The Federation Tribune - Special Birthday Edition - 26 August 2008
Chief Editor Frontier Fleet
chiefeditor at frontierfleet.com
Tue Aug 26 11:43:21 CEST 2008
==== The Federation Tribune ====
==== Special Birthday Edition ====
==== 26 August 2008 ====
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Chief Editor's Notes:
By Rob Verlinden
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Happy birthday to Frontier Fleet!! Today it is exactly 8 years ago that the
first Frontier Fleet post was sent. We celebrate the past years of success and
hopefully more success to come. So put on your party hats and enjoy!
Celebrating a birthday means that this newspaper is full of special features. In
this special edition of the Federation Tribune Rear Admiral Val Karna looks back
on 8 years of Frontier Fleet. There is also a special Legendary Post, which
describes the christening of the first vessel in Frontier Fleet: the USS
Calhoun.
To make this newspaper complete, Lex Medlicott has sent in an article on his
experiences during the first month in Frontier Fleet. There are 8 years of
Frontier Fleet history and Lex is already part of it! Welcome to you, Lex!
And very good news: The second Frontier Fleet Podcast is out!
Please stay tuned for:
USS Calhoun Status Report, July 2008. By Adrien Rodd.
USS Odyssey Status Report, July 2008. By Rob Versteegt.
USS Valkyrie Status Report, July 2008. By Rick Clogston.
USS Atlantis Status Report, July 2008. By David Susman.
SF Academy Status Report, July 2008. By Rick Clogston.
Posting Statistics, July 2008. By Rob Verlinden.
Eight years of Frontier Fleet Memories. By Rear Admiral Val Karna.
A Legendary Post. By Rob Verlinden.
The First Month in Frontier Fleet. By Lex Medlicott.
The Frontier Fleet Podcast. By David Susman.
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USS Calhoun Status Report
July 2008
By Adrien Rodd
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EPISODE: #32, "Do No Harm" (2.06)
STARDATE: 2394.06.07
LOCATION: Lynand VI, close to Federation space
The Calhoun team on the planet have managed to break one of the Borg drones out
of captivity. But much remains to be done, rescuing the other drones and
retrieving their technology. Meanwhile, a Klingon ship has arrived, in response
to the Borg distress call. . .
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USS Odyssey Status Report
July 2008
By Rob Versteegt
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Mission # 18: "Wrath of the Gods"
Stardate: 2393.03.13
Location: Planet M-667. The Odyssey has crashed!
The USS Odyssey's crash has been just a couple of hours ago. Their
presence though, was already influencing the population. The Griznians now
firmly believed the Odyssey crew were Gods! Though. . . not all the
Griznians. While the High Priest and Senator were praying to new Gods, and
setting up a temple, there were a few Griznians, lead by Priest Aerodromus,
who refused to abandon their faith so quickly. Still, with runners being
sent to nearby settlements, and to the Emperor even. . . how much of their
religion would stay in place?
On the Odyssey itself, everyone is aware of the Prime Directive. . . and
that they have now broken it. Captain Jalando struggled to find a way to do
as little damage as possible. . . but it seemed a hopeless cause. No matter
what action or inaction the crew would do, it'd still be looked at as a
sign from the Gods. And they couldn't very well tell them that they were
from outer space, now could they?
Still, that's exactly what Commander Nerfertii did to the Centurion who
was beamed to Sickbay. Centurion Gordianus was shocked, and refused to
believe this, rather believing that this was the afterlife. . . though he
does admit that he hadn't thought the afterlife would look like this.
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USS Valkyrie Status Report
July 2008
By Rick Clogston
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Hello, sports fans, and welcome to the Federation Broadcasting Cooperative's
coverage of the 156th Games of Upsylom, live from Thensa III. We'll be taking
you in just a few moments to the table tennis quarter finals from Qix arena, but
first we're going to get to know one of the teams that have chosen to compete in
this year's games.
As you long-time fans know, many Federation worlds have joined in the
competition over the years. This year marks the first time that the Federation
itself has sent a team; a Starfleet team from the USS Valkyrie. The Valkyrie is
not, as one would expect, a gathering of professional athletes, but a regular
ship of the line. A Prometheus-class starship whose day-to-day mission is the
security of the United Federation of Planets.
