Kate Kono Archives - Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: November 2025

Posted on December 29, 2025 | by Aurther Winters | Leave a Comment

Just in time for me to start the December awards. Happy new year!

Lieutenant Zub Enel
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Firebird

For “Starfleet 1st Day – Snake Belly”

An excellent post that explores the reasons we wear the uniform, as opposed to how we wear it and react to it.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lieutenant Aubrie Fox & Captain Michael Murphy
Chief Security Officer / Commanding Officer
USS Montana

For “Prisoner, thy name is Mudd”

When you bring a Legendary character into the mix, and help write him as grounded with the rest of the crew, it leads to a great realistic story.

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Betaras K’ner
Chief Medical Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Ow…”

A nice ironic look at Klingons and how absurd things can be when you take it to the exact opposite of how a culture should act and be treated leads to the laughs.

Genesis

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Cmdr. Elias Ford & Lt. Hank Solomon & Lt. Jackson Smith & MCPO Harris Zim & Cmdr. Elizabeth “Beth” Boyle
CO / CSTO / CDO / CMO / CSO / CIO / CB / XO
USS Firebird

For “An Unwelcome Visitor”

This is just a great classic beginning to a Star Trek story. The suspense, multiple different views to a problem, and best of all, a problem that needs to be addressed and a high level of urgency.

MVP

Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

The Intel Officer was outstanding from start to finish showing a wide range of emotion in her writing.

Most Posts

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 18 posts.

Most Improved

Ensign Kit Thenis ie-Jia’anKahr
Science Officer
USS Sunfire

The Science Officer returned to the Sunfire after a short break and slid effortlessly back into action with 7 excellent posts.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: March 2025

Posted on April 24, 2025 | by Aurther Winters | Leave a Comment

Lieutenant Commander Rhiana t’Aegis
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Firebird

For “Grounding Herself”

A well written post that really brings forth how memories can help us look inward.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Lt. Cmdr. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis & Lt. Inara Senn & Lt. JG Kate Kono & Lt. JG James Phoenix
ACOO / XO / ACMO / CSO / IO / TO
USS Washington

For “Wonderland”

Bringing in a sleeper ship. Well we all know where this is heading…

Funniest Post

Lieutenant Betaras K’ner
Chief Medical Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Shots fired”

Blending action with a good sense of pace and humour.

Genesis

Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Lieutenant Commander Elias Ford
Commanding Officer / Chief Medical Officer
USS Firebird

For “Standing on the Edge”

A great start to what will definitely have a healthy dose of some entertainment, while also looking and dealing with much darker and deeper issues.

MVP

Lieutenant Commander Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire’s Chief Counselor stepped up beautifully to help run the mission she crafted. She is an invaluable asset to this crew and the fleet.

Most Posts

Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Betaras K’ner
Executive Officer / Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington / USS Chuck Norris

For writing 7 posts.

Most Improved

Lt. Cmdr. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

With an all-around great month, she set herself apart with her leadership on the medical side of the cadet mission.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: December 2024

Posted on January 30, 2025 | by Aurther Winters | 1 Comment

With a distinctly medical theme this month:

Commander Samantha Howard
Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For “Going Home pt 2”

Short, but with massively vivid description.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Cadet Senior Grade Abigail Gordon & CPO Zenne Beddite
CO / Nurse / Head Nurse
USS Firebird

For “Arriving in Medical”

Great dialog and flow from Sickbay.

Funniest Post

Lieutenant JG Benjamin “Ben” Dalton & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Intelligence Officer / Intelligence Officer
USS Washington

For “Vacation a Go-Go!”

Out of control very fast.

Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Ramant”

Not a prototypical Genesis post, but I am more than intrigued.

MVP

Lt. Cmdr. Mark Johnson
Chief Medical Officer
USS Wayfarer

Besides frequently patching up the crew, he had some excellent writing.

Most Posts

Lt. Cmdr. Shoniara T’ghann-Travis
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Washington

For writing 4 posts.

Most Improved

2nd Lieutenant Connor McQueen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

Increased his posting with some great description.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Welcome to 2025!

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: November 2024

Posted on December 23, 2024 | by Aurther Winters | Leave a Comment

Best Post (Single Author)

Crewman Thyra Kevensdotter
Security Officer
USS Firebird

For “Coding for a Friend”

Great dialog makes for a great 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 & Lt. Rania Bhatti
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / CC
USS Wayfarer

For “Delecita Asperelda (Part 2)”

A great ending for a two-parter.

