Malcolm Reed (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
tactical_alert) wrote2013-07-10 06:15 pm
tactical_alert) wrote2013-07-10 06:15 pm
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OOC
Name: Shawna
Contact: AIM: bewd ceo
Timezone: EST
Current Characters: N/A
IC
Name: Malcolm Reed
Canon/Medium: Star Trek: Enterprise, tv and also books shh expanded universe is my baby
Canon/Medium Point of Origination: The Romulan War: To Brave the Storm, just after the Battle of Cheron
Age/Sex: 37, male
History Link: TV canon history is here in all of its Trek wiki glory. As for book canon, I'll just leave these here.
The better/quicker/smaller yet more complete version of his history can be found here where the Memory Beta links fail.
Appearance:
5'9, but don't let his size fool you. Malcolm is a lean and delightfully muscled fighting machine if he has to be. Grey eyes, short and combed back brown hair, pointed features with a good bit of cheekbone, and craggy lines on his face that probably make him look older than he is. He makes a point to keep himself well groomed.
Special Abilities: Nothing supernatural or at all superhuman, but he's more than a fair hand at explosives, guns, and hand to hand combat, and he's got plenty of technological know-how under his belt. Granted, technology from the mid-22nd century, but...
SAMPLES
Sample Network Post: I'm leaving. [That's it, no preamble, no introduction, just that. He pauses for a sadistic moment, but before any voices can cut in laughing/berating him for what seems currently impossible, he clarifies and continues:] That is to say, I'm taking a trip. I can't stand pretending like this is some vacation in a beach bungalow. Perhaps it's a bit of an exploring spirit in me, but I've packed up supplies to last hopefully a few days, and I intend to traverse the perimeter of this island.
I'll then hopefully be able to provide a crude map of the dimensions thereof. Naturally, it would be folly to go on such a trip without informing anyone, and it would also not be in my best interest to go alone. Therefore I invite anyone else who would like to join me, although you'll have to procure your own provisions. Hiking and surveying experience is a plus. I intend to leave first thing tomorrow.
If our keepers would like to warn us of any dangerous areas to watch out for, now would be a very good time.
Sample Prose Post: Malcolm was an adaptor. He adapted. Quite well, actually. Whether it was something inherent to him or if it was something he had trained himself to do, he couldn't rightly say, but in most situations, Malcolm could eventually blend in and figure out how to function in a system.
Instead, he sat on his bed, wide awake in the middle of the tropical night. Not dashing off to sleep and get up what many might consider too early. Too much was running through his head to let him relax, and perhaps he'd become too used to the hum of the warp engines that the barest vibration and white noise were now missed.
He didn't step onto the beach, but he surveyed the view of the white sand and calm ocean waters lapping up, glinting beneath the moon. The salt smell made him nostalgic, though he grew up used to colder north Atlantic temperatures. The last time he'd been on a boat was...good lord, it must be more than twenty years now. To think that at one point he'd thought himself destined to the sea...
Instead of letting old pains consume him, he looked to the stars glittering between sparse cloud cover. He recognized some of the constellations, wondered how far it was to Malaysia from here. How far to San Francisco. How far Enterprise was. No, he had to strike that last one. She was little more than barely held together junk now, and whenever it was right now, it wasn't 2160. This was far, far from home. And, if he were to believe some of the others stationed here, he was far, far from himself.
He couldn't even say who he was for certain. It was the ethical quandary of Sim and Tirp all over again, and just as there had been no clear answers then, there certainly weren't now. Was he still Malcolm Reed as a clone? Was he still the same man with the same memories, even though his experiences in the present were different? He was just as good, just as smart, just as skilled and knowledgeable, but was he still--separate? If he finds out their original bodies are being kept somewhere in one of these labs, he might well scream.
No sleep tonight, then. Tomorrow, he would make certain to put himself into a routine to sort himself out physically and mentally. Now, he'll slip into the kitchen to make himself something soothing to drink and keep to himself, as always. No need to wake anyone else. Just him, the waves, and the stars. He'll have to live with that for now, if only for a few hours.
