FNN Edition 25
Star Fleet News
Headlines
A Legend Joins the Flag Officer's Club
VADM DERRICK GRANT
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21006.01
Those of you who know me (Kevin Avery) know that I am often not a fan of the press. Heck, I hate the press. So when I was asked to produce the editorial and formal announcement for the promotion of Captain T.M. Wong to Commodore, I found a lot of irony in it. Let me tell you a big part of why that is. To do so we need to go back in time about four years, and travel all the way to Star Base Alpha...
It was somewhere around Star Date 20606.xx. I was a Commander then, and among other jobs I was assigned as Chief of Security at Star Base Alpha. I'd been there for about a year. It had been pretty quiet on the base, and I had established a very good security policy.
And then the USS Enterprise docked after one of her first missions.
Captain K'Etana, her First Officer, a half-Klingon, ended up being arrested in connection with a disturbance on the base. She was due to face a minor hearing and would likely have been released within a few days. Unknown to my staff she was romantically involved with a human, one Commander T.M. "Mike" Wong, the Chief Medical Officer aboard the Enterprise. He entered sickbay and as her attending demanded that he be allowed to visit her in her cell. At the time we had no reason to refuse such a request so we allowed him entry.
He then committed a jailbreak, busting her out of my brig, and causing damage to the security systems and injury to members of my staff in the process. And then the two of them and their shipmates proceeded to cause another disturbance in a small cafe on the promenade. My staff, following procedures and protocols to the letter, arrested the lot of them and put them in maximum security, and under constant guard, lest they attempt another escape.
Their Commanding Officer, then Rear Admiral (now Admiral) Matthew Thrawn, was called down and after he and I came to an agreement relating to their release—including that they would get adequate disciplining on his ship and would be leaving the base presently, I released them with the utter hope of never hearing the name "Mike Wong" again.
It wasn't until over two years later when I received a briefing on another matter and saw Wong's name come up. He'd apparently not only succeeded in overcoming his tendencies, he had been promoted to First Officer of the USS Enterprise, our flagship, and had been central in securing a treaty with the Klingon Empire. I was impressed, and hoped that I'd get to meet this new Captain Wong at some point.
Well he went on to get command of one of Star Fleet's most prestigious ships, the USS Dauntless. One of only two battle cruisers in existence out of only three that were built. The USS Avenger was destroyed during the Borg invasion about 8 years ago. And the sister to the Dauntless, the USS Gettysburg, was the ship which I commanded at that time.
Well I recently became re-acquainted with Captain Wong while visiting Carraya for the conference regarding the Romulan supernova. I found Captain Wong to be a model officer, and a gentleman, and someone who had certainly done his 'seat time' and earned his way in Star Fleet. Coincidentally I was honored with the privilege of promoting him to Commodore, although it did happen rather informally at the reception following. Those who know me also know that I prefer 'unique' promotions, and I believe that Commodore Wong will not forget this one.
So I'd like to formally congratulate Commodore T.M. "Mike" Wong on his promotion to Commodore. The keycard to the executive washroom has been sent to you, sir.
Rear-ly Gone?
ROBERT PESTONOVICH
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21006.01
Star Fleet Command today issued a brief statement that Rear Admiral Alanna Treborn, former CO of the USS Drake and ex-Commander of the recently renamed 3rd Battle Group, has been declared missing in action.
The statement went on to say;
“The Admiral disappeared whilst travelling in the vicinity of the Athel system on the border of Klingon space. Unusual signatures in the region indicate a faulty warp drive and consequently the Admiral’s location cannot be confirmed. If you sight her please alert the nearest authorities as Star Fleet Command remain highly concerned for her safety.”
Perhaps explaining the real reason for Star Fleet’s concern, I can exclusively reveal to FNN viewers that Admiral Treborn was until recently working as the head of the Star Fleet Science Institute’s Special Projects Division. She was privy to high-level secrets and valuable security information known only to a handful of people within the whole Federation.
The question has to be asked. Is this indeed an abduction of a heroine of the Federation, or something much darker indeed? My sources within Star Fleet tell me that the Admiral was extremely unhappy in her position of late, and she has gone on record with opinions and beliefs contrary to much of what is espoused by the Federation government.
The only person who can truly answer this question is Admiral Treborn herself. If you know where she is or have information that may lead to her location, please contact this station or your nearest Star Fleet facility.
Ship Relaunched
STAR FLEET PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Official Press Release
Stardate 21006.01
Star Fleet is pleased to announce the re-launch of the USS Philadelphia, FF-6053. The Philadelphia is joining the battleship USS Nova's battle flotilla. Several crew have already been assigned to pilot her from Earth to the Nova's current position (classified), and several more will join her upon arrival at the Nova.
