Cptn Neptune

On this half lit day With your crown beneath your wings Ev'ry word just echoes And the empty world sings The graceful lines of the Albion glinted under the lamps of the dry dock facility. Utility bots buzzed, and shuttles ferried supplies and crew towards the newest of the NX-class starships. The shuttlepod carrying her new master approached slowly, letting the full view of her bow fill the panorama of the view port. When he'd lost his command of Challenger it seemed no ship would ever look the same as she had when he first laid eyes on her circling the red-iron sandscape of Mars, but now as he approached the glimmering hull of the Albion his heart skipped a beat. True he'd been master of the Challenger, but he knew in his heart it was never his. The Albion though, she belonged to Neptune to shape into his own vessel. There was a sort of excitement in him now that had been absent for so very long. The cares of the war, and the pain of being stranded on Earth while his friends and colleagues went off to fight seemed to melt away with the anticipation of shaping the future of Earth as command of the Albion. “We're on final approach now, Sir,” the voice of his pilot interrupted the train of thought. “Of course, signal the bridge I am on my way.” “Understood.” The shuttlepod continued her approach and docked along the waiting starboard airlock. Standing from his seated position, and in dress uniform, Neptune moved towards the opening doors. The bosun whistle followed “Captain on Deck!” cried the Chief of the Boat as Neptune's first first steps fell gently on the gleaming, waxed deck plates of the NX-26, and the assembled crew took a sharp attention in unison. “As you were,” Neptune said in a slightly raised voice so they'd all hear him. The crew resumed their at ease posture, looking on to the man who would command them. “COB,” he said warmly. “You've done an excellent job.” “Thank you, sir.” The COB said with a proud expression. “I expect you'll want to take a look around?” “That would be satisfactory,” Neptune said, motioning for the COB to lead the way. -- As the tour ended, Neptune found himself on the bridge of the Albion for the first time, perched in her command chair,which for some reason, felt more comfortable than Challenger ever had—a new model perhaps? Regardless, the Albion felt like home already. Looking at his bridge crew, he smiled. His helmsman was a young ensign fresh from the academy. He looked to be in his early twenties, and from the American northeast—from his accent. His communications officer was a linguistics specialist whom he'd met a few years prior when he was still on the Challenger in that same role. He'd only met his science and engineering chiefs in passing, but he'd have more time to meet them on the way to their first destination. And then there was Bill Gamble, his first officer and Security Chief/Tactical officer. He'd known Bill for nearly three years now off and on, and the two worked well together. In fact, Bill had been his first choice as XO for Challenger but the admiralty had killed that idea in favor of Giovanni, who himself ended up as Commanding Officer of Challenger. “Captain,” Bill said from behind the Tactical console. “We're cleared for departure, all hands and supplies have been brought aboard. The last shuttle pod just cleared the dock.” “Excellent,” Neptune said standing from his chair. “Activate running lights and clear all moorings and retract docking clamps.” “Moorings cleared, retracting docking clamps. We are free to navigate.” “Ahead full thrusters.” Outside the sparkling hull, now lit by running lamps slowly lurched forward under her own power, clearing the dry-dock facility. “Bring impulse engines on-line, set course for the Asteroid belt. Ahead full. Once we've cleared the asteroid belt, lay in a course for the Ventax system, Warp 3.” “Aye, aye Captain.” And the impulse engines came to life, surging the Albion forward. And so the mission began, and an empty world sang with hope.

Author's Note: Set a few months after Neptune left Challenger Captain Neptune Rex stood on the observation tower of the Earth Orbital Dry Dock faciliy. It had been a few weeks since he'd been released from the UE Medical facility in Brussels, and he was just starting to regain his strength—physically anyway. Losing his command had been difficult—even if he'd never wanted it in the first place; but with the war on, he felt simply helpless. “Captain Rex,” the sound of a familiar voice echoed behind him. “Admiral Thompson,” he said turning his head for a moment to look at his superior officer before looking back to the NX-class ship being constructed. “Something I can help you with?” “Honestly” she said placing a hand on his shoulder and joining him at the floor-to-ceiling windows. “I was about to ask you the same question. “I understand the staff at Brussels have cleared you for active duty again,” she paused a moment and took her hand off his shoulder, neatly folding both of her arms behind her back. “I am sorry we took you off the Challenger but we couldn't afford to have it tied up here while you were recovering—if your recovered. It's just...” “I know...the war.” Thompson offered a tender smile before continuing. “We need every ship we can out there...those Romulan bastards just keep hitting us...and we can't do anything about it.” “I just wish I was out there,” he pointed to the stars, “doing something to help.” “That's kind of why I came to see you,” Thompson said, looking at the gray-haired Captain. “Just like we couldn't afford to have Challenger tied up at Earth, we can't afford to have you tied up either.” For the first time in what seemed months, there was a glimmer of hope in the worn eyes of the former master of the NX-05. “What do you have in mind?” “I want you to finish the mission you started with the Challenger,” she said resolutely. “We need every ally we can get in this fight, and your experience still makes you the best man for the job.” “Wonderful,” Neptune said returning to the glass. “But I don't have a ship.” “True,” Thompson said with a Cheshire grin. “I however do have a ship.” “Oh really?” “It is my duty to inform you, Captain Neptune Rex, that you are here by ordered and expected to take command of the UES Albion NX-26, recently launched from Utopia Planetia. She's on her way to Earth to pick up captain and crew.” “So I don't get to choose my first officer?” “Oh I don't think you'll want too.” Neptune lifted an eye brow. “I won't...” “As I recall you wanted Bill Gamble as your XO on Challenger, correct?” “Yes...” “Well then, you shouldn't have any complaints.” Grinning from ear to ear Neptune nodded. “Nope, If you'll excuse me Admiral, I believe I have some packing to do.” “Of course, Captain.” Neptune started walking off towards the location of his temporary quarters, stopping a few feet away. “Thank you, Scarlett.” “You're welcome Neptune,” Thompson said smiling warmly. “And this time...” “Yes?” “Try not to get lost or put in stasis your first few missions, okay?” “Is that an order?” Neptune said smiling widely again.

Mission Brief: The Fungal incident well behind them, the Challenger crew, lost in space, continues on its course towards home. 042207.txt

Mission Brief:Leave on the planet continues, get what supplies you need, it could be a long trip back to civilization! 031107.txt

Mission Brief: Challenger has detected a busy space port and is making its way towards said space port. 022507.txt

This Week On Challenger Challenger has detected a larger and rather busy spaceport in the vicinity. In need of supplies, and more information about the area around them, they've headed towards the spaceport where they've been given clearance to dock. Captain Rex has given the crew general leave to investigate the planet and acquiesce supplies and information. He's also issued a stern warning for anyone who gets a shuttle pod towed.

The Challenger crew has managed to determine that they have exited the wormhole somewhere on the otherside of what they believe to be Romulan space and have pointed themselves in the general direction of Earth. 021807.txt

The Challenger crew has managed to determine that they have exited the wormhole somewhere on the otherside of what they believe to be Romulan space and have pointed themselves in the general direction of Earth.

And you can't forget the ever popular Challenger UES Challenger: Reaching for the Stars Email the Co for more Info!

MISSION BRIEF: Where oh where has the little Challenger gone, oh where oh where could it be. 012107.txt 012107.pdf

Mission Brief: The Dameon's gave us an hour to prepare to surrender. We all know that's going to happen....riiiigggghhhhtttt. 011407.txt 011407.pdf

Mission Brief: With the Dameons at our front door, we ponder our situation and choices. The Dameons gave us an hour to think it over. 010707.txt 010707.pdf

The UES Challenger will not be running on December 24 and 31 due to the holidays. Though players wishing to gather informally are welcome to do so. Have a safe and happy Holiday Season.

Mission Brief: Having sent a sample of the green substance to Challenger for further analysis, the away team continued to attempt to get the communications array back on-line and to determine why it had stopped working. After several attempts to access the data logs failed, the team beamed back to the ship. On the bridge, sensors have detected a reoccurring blip that appears to be moving towards us. 121706.txt 121706.pdf

The following positions are available on UES Challenger for immediate assignment: Assistant Engineering Officer Assistant Medical Officer Assistant Science Officer Assistant Security Officer Navigation If you have graduated STSF Academy, and would like to fill a position on Challenger, contact STSF Personnel by email, [email protected]. If you have any questions about the ship, feel free to send private messages to either GM -- the CO, Captain Neptune Rex, or the XO, Cmdr. Sergio Giovanni. The latest roster and plot summaries are available on our website All are welcome to watch our sim on Sundays at 11PM ET.

Having sent a sample of the green substance to Challenger for further analysis, the away team continued to attempt to get the communications array back on-line and to determine why it had stopped working. After several attempts to access the datalogs failed, the team beamed back to the ship. On the bridge, sensors have detected a reoccuring blip that appears to be moving towards us. TBS: 2 Min

MISSION BRIEF: What's that green stuff on the relay station floor? 121006.txt 121006.pdf

Mission Brief: Challenger nears the communications array, science and engineering have been tasked with finding out why it's not working. 120306.txt 120306.pdf

MISSION BRIEF: The Lovely Admiral has finished her inspection, and passed us with flying colors. (Gee I wonder why. ::dusts his shoulders off:: ) Challenger has been ordered to head towards a broken comm relay in the Kamoris Belt, on the edge of unexplored space. 112607.txt 112607.pdf

STSF NDak -> Mission Brief: Repairs to Challenger are all but done, Sexxy Rexxy has new orders for the Crew. However, A surprise inspection by Admiral (Huff) LeFevre has put off their leaving for now. 111906.txt 111906.pdf

MISSION BRIEF: Tonight brings us to the Vulcan base for some much needed rest and repair to the heavily damaged Challenger. 111206.txt 111206.pdf

MISSION BRIEF: When we last left off, we were about head into glorious battle against the Romulans. Let's hope we don't die. 110506.txt 110506.pdf

The Challenger Command Staff is pleased to announce that the following Awards will be presented to members of the Challenger crew for the 2006 Year. Service Stripe 10 consecutive sims Bronze 20 consecutive sims Silver 40 consecutive sims Gold 80 consecutive sims Platinum 100 consecutive sims Meritorious Achievement Award Awarded to the simmers for excellence in log writing. To be selected by the command team. Challenger Starburst of Excellence: Awarded yearly to the simmer who most exemplifies the Challenger mission; contributing logs, attendance, and overall excellence in play. To be selected by the command team. Stamina Medal: Awarded yearly to the player with the best overall attendance. Captain’s Quill and PADD Award: Awarded yearly for the best log, or best series of logs; given by Captain Rex. Dofus Award: Awarded yearly to the player who has most exemplifies why humans shouldn't be allowed to fly in space. --- The Awards will be presented by Captain Neptune Rex and Commander Sergio Giovanni on December 17, 2006.

“It is satisfactory to see you are feeling better Captain,” the smooth, flat voice of Vulcan Fleet Commander Soral said. Looking across the empty desk Neptune smiled slightly, “Thanks.” “I have been informed that repairs on Challenger are proceeding with out incident?” “That is correct.” The Vulcan steeped his fingers and leaned back in his chair. From the otherside of his chair Neptune studied the Vulcan carefully. His face was stoic and emotionless, which of course was to be expected. He estimated Soral to be middle aged. Vulcans were notoriously hard to read, but his time with them had given him the ability to glean some information from their exterior. “I’d like to lead an expedition back to Seti Lo to see if there are any survivors…” Lifting a brow, Soral shook his head. “Unfortunately, Captain that will not be possible.” “Why not?” “We can not endanger our resources.” Biting at his lips Neptune held back his instinctive first response. “So we are abandoning those people?” “It is an unfortunate reality.” “Challenger could go on her own, we wouldn’t be endangering any one else that way,” Neptune said holding back his frustrations. “Allied Command has already decided on the matter.” Soral’s voice remained impassive. The humanitarian side of him agreed with Captain, however logic dictated that Allies could not afford to lose anymore ships on what was essentially a non-strategic location. Neptune sighed. He knew that it wasn’t worth wasting any more of his breath on. Allied Command had obviously given the order, and while he might have been able to convince a human commander to approve of the mission, there would be no such luck with a Vulcan. Such was the order of things in war. “I haven’t had a chance to check the net, do we know how the rest of the evacuations have gone?” Soral nodded, relieved that the Captain had decided to move on. “We’ve received word from most of the missions. So far the evacuations have been mostly successful. The Romulans engaged only a handful of the convoys.” “And have they made any other moves on our positions?” Soral nodded once more. “They’ve attacked four more Allied outposts” “Hit and run?” “That would be accurate, yes.” “It doesn’t make much sense…why not occupy the territory they’ve taken?” “There any number of reasons for their actions,” Soral pointed out. “However, at this time, I am not able to ascertain their intentions either.” When the Vulcans were stumped, Neptune worried. “I assume if you’ve been in contact with Allied Command you have new orders for Challenger?” “Yes.” Opening a drawer Soral removed a datapad and slid it across the desk. “My Fleet will shortly be leaving as we attempt to establish our defensive perimeter.” Neptune hadn’t started reading the information into much detail, instinctively he looked up. “And Challenger will or won’t be joining you?” “Won’t.” Soral said quickly. “Instead, as soon as Challenger is fully repaired you will be embarking on a mission to repair a damaged communications relay in the Kamoris Belt.” That was a relief. Neptune had little interest in going directly to the front lines. “What do we know about that communications relay?” “Further information is contained on that datapad,” Soral said. “It serves as a relay between the Vulcan, Andoria and Rigel.” “Ion storm…” Neptune said with out looking up from the datapad he’d returned to reading. “That is what is believed to have happened to it…however, no one has actually examined it. It could be something else.” “Will we be going alone?” “Yes.” “Well,” Neptune said standing. “I should head back to my ship.” “Peace and long life Captain.” Soral said giving the Vulcan salute. “Good luck Fleet Commander.”

I love the Gilda clips! And don't forget the Blues Brothers! And just for fun: This came from a Facebook thingy You're a 90's kid if: You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE!" You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" You remember when Kurt Cobain, Tu Pac, River Phoenix, and Selena died. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!" comes from Stephanie from "Full House" You remember when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons. You got super excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school. You remember reading "Goosebumps" You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off" You have pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf. You took plastic cartoon lunch boxes to school. You danced to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls, Females: had a new motto, Males: got a whole lot gay-er. (so tell me what you want, what you really really want.) You remember the craze, then the banning of slap bracelets and slam books. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after (almost) every sentence...Not... Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? was both a game and a TV game show. Captain Planet. You knew that Kimberly, the pink ranger, and Tommy, the green Ranger were meant to be together. When playing power rangers with friends you fought over who got to be who...and still all ended up being Tommy. You remember when Super Nintendo's became popular. You remember watching home alone 1, 2 , and 3........and tried to pull the pranks on "intruders" "I've fallen and I can't get up" You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates Two words... Trapper Keeper. You never got injured on a Slip 'n' Slide You wore socks over leggings scrunched down "Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, all dressed in black, black, black, with silver buttons, buttons, buttons, all down her back, back, back" SHE ASKED HER MOTHER MOTHER MOTHER FOR FIFTY CENTS CENTS CENTS TO SEE THE ELEPHANTS PHANTS PHANTS JUMP OVER THE FENCE THE FENCE THE FENCE he jumped so high high high he touched the sky sky sky and he didn't come back back back til the forth of july ly ly he jumped so low ow ow he stubbed his toe toe toe and thats the end end end of the elephants show show show You remember boom boxes vs. cd players You remember New Kids on The Block when they were cool You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell" You played and/or collected "Pogs" You had at least one Tamagotchi, GigaPet or Nano and brought it everywhere You watched the original Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Ninja Turtles NANCY DREW AND THE HARDY BOYS WERE THE BEST MYSTERY BOOKS Yikes pencils and erasers were the stuff! All your school supplies were "Lisa Frank" brand. You remember when the new Beanie Babies were always sold out. You used to wear those stick on earings, not only on your ears, but at the corners of your eyes. You remember a time before the WB. You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" You know the Macarena by heart. "Talk to the hand" ... enough said You thought Brain would finally take over the world You always said, "Then why don't you marry it!" You remember when everyone went slinky crazy. You remember when razor scooters were cool.