HD07 - Security Cadet Riley Wright

[Amelina Whittaker]

== Welcome to your holodeck Cadet Wright,

Read the following information carefully, because it has a fair amount of important information for you.  If you have any questions or difficulties at any time, please contact one of the following people for assistance.  We’d be glad to help you out.

Commander Jasal 
Commander Shanth  
Captain Allen  

Remember during your time at Academy people have responsibilities such as school, jobs, and family, as well as maintaining our site. There are times when we may have to wait longer than we’d like for a reply to a post or a question. Patience and treating each other with respect and dignity are two things that are absolutely required of all members.

On the flip side, the Constitution states that players need to post at least twice a week.  If you find you are unable to keep up due to something coming up in real life responsibilities or you’re just going to be on holiday, please let one of the Admins know.  You can be granted a leave of absence for the length of time you think you’ll be away.  If you don’t let us know and you suddenly disappear, this could end up with you being considered AWOL and eventually removed from the active cadet roster.

Now… with all of that said, let’s get to your character’s bio!

Please begin by posting your bio using the template below. Once posted, your bio will be reviewed by an Evaluations representative. They will post comments for you and suggest any adjustments your bio might require.  Once they approve your bio, you will be assigned an instructor and your adventure will begin!

Federation Space is a written RPG. With that said, we ask that you try to pay attention to spelling and grammar in your posts.  Posts properly formatted are easier and more enjoyable for everyone to read. I strongly recommend you run your bio and any posts you make through a spell check before posting them.

Next are a few resources that can help you as you write your bio:

Be sure to check out playable races.

Our character development page is a great resource to help you fill out your bio form.

One last thing, please take time to read and understand our site’s canon page.  This will help you understand what 'Trek' related information is included on our site.

Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!  And as always - have fun!

== Physical Description ==
Name:
Species:
Gender:
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Build/Body Type:
Complexion:
Hair Color:
Hair Style:
Eye Color:
Voice:
Off-Duty Clothing Taste:
Distinguishing Features:

== Personal History ==
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Marital Status:
Siblings Name & Ages:
Mother's Name:
Father's Name:
Parent's Status:
Pets:
Best Friend:
Personal History:

== Personality ==
Academy Majors:
Academy Minors:
Hobbies & Past-Times:
Short-Term Goals:
Long-Term Goals:
Personality:
Sense of Humor:
Phobias:
Likes:
Dislikes:
Pet Peeves/Gripes:
Bad Habits / Vices:
Achievements:
Disappointments:
Illnesses:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Fears:
Prejudices:

== Questions ==
Most Painful Experience:
Best Time:
Most Crucial Experience:
Role Model:
Referrer / How you found Fed Space (If 'Google' or 'Search Engine' please specify the search engine and the term searched for):

==

[Riley Wright]

== Physical Description ==
Name: Riley Wright
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 23
Height: 4'11"
Weight: 106 lbs
Build/Body Type: Petite but athletic; wiry strength from disciplined training
Complexion: Fair
Hair Color: Black with violet highlights
Hair Style: Medium-length, often styled neatly but allowed some freedom off duty
Eye Color: Dark brown
Voice: Warm, steady, with a subtle trace of her Luna upbringing
Off-Duty Clothing Taste: Prefers simple, practical attire—comfortable trousers, jackets, and boots, with occasional bold accessories
Distinguishing Features: Confident posture, piercing gaze, sleeve tattoo on right arm (kept hidden under uniform), faint scar on left forearm from a training accident

== Personal History ==
Date of Birth: April 12, 2382
Place of Birth: Tycho City, Luna
Marital Status: Single
Siblings Name & Ages: One younger brother, Daniel Wright (18, still in secondary school on Luna)
Mother's Name: Dr. Amelia Wright (astrogeologist)
Father's Name: Marcus Wright (civil engineer)
Parent's Status: Both alive, but often distant due to their work-focused lives
Pets: None currently; grew up with a family Labrador named Cosmo
Best Friend: Cadet T’Varen (Vulcan, fellow graduate of the Security division)
Personal History: Riley Wright grew up in Tycho City on Luna, with the Moon’s stark horizons outside her window and the hum of research stations in the background. Her parents, Amelia and Marcus, were both professionals — her mother spent most of her days analyzing rock samples and running data models, while her father was always tied up in infrastructure projects. They loved her, but work usually came first. Riley learned early to keep herself busy, or to look after her younger brother, Daniel. That independence became a part of her, though she sometimes wished her parents had been around more.

Being short — barely scraping 4’11” — meant she was often dismissed or underestimated. It annoyed her to no end, but instead of letting it break her down, she fought harder. Martial arts classes, zero-g sports, anything physical she could throw herself into — she turned her size into an advantage. Quick, precise, stubborn: that was how she made people notice her.

At ten years old, a transport malfunction left her stuck in a damaged airlock until a rescue crew pulled her free. It only lasted minutes, but the memory stuck. The air felt thinner, the walls too close, and she carried that fear with her long after. Rather than shy away from it, Riley swore she’d never let fear decide who she was or what she could do.

By twelve, she already knew where she was headed. A Starfleet delegation passed through Luna, and she was hooked. The way they carried themselves — calm, confident, explorers and protectors rolled into one — lit a fire under her. From that point on, every extra hour went into study, training, or anything that might get her closer to that uniform.

Of course, being a teenager, Riley didn’t take a straight path. She had a rebellious streak: skipping classes now and then, sneaking into off-limits dome sectors with friends, even picking up a warning for reckless zero-g racing. Nothing serious, but enough to give her a taste of consequences. By the time she was old enough to apply to Starfleet, she’d figured out that proving herself through defiance wasn’t the answer. She channeled that restless energy into academics and training instead, determined to make it count.

The Academy tested her in ways she hadn’t expected. She declared Security as her major, with minors in Interstellar Relations and Survival Strategies, but the first year was rough. Cadets doubted her ability to keep up, and sometimes she doubted it herself. That changed when she met T’Varen, a Vulcan cadet in her program. Riley’s impulsive energy clashed with T’Varen’s calm logic, but over time they found a balance. T’Varen’s patience helped Riley rein in her temper, and Riley reminded her friend of the value of instinct and heart. They became inseparable — study partners, sparring partners, confidants.

