| COMMLINK FOR APRIL 2001 |
=EDITOR'S NOTES= Well, here we are. Time flies when you're having fun, and another month has passed in the calendar, so here is the second issue of the TFPIB's Newsletter. We've added a few things, and we're still trying to work out some more formats and some more aesthetic formatting, as suggest be some people. Also the vote is in for the new name, so please vote on that so the entire fleet is happy with the name! As always if you know of anyone whose not signed up and would like to, then direct them to TF_Press_and_Info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Anyway please enjoy this month's issue and if you have any queries/ideas then send me an email at tfpib_news@hotmail.com Lt. Jg William Lloyd ==SHIP-OF-THE-LINE REPORTS== USS ARIZONA Mission: Shoreleave on Calderon III Summary Report: It was a simple task to start with until his cover was blown wide open by the Arizona's resident telepath extraordinaire and non-corporal Lt. Cmdr. Asali Nyuki. Forever, having noticed he was in the clutches of being exposed, did the unthinkable and drove Asali's spirit into the other realm, killing her physical body. There, in the spirit world, Asali encountered many things and many people. But she was not alone. Sensing her pain, her friends sought out to help her, even if she was physically gone. In her corner she had the prophets of Bajor, the first Kzinti and her fellow telepaths from the Arizona. Combining that with her non-corporal ancestors, Asali claimed victory, sent Forever back into his cell and rejoined her physical self once more. Now, the Arizona heads for the planet Calderon III for a much needed shoreleave and repairs. Manifest additions: Promotions/Commendations: USS BISMARCK Mission: Meanwhile, the Tactical/Security department finished their investigation and Lieutenant Commander Tee was found innocent. As the Bismarck finished the rescues and neared the planet, pulses were fired at the ship causing minor damage. After pulses dissipated, the Bismarck landed on the planet in a valley. With any hope the crew can find the Cybercom Team. Manifest Updates: Commendations and Promotions: USS CAMBRIAN Mission: During the Romulan inspection, the Cambrian was boarded and all crew were detained in the cargo bays and shuttle bays. The situation looked grim for the Starfleet personnel on both the Cambrian and the Medical Vessels, but resistances began to form from escaped and captured crewmembers. Some of these resistances were even able to sabotage the some of ship's internal and external systems with intentions of occupying their Romulan captors. Meanwhile, the ship's new Executive Officer was roaming the ship with only a type one phaser to protect him with and to help him liberate his fellow crewmates. Moments later on the bridge, a shape shifter, posing at the Romulan Ambassador opened fire on the 3 Warbirds. This caused the Romulan vessels to open fire and yet again damage the Cambrian's primary and secondary systems. From what has been compiled from the Romulans on the bridge, the shape shifter is yet to be found and is suspected to have fled the ship in an escape pod. A half hour later, the diligent Executive Officer made assaults on the cargo bays. Now aided by the newly freed prisoners, the Commander led numerous attacks on vital areas of the ship to restore control to the Federation personnel. Hours after the conflicts on the Cambrian and the to remaining medical vessels, Vice Admiral Jarax and one of the Romulan Captains were able to come to a decision that this entire `mess' was an act of the Dominion to try and break the Alliance between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire. Now after the mission has finished, the crew is enjoying shore leave at a nearby Romulan Starbase. Some of the crew have been spending their time on the holodecks, on the starbase, and even at a party in Southern Comfort, a recreation area taking the place of the officer's mess hall. Manifest Additions/Removals: Promotions/Commendations: USS CASEY Mission Overview: The Precursors no longer inhabited this new planet, but left in their wake a large colony of humanoid-sized insects, which sought to attack the Federation team and the Casey crew. More than half the Federation team was annihilated before the Casey crew could reach them hidden deep inside an ancient Precursor city. The Casey also lost one of their own, with Commander Darielle Northcott, the XO, killed in an ambush by the insects. In shock, the crew managed to return to the Casey with the team, where a shattered Captain McNeil promoted Major Thomas Vandergrift to the XO's position. The teams have now returned to the planet to try to find a way back to the Alpha Quadrant, otherwise a 3-month journey awaits the Casey back through the Bajoran Wormhole. More disturbing, however, was evidence of Founder DNA in the genetic make-up of the insects. The crew is still searching for