| COMMLINK FOR MAY 2001 |
=EDITOR'S NOTES= The TF Newsletter, operating via the TF Press & Information Bureau, is a fundamental service that ensures that information is collated from varying spheres of influences, and filtered through the communication network. It is in essence a factor in strengthening unity and co-operation in this focused organization. Other methods have additionally been undertaken to cater for the wider audience, mainly that of “Articles for Credit” within the TF Engineering Corps, the substantial programs offered by the Advertisement Bureau, the TF Message Board, the TF Guestbook and indeed a primary focus on TF Academy. Efforts are currently being forwarded to increase communication through the Fleet whilst ensuring that productive and new innovations are implemented. They are objectives, attainable objectives. TF MESSAGE BOARD With slight concern expressed by fleet members regarding the termination of the TF Message Board, it is pleasing to announce is continued prosperity. The moderators assigned to facilitate the service have produced a simple, aesthetically pleasing message board that possess similar, if not enhanced features than its predecessor. The message board shall be implemented with immediate effect. Please, as the message board denotes, familiarize yourself with the guidelines prior to posting. EDITOR’S NOTE With the summer months comes increased participation throughout the Fleet. The weather, majestically, creates some sense of added enthusiasm and a want of involvement. However, at this time, some depart due to other commitments, or time constraints, and some depart temporarily. We offer each a sincere thank you for their contribution to TF, and welcome those who depart temporarily, to speedily return. In this sense, there are some members of the Fleet that have departed recently, each offering a wealth of experience due to junior members. Pleading ignorance in the case of forgetting anyone, the TF Newsletter would like to extend their solemn best wishes to Chief Qaz (John Skelton), who has for an extended period in TF offered his services to the Bureau of Enlisted Affairs and to the TF Academy. In addition, the TF Newsletter extends is best wishes to Logan Wolfe (Bruce Greene), who in much the same manner as Chief Qaz, has contributed heavily to the Fleet and especially on his ship the USS Cambrian. John and Bruce will be two names associated with the TF Bureau of Enlisted Affairs long after they depart. Best Wishes! Furthermore a staunch supporter an advocate of TF has departed within the forgone month, Chuck (Eaglewind). Chuck has offered services as Division Advisor and Fleet Expansion Officer amongst other tasks. Most notable was his presence as Commanding Officer of both the USS Edison and the USS Protostar. The departure is due to time constraints, however we ask, that should if ever have that free time again, that he rejoin us! Good luck Chuck and best wishes with your career! Also the TF Newsletter wishes James Lorimer, known to many as Larry, best wishes on his extended leave of absence and request that he return soon, to re-assume directorship of the TF Press & Information Bureau. Larry has ensured that his presence been noted in the Fleet, primarily through the extensive friendships he has made, in particular me. He is a true friend and ever so dedicated to TF. So, in his departure and anticipated return, Cian Benoit has assumed temporary directorship. Questions and comments, as before may be address to: tfpib_news@hotmail.com Furthermore those who should like to offer their enthusiasm and commitment, there are always options in TF. Why not consider helping out at a Corps or Bureau, or aiding in simulation-orientated material. There is plenty to do. Ask a fellow crewmember or even a senior officer to point you in the right direction! Input is always welcome! With that, please enjoy the third publication of the TF Newsletter. Cian Benoit, Commander SHIP- OF-THE-LINE REPORTS VESSEL: USS OCTAVIAN As this is the Octavian's first submission to the newsletter since it was reactivated, I'm going to go back a bit further and skim over the details of the last mission and the results of it, up to the present. Several months ago, the Octavian was involved in a fight for its life. The crew had run across a crippled renegade Dominion Dreadnought, one that was partially assimilated by the Borg. The Jem'Hadar had successfully destroyed the Borg scout ship they'd encountered. The drones on the scout beamed over before their ship exploded, but the Jem'Hadar knew enough about the Borg to know to block their connection to the Collective. The Borg then proceeded to begin assimilating the Dreadnought, and it was only a matter of time before they assimilated enough of the ship to regain contact with the central hive. When the Octavian arrived, Toroca reported back to Command, and was ordered by Starfleet Intelligence to capture the Dreadnought's datacore. Helping the renegades was a side bonus that might improve relations between the Federation and the Dominion. The Octavian sent away teams with tons of equipment, supplies, and weapons to fight the Borg. Having had previous experience with the Borg, the crew knew how to fight them when they adapted to conventional weapons. Over the course of the next week, many lives were lost on all sides. The Octavian herself lost a number of well-loved