FNN Edition 18
Star Fleet News
Headlines
Star Fleet Captain Killed In Hover-sled Accident
CESTLY WRUSHER
Columnist
Stardate 20911.01
Captain T.M. Wong, Commanding Officer of the USS Dauntless along with another Dauntless crewmember, Lieutenant Tara ch'Thane, died in an apparent hover-sled crash near Vinson Massif, Antarctica on Earth. Sources confirmed that the two died while on shore leave when their hover-sled crashed.
The USS Dauntless is currently docked at Star Base Alpha. Dauntless First Officer, Commander Julia Nielson had no comment on the accident but seemed visibly upset when asked about it. Admiral Jeff Linden, Chief of Operations for the 1st Battle Group at Star Base Alpha only confirmed the accident and declined any other details only saying, “That the accident is still under investigation.”
FNN sources state that Wong, 46, a native Taipei on Earth, recently finished his first mission as Commanding Officer of the Dauntless and may have been romantically involved with ch’Thane, a Medical Officer also serving aboard the Dauntless. She was 25 and from Laibok on Andoria.
While the accident is still under investigation, a source close to the investigation told FNN that polar orbiting sensors detected a large explosion in the St Moritz area. A team from Scott Base sent to investigate the explosion found debris as well as Wong’s and ch’Thane’s DNA at the charred crash site. Due to inclement weather moving in, the investigation was postponed until after the storm front passed.
FNN news will keep you updated on this ongoing story as it develops.
Conversations with Cestly…
Lieutenant Daniel Brooks
CESTLY WRUSHER
Columnist
Stardate 20911.02
Hello dearies! It’s Cestly, I had the most interesting conversation with a young Star Fleet Officer and I thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy!
It all started last month when I was on Star Base Alpha covering another story when I stopped by that quaint little bar, The Drunken Tribble. After ordering my favorite beverage, Sweet Iced Tea, I noticed a handsome young man with the bluest eyes sitting alone at a table near the bar.
You know me; I can’t resist a handsome face, so I made my way over to the table and asked if I could join him. He happily invited me to sit down with the cutest little smile.
CW: Hello there, handsome. I’m Cestly Wrusher.
DB: Hello ma’am, I am Daniel Brooks.
CW: Oh Daniel is such a wonderful name, so strong and masculine. I see by your uniform that you are a Lieutenant in the Medical Department. Do you serve aboard a ship?
DB: Yes, I am the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Copernicus.
CW: Chief Medical Officer! You look so young. So where are you from Chief Medical Officer Daniel? I love that accent of yours.
DB: Well, I am from Hampshire, England. Brought up on the family farm. My father is a scientist who works from a shed, while my mother runs the farm.
CW: So what made you choose the medical profession?
DB: I decided on the medical field after watching an operation done by my uncle who also served in Star Fleet. It gave me a different outlook on things so I chose to follow in his footsteps rather than my father’s as quite frankly my father’s job seemed very boring.
CW: That’s very admirable, but don’t be too hard on your father. Farmers are so important. Just between you and me, I can’t stand replicator food, nothing beats the real thing. What kind of challenges do you face as a Chief Medical Officer?
DB: Challenges? Every day is a challenge. You don't know what is going to come through those doors to test your skills and experience. But, if you have sickbay running well and a good team under you it seems as if there is hardly a problem that cannot be solved. I enjoy the challenges that are thrown my way as much as saving people’s lives.
CW: Wow! Your Job sounds very exciting. Do you like serving on the Copernicus?
DB: Very much so. It is basically an exploration ship which I always wanted to be assigned to. I was posted to the Copernicus when I left the academy and really looks like I won't be moving just yet. It is a great ship and a really good crew. We all work very hard and it shows.
CW: Well that’s good that you’re serving somewhere that you like. So How do you feel about the recent war with the Romulans now that it is over. Did you see any action during the war?
DB: I am just happy the war is over. War isn't good whichever way you look at it. It can sometimes be the only answer. We did have a mission on the Copernicus that took us to a newly discovered, uninhabited, M-class world very close to the Romulan Star Empire, which in itself was a difficult mission.
CW: Well, I’m certainly glad that you and the Copernicus made it back. We lost so many good boys and girls to that war. It’s just breaks my heart thinking about it. So now that the war is behind us, what career goals do you have?
DB: My career goals....well. They have changed a lot since joining and moving up through the ranks. Since taking over as CMO I feel now at ease and would look forward to further promotion. I would even think about moving into the Command part from medical if the posting was right. But for now being CMO, it gives me the chance to build on my experiences and how to tackle decisions.
CW: I think you certainly have a bright future ahead of you. So, I take it you’re on shore leave. Any interesting plans?
DB: Nothing exciting planed as yet, went back to Earth this time as based at Star Base Alpha instead of Star Base Charlie. But I may do some travelling to somewhere. Depends really, where my mood takes me.
CW: Ah a free spirit! A man after my own heart.
That was my conversation with Lieutenant Brooks, Chief Medical Officer of the USS Copernicus. He’s such a delightful, respectful young man. Not to mention handsome, and ladies, he’s single!
I hope you enjoyed my Conversations this month! I know that I sure did. Until next time, Au revoir.
The Tribble
JIMMY “The Weasel” FRATIANNO
Tribble Columnist
Stardate 20911.01
The body of the 'man who disappeared from the face of the earth', Jimmy Haffa, has been found! His body was found underneath the IRS building in Washington DC, United States, Earth. Archaeologists confirmed the body to be the man himself after a Star Fleet historian was looking through files in the archives which date back to it's founding. Unfortunately, 24 hours before the body was to be put in a proper resting place, they lost it.
The Surgeon General of Remus announced that tooth paste causes teeth cancer. The symptoms include fresh breath, blinding people around you on a sunny day when you smile, and your dental hygienist will actually compliment how healthy your teeth are. It happens only when done every day over a reasonably short period of time. However the teeth cancer is considered to be non-life threatening and his last statement is to be ignored.
In the Star Fleet Science Institute, Chief Meteorologist Captain Don King suddenly announced his intention to retire after a forecast he gave to the Federation Council concerning the weather changes of planets and the overall stability of the galaxy. When asked why he announced it then Captain King spoke, "I gave the ultimate forecast, my job is completed." The following is a quote of what was said: "The weather systems of the planets, as well as the overall stability of the galactic forces in normal space, sub-space, and warp space shall change on and off for a long, long time." Captain King has told the Weasel that he shall now make a living as a disk jockey.
Do you have a lead for Jimmy? Email him!
Travel the Galaxy
Betazed
CESTLY WRUSHER
Columnist
Stardate 20911.02
Dense Jungles, lush valleys, deep canyons, high cliffs and breath-taking waterfalls are just a sampling of the unique features that await travelers to Betazed. Whether you are a water person or a land lover, Betazed offers something for you.
Lake El-Nar, Lake Cataria, Opal Sea, and the Janaran Falls offer spectacular opportunities for those who enjoy water activities and site-seeing. Regardless if you swim, sail, fish or just walk along the shoreline, your troubles will wash away at this planetary paradise.
For those who prefer a solid surface, there is plenty for you to do as well. If you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, camping or just site seeing there are plenty of wonderful opportunities.
Two plants that visitors should seek out are the Muktok and Uttaberry plants. The Muktok is a flowering plant that produces a wonder scent that actually chimes when you brush up against it. A walk through a Muktok patch is a musical. Uttaberries are a delicious tasty treat that everyone must try.
In addition to the wonderful landscape, Betazed has a rich, diverse and open culture. Just a little warning though, Betazoids are telepathic, so be mindful of your thoughts. Enjoy!
FedSpace News
Dear Abby
LCDR ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 20911.02
Each month I will be taking your questions regarding FedSpace procedure and protocols, and getting answers from various Academy personnel and FedSpace admins. No question is too small!