answers, and a way home... Manifest Additions Manifest Removals Promotions USS EDISON Mission: Later analysis discovered that the intruder was a Klingon from the Mirror Universe. The crew are now finding a way to take the Edison across to the Mirror Universe and recover the stolen technology. Other information: USS HYPERION Mission: Promotions Commendations USS LANCELOT The USS Lancelot had been tasked to investigate the communication failure with a colony on Deridious 4. The colony was relatively new; it comprised of a group of scientists, moreover botanists and animal experts who are studying the myriad of life forms on Deridious 4. Each possessed a permit and thus there appeared to be nothing overtly sinister about them, and no apparent ties to the Orions or the Tal'Shiar. However, there was no apparent reason that they should lose contact. Records indicated that there had been no previous attempts to colonize the system, and it is in a real backwater part of The Crossroads. The planet was a great distance from normal shipping lanes and, aside from the colony on the surface, it was quite pristine. There existed ample water and in fact the climate was quite hot and humid. With the Lancelot en route to the colony, problematic occurrences presented themselves, notably the cascading power failure and the termination of internal and external communications. The order for landing was delivered the Lancelot and her crew braced for impact. The procedure for emergency evacuation once the Lancelot landed presented various incidents as radiation surged throughout the ship. With multiple crewmembers unable to evacuate on time resulting in them sustaining serious injuries, namely Lieutenant Commander Datz and Commander Lee, medical personnel and equipment would be utilized to the maximum. With the trill Symbiant Datz dying, various members of the crew complement constructed a temporary command structure near the medical tent. As days passed, the encampment was the venue for a barrage of assaults from unknown planetary beings, only identified as Gi-Ants. With various other crew sustaining injuries that would normally be categorized as mild should there be a sickbay be available, the ingenious of Lieutenant Toodman and Cedara Nave ensured that the adaptation of medical tool would save the life of Datz. Efforts to contact SF were successful as the USS Faulkner was dispatched within days of the Lancelot's disappearance to MANIFEST ALTERATIONS: PROMOTIONS Reassignments: Commendations: USS PEGASUS Mission: Shoreleave at Starbase 734 Summary Report: With time running out for the Pegasus crew, a decision had to be made among the ranks. Together in a powwow session, Lieutenants Deveraux and Noark along with Ensign Marshaan constructed an idea. Their plot was simple. Distract the Tholians long enough to beam an away team aboard the lead Tholian ship and take the web out from the source. Seeing it could work, Captain Collins agreed. It was then that Incosi, Deveraux, Warring, Maddox and two security officers made their way onto the renegade Tholian ship in hopes to end this madness. Once onboard, the danger became evident as Incosi and Maddox were kidnapped and one of the security officers was killed. In a desperate attempt to save them, Deveraux and Warring jumped into the fire. Meanwhile, in space, the Pegasus was under heavy fire from the onslaught of renegade Tholian vessels. Putting up a good fight, they eventually had to retreat to the aux. bridge when the main bridge had been destroyed. Much to the relief of all onboard, things were eventually brought back to normal when backup ships from Tholia came to the Pegasus' aide. Having made their peace with the Tholian government, the Pegasus departed. Now at Starbase 734 for repairs, the crew begins to engage in various activities and awaits their next mission. Manifest additions: Promotions/Commendations: STARBASE 98 Upon locating the mutagenic device on Ital IV, the insertion team prepared a course of action to cease the operation. With the aid of Ensign Ryan, Lt. Colonel Brosus commanded the assault that would in essence ensure the ultimate cessation and capture of those concerned. However the introduction of a Sincordian official into the operation offered a sense of mystery as to why such a representative would be involved. With the assault commissioned, Kane evaded capture whilst the insertion team awaited those restrained to awake from the stun. On Sincordia, the infiltration team, in the guise of Sincordian traders, enter the government facility to uncover the recent Obscuring the operation and thus destroying the mutagenic device upon Ital IV, Intelligence Team IV continued with the assignment to locate Doctor Lars Dona and to uncover who the commissioners were of such an operation. The infiltration team on Sincordia, unbeknownst to those on Ital IV, had located the Doctor and awaited transportation or escape by any means