Funniest Post

Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Cmdr. Callie Raven-Grayson & Lt. JG Kate Kono
XO / CMO / CC / SCP
USS Washington

For “The Mirror & The Reflection”

This crew really knows how to write together, playing off each others’ strengths and setting the stage for the next section.

Genesis

Capt. Mira Rodale & Cmdr. Kevin Lance & Lt. Cmdr. Awal Kronnelti & Lt. Tracey Walker Jr & Lt. Betaras K’ner
CO / XO / CSTO / CEO / CM
USS Chuck Norris

For “Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?”

A great start for a mission that can be taken in many different ways.

MVP

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

A sterling example of when quality and quantity meet. Her invaluable postings took the sim to the next level this month.

Most Posts

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

For writing 18 posts.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Imik S’Niohun
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Washington

Produced excellent contributions in every post she participated in.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign Eiren Readil
Nurse
USS Sunfire

Brand new to simming, he participated in 2 joint posts.

Recruitment

None this month.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: June 2024

Posted on July 31, 2024 | by Aurther Winters | Leave a Comment

From the Desk of Aurther Winters:

Good day to you all, I apologize that this is coming later than expected, both my introduction, if needed and the awards this month. I can say I look forward to reading and seeing where you take your stories, missions and sims for the foreseeable future. If you require any assistance with anything or help, please feel free to reach out to me, I am more than happy to help. A quick introduction if you’ve made it this far, Hello… hola, Aurther Winters here, former Captain of the only known starship with a roundhouse in its arsenal. I also once went by the name of James Sullivan from the USS Dragon, and if that name rings a bell to you, I’m sorry about your back pain. I have been simming on and off now, for probably almost 20 years now. I don’t make too many promises other than when I judge you, it will be done on top of a mighty floating throne, much like a Q, but with far… far less power. Ad Astra Per Aspera

Best Post (Single Author)

Ensign Torog Zakhov
Engineering Officer
USS Washington

For “Argumentative Engineering”

A solid post, filled with just enough backstory, humour and intrigue to keep one wanting more.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Cmdr. Cynfor Rees & Lt. Cmdr. Rhiana t’Aegis & Lt. Cmdr. Kataxes & Lt. Cmdr. Jörgen Leed & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Lt. Owen Woodhouse & Lt. Jackson Smith & Lt. JG Randolf Forst & Ens. Lun
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CDO / CFCO / COO / CIO / ACSO / IO
USS Firebird

For “It Takes A Village”

As the title suggests, this is just a fantastic example of what happens when you get the entire crew to contribute in their own ways to make an extremely compelling, well thought out and fantastic story. Well done!

Funniest Post

Lt. Ayana Hillis & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Lt. Imik S’Niohun & Lt. Inara Senn & Lt. JG Kate Kono & Lt. JG James Phoenix & Ens. Torog Zakhov
ACSTO / CMO / CSTO / CSO / IO / TO / EO
USS Washington

For “Promotion Party”

Jokes, dancing and even a few songs will help with a promotion, and make for a very entertaining read.

Genesis

Cmdr. Mashiro Munetani “Shiro” & Capt. Akeno Misaki
XO / CO
USS Wayfarer

For “Calling For Backup”

The Dynamic duo are back at it again, and bring some nice callbacks from their own past as well as some past Trek, with just the right splash of awkwardness.

MVP

Lieutenant JG Patra Rommel
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Wayfarer

It can be hard to come back to writing and have either the same spark you once had, or even get back into the swing and cohesion of things when you miss enough time. The praise from one’s CO about their skill on their return is never something to be overlooked.

Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

13 posts is again the most to take this award.

Most Improved

Lieutenant Jackson Smith
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Firebird

Being commended on being the most improved on the ship, while also helping elevate your fellow crewmen and their writing is a great combination.

Rookie of the Month

Ensign Torog Zakhov
Engineering Officer
USS Washington

An engineer, new to the sim, having a Best Post award as well as Rookie of the Month–this is the start of a possible star studded career, and a path, I know all so well. I am excited to see where this will lead.

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: May 2024

Posted on June 26, 2024 | by Aurther Winters | Leave a Comment

Best Post (Single Author)

Captain James Stewart
Commanding Officer
USS Churchill

For “Help on Its Way”

An excellent amount of back story and intrigue that left me wanting to dive deeper down that rabbit hole on this mission.

