FNN Edition 35
Federation News Network
Headlines
Civilian Busts Illegal Trade Ring
ARTEMIS WALKER
Staff Reporter
Stardate 21105.01
STAR BASE 1313 – In the early hours of Stardate 21104.13, a lone Bolian man busts through a bulkhead that has been reinforced by crates of illegal cargo. The explosion rocks the space station and sends fire suppression modules working overtime. Sirens blare, and sleepily star base security personnel stumble on scene.
The Bolian is Aerin Blaat, and he has just accidentally discovered an illegal trading ring.
Going through newly discovered records, Star Fleet Security has determined that the ring has been operating aboard Star Base 1313 for over a year. Shipments that had been listed as self-sealing stembolts on Star base transfer paperwork turned out to be carefully masked bottled of Valtese honey tea. Though permitted on Valta, the tea has been outlawed on all other Federation worlds. So potent, this tea has been often compared to Romulan ale.
When asked why it took a Bolian accidentally detonating a portion of bulkhead to literally shed light on this illegal trade ring, SFSC refused to comment. Some witnesses seem to indicate that this is simply the tip of the iceberg for the corruption of Star Fleet in this corner of the galaxy, who turned the other way.
Applicant Levels Drop
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21105.01
SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH – As peace finally wraps the Federation in her cozy blanket, application levels for Star Fleet seem to be dropping. The numbers show a sizeable decrease from the previous two years' flood of applicants.
Captain Abigail Taylor, Superintendent of Star Fleet Academy, isn't worried. "With the war long over, people are looking to settle back into their regular routines. It's not something we should be worried about over the long term."
Star Fleet Academy has long attracted the cream of the crop of Federation citizens. In times of war this changes to become those who want to stand up and defend their homes. During times of peace those accepted are people looking for adventure and scientific discovery.
"Right now our focus is returning to exploration and seeking out new life," Taylor added, "Our recruitment is again starting to once again reflect that, to see if candidates have the "right stuff" and that spark of curiosity to see what's out there in space."
Those interested in joining Star Fleet are encouraged to contact the Star Fleet Academy Admissions department, where advisors can help guild potential candidates into a career path that interests them. Current officers are also able to refer interested friends and family members as well.
FedSpace News
Headlines
Record Setting Short Story Contest
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21105.01
In an overwhelming show of site pride, this year's Short Story Contest saw a record breaking 28 entries. Shocking to everyone, especially the contest organizer Lieutenant Torkav, was that this year's contest received more than double previous years' participants. This year's entrants went from recently graduated midshipman right up to well-seasoned commodores and starship captains.
The Federation News Network would like to congratulate the winners and participants of the 2011 Short Story Contest:
Winner: Failure to Return by Capt Braggins, USS Ticonderoga
2nd Place: Shorebreak by Capt Nielson, USS Yeager
3rd Place: The Unlikeliest of Influences by Cdr Crawford, USS Pegasus
Honourable Mention: Footsteps in the Rain by Mid Aldren, Space Station Sierra-18; Life Starts Now by Minister Gage; Sex, Drugs & Rock'n'Roll by LCdr Fiore, USS Ticonderoga
Participants: Cdr Archer, LCdr Azernal, Lt Codey, Lt [JG] Cooper, Lt [JG] Dega, Lt DeWitt, Lt Donovan, Lt [JG] Dys, Cdr Fields, LCdr Gadling, Ens Giraath, Lt Hauser, Cdr Hawk, LCdr Hawkens, Mid Kenmore, Lt [JG] Meels, Lt [JG] Murphy, Lt Scott, LCdr Tokat, LCdr Tucker, Ens West, Cmdr Wong
Lieutenant Torkav also had this to say about the contest:
"I'd like to personally thank each and every participant in the Short Story Contest this year. Our participation level of 28 stories was record-breaking and phenomenal. The stories were some of the most enjoyable that I've seen in all my years on the site, and it was an honor to be a part of this.
As you all already know the winners, I won't dwell on them here. I just want to say, once again, that I am constantly honored and privileged to be a part of the talent that makes up Federation Space.
I can't wait to see what you all come up with to meet the challenge of the next Short Story Contest!
Thank you, Perry"
We would also like to thank the judges who took the time to read through 28 stories.
If you would like to read all the entries to the contest, or past short story contest entries, please click here.
We look forward to reading next year's entries, and hope we can break this year's record.
20 Questions
Commander Tyra Crawford
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21105.01
This month we get to learn more about Amber, the player behind Commander Tyra Crawford, Chief of Security aboard the USS Pegasus, CL-2500.
Age, Sex, Location?
20, Female, Texas (US)
When did you first join FedSpace?
Oh…it would have been June 2005, if I remember correctly.
What brought you to FedSpace?
Honestly? I was really bored one summer after moving, and wanted to do something creative-ish and I love Star Trek. Coincidentally, someone recruited me during that time.
Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
The original concept for Tyra was pretty closely based on myself, and I think she remained that way for probably the first year or so. However, she has definitely branched out and developed in ways that I would never have guessed at 5, almost 6 years ago.