The Valkyrie is commanded by Captain Matuga Denebris of Earth, who is currently
taking part in the Poker competition. He is also coaching the ship's basketball
team, which will take the court when the team events begin later on in the
games. Also prominent is the ship's chief pilot, Lieutenant Emile Schofield,
who is participating in the equestrian endurance race.
As you regular viewers know, this race has been a controversial one this year.
There are reports of a number of casualties, with accusations of foul play
centering around a team of Klingons. At last sighting, Lt. Schofield was still
in the running.
His wife, Ensign Anita Schofield, is one of two Valkyrie entries in the cuisine
events. She finished the first round in 37th place, the last contestant to
advance to the second round. The leader is her shipmate, a liberated Ferengi
woman named Grytta.
Most of the ship's crew is participating in the games in one way or another,
from the Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant Brigit MacKenzie, who has entered an
original piece of music for judging, and Operations Chief Lt. Alexandra Davis, a
gymnast, to a team from various departments who will be led by Lt. Schofield in
the yacht race. The odd man out seems to be the ship's First Officer, Commander
X'ok PaRel. Cmdr. PaRel pulled out of the one event he'd signed up for, and
seems to be serving completely as logistical coordinator for the rest of the
team.
It remains to be seen what sort of impact Starfleet's first representatives at
the Games of Upsylom will have. Suffice to say that it can be considered a
victory for them simply to be here.
Before we take you to the table tennis quarters, let's hear what news from the
world of Nordic skiing Burrin K'faarn has for us. Burrin?
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USS Atlantis Status Report
July 2008
By David Susman
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STARDATE: 2394.06.16
LOCATION: Planet Atrios, Zeos System, Gamma Quadrant
The Atlantis entered the Zeos system to locate a
reported Dominion Spacedock facility. As we entered
the system, a patrol craft approached and First
Contact was made with the Atriosian people. Captain
Torn is leading an Away Team consisting of Commodore
Essar, Commander Kennedy, Ensigns Saar, Delari and
Quinto and Councilor Sunder. The Atriosians culminate
their celebrations by having teams go to the destroyed
spacedock and construct their own spacecraft for a
race. Will Team Atlantis take part, who knows.
Ensign Ouder made a mistake in his readings, what he
thought was scrap turned out to be algae farms. He is
reviewing the sensor codes now.
The Second Officer, Lieutenant Montgomery, was rescued
from an escape pod with a faulty door by Ensign Vil.
While the good CEO is trying to get himself shot into
deep space, down in Engineering something is brewing .
literally. Ensigns Paiyel and Baccarat have
constructed a still to resupply Athena's dwindling
supply of Poteen. The first batch is due today.
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Starfleet Academy Status Report
July 2008
By Rick Clogston
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We had three new sign-ups in July, two of which were accepted and are now being
trained in the Academy. There are currently four cadets on the roster. There
was also one graduate in July. Ensign Alexander Duster (Human/Vulcan), played
by Marnix Vastenhout, is assigned to the USS Valkyrie as ASTC.
Uhhhhh . . . that's it. Any questions?
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Posting Statistics
July 2008
By Rob Verlinden
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Calhoun players (7, active 6):
Adrien Rodd 26
Kelley MacKinnon 30 (Cal 19, Atly 10, Panda 1)
Laura Elliot 7
Mark O'Bannon 1
Benjamin Ditch 18
Zev Roodenburg 6
Daan Schmidt 4
USS Odyssey players (8, active 6):
Rob Versteegt 3
Martin Miller 2
Rob Verlinden 2
Sussie Andersson 6
Mark Laris 2
Markus Solters 2
USS Valkyrie players (9, active 8):
Dennis Church 4
Rick Clogston 21
Abby Leib 3
Ann Montague 4
Ruben Hilbers 19
Kelly Power 16
Katie Crockett 16 (Valk 9, Atly 7)
USS Atlantis players (9, active 7):
David Susman 18 (Atly 16, Ody 1, Panda 1)
Merijn Donders 21
Bram Peeters 12 (Atly 8, Ody 3, Panda 1)
Sasa Gerbus 13 (Atly 8, Valk 5)
Dawn Johnson 3
Alex V. 6
Tessa Niles 6
Wuli Pawlat 1
Total FF players (33, active 27):
posts 268 (last month 308)
Top posters July 2008:
1. Kelley MacKinnon 30
2. Adrian Rodd 26
3. Merijn Donders 21
3. Rick Clogston 21
Dutystations:
1. Atlantis 86
2. Calhoun 81
3. Valkyrie 78
4. Odyssey 20
5. Pandora 3
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Eight years of Frontier Fleet Memories
By Rear Admiral Val Karna
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(Pandora Station - Federation Tribune Main Office - 2394.01.03, 1111)
It was the first week of a new year. With New Year's Eve celebrations just gone,
humans and many other lifeforms on the station were looking back to the past,
and more importantly, forward to the coming year. Humans intentionally make
lists of how to better your life: stop drinking synthehol, finally book that
long foreseen time off to Risa etc. It was a time to reflect on the changes we
wanted to make, but also to preview the coming year. What would the year 2394
have in store for us?