Best Post (Joint Post)

Capt. Malcom Llwyedd & Lt. Tor Ezzo & Ens. Nusien & Ens. Gianna Djokovic & PO1 Kipp Lak & PO2 Fhiri
CO / CFCO / FCO / TO / Y / CSS
USS Firebird

For “Screaming in the Silence”

Clearly written by some very talented writers who know how to do a good back and forth and flesh out their characters.

Funniest Post

Lieutenant JG James Phoenix & Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Tactical Officer / Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

For “Thunderstruck”

This one tickled in a very nostalgic way, however based on the nickname giving to one of the characters, I hope for a better outcome.

Genesis

Captain Mira Rodale
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Who let the cat out?”

Typical of a Commander Officer of the Chuck Norris, a great start to a new chapter. No bias here at all……. dismissed!

MVP

Commander Michael Murphy
Executive Officer
USS Montana

Getting high commendations from the CO about how well you can work independently of them is one of the highest praises you can receive and is well deserved in this case.

Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

15 posts leads the way with the fleet.

Most Improved

Lieutenant JG Kate Kono
Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

A good writer is always trying to improve as they go, and being able to be fun and entertaining is a great mix.

Rookie of the Month

2nd Lieutenant Connor McQueen
Marine Executive Officer
USS Sunfire

New to the sim and Discord, and improving with every new post, excited to see where their career continues to grow.

Recruitment

None this month.

Rear Admiral Aurther Winters
Director of Personnel
Independence Fleet

Monthly Awards: April 2024

Posted on May 31, 2024 | by Charles Star | Leave a Comment

Just in the nick of time…

Best Post (Single Author)

Lieutenant Tracey Walker
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “Hunted”

Great action description!

Best Post (Joint Post)

Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Celes & Cmdr. Jonathan Grayson & Cmdr. Samantha Howard & Ens. Kate Kono & Ens. James Phoenix
ACOO / XO / CMO / SCP / TO
USS Washington

For “The War With the Machines”

A great bit of collaborative writing!

Funniest Post

Ensign Kate Kono
Support Craft Pilot
USS Washington

For “Heinous Frackery”

I was not expecting that type of crossover!

Genesis

Captain Rhenora Kaylen
Commanding Officer
USS Sunfire

For “Lost in Space”

A great opening with immediate possibilities for the rest of the crew to take the reins.

MVP

Commander Jenna Ramthorne
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire legend and future Hall of Famer returned with a bang with her patented outstanding posting.

Most Posts

Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 20 posts. Lance took over right where his new CO left off–writing the most posts!

Most Improved

Ensign James Phoenix
Tactical Officer
USS Washington

A mainstay of the Washington, Phoenix upped his game with some incredibly well written posts.

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

I hope everyone had a great May too!

Monthly Awards: November 2023

Posted on December 24, 2023 | by Charles Star | Leave a Comment

Merry Christmas Eve, everybody! It’s also high time I got last month’s awards announced. Congratulations to all the winners!

Best Post (Single Author)

Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For “The end of Q?”

Not what I was expecting!

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 & Lt. Vrax tr’Keirianh
CO / XO / CSTO / CMO / CFCO / CSO
USS Wayfarer

For “Traitors be amongst us”

Great tension!

Funniest Post

Ensign Kate Kono & Commander Jonathan Grayson
Intelligence Officer / Executive Officer
USS Washington

For “A new friend”

A new friendship leads to a great post!

Genesis

Captain Shran dh’Klar
Commanding Officer
USS Washington

For “Diplomacy and Debts”

That’s how you start a mission!

MVP

Lt. Cmdr. Aurora Vali
Chief Counselor
USS Sunfire

What a fantastic month for the Sunfire’s Counselor as she contributed several meaningful plot advancements, got other players involved, and did on absolute outstanding job developing her own character and others within the confines of the mission. Well done!

Most Posts

Lt. Cmdr. Mira Rodale
Executive Officer
USS Chuck Norris

For writing 25 posts.

Most Improved

Lt. Cmdr. Thriss Kla’ren
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Sunfire

The Sunfire’s Chief Engineer was very involved in the ship-side of the last mission and wrote several outstanding posts resolving the conflict at the end of the mission while simultaneously developing multiple characters for the future. Great job!

Rookie of the Month

None this month.

Recruitment

None this month.

Thanks for a great 2023, IDF!

Monthly Awards: August 2023

Posted on September 23, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | 2 Comments

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 August 25, 2023 | by Rook Mirtoh | Leave a Comment

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: