FNN Edition 13

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Federation News Network for 20905.02.

Star Fleet News

Headlines

USS Drake Returns to Alpha

KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20905.02

In a surprising move the USS Drake was seen at Starbase Alpha earlier this week. The Drake, which was based out of Starbase Charlie, was believed to be on a mission near the Cardassian Border before being spotted so close to Earth.

A source inside Star Fleet said that both Admiral Treborn and Commander Crawford were reassigned to high priority separate missions. The source asked to remain nameless as he in unauthorized to speak about the situation.

The USS Drake made Galactic News a few months back after portions of their previous mission were leaked to the media. The Drake made first contact with a hostile species of bug like creatures. The Drake barely managed to escape the enemy space, though four more trade vessels have disappeared in the area since.

A spokesperson for Star Fleet said that the USS Drake has been scheduled for a major refit for quite some time. Whether the command staff reassignments were because of the refit, or the refit due to the reassignments is still unknown.

It is currently believed that the former crew of the USS Drake are being split up to different vessels. Many of them however are rumored to be assigned to the newly refit USS Dauntless.

USS Dauntless Launches

KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20905.02

It was reported last month that the USS Dauntless was to undergo a refit. It was also reported that the former crew of the Dauntless were being reassigned to the USS Pulsar as the new Flag Ship for the 1st Battle Group.

At that time many feared that the prestigious and history filled USS Dauntless would be in moth balls forever. That however is not the case. The FNN has recently learned that the USS Dauntless not only underwent a refit, but underwent a rush job refit. Apparently Star Fleet Command did not want one of its only Battle Cruisers out of operation for long.

The FNN has confirmed that Captain Tsing Mao Wong, former First Officer of the USS Enterprise, is assigned as the Commanding Officer of the Battle Cruiser. The FNN has also confirmed that Commander Julia Nielson has been named the First Officer. Nielson recently underwent a high priority court case which almost ended her Star Fleet Career.

The Dauntless is being crewed by a combination of new Academy graduates, unassigned personnel, and many crewmembers from the USS Drake, which undergoing a major refit.

The FNN would like to wish Captain Wong and the entire crew of the Dauntless good luck as they begin a new mission.

Refugees Arrive at Bravo

KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20905.02

A group of refugees apparently rescued from an enemy prison were delivered to Starbase Bravo earlier this month. So far everyone involved in the exchange had kept fairly silent on the situation leading up to the prisoners being rescued.

It is currently rumored that a scout vessel stumbled upon a facility that the leaders of evacuated due to unstable conditions. The leaders of the facility, believed to be Satarrans, left the prisoners to die.

It is also currently unknown who the former hostages are but some are thought to be high ranking Star Fleet Personnel.

All attempts to get a quote from Starbase Bravo have been denied. A spokes person for Star Fleet did give a brief comment. “Many things are over exaggerated. This is one of them.”

New First Officer Named

KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20905.02

The FNN reported that Captain Mike Wong was reassigned to his own command on the USS Dauntless. It is now being reported that Commander Frank Sheppard former Chief of Security of the Enterprise was named the new First Officer.

Many officials are applauding the mans appointment. They believe that a former Chief of Security makes a perfect First Officer especially during a time of war. Regardless of his previous department Commander Sheppard’s public record indicated him as an above average candidate.

It is also reported that a Lieutenant Ptaka was named as Sheppard’s replacement.

Travel the Galaxy

Alpha Majoris I
ARTEMIS WALKER
Travel Editor
Stardate 20905.02

War blues got you down and out? Want to escape away from it all? Why not try to solve the mystery of Alpha Majoris I?

They say a mysterious spirit haunts the planet. Alone at night, when the fire has dwindled down and all you can hear is the sizzle from the coals, they say the spirit will visit you. It will take the corporeal form of whatever you choose, but beware… there are rumours that this spirit is similar to the Redjac entity, which is highly dangerous!

This creature is often called the Mellitus, and to us old timers can be called a cloud creature. The Star Fleet database says that when in it’s “normal” state, the Mellitus exists only as a gas held together by a highly cohesive electromagnetic field. Yet when it stops, it becomes solid! Rumours have it that the legendary James T Kirk has seen a Mellitus and survived to tell the tale!

