Rahman and Rivi Vataix

March 19, 2015

Romulans extend invitation to Federation President Bacco for state visit

By T'Vas
Stardate 239203.18

After the destruction of Romulus (pictured) and Remus in 2387 by the Hobus supernova, factions within the Romulan Star Empire have been battling for legitimacy, with Rator III's claim emerging as the strongest.

RATOR III — The new Imperial Senate of the Romulan Star Empire has invited Federation President Bacco to give an address before the legislative body in what would be an historic occasion.

Foreign affairs analysts see the move as an attempt by the new Senate on Rator III to secure its legitimacy as the rightful successor to the original Imperial Senate that was destroyed on Romulus by the Hobus supernova in 2387. If President Bacco accepts, it would be the first visit to the Romulan Star Empire by a sitting Federation president in nearly a century.

Rightful Heir

Though historically known as the Empire's "Second System," a nod to its economic and strategic importance after Romulus, Rator has been fighting both a political and military campaign against other Romulan worlds that have made similar claims to become the next capital of the empire.

"Certainly, a state visit by the Federation President would go a long way in not only sending a message to the Romulan people but also to the interstellar community that Rator III is truly the new Romulan capital," said Thilene Herskoya, who served as security advisor to former President Jaresh-Inyo. "It also, though, puts the question back on President Bacco and the Federation Council: whom do we finally recognize as the legitimate head of the Romulan Star Empire?"

In the wake of the Hobus supernova, that question was tabled as the Federation focused its efforts on providing relief aid to the Romulan people directly. While certain factions within the empire took the opportunity to begin military campaigns to seize greater control of the remaining Romulan systems, Rator III has continued to rule as a stable source of government for the bulk of the empire that remains firmly under the control of the Imperial Navy and the Tal Shiar.

Romulan Politics

Both the Romulan military and the Tal Shiar have consolidated considerable power since the destruction of the original Senate, and some insiders believe that the new Senate on Rator III owes much of its success to the support of one of the organizations—or both. Others suggest the possibility that the new Senate is nothing more than a figurehead legislative body.

Regardless, the Imperial Senate on Rator has become more emboldened in its actions and rhetoric, most notably after a string of military victories last year against Rator III's most prominent challengers that culminated in the surrender and execution of two other self-proclaimed Praetors of the Empire and the lifelong imprisonment of the members of Achernar Prime's legislative body who had earlier disputed Rator's claims and declared themselves as the true successors to the original Senate. Construction on Rator III of a new imperial capital city, to be known as Rihan, has since begun this year.

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March 15, 2015

((One Week Later, Myla-Rothra City, Tura-Fe and Je-San’s residence))

::The past week had been a crash course in living like an animal in a petting zoo. Ryan scowled and nodded as yet another ‘friend’ of Tura-Fe bid him and his colleagues a farewell. King, Skyfire and Davenport had ‘enjoyed’ the hospitality of their reptile hosts and captors for far too long and the young Ensign was starting to show the wear and tear. Try as he might, the old racial prejudices he had learned on Cestus were threatening to bubble up.

Though the reptile-like Peppalexan’s had for the most part been friendly and well-meaning, he was simply tired of being around aliens that were seemingly advanced yet culturally stunted.

Ryan had spent most of his time saying nothing and only chiming in to inquire on the well-being of his away team companions. That did not deter Tura-Fe however as she hosted people for breakfast, lunch and dinner in their well apportioned home.

On more than one occasion he had seen an opportunity to spring an escape. He thought the aliens entirely too trusting for having allowed Skyfire and the elusive Davenport to still carry their tricorders. He would never would have allowed such a thing and suspected that had Je-San had his way, he would of taken them back immediately.::

Tura-Fe: I just spoke with the court messenger. You’ve been granted reception with Her Majesty tomorrow at sunrise.

Skyfire: I see. :: He mulled that over, then ran a hand along his face, noting he had to shave again. :: That's helpful. Thank you.

King: An -- audience? ::Ryan suppressed a scoff:: How is your monarch selected?

::One of Je-San’s men snickered.::

Guard (NPC): Don’t be too excited. She may not believe your fanciful tale and decide to simply execute you.

::To her credit, Tura-Fe registered her displeasure with the guard. Ryan simply turned to stare down the guard..::

King: On our worlds, it is said that those killed unjustly come back as spirits and haunt those that have wronged them. I will ensure that you never enjoy a peaceful nights sleep in your ‘nest’ again.

::Ryan felt the slightest hint of satisfaction as the guard’s tail wiggled and his neck flaps registered hint of pale purple.::

King: oO Hopefully that gave him some indigestion Oo

Skyfire: Don't worry, gentlemen. We have nothing to worry about.

King: I hope so. ::Ryan took his seat on the gold and white carpet he had claimed for his own since they arrived and considered their next steps..::

Skyfire: I'll be honest with you, gentlemen. I honestly don't know. We haven't been informed if Commanders Valen or Bakari are alright, only that they were being treated. Making me the highest ranking officer in this little...troupe...of temporally displaced travelers. And in about twelve hours, give or take two, we get to explain our situation to the queen and hope she doesn't decide to kill us.

King: That is assuming that Bakari and Valen are still alive. We have not received visual confirmation, just words. I’m not inclined to trust ::motioning to the guard:: captors. Have you been able to ‘feel’ their presence at all?

Skyfire: Not from what I can tell. :: He paused, his eyes closing for a moment. :: I haven't...I don't know if they are even conscious. I've been trying to avoid using it because of the temporal displacement. Might cause more harm than good at this point.

