2016 Awards Ceremony – Duty Post awards

[Jordan aka FltAdmlWolf]

We have 10 simming superstars in the Duty Post category to get us started in style. Each award focuses on a different department, from the major ones such as medical, operations or engineering to the more unique, like diplomacy, intel or marines. Even civilians have a chance to be recognised for the valuable contributions that can be made to our stories by those who prefer the path less worn. 

Each of these awards recognises a player for excellence in simming their duty post. Since only one award per duty post is given each year, only the very best are chosen and they are highly coveted awards. You’ll see from our spread of winners – who range in rank from Ensign to Captain – that every player has a chance to be considered for one of these by consistently simming to the best of their ability and striving to improve their craft. 

The nominations in these categories are reviewed by a panel of five staff members: two commanders and three members ranked captain or above.
 

Prantares Ribbon - Medical

Awarded to those medical officers who has moved beyond competence to display a true gift for the healing arts in the context of space medicine. The officers given this award should display the ability to keep a steady hand in the often hazardous conditions in which they must practice, as well as the willingness to risk their own life to save the lives of others.

Jaxton Vee, USS Gorkon

Presented by Quinn Reynolds: "Luke has continually delighted the crew of the USS Gorkon with his medical officer, Jaxton Vee. Not only does he craft entertaining and thoughtful sims, engaging with the writers behind injured characters to help them achieve their story goals, but he goes out of his way to research real medical conditions, drugs and techniques to add realism from his sims, creating convincing sci-fiction maladies and cures. He has a real knack for making medically-oriented sims fun and interesting for everyone to read. 

"For these reasons, I'm delighted and very proud to present him with the Prantares Ribbon, for simming a truly remarkable medical officer in our fleet. Well done!"

 

The Natasha Yar Pin - Security

Named after the Chief of Security of the USS Enterprise-D, killed in the line of duty, this award is given to those Security officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in protecting and preserving the lives of their crewmates, even at risk to their own.

Kurt Logan, USS Darwin

Presented by Renos: "Drawing on a marine background, Kurt Logan is a diligent officer with an unorthodox approach to his duties and has overcome foes with such creative solutions as flour bombs and kitchen knives. Though he sometimes doubts his own suitability in the rank and file of Starfleet, his actions and intent speak volumes about his passion for duty and desire to protect his crew from harm. He has a depth, complexity and a big heart of gold. His writer Paul, has fleshed out the department to great effect with NPCs, which he uses to support the plot and show the wider role of security on the ship from the administrative side, to the officer sent to guard sickbay while the Captain is recuperating within. Paul has gone from strength to strength and I am incredibly proud and excited to present him with the Natasha Yar Pin! Well done!" 

 

The Voyager Medallion - Operations

Named after the USS Voyager, this award is presented to those Operations officers who have shown great skill in keeping a starship in working order despite near-impossible circumstances. The officers receiving this award have advanced the field of Operations, making sure duty rosters, provisions, gear, and even recreation time are available... no matter what.

Brell, USS Darwin

Presented by Renos: "Brell is that ray of sunshine fighting through the thick clouds on a miserable day. Whatever the universe throws at the Darwin, he’s there making sure that nothing falls through the cracks. He is an experienced, hands on officer that can often be found in engineering - the heart of the ship when he is not on the bridge. Unafraid to get his hands dirty, Brell always knows where he’s needed most and acts as a bridge between departments. He can draw upon engineering and tactical knowhow to offer innovative solutions to complex problems before bringing the right might of skilled officers together to execute them.

"The experience of his writer shines through in an approach that is centered upon supporting other departments and offering as many opportunities to his fellow players as possible. His sims contain just enough treknobabble and references to canon to add legitimacy and realism to scenes. Coupled with his ability to show the character’s emotional side he crafts interesting and compelling sims that suck you into the plot and makes you invested in what’s happening and that’s why I am truly delighted to present Lee, who plays Brell with the Voyager Medallion! Congratulations!"

 

The Phoenix Award - Engineering

Named for the vessel that legendary engineer Zefram Cochrane piloted during his historic first warp flight, this award goes to those Engineering officers who continue this tradition of excellence in the field of engineering. By performing their tasks with enthusiasm, imagination and diligence, by managing to make their equipment perform above and beyond its rated capacities, the officers meriting this award further the mission of their ship by their superior know-how. In short, miracle workers.

