Concerning Captain Ezri Dax

[Rush Limborg]

I've been reflecting quite a bit on TrekLit's latest addition to its Long List Of Distinguished Captains--Ezri Dax of the Aventine.

In particular, I've been wondering about what kind of command style she'll develope.

Now, concerning the oft-repeated line about her, "Sometimes, she doesn't think--she just does" (or words to that effect), I couldn't help but mentally conjure up an image of James T. Kirk....

So...what's your thoughts on Ezri command style?

 

[Deranged Nasat]

This is a very interesting thread topic, Rush. I haven't got much to say at the moment- I may reread a few sections of the DS9 relaunch and "Destiny" books to see how her development as a command officer has been portrayed so far- but I'm interested in what people have to contribute.

Exploring a Joined Trill's command style promises to be, well, very interesting (apologies for the repetitive language ). I've always enjoyed the Joined Trill as characters, and Dax as an individual character.

Given the considerable knowledge we have of Ezri and the prior hosts by now, it will be fascinating to see how she utilizes her vast bank of experience and the shifting worldviews it entails without sacrificing the sense of a consistant, specific command style. I'm very much looking forward to her next apperance in "Zero Sum Game" (if I recall correctly).

 

[Rush Limborg]

This is a very interesting thread topic, Rush.

Thank you!

I haven't got much to say at the moment- I may reread a few sections of the DS9 relaunch and "Destiny" books to see how her development as a command officer has been portrayed so far- but I'm interested in what people have to contribute.

Exploring a Joined Trill's command style promises to be, well, very interesting (apologies for the repetitive language ). I've always enjoyed the Joined Trill as characters, and Dax as an individual character.

Same here!

I mean...Dax has been a politician (Lela), and a Diplomat Extraordinairre (Curzon). This should be a nice asset for Ezri should she ever be called upon to negotiate something.

Given the considerable knowledge we have of Ezri and the prior hosts by now, it will be fascinating to see how she utilizes her vast bank of experience and the shifting worldviews it entails without sacrificing the sense of a consistant, specific command style. I'm very much looking forward to her next apperance in "Zero Sum Game" (if I recall correctly).

Yup. And as I recall:

Spoiler: A Singular Destiny

She seems to have developed a good working relationship with Empress Donatra.

Let's hope she loses none of the charm she has courtesy of her childish enthusiasm and innocent attitude. That would be a nice quality to differentiate herself from all the other Trek-Captains....

 

[Clawhammer]

I did this photoshop a while ago, I think it is fitting to post it again in here:

Sorry about the uniform, I had to shop something together quickly. (It's actually a bit of a... more agressive uniform, still kind of fitting, especially while listening to 300's soundtrack.) But let us not wander off topic:

At first I thought it was not such a good idea to make her captain. (By whatever way...) but when I was reading the trilogy it did not really annoy me, in fact as I have said before, there was something attractive in having "cute" Ezri being in command of something large and powerful.

 

[David Mack]

^ Very nice! I've downloaded it for inspiration a few months from now when I start writing Typhon Pact: Zero Sum Game.

 

[Thestral]

I think based on "Destiny" and "A Singular Destiny" Zee's done a good job of integrating some of her more hard-edged personality bits to forge a commanding presence. I always imagined that Sisko's command style would have been at least partly patterned on what he learned from Curzon, and Ezri serving under Sisko (also as Jadzia) probably means she witnessed and learned some of that herself. Dax teaching Dax via Sisko, so to speak.

Also with her switching to command under Kira and probably learning some ropes from her as well, I would expect Cpt. Dax to have a pretty clipped, forceful command style while on duty or on the bridge, but much more relaxed in private or in person. Makes a nice complement to her being physically less imposing than some other captains as well.

 

[nx1701g]

I have to agree that I kept seeing her as a mix of Picard and Kirk as I read those chapters of her in command.

 

[Rush Limborg]

^ Very nice! I've downloaded it for inspiration a few months from now when I start writing Typhon Pact: Zero Sum Game.

PLEASE MR. MACK, FOR GOODNESS SAKE, DON'T!

I mean, it's a nice effort, that pic, but please, no tom-boy thing, PLEASE!

(Oh..wait. He was joking. Oh, well...I sincerely hope so....)

In all seriousness, while that pic is a nice effort, I think: It's too "militaristic" to be Starfleet, Number 1; and Number 2...it makes Ezri look like a stiff-neck.

(And please...don't get me started on 300 music being a theme for Ezri....)

 

[Rush Limborg]

I think based on "Destiny" and "A Singular Destiny" Zee's done a good job of integrating some of her more hard-edged personality bits to forge a commanding presence. I always imagined that Sisko's command style would have been at least partly patterned on what he learned from Curzon, and Ezri serving under Sisko (also as Jadzia) probably means she witnessed and learned some of that herself. Dax teaching Dax via Sisko, so to speak.