The Philadelphia has a rich history in the fleet, having participated in almost every major engagement in the past ten years, and has had several memorable Commanding Officers and crews. The refit and re-crewing of the Philadelphia is expected to put this great and historical vessel back where it belongs—on the front lines making legends.
Travel the Galaxy
Life Under the Sea
ARTEMIS WALKER
Travel Editor
Stardate 21006.01
Looking for the getaway of getaways? Why not visit Azati Prime? Located in the Azati Prime system, this water oasis is the perfect vacation destination for anyone looking for an out of character kind of vacation.
Let me tell you, this is no Risa! And don't take that to be a bad thing. Azati Prime is a beautiful tourist destination for those who don't want to have to deal with other tourists. The various Xindi species who inhabit the planet will welcome you to relax. Water covers the majority of this oasis. It makes it a great destination for snorkelers, scuba divers, and fishers. For those of you who are looking for pristine, unpopulated beaches, then Azati Prime is for you as all buildings are below water!
For the history buffs in the crowd, there are several fascinating tours available. My favourite was the one to visit the facilities where the Xindi superweapon as initially built during the Xindi-Terran War in the 22nd Century. This somber facility to remind you what the costs of war are, and that as much as we try to avoid it war does happen.
Those of you who are looking for more lighthearted excursions are encouraged to try out the Azati Prime shopping tour, which focuses on many of the beautiful handcraft garment shops on the planet. For the sports lovers out there, there are many tours which include underwater hockey, underwater rugby, and underwater parrises squares.
So don't forget about Azati Prime, the water oasis!
FedSpace News
Headlines
The Exodus
RADM THOMAS GRAYSON
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21006.01
I have had a number of people asking what the Exodus is/was all about over the past two months, so let me give you some background.
Back at around the beginning of the year, President Beckett and I talked about the 10th anniversary of the site, and wanted to do something to commemorate it. We decided that a combination of a few things would do this best. First, we'd have a ceremony/gathering of some type, which anyone on the site could participate in. It would be an in-game affair and would be in a displaced timeline so it wouldn't interfere with missions, etc. This would include several promotions and some changes to the site/fleet structure, most of which have occurred by now.
Additionally we wanted to lay the groundwork for a major plot. We went back and forth on what plot to do, and after a discussion with Riov Sevala we decided to use a modified version of the STAR TREK 2009 plot with the supernova near Romulus. While I can't give away any 'secrets' a lot of the basic idea is already in the Concourse and the plot's backstory has begun via the USS Republic. I encourage you all to read it.
The pre-story mostly took/takes place on Carraya IV, a planet which has had a lot of history both in Star Trek canon and in Federation Space. It is strategically located where the Federation, Romulan Star Empire, Klingon Empire, and the new Democratic Romulan Republic (DRR) meet. It is a world which is very independent, although at present it is under Klingon control.
The events of the Concourse, the bar, and other areas have been a complete success if you ask me, with crews from all over the site having an opportunity—and using it!--to interact and run multiple subplots. I wish I had time to read ALL of it, but what I have read has been an inspiration, and I am very pleased to see what you all are doing.
Keep your eye on the Exodus as time goes on, as there will be bits of the story appearing there, as well as in your missions.
Thank you. It is always an honor.
Dear Abby
Questions for 21006.01
CDR ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21006.01
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!
When writing a post, should I refer to somebody by their full rank or their abbreviated rank?
This is really up to you, or your CO if they have a preference. I know when I make a post I play it by ear, because depending on the situation it could be either. Usually though, I use the full rank. For example if my character was speaking to an Ensign, she wouldn't say "Hey Ee-en-es Mathers, come here!" which is what would come out if I wrote it "Hey Ens Mathers, come here!" For the post I would include the full rank, since that's what she'd say. "Hey Ensign Mathers, come here!"
There are exceptions, of course. For example, sometimes ranks get nicknames. A Lieutenant Junior Grade is sometimes just called a JG or Jay-Gee. This shortening is intentional, so "Hey JG Mathers, come here!" Just like sometimes a Lieutenant might be just called an LT or El-Tee. Those are intentional shortenings. There are also cases where your character might be writing a letter to somebody, or looking up a personnel record, so the abbreviated use in your post is appropriate. For example:
- Abby opened the message that was addressed to her from her husband. She was eager to read it, as it had been a few days since she'd spoken to Bill.