Varaan, USS Darwin

Presented by Renos: "Varaan is everything you would expect from a Vulcan - stoic, professional, organised, intelligent and logical. All these qualities and more make him an astonishingly good engineer. His writer Dan expertly gives us glimpses into some of the hidden emotion that lies behind the facade. He brings the engineering duty post to life in a way that is truly remarkable and has kept the sturdy Horizon class ship from falling apart in the face of attack from superior forces on numerous occasions. Not one to be easily defeated by difficult problems he has worked diligently with other departments where necessary to keep the ship in peak condition,investigate underlying faults and ensure a Borg device being studied by the science department does not overtax the Darwin's systems and remains safely quarantined. For his excellence and dedication to the duty post I am delighted to present Dan, aka Varaan, with the Phoenix Award. Congratulations!"

 

The Cochrane Award - Science

Given to those science officers who have contributed greatly to the advance of science in the midst of their Starfleet career, by staying knowledgeable about their field, participating in the community of science, but most importantly, by placing their knowledge at the service of their ship and its mission.

Merrick R'Ven, USS Darwin

Presented by Renos: "As a specialist scientist, Merrick R’Ven is dependable, reliable and authentic. He is highly intelligent and skilled in the field of cybernetics. Though he appears super cool and confident on the outside, his near-assimilation left him changed physically and with niggling worries about fitting in with the rest of the crew. His writer, Preston has an incredibly unique, engaging character and immense creativity and skill. His sims  are infused with lots of relevant scientific jargon and Star Trek lore in a way that is easily accessible, entertaining to read and unrivaled in their immersiveness. By artfully blending science and drama he makes writing for a science officer look fun and effortless. He is truly deserving of the Cochrane Award and I hope he will display it on his wiki with pride! Congratulations Preston!"

 

The Pilot's Sextant - Helm

An award named after an old Earth navigational tool, the Pilot's Sextant is given to those Helm officers who have proven themselves to be the best of the best. From finding a safe route home to flying an emergency atmospheric landing, pilots who have earned the right to this award know the importance of staying focused, and puts their ability to make spectacular maneuvers at the service of their ship and its mission.

Antero Flynn, Starbase 118 Ops

Presented by Sal Taybrim: "Antero Flynn makes flying fun. He also makes the game fun for his fellow players. This is the greatest praise I can offer for a player because the entire point of a game is to have fun. From his exuberant Risian character, to his writing ability that brings the act of flying leap from the page and into the imaginations of his fellow crew, Antero Flynn has it all. Serving StarBase 118 Ops in the role of CAG officer, Antero has stepped into this role and taken ownership of it. He can bring the details of riding in a clunky civilian shuttle to life as easily as he can slip behind the helm of a starship and take the crew on a thrilling ride. And that's not counting when Flynn's party life B-plots aren't taking flight! 

"Most memorably in the past year Flynn took an impounded civilian transport and repaired it enough to bear an undercover away team to an independent planet. Under the persona of 'Dale Tucker, Space Trucker' he brought the shuttle Maximum Thrusters (aka 'Sweet Maxinne') to life, and it has become one of the crew's favorite memories!"

 

The Order of the Valiant Heart - Counseling

This award is given to those ship's Counselor who have shown great skill in protecting the mental health of their crewmates, clearly demonstrating superior ability to care, assist, and comfort those in need. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty in assisting their crewmates with their problems, and in preventing future problems from occurring.

Paul Scudder, USS Darwin

Presented by Renos: "Though Mark, who sims for Paul Scudder has only been with the fleet a short time, he has already shown a great aptitude for counseling. When Nicu Icavoc sustained horrific burns it was he who helped the Commander reach sickbay. His soothing manner helped the injured man remain calm and focused enough to get to sickbay. When the fearful patient later learned that he would have to have his hand amputated he refused treatment despite the fact his life was on the line. With great tact Paul was able to focus the patient away from the emotions holding him back and bring him to a place where logic could take over. As a result of the counselor's carefully considered approach, the patient changed his mind and allowed the life saving treatment to go-ahead. Paul Scudder is an incredibly talented and dedicated counselor who is clever, cool and can be relied upon to support his patients at every stage in their lives. His exceptional writer Mark is this year’s deserving recipient of The Order of the Valiant Heart! Congratulations!" 