crewmembers. The Borg were winning, however. The Octavian successfully extracted the datacore, and the ship separated. The saucer carried the civilians and un-needed crew to safety while the stardrive continued as support for the combat teams, which were in the process of withdrawing. The stardrive became infested with Borg nanites, accidentally brought aboard by a partially assimilated woman who was rescued. By the time the infestation was discovered, it was too late. The Board were gaining control of the ship without sending a single drone aboard. As the crew lost control of one system after another, Commodore Toroca made a difficult decision. He set a collision course with the dreadnought, in order to eliminate the Borg threat. As the stardrive dove toward the huge Dominion vessel, the saucer section swooped in and started mass beamouts of the crew remaining on the stardrive. The saucer grabbed everyone it could before reversing course. But it was too late. The stardrive impacted on the dreadnought, igniting a chain reaction that ruptured its antimatter tanks. The dreadnought and the Octavian's stardrive went up in a massive explosion. The saucer was caught in the resultant shockwave and was damaged beyond repair. A few hours later, the Akira Class USS Thunderchild arrived and rescued the surviving crew of the Octavian and the datacore and took them back through the wormhole. Among the dead: Chief Engineer Sayers, Chief Medical Officer Mallory, Security Officer Janet Caden, and Commodore Toroca's wife. After a brief stop at Deep Space Nine, the USS Eisenhower ferried most of the crew to Spacestation Avalon Prime, where court martial proceedings are underway for Commodore Toroca due to the loss of the Octavian with a significant portion of its crew. NOTE: With the direct instruction via the Commanding Officer, the Newsletter shall like to state that there were individuals promoted and commended at the last mission. However somebody (*coughs* Kyle) forget to enclose them in time for publication. Congratulations to each of those. VESSEL/SIMULATION: STARBASE 98: INTELLIGENCE TEAM IV Shore leave began after the crew's first successful mission. Many have chosen to unwind and relax differently such as Ensigns Masters and von de Leur ventured to the Tracos III Colony establishment, Sonal Bar, for good, drinks and fun with fellow StarFleet Officers from the nearby McNicholson Base. Meanwhile, the team's pilot, Jake Harper, explored his new home on Tracos III. Along with bothering and annoying his newfound neighbor, Colonel Brosus, in his time of relaxation, Jake was able to persuade the Commanding Officer to take a small ride in his borrowed Peregrine fighter. Although the flight was short, the Colonel made it a challenge for the skilled pilot by cutting impulse engines while within the system's sun's gravity. The experience was dangerous, but the two survived but the ships impulse engines still remain locked out. Also during shore leave, Lieutenant Mitchell and Ensign Antellion explore their telepathic abilities. The Lieutenant has been having strange dreams which he can't make sense of; he looks to the Ensign for guidance. But the Ensign can only do so much for his fellow half Betazoid, and before long the Lieutenant ends up in the infirmary under Doctor Patterson's care. Sometime later, Ensign Antellion heads to sickbay, suspicious of the un-coincidental telephatic and neural incidents he and Mitchell experienced. After enjoying the colony below, Ensign von de Leur begins to communicate with her only living relative, Erocia. Later though, the main computer database is breeched and several personnel files have been downloaded on the Infiltration Expert. Days later, after the station has been on full security alert and all decks are beginning to be searched, the two responsible come forward., however their confessions are masked by Commander Daevan. Lieutenant Ryan and Ensign Masters had breeched intelligence security to pry into a fellow crewmates personnel life. Neither the two nor the team was punished, but the Colonel accepted responsibility for their actions. StarFleet has sent an investigation team to take over the investigation while the team is sent on its recently assigned mission. Colonel Brosus briefs the team on their mission to upload a software upgrade to a listing post. The team departed on the Ajax, the team's modified Bird-of-Prey, and will arrive at the listing post within hours. AWARDS: Ensign Von de Leur - Lieutenant JG Ensign Douglas Masters - Lieutenant JG Commendations Marine Captain Harper - Act of Distinction VESSEL/SIMULATION: STARBASE TANGO: TANGO FLEET ACADEMY Lt. Commander John Warner and the CONN cadets went to Lando III in The USS Faulkner to evacuate the colony before an ion storm hits. The CONN cadets used runabouts to pick up people while the USS Alaska and Faulkner use their transporters to get people off the planet. They manage to get everyone off just as the storm hits. But the last runabout being flown by Cadet Joren Marus had to hide in a cave during the storm. The Faulkner got a transporter lock on him but during transport a bolt from the storm hit the beam and caused it to split him into 2 separate people. Once they where on board it was decided not to put them back together again because it might just kill him. So the Alaska took the entire colony to a new home and the Faulkner headed back