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FredM

GM Council
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Everything posted by FredM

  1. Hey there, Some additional photos that came out today.... Full view of the U.S.S. Kelvin (Article contains something of a general summary of the film)
  2. Hey there, To answer some questions people posted from what I have read online.... Consistency actually is a critical part. The film will show the Enterprise under the command of Christopher Pike and later under the command of James T. Kirk. Supposedly the black uniform Kirk is wearing is on purposes and there is a back story to it. Supposedly some fight has happened involving Kirk and Sulu right before that scene. If you actually look at Leonard Nimoy in The Cage and them compare him to Quinto, the similarity (to me anyway) is striking. The film does update the technology a bit. I mean, in reality though, that does kind of become required. Heck, TOS held that floppy disks were being used with TNG using modern day thumb USB drives. So some update is almost required if you are going to believe this is all happening in the 23rd Century. One major thing that has been said by JJ Abrams from the beginning is this (in addition to the two writers): The film uses what is specifically canon and some book material as a guideline for the timeline. However, and this statement is true, there is a lot of stuff that people have "filled in the blanks" with regarding TOS that really doesn't have any basis. Case and point, we know Kirk served aboard the Republic...but we don't know where else he served. We don't know exactly where Scotty served, minus him having been on "half a dozen ships from cruisers to starships," etc. The film does involve time travel, with 24th Century Romulan Nero going back in time and a 24th Century Spock following. So what we're seeing is, while an "update," rumor holds it is the standard timeline. Also, the one bridge shot, the "display" you see behind Kirk is supposedly a star chart of the "known universe" that is based on the "more accepted" layout of the Trek universe.
  3. Hey there, And some of us will be there to see the preview. :) One interesting thing...go check the STO forums at www.startrekonline.com. Apparently, STSF is part of a debate. We're being used as a verb! :) :) :) Essentially, questions are going about if STO should be designed more for the casual gamer or roleplayer. Apparently the people who prefer the "text based rpg" that we use and the style of gaming are now known as "STSFers." Kind of neat really. :)
  4. Hey there, Please remember that Lower Decks is restricted to individuals who have graduated from the Academy and been on an advanced sim for a period of six months. As a result, I'm not certain it would be the solution you are looking for...
  5. Tonight during the final session of the STSF Summer Academy Find out what happens to the Pandarians.... Learn what deep dark secret no one has yet learned.... Discover the fate of Captain Rego, Engineer Chubbs and the rest of the crew! All this and more, tonight during the final session of the STSF Summer Academy! Check local listings (though most are 11:00pm ET)
  6. Such reports can neither be confirmed nor denied....though there are quite a few funerals scheduled this week. :P
  7. *

    Hey there, COL was founded under...unique circumstances that had nothing to do with SFOL being rigid. CPA was founded due to issues with COL, having nothing to do with SFOL period. Freedom for the hosts was, actually, not originally a prime directive. When the Celestial Prime Alliance was at its peak, the group operated in a fashion very similar to the old SFOL administrative format. A desire to change from this mandate is what caused administrative issues in CPA in the late 1990s. One might argue that CPA's ultimate "fall from grace" was due to too much freedom going to the hosts and not enough centralized control. To your point however, applications to TFC were always very limited. The structure of the game demanded that players be extremely capable log writers, have an ability to keep themselves busy as general plots didn't really provide for it and be able to keep up with not only Star Trek canon but the canon of the sim itself. As a result, newer players always had issues getting over the initial learning curve. For example, when the game started it had about a "full" roster of 13 players with two hosts. Getting past this glass ceiling always remained a problem. After all, how many players can you have and yet still give time to for in-sim debate? Character biographies were also forced to include a "planetary" biography. This provided for a lot of startup reading material and "boundaries" for players and hosts. So...if anything...The Federation Council could be called one of the most "restrictive" concepts that was put into place. All that being said, the general idea is one I liked and believe had potential. However, I don't believe it was ever suited for a live-sim environment.
