[New Star Trek Idea] Star Trek Freighter

[Brainsucker]

I think there are plenty of ways to differentiate it from something like Firefly.



It's certainly an idea. I'm not super keen on that for Star Trek... i'm a bit more old school in my Trek and generally prefer to go more positive with it. I'm ok with like, rough-around-the-edges freighter captain who is a bit of a scoundrel, but a loveable scoundrel who is generally going to do the right thing, while maybe not doing it in the most above board methods.

If anything, rather than a Harry Mudd, I could do something more like a Rios, or like a Star Trek Han Solo.

Well, Harry Mudd can become a love-able character, haha. Even in Honor among thieves, the captain Kirk's character is also a love-able bard thief character. But, well. It's far from the usual Star Trek moral character.

I don't know, but why do I think about the old Miles O'Brien. You know, he has a family of four. But what if Keiko and his only son died in accident, and he becomes a very over protective father to Molly, his only surviving daughter. But because Molly join Starfleet and got assigned to a mining station in a remote area, Miles O'Brien decided to protect her by becoming a Freighter captain. And because he so familiar with Galaxy Class Starship, he modified an already mothballed Galaxy Class Starship to become a Dilithium Crystal Freighter. Claiming that the ship is freighter, when O'Brien modified it to become a warship, thanks to his experience as an Engineer. Just to protect his daughter from danger.

 

[fireproof78]

I don't know, but why do I think about the old Miles O'Brien. You know, he has a family of four. But what if Keiko and his only son died in accident, and he becomes a very over protective father to Molly, his only surviving daughter. But because Molly join Starfleet and got assigned to a mining station in a remote area, Miles O'Brien decided to protect her by becoming a Freighter captain. And because he so familiar with Galaxy Class Starship, he modified an already mothballed Galaxy Class Starship to become a Dilithium Crystal Freighter. Claiming that the ship is freighter, when O'Brien modified it to become a warship, thanks to his experience as an Engineer. Just to protect his daughter from danger.

Really leaning in to the "O'Brien must suffer" meme right here.

 

[evilchumlee]

Why not... use that more? I'm not talking split off mid mission. I'm talking have a bunch of purpose built saucers that a generic star drive can link to.

But why? Saucers don't have warp drives, so they aren't going to work independently. What purpose would having random star drive sections serve? If anything, I feel like almost the opposite... have a bunch of purpose built star drive sections with generic saucers that can be equipped like they're disposable but... still also why?

Well, Harry Mudd can become a love-able character, haha. Even in Honor among thieves, the captain Kirk's character is also a love-able bard thief character. But, well. It's far from the usual Star Trek moral character.

Sure. Mudd is a bit... toooo much of a scoundrel for my tastes within Trek. I'm going to stick with a Rios type... he's a "good guy" who just may not always be concerned with the legalities of what he's doing.

 

[Brainsucker]

But why? Saucers don't have warp drives, so they aren't going to work independently. What purpose would having random star drive sections serve? If anything, I feel like almost the opposite... have a bunch of purpose built star drive sections with generic saucers that can be equipped like they're disposable but... still also why?



Sure. Mudd is a bit... toooo much of a scoundrel for my tastes within Trek. I'm going to stick with a Rios type... he's a "good guy" who just may not always be concerned with the legalities of what he's doing.

Well, for saucers, just imagine that the battle section is a crane, or a lifter, while the saucer as a cargo / container. You can change the saucer with anything. From cargo saucer, colony saucer, science saucer, war saucer, etc. With a single battle section. Depend on what the mission is.

For the second one. Yes, It's a pity that they "kill" Rios character in Picard, by making him "stranded forever" in 21st century. Rios as a character is loveable. And he has the main hero material, for me.

 

[Brainsucker]

Really leaning in to the "O'Brien must suffer" meme right here.

What do you mean?

 

[Will_Carter]

Well, for saucers, just imagine that the battle section is a crane, or a lifter, while the saucer as a cargo / container. You can change the saucer with anything. From cargo saucer, colony saucer, science saucer, war saucer, etc. With a single battle section. Depend on what the mission is.

Pretty much what i had in mind, ya. Then I expanded o nthe thought and made another thread for discussion.

