Each month, we interview a captain or first officer of the fleet to gain more insight on what it takes to command a ship and learn more about how each of these staff members found their way into these roles.
This month, we’re interviewing the Commanding Officer of the starship USS Juneau, Captain Oddas Aria, a Bajoran female.
DeVeau: Hi Nick! We learned a little bit about you in your last interview, but would you tell us something about the USS Juneau and its history?
Oddas: I’d be glad to! The Juneau started as an outgrowth of the Warp XV project, a fleet-wide set of sims to develop Warp XV technology. When it came time to tie it all together, writers from all around the Fleet came together to go on a grand adventure around the galaxy on a shakedown cruise aboard the Juneau, called Project Capstone.
It was such a grand adventure and so fun that when it came time I wanted to move my crew from the Eagle, the Juneau was a great choice.
What is the hardest part about being CO?
The most challenging part of being the CO is finding a way to engage all the writers – giving them something to do – without stifling others. Some players need a clear blueprint of how to move from scene to scene, while others prefer a more free-form style. Providing that inclusive environment on a daily basis – where they all feel included can be quite the challenge.
What is the most rewarding?
When all the players aboard the ship are participating, and pulling the story along and writing, I love it when a player takes a little idea I write up in a mission plan, or a member of a staff tosses out during a sim, and turns it into a big plot point, or plot-B, or something they expand on Shore Leave. Any of those things really makes me feel like the world is big and expanding and living.
How has Juneau evolved over the last year?
The Juneau has been working to shore up our Marine Department (go Terrapins!), and to explore some of the more iconic locations of our region.
What was your favourite mission with the Juneau this past year?
The Region recently teamed up with an NPC vessel, the Grace Hopper, to explore more of a giant structure in the area, Ring 42. It let the crew explore other characters, giant labs, alternative solutions to problems and more. The whole mission was sort of a nice combination of out of the box thinking and technological wonderment.
What plans do you have for the upcoming year for you and your ship?
I have some plans to explore known locations, like the Ring, and to establish more relationships with characters and other known and unknown parties in the area. I also have plans to allow some long term development of locations and changes in environments so players can feel like they are creating changes in the region.
Thanks for your time, Captain Oddas Ara!
You can read more about Captain Oddas Aria on the wiki.