PERSONALITY
- How does your character feel about what he/she is doing with his or her life? Are they satisfied, or do they feel like they are waiting for something better?
This is it. This is the life. This is the life he didn't even realize he wanted when he was little. Sure, there are always going to be doubts--who doesn't have those?--but the fact of the matter is that Starfleet and his role in it is the best thing Malcolm thinks he did with his life. The fact that he's survived this long and made lieutenant commander and still going strong, with a crew and captain he's proud to have served with, and played in his own ways an integral part in ending the Romulan War all makes what he's doing cemented in importance to him. He wouldn't trade this for the galaxy.
- Describe a situation in which the character begins a new relationship. Did s/he take the initiative? Was s/he reluctant to make a new friend/lover?
Going with friend, because ha ha ha relationship and lover, ha. And that friendship? Super rocky as hell. These two polar opposite boys did not get along until they were shoved in close quarters for days, nearly certain they were going to die and that everyone they cared about had died. I wouldn't say Malcolm took the initiative, but he is the one that eventually brought up that they might be friends. On the other hand, his soon to be best friend is one of the most outgoing and friendly people he knows, if ornery and belligerent as balls. Funny how near certain death scenarios get him a lot closer to people.
- Describe a situation in which your character is exposed to another character who is in bad spirits. Did s/he try to cheer them up? Did s/he leave them alone?
After a devastating attack on Earth that left millions dead, including his best friend's little sister, Malcolm awkwardly but no less valiantly tried to give his support. He joined his friend down on the surface to view the damage to Trip's hometown though he was under no obligation to, and months on, he tried to make some small talk about memorial services and remembrance days, subtly (and then more directly) indicating he understood that Trip wasn't dealing with the loss in a healthy way. Naturally, this yielded arguing and hurt feelings all around, and he certainly wasn't going to stick around to show that. Bless his little heart, he tries. So, not so much cheer, but attempt to help, and then leave alone once egos are battered and bruised.
- Describe an important task that your character was responsible for. Did they abandon the task or stick with it to completion?
- Describe a situation in which the character accomplished something very difficult or with the odds stacked against them. What was their initial reaction? Were they prone to bragging or did they humbly and quietly enjoy their success?
He generally sticks to any task to completion unless ordered otherwise. In one case, during the prelude to the Romulan war, he was particularly responsible for the heavy task of trying to figure out how the Romulans were sneaking past early detection grids around planets and systems they were meant to protect. Weeks of research and failed war games again and again didn't deter him from attempting to figure out and then outsmart the enemy until at last he was successful, with much tweaking of the tactics and a long streak of patience, cue the celebrations (and those who wondered if he was in collaboration with the Romulans). He was excited to finally have cracked the code and solved the case, so to speak, but was only concerned with developing strategies to better fight off the Romulans, not getting his name revered. Malcolm was extremely humble about the accomplishment, especially seen when all of the captains involved in the war games invited him and his captain to dinner where he felt out of place among higher ranking officials.
- Describe a situation in which your character was entrusted with a secret. Did they tell? Did they take it to the grave?
That depends on the secret... The secret that his best friend faked his own death to become an indispensable spy behind enemy lines is one that he and the four other people on his ship that know about it/orchestrated it is one that will be taken to his grave. For the history books, and for safety. The secret of his involvement with Section 31 and their trespasses with Klingons? He was very willing to take that to his grave up until the point where he couldn't stand his angry and disappointed captain, putting the ship's doctor in immeasurable danger, and the own churning of his twisting morals. And even then, only his captain knows that secret. To everyone else, it's a long story for another time, aka never. Malcolm is the kind of person that keeps secrets and keeps them well, except in emergencies when the truth can only help. Otherwise it's a betrayal of trust, which is a huge no in his book.
