Memory Book/Kael Thomas (Aaron Baxter)

My name is Aaron Baxter I'm , and I'm an Australian, currently working with Youth Justice, and studying Psychology.

Characters

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• Kael Thomas

Real Life information

Live in City on the east coast of Australia, in Queensland, called Rockhampton. FYI, its the Beef Capital of Australia. I currently work with Youth Justice and at night time I work in a Boarding School. I also live in that boarding school, which, is kind of like having 46 kids of my own, that require constant attention. Been a long term fan of Star Trek since The Original Series movies. I don't really remember watching TOS (Still Haven't), but I did love Wrath of Khan etc. Watched as much of TNG as I could from free TV here, and similar with DS9. Loved both, but really didn't get to watch much of it. Moved out of home, and bought the Voyager Series. Got obsessed with it. Became my whenever I'm bored I'll watch Voyager kind of show. Really connected with a lot of the Characters, Seven of 9, The Doctor, and loved Torres as an Engineer. It wasn't until later that I started to find the other series of shows. I loved how they were all different, and each with their own challenges. Recently listened to a SB118 podcast informing me I should try harder with Enterprise, so I'm going to do that.

How you came to UFOP: SB118

Had a lot of experience with role playing in the Traditional Dungeons and Dragons sense. However, as we grew older it became more difficult to hold that connection together, and we eventually stopped playing. Progressed through a few Warhammer, and Mechwarrior Real Life RPG Games, with differing levels of success. I honestly have no idea how I came to look for and find SB118. I know I wasn't referred by anyone, I have a vague recollection of looking for some Play by Email groups (of which I had never done.) This all happened back in 2003, and the rest is history.

History

• Where were you first placed? What was it like starting to sim on your vessel?

My first placement was on the USS Victory, and Intrepid class vessel. I was originally placed, if I remember correctly into security, but then very shortly after arriving, an opening appeared in Engineering. A position I've pretty much held my entire SB118 career. Also, if I remember correctly a Shuttle had take damage, and I ended up doing some Medical Triage. I also remember trying to sim my way on to the Shuttle to repair the damamge and being told to relax :)

• What have been your greatest challenges in this group?

Some of the greatest challenges for me is to learn a great deal of patience. Looking back at some of my old sims, they weren't perfect. I do get surprised sometimes that I wrote them, but they aren't perfect. I tend to get this habit of getting frustrated at other Simmers, when mostly they are only new and they just need a hand to iron our the wrinkles. Greatest challenge for me also, is not taking on too many things. I succumbed to the "lets create more than one character on other ships" problem, and soon got burnt out keeping up. If I missed 4-5 days, my desire to sim was diminished from the amount of sims I had to read, and not simming, only exacerbated it. Finding a sensible RL/Simming balance has and probably will continue to be my challenge.

• What have been your greatest achievements in this group?

Reaching Lt Commander was a great goal of mine when I first started. I worked very hard, and was mentored by some great FO's, Captains, and other simmers. I really felt connected to the group and to my ship. I'd hope that there are many more achievements our there for me to come.

• What do you hope to ultimately accomplish?

I would, suprisingly like to ultimately be Captain of a ship. I know I've got a long way to work to get back up to that level, and I'm willing to do more. I'd just like the challenge of leading a group of people and helping like minded simmers reach their goals, and their achievements. I'd like to be one of th best Engineers in the fleet also! I'd like to be more useful in the OOC activities, despite not having a great deal of expertise in any of the areas.

• Where do you see this group in five years?

Hopefully just like it is now. I don't think its too big, but I don't think its too small. We could do with growing more in numbers, and more in participation, but we are one of if not the best organised and structured role playing groups online. I don't see that changing any time soon.

• How do you think this group has contributed to Star Trek's legacy? How has the group contributed to the Internet community?

I feel that we have proven that its possible to do what we do, on a professional level, with structure, and still make it incredibly fun. I think we are sensible enough that what we are simming isn't trending away from the newly created universe, curtesy of the reboot. I think we are adding solid content sims, and allowing a great avenue for great writers and people who want to write more a chance to do so. We are a great example to any group out there, that would like to start up something similar.