Independence Fleet Newsletter
January 2004
--------------------------------------------------
=/\=INDEPENDENCE FLEET NEWSLETTER -
JANUARY 2004=/\=
-- Opening
-- Newbits
-- DFR Search
-- Graphics and Design Department
-- Ace's Top 30
-- Current Mission Summaries
-- Awards
-- Interview
-- Thanks
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=OPENING=/\=
Good afternoon, agents. Your mission, if you choose
to accept it, is to read this newsletter and enjoy it.
This newsletter will not self destruct...
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=NEWSBITS=/\=
- -The USS Dragon launched on January 1st in the
Defense Response Force Division under the command of
Captain Ryan Dragomire. The sim had been operating
for about eight months before it joined the fleet. We
are very happy to welcome it and it's crew into the
fleet! Since joining it's had around 45 posts in 14
days.
- The USS Raptor launched on January 1st in the Deep
Space Exploration Division under the command of
Captain Gorath. We are very happy to have the new sim
in the fleet! The Raptor is off and running with 88
posts in its first 14 days.
- Captain Carroll would like to congratulate the
following Liberty crewmembers for promotions. They
were all well deserved. Congrats to the following:
Ensign Aryell Temoi is promoted to Lt.(jg), Ensign
Zith is promoted to Lt.(jg).
- A bit of recognition: "I am proud of Mr. Carroll,"
former CO Ace Decade says about his former ship. "He
has really gotten the Liberty back on track since the
fall it took last year."
- Launching of the new division has been postponed
until the end of the month.
- Launching of the IDF Academy has been postponed
until the end of the month.
- The USS Excalibur reached a record milestone in IDF:
3500 posts! Post #3500 was sent on Dec. 29th by
Lt.J.G. Airika Calhoun, CIO. Congratulations!
- The Liberty passed the 900 post mark in the month of
December. The 900th post was sent in by Capt. Joseph
"Stealth" Carroll.
- Ensign Mariel Winters, AMO of the USS George W. Bush
-- promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade.
- The GWB reached it's 1700th post on December 23,
2003. This milestone was posted by Lt. Ryan Dunmore,
CTO.
- December 1st, marked the 2nd anniversary of the
George W. Bush. She is now currently in it's third
year with Independence Fleet.
- The Goliad hit 700 posts on January 1st 2004.
Posted by Lt.(jg) Keithan Ceras/Lt. Momiji Olera.
- Promotions on the Goliad: Lt. Kristov Hevanovich was
promoted to Lt. Commander. Lt. Michael Honorad was
promoted to Lt. Commander. Lt.(jg) Dawn Freeman was
promoted to Lieutenant. Ens. BOB was promoted to
Lieutenant(jg) and Acting CEO.
- The Patriot hit 1700 with a post by Lt. Nolofinwe
which was misnumbered as
post 1699.
- Promotion on the Patriot: Ensign to Lt.(jg),
Khelasran 197. Congratulations.
- The monthly posting title is going to be included in
the newsletter every month again. After last year's
record nine months of the title being held by the USS
Conqueror, the USS Excalibur earned it in both October
and November. Last month the Liberty retook the
title, making December the sixth month a sim named USS
Liberty earned the posting title in IDF's history.
(There have now been three sims named Liberty. 4
posting titles for the NCC-4003, 1 for the NCC-91101,
and now 1 for the NCC-91101-A..)
- As many of you have seen, IDF has a new website
design! (Same location:
https://www.angelfire.com/trek/independencefleet/)
Keep an eye on it for weekly updates spotlighting
happenings in the fleet. With the new design has come
new Division Websites! The can be reached by
clicking on the division names on the left side of the
IDF site. To go directly to the sites, they are
located at:
DSE -
https://www.angelfire.com/trek/independencefleet/divisions/dse.html
DRF-
https://www.angelfire.com/trek/independencefleet/divisions/drf.html
SOD -
https://www.angelfire.com/trek/independencefleet/divisions/so.html
- To express general interest in any future Division
Director, Commanding Officer, or Executive Officer
openings please visit the IDF homepage at
www.angelfire.com/trek/independencefleet and click on
the proper join link.
