The Federation Tribune - December / Christmas 2006

[Rob Versteegt]

                  ==== The Federation Tribune ====
               ==== December & Christmas 2006 ====


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Chief Editor's Notes:
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Welcome, oh reader, to the December & Christmas edition of the Federation
Tribune! And what a surprises we have in store for you! Next to the
interesting status reports and fabulous posting count, we also have the
results of last month's newspaper competition, along with a new one! We have
a legendary post, and an article about grammar. But, since this is the
Christmas newspaper, we also have a Frontier Fleet Christmas Song, as well
as a story regarding New Years' Eve!

So buckle up, and prepare for a ride into the world of Frontier Fleet
Christmas!

Or, if that sounds too scary, just have fun reading! :-D And of course, I
wish you a merry christmas, and a happy new year!

What do we have to offer you in this issue:

The Calhoun Status Report.
The Odyssey Status Report.
The Valkyrie Status Report.
The Atlantis Status Report.
Pandora's Status Report.
The PR Status Report.
The Academy Status Report.
The Newspaper competition.
A legendary post.
A grammar quiz.
Promotions in November 2006.
Posting Stats.
Rusty the Red Shirt Ensign
Melbourne's Last Words.

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USS Calhoun Status Report, November 2006, by Adrien Rodd
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STARDATE: 2393.01.09
LOCATION: Trapped in orbit around a planet in the Beta Quadrant
EPISODE: #28 (2.02), "Aryna"

While heading into the Gamma Quadrant for a joint scientific expedition with
the Cardassian Union, the USS Calhoun finds itself mysteriously translocated
in orbit of a Y-class planet in an unexplored sector of the Beta Quadrant.
There, they are immediately attacked by half a dozen vessels of varied sizes
and origins, apparently in a unorganised, unconcerted assault. The Calhoun
attempts to break orbit, but finds itself inexplicably held back.

Rescued by the timely arrival of another Starfleet vessel also in orbit, the
USS Courageous, the Calhoun crew lick their wounds and recover. They soon
discover, however, that the other ships have been trapped here for many
months, and have tossed out all sense of ethics in a desperate attempt to
survive. . . including the crew of the Courageous itself.

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USS Odyssey Status Report, November 2006, by Martin Miller
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Stardate: 2392.10.17
Location: On Andor / near Wolf System

After finally defeating Captain Lewis aboard the Dagger, she and her valiant
crew have been taken onboard the Odyssey and placed in the brig for there
misdemeanours towards Starfleet and the crew of the Odyssey. Also brought
onboard during this escapade was the Ferengi Yok, all though without the
canister leaving it on the planet surface.

At the same time these events were taking place the young Ferengi Kels had
taken Eliza Etxdon-Davison hostage and was trying to escape from the Odyssey
to rescue his father who was still on the planet. Through the bravery of
Karol Underhill Eliza was rescued and taken to sickbay to repair the
injuries she had sustained in a futile attempt to break free from the
younger Ferengi.

With the events of the Odyssey crew slowly coming to an end, the away team
still on the Planet Andor have released Captain Bennek and Caltek from there
prison disguised as Andorian's and begin there bid for freedom.

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USS Valkyrie Status Report, November 2006, by Dennis Church.
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(] STARDATE [)

Currently 2392.10.19

(] LOCATION [)

Valkryie - Te'Har System

PaRel/Schofield - Canok Nor

(] SUMMARY [)

Good news for the Valkyrie came at last with the shuttle's escape pod,
bearing Ensign Masters and a Te'Hari, having reached the duckblind.  With
their help, the rest of the missing away team will be recovered soon.
However, although significant progress has been made on finding a cure for
the plague ravaging this world, the task of distributing it *discreetly* to
the Te'Hari population remains.

Meanwhile, Schofield and PaRel have gotten closer to their goal in finding
the mastermind of the plague by reaching deeper into the criminal underworld
of Canok Nor...but have they bitten off more then they can chew?

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USS Atlantis Status Report, November 2006, by Ben Versteegt.
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Stardates:

- 2392.07.15
- 2392.07.16
- 2392.07.26
- 2392.07.28
- 2392.07.30
- 2392.10.12


Locations of the (crew of the) USS Atlantis:

- In Deasian space, approximately 1,7 light years away from the planet
Helteka in the Andari system, in the Gamma Quadrant, at a position roughly
1000 light years from the wormhole.
- The planet Helteka
- Pandora Station.

Summary:

- 2392.07.15:

With the battle of the previous day still fresh in their memories, the
various crews of the convoy ships continued to do their jobs. The damage was
severe, and casualties were many, but it could have been much, much worse if
the crew of the Atlantis had not interfered when they did. Even so, the
convoy was in a bad shape, as was the Atlantis. Still, the L'tari convoy had
to finish their repairs quickly, since the crews still had a job to do: the
convoy still had to reach Helteka.

- 2392.07.16

In the Alpha Quadrant, Ensign Dane, future crewmember of the Atlantis,
waited on Pandora Station for her ship to arrive. While waiting, she was
visited by an old friend.

- 2392.07.26

Still between jobs, Ensign Dane came to the rescue of a freighter crew who
had all passed out because of an unknown gas in the ventilation system.

- 2392.07.28

Having arrived at Helteka, the crews of the Atlantis and the convoy ships
began unloading the much-needed supplies. Aid Master Traa arranged for a
small ceremony to take place on the irradiated planet, where he bestowed
upon the Atlantis senior crew the title of 'Heroes of the L'tari'.