In her second year, she came under the instruction of Lt. Commander Javier Torres, a Security officer with real frontier experience. Torres didn’t just drill tactics into his cadets; he taught that Security’s real job was to protect lives. When Riley pushed herself past exhaustion in one exercise, trying to prove she could keep up with anyone, Torres pulled her aside. He told her strength wasn’t about what you could shoulder alone, but about how well you protected others. That lesson stuck deeper than anything she’d read in a manual.

Later that year, a live-blade drill left her with a cut across her left forearm when she dropped her guard. It was healed within minutes, but she asked to keep the scar. To her, it was a reminder that mistakes teach, and overconfidence hurts. Torres supported the choice, saying scars could be better teachers than books.

Her proudest moment came during a cadet cruise simulation of a boarding action. With her unit under pressure, she found herself taking command. She held her team together, trusted their abilities, and made the calls that got them through. Afterward, Torres debriefed her personally, telling her she succeeded because she inspired trust, not fear. For Riley, it was the moment she realized she might actually be capable of leading.

Now, in 2405, she’s graduated with honors and waits for her first assignment. Beneath her uniform sleeve, hidden from view, she carries a tattoo that winds across her right arm: stars, moons, nebulae, and darker patterns woven together. It’s her story etched in ink — resilience and fragility, dreams and struggles, the proof of how far she’s come. To Riley, it’s a private reminder that strength isn’t about size or appearances. It’s about standing up, over and over, no matter what the universe throws in her way.

== Personality ==
Academy Majors: Security
Academy Minors: Interstellar Relations, Survival Strategies
Hobbies & Past-Times: Martial arts, holo-novels (especially mysteries), zero-g handball, sketching starship designs
Short-Term Goals: Earn respect of her first crew and commanding officer; gain real-world experience in away missions
Long-Term Goals: Rise to the rank of Chief of Security; eventually teach at Starfleet Academy
Personality: Determined, disciplined, empathetic beneath a calm and confident exterior
Sense of Humor: Dry wit, occasionally sarcastic but never cruel
Phobias: Fear of confinement in tight, sealed spaces after a childhood airlock incident
Likes: Teamwork, challenges, stargazing, classical music
Dislikes: Dishonesty, unnecessary violence, being underestimated
Pet Peeves/Gripes: Sloppiness in procedures, people who don’t respect chain of command
Bad Habits / Vices: Sometimes overworks herself; reluctant to delegate
Achievements: Graduated with honors; earned a commendation for leadership during a cadet simulation
Disappointments: Failing her first Academy combat simulation, which motivated her to improve
Illnesses: Standard childhood illnesses, nothing chronic
Strengths: Quick thinker under stress, physically capable, strong sense of justice
Weaknesses: Can be stubborn, sometimes too self-critical
Fears: Losing a crewmate under her watch; failing to live up to expectations
Prejudices: Slight skepticism of those who act without discipline or disregard Starfleet protocols

== Questions ==
Most Painful Experience: Being trapped briefly in a damaged lunar transport airlock at age 10, leaving her with mild claustrophobia.
Best Time: Graduation day at Starfleet Academy, with her family present in San Francisco.
Most Crucial Experience: Leading her cadet team during the simulated boarding action, cementing her confidence in Security.
Role Model: Her Academy instructor, Lt. Commander Javier Torres, who taught her that true security is about protecting lives — and who personally guided her growth as a cadet, shaping her into the officer she aspires to be.
Referrer / How you found Fed Space (If 'Google' or 'Search Engine' please specify the search engine and the term searched for): Was looking for a Star Trek RPG online, to share in with others about one of my favorite franchises

[Maddie Allen]

== Hello Cadet,

I'll be your bio evaluator for your time in the Academy. You have a well written background and I enjoyed learning more about your character.

One thing I'd like you to change is with your achievements. While you've explained the commendation you received in your bio, remember that it was for a simulation. While your actions would have been praised, a commendation would have been more difficult to receive. Can you please change this in your bio and achievement section? Once done, please post your bio in entirety again here. 

==

[Riley Wright]

== Physical Description ==
Name: Riley Wright
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 23
Height: 4'11"
Weight: 106 lbs
Build/Body Type: Petite but athletic; wiry strength from disciplined training
Complexion: Fair
Hair Color: Black with violet highlights
Hair Style: Medium-length, often styled neatly but allowed some freedom off duty
Eye Color: Dark brown
Voice: Warm, steady, with a subtle trace of her Luna upbringing
Off-Duty Clothing Taste: Prefers simple, practical attire—comfortable trousers, jackets, and boots, with occasional bold accessories
Distinguishing Features: Confident posture, piercing gaze, sleeve tattoo on right arm (kept hidden under uniform), faint scar on left forearm from a training accident

== Personal History ==
Date of Birth: April 12, 2382
Place of Birth: Tycho City, Luna
Marital Status: Single
Siblings Name & Ages: One younger brother, Daniel Wright (18, still in secondary school on Luna)
Mother's Name: Dr. Amelia Wright (astrogeologist)
Father's Name: Marcus Wright (civil engineer)
Parent's Status: Both alive, but often distant due to their work-focused lives
Pets: None currently; grew up with a family Labrador named Cosmo
Best Friend: Cadet T’Varen (Vulcan, fellow graduate of the Security division)
Personal History: Riley Wright grew up in Tycho City on Luna, with the Moon’s stark horizons outside her window and the hum of research stations in the background. Her parents, Amelia and Marcus, were both professionals — her mother spent most of her days analyzing rock samples and running data models, while her father was always tied up in infrastructure projects. They loved her, but work usually came first. Riley learned early to keep herself busy, or to look after her younger brother, Daniel. That independence became a part of her, though she sometimes wished her parents had been around more.

Being short — barely scraping 4’11” — meant she was often dismissed or underestimated. It annoyed her to no end, but instead of letting it break her down, she fought harder. Martial arts classes, zero-g sports, anything physical she could throw herself into — she turned her size into an advantage. Quick, precise, stubborn: that was how she made people notice her.

At ten years old, a transport malfunction left her stuck in a damaged airlock until a rescue crew pulled her free. It only lasted minutes, but the memory stuck. The air felt thinner, the walls too close, and she carried that fear with her long after. Rather than shy away from it, Riley swore she’d never let fear decide who she was or what she could do.

