New Member - Kiera N'valae

We are delighted to welcome a new player to the fleet.

Kiera N'valae will be joining the USS Gibson as an Operations Crewman.

Please give her a warm welcome.

Post of the Month--June 2013

It is once again time to present the Post of the Month! Please join us in congratulating Mr. Klaus Vogel! "This post was well researched and mind blowing in it's level of detail. The scene was effectively and accurately set by Klaus's exhaustive dedication. The incorporation of pictures was well formatted, as well. Klaus Vogel has established himself as a respected writer on the Gibson."
- Luke Stafford

[Astrometrics Lab]

The astrometrics lab was used usually for stellar cartography. It had an overall surveillance and reconnaissance strategic function but also tactically as a support to operations and helm. The database herein was used by the ops on a daily basis and thus was thoroughly controlled by "those ops militia" as Science department called them. Besides a few random stations with diverse functions in maintenance the room had a big touch sensible graphene control desk in the middle.

Klaus found the SED reports that CSO left for him in the lab. Those were stored on Leonard's PADD memory card. He took it then approached the main desk and simply threw it gently on the table. It's special properties allowed to read the data on the cards found on its surface, a technique used as a standard technology since ages ago. The table's material composition around the memory card started to change and soon a confirmation dialog box appeared on the touch sensible material. Klauss made sure no one was watching then tapped the confirmation code and sat satisfied in his superior's chair.

The content appeared briefly as a holographic projection above the table.

                                                                                                                                               

Moab System          
Moab IV, Class B Planet, Terramorphed   
Population 4 000 colonists, 600 children
Mining Activity Mainly, Self sustained
             Main Star
Stable Dwarf Class M1V  
NGC2736
6 planets, 1 habitable

Other
Human colony established 2168. Genetically engineered inbound social establishement. Known
recent history of Neutron Star nearmiss 2368. Main activity mining. High surface temperature
variance and earthquakes. Non-suit travel advised only for terraformed establishements. Recent
sparks in tau-antineutrinos detected few units near the planet. Surveillance mission advised.

                                                                                                                                              

"Ok, so we have a normal terraformed planet revolving around a red dwarf, nothing interesting so far" thought Klaus and kept reading further. At some point the report indicated an increase in neutrino radiation on some coordinates not far from the colony. He paused a minute, opened a separate holographic window and searched through the ship's database. Accordingly, there should be nothing at those coordinates. A mild silence took the room and Vogel's inner self. He needed to find an explanation for his chief but here he was, helpless, without sufficient data to reach a conclusion.

"It could be anything: a black hole, a neutron star, a man-made nuclear facility, a remnant of that star that nearly hit the planet 20 years ago, a crystaline entity for what it's worth. Where should I start? How about human made facilities. I don't think there should be some in the area"

He commanded the computer to check all the available databases for nuclear experiments in the area. While the computer connected to the main data core Klaus went on with other possibilities. He used the composite scan found in the report to separate the infrared component and rule out the case of an accretion disk surrounding a black hole but nothing came out. It could be a remnant of that neutron star, in which case the abnormal gravity levels would be explained but that won't explain the absence of other types of light. And moreover, the radiation source after careful analysis wasn't a single point. It was scattered around those coordinates like a crack or better yet a neural network. The computer chimed. The answer for the human activity in that area came negative.

"No way it's a crystalline entity" thought Klaus. "In this case, we ll need more data. Not much is known about the encounter with those beings other than it's transforming matter into energy and it feeds on almost anything. We need to get in the range of long sensors and see if we can read something although I doubt it". Didn't finish his thought, a voice behind him asked.

"Erm, yes, what?" Klaus almost fell off the chair.

He finally stood up and took the official posture in the presence of a higher rank. Lieutenant Safi Larson from the honorary Militia-Operations department was inspecting carefully the lab as if someone just stole something. They never met before, he was sure about it. In front of him he could see an attractive woman around 25, a light open face. The position of her body, the raised chin and her scrutinizing look seemed to suggest a tough personna although there was something in those sparkling eyes. "Did she cry?" Klaus asked himself after noticed the blush around her eyes.

"A few simulations Lietenant at the request of the Science Officer Leonard" he responded to Safi's question.

Shadow Fleet's Next SIMM!

 We can now officially confirm that Shadow Fleet's next SIMM will be named the Starbase Magellan.
We are delighted to announce that the Magellan will be a Citidel-class station, the first station since the first Deep Space Blaisdell which was destroyed back in 2009. A starbase class station, this new SIMM will primarily focus on scientific exploration on the planet, fleet drydock and resupply station, fleet headquarters and more challenges.

Her commander will be someone with whom many of you are familiar. Admiral Chris Newberry will be stepping up to taking command of this new starbase with a small staff.

The full crew roster and further details surrounding the launch of the Magellan will be announced in the coming days.

New Academy Instructors

We are pleased to announce the newest additions to the Shadow Fleet Academy staff.

• Flight - Kirok
• Science - T'Ra Jones
• Medical/Counselling - Jonathan Sanchez
• Engineering/Operations - Archangel T'Koris
• Security/Tactical - Revek Tre'el

The EPC will continue to be run by Mr Greegy, and the Command Course by either Admiral Reece Thompson or Admiral Chris Newberry.

Please join us in congratulating these people on their new positions.

CORP Graduates

Please join us on congratulating Caelene Tam and Ser Conley on passing their Academy courses!

Resignation of Admiral John Kawolsky

Ladies and Gentleman of Shadow Fleet,

Some of you may be aware that recently, the Fleet has been going through some problems.
It appears that, as these issues are wrapped up, the result is the resignation of our very own Rear Admiral John Kawolsky.

John joined the fleet on January 5th, 2007, when it first started. He has been a loyal member ever since, and has helped the Fleet grow in so many ways.

While I do not know all of his actions, I know that he commanded the USS Discovery for many years, and held everyone's respect. He was then promoted to Task Group Commander, and he helped Task Group Alpha grow beyond 2 small slow ships. Whatever problem the Task Group faced, John managed to face it down and fight through it.

John Kawolsky was a founding member of Shadow Fleet and more than that, was a defining member of Shadow Fleet. He helped this fleet grow massively, and will be remembered.

Please leave your respects to Rear Admiral John Kawolsky in Fleet News thread.

-Admiral Reece Thompson

New Players

We have recently been blessed with four more new crewmen on Shadow Fleet. Please join us in welcoming Crewman Recruits Belle Spencer (Gettysburg), Callie Ashley (Churchill), Jennifer Anderson (Gettysburg), and T'Vala Vakar (Gibson).

Commissioned Officer Recruiting Period 03/13

We are pleased to announce the launch of 2013's third Commissioned Officer Recruiting Period, or CORP for short.

The CORP is the opportunity for all eligible crewmen to apply for a place on a Commissioned Officer Training Course (OTC) at Shadow Fleet Academy.

During period 03/13, we are looking to recruit into the following fields:

• Security/Tactical
• Flight Control
• Engineering/Operations
• Science
• Medical

If you are an enlisted player holding the rate of Petty Officer Third Class or above and wish to apply for the Officer Training Course in any of the above fields, send a request to your Commanding Officer via private message explaining the field in which you are applying and why you wish to become a commissioned officer in Shadow Fleet.

The deadline for all applications is June 17th, 2013.

Good luck!

Note: Not all applicants will be successful. If you are not accepted onto an Officer Training Course, there will be another opportunity through CORP 04/13 to be announced later in the year. Successful graduates may be required to transfer ship to satisfy officer personnel requirements across the fleet. Maximum graduating rank in this CORP is Ensign.

Newest Player - Ra'jann

It is our pleasure to welcome another new player to the fleet.

Crewman Recruit Ra'jann is a Caitian male who will be joining the USS Gettysburg as their newest Flight Control Crewman.

Please give him a warm welcome!

Gibson Day - Coming Up

Join the crew of the USS Gibson as they prepare for Gibson Day this June 18th! We hear there's a barbecue involved...

Newest Player - Valkor Draco

We are delighted to welcome another new player to the fleet.

Crewman Recruit Valkor Draco is a Klingon Sec/Tac Crewman who will be joining the crew of the USS Gettysburg.

Please give him a warm welcome!

Newest Player - James Douglas

It is our pleasure to introduce a new player to the fleet.

Crewman Recruit James Douglas will be joining the crew of the USS Discovery as their latest addition to the Security/Tactical department.

Please make him feel welcome!

Churchill Day

 Ladies and gents,

On this day, 2 years ago, the USS Churchill was released into our fleet. Today, a special commemorative topic has been made to celebrate this event. It can be seen here. This special topic contains interviews with some of the crew, a youtube video, and more. Go take a peek, and help us celebrate this special day for the Churchill.

Post of the Month - May 2013

Following the conclusion of our biggest Special Mission to date, it's time to celebrate some fantastic writing by awarding the Post of the Month for May, 2013!

A pleased smile crossed Kylik's face, the Rutian glad that they would have the Lexington as a backup 'central nerve'. Even better, if he became too busy to effectively command the flight group, he was sure the command staff would be able to take over. 'I just hope it doesn't come to that.' he considered. Like most shuttles, the X-90s controls were designed in such a way that a single person would be able to handle most of the tasks to be done, even under difficult conditions.

Kylik noted one behemoth of a man make his way to the Seeckt to store his gear, and soon a few more away team members followed. Near the rear of the shuttle, medical equipment was being loaded in. To the helmsman's eyes, it looked like Dr. Wu and his team were planning on opening a hospital on the planet.

With the final few minutes available to him, Kylik did a walk-around of the shuttle, checking for any potential issues that would make it unsafe to fly. He knew most of the other pilots would be doing the same. It was a strange notion, considering that the engineers had checked each shuttle both inside and out. But it could be therapeutic, especially ahead of a mission. A ritual to clear the mind and focus on the task at hand.

The words hung in the air for a second before the Rutian was spurred into action. He closed the distance to the shuttle hatch quickly, pulled himself inside and waited for the hatch to seal before checking that the flight lock had engaged. He gave a quick look about the cabin, making sure the away team and the majority of their gear was strapped in.

He paused next to Ensign Tam. "Ensign, we may need to do a particularly quick descent to the complex. If that's the case, I'm going to ask you to shift power from the auxiliary systems to the internal inertial dampeners, and to do it quickly." It wasn't really an instruction, but rather an effort to get Tam to have a plan in place for if the time came. He wasn't sure about the Trill, but he had seen other engineers get the impression of 'deer being caught in headlights' when given such instruction without forewarning.

Finally, satisfied that they were as ready as they would get to be, he made his way to the cockpit. He started cycling up the shuttles power plants as he strapped in, though the familiar whine was drowned out by the sound of crewmembers shuffling in the aft section. Soon the whine died down, and was replaced by a gentle purr as Kylik started the engines.

=/\="Comet lead to shuttlebay control, departing. Comet 2,3, follow me out."=/\=

The Rutian couldn't prevent a smile from erupting on his face. This wasn't the pleasant distraction that the previous flight had been. Despite his inhibitions about them, they were taking the X-90s on an actual mission.

[X-90, Corsair B upper atmosphere]

With the [I]Lexington[/I] parked so close to the planet, the shuttles hit atmosphere within mere minutes, and shortly thereafter Kylik started getting his first decent views of the surface. At first, all he could see was a sea of green, with several mountainous outcrops dotting the horizon. As they descended, though, the full effect of Corsair B started to weigh on him.

Kylik had been to many scenic locations since joining Starfleet. He'd done some travelling on Earth, Risa and Casperia Prime. Each had presented a natural wonder that could not be compared to anything else, that overwhelmed the senses grabbed at the heart.

But the scenes he remembered so fondly now seemed pale, controlled and lifeless. Corsair's landscape was vivid, wild and flourishing. Green canopies extended as far as the eye could see, broken by occasional patches of grassland. In those grasslands, Kylik saw patches of colour, though none that he had ever known a plant to possess.

Kylik heard Ley, the navigator seated with him in the cockpit, gasp and then sigh as they surveyed the scenery. Kylik wanted to call Commander Tulley to the cockpit to observe the scene with them, but his heart would not let him. Somewhere, deep within the primal parts of his mind, he didn't want to share this moment. It was his, and nothing would ever be the same again after it.

Kylik wasn't sure how long they sat, mesmerised, but he only returned to the cockpit of the X-90 when the flight controls chimed that they had reached the next waypoint on the route. Kylik shook his head, hoping to clear the image of Corsair B from his thoughts enough that he could concentrate on the mission. He only partially succeeded.

=/\="Ok Comet 2, time to do your thing. Get down to that complex and get us some intel."=/\=

=/\="Aye Lieutenant."=/\= the pilot answered. Kylik saw the shuttle speed past them, already several hundred meters below them and dropping fast. The shuttles were still relatively high up, but he knew at the pace they were capable of Comet 2 would be nape of the ground within a two minutes. Meanwhile, he eased his shuttle into a slightly gentler descent.

About as quickly as he'd expected, several images began flickering on his screen - images sent to them from Comet 2. The complex was easy to make out, a hive of interlinked structures sticking out like a sore thumb in the midst of the greenery surrounding it. There was something off-putting about the images, though, causing his brows to furrow as he tried to figure out what it was.

=/\="Comet 2, there's nothing on these images you're sending me."=/\=

=/\="Blanks, sir?"=/\= they answered.

=/\="No. Nothing alive. I don't see any people, any wildlife or any sign of power. Heck, it doesn't even look like anyone's lived in that complex in years. We’re supposed to be looking at a battle scene?"=/\=

=/\="Yes sir, we saw that too. We're doing a second pass now, but everything is quiet here."=/\=

The Rutian didn't like this. He supposed it was possible that they were simply too late, that the animals had simply dragged off all of the scientists. Still, he expected to be able to see at least some kind of aftermath of the conflict as the occupants of the facility fought to survive.

 "Commander Tulley," Kylik called to the back of the shuttle. "Preliminary scans don't show anything going on in the complex. I'm sending Comet 2's report to the panel next to you. Instructions?"

He could already see the complex ahead of them, and they were descending fast. They would be over the complex within a minute if they continued.

In what is probably one of the longest posts of the entire Special Mission, Kylik Roth has managed to include a variety of posting techniques into this one submission.

Speaking of this post, Acting First Officer on the Gettysburg Lieutenant Commander T'Ra Jones commented, "It is very in-depth, and all of the detail makes it feel like you're actually there with his character."

Join us in congratulating Kylik on what is also his second Post of the Month Award in a row! Don't forget, if you see a post you think is worth of recognition, send it to your Commanding Officer before the end of June.

Newest Player - Bradley Miller

We are delighted to announce a new player has joined the fleet.

Crewman Recruit Bradley Miller will be joining the crew of the USS Gibson as their newest Engineering Crewman.

Please give him a warm welcome!