After the ceremony, Captain Torn and Commander Velden decided that the
Atlantis would stay in orbit of the planet for another two days in order to
help the Heltekans to the best of the crew's abilities. After that meeting,
Doctor Kadar talked to Velden and suggested that the Captain be temporarily
relieved of duty due to the injuries to his eyes -- the Captain had been
nearly blinded during the battle two weeks ago. Velden, however, objected to
this, stating that Captain Torn was still perfectly fit to command a
Starship. After a heated debate between Velden, Kadar and the EMH, Velden
ordered Kadar to drop the matter.

- 2392.07.30

After having said farewell to the crews of the freighters they had commanded
during this mission, the crew of the Atlantis returned to the Federation
Starship and left orbit of Helteka to return to the Alpha Quadrant,
determined to plead the Heltekans' and Deasians' case for the Federation
Council.

- 2392.10.12

After a journey of three months (due to the damaged transwarp drive), the
Atlantis arrived at Pandora Station. Captain Torn would disembark to face a
Starfleet hearing about the decisions he had made during the convoy mission,
while the rest of the crew would be able to enjoy shore leave. The short
visit from Leon Nerfertii, second officer and STC of the Odyssey and former
STC of the Atlantis, came as a pleasant surprise to Captain Torn and several
other Atlantis crewmembers.

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Pandora Station Status Report, November 2006, by Rob Versteegt.
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Locations:

Still on board Pandora Station, which orbits Pandora II.

Stardates:

2392.09.23
2392.10.12
2392.10.16
2392.10.17
2392.11.20
2392.11.29
2392.12.05

Summary:

2392.09.23:

Poor Yalon Marg heard from the love of his life -Melissa Kinnard- that she
didn't love him. This broke the young Yridian's heart, wherever that might
be.

2392.10.12:

The USS Atlantis arrived at Pandora Station.

2392.10.16:

Federation News Service reporter Neumann interrupted a conversation between
STC Jaal and Police Officer Cluff, to know how the crime-fighting was going.
Ms. Jaal and Mr. Cluff though, didn't really want to answer any questions,
and tried to get rid of the man. That is, they tried to convince him to move
away, and let the two people talk in peace.

2392.10.17:

Captain Denorian and Admiral Khatibi continued to discuss the Calhoun's
Commander Summers. Denorian didn't really like the First Officer of the
Calhoun, but Khatibi persuaded him to let the matter rest. At least, for
now.

2392.11.20:

Commander Claus, the First Officer of Pandora Station, had submitted an
idea. A nice idea, in his opinion. Captain Denorian was sceptical about this
idea though. After all, why would anyone want to celebrate Christmas on a
Federation Space Station, with a multicultural population? Still, he gave
the go-ahead. It might be good for moral.

2392.11.29:

Captain Denorian received an urgent message from Admiral Baine. The Admiral
had new orders for Denorian and his crew. . . so half an hour later,
Denorian and Pandora Station's senior crew sat in the Conference Room, where
Captain Denorian told his crew the 'troublesome' news. It seemed that
Admiral Baine, together with a couple of other high-ranking Admirals, would
pay Pandora Station a visit. Apparently they wanted to celebrate the
festivities 'Christmas' and 'New Year's Eve' at Pandora Station. Baine had
told Denorian that the Admirals wanted everything to be perfect, and that
Denorian and his crew needed to make sure that it would be. However, the
fact that the Admirals were coming had to remain a secret. . . So, Pandora
Station's senior crew started preparing for the biggest and best Christmas
and New Years Eve celebrations they, and the rest of Pandora Station, would
ever have! They first needed to organise it, though. . .

2392.12.05:

Wahlis, a 7 year old Trill child, thought that when his parents told him
they were going to test the bed and the sheets, that they wouldn't stay in
the bedroom so long. When they did though, it was obvious to Wahlis: a large
monster was about to eat them! So quickly, he burst into the bedroom, where
he found his parents without their clothes on. His father and mother quickly
sent him away, after which Wahlis went to the corridor. There, the new Chief
of Operations, Lieutenant Tiburo, fell over him.

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Public Relations Status Report, November 2006, by Rob Versteegt.
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Dear Frontier Fleet people.

Over the last few years, I have been writing these reports, hoping that
someone would read them, and thus vote. Maybe though, I've been doing this
the wrong way. Instead of asking you to vote all the time, I think it's
better to just list the ranks FF is listed in all those voting sites. So...
here we go!

Central Core Top Trek Sites: 20th
Medeggio Project: 68th
Worldwide Topsites: 18th
Star-fleet Top 100: 7th
UTFP: 7th
The Federation Topsites: 10th
Expension Fleet: 2nd
Star Trek PBEM sites: 2nd

(Slipstream and Topwebgames are not included here: Slipstream couldn't be
found, and Topwebgames has a strange counting system :P)

Well, pretty good... although we can do better! You know the voting address
(and if you don't, here it is: www.frontierfleet.net/comm/vote) so have fun
voting! :)

About the number of signups, and where they found us, I can say this: We had
a total of 8 signups in November. That's not a lot... Still, at least one
made it through the Academy already.

Here's where they found us:

2: Just browsing
1: Via a (voting) link
1: Via a webring
3: Searching
1: Unknown

And that's it for this month. Have fun voting, and let's hope for more
signups in December!

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SF Academy Status Report, November 2006, by Martin Miller.
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Active Instructors: (5)

Chief Instructor Sedaq, played by Adrian Rodd.
Instructor Aaron Mackinee, played by Martin Miller.
Instructor Dorvan Lar, played by Rick Clogston.
Instructor Kembra Iarin, played by Scott Rick.
Instructor Vivienne Creenan, played by Rob Versteegt.

