Rowan Hits Commander, Level 10

This isn't a huge deal in the broader sense, but I did get a great couple of shots of THE GLOW (which, as an altoholic, I am addicted to). You see, I have an add-on for WoW that automatically takes screenshots when I level any character. But I had to pay special attention with STO. Anyway here it is:

Whew!

I have to apologize. I semi-promised a story by now, but it's not gelling the way I'd like, and it's partly my exhaustion. Been working long hours here in Germany, and it sometimes leaves my creative thoughts a little muddled. Hopefully I'll be able to recharge this weekend. If it's any consolation, here are a couple photos from recent trips around the area. If you live in a region of the world this beautiful, green, and historic; appreciate it. Not every place is like this.

The pictures really do not do this beautiful country justice. I'll come back to this when I have more time to figure out the names of the places. Plus I have very "RPG-ish" ruins pics I may share. Thanks for reading.

Sojourner: A Find in Fitzan

Captain's Log, Stardate 87995.7: We have entered the Fitzan System on regular patrol in the Devron Sector. Lieutenant Commander Ymiro has made an interesting discovery.

"Captain, Sojourner's geo- and radiochemistry teams believe they've found a new element in the rings surrounding Fitzan IV! It has properties that are similar to tritium, but there are subtle, yet significant differences. There is a .08 difference in the rate of radiogenic decay! Isn't that exciting?"

Rowan looked down from the command center toward her Science Officer.

"Um, sure. Right. New element," she repeated as she approached the Research Director's console to look over the Bajoran's shoulder. "Show me."

Larrea punched some links on her virtual controls and brought up the data gathered by the ship's sensors.

"The research teams will need more of the element to complete our initial testing. We should gather core samples from the larger ring fragments in this system."

"Very well, coordinate with Lieutenant Pulaski to plot a course and gather the samples."

Ensign Danar, the duty officer at Tactical, spoke up, "Captain, there have been reports of Romulan patrols in the area."

"We should be careful then -- I wouldn't want anything to happen that would damage the samples."

Sojourner established orbit around the planet, just above the ring plane.

Captain, we have scanned the first ring fragment," announced Larrea. "Preparing to beam aboard samples now."

"Very well. Proceed."

"Captain," Ensign Danar spoke up again. "I am detecting signs of a Romulan vessel approximately 30,000 kilometers away in our planned orbit."

"Computer, yellow alert. Pulaski, plot a course to avoid the Romulans."

"Aye, Captain."

"Core samples have been retrieved from this asteroid, Captain," Larrea reported.

"Good. Continue to the next one, Mr. Pulaski."

"Aye, Captain."

As the helm officer moved to redirect Sojourner's path, the turbolift doors opened, and Tarah emerged, striding across the bridge to relieve Ensign Danar. He quickly reported the tactical status to the Andorian XO. Apprised of the situation, she examined her sensor readings.

"Captain, despite our altered course, the Romulan vessel seems to be approaching. I recommend we quit the system post haste."

Larrea turned at that last. "We haven't finished the survey yet."

"The safety of the ship is paramount," retorted the Andorian.

"The Romulans have not been outwardly aggressive here. They may only be assessing our purpose."

Tarah rolled her eyes as the telltale chime of an incoming hail cut short the discussion.

"Captain, the Romulan vessel is hailing us," said Ensign Danar.

"Put it onscreen."

The face that appeared was not Romulan but Reman.

"Federation vessel, you are trespassing in territory belonging to the Romulan Star Empire. Depart this system or be destroyed."

"This Commander Rowan Starblanket, of the U.S.S Sojourner. We are conducting a Scienti--" The Reman commander cut off the transmission.

"Ensign Danar, hail them with our survey plans, including our intended course."

"They are decloaking and powering weapons, Captain," Tarah called out. "Shields up! Red Alert!"

The klaxon blared throughout the ship, as the bridge became bathed in red light from the warning signals.

Rowan moved to Tarah's side, calling out orders and receiving acknowledgments. "Evasive maneuvers, Ski! Auzzie, jam their sensors. Larrea, run a sensor scan and find any weak areas in their shields. And see if you can create a gravity well near their position. Tarah--"

"Already on it, Captain," her XO threw a grin her way. The Andorian was in her element. The ship shuddered slightly as the Reman escort got off an initial disruptor barrage striking the shields of the science vessel.

"A glancing shot, shields at 98 percent," Tarah reported.

"Return fire. Auzzie, where are his blinders?"

"Working, Ma'am." The young Trill manipulated the console to produce a sensor overload on the enemy ship.

OOC: I found this looking through my drafts. I remember it, but  thought I'd finished and posted it. If I did, it's been cut short for some reason. I may get to it again soon.

STO: Anticipation vs. Execution

Last July, Tipa over at West Karana "ranted" about what she didn't want STO to become, a WoW-ish murder spree. I am curious how you feel about the game now that you've played it for a few months, Tipa?

P.S. Excellent insight buried in that post about the lame loot drop rate in endgame raids.

Weeping, Wailing, and Mashing of Keys

So maybe it was me, but I don't remember seeing any "pre-patch downloading" on Age of Conan over the couple weeks before I left hot, sunny Texas for cool, rainy Germany. Since then I've tried a couple times to download the patch associated with AoC's recent expansion "Rise of the God Slayer." The problem is, even though the hotel I am staying in has an excellent internet connection, the "Ticket" has to be renewed every 500MB or 24 Hours, whichever comes first. This week I have tried to download the patch several times, but the break in the connection forces it to start over from scratch; no starting from where I left off like most download managers I have used.

I am glad I did not purchase/download the actual expansion yet, which would have been even more headache. Frustrating to say the least. I'm not blaming Funcom  . . . exactly. But it means I can't even log on to play with Chami, right when a bunch of online pals are starting and leveling new alts. Guess I'll have to wait. :c