The Federation Tribune - June 2008

[Chief Editor Frontier Fleet]

                  ==== The Federation Tribune ====
                         ==== June 2008====

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Chief Editor's Notes:
By Rob Verlinden
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Hello readers, and welcome to the newest issue of the Federation Tribune. This 
is the place that confirms the gossip about a new FO or reveals how instructors 
go about cadet training. Besides the Status Reports, there is an article by 
Markus Solters. He focusses on recruitments of new players. Thanks for sending 
this in, Markus.

In this issue:
USS Calhoun Status Report, May 2008. By Adrien Rodd.
USS Odyssey Status Report, May 2008. By Rob Versteegt.
USS Valkyrie Status Report, May 2008. By Rick Clogston.
USS Atlantis Status Report, May 2008. By David Susman.
SF Academy Status Report, May 2008. By Rick Clogston.
An Instructor's mission. By David Susman.
Crew News, May & June 2008. By Rob Verlinden.
Posting Statistics, May 2008. By Rob Verlinden.
Frontier Fleet Wants You. By Markus Solters.
PR Status Report, June 16th. By Rob Verlinden.

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USS Calhoun Status Report
May 2008
By Adrien Rodd
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EPISODE: #32, "Do No Harm" (2.06)

STARDATE: 2394.06.06
LOCATION: Deep space, one day away from Lynand VI

En route to an uninhabitable planet for a science mission, the starship
Calhoun picks up an unexpected distress call. It comes from Borg drones who
have crashed on Lynand VI, a pre-warp world, and who are broadcasting a call
for help as locals are apparently inflicting great pain upon them. The
Calhoun alters course towards the forbidden planet. Its aims: rescue the
drones, before a Borg ship can show up to do so, and prevent technological
contamination of the Lynandian homeworld. . .

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USS Odyssey Status Report
May 2008
By Rob Versteegt
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Mission # 18: "Wrath of the Gods"

Stardate: 2394.03.13
Location: Crashed on planet M-667, a few light years from the Romulan
border, in Federation space.

The Odyssey has crashed. Slowly but surely, the crew started coming to
terms with what has happened, even though it's not easy. Engineering
personnel were hard at work to repair as much as they could. Even the new
Asst. Chief Operations Officer joined the work. The doctors were busy as
ever: even though it's calmed down somewhat, Sickbay was still crowded.

Commander Nerfertii established a security parimeter outside the Odyssey.
. . but when natives started gathering around the Odyssey, this became a
first contact situation. Would Nerfertii be able to prevent a senseless
'humanoid sacrifice' of the Grizznians who found the Odyssey, and think
that the people inside are Gods?

And what about Lt.jg Nerell, Ensign Creevel and their team? It seemed as
if they had been caught by a rivalling tribe: the Bethesdans. Unknown to
them, that was where the Romulans crashed. . .

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USS Valkyrie Status Report
May 2008
By Rick Clogston
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To:  Lt. Emily Watson, USS Odyssey, Science Officer
From:  PO2 Susan Watson, USS Valkyrie, Lab Technician

Hi, Em

Sorry it's been so long since I wrote you.  In the end I decided I should wait 
until you got yourself settled on the Odyssey.  How do you like it there?  How 
are your CSO and your Captain?

Whew, we've been super busy lately here.  There's been a bunch of stuff going 
on, but mostly personal stuff.  Not much in the way of missions right now, just 
the usual.  Scan this, take that somewhere, boring stuff.  Fortunately the good 
ol' ship of misfits makes its own fun.  And, I even got to meet your Captain, 
the infamous Jeff Jalando.  Very handsome.

The big thing has been the wedding of the First Officer, my old boss, X'ok PaRel 
to the Chief Medical Officer, Brigit MacKenzie.  I'm so glad now that I never 
tried to hook up with him, because Doctor MacKenzie is not the kind of woman you 
want to cross.  In their own warped way, they're perfect for each other.  It was 
a neat wedding, too.  A little strange, because they had Klingon, Vulcan, and 
Scottish cultures to draw from and they did Starfleet.  Both in their dress 
uniforms, and married by the Captain.  It was still romantic though, and she had 
the best vows.

