josiah_cobra's Journal
Saturday, March 8, 2008
9:48AM - Betrayal of Duty and Conscious
Josiah glanced at the nearly empty glass, that he held in his hand. Sitting upright in the lounger, he drank down the last remnants of Ambrosia that had filled the glass.
Placing the empty glass on the small table next to the lounger, he picked up the file that lay upon his lap.
Taking in a deep breath he reflected on the past three days. Two days on the Shangri-la, and he had broken several military rules and regulations, not to mention his little stunt with breaking into the office of the amusement putting course. A civilian violation as well.
It wasn't that Josiah hadn't ever been a rebel or done troublesome things in his career. There were simply certain lines that he had vowed that he would never cross.
Fraternization, unlawful carnal knowledge... Among other things were the ones that vowed never to break. For the most part, with the exception of a couple of instances, he was very hard and unforgiving when it came to sentencing and punishment of military members, under his command. Many times he had been told that he was very harsh in dealing with such issues.
Now, he had broken the very military law, that he had so harshly enforced.
Luckily, and thankfully, both he and Burke had tried and sentenced only one case of the sort, long ago, when he was still new to his position and the ship.
Burke had backed him up as far as his punishment, yet later on, behind closed doors asked a simple question of Josiah. "A little harsh for two Petty Officers, don't you think, Josiah?"
That was all that had been said, when Josiah defended his position on it, Burke only smirked, nodding. "Just a question XO, just a question."
In retrospect, his argument and... The way he dealt with such things, were proper, correct and right for that era. "So long ago," he said quietly.
Three years, and some countless days ago, humanity was forced to enter the dawn of a new era. Everyone, including the military, the civilian police force, even the Captains and crews of the other ships were far more... Forgiving.... Or lax, on many things.
Rubbing his face, he stood, taking his glass, and walked over to his desk. Pouring himself another drink he stared at the picture of his wife and children, displayed on the bulkhead.
"Three years gone..." He whispered, looking down at the wedding ring on his finger.
Did that mean it was time? Time to move on? Time to let go?
Taking a drink, he fell into deeper thought. There were myriads of reasons that he could use to justify what happened between himself and Jill. Multitudes of so called 'experts' in human psychology had suddenly appeared in droves out of no-where when the last of the surviving refugees joined up with the rest of the fleet.
Countless discussions on the wireless spoke of the human need for entertainment, challenge, and excercise, which included sex. Sex had turned into a huge topic. Being described as one of the ultimate workouts for the mind and body. Not something that was so taboo. The benefit being if a couple were in love, then procreation and the promise of a never ending human race. All of these things were necessities for a wholly spaceborn society. To his knowlege, no humans had logged this much distance. And they were quickly coming
If casual sex was becoming more and more the accepted norm, he felt he had quite the long ways to go in his acceptance of such things. Part of that stemmed from his upbrining. Not necessarily from his parents, but more his beliefs and practices.
He couldn't help but ask of himself. "Was this thing with Jilleen a complete mistake?"
His heart jumped at the thought of her name. "Bloody hell." He said aloud. He would have to take great care in the way he worded his report and corrective action forms. The last thing he wanted to do was implicate her, and threaten her position and rank.
"Rank." Colonel, XO, leader. A leader whom had broken the rules he held so high in regard. One in his position, with no choice, had to be held to a higher level of professionalism, integrity and pride, than what he had displayed.
"Right. Setting back in the lounger he put pen to paper and began to write out his report.
Finished with his report he had read, and re-read it over and again. He wasn't quite satisfied with it. But, then again, he wasn't anywhere near satisfied with his actions either.
Placing the report in the file, he left his stateroom, and walked down the passageway to the stateroom of his CO, Tom Burke.
Ringing the chime, he heard the muffled voice of the CO calling for him to enter.
Closing the hatch behind him, he approached Burke, whom was sitting at his desk.
Josiah cleared his throat, but he couldn't hide his expression of frustration and anger.
"Hello, Tom."
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
11:28PM - Rude Awakenings
Josiah sat up quickly in his rack, the call to action stations had been given. The last five words in the announcement were the ones that caught his attention. "THIS IS NOT A DRILL."
It had been months since their last engagement with the Cylons. In those months both the and Burke had not relented on drills and training. Knowing somehow that this point in time would come, sooner or later. still, his mind drifted to the other ships of the fleet. Pacifica, the destroyers, even the civillian fleet he questioned as to their capabilities. It had been far too long, in his opinion. Far too long for one reason and one reason only. The other ships, in his mind, had become far too relaxed. Seemingly thinking that the Cylon troubles were over. Somehow, they seemed to have forgotten that they were dealing with machines. Machines needed no rest. Needed no sleep. They were relentless in their hunt for the remaining humans of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol.
Shaking off the fog of sleep and introspect, he quickly hauled himself out of his rack. Grabbing his uniform trousers, he quickly slipped them on, fastening the buttons then the buckle of his belt. Next he threw his tunic about his shoulders, running his arms through the sleeves.
Not bothering to button it up just yet, he slightly slid the slide back on his sidearm to check the round in the chamber, then holstered it. Opening the hatch door, he ran down the passageway to the CIC while buttoning his tunic.
As he was nearer to the CIC, the first Cylon missile slammed into the ship, throwing her hard to her portside. Josiah braced himself against the bulkhead he was thrown against. "Bloody tinpot bastards." He muttered.
Quickly he grabbed a few of the orange clad damage control teams that were thrown to the deck on their way to parts below decks. Hauling them roughly to their feet he pushed them along. "There's work to do gentlemen, it's time you weren't here, get to it!"
Entering the CIC he quickly grabbed the glass door closest to him, as another missile impacted the ship. Recovering quickly he took his place across the plot table from Commander Burke. Simply nodding at his CO he glanced at the DRADIS confirming the reports he had heard being called out.
Shifting his gaze over to DC Central he didn't have to bark out his order for a SITREP, the Petty Officer at the DC Station noticed his look and began shouting the battle damages to him.
"XO! Damage moderate so far! Small hull breaches deck three frames three, one, seven, three, to frame three, one, eight four. Also, deck four, frames four, one, two, six, to frame four, one, three, two."
Josiah nodded at the Petty Officer. "Very well DC, lock down all portside pod, outer passageways. To include all service passageways, I want redundancy. As for the forward section of the ship. Lock out the forward crews mess, storage spaces one, three, five, seven, nine, eleven, and thirteen. Lock down first three forward sections of crews quarters on the portside."
DC Central gave a thumbs up as he voiced his orders through the headset.
Josiah then concentrated on the DRADIS display. The Baseships were maneuvering into the best attack positions possible.
Picking up the handset from it's cradle he looked at Burke. "Two minutes and we call the birds back home? They won't survive much longer than that...."
Saturday, December 29, 2007
9:38PM - Biography
Date this form was created: 12/29/07
Full name of Character: Josiah Auster Masterson
Reason, meaning or purpose behind the name: The first name Josiah was from one of his ancestors. 1500 years prior to his birth. He was an artisan of pottery during the era. He became very well known and a very small number of his more famous works are on display at the museum of antiquities in Caprica City. His middle name, Auster, meaning South Wind, was given by his Mother. She realized he had a natural gift for sailing. When he was 15 years old, she had used both her and her husbands influence to secure their son as a captain of a racing sloop that was entered in one of the many high profile regatta's near Caprica City. The race was called the Southern Cross. A 480 Nautical mile venture that took them into some of the heaviest wind and seas between the Islands of Nucla and Torreywood. Josiah captained the sloop Aphrodite's Revenge. He seemingly was a master of the Southern wind as they pulled the lead early and took the win. Thus earning his middle name at the age of 15 years old. His Mother was a High Priestess and council, and advisor to the Caprican members of the Quorum of the Twelve. His Father claimed a different notoriety as one of the best known leading screen actors of the time.
Callsign: Cobra
Reason for nickname: When he was a pilot, his flying was likened to that of the "hunt of a cobra." Swaying and turning, spinning and jukeing, waiting for the perfect time to make a single, deadly, strike. In a command position, his tactics have been compared to his flying.
Race: Human, Northern Caprican.
Occupation/class: Executive Officer, Battlestar Avalon. Upper Command Echelon
Social class: Upper Class
Physical Appearance: 5'9" Tall. Josiah is very stout/muscular for his age and position. Prior to the attacks on the colonies he was always engaged in sports with his kids. From Pyramid to paintball, wrestling and boxing, he did his best to always be with his family on leave. Always trying to keep their interest in health, fitness and well being.
Age: 42
How old they appear: Late Thirties.
Eye Color: Blue
Glasses or contacts? No
Hair color length and style: Dark with a little grey
Weight and height: 195 pounds, 5'10"
Type of body (build): Muscular/athletic
Skin tone and type: White/tans easily due to his time spent outdoors
Shape of face:Squareish shape
Distinguishing marks (dimples, moles, scars, birthmarks, etc.): He has a noticeable "lump" on the side of his face due to shrapnel from a Viper crash. When time is available, and at his notion he will make himself clean shaven. Otherwise he sports a beard, a goatee or moustache.
Predominant feature: His blue eyes
Is s/he healthy? Yes he comes from very healthy stock
Do they look healthy? Why/why not? Yes, due to the fact that he does take care of himself physically, mentally, and nutritionaly
Favorites:
Char’s favorite color: Red
Least favorite, why? Silver. The color of the Toasters
Music? Josiah's musical tastes vary widely. From opera to jazz, techno to rock
Least favorite music, why? Rap He considers it misspelled music as they forgot the "C" on the front.
Food: Pasta, as it is high in carbs
Literature: Classic poetry, to a good sci fi novel
Expressions: "I'm rather hoping that you were simply born ignorant; That it's not a learned trait."
Expletives (curse): Bloody frakking bastards!!!
Mode of transport: Fast, loud, bold exoctics!!!
Hobbies: Sailing, flying, anything his kids are into.
How do they spend a rainy day? More often than not, rainy days were spent sailing as the winds were strong.
Personality:
Are they a daredevil or cautious? At times he has been known to be a daredevil. mostly he is cautious simply biding his time and making the correct tactical decisions to go in for the kill.
Do they act the same alone as when with someone? Josiah has very few around him that he considers true friends. He maintains a very professional relationship with those that he works with. Those that he considers true friends, he will tend to cut loose, dropping the professional demeanor of the XO.
Habits: Works out religiously.
Drinks: Coffee, water, ocassionally fine Virgon wine
How much: Very light social drinker
Greatest Strength: His ability to manage control during chaos. His ability to maintain the large tactical picture
Greatest Weakness: His wife and kids
Soft spot: Though seemingly hard and demanding, he has a soft spot for the enlisted. He realizes they are the backbone of the fleet.
Is their soft spot obvious, why/why not: No. He tends to play the hardass with them, moreso than other junior officers
If not, how do they hide it: His demeanor as a whole.
Biggest Vulnerability: Josiah is most vulnerable when around his family.
Background: Josiah has always been fascinated by history. Namely military history. From armies and navies of the ancient times. As a child he would gather his friends and assemble them such as chess pieces, re-enacting famous battles in human history. His room was full of books, military toys and figures. It is an obsession with him. Though these re-enactments seemed innocent enough, his friends parents took notice and protested when their children began getting hurt but the ferocity of the "play" or "pretend" battles.
When the law became involved, his parents had to make a hasty decision. Either loose him to a state run home, or send him to a military academy. They chose the latter, and at the age of eight he was sent away to the outskirts of Caprica City, becoming a student in the famous Presidious Military Academy.
Most children would view this as a true punishment. It was more or less schooling combined with a seemingly never ending bootcamp, regimented lifestyle. Josiah did not see this as a punishment, but an opportunity. Effectively, they had placed him in a situation that he craved. His instructors, teachers, and other members of faculty quickly took notice of his strict attitude. He was different than most in the fact that he didn't complain, whine, fight back, or become lazy during the training and schooling. His grades were far above average, his physical training scores, and evaluations were exemplary.