Also with her switching to command under Kira and probably learning some ropes from her as well, I would expect Cpt. Dax to have a pretty clipped, forceful command style while on duty or on the bridge, but much more relaxed in private or in person. Makes a nice complement to her being physically less imposing than some other captains as well.

I'd tend to agree. I tended to like Ezri's personality on the show--how she was fun to be around. And, considering moments like the "concert" scene in Singular Destiny, et al, I feel confident she keeps this aspect of herself....

 

[Sci]

In all seriousness, while that pic is a nice effort, I think: It's too "militaristic" to be Starfleet, Number 1; and Number 2...it makes Ezri look like a stiff-neck.

A grey turtleneck that doesn't quite fit is militaristic?

I just think the turtleneck ought to be red.

 

[Thestral]

I'd tend to agree. I tended to like Ezri's personality on the show--how she was fun to be around. And, considering moments like the "concert" scene in Singular Destiny, et al, I feel confident she keeps this aspect of herself....

Keeps it yes, but I think subdued while on duty. Between Dax and Bowers, Sam's stricter, but Dax is much more businesslike while in command than she was on the show; she can "let her hair down" so to speak later, the way Sisko or Kira would. Which makes sense as she's CO of one of the most advanced ships in the fleet, as well as one of the most junior captains having risen to command suddenly from second officer.

In all seriousness, while that pic is a nice effort, I think: It's too "militaristic" to be Starfleet, Number 1; and Number 2...it makes Ezri look like a stiff-neck.

A grey turtleneck that doesn't quite fit is militaristic?

I just think the turtleneck ought to be red.

Indeed. Make it red and maybe tighten up the neck a bit (pretty sure that's a shop from The Dead Zone?) if you want, but it already looks very good and sounds like David Mack finds it useful.

ETA: Also... tomboy thing? Don't get that from the pic. Of course, I imagine Ezri is something of a tomboy since she's been one (a boy) 4 times.

 

[Rush Limborg]

^The hairstyle, for one. The steel-eyed look, for another....

And, yeah, I think the "turtleneck" had something to do with it....

(Hey--didn't Ezri once say that the REASON she wore her hair short was "It kept getting in my eyes"?)



In all seriousness, I LOVED the artist's work on the Destiny covers--especially the shot of Ezri on the first book.

It had the proper balance, IMHO, of "command presence" and recognizability of Ezri's character.

Mr. Mack, that was a WONDERFUL choice! If Zero-Sum Game has a Ezri image like that, I will be OVERJOYED!

Keeps it yes, but I think subdued while on duty. Between Dax and Bowers, Sam's stricter, but Dax is much more businesslike while in command than she was on the show; she can "let her hair down" so to speak later, the way Sisko or Kira would. Which makes sense as she's CO of one of the most advanced ships in the fleet, as well as one of the most junior captains having risen to command suddenly from second officer.

I agree--on all counts.

I can imagine Jim Kirk starting out like that, too--for the same reasons....

 

[David Mack]

^ Well, I didn't get much of a say in the Destiny covers, but I'm glad you liked them.

 

[Clawhammer]

I agree that the uniform looks a bit like the one from "Warship Voyager". I might do another one tonight that is more like the uniforms seen on screen.

Problem is that high quality shots of Nicole De Boer are hard to find. I made the above one for fun, blended a deadzone promotional image into some uniform shot. (I think from Janeway) Maybe I should settle for screen quality instead, that would widen the range of options etc.

I'm already thinking about the Zero Sum Game cover, not sure if I'm allowed to do the entire cover, or just the spaceship image, but hey a guy can dream...! It seems contacting the new editors is still a bit problematic, hectic time for them, no doubt.

 

[Icemizer]

I like the turtleneck look. Those Trill like to be kept warm and a design flaw on the Aventine has a cold air vent blowing right down on the captains chair you know. I believe with everything going on in the Federation right now a more aggressive look is indeed called for.

 

[Christopher]

I believe with everything going on in the Federation right now a more aggressive look is indeed called for.

I wouldn't say that. The worst has passed, and now it's a time for rebuilding and restoration. The quadrant's been devastated by the Borg invasion, and the last thing any power in the region can afford is more conflict. Aggression is the worst possible stance to take in that climate. The Federation needs to reach out to its neighbors, to build trust and cooperation toward the mutual need to rebuild. It needs to convince the nascent Typhon Pact that it has nothing to fear from the Federation and doesn't have to pick fights with it, since fighting will just waste resources everybody needs. This is a time when the nations of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants need to focus their energy on rebuilding their infrastructures and economies, resettling their refugees, restoring their people's standard of living. Conflict would only divert resources away from those efforts.

 

[Rush Limborg]

^Amen, Chris.

