Popular Post Oddas Aria Posted July 4 Popular Post Posted July 4 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 the best in specific departments, ranging from medical to intelligence, from counselling to civilian - representing all the various roles that make up our universe. 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. 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. Toxin Arlill - USS Octavia E. Butler Presented by - Lia Rouiancet From the moment Erik stepped into the role of Toxin Arlill, he has pushed forward what it means to be an operations officer in the 118 fleet. His dedication to his craft is evident in his sims, in which he showcases not just Arlill’s technical prowess, but also provides a refreshing sense of humor that brings life to the often complex world of starship operations. Erik's impact extends beyond his individual contributions. He has elevated the ops department to new heights, transforming it into a robust, collaborative, and integral part of our storytelling. It’s telling that the first specific location on the OEB to receive its own wiki page (outside of the bridge, that is) was the operations center! He's an operations powerhouse both in and out of character. Even before the ship changeover, the detailed 3D renderings of the ops center on the ‘Oumuamua combined with the strong simming he engaged in brought the department to life in a way I haven’t seen before in ops. Since then, he’s, just for example, created a full deck-by-deck room plan for the OEB in Canva – and to say this goes above and beyond just doesn’t do his work justice! What really sets Erik apart, though, is his generosity. Erik embodies the spirit of collaboration and community that defines 118, and his cooperative style and friendly demeanor will make him an excellent mentor in the months to come. His contributions have not only enriched his fellow simmers’ experience but have also set a new standard for what an operations officer can be. His creativity, dedication, and camaraderie make him an incredibly deserving recipient of the Voyager Medallion. Congratulations! Shaxs Star - Security / Tactical Awarded to dual posting Security/Tactical officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in protecting and preserving the lives of their crewmates. Not only do they show cunning and bravery in combat, these officers know how to safeguard lives without firing a phaser, using their knowledge and experience to prevent violence and stay true to Federation ideals. This award is only available to those fulfilling the dual role of Security/Tactical, and not the individual duty posts. Kirsty Lee Carpenter - USS Ronin Presented by - Karrod Niac One of the rarest and most difficult challenges in our game is to set aside a character and a vessel and try something wholly new by bringing a new PC to life aboard a new vessel. Fortunately for the Ronin and the fleet as a whole Lieutenant Commander Kirsty Carpenter (Justin) has done so with grace and incredible creativity. Since joining the Ronin during her launch Kirsty has had a wonderful journey with a nuanced backstory and a core of real emotion that plays out in every sim. She has struggled and suffered but grown and triumphed in equal measure and has become an indispensable part of what makes the Ronin so special. I’ll never be able to adequately thank Justin for earnestly embracing such a huge change but it is my sincere hope that this recognition makes a small down payment on that much larger debt. Congratulations! 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. Arturo Maxwell - USS Octavia E. Butler Presented by - Lia Rouiancet It is my great pleasure to present this year's Semper Fidelis Award to Iain, the talented writer behind the character Arturo “Max” Maxwell. Iain’s an excellent simmer — that’s a given for an award like this! — but what really sets Iain apart is the depth and humanity he brings to the role of a marine. Through Max, Iain’s shown his fellow simmers that there's far more to this position than, even as the lowest officer, there’s much more to being a Starfleet marine than just being a grunt. Max is a fully realized character with a rich past, a compelling family life, and a touching, complex relationship with his daughter. In fact, one of Iain's greatest strengths is his ability to populate the ships he sims on with a diverse cast of NPCs. Each new character he introduces is distinct and serves to add to the complex weave of the crew. This talent for creating memorable supporting characters has significantly expanded the depth of our storytelling. Beyond his excellent simming, Iain himself has quite a reputation (in a good way!). His kindness, thoughtfulness, and willingness to engage with others despite his busy life have made him a favorite among his fellow writers. It's no wonder that everyone seems to want a scene with him! He’s an exceptionally worthy winner of this year’s Semper Fidelis Award, and it’s my honor to recognize him