PHOENIX RISING

The Official Publication of the Dark Phoenix Quadrant
Please copy and distribute to your crew!
Stardate 9810.03
NUQNEQ
Greetings to all Klingons of the Dark Phoenix Quadrant. I am Commander valQIS sutai-DevnoH/Septariq, of the IKV Dragon Sword. I have been given command of our Quadrant due to the illness of my brother, Kruge. Captain KoHla is the interim Commander of the Dark Moon Fleet in his absence, while I am now CO of the Quadrant. There are a lot of things happening and a lot of fun to be had by all. I will tell you a little bit about myself, and then get on to the good stuff.
I have been in fandom ever since I saw the first Star Treks on TV, many long years ago. I used to like the Vulcans, until Worf stole my heart. There is something about a tall handsome ridged warrior that sends my blood boiling. While attending Austin Peay, I met Walter Hansen who ran the Dragon Sword. He talked me into joining the Klingon Assault Group, I went to my first Dragon Con, and the rest is history! I have been in KAG for 4 ½ years now. I started out as Science Officer aboard the Dragon Sword, worked my way to XO, then CO when Walter left the ship. I have also taken over leadership of the Klingon Armourers Guild, when the prior leader was unable to devote enough time to it, was the Quartermaster for the DPQ for about a year, and now I have taken command of the DPQ while my twin sister, KoHla has the DMF. And yes, I am the evil twin. Nya ha ha!
This may or may not be like any newsletter that you have ever received. I am open to suggestions right up until time to print them out. After that, you are stuck with the results! I welcome any and all questions and comments, both constructive and destructive. Just remember that I like sharp pointy things, and need practice in their utilization! This newsletter will go out when I have the time to put one together, hopefully, once a month. But it may be longer between issues until I get organized. Anyone know a good cheap kuve that has the ability to organize an inveterate pack-rat?
QAPLA'
The Qapla Column is for recognition to those warriors who have helped their ship and/or their community in various ways. It will also be used to publicize promotions in our Quadrant. So if you know someone who needs to be recognized, or who has had a recent promotion, send me their name, Klingon name, and reason for recognition, and I will post it here so that all may know the glory that we bring to the Empire!
The following warriors were instrumental in helping with the Security Operations at Dragon Con this year. Special thanks also go to Bill Ramsey, who created order out of disorder, unity out of division, and who helped make this one of the most pleasant Dragon Cons that I have attended. Qaplaa! (I apologize if I have messed up your name. Give me a call, and Ill get it straight in my records!)
Bill Ramsey - Major QorToq vestai-DevnoH, Quadrant
Fencer/Intel
Brook Ramsey - Marine 1st Lt vestai-DevnoH, IKAV Dragon's Heart
J.D. Barrett - Cpl Ja'Dee DevwI'nesh, IKAV Dragon's Heart
Juliet Barret - Sub-Lt Julie DevwI'nesh, IKAV Dragon's Heart
Scott Healy - Sub-Lt Scott DevwI'nesh, IKAV Dragon's Heart
Eddie Bagwell - Lt vestai-DevnoH, IKV Grand Inquistor
Scott Tipton (Taz) - Lt Taz tai-, IKV Grand Inquisitor
Clay , IKAV Dragon's Heart (new crew)
JoJo Major KJo-KJo vestai-Talon, IKV Feklahr's
Fury
Rodney Rani, the Philipino in grey, IKV Shadowstorm
Wallace "Junior" Carter, the giant in brown, IKV
Shadowstorm
Steve Young Lt. joH QibpIna vestai-DevnoH, IKAV
Fencer
The following warriors were instrumental in helping with the KAG table at Dragon Con this year. Special thanks also go to Shaughn OConnor who set up the schedule and helped make things happen. Qaplaa!
