Good day and welcome to... this thread! I have been asked a number of AF related questions over the past week, so I shall share the answers here and also talk briefly about upcoming episodes in the run up to mid-season.
"Is Truth or Consequence the end of Part 1"
It could have been... and the end of the first half would have easily made for a fitting mid-season break. However, when the episode count was bumped up to 16, episode 8 became the mid-season finale. Taking in to considering the mid-season instalments of Asteroid Base included a station-vs-station showdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5Z80HmxzzI) and an assassination attempt on the President (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x8PbQOpB_g), you may be surprised by how AF bows out.
"Will there be more 'West Wing-Style shenanigans' from the minisode?"
Absolutely. Connecting Hampton to the Taylor Administration was a failsafe to ensure we did not lose touch with what had become an important part of the AB universe before we switched series. There is still plenty to cover in the aftermath of G'rath, Venn et al. How clean-cut Taylor actually is remains to be seen. Not to mention her private concerns to Watkins about Ryan Burke investigating Hampton's background. On a broader scale, we have the newfound relationship between the Federation and the Star Empire and how it will affect existing allies. Upcoming episodes will also have a profound effect on future development - and if you have been paying attention - you have a very good idea on where it will be taken in the future. Even House may close Audiosurf and take part ;) ;D Speaking of Burke.
"More FNN stuff?"
FNN was very much portrayed as a friendly, helpful, trustworthy organisation in Asteroid Base. Without the assistance of the news service, the corruption in the Government may never have been exposed on such a large scale. But that wouldn't be very topical. It may be the 24th century but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be some unease around journalism. Especially in the weeks before one of the biggest peace processes in the Federation's history. The game's players are going to be scrutinised, criticised and picked apart. Taylor's performance. Pioneer's hosting of the first event. Hampton's experience. Chaplain's incident. Costello's security measures. Thrace's science team. The spotlight is shifting back to the Accobar system and it won't be such a smooth ride. To accommodate this, more FNN broadcast will be pumped through the station's speakers throughout the rest of the season.
As well as serving a purpose in the continuing narrative, they will also be used as a recapping device. For members like Talus. Hey Talus!
"Do you know what you're doing?"
This is more a general point than an actual question. The last episode to go out received an 'awful' vote in the discussion poll, without any corresponding feedback. This is the first time that the lowest rating has been cast in both Asteroid Base and Asteroid Field and comes, unsurprisingly, after during a postponement week when changes have been made behind-the-scenes, as it were.
In order to ensure a certain level of transparency in this matter, I will summarise what has occurred. The character of Doctor Miranda Swan, played by Andromeda, has been removed from the Serial Roleplay. Over a number of weeks I have both had concerns and received concerns about on-going sub-plots within the Accobar Science Team which were causing disruption to the main storyline. A similar problem had occurred in Asteroid Base, which resulted in the removal of another character and several changes to the main arc. In this case, I took measures to deal with it in-game and in-character. As a result, complaints were received by the powers that be in regards to the handling of the Swan character in 1x05. On top of which, Griffiths' abilities as plot CO were criticised and that I did not do enough to prevent the problems in the first place. I had hoped to deal with this in a similar manner to Asteroid Base - to cut out the drama - however upon hearing the possibility that this would be escalated to the Senate, the decision was made that the Swan position would have become untenable.
So you are fully aware, I personally offered Andromeda the chance to step down as Miranda Swan. This was not taken up, and following a period of consultation, Swan was removed from the roster - and by extension - Andromeda has been removed as a member of Star Trek: Asteroid Field.
I have no problem with negative feedback - providing I have the chance to build upon it and improve the SRP experience for everybody involved. What I do take issue with is being fed selective information. I do take issue with having my co-writer's name thrown about in a negative light with some of the most senior of TLO's leadership before I hear about it from a third party. This got out of hand and should never have happened. Immediately following the previous episode, it was like tracking a game of Chinese whispers through a series of misunderstandings.
If there are any concerns about our actions in or out of game, please come to myself and Griffiths in the first instance. For now, we can hopefully look ahead to the final three episode of Season 1.0 and then returned, refreshed, for 1.5. Any problems, comments or queries - please don't hesitate to give me a shout.
The next episode of Star Trek: Asteroid Field, Truth or Consequence Part 2, takes place tomorrow at the usual time at the usual place.
Grizz