==================

Instructors Lost: (2)

Instructor Kavar Enal, played by Jovan Gegov.
Instructor Sarah R. Fisher, played by Matthew Huffman.

==================

New Signups: 8 (3 entered the Academy)

==================

Individual Cadets: (3)

Cadet Tanis Ver'Karos, played by Tony Ver'Karos (Bobby)(Since 9th of
October)
Cadet Soney Dexter, played by Soney Dexter (Scott)(Since 14th of November)
Cadet Heath West, played by Jack Caulfield (Rick)(Since 15th of November)

==================

Graduates: (1)

Cadet John "Falcon" Smith, Played by John Lark => ACEO Ensign John "Falcon"
Smith USS Valkyrie.

==================

Cadets LOA: (1)

Cadet Andrew Wright, played by Kevin Padilla

==================

Cadets lost: (0)

==================

AcadCM Comments:

A very slow month but we got one out the Academy at least, not many signups
so not many cadets to send out in the game.
It's been very quiet, I'd also like to say farewell to both Jovan and
Matthew, I hope you both come back to the Academy at some stage as you will
be sorely missed.

I'm hoping for a better month of December but no one knows. So onwards and
upwards :)

cheers,
Martin
Admiral Elizabeth Anyanka.

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The Federation Tribune competition!
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Ah yes fellow Frontier Fleet writers! Last month's Tribune competition was a
huge success! We had, in total, *two* people who replied! So let's give them
a warm applause: Bram Peeters and Rob Verlinden! Thank you for answering
these questions. The race was on: who would be the one to win? For a moment,
both contestants had the same number of questions correct. But alas, one
made a crucial error, which gave the other the chance to win! And indeed,
with just one question more than the other, the winner is...

Bram Peeters, with all 10 questions answered correctly!
Rob Verlinden is second, with 9 questions answered correctly.

Well done both of you! Of course, this Tribune's Competition will be about
the contents of this edition. Read the questions carefully, and send the
answers to chiefeditor at frontierfleet.com.

Question 1: Which position does Dave Church's twin brother have in Frontier
Fleet?

Question 2: How many Active Instructors are there in the Academy?

Question 3: What's the name of the Melbourne's STC? (First and last name!)

Question 4: What kind of 'promotion' did Ensign Gambit get on the Atlantis?

Question 5: Who is Rusty?

Question 6: What's the name of the Starfleet vessel which the Calhoun
encountered during their current mission?

Question 7: What has Baine ordered Denorian?

Question 8: Which ship is two in-game days further than the USS Odyssey?

Question 9: How many people found us via a voting link?

Question 10: To which Starfleet Officer was Mr. Travian talking?

Good luck!

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Legendary Post, by Rob Verlinden.
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For a long while the USS Odyssey had a Bajoran Chief of CONN, Travian Enar.
He was played by Dave Church, Dennis' twin brother and accompanied the
Odyssey on several missions. He decided to leave our game, but suddenly he
returned for only a few posts. Travian Enar joined Bajoran Intelligence and
comes to the rescue of the Odyssey crew during the mission on Dinwor V. The
Bajoran terrorists have just been unmasked, the Bajoran force (with Travian)
prevents one of the terrorists from escaping. Although not directly for
Starfleet, Enar is still around fighting evil.

Subject: Travian Enar

(Dinwor V - Hidden south entrance - 2391.06.20, 1907)

Enar dropped to a knee, contemplation filling the short, silent moment he
had. "About time you got here," he said, still staring at the unmoving form
of his brother as security officers came in, their footsteps echoing in the
dank room. After a moment, he got up, and faced them.

The human stood still, his aim steady. "Identify yourself."

Enar chuckled, nodding to the Bajoran-emblemed communicator on the uniform
as he followed the man's instructions. The black color indicated that this
man was a member of Bajoran Intellgence. "Relax," he said. "We're on the
same side."

"Very well. Good job on stopping him from escaping. We'll take him from
here." With that, the human grabbed the body, and moved off, his lackeys
trailing him.

Were he in a crowd, Enar would have made a show of being taken aback. He'd
expected this from the abruptness of the team's entrance, though, and merely
watched as they left.

"No tact on that boy," he quipped for no one to hear, allowing some
seperation before following the team out. They'd get their man, one way or
the other.

(Dinwor V - Main Reception Hall - 2391.06.20, 1908)

Enar stayed back as the security officer paraded Noral's unconsciousbody
onto the stage. 'Brilliant. Just brilliant,' Enar thought. 'But why stop
there? Why not drive his head on a pike, displaying it as a warning for all
to see?'

"Is he... dead?" A woman's voice. Enar turned instinctively, as he
recognized it. Were- were THEY here?

"I don't think so," the officer replied. Curt, and professional. Entirely
oblivious to the reasoning behind the question, which was exactly as Enar
would have predicted from him.

"Why?" The woman responded. Enar moved closer, still staying in the shadow
of the running stage light as he awaited his subordinate's arrival. 'Tessa,'
he thought. 'Tessa Elan. THAT's who that is.'

"Why did you have to bring him here, of all places? My god man! Did you
really think it was necessary to bring a dead body up on the podium, for all
to see? There is an entire audience out there! They don't need to see this.
Couldn't you have been just a little more discrete?"

"I said he is not dead." the grunt replied, seeming a bit more rattled than
he had been before. "He is just stunned. In a hour he will be awake, and a
little groggy. Now please, can't you see that you're spreading panic?"

Tessa paused. Enar took a step forward, seeing one of the other field agents
moving through the crowd. Motioning him aside, Enar moved quickly to him.

