CAPTAIN'S LOG:
A Joint RPG Newsletter of the Star Trek Universe

"There is no limit to the good you can do if you don't care who
gets the credit." -Gen George S. Marshall

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Issue 13: Sep 1999 - http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Hollow/3200/index.html - [email protected]

Greetings and welcome to the October edition of Captains Log! John Walton has this month off.

As you can see, there are quite a few articles! We're trying to maintain a quota of about 10 items of interest in each monthly edition. Both John and I have simming ships to run, as well as a whole Task Force of ships and their captains. So we tend to get busy. =)

I would like to point out that any fleet subscribed to Captain's Log may write articles for upcoming issues. Interested persons wishing to write articles may do so by contacting their Fleet representative to the Captain's
Log and submitting it through them. All articles will get our highest consideration. Please note that articles may be edited for content and grammar.

I'd also like to mention to Fleet reps that we only received FOUR updates (not counting my own for the USS Dominator). I cannot remind you to get your updates to us as soon as they are ready.

Thanks everyone for your continued support! Captain's Log is a great way for Fleets to communicate. After all, we're all in this together, right?
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John Skelton
Warrant Officer, USS Dominator

You want to serve in Starfleet. Thus, you either enroll in the Academy or enlist in Basic Training where you expect to learn the specific skills and knowledge that will allow you to find a promising career. And by the time
you've graduated, you've been given the fundamentals of just that. But outside of engineering theories or medical dissections, what is it that you've learned that distinguishes you from civilians who have studied the
same subjects in universities, colleges, and trade schools throughout the Federation? The distinction is "crewmanship", and in a series of articles we'll cover some of these fundamentals; information which is often taken for granted or overlooked. The following covers some general concepts associated with the term.

Crewmanship is the interstellar age equivalent of seamanship: the skills necessary to safely perform one's duties characterized by the adage "one hand for yourself and one for the ship". In oceanic days, this included everything from knowing how to coil rope to recognizing ship communication protocols. In Starfleet, it includes much of the same things, updated to serve the starship environment. It is an essential and continually developing part of life in Starfleet for everyone from Crewman Recruit to Fleet Admiral.

The teaching of crewmanship is a pivotal part of the most academies' curricula. It is so intrinsic that you may not even realize that you are learning it. Any amount of instruction that informs you how to do your job, work with others, and follow general guidelines, is a part of crewmanship. Upon your first assignment after the Academy or Basic Training, the Boatswain's Mate of your new ship will further ensure that you understand how to function on the ship, where to go during normal routines, and what to do in an emergency. While it may not be formally implemented (i.e. there may not be a specifi post about it), this secondary training is nonetheless held
for all new Ensigns and Crewmen. And if your Captain decides at any time that you require further instruction in general ship operations, you can be sure that the Boatswain's Mate will be calling on you. (Crewmanship dealing with departmental issues is typically handled within that department.)

How important is good crewmanship? It can easily mean the difference between life and death. History is replete with examples of captains and crew suffering the dire consequences of not following its rules. Ultimately,
every officer and crewman in Starfleet is judged on their crewmanship regardless of their rank or position.

So then the question is: how does one develop good crewmanship? Hopefully, this series will help in that endeavor. Although thoroughness is one of the goals, there are nonetheless supplementary sources that are invaluable. These include the technical manuals of the USS Enterprise, the USS Enterprise-D, and Deep Space 9; your fleet's websites; and the two "bibles" of seamanship: Chapman Piloting, and the Annapolis Book of Seamanship. Familiarity with all of these will make superior crewmanship inevitable for you and allow you to excel in Starfleet beyond any previous limits.

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Travis D. Howard
Rear Admiral, USS Dominator

We're all well aware of the rank structure. We all serve in our Sims with some sort of rank, either in the Starfleet Fleet (SFF) or the Starfleet Marine Corps (SFMC). Some of us are officers, some are enlisted. But, just for the record, lets run down the SFF officers rank structure in detail:

Fleet Admiral (FADM)

Admiral (ADM)

Vice Admiral (VADM)

Rear Admiral (RADM)

Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (RDML) / Commodore (CMDR) ** +

Captain (CAPT)

Commander (CDR)

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR)

Lieutenant (LT)

Lieutenant (JG) (LTJG)

Ensign (ENS)

Midshipman / Cadet *

* officer-in-training

** The rank of Commodore is used when that flag officer is in command of a group of naval ships of some kind, temporarily or otherwise. If he/she is not, the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) is used in its place. Also note that officers with the rank of Rear Admiral Lower Half and above are termed "flag officers," as they often represent the highest authority of command in their area / field and thus carry the "flag" of command.

+ Some fleets do not use the Rear Admiral (Lower Half) rank, while others do not use Commodore. Please check with your fleet to determine the correct usage of this rank in your context.

Lets face it: not everyone is going to get the abbreviations correct. In fact, a common mistake is to abbreviate commander as "CMDR." This, as you can see above, is incorrect according to page 9-12 of the United States Navy Basic Military Requirements (NAVETRA 12043). The abbreviation of CMDR is commodore, not commander. Two full ranks above. This was the common mistake that led the United States Navy to abolish the rank of Commodore, replacing it with Rear Admiral (Lower Half). The problem was that commanders would sign documents with CMDR, indicating that they were a commodore. You could imagine the problems BUPERS had to go through to get that sorted out, not to mention all of the embarrassing moments when the said commanders realized the error or the commodore in command of that commanders assignment.

Star Trek, however, models after the Navy but does not follow it precisely. Therefore, Commodore is still used. However, youll notice that in the opening credits to Star Trek: The Next Generation, William Riker has been promoted to Commodore (CMDR)! Likewise, Data and Geordi have been promoted to the imaginary rank of "Lieutenant Commodore (LT CMDR)"

[Note from John: Sometimes, to avoid confusion, you'll see Commodore abbreviated to "Comdr",  "Cmdore" or "Cdore".]

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Adapted from "Daydreaming: Unlock the Creative Power of Your Mind," by Diane Barth, psycholotherapist.

"We spend 30 to 40 percent of our waking time in daydreams. It doesn't mean that we are lazy or stupid. It can mean that there's something going on in their lives that need attention. People daydream to subtly shape, test, and define their identities. Often melding memories with fantasies, daydreams help us escape and adapt to realities, enhance our self-awareness, and clue us in about our hidden desires and potential. People can play off their fantasies to make the most of their realities."

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Chris Kaufman

After avidly following Star Trek through all its generations for 30 some years, I wonder if I could submit an idea for readers to mull over. Tuvok could be the son of Spock and Uhura. Now before everyone gets in a tizzy,
lets look at some interesting coincidences.

First, how many Vulcans of color have you seen in all the movies and all the other shows, even the background shots. Second, Tuvok said himself that both his parents were starfleet. Spock was one of the first Vulcans to ever join Star Fleet. Voyager is set in the same decade as Captain Picard's tour of duty and Spock is still alive then. During Spock's term of service under Captain Kirk the Intrepid was lost with all hands aboard, leaving Spock as the only Vulcan in Starfleet. Third and lastly Tuvok never stated that both his parents were Vulcan.

So I know it is kind of a stretch but I really would like to think that Spock not only got a girl at the end but a really nice and intelligent woman, especially after the ratty thing that T'Pring did to him and having to always deal with Kirk and his woman chasing. The only down side to this argument is when this occured and moreover, isn't Uhura a little old at the end of the TOS movies? Well, Medical Technology is a wonderful thing and if women are getting pregnant in their fifties now, imagine what they can do in the twenty third century!

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MASON FLEET  ADM Westbrook: The Mason Fleet introduces a new feature, the Holodeck. With its simulators, interactive games, and a customized drawing board, the new center provides entertainment to all, even those not interested in joining. There is still much more to come for the Holodeck like special animations, downloadable calendars, fun games, and much much more. The holodeck is now operational, and we you'll visit.

GAMMA FLEET  FADM Pellew: Greetings all. It would be a huge understatement to say that not much has happened this month in Gamma Fleet. There have been just a few changes to say the least. On Monday 13th September, I relieved Fleet Admiral Young from Command of Gamma Fleet. This was for a number of
reasons, which I will not go into right now. Vice Admiral Savessh has taken my place as Executive Officer, and I am now in Command of the Fleet. Captain Liana Xavian is the new Second Officer. We have already made some changes in GF. I have set up a council to act as an advisory body, telling me, and the rest of GF Command what the Fleet want. The GF Engineering Corps have been re-opened under a new Director. GF Medical, is thriving, and GF Science are just starting out. Also the Gamma Fleet Marine Corps are opening, bring all of the Marines in the Fleet together, and giving them advice on procedure etc. The Gamma Fleet News is about to have a revival through the work of the new Editor, Admiral Savessh. With this new beginning, the Fleet is also expanding. The USS Sentinel, USS Chrono, USS Intrepid, and USS Kyushu have all either started out or moved to Gamma Fleet recently. Also Captain Dax has taken on Command of the USS Camelot after their previous Captain left to Command the USS Challenger.

I would like to apologise to all involved in the spamming incident of last month. Since that event, the USS Essex has closed down, as Captain Gareth decided she was not Command material, and well you know what has happened with Young. I also want to apologise to anyone else who has had problems with GF in the past. We are now a new fleet, and a looking to heal old wounds, and put things in the past, and have a new start.

Finally I would like to wish Admiral Savessh, Captain Liana, and all others in new positions the best of luck, and I would like to thank all those that have supported me in the change of command. So until next month, happy simming, and take care.

ALPHA QUADRANT SIM GROUP  (News Update): Fleet Admiral T'Keris has taken the position of Fleet representative for his sim group. Welcome to the team, admiral!

USS DOMINATOR  RADM Daniel Hunter: The Dom has just come off of a stunning mission done completely by her crew. I had originally intended to set off on a completely different mission, but the crew had other plans. As always, I come to grips that I have an increadibly talented and gifted crew of writers who never cease to amaze me.

The Dominator will be back on track with her intended mission shortly, after some repair and refueling time  an opportunity for some Free-For-All posting. Good work to her crew and congrats to the recent promotees. As
always, officers are doing their jobs responsibly and with respect, and the enlisted and petty officers are always one step ahead of everyone else. We'll make admirals and generals out of you all yet!

BRAVO FLEET  FAdm Mike K'Wor Bremer: In September, Bravo Fleet was awarded the 'Admiral's Choice Award'. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.

Also, I'm proud to announce the following Admiralty Staff changes: VAdm. Goodwin has stepped down from Command of TF86 to devote more time to his JAG duties. RAdm. Bridger will be taking over TF86. TF93 also has a new commander, RAdm. Dyer, and Bravo Fleet Academy has a new CO, RAdm. Hammond.
I know they will do just great!

Furthermore, the Bravo Fleet Communicator released its first issue in September. The BFC is an interfleet newsletter for Bravo Fleet. Everything from Bravo Fleet news, to trivia, to interviews, to news about Bravo Fleet's sister fleets is in the BFC, and so far, it's been a great success! Anyone can subscribe, just stop by the BFHQ to learn more.

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USS Panther

http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Starship/9236/index.htm

newly started and has any position apart from captain remaining. Capt. Arjin Odan
 
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The United Federation of Players International

http://www.cybernut.net/UFPI/
The UFPI is an E-Mail based role playing game (RPG) which has been in existence since 1993. If you enjoy writing science fiction based on the Star Trek Universe (with a bit of B5, Alien, and X-Files thrown in), we invite you to submit a membership application. If accepted, your character will be assigned to one of our many duty stations, where you will join other fans in creating a tandem story line filled with action, intrigue, danger and
romance. There is no cost associated with becoming a UFPI member! All that is required is a means of sending / receiving E-Mail. It is also recommended that you have the latest version of either Netscape or Internet Explorer to fully take advantage of the benefits and resources provided through the UFPI web site. The UFPI Web Site acts as a one-stop shop for information, materials, and access to other UFPI related areas. You are invited to browse through our site, and don't forget to sign the guest book before you leave. Gary Martin
UFPI Leadership Board

* * *

USS Dominator

http://www.members.tripod.com/capt_hunter

The Dominator is still accepting applications, specifically for the following positions: Flag Lieutenant, Chief of Staff, Combat Pilots / Wing Commanders, Medical Specialists, Executive Chief Engineer, and positions in
our dedicated Special Ops teams. Visit the crew roster on the Dominator's website to get a description of the positions and other details. Travis Howard (Rear Admiral Hunter) USS Dominator Commanding Officer

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LOST: Sebastian Reese, Associate Editor. His email address is permanently bouncing. Would anyone with information please contact the Editors.

Chapter Two  Secret Contact

2200 hours. Rear Admiral Hunter clicked off his command chair workstation and transferred all data to his PADD. He stood. Noticing his COs action, Captain Garret stood as well.

"XO has the con," Hunter announced. "Im retiring for the night."

"XO has the con, aye aye sir." As the admiral stepped up to the upper level towards the turbolift, the ops operator called out.

"Ive got a long range contact, bearing zero-three-zero, warp eight closure!" Even before he finished his statement, the bridge became a bustle of activity. Personnel out of their duty stations sprang back to their chairs, swiveling to their consoles to examine the slew of data scrolling across it. Hunter stepped back down and stood by the ops console.

"Identify."

"Pinginginitial passive scan indicates two Dominion battleships and two transports. Theyre not within the sensor range of their class to detect us admiral."

Hunter reclaimed his command chair, swiveling to face the tactical station. "Tactical! Full stealth mode! Rig ship for silent running."

"Rig ship for silent running, aye aye sir!" The TSOs hands flew over the console. "Cloaking device powering up. ECM systems in place and active. Passive sensor array is online."

Captain Garret could feel the mighty Dominator power down. The lights dimmed to the blue wash of stealth mode. The TSO activated the all-hands intercom, commonly called the "1-MC"

"All hands. Ship has been rigged for ultra-quiet. Passive instruments only. Maintain sensor silence below decks. Repeat, ship has been rigged for ultra-quiet."

"Admiral, Ive lost the contact!"

Hunter glanced at Garret. "Did they see us?"

"Negative," the ops officer replied. "Their speed or course didnt change. We just simply cant tract them at that range with passive scanners alone."

"Suggestions," Hunter called out, an act which almost all Starfleet captains seemed to share.

"Recommend we follow, sir," the TSO replied, almost instantly. "This close to Fed space, they are probably up to something."

"I concur, admiral," Garret said, nodding. "I find it hard to believe that two full Battlecruisers are normal patrol cruises. Not to mention the transports."

"Granted," Hunter agreed. "Ops, whats our chance of being discovered if we follow?"

"Theres always a chance, sir, but they arent hunting for silent runners either."

Admiral Hunter stood, letting out a long breath. "Very well. Helm, plot an intercept course and engage at maximum stealth cruise."

"Intercept course and warp four, aye aye sir."

"Ill be in my ready room. XO has the con."

"Admiral," Garret called after him, "werent you going to go to your quarters?"

Hunter managed a smile. "Would you sleep?"

"truthfully, no sir."

With no more words that needed saying, Hunter disappeared through the ready room doors.

Chapter Three  Of Stellar Proportions

0600 hours. Hunter awoke from his restless slumber at the sound of his ready room intercom. "Admiral Hunter to the bridge." Hunter got up, straightened his uniform, and strode out onto the command deck.

"Admiral on the bridge!" Captain Garret rose and saluted.

"Report."

"New contact, sir. Surprised the hell out of"

"Get on with it, Captain!" Hunter snapped.

"Aye aye sir," the XO responded immediately, unfazed. He had been with the Kytef-born admiral too long to not understand his natural temper at inefficiency. He gestured to the viewscreen, which displayed a tactical map.

"A Federation Starship is already on an intercept course. Ulysses class."

"Ulysses?a SPECWAR vessel?"

"It would seem so. IFF match confirms identity as NX-74928. The USS Odysseus. Under the command of Commodore Flynn Taggart. Assigned to Bravo Fleet, Task Force 17; their STOAT division."

Hunter stroked his chin; a habit he couldnt get out of after shape-shifting a small beard for a period of about a week one time. "The Odysseus is the Anti-Krazzle flagship for that fleets division, if Im not mistaken," he spoke; more to himself than anyone. "What the hell is she doing targeting Dominion vessels?"

"Theres more, sir," Garret said. "The Odysseus weapon systems are cold. Her shields are down."

"Something smells sh***y," the burly TSO mumbled, not realizing his voice carried.

"Agreed," the admiral responded, not even registering the TSOs words. "Does the Odysseus detect them? Could they just be on patrol?"

"Her sensors are active, sir. They should have them on their scopes. Besides, its standard procedure to always have weapons on standby and shields up during patrol."

"Yes, of course," Hunter responded. The Kytef blood in him surged. Defection? A SPECWAR ship? Impossible! Such an act was unheard of! Damn them! "Stay on them!" he barked.

"Aye aye sir!"

=== Final words ===

Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoyed our latest issue. Please send any comments or questions to the addresses below, not to the address from which this has been sent. Oh...and feel free to forward this to any fellow Trekkers out there!

Boldly Go,

--John and Travis
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