The ship was crowded with family, too.  His family, her family, and for some 
reason a bunch of other people, too.  You remember me telling you about Anita 
Alvarez, that married the crazy pilot, Emile Schofield?  Well, her whole clan 
showed up and his as well.  They were actually there to see her baby.  Oh, you 
gotta see this kid, she's so cu-u-ute!  Her name is Pearl.  Plus, they've 
adopted a five-year-old Xenexian girl named Lil'ana, and she's cute, too.  It's 
hard to believe it's the same Anita that used to compete with me for Doug 
Fletcher.

The Science department here is doing great.  The new CSO, Kate Thomas, is great. 
Awfully quiet, but really knows her stuff.  I've got to tell ya, sis, it's nice 
being on a ship where women get to run things.  At least, some things.  The Ops 
chief is Alexandra Davis, and she's very nice.  Just between you and me, I think 
the Captain's got his eye on her.  He's good, but one of the real stone-faces, 
y'know what I mean?  Never cracks a smile.  I hope she feels the same way about 
him, because she'd be very good for him.

In fact, even Security might be run by a woman soon.  Our STC, Kayne Leeson, has 
transferred out and the senior officer is an Orion woman named J'n'ala Foster. 
I think I told you about her.  She goes through men faster than I do, and that's 
saying something.  We also got a new ship's counselor, Kathryn Rose, who's very 
good.  We still don't have a Chief Engineer, but Ensign Bondarenko's doing a 
great job.  In fact, Kate, the CSO, told me he's got some really interesting 
ideas on warp theory that she's working with him on.

About the only one of my woman friends who's not doing so well is the head 
nurse, Julia Lang.  She's really stressing out about something.  They say she 
doesn't get along with the new ACMO, Maddi Setar.  I don't know why, because she 
seems fine to me, but she's Betazoid, and they freak some people out.  Honestly, 
Julia was unhappy when her wife wasn't here, and now's that she's here the 
girl's still unhappy.

Anyway, that's the latest from the Valkyrie.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,
Yer favorite little sister, Sue.

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USS Atlantis Status Report
May 2008
By David Susman
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TO:   Frontier Fleet Operations
FROM:   USS Atlantis, Captain Torn

MISSION:  Negotiate settlement between rival colonial
factions on Tui Malila.

STATUS:  Failure of primary mission.  First Contact
made with Yakkin.

The Atlantis arrived in orbit of Tui Malila on
2393.12.06 and contacted Sol Dreckman, leader of the
miners and Myra, leader of the colonists to initiated
negotiations.  Ambassador von Klinkerhoffen performed
her duties admirably through out the rapidly
developing situation we encountered.

Negotiations were begun via comm. channel and
arrangements were made, with the threat of force from
this vessel, to disarm both parties and for their
leaders to come aboard.

A Scientific Away team was sent to the second moon of
Tui Malila to investigate a magnetic anomaly and
discovered wreckage on the lunar surface.  The wreck
contained several unstable chemicals, due to unfolding
circumstances the mission was recalled prior to a full
investigation being completed.  (Scientific reports
and sensor readings attached).

During the negotiations, the Borhyas was sent on an
Away Mission to the planet with Commander Velden in
command.  Due to unplanned contact with the colonists
defensive shielding, the Borhyas lost power and a
semi-controlled landing was effected by the pilot.
(Sensor logs attached for reference).

A second shuttle was dispatched with an armed security
detail to secure the Borhyas and her crew.  A
scientific component was added to get closer sensor
reading of anomalous life-form readings in the
vicinity of the crash site.

At approximately that time, an unidentified vessel
approached Tui Malila at high warp and entered orbit.
First contact was made with a previously unencountered
species, known as the Yakkin.  The Yakkin claim Tui
Malila as a breeding ground (see attached sensor
readings and visual logs of all communications).

The Yakkin Captian was unwilling to negotiate and
threatened the extermination of all "mammals" on the
planet's surface.  The Atlantis was receiving reports
from the surface of attacks by unknown creatures, now
believed to be Yakkin.

In order to prevent the likely escalation of this
situation from First Contact to Armed Conflict, and
with the Ambassador's approval, I initiated a forced
evacuation of all civilians and Starfleet personnel
from Tui Malila and the second moon.  The Atlantis is
now enroute to Pandora Station and will divert, as
directed, to take our guests to their proper
destinations.