((Sunrise, the following day -- Palace ))

::Ryan marched quietly into Her Majesty’s chamber. There were tapestries laid out in brilliant colors with wondrous depictions of war and the greatness of the domain of the Queen. As they proceeded with the guardsmen, Ryan saw the last in the series of tapestries and paused for a moment. A grand Peppalexan warrior stood in an empty jungle, holding wrapped in their tail a device as they were surrounded by other Peppalexans in stances of supplication.

Ryan stopped a moment to look. He felt the butt of a weapon against his back as the same guard he had threatened the day before had the joy of kneading it into his back.

A moment later he stood in front of a throne in the audience chamber. The bronze and gold-like metal gleamed as pillows in deep indigo, purple and teal spread like a wave around them. What could only be classified as the Queen’s entourage laid around her throne as she presided over the room in all her glory.::

King: ::mumbling:: Is this a palace or a poorly decorated brothel?

Skyfire: I hope so too. If this doesn't work, we could all be doomed.

::As they came to a halt fifteen feet from the throne, Chythar knelt as a supplicant before it, an old custom he recalled from Earth's time. With a glance to his compatriots, he motioned for them to do the same.

Ryan shot a glance at his superior officer and then complied, moving forward and standing a half inch behind Skyfire. He bowed deeply and then rose up, a full smile on his face.::

King: Your Majesty.

::She had been given word of the strange visitors, but as it was indicated they seemed to be no threat, Virah-Latyi perched upon her throne. As they sifted into the chamber, she watched them as they strode forward, noting their interest in the tapestries that adorned their walls. Her head lifted slightly. While she’d had no part in the making of those tapestries, she was proud of them, for they told some of the most important stories of her people. Their colours seemed to dance in the light that streamed in from the large windows that were interspersed in between each of them. Unlike the other Peppalexans with the ebony hue, her skin shone a glimmering, deep violet as she sat, bathed in the sunbeams that filled the room. A rich, almost velvet green revealed itself as her skin flaps flared in response to the one who initiated a kneeling position. ::

Virah-Latyi: Who are you?

::Ryan turned to look around the room. The stone was heavy and yet the feeling of the room was light, it’s open windows providing plenty of natural sunlight that shined beautifully on the central figure in the room, the Queen. But it was the audience of onlookers that interested Ryan more. Four entryways to the front each had a pair of guards in what he could only assume was traditional regalia. Tufts of long red bird feathers adorned their heads as they held menacing spears. The warriors never looked anywhere but directly ahead.::

King: oO Impressive. Oo

Skyfire: Your Majesty. My name is Doctor Chythar Skyfire. These are my companions, Ensign Ryan King... ::as he motioned with his hand to Ryan::

::Ryan turned around and snapped to attention.::

Skyfire: ...and Andrew Davenport. ::as he motioned to Andrew.:: Our companions, Lieutenant Commander Masfiri Bakari and Lieutenant Commander Valen Carys were apparently injured and being treated by your physicians.

Virah-Latyi: I see.

::She paused, a good couple of minutes inching away as she studied them each in turn.::

Virah-Latyi: I must admit that what I have heard is difficult to believe, but I am not unwilling to consider such possibilities. You were invited here?

Skyfire: We were invited by the Pepplaxian government, yes.

::There was a brief moment of silences as if he were attempting to formulate words, then he expounded.::

Skyfire: Our team was transported to the surface, outside the city. Our captain probably believes we are lost or dead because we did not arrive when we were supposed to.

Virah-Latyi: When. You are from the future - our future?

Skyfire: This planet's future, yes.

::Out of the corner of his right eye, Ryan noticed a shadow. Turning, it grew bigger as another Peppalexan entered the chamber. Flapping its neck fins in a brilliant display of ruby red, the Peppalexan bowed quietly and stepped on the dias to the right of the Queen.::

Male Peppalexan: This is all very interesting. And yet there is no proof of any of it.

::She rose then, the verdant hue peeking out from the skin that fanned from her body as she moved. She descended the two steps of the dais upon which her throne sat. From either side, two guards immediately flanked her, creating a sort of box about her as she closed the distance between her and the aliens.::

Virah-Latyi: How do I know you speak the truth? What proof have you?

King: ::Ryan paused a moment.:: Your Majesty… ::pause::

Skyfire: I have pictures of what your species will look like in our time. Aerial photographs of your planet.

Virah-Latyi: Do you?

King: ::Turning to Davenport quietly.:: What if we yank the UT for a minute?

NPC Guard: And these weapons? ::indicating the tray of phasers one of their escorts was carrying::

Skyfire: I can demonstrate their power on an inanimate object of yours. A weapon you won't mind donating to science.

::Ryan stood straighter in that moment. Stunned that he may be forced to show off the firepower the away team had brought.:: oO What is to stop them from killing us and using these weapons to conquer their planet? Oo

King: ::Speaking in a whisper to Davenport.:: Shut off the UT in your tricorder on my signal.

Guard: I am not certain of its purpose.

King: You misunderstand the items design, sir. ::A smile crept on his face.:: Your majesty ::Ryan pointed to the phaser in the guards hand:: this device is simply what we call a phaser. It acts as a remote to power on or power down devices like the ones my colleagues are using.

::Ryan could feel the sweat pooling at the back of his neck as he turned to his colleagues. He turned and winked at Skyfire. This would either be the best ruse since Kirk’s Corbomite Maneuver or he’d go down in Peppalexan history as the keystone cop.

Skyfire: :: looked to Davenport :: Please take my tricorder from your bag, Mr. Davenport.

::Ryan watched as Skyfire took the tricorder and presented it to the Queen.::

::Skyfire turned it on and made sure to keep his hands where the queen and the guards could see them as he pulled the visual records, making sure to mute the audio files. They didn't need to hear any of it. Just see the pictures. ::

Skyfire: This is what the planet's surface looks like in our time. These visual records were given to me before we arrived here, by our Captain.