to the Academy. The USS Telesto that was under the command of Lt. Commander McManus on a mission to rescue Cadet pace from the Orion Syndicate. They are attacked by a syndicate ship and are board. Lt. Commander McManus manages to get off a call to the academy. Lieutenant Brice and Lieutenant Larue are told to take the USS Avatar and rescue them. So with the help of the CONN, Marines and Security cadets they head to the area. And help rescue the Telesto and Cadet Pace. The Orion Syndicate surrender and their ship is towed back to the Academy. During all this the Orion sent an Ambassador (Xlisten) to lodge a complaint about presence of StarFleet in their space without permission. While on Eta Traui II the colony's there where hit with Denebian Meningoencephalitis. Which is a disease that can cause death in the final stages. It took them several weeks to battle the disease with lots of life's lost. But in the end the disease was conquered and the planet was declared clean and people where allowed to leave and visit her again. And the Medical department returned back to the Academy. Add below is the official StarFleet report on this disease. From: Commande Alexander Vasilievich, MD; Director of Federation Disease Surveillance Unit Re: Outbreak of Denebian Meningoencephalitis We have strong suspicions that several freighters and possibly one or more starships may have visited the colonies at the time in question. The information on the ships and colonies is forthcoming and is in the attachment to this document. Transmission Route: Transmission is through respiratory droplets and through contact with infected fomites (objects handled by a carrier). While cases have been documented where blood and fluid exposures (blood, CSF, urine) have lead to transmission, if standard and universal precautions are consistently utilized, this should not be an issue Disease Course: The disease itself has a 3 day incubation period. Following the incubation the following symptoms have been identified. Day 1-3: Fever, Chills, Cough, Myalgias, Rash (red raised, non-blanching), Congested upper airways--Essentially a flu-like syndrome Day 4-7: Previously mentioned Sx + Alteration of mental status to include confusion, memory loss...short and long term. Sensitivity to light and sound. Positive Kernig's and Brudzinski's (Bren go ahead and ask if you want). Day 8-14: Progressively worsening neurological findings that marked increase in weakness in all muscle groups. Decreased sensation. Decreased mental status and cognitive abilities. Respiratory compromise. Progression to arrest. Respiratory failure. Cardiovascular collapse. Death. It is important to identify and treat the symptoms quickly and to order appropriate serological testing within the first 72 hours. Studies have shown that if antibiotic therapy is instituted within the first 1-7 days following symptom onset, the long-term survival approaches 85%. The odds improve the earlier therapy is instituted such that if therapy is begun within 72 hours of symptom onset the patients have a 95% likelihood of full recovery. 1. Penicillin G, 5 million IV q 6 hours for 10-14 days 3. Antabox, 50 mg po q 12 hours for 30 days. Commodore Mace had to take a leave of absence from the Academy to be a guest lecture at StarFleet Academy on Earth. He Lt. Commander John Warner in command of the academy and promotes him to Acting “Executive Officer” Marine Cadet Jurgen Prochnow VESSEL: USS ARIZONA Ordered to investigate a subspace anomaly, the USS Arizona crew was amazed to find that in fact it was a 'tear' in the fabric of this dimension, allowing ships from the Mirror Universe to enter. With one purpose in mind, the Mirror Arizona began firing upon its double, with the intent to capture and kill one of her crew, Roman Carter. There was some confusion as 'doubles' of the USS Arizona's crew began to appear, attempting to capture their victim. However, the Mirror Arizona crew and Captain did not count on the ingenuity and brazenness of their counterparts. Intruders were captured and detained, a successful away mission to the MU ship, and some quick thinking from those involved caused considerable systems damage, allowing the USS Arizona to gain the upper hand and forcefully send the MU Arizona back from where it came! Repairs are currently underway, and the crew of the Arizona is looking forward to a well-earned shore leave…. VESSEL: USS SATURN StarFleet lost contact with science colony on New Chile III. The colony was formed 12 years ago in hope of utilizing the unique properties of the planet. Last contact was more then a month ago. Up to then there were no abnormalities. After extensive search threw the data, logs and inventory lists Ensign Casey Narisse discovered strange things. It would seem that someone deliberately corrupted and falsified certain data. From what we could retrieve certain Dr. Harmon accidentally discovered rare sea plankton that contains a very unusual bacteria that uses water as an energy source. Shortly after an accident happened. All facts point to conspiracy to cover up evidence. The cover up was very good but a cover up nevertheless. Lieutenant (junior grade) Joseph Sexton and Ensign Narisse joined forces in solving our puzzle but with no major success. Situation on the planet was disturbing - some plants and animals overpopulated, turning numerous other species to distinction. Oxygen levels