All pertinent reports, sensor logs and formal
complaints are attached for your reference.

Respectfully,

ALFRED TORN
Captain
USS Atlantis, Commanding

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Starfleet Academy Status Report
May 2008
By Rick Clogston
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I am happy to report that it has been yet another good, productive month here at 
the Academy.  As I look out my office window over San Francisco bay . . .

. . . Boy, I've really got to get off this computer more often.  Anyway, as I 
was saying, we had six new signups this month.  Three were accepted, and two of 
them have already graduated.  We had three graduates in all during May, and they 
are:

Ensign Dean Arlian (Human) - Daan Schmidt - USS Calhoun - ACMO
Ensign Arlan Sunder (Betazoid) - Wuli Pawlat - USS Atlantis - Counselor
Ensign Din Botan (Bolian) - Mark Laris - USS Odyssey - AOPS

Congratulations to the new Ensigns, and may they serve their new ships well.

Sadly, we have to bid a fond farewell to one of our long-time instructors. 
Blayne Welsh has served with distinction aboard the USS Valkyrie, rising to the 
rank of Lieutenant, STC, and Second Officer.  He has also served a long time as 
one of our instructors here at Starfleet Academy.  He recently started his own 
business, and apparently is so busy and successful that he's damned hard to get 
in contact with.  We hope he will be able to return someday. but we're also glad 
that Real Life is going so well.  God speed, Mr. Welsh.

Last month I wrote a piece on my instructor character, Lt. Dorvan Lar, and how I 
go about training a new cadet.  I also put out a call for any other instructor 
who felt so inclined to do the same.  David Susman, who's instructor is Lt. 
Joran Moore, wrote a marvelous little thing on the subject.  I know he already 
posted it to the instructor's list, but it's good enough to warrant 
re-publishing it below.

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An Instructor's mission
By David Susman
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Rick made the point that he wanted all of us to share
what our instructors "do", so I'll share with you my
ideas and general plans.

My instructor is a Coridan, Joran Moore, who I play as
sort of an "absent-minded Engineer" studying interface
designs.  I use the USS Cormorant (yes another
Aerie-Class) as the platform for most of my student
missions.  I try to build on any previous
developments, and subsequent problems, from the
previous cadet in order to keep things alive.

The way it works is the Cadet reports to Moore in his
office and finds the Engineer preoccupied with some
facet of the Cormorant.  Moore will greet the Cadet,
then pose a problem that I try to relate to the new
player's department of choice.  Then Moore drags the

Once the cadet gives an answer, Moore will give the
youngster a PADD with all the Academy info and
schedules then drag the hapless cadet to the Cormorant
to "test the solution".  We are met by the
experimental holographic crew ... remember Moore is
testing new interfaces ... that allow us to have more
characters to interface with.

I think this puts the player into a game scenario, a
ship with a small crew and whatever problem seems to
crop up.

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Crew News
May & June 2008
By Rob Verlinden
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Please welcome these new players to Frontier Fleet:
Daan Schmidt, playing Ensign Dean Arlian (Human) ACMO, USS Calhoun
Wuli Pawlat, playing Ensign Arlan Sunder (Betazoid) COUNS, USS Atlantis
Mark Laris, playing Ensign Din Botan (Bolian) AOPS, USS Odyssey

Unfortunately 4 players were removed due to inactivity this month.
We say farewell to:
Blayne Welsh, who played Lt. Kayne Leeson, 20/STC, USS Valkyrie
John Gibson, who played Ens. Peter Belinia, AOPS, USS Valkyrie
William West, who played Ens. Bil West, ACEO, USS Calhoun
James Jackson, who played Lt.jg Keiri Jones, ACONN , USS Odyssey

Promotions:
With Ben Versteegt leaving as Atlantis' FO, 2 people have joined the Atlantis 
Command Team this month.
Merijn Donders (Horatio Archibald Kennedy) has been promoted to FO of the 
Atlantis.
Bram Peeters (Leo Montgomery) has been given the post of Second Officer.
Many congratulations to you both!

