FNN Edition 7
Contents
Star Fleet News
Star Fleet Headlines
War Continues as Other Major Powers Remain Neutral
MOLLIE MATTS
Managing Editor
Stardate 20811.01
SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH – As fierce fighting continues between Federation Star Fleet and Romulan military forces, other major galactic powers seem content to sit on the sidelines and watch for now. While the Romulans gain a valuable foothold in Federation space with the capture of the Acamar system, the Klingons, Cardassians, and other empires have managed to stay out of the fray.
This does not bode well for the Federation, which, after weeks of intense fighting along the Romulan border, has yet to manage a successful counterattack. Romulan ship construction and repair is operating at 100% efficiency while the Federation is still suffering from the initial blitz by Romulan forces across the Neutral Zone.
Hans Merker, a distinguished professor of military strategy at the University of Heidelberg, notes that the Romulan attack was precisely timed to maximize destruction and limit the Federation’s ability to strike back.
While high-ranking officials at Star Fleet Command are confident that the Romulan threat can be defeated, it is clear that without the support of any Federation allies the war could last much longer than originally anticipated.
No doubt the Federation government has realized this as well because the FNN has received unconfirmed reports that Star Fleet is actively involved in diplomatic negotiations with other foreign powers including the Mirak and the Democratic Romulan Republic.
Calls to the Office of the Federation Foreign Ministry were not immediately returned.
Federation News in Brief
MOLLIE MATTS
Managing Editor
Stardate 20811.01
PARIS, Earth – Federation President Jonathan Beckett celebrated his birthday this past month on Stardate 20810.18. Sources close the president tell FNN that Mr. Beckett spent most of the day in meetings with senior Star Fleet officers and Federation officials.
NUVIA, Risa – A few people have disappeared without a trace on Risa over the past several months, according to local authorities. The circumstances match several unexplained disappearances over the last two years on worlds all across the Federation. There is no indication if these are linked to the previous disappearances in any way.
CARDASSIA CITY, Cardassia Prime – The trial of Gul Noreth began today in a Cardassian high court in the capital city. Noreth was accused of espionage and selling state secrets to the Romulan Tal’Shiar. In accordance with Cardassian customs, the verdict and sentence of Noreth have already been determined despite the fact that the trial only started today. Chief Archon Tolan has scheduled the execution for one week from today.
TOWER OF COMMERCE, Ferenginar – The Ferengi Commerce Authority (FCA) refused a Federation request to place an embargo on the Romulan Star Empire, one Federation official tells the FNN. Federation diplomats were hoping that disrupting trade with the Romulans would help stall their advance. However, Ferengi officials refused, vowing to remain neutral in the conflict.
One-on-One
Captain Paul Kilbourne
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
FNN Fleet News Editor Kevin Avery was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with Star Fleet Academy Commandant Captain Paul Kilbourne. This is the first interview given by such a high ranking official and the FNN is proud to bring it to its readers.
Avery: Thank you Captain Kilborune for your time today. Let me first ask you, how long have you been in Star Fleet and what made you decide to work for the Academy?
Kilbourne: I've been in Star Fleet for 27 years now. As for the Academy, I didn't actually decide to join, per se. I got into a bit of trouble as a junior officer and my CO gave me a choice: face a court-martial or work as a junior instructor for the Academy under then Superintendent Keleios.
Avery: Why did you decide to remain at the Academy? Was it something about the atmosphere?
Kilbourne: Uh... uh, After I had been given a second chance, I realized that I really enjoyed teaching cadets. It didn't take long for me to figure out that I could serve the Federation best by training the future officers of Star Fleet.
It is clear that the Captain’s past played a significant role in his decision to spend his career at the Academy. Whatever his motives, or what played into that decision it is clear that an uncountable amount of cadets are grateful for that decision.
Avery: Captain I know you have been with the Academy for many years and therefore have been through some of Star Fleet's best and worst moments. Tell me, how does the Academy adapt to the Federation being at war? Does the style of teaching change? What about the Cadet's who signed up during peace and are about to graduate into war. How do you help ensure they are prepared for what awaits them?
