FNN Edition 29
Galactic News Service
Federation News Network
Headlines
Trip to the Barzan System Has Unexpected Consequences
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21011.01
The Gettysburg’s trip to the Barzan system was more difficult on crew members and the ship alike. First, there was a massive collision where the ship collided with a Scout Vessel. Then in the hopes to repair the ship, things take a disastrous turn when a rogue group of Brazan’s decide to sabotage and attempt to seize the ship in order to serve a religious goal to free gods from a local wormhole.
The crew to the Gettysburg was placed into a desperate situation after it collided with another ship while exploring the wormhole after a series of anomalous readings. . Leaving most systems damage and required extensive repairs to both ships. So this meant some cooperation with the Barzans that were also working with the wormhole (and creating the anomalous readings from the wormhole by performing experiments).
The most desperate turn was when Bhondi (the lead Barzan) attempted to seize the ship. Him and several accomplices damaged the life support system rigging them with a poisonous gas. Then Bhondi proceeded to gain control of bridge until Cdr. Fitchel used a pistol on the saboteur after learning that Bhondi and the Barzans on their ship were considered terrorists.
One-on-One
Lt JG Alice Dega
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21011.01
How long have you served in Star Fleet?
Which me? The part who served only about 3 years or the other part who served about 20 years or so.
Did you always plan on being joined?
I did and I didn't. After learning hybrids could be joined, it made an already super competitive process even more competitive. I continued to work towards being joined but I also pursued my career in Starfleet. I lucked out and was able to make my dream come true.
How does it feel to be serving aboard the same ship as a past host?
It's cool and weird all at the same time. I intimately know the ship. So I know how far I can press her limits. But at the same time, I'm also not living out a different life from my previous host. It's almost like I'm jipping Dega out of some experience.
Are there any conflicts between what Kathy says and what Alice says in regards to being on the Yeager?
I wouldn't say there are conflicts. But i do have the fear that one day I try to report into engineering station on the bridge instead of tactical or that one day I will get a weird head injury that will make me think I'm the Yeager's CE again.
Have you ever run into one of Kathy's old crewmates?
[Nods and laughs] Yes I have. I ran into Commodore Tregelen one day while on shore leave on Sierra. It was rather entertaining to go up to the commodore in a rather friendly way knowing who he was and he had absolutely no idea who I was.
Your current CO followed a similar career path as your previous host, Kathy Dega. Is that strange for you?
It is strange. The two career paths mimicked each other so much for a long time until Kathy was critically injured. In a way, watching Capt. Nielson make it to captain and take command of the Yeager is like watching a future Kathy could have had.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue to work hard and prove myself to the Federation. I would love to become an FO. That takes years of hard work and effort and a little luck. But at the same time, I know if my previous host could do it, I can too.
Mne'eoth Rihan ih'Shiar
Headlines
Staying the Course
HAVRAHA R'MOR
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21011.01
The evacuation of Romulus is almost complete now. Many of the planet’s residents have already settled in on the colony worlds. Many are still waiting for the next round of transport ships to arrive. A few handful of families have no intention whatsoever of leaving. I spoke to one of them to find out why.
The S’Trask clan is one of the oldest families who’s lineage dates back to the original settlers of Romulus. Though not a political family, the S’Trask have one of the leading textile businesses in the entire Empire. It’s unconfirmed but they claim to have made the wardrobe for Pontilus, the first Praetor of the Empire.
R’Mor (MRS): Shaoi kon, lhhai Trask. [Good afternoon, Mr. Trask.] Thank you for seeing me.
Trask: Shaoi ben. Are you here to convince me to leave me, too?
R’Mor: Oh no, Ihhai. I heard you from the yard before the dheno officers let me in.
Trask: I know they’re just doing their jobs, but how many times do I have tell them I’m not leaving? How about you? Are you shipping out?