were rising, humidity level decaying. Two teams were sent to surface. Lt. Z'Ha'Dur was working on reestablishing the power supply while Lieutenant (junior grade) John O'Riley and his team searched the complex. The corps found, were dry of any humidity. It seems that they done some genetic alterations on the previously mentioned bacteria in effort to enhance its abilities. They obviously succeeded. That cost them their lives. From unknown reasons Lieutenant (junior grade) Gorial G'Pax broke the quarantine and landed with extra supplies. It is not necessary to mention that Lieutenant O’Reilly was not to thrilled with this. The usual equipment was not functioning satisfyingly so Mr. Sexton took upon himself to fix the problem. The situation is critical. MANIFEST ALTERATIONS: Removals: VESSEL: USS HYPERION The Hyperion got orders to investigate the Badlands. There were reports of a Federation starship that was attacking ships. The Sabre class ship was identified as the USS Raidramon, which was thought destroyed 3 years ago. The Raidramon was hiding in the Badlands and was attacking the ships that used the badlands for travel. The last report that Starfleet received showed that it was the Raidramon, so to find out what had happened to the ship and her crew, Starfleet sends Hyperion to investigate. When Hyperion gets close to the Badlands, four of the Betazoids on board Hyperion picked up a telepathic stress call from one of the hostages on board the Raidramon who was also betazoid. When the Hyperion reached the Badlands, Captain Starr hails the other ship and a Captain Blake comes on. He is upset over StarFleet forgetting about them for three years but he allows Starr to send over an away team. Brandel goes and picks three of the four Betazoids that were contacted by the hostage to go with him. The away team consisted of Brandel the Executive Officer, Kirsa Merue, the new diplomatic officer, Frank, Azul Assistant Chief Engineering Officer, Reyaga, the Chief Science Officer, Alexis Gordon, a security officer and Hannah McManus, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer and the first person who made contact with the hostage due to her still developing her Betazoid techniques. When the away team beamed to the Raidramon, Azul, Brandel and Merue went to the bridge to meet with Captain Blake while McManus, Reyaga and Gordon went to the brig to check out the hostages/prisoners. When Reyaga's team got to the brig, not only were there hostages from the Betazed ship that the Raidramon had just destroyed earlier, but there were also StarFleet personnel in the brig. After some probing, it was revealed that Captain Blake took over the command of the Raidramon and that the real Captain was in the brig with his faithful officers. Meanwhile on the bridge, Brandel and Merue try to talk with Captain Blake who shows signs of being unstable. He gets really upset because he felt like the Federation didn't care about the Raidramon. Brandel tries to explain to Blake about the Dominion war and all of the other problems the Federation experienced within the past 3 years. Back down in the brig, McManus was busy checking out the hostages/prisoners because she was afraid that an epidemic was about to start if they didn't get treatment soon, but while she was examining them, Hannah started to faint and as a show of good faith from Captain Blake that he didn't hurt her himself he allowed Hannah McManus to transport back to the Hyperion where she was beamed directly to sickbay. When Hannah got to sickbay, Thomas O'Halloran, the Chief Medical Officer was waiting for her with some news on why she fainted. It seems Hannah was going to have a baby and O'Halloran was so pleased about it that he right there asked Hannah to marry him. Back on the Raidramon Captain Blake was waiting for Captain Starr's answer on his request for 50 quantum torpedoes. Strazzco came up with a plan to modify the torpedoes and so Starr approved it. While Blake was waiting for Starr's answer, he sent Brandel, Merue and Azul to the brig with the rest of the away team. But on the way there Azul with the help from Brandel and Merue are able to get into a transporter room after taking out their guards and Azul does some modifications and all of the hostages/prisoners and the away team are beamed to the Hyperion. Blake realizing what had happened threatens to blow his ship up since he knows he's no match for the Hyperion. But Starr tries to talk him out of it but in the end, the Raidramon blows up. O'Halloran goes to the cargo bay to check on all of the people who were beamed to the Hyperion from the Raidramon and checks out everyone. He sees some sadness there in a little betazoid 8-10 year old girl who died during all of this. One of the Hostages, a Marine Captain Kiara Sumrak asks to be temporary assigned to the Hyperion until they reach their next destination. Captain Starr agrees and makes her one of the security, which suited her fine since she was prior Marine. The USS Hyperion is now on a short shore leave while she makes her way to Tango Fleet Academy to pick up new recruits and then head onto their next mission. MANIFEST ALTERATIONS: AWARDS: VESSEL: USS PEGASUS As shoreleave resumed for the crew of the Pegasus, many of it's officers found themselves in situations of the good and bad kinds. With the sudden news of the death of her father, Lieutenant Mac Shay seeks comfort in the only thing she can find … alcohol. Much to her surprise she is later joined by fellow crewmember, Lieutenant Deveraux who has also had a bad run in with her family. Together, they both wind up drunk and out of control. It was then that a not impressed Captain Collins came to retrieve his two officers and escort them to the brig where Lieutenant Warring and Crewman Crowe played babysitter. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Incosi arranges a holodeck safari with the help of Lieutenant (junior grade) Dachau. It was also the time when Lieutenant (junior grade) Nyysseon, Lieutenant (junior grade) Hunter and Ensign Marshaan began repairs. As various other officers continue on with a stress free vacation.. a mission was about to fall into their laps. Departing Starbase 734, the Pegasus comes across a distress signal from the USS Cousteau who's last coordinates lead the ship to the 3rd Planet of the Tycon J32 system. There it is discovered the entire crew of the Cousteau has beamed down to this hellish planet and has disappeared. Making a command decision, Captain Collins assigns teams to patrol the area, search the Cousteau and to investigate the planet itself in hopes of sorting the ordeal out. On the planet, the away teams uncover the bodies of all Cousteau members ... dead. They also uncover, with the help of the Cousteau and pilot teams, the very clouds that hover evilly in the sky are alive ... and have the ability to cause their worst fears ... VESSEL: USS BISMARCK The Bismarck landed on the planet to escape the self-replicating minefield. Upon landing, the security and marine departments established barriers via force fields while the science officers took samples of the plant life for testing. Commander Tee organized a small shore leave campsite for the crew outside the ship while Samuel Forsgren, the ship's bartender, accommodated the camp with food and refreshments before taking a small leave of absence from the ship After two days on the planet, the ship was being approached by pre-warp natives. To not risk breaking the Prime Directive and to save the crew from any harm, the Bismarck left the planet and returned to Farstation for shore leave. VESSEL: USS CAMBRIAN The Cambrian was assigned it latest mission to track and later capture a damaged Breen ship fleeing after the attack on Earth. StarFleet wants the Cambrian to capture this Breen ship with hope they can create a solution to the Breen's devastating weapons and phaser-amune shield system. The Cambrian tracked the warp trail of the ship to a nebula. At first, the crew was skeptical that the Breen ship was inside the nebula, but when Breen hull fragments were found in a small debris field outside the nebula, they were convinced this was the place. The Cambrian entered the nebula, and at first nothing was found until they discovered a planet within the confines of the nebula. Scans determined there was many underground slave labor mining facilities. An away team has been dispatched to investigate while the Cambrian sits in a high orbit. VESSEL: USS CASEY The Casey is still stuck in the Gamma quadrant. The ship and crew are still 3 months from the Bajoran wormhole. The mystery of the Precursor homeworld solved, the Casey begins its journey home. Before the end of the last mission, while orbiting the Precursor homeworld, another ship, this time a Federation one - USS Heaviside - appears around the world and is destroyed. The Heaviside was sent to investigate the disappearance of the Casey in the Alpha Quadrant. It was sent to the Gamma Quadrant by the same means as the Casey...by Precursor technology. The Casey was only able to retrieve a few survivors, all of who are members of the Casey now. They are: The Casey, making their way home, run into a Nkaavi transport ship that was set upon by pirates. The Nkaavi captain, one Skoz, informs Captain McNeil of their situation. McNeil offers to help the Nkaavi, who have injured and a broken ship. She sends a small crew over to assess the damage and tend to the wounded. Lieutenant Maddak is injured on the Nkaavi ship, Ykiim, while investigating an unexploded warhead. He is being tended to in sickbay. The Ykiim was carrying spice and other goods that were taken by the pirates. Lieutenant Suron does some research and discovers a place they can tow the Ykiim for proper repairs: Tornanility. The Casey takes the Ykiim under tow, but because of problems with the Nkaavi vessel, the normally short journey will take closer to 10 days to complete. Captain McNeil calls a meeting with Commander Vandergrift, Skoz, Lieutenant (junior grade) Blake and Crewman Torg. They discuss what to do about the pirates after agreeing to assist Skoz in recovering his stolen spice. Blake outlines a plan to take a small away team ahead to Tornanility to look into getting intelligence on the pirates, perhaps with this information; the Casey can put a stop to the pirates like they had promised. McNeil agrees to the intelligence operation and assigns an away team composing of Blake, Lieutenant O'Neil, Torg, Strauser, Hammond, Sergeant Ryback, and Clarkson. They prepare for the mission and head off to Tornanility. On the Casey, Dr. Patterson devises a plan to stabilize Lieutenant Maddak's condition. He succeeds, though Maddak is still under observation. Lieutenant Selaan is having problems keeping her Vulcan faculties in order. She