"Where is Reyal?" Enar whispered, hearing Tessa yell "*I'm* spreading
panic?" as they began to speak.

Parak's expression was grim. "Northeast entrance," he responded. "In about a
million pieces."

Enar cursed, looking away for a moment as he said a quick, silent prayer for
their comrade. "So much for knowing everything there is to know," he
quipped. He looked back to Parak. "I'll talk to the Starfleet rep, and get
custody of Noral. You finish up here."

Parak nodded, and left. Enar turned back to the stage to hear Tessa
muttering what must have been an apology. He stepped back up, now easily
seen in the light.

"No problem. You couldn't tell. It's understandable." Grunt responded,
sounding decidedly patronizing. Enar, for his part, had heard enough. He
didn't know this man, but he did remember Tessa.

A moment later, Harmondale stepped aside, and beamed off, Noral clutched in
his arms.

Enar heard a growl from the woman, and almost smiled. "That's it," she said,
just inside Enar's earshot "This is the last date I'll ever go on with him!"

"But why? He seems such a charming fellow," Enar cracked, walking up to
Elan, the death of his comrade shrugged off like an unwanted coat to his
usual cynical. "All the subtlety of a brick, and the social graces of a
Gorn."

(Reply Elan)

Enar turned to her, quick smile on his face. "Travian Enar," he greeted.
"Bajoran Intelligence. Formerly of the USS Odyssey."

(Reply Elan)

(Reply Elan, any)
(Posted by Dave Church)

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Promotions in November 2006, by Rob Versteegt.
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>From Cadet to Ensign:

Cadet John "Falcon" Smith, Played by John Lark => ACEO Ensign John "Falcon"
Smith, USS Valkyrie.

>From Ensign to Lt.Jg:

CMO Ensign Kadar, played by Morgan Kadar => CMO Lieutenant Junior Grade
Kadar, USS Atlantis.

>From Lieutenant to Lieutenant Commander (out of game)

Mark O'Bannon (CSO Lt. Alastriona de Troyes) to Lt. Commander, USS Calhoun.
(not yet effective in-game)

Other promotions:

ACEO Lieutenant Junior Grade Montgomery, played by Bram Peeters => CEO
Lieutenant Montgomery, USS Atlantis.
AOPS Ensign Gambit, played by Larry Ostwald => ASTC Ensign Gambit, USS
Atlantis.

Congratulations all!

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Posting Stats November 2006, by Rob Versteegt
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Calhoun players:

Adrian Rodd: 33 (Cal 27, Ody 6)
Kelley MacKinnon: 14 (Cal 14)
Laura Elliot: 9 (Cal 9)
Mark O'Bannon: 11 (Cal 11)
Gael Imaddedine: 0
Sussie Andersson: 1 (Cal 1)
Jeremy Beeler: 0
Aaron DeLay: 8 (Cal 8)
Matthew Pratter: 1 (Cal 1)
Jake Hanlon: 15 (Cal 15)
Benjamin Ditch: 3 (Cal 3)

USS Odyssey players:

Rob Verlinden: 8 (Ody 8)
Rob Versteegt: 33 (Cal 4, Ody 13, Valk 1, Atly 9, Panda 6)
Martin Miller: 21 (Ody 15, Atly 5, Panda 1)
Guido Dorssers: 0
Scott Rick: 1 (Ody 1)
Daniel Balding: 7 (Ody 7)
Jovan Gegov: 2 (Ody 2)
Jeroen Nagtegaal: 2 (Ody 2)
Chantal Whittington: 1 (Ody 1)
Jamie Davison: 3 (Ody 3)

USS Valkyrie players:

Dennis Church: 5 (Ody 2, Valk 3)
Jonathan Hardy: 3 (Valk 3)
Richard Clogston: 18 (Valk 16, Panda 2)
Ann Montague: 2 (Valk 2)
Nick Bartkowiak: 4 (Valk 4)
Ruben Hilbers: 9 (Valk 9)
Don Draper: 7 (Valk 7)
Blayne Welsh: 3 (Valk 3)
Abby Leib: 1 (Valk 1)
Kelly Power: 4 (Valk 4)
John Lark: 3 (Valk 3)

USS Atlantis players:

David Susman: 6 (Atly 4, Panda 2)
Ben Versteegt: 10 (Atly 10)
Bram Peeters: 23 (Cal 5, Ody 7, Atly 10, Panda 1)
Chantal Sellers: 0
Alonzo Soban: 4 (Atly 4)
Patrick Buidin: 1 (Atly 1)
Morgan Kadar: 5 (Atly 5)
Peter Pitrilli: 0
Tori Friedlander: 7 (Atly 7)
Larry Ostwald: 1 (Atly 1)
Tim Mottishaw (Skeeter): 3 (Atly 3)

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Grammar quiz, by Peter Pitrelli
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Agreement: Choose the correct subject-verb agreement.

1. A large percentage of officers a) votes b) vote.

2. The number of ways to fix the warp core a) increase b) increases with
each hot-headed engineer.

3. The captain as well as her officers a) knows b) know who will vote
against the bill.


Word Use: Choose the correct word or phrase.

4. Eli had to drive a) over b) more than 500 miles to find a decent
sandwich.

5. By the end of the party, it seemed a) as if b) like the kids were winding
down.

6. The a) enormity b) enormousness of the Cardassian conflict is astounding
and gross.

7. The captain should be more a) discrete b) discreet with the crew.

8. The senior staff was a) anxious b) eager for the interrogations to begin.


Punctuation: Choose the incorrectly punctuated sentence.