Back on topic? I like the concept of a star trek cargo hauler as 'hero' ship for a show. Sure Cerritos andl ower decks covers background starfleet ships, but I find logistics facinating.

 

[fireproof78]

What do you mean?

Killing off parts of his family to make him more protective in service to the story seems rather unnecessarily cruel. O'Brien has become a fan meme that he, as a character, must encounter suffering at every turn. Just search Google for "O'Brien Must Suffer" and you'll get various articles like this one: https://www.startrek.com/news/one-trek-mind-obrien-must-suffer

 

[Brainsucker]

Killing off parts of his family to make him more protective in service to the story seems rather unnecessarily cruel. O'Brien has become a fan meme that he, as a character, must encounter suffering at every turn. Just search Google for "O'Brien Must Suffer" and you'll get various articles like this one: https://www.startrek.com/news/one-trek-mind-obrien-must-suffer

They killed Renee and George Picard, too for Jeanluc Picard character development. Plus, without something that can trigger O'Brien as a character, how can he get a resolve to leave his comfort zone on Starfleet Academy? Plus, Miles O'Brien's actor, Colm Meaney will only return to Star Trek if O'Brien can get a good story for him. It is a good reason, as Colm Meaney is very busy and he has enough job contracts that give him so many reason to not return to Star Trek. Specially when it only for cameo alone.

So, unless Miles O'Brien become the main character of his story, there is not enough reason for Colm to come back. And how to make his character become interesting? What is the reason for O'Brien to leave his comfort zone in Star Fleet Academy? Except for something big that force him to leave his mundane life, again.

 

[fireproof78]

They killed Renee and George Picard, too for Jeanluc Picard character development. Plus, without something that can trigger O'Brien as a character, how can he get a resolve to leave his comfort zone on Starfleet Academy? Plus, Miles O'Brien's actor, Colm Meaney will only return to Star Trek if O'Brien can get a good story for him. It is a good reason, as Colm Meaney is very busy and he has enough job contracts that give him so many reason to not return to Star Trek. Specially when it only for cameo alone.

So, unless Miles O'Brien become the main character of his story, there is not enough reason for Colm to come back. And how to make his character become interesting? What is the reason for O'Brien to leave his comfort zone in Star Fleet Academy? Except for something big that force him to leave his mundane life, again.

I stand by what I said. O'Brien must suffer.

Same for Picard.

It wasn't interesting. In my opinion, people deciding to move out of life's comforts and take on a challenge. That's more interesting that killing family members.

 

[Nerys Myk]

OK, Thirty year old question I've had.

You have saucer seperation. Even if used VERY SPARINGLY it still works.

Why not... use that more? I'm not talking split off mid mission. I'm talking have a bunch of purpose built saucers that a generic star drive can link to.

I'm sure they use it more than we know.

 

[Brainsucker]

I stand by what I said. O'Brien must suffer.

Same for Picard.

It wasn't interesting. In my opinion, people deciding to move out of life's comforts and take on a challenge. That's more interesting that killing family members.

For what reason? If you're single and without any responsibility, then it's okay. Challenging yourself is good, even if it can take your life. But when you have already have a family, then it change. You can't risk your life without any good reason. Because your life is no longer yours alone to be waste. You have a family to protect.

Now, Miles O'Brien is already old, maybe pass his retire age, and expecting some grandchildren with his wife. Now tell me, what kind of reason that can bring him to leave that comfort zone? Just for sport?

 

[evilchumlee]

The old Picard can do it because he doesn't has anyone to protect. But what about the old Miles O'Brien? Remember, he's no longer the young Miles O'Brien who work as a Chief Engineer in DS9. He's an old man with family who have a steady work and life in peace for so many years. It would be hard for him to just leave his comfort zone just because he wants to challenge some danger. Nope, it's impossible.

I'm definitely in the camp of "Let O'Brian be happy". I think overall in media, ESPECIALLY in recent Star Trek, the "grim fate/dark past/everyone dies" thing is overplayed.

If you absolutely need to use O'Brian in this, there are ways to make it happen without going the dark and tragic route. Honestly, I think one of the best ways to get him in would be that he didn't think it was going to be a challenge wrought with danger... he's old, but he's not the type to just retire and sit at home. While the Academy position is comfortable, it's still a demanding job. I could see O'Brian deciding to take a freighter run as a form of semi-retirement... he leaves the high stress Academy post to relax on a nice, boring freighter that should have no problems at all.

