award ceremony 2023 Day Four: Duty Post Awards

[Tomas Falt]

Welcome to the final presentation day of the awards ceremony!

 

Throughout this week, we have been revealing the deserving winners of the Staff, General, Length of Service, and Special awards. Today, we are thrilled to present the highly anticipated Duty Post awards.

Each award highlights a specific department, ranging from the essential ones like medical, operations, and engineering to the more unique roles such as diplomacy, intel, and marines. We also want to acknowledge that even civilians have an opportunity to be recognized for their valuable contributions. Their unconventional paths bring fresh perspectives to our stories and enrich our community.

Every award presented here acknowledges a player's exceptional performance in embodying their duty post. Given that only one award is given per duty post each year, these accolades hold significant value and are highly sought after. Our diverse array of winners, spanning from Ensign to Admiral, demonstrates that every player has an opportunity to be recognized. By consistently simming to the best of their ability and continuously striving to enhance their skills, every player has a chance to be considered for one of these prestigious awards.

 

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Prantares Award - Medical

Awarded to Medical officers who have moved beyond standard competence to display a true gift for the healing arts in the context of space medicine. Officers awarded 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. When they are not actively caring for patients, many doctors spend their time on duty undertaking medical research or familiarising themselves with the findings of previous medical studies. Like their colleagues in the Science department, they have utilised their specific abilities in cross-department collaboration.

 

Bryce Tagren-Quinn, USS Gorkon

Presented by Quinn Reynolds

 

Kara is the talented writer behind Bryce Tagren-Quinn, a layered and thoughtful character who writes a medical officer with such skill and elegance you might think it’s her day job (it’s not!). He’s a character whose battles with personal trauma and guilt translate into a person who is determined to show compassion and generosity to all those under his care. It’s beautifully done, and Bryce’s gentle kindness, empathy, and insight show through in all his interactions.  

Bryce’s bedside manner is that of the consummate physician; his patients feel heard, their feelings and opinions respected—whether it’s a routine medical, or in situations where their trauma or pain shatters a calm demeanour. She does a fantastic job of blending real-world medical facts with Star Trek’s futuristic medicine, delivering it in a grounded, engaging and wonderfully written way. Not only that, but she shows the strength of collaborative skills when she’s able to include non-medical characters in a way that’s not only believable, but fun for them to write. 

And so, it’s my very great pleasure to present Kara with this year’s Prantares Ribbon. Congratulations!
 

 

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Natasha Yar Pin - Security

warded to Security personnel who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to safeguard and preserve their crewmates' lives, even at the danger of their own. As an investigator, police officer, and soldier, the Security officer must be intimately familiar with all of Starfleet's armaments as well as many other styles of hand-to-hand combat. To ensure adequate duty fulfilment, the Security officer must also be well-versed in Diplomacy and Legislation. Named after the USS Enterprise-Chief D's of Security, who was killed in the line of duty.

 

Haukea-Willow, StarBase 118 Ops

Presented by Sal Taybrim

 

Aly, the writer behind Haukea-Willow, faced some challenges in the past year which led to her creating a brand new character - Haukea-Willow in a brand new department - Security.  Change can be difficult and scary at the time, but in the case of Haukea-Willow, Aly has found the place where she can absolutely shine.  Her portrayal of a security officer with a sweet demeanor and a heart of gold seems like an unusual choice at first - because a security officer is a position where 'sweet' doesn't usually factor into the equation. 

Yet, it works, and it works well. It works well because when in a position like this, it can be easy to always see the bad side of people, but Haukea-Willow breathes a breath of fresh air into the role. She would much rather discuss matters than resort to violence, yet that doesn't mean she's a push over.  When the going gets tough, she gets tough with it. There's a time for talk and there's a time for action, and Willow can engage in both when the situation calls for it. 

This makes her a versatile and effective security officer who has been able to quickly create fresh bonds with her fellow crew and new relationships with her fellow security officers.  Coupled with the admirable amount of detail that Aly put into her sims, her character’s personality, family and background, I could not be more proud to see how well she has grown into this new role and developed Hauka-Willow as a lovable character on Ops.  It is my pleasure to recognize all of her hard work with the Natasha Yar Pin!
 

 

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Voyager Medallion - Operations

Awarded to 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, have acted as the liaison between the Command, Science, and Engineering departments, and are technically proficient in operations maintenance, making sure duty rosters, provisions, gear, and even recreation time are available... no matter what.

