General Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
There are questions that don't fit into any specific category on Federation Space. This page is a continuing work in progress.
Q: What exactly is a Second Officer supposed to do?
A: The Second Officer of a ship is trusted with the same duties that are assigned to the First Officer should the FO ever become incapacitated. For instance, LCdr Data was Second Officer of the USS Enterprise.
Q: My question is about Telepathic talking. My character is not a telepath but my NPC is, and I don't know what is the proper way to talk to another person telepathically.
A: The proper format is to use italics, the same as you would with internal dialogue. The writer should be able to convey that they are having a telepathic conversation, rather than just 'thinking' about something.
Q: If you want to take your character to another planet, besides for Earth, where do you post that?
A: Post in Deep Space and make an OOC comment in the top of your post with the name of the planet you're playing on.
Q: Do I simply send an e-mail to my captain to get NPC's approved?
A: Yes
Q: When making an NPC, can I put into some sections "Unknown."?
A: It depends, you would need to discuss it with your Commanding Officer. As a Star Fleet Officer, you couldn't have an unknown race, but possibly having an unknown parent, or not be fully aware of your history could be acceptable.
Q: If we pretend to have a NPC getting a medal (just for role-playing) need we ask for our CO's authorization for that?
A: Yes. The reason for this would be someone with an Ensign NPC character with a Medal Of Honor, or Purple Heart when the PC characters on the site rarely receive these medals.
Q: Can the FO be also a DH?
A: Only in an NPC format. A PC character could not hold the position of First Officer, and one of the Department Heads.
Q: Replicators can well...replicate anything as long as they have the what ever they need it is to do it right?
A: No. There are limitations on what can be replicated as found on the Replicator page.
Q: On Starbase would there be like a Duty-Free shop or BX store say you wanted to get somebody a present but you didn't want it replicated. For example an 18th Century Amish wooden Rocker. Would there be a place to buy them?
A: There would be various shops and stores on a Starbase, However something like an Amish 18th century rocker is very specific and you would likely have to get that from Earth, then maybe have it shipped up.
Q: Once and for all, does the Federation use money or not?
A: Yes. The accumulation of wealth is no longer the driving force in the future, but there is still gold-pressed latinum and Star Fleet/Federation personnel would be paid in Federation credits, which they can use to purchase things. A bar or store on a Starbase would have no way or purchasing supplies, or items to sell without some form of money.
Q: What would stop a person from just beaming into another person's house? Say on Earth?
A: Most private citizens wouldn't own their own transporter to use, they would have to go to transport stations and there would be strict laws from doing such a thing. Just like if you walked into your neighbors house, just because his front door happened to be open.
Q: I was wondering about the positions of Adjutant and Yeoman aboard our ships.
A: Here are the definitions right out of the dictionary:
yeo·man ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ymn)
n.
1. An attendant, servant, or lesser official in a royal or noble household.
2. A yeoman of the guard.
3. A petty officer performing chiefly clerical duties in the U.S. Navy.
4. An assistant or other subordinate, as of a sheriff.
5. A diligent, dependable worker.
6. A farmer who cultivates his own land, especially a member of a former class of small freeholders in England.
ad·ju·tant ( P ) Pronunciation Key (j-tnt)
n.
1. Abbr. Adj. or Adjt. A staff officer who helps a commanding officer with administrative affairs.
2. An assistant
You can see the two are pretty much the same. The Army/Air Force use the word Adjutant, the Navy used Yeoman. Typically those positions are held by the lowest ranking officers on ship.
Q: What does CNS on the manifests mean?
A: CNS = Counselor
Q: Are the shower systems on ships water or sonic based?
A: Both are available on Starbases/Starships.
Q: I have a question about the Support Personnel, what are they supposed to do in a ship or Starbase?