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Posting Statistics
May 2008
By Rob Verlinden
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Calhoun players (8, active 8):
      Adrien Rodd 45
      Kelley MacKinnon 37
      Laura Elliot 7
      Mark O'Bannon 3
      Benjamin Ditch 45
      William Raymer 2
      Zev Roodenburg 10
      Daan Schmidt 14

USS Odyssey players (8, active 7):
      Rob Versteegt 20 (Ody 8, Valk 3, Atly 3, Panda 6)
      Daniel Balding 2
      Rob Verlinden 6
      Guido Dorssers 1
      Sussie Andersson 2
      Jonathan Hardy 3
      Mark Laris 2

USS Valkyrie players (10, active 6):
      Dennis Church 4 (Valk 5, Ody 2)
      Rick Clogston 21 (Valk 19, Panda 2)
      Ann Montague 6
      Ruben Hilbers 21
      Kelly Power 5
      Katie Crockett 20 (Valk 19, Atly 1)

USS Atlantis players (13, active 11):
      David Susman 20 (Atly 14, Cal 1, Ody 4, Panda 1)
      Merijn Donders 20
      Bram Peeters 11 (Atly 7, Panda 1)
      Ben Versteegt 4
      Sasa Gerbus 11 (Atly 7, Valk 4)
      Dawn Johnson 1
      Chantal Sellers 3
      Alex V. 8
      Tessa Niles 9
      Dale Robbins 2
      Wuli Pawlat 1

Total FF players (39, active 32):
      posts 363 (last month 256)

Top posters May 2008:
      1. Adrien Rodd 45
      1. Benjamin Ditch 45
      3. Kelley MacKinnon 37

Dutystations:
      1. Calhoun 160
      2. Atlantis 81
      2. Valkyrie 81
      4. Odyssey 30
      5. Pandora 11

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Frontier Fleet Wants You
By Markus Solters

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Every month I read the Tribune and see that we have new cadets joining the game. 
That's a good thing. The part that concerns me is the number of cadets that turn 
away. I am currently in the academy myself; I play an Irish cadet named 
John-Conner O'Brian. So I would like to start by saying this RP is a lot better 
then I expected. I'm going to stop dancing around the point though. I had some 
ideas on recruiting new members to the game.
My first idea was using myspace.com to find new members. I mean it is a world 
wide craze that has many great attributes. My second Idea was tell people you 
know. I am a marine recruiter and every time we get a sign up I tell them about 
Frontier Fleet. A lot of people seem interested in the Star Trek saga but not 
many know of the Fleet. I always try and get one a month to try and sign up for 
the site. I tell them about the kind of adventure and learning experience it is.
Personally since I joined the fleet my writing skills have improved a lot. So I 
have some tips for recruiting us in the business call it positive propaganda. 
Send emails to your friends encouraging them to join. But don't be pushy when 
doing it. That may make them think you trying to fill a quota. Second list 
positive aspects of the game and academy instructors such as Lt. Lar is a great 
mentor or Commander Sedaq tests your skills with using grammar and effective 
story telling. All I'm saying is try to bring in some new people this month.

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PR Status Report
June 16th
By Rob Verlinden

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I have to say that the above article great initiative. Markus was the first 
Cadet to send in an article for the Tribune. Unsurprisingly Markus has already 
graduated and was assigned to the USS Odyssey as ASTC.

Markus is right that friends can often be new members. For example, I am a good 
friend of Guido's, one of the game founders. He introduced me to the game and I, 
respectively, introduced Merijn a year later.

As well as editing this newspaper, I'm also in charge of Frontier Fleet's PR. 
Part of the job is posting advertisements all over the web, so good players can 
find us. Last month I assembled banner exchanges, which were difficult to handle 
for the webmaster. They are now online and can be seen here: 
http://www.frontierfleet.com/comm/webrings
If anybody has ideas where to advertise, please let me know on: 
pr at frontierfleet.com

Markus talks about MySpace. We are already present there:
http://www.myspace.com/frontierfleet
http://groups.myspace.com/FrontierFleet

You can join the MySpace group or if you prefer Facebook, this is our group 
there:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5884063436

We also have a Yahoo profile:
http://profiles.yahoo.com/prfrontierfleet

This month the Frontier Fleet trailer has been published on YouTube as well:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vgWao_trHO8

And if you have time: please vote and/or rate or game.
http://www.frontierfleet.com/comm/vote

Many greetings and happy recruiting,
Rob007

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