as such. Congratulations, Iain! Prantares Ribbon - 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. V’Len Kel - USS Ronin Presented by - Karrod Niac Within our game the Medical Officer role is a complex challenge where you’re often tapped to be a counselor, a confidant and a physician all at once yet Lieutenant Commander V’Len Kel (Don) does so with an enormous display of grace and dignity. Since the Ronin’s launch he has navigated injury and trauma with calm dedication and has become a source of comfort and compassion for all who visit Sickbay. He has repeatedly demonstrated a level of compassion and empathy that would make a Betazoid blush and he does so often and gladly. He is a delight to sim with, a joy to read and an integral part of the Ronins soul. You have my thanks and respect for all that you do and I look forward to seeing you climb even greater heights as time goes on. Congratulations! 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 place their ability to make spectacular maneuvers at the service of their ship and its mission. Christopher Caldwell - USS Astraeus Presented by Mei’konda Delano Ensign Caldwell joined Starbase 118 at a difficult time, in the middle of a mission during an action scene. As his ship was taking damage, he was introduced by having the NPC helmsman be injured, at which time he was called from the lower decks to take over helm during combat, something he had never done before. Ensign Caldwell's player, Chris, not only simmed his character's proficiency in this stressful situation, but the near nervous breakdown his character had to deal with afterward. It's exactly the sort of character complexity and consequences I love seeing in sims. Later, during his next mission, a fellow officer performing a EVA was knocked off of their tether and sent spiraling into space. As shown in the linked sim, several players in a runabout came up with a delightfully cinematic rescue maneuver, which Caldwell executed. He plays a great helmsman, and we're delighted to have him. 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. Doz Finch - USS Gorkon Presented by Quinn Reynolds All of Ryan’s nominations spoke about what an imaginative, evocative, and generally wonderful writer he is, and I fully agree! His character, Doz Finch, is an experienced member of the enlisted ranks who experienced a personal trauma which pushed her into making the leap to officer. Ryan’s simmed that transition, with all of its advantages and disadvantages, with incredible flair. He has a real knack for writing an engineer, having Doz jump into tasks with glee, solving problems with a sleeves-rolled-up, grease-on-the-cheek gusto, conjuring vivid descriptions of emotion and action, while never overwhelming his scene partners with technobabble. Even more impressive is Ryan’s ability to use an engineering problem to create character moments; from fixing a plasma leak with another engineer to solving an issue in the arboretum with an operations officer. It’s all so very well done, and I’m incredibly proud to present him with the Phoenix Award. Congratulations, Ryan! Order of the Valiant Heart - Counselling Awarded to Counselors who have demonstrated exceptional expertise in preserving their crewmates' mental health, clearly exhibiting 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. Arthur Strathmore - Denali Station Presented by Oddas Aria Arthur, Jackson, is a relative newcomer to the game, but has made quite a mark to the game. He has grabbed the role of ‘Counselor’ by the horns, made it his own, and expanded it both in scope and details, but been extremely successful both in the aspects that are explicit (such as counseling sessions), but also implicit (such as advising those around him). It has been some time since I have encountered such a good writer in this role and it is a blessing and a pleasure to have him aboard my ship. Thank you and congratulations Jackson! Natasha Yar Pin - Security Awarded 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 fulfillment, 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. Zenno - USS Arrow Presented by Randal Shayne Zenno redefines what a Security Officer can be, and John redefines how you can write one. Bringing wit, wisdom, and, occasionally, wrath, Zenno is a formidable presence on the Khitomer, and John brings him to life in a rich, believable and engaging fashion. It can be easy to fall into the trap of turning the security department into a bunch of superheroes, or paranoid soldiers; Zenno demonstrates that competence, patience, efficiency and thoroughness bring about the best results, and sets an example for others with his realistic and believable portrayal. Beyond this, though, John has taken the time to flesh out the security department, introducing characters and introducing compelling narratives that turn what would normally be a bunch of nameless stand in NPCs into a thriving, detailed aspect of the Khitomer’s compliment. Rising talent in any division could learn from his example, and I look forward to his continued rise through the ranks. Congratulations, Lieutenant- this is well earned. 