9.
a) She gave her opinion on the tactical situation, but offered no facts.
b) The slow-moving starship is an easy target.
c) Was Captain Janeway telling the truth when she said she was not a "bad
captain"?
d) all are correct

10.
a) Ensign Swirdoff tried to fix his mistake; however, he only made it worse
b) The captain offered three words of motivation: perseverance, precision
and patients.
c) Cleo learned one thing in survival school: Don't get lost in the
wilderness.
d) all are correct

11.
a) I have to study tonight, my final exam is tomorrow.
b) Barely legible reports seem to be a prerequisite for enlisted officers.
c) Her first job-cleaning the transporter pad-was not very enlightening.
d) all are correct


Case: Choose the correct word.

12. When Lt. Peters asked for some cake, his department head said, "I'll
give it to a) whoever b) whomever begs for it.

13. Before Alice told him, Kevin didn't know that it was a) her b) she whom
he blamed for the accident.

14. Wishing the doors had opened an hour earlier, a) we b) us officers stood
waiting eagerly.

Chief Editor's Note: Send the answers to Chiefeditor at frontierfleet.com, so
that I can send them to Peter for checking. Peter, thanks for this quiz! ;-)

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Rusty the Red Shirt Ensign, By Bram and Martin
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Rusty the Red Shirt Ensign,
had a very shiny shirt.
and if you ever wore it,
you will always beam down first.

All of the other crewman,
used to laugh and call him names.
They never stopped poor Rusty,
from going on the away team games.

Then one ghost ship did appear,
the captain came to say.
Rusty with your shirt so bright,
won't you beam down and die tonight.

Then all the crewman mourned him,
as they shouted out in shame.
Rusty the Red Shirt Ensign,
you'll go down in Starfleet History.

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Melbourne's Last Words, by Rob Versteegt
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Captain's Log, Stardate 43997.9. Captain Lao-Chen reporting.

Forty-eight hours ago, I accepted command of this vessel, the Excelsior
class USS Melbourne. I considered it a stroke of good-fortune that Commander
William Riker, First Officer of the USS Enterprise, had refused to take this
commission. After all, if he had, then he would be CO here, instead of me.
But luck was with me, and I got the job. Oh, I couldn't believe how happy I
was.

Almost immediately after taking command though, I realised that my first
command could very well be my last. For I have just received word: any
available Federation Starship in the area has to report to the Wolf-359
system. This of course, includes the Melbourne. With a fresh Captain, and a
crew that has yet to adapt to my command style. Hell, I even have to get
used to my command style.

I have ordered a staff meeting in about five minutes. I'd better get going.

Captain Naoto Lao-Chen looked around the Conference Room of this Excelsior
class. Somehow, he felt like a fresh ensign again. There was so much to see,
so much to learn. Not that he had the time for that though. His hasty study
of the ship's blueprints would have to be enough. When he had taken command,
Lao-Chen had assumed the Melbourne wouldn't immediately get to see action,
since he needed time to get used to a new ship. Now, he knew that getting
used here was a luxury he couldn't afford.

Around the conference table sat the rest of the senior crew. It bothered
Lao-Chen that he knew virtually nothing about these people. Only what was in
their files. But that was all so impersonal. When he had been FO at his
previous post, the USS Gage, he had gotten to know the rest of the crew
pretty well. He had found that the atmosphere wouldn't only be more
pleasant. . . it also meant that the crew would follow orders more quickly,
and with more enthusiasm, if they came from someone they knew very well.

Now though, the crew of the USS Melbourne would have to follow orders from
someone they barely even knew. So be it. This wasn't the most ideal of
situations, but neither was the situation the Federation was now facing.

"Thank you all for coming." Lao-Chen said, looking each person in the eyes.
"It has been about two days since we sat here. Those two days might look
like an eternity ago, since then the atmosphere was more relaxed back then.
Getting to know the new Captain." His lips parted for a moment, remembering
the welcome he had gotten from the senior crew. They had been saddened by
the fact that their former Captain had chosen to leave, but they were
looking forward to all the time they would spend with the new Captain, on
new, challenging missions.

When Lao-Chen continued, his face was dead-serious again. "Now, two days
later, the Federation is in distress, and we're expected to do our duty. In
a few hours, we'll arrive at a system called Wolf 359, not far away from
Earth. There, we will defend the Federation, at all costs."

The Security Officer of the Melbourne leaned forward. "Defend her against
what exactly, Sir? I mean, there have been rumours, but. . ." she paused.
"Are they true? Are the B. . ."

"Yes Lieutenant." Lao-Chen said, interrupting the STC. "One Borg cube has
been detected by the USS Enterprise, and it's heading directly towards
sector 001. Earth." He paused, his face looking grim. "They're doing
everything they can to slow the cube down, but chances are they won't be
successful for long. So Starfleet has ordered any available ship to Wolf
359. We'll await the Borg cube there."

One look around the table showed Lao-Chen that everyone understood the
gravity of the situation. It was quite something indeed: everyone knew the
Borg to be a formidable foe. Their weapons were extremely powerful, and they
kept repairing their damage. Their single-mindedness was especially
worrisome, according to Lao-Chen. They didn't think as individuals. No, even
worse: they *weren't* individuals. People who had a mind and will of their
own could doubt, fear, be persuaded, refuse to do something. But not these
Borg. And that was something that made them so terrifying. Because no matter
how efficient a Starfleet Starship crew could be, nobody could be more
efficient than the Borg. In a normal chain of command, one would first have
to give the orders, until someone else could carry them out. There was time
in between. . . time someone else needed to react. Not so with the Borg
though: they gave an order, and executed it at the same time.