And...Ezri strikes me as something of an idealist. She is, in effect, part of a new generation who are to take the reigns from the old folks and steer the UFP into a new era.

And the more idealists, who'll make every effort to seek the good in others--the better.

Still, these idealists must have integrity. We can't have these kids going around and kissing up to the Typhon Pact. They should be willing to take a stand, if need be.

They should stand and say, "Peace is one of the highest aspirations of the Federation. We will negotiate for it...and sacrifice for it.... But we will not surrender for it, now...or ever!"

I agree that the uniform looks a bit like the one from "Warship Voyager". I might do another one tonight that is more like the uniforms seen on screen.

Problem is that high quality shots of Nicole De Boer are hard to find. I made the above one for fun, blended a deadzone promotional image into some uniform shot. (I think from Janeway) Maybe I should settle for screen quality instead, that would widen the range of options etc.

Thanks, mate! I sigh with relief....

^ Well, I didn't get much of a say in the Destiny covers, but I'm glad you liked them.

Thank you!

And...you didn't get much of a say? Hmm....

 

[Icemizer]

I must respectfully disagree Chris. With the Federation and Starfleet currently devestated it is a time when they need to look strong until they can build back up their strength. Planets are in ruins and the enemies are at the gates. The Typhon Pact is a deadly serious threat that will use any means they have to steal world after world from the Federation. They are not interested in peace. Worlds are leaving the Federation because they feel it is weak and unable to protect them from outside threats. This is not true of course but it is all about perception. Better to assure the current member worlds and demonstrate to those looking in from outside that the Federation is more than capable of dealing with any threat. A sharper more aggressive looking uniform will give you that.

 

[Sci]

I must respectfully disagree Chris. The Typhon Pact is a deadly serious threat that will use any means they have to steal world after world from the Federation. They are not interested in peace.

There is no evidence of that whatsoever. To assume that the Typhon Pact must be a threat because one of its member states is a bit of a jackass is deeply ethnocentric.

Worlds are leaving the Federation because they feel it is weak and unable to protect them from outside threats.

No, they aren't. The Governor of Alpha Centauri wanted A.C. to leave the Federation because he resented having to expend resources to help the rest of the Federation and used "they won't protect us" as an excuse. And then he realized he was wrong. Not a single world has left the Federation since the Borg invasion.

 

[Christopher]

I must respectfully disagree Chris. With the Federation and Starfleet currently devestated it is a time when they need to look strong until they can build back up their strength.

No. Study history and you'll see that trying to "look strong" by intimidating your neighbors just makes them more likely to attack you and do you more harm in the long run. Nations are stupid -- they always think "If anyone threatens or attacks us, we will fight back relentlessly, but if we threaten or attack other nations, they will be too afraid to fight back." It never occurs to them that other nations will respond with just as much determination as they would -- even though that's invariably what actually happens. If you make others scared, you just make them dangerous to you.

Strength isn't about baring your teeth and making threats. That comes from fear, not strength. Strength comes from cooperation. "Looking strong" is worthless. Better to reach out to your neighbors, pool resources for mutual benefit instead of squandering them on stupid macho territorial squabbles, and actually be strong.

Planets are in ruins and the enemies are at the gates.

That's the kind of paranoid thinking that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you assume the people around you are enemies, you make them enemies. Conversely, optimism can be self-fulfilling too: if you treat the people around you as potential friends, you can make them friends.

The Typhon Pact is a deadly serious threat that will use any means they have to steal world after world from the Federation. They are not interested in peace.

Where in the hell did you get that idea? That's just some cookie-cutter stereotype of a "rival power." It's got nothing to do with the Typhon Pact. The Typhon Pact is an alliance of nations seeking to enhance their own mutual security and prosperity, exactly like the Federation. Their goal is not to destroy the Federation, but rather to adopt its methods for their own benefit, to give themselves the collective strength to be able to prosper on their own without being overshadowed by or dependent upon the Federation.

It is also not a single government with a single point of view. It is six diverse, individual societies with varying agendas. Some of those members have been hostile to the Federation in the past, but some are neutral and some have even been allies.

That's exactly why a paranoid response assuming they're enemies is the worst possible approach right now. The Pact could go either way. They want to be able to match the Federation's power and independence, but in the name of their own prosperity and safety, not in the name of conquest or destruction. And they're embracing the Federation's own principles and methods to achieve this, recognizing that the Federation way is a good one. So there's potential to establish a beneficial relationship with them, or at least a state of coexistence. But treating them pre-emptively like enemies or monsters would just make them see the UFP as a threat to their security and allow their hardline voices to dominate their policy. As I said, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Better to assure the current member worlds and demonstrate to those looking in from outside that the Federation is more than capable of dealing with any threat. A sharper more aggressive looking uniform will give you that.

Okay, you lost me there. Your idea of military preparedness is a fashion makeover??