What can I do to get over writer’s block?
Ask five people that question and you will most likely come up with five different answers. I find that when I am suffering from writer’s block I try to do something that is not writing, but inspires me. For example, I will read a cookbook! Looking at the beautifully designed books and seeing the potential of something that I could create is like filling up the inspiration tank. That creativity can then be transferred to any other project I’m working on. Some other suggestions include going for a walk outside or reading a good book. The man behind LCdr Jaden Hawk offers: “I try and do other things to take my mind off writing and then, I watch people and usually something in what they say or do, sparks a thought and that usually gets me through it.”
How do I get my bio updated?
Contact either your FO or CO with the information you’d like updated.
How do I make a registered NPC?
You need to be a lieutenant junior grade or higher to create one. Registered NPCs are usually more developed than a temporary NPC, so it’s usually a good idea to create a bio for the character. The next step is to talk to your Commanding Officer, who needs to give you permission. They can help you out with registration from there.
If the Federation is on the Credit system, then where's my check?
In the mail, didn’t you get it?
If a person had an idea for a ship mission, what process would I need to go through to get it approved?
I went to the Creative Director himself, RAdm Grant, for the answer: “That person should, before they waste a lot of time writing something up, contact the Creative Director via email with a ‘concept’—2 to 3 paragraphs explaining what they are thinking of. Then, at the discretion of the Creative Director and Vice Creative Director, the mission will either be returned to the player for development, developed by one of the pre-approved mission authors, or in some (although it is rare) cases, the mission idea is rejected because it conflicts with certain creative elements or directions which are planned for the site. I welcome ideas from players, and encourage them to send them to me.”
Do you have a question for Abby? Please email her!
Movers & Shakers
Promotions
| Rank | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Jacob Maxwell | USS Enterprise, CV-07 |
|
Kyle Dewitt | Space Station Sierra 18, SS-18 |
 |
Alex Ankar | USS Dauntless, BC-1553 |
 |
Hoya Dwora | USS Ticonderoga, CA-1471 |
Medals
Role-Player of the Month
Academy Graduates
| Rank | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Orri Kórosenn | USS Dauntless, BC-1553 |
|
Phuz'vaav | USS Sheridan, DD-4086 |
Star Trek News
Headlines
The Return of Khan
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20911.02
As the relaunched Star Trek is getting ready to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray later this month, the team behind the latest flick has been ramping up to work on the next film.
Comments regarding Star Trek XII from the creatives working on it indicate that nothing in the way of ideas is off limits yet, as far as storylines and characters that have made appearances in the show. While JJ Abrams has indicated some concern in reusing storylines that have been written in Star Trek stone—he doesn’t want to simply remake episodes we’ve seen in the past – he’s not about to just dismiss something because its been done before.
So does that mean that everyone’s favourite Khan Noonien Singh will be making a reappearance in Abrams’ parallel universe Trek that was created in Star Trek XI? Abrams commented that now that they have created this new parallel universe, anything is possible. “Dealing with Khan would certainly be a challenge, but we had an equal challenge in finding our crew of the Enterprise,” Abrams stated.
Abrams is confident that the writers working on the next film will do it justice: “When Bob Orci and the others who know Trek so well, the fun of working with them is they know this universe so deeply, they’re the ones who are always considering what it means to deal with the stuff in the past, so it’ll be exciting.”
Star Trek XII is tentatively set for a 2011 release.
Quote
North Star
"Do you have any experience riding these animals?"
"I've seen every John Ford western."
"Who?"
"Look, how hard can it be?"