- If anyone has any personal announcements relating to
the fleet or personnel within the fleet to submit for
future editions of the newsletter, please send them to
Admiral West at
Insidr524@a.... We try to
gather
all important announcements as the month goes by but
would hate to miss anything that could be important to
someone. Thanks.
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=DFR SEARCH=/\=
---Searching, maybe for you?---
The search for the next Director of Fleet Relations is
going to begin by the end of the month. Anyone who's
been in the fleet for a month is eligible. If you
wish to be considered for the job, you still have time
to let us know! Just e-mail the current DFR, Rachael
Rager, at
CaptainMyst@a...
All a person has to do is e-mail her saying "I want to
be the next DFR!" or some such. If they wish to
explain why, that's a bonus. If they wish to tell her
about their history and experience in IDF, that's a
bonus too. Everyone who wants to be considered will
be given a few questions to answer and a few tasks to
complete, which will be evaluated by members of the
Admiralty and willing COs to help determine the next
DFR. It could be anyone!
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=IDF GRAPHICS AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT=/\=
IDF's newest expansion is a new resource for every
member of the fleet. A Graphics and Design
Department! It is being co-directed by Captain Ryan
Dunmore and Lt. Commander Kristov Hevanovich. The
purpose of the GGD is to create and provide high
quality images and designs for all IDF personnel to
use for individual fleet websites and crew
biographies.
Examples of these designs are, but not limited to:
* Personalized sim banners
* Logos
* Symbols
* Awards and medals
* Dedication plaques
* ID cards
* Pictures of celebrities or whoever in Trek
outfits for pictures in crew bios!
Fleet members can request anything off the list above,
or even suggest something of their own desire, to the
co-directors via the GDD's website:
https://www.angelfire.com/trek/independencefleet/resource/graphics.html
Enjoy!
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=ACE'S TOP 30=/\=
Below is the list of the Elite 30 list of simmers for
the first three years in IDF. This list is not the
official IDF list, it's Ace's personal list of who he
feels deserves recognition. These individuals are the
top 30 simmers he has picked with suggestions from
some fleet members. The ship they will be
representing is beside their name. This includes,
awards, ideas, participation, originality, writing
skills, recruiting, etc. This is in no order. The
order will be announced in this years Special Edition
Newsletter which will be released on July 4th, 2004.
Julie Absecon - USS George W. Bush
Henry Logan - USS Patriot
Ace Decade - USS Liberty
Wil Parks - USS Liberty
Gorath - USS Raptor
K'lar Rasmehlier - USS Conqueror
Joey Carroll - USS Liberty
Fiona Starling - USS Horatio Nelson
Charles Star - USS George W. Bush
Felicity Dragonetti - USS Patriot
Damien Hawkins - USS Liberty
Zachari J. Vrona - Starbase 10
Rachael Rager - USS Sunfire
Entera Danae - USS Minerva
James Mirtoh - USS Washington
Kiara Rodale - USS Conqueror
Zingela - USS Washington
Ashla Bogan - USS Sunfire
Robert Seldon - USS Washington
James West - USS Sunfire
Sutak - USS Avalon
Steve McCloud - USS Excalibur
Nniol N'Var - USS Horatio Nelson
Ingoldo - USS Excalibur
Krol - USS Minerva
Tavik - USS Liberty
Dick Phelps - USS Goerge W. Bush
McGregor Blaine - USS Excalibur
James Britanicus - USS Horatio Nelson
Shawn Edwards - USS Goliad
Below is the number of representers from each ship.
