rosetto

Navigating Starfleet Starfleet Academy, SF, Earth School of Navigation Senior Thesis 14 JUN 2396 Ensign Sal Rosetto Mentors: (NPC) Lieutenant Maria Lopez, Cmdr. Samantha Kent, Admr. Atragon, Cmdr. Jami Farrington, Dr. Sorehl Abstract This paper concerns the understanding and operation of the navigational systems of interstellar spacecraft, the importance of accurate and reliable subspace data streams and why following established procedures save time, effort and can save lives. What I have learned is that an even temperament and level head is always required while navigating a space vehicle regardless of the immediate circumstances. There are flight rules and communication protocol so that all concerned are aware of your actions and can compensate their own based on these actions. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Introduction 3 Methods 4 Results 5 Discussion 6 Conclusions 8 Recommendations 8 References 8 Appendices 9 Introduction This paper discusses my experiences at Starfleet Academy’s School of Navigation in San Francisco, Earth. Its purpose is meant to reflect my personal appreciation to those members of the Academy who saw fit to push me in the direction of this career. I have personally enjoyed almost every class session presented to me and have made many friends in the process. Some I hope to see again later in my career while there are others with which our paths will probably never cross again. This saddens me but also pushes me forward into the Undiscovered Country. Methods It is highly recommended that one has a good sense of spatial displacement in both the 3 and 4 dimensional realms, a clear understanding of basic astronomical phenomenon and the physics defining them, hand-eye coordination and agility, and in good physical and mental health prior to beginning these studies. Much of this can be accomplished even without achieving one’s ‘O’ levels by self-perseverance and focus on the scientific studies provided by most any Federation Scholastic Library. This is the path that I took and this analysis shall prove it a true course. Yes, it is true that I use many of the values handed to me from my father, yet don’t we all. It is what we know and can trust for it is advised given free of judgment or profit. The one thing that we learn is that it’s not the advice at all but how we use it to our own advantage. I have also utilized many of the resources and facilities that are readily available to any aspiring cadet in pursuit of their dream. I have exercised the privileges afforded me to take full advantage of knowledge found on this campus. And that knowledge comes from both tutor and student as it is freely exchanged by all. The flight simulation lab here on site has seemingly limitless possibilities and can be programmed and reconfigured to present and scenario that one can imagine and yet with all things there are limitations. The blade has no edge and so there is no reason to raise concern over blood loss, because there can be none. It is that sharpened edge that we must carry with us. That is what keeps us striving forward to exceed beyond those who passed before us. Complete methods and procedures for the purpose of navigating space may be found in several of the reference documents provided below. These are tried & true methods developed over a millennium or more of historical record where we have ventured beyond the horizon and into the unknown. Yet these tools have kept the wind in our sails so that we can stretch our knowledge and experience further into the future. Results Navigation on a starship consists primarily of two major sections, Cartography and Guidance. Put simply, there are a system of maps and tools to use those maps. Cartography pertains to the mapping of space bodies using a universal coordinate system that’s scaling are in parsecs (PC), astronomical units (AU) and kilometers (KM). Because the universe is an active map (always changing), STARDATE was established to provide the fourth term in the location of any space body. Thus, a space body is mapped relative to the center of the Milky Way galaxy at a specific STARDATE. Although the galaxy itself is also moving, it is a negligible amount relative to the stellar motions within the galaxy. The four terms are degrees (0 to 360) about the X-Y plane of the galaxy, mark (-90 to +90) relative to the Z plane, range in parsecs (0 to 50000) from the galactic core and stardate (0 to 750,000,000) which is approximately one revolution of the galaxy (238,311,602 Earth years). Due to internal political configurations, however, the galaxy has also been divided into four quadrants and a number of sectors defined within said quadrant. These quadrants and sectors move along with the galactic spin and so their exact positions change with the passage of time. Further, these borders change in shape as stars have differing velocities and the political boundary definition is one of a sphere of influence more than an exact physical line drawn. The specific details of these dynamic charts and maps are continually updated via sub-space transmission as mapping tasks are completed by various exploratory vessels. At present, the Federation alone has mapped about one sixth of the galaxy. Through treaty agreements they have attained a broader expanse which includes nearly all of alpha quadrant. This mapping includes all natural bodies orbiting a star or star-system. The details of these bodies vary dependent upon their significance in the system. All artificial satellite