- T'Pol and Trip, just before T'Pol climbed up on Trip's horse
Enterprise, Season 3 Episode 9, North Star
Trivia
This Month’s Questions
1. Which class of starship was the Enterprise in The Original Series?
2. Whom did Katherine Pulaski replace when she was assigned to the Enterprise-D?
3. What entity possessed Keiko O’Brien’s body in the DS9 episode “The Assignment”?
4. Voyager was catapulted to the Delta Quadrant after entering which region of space?
5. In The Undiscovered Country, who opened negotiations with Gorkon at the behest of the Vulcan ambassador?
6. What did Deanna Troi describe to Lwaxana as a “moldy old pot”?
7. In the episode “Mirror, Mirror”, what was the handheld punishment device used on the alternate Enterprise?
8. Which member of the USS Voyager crew likes to use a holo-imager to take photos of everyone?
9. In which Deep Space Nine episode did an ancient Bajoran ship come through the worm hole and its only passenger claims to be the Emissary of the Prophets?
10. Name the species pictured to the right.
Last Month’s Answers
1. With which Enterprise crewmember was Christine Chapel infatuated?
- Spock
2. What was Natasha Yar’s job on the Enterprise-D?
- Chief of Security
3. The first time Jake Sisko appears in the DS9 episode “Emissary”, what is he doing?
- Fishing
4. What class of starship is Voyager?
- Intrepid-class
5. True or False: Geordi La Forge’s eyes regenerated during Star Trek: Insurrection?
- True
6. In the DS9 episode “The Adversary”, a changeling impersonated which ambassador?
- Krajensky
7. Who defended James Kirk at his court martial?
- Samuel T Cogley
8. What did Charlie Evans give Janice Rand as a gift to impress her?
- A bottle of her favourite perfume
9. In which TOS episode does the Enterprise travel back in time to the 1960s just prior to the first moon landing?
- TOS Season 1 Episode 21, Tomorrow is Yesterday
10. What species is picture on the right?
Last Month’s Winners
1. Laura Macleod
2. Kyle DeWitt
All Around Champs
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Laura Macleod | 81 |
| 2. | Kivsi Diaz | 15 |
| 3. | Rachel Christie | 14 |
| 4. | Tara ch’Thane | 8 |
| 4. | Kyle DeWitt | 8 |
| 5. | Joseph Daher | 6 |
Joke
Shat Hits the Fan
Science News
Astropic
The Crab Nebula as seen from Hubble.
Credit: NASA, ESA, J. Hester, A. Loll (ASU); Acknowledgement: Davide De Martin (Skyfactory).
Astronomy
Non Fictional Facts of Interest to Space Cadets
DIRK STRAIGHT
Guest Columnist
Stardate 20911.01
Hello folks! Dirk Straight – former FNN anchorman back from retirement to report on some of the science headlines from “real life.”
Rovers Spirit and Opportunity continued to outlive their warranties and provide science from Mars. Despite an initial life expectancy of 3 months these mobile science platforms that landed on the red planet in January 2004 are still for the most part working!
Spirit has been immobilized in soft sand since April of this year, and has recently suffered some memory issues – but hopes of freeing the vehicle are still quite alive.
Opportunity is crawling its way towards a huge crater and has studied meteorites on the Martian surface recently.
Space Shuttle Replacement test a success – more or less.
The first full scale test flight of the prototype Ares I platform was marred only by the partial failure of her parachutes to bring the booster to a soft ocean landing for recovery.
Ares is currently slated to take the next generation of shuttles into orbit and beyond as NASA looks towards taking man back to the moon and on to mars.
November 17, prime time for a shower!
If you’re like me, you love a good shower and you have a nagging pain in your right big toe. Gout? Possibly but what does that have to do with this article? Nothing, nothing at all.
Do you like sitting in your back yard, in the dark, staring up at the sky? If so then you really need to get a life, or just join me between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m. EST on the 17th and look to the southeast.
The yearly Leonid meteor shower is forecast to peak for those lucky insomniacs in the United States and back bacon loving neighbors to the North. As many as 30 shooting stars an hour!
Think of all the wishes! And it being almost Christmas too!
Technology
To Text or Not to Text
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20911.01
A few days ago my friends and I got together to watch movies and share the photos from each of our recent trips abroad. Laughter and good times ensued. Somewhere in the middle of looking at photos of Hong Kong, my friend whips out her blackberry to check her facebook. All stories come to a halt as we wait for her to finish messaging back whoever it was that contacted her. Five minutes later, after the friend had apologized and promised not to touch her phone again, we’re looking at photos from Germany when her hand inches closer to the blackberry’s shiny pink casing.
As much as she apologizes for interrupting the conversation, she can’t help herself. My friend is officially addicted to her crackberry, and there’s nothing short of a dead battery that can pull her away.
Chances are you’ve had a similar occurrence, whether it be someone armed with a blackberry, iphone, or various other smartphone that is on the market. One respondent to a survey done by the Globe and Mail newspaper stated that she had encountered entire groups of people together, not talking to each other but simply texting, surfing the internet, or playing games on their smartphones.
As advanced as this new technology may seem, it’s also been on the receiving end of backlash. Users who haven’t learned etiquette with smartphones are starting to find themselves being isolated from their groups of friends. Part of that is of their own choice (when they want to play video games on their phones), other times its when friends and coworkers choose to ignore those with the disrespectful behaviour.
It’s gotten to the point where many companies are starting to write smartphone use guidelines into their codes of conduct, or banning the use of the technology during working hours.
So what is socially acceptable behaviour when it comes to using a smartphone? When should you just turn it off?
Aerospace Forum
LT VLADIMIR KOMOSCOV
Guest Columnist
Stardate 20911.01
Editor’s Note: Welcome to a new column here on the FNN, the Aerospace Forum. Vladimir Komoscov is an aerospace engineer in training, and each month he’ll be answering your engineering related questions and keeping FedSpace up to date on the latest aerospace news.
What does it take to become a real life rocket scientist?
There are two answers to this question; the connotative answer and the denotative answer. I shall answer the denotative first:
The undergraduate course work (i.e. 4-year college) follows a similar lower division track that is common for all Engineering majors; whether it be Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil or even Nuclear that varies based upon the university. One will have completed (on a semester system): two semesters of General Chemistry, four semesters of Calculus, four semesters of Physics (Calculus based), one semester of Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Computer Programming (mainly C++), Statics, Graphic Design for Engineers (CAD, RHINO, etc), AC/DC theory and Materials, on top of the General Education classes. It is common practice for Engineering students to receive a broad foundation that they could take anywhere in any specialty. In my case, I would double major in both Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering because Mechanics and Aerospace go hand in hand in many situations. Those specialty classes will be in the upper division track where one learns almost exclusively in the field or fields they are learning. For the sake of space, I will say that upon successfully completing the program and receives a degree and works for an Aerospace company like NASA, Boeing, Airbus, or even in an Airline working on aircraft, you are a Rocket Scientist.
The connotative answer is done with this fable:
A young boy walks up to two men who are laying bricks in a massive area. The boy asks the first man, “What are you doing?” and the man looked at him rolling his eyes and speaking harshly, “I'm laying bricks. What does it look like?” The young boy then goes up to the second man and asks him the same question. “What are you doing?” The second man looks at the boy with a smile on his face and in a proud tone, he replies, “Can't you see? I'm building a cathedral!”
The moral of the story? Aerospace Engineers are big-picture people. We don't just see the small things, we see the whole picture, system, project, what ever. The most important aspect to being an Aerospace Engineer or anything else for that matter is to look at it for what it is, the good times and bad times and ask yourself honestly, “Do I really want to put up with this crap for the rest of my life?” and with a smile on your face and maybe a shrug answer, “What the hell.” Most likely you will have the drive to be successful. It is a tough course, but it all starts with that one decision. “I want to be what I want to be.”
This Month…
Laika
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20911.01
On November 3, 1957, a little female terrier named Laika became the first animal to orbit Earth. Some scientists of the time believe humans would be unable to survive a space launch or the conditions of outer space, but Laika’s mission proved that a living passenger could survive both. While Laika did not survive the mission, she is honoured with a statue outside Star City, Russia, the Russian Cosmonaut training facility.