Kilbourne: Obviously the Academy has to adapt to changing times. And we believe that we have done so in light of the current situation. The basic structure of the courses remain the same; we want the officers who walk through these doors during times of war to have the same basic training as those who graduate during peacetime.
However, we do focus a bit more on teaching cadets in all departments how to handle different situations during combat. Officers that graduate from the Academy during times of war are especially burdened because they are thrust into a situation that requires them to lead other people during hostile activities.
We believe that our training program can prepare them sufficiently for what they will face once they graduate. And we make sure that no one gets sent out into the fleet until they are ready. That's why we have an excellent counseling program for the cadets who are in their junior and senior year signed up during peace and are about to be sent to defend the Federation.
The bottom line though is, the people accepted to the Academy are the top of the top. They all know the risks and dangers coming in, and we just help to prepare them to face those risks once they leave these halls.
Avery: Captain it has been no secret that over the last several years the Academy has faced both record high and record low attendance. My next question is two parted: First, how is the Academy trying to steer that back to a record high rather than low, and how has the war effected attendance for the Academy? Have you seen a flood of Cadets anxious to serve their Federation or a drop off due to the violence?
Kilbourne: That's a good question, Kevin. You are correct that we have seen low attendance lately and we are working to correct that in several ways.
First, we're trying to bolster applications to the Academy by putting more resources in recruitment, advertising, and school programs. But mainly, we're trying to increase and maintain attendance by updated the curriculum and hiring the best instructors available in the Federation.
The war itself has affected the Academy and Star Fleet itself in a very unique way. While Academy admittance has dropped off slightly, enlistments have increased substantially. My guess is that those are the people who want to serve the Federation as soon as possible.
As for the Academy, we've seen a different type of cadet sign up for the Academy. Normally, during peacetime, we see more science, engineering, and medical officers sign up. Lately, we've been training more tactical and security officers. I suspect that is due to the war.
But civilians shouldn't be concerned. While the Academy has had some low attendance this year, the amount of Star Fleet personnel has actually increased since the start of the war. There will always be people ready and willing to serve the Federation, no matter what situation we're facing... war or peace.
It is encouraging to see everyone in the Academy, from Instructor to Commandant, have a huge passion for seeing the Academy not only maintain, but also to continue to grow, expand, and better itself.
Avery: Captain, if you could give some advice to someone who was teetering on the decision to join the Academy, what would you say to them?
Kilbourne: I would tell them that the Academy is one of the best places in the Quadrant to get an education. It also gives them an opportunity to serve their Federation. Even though we're at war, we need doctors, engineers, and scientists. If you're looking for a way to put your abilities to good use, then the Academy is for you.
Avery: Thank you again for your time sir.
The FNN would like to once again thank Captain Kilbourne and the Star Fleet Academy Administatrion for allowing the FNN to ask questions. If anyone is interested in more information about the Academy, or would like to sign up for the Academy more information and application can be found at Star Fleet Academy Headquarters in San Francisco, Earth.
Opinions
The Trouble with Uniform Colours
VERNON IGNOFFO
Opinions Editor
Stardate 20811.01
I don’t know about you, but the uniform colors need some help. Just the other night I saw something suspicious going on. I went down the hall a ways and a mustard-yellow caught my eye. Truimphant, I marched right over to the officer and told him of my suspicious. Boy was I embarrassed to learn he was an engineer not a security officer! It is impossible for us to know every single person on our ships. Maybe if we were Voyager, but with transfers happening every day and huge crews, how are we to memorize where everyone’s departments are? Sure, there is just the slightest littlest bit of off-color between the tunics, but really, not enough to let most people’s eyes see the difference. There are thousands of colors out there! Make tactical officers wear pink, or medical officers wear orange. In the heat of the moment, we don’t need to be confused by what color tunics people are wearing!