By twelve, she already knew where she was headed. A Starfleet delegation passed through Luna, and she was hooked. The way they carried themselves — calm, confident, explorers and protectors rolled into one — lit a fire under her. From that point on, every extra hour went into study, training, or anything that might get her closer to that uniform.

Of course, being a teenager, Riley didn’t take a straight path. She had a rebellious streak: skipping classes now and then, sneaking into off-limits dome sectors with friends, even picking up a warning for reckless zero-g racing. Nothing serious, but enough to give her a taste of consequences. By the time she was old enough to apply to Starfleet, she’d figured out that proving herself through defiance wasn’t the answer. She channeled that restless energy into academics and training instead, determined to make it count.

The Academy tested her in ways she hadn’t expected. She declared Security as her major, with minors in Interstellar Relations and Survival Strategies, but the first year was rough. Cadets doubted her ability to keep up, and sometimes she doubted it herself. That changed when she met T’Varen, a Vulcan cadet in her program. Riley’s impulsive energy clashed with T’Varen’s calm logic, but over time they found a balance. T’Varen’s patience helped Riley rein in her temper, and Riley reminded her friend of the value of instinct and heart. They became inseparable — study partners, sparring partners, confidants.

In her second year, she came under the instruction of Lt. Commander Javier Torres, a Security officer with real frontier experience. Torres didn’t just drill tactics into his cadets; he taught that Security’s real job was to protect lives. When Riley pushed herself past exhaustion in one exercise, trying to prove she could keep up with anyone, Torres pulled her aside. He told her strength wasn’t about what you could shoulder alone, but about how well you protected others. That lesson stuck deeper than anything she’d read in a manual.

Later that year, a live-blade drill left her with a cut across her left forearm when she dropped her guard. It was healed within minutes, but she asked to keep the scar. To her, it was a reminder that mistakes teach, and overconfidence hurts. Torres supported the choice, saying scars could be better teachers than books.

Her proudest moment came later, during a cadet cruise simulation of a boarding action. Riley found herself in command when her unit came under pressure. She kept her team together, trusted their abilities, and made the kind of quick decisions that earned her strong praise from her instructors. Torres debriefed her afterward, noting that she succeeded because she inspired trust, not fear. It was then that Riley realized he had become more than just an instructor to her — he was the model of the kind of officer she wanted to be: decisive, principled, and quietly compassionate.

Now, in 2405, she’s graduated with honors and waits for her first assignment. Beneath her uniform sleeve, hidden from view, she carries a tattoo that winds across her right arm: stars, moons, nebulae, and darker patterns woven together. It’s her story etched in ink — resilience and fragility, dreams and struggles, the proof of how far she’s come. To Riley, it’s a private reminder that strength isn’t about size or appearances. It’s about standing up, over and over, no matter what the universe throws in her way.

== Personality ==
Academy Majors: Security
Academy Minors: Interstellar Relations, Survival Strategies
Hobbies & Past-Times: Martial arts, holo-novels (especially mysteries), zero-g handball, sketching starship designs
Short-Term Goals: Earn respect of her first crew and commanding officer; gain real-world experience in away missions
Long-Term Goals: Rise to the rank of Chief of Security; eventually teach at Starfleet Academy
Personality: Determined, disciplined, empathetic beneath a calm and confident exterior
Sense of Humor: Dry wit, occasionally sarcastic but never cruel
Phobias: Fear of confinement in tight, sealed spaces after a childhood airlock incident
Likes: Teamwork, challenges, stargazing, classical music
Dislikes: Dishonesty, unnecessary violence, being underestimated
Pet Peeves/Gripes: Sloppiness in procedures, people who don’t respect chain of command
Bad Habits / Vices: Sometimes overworks herself; reluctant to delegate
Achievements: Graduated with honors; earned strong praise from instructors for her leadership during a cadet simulation
Disappointments: Failing her first Academy combat simulation, which motivated her to improve
Illnesses: Standard childhood illnesses, nothing chronic
Strengths: Quick thinker under stress, physically capable, strong sense of justice
Weaknesses: Can be stubborn, sometimes too self-critical
Fears: Losing a crewmate under her watch; failing to live up to expectations
Prejudices: Slight skepticism of those who act without discipline or disregard Starfleet protocols

== Questions ==
Most Painful Experience: Being trapped briefly in a damaged lunar transport airlock at age 10, leaving her with mild claustrophobia.
Best Time: Graduation day at Starfleet Academy, with her family present in San Francisco.
Most Crucial Experience: Leading her cadet team during the simulated boarding action, cementing her confidence in Security.
Role Model: Her Academy instructor, Lt. Commander Javier Torres, who taught her that true security is about protecting lives — and who personally guided her growth as a cadet, shaping her into the officer she aspires to be.
Referrer / How you found Fed Space (If 'Google' or 'Search Engine' please specify the search engine and the term searched for): Was looking for a Star Trek RPG online, to share in with others about one of my favorite franchises

[Maddie Allen]

== Thank you for that change Cadet. I'm happy to tell you your bio has been approved. I'd again like to welcome to Federation Space RPG (Fed Space). It's a great game and community. 

I'm going to get you started on your lessons, giving your your first Academy lesson.  Your Academy Instructor will be along shortly. We're all here to help you get ready for your time on a ship. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us! 

Before moving on, I want to make sure you know about the great resource our wiki provides. It has a lot of information, including what your department duties will be. Take some time to review as it can help you understand your role: How to play a Security Officer. 

Our wiki includes an Academy section that contains a lot of resources for you. Be sure to take some time to review them, especially the New Cadet FAQ while you’re there. We’ll use the wiki later in our lessons, so it’s helpful for you to start navigating it now.

Site Canon and the Federation Space History Timeline.  It’s important to understand our history. Please take time to review.

With that out of the way, let’s get started: Lesson one: Writing Format

Third Person, Past Tense:
Fed Space has players all over the world so we use a standardized set of formatting rules. By using one style, it makes it easier for everyone to follow and understand each other’s posts.

The first thing to know is that we post in third person, past tense.  An example of this style of writing would be: Samantha was so excited to be finally taking her final examination, she fell off her seat.  NOT: I fell off my seat because I was so excited to take my final examination.

