It’s worth no money and its creator is indifferent, but the participants find it invaluable.
Happy Halloween, everyone!
Congratulations to all of our award winners for September:
Commander Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen
Executive Officer
USS Sunfire
For “Through The Looking Glass”
Some feel a vision from the prophets is a tired old hat, but this was nicely written an left me wanting more. Great work!
Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Lt. Aiko Kato & Ens. James Phoenix
CMO / XO / FCO / TO
USS Washington
Good writing from a team that is used to working together getting it done. Not all Trek posts need action sequences to be good, and this one hits the mark with the threat of violence without actually getting into it. Had me on the edge of my seat!
Commander Jackson Andrews
Executive Officer
USS Albion
For “Back on the Command Track, Well Sorta Pt.1”
Lol, he was made a Yeoman? So awesome.
Lieutenant JG Djon Zyngh & Captain Aurther Winters
CSO / CO
USS Chuck Norris
Nice intro and good tags all around on this one. Well done!
Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire
What a player! From creating well crafted posts to encouraging engaging joint efforts, Durnell also acts as the Captain’s counsel to bounce suggestions and ideas off of.
Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire
For writing 15 posts.
Lieutenant Aiko Kato
Flight Control Officer
USS Washington
The Washington’s young pilot really worked to get involved with the crew and to become more integrated, creating some excellent contributions along the way.
Lieutenant Trevor Andrews
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Eminence
Don’t let the rank fool you, Andrews arrived on the Eminence and hit the ground running. A great addition to the sim!
None this month. Get recruiting!
It’s been a while since we’ve had 5 sims represented within the awards in a single month, well done! Keep all the great posts coming, and maybe we’ll see a few more next month.
Three quick news items for everyone:
Let me welcome our newest guest on My Favorite Trek…
Character: Jackson Andrews
Rank: Commander
Sim: USS Albion
Position: Executive Officer
Other Characters: Ensign James Phoenix (USS Washington), Lieutenant Thriss Kla’ren (USS Sunfire), Lieutenant Raelyn Mckenzie (USS Wayfarer), Lieutenant JG Travis Ryson (USS Montana) & Ensign Jack Keegan (USS Chuck Norris)
Favorite Star Trek episode? This is a hard one, but I’d have to go with The Best of Both Worlds Parts One and Two.
Why? This is something I genuinely enjoy about many shows and Trek, but I really liked how it showed different possibilities of what could have happened. For example, the promotion of different officers, Picard’s possible fate, etc. I also like how it slightly segues into future TNG episodes.
Favorite Star Trek series? If the last question wasn’t clear, Star Trek: The Next Generation is by far one of my favorites. But I also enjoy most of the other shows that take place in the 24th century. Most notably: Star Trek DS9 and Voyager.
Why? I like how it shows how far the Trek Universe had advanced since The Original Series. It also vastly explored what Starfleet expanded to. Who wouldn’t like to explore the universe on a big Galaxy Class ship?
Favorite Star Trek film? Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home
Why? Multiple reasons, actually. It felt more laid-back than many other Trek films. It was cool seeing a legendary cast go back in time to the 80s, which was the present day when the film was released. Plus, Kirk and Spock’s “Colorful Metaphors” were enjoyable to watch too.
Favorite Star Trek Captain? Honestly, it’s a hard decision. But if I could give an answer at this moment in time, I’d have to say Janeway. Even if she broke the Prime Directive a few different times, she had to make tough calls for her crew. Not only that but she is a fellow coffee drinker. However, I am salty that she never promoted Harry Kim.
What year did you start simming? I started simming in 2020. I know that it’s far from as long as many of the others have been simming. However, before I was doing simming, I roleplayed constantly on various video games, and other forms of entertainment. I had been looking for a way to roleplay Trek when I came across the world of simming.
What sim was it? My first sim was one of IDF’s finest, the USS Washington.
What keeps you simming today? Today, what keeps me simming is the strive to know what happens next in the story, whether it’s small or large. So essentially, it’s the story that keeps me going.
Favorite non-simming hobby? I have many different hobbies outside of simming, especially, watching various shows, including Trek. However, I have a big passion for cars. I genuinely love the automotive world.