facilities in fixed orbits as well as permanent civil ports are also charted. Further details may be attained through other services, however, they are not updated at the same frequency. The astrogator is a vital tool for any navigator in space. It provides immediate situation awareness so that specific navigational tasks may be accomplished. The astrogator is provided with data from several key areas of the vessel. The cartographic input is a major one however the ship's sensors as well as the Star Fleet Mission database help to provide those dynamic details such as vessels in the area or uncharted anomalies. The astrogator is used to plot complex course maneuvers through any situation presented. Its real-time display ranks high on ship priority for data stream updates from the computer core as well as the main navigation computer. The majority of the navigational functionality is taken directly from the navigation console. This console is sometimes located directly on the main bridge while is other cases where astrophysics and mapping are supplementary to the main operation of the vessel, these consoles remain on lower decks in departmental laboratories. The definition and customization of orbital maneuvers, stellar system schematic analysis tools, thruster control programs navigational deflector subroutines can all be accessed and managed via these main control consoles. Discussion From the education that I have gathered, the flight school is well organized and provides a good environment from which to explore one’s interests. I found the variety of space craft utilized was very beneficial in determining a career direction. Unlike other schools which I had reviewed, the Academy enabled the cadet to get a feel for multiple classes of vessels. I particularly enjoyed the Search & Rescue mission where I flew a Class-J Merchantman vessel. It was the largest to date that I had flown and I felt at home behind the controls. As an ensign pilot one must realize that they may be tasked with many such diverse situations. What I have found is that preparation is a must. On every flight, study the vehicle and determine all of its uniqueness. Where possible, the traditional ‘walk about’ is also a good rule of thumb. There may be things overlooked in briefings and flight-prep procedures. None of this is valuable, however, unless the cadet has a clear understanding of their surroundings, situation awareness, meaning that the navigational knowledge-base plays a key role in one’s ability to perform as a Starfleet pilot. By no means was my education taken lightly even though my spirit and flamboyancy has raised a few eyebrows of those in command. But I had always proven to them that behind the laughter were a wealth of knowledge and a will to work within a team. As my major study was navigation, I guess I should touch on this subject a bit. Although there are many similarities between navigating a vessel on surface water and in deep space, there are as many differences as well. The currents and undertows one’s experiences in space are invisible to the naked eye and some don’t even have physical form in our 3D existence. So to master a vessel in space one must have full understanding of what’s out there and all of the systems involved in displaying that information to the navigator. On that note, there’s sub-space. This is a term that so often gets misused and misunderstood. Sub-space is not a ‘place’ perse’. It is a dimension; a physical dimension that is not visible any more than a shadow on the pavement could have depth. It is by utilizing this dimension however, that warp coils can place vessels at super-luminal velocities. This dimension is not restricted by the laws of the Einsteinian Space/Time. By travelling in this direction one can actually shorten the interval between two points of Space/Time. So, every object has this ‘extra’ dimension and can be affected by it. Sub-space distortions appear like (I’ll reused the analogy) stretched out shadows in three dimensions. Extreme distortions, one’s visible to the naked eye, are quite rare as they only occur at the threshold boundaries of warp bubbles as particles exist simultaneously on both sides. Conclusions To anyone considering Starfleet as a possible career choice all I can say is it’s definitely a military intelligence and one must learn to work within a team. Given that, Starfleet can provide a wealth of resources to advance one’s personal knowledge and abilities. Sounds like a recruiter, huh? The School of Navigation is probably one of the most challenging career moves that I have made however it has given me much pride and many rewards. The only persons who know more about a vessel are the engineers who build and maintain them. Sure, there are rigorous procedures and ‘red-tape’ that must be memorized but these type items exist in any field of study. I must say, though, that was the toughest part for me to complete. Usually these items are not considered ‘fun’ and there can be no deviation from the ‘right’ answer. Recommendations I would strongly recommend that any person pursuing a career in navigation that they do plenty of research to determine what Navigation is all about. If you are simply wanting to fly then there are many programs in the Star Fleet Marine Corps that could provide you with wings. This is not meant as a mar on the Corps or its schools. Just that the School of Navigation is focused on physics and science and not necessarily on tactics and weapons systems. References TO BE ADDED LATER.