But... then... the universe must make O'Brian suffer at least alittle bit, so his easy, relaxing freighter run becomes a high stress, dangerous freighter run. While he will complain about it, deep down... he loves it.

 

[Brainsucker]

I'm definitely in the camp of "Let O'Brian be happy". I think overall in media, ESPECIALLY in recent Star Trek, the "grim fate/dark past/everyone dies" thing is overplayed.

If you absolutely need to use O'Brian in this, there are ways to make it happen without going the dark and tragic route. Honestly, I think one of the best ways to get him in would be that he didn't think it was going to be a challenge wrought with danger... he's old, but he's not the type to just retire and sit at home. While the Academy position is comfortable, it's still a demanding job. I could see O'Brian deciding to take a freighter run as a form of semi-retirement... he leaves the high stress Academy post to relax on a nice, boring freighter that should have no problems at all.

But... then... the universe must make O'Brian suffer at least alittle bit, so his easy, relaxing freighter run becomes a high stress, dangerous freighter run. While he will complain about it, deep down... he loves it.

Good enough. But I want to tweak your idea a bit. I don't know if you like it.

Well, maybe his family doesn't need to die. But he's some kind of overprotective father who can't leave Molly alone in some dangerous space out there. So when he sees Molly finish her education in Starfleet academy, and get a job in a Dilithium Mining Station, he uses his influence to take command of a Freighter. Of course, Molly will hates it. Specially when O'Brien always complain and rude toward every boys that she dates so far.

Miles O'Brien thinks that the danger that he must face as a Freighter captain is the boys in the station who interest in his beautiful daughter. But later, he would realize that both father and daughter has enter a hornet nest. A dangerous space that can kill both of them sooner or later. So O'Brien start use his expertise as an engineer to tweak the Freighter, so it can protect their life from danger.

 

[evilchumlee]

Good enough. But I want to tweak your idea a bit. I don't know if you like it.

Well, maybe his family doesn't need to die. But he's some kind of overprotective father who can't leave Molly alone in the dangerous space out there. So when he sees that Molly take a job in a Dilithium Mining Station, he uses his influence to take command of a Freighter. Of course, Molly will hates it. Specially when O'Brien always complain and rude toward every boys that she dates so far.

Miles O'Brien thinks that the danger that he must face as a Freighter captain is only the boys in the station that want to date Molly. But sooner or later, he will be forced to protect his daughter from so many danger.

I don't hate that. I could see O'Brian doing something like that. It's actually like, the opposite of the grimdark type thing... it's actually kind of wholesome. It's just Miles wanting to watch over his kids.

 

[Brainsucker]

I don't hate that. I could see O'Brian doing something like that. It's actually like, the opposite of the grimdark type thing... it's actually kind of wholesome. It's just Miles wanting to watch over his kids.

With the mining station and the Freighter, it can be considered as the spiritual successor of DS9. Specially with an old cast there as the main character.

 

[evilchumlee]

With the mining station and the Freighter, it can be considered as the spiritual successor of DS9.

That might be a bit too much. We're getting too much into "small world" syndrome. I would need a really good explanation as to why Bashir is there as well, especially given that you have several essentially legendary Starfleet people who should have very high ranking positions... hanging out around some random mining station.

I could potentially stretch it to be that Molly or (Hiro? Is that O'Brians sons name?) became good friends with Bashir's theoretical kids and they got assigned to the same posting.

 

[Shamrock Holmes]

That might be a bit too much. We're getting too much into "small world" syndrome. I would need a really good explanation as to why Bashir is there as well, especially given that you have several essentially legendary Starfleet people who should have very high ranking positions... hanging out around some random mining station.

I could potentially stretch it to be that Molly or (Hiro? Is that O'Brians sons name?) became good friends with Bashir's theoretical kids and they got assigned to the same posting.

Molly's younger brother is Kirayoshi, typically known as Yoshi of obvious reasons.

 

[Brainsucker]

That might be a bit too much. We're getting too much into "small world" syndrome. I would need a really good explanation as to why Bashir is there as well, especially given that you have several essentially legendary Starfleet people who should have very high ranking positions... hanging out around some random mining station.

