Random Travels: USS Independence

We might as well begin at the beginning. One of the first ships created for the whole site, almost four years ago now, this Avenger-class vessel has eight players, currently engaged in a plot involving time travel and altered time lines.

The vessel's CO is Admiral Jeff Price, who is currently missing in game. He is command of a vessel that is designed for scouting operations, with limited weaponry and range but highly agile.

The MOTD gives you a nice picture of the vessel and a fuller page is in development.

I interviewed Alex Verdusco, President of AJJE Games and CO of Independence.

USS Independence was one of the first RPEs for this site. How did the specific concept for the ship come about?

As you may know, SFHQ was a break off club from a larger Star Trek RPG. The club as a whole was designed to provide players with the same type of posting environment, but with a club where COs controlled their own sims, the power of club government was diffused, and a firm set of principles was set in stone. The name I gave the USS Independence and the other 4 first sims were given specific names that embodied the spirit of SFHQ. The Independence was named to show our Independence from the original club, Resolution was named to show we were determined to make this a success, the Khitomer was a nod to a Star Trek incident where a new beginning was forged, and the Crazy Horse was a nod to a cannon Star Trek ship to show we would sim in an honest and true manner.

What do you feel has been Independence’s finest moment so far?

I think probably the finest moment was the completion of our first sim. We were one of the first sims to complete an actual sim in the history of AJJE. We started wobbly with a few posters, but by the end we had a full staff with decent posters. I think at that point I knew everything would be okay with SFHQ, and that we could last as a club.

It has been an interesting four years. Three anchor clubs now, Ride The Edge... But more on Independence. What's it like being a CO, for those who are considering the position?

My position on the Independence is a bit different in the sense that it is a CO/GM spot. And for those that have done that before, it is terribly different then being just a CO. Sometimes it is not as fun... but for me I like it a bit more. I can have my CO character lead the crew down the path that will result in many obstacles. Whereas sometimes a veteran CO would know better then to lead their crew into a GM trap, and be much more cautious. CO spot is perfect for the creative leader. But it takes time and energy, and sometimes patience. Not everyone fits that mold.

What’s been the most enjoyable plot you've done on the ship?

I think my favorite sim... and it's hard to remember the details... was a sim where the crew encountered a telekenetic species living in an asteroid. They were isolationists who dreaded outsiders. I remember it was the first time the crew was able to become action stars, ranging from being thrown against walls, avoiding cave ins, and fighting aliens. I think the bulk of the crew really enjoyed that one...

What are your plans for the future?

That's the million dollar question. I have phased myself out to some degree of SFHQ, because I truly felt I did all I could with the C in C position. However, I think I will remain CO of the Independence from the time being, because I still love to RP even after all these years...

Thanks to Alex for this interview. The next Random Travels ship will be somewhere in LOTW.