King: ::King observed the soft clicks among the assembled audience. The humans must of made good theatre.:: You lead a great people, your Majesty.

::The queen’s dark gaze flicked back to King but she remained silent as a guard inched back and indicated that she should do the same.::

::As a spear was placed on the ground and the guard backed away, CD locked gaze with the ensign.::

Skyfire: Go ahead, Mr. King. Lowest setting you can.

King: ::Ryan frowned as he moved forward, hands raised to grab the device from the guard. He could eyes on him as he grabbed the phaser and saw the now familiar face of Je-San staring icily at him. The male Peppalexan who had joined earlier and spoken only once remained near the throne, eyeing the situation coolly.

The phaser felt cold to the touch as Ryan examined it for any damage. The thought crossed his mind that he could take out quite a few of the guards in the room, or even set it to overload and chuck it at the Queen and her entourage. And yet he knew the ramifications on him and the Away Team could not allow him to do that. His instinct was to escape but natural intuition had to give way to rational thought in that moment.

Raising the phaser to eye-level, Ryan programmed on the battery. And then heard the dull beep. He closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. The battery was dead.

He pressed the button on the phaser as the room filled with the sound of gasps.::

King: ::to Skyfire.:: Dead battery, thankfully.

Virah-Latyi: Dead...bat ter ry?

::The noise in the chamber began to die down as they realized nothing had happened. And then the noise levels reached new heights. ‘Liars. Tricksters. Do not believe them!’::

Skyfire: :: quietly :: It would seem that time has had a negative effect on our weapons.

King: : ::Taking a deep breath, Ryan bowed.:: Forgive us your Majesty. It would appear that our remote device is weak in comparison to your most excellent weapons. This must be due to your divine protection.

::The man’s comment caused Virah’s flaps to flutter slightly, but again, she made no utterance in response to him.::

King: If you would allow us to prove ourselves in a different way? We can communicate through the most excellent device my colleague ::motioning to Davenport:: holds in his hand. But what about when we turn that off?

::Nodding to Davenport::

::Virah watched as they fiddled with something upon the items that bedecked their bodies.::

Virah-Latyi: What is that device?

::Ryan turned to the Queen as she continued to speak. The language a garbled mess to him.::

King: ::to Skyfire and Davenport:: This should be fun.

::Ryan turned to her Majesty::

King: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. ::pause::

A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. ::pause::

::The room began to grow quiet.::

If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, ::pause::

::With a wave of her flaps the Queen moved in toward Ryan, inching closer a look of impatient anger in her face as the level of her voice began to raise. Closing the distance surprisingly quick, her sinewy neck lowered until it sat squarely in line with his.::

King: oO She’s going to eat me. Oo ::softly:: Where's the peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked?

...Davenport, turn the UT back on…

Virah-Latyi: Interesting. What was that he spoke?

Skyfire: He just recited a poem in our native tongue. Which sounded presumably like nonsense to you. Much as your words first sounded to us.

Male Peppalexan: I don’t believe this trickster for a second…

King: ::Bowing:: I speak the truth your Majesty. ::Leaning his head back, Ryan snapped his neck around in an attempt to shake out his mane of long hair, emulating the neck flaps of the Peppalexans.:: Who are you that would question my integrity?

::The tall Peppalexan moved from the dais where the throne sat slowly, taking a moment to size up the young Ensign, he replied icily.

Tru-Dar-Orr: I am Tru-Dar-Orr, First Minister to Her Majesty. And you, my foul smelling trickster are a liar.

======

Ensign Ryan King

Security Officer

U.S.S. Garuda

March 12, 2015

Condolences from the Engineering Department of the USS Garuda.

March 11, 2015

King: ::mumbling:: Is this a palace or a poorly decorated brothel?

Ensign King, making friends with the natives.

March 10, 2015

Congrats and welcome!

March 3, 2015

Unrest continues on Inox as citizens demand reform

By Reza Kardgar

Stardate 239203.03

Martial law has been declared in Grand Karra City, the capital of Inox.

INOX SYSTEM — Demonstrations have continued on the non-aligned planet Inox, with anger at the government at an all-time high after a prominent official was cleared of corruption charges last month.

Four weeks after Commissioner Ureshn Kilas was cleared of allegations that he had tampered with last year's parliamentary elections, protesters show no signs of backing down as they clashed with security forces.

"We will not have our voices silenced," said Beja Nyuanin, a former professor at Grand Karra University who has since become one of the most prominent leaders among the demonstrators. "The people demand justice! They demand a government looking out for Inox instead of their own coffers."

Nyuanin cites the government's failure to secure stronger ties with other trading partners besides the Federation, which has led to rampant unemployment in the wake of the Federation Transport Union strike. The nearest major power to Inox is the Tholian Assembly, but the infamously xenophobic species has so far kept minimal contact with Inox.

Still, numerous other minor systems lie in reach of Inox's shipping lanes, but the Federation itself refuses trade with several of these systems in protest of practices such as child labor and outright slavery that remain common. Given Inox's dependence on Federation trade, the planetary government has been reluctant to upset its major economic partner by pursuing new business relations with these systems.

"They are nothing but lap dogs of the Federation, sick with corruption," said protester Tesin Muri about the planetary government. "And like diseased animals, they must be destroyed."

The Inoxan government has assured both the populace and foreigners that the demonstrations are under control, but as outbreaks of violence continue across the planet, martial law has been declared in several cities including the capital of Grand Karra City. The Federation Diplomatic Corps has issued a travel warning, advising all Federation citizens to exercise caution if visiting the planet and to consider postponing non-essential travel.