Liberty: 5 (Ace Decade, Wil Parks, Tavik, Joey
Carroll, Damien Hawkins)
GWB: 3 (Charles Star, Dick Phelps, Julie Absecon)
Washington: 3 (Robert Seldon, Zingela, James Mirtoh)
Horatio Nelson: 3 (James Britanicus, Fiona Starling,
Nniol N'Var)
Sunfire: 3 (James West, Ashla Bogan, Rachael Rager)
Excalibur: 3 (Ingoldo, McGregor Blaine, Steve McCloud)
Patriot: 2 (Felecity Dragonetti, Henry Logan)
Minerva: 2 (Krol, Entera Danae)
Conqueror: 2 (K'lar Rasmehlier, Kiara Rodale)
Golidad: 1 (Shawn Edwards)
Avalon: 1 (Sutak)
Raptor: 1 (Gorath)
Starbase 10: 1 (Zachari J. Vrona)
Congratulations to all the simmers who made this
prestigious list!
* * * * * * * * * * *
=/\=MISSION SUMMARIES=/\=
Here are a few of the many current missions in which
our ships/bases are involved in...
***
USS Goliad
After towing the USS Yorktown to DS9, Zhaan receives a
gift from a mysterious trader, the commbadge from
former XO Davidson, who has been MIA since June.
Zhaan orders the Goliad to follow the trader, however
when BOB decrypts a message stored on the commbadge
they alter course for the Beta/Delta Quadrant boarder,
where they meet the USS Patriot and fly into a trap
set by Lord Cryrose.
Captain Larakizhaan sh'Harena
Commanding Officer
USS Goliad NCC-18907-A
***
USS Patriot
Mission Summery: The Search for Davidson
The USS Patriot and USS Goliad join forces against a
common foe. When
Captain Logan is given a Starfleet communicator by the
traveling collector
Amos Ammassie, He immediately orders the Patriot to a
remote sector of space
near the galactic core to investigate a possible new
threat to the
Federation. However, Logan, having learned his
“brother” has been taken by
Cryrose, is being uncharacteristically vague about the
mission which is
causing concern in his executive officer, Cmdr
Randall.
Meanwhile the USS Goliad is alerted to the whereabouts
of their former XO,
Cmdr Victor Davidson, from another trader named Worr.
The Goliad gives
chase to find out more. An encoded message retrieved
from the comm. badge
of Cmdr Davidson leads the Goliad to the same area of
space the Patriot is
heading for.
On the planet Falentine (Logan’s homeworld), Cryrose
awaits the arrival of
the Goliad. The trap is set and the bait is too
tempting for the crew of
the Goliad to pass up. When Cryrose learns the
Patriot is also rushing into
the trap, he adjusts things to capture both ships. A
mysterious telepathic
friend assist Cryrose in setting the trap, but now the
prisoner has escaped
and this may cause problems. What revelations will be
revealed as the two
crews join forces to rescue Cmdr Davidson and stop
Cryrose from completing
his vile plans?
***
USS Excalibur
"There's a New Sheriff in Town"
The Grand Negus of Ferenginar has requested that
McCloud and the Excalibur come to his planet. It seems
that there are a couple of humans robbing Ferengi
banks. They are calling themselves Butch Cassidy and
the Sundance Kid. After robbing several banks before
the Excalibur can arrive. Now they are planning to rob
a shuttle train full of diamonds which could cause the
Ferengi economy collapse. Will McCloud and crew be
able to stop them in time? Check out the posts to find
out how they do it.
Respectively submitted by,
Capt. Steven McCloud
CO USS Excalibur NCC-2997
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=AWARD WINNERS=/\=
And now we announce the award winners for December.
We had an increase in participation this time from
four sims to eight. Way to go!
***
Best Character Post
Lt Commander Fiona Starling, HN, #1630
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/horationelson/message/2831
***
Best Story Post
Post #1685 by Lt Nolofinwe, Patriot
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/USS-Patriot/message/2288
***
Funniest Post
Lt. Dawn Freeman, Goliad
http://www.topica.com/lists/goliad18907/read/message.html?mid=808097669&sort=d&s\
tart=1099
***
Genesis Award
Capt. Steven McCloud Post # 3441, Excalibur
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uss-excalibur/message/4220
***
Most Valuable Poster: Lt. Cmdr. Ashley Jackson,
Liberty
Jackson was perhaps the most solid poster overall on
the ship for the month. He constantly kept things
flowing, he helped to motivate the crew, both the
veterans and rookies, and until he went on LOA (for a
viable reason) was well on the path of most posts for
the month. He has been invaluable to me [Captain
Carroll].
