FNN Edition 27
Star Fleet News
Headlines
Strange Readings from Wormhole
KEVIN AVERY
Managing Editor
Stardate 21009.01
The USS Gettysburg which is under the command of Commander Fitchel was recently sent to the Barzan system to investigate unique readings coming from the Barzan wormhole. The Barzan Wormhole, which is already classified as an unstable wormhole, began to emit uncharacteristic readings roughly two months ago.
The Barzan Government, which is not a part of the United Federation of Planets, requested the assistance from several Alpha Quadrant powers. Earlier this week the Federation answered the request and dispatched the Gettysburg to the system.
The FNN was able to catch up with a member of Star Fleet Science Headquarters who had seen the data. “The Barzan’s are well known for their lack of technological advancement and are therefore incapable of investigating or re-stabilizing the wormhole. I’ve never seen anything quite like this during my time here but the research into wormhole destabilization is a pretty unknown area.”
The researcher went on to say that the reading, while seemingly small right now, could indicate that the wormhole could totally destabilize in the near future and event that could have serious effects on the nearby Barzan homeworld.
USS Philadelphia Joins Flotilla
KEVIN AVERY
Managing Editor
Stardate 21009.01
The USS Philadelphia recently joined the Fourth Battle Group Flotilla. The USS Philadelphia which recently departed from space dock has reported joined the Fourth Battle Group Flotilla. Other ships in their flotilla currently include: Flotilla Flagship- USS Nova, and Flotilla members USS Salem, USS Austin, and the USS Armstrong.
The USS Philadelphia, which is a Frigate, is under the command of veteran Star Fleet Officer Captain Aloysia Yvette. Her First Officer is Commander William Hudson and she has a crew made up both of veteran officers and recently graduated officers.
New Vessels Almost Ready for Launch
KEVIN AVERY
Managing Editor
Stardate 21009.01
After the end of the recent Romulan War Star Fleet Headquarters ordered the Corp of Engineers to begin developing several new vessels to help take the place of destroyed or retired ships. The first batch of these vessels are nearing completion and thus are nearing deployment. The FNN was able to catch up with a Senior Engineer working on one of the ships.
FNN: Commander I want to thank you for sitting down with me today.
ENG: Not a problem it is my pleasure.
FNN: Tell me a little bit about the ship you and your team have been working on.
ENG: I am pleased to announce that all of the major work is now fully completed on the ship. The vessel is a Zeus Classed Light Cruiser named the USS Pegasus. There is still some diagnostics to be done to ensure she is launch ready but we think she should be very very soon.
FNN: Can you tell us a little bit about the Zeus Classed vessels?
ENG: Sure. The Light Cruisers were first engineered after the General War to replace some other classes that were being retired. She is a smaller vessel, only twenty five decks but she has proven to be able to hold her own in a fight when needed. That is one of the reasons why the Fleet continues to order them to be built. My favorite aspect of the Light Cruiser though is their speed. She has Class 7 Impulse Engines and Type 8 Warp Nacelles, she can race from dock to an emergency situation in half the time it takes for many existing vessels.
FNN: Can you tell us about who will be commanding this new ship?
ENG: No I am not privy to that information. My team and I simply put the ship together and ensure she is fully space ready. The rest is up to Command.
FNN : Thank you for your time and your hard work.
ENG: Thank you.
Travel the Galaxy
Home away from Home
ARTEMIS WALKER
Travel Editor
Stardate 21009.01
Looking for a great holiday, but want a place that feels like a home away from home? For those of you out there who live on M Class planets, today you're in for a real treat: we're visiting the planet Marlonia. Considered to be one of the most beautiful planets in the entire Alpha Quadrant, Marlonia is sure to satisfy all holiday seekers by bringing you the comforts of home without actually being at home.
Renowned for it's beautiful array of flora and fauna, Marlonia can give even the most famous M Class planets a run for their money when it comes to ecological diversity. The most well known of the fauna, the draebidium calimus can be identified by its brilliant red flowers. Visitors to the planet tend to mistake this beautiful plant for the equally beautiful draebidium froctus. Impress locals by telling the two apart and you will find some fast friends.
If archeology is your cup of tea, be sure to volunteer for one of the many digs taking place. Marlonia features many active ancient digs that visitors with some experience are permitted to assist. Find something unique while digging, and the locals may even permit you take the piece home.
Marlonia also features many of the amenities from home, from luxurious spas to beautiful vistas to rocking night clubs and everything in between. So with all this great things to do, what are you waiting for? Book your next holiday to Marlonia today!
Opinion
The Ruffians are Out Again
ANONYMOUS
Opinion / Editor
Stardate 21009.01
Dear Editor,
I'm writing you in regards to the impropriety of Star Fleet officers. More often than not they come into my place of business and destroy the place. I am a bar owner on one of the busier Fleet Starbases, and while the periodic disagreement is to be expected, in all my time I have never seen so many fights as those between officers.
The most recent event happened when a science officer attempted to proposition a tactical officer who was at the bar. When the woman's friends tried to stand up for her, the science officer's friends joined in and before I could get a commline through to Star base security, they had torn up a good portion of my bar. Much of my merchandize was destroyed, and neither party was required to reimburse me.
This is just getting tiresome!! I opened up my establishment on a star base because I figured it would be safer than down on a planet, but I am finding that military personnel are much more reckless than civilians.
If Star Fleet doesn't more heavily enforce proper behaviour with its officers, then my business will have to close up. I hope it doesn't come to this. So I do plea to the higher ups in the Fleet – do something about this!!
FedSpace News
Headlines
Get Your Vote On
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21009.01
If you've been keeping an eye on Hailing Frequencies then you'll know that an annual tradition has made it's return. Nominations for the 6th Annual Unofficial FedSpace Awards are being sought.
Started back in 2005 by Commander Tregelen and Captain Yvette, the Unofficial Awards were a fun way for community members to come together and recognize their fellow players. It was also a great way to kick off the summer season (or winter season, for Tregelen), who was bored and decided it would be interesting to have some funnier awards as compared to the official Yearly Awards.
The Unofficial Awards also have a funny way of predicting the future of the site. In 2005 the First Officer that should be next Commanding Officer was voted Avark, who eventually switched Torgh and Commanding Officer of the USS Gettysburg, BC-1863. Torgh switched to Derrick Grant, who eventually swapped to the character Thomas Grayson, Commanding officer of the USS Nova, BB-100 and current Vice President of Federation Space. Other notable winners include Daniel Wueste, who was voted Commanding Officer that should be Group Commander in 2007 and 2008; Mike Wong who was voted Department Head who should be First Officer in 2007; and Aloysia Yvette who was voted First Officer who should be Commanding Officer in 2009.
So, want your voice heard in the Unofficial awards? Nominations are being accepted September 15, 2010. You can submit your nominations here.
Fleet Updates
Titan, Sheridan, Copernicus
CAPT ALEXIS TREGELEN
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21009.01
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 Titan, CL-2007
The Titan has just left Space Station Sierra 18 where they had been enjoying shore leave. They have just arrived at Mining Outpost Inferno in the Dante system in response to a distress call after spending the last week paroling the Cardassian-Breen border.
USS Sheridan, DD-4086
The Sheridan is on a secret mission for Star Fleet Intelligence in the Goradn system sector 3139, in hopes to rescue a stranded intelligence team in an asteroid field before a comet hits.
USS Copernicus, GEC-9035
The Copernicus crew is currently enjoying shore leave on Star Base Alpha at the moment.
Dear Abby
Questions for 21009.01
CDR ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21009.01
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!
How does a person write telepathic speech in their posts?
Since telepathic speech is a thought, the standard way to convey it is to post it the same way you would a thought, using italics. So if Amy wanted to say hi to Bob using telepathy, it would look like Hi Bob, how's it going? However variations on this have been tested by some ships that have telepathic characters, so I'd recommend checking in with your CO to see what they would prefer using. If you're in doubt, stick with italics.
Can you have modified equipment on your ship eg: modified assault rifles?
Short answer: no. Long answer: yes. Most of the time you would have no reason to have any sort of modified equipment on your ship – Star Fleet has a myriad of tools and various technology to complete the tasks that need doing. But, there are exceptions to every rule. As such, if you think modifying an assault rifle is something your character wants to do, check with your CO first!! They can advise you if the modification is good to go, or if a more complicated modification should be run past the wiki Division Heads.
Do Engineers carry phasers with them?
For regular duties, no. The only times an engineer would be armed with a phaser is during times of war, if they are apart of an away team that requires all members to be armed, or as directed by the CO and FO.
What happened to your husband?
Periodically Bill can be found tending the gardens here at the Academy, when he's not trying to fend off a hungry wombat from eating all the recently planted flowers, or guest lecturing some of the science classes.
What, if any, is the difference between a Holodeck and a Holosuite?
Both are holographic environment simulators; the difference is that a holodeck is under Star Fleet administration, whereas a Holosuite is a privately owned and a user fee charged.
Do you have a question for Abby? Please email her or the editor-in-chief.
20 Questions
Lt [JG] Alice Dega
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21009.01
This month we get to learn more about Kathy, currently playing Lt [JG] Alice Dega on the Yeager.
Age, Sex, Location?
26, female, Pittsburgh
When did you start playing on FedSpace?
I started off in 2002/2003 looking for a way to help my writing skills that
was in a non-academic way. But just recently came back a couple months
ago.
What brought you to FedSpace?
I liked how Fedspace was structured. It was a google search and seemed
like it would be fun. I never imagine I would create a community of friends.
I actually left twice. The main one was over something that happened in
the Academy where in the end I felt like nothing I did was good enough, my
feelings didn’t matter, I was expendable and politics ruled. So I quit the site
with a lot of hurt feelings.
I briefly came back but fizzled out since I wasn’t ready to come back just quite yet. I had a character I never connected with and the posts were like doing homework; so I chose to work on my short stories even though I enjoyed being on Sheridan. It’s hard to be excited about writing with people when you think a good portion of your work is unappreciated. Although I know a good part of that was more in my head and me still hurt from before.
A couple months, I was at a con where I fell back in love with Star Trek and Fedspace again. Off and on, players have been trying to get me back so we could write together but normally I just shrugged it off. But it was hanging out with my friend and fellow FS’er that really made me want to take the plunge again. Since I came back with a large piece of my old character and I was so welcomed, that I got really excited about posting and felt really welcomed when I told a bunch of my old friends I was coming back. It was
nothing but warm arms and welcome back.
Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
Alice is a mix of me, Alice (from the new Alice in Wonderland movie), and
Jo Lupo (from Eureka). I knew coming back I wanted to use the Dega
symbiont so I could integrate my old character with the new one. It’s one
of the reason I love Trills (and the Doctor from Doctor Who). They could die
but you would always have a piece of the old character still there. There are
times when I ask okay how would I handle a situation and then think how
would Alice handle the situation.
As for department, tactical is a left field for me. I’m normally an engineer. But I wanted to help out my captain and have a DH position. The slot she needed was tactical. So I figured, what the heck, try something new. That’s when I started to integrate a little bit of Jo (her softer side) to the character.
What surprises have happened that caused your characters to
develop differently then you had envisioned?
Switching to tactical. It meant rewriting my character’s bio (at least in
my head still need to do the actual update) and learning how to handle a
tactical player. As an engineer, when in doubt break something and then
fix it. I have to play with my imagination a little more now which is good.
Do you think it is easier or more difficult to play someone who
has a different gender / based on a person in real life / based on
yourself?
Easier to base it off of real life me with hints of other characters from tv.
Since when I really get into doubt, I could always ask what I would do. For
me, I need that connection with the character I’m writing about. If it’s not
there, then I fizzle out with the character.
What makes a good Ship/Station?
Being around people you like posting with and being able to chat with
them out of the game. It’s so much fun being able to build characters
interactions, build subplot ideas and just have fun with each other.
I really love how the new Yeager has a lot of the traits of the old Yeager. Great writers but even better players who just want to have fun. I can chat with them about almost anything (will try to on msn) and have a ball. Plus it’s so great to really have that moment where you can share your “good” posts with a friend and they go look with compliment what you did.
What would you most like to do on the site?
In the past, I did a variety of things: GM, AI, approver of bios and a hint
of the FNN. But since I just came back (and up until very recently, I wasn’t
even qualified for any additional roles outside of my PC), I haven’t thought
about too much other then helping out with the FNN and lending a hand to a
friend in need. Traditionally if I was asked to do something, I will do it even
if it was out of my league or I disliked the function. I will be a little pickier
now. I won’t do a role I dislike just to help a friend (ie work with bios when I
dislike bios). One of these days, I would like to be an FO again but that will
take time and hard work.
What do you see as some goals for the future of your character?
I would like to see Alice find someone to make her happy and for her to get
comfortable in her own skin. She’s a new character so there is a lot of room
to grow.
If you could choose, what Trek species would you be?
Easy Trill. They just seem fun. Plus I love the aspect how you can be young
and old all at the same time. You could carry so much wisdom with you but
yet still have some naivety.
So far, what is your favorite part about being a member of
FedSpace?
The community. I’m made some awesome friends from the site. I wouldn’t
have passed French if it wasn’t for Andree helping me with some oral
lessons. I wouldn’t have my favorite penpal and one of my best friends if it
wasn’t for the site. Not to mention having a few fellow writers to proof read
an essay or ten. Nor would I have gotten to meet a ton of great people.
If you were President for a day, what would you change?
To make lasting change in a day feels like it is impossible. But I would
try to encourage writers to start building bonds on messenger programs
and play games on some to the sites like bogo. That way you can get
a broader picture. Plus I would try to do more things like the unofficial
fedspace awards which can draw in the community and make people smile.
If you could name your own ship, what would you name it?
Pegasus. I love how in the Greek myth, the beheaded Medusa creates this
beautiful winged horse. It’s a great symbol of new life and just going at life
full speed ahead.
What was it about star trek that made you like it?
I liked how it was one of the few pieces of sci-fi where people were looking
for ways to get out of going to war and blowing each other to bits. Plus I
love how it takes contemporary philosophical ideas and plays with them.
I love how political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, rationalism,
philosophy of science and religion were all played with on the different
shows.
Who is(are) your favorite character(s)?
Jadzia Dax and Commander La Forge
What piece of StarTrek Technology would you most like to see
today?
Transporters. Plain and simple. I love to travel way too much and they
would make it a breeze. And it would make moving so much easier.
What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
I like to watch tv and listen to music. I still try to take a ballet class and hot
house yoga class when I get the oppertunity. I also work on my other fiction
stories by leading a local writers group. I volunteer for my local PBS. But if
you knew me: you know I’m a die hard bleeding-green Philadelphia Eagles
fan, a huge Flyers fan, and love sports to death.
What person would you most like to meet in real life?
I would love to meet Aaron (Tregrelen), Matthew (Cooper) and
Jos (Roberts). These are the guys, I’ve know for years upon years
and we are still friends who just haven’t been able to meet yet.
What character would you most like to meet in real life?
Cdr Fitchel. His character and my old character (which was almost entirely
me) had such a huge connection in game that I would like to see it happen
in real life.
Who was the most influential person in your life?
My dad. He always allowed me to be and helped me to pursue the things I
love. He was one of the most diverse people I knew. He taught me how to
be a passionate sports fan while living in other cities that usually disliked
your team. Yet he was also the person who took my sister and I to go see
a musical the day of the Superbowl. He taught me how to have a drive and
always work hard. But he also showed me that family is what always matter
most in life which is why he took me and kept up with all the different
musicals, fashion tastes both my sister and I, came up to visit all the time,
and talked to his co-workers about his girls. He was the one to take me to
go see Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Star Trek. Not always because he was fan but because he knew I loved it. Yet afterwards we would always
talk about what we just saw for a long time. He was closest thing to a
renaissance man in my lifetime that I saw. I miss being able to talk about
John Adams, co-generations, how special it was to play my favorite music in
the car with him, and anything else in my life.
If you could have any super power what would it be?
To fly I think. You could have fun with that one without going crazy or
becoming too isolated in life. Although part of me would want to be able
to read people’s mind even if that did make me crazy or want to become a
hermit.
If there was something you would want everyone to know about
you, what would that be?
I can be the most random predictable person you will ever meet.
Movers & Shakers
CDR ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21009.01
Please join me in welcoming all the recent graduates to Federation Space! Please note that this table reflects the new Midshipman who graduated in August.
| Rank | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Alexander Danebo | USS Pulsar, BB-100 |
 |
Jeremy Haron | USS Copernicus, GEC-9035 |
 |
Lorelei Oceania | USS Copernicus, GEC-9035 |
|
Aidan Walsh | USS Yeager, SC-8018 |
|
Fereya Pixx | USS Sheridan, DD-4086 |
Trek News
Trivia
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21009.01
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. Pavel Chekov firmly believed that everything was a ______________ invention.
2. True or False: One of Wesley Crusher's class projects once resulted in the creation of a self-aware hologram.
3. Early on, Worf disliked having quarters on Deep Space 9. Where instead did he choose to live?
4. What was Seven of Nine's original human name?
5. In The Wrath of Khan, of what starship did Khan gain control?
6. In the episode "The Die is Cast", a Founder impersonated which species?
7. Of what crime was Montgomery Scott accused in "Wolf in the Fold"?
8. What did Charlie Evans turn three playing cards into?
9. What series is the episode "Miri" from?
10. Identify the ship class pictured to the right.
Last Month's Answers
1. Which was the only TOS episode in which Nyota Uhura wore a gold uniform?
- The Corbomite Maneuver
2. On what planet was Beverly Crusher when she joined the crew of the Enterprise-D?
- Deneb IV
3. Julian Bashir arrived on Deep Space 9 on the same ship as who?
- Jadzia Dax
4. What is the typical lifespan of the Ocampa?
- Nine years
5. What species was the new navigator assigned to the Enterprise in The Motion Picture?
- Deltan
6. The genetically engineered Jem'Hadar are dependent on what substance for their survival?
- Ketracel-white
7. In what decade did the Eugenics Wars take place?
- 1990s
8. With what song did Riley torment the crew in "The Naked Time"?
- "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen."
9. Name the episode in which Jean-Luc Picard skips backward and forward through time, encountering Q and a strange space-time anomaly.
- All Good Things…
10. Name the species pictured to the right.
Last Month's Winners
1. Kyle DeWitt
2. Alexis Tregelen
All Around Champs
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kyle DeWitt | 57 |
| 2. | Alexis Tregelen | 35 |
| 3. | Amarik I'Dartha | 29 |
| 3. | Buck Wausau | 10 |
| 4. | Jericho Roberts | 6 |
| Hall of Fame | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Points | Year |
| Laura Macleod | 91 | 2009 |
Joke of the Month
Top 21 Signs the Enterprise is Outta Warranty
1. Impulse engines stall when used in reverse.
2. Digital speedometer on helm console stuck at "88".
3. Shields fail to work on alternate Fridays.
4. Rust problem in engineering causes support failure: one corner of warp coil now held up by phone book.
5. Computer fails to process any instruction beginning with "w".
6. Booster cables become permanent fixtures in transporter room.
7. Captain's chair must be propped up against screen to keep image from flickering.
8. Guinan stops wearing large, heavy hats for fear of falling through squeaky part of floor in 10-forward.
9. Main sensor array unable to pick up anything except CBS.
10. Lower part of bridge falls even lower and ramps along either side become to steep for crew to climb.
11. Turbolift cannot climb past deck 5 when there are more than 2 people on board.
12. Holodeck becomes caught in infinite loop: ship is overcome by ten thousand care bears.
13. Ship cannot enter warp while food dispenser is making Kraft Dinner.
14. Food dispenser in 10-forward will only serve light beer.
15. Bug in main computer speech processor: computer voice will either stutter or talk like Barbara Walters.
16. Untraceable glitch in plumbing periodically replaces water in Wesley's shower with frozen concentrated orange juice.
17. Ship's dryer indiscriminately shreds crew's uniforms, and related problem in fabrication machinery will only produce new clothing with Roger Rabbit caricature prominently displayed.
18. Computer refuses to carry out commands unless captain says "Pretty please, with sugar on it."
19. Riker unable to sleep for 2 weeks when holodeck computer crashes and loses access to nude volleyball program.
20. Replacement parts for automatic door to captain's ready room are exhausted, and door must be replaced with bead curtains.
21. Saucer section separates whenever ship makes left turn.
Science News
Astropic
View of the Earth and Moon from Spacecraft Messenger
Credit: NASA/JHU APL/CIW
Astronomy News
DM-2 Five-segment Solid Rocket Motor Successfully Tested
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21009.01
The DM-2 is one NASA’s greatest hopes for a new heavy-lift launch vehicle. August 31, 2010 marked the first major test of the NASA and ATK Aerospace Systems designed motor and the test is said to go off without a hitch.
The first test was a stationary firing of the first-stage of the DM-2 rocket. The rocket motor was cooled to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and then ignited. They cooled the rocket motor in order to test at lower limit of its temperature extremes since the rocket is designed to fly at temperatures of 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit. They wanted to see how fast the propellant burns as the temperature rose and how the materials withstood the increasing heat. In order to gauge the success or failure of the static test, over 53 test objectives were measured through several hundred instruments.
The DM-2 is one of the strongest and most complicated rocket motors built for NASA. It is designed to generate up to 3.6 million pounds of thrust at launch. This rocket motor is similar to those used in shuttle launches but includes a fifth segment, a larger nozzle throat and many upgrades in both the hardware and technology.
While it will take many more test before the DM-2 is integrated into NASA’s space flight program and be used in space, this marked an important first test for the heavy-lift rocket motor. But the fact the first test met all expectations and lit beautifully, it gives the NASA Constellation Program a lot of hope. Typically the first stage of ignition is the toughest on any motor and so far the DM-2 withstands the pressure.
To see video of the test, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html? media_id=17916723
This Month in Astronomy History
GPS
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter'
Stardate 21009.01
This month in astronomy history….. GPS was launched. On September 8, 1984, The Navigation System with Timing and Ranging (NavStar) 10 was launched which was later renamed to Global Positioning system (GPS). NavStar was launched from the Western Space and Missile Center in California.
NavStar was originally developed by the US Department of Defense as a way to have a system that could provide twenty-four hour navigational capabilities that could be accurate in nearly all weather situations. GPS is a constellation of satellites (normally about 24 satellites orbiting Earth with four satellites in one of six orbital spheres). The goal was to use a time-difference calculation that could create a 3-d image if a signal was bounced between 4 satellites and a 2-d image if a signal was bounced between 3 satellites. The US Air Force has a dedicated network to GPS in order to make sure all satellites are working and sending down the signal.
Although GPS was created to help weapon systems, it’s not the most accurate navigational system used by the military. Some precision weapons do not use GPS systems on-board, instead they use laser guided systems. Laser-guided systems are more accurate but are susceptible to weather conditions (i.e. the lasers beam will disperse when passing through clouds so these weapons must be used when it’s sunny). GPS is great when you don’t need to see the target that you are shooting at or if there is bad weather.
Overtime, this program became open to the public in a variety of civilian industrial and recreational application. It seems like everyone has their GPS system telling them when and where to turn so they don’t get lost. At first the government was reluctant to give complete access to the knowledge gained by GPS. So they created a three tiered system of accuracy of the GPS signal: commercial strength (accurate within 30 feet), weapons strength (accurate within in a few feet), and selective availability (which could downgrade the commercial strength signal to be accurate within 100 feet or provide accuracy closer to weapons strength). The selective availability tier was later discontinued.