deployable, as the Sincordian Security had identified an insertion into the government building. With the red alert klaxons bellowing throughout the city, the sheer brilliance of Ensign Ryan enabled a successful recovery once the Drake was in orbit. The Drake along with all its crew intact, besides that of Ensign Masters who sustained minor injuries in an attempt at a controlled emergency explosion of the mutagenic device in engineering, were en route to Starbase 98. Ensign von de Leur had received news of a long- standing personal quest, that Erocia, her only living relative, presumed missing, was alive. In an emotional twist of ambiguity, LS drank herself into a stupor only to meet the consequences of the Executive Officer, whereupon she proceeded to "destroy" his clothing with an alcoholic based substance, bourbon. All crew proceed with their own activities for the sixteen-day journey home. Intelligence Team IV are now on shoreleave both at Starbase 98 and on the surface, Tracos III. Crew are currently celebrating their promotions and commendations from Colonel Brosus thus supported by Admiral Thomas. Manifest Alterations: PROMOTIONS: COMMNENDATIONS: STARBASE TANGO: FLEET ACADEMY Mission: The JAG Trial continues with Commodore Mace being called as a witness for the Prosecution. The Telesto departs to locate and destroy the Orion Syndicate base in the Pleiades. The Orion Syndicate scans the Telesto on long range sensors and activates a defensive mine field to slow it's progress. The Klingons arrive! A vast armada made up of nearly every type of ship in the Klingon Navy, and representing every house in the Empire arrive at SBT to welcome the great VAHan and the crew of the W'qapk. Vice Admiral Manes arrives to provide an official Star Fleet welcome in addition to Commodore Mace's. Once the "official" welcome is finished, VAHan and his crew are taken to Sickbay for a complete examination to determine if their extended time in hibernation had any negative effects. April Departures: Awaiting departure: (CO's if interested please contact R. Adm. Asay!) April's New Arrivals: (CO's if you are interested in any cadet listed here please contact R. Adm. Asay) =PLAYER INTERVIEWS= Well folk it's that section of the newsletter again, where we give some time over to a couple of members of our Fleet, to answer some questions and share their thoughts. This month, we have rank pip maker extraordinaire Steve Marriott, and recently graduated Morys Nati. Steve's up first... -How long have you been in TF? - Ohhhh, I've been asked this many times, and I'm still not entirely sure.. all I know is a rough date.. I joined about 6 months after I joined university, so 4 years ago, approximately. However I found the USS Masada page first, within the first few weeks of Uni, and apply t that ship, alas Amy Linderman (are you reading this Amy lol), never received the application, or I would have joined much sooner. I actually forgot about the game until I cleaned out the bookmarks and came across it.. This time however I got a reply, and entered the fleet as a Medical Cadet. -What are your characters/positions in TF? - My first was Dr (Lieutenant) Elvon Jarax, the Chief Medical Officer, aboard the USS Bismarck under Captain Tara Marshall (Later Fleet Admiral), however I joined as the Chief Surgeon, and Ensign. I had many pleasurable times on that ship, and hated having to leave her, the crew, especially the old ones who taught me to sim, are still very dear to me.. You know who you are =-) My second, was Selisca Jarax, the current character I play on the Cambrian, brother to Elvon, and my female role in the game. I saw too many people having fun with female characters so thought I'd join them. I joined the USS Cambrian as one of the first crewmembers, and now command the ship, funny how things turn out. I originally joined as Assistant Chief Science Officer, however Commander Vinje wanted me to be his Chief Medical Officer, but I wanted a change. A short lived char I played, Telcise Imbralie, later Ashar, served as Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Endymion, I enjoyed that character quite a lot, it was a shame I had to leave and stop simming him. Recently I've started a second character on my own ship, help me interact more with the crew, Rius Vaxx, a marine NCO, who is basically a male version of Selisca, lol, but with a tad more compassion, I'm enjoying him lot, I just have so little time to -What are your duties as Webmaster and how much time per week do you spend on the site? - My duties are to maintain almost the entire main site, and provide the updates as required. Which can be fun, or a pain to do sometimes. How much time, I'm not really that sure, I spend a lot of my free time on Tango Fleet related issues, but I tend to do than as I need to, and don't categorise them, so I could really say how much.. a good few hours puts it quite mildly=-) - People often ask were does this