Author: Rook Mirtoh

My Favorite Trek: Jonathan Grayson / Savar

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | 1 Comment on My Favorite Trek: Jonathan Grayson / Savar

Character Name: Jonathan Grayson / Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen

Rank: Commander / Commander

Sim: USS Washington / USS Sunfire

Position: Executive Officer / Executive Officer 

Plus…
Lt. Thomas Haldeman, USS Sunfire, Chief Diplomatic Officer (NPC)
Lt. Jessica Holland, USS Sunfire, Security Officer (NPC)
Crewman John Boy Perriwinlke, USS Sunfire, Media Relations Officer (NPC)
Lt. Wyatt Steele, USS Washington, Chief Strategic Ops Officer (NPC)
Lt.jg. Ben Dalton, USS Washington, Alien Archaeologist/Anthropologist
(NPC)
Lt. Seth Travis, USS Washington, Chief Diplomatic Officer (NPC)

Wow, how do you keep up, and how many times have you posted for one character while intending on posting for another?
lol. It can be a challenge at times, but they are all diverse characters so that helps. I have started to post one character for another, but I’ve caught myself before actually sending it. At least I hope I have!

Favorite Star Trek episode? 
The Doomsday Machine (TOS)

Why? 
Great character study with William Windom playing the guilt ridden Commodore Decker who wants to avenge his crew by destroying his Moby Dick.

Favorite Star Trek series? 
The Original Series

Why?
It was new and exciting, a trailblazer for all the other Trek series and movies that followed.

Favorite Star Trek film?
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Why? 
Great storyline, plus the incomparable Ricardo Montalban returning as Khan.

Favorite Star Trek Captain? 
James T. Kirk, all the way.

What year did you start simming? 
Since dirt came into being. lol.

What sim was it? 
Continuing Voyages

What keeps you simming today? 
The interaction with the other players and writing, seeing, and reading the amazing stories that are created.

Favorite non-simming hobby? 
Building models, reading, writing Trek. 

Favorite non-Trek series? 
Babylon Five

Favorite non-Trek film? 
Planet of the Apes

Favorite book (fiction or non)? 
To Kill a Mockingbird

Favorite video game? 
Don’t have one, sorry.

Favorite musician or band? 
The Beatles

Favorite superhero? 
Green Lantern

If you could have any super power, what would it be? 
Whoa, good question. I guess the power to bend or manipulate time.

Favorite sport? 
Baseball

Favorite team? 
New York Yankees

Favorite food? 
Ham

Coke or Pepsi? 
Pepsi

Lennon or McCartney? 
McCartney

Favorite Bond actor? 
Sean Connery, followed by Daniel Craig.

Star Trek or Star Wars? 
Star Trek, no question about it.

Rank the Trek TV shows from best to worst.
TOS
DSN
TNG
SNW
VOY
ENT
DSC
I don’t rank the animated shows.

Rank the Trek movies from best to worst.
Wrath of Khan, Voyage Home, Search for Spock, Undiscovered Country, Star Trek the movie and Final Frontier. Then, the TNG movies. I don’t count the Abrams movies.
TWOK
TVH
TSFS
TUC
TMP
TFF
Then the TNG movies. I don’t count the Abrams movies.

Rear Admiral James “Rook” Mirtoh
Director of Media
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: September 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | 2 Comments on Monthly Awards: September 2023

It’s time to announce our latest award winners…

Best Post (Single Author)

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For “So, We are Decided”

Well written post from the bad guys’ point of view! It really moves the plot forward and gives the rest of the crew ample opportunity to write. Nice work!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Ileah & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / Y / CFCO
USS Wayfarer

For “Wayfarer Down”

Great post! The crew defeated by the enemy with no hope of escape. I love it!