  8. Greetings all, This June, the Tuesday Night Academy is pleased to offer a special six week excursion into an exciting realm of drama, lust, excitement and appetites. So, for those in the Academy and those who might not have visited it in awhile, take a look at the link below to see a trailer of what exciting things will be happening this June. :ph34r: www.stsf.net/map/trailer Forum Discussion Thread: They Are Back
  9. Hey there, Well...there might be some hope that The Experience won't completely die. According to reports, CBS has confirmed the items from the museum are not being auctioned off and will be returned to CBS. In addition, when asked about it, they gave the following statement: According to what TrekMovie.com said: "The spokesperson would not provide any detail on what these options are. However, the spokesperson did confirm that the original props and costumes at the Experience (which are owned by CBS), will not be put up for auction. It was indicated that these would be needed if The Experience is to find a new home sometime in the future." This actually makes sense to me. Star Trek is about to "come back from the beyond" in 2009 and unless a complete disaster happens, there will be two additional movies in the coming years (major actors I believe are signed for a total of 3 films). One of the issues TrekMovie talks about and I agree with is the fact The Experience at the Hilton had become dated. There was very little upgraded to include the addition of Star Trek: Enterprise. The Klingon Encounter ride was starting to show some age. While the sets were (and still are) amazing, the video portions needed to be updated. The video presentations within The Experience itself (clips from shows) had not been updated since what...2000? With the entire franchise now going "back" to TOS and likely to stay there for the next five to seven years, the entire place would have needed some major upgrades. Due to a work related trip, I ended up with a several hour layover in Las Vegas this past month. I had a chance to go visit The Experience, knowing the rumors at the time. I am glad I did...but. While there were a solid 50 people in line for the ride and Quarks was maybe 50% full, the shops were mostly empty. There really wasn't a lot of foot traffic in and out. And the "dated" nature of some things really did show. My hope? CBS is able to make a deal with someone other than Cedar Fair (love the quote from the below linked article BTW) to have The Experience at another hotel in Vegas or maybe even another major city. I could see it as an attraction at someplace like Universal Studios in California or Florida. I remember maybe 15 years ago when Universal Studios Orlando opened, they actually had a Star Trek "ride" there for a year or so. I would be shocked that CBS won't do something with this. Star Trek is about to make them millions...so why not capitalize on it every way possible? On the flip side, I feel bad for the Las Vegas Hilton. The hotel has already had issues (sale to the current owners one or two years ago). You kind of have to want to go there given its location on the strip. They seem to think they can use the space for something else more profitable. I'm kind of curious to know what...since the hotel doesn't really have a theme. The Barry Mantelo museum and attraction? :P More information at by clicking here.
  10. Technically, member -17. For the boards, probably lucky number 9. :P
  11. A9...stop that. You are drooling all over your barcode.
  12. Hey there, Actually...I am number 6. :P
  13. PANDARIAN A Pandarian, pronounced "pan-dare-an", belongs to a humanoid race of the same name from the planet Pan-5 located on the edge of Federation space near the First Federation. Information contained within this article is limited to non-classified data on this subject. Many facts are based on educated supposition on the topic. POLITICS Official first contact between the United Federation of Planets and the Democratic Diarchy of Pandar, or DDP, occurred near 2375. Given the lack of exploration of space controlled by the First Federation, the majority of the species have exhibited an introvert behavior. This has limited their exposure to the galaxy at large, though the First Federation and Ferengi Alliance have confirmed dealings with the species since at least 2323. A technologically advanced species, Pan-5 is a Class-M world with an estimated population in excess of six million. Evidence suggests that over twenty-seven planetary systems are believed to be a part of the Democratic Diarchy of Pandar. Believed to have achieved warp flight technology in the early part of the 23rd Century, two leaders are elected for life by a vote of the general population. While no specific information exists, an election is believed to have occurred sometime near 2370. A legislative congress known as the National Body of The People seats delegates from all worlds on terms believed to be eight years in length. The existing form of government is believed to have been put into place approximately five hundred years ago. The Pandarian is a carnivorous species, eating almost exclusively freshly captured prey. They boast many similar societal traits to those of the Hirogen located in the Delta Quadrant. An extensive portion of facilities are dedicated to the processing, storage and preparation of food. This species has been