- [To: Cdr Taylor, Abigail
- From: RAdm Gillenwater, William
- Re: Miss you! ……] etc
As you can see, the abbreviate ranks were used in the message. But it's good to check with your CO what their preference is.
A DH position has come up on another ship, am I allowed to apply?
Yup! If a CO or FO has posted a position you'd like to apply for in the Situations Vacant thread and you meet the requirements, you're more than welcome to apply. If you get accepted, just remember to ask your current CO for permission to transfer.
I'm having troubles with the next person in the Chain of Command, what do I do?
If you are having any problems with someone in the Chain of Command, you should speak with their direct superior. So if you feel you can't talk to your Department Head, then speak to your First Officer. If you can't speak to your Captain, then go to your Group Commander.
Why is the sky black?
You're wearing your sunglasses inside again. And it's nighttime.
Are missions made up when a ship needs one, or are there any missions in reserve?
I asked the Creative Director and site Vice President, Rear Admiral Thomas Grayson, for his answer:
"Short answer: 'Yes'. We usually have a few missions in reserve, however due to the flexible nature of the site creatively we usually create missions 'on demand'. This is because sometimes ships are to be involved in sitewides or perhaps there have been crew or command changes which make previous mission ideas invalid for that ship. We keep a reserve list of missions which can usually be modified to be used as well."
Do you have a question for Abby? Please email her or the editor-in-chief.
20 Questions
Capt Paul Braggins
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21006.01
This month for 20 Questions I spoke with Paul who plays Captain Paul Braggins, Commanding Officer aboard the USS Ticonderoga, CA-1471.
Age, Sex, Location?
20, Male, London UK.
When did you first join FedSpace?
March 2004.
What brought you to FedSpace?
I actually don't really know, I'd always liked to write since I was small and I suppose it seemed like a good place to meet new people and develop new skills.
Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
Well, considering that my character shares my name, I wanted him to be like me...which is to say, he's a bit odd. Then when it came to writing a backstory, I didn't want him to have the standard privileged Federation upbringing that everyone else seems to in the series. I got the idea of him growing up on a backwater planet from the "New Frontier" series of books...and my character kinda spiralled out of control from there. I'm pretty much making it all up as I go along...
Do you think it is easier or more difficult to play someone based on yourself?
Probably more difficult. You have to consider that my character's had a rough life so far, both his parents are dead as are the majority of his friends. Having not had the same experiences as my character, it sometimes takes me a while to figure out how he will react to any given situation. At times though, I know he would react in the same way I would, so it's not always so hard.
So far, what is your favorite part about being a member of FedSpace?
The people...I've met a lot of great people in my six years with the site, I've watched excellent players develop from nervous Cadet to confident Captain and have made a whole bunch of friends doing so. I've been lucky enough to meet several of them in person, and I doubt I'd be where I am today without their guidance and support.
If you were president for a day, what would you change?
I don't really think I'd change anything...the site seems fine to me as it is...
What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
Until recently I was an employee at Games Workshop, so I spent a lot of time painting and playing with model soldiers. I still do, but I don't get paid for it. I'm trying to get myself published with GW's fiction division, but that's a lengthy process. If you ever find me not pretending I'm in the 41st Millenium, I'll usually be in a family member's garden doing the weeding or decorating their kitchen...a man's gotta make money somehow.
What is your favorite Star Trek series?
Tough call...I liked DS9 because it added a darker side to the Star Trek Universe, showing that while Humanity had all but got rid of war, there were other races out there who thrived on it and were more than prepared to plunge an entire Quadrant into war to suit their own petty gains. However, it was The Original Series that originally hooked me when I was...about four...so it has to be the original adventures of Kirk and the Enterprise.
Do you have a favourite line or phrase from either a show or movie?
I think it has to be Khan's speech about how far he would pursue Kirk, despite the fact the man's insane you can't fault his dedication...
Do you have a favourite character from the shows and why?
I think my favourite character would be either Garak or Rom from Deep Space Nine, because both of them have hidden qualities and show that you should never take anyone at face value.
What piece of Star Trek Technology would you most like to see today?
I think it would have to be the Transporter, it'd make going anywhere so much faster and would reduce carbon emissions too...
What was it about Star Trek that made you fall in love with the show?
As I previously mentioned, I think I was about four when I first started watching it with my parents so it was probably the scary aliens and the laser beams. That and the sets were very colourful and everything made funny humming, whistling and whirring noises.
What FedSpace person would you most like to meet in real life?
That's a tough one, since I've met several already. I had the pleasure of meeting Commander Nielson, and went to school with Lieutenant K'Naan...I wouldn't mind meeting everyone from the site, given enough time.
What FedSpace character would you most like to meet in real life?
I think that'd have to be my character's wife Mackenzie, she's both strong and gentle and has been my character's inspiration and safety net on more than one occasion. Without her, he wouldn't be where he was today.
If you could list one pet-peeve about your fellow players, what would it be?
That most of them live in different time-zones, which makes coordinating plots in real-time difficult.
What is in your FedSpace future for your character?
I don't know...he's made Captain, freed his homeworld, seen his father brought to justice for his crimes...perhaps settle down with his wife and kids and become a family man? Or I'll find something else crazy and wacky for him to do...I'll see how I feel when the time comes.
If there was one thing you would want everyone to know about you, what would that be?
Probably that despite the claims of several members of this site (you know who you are!) I DO actually sleep and am not hard-wired into my computer chair.
Thank you to Paul for answering my questions! Would you like to be featured in 20 Questions? Please email our editor-in-chief!
Movers & Shakers
CDR ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21006.01
Please join me in welcoming all the recent graduates to Federation Space! Please note that this table reflects the new Midshipman who graduated in May.
| Rank | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Luca McKenzie | USS Sheridan, DD-4086 |
 |
Winston Lekar | USS Sheridan, DD-4086 |
Trek News
Headlines
Join the Academy
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21006.01
Looking for a good Star Trek fix this summer? Want to give Star Fleet Academy a try?
This summer a new stage show will be making it's debut at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Star Trek Live is a half hour collaboration by CBS Consumer Products and Mad Science Productions, that includes audience interaction, special effects, Treknology and a Romulan or two.
The show will involve audience members, who are now Fleet Academy cadets just set on their first day of the Academy. It's not long before there's a Romulan interruption, and Captain Kirk and Commander Spock (the versions from the latest film, that is) get the cadets going to save the say and possibly save the Federation. Cadets will have to adapt to living and working in space in order to solve the mystery.
If you're not able to catch the show at KSC, then a travelling version of Star Trek Live will be making its way across North America until the end of the year.
For a schedule of the touring Star Trek Live show, click here.
Trek Trivia
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21006.01
Each month on the FNN we ask 10 Trek Trivia questions! Some may be easy, some may be difficult. Think you know some or all of the answers? Submit them to the Editor-In-Chief. Each month we'll post the Top 10 Scoreboard and Top 10 All Around Champs, along with the previous month's answers and new trivia questions.
Because there is no FNN next month, we'll ask double the questions! Good luck!
This Month's Questions
1. In what TOS episode did Hikaru Sulu almost die of exposure to subzero cold?
2. On what starship did Geordi La Forge serve under Captain Zimbata?
3. In which of the following holosuite programs was Miles O'Brien not known to have taken part with Julian Bashir?
- a) Secret agent
- b) The Battle of Britain
- c) The Alamo
- d) The Battle of Gettyburg
4. What species is Neelix?
5. In The Undiscovered Country, what had Montgomery Scott just bought but was called to a metting before he could enjoy it?
6. Which Weyoun clone was killed in the episode "To the Death"?
7. From what ship did the Enterprise receive a distress signal in the episode "The Cage"?
8. What was the first episode featuring Jean Luc Picard's favourite holonovel character Dixon Hill?
9. What series is the episode "Accession" from?
10. Name the ship that Travis Mayweather was born on.
11. In "Dagger of the Mind," Dr Adams placed the suggestion in James Kirk's mind that he was in love with which crewmate?