Do you think it is easier or more difficult to play someone based on yourself?
I think it's easier because it's mostly instinct. You don't really have to sit there and try to get in someone else's head, but at the same time, it lacks a bit of the challenge and fun that can be had when you really step out of a comfort zone.
Has your character developed differently than what you had planned?
Definitely! She's become a lot tougher than I'd originally planned, and she's not quite the screw up I'd envisioned either.
So far, what is your favourite part about being a member of FedSpace?
The people. I've met some very awesome people and developed some very meaningful friendships through the site.
If you were president for a day, what would you change?
You mean other than make myself Supreme Ruler forever? Haha, seriously? Probably nothing, or nothing that I can think of on the spot.
If you could name your own ship, what would you name it and why?
Haha. Well, being a Texan, I feel a little obligated to name it either the USS Sam Houston or the USS Alamo.
What makes a good Ship/Station?
Definitely the people and environment. If you're post with good and friendly people, who try to make it fun, you can roll with anything.
What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
Well, I'm a college student so mainly studying, sadly. However, I also play lacrosse so when I'm not killing myself over a textbook, I'm probably getting myself beat up on the field.
What is your favourite Star Trek series?
I would probably have to say Voyager. It was the first one I got the chance to really enjoy when I was about 6, and I just have a soft spot for it.
If you watched the movies, which one was your favorite?
Actually, my favorite is probably the newest one. I just found it to be really fun, even if it didn't totally line up with everything.
Do you have a favourite character from the shows and why?
Oh, that's hard. This might sound strange, but my favorite was always Ensign Kim from Voyager because I just always felt so bad for the poor guy.
What piece of Star Trek Technology would you most like to see today?
A replicator. I'm a college kid, and not having to live on ramen noodles would be amazing.
What was it about Star Trek that made you fall in love with the show?
I fell in love with the fact that it really sparked my imagination from an early age, and let me think outside of reality, I guess.
What FedSpace player would you most like to meet in real life?
I don't think I have just one. I have a bit of a list going currently, and I think it just keeps getting longer, not shorter.
If you could list one pet-peeve about your fellow players, what would it be?
That some people take things way too seriously. Lighten up and have fun!
Do you feel there is any disconnect between you and other players based on geographical location?
Not really. I'm truly lucky in that I have quite a few players in my general area. It certainly helps.
What is in your FedSpace future, for yourself and for your character?
Fun? I don't really know as I'm not really the planning type, but I'm sure whatever is in store for both of us, it'll be interesting, and probably a little strange.
Thank you to Amber for answering my questions! Would you like to be featured in 20 Questions? Please email our [editor-in-chief!]
Dear Abby
Questions for May 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!
Is there going to be anything planned to be done with the Borg in the future?
Do answer this I went to the site's Creative Director, Lieutenant Torkav, for his thoughts: "It's been a number of years since the site has seen any major involvement with the Borg, and I would like to, at some future point, involve them in another major plot on the site. There are some creative issues to resolve before we can do so. However, last year we saw a Borg-related mission on the Shadowhawk, and it was a success and gave us some ideas for possible Borg plots in the future. So to answer your question, yes, there will be something, but it's likely a ways off and I can't comment on what it might be."
Does FedSpace have a Twitter account?
Yup! You can access the account by clicking here. Did you know that if you follow FedSpace, you have the opportunity to win up to 200 extra points a month? By re-tweeting to certain questions you can be entered to win a weekly draw for 50 points.
If I wanted to give my NPC a medal in game, do I need approval?
Yes. Please discuss this with your CO, as some medals are very rare even for PCs to receive.
Do we have ship patches, like in Star Trek Enterprise?
All ships have patches / logos, though they are not worn as patches on uniforms like they are in Enterprise. Our uniforms are more similar to those from TNG/DS9/VOY, where the only adornments are rank insignia and commbadge. Ship patches can bee seen on each starship page.
Do you have a question for Abby? Please email her or the editor-in-chief.
Academy Graduates
CAPT ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Guest Columnist
Stardate 21105.01
Please join me in welcoming all the recent graduates to Federation Space! Please note that this table reflects the new Midshipman who graduated in the April points cycle.
| Rank | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Jintana Yuni | USS Titan, CL-2007 |
|
Jace Ajani | USS Yeager, SC-8018 |
 |
Jason Simmons | USS Sheridan, DD-4086 |
|
Taeroc | USS Philadelphia, FF-6053 |
Trek News
Reviews
Enterprise: Rosetta
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21105.01
Star Trek: Enterprise: Rosetta by Dave Stern should have been a Star Trek book that I enjoyed. Focused on my favourite of Star Trek crew, I’ve typically been able to dive into Enterprise novels with ease and liked what I was reading.
Not the case this time.
While this story was a relatively easy read to get through – I polished it off in only a few days – I had a difficult time taking the story seriously. It’s not that the plot itself was bad, there was certainly potential for it to be a good story, it was that I felt the characters weren’t themselves.