Favorite non-Trek series? Right now, it’s probably the new Magnum P.I series.
Favorite non-Trek film? This is a hard one, because I actually have two: Unstoppable and Need for Speed.
Favorite book (fiction or non)? I don’t necessarily have a favorite right now, but I have been reading the Star Trek novel, The Dark Veil. I also enjoy reading the Harry Potter Series.
Favorite video game? Honestly, while I have the games I constantly return to, like the Forza Games, I played and finished Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. It is by far one of the best story games I have played so far. That’s not to say that it will change. But hey, I’m a sucker for story games.
Favorite musician or band? Linkin Park is by far my favorite, but I also like Greenday, Foo Fighters, and pretty much anything that is rock, or alt rock.
Favorite superhero? Probably Spider-Man at the moment, because I can relate to him the most.
If you could have any super power, what would it be? Teleportation
Favorite sport? Anything to do with motorsports, mostly with cars.
Favorite team? McLaren F1
Favorite food? Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Lennon or McCartney? Lennon
Jordan or LeBron? Jordon
Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek
Rank the Trek TV shows from best to worst. DSN, TNG, VOY, ENT, PIC, DSC, TOS
Rank the Trek movies from best to worst. TVH, FC, TWOK, I, G, N, ST (2009), ID, TUC, B, TFF, TMP, TSFS
Was this too many questions? No.
Commander Jackson Andrews, and all his other characters, everyone!
Help me congratulate our award winners from last month:
Commander Jonathan Grayson
Executive Officer
USS Washington
Good, emotional writing. Well done!
Lieutenant Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Lieutenant Sarah Wilson
Computer Systems Specialist / Medical Officer
USS Sunfire
For “Doctor Doctor – Give me the News”
Solid writing here, and a great reminder that those that go through war carry the scars of it. Excellent!
Lieutenant JG Shoniara T’ghann Dex
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington
Love this! Well written prose from the perspective of a cat. Super awesome!
Lt. Niles McCulloch & Ensign Trevor Andrews & Capt. Emmalyn Marcus & Lt. Cmdr. T’Ponga Shemara & Lt. Sykon Son of Sran. Son of Kanok & Lt. Angelus De’luvia & Lt. JG Travis Ryson
ACEO / EO / CO / CEO / XO / CNO / CSO
USS Montana
Great, well rounded genesis post. Hits all the right notes.
Lieutenant Angelus De’luvia
Chief Navigation Officer
USS Montana
Lt. De’luvia is the consummate team player who is not afraid to voice concerns or alternative ideas. He’s a great asset to both story and crew.
Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire
For writing 13 posts.
Commander Finchley Kerr
Chief Strategic Operations Officer
USS Sunfire
The newest member of the Sunfire crew, he weaved his way into the current mission with both joint and solo posts, coming up with some great ideas along the way.
Lieutenant JG Shoniara T’ghann Dex
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington
The Washington’s new Medical Officer hit the ground running with some amazing solo work and group posting–the future is bright!
None this month.
Keep the excellent posts coming!
Last month may have been the earliest we’ve ever gotten the monthly awards out. This month, well, may be the latest. My apologies!
Speaking of last month, I want to offer my sincere thanks to Admirals Charles Star and Ken Gillis for all the hard work they put into our epic 20th anniversary. They hosted two really excellent events: the Science Fiction Trivia Day & Special Webcast, both which had real prizes… unlike these awards!
We also released two incredible products, a 20-page anniversary almanac & a congratulatory video message from Jonathan Frakes. What other fleet does that for its members?? That’s right, none! If you haven’t checked them out yet, do yourself a favor and do so now.
As we embark this month on our second 20 years, I think back to my earliest days in IDF. I wasn’t there for the fleet’s launch, but I joined soon after in October 2001 on the USS Washington. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” I had no idea back then what I was getting myself into, but golly has it been fun! Enough on me, time for the awards:
Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire
Nice recap of events and a good bit of character development to boot!
Capt. Shran dh’Klar & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Ens. James Phoenix
CO / XO / CMO / TO
USS Washington
For “Boom Town”
Lots of action, lots of emotion, and some all around great Trek. Very good integration between contributions makes this seem like seamless writing as opposed to lots of different people tacking on to each other’s posts.