We also use double spacing between paragraphs and character’s spoken lines. This means when you write a spoken line with quotation marks “ ”, leave a space after. This makes it easier for players to follow.  A good rule to follow is ‘When in doubt, double space!’

Your Character’s Internal Thoughts
To show your character’s own thoughts, we use italics.  When writing your character’s thoughts, it’s acceptable to write in first person.  An example of showing my character’s thoughts would look like: I can’t wait for another cup of chai. Maybe I should make it a dirty chai next time.

Showing Emphasis
To make something really stand out in your post, such as if your character was shouting, we use bold text. An example of showing emphasis for my character would look like: Maddie loved a good cup of chai, especially with a bit of vanilla.

Telepathic Communication
In general, it is rare a character has the ability to communicate telepathically and because of this, it is closely monitored by our Senior and Commanding Officers to make sure it isn’t abused.  With that said, there are a few telepathic races on Fed Space and on occasion telepaths will speak to each other through this unique skill. Telepathic communication is shown like this:

~ Hello, I am speaking directly into your mind. ~

If your character is not telepathic then, in general, you won’t need to worry about this technique, but I want you to be aware it exists in case you see crewmembers on your ship or others using it.

Using Communication Badges or Comm Badges
Characters can often receive verbal communications through a communication device, such as a comm badge, from another crew member or the computer.  When receiving a message, you should drop the quotations “ ” and instead use brackets [ ].

For example, if I received a message from another officer, it would look something like this:
[Commander Jasal to Captain Allen. We are out of chai.]

If you are the one speaking to somebody through a comm device, you would still use the quotations “ ”.

Out Of Character posting or OOC:
OOC posting is what I’m doing now. OOC text is surrounded by == ==.  Use OOC when you want to talk to another player and not write it as part of the storyline.  You won’t need to do this in general discussion areas such as your ship’s OOC sections like Crew Announcements as well as in Hailing Frequencies.

Proofing Posts:
When writing a post, it’s important to take time to run your posts through the spell check many writing software offers. Spell check won’t find all grammar and spelling errors, but will find many and help correct errors found. Rereading your post can help catch errors. We don’t need anyone to be a speller or grammar whiz, but taking the time to do this extra step will make it easier for everyone to understand what’s written.

A good way to get the feel of these formatting rules and to get a feel of the site in general is to browse the different ship forums. Take some time to look at the different ships. Take time to  notice how our players use the elements listed above. 

With all that said, let’s get to some posting!  Your first assignment is to respond to my post using the above formatting elements. If you have any questions, ask.  Good luck and have fun!  ==


Maddie was taking a walk through the exam holodecks, chatting with instructors and cadets, on her way to start one exam for a fellow security cadet, Riley Wright. She hadn't been a part of exams in quite some time as now she was filled with more paperwork and reports. It would be nice to at least get one started, even if that was it.

As she arrived to the proper holodeck, she found it empty, which gave her time to make any adjustments to the cadet's scenario, although the assigned instructor was typically well ahead of all exams and would have things ready. She almost gave a call for the cadet, but there wasn't a need - yet. She wasn't late and she didn't like adding any extra pressure to a cadet on exam day.  So, Maddie casually sipped on her chai latte as she prepared the simulation and waited for both the cadet and instructor. ==

[Riley Wright]

== Thank you for the feedback you gave on my character's bio, I really appreciate it. ==

The corridor outside Holodeck Seven was quieter than Riley expected. A couple of cadets passed by, their footsteps fading until it was just her and the low thrum of the nearby systems. She stopped short of the doors and tugged at the cuff of her uniform sleeve, more out of habit than need.

Her PADD was already in hand, the screen lighting up as she pulled up the message she’d been carrying around all morning. She’d read it twice already, but once more couldn’t hurt.

[Hey sis, just wanted to say good luck today. I know you’ll crush it. Don’t let them underestimate you — you never have before. I’ll be cheering from Luna.]

A small smile slipped through before she could stop it. Daniel always knew what to say. Guess I don’t have an excuse to choke now, she thought, though her stomach still had that tight little knot in it.

She slipped the PADD back into place, let out a slow breath, and stepped forward. The doors to Holodeck Seven slid open with a soft hiss, and the familiar hum of the grid seemed louder than usual as she crossed inside.

Riley wasn’t much for size — just under five feet tall — but she made up for it with a kind of wiry strength that came from years of training. Her dark eyes tried to stay steady, though there was no denying the flicker of nerves there. Her black hair was neatly brushed back, the faint violet sheen catching under the holodeck lights, a touch of individuality against the plain cadet uniform.

Captain Allen was already waiting, composed and calm in a way that only made Riley’s pulse tick up faster. She’d seen the Captain around before, but never like this, never with the weight of her own future tied to the woman’s presence. Having Allen oversee her final examination made her chest feel heavier than the uniform ever could. Keep it together. Breathe.

Riley forced her shoulders back, legs steady as she came to a halt a respectful distance away.

“Cadet Riley Wright, reporting as ordered,” she said. The words sounded clear enough, but she felt every ounce of them pressing down on her.

== Tag back ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

== A great first post, Cadet! And let me also welcome you to the site. I'm Lieutenant Commander Amelina Whittaker, and I'll be your Instructor for the remainder of your final examination. As Captain Allen said previously, we're all here to help you through the process, and if you have any questions or need to reach out for any reason, then feel free to dm me. With that said, let us move on to your second lesson :-) ==

== Lesson two: Plots, GM Input, Character Hijacking, and New Content:

We have two types of plots here on Federation Space: the main plot and subplots. Main plots affect the entire ship and are directed by a Game Moderator (GM). Subplots are an underlying story being told within the main plot. A subplot can be run by any player with prior approval of the ship’s CO (or FO).

An example of the difference between the two:  The main plot is about the ship falling under attack. A subplot would be a character dealing with an on ship pregnancy or maybe trying to write the next great holonovel.

GMs:
Game Moderators (GMs) guide the ships’ missions along. Every ship has a mission, of which only the GMs of a ship know the mission details. 