Val Karna sat in the office of the Federation Tribune on Pandora Station. There
were several other reporters around, all working in silence. Occasionally Karna
typed in a few words on his keypad, while he stared onto the screen. Mainly he
was focussed on the memories that were coming back to him. He couldn't believe
it had been 8 years. So much had happened in that time.
It was 8 years ago when he was head of the Academy. He could remember Captain
Jalando, Captain Denebris and many others coming into his AcadCM office for the
first time when they were Cadets. Within 8 years his cadets had grown to become
the key figures in today's Starfleet. Jalando and Denebris were both Commanding
a transwarp vessel in the Frontier Fleet. He was more than proud of them.
Rear Admiral Karna himself had retired from active duty long ago. However, he
still lived on Pandora Station and occasionally consulted Admiral Khatibi or
Starfleet Medical on medical issues. Karna still had good contacts to
Instructors on Earth, he frequently talked to Sedaq, who was a good friend. But
while Sedaq was Vulcan and old age didn't show on him, it showed on Karna. He
was over 60 years of age now and in his opinion he couldn't have a demanding
position in Starfleet anymore.
So here he was. Val Karna was a reporter for the Federation Tribune. Iana
Darnena, Chief Editor of this newspaper, had offered him the job.
He enjoyed his work, especially because he was responsible for the
sports-section. He was going to report on the 156th Games of Upsylom on Thensa
III, which were planned this year. Val often worked together with Charles
Neumann on local stories from Pandora Station; or he contacted correspondent
Tevist B'lyr, who went to distant locations for important stories.
It was the start or the year and Karna was working on an article about the
history of the Frontier Fleet. This year it would be 4 years ago since the
christening of the USS Calhoun, which was the experimental ship for the
transwarp fleet. It would also be 2 years ago since all other vessels in the
fleet had gotten transwarp. This was the perfect time to feature an article on
Frontier Fleet's rich history.
The USS Calhoun was christened on 2390.5.5. Karna had attended the festivities,
speeches and christening ceremony. It seemed like yesterday. To emphasise that
the transwarp technology had been made possible by the return of the USS
Voyager, Admiral Janeway had christened the Calhoun.
The USS Calhoun's first mission didn't go well, but that wasn't due to the
design of the experimental transwarp engine. In the subspace layer where the
Calhoun travelled, subspace aliens were discovered. We came to know these
creatures as "Transwarp Aliens" and unable to communicate with them, nobody
found a better name. The aliens were hostile against intruders of the transwarp
layer.
Captain Sera Vaun didn't survive the Calhoun's maiden voyage. She died in the
Calhoun's Sickbay, while trying to save her FO, Fox D. Main.
Despite the loss of Captain, Chief Engineer and other crew, Starfleet declared
the Calhoun's maiden voyage a success and didn't stop the transwarp project.
Fox
Main was offered to command the USS Calhoun. This was also a short-lived
assignment, because on 2390.06.21 he was re-assigned to the USS Odyssey, which
became part of the Frontier Fleet.
On 2390.06.28 a third vessel was added to the Frontier Fleet: the USS Arakov.