A: Support personnel are that support the operations of the fleet in administrative and logistical roles. Some of the positions/tasks of support personnel are:
1) Star Fleet Supply - They issue uniforms, standard issue equipment, starship parts, basically anything someone would need in Star Fleet. (Please note it's not always realistic to assume you can replicate everything on your ship. Replicators don't just spontaneously create objects, they use actual resources. It's not realistic to assume that a starship carries the raw materials to make everything it needs.)
2)Star Fleet Personnel would fall under the support field. As would most administrative functions of Star Fleet.
3) On a starship, folks like cooks, recreation directors, cargo managers, flight deck personnel, etc would all fall under the support umbrella.
Think of what it takes to completely support an army today...well, most of that is support. Roughly half the crew on all of our starships are support personnel.
Q: Where are Starbases Bravo and Charlie located?
A: Starbase Charlie is located near the Cardassian/Federation border and Starbase Bravo is located near the Romulan/Federation border.
Q: I have a strange question, how does a person clean his or her uniforms? Is there a laundry room somewhere on the ships or does the person just de-replicate them?
A: Uniforms are made from a material that is fairly hardwearing, helps regulate body temperature so the wearer is comfortable, and is to some extent self cleaning (i.e. along the lines of repelling dust and dirt particles but several hundred years ahead of where we are now with this technology), but can be susceptible to engrained dirt from falls or from pressurized systems. They are also self-sanitizing (i.e. controls odor, is fairly good at combating bacteria etc.)
Like everything it pays to replicate a new uniform from time to time, and because it is so convenient most people would likely replicate a new one when they get up of a morning, remembering to always have a spare in case their replicator breaks down overnight.
Q: The CMO and a Tactical officer are of the same rank. Who has seniority?
A: The Department Head would have seniority as part of the Command Structure.
Q: Is Chief Engineer or Chief Engineering Officer the correct title?
A: The correct title should be Chief Engineer or CE.
Q: Where are all the Department institutes?
A: Science has been reestablished in Seattle, Washington. Star Fleet Medical is located in Boston, MA. Star Fleet Intelligence is based in San Francisco, CA. Star Fleet Tactical is located in Chicago, Illinois. Star Fleet Special Operations Command is located in Clorisev, Andoria. Star Fleet Marine HQ is located on Gibraltar Point, Mars. Star Fleet Security is located in San Francisco, CA.
Q: How do we age our characters to keep in line with rank and the time discrepancies?
A: You can artificially age your characters by using the following chart. It's based on a real world military average, but the actual aging of a character is up to the player. The chart is Rank - Age - Time to reach in years. The chart only goes to Captain, so for any rank above that, you should add 4-7 years.
| Rank | Age | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ens | 26 | 0 |
| Lt[JG] | 28.3 | 2.4 |
| Lt | 31.7 | 5.8 |
| LCdr | 38.1 | 12.8 |
| Cdr | 43.3 | 18.2 |
| Capt | 48.6 | 23.5 |
Q: In the TNG/DS9 era there were starbases all over the place. Do these still exist?
A: The Starbases we list in the game are just the Immense Class Starbases, they are the largest class of starbases, but are not the only ones in the game. There are literally hundreds of Federation starbases and outposts in Federation Space.
Q: How do you figure Stardates?
A: Remove a zero from the current year (2004 = 204) then the month with 2 digits (march = 03) then a period, then the day with 2 digits (17). You get 20403.17
Q: If you character is a Department Head, then becomes a regular crewman, would they retain their DH Security Clearances?
A: No. Only the Department Head would have those clearances.
Q: What is the current year in the game?
A: In game, the current (Y36) year is 2411.
Q: Can higher ranking Officers issue orders to lower ranking Officers on the bridge?
A: Yes. The only time a lower ranking Officer would issue orders to a higher ranking Officer would be if the lower ranking Officer was in a command position.
Q: Does a player receive points for generating content?
A: Yes they do if the content is used.
Q: Is the FO able to access all Medical information about the crew under them?
A: Not without CO/CMO approval.
Q: How do I become a GM?
A: Contact the Vice President. They are in charge of hiring all GM's.
Q: What color should we ask for GM input in?