Realizing they had talent to work with, they assigned him mentors. Taking his military and school education further. Josiah was the human equivalent of a sponge. He took it all in, craving more. This hard work allowed him to graduate a year early, with honors. Also, it made him a candidate for Officers Candidate School for the fleet.
Though he proved himself in ground operations and training, he did not want to become a Marine. Changing his career path, he soon joined flight school after graduating OCS. Earning his wings and qualifying Raptor pilot and ECO, he again changed his career path. He went into ships operations schools, again, graduating with high marks.
His first assignment was to the Destroyer "Star of Picon," where he was assigned to Squadron 23, as a Raptor pilot. He flew countless sorties, conducting inner system patrols for pirates and smugglers. During refit for the ship he went back to flight school, thus earning his wings for Vipers. His flying career would soon come to an end after a mid-air collision with a smuggler in a single seat craft. Though he was able to eject, he sustained multiple injuries and was hospitalized for a time.
Rather than let the military give him a medical discharge, he went through months of painful therapy, learning to walk again, and with a clean bill of health, returned to the fleet aboard his first Battlestar as a Lieutenant Commander. He was assigned the position of Weapons Officer aboard the Battlestar Valiant. His years of service, desire to learn, and dedication, have allowed him to advance through the ranks to his current position of XO of the Avalon.
Hometown: Lucious Valley, Northern Caprica
Type of childhood: Josiah had a very good childhood for a time, until he was in trouble with the law. He considers his childhood blessed by the God's with the education he received.
First Memory: His first memory was a holiday with his parents at their summer beach house in Caprica. His Father had given him a complete Battlestar playset.
Most important child hood event that still effects him/her: Being sent to Presidious Military Academy
Why? It was the start of a long and successful career.
Education: Presidious Military Academy. Fleet OCS. Night classes at the local University, majoring in electronic engineering.
Religion: He tends to follow his Mother's religion. The worship of Rhea
Finances: Josiah earnings in the fleet alone, keep his family in the middle class. His wife is a senior agent in a real estate company. Their earnings combined keep them in the upper middle class to upper class range.
Family: His immediate family consists of his Wife Nataja, Son: Joseph, Daughter: Amelia
Mother: Astra Lynese Masterson
Relationship with her: Josiah maintains a close relationship with her
Father: (Real name Wilhelm Masterson) Stage name Robin Masters
Relationship with him: Josiah maintains a close relationship with him
Siblings, How many, relationship with each: None
Children of siblings: None
Other extended family: His extended family is nearly unkown to him as each set outcast them due to the person they married. His Mothers family is very religious and wanted her to marry a priest. His Fathers family was the exact opposite. Not relgious in the least, they wanted him to marry another wealthy lady.
Attitude: Though he maintains a very professional demeanor, with strict military bearing, he displays a slight sense of an easy going attitude. Moreso as he becomes older.
Most at ease when: Listening to good music, or reading a good book, when with his family
Most ill at ease when: When his kids are in trouble
Priorities: Family and duty blend into one single priority.
Philosophies: Integral paradigm. That is the belief and thought that all is connected universally
How they feel about themselves: Josiah lends himself to much self criticism inwardly. However he is very satisfied with himself and his life. He quite happily learns from his mistakes.
Past failure they would be embarrassed to admit: His childhood friends seriously injured during their mock battles
Why? It is not something he is proud of.
If granted one wish what would it be, why? That each human being would realize there is so much more to life and the universe, other than their petty differences and arguments
Biggest accomplishment: His family. The things he has taught both his wife and children. Earning the position of XO of a battlestar
Wife/husband/lover: He looks to his wife, using her strength, encouragement and criticisms
Goals: Prior to his retirement he wants his own command
Immediate: To keep his ship and crew alive, and recognized as the best in the fleet
How do they plan to accomplish them: Hard work, perfection, strict attention to details are what make a ship the best
How will others be effected by this: Some may be offended by the long hours, blood, sweat and tears that he demands
Where do they live: In a somewhat exclusive neighborhood, close to the beach