As if reading his mind -and he probably was- the Betazoid Counsellor spoke
up. "Captain," he said, shattering the silence, "What do you think our
chances of success will be?"

Lao-Chen didn't answer immediately. He felt the responsibility of command
pressing down on his shoulders. He was responsible for the lives of everyone
on board. That was quite something. In normal cases, a Captain would get a
few weeks to get used to the crew, the ship, *and* this responsibility. But
not this time.

"I will be honest with you." Lao-Chen continued, slowly. "The chances of
success are slim. It all depends on whether or not the Enterprise can buy us
enough time to form a reasonable fleet. The Klingons should be coming to our
aid as well, although we have no idea when they'll arrive." He paused, and
looked around again. "But there *is* a chance of success. If we look at
efficiency, firepower, hull strength. . . virtually everything, then I
agree, the Borg are superior to us. They're the proverbial hare, whereas
we're the poor turtle." His face showed a meek smile. "But in the end of
that story, the hare got beaten, since the turtle just kept on going. If we
keep on going as well. . . if we give it everything we got and then some,
then I think we might make it."

'Might make it'. Those weren't comforting words for the crew, and Lao-Chen
could see this. The moral took another plunge, when the STC, Lieutenant
Orvelle, spoke up. "Sir, with all due respect. . . if I remember the story
of the turtle and the hare correctly, it was the hare's overconfidence that
ultimately caused his defeat. The Borg will not react that way."

Again, all eyes in the room were directed at the new Captain. "You are
correct, Lieutenant." He told Ms. Orvelle. "But we shouldn't give up just
because the chances of us succeeding are slim." Another pause followed.
"Look, I understand you're all frightened. Hell, I sure am. But in the
battle to come, one ship. . . one crew, might be able to make a difference.
That could very well be us. I know this doesn't comfort you, nor should it.
But we *will* confront the Borg at Wolf 359. And we *will* do our duty, and
more. And if we're lucky, history will remember that battle as the Battle of
Wolf 359, where the Federation defeated the Borg."

Another silence. And again, it was shattered. This time, when Lao-Chen spoke
up. "I would like you all to prepare for the hours to come, ladies and
gentlemen. Try to rest. Relax."

The Betazoid Counsellor glanced at Lao-Chen. "That's quite an assignment,
Captain." He gave his opinion, and Lao-Chen valued that. "How do you suggest
the crew does that, while they know they could all die in a couple of
hours?"

Again, silence. The Counsellor had said what nobody else wanted to say. For
it was true: everyone on board this ship might be dead before the next day.
Lao-Chen was aware of this. But how to boost moral? Generally, if people
thought they would die soon, they would find a way of making that happen.
How to prevent this? How to let his crew get the mental boost they needed,
in order to do their duties in the best way they could?

And then it came to him. "I might have an idea. . ." He said, smiling.
Indeed. . . this might just work.

***

Captain's Log, stardate 43998.9. We're still on route to sector Wolf-359,
and we'll arrive there in less than two hours. The atmosphere on board is
tense, to put it mildly. But I need my crew to be in top shape when we face
the Borg. So, to boost moral, I've organised a reception of some sorts. A
party, if you will. I know, it's a helluva time for a party, but it just so
happens that in early Earth tradition, this time of the Earth year there was
a celebration called New Years Eve: to say goodbye to the old year, and
hello to the new. It's a time where everyone thinks about what the new year
will bring us, and where all hope for the best. And is that not what we're
doing now?

Captain Lao-Chen entered the messhall, which had been decorated for the
occasion. It still felt weird: celebrating while the battle -and
near-certain death- were just a few hours away. But that was what this party
was for: to forget -just for a little while- the impending doom.

"Captain!" Was that a cheery voice calling him? He looked around, and
immediately saw the Chief Medical Officer, a female Bolian, standing there.
"What a great idea, such a party! I must say, I could use some relaxation."

"As could I." Lao-Chen answered with a nod. "It is good to see you enjoying
yourself, Doctor. I hope you've told your staff that this celebration is not
voluntary?" he asked her with a grin of his own.

"I certainly did." Came the reply, while the Bolian took a sip of her drink.
"Hmmm, what is this, anyway?" she asked.

"Champagne." Lao-Chen knew champagne when he saw it. Back in his Academy
days, this had been a favourite drink of his. And since champagne was often
drunk at parties where Cadets didn't, and classy Admirals did go to, he had
build up quite a few 'acquaintances' in those days. People who, later in his
life, had helped him with problems he sometimes faced. . . be it personal or
professional, those people had always been here.

And now he was fighting -or about to fight- to protect those people -and all
the others in the Federation- from destruction. Those Admirals had always
told him that Lao-Chen would one day have to repay the favours he had asked
them. Well, if he would be successful now, he would considered them all
repaid. . .

"Maybe we shouldn't drink this then." The Bolian answered, glancing at the
glass with a frown. "Isn't there real alcohol in such drinks?"

Lao-Chen shook his head slowly. "No. . . we don't want the crew to get drunk
while fighting the Borg, so I took the liberty to having the bartender
replicate champagne with synthehol. It tastes the same, but the effects of
alcohol will stay away."

The Doctor started smiling, and then laughed out loud. It was a pleasant
sound to hear. . . her laugh was almost like a melody. But Lao-Chen didn't
understand what he had said, that could be so funny. That didn't stop him
from smiling as well. Doctor Teck's laugh was infections. "Doctor," He asked
nevertheless, "What are you laughing about?"