Susan Keenan Captain KoHla sutai-DevnoH, Interim Commander Dark
Moon Fleet
Patricia Ritz CDR valQIS sutai-DevnoH, Commander Dark Phoenix
Quadrant
Mary Curran
Robert Patton
Don Meyer - KBlade, IKV Rogue Phoenix
Shaughn OConnor CDR Kasak sutai-Septariq, IKV Rogue
Phoenix
Tony Roberts QatanI, IKV Feklahrs Fury
PROMOTIONS
This is the part that I really like. I think that it is wonderful that there are so many people out there who devote so much time and effort in being Klingon, helping out our communities, and doing public service work. I think that one of the things that drew me into the Klingon World was their well developed sense of Honor. Honor is a word that is not heard enough these days. There was a time when a mans word was his bond. No more need be said. I think that the Klingon Ideal of Honor is one that humans are missing from their lives, and if we can bring it to them, one human at a time, then this will be a much better world. Kai Kassai Klingon!
Shaughn OConnor
Lt.Cdr. Kasak vestai-Septariq TO Commander Kasak sutai-Septariq
Steve Young
Lt. joH QibpIna vestai-DevnoH TO Major joH QibpIna
vestai-DevnoH
Scott Tipton
LT. JG Taz TO Lt. Taz tai-
Darryl Watson
Captain Kruge zantai-DevnoH TO Admiral Kruge zantai-DevnoH
SHIP CHANGES
There are several changes in our Quadrant. The IKV Dark Star has petitioned for a name and logo change. They are now the IKAV Fencer, a Marine ship. Tim McKenney has left the IKV Nemesis for a new life and a new wife. His XO, Kevin Parker, has taken command of the Nemesis. Gail Fuller has officially stepped down as CO of the Fury, and the XO, Kjo-Kjo has officially taken command. Neil Fuller has taken command of the IKV Dark Star, whose name is no longer being used due to the name change of the Fencer.
OTHER NEWS
There had been sporadic advertising about a banner contest, that would occur at this years Dragon Con. But since the word was not given out to everyone, the contest was cancelled. However, three ships did bring their banners, the IKAV Fencer, the IKV Feklhrs Fury, and the IKV Dragon Sword. Since there was a lot of interest in this kind of contest, it will be held again next year at the Dragon Con. All ships, Houses, and anyone who wishes to may submit an entry. There are few rules. The banner can be no wider than 3, and it must have its own display stand. Just remember that this is a family convention, and there are small children running around, and you will have no problems!
We also had the wildly popular "Torture the Tribble" attraction. Thanks to Captain KoHla, who revitalized it, EVERYONE got to throw the switch!
I did have an opportunity to speak with Admiral Kroesh about a few things. One of them was the question of Battle Notches and Kill Stripes. It is not true that if you are on television, or are publicized that this is a Kill Stripe. Yes, publicity is good, but that is a Battle Notch Event. Kill Stripes are a result of a challenge won. You need to make a challenge to a group, have that group accept the challenge, and then YOU MUST WIN! The only exception to this is in a Blood Drive. If you challenge another group in a blood drive, and you donate more blood, then you have won a Battle Notch as well as a Kill Stripe.
Admiral Kroesh also made clear the fact that if you are a Quadrant CO, Fleet CO, or hold another title, you are still eligible to CO your own ship. This was misunderstood in the past. I believed, as did many others, that once you got on the Quadrant level and above, that you would have to give up command of your ship. That is no longer the case.
Also, the Mindscanner is out now! Subscriptions are $6.00 for 4 issues. Send your money to Joel Nye, 628 Buckeye Street, Hamilton, OH 45011. He has received many peoples checks, so if you have already sent one in, you may want to check to see if he has received it.
So, are you tired of my monologue yet? I welcome all articles and submissions of artwork. The more that you contribute, the better the Phoenix Rising will be.
MARINES
This section will be for our sturdy and valiant Marine/Security forces. For those who may not be aware, the Department of Security has been merged with the Marines. More details will follow. Look for the Dark Moon Fleet newsletter, which should have a copy of ro'baS attached. ro'baS is the official Marine newsletter.
For more immediate information, contact our Quadrant Fencer, Major Qor'tok vestai-DevnoH (Bill Ramsey). He can be reached at (615) 226-9418, or emailed at: [email protected].
WEAPONS
This section is for those warriors, who like me, enjoy the challenge of creating and designing new weapons. I have been rather busy lately, so I havent had a chance to design any new weapons. Here I include a picture and description of one weapon that I have designed. If you design weapons, and would like for others to see your design, send it in to me, and I will include it in this article. There is an organization, called as the Klingon Imperial Weapons Guild. It is an organization that promotes the creation of weapons in steel. There is no political affiliations with any group, they are fellow warriors who desire to practice and perfect their weapon-making techniques. Their web site is at: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Nebula/5094/

This throwing axe is an historical weapon whose origins are lost in the threads of time. Early versions have been found dating into the homeworld's prehistoric period. It was probably first used as a means for gathering firewood, and modified and enhanced to utilize the excellent balance that needs to be achieved to make a deadly throwing weapon. Early cave drawings show our ancestors using a weapon very similar to this to bring down large and dangerous prey for food. Anthropologists theorize that this axe may also have been used in early rituals, but this has not been verified. - valQIS, 1997
TLHINSA'
This is the tlhInSa Section, devoted to those warriors who enjoy a good game, filled with strategy and bloodshed. When there are more players, I will include listings of players and how to get in touch with them. We play in many different ways, including email and the Tcl program that allows for "live" play on the internet. I will also include strategy, as soon as I can figure some out! If you are an avid player, and would like to help others learn and/or master this game, send me your articles and I will include them here. In the course of play, I have found that playing on line, it is very useful to have a chat program running. I use ICQ, but some others may work as well. That way you can switch screens between the game and the chat so that you can communicate with your opponent.
BATTLE NOTCHES
Need to know where to get those Battle Notches? Wonder no more! I have them here, in all colors. I only charge $0.50 each for them. Let me know how many and what colors, and I will get them out to you as soon as I can. I am not running a business, I just like to help out our fellow warriors. Remember, that as of October 1, Battle Notch Requests and Kill Stripe Requests go to the Fleet Commander.
KLINGON LANGUAGE CLAN
Are you a bit rusty, and would like someone with whom to practice your Klingon? Check out the KLC. They are not the KLI, an honorable association. They are just fellow Klingons who enjoy speaking the Warriors Tongue. Just go to http://usskatana.ml.org/~klc/ for more information.
ADVERTISEMENTS
This section is to bring attention to those warriors who fabricate and replicate things which are of use to all warriors. If you know someone who makes good things, send me their info, and I will put them here.
Klingons - Still Looking For those hard to find props? Well look no further Lorrenssith Weaponworks has all kinds of props & uniform accessories. Everything from knives to pistols and many pins. Custom work may be available upon request.
ONE MORE LAST THING . . .
Some of you may have heard the latest "scandal" that is going around the internet. I am enclosing the full texts of the most recent emails, the first one from John Halvorson, and the second one, Admiral Kroeshs response. I ask you to read them through, and let your crew see them. My position is this: John Halvorson left KAG, and has moved on. Admiral Kroesh is our Commander-in-Chief, and I have seen nothing to indicate to me that he has done a "bad" job. There are many plans in process to make KAG a better organization for you and your crewmembers. Many people have left other organizations to avoid the "politics". I believe that Admiral Kroesh gives us the best chance of a politic-free KAG, which caters to the most important people of our organization, the members . If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me, either by email or phone. I welcome all points of view, but I may or may not change my mind!
John Halvorson's email
To all concerned,Effective this date, September 30, 1998, I have removed Admiral Kroesh zantai-Septaric (Larry Septrick) from his position in the Klingon Assault Group.
What is the first of KAG's Five Rules?
HAVE FUN.
Can anyone, anywhere, tell me when ANY of the ugly politics we've seen been "fun"? When the leadership called KAG/Command is more interested in "power" and position than leading the club with vision and enjoyment, then a change must be made. This I have done.