General Information: Full Name: Salvatore Antonio Rosetto Preferred Name: rosetto Gender: Male Age: 37 Species: Martian (Human) Height: 1.55 m Weight: 72.575 kg Hair: Brown/Black Eye Color: Green/Blue Place of Birth: Milankovic, Mars, 2373 Family: Father: John B. Rosetto (Director of Agricultural, Milan Colony) Mother: Cindy Lynn Clark-Rosetto (Professor of Fine Arts, retired) Service Record: 2392-2396 Graduated Starfleet Academy as Navigations Engineer 2396-2400 Served as pilot and eventual promoted to master helmsman (full lieutenant) on the U.S.S. El Paso serving the Aldebaran Sector. 2401-2405 Transferred to U.S.S. Valliant under Admiral Geron’s Fleet at the start of the Federation Civil War as Senior Helmsman. The Nova Class vessel engages DiAngelo’s forces near K’Normia (ψ Tauri) and is defeated by superior Excelsior Class USS Roosevelt NCC-2573 commanded by the renegade Commodore Jack Stacey promoted to Rear Admiral by DiAngelo. 2405-2410 Discontented with the civil unrest, left Starfleet and remained in the K’Normia System as agricultural advisor to the developing colony. 2410-present Sold his interests in the Haxnar Plantation Facility that he had help develop which was a lucrative investment on his part and joined the crew of QoB Tranquility in an effort to regain his interest in space exploration and flight experience as HELM/Science Officer. Personal History: As a child, young Sal had very few friends and spent most of his time in his books. He had read all of the adventures of Zephram Cochrane and dreamed often of going to Alpha Centauri and the other worlds that Cochrane had visited. Although he had an aptitude to follow in his father’s work on Mars, influences from his mother kept his mind wondering about the worlds at large. Sal left home at 17 and moved to Utopia City where eventually he would attend college. There he met many people from many different cultures and worlds. Sal could make friends easily, he found, but lasting friendships and female companionship eluded him. His decision to join Starfleet at 19 came from the persistent encouragement of the Flight Officers who worked at Utopia Planitia Yards. Personality Profile: Space... His Final Frontier. These are the adventures of the Martian in Starfleet. His ongoing mission: to exploit strange new worlds, to seek out female life and new stimulations, to boldly go where no Martian’s gone before. Medical Profile: Current Medical State: Healthy Past Starfleet Medical Log Entries: Minor injuries in Civil War. Psychiatric Profile: Sociably acceptable, well mannered, timid but some times arrogant. Can be moody at times but never violent or abusive. --------------------

P.S. A couple other old but good SciFi's are 'BRAINSTORM' and 'DREAMSCAPE'. Both venture into the realm of the mind and have similar plots and obvious 'bad guys' but they hold their own with the technology they explore. The forementioned 'DEEP IMPACT' was in competition with the highly popular 'ARMEGEDDON'. Again, the latter appealed to the masses where as the former was more realistically presented.

SciFi movies are sort of like steak, RARE, JUICY, WELL DONE, and OVER-DONE.... Avatar's plot would fall into the last category. It is smothered in mushrooms (or onions if you prefer but I do not), with its special effects but the story is highly predictable and therefore really dry. Even with all of it's paradox and stupid coincidence, the Back To The Future Trilogy is far more entertaining and fun.