FedSpace News
Fleet Updates
USS Enterprise
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
This month the FNN would like to tell you what is happening around the site on a few ships. These stories are completely out-of-game; which means that they can reveal classified information that your character might or might not be able to access. Therefore, these stories are for you the player, not your character!
The first ship we will cover is the USS Enterprise. The Enterprise is under the command of Vice Admiral Mathew Thrawn and is assigned to the newly created Special Operations Group. The Enterprise’s first mission in this new group has the highly recognizable and respectable Carrier heading deep into Klingon space with Federation Ambassador Brice Edgemon onboard. What the exact mission is set to accomplish is currently unknown, especially this early in the mission, however early posts seem to indicate that the Federation is trying to find itself a new ally in the Romulan War.
Stay tuned to the fun happenings as the Enterprise races deeper into hostile space accompanied by her former First Officer Captain K’Etana and her new ship the Nehru-a Destroyer. Will the Federation make a new friend or enemy? Will the Klingons’ kill the Enterprise’s First Officer Captain Wong, or will former First Officer K’Etana beat them to the task? What exactly are the motives of the Ambassador who seems willing to let a Captain do most of the negotiating? Only time and post will tell as a new adventure unfolds on the USS Enterprise!
USS Gettysburg
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
This month the FNN would like to tell you what is happening around the site on a few ships. These stories are completely out-of-game; which means that they can reveal classified information that your character might or might not be able to access. Therefore, these stories are for you the player, not your character!
The USS Gettysburg is one of two Battle Cruisers on Federation Space. The Gettysburg is under the command of Commdore Derrick Grant and Commander Aloysia Yvette. The Gettysburg is a member of the First Battle Group and is currently involved in an interesting mission with several interesting NPC’s.
The Gettysburg is currently being forced to deal with Commander Reynolds, a Star Fleet Strategist. Reynolds was assigned as the Acting First Officer while Commodore Grant was off the ship. Just recently the Commodore returned to his vessel, however command has not yet been returned.
The Gettysburg was ordered by Star Fleet Command to warp to the Nehru system and investigate a research facility that was believed to be manufacturing a biological weapon of destruction. Upon arrival at the station Commander Reynolds led an away team to the station where they quickly apprehended the scientist in question: Doctor Derircote. The only hitch with the away team was a swarm of bee’s entering the station’s shuttlebay, resulting in the stinging of one security Midshipman.
With the scientist in question onboard will the Gettysburg be able to find the truth that they search for? Are the insect bites the Midshipman faced as innocent as they first appear to be? What will become of the Acting First Officer who seems to have most of the crew edge? And is there any coincidence to the strange illness overtaking several crewmembers and the biological weapon they seek? Keep up if you can to see the answers to all of these questions!
USS Ticonderoga
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
This month the FNN would like to tell you what is happening around the site on a few ships. These stories are completely out-of-game; which means that they can reveal classified information that your character might or might not be able to access. Therefore, these stories are for you the player, not your character!
The Flagship of the Second Battle Group under the command of Rear Admiral Joe Daher is currently knee deep in a mission involving the Federations Feline Friends.
The USS Ticonderoga is currently in orbit of the Mirak homeworld after transporting a Federation ambassador to the planet to conduct negotiations with the Mirak government. The goal of the mission is to convince the Mirak to join the war against the Romulans and turn the tide of the war in favor of the Federation. However, the Tico crew faces harsh skepticism in most of the Mirak government and strange things have been happening on the ship and on the planet.
Will the Tico be able to convince the Mirak to join the Federation's cause? Or will the mission be an utter failure? What are the echoes that keep appearing on the Tico's sensors? Be sure to bookmark the flagship so you do not miss an exciting look into one of the top crews as well as the interesting Mirak homeworld.
USS Sheridan
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
This month the FNN would like to tell you what is happening around the site on a few ships. These stories are completely out-of-game; which means that they can reveal classified information that your character might or might not be able to access. Therefore, these stories are for you the player, not your character!