known to attack other humanoids, making them one of the few cannibal species in the galaxy. It is believed that only a small sect of the general population continue this practice. No official diplomatic status exists between the United Federation of Planets and the Democratic Diarchy of Pandar. MILITARY Information about the military and security of the Democratic Diarchy of Pandar is severely limited. Certain evidence obtained from the First Federation seems to suggest the existence of an agency known as the DDP Defense Force exists and is tasked with monitoring the government's borders. No specific information exists about ship designs or classifications, though at least one Galaxy-Class starship sized vessel design is believed to be in active production. Given what few encounters there have been with members of this species, the technology of these ships is believed to be comparable or possibly even slightly superior to those of Starfleet. Security forces serving aboard Pandarian vessels are believed to be given access to some type of protective armor vest. All details about these objects have been classified by Starfleet Command. No direct encounters between the DDP Defense Force and Starfleet, or its Allies, has ever been reported. HISTORY Most information regarding contact between the United Federation of Planets and Pandarians remains classified. The below data is a list compiled using multiple sources and its complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. In 2375, the U.S.S. Musashi carried a diplomatic envoy to an unknown destination to meet with a representative of the Democratic Diarchy of Pandar. The nature of what instigated the meeting, or how it was organized, is unknown. In 2376, a message from the United Federation of Planets to the DDP asking for an expansion of relations is sent. No reply is ever received. In 2378, the First Federation reports an incident with several Pandarian refugees at the edge of its space. Further details are unknown. In 2378, a probe is launched from the U.S.S. Ariel at the edge of territory believed to be claimed by the DDP. The results of the survey are never released to the public. In 2379, Stardate 0306.24, a Federation starship responds to a distress call dealing with a hostage situation believed to be instigated by individuals belonging to the Pandarian species. The ship and hostages are both lost. In 2379, Stardate 0306.25, a Federation starship investigates the destruction of a freighter. Logs point to involvement by the DDP, though no further details are ever released. In 2379, Stardate 0307.02, a ship registering lifeforms later to be determined those of Pandarians is sighted near the Oris System. No direct contact is reported. In 2379, a travel advisory is issued for space near the First Federation and unexplored Federation territory. In 2379, Stardate 0307.07, Starfleet Command reports an attack by individuals identified as Pandarians against an Excelsior Class starship. The crew is reported MIA-KIA two weeks later. In 2379, a message from the United Federation of Planets to the DDP asking for clarification as to the nature of recent attacks is requested. A response is sent to the First Federation, the contents remain classified. In 2379, four Pandarians are arrested and captured by the First Federation. Believed to be responsible for attacks, they are handed over to Starfleet Command. On Stardate 0307.09, they successfully staged an escape that resulted in the destruction of the vessel transporting them. In 2379, a travel restriction is issued for civilian traffic near the First Federation and unexplored Federation territory. In 2379, the United Federation of Planets issues a reward for the capture of four Pandarians: Rego, Lulu, Chubbs and Dante. In 2379, Stardate 0308.06, Starfleet Command reports the U.S.S. Franklin, a Defiant Class starship, has been lost in the same area as previous attacks. Requests for further details are ignored. The crew are listed as KIA. In 2379, Stardate 0308.10, a civilian transport files a report sighting a ship using a transponder code of U.S.S. Bob with life signs believed to be those of Pandarians. The report is dismissed by Starfleet Command as false. In 2379, Stardate 0308.13, Starfleet Command issues a press release announcing an encounter between the U.S.S. Yorktown and the U.S.S. Franklin that resulted in the destruction of the Franklin, believed captured by Pandarians. In 2380, the issued reward by the United Federation of Planets for the capture of four Pandarians is withdrawn. In 2380, the travel restriction for civilian traffic near the First Federation and unexplored Federation territory is lifted. In 2380, approximately Stardate 0405.12, New Zealand Penal Colony reports a breakout. The United Federation of Planets issues a statement indicating that the entire incident was a training exercise and the cell wing in question was actually empty, a claim supported by released records. However, interviews conducted by reporters immediately after the incident suggest a Pandarian may have been present. Those giving statements retract them one week later. In 2383, a Starfleet Academy training vessel files a report indicating a sensor contact with a Pandarian vessel. The report causes the relocation of the Starfleet 9th Fleet into space near Pacifica. The ship in question is later confirmed to be the S.S. Augyn.