It says REMASTERED on it.... The colors are definitely richer than I have ever seen before. Spock is actually tinted green (only slightly as he is half-human) and Sarek's color is much more prominent. It's a pale fleshy yellow-green, not like the Orion's. The set also has "More Tribbles, More Troubles" as well as "Trials and Tribble-ations", TAS & DS9 respectfully.

BEER-COOLED, actually! It was filmed at a Budwiser plant! LOL

All I can say is, Sorehl.... you have a vast knowledge and memory! LOL I recently purchased the Season 2 DVD set at Walmart for $50; had the other two available at the time for same price and decided to wait. Now Walmart doesn't carry them and the only people who do want $80-100 for them! Augh..... Season 2 is probably the best season over all but I am missing some of my favorite episodes, "Wink of an Eye" and "City on the Edge of Forever". But as for BAD (in whatever category), I think Season 2 is one's 'best bang for the buck'. I will probably buy Season 1 next because there are more episodes...

Rosetto had spent the last several weeks studying hard for Finals. His mind had been focused on passing his academics and submitting his Senior Thesis. Finals would be over in a couple of days and by the end of the week his Senior Thesis would be complete. He had changed the topic so many times that he could scarsely remember what he was writing about. Mostly though, he was begining to miss his family a bit. This was the first time that he had been THIS far from home. Even in Utopia City he had been in constant contact with his mother. She called nearly every day and came into the city at least once a month (to do his laundry and vacuum his apartment). Since he had joined Star Fleet and came to the Academy he had only spoken to her a couple of times via sub-space. Dad and her were doing just fine and in fact his father was thinking about retirement and considering moving into one of those communities. There were many to chose from. She told him that she liked the one on Risa but he was more interested in Rigel VI. There was also one on Vulcan and his father gave this one great consideration. His mother, however, preferred NOT to open old wounds and had been discouraging this idea. Rosetto had told her that he thought it might be for the best just to deal with it out in the open.

That is a very good question. One that I asked when I first arrived. And that is why these logs are here. Because I have not as yet joined a SIM this is the only place where these personal logs fit in this forum. Basically, if you read them you will see that I have created a difference between a "Practical Graduation' and an 'Academic Graduation'. I passed my practical exam back in April, however, my character had many classes to attend and has been participating in the Academy SIMs on a regular basis. My last post here will be my Senior Thesis on a course study at the Academy. I'm not trying to set a presidence, just making this seem more real for me. I have not gotten many replies but I do have many readers of my logs here.... Thanks for asking...

I know YOU know that I'm interested... Shall I send an application to MunchkinPup too?

This is just for fun... Hope it uploads... FYI: If you would like an Excel version of this just let me know...

Doctor, my eyes can not believe As the phaser blasts it free without dying Now I'm here to lend a hand I have done all that I could Should have opened up a book; now I'm sighing You must help me if you can Doctor, my eyes are filled with her blood Was I unwise... not to find where it came from Now I wander through corridors as my memories unfurl I can't believe that I let her die alone And the crew go where they will I never noticed them until I got this feeling That it was all my fault Doctor, my eyes Tell me what you see I hear their cries Just say if it's too late for me Doctor, my eyes Cannot see the sky Is this the prize for having learned how not to cry

Mr. Lux: Then you've discovered the 'FUN' part of 'Just for fun'....

T'Rasei: Could you please send me the original link in a private message. I tried to find it using just the web-site and found too many... Thanks...

Sir, I hope someone was drinking Synthehol! (and that person had the keys)....

Ah, but you must understand that those 999 men follow women (around).