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. Tahna Meru - USS Gorkon Presented by Quinn Reynolds Eris, the writer of Tahna Meru, has brought us a character who’s delightful in her complexity, without ever being difficult to understand. A Bajoran who’s bucked the wishes of her family by leaving her homeworld to explore the galaxy, you can see her scientific curiosity and training reflected through every aspect of her character. She’s thoughtful, creative, and attentive to detail, and Tahna’s sims lean on both real world and Star Trek science for believable, yet appropriately Trek explanations. Often taking the role of a team leader, Tahna carefully considers a problem from all angles, listening to the opinions and expertise of her fellow teammates before she begins theorising. Not just a good scientific method, but a fantastic way to collaborate with others as we progress through our story. Her writing is vivid and engaging, really bringing the reader into the heart of the situation and along for her journey. I’m absolutely delighted to present her with the Cochrane Award. Congratulations, Eris! 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. Evan Ross - Ops Presented by Sal Taybrim Intelligence is a difficult role to play. It’s not especially well defined in Star Trek canon and some of the examples we see on screen are used as the bad guys rather than our protagonists. So it’s a rare treat to watch a player step into the role with a charming and empathetic character and really own the role in a way that makes their fellow players want to engage with the department. Hannah, who plays Evan Ross, does an excellent job bringing Intelligence to life in a realistic and enjoyable way. Evan is not a moody shadowy loner hanging out in a corner. He’s a fun, nerdy, awkward person with a fierce intelligence, a strong skillset and a handful of intriguing flaws that makes him a well rounded character. Ross shines at research and strategy, which perfectly fits the duty post of intelligence, but he also needs to rely on his teammates to help him implement plans. I particularly like how Evan plays intel as a role where knowledge is power and strength comes from sharing knowledge. And I especially like how Evan's strengths and weaknesses are explored. I love reading about his anxieties, his worries and his struggles as much as I love reading about his triumphs. All of this makes Evan Ross feel like a living breathing person. To round all of this out Hannah, the player behind Evan is a consistently great writer with strong narration and great dialogue. Hannah’s been a great player on Ops, contributing to mission planning, playing exciting MNSPCs and helping lead teams to success. For all of these things I celebrate Evan Ross as this year’s Black Cross recipient. Congratulations Hannah, you have done a fantastic job and I am thrilled to be writing with you! 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 Operations... Esa Kiax - USS Astraeus Presented by - Mei’konda Delano Lieutenant Commander Esa Kiax, written by Matt, has been an Operations officer for over five years, and his experience in writing for the position shows through constantly. Operations can be a difficult role to define, as they are a combination of most other departments' backup as well as being something unique all on their own. Logistics on a starship or base are not always easy to write in an interesting way, but Matt does so consistently. In working to make the role a visible and useful one, Matt has described the large Operations area, the people who work there, and the process of logistics in a delightful and interesting way, and his character also performs the more interesting on-screen 'Data-like' duties of Operations with at least as much artistry. In fact, in our current Fleet Blockbuster, the Operations area has been the center of a Changeling infiltrator attack, and makes a great venue for an action set piece. For continuous dedication to Medical... Talia Ohnari - USS Khitomer Presented by - Randal Shayne This fleet has existed over three decades now, and as the years go by, they bring us closer together. Each of us started as a wide-eyed stranger, and over time, we’ve grown into something of a family. Good and bad are celebrated and lamented, not just in our writing, but in our real lives, too. The point is we’re connected, and that connection can affect us deeply. It’s for this reason that I felt Roxanna was eminently deserving of this Emeritus recognition. Nearly ten years as a medical character of some stripe or another has honed her writing craft into a scalpel of talent and tenderness, humor and hope. She brings her best for our benefit and enjoyment, facing down some of the most painful and challenging moments in life to continue being the beacon of delight that she is known as. On days where life stings, or our hearts are cold, her words and her presence salve the struggle, and rekindle our hearths. It’s impossible to say just how much good she has done for us; how much is a smile worth amidst a wretched mood, or a quip during dark moments? All I can say is that Roxanna, IC and OOC, embodies the best qualities of this community, and medical officers past and future. Congratulations, Roxanna, and thank you. For continuous dedication to Security... Aine Sherlock - USS Octavia E. Butler Presented by - Lia Rouiancet It’s my distinct pleasure to once again present the Natasha Yar Pin to Jared, the talented writer behind Lieutenant Commander Aine Sherlock, the Butler’s exceptional chief of security (and, as of a few weeks ago, also our second officer!). Jared won the Yar Pin two years ago, and we celebrated then his ability to bring depth and nuance to the role of a security officer. This year, he has not only maintained that high standard but has further elevated Aine Sherlock into a truly formidable character. Jared writes Sherlock as a force to be reckoned with, proving that strength comes in all sizes. While her short stature might not immediately suggest a physically imposing security officer, Jared's portrayal leaves no doubt about Sherlock’s capabilities. Through his simming, we see a character who is fiercely protective of her ship and crew, unwavering in her commitment to their safety. But, as I’ve seen firsthand and as his nominators noted, what sets Jared's portrayal apart is the multifaceted nature of Sherlock's approach to security. She's not just about brute force; Jared shows us a character who is constantly analyzing, adapting, and strategizing. In every situation, Sherlock considers potential threats, weighing not just when to act, but how to respond most effectively. This balance of quick thinking and measured action is the hallmark of an exceptional security officer, and one that, in this case, has been recognized as the fleet’s best twice in three years. Jared's consistent excellence in portraying Aine Sherlock, his ability to showcase both the physical and intellectual aspects of a security officer, and his ongoing contributions to our fleet make him a most deserving recipient of the Emeritus Natasha Yar Pin. Please join me in congratulating Jared for his outstanding work and for continuing to set the bar high for security simming in the 118 fleet! For continuous dedication to Science... Alora DeVeau - Denali Station Presented by - Oddas Aria DeVeau, Amanda, has won the Cochrane Award before, and for good reason. She writes the science officer role with superb perfection. She introduces the little details our adventures look to for fleshing out the world, she makes things feel ‘real’ and is one of the ‘go to’ people for when things need to be finalized, checked, and put together for consistency. Amanda does an amazing job - congratulations and thank you for making Denali Station great, and the Fleet Amazing! For continuous dedication to Engineering... Kimberly Stapledon - USS Constitution-B Presented by - Jalana Rajel From the Moment Kevin, the writer behind Kimberly Stapledon, has joined the Constitution, we got to see his brilliant ideas, bringing the position of an Engineer to life in a refreshing way. Kimberly's passion for holograms was used as a creative solution during her first mission with the Conny, as she used holographic bugs and spiders to distract and herd a group of very angry Nausicaans, which in the end helped to protect hostages from their wrath. During another mission when faced with possibly being on a time-traveled Enterprise under Captain Kirk, a boarding party was taken out by Kimberly turning off Gravity aboard the ship. During the same mission she also used her knowledge of coding to hunt down contaminations in the system and fix the problem that caused. All that while working together with other crew members of Engineering and other departments for the best solutions for problems. Kevin has a knack for technical solutions, ideas and improvements that some of us wouldn't even think of - I know I wouldn't - while making sure that all of us understand what he is thinking of, including others into solutions and doing it with so much gusto and enthusiasm that it's a joy to watch. It's my joy and pleasure to present Kevin with the Phoenix award for his brilliant writing of his Engineering position. I can't wait to see what else he'll come up with. Congratulations! For continuous dedication to Tactical... Michele Winters - USS Octavia E. Butler Presented by - Lia Rouiancet Two years in a row! Just last year, we celebrated Joel's exceptional work with Jack Kessler. This year, he has once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to breathe life into a complex tactician, this time with Michele Winters. What makes this achievement even more impressive is the seamless transition Joel has made from one character to another, all while maintaining the high standards of tactical simming we've come to expect from him. Even while he’s developed Kessler’s story in the background, he’s shown us that his tactical simming chops remain intact as he explores the duty post with a wholly different character. Winters is a fascinating character who straddles the line between a traditional Starfleet officer and a marine. Joel's nuanced portrayal highlights the unique perspective this dual nature brings to the role of tactical officer. While Winters possesses the analytical skills required for threat assessment, it's the marine aspect of her character that shines in Joel's writing, and that sets Winters apart from the other tactical officers in the fleet now and in years past. Joel has masterfully crafted Winters as a character who embodies the mindset of a warrior, always ready to take a proactive stance when necessary. This doesn't mean she's quick to resort to force; rather, Joel portrays her as constantly evaluating situations, assessing threat levels, and preparing appropriate responses. It's this balance between readiness for action and thoughtful consideration that makes Winters such a compelling character. Joel's ability to create such a well-rounded and engaging character in Winters, especially following his excellent work with Kessler, is a testament to his skill as a writer and his deep understanding of the tactical role in the 118 fleet. Congratulations, Joel! Please join us in congradulating all these wonderful players! 10 1 Quote
Popular Post + Talia Ohnari Posted July 4 Popular Post Posted July 4 I am touched and speechless. While I go sob in the corner, please accept my sincerest congratulations and gratitude. I truly, and deeply, love you all. 8 Quote
LCDR Aine O. Sherlock Posted July 4 Posted July 4 First, congratulations everyone! Second, I'd like to recognize my fellow Yar Pin winner, @Zenno! You genuinely deserve it! 4 Quote
Evan Ross Posted July 4 Posted July 4 Congratulations everyone!! I'm so happy and flattered, huge shoutout to my fellow Opsians, there's no crew I'd rather be intelligent for, hehe ❤️ 4 Quote
ArthurStrathmore Posted July 4 Posted July 4 Thank you so much for this award! I’m eternally grateful! Congratulations to everyone! 4 Quote
Popular Post + Arturo Maxwell Posted July 4 Popular Post Posted July 4 I did not expect that. Thank you for the very touching citation ❤️ And of course, my heartfelt congratulations to everybody else listed. You guys are all awesome! ❤️❤️ 5 Quote
Lhandon_Nilsen Posted July 4 Posted July 4 Congratulations to each of you ❤️ I can't think of anyone more deserving 4 Quote
Doz Finch Posted July 4 Posted July 4 This is wonderful and so kind. Thank you for the nominations, and thank you for that kind summary Quinn. Big congratulations to all of todays winners! 🥳 4 Quote
Toxin Arlill Posted July 4 Posted July 4 Congratulations to everyone for the amazing recognitions, and thank you for the nominations and recognition, this really means a lot to me. I do want to take a moment to recognize my right hand Lhandon Nilsen (Tom) for being there to support and build the Operations Center on the Oumuamua and OEB with me. Tom is such an inspirational person, always supportive, continuously creative, and a downright amazing individual. I'm not sure the OEB's operation "department" would be much more than a console on the bridge if it weren't for his support and drive. Thank you again for this recognition. 4 Quote
Wyatt Ral Posted July 4 Posted July 4 Well done everyone. Especially my fellow Astraeus crew 🖖 @Christopher Caldwell @Esa_Darkkdust 2 Quote
Lhandon_Nilsen Posted July 4 Posted July 4 5 minutes ago, Erik Johnson said: Congratulations to everyone for the amazing recognitions, and thank you for the nominations and recognition, this really means a lot to me. I do want to take a moment to recognize my right hand Lhandon Nilsen (Tom) for being there to support and build the Operations Center on the Oumuamua and OEB with me. Tom is such an inspirational person, always supportive, continuously creative, and a downright amazing individual. I'm not sure the OEB's operation "department" would be much more than a console on the bridge if it weren't for his support and drive. Thank you again for this recognition. Erik, I love you bro. You're the best Ops Cheif ever, but you were the one responsible for all of that, all I did was lend a hand. You always find a way to facilitate whatever myself, or any of the crew want to do, No is not in your vocabulary, rather it's replaced with "how shall we do this?" We can do epic things because of you. 2 Quote
Tahna Meru Posted July 4 Posted July 4 I don't know what to say, except thank you, and congratulations. It is such an honor and a pleasure to write with you all. If you need me, I'll be hiding in my office with a stack of tissues and chocolates. 2 2 Quote
Jo Marshall Posted July 5 Posted July 5 Congratulations everyone! Massive well done and well deserved! 2 Quote
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