Jona ch'Ranni

Great job @Aribelle Tagren in training. You are a wonderful writer. I know we'll have great fun simming together in the future.

@Jo Marshall Yeah, sure, it's the programmers' fault. My father always said that is a "PICNIC" problem. Problem In Chair Not In Computer.

Have to say I agree with this. Enterprise hold a close place in my heart. While I wouldn't categorize it as my favorite series, it was the first series that I actively followed from the very first episode. The buildup anticipation of the first episode didn't lead to disappointment. Loved it and still love it.

It's 2022 (or 2399) and it couldn't get here soon enough! Get outta here 2021, we don't want you anymore! Every time the calendar flips to a new year, we get an opportunity to reflect. It's a natural moment for rekindling optimism and purpose, as well as a reminder that the future has yet to be written. It's only logical to apply this perspective to our science-fiction universe. Each new incarnation of Star Trek is greeted with the same sense of surprise and enthusiasm. We're excited to go on a new adventure, not knowing where we'll finish up, but ready to grab on for dear life through all the twists and turns. The power of a new "Season 1, Episode 1" is that it may set the stage for a whole season. It is a pivot point that establishes the tone of the series. Will it be about exploration and science, or about conflict and danger? As the key characters are introduced in the pilot, we ask ourselves: Is the commanding officer an experienced professional or a newcomer to the game? An opening episode establishes the momentum that will propel the audience into the wide unknown and keep them coming back week after week. "Emissary" from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine emphasized a less sophisticated, more frontier arena than the series that came before it. It introduced creatures that had been shown briefly in TNG but would now play key roles in the stories. What about the opener for Star Trek: Enterprise? The crew of the Enterprise NX-01 was full of hope but had no genuine experience with the perils that lay ahead. The Vulcans were painted in a different light than they had ever been previously. Meanwhile, Star Trek: Lower Decks provided us with a behind-the-scenes peek at the crew that wasn't the greatest but yet got the job done - frequently with frantic antics. But which of these series premieres was the BEST? Don't forget to persuade us in the comments about your pick!

Nice job, Sera and @Isabelle Basilia! You two did great! Welcome to the SB118 family!

I'll have you know that the Polar Bear Club was invented by Andorians and Earth just stole it from us. I've simmed my character glacier-diving into frigid waters on the holodeck in the past and it seems like the daredevil cold-acclimated thing to do. Of course, anyone is free to join me - antenna, no-antenna, all are welcome.

The Movember Foundation aims to raise awareness of men's health issues including suicide prevention and cancer support. Through fund-raising and charity efforts, they hope to change the face of men's health. One way to show support is to grow a bit of facial fuzz during the month of November. Soul patch? Glorious Klingon beard? Muttonchops, anyone? As we look at the Star Trek universe, there are many examples of facial hair across the galaxy. Each species and, indeed, each individual, has their own preferences. Most Tellarites are seen onscreen with full-length beards. Many Klingons seem to prefer it as well, including our favorite Klingon, Worf. One of the easiest to spot examples of "good-beardedness" is Commander William Riker from The Next Generation series and accompanying movies. Beginning with the second season of TNG, Will sported a beard for over a decade on the small and large screen. He shaved it during Star Trek: Insurrection much to Troi's delight who said "Yuck!" when he kissed her. In the Mirror Universe, Spock wore a mustache and goatee. Actually in the different visits to and from that universe, we see multiple characters with facial hair that their normal counterparts from our reality don't have. Is there something about the forces of evil that push the villainous to wear a beard? Probably not. Most likely its just a visual cue to the audience that this isn't your normal Spock or Bashir. Benjamin Sisko grew a Van [...] beard during his tenure aboard Deep Space Nine. His son, Jake, commented that he liked it. We have to agree! And don't even get us started on Doctor Leonard McCoy! In Star Trek: The Motion Picture he was forced out of retirement and returned to the Enterprise with what looked like an outfit and facial hair straight from the 1970s. To be fair, the movie was released in 1979 - so, yeah, kind of! Join in the fun, let us know who your favorite unshaven character is!

Thanks, Alieth! Glad you enjoyed it!

Few would argue that Star Trek is just a TV show or movie franchise. The far-reaching effects of our favorite science fiction universe have been felt within the very fabric of society. It has touched the minds of young and old and inspired pioneers in all fields of human endeavor. October 10th - 16th marks Earth Science Week, an international event organized by the American Geosciences Institute which helps the public gain an appreciation for Earth sciences and encourages responsible stewardship of the planet. It builds understand of fields such as climate change, impact from agriculture and industry, and highlights our responsibility in maintaining the delicate balances of Earth's natural systems. To coincide with this event, let's examine the impact of science fiction on science and technology fact. The most direct influence Star Trek has had would likely be upon the field of astronomy and space exploration. In the 1970s this was felt when NASA received thousands of write-in requests by Star Trek fans to have the prototype space shuttle be christened Enterprise. The campaign eventually succeeded and many of the main cast of The Original Series were even on hand for the unveiling. Many astronauts have credited Star Trek with kindling a desire within them to explore the stars. This week William Shatner, Captain James T. Kirk himself, flew aboard Blue Origen's rocket and became the eldest man to travel to space. Computers, robotics, and artificial intelligence have also benefited from the universe of Trek. From the interactive computer aboard Starfleet vessels to Lieutenant Commander Data - a cybernetic lifeform, we have witnessed advanced intelligences that blur the lines of what life is and how it's defined. Questions about artificial sentience are already being asked in the real world now as well. No one can deny the similarities between the Enterprise computer and the likes of Siri, Alexa, and Cortana. Many individual episodes feature plotlines that deal with real-world environmental issues. It might be something as varied as planet-wide weather control equipment on Risa going on the fritz or a meteor set to impact a planet and the need to disrupt its path. Even Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home was a commentary on the effects of mismanagement of Earth's species and resources. Science fiction has provided a medium to explore some of these "what ifs" even before they've happened to shed light on our response as a species.

Welcome (and welcome back) to the group! You both did great in training and you'll be great additions to the Fleet.

"Going outside is highly overrated." - Ernest Cline, Ready Player One

Welcome to the fleet, Kryn and Ar'Gorvalei! You both did great in training!

Thanks, @Alieth! Glad you enjoyed the sim. Note: The Gralaa wolf's name in the Andorian kid's cartoon that he remembers from his childhood is named Clev R'gathu Wolf. Clev R. Wolf, for short. Thought you'd want to know.

September is a month where the world remembers those lost to violence: the beginning of World War II in 1939, and the tragic events of September 11th in 2001. In reality, conflict makes up a large part of modern society. Many love to escape into science fiction to forget such realities. But part of what makes Star Trek so visceral is its portrayal of dangerous conflict. Star Trek has not been shy about developing storylines that examine conflict — between individuals, peoples, planets, and empires — and the fallout of such conflict. The Maquis, freedom fighters introduced near the end of the TNG series, played a larger role in DS9 and VOY. Made up of former Starfleet officers and Federation civilians rising against the oppression of the dismissive Cardassians and rule-oriented Federation made many viewers take a hard look at real-life events happening around them. Perhaps it made some uncomfortable because in the right circumstances, they could almost agree with the Maquis and their methods. In the Enterprise series, a Xindi probe carried a devastating attack on Earth out. This precipitated a season-long story arc where Archer and crew had to respond to the attack. In the end, they found the Xindi to be responding (sort of) defensively. As someone misinformed them that the Federation would destroy their planet. Khan Noonien Singh is many times highlighted as one of the top baddies of all of Star Trek. In Star Trek Into Darkness, he causes mayhem and destruction in London and Starfleet Headquarters. However, was he just protecting his brethren from the hands of the manipulative Admiral Marcus? Was he justified in his actions? There are dozens more examples of conflict, some large and others small, that have pierced the hearts of the fans, and we want to know which ones jabbed at your soul the most? One of the above? Was it the duo-chromatic aliens in "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" (TOS)? Perhaps it was the attack on Yorktown Station in Star Trek Beyond? Or shadows of the Dominion War in DS9?

Welcome, Sival! You did great in training. You'll be a great asset to your new ship!