In North America there are four fleets under the "Naval" banner: RING OF FIRE, COLD TERROR, DARK MOON, and BLACK ICE fleets. Yet two out of these four fleet's commanders have expressed NO CONFIDENCE in KAG Command. That's pretty serious, and what brought this action.
This year has been one of KAG's roughest, with divisiveness, politicking, and confusion, overlayed with bureaucracy. It got to the point where I wasn't having ANY fun, and needed to find that element again (and I did!) In relinquishing the reins of KAG, however, I put the club in harm's way.
For this, I am sorry.
The dictionary I have defines HOBBY as "...an activity or interest, engaged in primarily for pleasure; a pasttime." We're here in our latex, wigs, and costumes to play, to derive pleasure from our STAR TREK hobby. Let's get back to this.
My relieving Kroesh of his position is but one step in rebuilding this club of ours. I'll need your help, your ideas, and your positive attitudes.
On the back of the KAG membership form, it says something about growth being based on cooperation and communication. It's time to do all that, again.
Enmity between KAG's fleets and ships must cease. We must be ONE club with many parts, each valued, each respected. We must be willing to share ideas, to try new avenues of playing Klingon.
If you cannot, or will not, do this, perhaps you should leave KAG.
Now, earlier I wrote that I'd rediscovered fun--for me!--in KAG. I've helped set up a number of ships into a unit called "BattleGroup North".
Ships from Canada AND the U.S. comprise this, with the five KAG Rules, communication, and a lot of cooperation. It's been a delight, and I'll be more than glad to talk about it--or YOUR idea for KAG's growth.
For now, though, understand that change has happened, and that with your help and ideas we can move the KLINGON ASSAULT GROUP proudly into the next ten years.
Go for Glory!
KRIS epetai-KURKURA
Thought-Admiral KAG
John Halvorson
Admiral Kroesh's response:
The Word..... does this mean it comes from a god?
>Effective this date, September 30, 1998, I have removed Admiral Kroesh zantai-Septaric (Larry Septrick) from his position in the Klingon Assault Group.
Sorry, effective same date Admiral Kroesh retains his position since mister halvorson has no authority to do this, plus the falsehoods based on his own actions makes his reasons counterdicative
>What is the first of KAG's Five Rules?
>HAVE FUN.
>Can anyone, anywhere, tell me when ANY of the ugly politics we've seen been "fun"? When the leadership called KAG/Command is more interested in "power" and position than leading the club with vision and enjoyment, then a change must be made. This I have done.
Could be an excellent point, but of course you forget to mention many of these politics are yours to begin with. I'm not free of sin, but power and position have only been your main reason for having in this club.
>In North America there are four fleets under the "Naval" banner: RING OF FIRE, COLD TERROR, DARK MOON, and BLACK ICE fleets. Yet two out of these four fleet's commanders have expressed NO CONFIDENCE in KAG Command. That's pretty serious, and what brought this action.
Let's see, one fleet you created without the consent or knowledge of the people already involved with leading those fleets. An agreement that you broke. The other fleet tattered over the years of turmoil. As for the two fleets which have confidence in Command they comprise more than 60% of KAG and continue to flourish. Sounds pretty good to more than just me. Oh, I forget to mention these are two fleets which you have tried to recruit into your fleets and failed. Yes is that it, john? Could it be they have no confidence or trust in you? And I am bothered about the fact that YOUR fleet, the Black
Ice Fleet, has no respect for what you so-called believe in - KAG. Was this your plan?
>This year has been one of KAG's roughest, with divisiveness, politicking, and confusion, overlayed with bureaucracy. It got to the point where I wasn't having ANY fun, and needed to find that element again (and I did!) In relinquishing the reins of KAG, however, I put the club in harm's way.
Yes, Harm's Way that you planned. You even boasted to others how you were going to rush back and save KAG after Jack and Larry destroyed it. This was something you planned by feeding both of us different instructions. Even the point of not coming out and declaring me the new leader of KAG. Something you, me and Kragtowl agreed upon two weeks before, should you ever step down. Even after both of us asked you to send out the clarification. What did you do instead? Turned your backs on us and allowed the problems to escalate. How can anyone who cared for own his club allow this to happen in the first place? Yes you put KAG in harm's way.... but on purpose
>For this, I am sorry.