Your job is to write what your character sees and what their reaction is. The GM will provide any unknowns about the plot.  This input will have significance to the direction of the mission. This is why characters should keep posts open ended on anything that might affect the mission’s direction or outcome.  As your character performs an action, such as performing a diagnostic scan, leave the result of the scan unknown.  The GM will explain what the outcome of the action is.

When you need GM input on something, for example results of a diagnostic scan, one only has to make a request at the end of the post.  The request can look like:

== GM Input, please? == 

Or it can also be a more specific request, such as:

== GM Input:  Result of the diagnostic, please? ==

Take a look around at the active ships on Federation Space to see characters ask for GM input.

Character Hijacking:
The next element we’re going to cover is character usage. Unless you have permission from the player, you cannot post any speech, thoughts, or movements for another character (PRC or NRC) that isn’t yours, unless the character has already done so in-game. This is called character hijacking and is not permitted on Fed Space. Some players might not mind, but even minor things such as a nod of the head or a shrug of the shoulders can be considered hijacking.

For example, if you write in your next post that Commander Amelina Whittaker suddenly appeared and started dancing, you would have hijacked another character.

Character Movement on Ships:
I’m sure you have noticed that a ship has multiple threads on it for various locations that a player can post, such as the bridge, sickbay, and security offices.  Oftentimes, while on a mission, players travel throughout the ship to accomplish their orders. To help follow the plot when a player is transitioning from one thread to another, they should make a notation at the end of their post like this:  >> Sickbay >>  The arrows and location found at the bottom of a post tells readers where this character will post next. 

When the player makes their next post, the player should make a notation at the beginning of their post like this:  << Bridge <<. The arrows and location found at the top of a post indicate that is where a player has just come from.

Time for more writing!  In your next post, continue showing your use of our formatting techniques you learned in lesson one and ask for GM input. I will be acting as your GM.

If you need any help or would like more clarification on something, ask me! ==

== Holodeck 7 ==

After directing the latest Cadets to their assigned holodecks, it was Amelina's turn to oversee one of the aforementioned final examinations. Arriving at holodeck 7, the brunette senior instructor smiled as she saw Captain Allen and Cadet Riley Wright standing outside. It was also good to know that she hadn't gotten there too late, as she heard Wright report in. " Hello, Captain, Cadet," she said warmly in greeting, aware that Maddie would have already set things up, so it would only be a matter of activating the programme.

" Captain Allen has kindly set things up for you, and I'll be overseeing your examination. When you're ready, you'll step through the doors,"  and the exam will begin," Amelina explained, before standing aside to allow Wright entry when she was ready.

Once Wright entered, she would find herself in the Observation Lounge of the USS Neptune, where the crew was playing host to the yellow-hued Artanians, a race of four-armed aliens from the small moon that they called Tranquillity. The purpose of the reception was to welcome them as potential allies before talks between them and the Federation started the following day. Everything appeared to be going well, and Wright would be part of the security detail assigned to the Artanians.

== Tag Wright ==

[Riley Wright]

Riley gave a quick nod as Lieutenant Commander Whittaker greeted her, the warmth in the woman’s voice cutting through some of the tension that had been building in her chest. Even so, the reminder that both Whittaker and Captain Allen were present made the room feel heavier. She tugged at her sleeve again, a nervous habit she couldn’t quite shake.

Alright, this is it. No more prep, no more practice. Just stay sharp and don’t overthink it.

When Whittaker explained that Captain Allen had already set everything up and all that was left was to activate the program, Riley’s pulse jumped. Final examination. The words hit harder than she wanted to admit. She drew in a slow breath, forcing herself forward toward the threshold.

The holodeck shimmered as she stepped through, the sterile grid dissolving into the sleek lines of a starship’s observation lounge. Viewports stretched overhead, stars scattered across the black with the blue-white curve of a nearby planet filling part of the frame. Voices hummed around her — soft conversation, clinking glasses, the steady movement of uniformed officers keeping the event flowing.

Starfleet was the host tonight, welcoming the Artanians. The guests stood out immediately — tall, four-armed figures with pale, yellow-hued skin, their gestures measured and graceful. They moved among the officers in small groups, curious eyes taking in the surroundings. On the surface, everything looked polite, even friendly, but Riley knew better than to take appearances at face value.

She felt her size more here than she had in the corridor. Among the taller officers and the towering Artanians, she had to tilt her chin just a little higher to keep her gaze level. Petite or not, she refused to let herself seem small.

Her training kicked in. She shifted her stance, scanning the lounge with care: exits, vantage points, unfamiliar faces, and the subtle language of bodies in motion.

Keep calm. Observe first, act second.

She lifted her chin, ready to step into the exercise.

== GM Input: What does Riley notice first about the atmosphere between the Artanians and the Starfleet officers? Are there any subtle signs of tension or potential threats that might catch her attention? ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

== Excellent post Cadet, keep up the good work :-), now we can move onto Lesson 3 ==

== Lesson three: NRCs, character usage, and site navigation:

Non-rated characters, or NRCs, are characters used by players as well as GMs to help fill crew gaps in ships. Starships usually have large crews, and since we don’t have enough players to fill all those roles, we use NRCs.

We have two types of NRCs: Independent and Temporary.

Independent NRCs are like a Player Rated Character (PRC), in that they get played as their own character. These NRCs are registered, and you can distinguish them through their character names. You’ll see something along the lines of Ensign Maguire {Whittaker}, with the PRC character’s last name in brackets at the end. And while these NRCs are similar to PRCs, they are not a second-rated character (SRC). They also do not earn points or medals as you would with your PRC.  Also, your PRC must be a Lt [JG] or higher and have the approval of your Commanding Officer to create an Independent NRC.

Temporary NRCs, on the other hand, can be created by anyone. They are not as developed as Independent NRCs or PRCs, and they do not have bios. They are usually created for quick tasks, and are used for times when you need to post with other players on the ship.

To make a Temporary NRC post, all you need to do is place an OOC notation at the top of the post. You’ll probably see several variations, but they typically look like:

==Ensign Amira Vezula , Temp Security NRC ==

In the case of both NRCs, you play the character from the NRC's perspective, almost as if you have a second character.  You can only play an NRC that is one rank higher than your own. This means that if you’re an Ensign, you can have NRCs that are Midshipmen, Ensigns, or Lieutenant Junior Grades.