This book was set in the fourth season of Enterprise and, particularly in the case of Hoshi Sato, it felt as if any character development seen over three seasons of the show have gone out the window and it's starting with the fresh green crew of the NX-01. One would think after all the encounters with alien species, the Enterprise crew would have been more wary of who they are dealing with. Still welcoming, but wary. Yet they jump right into an unknown situation with a species they’ve never met, all naively believing they would be safe. (Then again, this is Trek…)
The commanding officer of the NX-01, Jonathan Archer, is killed in the process. Starfleet Command then insists that a meeting is more important than investigating why the captain of their first warp 5 ship has been killed. I’m certain that given the situation the delegates that the Enterprise crew was originally meant to escort would have understood a delay in the process. Particularly when another species involved in the meeting were also present when Archer is killed.
Also, the sonuvabitch joke was way overdone. I got tired of it after the second time it was used.
It made me wonder though, had I read this book before I read the Destiny series would I have enjoyed it more? It’s quite possible. But then again, I probably wouldn’t have.
One star.
Trek Trivia
Rachel Christie|RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21105.01
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. Montgomery Scott was always concerned with the conditions of what?
2. What was Lwaxana's nickname for her daughter Deanna?
3. From which of Dax's former hosts did Ezri seek insight on how to catch a killer?
4. What does EMH stand for?
5. For what clue to Gorkon's murder did Spock as Valeris to search the Enterprise in The Undiscovered Country?
6. What are the Trill candidates for joining called?
7. From what planet was Charlie Evans rescued?
8. What did Gillian Taylor order for dinner with Kirk?
9. Which series does the episode titled "Attached" belong to?
10. What kind of test is Kirk participating in, pictured to the right?
Submit your answers or email them.
Last Month's Answers
1. In which episode did Leonard McCoy require James Kirk to eat a salad?
- The Corbomite Maneuver
2. Who was Worf's nursemaid when he was a child?
- Kahlest
3. True or False: Both of Jadzia Dax's parents were joined.
- False; neither were joined.
4. Harry Kim died in two Voyager episodes. Name them.
- "Emanations" and "Deadlock".
5. What ship did Jean Luc Picard and his team take down to the surface of the Ba'ku planet in Star Trek: Insurrection?
- His Captain's yacht.
6. Name Gul Dukat's half-Bajoran daughter.
- Tora Ziya
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?
- Assignment: Earth
8. Which of the following activities was Data not known to do in his quest to understand humanity?
- c) Participating in gymnastics
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.
- Allegiance
10. Name the species pictured to the right.
Last Month's Winners
1. Alexis Tregelen
2. Alice Dega
3. Jordan Donovan
4. Rachel Christie
All Around Champs
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Alice Dega | 26 |
| 2. | Alexis Tregelen | 17 |
| 3. | Azernal Rin | 13 |
| 4. | Jonathan Cooper | 12 |
| 5. | Rachel Christie | 11 |
| 6. | Jordan Donovan | 2 |
| Hall of Fame | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Points | Year |
| Kyle DeWitt | 86 | 2010 |
| Laura Macleod | 91 | 2009 |
Joke of the Month
Red Shirt Last Words
10. *Ugh!*
9. Captain, I think I have a solution to all our problems.
8. Where's that sound coming from?
7. I love you—enter any name--
6. My tricorder is reading life forms, sir.
5. There appears to be a transporter malfunction.
4. What's that blob?
3. Gee, what a pretty flower pod.
2. Hmm... I seem to have lost the rest of the landing party.
1. I think we've found a paradise planet, Captain.
Science News
Astropic
The launch of the Mercury-Redstone (MR-3), Freedom 7. MR-3 placed the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, in suborbit on May 5, 1961.
Credit: NASA
Astronomy News
R2 in Space
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21105.01
When it comes to spacewalks, R2 could be next in line. Robonaut 2 (R2 for short), the most advanced humanoid robot to date, is already aboard the International Space Station.
Designed by General Motors, R2 is in training to become another pair of hands aboard the space station. Controlled like an RC toy, R2 replicates movements made by it's human controller. R2 can move his hands in 12 directions, and can sense weight and resistance with touch sensitive cells embedded in each finger.
Though only his torso up there now, a future mission will bring the rest of R2's limbs up to space. GM is training R2 for his future job – which will be made up of simply mundane tasks like sterilizing hand rails.
Having R2 on the space station may be the next step for robots in space, but they're still a long way off from getting him outside the station. Robotic humanoids don't yet have the delicacy of touch that humans do to important tasks like flicking a switch or using a hand tool.
Sorry R2, your space walk will have to wait.
This Month in Astronomy History
Mercury-Redstone 3
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 21105.01
This Month in Astronomy History celebrates the 50th anniversary of an American in Space. On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard piloted the Freedom 7 in mission Mercury-Redstone 3 – part of the Mercury Program – in a sub-orbital flight. This was only three weeks after Yuri Gagarin performed the first human spaceflight.
Lifting off at 9:34 am from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Shepard's flight ascended to 187.5 kilometers and lasted just over 15 minutes. During the mission Shepard tested the reaction control systems of the Freedom 7 and took observations of the Earth.
Shepard splashdowned safely in off the coast of the Bahamas. Freedom 7 is now on display in the lobby of the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