Tears came from the Doctor's cheeks. . . tears of laughter. "I. . . I. . ."
she stated, but she was interrupted by her own laughter again. "I just
thought. . . maybe we should let the helmsman get drunk: he'll let the
Melbourne execute very strange manoeuvres then, making it impossible for the
Borg to hit us!"

Lao-Chen smiled, grinned, and then erupted into laughter as well. This
wasn't funny, although that didn't matter at a moment like this. Somehow the
Human mind possessed the ability to see the funny side of darker situations.
It would be interesting to do some research on this. . . but that would have
to wait. Or it would just never happen, based on the outcome of the coming
battle.

However, not even the Human mind could withstand the cold logic of a Vulcan.
"I am afraid, Doctor, that your logic is wrong. Allowing the helmsman to get
drunk will only result in him being unable to do his duty." It was the
Vulcan Chief of Operations, Mellek. Of course he too had come to the party,
but only because he had to. It *was* mandatory, after all.

"Oh come on Mellek, don't be a party pooper." Teck said, still keeping a
smile on her face. Her melodious laughter was gone now, though.

"Party Pooper?" Mellek replied. "Might I inquire what you mean by that,
Doctor?"

"Now now people." Lao-Chen interrupted, putting up his hands. "Enough of
that. We're here to celebrate New Years' Eve. No hostilities, please. Now. .
." he looked around, and noticed that most of the crew was here. "Let's all
ask ourselves. . . what will next year bring us?"

Before anyone could reply, Mellek spoke up. "Obviously nothing more than
death, Captain. We're nearly at Wolf 359, the Borg should be here fairly
soon as well."

There was another drop in moral. . . one didn't need to be a Betazoid to
sense that. "Mister Mellek." Lao-Chen stated, turning to the Vulcan. "I am
pleased to see that you're being. . . realistic, but I for one consider
being optimistic a helluvalot better. In fact, I order you to be optimistic,
for the remainder of this party. Understood?"

The well-known eyebrow gesture was the man's only reply.

"Good!" Lao-Chen said, addressing the crowd again. "Assuming we'll be
successful in our mission. . . what do you wish the new year to bring?"

For a moment, there was a silence. But not for long. Two crewmembers,
Harriete and Malcolm Steers, looked at each other, and then looked at the
Captain. "Sir. . ." Harriete said with a big smile on her face as well as
tears in her eyes. "We were going to wait with announcing this, but. . ." A
tear fell from her cheek, while she tried to smile even more. "I'm pregnant.
We're going to have a little baby boy!"

It was impossible to ignore the feeling of sadness coming up in Lao-Chen.
Yes, he was immensely happy for the couple, but he also knew that the unborn
child might not live long enough to be born. And even if he -and the mother-
would, there was no telling if his father would be alive then.

Lao-Chen swallowed, and then focussed on the happiness he felt for these
people. "That's wonderful." He said to them. "See, that's a bit of happy
news, right in our midst! It would seem your new year will be wonderful!" If
the Borg didn't destroy them first, of course. But he had to remain
positive. Or else the crew would just give up already, without actually
putting up a fight. "So, who's next?"

Ah, good old Doctor Teck. "I hope to fall in love in the new year." She said
with a smile on her face. "The man I'm looking for has to be about my age,
needs to have an interest in medicine, and of course, he has to be a great
cook." She grinned, as she looked around. "Well, anyone feel like I'm
describing you?"

A few giggles came, but no real response. Lao-Chen smiled, and then gestured
at Ms. Orvelle, allowing the STC to speak up. When she did, her voice wasn't
harsh, as Lao-Chen had gotten to know the woman. No. . . she was speaking in
soft, almost whispering words. "I uhm. . ." she said, apparently not really
knowing what to say. Judging by the reactions of the bystanders, the fact
that Ms. Orvelle was trying to find something to say, was unique. She
quickly continued though. "I would like the next year to be relaxing,
without any security threats." She smiled weakly. "That is, if we survive
the Borg, of course."

This statement seemed to bring around a gasp of awe. "But. . ." one of the
security officers -Lao-Chen almost felt guilty about not knowing this man's
name- started, "I thought you were Iron Orvelle. . . the Security Officer
who got a thrill out of security issues!" He paused, and then realised what
he had said. "At least, that's how you are known throughout the department."

A faint smile could now be seen on 'Iron Orvelle's' lips. "I guess you don't
know me as well as you thought you did, Parsons."

"Well, then that's my goal for the new year." Parsons said with a little
smile on his own. "Get to know you better. . ."

CMO Teck quickly interrupted. "Sure. I'm the one asking for a love life, and
it would seem you're getting it, Isabel Orvelle." She winked at the woman.
"Some day, you must tell me how you do that."

Orvelle winked back. "Practice, Teck. Practice."

A couple of laughs were heard in this messhall. They sounded good. . . as if
the crew was finally putting the impending doom aside. None of them had
forgotten the upcoming battle of course, but at least now they were able to
relax somewhat.

More stories were told. Wishes for the new year, stories about the old.
Crewman Hudson said that he missed his family, and that he would like to get
back to Earth when all of this was over. Ensign Melayne was so very proud
about her daughter getting straight A's at school, and FO McLaughlan spoke
with passion about his hobby: painting. He was talking about all the ideas
he had in his mind. . . of painting trees, space ships, people on board. . .
or all of them together. Everybody listened to the FO without interrupting,
since nobody knew this side of an otherwise stern man.

"And now that I've said what I'd like the next year to bring," McLaughlan
said with an actual smile, "It's time for our new Captain." Again, every eye
in the room was directed at Lao-Chen, although this time, the new CO of the
Melbourne enjoyed the experience.