introduces herself to Dr. Thornton and the two of them get to know each other. On the Holodeck, Lieutenant Colonel K'Rag recreates an Irish pub where some of the crew gathers to take their minds off being stuck in the Gamma Quadrant. McNeil and K'Rag play some pool as the crew watches on. Alari and CPO Larayen, a Hermat, get together and learn more about each other. On Tornanility, the Reynolds arrives a few days later and the away team begins their investigation. The team splits up, searching for information and clues on the pirates. O'Neil and Hammond speak with the administrator and learn that pirate activity has increased in the last few months. Hammond, while on a trip to the loo, disappears (the crew has yet to know he's an escaped Q that was recaptured and returned to the continuum). A merchants’ gang of thugs attacks Blake and Torg, while doing their own investigation. They are split up while escaping. Torg does his own little bit of research and discovers the spice is here and is being loaded into a nearby warehouse. Blake meets up with O'Neil and discovers Hammond is missing. They can't look for him now as Strauser and Clarkson inform them that while investigating, Ryback was abducted. With the help of an old woman, Strauser manages to find the whereabouts of Ryback. He's at the very warehouse Torg later informs the group of. Ryback, meanwhile, is being interrogated. His captors try to discover who he is and why he's investigating the pirates. The away team, all together now, meets up at the warehouse and see Ryback being loaded onto a pirate ship, which takes off. The team gives chase. On the Casey, Suron turns to fellow Vulcan Selaan for help. He is having trouble controlling his thoughts and emotions. He discovers Selaan never finished her Kohlinar teachings and is suffering from emotional outburst from a mind-meld she performed years ago. They agree to help each other out as best they can. VESSEL: USS EDISON Through the month of May the USS Edison and her crew have seen much action. As we are still mid-mission (which is anticipated to last for a few weeks more), there are no new promotions or commendations to speak of. However, I would like to offer the names of those who received them and missed having their names printed in last months issue: Lieutenant Yamakawa Reiko, awarded the Captain's Star I would also like to congratulate the crew on an excellent mission, and welcome all the new faces we've seen over the past month. As stated last issue, our current mission started out with an intruder being detected aboard. It was soon discovered that the assailant had hacked into the Edison's computer core and stolen the schematics of our holographic doctor, Lieutenant (junior grade) Rimmer. Despite the best efforts of the crew, the intruder escaped to where we now know is the Mirror Universe. Further investigations ensued. It was soon decided by the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer that there was a need to enter the Mirror Universe and retrieve Rimmer's plans, as allowing the Alliance forces to create thousands (if not millions) of holographic soldiers would drastically shift the balance of power. With Fleet Admiral Barnes aboard the ship at the time, permission from Command was quickly granted. Traveling to the Bajoran sector, the Edison recreated an accident that transported Lieutenant Julian Bashir and Major Kira Nerys through the Wormhole and into the Mirror Universe some years earlier. And through its diplomatic ties with the Romulan Government, the Edison was able to *acquire* a cloaking device for use whilst there. Further investigations revealed that the intruder(s) were using a ship that was also under cloak. However, all knowledge that the Federation had on Mirror Universe cultures indicated that none of them *had* cloaking technology. Two teams were created, each led by the CO and XO: the first team would take the Edison and try to follow the cloaked ship, and retrieve Rimmer's plans; the other would take a Run About, the USS Yarra, and try to find out how the Alliance achieved cloaking technology. The USS Yarra en route for Terok Nor, hoping that the Terran Rebellion would be able to shed some light on the origin of the cloak. Lieutenant (junior grade) Renara Aren, suspected of being a sabateur, was chosen by Drab to come with the Away Team so he could keep an eye on her. However, very soon after arriving at Terok Nor, Drab's suspicions were proven correct. The Mirror Universe spy seized all of the Away Team (which included the *real* Doctor Rimmer) and placed them aboard an Alliance ship, which, it was soon discovered, also had a cloaking device. After breaking out of a "cell" and rescuing a reprogrammed Rimmer, the crew set about disabling the Alliance ship that housed them and their Run About. The Away Team is currently trying to disable the cloak that the ship holds also. Meanwhile, on the Edison, the crew was led to the Trill homeworld, which had been enslaved by the Alliance. Commander Stelatele led and another Away Mission to the surface in holo-suits to try and retrieve the Doctor's plans. However, they have met much heavy resistance from Klingon guards and are desperately struggling to stay alive. We are also welcoming new crewmembers mid-mission, who are explaining their arrival through a series of "flash-back" posts. (Further information about our missions, past and present, can