The Arakov was launched on 2390.06.28 from Utopia Planetia and 2 days later the
vessel was destroyed by a massive technical malfunction. Luckily the crew could
successfully transport to Starbase 23 before this tragedy. It wasn't until
2390.09.16 when the Arakov's crew was given a new home: the USS Valkyrie.
Between 2390.06.19 and 2390.10.02 the first permanent Starfleet base in the
Delta Quadrant was constructed. The Talaxians built Starbase Delta One to
Starfleet specifications. This starbase was going to be used by the USS Calhoun,
which could travel to and from it at transwarp speed.
Pandora Station became part of the Frontier Fleet in 2390.12.06, when Commander
Jim Janssens became its commanding officer. This large space station in orbit of
Pandora II became the Command centre for the formed Frontier Fleet. In charge of
the Fleet was Admiral Pete Barclay, who had his headquarters on Pandora Station.
Four months later, on 2391.03.08, the USS Atlantis was added to Frontier Fleet.
Captain Essar Quinn commanded this Akira class ship on its first mission. This
vessel was mainly going to explore the Gamma Quadrant.
In the year 2392 the Fleet Command Team -which included Admirals Barclay, Tir
and Graag, but Admiral Karna was active then as well- decided that all vessels
in the Frontier Fleet were going to be equipped with transwarp engines. The
experimental stage of the transwarp project was over. The Frontier Fleet was now
a transwarp fleet.
On 2392.04.11 all the crews of the Frontier Fleet dutystations came together at
Pandora Station, to celebrate the formation of a transwarp fleet. For 2 weeks
everything seemed to be going well, but on 2392.04.25. The transwarp aliens
struck. All Captains in the Fleet, including Admirals Barclay, Tir and Graag
disappeared without trace. Val Karna could remember that very well. There was
panic and chaos on Pandora. The commanding officers had been kidnapped by the
"Transwarp Aliens" living in subspace. The large-scale use of transwarp
technology was destroying their realm. Transwarp should be stopped.
Within a month all transwarp engines were modified, but Starfleet refused to
stop the transwarp project. The Federation assumes that the "Transwarp Aliens"
are content, because the modified engines have been used since then. However,
last year there were reports from the USS Odyssey. On 2393.09.03 they had
visited 50 years into the future through a temporal rift. The Federation would
go to war with the "Transwarp Aliens" for years, a war which neither side could
win. There was now a big public discussion about totally abandoning the
transwarp project. Karna's opinion was to continue, but not to expand the
Frontier Fleet even further. If the existing vessels would harm the "Transwarp
Aliens", then they would already know.
He looked at the time and quickly got up from his chair. It was almost 1300
hours, he had to go to his wife for lunch. They had arranged to meet in the
Sushi & Seafood Saloon. Val Karna would continue his article in the afternoon
and publish it in the next issue of the "Federation Tribune".
(Posted by Rob007)
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A Legendary Post
By Rob Verlinden
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The history of Frontier Fleet began 8 years ago with a short episode about the
USS Arakov visiting Starbase Delta One in the Delta Quadrant. Then in November
2000 the whole game was restructured and the USS Calhoun was commissioned. All
early Frontier Fleet players were present on this ship when it was launched.
The first mission, Maiden Voyage, turned out to be a very active one, where
there were plot changes in every couple of posts. This is best illustrated by
the fact that the Captain couldn't be present at the Calhoun's christening,
because of a medical emergency in Sickbay.
Luckily there was First Officer Fox D. Main, played by Guido Dorssers. Main held
the speech and let Admiral Janeway christen the USS Calhoun. She turned out to
be a very good ship, because she is still in one piece today.
(Earth Orbit - Spacedock - 2390.5.5 - 1739/1810 - FO Cmdr. Fox D. Main)
=/\= Vaun to Main =/\=
"Main here."
=/\= You'll have to start the ceremony without the Doctors and I. =/\=
"Yes, sir. Main out."
During the communication Fox had stepped a few feet away from the podium,
and now he stepped back on. He then stepped back on the podium and told
Admiral Janeway that captain Vaun and both doctors couldn't be present due
to a medical emergency.
He then turned to the public and waited until they had silenced down.
After a few moments everyone present had gotten quiet, so Fox started his
speech at exactly 1745 hours.
"Let me welcome you all to the christening of the newest ship in the fleet.
I'm commander Fox D. Main, the First Officer.
First of all I have to excuse the captain and our doctors for not being here
with us at the moment, I have been informed there was a medical emergency.
The USS Calhoun, which we are about to christen today, is the first ship in
the fleet with a working transwarpdrive, although it still is experimental.
You have off course all heard about the USS Excelsior which also was
equipped with a experimental transwarpdrive. Unfortunately, Starfleet had
abandoned this project, when it turned out not to be reliable. Now, due to
the information we got from the USS Voyager," Fox glanced in the direction
of admiral Janeway before continuing, "Starfleet did start a new transwarp
project, resulting in this fine ship. Our first mission will be to go to the
Delta Quadrant and make new diplomatic relations.
Well, enough talking I think," Fox said taking up the bottle of champagne
which was ready to get launched in the Calhoun's direction.
"Admiral Janeway, do you want to take the honours of christening the ship?"
Fox said, while handing over the bottle admiral.
At exactly 1800 the bottle of champagne cracked against the Calhoun's hull.
And with that the christening ceremony was over and everyone stood up,
groups got being formed and they either stayed talking together, got headed
back to the centre of the spacedock, or they entered the USS Calhoun.
While Fox was having a chat afterwards with admiral Janeway, another admiral
joined them out of the crowd.
The admiral was a man, approximately 56 years old, and Fox immediately
recognized him. "Pete!! I didn't expect seeing you here."
Admiral Barclay grinned, "Hello Commander, Admiral. I've been trying to
learn it to you for ages by now: Always expect the unexpected, Fox. And I
couldn't let this chance to see you pass by, could I?"
"No, you couldn't. I've been to your office a week ago, but you weren't
there, so I'm glad you were able to make the time to come here. I was just
talking with Admiral Janeway about..."
(Reply ALL at the ceremony, any)
(Posted by Guido Dorssers)
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The First Month in Frontier Fleet
By Lex Medlicott
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Hello to everyone I haven't met at STFF yet, my name is Lex and I joined up just
over a month ago, I have also just found out that this is the 8th year
anniversary of Frontier Fleet, which I think you will all agree makes me extra
special.
With that in mind I have written this to give a fresh perspective on the appeal
of Frontier Fleet especially for you guys that have been here for years, as I am
guessing that this is just something you do on a regular basis with your friends
and it's not really a "game" or "event" for you anymore, I could be dead wrong
but hey journalism is a subjective art at best.
I got the idea of joining a ST PBeM a couple of years ago but when I looked into
it the whole process seemed unfriendly and time consuming (ahh back when I was
young and foolish) so I decided to give it a miss at that sort of thing wasn't
for me.
Anyway a couple of months ago I started to watch loads and loads of trek again,
I have been a fan all my life but I was watching almost every night again and
still am so I decided to give this PBeM thing another look.
I had a look around a few of the websites and put together a couple of Bio's and
applied at three different Sites over a couple of days.
Two replied within a week and one took almost two weeks (I was already in the
academy by then) the other one that replied was a centralised site that took the
apps and passed them to different individual Sims I ended up in a game that wasn't
even PBeM.
So far the whole process of joining a PBeM game wasn't looking good; at least it
wouldn't have been looking good if it hadn't been for Frontier Fleet.
Within a couple of days of applying, Admiral Charlie Clarke (Rick) had been in
touch asking me to make a post, it was friendly and supportive and after that
initial post I was passed to Bram for further instruction and within four or
five posts I had graduated.
I have been in almost constant contact via email and IRC and have already met
some great people and Bram, I have had some really good feedback on my posts so
far and get a real buzz whenever I post one.
So to conclude (sorry, wasn't supposed to be this long) the whole process of
joining a ST PBeM could have been a real pain and it would have been enough to
put me off but speed of response and the level of support is the best PR
available...plus the website has loads of great information and the list access
really helps getting to grips with the storylines and keeping up to date.
See you out there
Lex
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The Frontier Fleet Podcast
By David Susman
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David has published the second edition of the Frontier Fleet Podcast. In the
podcast you can hear about the latest storylines in Frontier Fleet and
background information about players. You can listen here:
http://frontierfleet.podbean.com
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