It had been about two hours since the beginning of the party, and nearly
everyone had stated their wishes. Except the Captain of course. "My wish for
the new year." Lao-Chen started, but then paused. "Let's see, that's a
difficult one."

"Oh come on Captain!" Teck said out loud. "You asked us to think of
something. . . surely you have thought of something too?"

"Yeah!" Lieutenant Orvelle added. "We all said what needed to be said. . .
it's time you did too, Captain. Surely you have something you want us all to
know. . . something you want to share with us?"

Surprisingly, Lieutenant Mellek, the Vulcan Chief of Operations, supported
Teck and Orvelle. "It is logical, Captain." He said, in his ever-so-logical
voice. "You have asked all of us to speak up and produce a wish. It would
only be logical that you proceed with a similar ritual yourself." He paused,
and added "Sir."

Lao-Chen smiled. "How could I ever present a valid counter argument to that
line of reasoning?" he asked. "Very well. My wish for the new year." He took
a deep breath. "Well, my entire life, I had been. . ." He grinned. "Well,
you could say I was always trying to do things as well as I could do them. I
always wanted everything to be perfect." He paused, and realised what he was
doing here. He was actually telling his new crew. . .  a crew of strangers
to his eyes, some of the most important, emotional things of his life. And
he also realised that he didn't care. This was *his* crew. And that was
saying a lot.

"In my struggle for perfection," Lao-Chen continued, again without anyone
interrupting or even trying to say anything, "I've made a lot of sacrifices.
I placed work above pleasure, duty above. . . well, above everything else."
He paused once again, feeling his emotions rise to the surface. "Which
brings me to Risa. . ."

A chorus of 'oooh's' and 'aaah's' came from the crowd, but they quickly
stopped, when Lao-Chen raised his hand. "Yes, it's like that. I met a girl
on Risa. A wonderful girl, named Emoli. She wasn't only extremely beautiful,
she was also funny, had a way with words, loved to surf and swim, and could
easily be counted as one of the brightest minds in the Federation. And what
did I do?" He shook his head, letting out a sigh. "I tried to persuade her
to come with me. She refused, of course: she was happy with her job there.
So. . ." he swallowed. "Despite my feelings for her, I told her I had to go
again. I broke her heart, and in the process, I broke mine as well." He took
a deep breath, and wiped away a beginning tear. "So, in the new year, I want
to go to Risa. I want to take back Emoli, and love her, the way I was meant
to love her. And who cares if that's not a good career move!"

The crew in this room cheered as one, and Lao-Chen joined them. This was an
important moment. Now, after a couple of days, the CO had gotten to know his
crew better.

When the cheering ended, Lao-Chen raised his glass, while everyone in the
room followed his example. "I'd like to make a toast." He announced, and
then cleared his throat. "To the crew of the USS Melbourne. May all our
wishes come true."

"Here here." Came the chorus.

It was at that moment that the celebration was interrupted. =/\=Ensign
Mandrick to Captain Lao-Chen.=/\= came the voice of one of the few people
who had been allowed to stay on duty. =/\=We've arrived at Wolf 359. Admiral
Hanson has ordered all ships to go to battle stations immediately.=/\=

Lao-Chen remained silent for a moment, but then took a deep breath.
"Understood." He replied. "Lao-Chen out." He glanced around the room. "As
you might already know," He continued, as if nothing had happened. "The
tradition of New Years' Eve is accompanied by fireworks." He gestured out of
the windows, to where -instead of the familiar stars warping by- a lot of
ships lay, awaiting the upcoming battle. "Fireworks which will soon be lit.
How about adding an extra spectacle to those fireworks, in the form of a
Borg cube exploding?"

Again, cheers rang through the messhall. Over the shouts, Lao-Chen bellowed:
"To the crew of the USS Melbourne! Hip hip. . ."

"Hooray!"

Silence followed this burst of positive energy. Silence which Lao-Chen used
to once again address his crew. . . perhaps for the last time ever. "I'd
like to add something to my wish." He told the crew. "I wish that we get the
chance to let our wishes come true." He took a deep breath, and looked at
everyone in the room. "I know you'll do your best. I know I can count on
you. And I hope you know that, despite my relative short stay here, I. . ."
he bit his lip. "I am proud of you."

Another deep breath. "Now. This party is hereby over. Everyone, report to
battle stations. We have a Borg cube to defeat."

An ear-deafening "Aye Sir!" came from the crew, as they all exited the Mess
Hall, to go to their battlestations. It might be the last time they would do
that. It might be the last time anyone would ever see each other again. It
might be the last time for anything. But if it was, then at least Lao-Chen
would die with the knowledge that he and his crew didn't die as strangers.
No. . . if they would die, then they'd die as comrades. Brothers and
sisters. Family.

Looking out of the large windows, Lao-Chen spoke up softly. "Happy New
Year." He muttered, before he too, made his way to the Bridge.

***

Captain's Log, Stardate 43999.7. The Borg are coming. The Melbourne has been
assigned to the first wave to attack the Borg cube, lead by the USS
Saratoga. The Borg have already appeared on short range sensors, so there's
little time left. Everyone here is nervous. Nevertheless, we'll give it our
best shot.
Before I end this log, I want to say that I've gotten to know my crew
better. And I'm proud of each and every one of them. I'm afraid there's not
enough time to put a letter of recommendation in their official records,
otherwise I would have certainly done that. Now, this log will just have to
do.
I have to end this log now. . . the Borg have come out of warp directly in
front of us. The Saratoga has ordered us to attack in formation. Well. . .
here goes.
Signed,
Captain Lao-Chen, USS Melbourne.

THE END

Written by Rob Versteegt.

=====