The USS Sheridan under the command of long-time Captain Quillian Dramar and new First Officer Commander Gaelio Princip lead the charge on the sites only Sun-Tzu classed Destroyer currently assigned to the Second Battle Group under Group Commander Rear Admiral Joe Daher.
The Sheridan is in the middle of a mission that has the crew inquiring just how far they can press the Prime Directive. Under top secret orders from Star Fleet the Sheridan entered the Rosox system: a small pre-warp system not far from Earth. The Rosox system, especially Rosox IV is a primitive culture with technology near that of 21 century Earth. The mission required a small away team blend in to the planet long enough to discover a mysterious device on the surface that appears to be giving off sensor readings inconsistent with their technology.
Will the crew of the Sheridan be forced to throw the Prime Directive to the curb to complete their mission? Just how long can they remain on such a foreign planet without being discovered? Just what exactly is this strange technology that the culture’s religion seems to be based on? Join with players throughout the Second Battle Group to read the ongoing excitement on the USS Sheridan.
USS Drake
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
This month the FNN would like to tell you what is happening around the site on a few ships. These stories are completely out-of-game; which means that they can reveal classified information that your character might or might not be able to access. Therefore, these stories are for you the player, not your character!
The newly named Flagship for the Third Exploration Group commanded by Captain Treborn and former Chief of Security, current First Officer Commander Crawford have been living up to their expectations during their current mission which appears to be stretching the crew beyond its limits
The Drake was sent on a mission to locate a cargo vessel named the “Beast of Burden” which was reported missing roughly four light years away from Starbase Charlie. Upon investigating the area the Beast of Burden was last known to be the Drake was attacked by several never before seen vessels. These vessels appeared to be made out of a bio-organic polymer but did not prove to be much of a threat for the Light Cruiser, at least until they punched through the Drake’s shields using a phaser like weapon. The aliens boarded the Drake, but were eventually fought off by the security department and crew of the USS Drake.
The alien vessels, which retreated into a rift in space, were soon followed by the exploration vessel, which made some modifications to prevent further boarding parties. Inside the rift the Drake found a unique binary system and several more of the alien vessels. The aliens once again fought a one sided battle against the Drake, which easily overpowered the smaller, weaker vessels. In a series of unique and unfortunate events the Drake not only once again found itself overrun with the aliens, but also without a Captain or First Officer, who were kidnapped by the aliens and brought to a ‘mother ship’.
How will the Drake managed to retrieve their command staff before it is to late? With many of the crew acting based on emotions will they managed to remain united in the face of trouble? And just who are these strange aliens who seem to prefer shooting to talking? All will be revealed as the new Flagship puts the puzzle pieces together and solve the strange mystery.
20 Questions
Ensign Tara ch’Thane
VERNON IGNOFFO
Opinions Editor
Stardate 20811.01
This month we get to learn more about Amanda, currently playing Ensign Tara ch'Thane on the USS Enterprise CV-07.
Age, Sex, Location?
19, Female, South Carolina.
When did you start playing on FedSpace?
Started in the Academy maybe early June '08, was assigned to the Big E the beginning of July.
What brought you to FedSpace?
My last Star Trek role playing game fizzled out after only five months. It was depressing, 'cause I came to love the creative output it provided and the teamwork and interaction with other writers. So, like many other players it seems, I ran a Google search, went through the list until I got to Federation Space. After about a week of casual reading, I decided it was one of the better choices out there and sent that faithful first e-mail.
Tell me a little about the process of developing your character.
Oh, dear... Here comes a big secret: I love Andorians. Mostly because they're blue. And I happened to notice there weren’t a whole lot of them on the PC Roster. So the next Google search was 'Andorians' and I took what I could from the information to make Tara authentically alien. The choice of Medical came about because my best friend is in the process of getting her EMT license. Another tribute is ch'Thane's birthday; it’s my late grandfather's. He's the one who's inspired me most in my writing. After all that, the rest fell into place. But I can't help but feel I'm still trying to get a sense of her personality...
What makes a good Ship/Station?