Navigating the Fed Space Wiki
The Fed Space wiki offers a great resource to help you out with your posts.  Be sure to spend some time checking it out.  The information on the wiki is also ‘Fed Space canon,’ which can sometimes differ from Star Trek canon, so look there first when you’re researching something.  Don’t feel limited to only looking at the wiki pages for your department, because the other departments will have information you’ll find quite useful.

As previously mentioned, Fed Space canon differs slightly from that of Star Trek, mainly because this game happens 40+ years after the Dominion War. Since the Dominion War, there have been many conflicts and wars. It’s been very rocky, but all the history from the start of Year 1 to the last entry on that page have been written and played here on Federation Space.  Make sure you spend some time checking out our site history. 

To help you get used to the organisation of our wiki, please answer the following questions in OOC.

1. How many types of phaser pistol are there?
2. What is the right side of a ship called?
3. How long does it take to cross a sector at Warp 6?

After answering the questions, continue with another post and include the formatting and spacing as discussed in previous lessons. In your post, please continue the story and use Ensign Amira Vazula - Temp Security NRC or one of your choosing as your Temporary NRC. Have fun! ==

== Results of the GM input ==

Riley would notice that there didn't seem to be any tension between the gathered Artanians and Starfleet Officers, or any sign of any other potential issues or threats. That's until everything changed in an instant when the lead Artanian named Lexor suddenly collapsed without warning. Dr Alexander, the ship's CMO, immediately rushed over to Lexor's side, along with several officers, while the majority of Artanians began to panic, apart from one individual known as Petcham, who became agitated and angry.

== Tag Wright ==

[Riley Wright]

== 1. The only phaser pistol listed is the Phaser Pistol (Type-2). The page also notes the Phaser Rifle (Type-3), showing the clear difference between a standard sidearm and a heavier-duty weapon.

2. The right side of a ship when facing forward is the starboard side.

3. The travel time chart shows that crossing a sector at Warp 6 would take about 19 days. ==

The sudden collapse of the Artanian named Lexor pulled the air out of the room. Conversation stopped short, glasses lowered, and in an instant the easy rhythm of the reception fractured. Dr. Alexander and several officers rushed toward the fallen guest, while the rest of the crowd pressed in, uncertain.

Riley’s stomach tightened as training took over. Her eyes swept the room automatically, looking for threats, for exits, for anyone acting in a way that didn’t fit the situation. Petcham’s raised voice cut sharply above the noise, his agitation spreading ripples of unease through the Artanians. Great. Panic’s the last thing we need right now.

At her side, T’Varen stood composed as ever. Riley leaned toward her friend, voice pitched low. “Stay with me. If this escalates, we’ll need to keep the guests calm.”

She stepped closer to the gathering around Lexor, careful not to interfere with the medical team. Her gaze darted across the crowd — officers moving quickly to respond, Artanians clustered together with growing alarm. She filed it all away, the prickle of unease sharp in her chest.

Don’t get tunnel vision. Keep the whole picture in view.

== T’Varen – Security Cadet Temporary NRC ==

T’Varen remained beside Wright, her posture straight, hands clasped behind her back. Where her human counterpart reacted with instinct, T’Varen examined the unfolding events with deliberate analysis. Elevated heart rates, widened eyes, irregular breathing patterns — the Artanian delegation displayed multiple indicators of escalating stress.

Her gaze settled on Petcham. His vocal register had risen by twenty percent, and his gestures were pronounced beyond the level of simple alarm. The Vulcan concluded his hostility was directed not toward Lexor, but toward the Starfleet personnel nearest him. This distinction was critical in evaluating potential escalation.

Emotional contagion is a known phenomenon among groups under stress. Should his behavior spread, the probability of disorder increases significantly. Containment at this stage is still feasible.

“Cadet Wright,” she said evenly, her voice calm and steady despite the noise around them, “dispersing officers among the guests would be an effective means of curbing panic before it develops into disorder.”

T’Varen’s eyes swept across the reception once more, noting the subtle tightening of Artanian postures and the growing volume of their voices. A display of security presence may produce reassurance in some, but provoke defensiveness in others. The correct balance will be essential.

“It would also be logical to maintain visible Starfleet presence near the refreshments and the primary exit. Their placement could provide both reassurance and deterrence, minimizing the likelihood of rash actions.”

She turned her head slightly back toward Riley. “If the situation deteriorates further, physical intervention may become necessary. However, prevention through calculated positioning remains preferable.”

== Riley Wright ==

Riley listened, keeping her own eyes on the room while T’Varen spoke. The Vulcan’s calm delivery cut through the noise just enough to help settle her own nerves. Logical, measured — exactly the kind of input Riley needed right now.

“You’re right,” she said quietly, nodding once.

Her dark eyes flicked to the refreshments, then the exit. A subtle tilt of her chin drew the attention of one officer, followed by a faint hand gesture that sent him shifting closer to the tables. Another discreet motion directed a second officer toward the main doors. The signals were restrained — meant for trained eyes — but not invisible. Guests would see the officers repositioning, a quiet reminder that Starfleet still had control of the room.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught T’Varen’s steady posture and unreadable calm. It was the same quiet strength Riley had leaned on more times than she could count during their Academy years. Just knowing T’Varen was there made it easier to keep her own head clear.

With the room a little more secure, Riley shifted her focus back to Petcham. His voice was still rising, sharp and angry. She didn’t close the distance too far — rushing him would only inflame things — but she angled her steps so he could see she was approaching. Her hands stayed open and visible at her sides, her tone quiet but carrying, laced with calm rather than authority.

“Please, I know you’re worried about him,” she said gently, her voice steady. “Doctor Alexander and the others are doing everything they can for Lexor. The best way we can help him now is to keep everyone safe and calm.”

She let her eyes meet his, not with challenge but with quiet reassurance. Come on. Work with me here. Let me help you, so no one else gets hurt.