genius come with these rank insignia pips! How do you do it? - I'm not sure. I love designing, always have. But I'm also a perfectionist. I'm never happy with anything I ever do and always - Why did you decide to make the changes to the pips? - As I've said above, I simply have to improve things because I'm never happy. Even now I have plans ready for an update.. it keeps people on their toes =-) -What inspired you to go as high as you have in Tango Fleet? - Inspired? True-fully, and this is no discredit to those before me, but I have a real in built perfectionist attitude. I want things to -What are your future visions for the web page... and for Tango Fleet on the web? - I have a new frames layout already in progress, which will accompany the above, and will be accessible on any screen resolution above 800x600. I've always wanted to do one, and decided it was about time I did, however its taking time to do, but I have some nice new graphics and I feel a simple layout to follow. I always believe a site should be simple to navigate and easy to load.. I'm not a believer in java and flash. Many sites have such elements for no reason other than to show off, and really all it does is slow the page and not work. Graphics and text are more than adequate for me, and always will be. I feel it's a shame so many people underestimate normal graphics, but that's a personal issue lol. As for the fleet.. ohh, I hope to expand it slightly, but I feel we have lots already on offer, simply an update on the graphics and -What is your perception, differing as they may be, between you roles as Fleet Chief of Operations and that of Commanding Officer? – I've never really thought about it... as a Co I work with my crew to play a game, we post, and have fun, but as CFO I have to work on projects, and develop new things, the roles are completely different, and its is more work, rather then actual playing as CFO, but I enjoy what I do so I'm ok with that. Many younger players forget that to run a game is to work, its not all fun and games, you have to be very serious at times and do things that other might not like. Sometimes I wonder if I'd have been better of staying as a player, and letting others do this stuff, it would certainly be more fun at times lol. -Would you say that Tango Fleet has changed a lot in your time here? - Oh yes, mainly because of me! No only joking. It has changed a lot, yet stayed the same a lot as well. Its hard to explain, and I'd could list many things, but I go on too much as it is sometimes, so I'll simply say yes, and I believe for the better the game has changed, and will continue to change in the future as needs met. -What changes would you like to see in TF in the future? - I don't really have any major goal. I want to see the marines be taken more seriously by some players, and get the idea fully across that they are not the same as the current marines or army, which is a real pain, but people come with there own perceptions of things and refuse to accept others at times, and there's very little you can do but hope they finally understand in the end. I really just want us to carry on as we are, developing as we need to, but I have no wish for TF to ever get as large in ship numbers as other fleets like Bravo. Are simming system is different to them, and I feel we have much more close community as we are. But then again you never know until you try =-) - Any acknowledgements you may wish to make, influences during you time in TF, past or present? - Must I? You tend to forget people if you do that old, and they get upset if you don't name them personally, in which case I shall name one or two who helped me when I first started, the rest, should know who you are, because I still talk to you =-) even if it is only occasionally. Amy Linderman would have to be my first, she put up with me and listened to my ideas, and basically started me on the rocky road I'm on now, silly you Amy =-), and I would also have to thank Liesel Gresham and the old crew of the Bismarck, some of who still play on that ship, who taught me how to play, and encouraged me, and stupidly got me to love the game. I have many happy memories of that crew and its rag tag members.. hehehe.. =-) -And now onto Miss Nati..