Lt. Dean House & Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Lt. JG Avarak
CTO / CO / CSS / CSO
USS Sunfire
Tactical map that looks like it was drawn by a three year old? Awesome.
None this month.
Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire
Another great month for the Sunfire, in no small part the work of Lt. Durnell, who took an idea and wrapped it into a myriad of stories that encompass every other member of the crew. The result: extremely well written collaborative stories.
Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell
Computer Systems Specialist
USS Sunfire
For writing 31 posts.
Lieutenant Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire
A great month for Lt. Vali. She doubled her posts from the previous month and added some absolutely stellar additions to some joint posts.
Master Chief Petty Officer Alake Van Der Luan
Master-at-Arms
USS Eminence
The Eminence’s new Master at Arms introduced himself to the rest of the crew and set himself up well for his upcoming first full month on the ship.
None this month.
… and the Adventure continues…
It’s finally here: The 20th anniversary of the founding of this great club. Who knew back on July 4, 2001 that this group, launched with humble beginnings on Angelfire and YahooGroups, would not only still be around today, but standing among the titans of simming?
Independence Fleet has seen good times, bad times, and everything in between. Throughout it all, we’ve endured to create some of the best Star Trek role playing the Internet has ever witnessed. With that in mind, we have an important message from a very special guest:
In honor of this historic and momentous occasion, we hereby publish the Independence Fleet 20th Anniversary Almanac. It’s 20 pages of history, games, perspectives from the fleet, and more:
Whether you’ve been a member for one day or all 20 years, this legacy belongs to you! On behalf of the entire IDF Admiralty, we hope you thoroughly enjoy today’s message, almanac, and everything this fleet offers.
Let’s continue to tell our story…
EDIT (July 14, 2021): Anniversary Almanac Answers
It is my great privilege to formally induct the newest members of the Independence Fleet Hall of Fame. For those who attended our 20th Anniversary Webcast yesterday, you got a sneak peak at the class of 2021. Induction into our Hall of Fame is the highest honor within this fleet. The criteria, requirements, and process can be found in the Hall of Fame Charter (pdf).
The following individuals are hereby inducted into the Independence Fleet Hall of Fame:
Inducted by Election:
of the USS Washington
One of the most colorful characters in fleet history, Joseph “Stealth” Carroll has done it all. He joined the USS Washington during the fleet’s first month, then rose through the ranks and earned his first command on the USS Liberty, winning a posting title in his first month. He also served in numerous Admiralty roles up through 2020, most notably Fleet Inspector General. A contributor at every level, Carroll’s loyalty is unmatched.
of the USS Avalon
A longtime Captain during IDF’s late renaissance period, Wesley Chase led many original adventures on his two commands, the USS Avalon and USS Archimedes, including during a three month stint as Commanding Officer of both. He knew how to push the boundaries while staying true to the best ideals of both Trek and simming. Chase tallied two posting titles and 2.33 Genesis awards.
no sim selection
A member of the Admiralty through much of IDF’s history, from the late early years up through 2020, Caroline Marion is best known as the genius behind the fleet logos developed circa 2004-06. Building on earlier fleet emblems, the graphics received rave reviews from players and were highly influential on subsequent club artwork. Indeed, the theme and feel from Marion’s work remains today.
of the USS Sunfire
One of the club’s three founders and instrumental throughout its history, James D. West has left an incalculable mark. He coined the Independence Fleet name, created the first bell & wings logo, and served as the first, third & sixth fleet Commanding Officer. He additionally created four sims and returned in 2020 when the fleet was teetering on collapse. Without West’s many contributions, we wouldn’t be celebrating today.
no sim selection
The third and final individual to achieve the Fleet Admiral rank, AJ Wheeler was also the longest serving fleet Commanding Officer, a position held for more than nine years. While the fleet saw many ups and downs during Wheeler’s tenure, it was noted for its extreme growth and many contributions to the greater simming universe, including hosting and sponsoring major community events.
Inducted by the Veterans Committee:
of the USS Sunfire
A champion simmer from IDF’s late early period, George Ruiken was a go-to player who know how to push the plot forward and make it entertaining for all. He quickly rose through the ranks to Commander, and is still in the top 20 all-time with 6 total awards, including 2 MVPs and 2 Funniest Posts. Ruiken’s posts were always imaginative and provided many opportunities for others to get involved.
Congratulations to all six of our 2021 inductees! Well done, and thank you for providing an example for us still role playing to follow. You will forever be remembered for your extraordinary contributions to Independence Fleet. There are now 33 total members of this most exclusive club.
In a stunning coincidence, the three sims represented this year are the USS Sunfire (x2), USS Avalon, and USS Washington–identical to our original fleet line-up on July 4th, 2001.
Speaking of that, stay tuned for more news regarding our 20th anniversary today…
Wow, what a 20th Anniversary Webcast! It was so awesome that I think we have a new tradition here in this fleet. Our very own Admiral Ken Gillis hosted the event, where he introduced the Hall of Fame class of 2021 and awarded prizes to three people from among our monthly award winners. If you missed it, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see the Hall of Fame inductees. However, I can give a quick recap of the prize drawing.
First, here are the prizes:
Next, the names of the monthly award winners were added to the big wheel. Players received a spot on the wheel for each award they won dating back to March 2020 (award fractions were rounded up):
The three winners were…
Captain Aurther Winters of the USS Chuck Norris
Lieutenant J’goss Yass G’odoss, also of the USS Chuck Norris
and Chief Petty Officer Remal Kajun of the USS Sunfire
Congratulations to all three! And thank you again to Ken for hosting and putting this on. Bravo!
Please stay tuned for more anniversary news tomorrow…
EDIT: Due to our current embargo on shipping goods to Canada, Aurther Winters will instead be getting a Tim Hortons gift card as a consolation. Also, Remal Kajun has offered to donate his prize. As such, we drew two more winners: Lieutenant Dean House of the USS Sunfire & Lt. Cmdr. T’Ponga Shemara of the USS Montana. Enjoy the prizes!
I believe this is the earliest we’ve ever gotten the monthly awards out. Enjoy, but don’t expect it to ever happen again!
Lieutenant Chester “Duo” Maxwell
Chief Security Officer
USS Sunfire
An emotional and provocative post with great use of language to convey inner turmoil.
Capt. Rhenora Kaylen & Cmdr. Savar cha’Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lt. Cmdr. Sandra “Phantom” Risa & Lt. Dean House & Lt. Bonnie “Bon-Bon” Durnell & Lt. Chester “Duo” Maxwell & Lt. Thriss Kla’ren & Lt. Aurora Vali & Lt. JG Avarak
CO / XO / CFCO / CTO / CSS / CRO / CEO / CC / CSO
USS Sunfire
An exciting pass through the Bajoran wormhole. Nice use of the entire bridge crew: This is what writing Trek is supposed to look like!
Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington
For “Shattered Past”
Not your typical Funniest Post winner, but it gets the job done very well.
Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Captain Sandy “Ghost” Shannon
Commanding Officer / Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire / USS Liberty
For “Genesis — Joint Mission” / “Genesis — Joint Mission”
An instant classic in IDF history, the Sunfire/Liberty crew swap begins.
Commander Jackson Andrews
Executive Officer
USS Albion
A prototypical XO, Andrews led his ship in posting and showed great leadership by nimbly playing off of the leads from other characters while simultaneously creating openings for others.
Lt. Chester “Duo” Maxwell
Chief Security Officer
USS Sunfire
For writing 13 posts.
Lt. Chester “Duo” Maxwell
Chief Security Officer
USS Sunfire
Returning to simming after a lengthy break, Maxwell rejoined the Sunfire and was a powerhouse all month. Initiating posts, working well with the existing crew, and being a general pleasure to role play with.
Lieutenant JG Avarak
Chief Science Officer
USS Sunfire
Despite joining after the joint mission began, Avarak jumped straight into the fray, initiating several posts and participating in the ship-wide joints posts. A great first month!
No award this month. Get recruiting!
Another great month for our ships and the entire fleet. In other news, our 20th anniversary is just three days away! Also don’t forget to attend our special webcast on July 3rd. See you there!