- Describe a situation in which your character and a figure of authority did not see things eye-to-eye. Was your character willing to compromise or did s/he stand his or her ground?
Malcolm has morals. These are morals that he is only very rarely willing to bend, and unwilling to break. During their third year out, during the Xindi crisis, with high tensions and all of the desperation to find any information to stop an attack on Earth, he is not afraid to speak up to his captain when he thinks there's a line that is going to be crossed. He never had to intervene, but being very close to throwing someone out an airlock or playing the big bad torturous bully has made him speak out and make his stance very firm on the matter. They should be better than that.
- Does your character feel that s/he is the most important person in someone else's life? If yes: is the person male or female? How does your character know s/he is the most important?
God, no. He does think he's important, as a member of his crew and as a member of Starfleet and a member of the tenuous Coalition of Planets, but he certainly doesn't think high enough of himself to even consider that he's the most important person in anyone's life. Important enough to have plenty of friends and people to miss him when he's gone, yes, and a footnote in a history textbook one day, hopefully, but the most important--well, that's just not very likely, is it?
- Please tell us a joke that your character has made while trapped in a gloomy or hopeless situation.
In response to being shot and held hostage in a cave: "Don't worry about me, sir; I was just getting used to the place."
In response to being trapped in a small pod with someone he doesn't get on with, losing oxygen, and it being uncertain that help will arrive in time: "What do you expect me to do, sit here and plan my wedding? [...] Then maybe it's your wedding we should be planning. That's assuming we can find you a bride in the next day and a half. Any suggestions?"
alternately: "Ever try holding your breath for eleven hours?"
In response to having the metal skewer of a mine pinning his leg to the hull of the ship during a precarious situation (I could give a lot of examples for this one, to be fair): "I would consider letting you amputate, but if Chef got hold of it he'd be serving roast Reed for Sunday dinner."
In response to being trapped on a drone ship (long story) and rescuing a crewmember against orders: "I apologize for saving your life, Commander. It won't happen again."
There is a lot more gallows snark and sass where that comes from. Unfortunately.
Name: Shawna
Contact: AIM: bewd ceo
Timezone: EST
Current Characters: N/A
IC
Name: Malcolm Reed
Canon/Medium: Star Trek: Enterprise, tv and also books shh expanded universe is my baby
Canon/Medium Point of Origination: The Romulan War: To Brave the Storm, just after the Battle of Cheron
Age/Sex: 37, male
History Link: TV canon history is here in all of its Trek wiki glory. As for book canon, I'll just leave these here.
The better/quicker/smaller yet more complete version of his history can be found here where the Memory Beta links fail.
Appearance:
5'9, but don't let his size fool you. Malcolm is a lean and delightfully muscled fighting machine if he has to be. Grey eyes, short and combed back brown hair, pointed features with a good bit of cheekbone, and craggy lines on his face that probably make him look older than he is. He makes a point to keep himself well groomed.
Special Abilities: Nothing supernatural or at all superhuman, but he's more than a fair hand at explosives, guns, and hand to hand combat, and he's got plenty of technological know-how under his belt. Granted, technology from the mid-22nd century, but...
SAMPLES
Sample Network Post: I'm leaving. [That's it, no preamble, no introduction, just that. He pauses for a sadistic moment, but before any voices can cut in laughing/berating him for what seems currently impossible, he clarifies and continues:] That is to say, I'm taking a trip. I can't stand pretending like this is some vacation in a beach bungalow. Perhaps it's a bit of an exploring spirit in me, but I've packed up supplies to last hopefully a few days, and I intend to traverse the perimeter of this island.
I'll then hopefully be able to provide a crude map of the dimensions thereof. Naturally, it would be folly to go on such a trip without informing anyone, and it would also not be in my best interest to go alone. Therefore I invite anyone else who would like to join me, although you'll have to procure your own provisions. Hiking and surveying experience is a plus. I intend to leave first thing tomorrow.