- - How long have you been in TF? - [List character and ranks] I've been a member for about a month now. I have one character, Ensign Morys Nati. [USS Edison - Diplomatic Officer] - As a fresh graduate, what is your perception of TFA as a structure to train new cadets, and also as SBT as a training simulation? - What did she think of the process? Application - lessons - SBT - graduation? - I think that the structure is great. The application process and the lessons give newbies a chance to see what they are getting into. SBT is a good way for people to develop their writing style. Overall, I believe that the entire training structure is excellent. - Are there any alterations you would wish to see with TFA/SBT? - Honestly, I can't think of anything. (And, no, I'm not just saying that to earn brownie points!) - What are your perceptions as Tango Fleet now as compared to that when you first joined? - When I first joined I thought it would be mainly problem solving, Action-oriented stuff. However, I see now that it's also about =CORPS AND BUREAU REPORTS= Corps/Bureau: Fleet Operations Since the last edition very little has moved forward in terms of development. A prior engagement has taken my time away from any C7B work, and recent demands on my time fro University are preventing any such work on anything at the moment. As and when my time is returned to me to with as I wish.. if ever lol, I will be starting the development of the Fighter Wing Corps idea. News has been leaked out about a possible Marine Simulation. Whilst the rumours in concern seem to be just that I wish to take this opportunity to inform players that yes, I have developed a system for a marine run simulation, but no, at this time it is not going to be implemented into the game. Any rumours to the contrary are false. If you have any questions about this contact me and I will fill you in. A suggestion has been passed on for a Command Corps. Many of the ideas presented are already in consideration for the Fighter Wing Corps, however there are concepts within the note that I feel may be of use for another possible project in the future, which I cant go into at this time. Please feel free to send in ideas if you have any, and contact the staff of the specific C&Bs if you have development ideas for them =-) Corps/Bureau: Corps of Engineers Information relevant to the Corps/Bureau: The Corps of Engineers is continuing to update its site as time progresses. Please, anyone who is slightly interested in our 'Article for Credit' program contact the Director or visit the Corps' website at http://www.angelfire.com/scifi/tfengineering. Also, the Corps is currently working on project 'QED' (Qualified Engineering Degree). This degree, for the time being, shall be a Corps related matter. For more information contact the Director. Note to all engineers and ops officers: the Corps now has its own message board accessible from the corps site. Come check it out. Any other business: A special thanks goes out to Mike Lecorps, Ens. Roman Carter, and Mark S. Hyacinth, Cdr. Maximilian C. Kelly, who have sent in articles about Tricorders and Impulse Drives. You can view these articles in the 'Technologies' section of the Corps of Engineers website. Thanks Guys Corps Promotions: Congrats to Theoren Hamilton, Technological Analyst, of the USS Octavian for his recent promotion to Lieutenant Senior Grade. If there is ever any promotions within the corps please contact us so we can make an announcement. We are proud of our officers! Corps/Bureau: Medical Corps The Tangofleet Medical Corps saw some changes this month. The big change was the coming of a new director and deputy director. Also the medical corps Manifest has been updated. If any of the medical team from the ships, feel that there is a problem with it please contact the director and she will take care of it. The mission for the Medical Corps is to have a basis to help the rest of the fleet with new medical procedures, new aliens that are encountered, and to document how to treat them. Also at the Medical corps pages you can find a list of the different medications and instruments that are used and also procedures that are used. If you have any suggestions or questions about any medical procedures etc. please contact the director or deputy directors and they will be happy to help. Corps/Bureau: Science Corps The Science Corps finally saw the re-introduction of the Science pages this month, and have already received recognition via the Fleet message board (Thanks to Brett Gann for his kind words.) The pages themselves are still fairly basic, but we have a manifest for all the Science officers and crewmen in the fleet (it will be update every month), and a database of all the ship's current Science pages (if applicable) as well as a short section on standard Science positions in the Fleet. We are hoping to bring online the Science Encyclopaedia very soon, as this will contain lots of relevant information (both Real life and Star Trek) for Science based plots, or just as a reference for the members of the Fleet. As always, both my Deputy and myself are available for Science related questions, so please don't hesitate to contact us. Corps/Bureau: Marine Corps Many are aware that, as well as holding the CFO post, I also run the Marine Corps pages, and hold the director post. Alas this has meant that with my current time constraints the marine page has been neglected in been updated. The updates are in the pipe line, and queued up, with luck this site will be updated, and possible moved, so be aware for the link change in the future =-) Corps/Bureau: Intelligence Bureau Information relevant to the Corps/Bureau: In addition, if you are an intelligence officer on your ship or starbase, please contact either the director or assistant director, as we would like to pull together a list of Intelligence personnel throughout the fleet, hopefully to be added to the Bureau web page in the future. Corps/Bureau: TF Advertising Bureau Information relevant to the Corps/Bureau: To view the TF Advertising Bureau view: News: - Ex Astris Scientia awarded 4 Bars of Gold Pressed Latinum from the Ferengi Merchants Award Judging Panel - There has been a minor change in Directorship of the TF Advertising Bureau, in name only, from Damon Envrex to that of Cian Benoit. Should one have any comments or queries please do not hesitate to contact the Bureau Director at tfadvertising@hotmail.com Corps/Bureau: Diplomatic & JAG Corps The Diplomatic & JAG Corps has undergone a directorial alteration - Commander Brandel has resigned as Director in order to concentrate on other functions within the Fleet. Commander Cian Benoit and Ensign Kien Emyaj have assumed directorship. Lieutenant Commander Damon Envrex remains as JAG instructor. To view the Diplomatic & JAG Corps: Projects: The Diplomatic/JAG Corps is currently investigating the implementation of a JAG casebook that will in essence record all JAG orientated investigations through the TF. The conception, devised Cadet K'Tran, Starbase Tango, is under consideration as is the appointment of additional personnel to maintain the section. The casebook will operate as a resource for further JAG investigations whereupon it is envisaged much of what is recorded will be utilized as precedents. JAG Graduates: Those wishing to tender comments, suggestion or questions may direct them to Commander Cian Benoit, Director, TF Diplomatic & JAG Corps at cian.c.benoit@justice.com Corps/Bureau: Tango Fleet Bureau of Starship Design and Development TFBSDD has been pretty quiet for the last month. The work that ha gone on has been behind the scenes, so nothing is outwardly apparent on the fledgling website for the Bureau. Work has still been progressing slowly, but I graduate from college in less than a month now, and will be able to pick up the pace at that time. Stay tuned to future editions of the Newsletter for ==POST OF THE MONTH== To give the excellent authors of each ship, the recognition they deserve, the links to each ship's latest post in the Fleet Post of DIVISION 1 USS Octavian Starbase Tango Starbase 98 DIVISION 2 USS Hyperion USS Pegasus USS Saturn DIVISON 3 USS CAMBRIAN USS Casey USS Edison USS Lancelot ==COMMAND COUNCIL & EXECUTIVE STAFF REPORT== Things have been relatively quiet on the Command front over the past month. The big news internally was that Starbase 98 has received a go- ahead to enter the Fleet as a full member after its trial phase. SB98 is also undergoing an upgrade, which will see a new Naval Base established on a nearby colony world, featuring a substantial Marine contingent. The Command Council was also pleased to see the success of the first edition of the TF Newsletter and has offered suggestions for possible additions to future editions. The recent debate has turned to planning for Tango Fleet's future and setting the Fleet up for strong growth. Any suggestions are most welcome through your CO or one of the other Command Council members! This month has seen three new appointments to Command positions. Commander Tero Stelatele is the new Commanding Officer for the USS Edison. Commander Michael Brandel is the new Executive Officer for the USS Hyperion. Commander Thomas Vandergrift is the new Executive Officer for the USS Casey. Congratulations to all of you! As well, 2 officers have completed Command School training. They are Commander Jenna McPherson, who will be filling the Executive Officer's role on the USS Masada, and Lt Cdr John Warner, who is a highly regarded Instructor at the Academy, among other roles. Congratulations to both of you as well! ==OTHER INFORMATION== The newsletter renaming will go ahead in a few months. In the meantime thanks to Commodore Toroca, Capt Collins, and CPO Claryx Vahl for their suggestions. If anyone wishes to make a suggestion for a new name for the newsletter then answers on a postcard.. erm.. sorry email to tfpib_news@hotmail.com. From: Steven J. Marriott, Vice-Admiral Due to unwavering dedication, skill and for being the embodiment of enthusiasm within TF, namely in the compilation of the TF Newsletter amongst various other duties, it is an honour to present William Lloyd, Editor-in-Chief of the TF Newsletter with the Captain's Star. ==Credits== Thanks to all the people (named below) who have helped with reports/information for this month's issue. You keep this great CORPS & BUREAU REPORTS: Diplomatic/JAG Corps: Commander Cian Benoit SHIP-OF-THE-LINE REPORTS: SB98: Intelligence Team IV: Lt. Commander Max Daevan POTM: Captain Phillip Eenhuis |