Rosetto arrived early in the SIM Lab and found Lt. Lopez sitting at her desk. She invited him to sit and they began to discuss the mission that would be presented. It was a test of both navigational and analytical skills, she explained. Most cadets do not pass and the test’s purpose is to observe ‘how’ the cadet fails. She told him, however, that she had been watching his progress closely and expected him to pass. She continued to explain the system in detail as she had actually been there and had personally written the Holodeck program. “The Rigel System is as unique as it is large. The two Outer Worlds, identified as I & II are huge frozen gaseous giants with several natural satellites that could support life in contained dome systems. Three currently have mining camps established. The systems are mostly automated however the camps must be manned to support and maintain the operating systems. These are usually manned by a small crew of no more than 5 men. Because they are so far away from the primary star there is little change from the frigid cold.” Rosetto’s eyes were wide as he listened intently. She went on… “Rigel is a class B8 blue-white star 40,000 times brighter than our sun. Because of this, the two inner planets are essentially molten rock, class-C, D. The inner-most planet is liquid metal and has a large magnetic field about it. Neither planet is not nor ever will be inhabitable.” “Between these two sets of shepherding planets are situated three planets of similar mass who share an orbit. Even though this orbit is almost 200 times that of the Earth, the planets are quite temperate and flourish with life. The surface gravity on these worlds is very similar to Earth’s however the density is only about 1/10th, liquid terrains. The floating continental island plates are in constant motion.” Lopez stopped and looked down at her display. “Well, we have spent all of our prep time chatting”, she added. “We should head over to the lab.” Rosetto looked at her and nodded and rose toward the door. She followed close behind. They walked across the hall and entered the SIM Lab where the rest of the crew waited. Again, they were all strangers to him but he was ready visit this strange new world.

This log entry is going to be brief. Our Martian is Star Fleet's social life has been eclipsed by hitting the books lately and so he has been 'out of sorts'. And although he was invited to attend an Advanced SIM (Qob) one evening, he has not officially transferred to that crew. OOC: My life's about to go through some major changes, please bear with me.

Primary Output: WELCOME TO STSF!!!! Secondary Coils: Go check out "Tips from the Moose" to learn how this all works. Basically, you got it right, though. Show up to get a post in the Academy. Tertiary Function Generator: The Advanced SIMs are operated differently and actually separately. The unique thing about this place is that many of these SIMs have migrated from other systems to here. So this place is actually a mutual coop. Quad Pack: Don't worry so much about your character as yet. That comes later after you have graduated from the Academy. If you read my posts here you will note that I graduated a couple months ago and have opted to take my time in selecting an advanced SIM to join. I have, however, started my character development here at the Academy under the guise that graduation is a two-step process. The graduation achieved during an Academy SIM just the 'practical' portion. The academic portion (where you want to go, your 'major' as it were) is done afterwards by creating PERSONAL LOGS and continuing to attend Academy SIMs until you have found your niche. Regardless of how I am doing this.... Have fun! That's what this is all about...

That sounds great but I (like you) have no extra money right now.... sigh...

Here's one! Whilst ....investigating a ........form of energy never previously encountered ............the crew of the USS Enterprise ....starts aging rapidly ................when the Enterprise ....................encounters ................an apparent ....duplicate of some historical period on Earth ............which is in fact ........not what it seems ................as well as ........a godlike ........computer ....which pisses them about ................for fun ............and ....hijacks the Enterprise ........but their opponent turns out to be ....................mad ............and ........vulnerable to ................"a good talking to" ....and ....so ............Kirk delivers a ....................speech, ........which means everything turns out okay, ...."though a few regulations have been broken." ................Then, finally ....................Sulu ................says something ....................snappy ....and they leave at warp factor

YES!!! I was told that there USED to be a band (web-cast) and I would also be interested if anyone has any information of this.

Welcome Alex and Good Luck in the Academy... You will most likely see me around. My door's always open if you have questions. But I will say, "Go check out 'Tips From The Moose'". There is some great info there...

I have just finished watching one of most favorite ST:TNG episodes entitled 'The Inner Light'. I think I like this episode on many levels and some of them quite personal. I believe the late Carl Sagan once asked, "Who speaks for Earth?" This too is something I find myself often lamenting because I know right now, this world, this Earth, truly has no sense of it self. Perhaps at the precipice of destruction we will finally change....