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March 2, 2015

Congratulations to Liani of the USS Apollo-A who has been selected as the Featured Bio for March 2015!

Her bio is linked for this month on the main page as well as on the contest page and the recent changes page!

Our featured nominee for March is Udas of the USS Constitution-B.

Check out these great bios and more at the Featured Bio Contest page! And if you think someone should be recognized, submit your nomination for the next round today!

February 26, 2015

Hostile intelligence discovered within Genesis Cloud

Stardate 239202.21

MENTHAR CORRIDOR — While surveying the largest protomatter cloud ever discovered, the USS Garuda found itself fending off a botanical infestation controlled by a hostile intelligence within the cloud.

“One minute, I’m working on a diagnostic, and then the next, I see ten engineers struggling to break free of the vines coming out of the machinery,” said Petty Officer Angeline Loupaz, an engineer aboard the Garuda.

The sudden infestation appeared overnight. The Garuda had been ordered to investigate the Genesis Cloud, which had been discovered by the Qilin Project. Initial sensor readings were off the scale of any previously found protomatter deposits.

The survey would also be a diplomatic mission that hoped to rebuild trust and understanding between the Federation and the Community, a species native to the Menthar Corridor comprised of a collective consciousness that uses plant-like forms to communicate. Representatives of the Community came aboard the Garuda to witness standard Starfleet scientific procedures and evaluate the crew.

By all accounts, the survey itself was a success as an engineering team headed by Garuda’s chief engineer Lt. Cmdr. Tristam Core and operations chief Lt. Cmdr. Mei’konda constructed a specialized shuttle dubbed the Robert Ballard to explore the volatile protomatter cloud and collect samples.

“We had to be very careful,” explained Lt. JG Danielle Vistain, a shuttlebay ops engineer. “Protomatter is highly unstable. Even the slightest disturbances from a ship or shuttle’s systems can cause it to ignite. Rather than strip an existing shuttle bare, we decided it’d be easier to use spare parts to build an entirely new craft.”

Expertly piloted by Lt. Kaitlyn Falcon, the shuttle returned safely with the valuable data, and alpha shift retired for the night.

Yet things slowly grew amiss in the early hours of the morning. As drastically growing plants began spreading across the ship, the Garuda’s chief science officer Lt. Alora DeVeau went missing.

“I knew something was wrong when she left her office a mess,” said Lt. JG Alif Lepore, a quantum biologist. “This was an important mission, what with the Community reps and the Diplomatic Corps watching so closely. Lt. DeVeau is always meticulous about her work.”

Additional reports of other missing crew members came in, including that of one unfortunate crewman who had been dressed as Santa Claus for a department Christmas party. The children would have to wait a little bit longer for their presents as the crew soon found themselves battling a shipwide plant infestation. From small houseplants to the large trees of the ship’s arboretum, it seemed all plant life aboard the Garuda was being affected somehow by the protomatter, growing exponentially in size.

Worse, it was apparent that the plant life exhibited hostile behaviors as crew members struggled against slithering vines attempting to capture them.

Finally, DeVeau reappeared, her body having been taken over by an alien influence. Holding hostages in the arboretum, she announced to the Garuda’s commanding officer Captain Cassandra Egan Manno that she was speaking on behalf of the Kindred, an intelligence that resided within the Genesis Cloud. Its intent was to capture the crew and use their bodies to escape the protomatter cloud.

However, Egan Manno had a plan. The shuttlecraft Ballard was secretly piloted by remote back into the center of the cloud. Then, during Egan Manno’s direct meeting with DeVeau in the arboretum, the captain revealed the shuttle would ignite the entire cloud if the Kindred did not comply. The Kindred were defiant, and the captain gave the order, destroying the cloud and bringing the crisis to an end.

As the Garuda’s crew began cleaning up the mess, the mission left many reflecting on the chaos.

“We lost a lot during this mission. I’ve only been here a short time, but I can tell this mission has left a mark on ship and crew,” said Ensign Ryan King, a security officer. “I myself am suffering from premature hair loss—though the nurse assures me it’s only temporary. I’m willing to make my sacrifices to continue the Federation’s mission though—and as long as my hair grows back. The nurse tells me it will with the gel…”

Others weren’t sure how they were going to explain this to their friends and families.

“I know no one back home’s going to believe me,” said Loupaz. “I hate plants.”

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February 18, 2015

I always picture Quinn having a very... sophisticated manner of speaking, so this made me snicker:

::The room the transporter deposited them in was a curious affair. Lit, with no obvious light sources. Small, but not uncomfortably soon. Stone walls, but apparently mechanically shaped, all edges and corners rounded off. It was a bit like appearing inside a bubble in the rock.::

EGAN MANNO: Hm. Unexpected. Analysis?

::It's a cave? Really, she didn't know what to say.

February 18, 2015

Psh...

And, yes, that's how he sits on the bridge. Learns from the master:

February 13, 2015

Outbreak of Anchilles fever spreads as vaccine supplies run out

Stardate 239202.12

SELOS SYSTEM — The death toll from an outbreak of the highly contagious Anchilles fever on Selos III has reached 800,000 with health officials warning that the figure could top one million within a matter of weeks.

Anchilles fever is an often fatal illness that attacks both the respiratory and nervous system. There is no specific cure, and treatment is mainly supportive. It affects all age ranges but is particularly deadly among children and the elderly.

Though a vaccine has been developed against the infection, it is extremely rare and unable to be replicated easily for mass distribution. With the Federation Transport Union strike, shipments of the vaccine have dwindled, and doctors have urged government officials to seek aid in resupplying hospitals and clinics, which are being overrun with millions of patients infected with the debilitating disease. Adding further woes is the lack of easy transportation of foreign healthcare workers to Selos III in light of the strike.