== GM Input: How does Petcham respond to Riley’s attempt at empathy, and do the other Artanians appear to calm slightly seeing her approach, or do they grow more unsettled? ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

== Excellent Cadet, I really enjoyed reading your post. We'll be moving onto the next lesson, and continue using your temp NRC :-) ==

== Lesson Four: Participation Points, Rank, Chain of Command:

Participation Points and Rank:
Participation points are issued on the first of every month.  This system is in place to allow for the progression of ranks.  Once a character earns a certain number of points, they’ll receive a promotion to the next rank. There are a few caps in place because, let's face it, over time, without the caps, the site would be overrun with captains and admirals with nowhere for them to go.

To access the monthly points charts, click on the Red Alert thread on our forums page, then Monthly Point Tables.  Read more about participation points, positions, and rank caps in the Federation Space Constitution.

Participation points are awarded by the Commanding Officer (CO) and approved up the chain of command by the Fleet Commander (FC) and finally, the Commander in Chief (CinC). Everyone earns participation points every month, depending on how active a player you are, and can vary between each CO. If you have any questions about how your CO awards points, please go up your chain of command when you are assigned to a vessel.  They will gladly let you know their policy. 

Another way for you to earn points is to hold various site positions, such as Department Head (DH), First Officer (FO), Commanding Officer (CO), etc., or through earning medals.  A list of medals and their point values is found on the medals page on the wiki. Medals are typically awarded to players who go above and beyond what is expected on the site.

While we do have a points system in place, it is suggested that you don’t play for the sole reason of collecting points or positions.  Your enjoyment will be more if you write and take part in things for the fun of it, and not an attempt to ‘win’.  This community is about writing, growing your character, and being a part of the Fed Space family.

As mentioned above, there are several ranks you can achieve over time. The abbreviated forms and names are listed below.

• Mid – Midshipman
  
• Ens – Ensign
  
• Lt (JG) – Lieutenant (Junior Grade)
  
• Lt – Lieutenant
  
• LCdr – Lieutenant Commander
  
• Cdr – Commander
  
• Capt – Captain
  
• Cmdr – Commodore
  
• RAdm – Rear Admiral
  
• VAdm – Vice Admiral
  
• Adm – Admiral
  
• FAdm – Fleet Admiral
  

Chain of Command:
The Chain of Command is the order in which you should follow, should you require any assistance with an issue or have any questions or concerns, in or out of game. There are explanations of each rank provided in our Constitution. 

We’ll start with the first person you would contact and continue from there:

1. Department Head (DH)
   
2. First Officer (FO)
   
3. Commanding Officer (CO)
   
4. Fleet Commander (FC)
   
5. Commander in Chief (CinC)
   
6. President
   

Posting Rates and Leave of Absence:
Fed Space is an RPG that is made up of players from all over the world. Because of this, we ask you to have patience with other players, realizing it might take a few days for a reply. As in our Constitution, you should post a minimum of twice a week. 

If you find you can’t make that posting rate, email your DH, FO, and CO and request a Leave of Absence (LOA).  In your email, request your need for an LOA, letting them know the reason and when you expect to return. Doing this can avoid players wondering where you’ve gone, or you wondering where another player has gone. It can also keep you from being considered Absent Without Leave (AWOL), which will cause your account to be suspended.

More questions for you to answer:
1. What is the chain of command for the security department on the USS Yeager?
2. How many points would you need to reach the rank of Lieutenant?
3. Where would you find the Observation Lounge on the USS Zephyr?
4. Have a look at the active starships on the site. List your top three ship assignment preferences. This doesn’t mean you will be assigned to one of those you list, as another ship might need an officer in your department.

[*]== Results of the GM input ==
[*]
While Wright's presence and calm tone had succeeded in reassuring the other Artanians, who appeared happy with the officer's explanation and desire to help Lexor, Petcham only paused long enough to glance at Wright. It would be obvious that there was some internal struggle within the angry Artanian, as if he were trying to decide whether she was worthy to be listened to or not. And for a moment, it seemed as though Wright might have also gotten through to him, until he raised all four arms and his voice.

" We should never have come here," he began, his voice trailing off as the universal translator struggled to keep up. His tone suggested that what he was saying wasn't very nice before the UT kicked in again. " If Lexor dies, then blood will be spilled, now, get out of my way while I check on our beloved Leader, " he demanded, moving as if to push past Wright. The others kept their distance from Petcham, or so it appeared as one other Artanian used the distraction to make a run for it. 

== Tag Wright ==

[Riley Wright]

== 1. The chain of command for the Security department on the USS Yeager is:

Department Head: Artemis d'Tor'an
First Officer: Peter Jensen
Commanding Officer: Jennifer Braggins
Commander-in-Chief: T'Mana

2. To reach the rank of Lieutenant, a player must accumulate 7,500 points. However, all players are rank-capped at Ensign until a fully completed character bio has been furnished.

3. The USS Zephyr does not have a traditional Observation Lounge. Instead, the Briefing Room is located on Deck One, just off the Bridge.

4. Preferred assignments, in order of interest: Yeager, Zephyr, Artemis ==

The tension in the room snapped as Petcham’s voice rose, his words jagged through the translator and his arms flung wide. The demand to leave, the threat of blood, cut like a blade through the already-fractured calm. The air inside the reception seemed to thicken, voices rising in worried murmurs as Artanians pressed closer together. Starfleet officers shifted subtly into protective stances, the ripple of unease unmistakable.

Riley froze for only a breath — just long enough to register the sight of another Artanian darting toward the exit. Her pulse kicked hard, but she steadied her breathing. Two problems now. Keep Petcham from erupting, and stop the runner before things spiral.

She shot a quick look at her friend, voice low but certain. “T’Varen — stay with him. Keep things calm.”

That was all she needed to say. If there was anyone she trusted to de-escalate and hold the line with Petcham, it was the Vulcan at her side. Riley’s gut screamed that the runner could undo everything if he slipped out, but leaving Petcham completely unattended wasn’t an option.

Her eyes cut back toward the fleeing Artanian, body already leaning forward in preparation. If he makes it out unchecked, we lose control of this whole room.

== T’Varen – Security Cadet Temporary NRC ==

The Vulcan’s gaze lingered on Petcham, assessing every detail of his raised arms, his tone, his shifting stance. Four-limbed display of dominance. Probability of physical altercation remains high. His breathing was shallow, words edged with volatility, but his stance stopped short of outright attack.

She noted Riley’s pursuit but did not follow. Splitting attention between both targets risks leaving each unresolved. Logical division of tasks is required.