I could potentially stretch it to be that Molly or (Hiro? Is that O'Brians sons name?) became good friends with Bashir's theoretical kids and they got assigned to the same posting.

Err..., it's only a spiritual successor. It can be work like Picard season 1. Where another old casts like Baashir can act as recurring / guest cast, to find audience respond.

For example, as a Freighter captain, O'Brien will eventually bring the raw Dilithium Crystal to the refinery factory in the core world of Federation. Well, he can meet some old casts there. Or maybe the refinery is located at Bajor. Near DS9.

 

[evilchumlee]

Molly's younger brother is Kirayoshi, typically known as Yoshi of obvious reasons.

That's it! Been awhile since i've done a DS9 run.I was... close-ish.

Err..., it's only a spiritual successor. It can be work like Picard season 1. Where another old casts like Baashir can act as recurring / guest cast, to find audience respond.

For example, as a Freighter captain, O'Brien will eventually bring the raw Dilithium Crystal to the refinery factory in the core world of Federation. Well, he can meet some old casts there. Or maybe the refinery is located at Bajor. Near DS9.

I don't have an issue with it on the premise... I love cameos and bringing in the older stuff... I just want to it to make sense and not just be "Oh hey and here's Bashir too for some reason!" I thought it was all done well in Picard, save for maybe Seven of Nine... she was kind of the oddball of "Out of all the people possible in the galaxy to randomly encounter out in the middle of nowhere, look it's someone we know!" But as far as the TNG crew? That all felt fairly natural and organic. MAYBE with the exception of Worf in S3, who came in unrelated to everyone else but still just happened to be working on the same issue.. I give a pass on Data, because out of anyone, if you're gonna be a TNG reunion you absolutely need Data in there and his nature makes it work for just about anything.

Back more on topic, I don't think this theoretical DS9 reunion-ish situation is outlandish. I think if you're doing to use O'Brian, it would be foolish to NOT incorporate DS9 into this at some point. I think it tracks, you could have O'Brian need to stop at DS9, maybe he's running a route through the wormhole. While he's there... easy to bring in Kai Kira, she will be chilling on Bajor and would want to see her old friend. Bashir could conceivably still be on DS9, but I would think he's probably moved onto something else. I think the best way to get Bashir in would be for O'Brian to reach out... there's some kind of -insert problem- that he's dealing with and needs help, he's heading to DS9 anyway so he sends out a comm to Julian, who is like "Of course i'll meet you there!"

 

[Brainsucker]

That's it! Been awhile since i've done a DS9 run.I was... close-ish.



I don't have an issue with it on the premise... I love cameos and bringing in the older stuff... I just want to it to make sense and not just be "Oh hey and here's Bashir too for some reason!" I thought it was all done well in Picard, save for maybe Seven of Nine... she was kind of the oddball of "Out of all the people possible in the galaxy to randomly encounter out in the middle of nowhere, look it's someone we know!" But as far as the TNG crew? That all felt fairly natural and organic. MAYBE with the exception of Worf in S3, who came in unrelated to everyone else but still just happened to be working on the same issue.. I give a pass on Data, because out of anyone, if you're gonna be a TNG reunion you absolutely need Data in there and his nature makes it work for just about anything.

Back more on topic, I don't think this theoretical DS9 reunion-ish situation is outlandish. I think if you're doing to use O'Brian, it would be foolish to NOT incorporate DS9 into this at some point. I think it tracks, you could have O'Brian need to stop at DS9, maybe he's running a route through the wormhole. While he's there... easy to bring in Kai Kira, she will be chilling on Bajor and would want to see her old friend. Bashir could conceivably still be on DS9, but I would think he's probably moved onto something else. I think the best way to get Bashir in would be for O'Brian to reach out... there's some kind of -insert problem- that he's dealing with and needs help, he's heading to DS9 anyway so he sends out a comm to Julian, who is like "Of course i'll meet you there!"

Well, maybe the Freighter need to pass Bajor in order to go to the Federation Dilithium Refining Station? So O'Brien can meet Kira whenever he likes. So the setting can be in multiple places. I'm curious if DS9 still operational in Picard era. Or maybe DS9 is already mothballed, and replaced by a new DS9 that has Dilithium Refinery Facility?