FredM

Hey there, Welcome back to STSF! Hopefully this time your computer will allow you to stay with us a bit longer. :)

Hey there, You may have an outdated version of Java on your computer. Head over to www.java.com and make sure you have the most recent version. :)

Hey there, Well, that's what we're saying publicly anyway... :) Just kidding.

Hey there, I am well known? Wow...someone's going to be asking for a favor soon. ^_^ Welcome to STSF Mr. Thompson! I hope your stay is enjoyable and a long one! Nothing wrong with your name despite anything others might tell you. :lol:

Hey there, Welcome to STSF! Hope your stay is a fun and long one. ^_^

"A Final Act Of Defiance." Mission Related Log - Stardate 0706.05 “Mr. Peterson! Course zero seven six mark zero zero three! All she’s got,” he barked. There was no reply; there was no need for one. The fires on the bridge had made it almost impossible to see what was going on. The heat was becoming unbearable; life support systems were struggling to filter the smoke and slowly loosing the battle. They were not alone. At this point, by most estimates and analysis, approximately one half of the ship’s primary systems were fused or destroyed. The ability of his remaining engineering crews to keep propulsion online would eventually result in many being awarded the Starfleet Distinguished Service Star posthumously. All of their efforts had come down to a final moment; one which they all knew was not exactly the best choice but the only one they had left. Of a crew of seventy-eight, fifty were dead. Twenty had been able to evacuate earlier. Now, seven had volunteered to remain with their commander for one final attempt to prevent the day’s events from being for nothing. The Nova Class science vessel streamed at full impulse towards its target. Forward sections of the hull were now essentially gone, destroyed by an armada of weapons fire over the last twenty hours. The ship itself seemed to expose more superstructure than anything else, a testament to the no win scenario they had been facing since their attempts to request assistance by subspace had been met with static. Weapons were essentially gone, though occasionally the six remaining engineers found power to launch a torpedo. How was anyone’s guess. Captain Dylan Foster stood behind his Tellarite helmsman and looked at the gaping hole that had once been his forward viewer. Now nothing but a force field with a magnificent view of space itself, it was their guide for what was to come. They're encounter with a starship, apparently Starfleet but clearly not, had been an initial mystery for the science cruiser. It had turned into much more very quickly. The Tellarite coughed, pointing to the flash of light coming from his own ship. “Saying the computer isn't lying, that was our last torpedo,” he yelled over the background noise. Foster simply patted him on the shoulder and smiled, “Still glad you stayed Ako?” The response was a laugh that even a Klingon would be jealous of. Entering in another series of commands he looked back, “I just hope they spell my name right!” More impacts, more shaking and even more alarms. The ability of the computer to continue to announce damage verbally was amazing since Foster had assumed most of the speakers had been destroyed. A squawk could be faintly heard which interrupted his thoughts, “Engineering to bridge! We’ve got three minutes at most!” The Captain sighed and shook his head, “Matt, time to get out there! See you on the flip side.” It was a statement both knew might be fantasy. About that time, another torpedo made an impact somewhere on Deck 8. It didn’t exactly matter at this point, not many people would be using the forward lounge anymore. As the ship shuttered slightly, Ako ran his fingers thru the controls again. “They're away….,” he declared. Foster nodded and smiled, “Then let’s not keep our guests waiting my friend….” The Tellarite again laughed and using his index finger brought the ship about one hundred and eighty degrees. Ahead, their maneuvering had paid off…placing the Yosemite directly under their attackers. “Auto guidance is thinking….,” Ako stated as he tried to get the computer to cooperate. With sensors so damaged, and power so limited, the task was not as easy as one might think. Finally, as the other ship continued to grow larger, a familiar voice calmly acknowledged “Auto navigation system engaged.” With a snort, the panel was locked. The two were up and moving. Arriving on Deck 2, they were surprised to find the computer still verbally declaring warnings about the status of the warp core. It wasn't in good shape. What was? As the last two living beings aboard the U.S.S. Yosemite departed, the dying ship maintained its course and adjusted ever so slightly as their attacker tried to move away. As planned, the safeguards engineering crews had worked hours to put in place to keep the vessel from exploding started to disengage. By the time proximity alerts started to blare to an empty bridge, the unstoppable forces of nature were already at work. The ship glided, plasma venting and secondary explosions from weapons fire erupting, to the edge of their attacker’s shields. Simple mechanics and force gave the Nova Class starship the ability to push past them. Yet the Yosemite computer never arrived at its destination, helm never able to achieve its ultimate goal. Warp core containment was breached zero point nine seconds after the ship hit the shields. The effect is what one might expect. The large vessel, nearly the size of a Miranda Class cruiser, was literally split in two as the Yosemite erupted into a shockwave. Systems and subsystems quickly failed, releasing containment of storage units and starting a chain reaction event. Within a period of fifteen seconds, the entire area was engulfed in a massive explosion. For those with ringside seats, the end never came. Two months later, officially only nineteen survivors were declared of the U.S.S. Yosemite. Their attacker was never officially identified. The cause was never officially solved. To the public, it remained another example of the pearls of deep space exploration. To insiders, it was much more. From a political standpoint, the incident was classified by officials as an aggressive act from an unknown race against the United Federation of Planets. Of course, what else would officials say? One can never truly understand an answer unless they have honestly asked a question and listened to the reply. That was the official story. Until Mr. Berian Oak.

