FNN Edition 26
Star Fleet News
Headlines
Ship Pulled From Mothballs
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH – At the end of last month, Star Fleet Command released news that they would be re-launching the USS Yeager, SC-8018. This Columbus Class Scout had originally been mothballed after its former crew were transferred to Space Station Sierra-18 after the Yeager took part in an operation to return the station back to Star Fleet control.
Commander Julia Nielson has been assigned as the Yeager's new Commanding Officer. Catching up with her on Starbase Alpha, the Commander had this to say about her new assignment: "It feels like I've come full circle with my career. It's great to be back on the Yeager."
The new commanding officer had served as an engineering officer aboard the Yeager following her graduation at the Academy, and eventually went on to become the scout's Chief Engineer before being transferred to Sierra-18. From there she was promoted to First Officer of the USS Dauntless. When asked if she felt like this was a step down, going from a Battle Cruiser to a Scout, Nielson replied, "Not at all. The Yeager is a tough little ship."
The new CO wasn't the only person happy to see the Yeager's relaunch. Captain Alexis Tregelen of the USS Titan had this to say: "Im glad to see the Yeager back out in the field. She is a fantastic ship with a fantastic Captain. I can't wait to see her out there." Tregelen served as science officer, Chief Science Officer, and First Officer of the Yeager before the ship was mothballed.
The Yeager has a distinguished history. Launched from the Archimedes Shipyards on Stardate 20305.01 in response to threats against the Federation, the Yeager was named for test pilot General Charles Elwood "Chuck" Yeager, one of the first Humans to fly faster than the speed of sound. This is the third starship to bear the name.
The FNN would like to wish Commander Nielson and the Yeager a pleasant re-launching.
All Hands Presumed Lost
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH – The Jay-Cee Transport Company Ltd has released a statement that one of their transport vessels - the Orinoco Ida – has disappeared with all hands presumed lost. Last docked at Betazed, the vessel was scheduled to return to Starbase Alpha where it would resupply before heading out to Ferenginar.
When the transport failed to update the JCTC on its latest status, the company attempted to contact them via subspace communications. When no response was received, JCTC followed protocols and contacted Star Fleet. Neither Star Fleet or JCTC have been able to locate the vessel on sensors. Last reports from Betazed indicate that the ship departed as per schedule. Star Fleet has dispatched ships to search for the vessel, but as of yet no traces have been found.
The Orinoco Ida was hauling crates of Betazoid Therapy Tea, a cargo that the President of JCTCm Albert Awol, claims "is not worth very much." Star Fleet agrees the likelihood that this transport was hijacked by a group of pirates hoping to sell the cargo on the black market is unlikely.
The FNN will keep you updated on this as news breaks.
Travel the Galaxy
Because SF Officers Can't Be Wrong
ARTEMIS WALKER
Travel Editor
Stardate 21008.01
Looking for a guaranteed win when it comes to your next holiday vacation? Why not try Argelius II?
Located in the Argelius system, this M class planet is home to the Argelians. The Argelians are peaceful people, known for their pleasure-loving ways and their curious resemblance to Humans. They enjoy relaxation to the extent that it is necessary for them to import administrative officials from other worlds to maintain order.
Argelius II is so relaxing that this is the choice shoreleave destination for Star Fleet personnel. And you know that if a place is popular in the Fleet it must be a great place to go. Argelians like to make the claim that their planet could easily give Risa a run for its money being the best pleasure planet in the galaxy.
In my mind, it's the best pleasure planet in the galaxy that nobody knows about.
My number one recommendation if you visit Argelius is to try out their massage parlours. You will leave feeling so relaxed, you'll won't even know what stress is.
So add the pleasure planet Argelius II to your next travel itinerary, and watch your worries melt away!
FedSpace News
Headlines
FNN is Hiring!
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
Are you the type of person who likes to keep up to date on current events? Are you the kind of person who, when your curiosity is piqued, will investigate details into an interesting story you heard? Want to make a difference by helping to keep Federation citizens informed of the latest events? Then the FNN wants you!
The Federation News Network is looking for reporters to join their current team of journalists. We’re looking for individuals who are creative and can come up with story ideas, interact with others well, have decent writing skills, can meet deadlines on time, and who just plain enjoy writing.
Think you have what it takes to join our dynamic team of journalists? Send your application today to our Editor-in-Chief at moonbeamangel@gmail.com with a CC to our Managing Editor at ristone@fed-space.com.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email the Editor-In-Chief. We look forward to hearing from you!
Fleet Updates
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
Please remember that these updates are ‘out-of-game’. This means that your character will likely not know this information. In essence, it is for you the player and not your character!
USS Pulsar, BB-100
On a diplomatic mission, the crew of the Pulsar is in talks with the people of Elteban III, over the issue of re-admission to the Federation. Along the way it seems the Pulsar away team has contracted a dangerous virus. Will they be able to cure themselves, or will they hallucinate themselves into their own demise?
USS Dauntless, BC-1553
The crew are currently on shore leave after a mission that left them playing the "game" of an unknown species, their game advisor a curious look alike to former US President Bill Clinton.
USS Ticonderoga, CA-1471
The Tico is busy visiting a Ferengi pleasure planet. Attempting to trick a corrupted program that controls the planet, the crew is partaking in a bit of shore leave.
USS Yeager, SC-8018
The crew is currently on shore leave while they await the relaunching of the Yeager. Seems they have been stirring up trouble in a tavern on Starbase Charlie, and landed themselves in the brig.
USS Nova, BB-106
The Nova is currently engaging in first contact with a new species called the Gondwanans. Originally from another dimension, the Gondwanan's planet was somehow transported into our own space and time.
Dear Abby
Questions for 21008.01
CDR ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21008.01
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!
Can I be promoted in game?
Of course! Just ask your direct superior if it's possible to work out your character's promotion in game, and they'll work with you (and the GMs if applicable) to get it into the storyline.
If a player runs a subplot and it involves being captured by some minor enemy, would that be legal?
Yes, but keep in mind all subplots need to be approved by your CO or FO. They can help guide you if you're not certain about details like that.
What exactly is a Second Officer supposed to do?
In game and out of game, the Second Officer serves as a backup to the First Officer, entrusted with the same duties as the FO should they even become incapacitated or if the FO must serve as Acting CO.
Is Chief Engineer or Chief Engineering Officer the correct title?
Chief Engineer, or CE, would be the correct title.
Do you have a question for Abby? Please email her or the editor-in-chief.
20 Questions
LCdr Kamble Ross
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
This month for 20 Questions I spoke with Sarah who plays Lieutenant Commander Kamble Ross, First Officer aboard the USS Yeager, SC-8018.
Age, Sex, Location?
Female, 18, Southern California
When did you first join FedSpace?
About two years. I joined in 2008.
What brought you to FedSpace?
I was doing a google search one day, for star trek role playing sites, and it was on of the first that came up. I was impressed by the detail on the wiki, and I liked what I read on the boards, so I joined.
Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
amble is a lot like me, if you magnified me to the power of 10. She's quiet, and shy, and a little bit insecure about people. And yet, Kamble is also a lot braver than me. My hope was to create a character who had room to grow and change, and I think I did just that. My favorite characters are the ones who have to struggle to overcome their own challenges, they're the most fun to write. Kamble has overcome a lot, and I've enjoyed seeing her become less shy and more secure.
Do you think it is easier or more difficult to play someone based on yourself?
It's easier from the sense that you know how that character thinks. It's always been hard for me to write characters who are very outgoing, because I don't know what that's like. So, yes. It's easier. But, at the same time, it's not as fun to play somebody exactly like yourself. It's more fun to play in someone else's shoes, try to think about an issue in a different way than you normally would. It's best to have a combination of both. Similar enough that you know how to write them, but different enough so that there's something new for you to learn about them.
How does it feel to be one of the newest First Officers?
Exciting, and overwhelming. When I joined the site, I'd never really even thought about being a First Officer. I was just having fun, and trying to help other people have fun. And I feel incredibly honored to know that somebody saw me and thought, "I want to work with her." It's the biggest compliment I could have ever received.
Has your character developed differently than what you had planned?
Yes, would be the short answer. For one thing, I never planned on being a First Officer. I'm not sure I ever really had a plan for Kamble, but she has been shaped largely by the people she has become friends with. Her character development could have been very different if I'd ended up on a different ship.
So far, what is your favourite part about being a member of FedSpace?
I love how much fun it is to write with all kinds of other people. There's a very nice atmosphere of friendly, and kind teasing, like any group of people who have known each other for a long time.
What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
I'll be starting university in the fall, studying screenwriting. I do a lot of reading and writing (or at least trying to write) and just generally playing around on the computer.
If you could name your own ship, what would you name it and why?
I would probably call it Victory. I'm a bit of a history geek, and the Battle of Trafalgar is one of those things that has been following me. Plus, it's a simple word with a lot of meaning and connotation behind.
What is your favourite Star Trek series?
The Next Generation. It was the first series I saw, my family has watched all seven seasons together, and I love it (enough that I did a school project on it). it is both remarkably complex and remarkably fun. It's the only series I've ever really watched all of. There are also certain episodes of The Original Series that I just love.
Do you have a favourite line or phrase from either a show or movie?
Single line is hard. I love the scene in "I, Borg" where Picard confronts Hugh, and Hugh looks at him and says, "Resistance is not futile." It's a powerful scene, and a powerful reminder that the Borg weren't always the Borg.
What piece of Star Trek Technology would you most like to see today?
I think replicators would be amazing to have. They would pretty much eliminate the power of wealth and money, plus it would just be cool to have almost anything you could want right at your fingertips.
What was it about Star Trek that made you fall in love with the show?
Well, it was exciting, certainly. The idea of being able to travel to other planets and meet new species would be a fantastic opportunity. And I really connected with the characters, and wanted to see what happened to them. Star Trek I think was the first thing that made me want to be a writer. I wanted to write characters like that.
What FedSpace player would you most like to meet in real life?
It would be cheating to say "everybody", wouldn't it? It would be nice to meet the players of Jaden Hawk and Zor Kayzon, they both seem like really fun people.
What FedSpace character would you most like to meet in real life?
A character who's not mine? Because I would like to meet Kamble. I think Zor Kayzon—he's patient and friendly and brave, and a huge factor in Kamble's character development.
Do you feel there is any disconnect between you and other players based on geographical location?
Not really. The internet is the great unifier, and it doesn't make much of a difference. Though, there was a period of time where I didn't know anybody else on the west coast.
What makes a good Ship/Station?
Good command staff, who can keep things interesting and under control. Players who are dynamic and know how to play off each other. Oh, and it helps a lot when the players on a ship genuinely like each other, and can goof around out of game. If players are fighting, it becomes a lot harder for them to have fun, which is the most important part.
What is in your FedSpace future, for yourself and for your character?
Kamble needs to adjust to the fact that people keep putting her in charge of for reasons she doesn't quite understand. She'll hopefully continue to develop both her confidence and her ability to lead others. As for me, I don't really know. I just hope to keep having fun, and to be playing for many more years.
If there was one thing you would want everyone to know about you, what would that be?
I would want everyone to know that I am not nearly as crazy in real life as I seem when you talk to me on the internets, and that I would love to get to know more of the fabulous players on this site.
Thank you to Sarah 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 21008.01
Please join me in welcoming all the recent graduates to Federation Space! Please note that this table reflects the new Midshipman who graduated in July and August.
Trek News
Headlines
Blown Away
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
Expectations blown away: that's the best way I can describe my first Star Trek Convention experience.
I'd always wondered what a Star Trek Con would be like. Similar to the stereotypes that seem to inundate popular media, would it be packed with socially awkward people, that I would get bored with the topics within the first ten minutes, and that it would generally be not fun? Not a chance! Star Trek Conventions are tonnes of fun, filled with fascinating, super nice people, a lot of laughs, and great stories.
After fifteen years without a con here in Vancouver, the Star Trek Convention returned to the area. Put on by Creation Entertainment (the people behind the famous Las Vegas Star Trek Convention), the Vancouver Con took place at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre June 25 to the 27th. Even before the headliners William Shatner and Leonard Nemoy had been announced, I'd decided I needed to be there – just so I could say I'd tried it once. Putting it out there on Facebook to see if any of my friends would be interested in going, I got one bite – my friend Kathy from the States. I would have gone by myself, but the moment she told me she was coming I was immensely relieved.
All of the speakers who were up on stage were great to listen to, and ranged from quite interesting to gut splittingly funny. Spending most of our time in the auditorium, we managed to see (almost) everyone who was scheduled. The main attraction was obviously Shatner and Nemoy on the Sunday, but other big names we got to see were Connor Trinneer, Armin Shimerman, Barbara March, Gwynyth Walsh, Vaughn Armstrong, Jeffrey Combs, Max Grodenchik, Casey Biggs, and Chase Masterson. Each had their own unique take on Star Trek and the fandom, and oftentimes we were left with tears in our eyes – either from the heartwarming stories that were shared, or from laughing so much. Being a small convention, the setting felt quite intimate and even the last few rows in the auditorium would have a good view of the stage.
In the evening on Friday we got tickets for the Star Trek Rat Pack, which was put together by Max Grodenchik. Together with Shimerman, Armstrong, Combs, and Biggs, this group of Trek alum sang the great tunes of Sinatra and the original Rat Pack – but with a Trek twist. This is definitely worth the extra purchase, so if you get a chance I recommend going!
The people we met at the Con were all super nice and not the stereotype Trek fans. We had reserved seating, so we were always sitting next to the same people. To our left was a business man and his young son (who were only there a little bit, so we had some space to spread out); to our right were a guy from Alberta and his female friend from the US who served in the military; in front and in the row behind us were girls our age who had come to the Con with their fathers – Star Trek was something they shared together.
There were, of course, a few stereotypical Trek fans. And a random Jar Jar Binks (to whom Nemoy said was in the wrong room).
My only disappointment in the Convention was the Vendors Room. There were few tables and the majority of the merchandise available were photographs and posters. However, at one of the tables was Barry Jenner (Admiral Ross) who is a really nice guy to talk to, and actually got my friend a reference to help her out with work.
Though I didn't buy much merchandise, I did splurge on photos with the stars. Originally I had only planned to get a photo with Trinneer, however Kathy and I split the cost and got photos with Shatner, Nemoy, and then a double shot with Grodenchik and Masterson. Our tickets also included autographs with several stars. I can't imagine having to sit there for several hours having to sign autographs for all those people, but they were all very gracious and kind with the fans. Vaughn Armstrong even told my friend that she looked like an ex girlfriend, and signed an autograph for her that read "I love you, you look like my ex girlfriend."
Will I be going back next year (now that they have officially announced they're coming back)? Definitely! If you ever get the chance to attend a Star Trek Convention, I hope you take the opportunity to do it. You won't regret it.
Trivia
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
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.
This Month's Questions
1. Which was the only TOS episode in which Nyota Uhura wore a gold uniform?
2. On what planet was Beverly Crusher when she joined the crew of the Enterprise-D?
3. Julian Bashir arrived on Deep Space 9 on the same ship as who?
4. What is the typical lifespan of the Ocampa?
5. What species was the new navigator assigned to the Enterprise in The Motion Picture?
6. The genetically engineered Jem'Hadar are dependent on what substance for their survival?
7. In what decade did the Eugenics Wars take place?
8. With what song did Riley torment the crew in "The Naked Time"?
9. Name the episode in which Jean-Luc Picard skips backward and forward through time, encountering Q and a strange space-time anomaly.
10. Name the species pictured to the right.
Last Month's Answers
1. In what TOS episode did Hikaru Sulu almost die of exposure to subzero cold?
- The Enemy Within.
2. On what starship did Geordi La Forge serve under Captain Zimbata?
- USS Victory
3. In which of the following holosuite programs was Miles O'Brien not known to have taken part with Julian Bashir?
- d) The Battle of Gettysburg
4. What species is Neelix?
- Talaxian
5. In The Undiscovered Country, what had Montgomery Scott just bought but was called to a meeting before he could enjoy it?
- A boat.
6. Which Weyoun clone was killed in the episode "To the Death"?
- Weyoun Four
7. From what ship did the Enterprise receive a distress signal in the episode "The Cage"?
- SS Columbia
8. What was the first episode featuring Jean Luc Picard's favourite holonovel character Dixon Hill?
- The Big Goodbye
9. What series is the episode "Accession" from?
- Deep Space 9
10. Name the ship that Travis Mayweather was born on.
- ECS Horizon
11. In "Dagger of the Mind," Dr Adams placed the suggestion in James Kirk's mind that he was in love with which crewmate?
- Helen Noel
12. What was the first ship commanded by Picard?
- USS Stargazer
13. Name Benjamin Sisko's first wife.
- Jennifer
14. Kathryn Janeway's background prior to becoming captain of the USS Voyager was in what division?
- Science
15. In which episode of The Next Generation were the Borg introduced?
- Q Who?
16. What were the delegates assembling to debate in "Journey to Babel"?
- Coridan's admission to the Federation
17. Who perfected the positronic brain?
- Doctor Noonien Soong
18. Who was the leader of Kira Nerys' resistance cell during the Cardassian occupation of Bajor?
- Shakaar Edon
19. For whom did Tuvok leave a meditation lamp lit in the window of his quarters?
- Kes
20. Name the species pictured to the right.
Last Month's Winners
1. Amarik i'Dartha
2. Kyle DeWitt
All Around Champs
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kyle DeWitt | 48 |
| 2. | Amarik I'Dartha | 29 |
| 3. | Alexis Tregelen | 28 |
| 4. | Buck Wausau | 10 |
| 5. | Jericho Roberts | 6 |
| Hall of Fame | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Points | Year |
| Laura Macleod | 91 | 2009 |
Joke of the Month
Top 10 Things You Won't See on Star Trek
- 10. McCoy says, "On second thought, maybe I am a carpenter and not a doctor."
- 9. A redshirt sneaks down a deserted corridor, turns a corner, and suddenly has a surprise birthday party.
- 8, Kirk meets a woman whom he's known for years but never slept with.
- 7. Sulu and Chekov get to do something interesting.
- 6. Kirk says, "Uhura, I'm frightened."
- 5. Kirk gets Court-martialed for violating the Prime Directive.
- 4. Scotty anticipates the situation and has everything working at peak performance before it is needed.
- 3. Some of the crew visits the holodeck, and it works properly.
- 2. The Captain has to make a difficult decision about a less advanced people which is made a great deal easier by the Starfleet Prime Directive.
- 1. McCoy says, "He'll live, Jim."
Science News
Astropic
The Antennae Galaxies in Collision
Credit: NASA, ESA & B. Whitmore (STScI) et al.; Image processing: Davide De Martin
Science News
Sorry, No Whistles
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
NASA is looking to increase interest in astronomy and space exploration. Great ways to do this could be to hold local astronomy nights, make the exhibits at their Space Centres more interactive, or put out a great big media campaign.
The solution they came up with? Twitter.
To spread interest in their new robotic humanoid astronaut Robonaut 2 (nicknamed R2), scientists working on the project created a Twitter account. In 140 characters or less they will be spreading the news about progress in their project – all from R2's perspective.
While Twitter is not something new to NASA – they have their own account, as well as accounts for their space centres, astronauts, and various other projects – the R2 project is meant to "grab attention, engage the public more deeply in space exploration, and eventually help inspire a new generation of engineers".
Once R2 is launched, it will be controlled both by engineers on the ground and crewmembers aboard the International Space Station. R2 will also be programmed as semi-autonomous, able to carry out small tasks with various status checks along the way. Its creation is a joint project between NASA and General Motors.
And though R2 doesn't have a voice, he'll keep on tweeting his story at least until his November 1 space trip aboard STS-133.
You can follow R2 on Twitter here!
This Month in Astronomy History
Pluto
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21008.01
This month in astronomy history… Pluto lost its status as a regular planet. On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the definition of planet, and as a result the former 9th planet in the Solar System became a Dwarf Planet.
While Pluto had long been known as the ninth planet, since its discovery in 1930 several other objects have been found in our solar system that rivaled Pluto in size. Eris was the main contender, a "planet" found in the scattered disk area of the Solar System, which lies slightly beyond the Kuiper Belt where Pluto is found. Other planet-like objects that were larger than Pluto that were discovered included Haumea and Makemake, both in the Kuiper Belt.
With these discoveries came the question: does the Solar System have twelve planets?
At the IAU General Assembly in 2006 came the decision, that no, the number of planets would actually be reduced by one as Pluto's planet status was revoked. Instead a new definition was drafted up that included Pluto: dwarf planet. That is, a "celestial body orbiting the Sun that is massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity but has not cleared its neighbouring region of planetesimals and is not a satellite." And while we currently have five planets in the category Dwarf Planet – Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris – astronomers suspect that there could be at least another forty objects in our solar system that could be classified as dwarf planets.
So while Pluto gained a family, its new status knocked the beloved object out of league with Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and all the rest.
Sorry Pluto.