 

101 & 000, USS Astraeus

Presented by Mei’konda Delano

 

101 & 000, played by Mason, is the first pair of Bynars that I’ve had the pleasure of simming with in any of my postings during my last ten years with SB118. Since they joined my crew nearly a year ago, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the characters of 101 & 000 grow in their confidence and ability while Mason has matured as a writer.

It would be easy for Mason to discount the true uniqueness of Bynars as portrayed in the TNG 1st season episode ‘11001001’, but nothing could be further from the truth. Not simply an identical pair, a traumatic event ‘desynchronized’ the two of them slightly, and they wound up with two very noticeably different personalities, which sets the two apart from many other members of the rest of their race.

Operations can be a complex role to play, due to its nature of being every other department’s backup as well as having its own separate duties. Mason dives head first into this role and utilizes the talents of his characters and the unique way that they function as two halves of a whole. Mason writes his characters as coming at any challenges that they face from a completely different perspective than any other writer I’ve seen, and it’s an absolute delight to award him the Voyager Medallion for Operations!
 

 

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Sisko Tactical Cross - Tactical

Awarded to Tactical officers who have shown cunning and bravery in battle, including supporting their colleagues in Security, liaising with other departments, and showing the ability to think strategically in a tense situation. Master tacticians, and experts in targeting and shield power distribution, these officers have done the impossible to save their ship and the lives of its crew.

 

Alex Forsyth, Denali Station

Presented by Oddas Aria

 

Lieutenant Forsyth, Robbie, plays a different type of Tactical Officer aboard Denali station. Far from the gruff, shoot first ask questions later, or brilliant tactician one might expect, Forsyth is nervous, worried about doing her job correctly, and always on the lookout for the consequences.  This is not to say she is not competent, but her writer plays her in that perfect space of a young officer who is making her way in the world and hoping to live up to the expectations of those around her - keeping her family, friends, and crew safe in the process.

As mentioned by a nomination, Alex, despite her self-proclaimed worry, was able to set aside her misgivings and realistically sim search and rescue operations and more, often by avoiding extraneous violence and undue consequences.

Alex is a great officer, deserving of this Award and is doing a great job, it is my pleasure to recognize them in front of the entire Fleet!
 

 

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Phoenix Award - Engineering

Awarded to Engineering officers who continue this tradition of excellence in the field of engineering. Named for the vessel that legendary engineer Zefram Cochrane piloted during his historic first warp flight. 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.

 

Wyatt Ral, USS Astraeus

Presented by Mei’konda Delano

 

Jason, the player of Wyatt Ral, has been a gift to the Astraeus and before her, the Chin’toka, ever since his assignment to our crew as an Ensign. Demonstrating a real knowledge of Treknobabble and the skills to use them in solving Engineering problems, we can always count on him to drive the plot of our missions forward from the perspective of his department.

More than that, though, Jason paints a wonderfully three dimensional picture of his character when he’s writing. Wyatt has been through some difficult times since graduating Starfleet Academy, including the near loss of a ship, and displays the occasional exhaustion and emotional trauma that can come with the job. I’d also like to include this excerpt from one of the nominations for this award that Jason received: 

“As an example, during the ship's recent warp testing, there were a number of things to consider, such as preliminary concerns, minor repairs to be made just prior to the test and systems to monitor during the test. 

All through this effort, he worked diligently with various members of the crew, including his fellow engineers, to help bring it all to pass. And the excitement he showed throughout it all, not to mention his humility, were quite refreshing to read. He made it clear that he felt he had so much to learn from his shipmates and was glad to have been part of a historic moment for the crew.”

For all of these reasons, I’m honored to present the Phoenix Award for Engineering to Wyatt Ral!
 

 

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Cochrane Award - Science

Awarded to 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. They have performed weird and wonderful feats of scientific innovation and ingenuity, enabling their commanding officer to make those informed decisions.

 

Freck, Denali Station

Presented by Oddas Aria

 

One of the nominators for Mister Freck, Dustin, wrote that Science was  “the hardest duty post I can imagine writing for” and that “he managed to find a marvelous way to write for the position that keeps me gripped and coming back for more. More than once, he has managed to find an innovative way to solve a dilemma.” As his commanding officer, I agree on both counts.  Dustin manages to write in a way that is fun to read, leaves me wanting more as he embraces the spirit of coming up with innovative, scientific, ways of pushing the plot forward on the fly.

