Kappa Colony
Established by the Talarian Republic in 2408. New Kappa serves as a military outpost for the Talarian Republic.
*Error*
Unit will now commence-
*Warning!
Warning!
Unidentified projectile detected!*
Projectile has destroyed New Kappa.
Unidentified vessel detected
... Scanning ...
... Scanning ...
Vessel identified
Name: A.R.V. Leviathan (Ask'kaar Republic Vessel)
Class: Athena Dreadnought
Registry: AR-V-78441
Commanding Officer: Supreme Commander Tasso
Executive Officer: Commander Pren
Third Officer: Subcommander Demeter
Threat: high
Primary target: Ask'kaar Dreadnought
Interfacing with primary computer...
Failure...
Interfacing with secondary computer...
Failure...
-Scanning remains of Z341A-
No life forms detected.
*Alert
Unknown substance detected in Z341A debris field.*
Unit will observe and peruse A.R.V. Leviathan.
That was pretty good!
The only thing I want to point out is that the blue text doesn't seem to be showing up that well, though that could just be me. Maybe you could try using something like "DodgerBlue" or something else that suits your fancy. There's some good selections here: www.w3schools.com/html/html_colornames.asp
But except for that one little nitpick, I approve.
I was watching monsters university when I was typing this... got the "Kappa" from several of those group names.
End point location: I.K.S. Relorum [Kurak class, commissioned: 2410]
Monitoring in progress...
Subject 1: You didn't hide them very well.
Subject 2: I don't know what you mean
Subject 1: The tribbles.
Subject 2: ...what tribbles?
Subject 1: The ones I found underneath the deck plating in our quarters.
Subject 2: I made sure they had food and water.
Subject 1: Yes, you did.
Subject 2: So...how many...
Subject 1: I'm not sure. They broke out and made their way clear across deck 3.
Subject 2: Are they alright?
Subject 1: [Sigh], yes they are but you know what the Klingons would have done if...
Subject 2: ...
Subject 1: ...obviously we can't keep all of them on board but I noticed this one had an isolinear tag.
Subject 2: Vudan!
Subject 1: We'll set it up with a more secure pen later...
Subject 2: Him.
Subject 1: ...But in the meantime I want you to take a look at something.
Subject 2: It's a linear subspace distortion, what's the point of origin?
Subject 1: Not sure, but it was directed towards Iconia.
Subject 2: What are you going to do?
Subject 1: Keep watching, but you know who'd really be interested in this.
Feed terminated [transwarp signature detected at last known point]
Subject 1 identified [87%]: General V'Kan
Threat level: Low
Action: Locate, Monitor
Subject 2 Identified [98%]: Cetsa Unali Ji'Goro
Threat level: Low
Action: Locate, Monitor
Reference Unidentified [2%]
Threat level: Moderate
Action: Identify, Locate, Monitor
Notable missions: Apex [AEI], Gemini [SSF], Trident [AEI], Evolution's Smile [SSF], Transcendence
Looking for something new to play? I've started building Foundry missions again in visual novel form!
End point location: Rutia IV, Northern Continent, Trikan Pin urban complex
Monitoring in progress...
Rutian 01: I said get down on the ground!
Human 03: Look, this is the only meal I've had all day and I'm just trying to enjoy it in peace.
Rutian 01: Stop [untranslated] around and get down on the ground, now!
Rescan: Organics
Result: 14 Rutians, 4 Humans, 2 Tellarite, 1 Ferengi, 1 Rigelian
Human 03: I've got spare ribs.
Rutian 02: You see this phaser?
Human 03: Mark II K'normian Armory 600 special, production ended in 2379. You see this fork?
Rutian 02: [screams]
Rutian 01: You [untranslated]!
[Surveillance unit terminated, slaving local systems]
Tellarite 01: I can't say I've ever seen a serving tray used like that.
Human 03: They needed tenderizing, now you were saying?
Tellarite 01: What?
Human 03: Before these two dropped in, something about the comm log.
Tellarite 01: Oh, that. Um, we got something in this morning with your name on it. I tried passing it on but for some reason it needs your authorization first.
Human 03: You have the access PADD?
Tellarite 01: Here, mind the pasta.
Human 03: ...Itrex?
Tellarite 01: What?
Human 03: Never mind, take care of things here. I'll see you on the Endeavor tomorrow.
Channel mode: standby
[releasing local systems]
Human 03 Identified: Alphonse Ross [99.2%]
Affiliation: Starfleet [Retired]
Threat level: Low
Action: Monitor
Reference: Itrex
Correlate: [I.K.S. Relorum archive]
Association: 24%
Threat Level: Moderate
Action: Locate, Monitor [Re-evaluation pending]
Notable missions: Apex [AEI], Gemini [SSF], Trident [AEI], Evolution's Smile [SSF], Transcendence
Looking for something new to play? I've started building Foundry missions again in visual novel form!
Receiving surveillance signal
Point of Origin: Bajor System
Intercepted Transmission from Vanguard Station to R.D.W. Nocturn [Halberd frigate class Warbird]
Unidentified: Your report Ranger Matrion?
Mation: Star Commander Soreth initial analysis of our universe is that current threat level is far too great to attempt crossing back over, the Terrans have a firm grip on an estimated 99% of the galaxy. There may still be resistance cells but I was unable to find any even in our space.
Soreth: Our people? What have you learned?
Mation: The Star Union as we remember it may not have existed- there was no evidence of our culture. I’ll fill you in later on that but our designs have changed, tactics, their technology is slightly less advanced than ours. I estimate we have anywhere between twenty to eleven years technological advantage over them.
Soreth: Then we will stay here in orbit of Bajor, until this Terran incursion is dealt with. We’ll just have to find a world to colonize later. This is a strategic location where we can work with the Federation and its allies to repel the empire; in addition we’re still trying to figure out where the best location would be. Returning may not be an option.
Unidentified: Soreth, the Bajorans and the Federation are becoming concerned about our presence. We may not be able to remain in system for much longer.
Soreth: I'm aware, see that our emergency drives are having a shortage of power would you Chevalier? We may need an excuse.
Unidentified: Understood.
Accessing computer system of Citadel Class Station , Designated: Vanguard...
Attempt: Failed
Reattempting…. Failed..
Reassessing computer system devices….. Detecting dual Romulan- Iconian systems integrated into computer security mainframe.
Initiating protection protocols
Reattempting access through secondary computer systems…….. Successful
Vanguard Station tactical analysis:[
Defensive Systems
Primary Shields: Standard Romulan Station shield array
Secondary shields: Three integrated Iconian dreadnought arrays (ALERT: !!Omega Generator Detected!!
Ablative Armor Matrix.
Offensive Systems:
175 Plasma Beam banks
150 Plasma Torpedo Tubes (Experimental Transphasic Plasma Torpedo)
50 Herald Anti-proton Beam banks
85 Repeating Tetryon turrets
30 Tractor/ repulsion Beams
15 Shuttle Bays (6 Squadrons each- Scorpion Attacks Fighters)
Secondary Systems
Two Space docks- Main and Secondary
Fourteen Interior Dry docks
200 Industrial Replicators
2225 Cloning tubes Detected.
Singularity core power Generators
Backup Omega Power Generator
Station thrusters
Impulse Engines- Sensor fault error??
!ICONIAN GATEWAY!
Current Crew Compliment- 1,420,150
Romulan Star Union Remnants (Alternative Reality destroyed state)
Threat Level: None
Action: Monitor
Opening Encrypted file: Zal’Kor….
-WARNING UNIT DETECTED-
Warning System hack in progress… Purged: Hack averted.
Falcata Class Warbird opening fire.
Stealth measures damaged.
Initiating Self-Destruct
-Transmission lost-
Zal’Kor- Entity. Current alias: unknown, Species: Unknown, Location: Unknown
Threat Level: Moderate (Unconfirmed)
Action: Identify, Locate, Terminate if necessary
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
For adding color to text, I use the tags [color=""]target_text_here[/color], and type the desire colour name within the parenthesis.
Example, if type in ="blue" I get:
Colour!
Typing ="red" then I get:
Colour!
Note, I've tried using 'colour' in the tags but they seem to only work with 'color.'
Hope that helps!
Norway and Yeager dammit... I still want my Typhoon and Jupiter though.
JJ Trek The Kelvin Timeline is just Trek and it's fully canon... get over it. But I still prefer TAR.
#TASforSTO
'...I can tell you that we're not in the military and that we intend no harm to the whales.' Kirk: The Voyage Home
'Starfleet is not a military organisation. Its purpose is exploration.' Picard: Peak Performance
'This is clearly a military operation. Is that what we are now? Because I thought we were explorers!' Scotty: Into Darkness
'...The Federation. Starfleet. We're not a military agency.' Scotty: Beyond
'I'm not a soldier anymore. I'm an engineer.' Miles O'Brien: Empok Nor
'...Starfleet could use you... It's a peacekeeping and humanitarian armada...' Admiral Pike: Star Trek
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Something along the lines of the player interacts with a console and then some brief dialog about an object in orbit... then "poof"... signal lost.