Is this spirit merely a fairy tale, the thing legends are made of? Or is it more, does it exist? Why not take a camping trip to Alpha Majoris I and find out?

You never know what fairy tale might prove to be true…

FedSpace News

20 Questions

Commander Alexis Tregelen
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20905.01

This month we spoke with Aaron, who plays Commander Alexis Tregelen, First Officer of Space Station Sierra-18.

Age, Sex, Location?
23, Male, Adelaide

When did you start playing on FedSpace?
March 28, 2004

What brought you to FedSpace?
I was playing a game called 'Space Federation' and forgot the URL so I googled for it and mistyped and found Federation Space. Space Federation is not really around much any more.

Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
Alex started out as me, as most people’s characters do. I really wanted cool mental powers so made him a Betazoid. And I was watching Angel on TV which is where I got the name Alexis (Alexis Denesoff plays Wesley) and that’s how he started.

Do you think it is easier or more difficult to play someone based on yourself?
Easier although it’s more fun to play someone that isn’t you.

What makes a good Ship/Station?
The crew and a strong leader.

What do you see as some goals for the future of your character?
To marry Cassie and become CO, and maybe in the far future head of Star Fleet science.

What are the differences you've found between being the FO of a starship and being the FO of a space station?
Nothing, its the same. Although you have more variety for different types of subs because there are a lot more types of characters (eg civilians).

If you could choose, what Trek species would you be?
Betazoid. Love the black eyes and the cool mental powers.

So far, what is your favorite part about being a member of FedSpace?
The entertaining stories.

If you were President for a day, what would you change?
Don’t know if I would change anything.

If you could name your own ship, what would you name it?
Adelaide.

What was it about Star Trek that made you like it?
To start with it was because it was on late and I wanted to stay up later. Then I started paying more attention to it and found that the episodes were really funny and fun to watch.

Who is your favourite character?
I dont know if I have one.

What piece of Star Trek technology would you most like to see today?
Everything. There are too many things that I would want: replicators, the air tram, transporters, faster than light drives…

What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
There is time outside of fed space now?? Umm mainly I’m just sitting on the couch watching tv with my gf or playing games or I’m at work which is where I get most of my fed space work done anyway.

What person from FedSpace would you most like to meet in real life?
I don’t think I could decide on just one person as I would want to meet all of them. I’ve met 2 already (One is no longer on site) but I would love to meet more. But top of the list would be Julia Nielson and Joseph Valiant.

What character from FedSpace would you most like to meet in real life?
LCdr Miller.

If you could have any super power what would it be?
Now this I have given a lot of thought to over the years and have decided on the power to manipulate time and space (eg Hiro from heroes).

What is your favourite role on the site?
Umm all of them. AI, GM, FO, Content Manager, I love it all. Although if I had to pick one I would say it would be the work on the wiki that I enjoy the most.

Thank you to Aaron for answering our questions!

Movers & Shakers

Promotions

Rank Ship
Med-ens.jpg Dana Davenport Space Station Sierra 18, SS-18
Sci-ltjg.jpg Gilora Rejal USS Pulsar, BB-100
Sec-ltjg.jpg Alex Ankar USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Med-lt.jpg Elliot Rice USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Rom-mil-Cent.jpg S'Tokkr RIS Shadowhawk
Sci-lcdr.jpg Phoenix Carter USS Enterprise, CV-07
Sec-lcdr.jpg Benjamin Vaughn USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Com-capt.jpg Paul Braggins* USS Ticonderoga, CA-1471

*Rank capped at Commander.

Medals

Medal Awarded To Ship
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Fran Katzenjammer USS Sheridan, DD-4086
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Kylara McKenzie USS Sheridan, DD-4086
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Griffin Wright USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg David Lamb USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Chris Kane USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Benjamin Vaughn USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Alex Ankar USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Tala Thaine USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Korbon Hawkens USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Elliot Rice USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-sfcm.jpg Thomas Stack USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Grph-med-ds.jpg Laura Macleod USS Gettysburg, BC-1863
Grph-med-sfdsg.jpg Julia Nielson USS Dauntless, BC-1553


