The Last Outpost

Alas, for three seasons now, the second episode has been hit by issues. Whether it be Asteroid Base's 'Defence' and 'Life Extinct' or now 'Off the Deep End.' This time around, E02 was hit with last-minute character changes, story re-writes and a server restart. But not to worry, as we got there in the end.

The science team has possibly made some form of contact with a member of the original civilisation which once resided on Accobar III. The female figure has been linked with the name 'Denara Clarke' which has cropped up again and again since the beginnings of the Asteroid Base series. There has also been reference to the Hobus Star - which as we know, has a rather unfortunate fate two years down the line. We also encountered a new recurring character. Gaila. Already he has bypassed Starfleet Security restrictions and wiped all evidence that he is involved in weapons trafficking. I'm sure we will catch up with him soon enough.

We're still playing the long game when it comes to Accobar III - and the core of that storyline won't be revisited for a while - so I can only hope we're around long enough to see it through. For now, that depends on you. On the plus side, after 22 episodes, I finally get to take a break from writing duties. Stay tuned for more details on Griffiths' overdue first episode!

Despite technical issues, this was still a brilliant episode. Despite local chat being in effect, I still heard a lot of character development going on as I went around the station (And got involved in some myself). A really enjoyable episode that has now given me an utter hatred of Gaila. I shall be back next week if for nothing else, just to hunt him down.

Now the biggest question left in the aftermath of this is: What will Griffiths do to match these?

What's this? I've yet to post an Andzzy review? UNACCEPTABLE. Review begins!

This episode firstly played out much better than the previous episode. Where the previous was overrun with subplots (Griffiths seems so very fond of them though...) to the point where the main plot was diluted, this episode did a much better job at that one aspect of a well-attended SRP: Crowd Control. Noting all of the things. WARNING: Praise ahead!!

The first thing I just had to note was the announcement that local chat would trump the field and people would listen to the main plot. This, in turn, caused more people to watch the main happenings of the plot (main) and less time overrunning the facility of thousands of mini-plots which the SRP leaders love so much (Note there will be many hearts at the end of this review as tribute so you don't murder me). I will start by reviewing the major elements of the three plots that occurred and end by giving Grizz and Griffiths their fair share of tribute hearts.

Main Plot: This plot saw the Ferengi, Gaila, entering the station and being suspected of arms trafficking. Of course, being a Grizz-Ep (My new name for Grizz Episodes), Gaila became one of the fiercest and trickiest Ferengi that Starfleet has ever known. How a Ferengi got past Starfleet security protocols and managed to wipe a Starfleet computer is just one of the many mysteries that befall the crew after this. Who is this Gaila? Will we be seeing Gaila again? And most importantly, is Gaila connected in any way to the other events occurring almost simultaneously across the station? These are questions we hope will be answered by the time we all die at the conclusion of the series. Or maybe our deaths won't be the end... things to think about... however! Moving on!

Engineering Plot: As Commander Chaplain chases sensor ghosts and strange Ferengi across the station, the Engineering crew have their hands full with system failures across the board. Things begin short-circuiting and getting damaged and it all seems to be caused by that one thing... you know, that 'thing' that can never be traced. As the engineers leap to service to fix the station (assuming the damage is being caused by rushed construction efforts), they find themselves increasingly frustrated as the failures seem endless. Is this really the work of a few faulty Starfleet pipes and wires? Perhaps we should delve into what could possibly have been the focal point of the episode (from the perspective of the scientists of the crew, who are many on this station)...

The Many Hands Make New Languages Plot (AKA The Tablet Plot): This plot is the focal point of Science on the Station. As Daniel Thrace returns with yet another ancient artifact, Doctor Swan's brain goes into overdrive attempting to piece together the artifacts found and how they relate to the species now being dubbed the 'Accobarians'. As the pieces come together, different members of the team discover that they are capable of activating the artifacts. Doing so, of course, triggers an alert in Ops and overloads the language centres of those involved, but at the very least it sheds some light on the mystery. And creates more questions. Before the results can be analyzed further, a mystical being appears that ties all of the plots in together nicely (and by that I mean two of the plots. Gaila is still a mystery).

The Accobarian (AKA The Universe Makes Sense Again... Sort Of): These Accobarians, I'm telling you... this one seemed to be rather upset and yet oddly neutral towards the Pioneer Crew. Fearing the hand-off of ancient technology to the relatively new Federation, the Accobarian relays to the crew a very simple message: look, but don't touch. The Accobarian tells the crew that while there's a limit to how much intervention can be done (perhaps the Accobarians had something akin to the Prime Directive?), there are certain things better left untouched. The ever-scoff Swan will not admit defeat and blatantly slams the Accobarian philosophy, stating that the secrets will be uncovered. It is at this moment that an ancient rivalry... erm I mean possible side-plot, is discovered: Swan is Auroran and the Accobarian doesn't like it one bit. How does this make the Universe make sense again sort of? Simply put: Hobus is exploding in two years. The Accobarians seemed to think their skies would burn. But was this a prophecy to serve the Accobarians or did they have the distant future in mind? Questions questions! Just like the Engineering troubles... could this be the work of faulty Starfleet construction being rushed already, or was the Accobarian involved in that too? What about Gaila, who was already tampering with systems? Who is responsible for everything and where will it lead the crew of Pioneer Station next? I suppose we will all find out in due time... just perhaps in a year or so. Maybe 5. 10 for flavour...

As Promised: <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <== All typed by hand. No copy-paste involved. Thank you Grizz and Griffiths for adding pzazz to my Saturdays. On top of Dauntless. So much pzazz. So much mystery. I could burst! See you all next week!

~Andzzy~

Windbag.

Naturally, I enjoy every episode of AF.

We did continue to have loads of plots going on, which of course, admins could still see. xD I enjoyed all of the plots, so it was all good!

My only actual gripe was with myself. I got a little overwhelmed with multiple things going on and through Chaplain. Everyone else did a splendid job! ;)