UFS News Network

Pathfinder Research Facility

Reporter: Meta Korobase

Stardate: 081120

When Cadet Solo Triellis discovered a small furry creature close to the transport systems in Pathfinder, little did he realise the panic that he was going to cause.



The creature was soon identified as a Tribble, the scourge of the Klingon Empire.  A team of Cadets were soon searching the entire Pathfinder facility and it's surrounding grounds, locating a total of 23 Tribbles, all of whom were safely locked away in status in Pathfinders Med Lab, for research by the facilities science teams.



Security teams have also been alerted and all UFS Personnel are advised to keep an alert eye out for the creatures, renowned for their extreme appitite and incredible rate of procreation.

For UFSNN this has been Meta Korobase.

UFS Communications

UF Starfleet News Network

UFS Communications Field News Report

Stardate: 081112

Reporter Meta korobase

Security Lapse after Benton Incident

     Life is less than Tranquil on board Tranquillity these days, with the horrific events of the so called 'Benton Incident' still at the front of the minds of many of the stations crew.  The blast killed and injured many, but could the toll still be set to rise further.   
 
On Stardate 081112, known space pirates took advantage of Tranquillity's sensor problems and beamed aboard the station, into the center of Ops.  With no security present to stop him the man proceded to fire several Torpedoes out into space before transporting large quantities of medical supplies out of Sick Bay to an unknown location.  The crew of Ops attempted to stop the man, but he beamed away as soon as his task was done.  Starfleet Intelligence responded, managing to identify the man as Zypher Yao, a known and dangerous space pirate.  After the incident Security ran a sweep of Pathfinder station, but the pirate was already gone.  With there still being several days before the bulk of the damage to Tranquillity is repaired, is this only the start of a growing trend of attacks on the station, and is Security truely prepared for these incursions?  All of these questions can only be answered in time, and I can only hope that we'll be ready for whatever is thrown at the station next.

Signed

Ensign Meta Korobase

UFS Communications Officer

Signing off...

081106: Camp Casey

At 1000 hours, Marine Captain Varon Vandeperck, head of UFSMC FORCECOM, held a drill session at Camp Casey, focusing on knowledge of protocol -- particularly pertaining to uniform and rank vs billet -- and Marine courtesy.

Those of us who made the error of wearing commbadges with our urban camouflage uniforms (which we were requested to wear for the drill), were quickly and gently corrected by Captain Vandeperck. His reasoning was that there is already a seal on the vest where our commbadges would normally sit.





The Marine Corps, he reminded us, is a family. They defend each other, which is the meaning of being such. However, just like in any family, there are rules. 2nd Lt. Echo Bradshaw identified the most important rule as being that we should always respect each other. Because otherwise, you cannot request your fellow comrades' respect, which, on the field, may mean death: for if your comrades don't respect you, they won't help you.

Respect, Captain Vandeperck added, is not gained by rank or billet. They only provide a chain of command, akin to parents, without which, there would be pandemonium. Asked what gains respect, various answers were given -- treating others as equal, one's actions, honesty, loyalty, helpfulness, hard work.

At this point, the floor was opened for those assembled to provide their interpretations of loyalty. Soggy Bing, from the Marine Reserves, suggested that loyalty is, "recognising that you belong to a group, and always doing what is for the best of the group, without undue risk to the group as a whole." From Summoner Castaignede, came the thought that, "loyalty is fidelity to one's own... Keeping faith together." This concept was expanded by Mr. Bradshaw, who stated that, "loyalty is engrained in our motto, sir. Semper fidelis. Loyalty means being faithful to our ideals, to our rules, to our colleagues. Each and every one of us must know that wherever I go, wherever I am, on and off the battlefield."

This brought the discussion onto the Marines motto, "Semper Fidelis", and its meaning: "always faithful". Captain Vandeperck noted that, "loyalty is our motto, so after respect... loyalty comes."

Moving on, we discussed rank. The rank of 2nd Lt., we were told, is equal to Ensign in the Fleet. From there, it's fairly straight forward to calculate the ranks. Upon being asked about the use of Marine and Fleet ranks for the Reservists, Captain Vandeperck said that, unless you are participating in Marine activities, if in the Reserve Corps, you don't need to use your Marine rank, but for official events, it does make it easier on the person leading Marine events if you use your Marine rank. Ranks also run to equal TiG. We also briefly touched on the Enlisted ranks, informed that Enlisted Corps wear their ranks on their upper arm.