Role-Player of the Month

Name Ship
Phoenix Carter USS Enterprise, CV-07
Judith Tucker USS Gettysburg, BC-1863
Gilora Rejal USS Pulsar, BB-100
Korbon Hawkens and Elliot Rice USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Peter Powell USS Copernicus, GEC-9035
Paul Braggins USS Ticonderoga, CA-1471
None awarded USS Sheridan, DD-4086
Dietrich Kaiser Space Station Sierra 18, SS-18
None awarded RIS Shadowhawk
Qal IKV Dreamslayer

Academy Graduates

Rank Ship
Tac-mid.jpg Jack Burrowes USS Pulsar, BB-100
Tac-mid.jpg David Lamb USS Dauntless, BC-1553
Eng-mid.jpg Chaenai Sumeru USS Ticonderoga, CA-1471
Tac-mid.jpg Skylar Volaris USS Sheridan, DD-4086
Med-mid.jpg Cassandra Nasir USS Sheridan, DD-4086
Sec-mid.jpg Sienna Tam Space Station Sierra 18, SS-18


Trek News

Movie News

What will you be doing?
RACHEL CHRISTIE | KEVIN AVERY
Editor-in-Chief | Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20905.01

We asked, are you doing anything special for the new Star Trek movie?

Cdr Alex Tregelen
I have 2 tickets booked to see it in gold class on Friday night and I already have my chicken and malteaser sundae ordered. Not the same dish by the way.

Cdr Julia Nielson
It comes out the day before my birthday, so I’ll be holding off until the 9th to see it (painful!). Will go after with my boyfriend and my family – and of course, will be wearing my Star Fleet Academy shirt from the Star Trek Experience!

LCdr Nicolas Ristone
I am trying to get 2 of my fellow Getty players to go see it with me.

Lt Tara ch’Thane
I was considering camping out in my car in front of the theater, that is. Anywhere else would be silly.

Mid Skylar Volaris
At the moment I'm trying to get a group together to go. Probably going to see it Friday though. I do have a phaser toy from the next generation era, I was considering bringing it with.

Lt [JG] Gabriel Fairen
I'm going early on Friday morning with my brother and then sometime that week end with my pop. I'm planning on seeing it twice.

Cdr Frank Sheppard
Going Tuesday for a preview hopefully, then Saturday with a bunch of the guys.

Cdr Zor Kayzon
Going Friday night with some friends. I have to work Friday and can't take off for the first showing.

Quote of the Month

Cathexis

"If you feel at any time, that any of us are under the influence of the alien, you can countermand our orders and take control of the ship. Do you feel up to it?" "Well of course, I make life and death decisions every day." "I feel better already."

  • Captain Janeway, informing The Doctor about transferring command codes to him, with a comment from Tom Paris

From Voyager: Season 1 Episode 13, Cathexis


Trek Trivia

RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20905.01

This Month’s Questions

Question 10: Name this species.

1. Name the episode in which Hikaru Sulu first appeared.
2. What device enables a blind Geordi La Forge to see?
3. Miles O’Brien’s father hoped Miles would attend the Aldeberan Music Academy to study what instrument?
4. What species was Kes?
5. What was the captain of the Enterprise at the beginning of The Motion Picture?
6. Name the episode in which Sarek first appeared.
7. The order prohibiting any contact with Talos IV is known as Star Fleet General Order

  • a) 4
  • b) 7
  • c) 24
  • d) 47

8. Which Next Generation character is passionate about archaeology?
9. In the episode “The City on the Edge of Forever,” what three words did James Kirk tell Edith Keeler would be recommended even over “I love you” in the future?
10. Name the species picture at the right.

Last Month’s Answers

1. What was Montgomery Scott’s position aboard the Enterprise?

  • Chief Engineer

2. What was Deanna Troi’s father’s occupation?

  • Star Fleet Officer

3. Before she was joined, what was Ezri Dax’ surname?

  • Tigan

4. Who designed the Doctor?

  • Doctor Lewis Zimmerman

5. In Star Trek The Motion Picture, what was the name that appeared in English on the hull of the Vulcan shuttle?

  • Surak

6. In what episode of what series were the Trill introduced?

  • The Next Generation, Season 4 Episode 23, “The Host”