  14. UFP NEWSWIRE: BREAKING NEWS... The United Federation of Planets and Starfleet Command have just announced separate investigations into the management of the Surplus Depot Zed-15. Published reports indicate the results of a recent audit of the facility have discovered serious problems with the record keeping and security. Already, two individuals have been arrested on charges of bribery and theft of Federation property. Unconfirmed reports suggest three starships have been dispatched to the region to provide additional security. Established in orbit of Qualor II, the Federation Surplus Depot Zed-15 has been operated by the Zakdorn since opening in 2297. It has become the final resting place for over five thousand decommissioned ships from Starfleet. In 2265, the Klingon Empire signed an agreement that has since moved two hundred out of service vessels from that government into the depot. While most starships are slowly used for scrap, recent times have caused a major renovation to the facility. With the outbreak of the Dominion War in 2373, Starfleet Command found itself with available officers but not ships. With all shipyards streamlining production or being upgraded, Surplus Depot Zed-15 found itself a critical part of the war effort. With the facility’s three dry docks upgraded, starships that remained structurally sound and capable were retrofitted back into service. Fifty Miranda Class Mark II starships, out of service for over a hundred years, would alone find themselves back on the front lines. In a period of eighteen months, the Zed-15 Shipyards would launch over one hundred and seventy vessels to help with the war effort. Over half remain in service today. By the conclusion of the war in 2375, Zed-15 had doubled in size. The facility was now home to over forty percent of all Starfleet war salvage. With the Starfleet Corps. Of Engineers publically admitting it would take over fifteen years to completely process all damaged equipment, security upgrades at the facility were mandated by Federation Presidential Order B8830W of 2376. Public records show that to date, over one hundred war era starships remain untouched. While many will simply be scrapped for components, the SCE have successfully recommissioned forty-three vessels previously listed as near or total losses. Some unconfirmed reports indicate another thirty may be salvaged by the end of the decade. Yet, all has not always been positive with Zed-15. The surplus depot was the focus of an investigation in 2368 and 2369 after it was learned smugglers were stealing equipment from the yard. Ties to the Orion Syndicate and a fringe Vulcan separatist group were found, resulting in at least twenty arrests. The resulting aftermath caused a temporary moratorium on all shipments to the facility, resulting in a loss of millions of credits to the Zakdorn. It remains unclear what the latest incident will do to the future of the facility, whose operator contract comes up for renewal by Starfleet Command in two years.
  15. Hey there, I believe I can speak for most when I say...such consideration as self marination will be looked kindly upon. B) That being said, please be sure to avoid anything too spicey as Lulu's stomach is not as good as it used to be. Ever since a...minor...Pakled incident, things just haven't been the same.
  16. Search Criteria: Pandarian Computer search in progress.... ... ... ... Article found matching subject.... Displaying data... ============================================================== FROM THE UFP NEWSWIRE: RISA, SECTOR 50 A ceremony was held today in the City of Suraya Bay on Risa. This small coastal resort unveiled the new Jay Squip Library at noon, with almost all of the town’s residents and many visitors participating in the event. Named in honor of the province’s late Governor and native Surayaian, The Honorable Jay Squip was killed in 2379 shortly after that year’s Lohlunat celebration. Translated to mean “The Festival of the Moon,” the holiday is one of the largest celebrated on the planet and is one of the peak tourist seasons. The Jay Squip Library houses an interactive geological and meteorological museum for those individuals who are interested in more than just the Risan beaches. An agreement between Risan Control and local leaders have allowed the display to present real time data about the weather modification grids keeping the planet always ready for guests. This is the first time such information will ever be feed in real time for civilian view. While limited to basic data, it is believed the Jay Squip Library will become a popular attraction for student groups visiting the planet. Governor Jay Squip, a five term government official, continues to hold the record as one of the most popular politicians in the planet’s history. Believed to be a candidate for Director Governor, this forty-two year old native was killed while attending a ceremony hosted by Starfleet Academy. The resort slated for the event was attacked by terrorists, resulting in the death of approximately thirty people. A memorial has been built into the foyer of the library in recognition of the sacrifices made. More information, including group sales, can be found by contacting the Jay Squip Library ticketing office on communications frequency 002913-3302-A after establishing a Risan planetary connection.
