Interview with Commodore (Cdr) Gage Stardate 20109.01
This month's subject is Cdr Raymond Gage, Commanding Officer, USS Philadelphia.
(Note: This interview was conducted by James Terra (dec.))
How did you first get involved in the site?
I had been surfing around various Star Trek related sights and actually stumbled onto Fed Space by accident. I read through the posts, the Academy info and was intrigued. I liked the idea of becoming a "character" and having the ability to write and control his actions. Fed Space, while structured, allows each player freedom to express his/her character in many ways.
Who, other than yourself, would you say has had the biggest influence on your character?
I would have to say that I have taken many aspects that I admire from other Star Trek characters and molded them into my character. Gage is really an extension of myself, projected into the Star Trek universe.
How, if at all, has your characters development differed from what you first imagined?
Events that have occurred have helped in the development of my character within the confines of the game. I have used other sub-plots to enhance and add to my character. An example is Gage's interaction with "Lousana Dorell", an NPC on Star Base 1 created by Cdr Dax.
Could you sum up your character in just a few words?
Intelligent, witty, adjusts and flows with the situation.
Did you choose the name 'Philadelphia' and if so why?
I did choose the ship's name. There were already established names for frigates on the site and I chose that one from the list. Philadelphia is a birthplace of the U.S. The Declaration of Independence was signed there, our Constitution ratified there. It was a city that stood for the unity and strength of a new nation.
What other characters do you regularly post for? (NPCs, etc.)
I don't have a standard NPC that I post with. I like to use existing NPC's to fit into a situation or bring information to light. I also create what I refer to as 'spot' NPC's. An anonymous character that can help move or start a plot then fade away. I am contemplating and working on a couple of permanent NPC's for SB1.
Which of the televised Star Trek series is your favorite and why?
I actually enjoy them all! DS9 and Voyager have elevated the production values of the shows and everything is much tighter and the effects crisper. I am a big fan of them all.
Which are your favorite characters from each series and why?
From TOS I would have to say Kirk for his charisma and leadership. From TNG I admire Picard's stoicism and strong character values but also relate to Riker as he is similar to Kirk. From DS9 I would have to say Sisko. Again for his leadership qualities. Voyager would be Paris. For his efficiency and humor.
Which characteristics do you feel you have in common with your character?
As I said above, my character is somewhat a Star Trek extension of myself so many of Gage's characteristics are mine as well.
Could you tell us a bit about your plans for command of the Philadelphia?
To be honest I haven't thought about that much yet. With the impending start of the ship pushed off a few times I have concentrated on things on the Valley Forge. As commander of the Philly I will look out for my crew and perform our missions to the best of my abilities, while upholding the tenets of the Federation and Star Fleet.
Do you have a favorite moment or scenario your character has been involved in?
There really isn't one specific moment or scenario but a few good ones. Getting drunk on Blood wine with Capt K'ang and Mah'rid, Gage's "business" dealings with Lousana, and there are others. Basically every moment has the potential to be a good one, based on the situation and the post.
In your opinion, what makes a really good post?
Awareness. Being aware of the story line and what is going on. That is first and foremost. It is not always easy to log in every day to check the posts but the new messages field allows you to look back as far as you can. Reading up on what is happening is important to make an effective post. Creativity. Be willing to express everything that is going on at the moment, all senses. This gives anyone else a feeling for what is happening.
Do you use any reference books, CD-ROMs or other information sources to help you post?
Sometimes yes. I have used Star Trek.com for some info and many of the volumes of info out there.
What did you choose as the dedication plaque for the Philadelphia and why?
I chose a quote from Benjamin Franklin, perhaps one of Philadelphia's greatest citizens. He was an inventor, philosopher, ambassador, statesman, the first postmaster general of the U.S., and many other things. He epitomizes the American spirit and played a major role in the creation of our country.
When did you first 'get into' Star Trek?
Well hopefully this will not date me too badly, but I actually started watching TOS during its FIRST round of syndication back in the 70's. It used to come on at 4:00 in the afternoon on channel 11 and I watched it religiously. That started the ball rolling. Been hooked ever since.
How do you see your character developing in the future?
That is going to be hard to predict. Things are going to be different in the role of CO and this will bring out some more of the leadership abilities that Gage has locked inside. It may also bring forth some uncertainties. Stay tuned is all I can say!
Can you verify any of the crew placements (other than Captain of course!) of the Philadelphia?
At this time I have not officially chosen a crew. Until the Ship is a go, I have been cautious to settle on any one person in any one role. I have a few ideas but until it is announced that the ship will be launched everyone will just have to stay tuned and keep posting!
What advice would you give to our newer players who might be hoping for a Command within the site someday?
Post! And then post again! LOL Just try to post consistently and bring depth into your character. Create and work with sub-plots. Don't be shy to ask anyone about an idea or sub-plot. This is supposed to be a game where you obtain points but I have never looked at it that way (Sure the points help in the rank department) but I have always tried to just have fun and enjoy the posting and the stories.
How did you come up with your character?
Well the name is a combination of Raymond, my late grandfathers first name, and Gage was actually a name my wife and I considered for our second child if it was a boy. (actually his name was going to be Gage Raymond so I just flipped them and viola! Oh and by the way we had a beautiful daughter.)
Will we see a dedicated web site for the Philadelphia like the one for the Yoritomo some day?
Only if Cdr Longbow sets it up for me! LOL I'm not all that 'web-savvy' and with work and my family, my time is limited on the computer.