Funniest Post

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Patin & Cmdr. Dean House & Lt. Thriss Kla’ren & Lt. Chester “Duo” Maxwell & Lt. T’Ka O’Drisscol & Lt. JG S’Ers-a Kelek t’LyrZor, Maa t’Lyr’Zor & Lt. JG Montgomery Vala & Lt. JG Zara Ghemora & 1st Lt. Kate Score & Lt. JG Blake Leone & Ens. Syrik & Lt. Thomas Haldeman & Lt. Alison Haldeman & SCPO Ronson Mitchell
CSS / Guest / 2O / CEO / COO / CMO / CRO / CSO / CIO / MCO / DO / FCO / CDO / ACOO / Y
USS Sunfire

For “The Easy Way or…”

Lots of jokes. Well done!

Genesis

Captain Michael Intermeezo
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Down the Rabbit Hole”

Not your typical mirror universe mission. Great opportunities here!

MVP

Lieutenant Steve Ryan
Chief Communications and Operations Officer
USS Montana

Lt. Ryan continued his Most Improved performance last month into an MVP this month. Great posting and great collaboration. But perhaps most importantly, he is always willing to fill in where needed.

Most Posts

Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 30 posts.

Most Improved

S’Ers-a ch’T’Pel Kelek t’LyrZor, Maa t’Lyr’Zor
Chief Security Officer
USS Sunfire

Sera immediately jumped into the fray and made valuable contributions to both the plot and the characters.

Rookie of the Month

Lieutenant Tedrum Savat
Operations Officer
USS Washington

The new Vulcan came aboard as an immediate team player by jumping right into the mission with excellent technical and canonical contributions.

Recruitment

Lieutenant Katja Becker
Chief Medical Officer
USS Montana

Although new to the sim herself, Lt. Becker wasted no time in recruiting a new Chief Engineer. Recruiting the bedrock of simming, well done!

Great job, fleet!

Monthly Awards: August 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | 2 Comments on Monthly Awards: August 2023

Here are your latest monthly award winners:

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

For “Potential, Simulated”

Nice work! A carefully crafted and meticulously written post resulting in a great read for anyone interested in flight mechanics.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok & Ens. Robert Lee
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / TO
USS Wayfarer

For “Warship Located”

I love a good action scene, and this one is great. It’s a frantic scene with a bridge full of officers who know what they’re doing. Fun!

Funniest Post

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For “The Bolero”

What is funnier than a fat guy in a little coat, I mean, on ice? Try two of them with a bunch of Klingons and Tribbles thrown into the mix!

Genesis

Captain Michael Intermeezo
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “A New Threat”

A classic setup with the Chuck Norris defending DS9, and an action sequence to kick it off. Well crafted!

MVP

Ensign Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

Following up a stellar rookie performance, Ens. Kono has been writing like crazy this month, showcasing excellent solo and group posting.

Most Posts

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 10 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Steve Ryan
Chief Communications and Operations Officer
USS Montana

Lt. Ryan has come back with everything he has, not only being one of the most active posters but also defining what this sim is becoming. He went from simply posting here to becoming an outstanding writer.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign Sarik Vaster
Engineering Officer
USS Washington

The new Engineer joined with an immediate impact, working well with the crew and showing superior technical knowledge.

Recruitment

None this month.

As always, well done fleet!

Monthly Awards: July 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: July 2023

What a great anniversary celebration! Now it’s time to celebrate our latest monthly awardees.

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

For “Simulated Potential”

Nice description, well written, plus a tie to Area 51.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Paxton Beckett & Lt. Cmdr. Klesh Ezah, Daughter of Aklow & Lt. Awal Kronnelti & Lt. JG Betaras K’ner & Ens. Jack Keegan
Guest / CSOO / CSTO / ACMO / ACFOO
USS Chuck Norris

For “Finding Sanctuary”

I love the Star Fleet personnel in a modern day angle. Well done!

Funniest Post

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For “Is Something Out There ?????”

A very funny break from the action. Love it!

Genesis

Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Capt. Shran dh’Klar & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson
CO / XO / CC
USS Washington

For “I’ll be a Monkey’s Uncle”

A great and very original way to start a mission!

MVP

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

Lt. Durnell is the glue that holds the Sunfire while the Captain points the direction.