R’Mor: Yes, Ihhai…
Trask: Stop with the “Ihhai.” It makes me feel old. (Ihhai Trask is 250)
R’Mor: I am on the next MRS transport to the new homeworld.
Trask: Well when this supernova is over, are you planning to stay there?
R’Mor: No, I’m…
Trask: Then why are you leaving if you’re just coming back?
R’Mor: Well…(Trask looks at me to continue)…I’ve worked the land all my life and my brother is in the Galae’Shiar. I think it’s about time I get off the planet for a bit. See the Empire. But like you, my family is buried here. I’ll be back.
(Trask looks lost in thought for a moment.)
Trask: That’s the best pitch I’ve heard all month. I don’t think a Ferengi could outdo that. Go see the stars. I’m glad to hear you are coming back for the right reason, though.
R’Mor: Thank you. But about you. Why exactly are you staying? Many call you a veruul and some other not-so-nice things.” (Trask waves off the comment.)
Trask: Let them think what they want. Our ancestors found this world for us to live
out our lives the way we want to. If I want to do die here, I have that right. I’m too old to move to a shack and then come back after a few years. I know this land, and I’ll be damned if I leave it because of some exploding star light years away. Maybe Tei was right in not telling us. Maybe it won’t be as bad as everyone calculates. I’ll take my chances. If I’m wrong, I will die knowing I stayed true to my ancestors.
Now if you excuse me, it’s time for my afternoon tea. Would you like a nice smoking jacket before you go. You’ll be the first in fashion on the new homeworld.
Featured Province
i'Ramnau
HAVRAHA R'MOR
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21011.01
Last time, I took you around the small village of Iuruth. This issue will feature I’Ramnau. Many Rihannsu know this as the central hub of the ale industry. i’Ramnau is a well developed but mainly agricultural province. The companies grow the oats, culture the fermenting bacteria, and produce the favored blue beverage that we are famous, or perhaps infamous for. The fine ales are produced in facilities similar to the Italian vineyards on Earth, while the everyday labels are made in typical factories.
i’Ramnau is your typical suburb though. It’s far enough away from civilization while still having indoor plumbing. The distilleries lie on the outskirts, giving the residents a reprieve from the busy humdrum of life.
FedSpace News
Dear Abby
Questions for 21011.01
CAPT ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21011.01
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!
I've seen both used but which is the right title, Chief Engineer or Chief Engineering Officer?
Chief Engineer is the right titled, abbreviated to CE.
Are all the departments head offices in San Francisco?
Nope, though most of them are found on Earth:
- Command – San Francisco, USA
- Engineering – Birmingham, UK
- Medical – Boston, USA
- Science – Seattle, USA
- Security – San Francisco, USA
- Tactical – Chicago, USA
- Intelligence – San Francisco, USA
- Marine - Gibraltar Point, Mars
- JAG - Falls Church, VA
- Academy – San Francisco, USA
If you character is a Department Head, then becomes a regular crewman, would they retain their DH Security Clearances?
No, they would lose their DH clearance.
Can I change the department my character currently plays in?
Yes, if you'd like. Talk to your CO, as they can advise you the best way to do it.
Do you have a question for Abby? Please email her or the editor-in-chief.
20 Questions
LCdr Korbon Hawkens
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21011.01
This month we get to learn more about the player behind Lieutenant Commander Korbon Hawkens, Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Dauntles, BC-1553.
Age, Sex, Location?
I’m 27, male, and live in Kennewick, Washington.
When did you first join FedSpace?
If memory serves me correct, I joined in early May 2007.
What brought you to FedSpace?
At the time, I was looking for something positive to fill the huge chunk of free time I suddenly had after quitting a very popular, and addictive, fantasy MMORPG. Wanting to get away from the fantasy genre for a while, I did a quick search on Google and found quite a few sci-fi oriented sites, like this one, and signed up for some of them. I must have tried at least a dozen different sites, but FedSpace was, by far, the best I found.
Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
I could probably write pages and pages on character development. It is something that I’ve always enjoyed. In coming up with Korbon, I started with the name and physical description of a character I had created for a pencil and paper RPG session years ago. Without going into too much detail, I basically focused on filling out the FedSpace Bio form, working around specific ideas that I had, and pulling in just enough from my personal experiences to be able to identify with him.
Do you think it is easier or more difficult to play someone based on yourself?
I think a lot of that depends on the character. Personally, I found that if characters develop a strong voice of their own, it becomes almost second nature playing them. Whereas, if a character is weaker, or hasn’t developed his/her own voice at all, I find myself falling back on the only other reference I have, me.
So far, what is your favourite part about being a member of FedSpace?
The community is amazing! It’s rare to find a site with such a close knit community as FedSpace has.
If you were president for a day, what would you change?
Absolutely nothing. I think he’s doing a wonderful job!
What makes a good Ship/Station?
I believe that a good ship is one where the crew members share a sense of camaraderie. It helps give the crew an identity, and for new cadets coming onto a ship for the first time, being welcomed into the ‘family’, so to speak, can be a great feeling.
What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
Let’s see...there’s a lot of work involved. Other than that, a lot of my free time is spent between my various hobbies, such as playing music, reading, etc.
What is your favourite Star Trek series?
TNG’s my favorite. I vaguely remember TNG when I was growing up, mainly Geordi’s VISOR. But the first series to actually draw me into the Star Trek universe was Voyager. It wasn’t until college that I was reintroduced to TNG and it’s been my favorite ever since.
Do you have a favourite line or phrase from either a show or movie?
My favorite line is from Season 2 of TNG. Dr. Polaski informs Captain Picard that the crew on the viewscreen died of natural causes, and he, in a very dramatic manner, responds: “Natural causes ? What in nature could cause that ?”
Do you have a favourite character from the shows and why?
I don’t know if I really have a favorite. I like so many of the characters for so many different reasons. Except for Wesley...I’m not a big fan of Wesley.
What piece of Star Trek Technology would you most like to see today?
I’d like to see the voice activated computer like they have on Star Trek. It would be nice to have something like that installed in my house. I could have the computer find information for me without being tethered to a computer screen, have it make me a cup of tea, or turn on the lights without having to get out of bed. I realize that we’re probably getting pretty close to this technology already, but I’d still like to see it.
What was it about Star Trek that made you fall in love with the show?
I think it was the sense of adventure mainly. As a kid you can imagine yourself growing up and being a Starfleet officer, travelling the universe, and exploring new worlds. So, I guess I’m living the dream!
What FedSpace player would you most like to meet in real life?
Robert, who plays Lt[JG] Darmar, formerly LCdr Stack. He’s a great guy and meeting him seems like a good excuse to take a trip out to Australia.
What FedSpace character would you most like to meet in real life?
I think I’d actually like to meet Korbon in real life. It would be interesting to see him in person see how he actually compares to my own thoughts of him.
If you could list one pet-peeve about your fellow players, what would it be?
They get injured too much. Of course, I say that as an overworked, underpaid CMO on a ship full of misfits. If everyone took a bit more care when handling explosives, dealing with homicidal robots, or charging into battle, I could actually get some work done. Seriously, though, I don’t think I have any real problems with my fellow players.
Do you feel there is any disconnect between you and other players based on geographical location?
Not really. As FedSpace an online community, I tend to disregard the fact that many people aren’t geographically close to where I live. The Internet is something of an equalizer in that respect. To some degree, I actually think it allows more of a connection, especially with those in vastly different time zones.
Has your character developed differently than what you had planned?
Not really, because I never really had a plan to begin with. My whole philosophy on character development is that it needs to happen naturally. I let the events the character experiences dictate how he develops. For example, a lot of the idealism and confidence he had coming out the Academy was essentially crushed on his first full mission. It wasn’t my plan to have that happen, it was just a result of the situation.