A: Only the default posting color (white) is to be used by players.
Q: Who do I contact about becoming an Academy Instructor?
A: You need to contact the Academy Superintendent who is in charge of hiring all Academy personnel.
Q: What are the sub-plot rules for a starbase (while your ship is on shore leave) and what are the rules for running a sub-plot in deep space and who would I contact to get approval?
A: As long as you aren't making changes that would effect the Star Trek universe, or Fed Space in general, you are free to write sub-plots around your PC or NPC's as you like. If in doubt, contact your CO.
Q: What is the closet Planet to Starbase Bravo.
A: This is based on the Star Trek Star Charts.
Looking at the star charts, we could say that Starbase Bravo is situated in the vicinity of the ruined SB-39-Sierra, destroyed at the outbreak of the Romulan war.
Vector from Earth - 26 Light years (LY) on a bearing 80 degrees (6.2 days at warp 9)
Nearest planets/outposts to SBB along the Romulan neutral zone:-
Calder (fed) 8 LY 325 degrees
Sierra outpost 4 (fed) 6 LY 320 degrees.
Sierra outpost 3 (fed) 3 LY 000 degrees
Kaleb (fed) 0.5 LY 315 degrees … Adjacent to SBB
Sierra outpost 2 (fed) 3 LY 105 degrees
Sierra outpost 1 (fed) 6 LY 120 degrees
Romulan Neutral Zone (2 LY wide) runs about 2 LY to the right of the above
Romulan star empire is to the right of the neutral zone
Other nearby planets :-
Iota Horologii (fed) 8 LY 145 degrees
Alpha Mensae (neutral zone) 4 LY 20 degrees
Nelvana (neutral zone) 3 LY 080 degrees
Rho Virginis (Romulan) 12 LY 305 degrees
Romulus (Romulan) 38 LY 10 degrees
All these are looking down on the galactic plan, distance and bearings from SBB.
Q: During Inter-Ship Communications, can only GM post responses on the other ship, or could I say post there saying my response?
A: As long as the response is not in conflict with the other ship, like them maintaining radio silence, it would be fine.
Q: Can your character be thrown out/deleted from FedSpace for writing dull and boring posts?
A: No. The game is meant for players of all levels and as long as the poster isn't breaking any rules, their posts are for their enjoyment.
Q: Where can you find specific equipment around a starship?
A: Basic tools, like repair kits, med kits, phasers, would be cached in several areas of the ship. You wouldn't have to go far to need these items as it would be inconvenient to have to go searching for a med kit while a crewman was dying before your eyes. Special equipment would likely be found in whatever department it belongs. You wouldn't expect to find spare impulse engine parts anywhere but in Engineering.
Q: Is the entire site run voluntarily?
A: Yes. Every position on the site is run on a volunteer basis. No one is making any money off of Fed Space and the costs to run it (hosting, software, etc) are paid for at a loss.
Q: Do Department Heads decide their own points, or is it up to the FO/CO?
A: DH's can submit point recommendations for themselves, as well as the crew under their command, but the ultimate choice for points on any ship are left up to the CO.
Q: Does a Midshipman outrank a NCO on a starship?
A: A Midshipman is still considered a 'Cadet' on the ship, though as soon as they reach the rank of Ensign, they are considered a fully commissioned Officer. While they are a Midshipman, the NCO would have rank over them, but that would change upon promotion to Ensign.
Q: How do I get my bio updated?
A: Send the parts you want to change to RAdm Otlan. You don't need to include the whole bio, just the fields that need changing.
Q: Can I get location threads added to the Deep Space/Sol System areas?
A: Only if there is not a place that would already work for the subplot.
Q: Can I change the department my character currently plays in? If I'm Tactical and want to change Medical, can I do it?
A: Yes. You can change Departments to play where you would most like to.
Q: What is the difference post counts to achieve the various membership status'?
A: New Member - 0-99, Junior Member - 100-499, Member - 500-1999, Intermediate Member - 2000-7999, Advanced Member - 8000-14999, Senior Member - 150000+
Q: Can the terms 'Executive Officer' and 'First Officer' be interchanged?