 

The Semper Fidelis Award - Marines

For those StarFleet Marines who have shown great skill in protecting their crew, accomplishing their mission, avoiding tragic loss of life in the line of duty, and upholding the values of the UFoP in times of crisis.

Tatash, Starbase 118 Ops

Presented by Sal Taybrim: "Tatash has gone above and beyond in creating a believable, interesting marine. He embodies the spirit of marines to the core, showing loyalty and dedication in character to those inside the marines and outside of its command structure. When Tatash stepped into the role of Marine commander, he started making changes in the department that more accurately reflected a realistic marine set up, taking from real world inspiration and mingling them with future forward Star Trek ideals. This hard work is seen in both the wiki and the detail of the marine department on SB118 Ops. 

"Beyond this, Tatash is an incredibly complex character. He shows himself to be compassionate, gentle with children, and Dan unafraid to show Tatash's weaknesses and emotions as well as his strengths. He reflects Tatash' stern sense of duty while simultaneously revealing his deep protectiveness of those who serve under him. Instead of a gun-slinging meathead, Tatash is an incredibly well developed character who agonizes about the decision to bring in lethal force and deeply feels the loss of his fellow crew. As a writer Tatash has a mastery of description. His posts are poetic and evocative. He writes about battles with a visceral darkness, highlighted by a true emotional conflict. Make no mistake: war is never good. It's not a trigger happy video game. It's a gritty reality that people get hurt in; that causes long term emotional scars and yet is sometimes necessary to preserve the freedom and way of the Federation. Tatash encompasses all of this and does a masterful job guiding the marine department on Ops and creating an integral part of our stories."

 

The Black Cross - Intelligence

This award is given to a member of the Intelligence community that strives to accomplish the goals of Starfleet Intelligence, while simultaneously upholding the ideals and structure of Starfleet command. This person has the cunning to gather intelligence by means of deceptive dialogue or espionage, as opposed to force drawn confessions. While matters of intelligence are often game changers, this person strives to attain those goals within the boundaries of their Commanding Officer, and the regulations of Starfleet.

Trellis Vondaryan, Starbase 118 Ops

Presented by Sal Taybrim: "Trellis Vondaryan started his career on Ops with big shoes to fill. Stepping into the position of intel officer on a base with an entire dedicated tower to Intel can be a daunting job, but Trellis not only accepted the challenge, he made the role his own and continued to shine in it. Collin is great at writing evocative posts that have deep emotional heart, while his character, Trellis Vondaryan, is a wonderful character to work with. Vondaryan does not play a lone wolf, but an optimistic researcher who always reaches out to others in an appropriate manner; while still managing to keep the mystique of being an intel operative. Of special note is the amount of effort Vondaryan puts on research and preparation of intel plots - both in and out of character. This makes his character and his characters actions feel realistic rather than sensationalized. 

"Working with all teams, and pressing on through injury and adversity, Vondaryan is embodies the role of both intel and Starfleet officer. He's an absolutely wonderful part of the StarBase 118 Ops crew, and one of the best intel officers I have seen played in many years." 

 

The Lwaxana Troi Medallion - Non-traditional roles

This award is given to a member who takes a unique role outside of the normal StarFleet positions and creates a colorful and engaging character.

Tyr Waltas – Strategic Operations, Embassy of Duronis II

Presented by Toni Turner "Since Captain Tyr Waltas came to the Embassy, he has played a variety of positions - from XO of the Marines to Strategic Operations. He has made the transition from CO of his own ship to a productive member of our crew. He has been able to do it with a flair that is uniquely his emotionally. He is the catalyst between the Marines and the other members of the crew - the tie that binds. But beyond that he is a peacemaker when the plot calls for one, a mentor, and as he said when he joined the Embassy, "I have a lot more stories left to be told." And he tells them oh so well as he takes on a unique and non-traditional role outside of the norm, while creating a colorful and engaging character. And because of that, I am happy to present him with the Lwaxana Troi Medallion." 

 

The Strange Medallion - First Officer

Named after Commander Sally Strange, widely known as one of the most creative and dedicated First Officers in the fleet's early years, this award is given to those who perform above the call of duty in the position of First Officer.

Maxwell Traenor, USS Darwin

Presented by Renos "Maxwell Traenor is an absolutely magnificent First Officer with a warm, upbeat personality that everyone cherishes. Jay’s sims are always highly entertaining and flawless and because if it he is frequently entrusted with the most important and difficult NPC roles. He is quite simply one of the finest staff members I’ve ever had the joy and privilege to work with. He is an outstanding and attentive mentor able to bring out the best in mentees. Aside from the many things he does to enrich the Darwin, including mission planning, world building, designing graphics, and so much more, he is also the facilitator of the Top Sims competition and has received great praise for his work in the Academy. He instills confidence in his crew as a leader, but remains approachable. He is incredibly reliable, honest, unafraid of taking the initiative and one of the fleet's very best up-and-coming officers! It is with great pride and delight I present his with the Strange Medallion. Congratulations Jay and thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the ship and the wider fleet." 

Please join us in congratulating all the winners on their hard work this year. 

And many thanks to everyone who submitted the nominations that led to these presentations!

[Renos]

Congratulations to all of the winners. I'd like to share a bit more about a couple of our simmers

I am especially proud of Kurt Logan for winning the Natasha Yar Pin. He was our Genesis Award winner during the last ceremony and has worked especially hard in the year he's been with the Darwin to develop his writing and simming skills and I think this award really shows how far he has come. From having the Captain's recovery room on Deep Space 6 bugged without nir knowledge to using flour bombs to create a diversion to allow his team to slip away from a position where they were pinned down he always has a creative solution for every problem. He's a real gem and I'm certain he'll continue to flourish!

Brell is a veteran player who has been with the fleet many years, he's the sort of player who is a true all rounder and this is reflected in the fact he is now receiving a second duty post award. Last year he received the Lwaxana Troi Medallion for his wonderful portrayal of Lyldra, who was his PC at the time and serving as our diplomatic officer. In every role he takes on his detailed oriented approach breathes life into all that he does. He can take seemingly mundane things like balancing power demands, keeping the ship fully stocked etc and make them look fun - they're certainly interesting to read. 

[Jordan aka FltAdmlWolf]

For my part, I want to thank each and every one of you for putting in your best this year to earn these awards! I'm always so impressed by the quality and commitment of our members, and for the recipients of these awards it's a testament to the dedication to portraying these characters as Starfleet officers and people that helps put the winners over the top.

And again, thanks to everyone who put in nominations! I loved reading the sincere and eloquent thoughts that went into them.

One awardee I want to give a special shout-out to is Maxwell Traenor, who won the Strange Medallion, which is sort of the "original" duty post award. When it was introduced for the 1999 ceremony, we didn't have duty post awards (they came much later), but this award has always played a special part in recognizing the players who are on the path to command. Check out the list of past winners and you'll see that four of our current active commanding officers are past recipients! (Also note that Varaan – who won this year's Phoenix Award – won the Strange Medallion in 2003! He went on to command the Paladin.) So huge props to Traenor for everything he's done to put him a position to win this year. 

[+ Salkath]

Congratulations to all these winners! I'm blessed to write with many of these players on a regular basis, and I've seen the hard work and dedication that they bring to their craft. From Logan, who adds a whole new level of complexity and interest in a post that can often be little more than "speak softly and carry a big phaser", to Varaan, who manages to take one of the most guarded of species in one of the most technical of roles and make both engaging and personal. I work with Vee and Vondaryan as Top Sims judges, and if they bring even half of the dedication to their ships that they do to the contest, then their wins are well-deserved indeed! Scudder continually surprises me with the strength and believability he brings to counseling even as an Ensign, and Brell is just an all-around simming powerhouse. Mr R'Ven makes me jealous with his believable, strong science post writing, and that's coming from a past Cochrane Award recipient!  I got the pleasure to write with Waltas this spring on a crossover event, and know that he has earned his rank and this award fully, and I admit to lurking Ops on the forums, especially in Top Sims, in no small part due to Tatash and Flynn's excellent writing.

My heartfelt pride and congratulations to each and every one of you winners, and thank you for doing our fleet so proud!

Edited June 25, 2016 by Maxwell Traenor

[Sal Taybrim]

So many congratulations to all of you guys!

I'm so excited to have so many amazing writers on Ops, and I'm so proud of Trellis Vondaryan, Tatash and Antero Fynn for being recognized today!

I have to say, both Intel and Marines are two roles that I could easily seen being a huge disruption in a ship, and yet both Vondaryan and Tatash have made such wonderfully realistic roles and departments in two of the hardest duty posts to write for.  Trellis - I can easily say you are the BEST intel officer I have played with (and considering that covers 19 years and 17 sims worth of experience I do not say that lightly).  Tatash - you have created an incredible and integral marine role on Ops and because of you we plan in shades of green as well as red, blue and gold. 

And Flynn, you are one of the most upbeat, personable and fun writers I have had the joy to sim with.  Dale Tucker Space Trucker had me in tears laughing so hard and you set the tone for that entire mission - and you've been hitting sims out of the proverbial park ever since!  I'm so thrilled that Ops - *a stationary starbase* has hands down the two best helm officers in the fleet.  Thank you for all the wonderful writing and I cannot wait to see what happens when we put Flynn behind the helm of the Albion!

Also a big shout out to Jaxton Vee - I was so impressed by your willingness to reach out for an intership JP as a junior officer!  Your work in the forums and your writing make the medical role come alive!

And another big shout out to Counselor Scudder!  Ever since we had the pleasure of working together on the news team I have watched your progress and have been reading your sims.  You are a wonderful writer and many congratulations on winning this award!

Wonderful work and many congrats to all the winners!  Way to go, guys!

[Ayiana Sevo]

Congratulations to you all! I have only ever simmed with Vee from this list, but I can safely assume everyone truly deserves their awards! Vee greatly impressed me, along with the rest of the Gorkon apparently, by his advanced and eloquent simming right from the start. His medical posts showed he clearly had knowledge, or at least did ample research, into the field of medicine. Besides his technical knowledge, his stories in general are excellent. There have been a few times I have found myself practically at the edge of my seat reading a sim or JP.

[Alora DeVeau]

Congratulations!!!

[+ Talia Ohnari]

Congratulations to all!! So very well deserved for each and every one of you

[Zephyr]

Congrats to the winners!

[+ Trellis Vondaryan]

Thanks and congratulations to all the other winners!

[Graeme Cook]

Well done everyone who won those snappy awards, well deserved!! Check all those winners! Come on the Darwin crew!! 😜😀

[Paul Sharpe]

Congrats to all

[Toni]

Congratulations to you all.

[Jesse DeVere]

I think I might hyperventilate.

 

Thank you all so much! Massive well done to all the others on this list as well, all well deserved!

Edited June 28, 2016 by Tatash

[T'Mar/Mel]

Congratulations everyone!!

I know from experience that the FO role is quite involved and Maxwell Traenor has excelled in this role. I couldn't be more happy for him!!

After playing a Security Officer for many moons, I have to say that it can be difficult to find something for your character to do (same with Operations and Intel!). Well done Kurt Logan, Brell, and Trellis Vondaryan respectively. Although I haven't served with you, I know you would not have been awarded if it was not well-deserved!

Although I have an Engineering PNPC, I really don't know how anyone can play a full-time engineer, science, or medical officer as the technical knowledge is beyond me. Many hip-hoorays to Varaan, Merrick R'Ven, and Jaxton Vee! The same can be said of Tyr Waltas, Tatash, Paul Scudder, and Antero Flynn!

 

I truly mean it when I say job well done!

[Kurt Logan]

Congratulations to all those that won the awards, but also to all those that were nominated its combined standards that push everyone to be better how and what they write.

Other than the Darwin crew :-) I've only simmed with Captain Waltas briefly but to be placed in such high company is an honour indeed thank you

Woo Hoo to the Darwin :-)

[Christopher Lambert]

Congratulations to everyone and specially for my comrades from Darwin.