There are also various positions in the Corps, including your platoon and battalion placements, and your billet. The Reserves also have their own company, which comes under FORCECOM's jurisdiction. You can also have a billet aboard stations or ships. Senior billet rule still applies. Other divisions include SOCOM and TRACOM (Special Operations Command and Training Command, respectively).

However, rather amusingly, drills will always, inevitably, at some point involve pushups =P :





The question of berets was also discussed, indicating some uncertainty as to which colour should be worn according to your placement with the Corps. The blue berets, we were told, are for those of the Airborne Regiment; red is normally worn by those in a command position; green by those in Force Recon; and black is for general wear.

At this point, Major Gijsjan Broek, head of R Coy, the Marine Reserve Commandant, took the stage to speak on Magellan, which the Marine Corps is encouraged to get involved with, and assist with visits made by the Magellan set.





Major Broek also raised the question of forming an alliance with another military within Second Life. While it was supported by some, other officers indicated there maybe some concerns and a need to proceed with caution. This advice was taken onboard, and, we are sure, will be kept in mind if he decides to go through with it.

Before ending the drill, Captain Vandeperck asked us to salute the fallen Marines who are no longer with us... Azalia... Slinky... Zander... and a two minutes' silence was held in memory of those who gave their lives in the two Terran world wars, and all wars since.

While Captain Vandeperck realized there would be other questions people had, he also noted that they would be answered at some point, and dismissed the troops at 1142 hours.

Your correspondent,

~Marine Captain Summoner Castaignede.

Att: Promotion Ceremony
--------------------------------------------------

Stardate 081025:

This Saturday afternoon, at 1400 hours, Commander Taylorholic Durant lead us in celebrating and supporting the fine officers whose work inspires, encourages and assists each of us in better sharing the dreams that United Federation Starfleet espouses.

The Ceremony Hall by the beach was packed by well-wishers, including five officers who came to stand Honour Guard per the Commander's request.



The officers we recognized today were said to, "make a difference in making UFS a great community", with their efforts commanded by, "a strong sense of morality, respect, leadership by example and excellence in the completion of your tasks".

Commander Durant also warned, however, against the dangers of flaunting one's rank, and particularly, to the detriment of other's feelings or efforts.

The promotions list comprised of the following individuals:

From the Academy: Dragonbear Tolsen, gaining a promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Also joining him was Tucker Tennen, likewise to Lieutenant Junior Grade.

From the Marines, Marla Marx and Tostesterone Goodlife were to be promoted to 1st Lieutenant, while Rasim Aeon gained the rank of Marine Captain.

Medical was to see the promotions of Anna Kahane and Ellron Teebrook to Lieutenant Junior Grade, and Peaches Blaisdale to Crewman.

Of this list, only one received their pips via the Ceremony, Mister Ellron Teebrook, who was thoroughly applauded, his efforts held up as a fine example of what can be done with a little elbow grease.



Following the promotion of Lt. Teebrook were the promotions of those in Operations. This department saw Chase Quinnell, Reina Beaumont, Haki Tuqiri, Violeta Caproni, and Kayden Joles promoted to Lieutenant Commander, Lieutenant and Lieutenant JG, respectively. Also included but absent were Sam Christiansen (Lieutenant Commander), and Dell Draken (Lieutenant).

Sciences also saw the promotions of highly deserving individuals. Apollo Call, for his efforts in Astronomy, was promoted to Lieutenant JG. Elemer Piek, along with Gijsjan Broek and the absent Lenneir DeCuir, was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Newcomer Gorden Parx, recently assigned Head of Meteorology, was also promoted, becoming a Lieutenant Junior Grade, and Kathen Ohtobide was promoted to Lieutenant.

The promotion ceremony, however, was marked with a tinge of sadness towards the end, as Commander Durant was joined at the podium by the Lieutenant Doctor, DamionStJames Webb, beloved friend to many, honoured colleague, teacher and even paternal figure, all rolled into one. He spoke on his retirement, offering his praise and encouragement to all those gathered at the hall today:



"On April 15th 1912, the HMS Titanic sank after two hours of taking on water from an Iceburg hit that sank it in one of the worst Maritime Disasters in history.... However history annotes that even as the ship was sinking, the band at the stern of the ship played on, despite their own impending doom and demise.

