Interview with Captain Lorien Stardate 20401.01

This month's subject is Captain Alexander Lorien, Commanding Officer, USS Gettysburg.

How did you first get involved in the site?
Jim (formerly Capt Rayne) introduced me to the site. I spent a few days looking it over and was very impressed with it. I signed up and was accepted into the Academy. I haven't looked back since.

Who, other than yourself, would you say has had the biggest influence on your character?
Not an easy question to answer. So many have influenced my character. Everyone I play against has some sort of influence. Without the constant feedback I get from site members, I think my character would be very boring.

How, if at all, has your characters development differed from what you first imagined?
How much time do you have for me to answer this question? (Laughs) Cdr Lorien has changed a great deal over the last few years. He's grown and matured. As a writer I am constantly growing and changing my writing style. And Alex reflects those changes. I like keeping not only the readers interested in him, but myself as well. I'd hate for him to stop changing.

Could you sum up your character in just a few words?
How few? (Laughs) Let's see..I'd say Alex is strong of mind and heart, and a natural leader who is fair and not afraid to make mistakes.

Do you really believe there is intelligent life somewhere, out there?<be /> I find it difficult that in an infinite universe, we're the only intelligent being. Beyond that who knows what exists.

Which of the televised Star Trek series is your favorite and why?
For me it's Next Generation. It was more realistic for me. I really could for an hour, feel as if that world really existed, and if I looked up into the sky hard enough, I might see the Enterprise orbiting.

Which are your favorite characters from each series and why?
You're making me think now. (laughs) From TOS it's Bones. He was hilarious. I loved the fact that no matter what show it was he was always mad and it was usually because Spock ticked him off. From TNG, it's Picard. No matter what the situation he was always in control. I often ask myself how would Picard handle this or that when I write for Alex. From DS-9 I liked Jadzia. She was quick witted and could kick butt but still look beautiful doing it. I admire women like that. From Voyager, I think Neelix was my favorite. In the face of adversity he always tried to look for the positive. Regardless of how bad the situation was. From Enterprise, it's got to be Trip. His sense of humor is his main attraction, but the fact he can pretty much fix anything, given a few universal translators and some bandages, is what I like about him.

Do you have a favorite moment or scenario your character has been involved in?
I have so many I couldn't begin to you them all. I think my most memorable time is during the Black Cluster mission on the original Yoritomo. I learned the most about me as a writer and about how my character is perceived while on that mission. It was a true eye opener.

In your opinion, what makes a really good post?
Details. If the words written can transport me to the ship, then I have written a great post. I like to be able to picture where I am as I am reading. It's not just about the who's and what's. It's about the where you are and how you come across to everyone else. For me it's a constant battle to take the picture in my head and put it on the page. But when I do it and do it well, then I feel great about the posts I have written. I know others will enjoy them more too.

What advice would you give to our newer players who might be hoping for a Command within the site someday?
Read every single post carefully, respect for yourself, those you post with, and your superior officers. You can learn a great deal from them. Don't be afraid to contact your DH or FO and have some brainstorm sessions. It's helped me a great deal. Take initiative. Don't wait around for someone to tell you what to do. Create something to do and involve others. Just remember to follow the Chain of Command when working out a subplot.

Which characteristics do you feel you have in common with your character?
That's a loaded question. ( Laughs) They say there is a fine line between an author and someone with multiple personality disorder. Can you guess which side of the line I'm on? Every character created is a piece of the writer who created it. Some characters have more in common some less. For me to list the ones I share with Cdr Lorien, we'd be here all day. I will say the biggest DIFFERENCE, is I'm a woman and Cdr Lorien isn’t. Beyond that you'll have to get to know us both to find the answer.

If you were Fleet Admiral for a day, what would you change about Federation Space?
I'd have to look at the site from all angles before suggesting any changes. It's one thing to make a suggestion but without all the facts, you can't know the effects it'd have on the players or the site.

What is it like to be a commanding officer? What are the biggest challenges you face? Are there any rewards?
I love being a CO. The biggest challenge is to bring everyone together so they work as a team. The rewards are a great ship and excellent crew. But best of all are the friendships.

Where did you get the idea for your character?
From inside me.

What do you like to do when you aren't playing Federation Space?
For me it isn't a matter of what I like or don't like to do. Fedspace is the daily treat I give myself. I escape into the world of fantasy for a few hours a day. When I am not playing the game, it's back to reality and whatever needs to be done.

What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?
The Princess Bride. It holds a lot of special memories for me.

What is your favorite book of all time? Why?
I can't select just one. Right now I am into author J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts' books. She keeps me interested in her stories. When I'm finished collecting all her books, I'll move on to someone else. There is too much out there for me to pick just one book or one author.

What kind of music do you like? Who are your favorites?
I have a wide mix of musical tastes. Josh Groban, Matchbox Twenty, Pink, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Who, Pavarotti, Bob Marley, Jethro Tull, Theme from Phantom of the Opera. Those are just a few. Before I moved from the States, I had over 400 cd's. I had to get rid of most of them.

If you could make your own ST series, what would it be?
Federation. I'd base it off Federation Space. Take all the characters and make them come to life. Each week's episode would feature one ship and missions that ship took. Then there would be the Star base scenes as well. Those would be mixed in with the missions. Once you came to seasons end, you could add a new ship or change the entire next season depending on how the game was going.

If you had free reign to command any ship in the fleet, what would it be, and why?
The USS Drake. She is brand new and full of exciting new adventures. Who wouldn't want that?