I am honored to have Mister Freck aboard, I expect great things from him, and extremely pleased to present him with this award.  Great Job!
 

 

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Pilot's Sextant - Helm

Awarded to Helm officers who have proven themselves to be the best of the best, dedicating themselves to improving their specialisation. From finding a safe route home to flying an emergency atmospheric landing, pilots who have earned this award know the importance of staying focused on their task at hand and placing their ability to make spectacular maneuvers at the service of their ship and its mission.

 

Lansa Cheveyo-Arma, USS Astraeus

Presented by Mei’konda Delano

 

Gina, the writer for Lansa Cheveyo-Arma, has experiences in nearly all departments of the fleet, and it shows in her writing for her latest character, a dual-role Conn Officer and Mission Specialist. I’d like to include this excerpt from one of her nominations for this award:

“Writing for the Helm is perhaps one of the more challenging duty posts in the fleet. While others, such as Science and Engineering can pose challenges, the Helm is very much an all or nothing position. What do you do when there's nothing to do? But Lt Commander Cheveyo-Arma has managed to find a nice balance for the position. And when it comes time for the flying, well she does that well also. 

For example, in our two most recent missions, she was faced with some serious challenges to her flying skills. First, in trying to keep the ship in place while it was performing a minor miracle and falling apart around her. And second, keeping the ship on course and running while conducting high warp speed tests, during which she had to find a place for the ship to layover while repairs were conducted. Lansa is a skilled writer for this position and is a great candidate for this award.”

Gina is an incredible writer, with each and every sim filled with delightful narrative, both in the physical description of what her characters are doing that her peers can react to, and the internal monologues of her thoughts. She challenges us all to expand our writing abilities and to maintain a high standard when we post, and for all of these reasons, I’m delighted to award her the Pilot’s Sextant for Excellence in the Helm department!

 

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Order of the Valiant Heart - Counselling

Awarded to Counselors who have demonstrated exceptional expertise in preserving their crewmates' mental health, clearly exhibiting the excellent capacity to care for, support, and soothe those in need. They have gone above and beyond the line of duty in supporting their crewmates with their problems, and preventing future issues for the good of the officer, and the good of the ship.

 

Kahla Hixma, USS Astraeus

Presented by Mei’konda Delano

 

Though Kahla Hixma has just rejoined the Astraeus crew as a Counselor, she was with us once before as a security officer, and Anders, her writer, has stepped back in to meet the challenges of writing in Starbase 118 as if they never left. Playing a Counselor is a very different role, and they have begun to show their proficiency and enthusiasm for the position after only a few weeks. 

New to Starfleet in-character, Kahla demonstrates exceptional empathy for her patients while Anders simultaneously sims her appropriately given the character's relative inexperience and concern that she could potentially do as much harm as good. 

This multi-faceted approach to writing an inexperienced Counselor adds significantly to her character, and places her at the beginning of a wonderful arc which I can't wait to see her progress through, and I’m very happy that she has been awarded the Order of the Valiant Heart!

 

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Semper Fidelis Award - Marines

Awarded to Starfleet Marines who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in defending their crew, completing their mission, averting terrible loss of life in the line of duty, and maintaining the United Federation of Planets' principles in times of crisis. Their knowledge of Starfleet equipment and armaments is second to none and their dedication to the mission is only surpassed by their leadership abilities, courage, and dependability.

 

Isaac Green, StarBase 118 Ops

Presented by Sal Taybrim

 

Tory, the player behind Isaac Green, has been a longtime fan of playing maries on StarBase 118.  Although not a marine IRL, Tory has an insight to the position that most non military don't - though perhaps his real job as an officer of the law might have something to do with that! Whatever the reason, he presents a real person, not just a killing machine, someone who thinks critically about the situation, but knows when it's time to hold back and when it's time to let go and let the gun do the talking. Dedicated to serving and protecting, Green is written with sensitivity and finesse and shows a fine side to the marines.

In fact, his shipmates consistently note that his writing embodies the best ideals of the Marines, and that Green is presented as a three dimensional character, doing an excellent job writing a 'living/breathing' Marine.  Not only can Green write fantastic action scenes - he can easily bring his shipmates into the action and really makes his character shine while performing military ops.  Reading his action scenes is a lot of fun - you can visually imagine his movements, the pounding of the boots on pavement, the aiming down the sites and firing.  I was taken when one of the crew compared his marine writing to military docudramas they had seen on TV and I agree - Tory does a fantastic job focusing on realistic action with military tactics and strategy to build up believable action sequences that utilize his entire team.

And that’s what I think makes Tory such a special writer as a marine - he doesn’t approach the role as an opportunity to rush in, guns blazing.  He carefully considers a situation and narrates the dangers of the situation in a realistic way and then approaches the problem with a very tactical mindset using the members of his team to gain an advantage over dangerous adversaries and difficult situations.  This makes him a joy to play with and an excellent team leader and all of this makes him a wonderful example of how to play a marine.  I am thrilled to be able to present him with the Semper Fidelis Award!

 

 

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Black Cross - Intelligence

Awarded to Intelligence officers who strive to accomplish the goals of Starfleet Intelligence while simultaneously upholding the ideals and structure of Starfleet Command. They display the ability to obtain intelligence through deceptive dialogue or espionage rather than forced admissions. While intelligence is frequently a game changer, this individual attempts to achieve those aims within the constraints of their commanding Officer and Starfleet laws. They are experts in research and diplomacy, as well as reconnaissance and communication.

 

Avander Promontory, USS Oumuamua

Presented by Ossa V’Airu

 

It is with great honor and admiration that I recognize Brent with this year’s Black Cross for his exceptional skill and dedication in simming Lieutenant Avandar Promontory, ‘Oumuamua’s intelligence officer. In a duty post where simming intelligence can often be portrayed poorly or rely on clichéd tropes, Brent, as Promontory, has demonstrated a refreshing and realistic approach to the role. Rather than relying on preexisting information or flashy gadgets, Brent has skillfully integrated Promontory into the crew, showcasing him as an investigator and researcher rather than a traditional "spook." His ability to convey the process of conducting research, whether through procedural techniques or delving into computer archives, brings a level of authenticity and intrigue to his character's intelligence work. Brent's commitment to portraying the mundane and realistic aspects of intelligence, while still making them engaging and captivating, sets him apart. 

Brent’s analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, and through him Promontory’s, enable him to excel in both the strategic analysis of larger-scale situations and the intricate problem-solving required on smaller missions or away teams. The expertise Brent is able to sim regardless of situation, be it in research, diplomacy, reconnaissance, and/or communication, exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional Intelligence officer. It is a privilege to recognize his remarkable contributions with the prestigious Black Cross award. Congratulations, Brent, on this well-deserved recognition of your exceptional skills and commitment!
 

 

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Lwaxana Troi Medallion

Awarded to members who take on a unique and non-traditional role outside of the normal Starfleet positions, while creating a colorful and engaging character such as, but not limited to: Diplomat, Civilian or Mission Specialist. They have integrated into the crew and made their chosen specialist position an invaluable resource for their ship.

Rivi Vataix, Amity Outpost

Presented by Wil Ukinix

 

Quote

 

“Vataix: I'm Niarivi Vataix, daughter of the Eleventh House of Betazed. But you can call me Rivi.

She folded her hands together, offering a concession.

Vataix: Or 'Madam Ambassador,' if you prefer. I know some of the Starfleet officers are uncomfortable with the informality. At least initially."

 

As the Ambassador and Chief of Mission of Amity Outpost, Ambassador Niarivi Vataix has taken on a role of immense responsibility. Tasked with representing the Federation's interests in the Delta Quadrant, Rivi as a character is a great example of the fine art of something that's not normally seen in the Star Trek universe - in-depth exploration of diplomatic and ambassadorial roles. Her character exudes the nobility and poise of this award's namesake Lwaxana Troi, while providing an insight into Rivi as a person.

The activities that we see Rivi performing on Amity are wide and varied, such hosting numerous diplomatic functions, negotiating with other haughty nobles of Betazed's Houses and the dramas they bring, and of course navigating relationships with the Delta Quadrant's many different species - including the Hirogen!  All through her serious duties are a heartfelt, fun and warm person that is always concerned for the wellbeing of her crew. This depth of character, and the balance between her lighter, social side and the serious, dedicated diplomat, creates a character that is not just engaging but also deeply relatable.  We often see the personal side of Rivi, and her relationships with her husband Tidrid, her child Istrol and cousin Sky Blake's child Ayeden for whom she is guardian.  This aspect of her character adds a layer of depth, showing her ability to balance her high-ranking responsibilities with her personal life.  Her "Dear Cousin" letters to Sky Blake give us a "behind-the-Ambassador" insight into Rivi's as a person.

Her writer’s skill in crafting nuanced and meaningful dialogues is particularly noteworthy. An excellent example is Rivi's interaction with Amity's counsellor John Carter, where she expresses concern about the crew's trauma and the need for adequate support in their isolated environment. This conversation reveals Rivi's empathy, her leadership, and her deep sense of responsibility for those under her care. It demonstrates her writer’s ability to create a fun yet complex character that is more than just an Ambassador.

In creating Rivi Vataix, her writer has not only given us a memorable and well-loved character but also a vivid portrayal of the challenges and rewards of diplomacy in the Star Trek universe. Rivi embodies the tenacity, spirit, and empathy that make her an exemplary ambassador, consistently demonstrating dedication to both her crew and the Federation's principles.  Her writer breathes life into Rivi, on par with the likes of Lwaxana Troi - maybe even better!

It’s an honour to present the Lwaxana Troi Medallion to my captain and mentor to Rich, the writer for Rivi Vataix.  Congratulations, Rich!

 

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Prestigious Service Medallion

Awarded to members in the fleet who are steady and unwavering from their chosen Duty Post. This is a divisional award for each (Gold, Red, Blue) to celebrate a continuing player in the divisional role who has already won (and still qualifies in the eligibility criteria) a duty post award in a similar vein to how we enhance the Service Ribbons each time one is won.

 

 

For continuous dedication to Tactical...

Vitor Silveira, USS Artemis

Presented by Addison MacKenzie

Ten years is a long time. I haven’t been with this community too terribly long compared to some, but I imagine that it might be difficult for someone to write for the same duty post for over ten years. But if you look at Vitor Silveira’s service record, most of his writing with our fleet has been as a tactical officer with very little deviation, and it was nearly a decade ago when he won this award the first time.
 
One of the things I have come to appreciate most about Bruno in our time writing together is the historical perspective and the longevity that his characters have established. Because he’s been with us for so long, he has such a treasure trove of canon experiences for his characters to draw on that always seem to get inserted in a scene at just the right time. Beyond that, it is evident in his writing that Bruno has a keen eye for tactical scenes, and I have always been impressed by the way that he always manages to infuse a scene with just the right amount of flavor – just enough firepower without being over the top, which can be a very difficult line to tow!
 

 

 

For continuous dedication to Intelligence...

Talos Dakora, USS Artemis

Presented by Addison MacKenzie

Intelligence is a duty post that can be really tricky to write for - it’s a mixture of security, strategic operations, mission ops, and more, yet it’s also none of those. While the duty post itself can be quite attractive, finding someone who can write it well is rare, and there are many who have tried to varying degrees of success. I’m quite privileged to have inherited someone who knocks it out of the park.
 
Lieutenant Commander Dakora, Travis, returned to the game back when I was serving as XO on the Resolution-Excalibur. When he was brought on board, I must admit that I had a little apprehension because I’d never written with someone who’d filled the role, and as a command-level officer, I was a bit perplexed when thinking about how his role was going to fit in with the rest of the crew. Fortunately, Travis has proven time and again that I don’t have to worry about him or making his role fit. He is thoughtful in his contributions not only to the duty post, but to the crew as a whole, and I’ve really enjoyed watching him craft really creative stories that help demystify the post for others.

 

 

 

For continuous dedication to Science...

Noa T'Nessa Levinson, USS Astraeus

Presented by Mei’konda Delano

Adi, the player of Noa Levinson, has played a spectacular Science Officer, and later Chief Science Officer ever since I've known him. As a player, not only does he have a wonderful grasp on Star Trek science and 'technobabble', but also a good working understanding of real world science as well. Most importantly, he integrates these two things with aplomb, never failing to make himself understood in his writing or to drive the plot forward.

Perhaps even more essentially, Adi always pushes the plot forward at exactly the right pace while doing so, always leaving tags for his fellow players and directions for them to take the plot. As a character who is one-quarter Vulcan, Adi consistently expresses this in Noa’s body language, with the occasional arched eyebrow and dry humor expressed to remind you of her heritage. 

Adi is also always ready with a terrible pun or some in-character humor - such as Noa’s obvious obsession with hot chocolate - to make his fellow players laugh. 

 

 

For continuous dedication to the Non-Traditional...

Yogan Yalu, USS Artemis

Presented by Addison MacKenzie

When Yogan Yalu, Justin, joined the Resolution, he was posted as a helmsman. It was clear to all of us that the position seemed to be a natural fit for him, but as I have watched him grow through his tenure on the Resolution, then the Excalibur, and now the Artemis, it is clear to me that Justin is adept at taking on obscure duty posts and carving out non-traditional roles as though writing for them was second nature.
 
…and I suppose that by now, it is – he’s been serving as our Strategic Operations Officer for over a year now, and I am constantly impressed by how easy he makes writing for such an obscure duty post seem. And if that wasn’t enough, Justin has, by far, crafted some of the most colorful character with which I have ever had the opportunity to interact. I consider his skills and contributions to be an incredible asset to the Artemis, and I know his fellow shipmates feel similarly.

 

 

For continuous dedication to Engineering...

Hallia Yellir, USS Artemis

Presented by Addison MacKenzie

Hallia Yellir, Ryan, is someone who continually impresses me with their approach to the Engineering duty post. It’s really easy for command-level officers and team leaders to manufacture a problem in our game, but that’s because we get to toss the grenade for the other members of our crew and let them figure out how to fix it.
 
Ryan originally served as a science officer on the Resolution, and while the duty post was a good fit, it wasn’t until he moved to engineering where things really started to blossom. Whether he is writing in a department of one, or has an ensign or two underneath him, Ryan is always carefully constructing scientific techno-solutions to get us out of our messes. Whether it’s trying to figure out why literally the entire ship is broken, or trying to manufacture a device to help spread a vaccine to end a zombie apocalypse, Ryan always approaches the duty post with thoughtful ideas inspired by the best Trek engineers.

 

 

 

For continuous dedication to Marines...

Gogigobo Fairhug, Denali Station

Presented by Oddas Aria

When I first met Gogigobo Fairhug, James, I was his XO aboard the Embassy.  Since then, he has gone on to win multiple awards, including the Semper Fidelis Award for his work writing for the Marines.  When he contacted me recently to ask to join Denali Station as a Marine, I jumped at the chance, knowing his dedication to craft and assisting others would be an asset to the Station.

James has jumped in with both feet, and helped me define what Marines should be in the, proving “there was no question that he was perfect for the role, and that he understood the role in a way that felt almost effortless coming from him”. I am happy to present him with this Award, and look forward to assisting him win many others.
 

 

 

For continuous dedication to Security/Tactical Joint...

Toryn Raga, USS Astraeus

Presented by Mei’konda Delano

A long time writer in the Chief of Security/Tactical position and a previous recipient of the Shax Star, Lieutenant Commander Raga, played by Rameses, has been with the Chin'toka and then the Astraeus for years in that position. 

To Rameses, the position of Chief of Security/Tactical isn't about being an action hero and shooting guns. It's about playing a character, often a flawed one, who puts themselves in the line of fire in order to keep others safe. Not just his peers, not just his subordinates, but often non-Federation civilians who are limited in their capacity to defend themselves.

Toryn Raga is a member of a race (the Al-Leyans) who are not only not Federation members, but who would likely face great challenges in being allowed to join the Federation due to deeply ingrained prejudices that sort them into caste systems and restrict relationships. Rameses convincingly plays a character who manages to excel in his Security/Tactical position and continue to be versatile in other areas, despite his race’s discouragement from pursuing such things. 

For all of these reasons, I’m delighted to present Toryn Raga with an Emeritus Award for the Shax Star, for excellence in the Security/Tactical position!
 

 

 

For continuous dedication to Operations...

Prudence Blackwell, StarBase 118 Ops

Presented by Sal Taybrim

She is a fantastic friend to her fellow crewmates, a self proclaimed weirdo who likes bad holo-novellas, the cheesiest B-movies from every culture (but especially Earth), has eclectic taste in music and food, and once chased her brother halfway across the cosmos to save him from making a terrible decision.  She’s Prudence Blackwell, the longtime Operations officer for StarBase 118 Ops!  Blackwell is one of the characters who can sometimes fly under the radar because she’s good at her job and good at working with other people.  But she’s also quirky and fun and a steadfastly loyal friend to her crewmates.

Rue is consistently excellent at her role in operations - a communications and operations officer has to be flexible in her position. She needs to understand the workings of StarBase 118 and its support ships, which is no small feat, as well as make sure systems are functioning effectively.  This means she is constantly acting as a bridge between engineering and the command crew.  As a player Traci is really good at being flexible, bringing Rue’s skill with communications to the forefront in some missions, while relying on her ability to focus on systems and operations on others!  She’s also a solid backup pilot when we need one!  But perhaps the most impressive and appreciated skill that Traci has, is that she is able to make friends and collaborate with every single character and player on Ops.  She is an asset to every team that she is on and Rue is able to make a friend on every mission.

She's sweet, but intelligent, and she does her duty with a serene gentleness. At least, until someone she cares about gets hurt - and then she’ll brave the toughest obstacles to save a friend in need.  This is why Rue is one of the most beloved longterm characters on Ops.  There’s not a single mean bone in Rue or her player’s body and she is able to bring some sunshine and friendship to every team she’s on.  That is a rare quality in a player, and one that we cherish about Traci and adore about Prudence Blackwell.  I am so proud of her ongoing writing and pleased to present her with the Emeritus Voyager Medallion! 
 

 

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Please join us in congratulating these talented players!

[Jalana]

[Piweh]

Congrats everyone!

[Zephyr]

Wow! Congrats to all our amazing talent! Truly, well done everyone!

[Mei'konda]

Congratulations, everyone.

[Noa T'Nessa Levinson]

Congrats, everyone!!

[Wyatt Ral]

Well done everyone. Especially all my colleagues on the Astraeus. 🤩

[Nestira Aristren]

Well done, everyone!! 

@Vitor S. Silveira Thank you for being my go-to for any kind of tactical questions ❤️ 

@Haukea-Willow you have done such a fantastic job with your new character, its an absolute pleasure to read your scenes and interact with Willow 

@Prudence "Rue" Blackwell and @Anthony Meeks I am very much looking forward to writing with you again

@Talos Dakora and @Gogigobo Fairhug you two are just amazing and I will absolutely keep stalking Denali and Artemis to read your sims  an eye out for your contributions. Ahem. Yeah. 
 

 

[Robin Hopper]

Congratulations to all of you -- and very well earned!

[+ Cory Stoyer]

Congratulations 

[Haukea-Willow]

I was def not expecting an award at all, so I am surprised I won what I did (Natasha Yar Pin). Throughout my almost five years in this community I've had a total of three different PCs. Two in medical and my current in security. My past two PCs had several issues that made them difficult to write even though I loved the characters deeply as I put a lot of myself into them. Yet, I'm proud to be writing a character that is both dynamic and imperfect (in subtle little ways). Thank you to all the writers on Ops that helped me through these difficult transitions and mentored me in my new role. @Sal Taybrim @Alora DeVeau @Nestira Aristren @Lt Aine Olive Sherlock as well as everyone else on Ops for being a friend and supporter. I hope to continue writing for Haukea-Willow for many years to come. ❤️ 

 

[Samira Neathler]

Congrats everyone, well deserved.

[+ Vitor S. Silveira]

 

Congratulations.

Also, a thank you to all my ship comrades, past and present for putting up with Sil all these years. 

My award wouldn't be possible without you.

[Alora DeVeau]

Congratulations everyone!!!

[Serala]

Congratulations to everyone!!! Great job!

[Toryn Raga]

Congrats everyone!!!! Love this time of year because y'all are absolutely the best and inspire me to keep up with you. Which is hard. cause ya'll are just so durned fabulous. Especial congrats to our newbies @Wyatt Ral and Kahla Hixma!!! 

[Tahna Meru]

Congratulations, everyone! It's such an honor to write with you all. ❤️

[Sal Taybrim]

Fantastic work everyone!  I am always so proud of all of our members acros the fleet bringing dynamic simming to your duty posts year after year!

 

A special shout out to @Haukea-Willow, a player who has been a part of StarBase 118 for several years now and who has continuously improved in her simming skills, finding a perfect place in Security to let her writing grow and develop.  I am so proud of you Aly!  Congratulations once again!

[John Kendrick]

Congratulations everyone!