Hey guys, I'd like to post that I'm not completely inactive. I've had some stressful weeks, due more to family than anything else. I'm planning on a post up later this week, if writers block doesn't strike.

However, on a lighter note, congratulations Serpent!

I've been workin' on a little somethin' myself.  I'll light a fire under it.  But also, you should probably feel free at this point to let 'er rip; the story's been inactive, and a double post under those circumstances may do more good than any harm.  That isn't official "permission"; it's just my personal feeling. 

-Trick

I've posted a finisher for the story- however, I tried to leave enough wiggle room for everyone to finish out their character arcs. Let me know if anything conflicts.

I apologize for my absenteeism these past few weeks. RL has been several kinds of crazy, and I've been riding the wrong side of the ragged edge of burnout.

If you weren't already, now's the time to be planning your next mission. We're moving to a period of small-group missions, so get with a couple of people you want to write with and come up with a plan.  Any reasonable mission will be fine. This is where you get a chance to shine and do some leadership development. Get involved! Make your voice heard and help plan the mission you choose to take part in. I and the other NHC members will be available to help you as needed (Use PM for me, to ensure I get it.).

I'd really like to see at least two people come forward to spearhead a mission, regardless of your rank. You may not have command in-story, since that will follow canon norms, but periods like this are designed for anyone and everyone to have a hand in the planning.

It strikes me that it's been a while since we've had a nice, rousing, bar fight. Just thinking out loud...

-Drac

/me goes back to review and add more to my post

I forgot to review it, which refreshes it, and posted it immediately. It'll only be a temporary screwup, as I'll go back and edit it now.

Congrats on the completion of the story everyone!  I've just made my latest and final post to it.  Its was great fun, and I can't wait to see what others think of next!  I have my own story idea too, but if others have better ideas I'll join in with whoever will have me!

Everyone, please check out the new one-off 2nd Fleet story in the Naval StoryBoard. Stewart-Power is retiring, and retiring his character permanently. As he requested, I've given the character a send-off.

Good luck, SP. Come back soon and don't let RL get you down.

-Drac

/me perks up at the mention of ancillary skills.

I was actually thinking of doing another ancillary skill!  Hmm, starfighter mechanics?  Yes, 'Serpent builds a new TIE fighter wing out of tinfoil' sounds like a good plot synopsis....

Everyone, please welcome two new pilots to Nightshrike!

Hades, you're assigned to the A-2 position. DeepSix (the Squadron Commander) is your wingman.

Ryn, you're assigned to the B-3 position. At the moment there's not someone in B-4, so you have an NPC wingman.

There should, at the very least, be an interim story up for Nightshrike soon.

-Drac

Also! After a bit of consideration and the recommendations of a couple  of members, I'm pleased to make one more announcement:

Congratulations to Hades on his promotion to Senior Crewman (SCRW)! This promotion is awarded for great activity in posting CD stories, as well as for assisting other members on IRC. Keep up the good work!

Everyone should also note that Ryn has received her graduation promotion to Leading Crewman (LCRW)! Congratulations to you as well. I look forward to seeing your posting in the next mission.

-Drac

Alright, guys. The interim story is up. Have fun! If you can keep coming up with reasonable material, keep putting out posts on this one. If you run out of stuff to do with your character without getting too far ahead of everyone else, pick up an NPC to use and have some more fun that way.

-Drac

Seeing as it is December, and my finals are almost done, expect me to attempt a comeback once again.

Vanity can never stay away from the VE.

I'm going to post by the end of the day (PST) today, advancing the action in the story.  Anyone who wants can join in before then with an intro post for their character, though I'll also welcome folks afterwards, as long as you don't interrupt the action to describe your personal background... after the story moves on, it moves on. 

Some notes for the story:
1.) It's actually called "The Vast Empire Strikes Back" when referring to it... the initial "Surprise" is the name of the ship, and is a tag to classify what kind of story it is.  Think of "2nd Fleet: High Stakes at Belgaroth," which is a Second Fleet story called "High Stakes at Belgaroth."
2.) Almost anyone is welcome to participate, but members of the Starfighter Corps should remember that their primary responsibility for this story cycle is to make the Nightshrike story successful.  Drac wants to see at least two stories running in tandem, and I think that's a laudable goal.
3.) With the above in mind, it might make sense for some people to leave their primary player-character out of Surprise's story, and use NPCs instead.  Check with your commanders and your own common sense before jumping in with your PC.
4.) This is going to be a superlatively fun adventure for all who want to take part!  Let's go hunting, Navy!

-Trick

Okay, my next post for The Vast Empire Strikes Back is up!  A victim transport has fallen into our ambush and the Surprise is ready to pounce!

Hades and Ryn, I've thrown in a few X-Wings for you guys to play with so have at them!

Anyone else interested in our little quest feel free to PM either Trick or myself about joining in!  We've barely began, and there are plenty more roles to fill out both on the Surprises's bridge and in her TIE complement!

Regretful Note: I'm off on holiday next week, so this may be my last contribution until January (and it had just started!).  Fight on without me!

We'd be happy to have you aboard, Fyston!