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 9 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Awal Kronnelti
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Chuck Norris

Lt. Kronnelti went from strength to more strength by adding great contributions to joint posts and successfully encouraging others to be more active.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

The new Ensign showed a great willingness to jump into action with both solo and joint posting for great contributions all around.

Recruitment

Captain Paxton Beckett
Guest
USS Chuck Norris

He recruited two new members to the Chuck Norris through advertising and networking.

This is the first month in quite a while that we’ve had an awardee for each category. Well done, fleet!

For your additional viewing pleasure, here are a few of the alternate sim move posters that didn’t make it into the anniversary competition last month:

Monthly Awards: June 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: June 2023

What a great anniversary celebration! Now it’s time to celebrate our latest monthly awardees.

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

For “Kobayashi Maru Part One”

Ah yes, the tried and true Kobayashi Maru. What a fun read!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Aven LaCroix & Lt. Cmdr. Aria Winters & Lt. Ikuyo Kita & Lt. JG Hank Solomon & Lt. JG Adrianna Baciami & Lt. JG Karri & Ens. Ethan O’Donnaghue & Ens. Bek’a ir Az
CO / CSO / COO / CEO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / DCS
USS Eclipse

For “Sharpening the Blade”

I love the good old fashioned episodic format. Well done!

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For “Snatch and Grab an Intervention”

“Meat bag” reminds me of the HK assassin droid from Knights of the Old Republic. Love it!

Genesis

None this month.

MVP

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

Cmdr. Key continued his excellent performance from last month with outstanding contributions to the story and creating opening for other players to get involved this month. His mentorship of newer players has also been invaluable.

Most Posts

Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Executive Officer / Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 5 posts.

Most Improved

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

Commander Howard wrote some really impressive posts this month, including her character dealing with the death of an NPC.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Here’s to year 23, IDF!

Monthly Awards: May 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: May 2023

Late June brings May awards:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For “The Mrs.”

Whoah! Nice post with rich description and a chilling enemy. Very well done!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO
USS Wayfarer

For “Klingon Accusations”

Great action, and an interesting plot twist. Nice work!

Funniest Post

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For “He’s Dead Jim”

An important plot advancement and funny shenanigans to boot.

Genesis

Captain Dick Sprague
Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “Albion, on Ice!”

Hilaroius! But more importantly, interesting and with lots of openings for people to explore. Well done!

MVP

Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

She put forth outstanding material throughout the month and created excellent openings for other crewmembers to get involved. Great work!

Most Posts

Commander Donald “Don” Key
Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For writing 17 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign J.B. Dersch
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

In only his second month, he tied for the second most posts on the sim and worked diligently to further integrate himself both in game and behind the scenes.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Thanks again for another great month in IDF!

Monthly Awards: April 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | 1 Comment on Monthly Awards: April 2023

On the Ides of May, here are your April awards:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Commander Mark Johnson
Chief Medical Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Day 7: Deena, a pleasant surprise.”

Nice post, not rushed, with very good detail and description. Well done!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lieutenant Ayana Hillis & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Commander Samantha Howard
ACSTO / XO / CMO
USS Washington

For “A Pleasant Visit”

A very interesting predicament of a First Contact with a human civilization–and outstanding job among several excellent nominations this month.

Funniest Post

Ensign Alyssa Strong
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For “Shower, Hot Chocolate, SURPRISE!”

Awesome.

Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “GENESIS”

Great way to start a mission–with the Obsidian Order bashing your door in. Good luck!

MVP

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

Commander Grayson had a great month leading a new mission, working closely with a new player, and keeping the story moving with inputs from everyone. Great job!

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 10 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Callisi Veera
Chief Operations Officer
USS Churchill

Really stepped up to fill in while the Captain was unwell to keep the sim moving after having zero posts the month prior.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign J.B. Dersch
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

The new Ensign was active right out of the gate with great contributions.

Recruitment

None this month.

As always, great posting!

