Topic: Endeavour Story #8: Trial and Fire

[Commander La'ra]

You know, that whole "conscience", "moral guidance" or "social responsibility" circuit. Ford acts in that capacity for Thomas. Please let me know if I've gotten your meaning correctly, or if you need to offer further clarification.

I actually think Thomas has a set of morals...it's just a set of morals that doesn't quite jive with the Starfleet culture we've seen portrayed in Star Trek.  Thomas is very loyal, very determined to act when he sees something he feels is wrong.  This, combined with his violent tendencies, would make him extremely hard to deal with in some cases, and prone toward, as you say, 'acting out'.  On a Klingon ship, he might not be anything ususual.  In certain Earth cultures (and I'm not talking third-world, here.  Thomas doesn't seem that unusual to me, and in some ways, I can see a little bit of him in myself and the Guv and lots of other people I know) he ain't anything special.

[Governor Ronjar]

Yup. Y'all are both right on.

Funny thing is, after reading that definition on sociopaths... especially the whole disregard for physical pain... the definition kinda shines home in Story #10. He might actually qualify as one... 

The person I base this character on is completely capable of showing kindness, compassion and truely stellar qualities. He's smart and does not think of himself as such. I try to emulate much of this into the Thomas character and for the most part, I think I succeed. I don't try to make him seem like a sociopath. There have been similar assaults delivered by much more sane individuals for even less reason.

I kinda think, Andy, that you are a very nonviolent individual and this might be the reason you find Thomas so detestable. Don't take this as an insult or mockery, but I find I must ask...Have you ever STARTED a fight? Actually gone out of your way to pick a fight for some reason, no matter the reason, big or small. Thrown the first punch, or slung in a dirty hit on someone you just felt needed a good sh*t kickin'. I think your honest answer might clear up for me why Thomas strikes that particular chord with you.

I have. I've seen La'ra do such...and I've certainly seen it done by the person I based Thomas on.

Anywho, them's my ramblings!
More story to be posted on the 1st!

--thu guv!

[Scottish Andy]

Nope, never started a fight, as in swung the first punch. Now, instigated, on the other hand... heh.

But seriously. I'm afraid of pain. It's that simple. I've been in a couple fights, but I never started any of them. I've been bawling my eyes out and still swinging--kinda Cool Hand Luke style--and they walked away as having won, which they did. But I've not been in a fight since Primary School.

Like I said, I don't abhor violence. I love seeing the Bad Guy get thrashed as much as the next person. But, the Good Guy doesn't swing the first punch (extraneous circumstances notwithstanding). And unless it's life or death, the Good Guy doesn't beat the Bad Guy to a pulp, unless the Bad Guy just won't quit.

Which is why my last Chronicle, with my character killing the slimeball, is such a huge fall from grace for him.

[Governor Ronjar]

But seriously. I'm afraid of pain. It's that simple.

That comment just entertains the hell out of me.

I'm not saying, mind, that the good guy SHOULD throw the first punch...at least, not as a rule and not unless there is no other way. Neither Ford nor Thomas is the traditional good guy. That's the entire point. The ORIGINAL idea for the Shiloah Beat Down Scene was of Ford having his heart attack after HE beat Shiloah down... But I decided that would actually be harder to write and still get all my plot ideas accomplished before the inspiration ran dry.

Anyway, I haven't been in a fight for a long time myself. My last was was a dirty strike on a stoned customer who had amorous ideas for the lady manager I was working with. I warned him to leave, he brushed past me. The manager in question was quite worried for her safety so I kicked him down a fight of stairs. Now that's pretty dirty...and quite the way Ford acts...since he is my Trek Avatar...

Anywho. Thatnks for all the comments. Now I'll get to posting on story #9...

--thu guv!