Remaining beside Petcham, she angled her body slightly forward, careful to appear steady but non-threatening. “Petcham,” she said evenly, her tone firm but without hostility, “if your people are to remain unharmed, it is essential that you refrain from further escalation. Your actions now will influence the entire delegation.”

Her eyes swept the cluster of Artanians behind him. Their murmurs grew sharper, their attention bouncing between their fallen comrade, Petcham’s fury, and the one breaking for the exit. Equilibrium is precarious. A single further disruption could push the delegation into full disorder.

== Riley Wright ==

By then, Riley was already in motion. Her boots carried her quickly across the polished floor, weaving through startled guests. A glass slipped from someone’s hand and shattered, the sound punctuating the chaos as heads turned toward the commotion. Riley kept her focus locked on the fleeing Artanian, his four arms pumping as he pushed toward the exit with urgent determination.

Running like that… in this chaos? Either panic or something worse. The thought sharpened her stride. If he slipped past security and out of sight, there’d be no telling whether the delegation would interpret it as fear, accusation, or betrayal.

Her hand hovered near her commbadge, fingers brushing the metal, ready to call for backup if he didn’t stop. Her chest rose and fell with quick, controlled breaths, the thrum of her pulse pounding in her ears. Please don’t make me tackle you in front of everyone. We don’t need a spectacle right now.

“Stop! Don’t go near that door!” she called out at last, her voice cutting across the reception hall with a clarity meant for him — and for everyone watching.

== GM Input: Does Petcham’s aggression toward Starfleet escalate further while T’Varen holds her position, and how does the fleeing Artanian react to Riley’s warning as she closes in? ==

[Amelina Whittaker]

== Well done Cadet, another fantastic post & now we've reached the final lesson :-) ==


== Final Lesson:

Hello Cadet, Welcome to your final lesson. For this lesson, we will not be continuing the story. Instead, you will write a practice introductory post. This assignment is to write a post as if it were your very first day reporting to your ship assignment. Choose a ship on our forums and report to the Commanding Officer on the bridge. Make sure to do your research about the ship you choose (who the Commanding Officer is and other details about the ship). Include a description of your character in the post.  

Your first post on your assigned ship is a very important post. It will be the very first impression your new crew will have of your character so they can interact with you. Use the techniques learned throughout the past lessons in your post. There is no need to include an NRC in your post. 

If you have any questions, ask - and have fun!==

== Tag Wright ==

[Riley Wright]

Riley materialized on the transporter pad with a faint tingle still clinging to her skin. For a moment she stayed where she was, letting her balance settle, then straightened her uniform and forced her shoulders back. First assignment. First ship.

The USS Yeager. Captain Jennifer Braggins’ ship.

Her gaze drifted around the room — clean consoles, polished insignias, crew moving with practiced ease. Everything felt sharp, orderly, alive. Security is about protecting lives, not proving yourself, she reminded herself, hearing Torres’ calm voice in the back of her head.

At barely 4’11”, she knew she looked young, maybe even out of place. She’d heard the doubt before, seen it in people’s faces. That familiar little spark of frustration tugged at her, but she pushed it aside. She would prove herself here the same way she always had — through discipline, through action.

Riley tugged her sleeve down over the tattoo hidden on her arm and stepped off the pad, moving into the corridor. The hum of the ship wrapped around her, steady and reassuring. She pulled out a PADD and skimmed through the basics of her new posting as she walked.

The Yeager: a Modified Pathfinder-class Scout Cruiser, launched just last year. Four hundred meters long, crew of about a hundred enlisted and twenty officers. Compact but capable, designed to move fast and hit hard if it had to. The sole auxiliary craft included an aeroshuttle, the Glamorous Glennis.

Her eyes lingered on the file photo of Captain Braggins. Petite, violet eyes, long dark hair. The notes described her as a quiet but decisive officer, respected and sometimes unorthodox. Riley swallowed. She’s going to notice everything. Don’t screw this up.

Her thoughts slipped, unbidden, to graduation. T’Varen had been at her side that day — steady, logical, the calm against Riley’s fire. They had pushed each other through every hurdle at the Academy, and now, for the first time, they were on different ships. The ache surprised her, sharp and sudden. You’d tell me to breathe. To focus. To trust myself. Riley tightened her grip on the PADD. I’ll make this count, T’Varen. For both of us.

The turbolift opened ahead, and Riley caught her reflection in the brushed metal as she stepped inside. Small. Determined. Ready — or at least trying to be.

“Bridge,” she ordered, voice firm despite the thrum of nerves in her chest.

The lift carried her up, the vibration of the deck steady beneath her boots. When the doors slid open, the Bridge spread out before her.

The place buzzed with quiet energy — officers at their stations, LCARS panels glowing in soft colors, the muted tones of reports being exchanged. Beyond the main viewscreen, stars drifted like cold fireflies against the black. The air itself seemed charged, the kind of space where every movement carried purpose.

Riley’s gaze found the figure at the center: Captain Braggins, standing near the command chair. Petite, with long dark hair and an unmistakable air of authority, she seemed to embody the gravity of command without raising her voice. At the security station, Riley noted the presence of Lieutenant Artemis d’Tor’an, her new department head, though she kept her attention forward.

Her heart thudded hard, but she forced her steps steady across the deck. Stopping just in front of the captain, she drew herself up straight, voice clear even if her palms felt damp.

“Midshipman Riley Wright, reporting for duty, Captain.”

[Amelina Whittaker]

== Congratulations, Cadet Riley, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Midshipman.

Before you set off for your new vessel, there are just a few small things to go over.

Profile: Click on your name at the top left-hand corner of the screen. This will take you to your User CP. Once there, click on Edit Profile, then go to Additional Information, and use the drop-down box to select your rank graphic, which would be Security Midshipman. In the position box, type in Security Officer, and for the time being, leave the Ship assignment box empty. When you’ve added what you need to, click on the update profile button at the bottom of the page, which will save everything for you.

Introductory Post: Your CO or FO will email you to tell you where to report in. Make your first post a special one, as first impressions can go a long way, as well as remembering everything you have learned whilst in the Academy.

Congratulations again, Midshipman Riley, and welcome to Federation Space! ==