The writers. It’s about writing style, the quality (not quantity) of posts for me. Interweaving the main story with subplots, crew interaction, the reaction people give when the GM kills off a beloved NPC... But in all, not forgetting it’s a game and just having fun with everyone else taking shots at the Romulans (for now).
What would you most like to do on the site?
I'm evil, but not evil enough to be a GM. Command holds a certain glitter... But let’s start simple and go for Academy Instructor.
What do you see as some goals for the future of your character?
Department Head, for sure, and seeing the end of the war. Not to mention according to Andorian tradition, 24 is very old not to be married. So we'll have to see what can be done to fix that...
If you could choose, what Trek species would you be?
We've established a love for Andorians... But really, who WOULDN'T want to be a Q?
So far, what is your favorite part about being a member of FedSpace?
The community for sure. I've met and talked to a lot of interesting people, made a lot of friends, particularly the ones outside the USA. That's exciting.
If you were President for a day, what would you change?
Enable signatures (perhaps for posting medal counts and whatnot), expand the cutoff time for editing posts, and christen the USS Dale Earnheart. (Kidding about the last one.)
If you could name your own ship, what would you name it?
The USS Carolina.
What was it about Star Trek that made you like it?
If my memory is correct, I remember seeing The Next Generation and wondering why the Reading Rainbow guy was on there. And why is he wearing a hairband over his eyes. Then wearing one on my eyes and hitting a wall. Later on...My grandfather passed away January 2006. He and I were close, and I spiraled down into a three month depression. I even quitted school for a time. Then one day I found the original Trek on television. For nothing better to do, I started watching it. Got a few chuckles, learned a meaningful lesson, and found a little bit of hope in that one episode. From then on, its been a great thing to keep me occupied and help me through my grief. I've went back to school and am on the road to life, so to speak.
Who is(are) your favorite character(s)?
Kirk, Chekov, Trelane, Data, Q, Bashir, Quark, Rom, Nog, The Doctor, Harry Kim, Tom Paris, Tuvok, Archer, Trip, Malcolm…and finally Shran!
What piece of Star Trek technology would you most like to see today?
Replicators, the need destitute people have, and how that technology can bring goods quickly and efficiently to those in need. And I just want one in my kitchen.
What do you spend your time outside of FedSpace doing?
I've got school, driving lessons, a very evil cat to contend with...Free time wise, video games, reading, and channel/Internet surfing..
What person would you most like to meet in real life?
Paul Braggins, he plays the FO on the Tico. He knows why....
What character would you most like to meet in real life?
Grant. I would probably be killed later, but just so I can rub his bald head for luck and run away.
Who was the most influential person in your life?
My late grandfather, Edwin Benard. He was the one person I really ever connected with, even from an early age. Papa inspired me in so many ways, it'd take eternity to put them all down, but suffice to say, I was his buddy, his pal, and his friend.
If you could have any super power what would it be?
Okay, now for the real nerd to come out. I've always wanted energy manipulation, something like Gambit of the X-Men. Only instead of charging inorganic objects, more like concussive blasts/beams. Something like that...
If there was something you would want everyone to know about you, what would that be?
Well, I like to cook. Particularly recipes from the Star Trek Cookbook written by Ethan Phillips (Google it).
Thanks to Amanda for granting us the time for this interview. If you are interested in being interviewed, please send an email to Vernon Ignoffo at the.cute.birl@gmail.com.
Star Trek News
Trek Headlines
Trek Television Revival?
RACHEL CHRISTIE
Editor-in-Chief
Stardate 20811.01
With all the buzz around the new Star Trek movie, many Trek fans are waiting with baited breath to see whether or not a new television series will make it’s way to the screen. Perhaps the wait won’t be too long: Bryan Fuller, creator of the series Pushing Daisies, has expressed interested in taking the reigns on a new Trek series.
In an interview with iF Magazine, Fuller said that he’s already told his agent and JJ Abrams production team about his interest in creating a new series. The idea he’d like to create would take place around the same time as Abrams’ new film. Instead of being focused on the well-known crew of the Enterprise, this would focus on a different starship and all new cast.
