Memory Book/Jophry Calhan (Michal Frackowski)
I'm Michal (pronounced Me-how), a 24-year-old from Poland. I height at 6 feet exact and 140 lbs (terribly thin, I know). I have auburn hair and blue eyes.
Characters
Primary Character:
NPCs (in use and abandoned): Commander Frederick Arthur Calhan - Jophry's father. Senior Chief Petty Officer Jaan Inra, Medical Technician. Lt.jg Rhys Haldane, Medical Officer. Ensign Magda Tyska, Stellar Cartographer.
Real Life information
At the time of writing (June 2008) I am graduating from Nicholas Copernicus University in Torun, Poland, History and Archive faculty. Don't hold specific plans for future, but I know I'd like to work in artistic industry as a writer, actor, singer and/or comedian (people say I got quite a flare for jokes).
I've got many hobbies and pastimes. One of them is UFOP:SB118 of course. I also write poems occasionally (in Polish, committed a few in English though). Would like to start short stories, but never had enough patience to finish a good one. I also sing rather averagely and play parts in amateur theatre. Still a boy scout at this age - and it's not just about running through woods in silly costume or selling cookies, we actually organize annual concerts! Play the guitar and keyboard, both badly - spent five years in music school learning piano and quit. Spend time playing tabletop RPG and various computer games, old adventures preferrably.
Favorite color: black.
Favorite band/singer: The Police/Sting.
Favorite book: undefined.
Zodiac sign: Gemini.
How you came to UFOP: SB118
Back in 2004 I had a girlfriend who was a Star Trek freak. I wasn't then, though I remembered several episodes of TNG from TV and they rocked. Anyway we surfed the net one day and came upon some Star Trek PBE. I thought "Cool". And left.
Two years later in June 2006 I suddenly remembered my first encounter with ST games and having a lot of leisure I decided to give it a shot. Naturally my first choice was my native Polish game. It was the only such thing here, Star Trek isn't much popular in Poland and it had some serious flaws, so I went on the lookout for an English game simultaneously. I've come upon UFOP:SB118 and I was taken in immediately. It all looked very fresh and booming. Later on the Polish game dissolved, but I stayed with SB118 ever since and though I tried one more Star Trek PBE once, this game is my only faithful.
History
- Where were you first placed? What was it like starting to sim on your vessel?
Oh, the first posting. It was a newly commisioned Nova Class USS Aurora under the command of Megan Elise Parker. The ship lasted for only six months before Captain Parker resigned from game, but I still remember her fondly. I was the only graduate of my training class who stayed with the group and I had totally no friendships on the vessel. It was clear to me some of these guys know each other for years and it was a little like stepping in someone's backyard. But I quickly gathered I'm supposed to sim and implement my own ideas to the plot. So as the only active medician onboard I came with a 'poison berry' twist. and it cought on.
- What have been your greatest challenges in this group?
Simming a Chief Medical Officer is a challenge of its own, especially without any medical background whatsoever. However the never ceasing difficulty is playing a balanced, deep and whole character. I've made Jophry a pleasant, open minded fellow, but with his fair deal of dark spots and inner difficulties. Making him grow into something unexpected, but logical is a hard task.
- What have been your greatest achievements in this group?
Technically - 3 awards, rank of Lieutenant Commander and the CMO's position for nearly three years in a row.
Personally - my growth as a writer (remembering I'm not native English writer), 3 years of constant play and not being bored and a very rewarding personal plot involving two other players that lasted a year and gave me insight into Jophry and some things in real life too.
- What do you hope to ultimately accomplish?
Admiral of the Fleet! Just kidding. I'm not into positions of power, though someday who knows, maybe I'll have my own ship in this Fleet. I want to play as long as I can, develop some great plots, make friends and one day maybe get close to such figures of esteem as Tristan Wolff, Hollis Calley, Jessa Anassasi, T'Lara and many more fine people everyody knows about.
- Where do you see this group in five years?
It's hard to say but one thing for sure - if our EC doesn't step down in a rush without leaving good descendants, this place will live. Today I see it thriving. The ships are not as many as when I joined, but the community is strong and working on its integration. Star Trek is too popular to vanish and as long as people love the canon, they will love SB118. Don't expect breakthrough in five years, but as it is today, the place is simply great!
- How do you think this group has contributed to Star Trek's legacy? How has the group contributed to the internet community?
To legacy: the Trek continues, people add their live ideas, stories unfold, some would make nifty episodes or movies even. We all look to originals for guidance, so we're not cutting the root. And offering people quality simming experience in their favorite world is a quality in itself.
To internet: SB118 brings people together and let's them hone their creative abilities, not only in writing, but programming, graphics, management and promotion. It develops friendships throughout the globe and grants prime time to those interested. All in all it's a very beneficial place and never a waste of time.