A: No. The official site designation is 'First Officer'. The official position titles are:
Commanding Officer (CO)
First Officer (FO)
Chief Tactical Officer (CTO)
Tactical Officer (TO)
Chief Engineer (CE)
Engineering Officer (ENG)
Chief Science Officer (CSO)
Science Officer (SCI)
Chief of Security (COS)
Security Officer (SEC)
Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
Medical Officer (MED)
Counselor (CNS)
Marine Commander (MARCO)
Marine Officer (MAR)
Game Moderator (GM)
Commander-in-Chief (CINC)
Vice Commander-in-Chief (VCINC)
Chief of Star Fleet Operations (CSFO)
Q: Is CO permission needed to promote an NPC?
A: Yes.
Q: How are higher ranking female Officers referred to? Sir or Ma'am?
A: Personal preference.
Q: Who is a 'senior officer'?
A: Commanding Officer, First Officer and Department Heads.
Q: How is a combadge powered and how long does the power source last?
A: From the Star Trek : TNG tech manual, the battery power is provided by a sarium krellide crystal rated for 2 weeks in normal use. When close to depletion, the crystal will produce a faintly audible oscillation; it can be returned to full power by induction recharging. We likely have something a bit more advanced on Fed Space, but the principles would be the same.
Q: What is planned for the Future of FNN?
A: There is no concrete plans at the moment, but it will be used in the future of the site.
Q: Who designed the ship insignias, and did the original captains get a say in them?
A: Various people have designed the ship insignias, and yes the CO's get a say in them.
Q: How do you get the Longevity Medal?
A: It is attached to your bio on request as long as you have been on the site long enough to merit it.
Q: I applied for an NPC and haven't heard anything back, who should I contact?
A: Your CO.
Q: What are the rules for creating a new species?
A: Send a very detailed outline to the Medical Division Head and they can either approve it, or point you in the right direction.
Q: One of my NPC accounts has been disabled, who do I contact about that?
A: RAdm Otlan
Q: Do Officers wear Swords and/or any other ceremonial gear such as Medal Ribbons etc when attending events?
A: Neither ribbons nor medals are worn on the duty uniform. Ribbons may be worn on the dress uniform. This is a formal uniform used much like a business suit. Medals will be worn on the mess dress uniform. This is the most formal uniform and is worn much like a tuxedo. Swords would not be worn.
Q: Do the RPGer medals have another name, and would the characters wear them?
A: No, none of the out of game awards would be worn in game.
Q: On a Star Fleet ship, the Captain and the first officer are not available to take command nor they can be reached. They did not assign anyone to the center chair, who should take command of the ship?
A: Second Officer would take command after the CO and FO. The Second Officer would assume the role of CO and assign an FO to re-structure the command chain.
Q: When you send a person a PM, does it go to their inbox, or do they check it on the site?
A: It goes to their inbox.
Q: Is there any kind of supervisor for alien powers?
A: President Barnett would be the one to determine what is and is not allowed on Fed Space in regards to all races in the game.
Q: Do we have any ship patches, as seen in the series Enterprise?
A: No. We have a more TNG/DS9 type of uniform where the only adornments are rank insignia.
Q: Browsing through the Destroyer specifications and ship names I found that a few ships were named after leaders such as Erwin Rommel and Heinz Guderian, both notable WW2 German generals. Its undoubtable that they were skilled leaders but I was curious as to why Star Fleet might name ships after them considering their associations with the 3rd Reich?
A: A military leader, regardless of agenda, is still a skilled and respected leader. Rommell and Guderian were both skilled tacticians who used their forces to best of their capabilities.
Q: What are the various position titles?