Monthly Awards: March 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment on Monthly Awards: March 2023

With the year nearly 1/3 over, the year’s total awards are hereby 1/4 presented:

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Coming to grips with true love”

A follow-up to last month’s best post: Sweet nothings.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Shran dh’Klar & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Ens. T’Plana-hath & Ens. James Phoenix & Lt. Seth Travis
CO / XO / CMO / ACMO / CC / IO / TO / CDO
USS Washington

For “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Lots going on in this post! Way to keep it all together!

Funniest Post

Marine Captain Emily Janeway
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “Debriefing on the issue of cargo transport failed”

Good one.

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Signal Mystery”

Great way to get things going.

MVP

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

Excellent writing and teamwork! She stayed engaged and found ways to help the plot even though her character wasn’t with the rest of the crew on Risa. True talent!

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington

For writing 10 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign Kitiuas Thenis
Science Officer
USS Sunfire

One of the newer members of the Sunfire, Thenis steps up with month some quality posts and helping others get involved.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

I also want to comment on the retro version of the IDF website earlier this month. While our website no longer looks like this, it’s amazing to think that these awards that we started in month one of July 2001 are still going strong today thanks to all the great writing from YOU!

Monthly Awards: February 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | 1 Comment on Monthly Awards: February 2023

With zero days to spare in March, here are your February award winners, finally!

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

For “Impromptu First Date”

What a lovely post! Well written, simple, easy to read and a topic as beautiful as two people falling in love. Well done. And fitting for February.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Lt. Ayana Hillis & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Ens. T’Plana-hath
OO / ACSTO / XO / CMO / CC / IO
USS Washington

For “The return”

Lots going on in this post, and the composition makes it easy to read. Nice work!

Funniest Post

Ensign Kitiuas Thenis & Lieutenant Thomas Hadleman
SO / CDO
USS Sunfire

For “Repair Crew – Day 3 – Kit and Tom”

Great banter, I like it!

Genesis

None this month.

MVP

Lieutenant Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Wayfarer

The Lieutenant’s storytelling is excellent, she is very active & engaging, and fun to write with. Her crew looks forward to her post tags every day.

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson & Commander Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen
Executive Officer / Executive Officer
USS Washington / USS Sunfire

For writing 3 posts.

Most Improved

Cmdr. Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

Despite real life getting in the way, her writing, insight, and leadership were invaluable to keeping the sim moving.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Look on the bright side: We’re already really close to next month’s awards!

Monthly Awards: January 2023

Posted on | by Rook Mirtoh | 3 Comments on Monthly Awards: January 2023

We’ve hit the new year running with some great posting:

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign Alyssa Strong
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Albion

For “The Strong Jerk Manoeuvre”

Great post that pushes the plot forward that also could have won a Funniest Post.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Akeno Misaki & Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Lt. Cmdr. Raelyn Mckenzie & Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson & Lt. Luna Eclipse of the House of Martok
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO
USS Wayfarer

For “He’s Dead Jim…”

Ah, a classic whodunnit. Love the interplay of the characters and the descriptions around a crome scene. Well done!

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Ayana Hillis & Commander Samantha Howard
ACSTO / CMO
USS Washington

For “Moral Dilemma”

Starfleet officers browsing goods at Spencer’s Gifts. Brilliant.

Genesis

Captain Dick Sprague
Commanding Officer
USS Albion

For “The Assessment”

I’ll be curious to see where this ‘mission’ goes. How has Sprague’s career lasted so long!?

MVP

Lieutenant JG Adrianna Baciami
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Eclipse

Contributed some great posts that helped this sim get launched right. Sky’s the limit for the Eclipse.

Most Posts

Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire

For writing 9 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Commander Mark Johnson
Chief Medical Officer
USS Wayfarer

The Wayfarer’s CMO also wrote some excellent posts this month, which led to his promotion to Lieutenant Commander.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign Syrik
Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

Syrik has bounced onto the Sunfire with a bang by seamlessly integrating into the crew and storyline.

Recruitment

None this month.

And don’t forget that it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow!