Okay, let's just toy with the idea. Just for fun. I don't know if it's realistic (maybe it's too big), but let's just take a look.
The idea of a good PBeM IMHO is to not contradict canon... but to weave around it. Playing on the Galactica with established characters is no fun. And making your own command staff for the Galactica would not be fun either. So, here's my suggestion:
The Battlestar: Minotos (or whatever) was one of the first of the new fleet built immediately after the first Cylon War. Rather than spend years redesigning at this point, an effort was made with those first few ships to copy the plans of the Galactica. As such, this ship is for the most part identical to what we are familiar with. (I don't think any "new Battlestars" would have the same attraction. I think the colloquial tech is part of the charm)
This ship would be old enough that it is likely in the process of being decommissioned along with the Galactica; however, lacking the Galactica's age and history it will not have the "benefit" of being turned into a museum. (This keep the overall crew size down, and sets a tone)
With the start of the new Cylon War, this ship would not be one of the first to respond. Once the initial results of the War started coming in, the Commander would slowly come to the same conclusion as the Galactica: the War is truly over as it began. The decision would be made to gather together civilians and leave for unknown space. (I know this copies the Galactica, but it also makes sense. Isn't this really the logical choice, if Valor doesn't cloud judgement?)
The civilians would likely feel they weren't being listened to. While they would know the President was still alive, her location would be a mystery. Likely, an Acting President would need to be established to speak to the Military Command Staff on the civilians behalf.
The Hosts of the game, I would suggest, would be the Commander of the ship and the (Acting) President. That way, each of them is responsible for roughly half the game - although they would still interact.
Anyways, those are my initial thoughts. I'm curious to hear modifications and opinions.
BSGmini PBeM sim