12. What was the first ship commanded by Picard?
13. Name Benjamin Sisko's first wife.
14. Kathryn Janeway's background prior to becoming captain of the USS Voyager was in what division?
15. In which episode of The Next Generation were the Borg introduced?
16. What were the delegates assembling to debate in "Journey to Babel"?
17. Who perfected the positronic brain?
18. Who was the leader of Kira Nerys' resistance cell during the Cardassian occupation of Bajor?
19. For whom did Tuvok leave a meditation lamp lit in the window of his quarters?
20. Name the species pictured to the right.
Last Month's Answers
1. Which two officers took Scotty down to Argelius III for shore leave?
- Kirk and McCoy
2. What was Deanna Troi's job?
- Ship's Counselor
3. What kind of company did Ezri Dax's family own?
- Mining
4. Who designed the EMH?
- Dr Lewis Zimmerman
5. In The Voyage Home, where did Kirk see a sign advertising a pair of humpback whales?
- On the side of a bus
6. Name the Trill administrative body responsible for selection of symbiont hosts.
- Symbiosis Evaluation Board
7. Where did Christine Chapel find her long lost fiancé?
- Exo III
8. What meal of Kirk's did tribbles get into?
- His chicken sandwich and coffee
9. Name the episode in which a dog clears Tom Paris of a murder charge.
- Ex Post Facto
10. Who did Data push into the water for "fun" in Star Trek Generations?
- Beverly Crusher
Last Month's Winners
1. Kyle DeWitt
2. Amarik I'Dartha
All Around Champs
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kyle DeWitt | 29 |
| 2. | Alexis Tregelen | 28 |
| 3. | Buck Wausau | 10 |
| 4. | Amarik I'Dartha | 9 |
| 5. | Jericho Roberts | 6 |
| Hall of Fame | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Points | Year |
| Laura Macleod | 91 | 2009 |
Joke of the Month
Terrible Trek Jokes
Where do Star Trek fans go to lift weights?
The "He's dead, Gym"!
How many ears does Picard have?
Three. A right ear. A left ear. And a final front ear.
What did Picard say as Data struggled to repair the Marclosian Stitching Machine?
"Make it sew."
What did the first officer answer when Picard asked "Why did you let Troi win at poker?"
"Because I Riker."
What did the blonde Klingon say?
"It was a good day to dye."
What is Thomas Riker's dating philosophy?
"If at first you don't succeed, try Troi again."
What did Worf say when small ice asteroids began hitting the Enterprise hull?
"Captain, we are being hailed."
Why are Beverly Crusher, Worf, and Deanna Troi similar?
Because one's a Doc, one's a Worf, and one's a Marina.
How many of the Enterprise's senior officers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
All of them. One to screw it in, and the rest to debate the moral implications.
What did Lore use to kill Data's cat?
Spot remover.
What do you call it when that Strategic Operations Officer on DS9 runs as fast as he can?
Worf Speed.
What did the senior staff of DS9 sing when Kira was packing to leave at the beginning of "The Circle"?
Nana, Nana . . . Nana, Nana . . . Hey, hey, hey, goodbye!
Did you hear that the crew of the Enterprise is getting married?
They have engaged the Borg.
Did you hear that Jonathan Frakes is starring in a remake of an old James Bond movie?
It's called Moonriker.
How many TOS landing party members does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Only one, but the extra red-shirt will die in the attempt.
Science News
Astropic
Space Shuttle Atlantis above Disney's Hollywood Studios, Florida, on June 8, 2007, taking off for mission STS-117.
Photo Copyright: Andrea McBeath
Astronomy News
That was Pretty Sweet
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21006.01
After twenty-five years of smooth sailing, the Space Shuttle Atlantis, OV-104, made its last touch down on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.
The sky was initially stormy, threatening the launch. But things couldn't have been planned better by NASA or the space shuttle crew, as the skies cleared completely above Florida, allowing for a perfect landing by Atlantis that could only be described as being "pretty sweet" by NASA mission control.
Atlantis even received a special going away party, as 1,200 guests and officials lined the runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. They would have allowed more spectators and fans to join in the tribute, but due to safety concerns they had to keep the number down. Those in attendance wore white ribbons with "Atlantis" embossed in gold on them. "The legacy of Atlantis now in the history books,” one of the Mission Control commentator's announced to the crowd.
NASA hopes to convince the US government to fun one more mission for Atlantis. But for now after 32 missions, 191 crewmembers, 294 days in space, 4,648 orbits of Earth, and 130,000,000 kilometers, Atlantis will be heading “back in the barn for a little bit,” said Commander Kenneth Ham as he turned the shuttle over to NASA ground teams.
Thanks for some great flights, Atlantis.
This Month in Astronomy History
Surveyor 1
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21006.01
This month in astronomy history…Surveyor 1 became the first American spacecraft to soft-land on the Moon and an extraterrestrial body. Launched on May 30, 1966, Surveyor 1 journeyed for 63 hours and 36 minutes, to successfully and on June 6, 1966. Surveyor 1 was only nine miles off of its target in the Oceanus Procellarum. This landing came just four months after the Soviet Union's successful landing of Luna 9 on the Moon, which was the first spacecraft to land on the moon successfully.
Surveyor 1's objectives were to conduct radar reflectivity tests of the Moon's surface, bearing strength of the Moon, and monitor spacecraft temperatures.
During it's time on the Moon, Surveyor 1 snapped 11,237 pictures that it transmitted back to Earth before it's power sources began to deplete in July 1966. Surveyor 1 continued to transmit other data back until January 1967.
The information gathered by Surveyor 1 lead the way for further Surveyor missions, and eventually paved the way for the Apollo missions.