I told my agent and told the people of J.J. Abrams team I want to create another Star Trek series and have an idea that I’m kicking around. I would love to return to the spirit of the old series with the colors and attitude. I loved Voyager and Deep Space Nine, but they seem to have lost the ‘60s fun and I would love to take it back to its origin.
Fuller believes that, “Star Trek has to recreate itself... Otherwise, all the characters start to feel the same. You always have a captain, a doctor, a security officer, and you have the same arguments based on those perspectives. It starts to feel too familiar. So all those paradigms where it takes place on a starship have to be shaken up.”
Will Paramount start developing a new television series as interest starts to rise? Guess we’ll wait and see.
Movie News
Following his dream
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
Carnegie-Mellon Computer Science professor and author of the book “Last Lecture”, Randy Pausch, passed away July 25th 2008. Paush, who became famous after writing his book detailing living his life’s dreams with terminal pancreatic cancer, was a huge Star Trek fan. Last year, Star Trek director J.J. Abrams invited Pausch to the set of the new Star Trek movie.
Pausch was given the opportunity to play an extra for the movie and detailed his excitement in his blog. "I got a custom-made Star Trek uniform and my own station on the bridge, where I had lots of buttons and controls. I even got a LINE!!!!"
It is sad to know that Pausch will not be able to see the new movie when it premieres but the kindness and character showed by J.J. Abrams should pour hope into Star Trek fans everywhere. Several former cast members and guest stars spoke out on the new directors move: “It seems like something Gene [Roddenberry] would do.”
Reviews
Book: Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Emissary
AUTHOR: JM Dillard
PAGES: 274
SERIES: DS9
REVIEWER: Rachel Christie
RATING: 2.5/5
DESCRIPTION:
It’s been over twenty-five years since the original Star Trek television series debuted on network television – and today, the universe first seen in that show is more popular than ever. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country was a huge box-office hit, and Star Trek: The Next Generation is now entering its sixth incredible season as the most popular hour of syndicated entertainment on television.
Now comes Deep Space Nine, a thrilling new addition to the Star Trek universe. Commanded by an embittered Star Fleet officer and populated by a myriad of exotic aliens, the mysterious space station known as Deep Space Nine hover on the edge of a wormhole, a doorway that leads to the galaxy’s furthest reaches – and beyond…
REVIEW:
One might ask, why bother to read a book that’s based on an episode I’ve already seen? That’s an easy one – because, unlike television, you actually get to find out things that the television can’t show you. What’s Ensign Ricky thinking as he’s being ordered down to the planet with the Captain? We know what the Captain was doing at that moment, but what about all the others? Novelizations of episode help to fill in the gaps. The way we, on FedSpace, get to write what our characters are thinking and feeling, the same way we can have multiple things happening on different parts of the ship at the same time, the novelization lets the viewer turned reader find out all these things.
This isn’t the first time that I’ve read a Trek novelization, usually I quite enjoy them. This one felt a little weird. I felt like the author wasn’t committed to the characters or the story. There were several inaccuracies.
While I realize that Star Trek novels aren’t considered to be canon, meaning anything can happen; it would be nice if they could keep things accurate. This book is based on a script, one could wonder how anyone could make a mistake? It happened: suddenly Chief O’Brien is a commissioned officer. And it’s not just a simple mistake (after all, how many times did his pips change?), there’s actually a few pages dedicated to it. There was also a few scenes that were way off. I’m all for developing the storyline further, adding in additional items – but to change things completely? It was rather disappointing.
Apart from that I still enjoyed the book. It was fun to see more of Bashir putting his foot in his mouth, Kira’s irritability, and Jake and Nog getting into trouble.
My final say is that it’s a decent read, if you’re bored and haven’t got anything better to read.
Quote
"Have you ever operated a vehicle from this period?"
"I can pilot a starship!"
- T'Pol and Archer, prior to departing in a Dodge Ram.