  17. Search Criteria: Pandarian Computer search in progress.... ... ... ... Article found matching subject.... Displaying data... ============================================================== FROM THE UFP NEWSWIRE: VULCAN, SECTOR 10 The scientific community was jolted late today by a report released from the Vulcan Science Academy. The controversial document, released by the Dean of Multicultural Affairs Ms. S’hik, is pushing a theory most are having a difficult time swallowing. What’s more, the fact the report is coming from such a prestigious institution as the VSA is raising some eyebrows. After an eighteen month investigation, Dean S’hik and her team have raised accusations that certain terrorist organizations that have attacked the United Federation of Planets within the past two decades were being funded by the same unknown third-party organization. At a press conference held earlier today, questions were raised about whether this statement implied a group like the Orion Syndicate had unofficially declared war against the UFP. Such queries were quickly disposed with. “If the team’s research indicated a particular group, then they would be named. To the core theory behind your statement, our data indicates no known organization could be capable of providing the necessary material support for these operations. Therefore, we find it logical to assume an unknown group is in operation and has thus far avoided detection,” a research assistant answered. Only the first two pages of the report have so far been released, apparently still being reviewed by Starfleet Officials. Of note is the fact the document does apparently name several specific incidents, not all directed solely at the Federation. The report suggests the Bajoran terrorist group the Circle and the Cardassian group True Way have been funded by this unknown organization. The Andorian sect Hit’s Right, the Maquis and the Pandarian terrorists of the early 2380s are also briefly mentioned as possibly receiving support. The released portions of the report fail to provide much in the way of evidence supporting the claims. Critics have been quick to comment that this study failed to put into account many external factors, most notably the issues resulting from the collapse of the Dominion within the Alpha Quadrant. Some are questioning whether or not random acts are having more read into them than appropriate for the goal of “increased funding.” While quickly dismissed, it should be noted that Ms. S’hik herself has come under heavy criticism before. In 2378, only three years after the end of the Dominion War, Ms. S’hik lost a position at the Andorian Academy of Science for presenting a report claiming the Federation had invaded Dominion territory in the Gamma Quadrant in 2372. This document argued the resulting war was the fault of Starfleet and the government should be forced to pay reparations to effected planets, governments and citizens. It was later learned that many sources for the research could not be independently verified and the paper was withdrawn six months later. This was not before legal papers had been filed by several hundred families against the Federation, all of which were dismissed or dropped by late 2379. Requests for comment were not returned by the Public Relations Office of Starfleet Command on Vulcan.
  18. Greetings, A general board search for the term "Pandarian" can find you quite a bit of information. However, the following few threads might be of interest. 15/August/03 - Pandarian Shocker! 20/August/03 - Summer Memories It is possible that some logs may be posted relating to the plot that will involve the 2008 appearance of the Pandarians. However, for the sake of those involved and the enjoyment of our audience, details are being kept classified at the present time. Any rumors or other reports about what the missions may or may not involve are pure speculation. B)
  19. Hey there, I'm just shocked it took this long for someone to realize it was there. :lol:
  20. Hey there, Yes, I am getting older...and older...and older....and older. I used to be so young...and have so much hair. Things seemed to go downhill when I started simming. Couldn't be a connection could there? Regardless, thanks for the wishes. ;)
  21. Hey there all, Some have been asking "I asked for a posting, where is it?!?" Well...starting to finally get an idea why you might not have received that particular e-mail. If you happen to be a subscriber to Comcast.net or Bellsouth.net/AT&T.net for your Internet...specifically your e-mail...it seems they don't currently like anything coming from @stsf.net e-mail addresses. We are looking into it right now, but it is important for folks to ensure that @stsf.net is listed on their "white list" so your ISP's spam filter doesn't classify things that are sent as spam. Regretfully, it seems some folks have done just this and we're having to backtrack. Keep you updated as things become available. :(
  22. Hey there, What is this d-i-a-l -u-p- you speak of?
  23. Hey there, Regretfully...it is starting to look as if Ambassador Frederica will not be making an appearance this year. :lol: