FNN Edition 34
Federation News Network
Headlines
Cargo Ship Runs Into Discovery
YURI VOSTRIKOVA
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21104.01
They say that many of history's greatest discoveries are accidents. And while many might think first of things such as the discovery of penicillin on Earth or of the Orbs on Bajor, most often these accidents aren't quite so literal as one was last week.
The Quartermain Shipping Company lost contact with one of their drone cargo lighters last Wednesday suddenly while it was still in deep space en route to Oran VII. A nearby vessel, the USS Viceroy, was dispatched to investigate, and what it found was astonishing.
The lighter had run into a rogue planet, quite literally. It had impacted on the northern hemisphere, destroying it and its cargo. However, the Viceroy discovered that the planet was actually a temperate climate due to a combination of Volcanism and the greenhouse effect. A number of fauna species appeared to be thriving there, though the ship was ill-equipped for a full survey.
"Even in known space we can still find surprises," said Commander Falshin of the Starfleet Science Institute. "Rogue planets are notoriously hard to find, so it's not surprising this one had never been documented. Needless to say, however, we're going to rectify that situation."
Earth Celebrates Yuri's Night
ANJOHL ESSA
Guest Reporter
Stardate 21104.01
On 12 April, Earth will be united in celebration of the 450th anniversary of humanity's first foray into space. Planetary governments will shut down for the day, though Federation offices will remain open.
On 12 April 1961, a man named Yuri Gagarin launched from a base in the middle of Earth's Asian continent. He was in space for a flight of 108 minutes before landing in the plains of Russia, landing by parachute near his capsule, Vostok 1.
Many celebrations will take place starting at 3:08 UTC, the moment at which Gagarin launched, though celebrations will take place all day as well. United Earth's Prime Minister will be chairing the festivities in San Francisco. It's rumored that UFP President Beckett will attend the parade on the Champs-Élysées, though the Office of the President refused to comment.
Check with your local municipal government for local events.
FedSpace News
Headlines
FNN is Hiring!
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 ncancemi@cox.net, with the subject line of FNN Reporter Position.
All applications must be in by April 21, 2011.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email the Editor-In-Chief. We look forward to hearing from you!
Dear Abby
Questions for April 2011
CAPT ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21104.01
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!
Do escape pods have transporters?
No. Transporters would require far more energy than an escape pod could reasonably have, given it's size.
I'm confused. Does Operations fall under Tactical or Engineering? I've seen both on the site!
For FedSpace it falls under Engineering, to give engineers an opportunity to play on the bridge. However this position can also be played by tactical since there's a lot of crossover for this field.
Do all ships have marines?
No, they don't. It very much depends on the size of the ship and the mission, though larger ships are more likely to have marines than a smaller ship.
What's the most difficult article to write for the FNN? What's the easiest?
I went to the FNN's editor-in-chief, Rachel Christie, for that answer: "Of the sections I write, the most difficult would be the Trek Trivia. The easiest would be book reviews!"
Do you have a question for Abby? Please email her or the editor-in-chief.
20 Questions
Lieutenant JG Murphy
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21104.01
This month we get to learn more about Sarah, the player behind Lieutenant Junior Grade Margaret Murphy, Tactical Officer aboard the USS Ticonderoga, CA-1471.
Age, Sex, Location?
21, Female, New Jersey (US)
When did you first join FedSpace?
End of March last year, actually... hah, it's been a year! lookit that :P
What brought you to FedSpace?
Well, I've always loved Star Trek, and RPing, and I've always been a writer... so it just kind of made sense, I guess!
Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
I think Maggie's my alter-ego, to tell the truth. Murphy's a family name, and Margaret's my middle name... but the personality of the character comes from the side inside me that always wants to say something and stand up for myself even though I know the better idea is to back down. Maggie's a reckless girl, with trauma that makes her a bit dangerous decision-wise, but I think that on a basic level, Maggie's the bolder, more smart-ass version of myself.
Do you think it is easier or more difficult to play someone based on yourself?
I think most of the time it's easier, only because I can go, "Now what would I do in this situation?" But then, I have to think of how Maggie is more outspoken than me, and usually her response to things is a little more straight-forward than I think I would act.
So far, what is your favourite part about being a member of FedSpace?
I think my favorite part is the friendship. I've made quite a few good friends because of the site, and it's always fun to be able to plan out and laugh about the things going on in-game.
If you were president for a day, what would you change?
Oh, wow. I have no idea. I'm sure there is so much stuff going on that I don't even know about... but I think if I could do one cool thing, I would make the CO's and not the Middies and Engsigns scrub the cargo bays or something like that! Muahaha
What makes a good Ship/Station?
I think what makes a good ship/station is the crew. If they can work together, then the whole thing runs smoother. If there's only say, two people posting because someone else doesn't want to post with them, it can cause problems in-game and out.
What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
Mostly I go to class, make sticky-notes of things I know I'll procrastinate, and knit. Other than that, life pretty much consists of bugging the boyfriend and figuring out where to post next :P
What is your favourite Star Trek series?
My favorite would definitely have to be Next Gen. I get teased because people think it's only my favorite because of Wesley. But hey, it's got good storylines, a great crew, and... a girl can dream, can't she?
Do you have a favourite line or phrase from either a show or movie?
My favorite movie is First Contact, and the line I really like from there is when Riker turns to Geordi and says, "You told him about the statue?!" It's right after Zephram Cochrane's run off because he feels all this weight on his shoulders from knowing the future, and seeing the ever-intelligent Chief Engineer getting a look like that from Riker has always made me grin.
Do you have a favourite character from the shows and why?
If I say Wesley, I'll be berated because it's only because I grew up having a crush on him. Other than Wes though, I've always liked Worf. He's sarcastic, he doesn't take any crap, and he likes to blow things up. Also, it's pretty funny whenever he has to babysit Data's cat... he's allergic!
What piece of Star Trek Technology would you most like to see today?
I think that one's a tie between the transporter and the replicator. Both are pretty awesome peices of technology, but while the transporter would sure make it easier to get to and from school, I think the replicator would end up dispensing only hot pockets. So maybe I'll go with the transporter on this one... benefits more people than the junk food lovers, hahaa
What was it about Star Trek that made you fall in love with the show?
Since I was little, I've always been in love with science fiction. I think it's my dad's fault I'm a Trekkie; I can remember being about 4 and sitting in his lap, watching the end credits roll. I think there's a sense of adventure in me that I never got to fufill, and science fiction of any kid -most notably Star Trek- helps me fufill that.
What FedSpace player would you most like to meet in real life?
I've already met Captain Braggins and RAdm Grayson, so after those two charming nuts, I'd really like to meet Jordan Donovan, who plays the Tico's COS. He's a really good friend of mine, and I think we'd have fun busting each other's chops.
What FedSpace character would you most like to meet in real life?
Hah! Well, from the Tico, I think it'd be hard to choose. It's a pretty tough, raggity crew, I'm not sure any of them would particularly take to me right away, haha! Maybe I'd start off slow, like our CMO, Pellew. He's a really nice guy, not as abrasive as some of the other crew might be. At the very least, if I was hurt, I know I could count on his bedside manner!
If you could list one pet-peeve about your fellow players, what would it be?
That they'd totally rag on me if I complained about them? Hahaaaa! Probably that they post too quickly... I used to ask people when they were planning on posting, and now that I've fallen behind just a little, they're the ones asking me! Oh, how the tables have turned!
What is in your FedSpace future, for yourself and for your character?
I think in the future I'm going to have to make Maggie deal with what made her the bold little warrior she is today. She was a Cadet when she got in a fight and nearly died, but doesn't really remember what happened. I think it'd be real interesting to see (and write) what happens when she finally gets up the courage to see it all played out on the holodeck, and have to deal with that. As for me personally, I'd sure hope to post a lot more (and better) and hopefully get another RPGer!
If there was one thing you would want everyone to know about you, what would that be?
Haha! Wow, that's an interesting one. Maybe I'd warn them that my Captain and COS call me a Grammar Nazi? I'm always pointing out silly little things to them; I might as well warn the rest of the site that if I'm reading your post and talking to you... if I like you, I'll point out a run-on sentence. I do expect the same, though. I'm a nice Grammar Nazi. Most times.
Thank you to Sarah 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 21104.01
Please join me in welcoming all the recent graduates to Federation Space! Please note that this table reflects the new Midshipman who graduated in March.
| Rank | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Aldren | Space Station Sierra 18, SS-18 |
|
Jarl Hrothgardii | USS Pegasus, CL-2500 |
|
Vox Templar | USS Sheridan, DD-4086 |
Trek News
Reviews
Star Trek: A Singular Destiny
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21104.01
Star Trek: A Singular Destiny by Keith R. A. DeCandido follows up on the events that took place in the Star Trek: Destiny series. Again we meet up with the crew of the USS Aventine and Captain Ezri Dax. Following the devastation of the Federation at the hands of the Borg, the UFP government not only needs to pick up the pieces but also keep the other major powers in the universe at bay.
I really enjoyed this book because it was a refreshing take on the Star Trek universe. We always know how Starfleet thinks and the people who are affiliated and affected by the fleet’s wishes. But it’s not often we’re treated to what the people of the Federation think. They just came out of this massive war that had devastating losses, how are they coping? How is the government handling the new demands on the system? What steps are they taking to rebuild, if they even can?
The book centers mostly on a university professor, Sonek Pran. This former advisor to the UFP’s presidential office is called up once again. It really focuses on how one person can make history, even when they don’t believe they are.
The story kept me turning the page, even though it wasn’t full of a lot of “explosive space battles” type action like the Destiny series had.
I would definitely recommend this book to any Trek fan! I give this book four out of five stars.
Trek Trivia
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21104.01
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. In which episode did Leonard McCoy require James Kirk to eat a salad?
2. Who was Worf's nursemaid when he was a child?
3. True or False: Both of Jadzia Dax's parents were joined.
4. Harry Kim died in two Voyager episodes. Name them.
5. What ship did Jean Luc Picard and his team take down to the surface of the Ba'ku planet in Star Trek: Insurrection?
6. Name Gul Dukat's half-Bajoran daughter.
7. In "Tomorrow is Yesterday", a slingshot maneuver was used to return the Enterprise to its proper time. In what later episode was this maneuver employed deliberately to revisit the past?
8. Which of the following activities was Data not known to do in his quest to understand humanity?
- a) Writing poetry
- b) Acting
- c) Participating in gymnastics
- d) Painting
9. Name the episode in which Picard is kidnapped and kept in a room with other humanoids so a group of aliens can study the concept of authority.
10. Name the species pictured to the right.
Submit your answers or email them.
Last Month's Answers
1. The Horta found what aspect of Spock's appearance most appealing?
- His ears
2. In "Hide and Q," the Q-empowered Riker offered to fulfill Data's fondest wish. What was that?
- To become human
3. Who first recruited Odo to be chief of security aboard Deep Space 9?
- Dukat
4. B'Elanna Torres once reprogrammed a Cardassian missile to attack Cardassian targets in the Alpha Quadrant, only to be confronted with it again in the Delta Quadrant. What was the missile's code name?
- Dreadnought
5. True or False: V'ger was originally a space probe named Voyager VII.
- False; it was Voyager VI.
6. Before she joined the crew of the Enterprise-D, Ro Laren had served aboard what ship?
- USS Wellington
7. According to Spock, what device is the basis for every important piece of equipment used by Starfleet?
- Transtator
8. Sylvia used a human form to try to seduce Kirk, but what animal form did she take to attack him when he rebuffed her?
- Cat
9. According to Seven of Nine in "Hope and Fear," ___________________ is a word that humans use far too often.
- Impossible
10. Name the technology pictured to the right.
- Temporal Field Generator
Last Month's Winners
1. Alice Dega
2. Rachel Christie
All Around Champs
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Alice Dega | 20 |
| 2. | Azernal Rin | 13 |
| 3. | Jonathan Cooper | 12 |
| 5. | Rachel Christie | 10 |
| 4. | Alexis Tregelen | 8 |
| Hall of Fame | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Points | Year |
| Kyle DeWitt | 86 | 2010 |
| Laura Macleod | 91 | 2009 |
Joke of the Month
Starfleet Rules for Exploration
1. Never use an old solution for a new problem. Always do things the hard way.
2. No matter how tired and ill-prepared you are, and no matter what condition the ship is in, feel free to get as close as possible to dangerous areas of space, unknown phenomena and other threatening situations with absolutely no preparation or backups.
3. When encountering unfamiliar aliens, the presence of an empath on the bridge is strictly optional.
4. If you're showing any unusual symptoms, don't bother mentioning them until it's too late.
5. Humans in the 23rd century have souls, and that's a good thing because they haven't lost their humanity. Humans in the 24th century don't have souls, and there's nothing wrong with that because they can depend on technology to get them out of any situation. Sometimes they might need the help of a Q and that's fine because it encourages humility. Or if they don't need the help of Q, that's fine because it encourages self-reliance. Aliens have always had souls. There's no difference between a disembodied soul and an energy being, but that isn't worth mentioning.
6. Every problem takes 48 minutes to solve, or a multiple of 48.
7. If a ship goes back to a planet, ignore the implications of any previous adventure there.
8. Society and technology are never affected by new discoveries or innovations.
9. Don't keep records, don't share your data, and make sure only isolated scientists working alone are able to come up with anything really new.
10. When reporting strange incidents and phenomena to Starfleet, don't expect Starfleet to show any interest in your report for several years at least.
11. Don't bother retrieving lost data or equipment for several years, if ever.
12. Dangerous aliens who cast powerful illusions must be quarantined unless they're strategically located. If humans get superpowers, that's bad; but if aliens get superpowers that's good.
13. The Prime Directive sounds like a nice idea but it's really a load of hooey.
14. The holodeck always malfunctions. It doesn't even need a reason.
15. It's always possible to tell whether an entire planet's civilization is stagnant by visiting one location for five minutes.
16. Most planets have one, or at most two, cultures, and they are always right next door to each other
17. If anybody hints that there's another society somewhere, it's not worth visiting.
18. Laws must apply to everyone or they mean nothing.
19. Laws must always have exceptions or there can be no justice.
20. Always tell the truth, even to the bad guys. If you have to lie, do it in a way that lets the bad guys know you're lying.
21. Violence is bad unless the good guys use it, then that's good.
22. Computers are bad unless it's a Starfleet computer, then that's good. Unless it becomes independent, then that's bad. Unless it becomes sentient, then that's good. Unless it violates Starfleet guidelines, then that's bad.
23. A peaceful society is good unless a computer runs it, then that's bad.
24. When people are violent on their own that's good but when a computer induces violence that's bad.
25. When the good guys give people guns that's good. When the bad guys give people guns that's bad.
26. If people develop the same weapons on their own that's good unless they televise their violence, then that's bad.
Science News
Astronomy Pic of the Month
Messenger at Mercury
Credit: NASA/JHU APL/CIW
Astronomy News
A New Photo indicates 1,235 Potential Alien Planets
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21104.01
This photo shows each planet found by the NASA’s Kepler Observatory that could possibly sustain alien life. This photo is a complies all the planets found thus far and uses a program that embodies scientific software which scales planets to the proper size.
Of the 1,235 possible planets that can sustain alien life, only 54 fit into the “Goldilocks zone”. The “Goldilocks Zone” is where water could exist on a planet surface without being too far away from the star and not too close to the star where life would burn up.
These 1235 planets have been discovered since March 2009. So the photo is an impressive way to compress the information provided by Kepler into a textbook style photo. Each of these planets have been found by looking for tiny changes of light coming from a star since the changes of light tend to indicate an orbiting body has cross the way. Then the Astronomers will use other telescopes to see if exoplanets actually exist.
This Month in Astronomy History
Hubble Space Telescope
NINA GARCIA JENKINS
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21104.01
On April 24, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space by the NASA space shuttle Discovery (STS-31). This is one of the grandest scientific experiments completed by NASA in recent years but at the same it’s been plagued with problems throughout the legacy that is Hubble Space Telescope.
The idea of the Hubble Space Telescope dates back to the 1923 but didn’t get real funding until the 1970s and proposed launched date in 1983. Since all good things must come to an end, the Hubble Telescope will be functional until 2014 and then it is planned to be replaced.
Almost immediately after being launched, the telescope had a huge problem. The mirror had a defect which caused a fuzzy picture of the images. The NASA scientists immediately came up with a computer program that enhanced the photo. The telescope was designed to have periodic service missions, so far there has been 4 separate service missions (although mission 3 had two parts).
One of the greatest finds by Hubble Space Telescope is the Hubble Deep Field and the Ultra Deep Fields. The Deep field was a photo taken of a “dark” area of space where we didn’t think any galaxies existed. Originally it was though that the deep field would not show a lot about space but it was a compromise after scientists couldn’t decide which galaxy to fixate on. This then lead to the most detailed photos of distant galaxies. Then more recently there was the Ultra Deep Field which was an increased magnification so that scientists could get the deepest look into history.