be seen on our website under the "Logs" section) POST OF THE MONTH CORPS & BUREAU REPORTS AREA: FLEET OPERATIONS Current very little has yet been taking place over at the old C&B, mainly due to my absence due to real life commitments with my university course. My assistant has been taking good care of things, and I'm sure is well on with his evil plans to take over my job and have me retired early, although after reading this he knows that I know ... (Cian says: I could respond since I have control of the newsletter, however I shall not stoop to the level of the Admiralty ... LOL) but seriously, very little has happened, but this will be picking up soon. A list of proposed topics where listed in the first edition of the new newsletter, I intend to continue with them, and the relevant people. Those with comments or queries relating to Fleet services mat contact the Fleet Chief of Operations at s.j.Marriott@btinternet.com AREA: COMMAND COUNCIL/EXECUTIVE COUNCIL The Command Council and the Executive Council have undertaken various initiatives within the foregone month. Most notable are the approval of the SB98 expansion, the re-construction of the TF Message Board, and discussion of concepts that may be undertaken as long-term objectives. At present discussion is in progress on ways on how to develop the Fleet in quality and quantity. Those wishing to offer their input may address the matter with either their Commanding Officer or Executive Officer, or out-of-character command authority. Additionally the process of appointing two division advisors in the vacant positions is currently in progress within the Executive Council. News shall be forthcoming. CORPS/BUREAU: ADVERTISEMENT BUREAU The Advertisement Bureau has in recent months conducted, successfully, operations to increase the reputation of Tango Fleet PBEM RPG. The initiation of communications with an Italian RPG and a Croatian RPG in addition to an article submitted to an official Star Trek German Magazine supported by Paramount are merely three such activities. The Banner Exchange Program has been subject to overwhelming interest as applications are substantial and frequent. Similarly, the popularity of the Sister Fleet Program has attracted many differing applicants. Noteworthy is the recent interaction with a Star Trek web design organization, BMUSED, operated by a Tango fleet member. Their reputation has expanded through the online RPG community and undoubtedly will continue. A banner may be located at the Banner Exchange Program. A focal area within the Advertisement Bureau that enhances the reputation of Tango Fleet whilst offering its own unique contribution to respective websites, is that of the Ferengi Merchant Awards. The section commands a considerable personnel presence and is the embodiment of enthusiasm in the Bureau. Those wishing to offer their services in judging sites for TF awards may apply to the Bureau Director. Applicants not need have any web design experience. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Lieutenant (j.g.) Tobias Kett, for his reliable and continuous efforts within the Ferengi Merchants Awards is awarded the Act of Distinction. Ensign Tom Slater [Douglas Masters], for reliable and dependable responses within his scope of activities is awarded the Act of Distinction Lieutenant James Lorimer, for his unselfishness and utmost efforts to enhance enthusiasm in the Bureau; with a never failing sense of duty, is awarded the Act of Kindness Ensign Kien Emyaj for continuously providing support, when requested, and upon initiative, in activities not merely confined to the Advertising Bureau and for being perilously dedicated to TF and its advancement through advertising means is promoted to Lieutenant. Her efforts to enhance the Ferengi Merchants Awards are unrivalled; she alone has commanded a difficult and substantial section within the Bureau, and has done so with professionalism and enthusiasm. She has been a valuable asset to the steady operation of the Bureau, often aiding in web maintenance. In conjunction, for activities within the Diplomatic Corps and also other activities inclusive of reporting for the Fleet Newsletter, she is further awarded be the Honor of Excellence. On a personal note, I would like to add, that Erika, has my complete and utter trust, someone who is the embodiment of motivation, enthusiasm and loyalty. She has brought additional enjoyment to each sphere of influence, and has become a dear and true friend to me. CORPS/BUREAU: BUREAU OFSTARSHIP DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT This has been another relatively uneventful month for TFBSDD, but there are a few items of note for once. After a heated discussion in the Command Council about the proper size of a Saber Class Starship, the Bureau has been asked to provide some standardized specifications for that class, so the Pegasus has accurate details to work from. I've also been asked to look over the specs of a number of other ships to determine whether or not they are close to accurate on the proper ship specs for their particular classes. Those with comments or queries pertaining to the Bureau of Starship Design & Development may contact the Bureau Director at tangofleetdesign@yahoo.com CORPS/BUREAU: SCIENCE CORPS The website is being updated regularly for changes in Fleet science personnel and ship web pages. Afterwards, every month or so, a new category will be added to the Encyclopedia. Watch for the new categories here! Lieutenant Jarock Ntal will be on a Leave of Absence [LOA] for the summer months. For any concerns or messages, please contact Lieutenant Tan Eryx at bron_mahon@hotmail.com CORPS/BUREAU: CORPS OF ENGINEERS The Corps of Engineers is still looking for people out there to submit 'Articles for Credit'. To find more info on the subject please visit our website and got to the 'technologies' section. The Corps looks forward to possibly releasing our articles to the TF Newsletter team so that they may be 'officially' published...that means MORE credit for the authors. The QED program is coming along slowly...nothing new to report. There plans on updating the fleet engineer's list sometime soon. Those wish questions or comments pertaining to the Corps of Engineers, may contact the Director at lbgann15@home.com CORPS/BUREAU: MEDICAL CORPS This month at the Medical corps, the manifest has been updated to reflect the crew manifests of the different ships/starbases. The staff at the Medical Corps is always looking for new material to add. They are currently looking at some procedures that would be used during pregnancy since there is very little of that listed. One of the things they have come up with is Uteroplacental Scan Technically it uses "tricorder" technology to safely scan the uterus and placenta and produce a visual image of what is observed. Essentially a sensor scan of the uterus. Those wish questions or comments pertaining to the Medical Corps, may contact the Director at brandywine59@hotmail.com CORPS/BUREAU: MARINE CORPS As expected the Marine Corps page has at last vanished from its server. This will be updated as soon as possible with the corrected details, regarding the NCO system changes, and a few alterations made to the actual structure, such as the Aide-de-Camp title change. The old link still needs to be removed from the Tango Fleet website, but the new pages should be sometime within the new few weeks. The layout will be similar, but there will be additional info. Keep an eye out for that if your interested. Those wish questions or comments pertaining to the Marine Corps, may contact the Director at s.j.marriott@btinternet.com CORPS/BUREAU: DIPLOMATIC & JAG CORPS The Diplomatic& JAG Corps is currently compiling all JAG data used throughout the fleet to date, including referrals to legal documentation in simulation missions. The goal is to document the records in order to compile a JAG text file that may be used in in-character missions as a precedent. The task is arduous, however will be completed. In addition, the Diplomatic & JAG Corps is currently increasing the species database in order to provide additional information on those races encountered in Star Trek. Please keep an eye out of developments. Those wish questions or comments pertaining to the Diplomatic & JAG Corps, may contact the Director at cian.c.benoit@justice.com PLAYER INTERVIEWS Ensign Catheryn O'Hara How long have you been in TF? Catheryn O'Hara, Assistant Chief Science Officer aboard USS Pegasus, rank of Ensign. I've been in TF for 3 months now. Upon your recent graduation, and in hindsight, would you like to comment on the Tango Fleet Academy structure, albeit, lessons, the simming environment, comments for improvement, or other? Well I must say that I like the structure of the TFA, very organized and one can see that hierarchy is respected. I was assigned to a great instructor in my opinion, Lt. Jarock Ntal. With his suggestions I improved my simming techniques. Since your graduation, what are your impressions of TF, good, bad or indifferent? What, in your opinion, makes the department you currently serve, in your view, different and unique? It is unique to have a two of the same family participate in TF! What attracted you, individually? Serving on the Pegasus offer its own unique features, however can you comment on the advantages or, if any, the disadvantages of having a family member serve on the same simulation that you participate on? Well, I love it actually. We can discuss the sim and everything and write JP's together and coordinate our actions. It's great. I think they're doing a good job. Anything you wish to see implemented in TF that is not presently in operation, or indeed just comment on a characteristic? I would like there to be some restrictions on the names of the characters (if it's not already implemented), maybe that they forbid the usage of trademark Star Trek names, so that the names used in ST cannot be used in TF. Any other comments Well, I'd like to thank my Science instructor, Jarock Ntal for everything he's taught me during the Academy training and for being available to talk to outside the Academy business. Of course, there's my CSO, Dr. Maddox, for his wonderful support and guidance and for allowing me to express my individuality on the Pegasus. Thanks Chief! ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To publish each issue of the newsletter is a monumental task of any individual, therefore it is pleasing that aid, albeit through reports, advice or other, is offered from all areas within TF. With each publication the frequency and input of reports has increased and it is foreseen that 100% participation is an attainable goal. Therefore the continued prosperity is due to many: Gorial G’Pax Sandy Richardson |