A: Tactical Officer
Chief Tactical Officer
Assistant Chief Tactical Officer
Operation Officer
Astrogation Officer
Weapons Systems Officer
Communications Officer
Engineering
Chief Engineer
Assistant Chief Engineer
General Systems Engineer
Warp Propulsion Specialist
Sub-Warp Propulsion Specialist
Structural Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Weapons Systems Specialist
Security
Chief of Security
Assistant Chief of Security
Team Leader
Brig Officer
Criminal Investigation Specialist
Forensics Specialist
Assault Specialist
Medical
Chief Medical Officer
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
General Medical Officer
Specialist (ie Neurosurgeon, Gerontologist, Cardiac surgeon…etc)
Surgeon
Head Nurse
Nurse
Medical Technician
Laboratory Technician
Counselor
Science
Chief Science Officer
Assistant Chief Science Officer
General Science Officer
Astronomer
Stellar Cartography (Overlaps with TO position)
Biologist
Physicist
Chemist
Geologist
Anthropologist
Archeologist
Computer Specialist
Geneticist
Metallurgist
Botanist
Zoologist
Q: What is Fed Space policy with regards to actively soliciting people from one ship to transfer to another ship? In other words, what is policy if someone were to approach a member of, say, the Sheridan and say, "Hey, if you come to my ship I can give you a position of X."?
A: That's acceptable as long as you have obtained the permission of the crew members CO to recruit from his/her ship.
Q: How much of the constitution is strictly adhered to, or can we all regard the constitution as flexible?
For instance, is clause 3.8 strictly adhered to at all times, or at the discretion of the CINC/VINC, as every player is precious; losing any player is the last thing we want.
I was thinking that returning players can be quite a common occurrence, (ie. AWOl) so are clauses under 3.8 at the discretion of the CINC/VINC? ie: nothing may happen, or some players might receive a penalty or even their accounts suspended, then re-instated, others won't? As this clause requires some clarification.
3.8.3: Players who don't post for 30 consecutive days, without any notification of absence, will have their characters declared "Abandoned".
3.8.4 Members that leave Federation Space via character abandonment, or leave in a manner not previously described, and then return will suffer the following penalty: One reduction in rank per month away from the site. The returning member's points will be reduced to the minimum amount of points necessary to hold their new rank. Players returning in this fashion must obtain the written permission of the President.
So are all players on Federation Space, without exception, bound by the constitution and every ruling? That is, are all of us regarded equally, or are some more equal than others? Or can we all expect leniency? Or would every player on Fed Space, without exception, expect a reduction in rank/or a minor penalty if we are AWOL for longer than is stated and therefore acceptable?
A: The FS Constitution is a dynamic document. In other words, nothing is set in stone. Now, does that mean you can pick and choose which rules you will obey and which ones you won't? No.
In regards to 3.8, I have always been pretty lenient with returning players. In short, I make a decision on a case by case basis. That being said, there are numerous ways to declare a LOA on the site. Anyone that declares a LOA is immune to the provisions of 3.8--within reason (LOA's generally don't last years! :P). So, if at all possible, you need to declare a LOA if you are going to be gone for a long period of time. I don't believe that's an unrealistic requirement. I understand that sometimes computers break or real life becomes overly hectic. Again, I've been pretty lenient in the past.
These rules, 3.8, were made to address a couple of issues. We needed a rule to establish an abandonment time frame so the we can determine when a character is no longer being used. Though it's 30 days, in practice we generally give about double that time before deleting the account.
This rule also addresses the "I quit syndrome". In the past I've been lenient on this point too. However, you're going to see a change in policy to a stricter enforcement of 3.8.2. Why? Simply because the "I quit syndrome" is usually accompanied by phrases like; "You didn't let me have my way so I'm going to quit."; "I'm so under-appreciated--without me the site would fall apart"; "You don't like me and that's why I'm not an FO/CO/DH/GM/AI--so I quit!" In short, folks that throw a temper tantrum will be adjudicated under this rule.
As far as the 'strictness' of the constitution...
If you simply come, read and write, and treat others like you would want to be treated, you will probably never have issues with any of our rules.
Folks that have problems with rules, in my experience, are usually the ones looking for ways around them.