***
Most Improved Poster: Lt. David Sheridan, HN
Lieutenant Sheridan has seen a steady increase in
posting numbers as well as a marked increase in
posting quality. His posts now not only lend strength
to the storyline but also have begun to include other
characters greatly. An example of his writing can be
seen in this post.
***
Outstanding Simmer: Ensign Tovik, Washington
My [Captain N'Var] recommendation here is a summary of
all other recommendations for this month. I must
recommend Ensign Tovik. I believe any player who
posts well enough to gain nomination in virtually
every award category in their very first month of
simming, a player who posts like a veteran, is
deserving of the outstanding simmer award as well.
This is, in my opinion, quite an accomplishment. Dave
posted frequently and regularly. He has paid
attention to evolving plotlines and has consistently
advanced them in a creative fashion. He has included
character development in each post. He has included
the other characters in each post. A CO could not
ask for more in a player.
***
Rookie of the Month: Ensign Jason Carver, Patriot
7 good posts with interesting ideas and good story and
character development. Carver is always online
getting as much info from me when he is unclear on
things and is open to constructive criticism to
writing better posts. I [Captain Logan] have a
feeling he will be earning his Lieutenant pips before
I know it.
***
Recruitment Award: None
***
Most Posts: Cmdr. Alayne Tolbin - 16, Excalibur
***
Congratulations to all the award winners this month!
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=INTERVIEW=/\=
Today I had the honor of sitting down with one of
IDF's top simmers ever, Mr. Joseph "Stealth" Carroll.
Carroll enlightens us on his simming career, what is
his favorite sim to date, what he thinks of the Elite
30 list and if he will be attending Ace and Lee's
January IDF Birthday Bash.
Ace Decade: Joseph, this is the first time we have
gotten to sit down with you in all of IDF's existence.
I guess we need to start at the beginning. How did
this come about?
Joey Carroll: I assume that you are asking how I came
to be in the Fleet...that is with all things, a long
story. To keep everyone reading past question 1, I
will make it short. Admiral Seldon emailed me out of
the blue, asked if I wanted to join his ship the
Washington. I said yes, and came aboard as an ensign
as Asst. Science Officer. That was at the birth of
IDF, and look at me now, I am a CO. Who'd a thought
that would have happened, (Laughs).
Decade: Well I sure as hell didn't. Can you briefly
explain how each ship, Washington, Goliad and Liberty
differ from each other. As in leadership and crew
participation. What ship to you was the best?
Carroll: Wow, that is a loaded question, (Laughs).
Well the Washington under command of Seldon was a very
professional ship. Participation was high, everyone
pulled their own weight, and Seldon was like a father
figure pretty much. On the Goliad, well, that was like
going to an amusement park. Things were in flux so
much I swear I was on a rollercoaster. People
participated, but it often seemed like it was almost
forced. Then there is the Liberty. I have seen 3
different CO's here. Under command of Ace, things were
mellow and people seem relaxed with how things were.
Under Griffith, things seemed like we were in school,
as if every post was going to be graded or something,
but at the same time, Griffith wasn't around much, so
it also felt like we could do whatever. Under
Anderson, it was kinda like, to use a football
expression, fun and gun. As people might notice, sadly
Anderson didn't last too long, hence my promotion. As
to my fave, Liberty!
Decade: Thats interesting. Joey, you have just won
your first MVP trophy back in September. How does that
feel after puttng in your time in IDF to finally take
home the most prestigiuse prize?
Carroll: Well, overall it was great. Not just anyone
wins that award, so it meant a lot to me, even more so
after I found out it was my first one. Sometimes I
forget what I have and haven't won, (Laughs). I swear,
I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached.
Decade: (Laughs) When people think of Joey Carroll,
they usually think of contreversial or a rule breaker.
When you joined the Goliad in early January of 2002,
you had written a post that was very disturbing and
made a lot of people angry. How are you different now
than from the "old Joey"?
Carroll: Wow, I was hoping that was forgotten...well,
overall I think I have grown up a lot since then. On a
personal perspective, I have had a lot happen that has
forced me to do things differently. I think that I
have learned to control myself a lot more, but don't
think I won't write something crazy again just because
I have more responsibility now. I believe in tough
love, and it is essential in the growing process, even
in writing, I just learned that you got to be a little
more tactful with it.
Decade: Will you be attending Ace and Lee's January
IDF birthday Bash on January 24th?
Carroll: Sadly no. School kinda negates any
possibility of me attending that, but I do wish both a
very happy birthday.
Decade: It's not there birthday, just a fancy name
they created. But that is sad you will not be
attending. Perhaps the fleet get-together this summer?
Carroll: Hopefully. I have wanted to attend that the
last couple years, but was unable to. I think if
things get organized early on, I might just be able to
make an appearance this year.
Decade: Sounds great. Joey, rumors are flying around
that your name will appear on the top 30 elite list I
am coming up with. This list has the names of the top
30 simmers in the first three years. How does this
make you feel, if your name is actually on it?
Carroll: If it is on there, I am honored. In the past
my arrogant ass nature might suggest that I say
something sly, but I think I will bow gracefully if I
am on it. To be included with all the other
possibilities would be super sweet.
Decade: Yes, names like Kiara Rodale, Fiona Starling,
Krol, and Ingoldo just to name a few have been
confirmed. IDF top dawgs, wish to keep the remaining
list a secret 'till the January newsletter. Those are
the only "teasers" they would throw at me. Where, in
all honestly do you see Mr. Carroll? Would he be over
the afore mentioned?
Carroll: Hmm...lets see here. How do I answer this
without getting myself into too much trouble. I see a
former Admiral on that list, a current one on it, a
former CO now interviewer on it, and well...Lets say I
think I will rank highly, but I think they all will as
well.
Decade: It is also a rumor that you have lead the USS
Liberty to it's sixth posting title. How do you feel
to be the one to bring her up out of the ashes she
suffered in 2003?
Carroll: Well hey, if so, I want to say one thing, OH
HELL YEAH! That said, I am no savior, but I think it
is a great thing. It all comes down to the crew
though. I just lead, they have to follow. When they do
what they do and I do what I do and everything clicks,
things look great. Like I told Admiral Darwin when I
took over, prepare to see the Liberty back at its
former glory and at the forefront of the fleet once
more. To all you other CO's, WE'RE BACK!
Decade: A-men! You have a lot of new faces since you
took over. Can you elaberate on your favorite
characters on the Liberty?
Carroll: Well, I love myself of course, (Laughs).
Seriously though, I like Jackson, my Tactical officer.
He is an interesting character, and he is a valuable
crewman. My new XO, Jeb Walker seems to be interesting
enough, and as I learn more about him, I feel more and
more worried for the rest of the fleet, especially the
ladies. Zith is an oddity that I am enjoying. New
species are always fun to watch develop. Lastly, I
think people ought to watch Saul Kirk and Aryell
Temoi. They are both great and newbies to boot, and I
see long and fruitful futures for them, not just on
the Liberty, but int he fleet as well.
Decade: How well do you think the new admirals are
doing?
Carroll: I think all the new brass are doing well. I
know some of them better than others of course, but I
think as a whole they are doing very well. I
particularly like how well they are dealing with the
change of command so to speak.
Decade: What do you think about the new IDF web page?
Carroll: It looks pretty nice actually. I really like
what has been done with the division pages as well. It
is very cool.
Decade: The Liberty has yet to do a joint mission
since they did one with the GWB crew back in September
of 2002. Will we see a JM with another sim soon?
Anything in the works?
Carroll: I would simply say that several are in the
works for 2004. I want to give us a time to get up on
our own, then we will do a JM.
Decade: Sounds great. Joey, I am going to wrap this
up but before I do I have some quick questions I want
to ask you.
Carroll: Alrighty.
Decade: Who would win in a fight? Mario or Luigi?
Carroll: Mario is overrated. I proved that against my
brother in Super Smash Brothers. Luigi all the way!
Decade: What do you prefer. Italian or Sea food?
Carroll: Seeing as I am allergic to seafood, Italian
all the way. Lasagna is a personal favorite.
Decade: What is the better movie. Harry Potter or
Star Wars?
Carroll: Hmmm, well I like both sadly. Overall
though, I will say Star Wars, despite all the screw
ups, lol. But Trek out ranks both.
Decade: In a fight, who would win. Gandalf or Darth
Vader?
Carroll: That depends. Are we talking Gandalf the
Grey or Gandalf the White?
Decade: What? (Laughs), pick one.
Carroll: Alright, well if it were the grey, I think
Vader takes him, but if he was the White, Gandalf
takes Vader down no question.
Decade: In a wrestling match who would win. Randy
"Macho Man" Savage or Chris Jericho?
Carroll: I got to go with the classic and give the
match to the "Macho Man." Jericho is good though.
Decade: OOOH Yeah!!!!!!
Carroll: I need a slim jim now.
Decade: (Laughs) Who is the better actor. Al Pacino
or Tom Hanks?
Carroll: Most people would say Hanks, but I think it
is Pacino. Al has played far more memorable roles in
my mind, and hey, he has even played Satan. Can't beat
that, unless you play God.
Decade: (Laughs), that is true. In an arm wrestling
match who would win. Gene Simmons of Kiss or Elton
John?
Carroll: Gene Simmons. I won't say anymore than that,
(Laughs).
Decade: Okay. In a fight to the death, who would win.
Han Solo or Indiana Jones?
Carroll: I say Indiana Jones hands down. I mean sure,
Solo has Chewie, but Indiana has Sean Connery as his
dad. You can't beat that combo, (Laughs).
Decade: I would have to disagree, though they are
both the coolest characters ever! Okay, who is a
better cartoon character. Bugs Bunny or Scooby-Doo?
Carroll: Considering the fact that Scooby is a
stoner, I would say Bugs Bunny
Decade: (Laughs). And finally, who can spin a web
better. Charlotte or Spider-Man?
Carroll: I will go with the neighborhood spider man,
though I think Wolverine could kick both their butts.
Decade: That about does it for this month. Thank you
Joey Carroll for putting your time into this interview
and good luck with the Liberty.
Carroll: It's been a pleasure, I have really enjoyed
it. And one last thing, GO PACK!
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=REMOVAL OF COMMANDER IN CHIEF=/\=
On December 2nd of 2003, Former Admiral Charles Star
was relieved by the rest of the Admiralty. Former
Admiral Star was unable to fulfill his duties as
Commander in Chief, as he promised to do when
returning from being AWOL the first time, causing the
recent fleet split. Essentially, the Former Admiral
promised forward movement in the fleet, even with the
loss of those sims, but none came.
After begging and pleading with Mr. Star for some
time, trying to get things authorized and not
suceeding (as the rest of the Admiralty's hands were
tied without the order from Star), we made the
decision that the fleet could not move forward quickly
enough, waiting, hoping, for Star to respond to us.
On the night of the 2nd, the fleet was back under the
control of the Admiralty as a working unit, and now we
have the resources and authorization to expand and
launch all these wonderful things for us all. We hope
to be the internet's premier Star Trek Role Play by
E-Mail by next summer!
We have a wonderful fleet staff here including our own
Director of Fleet Development; Vice Admiral
Dragonetti, and she is very good at her job here.
She, and all of us here at IDF, will keep working to
bring to you the latest and most creative ideas to
make the fleet a great place to sim!
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=THANKS=/\=
Thank you to Vice Admiral Rachael Rager, Fleet
Interviewer Ace Decade, and Captain Carroll.
* * * * * * * * * *
=/\=END TRANSMISSION=/\=
*************************
Admiral James West
Director of Operations
Independence Fleet
*************************
__________________________________