"The Shadow" Mission Related Log - Stardate 0706.04 "Six point seven." Silence. "Six point six." Silence. "Six point five." Still silence. "Six point four. Preferred targeting range achieved." The horror of Perdition's Flames. At first, the bright light might have been entertaining. Once one's brain realized it was a targeting mechanism of a device that was likely to have already fired, the fun was dimmed somewhat. Even the hull of a starship was little comfort. Impact only made such thoughts clearer. Secondary explosions only made it worse. In fact, with one exception, everyone was feeling the exact same way. After years of exploits, years of planning and turmoil, they had finally come to the final chapter of the book that was to be their life. Coming to terms with this fact is something everyone must eventually do. Attempting to deal with the choices a person made during their life is an entirely different matter. On a slightly risen platform, a taller gentleman who seemed shockingly out of place sat with his gaze locked on the viewer. The explosions, fires, alarms and screams around him did not change his focus. He sat motionless, his clean shaven face never flinching. His tailor made jacket never even moved, his carefully combed hair drifted only slightly with the wind of explosions. This was a man with a clear purpose, a clear objective. When he moved, when he acted, it was swift and determined. Over the decades, he had been underestimated by almost everyone. He had achieved what most could only dream, seen what most could not fathom. Slowly, he stood and closed his eyes. Softly, below the hearing of anyone, he said a silent prayer. It was not what one might expect, a request from an almighty deity for mercy or compassion. In fact, it was something no intelligence had ever noted. An act no infiltrator had even been able to identify. It was a request from the spirit beyond to grant passage to those this calm man was about to vanquish. “Six point three, increasing speed! Charge complete, primary ready!” At this announcement, the man opened his eyes and looked to his right. He nodded once and looked back at the viewer. Approximately two point six seconds later, subspace within the surrounding area went silent. “Two point one.” Silence. “One point five.” Still silence. “Zero point five.” It was finished.

Hey there, According to reports that are just now appearing online, in an interview with Edward James Olmos and Katie Sackhoff, Battlestar Galactica's Season 4 (which is now filming and will be shown in January 2008) will be the final season of the show. This comes after a few interviews by Ron D. Moore indicating that he did not see the show having too many more seasons due to the "arc" nature of the franchise (heading to Earth, eventually need to get there or die trying). More information can be found at http://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_conte...3&Itemid=99. Shame... :)

Hey there, In addition, I'll try to get the website updated within the next week with information and the like for those who need it. ^_^

Hey there, You seem to forget that the Federal-Aide Highway Act of 1957, that ended up creating the interstate highway system, did not have "public use" as a key point. The interstate highway system exists primarily for the use of the United States military at a time of war and to (originally anyway) allow the evacuation of major cities in the event of a nuclear attack. :P

Hey there, The U.S.S. Reaent will not be running this Thursday evening.

Hey there, I suddenly have an image of rush hour accidents due to horse droppings. "I-95 is clogged for miles. Initial reports indicate one horse slipped into the center lane. DNA testing on the cause of the accident are due back next week." :lol:

