Star Trek: Bonaventure (an idea)

[Bry_Sinclair]

I've been playing about with this idea for a while and thought I'd post it here to see about getting some feedback.

The Ship:
The S.S. Bonaventure NAR-33031, a Aerie-Class science ship, owned by the Daystrom Institute and currently attached to the Department of Xenoarchaeology. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, from sensors to computer systems, to warp drive and defensive systems, the little ship may not look like much, but she has it where it counts. The ship's mission is simple, to go out and conduct scientific research from all across the quadrant and beyond.

The Crew:
Split into two distinct "camps", the operational crew and the science team. The former see to the day-to-day running of the ship, and have a diverse range of skills and talents in order to ensure the ship succeeds. The latter is a small specialist group, the composition of which varies depending on which department the Bonaventure is assigned to. On her current tour, the ship also has a couple of dependents on board.

The operational crew consists of:
Captain (Warren Baxter, former Starfleeter forced to retire after being seriously injured)
First Mate/Ops Manager (Andorian male 30s, details TBC)
Flight Controller (Human female 20s, details TBC)
Chief Engineer (Betazoid male 40s, married to ship's Doctor)
Engineer (Female, most likely Tellarite)
Boatswain (Male, either Bolian or Klingon)
Doctor (Human female, 40s, married to Chief Engineer)

The science team consists of:
Senior Archaeologist (T'Lyn Kenyon, a brilliant Human/Vulcan woman with a thirst for adventure)
Researcher/Historian/Linguist (Male, either human or Denobulan)
(Possibly an anthropologist, though not sure)
Archaeology Intern (Diego Sanchez, an impressive but arrogant young man)
Comm/Tech Specialist (Kayden Nell, a bright man from Bajor with a sharp wit)
Field Scout (Male, possible Orion)
Lab Tech (Female, either human or Benzite)

Dependents:
Son of Chief Engineer & Doctor (16 years old, wants to be anywhere else but onboard)
Sister of First Mate (15 years old, orphaned and raised by her brother)

The Premise:
The basic idea is Star Trek but with a twist, in that there are no uniforms, enormous starships and dozens of crewmembers. The crew of the Bonaventure travel from location to location, looking for the remains of ancient civilisations (often on their own, but sometimes with help from others), uncovering treasures and secrets long since forgotten. Along the lines of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, Relic Hunter and B5's Interplanetary Expeditions, but in the Star Trek universe. The crew have to rely on themselves and each other, as well as their own guile and wits in order to get out of tough situations.

 

[admiralelm11]

Sounds interesting, Bry. Is this part of the SUP or is this a separate venture?

I can't wait to see what you do with this.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

I think it's a plausible and interesting premise. What's the time frame for the story?

 

[sojourner]

I like it. One thing. Why would such a ship have the "latest and greatest warp drive and defensive systems"? This one part sounds a bit Marysue-ish for an archeology/science vessel.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Admiralelm11 - Not sure where exactly I'll slot it in, or even if it will get beyond the thinking stage yet. We'll see what happens

TLR - I was thinking post-War but pre-Nemesis. For Captain Baxter, I thought of having him one of the officers injured onboard the U.S.S. Lakota in their fight with the Defiant (he quits due to his injuries and for being used as a pawn, he's a man of principle).

Sojourner - I'd see the Daystrom Institute as being privy to many technological advances (no doubt some of which they helped to develop) and would use them on their own ships. I'm not intending for the Bonaventure to sustain warp 9.975 for seventy-two hours, give her a top speed of about warp 7/8, but with a core that was developed for great distances using little fuel, allowing her to last for long periods of time between refuelling. Maybe include the subspace-friendly design as well. As for defenseive systems, she'd have good shields though not sure I'd actually arm her (if there was any weaponry it would probably only be a couple of phaser banks).

 

[RichMerk]

I really like this idea and your characters sound interesting. The married couple is a nice addition. Any idea what the ship looks like?

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Go onto Memory Alpha/Beta and look for "Raven".

Its the ship that Seven's parents had when they were studying the Borg. I always liked the look of it. Small but robust, a high level of automation that allowed a crew of two to pilot it -- always a handy thing.

As for the married couple, there really aren't that many families in space (lots are missing one spouse, etc) so I wanted a couple who were very much made for each other, though still bicker and argue, but very much in love (with a teenaged son who'd rather be anywhere else than stuck on a small ship with his parents).

 

[admiralelm11]

Go onto Memory Alpha/Beta and look for "Raven".

Its the ship that Seven's parents had when they were studying the Borg. I always liked the look of it. Small but robust, a high level of automation that allowed a crew of two to pilot it -- always a handy thing.

As for the married couple, there really aren't that many families in space (lots are missing one spouse, etc) so I wanted a couple who were very much made for each other, though still bicker and argue, but very much in love (with a teenaged son who'd rather be anywhere else than stuck on a small ship with his parents).

Ah, an Aerie-class. Great selection.