Reporter Issue 27

Reporter Issue 27
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	Issue Number: 27; Issue Date: 237601.20; Editor: Commodore Shaun Marlin;
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I. EDITORS NOTE

There isn't a great deal for me to say this month. Make sure you read the Out of Starfleet Section as there are some important articles regarding the IRC Sim and Command opportunities for members.

I'm personally very pleased to see that the membership count is still on the increase, winter is the most popular time for Simming, so tell your friends about us, and lets see how high we can get that figure…

Captain Marlin

II. STARBASE 118 STATISTICS

Firstly I'd like to apologise to everyone about the delay in this issue which is actually Decembers and Januarys issues rolled into one. I wont make excuses but basically real life illness and exam time has meant I havent been on the net very often at all for several weeks. I would like to extend my thanks to Commander Leigha Jacobs who actually took the time to collate this edition on my behalf. That rolls on quite nicely to what I wanted to say next.....

I took over the running of the Reporter back in May, I chose to do this because I had a lot of idea's about how I could improve it, in the 9 months since then, Ive introduced nearly all of those idea's into the reporter, and I like to think Ive improved it a lot. However now my time is in higher demand than before, and Ive really done all I wanted to do with the reporter, so I feel its time to pass it on to someone else, so they too can introduce their ideas into the newsletter. Basically this is my last issue as editor of the reporter, from now on Commander Leigha Jacobs will be stepping in to replace me, and hopefully add her own idea's to the newsletter.

I'd like to thank everyone that helped me during my time as editor, especially the patient captians who had to put up with me changing the way they write their submissions etc and Id also like to thank anyone that sent me any feedback too.

That being said, thankyou and see you all in Simland. I wish Jacobs every luck in her new job as editor.

Commodore Marlin.

II. STARBASE 118 STATISTICS

The United Federation of Planets is always expanding and this section keeps track of the total number of senior staff, who are associated with StarBase 118. (ooc - in other words the total number of UFOP members. This figure doesn't include the Fantasy branch or the IRC Branch.)

Number of Duty Stations: 10

Number of Senior Staff: 106

The most significant events for this section this edition are the losses of the USS Arizona and the USS Obertha and the addition of the USS Ronin as a replacement for the Obertha.

Membership is on the increase still, which is great. Let's keep it going, spread the word, tell your friends about us!

III. STARBASE 118 NEWS RELEASE

None available at the time this edition of the Reporter went to press.

IV. PROMOTIONS

Congratulations to the following officers on their promotions:

RANK PROMOTIONS:

FLEET CAPTAIN:

Jeff Pelletier, Starbase 118

COMMODORE:

Shaun Marlin, USS Indria-A
Sierra Randor, USS Starwind

CAPTAIN:

Sandolphan Aquiss, USS Freedom-A

COMMANDER:

L-7, USS Starwind
Je Eirno Maka, USS Starwind

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER:

Y'shirad, Daris 2 Colony
Katherine Erikson, USS Indria-A
Skye, USS Indria-A
Taylen O'Conor, USS Starwind

LIEUTENANT:

Gero Speed, Daris 2 Colony
Alfa, USS Indria-A
H'riss del Kobra, USS Indria-A
Mara Phar, USS Ranger-A
Byan Swatz, USS Ronin
Jason Brandt, USS Starwind
Shiloh Yaguchi, USS Starwind

LIEUTENANT, Junior Grade:

Lore Byron, Daris 2 Colony
K'Tar, Daris 2 Colony
Ozuird, Daris 2 Colony
Torack Demma, USS Freedom-A
T'Quinn, USS Freedom-A
Joseph Otoal, USS Ithaca
Elsa Trevet, USS Ithaca
Edgar J. Wilkens, USS Ithaca

V. STARFLEET NEWS SERVICE

This Section brings us up to date on what has been happening in Starfleet over the last couple of months...

1. FINAL MISSION

Report Author: Lieutenant Commander Madeleine Prior

Report Source: USS Arizona

Regretfully it is announced that the Arizona was destroyed two days ago in an apparent act of sabotage.

The Arizona had been investigating the Samnora II Research Facility when the CO, Commander Reginald Lecrisp, was downed by a mysterious coma (he is now recovering nicely after being transferred to Starbase 118). Taking command and moving on, the unnamed acting CO found the Samnora II facility destroyed, and its runabout missing.

En route to pursuing the elusive runabout, the Arizona met up with the USS Ithaca. A brief scan from the Ithaca revealed massive radiation leaks in the Arizona's warp core, causing severe radiation poisoning in many of the crew (including poor Ensign Goar on the Bridge). The Arizona crew was transferred onto the Ithaca via transporter and lifepods before the radiation leaks became critical. Sensor readings indicate that Arizona had suffered total failure of the Matter/Antimatter containment fields and exploded in an uninhabited region of the sector (it made a rather spectacular explosion, though).

Currently hormones, tempers, exhaustion, and radiation poisoning are running high among the Arizona crew, where they sit in a Cargo Bay awaiting the fate of their mission and crew. Possible integration with the Ithaca crew is highly likely, and I'm happy to report that everyone is accounted for (even Ensign Goar) and well-behaved.

2. COMMANDING OFFICER PROMOTED

Report Author: Captain Sandolphan Aquiss

Report Source: USS Freedom-A

Following the murder sprees of two immortals, the Freedom returned to Starbase 118. Captain Merrit; then CO of the Freedom, decided to end her life by piloting a shuttle craft into the station. Coroner's report found that she was unstable at the time and no criminal charges were laid. Merrit's suicide hastened the change over of the Freedom's commanding officer... Commander San Aquiss was given the commission slightly ahead of schedule due to Merrit's last act.

Transferring from the Ithaca with his new chief engineer; Ensign Brenn, Aquiss and the Freedom crew were given the relatively simple mission of Ambassadorial escort. Two unexplained deaths and the disappearance of the then Chief of Science - Lt.Falcon, meant that the mission had to be aborted. Ambassador Salak-Na was returned to starbase118 to make alternate arrangements.

As if by fate, however, the Freedom crew found themselves called to a special meeting by Fleet-Captain Elinor of Kanist in order to witness the promotion of Commander Aquiss, Ensign Demma and Ensign T'Quinn, to Captain, Lt.j.g. and Lt.j.g. respectively. The award ceremony was also used to inform Lt.Falcon and Lt.j.g. T'Quinn of their new posts. The celebrations were short lived however as the Freedom was sent to investigate the disappearance of the Naiad - a federation transport on which Salak-Na was travelling.

3. ENCOUNTER WITH CARDASSIAN SHIP PROVES DESTRUCTIVE

Report Author: Commander Leigha Jacobs

Report Source: USS Indria-A

The USS Indria-A returned to Starbase 118 following the wrap-up of her last mission. After attending the festivities on 118, the Indria prepared to leave dock minus several key officers. Most notably, newly promoted Commodore Shaun Marlin accepted a temporary transfer to 118 as an administrative officer. Command of the Indria was then passed temporarily to Commander Sally Strange. Following their departure from 118, the Indria was sent to investigate unusual activities pertaining the system where Cardassia III is located. En route, the Indria encountered a hostile Cardassian ship. Information is still sketchy, and details are limited. However, it is known that a battle ensued between the two ships in which the Indria was forced to actually ram the herself into the Cardassian ship. To what extent the Indria was damaged is as yet unknown.

4. CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Report Author: Commander Leigha Jacobs

Report Source: USS Ithaca

After attending the lively ceremony held on Starbase 118, the USS Ithaca was dispatched to meet up with the USS Arizona. Once Commander San Aquiss had been promoted to the position of commanding officer of the USS Freedom-A, Commander Leigha Jacobs assumed the position vacated by Aquiss. The Ithaca was ordered to assist the Arizona in an investigation concerning a mysterious explosion due to the fact that the Ithaca has superior sensor and scientific facilities than the Arizona. However, before the Ithaca could reach the specified coordinates, she was attacked by an unknown assailant. Once the alien ship had inflicted minimal damage to the Ithaca, she retreated due to unknown reasons.

The Ithaca was left to meet up with the Arizona. Unfortunately, as soon as the two ships managed to a random radiation leak was detected by the Ithaca aboard the Arizona. Soon after the Arizona exploded. Now, the Ithaca will begin transporting the Arizona evacuees to Starbase 36 and soon after begin an investigation into the cause of the ship's destruction which may have been the result of sabotage.

5. ROUGE ROMULANS POSSIBLY INVOLVED IN ATTACK ON KLINGONS

Report Author: Commander Jason Rendary

Report Source: USS Ranger

Computer open First Officer's Log Stardate 9811.17 mark 0900.

Ranger has left Starbase 118 to rendezvous with the Klingon Cruiser KASH near the Klingon-Romulan border. Starfleet Intelligence has reason to believe that there could be an attack on the Klingon Empire since most of their ships have been sent to the front to hold back the Dominion attack. We are 22 hours away from point Zulu and just under 18 hours from the neutral zone. Our main object is to provide assistance the KASH as she conducts a patrol of this sector. The KASH is a relatively older model D-7S K't'mara Class IX Cruiser, however, with the number Klingon warriors she is carrying I pity the poor ship that she gets a chance to board.

The latest Starfleet Intelligence indicates that there could be a rouge Romulan Captain named Paylon conducting raids around our patrol zone. This Captain and his crew are of a faction of Romulan Rebels that have been protesting the Romulan Government's role in the Dominion War. Most of his attacks have been against Romulan ships, but Starfleet is worried about the proximity of the Klingon boarder from his last attack. They feel that he might be foolish enough to mount an attack on Klingon target that might present its self. So we are to stand ready to repel his attack and if possible capture him and his crew so that they can stand trial for crimes against his people.

Paylon's ship is thought to be a Romulan refit of the Klingon K't'mara Class Cruiser. Its statistics are sketchy at best. Starfleet feels that he is conducting these raids with possibly two other ships of unknown types. Intel's best guess is that they are captured Romulan Birds of Prey. Even though all three ships are no match for Ranger's steel, their nimbleness makes them a difficult target to bear on.

End Log

6. NEW VESSEL COMMISSIONED

Report Author: Captain Skyfire

Report Source: USS Obertha/USS Ronin

With an aging fleet, Star Fleet has been making an effort to renew and re-vitalize its fleet to modern operational standards within the past decade. One of the new class of vessels, the Akira class, has proven to be a successful design, and the deployment of this class of vessel is becoming more common in the fleet. This month, Star Base 118 welcomed its first Akira class vessel, the USS Ronin.

With a shortage of commanding officers, it is sheer coincidence that Captain Skyfire is made available for a command posting on the Ronin through the untimely destruction of his previous command, the USS Obertha. Circumstances surrounding the destruction of the Obertha are murky at best, but sources indicate that it has been sacrificed as a means for sustaining a rescue operation for thirty million inhabitants of a planet whose sun is being accelerated towards turning into a nova. A closed door hearing on the matter was held, and the results were not disclosed. But judging from the fact that Captain Skyfire has been given command of the Ronin so soon, it is likely that the hearing was in his favor.

The new Akira class vessel, with the revolutionary modular design, is equipped with the aesthetically pleasing twin secondary hull, and is a departure from the traditional design of Star Fleet vessels. The Ronin is also equipped with state of the art facilities, allowing top notch research activities to be carried out on board while it is on deep space voyage. A new engine design allows for more efficient energy production and distribution, while the improved navigation system enhances the vessel's maneuverability.

At the time this article goes to press, the USS Ronin will have already left dock for its first shakedown cruise. With the arrival of this new generation of vessels, Star Fleet has once again been injected with new life, and we look forward to a distinguished service record from the Ronin.

7. CAPTAIN MURDERED!

Report Author: Lieutenant Commander Taylen O'Conor

Report Source: USS Starwind

After its brief lay-over at Starbase 118, the USS StarWind received orders sending her to the Krataran sector -- a quiet sector near the edge of Federation space known for its lack of civilization -- for routine patrol of the area.

Several days into their mission, an explosion rocked the ship. It did not take them long to discover that it originated from the crew quarters, specifically Commodore Randor's quarters. Her apartments had been completely destroyed by multiple blasts. The Commodore's body was recovered from the scene with faint life-signs, but medical was unable to resuscitate her. Death was formally logged and reported. Thankfully the Commodore's daughter was not in the quarters at the time and is being cared for by the ship's counselor and Stellar Cartographer.

An investigation was immediately launched and it was discovered that several bombs, cloaked from sensors, had been planted through out the quarters, and in the jefferies tubes behind the quarters. They were triggered when the bathroom sink had been pulled out, setting of a chain of explosions in the area.

Riding on the heels of that discovery, the StarWind picked up an automated distress signal from a Federation vessel, the USS Marksman. Upon rendezvous they discovered the battle-scarred ship suffering from imminent hull breech and only a small group of the crew left alive. They rescued the survivors mere minutes before the Marksman collapsed.

One of the survivors, a Commander LeCrisp, learned of the episode concerning Commodore Randor's death and upon receiving orders from Starbase 118 has taken command of the StarWind. Further investigations as to the fate of the Marksman, and the murder of Commodore Randor are still in progress.

8. RANGER BATTLES WITH ROMULAN WARSHIPS

Report Author: Commander Jason Rendary

Report Source: USS Ranger

Computer open First Officer's Log stardate 9812.26

Upon meeting up with the Klingon Battle Cruiser KASH, five Romulan warships attacked both Ranger and the KASH without provocation. The attacking ships used Ranger's own shield and weapons frequencies to nullify our defense of their attack. Once we proved to be of little threat, our own transponder code was used to shut down all systems and allow the boarding and capture of Ranger and her crew.

While we were held in the cargo bay we learned the true meaning of this attack. Dr. Solitaire was the real mastermind behind the attack. His plan was to capture the Ranger in an effort to sway the Federation away from its mission of peace and unification towards a ruthless martial law state. It would be at this point he and his loyal allies would step in and take control of the New Federation.

After a brave and courageous plan, the ship was again under our control, but not without a cost. Out of our crew of 364, we lost 12 officers and 83 crew members. This great loss of life did allow for the overthrow of our captures and the ejection of Dr. Solitaire. It was first believed that Dr. Solitaire was now on board the Golden Dawn, so it was decided to eject the Dawn out of the hanger deck and destroy it before Solitaire had time to implement any backup plans. After we destroyed the Golden Dawn and then we learned that Dr. Solitaire was now aboard one of the Romulan Warbirds.

After completing a shipwide security sweep and changing our shield and weapons frequencies, we set course for Star Base 118 for repairs and additional crew replacements.

A couple of notes to Starfleet Intelligence:

1.. The possibility that all fleet transponder codes have been compromised requires immediate attention.

2.. The Romulan warships Ranger encountered have had several modifications to their systems most notably the following:

1.. Advanced cloaking systems that were not detectable with conventional systems. 2.. Advanced weapons systems with the ability to match Federation shield frequencies.