Hey there, And in the event someone can ever find it, much less maintain the correct balance in a rapidly changing economy most countries have today, they would be hailed as a hero of economics. :P It does to go theory honestly...and both have (in the past) worked, just political parties try to forget when it doesn't suit them. One theory, the FDR approach: Maintain taxes, giving the government revenue to start projects and thus employ people. Pulls standard of living up with people having jobs, boosts the private sector and therefore revenue from corporate taxes. Issue is eventual burnout, as you can only have so many projects. Also can result in a loss of value. Some countries in Europe are dealing with this at present, with taxes in some places taking 0.78 of every doll in return for many social programs. Issue is people don't see the value in working: why work when it is all free regardless? Second theory, JFK/Reagan approach: Lower taxes, increasing available money to many...including the upper 10% bracket which (in the US) pays over 50% of the taxes. Given their position, theory is they will invest in business...causing business growth, R&D, etc. Creates jobs, etc. In the long run, Federal $ ends up ahead due to rapidly increasing corporate taxes (due to increased spending and corporate business). Issue is that it can take longer, some can decide not to invest (though if one does in an industry, normally means competition will demand others do), much more sensitive to external economic factors. Can back fire if industry doesn't adjust quick enough, also if corporate governance is not in check/monitored. Both, to a point will sustain an economy. There are extremes on both ends, and too much of either is a bad thing. However, having taken more economics and accounting courses than I wish to remember, I think it is a little extreme to say that lowering taxes on anything is a bad idea. Most governments (globally I find) have an inflated system for projects. A private company could get a bid on a project and it cost $100. That same project could be requested by a government and the bid be $500,000. Problem is, the government will pay it...and it defeats either system from being able to function properly. :lol: Petrol prices are in the same boat. For decades, economists have stated that having the price be near something like $3.50 is dangerous for oil companies. At that level, R&D costs for aggressive alternative fuel/transportation options becomes economical. It isn't if the stuff costs $2.00. Case and point, technology exists to get fuel from coal shale. Process is almost 99% clean and by the time you are done, have almost completely refined industry fuel. JetBlue is actually investing in the technology. Problem is, it isn't economical if oil drops below $40 per barrel USD. People are still scared to invest because they fear the oil "countries" will crash prices if they see serious competition. Okay, I have a headache now...need to get out of teacher mode...

Hey there, Given the waste of the Federal government in the way of transportation services, I'm almost positive they could find a way to survive. After all, when a private company can build a highway in six months for less but the same project take one year for the government, one has to ask...

Hey there, Quite a few years ago, I remember petrol prices dropping to the point here in South Florida that they were at $0.98 USD per gallon. At the time, the issue came up about how it would be virtually impossible for them to drop any further due to Federal taxes, State taxes, County Taxes and in some cases City taxes. Several of these taxes are percentage based. For example, today there is approximately an 0.18 cent per gallon tax by the United States government on every gallon sold. In the state of Florida, there is then a 0.136 per gallon excise tax, 0.022 tax for environmental inspection and plus approximately 0.05 in other taxes. Furthermore, there is range of 0.099 to 0.178 tax local cities can use. Adding it all up, state and local taxes in Florida come to anywhere from 0.45 per gallon to as high as 0.53 per gallon. Adding it all up...in Florida alone...your $3.00 per gallon of gas can actually be $0.71 per gallon in taxes meaning (in reality) gas is actually only costing $2.29. Two good sites in case you are curious about your state.....Gas Price Watch.COM: Gasoline Tax Rates by State and State of California Energy Commission: Gasoline Taxes by State 2002. This also explains why, here in South Florida were a good portion of the stuff comes in, prices are higher than several hours north where they are not (local tax level is lower). In addition, it makes me laugh when I hear politicians state they are concerned. If they were that worried, you could drop fifty cents off the price overnight. However, can never take money away from the government. They love to spend it on $400 toilet seats. :lol:

Hey there, Well, be careful about Crusade. The concept was good but the network, TNT, started making "required changes" to the show which ranged from showing episodes out of order to changes in their uniforms (to even required plot developments). That isn't happening on BSG... I think there is something to be said for the idea that this isn't a "space exploration" show. They have a goal, get to Earth. Eventually, if they don't get there or die, the audience is going to figure out that the entire point of the show will never be realized.