No you are not. The only thing you are sorry about is Jack and Larry did not rush right in and allow your master plan to work. That you had to keep undermining KAG until you reached this point. Too bad, old bean.
>The dictionary I have defines HOBBY as "...an activity or interest, engaged in primarily for pleasure; a pasttime." We're here in our latex, wigs, and costumes to play, to derive pleasure from our STAR TREK hobby. Let's get back to this.
I guess since a hobby can be a home item it's okay that you even tried to use my wife against me. Then when she found out you were sending out false information about us you didn't even have the courage to reply to her questions, especially when she caught you in the lies. Yes, trying to attack someone's marriage to get to them in KAG is a real hobby of yours. You should ask my wife what she thinks of your hobby, if she'll ever talk to you again. And you enjoy using people, don't you? How many others have you done this to?
>My relieving Kroesh of his position is but one step in rebuilding this club of ours. I'll need your help, your ideas, and your positive attitudes.
You misspelled the word, john. Don't you mean, this club of yours? And is it relieving me of my position or kicking me out of KAG? I just read a memo of yours eliminating me and "omitting" Kutaj and Kruge from Kommand. Why?
Because I tried to do things the best way I could when many already acknowledge I was set up from the start? Making someone a (puppet) Kahless while you play Gowron.... how insulting to use that comparision. But why remove two capable leaders? Of yeah, they support me.
>On the back of the KAG membership form, it says something about growth being based on cooperation and communication. It's time to do all that, again. Enmity between KAG's fleets and ships must cease. We must be ONE club with many parts, each valued, each respected. We must be willing to share ideas, to try new avenues of playing Klingon. If you cannot, or will not, do this, perhaps you should leave KAG.
There are alternatives, but I see you want to get rid of those who do not follow you. How many other Captains and Admirals are on your list? You call that a fix?
>Now, earlier I wrote that I'd rediscovered fun--for me!--in KAG. I've helped set up a number of ships into a unit called "BattleGroup North". Ships from Canada AND the U.S. comprise this, with the five KAG Rules, communication, and a lot of cooperation. It's been a delight, and I'll be more than glad to talk about it--or YOUR idea for KAG's growth.
Actually mister halvorson missed the point again. Before you talk to him or me, you should talk with your leader in fleet, division, ship, or whatever. Ask them what they know and believe in.
It's really not an issue about who's on top of KAG, it's what the people do. That is the key to recovery. I'm beginning to like the variations of the HomeWorld concept even more.
No, john, I will remain in my position to help correct some issues and then I will step down when I'm ready. You keep pointing out you found the key, that you are the savior of KAG. Maybe your KAG, but not the KAG for all.
Yes, once you were a great leader. I know because I was your trusted and loyal right-hand man who did so much for you (in KAG and at home)..... like many other Admirals forced to leave KAG. The question many of you should ask is, "why does Kroesh, once Kris's closet friend, have a different opinion of this man now? What do I see that I did not see then?" john, have a nice day and thanks for the chuckle.
Larry and Admiral Kroesh zantai-Septaric
KAG Commander
And this concludes the first issue of Phoenix Rising. I hope you enjoyed your tour, and maybe learned something besides the fact that I am as crazy as a Rigellian Sand Flea. As mentioned before, I welcome questions, comments, and complaints. I also like to wield a sword, throw an axe, and cause general mayhem, so be warned!
CDR valQIS sutai-DevnoH/Septariq
Commander Dark Phoenix Quadrant
Editor Phoenix Rising
email: [email protected]
This newsletter was published for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement is implied or intended. It is merely a means of contacting those ships and their crews stationed in the Dark Phoenix Quadrant, opening the lines of communication, and sharing information for the betterment of all warriors everywhere. "Klingons Live Long and Conquer!"
valQIS
This page last updated stardate 200203.27