"We need more help," said Dr. Tenya Koqi, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Royal University Hospital in Bersai, a coastal city hit particularly hard by the outbreak. "More of the vaccine, more people—even just basic hospital supplies. This isn't going away anytime soon."

Starfleet Medical has dispatched two hospital ships, the USS Mercy and the USS Sabin to the system, which should arrive by the end of the month. Health experts have called on the Federation Council to divert additional ships to help transport shipments of the vaccine from more distant suppliers, but Starfleet Command has its hands full with the ongoing crisis at the Prometheus Station in the Piktar system.

The Royal Congress, the governing body of Selos III, has sought out help from its neighbors, but with a lack of the vaccine to inoculate doctors and nurses, few are willing to send personnel directly to the outbreak zones. Still, some healthcare workers have decided to go on their own, despite their governments' objections.

"There are children dying every day in pain from this awful disease," said Raenot Shenu, a critical care nurse from nearby Merinas IV. "I know the risks. We all do. But if we don't go, who will?"

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February 8, 2015

FNS Situational Briefing: 239202.07

Stardate 239202.07

From demonstrations on Inox to a blackout on Earth, the FNS Situational Briefing brings you the top stories happening now across the quadrants.

1: Demonstrations after Inoxan official cleared of corruption charges

INOX SYSTEM — Protests and demonstrations have broken out across several major cities on Inox after a high-ranking government official was found not guilty of a dozen corruption charges.

In a lengthy and highly publicized trial in the Inoxan capital of Grand Karra City, Commissioner Ureshn Kilas had been charged with tampering with last year's parliamentary elections to ensure that candidates fielded by various business associates of Kilas were secured victory.

Political unrest has been building for the past few months on this non-aligned planet located between Federation and Tholian space, with many citizens unsatisfied with high unemployment and poor services provided by the government. With the ongoing Federation Transport Union strike, most of Inox's trade network with the Federation has effectively been shut down, leaving thousands more out of work.

2: Shuttle crash takes the lives of a dozen Vulcan researchers

VULCAN SECTOR — A shuttle crash has taken the lives of twelve Vulcans, most of whom were leading researchers on their way to a medical conference on Casperia Prime.

"It's just a terrible loss for the entire scientific community," said Dr. Mohit Singh of the University of Betazed.

Among the dead are Drs. Rukann and T'Nes of the Vulcan Medical Institute, who last year were awarded the Carrington Award in a rare joint presentation for their extensive research focusing on Tuvan syndrome.

3: Power failure in Melbourne still ongoing

EARTH — A massive power failure in Melbourne, Earth, has yet to be resolved as millions of residents continue to sit in the dark.

The lights first went off in the Australian city of 12 million late last night and was blamed on a faulty power relay, but city officials have been unable to pinpoint the exact location. While some residents have taken the occasion to host impromptu celebrations and barbeques, others expressed frustration at the inaction of local politicians.

Power outages have become a recurring problem in the area, mostly due to local wildlife becoming entangled in the city's aging infrastructure. Efforts to control the population of roving echidnas and wombats in particular have been hampered by strict species protection orders in place.

4: Teachers on Trill protest after controversial politician arrives to give speech

TRILL — Teachers of the Southwestern District Public Schools have protested Education Minister Roza Mett's visit to a local elementary school to give a speech on education reform.

"How dare she!" declared Bretha Taz, a music teacher at two of Southwestern's secondary schools. "She who has never taught a day in her life thinks she can just waltz right in here with all the answers. I'd like to see her survive five minutes in a classroom, let alone a whole school year!"

Among the controversial proposals put forth by Minister Mett are plans to employ the use of more holographic technology in classrooms to "supplement" the lack of specialized teachers. Opponents argue that the plans are a way for the Education Ministry to bypass contract renewal negotiations with the Teachers' Association.

5: Drought continues on Niwa IV

NIWA SYSTEM — Farmers have been hit hard by a historic drought, exacerbating ongoing woes from the Transport Union strike.

Although government officials report the weather system is in perfect working order, an unusual convergence of weather patterns have overwhelmed the system.

"It could be a lot worse," said weather systems engineer Rhewao. "We're lucky enough that it's just confined to the Eastern Plains."

Those affected by the drought, however, aren't feeling particularly fortunate. With thousands of shipping containers sitting idle for the past several weeks, the agriculture industry was already in a delicate position. Director of Agriculture E'qae-Lan warned citizens earlier this week that fifty more farms would be shut down as the Transport Union strike continues.

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February 5, 2015

Core: =/\= Core to Rahman. =/\=
Rahman: =/\= Yes? What is it? I've already programmed tonight's dinner, so don't try to change it. Chicken karahi. ::pause:: Hmmph, took me an hour tinkering with the molecular matrix parameters to balance the spices just right so they're mild enough for you without making me feel like I'm eating paste. =/\=
::Tristam cringed - cancelling a date a mere two, three hours before it was supposed to take place wasn't exactly "polite". Though it wasn't as if he really had a choice - it was really confine himself to his quarters, or risk Roshanara and the crew getting Rodulan stomach flu. But he also had the issue of if she was going to actually believe his predicament.::
Core: =/\= . . . I can't make it tonight. =/\=
Rahman: =/\= Excuse me? =/\=
Core: =/\= Well, long story short, a combination of over-working myself and exhaustion kind of developed into a legitimate illness. You could check with Skyfire if you want proof - I'm not trying to be an [...], I promise. I do want to have dinner with you. But, you know, I think you being not-sick is better. =/\=
::There was a long pause, and the Rodulan held his breath. He didn't *want* to cancel his date with her - *four freaking years* he'd been looking forward to it - but at the risk of her health, he felt he had not other choice. His father (and his stint on the medical starbase) had taught him to be wary of illnesses originating from other species. Tristam wouldn't know how he'd affect Roshanara, let alone anyone else already exposed to his sickness because of his unwillingness to leave Engineering areas.::
Rahman: =/\= . . .fine. =/\=
::Oh no.::

True story: once dated this girl back in college who said, "So we need to talk." Without thinking, I blurted out my immediate reaction.

"Uh-oh."

I think it only strengthened her case.

February 2, 2015

Congratulations to Kael Thomas of the USS Columbia who has been selected as the Featured Bio for February 2015!

His bio is linked for this month on the main page as well as on the contest page and the recent changes page!

Our featured nominee for February is Tyler Kelly also of the USS Columbia.

Check out these great bios and more at the Featured Bio Contest page! And if you think someone should be recognized, submit your nomination for the next round today!

January 29, 2015

Terra Novan Kevin Steiner makes long-rumored presidential bid official

By Reza Kardgar

Stardate 239201.29

TERRA NOVA — In an unsurprising announcement, Terra Novan councilman Kevin Steiner officially announced his candidacy for the Federation presidency.

"We are at a crossroads, my fellow citizens," said Steiner from his home in Logan City on Terra Nova, as his wife Adelise sat beside him. "We can continue on a path of diminishing influence and power on the interstellar stage, where our allies will no longer be able to count on us and where our own worlds continue to suffer from foolhardy policies that ultimately benefit no one. Or we can consider the possibilities."

"Ladies and gentlemen, when I was growing up, being in the Federation meant something. It was a promise. A promise that you could grow up to achieve your dreams. That if you worked hard and helped to better the world around you—and even other worlds around you—you could secure a good life for you and your family."

"Inherent in that promise was a calling. A call to serve, a call to look out for one another. That call is why millions of you join the ranks of Starfleet, the Diplomatic Corps, the Merchant Service, and the Peace Corps. Even more of you give back in your own time, volunteering or through your private careers. That call is why I came to the Federation Council twenty years ago: to make a difference and ensure a better future for my children and yours. And that call is why I want—why I hope—to lead the Federation forward as your next president."

Late to the Party

Reactions to Steiner's announcement were mixed. While some praised the councilman's speech as one of the elder statesman's finest, others were not so impressed.

"I think he realized he was getting left in the dust after the buzz about Ambassador Ventu and then Chief Administrator Narala that he felt rushed to make a 'me, too' statement," said Professor Samit Blutan of the ShiKahr Institute, who pointed out several places where the councilman seemed to stumble over his own words, most noticeably with his final statement.

"It's also a bit strange for him to pit himself as this Paris outsider challenging Bacco when he even acknowledged in his speech that he's been on the council for two decades," added Blutan. "His campaign manager needs to find a single, coherent narrative they intend to use in the election and stick with it."

Steiner's speech was noted by other commentators to be light on specifics.

"It was a competent announcement," said Churok, FNS columnist and former press secretary for President Ra-ghoratreii. "Yet if Mr. Steiner has aspirations of leading the Federation into the 25th century, he will require more than platitudes and flattery to the citizenry."

"He talked about possibilities," said Guqatwa, an Ariolo civil engineer who watched Steiner's announcement along with several others gathered at a bar on Fillandia. "I kept hoping for the possibility he'd say something meaningful in such a long-winded speech."

Still, Steiner's supporters, and those who have been upset by President Bacco's handling of recent crises such as the Federation Transport Union strike and the rising tensions between the Federation and the Klingon Empire in the aftermath of the Hobus supernova, were energized by the possibility that Bacco's time in office could come to an end.

"I'm tired of hearing every day about how another transport was attacked or how one of our colonies was raided out there, while Bacco tells us how we owe it to our interstellar neighbors that they can get back on their feet," said Ropp Tehalo, a musician on Althos IV. "I want a president who understands we can only help others get back on their feet when we're securely standing on ours first."

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January 25, 2015

Ion storm cripples StarBase 118
Stardate 239201.23

TRINITY SECTOR — An ion storm has wreaked havoc withStarBase 118’s systems and sent a civilian freighter crashing into the starbase’s strategic ops tower.

Disaster struck less than a day after Cmdr. Leo Handley-Page took command of StarBase 118 Ops with his brand new crew of intrepid officers. An ion storm hit the starbase, crippling sensors and transporters throughout Ops. The issue would have been routine, but the ion storm caused a cascade failure in the SS Cerberas, an approaching civilian freighter. The Cerberas lost control, crashing into the strategic ops tower and trapping survivors both on the crippled ship and in the tower.

“I never saw anything like it,” said Talaxian diplomatic aide Shrax. “This ship just kept getting bigger and bigger until ‘boom!’ The whole place exploded in noise and fire. It was terrible.”

Starfleet teams immediately mobilized, with a medical rescue team led by chief medical officer Lt. Cmdr. Velana working to rescue those trapped in the strategic ops tower and an away team led by Lt. Cmdr. Sal Taybrim approaching the Cerberas by shuttlecraft to evacuate the survivors before the Cerberas lost all life support. Meanwhile, the crew remaining at Ops searched for answers on why the Cerberas was so badly affected by the storm.

Photo by the FNS. USS Albion model by Lt. Cmdr.

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January 23, 2015

Egan Manno: =/\= Ensigns, Chief, will you join me in my ready room at your earliest convenience? =/\=
::King turned to the others with a raised eyebrow.::
King: =/\= Yaws, of course, Captawn.
PODS / DUNROSS: =/\= ?
King: ::Turning to Dunross and Pods:: Welp, shawll we gohh seaaa da Captawn?
PODS / DUNROSS: Response?
DEL VEDOVA: Response?
King: I’m fawineee. It’s jus some swellin’ I’ll dwop by Sickbayh after we go see the Captawn – I cannah keph her waitin’.

:-|

::snicker:: XD

January 22, 2015

Starfleet mobilizes response to "the greatest threat to the quadrant since the Dominion War"

Stardate 239201.22

PIKTAR SYSTEM — Following the discovery of massive rifts in subspace, Starfleet is mobilizing an immediate and large-scale response as countless Federation citizens’ lives are in danger.

Ships from across the fleet will be joining in the response to find a way to stop the rifts and protect those in the path of destruction. In a press conference from Starfleet headquarters in San Francisco, Fleet Admiral Tristan Wolf described the situation as the “greatest threat to the quadrant since the Dominion War,” and advised citizens that the crisis requires a response of almost the same magnitude.

“We are mobilizing all available resources to deal with this threat to Federation citizens,” he said. “I want to assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of those in the path of these anomalies.”

The cause of the rifts is still under investigation, but anonymous sources have forwarded reports of a catastrophic accident aboard Prometheus Station in the Piktar System. The station is a research and development facility for the Starfleet Sciences and Technology Division and houses over one thousand scientists and personnel.

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January 20, 2015

Largest protomatter cloud discovered

Stardate 239201.20

MENTHAR CORRIDOR — One of the densest known clouds of protomatter has been discovered near Deep Space 10, and the USS Garuda has been dispatched to survey the finding.

Dubbed the Genesis Cloud, a reference to the 23rd century terraforming project that had used protomatter at its core, the cloud was first identified by the Qilin Project.

“The numbers are literally off the scale,” said Dr. Eloise Wancata, a researcher with the Qilin Project. “If we put the measurements of previous protomatter collections next to the Genesis Cloud, you wouldn’t even notice them.”

Starfleet, eager to return a sense of normalcy to the troubled region after the recent terrorist attack by the Maquis Reborn, has assigned the USS Garuda to investigate the cloud, which is eight hours from Deep Space 10 at warp.

For their actions during the crisis aboard Deep Space 10, the Garuda crew were awarded the Silver Star, and the ship’s first officer Nia Calderan was promoted to commander and named Federation Ambassador to the region. The crew spent much of the aftermath of the Maquis attack helping the station rebuild and reconnecting with their own loved ones. Several crew members attended a charity bazaar for the reopening of Room 7, a local bar and club.

With the upcoming scientific mission, Starfleet also hopes to reconnect with the Community, a species native to the Menthar Corridor comprised of a collective consciousness that uses plant-like forms to communicate. Starfleet had previously encountered the Community during their dispute with their long-term enemy the Myr Luuk. The Federation Diplomatic Corps hopes a demonstration of a standard scientific survey to visiting delegates from the Community will help pave the way for renewed relations between the Federation and the Community.

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January 19, 2015

Del Vedova: We're going to try the vibrations! Watch the plants -- see what they do!

::Looking up, King saw it – a spider-like plant casually hanging on the roof of the corridor. It quickly noticed him too.::

King: ::Gulp.:: AHHHhhhh, YAeees, COMMANDER.

::Ian didn't particularly care about shuttles or frequencies. There were aggressive vines to get a hold of him, and he was determine to chop them into pieces before they had the chance.::

::A soft noise soon filled the corridor – but it grew louder. Unable to avert his eyes from the dangling plant above, King ignored Ian and he did it, what he so often tried not to do in these situations. He screamed. Averting his eyes from the ceiling and trying to jump out of the way, King saw as a dozen more of these spider plants rounded the corridor toward the two officers.

Then he felt it, the sensation of something moving on him. The sensation of a touch that he didn’t recognize, the plant was on the top of his head -- throwing reason out the airlock, King lost his cool as the scratchy feel of the spider plant caressed his finely styled hair, caressing the top of his right earlobe. King ran and connected, bone against metal to the Shuttlebay door. Knocking himself out cold.::

Dunross:: to himself :: : Great.

Bahaha, I think we have a new comedic duo aboard.

January 19, 2015

HAVE YOUR SAY: Federation Transport Union Strike

The Issue

The Federation Transport Union, citing continued Nausicaan pirate attacks and Klingon raids that have killed dozens of transport crews, is currently on strike. All shipping and transit runs have been suspended, including those of 812 major shipping carriers.

The Transport Union argues that President Nan Bacco and the Federation Council have not done enough to protect the shipping routes, particularly those connecting the outer colonies to the core worlds.

President Bacco, who unsuccessfully attempted to avert the strike late last year, has pledged aid to the outer colonies during the strike although the details have yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, Starfleet has responded to the pirate attacks with Operation Safe Harbor, but its effectiveness is inconclusive, with many calling for additional resources to be put into the effort.

Read more about the crisis:

As with all FNS stories, your comments on the current situation are welcome below.

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January 16, 2015

President Nan Bacco assures colonists relief aid as Transport Union strike continues
By Reza Kardgar
Stardate 239201.16

ESPERANCE -- Federation President Nan Bacco has assured colonists that relief aid will be provided as the Federation Transport Union strike entered its third week, but those in the outer colonies are doubtful of the president and the Federation's convictions.

"The Federation does not back out of its obligations," said Bacco in a speech from the Palais de la Concorde in Paris, Earth, earlier this week. "I want to assure all our citizens, particularly those colonists now affected by this strike, that we stand with you, and help is on the way."

In a major blow to the Bacco administration, the Federation Transport Union voted to go on strike on the eve of 2392. All shipping and transit runs were immediately suspended, including those of 812 major shipping carriers.

The president had met with Transport Union leaders before the vote, delivering a last minute appeal to avert the strike, which had been called for by union members after the latest Nausicaan pirate attack left 24 dead.

"Too little, too late," said union member Captain Chana, who operates his own transport ship. "Every day, people are dying out there, and what is the Federation Council and the president doing about it? Nothing."
Growing Discontent
Last year, the Colonial Coalition, a group of seven historic Federation colonies that line one of the most distant borders of the Federation, submitted an open letter to the Federation Council, criticizing the increase in foreign aid, particularly after the Hobus Supernova and the destruction of Romulus and Remus in 2387.

The Colonial Coalition called instead for greater resources to be spent on the Federation's member worlds and colonies.

"For too long, we have been told by our leaders that we have a duty to protect those in need and comfort the downtrodden," they wrote. "They ask us to empathize with the plight of the Romulans, the Cardassians, and even the Vaadwaur, who attempted an invasion of the Federation, killing over a thousand civilians and Starfleet personnel on Deep Space 17 alone. Yet what of our leaders' duty to serve the people who elected them? Each of them have sworn an oath as a civil servant to uphold the Federation Charter, a document which promises 'in the equal rights of members of planetary systems large and small' and 'justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of interstellar law .' Judged by that standard, then our leaders have failed us, and we implore them to refocus their empathy on their own people."

Meanwhile, Terra Novan councilman Kevin Steiner, who has made no secret of his intentions to challenge Bacco in the upcoming presidential election, has led the charge for Starfleet to divert from other tasks and directly assist the outer colonies.

"It just doesn't make any sense, now does it?" Steiner asked rhetorically in an interview with FNS reporter Vian Nova. "We have private citizens risking their lives in their own ships just to ensure supplies can get to their homes, while this president and Starfleet Command continues to send our most advanced ships halfway across the galaxy looking at nebulae, black holes, and protomatter clouds. Where are our priorities?"

Although Starfleet launched Operation Safe Harbor, an anti-piracy effort, last year to provide additional protection along major shipping routes, colonists have complained that too few ships have been assigned to the task force, and the ones that havemany of which haven't been upgraded since the Dominion War, nearly two decades agoare too slow.

The colonists' frustration is shared by some members of Starfleet who have been assigned to the operation.

"It's always the same story," said Lieutenant JG Faryul Nishal, a nurse aboard the USS Montreal. "We get a distress call in the area, and by the time we get there, the pirates have fled like palukoo into the crevices. We need more ships out here or faster onesor both, honestly."

Neither is likely to happen, however, at least according to one Starfleet insider. While Starfleet Public Affairs officer Commander A.J. Ciaravolo reassured journalists in San Francisco last month that reports of a personnel shortage were "exaggerated," Professor Uehn, who recently retired after teaching history for forty years at Starfleet Academy, claims that recruitment is at its lowest levels in decades.

"Young people have many more options now if they want to see the stars or venture away from home," she said. "Civilian starship technology has just accelerated in the past decade alone. If you want to fly on the fastest or most advanced ship out there, it's not necessarily a Starfleet one."
Novel Ideas
With fewer applicants to the academy, some commentators have suggested lowering admission standards, but Starfleet Command is reportedly reluctant to do so.

"Frankly, I don't think they have much of a choice," said Dr. Keahvon of the Cerberus Group, a San Francisco think tank. "With all of the recent humanitarian crises and natural disasters that have occurred, Starfleet is already stretched pretty thin as it is. We're looking at a fleet smaller than it's ever been since the 2330s."

One revolutionary solution, scoffed at by many critics earlier when it was suggested last year by business tycoon Tyson Holt, is for the Federation to begin employing private starship operators to augment Starfleet operations, or in some cases, take over those duties entirely. Holt argues that not only could private contractors perform the same jobs as Starfleet, but they could also do them better.

"A good friend of mine, Mona Agrawal, operates a small fleet of transports out of Esperance. Been at it for twenty years," said Holt from his corporate offices on Coridan. "And you're telling me she doesn't know the area just as wellif not betterthan some outsider riding in on some museum ship with an arrowhead on the side?"

The transport union strike might just give Holt the opportunity to test his idea. Shortly after President Bacco's assurances to the colonies, the Palais de la Concorde reportedly held a holo-conference with Holt himself. Holt declined to comment on the nature of their conversation.

Whatever the solution, those left beyond the reach of Starfleet and the Federation's core worlds urge that the president and council members work quickly.

"At the end of the day, we're Federation citizens, too," said colonist Eth'nalli, a school teacher on Ketar V. "We deserve the same protection and attention as any other citizen in the Federation."

Reporting for the Federation News Service from Star Station Esperance, with additional reporting from Sol Sector FNS correspondent T'Vas.

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January 13, 2015

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January 12, 2015

::A flick of her fingers and a cocoon, smaller than the nest she’d made for herself glided forward. The only non plant line part was a head, unwrapped, mango stuffed in her mouth. The constricting green tightened its hold and the mango popped out as Rahman screeched in pain.::

Haha, I imagined a silly "Bop!" sound when the mango falls out. Like the sound when you open a fresh can of Pringles.

January 10, 2015

There was actually a similar discussion in this thread: Federation relations with other major powers

From that, a new Factions page has been set up on our wiki.

The goal is to make it like the CIA World Factbook with up to date information about each power and their current relationship with the Federation/political info, etc.

In addition to the diplomatic guides, there's a blank for Starfleet Intel reports, etc. It's up to everyone to help contribute of course to make it complete.

As for the Romulans, I prefer to think that while the loss of Romulus and Remus was a blow,it's not as if every single Romulan world was destroyed. I think there's certainly a fight now for a new direction, but I'd liken it to well what if the US lost DC or even the East Coast. The rest of the US wouldn't immediately dissolve (or at least, I hope it wouldn't...)

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