"The Final Inspection." U.S.S. Reaent | NCC-3345-G Captain's Personal Log The walk had taken him longer than he had expected. The fact that the pain in his back and shoulder had resulted in the temporary utilization of a rather old fashioned cane was likely the culprit. Yet, the fact that this was something he was not looking forward to might also have slowed his pace just a little. Fred Michaels could remember when he had been promoted from the engine room to a ship's bridge. In a blink, the realm of what his job required...both spoken and unspoken...had been changed so fast that a Saurian would have missed it. Now the commander of a starship, one of these...responsibilities...had once again demanded his time. Walking and feeling like someone forty years older, they finally arrived at their destination. Captain Contan Gavebea paused in her tracks and waited several seconds for Michaels to catch up. They both nodded ever so slightly to the two security officers dressed in their dress whites and standing at a permanent attention. Neither moved, though both offered a military salute. Both flag officers looked ahead and Gavebea allowed the Reaent's commander to enter first. In years later, he would remember only the silence. The hum that was faintly being generated in the room was expected, but oddly enough Michaels didn't hear it. He approached the first row and looked down at the metal plate. "I vaguely remember when she came aboard, had some business about striking a civilian who was blocking access to a storage unit," he said softly, learning a bit more on the cane than he had originally intended. Together, they stepped forward to the next. Here, Contan spoke up. The woman of sixty, with graying hair, sighed at what she saw. "He won the Starfleet Olympics a few years back didn't he?," she asked softly. Fred nodded, "Non-reptilian swimming I believe." After a few moments of silence, they again moved forward. Then again, and again, and again. Two hours later, both Captain's stood where they had been upon entering. The U.S.S. Potemkin would be taking over half of Fred Michaels' crew home. For some, it would be a long journey. For others, it would be their last journey. And his inquiries still went unanswered...

U.S.S. Reaent | NCC-3345-G Captain Fred Michaels "Captain's Log, Stardate 0705.03. The Reaent remains docked at the University of Copernicus Shipyards undergoing repairs. Early estimates from the facility's drydock crews is that we may be sitting stationary for at least two weeks. The idea of sitting in a spaceport that itself not yet complete for that length of time is not exactly comforting. However, given improvements in repair techniques that were developed during the Dominion War, we must be grateful that the repairs will not take six or eight weeks. A grim reality has set in that while we will be able to repair the physical damage, there are other wounds which will be harder to fix. With approximately one half of the ship's crew either injured or killed, we find ourselves severely understaffed. To get a solid grasp of the situation, I have called a senior staff meeting for later today. My inquiries regarding the status of Planet X and the need for a follow up mission have, thus far, gone unanswered. End log." ((Note: Senior Staff will meet at 22:20 in the conference room <assuming it still exists>))

Thank you all. :)

To: Personnel Office Starfleet Command, Earth From: Captain Fred Michaels U.S.S. Reaent, NCC-3345-G Re: Dominick Pneuma -------------------------------------------------------------- This communique is to serve as notice that effective Stardate 0704.19, Ensign Dominick Pneuma has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. This decision comes after extended review of his service and dedication to the U.S.S. Reaent. It is a pleasure to have such a capable officer aboard and I sincerely hope we will value from his assistance in the future.

Hey there, Just a friendly reminder that when contacting the Personnel Department, please keep the following in mind: Please make sure that e-mail can be accepted from [email protected]. If you do not, you may never hear from us because your ISP's spam protection is blocking our e-mails! There have been reports in recent months of some service providers, including America Online and many university networks, classifying e-mail from stsf.net servers as spam unless one's preferences are set to accept it. If a new graduate from the STSF Academy, please be sure to state the date of your graduation, the time, GMs who graduated you and the chat name you used. If you do not provide all this information, there may be a delay in processing your graduation. If you are requesting an additional posting, please remember that new graduates from the Academy are restricted from joining more than one sim during their first month. If you are requesting an additional posting or transfer to another ship, please be sure to state your current ship assignment. All additional postings and transfers are subject to satisfactory recommendations from your current GMs. Also, please remember that ranks rarely transfer. When filling out an application, please be sure to list more than once choice for what position you would like. This is especially true if seeking slots that are not commonly available, such as Operations Manager or Tactical. Before filling out an application, please do your homework! If you want to join a ship as a Marine, check their website or visit the sim to see if they have those positions. Each sim is unique, so it pays to check. Please be patient. Sending eighteen e-mails in a day asking why your application hasn't been processed won't speed the process up, I promise. :lol: However, in the event more than seven business days have passed and you have not received a response, send a followup e-mail. Things do get lost, the Internet does misfile things and accidents do happen. Your assistance and cooperation are greatly appreciated! B)

Hey there, Join me in wishing a Happy Birthday to Captain Ayers/Commander Ridire, my partner in crime on Aegis and Reaent! B)

Hey there all, Due to travel and religious obligations, the processing of new graduations, postings, transfers and related activities will be delayed until Monday, April 9th. Sincerely apologize for the delay.

Hey there, Due to circumstances, there will be substantial delays in the processing of new graduate announcements, personnel transfers and ship assignments this week. All outstanding requests should be caught up by Sunday, 18th of March. Sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Rumored to be a prequel, indeed dealing with James T. Kirk and Spock during their days at the Academy. Supposedly younger versions of McCoy, Scotty and Sulu will appear in the film.