That kind of dedication to a cause, is what i see in all of you here today my comrades. I didn't want to have to retire, but after alot of careful thought and consideration it had to be done. But I know in my heart, that the officers and Cadets of this fleet will continue - like the band of the HMS Titanic, to play on even without me.

I taught just about everyone in this room, especially the senior officers at one point.
Why the commander next to me was my second student ever. And look what she has become - the shining beacon of success. Tammy my first student is her equal. And Kevin is my boss now. This goes to show you all with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve anything.

I will close, with the creed of the St. James family. You may have heard me mention it before...but it rings true. 'Vires Eratum en Obscuratas....' Which means Strength even in darkness.

I salute you all."

This was met with warm, even if thunderous, applause from those in the hall, all of whom will remember Dr. StJames with great fondness.

Our hearts go with Dr. StJames, and indeed, all of today's promotees, in their future endeavours. May they continue to be the wonderful people that they are, and their example and help also inspire us on to greatness.

Your Correspondent,

~ Marine Captain Summoner Castaignede.

UFS at Burning Life  

By Kayden Joles
UFS News Network

Stardate: 080927 

Burning Life Festival - This year UFS will take part in the Burning Life Festival. This week long affair will features a wide variety of parcels representing the Second Life Community. UFS has many exciting activities planned for our three parcels, and all members are urged to volunteer their time to help promote Starfleet in SL.  All of UFS owes a thanks to the organizers and planners that are hard at work setting up a great experience for all of us, as well as fun presence, in the hopes of introducing ourselves to the larger community and possibly gaining new members. All of this information has been provided by Zania Turner, who says that “Jeffery, Ishan, Cyril, and JoJo” joined her in organizing the events and building the parcels.

 
(Zania Turner enjoying a moment of calm during the planning.) 

Here is what they have planned for all of us…. 

Chaos 004 The Star Trek Experience:  This exhibit will be much like a museum, filled with Star Trek history, new and old. Key points of interests will include various technologies and models of the various ships. The aim here is to showcase how things have changed, and to give visitors a good perspective on the advances Trek has achieved over time.

 

Help is needed for this site; particularly individuals who would like to give tours of the museum and answer visitor questions, as well as show them to the freebies available and the sector wide teleporter. If you would like to give a presentation or have an idea about an event revolving around trek technology, you are urged to contact Zania Turner.   



Zone 255 Star Trek Evolution: An immersive parcel with continuous role playing is an away team camp set in a desert environment. The location is set near a watchtower that is owned by the residents of the planet.  The catch is that it's all set within a holodeck and the residents of this planet will come from the group Kingdom of Northwoods.    



If this sounds like fun, please consider participating. People who are interested in participating in character for the majority of their visit, greeting and interacting with visitors as if they are actual guests and observers on the holodeck program. This is your chance to show the greater Second Life community a taste of UFS roleplay.   



Port Zero 027 The Lounge: This will be much like our own lounge on the Tranquility station were we will host parties, events, and have a whole lot of fun. The hope is that this party will show the community how to party the Starfleet way. Anna Kahane is coming up with some exciting event ideas and welcomes any ideas for events or contests.   



If you have DJing skills we need you on this parcel, along with bartenders and all of your ideas for fun. Please contact Anna Kahane with all of your ideas and suggestions along with Zania Turner to offer up your music skills.    



As you can see, a lot of exciting things have been planned for this weeklong event beginning this Saturday.  Throughout all of the parcels a scavenger hunt, though there will be a treasure hunt where various clues will lead visitors to bars of pressed latinum, which will spring forth gifts when clicked. Make sure you have a look around our area and visit others. Please consider offering your time and services to promote Starfleet and to come out and have fun with your UFS family. 

A last word from Zania Turner, “Burning Life is really a great event, and there's a fantastic spirit that goes along with it.[sic]  It's my hope that all those who do participate in this will find a lot of fun and enjoyment during their time.  It's also going to be very beneficial to the UFS as a whole, as this can help increase our exposure within the global Second Life community and potentially help to increase the number of recruits we get to the UFS family.”  Come out, show Zania and all those who created this event your support, and have fun with us. Let’s make Starfleet’s presence in Burning Life amazing!      

To Boldly Go:
USS Sheppard Commissioned in Lavish Ceremony

By Ulrich Bechir
UFS News Network

Stardate: 080920

USS Sheppard, in Orbit Around Space Station Tranquility – Amid fanfare and smashed champagne bottles the United Federation Starfleet’s newest vessel was commissioned, the USS Sheppard. The ceremony was attended by many of the UFS top brass and several other officers and guests. The speeches all spoke of the honour, the excitement and the camaraderie that the new starship and the missions that would occur onboard her would bring. “The Sheppard represents a triumph in hard work… But also a triumph of Spirit [sic]” stated the beaming Captain Zed Drebin as he gave his commissioning speech for the new vessel and wished the vessel’s captain, Lieutenant Violeta Caproni, and crew “safe journeys and Godspeed.”



The Sheppard is a modified Intrepid Class vessel with a crew compliment of 11 bridge and senior officers, as well as one hundred service crew. Currently the Sheppard is looking to fill a few more positions before disembarking. Lieutenant Caproni was originally considered for the position of 2nd Officer onboard the Sheppard, however her natural leadership skills, tenacious personality, stellar knowledge of starships and excellent people skills soon brought her to the front of the line to receive the Sheppard. One thing is certain, Starfleet’s finest has joined the crew and there is little doubt they will aid the Sheppard in a glorious and distinguished career.



The Sheppard is waiting on a few more positions, but will be ready for duty at the CO’s discretion. After that, they will receive their first set of mission orders. One thing is certain, no matter what lies ahead the crew of the USS Sheppard will remember the commissioning ceremony for a long time to come. As was said in a speech by Lieutenant Sam Christiansen of the Strategical Operations Division, “At this point I will remind you to enjoy times such as these, for they shall not come again”, here is hoping that the crew of the USS Sheppard enjoy these times greatly and always come home safely.

Black Holes and Boogiemen:
USS Redeemer Takes its Cadet Cruise

By Ulrich Bechir

UFS News Network
Stardate: 080915

USS Redeemer, Second Life – Excitement was high as cadets flooded onto the bridge of the USS Redeemer with Lieutenant Chase Quinnell in command. As the cadets took stations and figured out their duties, the Redeemer prepared for its mission. Staffed with mostly cadets, the ship was headed for Galvera II for an archaeological survey. A routine mission turned dangerous, however, when upon arrival, the ship was engulfed in a particle fountain and darkness. Braving the difficulties, the raw cadets did their best to put class instruction and simulation practice into practical usage.



Various problems with ship systems meant that Cadet Lowey took the lead to try and get the Redeemer up and running. Once systems had been restored, the cadet crew led by Lieutenant Quinnell continued their investigation. Soon, problems resurfaced and the ship had been pulled through a strange black hole to emerge on the far fringes on the Alpha Quadrant. Adrift and without defenses, the cadet crew under the command of Lieutenant Quinnell raced to make crucial repairs and restore general systems operations.Soon after restoring basic ships functions, the battered and lonely Redeemer was approached by the Ferengi, requesting 6 tonnes of anti-matter and two bars of latinum as a ‘cooperation fee’. A short investigation created more questions than answers as it seemed there was evidence of many different races known to the UFS, mostly hostile but also including older Federation designs.



The intrepid crew did their best to piece together the events that led to their predicament. Soon, an Annari exploration cruiser entered the scene. They explained that they had botched one of their experiments and this had led to the difficult. The Redeemer’s Commanding Officer offered to help the Annari, the offer was flatly refused. The crew was then urged to leave the area. It was at that point that things became both more obscured and more clear.

Cadet Flonne Ninetails – a telepath – reported to the captain dispassionately that, “We are the INGS, we watch over all… we take old unused lifeless ships…” While this solved one question, another problem remained. Cadet Ninetails had been possessed by a non-corporeal being with a rather immediate warning.



While the being insisted on the immediate departure of the Redeemer, it meant that a cadet at the helm, as well as astrometrics, had to make an ‘educated guess’ as to what black hole portal led back to their original position. Once the guess was made, power was increased, and the Redeemer made it into the portal just as it was closing.

The satisfied being left Cadet Ninetails and the Redeemer rendezvoused with the USS Benton and eventually docked at Tranquility Station. All in all, the cadets had an adventure they would not soon forget and received a good deal of practical experience that would benefit them no matter what duty roster they would eventually fill.

Tranquility Extends Hand of Friendship

By Ensign Ulrich Bechir
UFS News Network

Stardate: 080913

Pinastri Colony, Starfleet Sector 001, Second Life – They have been living among us for a week now, after their battered ships escaped the ravages of war and persecution. Heavily damaged, our engineers set to work fixing the ships while we transported the Veoh people to the planetary surface for medical attention, housing and food. While there have been some trials, the relationship has been mostly peaceful between the Veoh and the Federation.

One trial, striking the day after their arrival, was a pathogen. The disease spread rapidly through their population meaning that quarantine was necessary. Through quick work and cooperation between UFS Medial, Sciences and the Veoh scientists and medics a cure was found. The disease seemed to have no adverse effects on the various UFS races, possibly meaning it was partially caused by the planetary environment of Pinastri and partially because of a latent illness within the Veoh themselves. Once the illness was contained, the quarantine was dropped and we were able to reacquaint ourselves with our Veoh visitors.

Now the ships are repaired and the Veoh begin to seek a new planet to claim entirely as their own. We have grown with them and created an understanding. This new friendship has been forged to such a degree that the Veoh are planning to send one of their ambassadors to discuss potential alliances and possibly even membership within the Federation. We await the outcome of such events with a great deal of excitement and interest.

We Must be the Change We Wish to See:
New Tranquility Station Commanding Officer Named 

By Ulrich Bechir
UFS News Network 

Stardate: 080902 

Pathfinder Welcome Centre, Pinastri Colony, Starfleet Sector 001, Second Life – The job has been posted for some time now to decide who would be steering the future of Tranquility Station although the candidates for the position were left mostly unknown to protect the integrity of the process. Last night the veil of secrecy dropped as Lieutenant Commander Chad Hoorenbeek was named the Commanding Officer of Tranquility Station. This new addition has come hot on the heels of the current changes to other operational protocols. When asked what his first priority would be, the new Station CO stated that it would be putting his senior staff in place. Look forward to a more comprehensive interview in the future with Lieutenant Commander Hoorenbeek. At this point, we look forward to seeing his progressive changes and where his guiding hand will take us in the future.  

Lieutenant Commander Hoorenbeek will be leaving behind the United Federation Starfleet Inspector General post at the station. This posting has now appeared in the forums and applications are being taken by Brigade General Sanstrom Laxness. No date of closure has been given, but it would be advisable to apply as soon as possible for this important position. 

To our new Tranquility Station Commanding Officer we wish all the best in the future. His principle objective will be to fully man Tranquility Station to allow for maximum defensive, scientific, medical and broad operational capabilities. For this, Lieutenant Commander Hoorenbeek will need all our support and help in the future.

UFS News Network

Stardate: 080828

By the Phoenix Memorial, Pinastri Colony, Starfleet Sector 001, Second Life – The early morning calm of the Pinastri Colony was shattered this morning when Faraday Rexen, a human wielding a chainsaw, entered the scene. Rexen seemed connected to another group or individual as he claimed wildly that he was capturing Starfleet personnel as food. He immediately seized on a cadet, Dyllon McMahon, and trapped him as intended prey. These strange, cannibalistic people seemed to be readying to whisk the cadet away for dinner, when he had the forethought to beam himself away.


Soon after McMahon’s daring escape, the strange cannibal directed his attention to Ensign Kayden Joles, Dean of Communications College. Ensign Joles quickly opened a communicator channel to warn everyone that, “We have some loon catching people to eat....including me.” Captured in a strange cage device, Ensign Joles did what she could to relay information and get help in subduing the strange attacker, while Cadet McMahon attempted to contact security. A Klingon in the area, Jorahn Wunderlich, quickly came to help in the fracas.



Attempts at negotiation were fruitless, as Ensign Joles was still trapped and to be the main course. Cadet McMahon did his best to defend the Dean of Communications along with Jorahn. Soon Lieutenant Summoner Castaignede arrived on the scene and used security clearances to have the chainsaw wielding cannibal and his equipment beamed off world. The incident left Ensign Joles shaken, and many individuals troubled. Even more troubling was the threat that Rexen left with, “you better have the place on lockdown more are coming” [sic].  This was later punctuated by more difficulties from individuals apparently of the same ilk.

By Ensign Ulrich Bechir