If our keepers would like to warn us of any dangerous areas to watch out for, now would be a very good time.
Sample Prose Post: Malcolm was an adaptor. He adapted. Quite well, actually. Whether it was something inherent to him or if it was something he had trained himself to do, he couldn't rightly say, but in most situations, Malcolm could eventually blend in and figure out how to function in a system.
Instead, he sat on his bed, wide awake in the middle of the tropical night. Not dashing off to sleep and get up what many might consider too early. Too much was running through his head to let him relax, and perhaps he'd become too used to the hum of the warp engines that the barest vibration and white noise were now missed.
He didn't step onto the beach, but he surveyed the view of the white sand and calm ocean waters lapping up, glinting beneath the moon. The salt smell made him nostalgic, though he grew up used to colder north Atlantic temperatures. The last time he'd been on a boat was...good lord, it must be more than twenty years now. To think that at one point he'd thought himself destined to the sea...
Instead of letting old pains consume him, he looked to the stars glittering between sparse cloud cover. He recognized some of the constellations, wondered how far it was to Malaysia from here. How far to San Francisco. How far Enterprise was. No, he had to strike that last one. She was little more than barely held together junk now, and whenever it was right now, it wasn't 2160. This was far, far from home. And, if he were to believe some of the others stationed here, he was far, far from himself.
He couldn't even say who he was for certain. It was the ethical quandary of Sim and Tirp all over again, and just as there had been no clear answers then, there certainly weren't now. Was he still Malcolm Reed as a clone? Was he still the same man with the same memories, even though his experiences in the present were different? He was just as good, just as smart, just as skilled and knowledgeable, but was he still--separate? If he finds out their original bodies are being kept somewhere in one of these labs, he might well scream.
No sleep tonight, then. Tomorrow, he would make certain to put himself into a routine to sort himself out physically and mentally. Now, he'll slip into the kitchen to make himself something soothing to drink and keep to himself, as always. No need to wake anyone else. Just him, the waves, and the stars. He'll have to live with that for now, if only for a few hours.
PERSONALITY
- How does your character feel about what he/she is doing with his or her life? Are they satisfied, or do they feel like they are waiting for something better?
This is it. This is the life. This is the life he didn't even realize he wanted when he was little. Sure, there are always going to be doubts--who doesn't have those?--but the fact of the matter is that Starfleet and his role in it is the best thing Malcolm thinks he did with his life. The fact that he's survived this long and made lieutenant commander and still going strong, with a crew and captain he's proud to have served with, and played in his own ways an integral part in ending the Romulan War all makes what he's doing cemented in importance to him. He wouldn't trade this for the galaxy.
- Describe a situation in which the character begins a new relationship. Did s/he take the initiative? Was s/he reluctant to make a new friend/lover?
Going with friend, because ha ha ha relationship and lover, ha. And that friendship? Super rocky as hell. These two polar opposite boys did not get along until they were shoved in close quarters for days, nearly certain they were going to die and that everyone they cared about had died. I wouldn't say Malcolm took the initiative, but he is the one that eventually brought up that they might be friends. On the other hand, his soon to be best friend is one of the most outgoing and friendly people he knows, if ornery and belligerent as balls. Funny how near certain death scenarios get him a lot closer to people.
- Describe a situation in which your character is exposed to another character who is in bad spirits. Did s/he try to cheer them up? Did s/he leave them alone?
After a devastating attack on Earth that left millions dead, including his best friend's little sister, Malcolm awkwardly but no less valiantly tried to give his support. He joined his friend down on the surface to view the damage to Trip's hometown though he was under no obligation to, and months on, he tried to make some small talk about memorial services and remembrance days, subtly (and then more directly) indicating he understood that Trip wasn't dealing with the loss in a healthy way. Naturally, this yielded arguing and hurt feelings all around, and he certainly wasn't going to stick around to show that. Bless his little heart, he tries. So, not so much cheer, but attempt to help, and then leave alone once egos are battered and bruised.
- Describe an important task that your character was responsible for. Did they abandon the task or stick with it to completion?
- Describe a situation in which the character accomplished something very difficult or with the odds stacked against them. What was their initial reaction? Were they prone to bragging or did they humbly and quietly enjoy their success?
He generally sticks to any task to completion unless ordered otherwise. In one case, during the prelude to the Romulan war, he was particularly responsible for the heavy task of trying to figure out how the Romulans were sneaking past early detection grids around planets and systems they were meant to protect. Weeks of research and failed war games again and again didn't deter him from attempting to figure out and then outsmart the enemy until at last he was successful, with much tweaking of the tactics and a long streak of patience, cue the celebrations (and those who wondered if he was in collaboration with the Romulans). He was excited to finally have cracked the code and solved the case, so to speak, but was only concerned with developing strategies to better fight off the Romulans, not getting his name revered. Malcolm was extremely humble about the accomplishment, especially seen when all of the captains involved in the war games invited him and his captain to dinner where he felt out of place among higher ranking officials.
- Describe a situation in which your character was entrusted with a secret. Did they tell? Did they take it to the grave?
That depends on the secret... The secret that his best friend faked his own death to become an indispensable spy behind enemy lines is one that he and the four other people on his ship that know about it/orchestrated it is one that will be taken to his grave. For the history books, and for safety. The secret of his involvement with Section 31 and their trespasses with Klingons? He was very willing to take that to his grave up until the point where he couldn't stand his angry and disappointed captain, putting the ship's doctor in immeasurable danger, and the own churning of his twisting morals. And even then, only his captain knows that secret. To everyone else, it's a long story for another time, aka never. Malcolm is the kind of person that keeps secrets and keeps them well, except in emergencies when the truth can only help. Otherwise it's a betrayal of trust, which is a huge no in his book.
- Describe a situation in which your character and a figure of authority did not see things eye-to-eye. Was your character willing to compromise or did s/he stand his or her ground?
Malcolm has morals. These are morals that he is only very rarely willing to bend, and unwilling to break. During their third year out, during the Xindi crisis, with high tensions and all of the desperation to find any information to stop an attack on Earth, he is not afraid to speak up to his captain when he thinks there's a line that is going to be crossed. He never had to intervene, but being very close to throwing someone out an airlock or playing the big bad torturous bully has made him speak out and make his stance very firm on the matter. They should be better than that.
- Does your character feel that s/he is the most important person in someone else's life? If yes: is the person male or female? How does your character know s/he is the most important?
God, no. He does think he's important, as a member of his crew and as a member of Starfleet and a member of the tenuous Coalition of Planets, but he certainly doesn't think high enough of himself to even consider that he's the most important person in anyone's life. Important enough to have plenty of friends and people to miss him when he's gone, yes, and a footnote in a history textbook one day, hopefully, but the most important--well, that's just not very likely, is it?
- Please tell us a joke that your character has made while trapped in a gloomy or hopeless situation.
In response to being shot and held hostage in a cave: "Don't worry about me, sir; I was just getting used to the place."
In response to being trapped in a small pod with someone he doesn't get on with, losing oxygen, and it being uncertain that help will arrive in time: "What do you expect me to do, sit here and plan my wedding? [...] Then maybe it's your wedding we should be planning. That's assuming we can find you a bride in the next day and a half. Any suggestions?"
alternately: "Ever try holding your breath for eleven hours?"
In response to having the metal skewer of a mine pinning his leg to the hull of the ship during a precarious situation (I could give a lot of examples for this one, to be fair): "I would consider letting you amputate, but if Chef got hold of it he'd be serving roast Reed for Sunday dinner."
In response to being trapped on a drone ship (long story) and rescuing a crewmember against orders: "I apologize for saving your life, Commander. It won't happen again."
There is a lot more gallows snark and sass where that comes from. Unfortunately.