What is in your FedSpace future, for yourself and for your character?
As one of the two recently chosen site historians, the other being the amazing Lt[JG] Dega, a lot of my efforts on the site will be focused in that direction. As far as Korbon’s concerned, I’ve been doing my best to turn his world upside down for the past year or so, which has culminated in his wonderful colleague, Ens Qal, performing brain surgery on him. So, in the future, he’ll be dealing with the results of the surgery, both good and bad.
Thank you to Korbon for answering my questions! Would you like to be featured in 20 Questions? Please email our editor-in-chief!
Academy Graduates
CAPT ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21011.01
Please join me in welcoming all the recent graduates to Federation Space! Please note that this table reflects the new Midshipman who graduated in October.
| Rank | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Mathias Highthorne | USS Gettysburg, BC-1863 |
 |
Rauqk | USS Yeager, SC-8018 |
 |
Savar Feyil | USS Philadelphia, FF-6053 |
Trek News
Headlines
The Captains of the Final Frontier Debut
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21011.01
The Captains of the Final Frontier documentary debuts on the BIO channel in America on November 3, 2010. This documentary hosted by William Shatner is the first documentary to actually take a look at the legendary captains from Star Trek (versus the actors who played them). In the two hour presentation, viewers are treated to comparisons between the captain’s leadership styles and the off duty relationships in addition to tons of interviews with writers, producers, and actors. This is truly a unique opportunity to learn more about Captain Kirk, Sisko, Picard, Janeway and Archer.
Also interesting tidbit: some of the interviews took place right before the Vancouver convention talked about in FNN Edition 26. So attendees learned how filming the interview with Scott Bakula lead to some eyelids being burnt and it was the first time that William Shatner and Bakula got to ride horses together.
Trivia
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21011.01
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. Good luck!
This Month's Questions
1. When the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701 travels faster than the speed of light, this is called ________________ speed.
2. On what starship did Katherine Pulaski serve prior to the Enterprise-D?
3. What did Kasidy Yates do for a living?
4. Approximately how many lightyears was Voyager flung from home?
5. Which character had grown a beard in The Motion Picture?
6. Spock is a hybrid of two species: which species and by how much?
7. In the Mirror Universe, what device was key to Mirror Kirk's rise to power?
8. When Spock was a child, he had what for a pet?
9. In which episode is Seven of Nine left alone with the Doctor as the rest of the crew must remain in stasis during passage through a nebula?
10. What was the name of T'Pol and Trip Tucker's child?
Last Month's Answers
1. Name Christine Chapel's long-lost fiancé.
- Dr Roger Korby
2. To whom did Natasha Yar make amorous advances in "The Naked Now"?
- Data
3. With whom did Jake Sisko become friends shortly after arriving on Deep Space 9, much to the consternation of the parents of both parties?
- Nog
4. Seska left Voyager to join forces with what species?
- Kazon
5. Where did Scott and McCoy go in The Voyage Home to find whale tank materials?
- Plexicorp
6. What interspecies war caused the development of the metreon cascade?
- Talaxian-Haakonian War
7. Who assigned Lieutenant Commander Dexter Remmick to interrogate the crew of the Enterprise-D in "Coming of Age"?
- Admiral Gregory Quinn
8. Who is James T Kirk's brother?
- George Samuel Kirk
9. According to Uhura, "Cyrano Jones says that ______________ is the only love that money can buy."
- A tribble
10. Name the class of ship pictured to the right.
- Federation Antares-class Cruiser
Last Month's Winners
1. Kyle DeWitt
2. Azernal Rin
All Around Champs
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kyle DeWitt | 76 |
| 2. | Alexis Tregelen | 35 |
| 3. | Amarik I'Dartha | 29 |
| 3. | Buck Wausau | 10 |
| 4. | Jericho Roberts | 6 |
| 5. | Azernal Rin | 5 |
| Hall of Fame | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Points | Year |
| Laura Macleod | 91 | 2009 |
Joke of the Month
There's a Hole in the Warp Field
Music: "There's a Hole in the Bucket"
Singers: Geordi LaForge and Leah Brahms
There's a hole in the warp field, dear Leah, dear Leah,
There's a hole in the warp field, dear Leah, a hole.
Patch the hole then, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, dear Geordi,
Patch the hole then, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, patch the hole.
With what shall I patch it, dear Leah, dear Leah,
With what shall I patch it, dear Leah, with what?
Use a phase shift, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, dear Geordi,
Use a phase shift, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, a phase shift.
And how shall I shift it, dear Leah, dear Leah,
And how shall I shift it, dear Leah, just how?
Reverse the polarity, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, dear Geordi,
Reverse the polarity, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, the polarity.
How shall I reverse it, dear Leah, dear Leah,
How shall I reverse it, dear Leah, just how?
Reconfigure the crystals, dear Geordi, dear Geordi,
Reconfigure the crystals, dear Geordi, the crystals.
With what shall I reconfigure them, dear Leah, dear Leah,
With what shall I reconfigure them, dear Leah, with what?
With a proton beam, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, dear Geordi,
With a proton beam, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, a proton beam.
And how shall I make it, dear Leah, dear Leah,
And how shall I make it, dear Leah, this beam?
Extend the warp field, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, dear Geordi,
Extend the warp field, dear Geordi, dear Geordi, extend the field.
There's a hole in the warp field, dear Leah, dear Leah...
Science News
Astropic
Comet Hartley 2 Flyby
Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech, UMD, EPOXI Mission
Technology News
Satellite Failure
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21011.01
The newest Eutelsat W3B satellite launched by Europe’s Ariane 5 ECA rocket on October 28, 2010 was unsuccessful. To the dismay of everyone involved in the project, there was leak in the fuel reservoir forcing ground teams to make a decision to put the satellite into a graveyard orbit or just guide it into the atmosphere and destroy the satellite that way. The Eutelsat W3B was designed to provide satellite TV to Central Europe, cell phone service to parts of India and Asia and produce more then 12 kilowatts of power in a twelve year period.
The Eutelsat W3B had a smooth flight where the satellite was moving from a transfer orbit of 35,907 kilometers (which was the intended destination). The satellite was suppose to move to a geostationary orbit under its own power but that is impossible due to the sizeable leak in the oxidizer tank. The French satellite’s leak should have been found during the integration process to the Ariane 5 rocket. Fortunately the Japanese BSat-3b satellite which was launched on the same rocket is reported to be functioning well.
The difficulty faced by Thales Alenia Space and Eutelsat is that there is satellite is not within radio contact for extend period of times and the amount of fuel is extremely limited. Thales Alenia Space can either use all the fuel to raise the satellite to a more stable orbit or guide the satellite into a destructive atmospheric reentry.
There is little speculation on what caused the leak to the oxidizer tank by Eutelsat other then saying that it happened after launched. It’s possible that some of the older components could have been faulty but there was nothing indicating an issue with the propellant reservoir during the pre-flight preparation.
The Eutelsat has already ordered a new satellite to replace W3B which is called W3D (since W3C is being prepared for launched in 2011). This is part of a seven-satellite constellation but it’s the second satellite in the group to suffer a major problem.
This Month in Astronomy History
SBD Dauntless
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21011.01
The Dauntless Class was designed and contracted to be built.
On November 18, 1934, the US Navy and the Northrop Corporation created a contract for the SBD Dauntless series of dive bombers. The XBT-1 (the prototype for the SBD Dauntless bomber) was a two- seat scout and 1000 pound dive bomber.
The SBD Dauntless became an important part of the US effort during World War II. The Dauntless series later spawned other great ships including the USS Dauntless which was the flag ship of the Federation for several years.
