Simming the Mirror Universe

Created by Captain Talloc Hagen on Mon Dec 5th, 2011 @ 10:05am

How to Sim the Mirror Universe

There are a number of differences between the Main Star Trek Universe (MSTU) and the Mirror Universe (MU), this guide is hoped to help some of these problems, the Mirror Universe has been accurately described as more Star Wars in Beliefs and behaviours than Star Trek.

The main question we get asked is: Is the MU like Star Trek 11 (aka the JJ Abrams Reboot)?
The answer to this is pretty simple: No, the Abramsverse Reboot is an Alternate Universe, meaning that something has happened in the past to create a completely new timeline (Think Back to the Future). This is the difference between the Mirror Universe and the Abramsverse. There is some debate as to if the Mirror Universe itself is an Alternate Universe or if it's always existed but simply the opposite of the MSTU. For the sake of Task Force Equinox, the Mirror Universe has always existed separate from the MSTU.

The biggest issue for the Mirror Universe is that 90% of information has been considered 'Non Canon' by the Star Trek copyright holder, and the information that is considered canon, does not explain that much information. Because of this, some newcomers may be presented by a situation that is completely foreign to them, and at times UnStar Trek Like. This is because the GM's in our Mirror Universe Task Group have had to piece together information from a myriad of novels on the topic, picking what information is relevant and discarding what isn't. The TFE approved Mirror Universe Timeline is discussed in another article.

There are a number of misconceptions and actual canon aspects of the Mirror Universe that are incompatible with Role-play, the biggest one is that promotion is achieved through assassination. If TFE allowed this we would find a fleet of empty Sims. It was decided to remove this aspect of the Mirror Universe for the benefit of the fleet. While it could be applied for the benefit of a particular mission, but is frowned upon for day to day simming. The other big misconception about the Mirror Universe is that everyone is more sexually liberated than in the MSTU. This is not entirely true. While Mirror Universe Sims are generally rated MA or R, this is due to language and violence, not for sexual conduct. While canon representations of the Mirror Universe do show a more hedonistic attitude when compared to the MSTU, this does not show that members of Imperial Starships are more likely to be engaged in sexual activity all the time just that they may be freer to discuss their conquests. Imperial Starships are run with most of the same protocols that Federation Starships, namely that of fraternization, a ship could not run if the entire crew was exhausted due to continual sexual activity. While it is established that women in the Empire are more likely to be bisexual than in the true universe, and enjoy using their feminine wiles to achieve their goals, these are not excuses for nymphomania or sexual harassment.

Yes, xenophobia, bigotry and sexism do exist in the Mirror Universe, however, homophobia does not. What might be acceptable to one player may not be to another, so please let members know if you're not comfortable about a current situation. Xenophobia is permissible; as long as it doesn't result in racial violence, remember an Imperial officer utilizes the crew beneath them, no matter what species or gender they are. While in the MU, suffrage and women's rights did not necessarily take off, women are more liberated in the MU than in the MSTU. While female uniforms are shorter and reveal a lot more skin than their Starfleet equivalent; that is more of an aesthetic detail, as its never explained in any detail as to why; either the women in the MU have no issue with the uniform, or no one told them otherwise; regardless, it seems to fit the way that female officers are portrayed in the MU. They are more sexual, provocative and tend to know it. While there has not yet been a Female captain in Canon, there have been a number in Non-canon.

But before we go into the simming differences of the Mirror Universe we should point out the overall differences between the two parts.

The most obvious difference between the MU and the MSTU is the uniform. Before the fall of the Empire, there were obvious differences between uniforms;
Uniforms Overall:

Tend to be darker, more militaristic looking

After their invention, all crew wear an agoniser punishment device; but by the fall, these had no longer been mandatory.

All are armed. All personnel wear a service dagger on their belts. These belts will also bear the crest of the Empire.

For earlier period Mirror Universe Sims, a gold sash is worn around the waist, this sash is discontinued in late period TNG Sims.

Male uniforms look more like their MSTU counterparts

Optionally men can wear uniforms with no sleeves, and if applicable, can wear their uniform open, almost bare chested

Are a lot more revealing.

Hair is ALWAYS worn out, particularly if the hair is long, makeup is also permissible

All have exposed midriffs and low necklines, however, officers can wear a midriff full neck version of the tunic as well, but this is not as commonplace, some female officers particularly if the job requires it, can wear a full length uniform tunic while on duty

Skirts are commonplace, but are not exclusive, female officers can also wear pants

No Counsellors: Mirror Universe ships do not have Counsellors, it has never been established as to why, but those crewmembers who are counsellors in the MSTU, are listed as Political Officers in the Mirror Universe.

Political officers: Also known as Protocol Officers and Commissars, these crewmembers are either in the Security of Diplomatic Departments and usually fill the role as a Mission Advisor. They exist as much to extend the influence of the Empire as they are to spy on the rest of the crew to ensure their loyalty.

Military Operations: in the Mirror Universe there is no distinction between Security and Marine Operations, all security personnel adopt Marine Ranks and wear Marine Fatigues, there is a break however, between the Marines and Tactical departments. While the two are still the one department, Tactical officers wear fleet uniforms and have fleet ranks, the department head is always a Marine officer known as the Military Operations Commander.

The Imperial Order/Guard: These may not be present in all MU Sims, but these creatures are the secret police of the Empire and the bodyguards of the Emperor. Staunchly xenophobic and exclusively Terran, these augments were wiped out almost to a man when the Empire Fell and more will be discussed in a separate article.

Specialist Characters: Bodyguards and the Captains Consort. The Mirror universe is a dangerous place, and while TFE does not normally allow assassinations, Captain's, Executive Officers and the Captain's Consort are entitled a bodyguard NPC character. The Captain's Consort is essentially an officer of the crew with 'additional' duties, either as a spy for the Captain, or someone like Hoshi Sato, an officer with her own aspirations and realized that the best way to get there is to ally herself intimately with the captain.

There are also differences in how departments operate in the MU, in the MU, there is a much more regimented hierarchy, officer's command and the enlisted follow. There is generally less discussion and collaboration, but it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. But in MU departments you will find something present that the MSTU does not have; corporal punishment. Enlisted and Officers alike can face the risk of punishment from a superior for failing a task, now this depends on how the superior is played as to what warrants it. Whippings are common for minor offenses, as well as exposure to Agonisers. For more serious offenses periods of time in the Agony booth may be ordered by a superior officer. Depending on the demeanour of the superior, they may simply assault their subordinate as punishment. Imperial sickbays are regularly filled with subordinates who have failed their tasks.

However it should be noted that only three officers can authorize time in the agony booth for instances aside from punishment, the Commanding Officer, the Executive Officer and Military Operations Commander. Interrogations and investigations are more likely to utilize torture to gain information, no matter as to how inefficient that is.

There are a number of ideological differences between the MSTU and the MU:

Medical Department: Doctors tend to be more clinical to a situation, and may not have the compassion or ethical restrictions that real world doctors would. Research on living beings is common and even encouraged as well as research on bioweapons and nerve agents.

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