7. What planet was the site of a survey mission where a transporter malfunction created an evil double of Kirk?

  • Alfa 177

8. Which of Hikaru Sulu’s hobbies was revealed in the episode “Shore Leave”?

  • c) Gun collecting

9. Who asked Kathryn Janeway “Did anyone ever tell you you’re angry when you’re beautiful?”

  • Q

10. In Star Trek Insurrection, how much shore leave did Jean Luc Picard say he had coming to him?

  • 318 days

Last Month’s Winners

1- Laura Macloed
2- Rachel Christie

All Around Champs

Rank Player Score
1. Laura Macleod 36
2. Rachel Christie 11
3. Tara ch’Thane 8
4. Joseph Daher 6

Joke of the Month

Why I don't ask for help too often

May09joke.jpg


Science News

Astronomy Pic of the Month

May09astropic.jpg

The Soyuz TMA-14 launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Thursday, March 26, 2009, carrying Expedition 19 Commander Gennady I. Padalka, Flight Engineer Michael R. Barratt and spaceflight participant Charles Simonyi to the International Space Station.

Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Astronomy News

Sunburnt Asteroids
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20905.02

Apparently humans aren’t the only thing in the universe who sun burn easily. Reported in the science journal Nature, scientists have found that asteroids also darken due to effects of the sun. However instead of being caused by ultraviolet radiation like a human sunburn, asteroid sun burns are caused by charged, fast moving particles found in solar winds.

Astronomers and scientist have long known that the surface of an asteroid changes over time, but it has long been a mystery as to why. Using several earth based telescopes, including the Very Large Telescope in Chile, researchers studied several asteroids. By comparing the age of each of the asteroids and their colour, solar wind was determine as the culprit for the sunburns. They also found that asteroids burn in less than a million years, which is much faster than scientist original thought – but just a tad longer than us humans.

Read more.

Science News

Video Games No So Bad
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20905.01

And who says video games are bad for you? In a recent study conducted by the University of Rochester, people who play action video games actually improve their eyesight.

The study took two groups of gamers, and had them play different games for 50 hours over the nine weeks that the study took place. The first group played more action oriented games such as Unreal Tournament 2004 and Call of Duty 2, while the second group played The Sims 2 which doesn’t require as much hand-eye coordination.

The first group showed an average of 43 percent improvement in their ability to discern close shades of gray, while the second group showed no improvement whatsoever. According to the study, playing action oriented video games change the brain’s pathway responsible for visual processing, making the brain adapt.

Normally an improvement such as this requires getting glasses or corrective eye surgery. Researchers are hoping these studies help to develop less invasive techniques to improve vision.

Read more.

Technology News

Who says size matters?
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20905.01

Last month in technology news we covered the rise of ebook readers. These light weight device enable the user to access hundreds of available book titles, and download them to the device providing they’re in cell tower range. It seems, however, that as desktop computer sales slow down, computer manufacturers are looking into ways to compete with such portable, wireless devices like ebook readers and smart phones. Their answer? A small, portable computer called a “netbook” or minicomputer.

Smaller than their laptop cousins, netbooks are made primarily with surfing the web or checking email in mind. They connect using wifi, typically operate using Windows XP or Linux, and do not come with any sort of disk drive. Netbooks are also smaller than laptops, measuring between 5 and 13 inches, while weighing approximately 2 to 3 pounds. These computers also come at a fraction of the cost of other computers: usually they are around the US$400 range, but there have been some instances of netbooks selling for US$50 with an internet plan.

While the sale of PCs is expected to drop this year by twelve percent, computer manufacturers are hoping that these netbooks will help to cushion the blow – sales of netbooks this year are expected to almost double to 21 million units sold, compared to last year’s 11.7 million.

As personal computers continue their march towards smaller and smaller units (and touch screen technology becomes more widespread), it needs to be asked – just when do we get PADDs?

Read more here and here.

This Month in Astronomy History

X PRIZE Competition
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20905.02

On May 18, 1996, the X PRIZE Competition is announced under Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri. The X PRIZE offered US$10 Million to the first person or team to successfully and safly launch and land a spacecraft capable of carrying three people to suborbital altitudes (100 kilometres / 62.5 miles), and then repeat the trip again two weeks later. The goal behind the X PRIZE was to help jump start civilian and commercial space programs. Twenty-six teams participated in the competition, though only five teams made it to the testing stage.

The X PRIZE was won on September 9, 2004, by spacecraft SpaceShipOne.