From Enterprise, Season 3 Episode 11, Carpenter Street.
Joke of the Month
How many...
KEVIN AVERY
Fleet News Editor
Stardate 20811.01
Q: How many Klingons does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: TWO: One to screw it in, and one to stab the other in the back and take all of the credit.
Q: How many Klingons does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: NONE: Klingons aren't afraid of the dark.
Q: What do the Klingons do with the dead bulb?
A: Execute it for failure.
Q: What do the Klingons do with the Klingon who replaces the bulb?
A: Execute him for cowardice.
Q: How many Romulans does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: ONE HUNDRED FIFTY_ONE: One to screw the light bulb in, and 150 to self-destruct the ship out of disgrace.
Science News
Astronomy Picture of the Month
The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), or Canadarm, on display at the Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is a mechanical arm used on the Space Shuttle to maneuver a payload from the payload bay of the orbiter to its deployment position and then release it.
PHOTO CREDIT: RACHEL CHRISTIE
Science News
‘Big Bang Machine’ forced to shut down
MOLLE MATTS
Managing Editor
Stardate 20811.01
On September 10th of this year, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was activated for the first time with baited breath and much anticipation. The world’s largest super-collider, which is run by CERN and located 100 meters below the France-Switzerland border, was supposed to help scientists unlock the secrets of the universe, such as what conditions were like to cause the big bang.
Unfortunately, a faulty connection between two of the accelerator’s magnets forced the LHC to shut down only 10 days after it was activated. A helium leak in the tunnel will force the scientists to delay the reactivation of the LHC until the Spring since it is not supposed to be active during the winter (at which time maintenance is performed).
Read more here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27221201/
Technology News
NASA Tests New Lunar Rover
MOLLIE MATTS
Managing Editor
Stardate 20811.01
As part of NASA’s program to get astronauts back on the moon by the year 2020, the American space organization is testing two configurations of a new lunar rover in the Arizona desert.
The rover is very similar to a spider on wheels and can be driven by a spacesuit wearing astronaut. The rover also includes a pressurized cabin with room for beds, a lavatory, and even a kitchen.
Read more here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,444259,00.html
Astronomy News
India Joins 21st Century Space Race
MOLLIE MATTS
Managing Editor
Stardate 20811.01
India became the latest Asian country to launch a rocket into space on October 22nd. Chandrayaan-1 will put a satellite into the sky for a two-year mission to redraw maps of the lunar surface.
India is the third country to enter this 21st century space race which started in 2003 when China became the first Asian country to put its own astronauts into space. In October 2007, Japan launched its first spacecraft. A month later, China put a satellite into orbit.
Read more here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27311442/
This month…
Edwin Hubble
MOLLIE MATTS
Managing Editor
Stardate 20811.01
Nov 20th, 1889 - American astronomer Edwin Hubble (1889-1953) was born in Marshfield, Missouri. He pioneered the concept of an expanding universe. The Hubble Space Telescope was named in his honor. It was deployed from the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1990, allowing astronomers to see farther into space than they had ever seen from telescopes on Earth
Promotions
Medals
Role-Player of the Month
1st Special Operations Group
- USS Enterprise - Lt[JG] Vladimir Komoscov
1st Battle Group
- USS Dauntless - Cdr Kenneth Fitchel
- USS Gettysburg - Mid Charles Fitzalan-Howard
2nd Battle Group
- USS Ticonderoga - Ens Tokat
- USS Sheridan - LCdr Fran Katzenjammer
- SS Sierra-18 - Ens Elliot Rice
3rd Exploration Group
- USS Drake - Lt[JG] Tala Thaine
- USS Darwin - Cdr Taryn Larsen
- USS Copernicus - Lt[JG] Jane Fields
Opposing Forces
- RIS Shadowhawk - Erein S’Ten
Academy Graduates
| Rank | Ship | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Peter Powell | USS Copernicus, GEC-9035 |
 |
Ekaterina Kuznetsova | USS Sheridan, DD-4086 |
